YETUNDE

 

Yetunde's Early Life in Benin City

Yetunde grew up in Benin City, the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria. She was the second child and the first daughter in a family of six— one boy and three girls, along with their parents. Yetunde lost her father at a very young age, and her mother single-handedly raised them all until Yetunde turned twenty-five. At that point, she left home to hustle for herself.

Starting Over in a Nearby City

She moved to a nearby city, not far from home at first, and got a job as a waitress in a popular bar. The work was tedious, and things were not easy, especially with no proper accommodation since she was new in town and knew no one. She often slept in the back room of the bar after closing, hoping to save enough to rent a decent one-room apartment in a nearby street. House rent wasn't too costly in that town, so she believed it was possible.

She tried to blend in and make friends to make life easier, but most of the girls working at the bar were tough and didn't like newcomers they called "unspoiled" or "eyes never tear." According to them, it was either join their circle or forget it.

Rose's Approach

One day, while Yetunde was cleaning a table, Rose—one of the tougher girls—approached her and tried to make her see things the easier way.

"You are the new girl?"

"Yes," Yetunde replied.

"My name is Rose. People here call me Pinky because I like wearing pink."

"My name is Yetunde. Nice to meet you, Rose."

"Oh, forget it. I just want to know why you keep to yourself and don't want to join the girls in their circle?"

"It's nothing."

"Really? Do you think your salary will sustain you?"

"I have been managing so far, so no problem."

"Oh, come off it. Are you telling me you will keep living behind the bar?"

"No, I was thinking of finding a house to rent when I make enough money."

"And how are you going to make enough money with your waitress salary when you have no other side hustle?"

"God will provide. Don't worry."

"Really, you are impossible. Anyway, anytime you change your mind and want to make money, call on me."

"Okay."

Rose walked away, shaking her head in disgust. She didn't blame Yetunde—she remembered being like her when life was hard. Her family kept demanding money as soon as they heard she was working, thinking she made it every day. The pressure was constant until she met someone who showed her ways to earn more. Now she didn't worry about demands from home. She hoped to help this new girl, Yetunde, so she wouldn't be taken advantage of the way she had been. She resolved to keep an eye on her.

Yetunde didn't fully understand Rose. She was one of the big girls in the bar, always surrounded by attention from men and women. Yetunde raised her head to watch Rose walk away and was amazed at her confidence and style. She shook her head and continued cleaning tables.

An Unwelcome Advance

She was so focused on her work that she didn't notice one of the bar patrons watching her. As she bent to wipe a farther table top, he took the opportunity to press close behind her.

"Now that is a sight to behold," he said with a smirk.

Yetunde was shocked. She spun around and pushed him away.

"Now, now, don't get all upset, little dove," he crooned.

"Please leave me alone."

"Why would I leave a beauty like you alone?"

"Please leave me alone. I'm not that kind of girl."

"What kind of girl are you? Everything here is for sale, least you forget."

"Sorry, not me."

"Oh, are you kidding or playing hard to get? Mention your price then, let us have fun."

"Please don't call me that. I have no price. I'm not for sale."

"So if you're not for sale, what are you doing here?"

"Working, sir."

"Working? Really?" He grabbed her hand, trying to drag her toward the inner room. She struggled against him.

Rose and Dagger Intervene

Rose intervened. "Young man, that is enough. Let her go now."

"Oh, is that Pinky? You trying to spoil my day?"

"I said let her go now."

"And if I don't, what will you do? You better shut it, Pinky. I'm not taking nonsense from you today after you turned me down."

"If you don't let her go, I will have to call Dagger."

"Dagger?"

"Yes."

"Don't be like a yapping bitch. Dagger isn't here—last I heard, the cops are after him and he's in trouble."

"Really? I hope you say that right in front of him." She called out, "Dagger!!!"

"Pinky! Is that you?"

"Yes."

"Why shouting my name? You know I'm just standing a few feet away."

"One dandy here is having fun at your expense, saying you're getting run by the cops and singing your soul out."

"What the—? Who is that?"

"Come over here and see."

Dagger strode toward them. Everyone parted ways for him—one look at his face, and people cleared the path. He was a bald man around thirty, tall and broad-shouldered, with a tough appearance and a wicked grin that sent shivers.

"Now, Rose! What are you dragging me here for?"

"Dagger, you and lies. You just said a few feet."

"That's a long way. I hope you brought me here for good, or someone will pay."

"It's this guy who was mocking you, saying trash about you being in trouble with the cops." Dagger turned to the man.

Yetunde felt her legs shake a bit seeing him up close—everything about him seemed intimidating.

"Who are they, Rose?" he asked.

"This one here, who looks like she's about to faint, is Yetunde—a new worker and like my little sister," she said with a coy smile. "And the dude holding her hand is the one who called you names."

Dagger's gaze shifted. The man quickly released Yetunde. "My apologies, sir. I didn't mean anything."

"Oh, I see. So you want to mock me and say it means nothing?"

"It... was... a mistake."

"I don't hear you well. Speak out."

"I... please forgive me."

Rose chimed in, "You weren't stammering when issuing threats earlier."

"Pleassss..."

"No one mocks me and goes free. No one harms my friend's daughter under my protection."

The man fell to his knees, crying and begging. He turned to Yetunde. "Please forgive me. I'll give you anything. Don't let him hurt me."

Yetunde noticed everyone had stopped to watch. She looked at Rose, who gave a small nod. Yetunde stayed quiet at first.

"Well," Dagger said, "it will have to be done."

"Please let me compensate her with money."

"And how would you compensate me after mocking me?" Dagger's tone turned dangerous. Everyone stepped back.

The man pulled out his car key. "This is my Venza key—parked outside. Brand new, bought just a month ago. It's all yours if you forgive me."

"Hmmm, trying to bribe me? That's another mocking."

But someone shouted from the back, "Everything and everyone here has a price."

Dagger turned to Yetunde. "What say you, beautiful lady?"

"Me?"

"Yes, dear. If you forgive him, I will too."

She looked at the man with pity, glanced at Rose again (who nodded), and said, "It's okay. I forgive him."

Dagger smiled and turned back. "Now, Mr. Man, how will you compensate Yetunde?"

"I'm giving her 1 million—honest word."

"Hmmm, good. Do it here and now."

"Yes."

"Yetunde—cash or transfer?"

"But I can't just take it. It doesn't make sense."

"If you don't, I'll handle him differently."

"Okay."

The man made the transfer and handed over the car key. He stumbled out of the bar without looking back.

The Senator's Identity Revealed

Outside, he caught his breath, stopped a taxi, and headed home to his plush area. He was a senator—a dishonorable one who spent time on vices and harming the vulnerable. He was married with three daughters (ages 12, 16, and 18). He had been harboring dark thoughts, but the night's embarrassment left him angry.

Yetunde looked at Dagger and Rose, thankful for their help. She knew things could have gone badly for her.

"Thank you, Rose. I will have to share this money with you."

"Oh, don't be soft-hearted, babe. I have more than 1 million in my account—it's nothing I can't make in a night. Besides, Dagger is the one to thank."

"Thank you, Dagger."

"Oh, don't mention it, baby girl. I'm now a proud owner of a Venza!" He laughed. "Anyway, what's the name on the alert? We never got his name."

She checked her phone. "Wow!"

"Get out with it," Rose demanded.

"It's... Senator Ade."

"Really? Senator Adekunle Golden?"

"That's it."

"THAT BASTARD!"

Both Rose and Dagger shouted at once. Yetunde was shocked by their reaction.

"What is wrong?" she asked.

"If only I'd known it was him, he would have lost more," Dagger said, clenching his fist.

"I don't understand. Please explain."

"That unproductive fool who calls himself a senator is one of the most disgusting men around. He has harmed many lives over the years, and the powerful protect him, so he goes unpunished."

"That's very sad. How can they let him off?"

"Wake up, baby. Welcome to Nigeria—where the powerful go free while the weak suffer. You hear stories of harsh punishments for small thefts, while big thieves get slaps on the wrist."

"Oh, how I wish I could still get my hands on him. This is my fault—I should have asked his name first."

"Please calm down. We will get him one day or another," Yetunde replied.

"We?"

"Yes!"

"Wow, what's wrong with you?"

"I want to join you in bringing justice to people like him."

"I'm not fighting for anyone. I mind my business and let heroes do their thing."

"Are you not going to hunt him?"

"No. Like you said, one day we'll get him. For now, enjoy your money while I enjoy my ride."

"Oh, I almost forgot about that."

"Don't let your guard down, dear." He turned to Rose. "Baby, tonight will be cold. Aren't you coming to warm my bed?"

"Oh, Dagger, I don't have strength for your energy tonight. Pick another, please."

"Then don't flaunt those assets in front of me."

"Get your mind off them, Dagger. They're exclusive."

"One of these days..."

"We'll see. Let me be going."

He turned to Yetunde. "Do you mind if I pitch in with you?"

Rose stopped. "Dagger, don't dare. She's not for you. Find another."

"Thank you, Rose," Yetunde said.

Dagger stormed out, cursing.

Trouble at the Senator's Home

Senator Adekunle Golden arrived at his villa, paid the cab driver rudely, and moved inside, full of rage. He needed to vent on someone weak. The security guard tried to approach cautiously but realized it was his boss too late. The senator attacked him in anger, leaving him injured.

Inside, Mrs. Golden heard noise and went to check. When her husband burst in, furious, things escalated into conflict. She tried to protect herself and their daughters. In the struggle, he fell hard, hitting his head, and went limp. She was hurt but survived the night. By morning, it was clear he was gone. Arrangements were made quietly.

A New Beginning

Yetunde quit her waitress job and rented a one-bedroom apartment in a town far away. She started a small business with the remaining money. Rose and Dagger stayed in touch and visited occasionally.

On one visit, the three sat in Yetunde's living room. Dagger exclaimed, "Gotcha!" with a sour look at Rose.

"What's wrong?" Yetunde asked.

He pointed at Rose. "That's what's wrong. She keeps teasing me in ways she knows get to me."

"Oh, Rose, stop doing him like that."

"Thanks for the backup. She still won't agree."

"Cry baby wanting to weep on these beauties," she laughed.

"Stop it, Rose. He's going crazy."

"Let him sweat it out. It will do him good."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"How, please?"

"Well, he is supposed to know I'm the boss."

Yetunde giggled. She looked at Dagger. "Are you really going to do it like... as in now?"

"Yes! What are you driving at?"

"Well, if Rose is toying with you, I can help you out, you know—if you really want to. We can go in now."

Dagger sat up straight, drained his drink, looked from one to the other, and a coy smile entered his one eye.

"Now you are talking, baby. I have always..."