BUREAU OF LIFE [PART VI]

Continued...

Everything in Mackel’s office was suspended in mid-air yet they didn’t float about because they were held in position by his state of mind. All bureau heads wielded so much power that structures around them responded to their emotions. Amaziel and Huntoel had never seen Mackel this way before, items were always grounded around him because he had learnt to control his pride and ego via service.

“I need you to monitor Luciel’s movements in code 234 and report to me directly,” Mackel said. He was making an effort to be calm. “I want you to follow protocol, stay within edicts and be as invisible as possible.” 

“May I speak out of turn sir?” Huntoel asked with his head bowed. Since the day he discovered Mackel’s true position, he had never dared look the angel in the eyes. It took so much control to wield so much power and still choose to open doors for the lowest ranks.

“As long as you are within reason.”

“This is a matter for the Bureau of War, why don’t we contact them?” Huntoel asked.

The suspended items in the room, floated about in mild frenzy. Amaziel glared at Huntoel, who simply shrugged in defiance. The floating items stopped their mild agitation.

“And tell them what? I was sitting on a mutiny for how many years and couldn’t smell it?” Mackel retorted. “Our mess is ours to clean.”

“Thank you for the opportunity.” Huntoel turned to leave.

“Amaziel will vouch for everything you need from Rapha department.” He shut his eyes as the suspended items began their descent. “And oh, Sanctiel will understudy you.”

Huntoel froze. “The radical?”

“He is loyal,” Mackel muttered with his eyes closed.

“His impulsiveness will foul up this mission sir.” Huntoel argued.

“He is loyal.”

“Sir--“

“Huntoel, loyalty is always willing to learn and loyalty eventually wins.”

***

Tiamiyu Aregbe listened to the tout seated in front of him in mock attention. It is not every day the seating president of the Ministering Gospel Artistes’ Association of Nigeria (MGAAN) met a tout claiming he had heard from Elion. These boys were getting bolder by the day. Internet scams were buying more jail terms than cars, so they had turned to the lucrative, full-proof venture that has fed millions of false-prophets all over the world, all through the ages.

“So, what exactly did Elion say?” Tiamiyu asked again

“Sir,” Benjay answered irritably, “you can either believe me or kick me out of your office, there are hundreds of names I have to talk--"

“--that’s not the way to get to him.” The Voice whispered to Benjay.

“I’ll make this easy for you,” Tiamiyu said, “I can make do with someone with your talent… and boldness. Let’s say, I clean you up--"

“I don’t need cleaning up.” Benjay barked. “You think I want to be here? I don’t give a rat’s butt what happens to you or your family or your association, I am not even a Christian.”

“Easy… easy young man.” Tiamiyu raised his hand as he looked round the room for anything that he could use to defend himself, in case this wild animal forgot where he was. His eyes settled on the miniature pharaoh sculpture that housed his assortment of pens. That would do just fine. Every other thing in his office was very sensitive. Tiamiyu’s office was a testament of world tours and a wealth-driven ministry. The wooden furniture was bronze-sprayed and the leather attendants were lined with golden studs. Rows and rows of books lined the office walls save for the seating area.

“Screaming isn’t going to get to him.” The Voice soothed Benjay’s angst. “Ask him about--"

“How about the stash of cocaine concealed in your fancy pen holder,” Benjay looked around the office. “The stash in that Dake’s bible, or the one in --"

“--Stop." A Frightened Tiamiyu rose from his seat. “Who are you working with, how much do you want?”

To be Continued...

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