Salisu

I sat upright on the folding chair, even though every part of my body ached from the mission. My head throbbed, another migraine coming but I didn’t let it show.

Three military police officers sat across from me. The room smelled like old sweat and burnt coffee.

“Private Salisu, we’re just trying to understand the details of your mission,” the lead officer said, way too polite.

I nodded once. “Understood.”

This so-called “investigation” was a joke.

“Who gave you the route?”

“The General,” I replied. “He gave the order directly. No room for questions.”

“And the rest of the team?”

Muda spoke up. “They said we’d cover more ground if we split up. But once we moved ahead, they didn’t follow. They ran.”

“And why would they do that?”

“You tell me,” I snapped.

Then the other four soldiers were brought in. Too calm for men who had left their teammates behind. They sat like they already knew how this would end.

One of them spoke without being asked. “Private Salisu wanted to be a hero. Said he knew a shortcut through the valley and told us to take the high ground.”

“That’s not true,” I said quickly. “They offered to spread out. We followed protocol—”

“You abandoned us,” Muda growled. “We turned back, and you were gone.”

Another soldier leaned in. “You’re the ones who disappeared.”

I couldn’t believe it. Their voices were steady. Confident. Like they’d practiced this a hundred times.

“They’re lying,” I said coldly. “Ask them why they broke protocol. Ask why they didn’t come back for us.”

“We didn’t know anyone was missing,” one of them said. “By the time we realized—”

“You ran,” I cut in.

“Alright,” the lead officer said sharply. “That’s enough.”

He closed the file with a sigh. “There’s no proof. No physical evidence. No comms records. We can’t confirm either side. So as it stands… no one is at fault.”

His words dropped like heavy stones.

Muda cursed under his breath. I stood up slowly.

“That’s it?” I asked. “They nearly got us killed, and that’s it?”

The officers didn’t meet my eyes.

---

The General’s office was locked. The guards standing outside stared at me blankly when I asked to see him.

“He’s not available.”

“I’ll wait.”

“You can’t wait inside.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but paused. I needed to calm down. Think clearly.

I took a slow breath and rubbed my forehead.

“My head’s killing me,” I muttered, squinting like the light hurt my eyes. “Can I sit in the shade? Just inside?”

The guards exchanged glances. One sighed. “Five minutes.”

I stepped in. The office was neater than I expected—shiny desk, locked drawers, stacked files.

Except one folder. A little out of place.

I glanced behind me.

No footsteps. No voices.

I picked it up.

“OPERATION HAWK TALON - Target: Obianuju Nwoko”

My heart skipped.

Another page—handwritten:

“Deploy secondary team. She is the priority. If Private Salisu asks questions, stall or redirect.”

And another line:

“Sgt. B has agreed to prep her for relocation.”

I dropped the file like it burned.

They hadn’t just left me behind. They had used me. Sent me on a mission built on lies. They wanted Obianuju. And maybe they wanted me gone too.

I stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind me. The guards shouted after me, but I didn’t stop.

----
I was already packing when Muda barged in.

“You’re leaving.”

“You think I’ll stay after they tried to kill me?” I yanked my locker open. “They think I’m stupid.”

“You found something in his office, didn’t you?”

I looked at him.

“What did you find?”

“They were after her,” I said. “Obianuju. This whole thing was about getting her here. They’re planning something, and I was in the way.”

“I don’t know what she means to them, but they want her badly. And they’ll kill for it.”

Muda’s face darkened.

“She’s connected to something big. And we’re just pieces in their game.”

Muda cursed softly.

Then someone stepped into the doorway.

I turned.

Obianuju.

My jaw clenched.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped. “How did you even get out? You here to finish the job?”

“Salisu—”

“No! Don’t ‘Salisu’ me.” I stepped closer, fists tight. “I almost died. I thought you were a prisoner. But they tried to kill me—because of you.”

“I didn’t ask them to!”

“Then why are you here?” I shouted. “Spy? Trick me into going with you? Set up another ambush?”

“You need to leave,” she said urgently. “They’re not done. The Sergeant left a note. Said I’d be seeing my father soon. He’s planning something—”

“Get out,” I said. “Whatever you’re mixed up in, I want nothing to do with it. I’m done.”

“I’m trying to save you—”

“Too late!”

I pushed past her. She stumbled, but didn’t fall.

“Enough!” Muda shouted. “Look at her. She’s not lying.”

I stopped, breathing hard.

She turned to Muda. “Please. Talk to him.”

Muda looked between us. “We’re not safe here.”

Then it happened.

BOOM!

A huge explosion rocked the base.

The floor shook under our feet. Dust fell from the ceiling. A burst of orange light flashed in the hallway.

Before I could think, I grabbed Obianuju and pulled her to the ground.

The second blast came seconds later—louder, closer. Screams echoed. Metal clanged. Something crashed. More shouting.

Smoke slid under the door.

My ears rang. My heart pounded.

Someone had just lit the match—and everything was on fire.

_______________________
AUTHOR'S NOTE
HELLO BEAUTIFUL SUPPORTERS OF THIS WONDERFUL BOOK
I'm a big simp for Suspense and Cliffhangers. I apologize if it caused your heart to jump 😂. But that was the main purpose so I'd be really happy if that's what happened.
!!!⚠️ WARNING ⚠️!!!
Things are going to be more intense from now on because it's a war story for a reason .
I also want to use this opportunity to thank my friends who are working behind the scenes to support me in writing this book 😄. You guys are the best 😍.
Also my lovely readers, thanks for supporting me till now and I assure you that there's no dull moment in this book at all. Hope to make it to the Wattys this year.