Under the faint light of the street lamps, Daniel Mukasa moved carefully through a tranquil suburb of Kampala. The night was hauntingly quiet, save for the sporadic barking of stray dogs and the distant roar of traffic from the city center. Gripping a small envelope in his hand, he checked his phone one last time, verifying the address—Plot 17, Kiwatule Road.
He had never visited this area before, but the job he was about to undertake offered a lucrative payment—far too lucrative. All he needed to do was deliver the envelope, collect his payment, and vanish into the darkness. The arrangement was straightforward. However, straightforward tasks had a tendency to become intricate.
As he neared the gate, he paused before knocking. The residence was more impressive than he had anticipated, featuring a neatly trimmed lawn and luxurious vehicles parked inside. Before he could reconsider, the metal gate creaked open, and a stern-looking man in a black suit emerged. “You have it? “
Daniel nodded as he passed the envelope over. The man glanced briefly inside and, satisfied, gestured for him to come in. Daniel hesitated. He was only supposed to deliver the package, not enter. “I should be leaving,” he muttered.
The man’s demeanor grew more serious. “The boss wants to see you. “
That wasn’t included in the plan. Yet the man’s tight grip on his shoulder indicated that declining was not a choice. Suppressing his unease, Daniel stepped inside.
The living room was softly illuminated, with thick curtains drawn closed. In the center of the room sat a man in his late fifties, clad in a silk robe, a cigar glowing in his hand. His gaze was keen, scrutinizing Daniel as if attempting to discern his very essence. “You’re not who I anticipated. “
Daniel’s heart raced. “I was merely instructed to deliver this. Nothing more. “
The man released a plume of smoke, then snapped his fingers. A hefty man emerged from the shadows, carrying another envelope. “You see, Mr. Mukasa, you are at the incorrect address. This wasn’t intended for me. However, now that you’ve witnessed things you shouldn’t have, we find ourselves with a dilemma. “
Daniel’s stomach lurched. “It was an error. I swear. I was just given an address—”
“Yes, and it was incorrect. But destiny has a peculiar way of directing individuals to where they are meant to be. You’re not merely a delivery boy, are you? ” The man leaned closer. “You appear to be someone who could be…valuable. “
Daniel shook his head. “I’m not interested in any of this. Just let me leave. “
The boss grinned, letting ash fall onto the floor. “Oh, but you are interested. Otherwise, why take the job initially? No one becomes involved in these matters unless they’re seeking something—money, power, or a way out. So tell me, which one is it? “
Daniel stayed quiet. He accepted the job because his debts were overwhelming him, and desperation had clouded his judgment. But at this moment, standing in a lion’s den, he understood he had engaged in a perilous game.
“You see,” the boss went on, “the individual meant to deliver that package is now absent. But you? You appeared instead. I could order your death right now for intervening. Or… I could present you with a proposition. Work for me, and your error turns into a chance. “
Daniel felt his throat become dry. “And if I decline? “
The boss grinned. “You won’t. Because now, you possess too much information. “
Daniel considered his possibilities. Fleeing wasn’t an option. But aligning with these men? That posed a risky road, one he may never break free from. Yet, the manner in which the boss spoke, he already seemed assured of Daniel’s choice.
Taking a slow breath, Daniel nodded. “What must I do? “
The boss laughed, reclining back. “Now that’s the correct inquiry. Welcome to the genuine Kampala, Mr. Mukasa. You just made the most significant choice of your life. Let’s see if you can withstand it. “
Outside, the night stayed tranquil, unaware of the new storm brewing within its shadows.
