“What of Iyk? Is he not around?”

“Iyk is inside the workshop. Let me inform him that you are around.” Ndubuisi, one of my colleague’s answered.

I peeped from within and was surprised to see Mr. Abel standing out there. It’s been a while he came around. I didn’t bother to contact him because of the embarrassment I received from Mr. Jude and some other customers.

“Good afternoon sir. It’s been a while sir,” I reached out to him with smiles.

“You are right. I travelled out of the country. I was sponsored by my company on a 6 months in-service training abroad. I came back last night. Please you need to service my car. It is giving some strange sounds.

As I bent to examine the car Nedu walked in. As soon as he sighted Mr. Abel, he walked straight to him and was talking nonsense.

“Sir, are you looking for me?

“I have seen who I was looking for. You can see that I am with him.”

I was boiling inside with anger like hot water. I felt like going there to strangle him but I decided to respect myself because of Mr. Abel. I didn’t want to do anything that would scare him away too.

“Sir, you ones came here with Mr. Ahmed to repair cars,” Nedu pressed on.

“You are correct. But even on that day, we didn’t come to you. So, what is your interest now.” I was happy for the way Mr. Abel was handling the situation but Nedu was not deterred.

“I am now you company’s official mechanic. I was on probation for a period of 2 months before I was confirmed last week. I was given the names of the staff members including yours. Though I was told, that you travelled out of the country on a course.”

I fixed my gaze on the engine of the car but my mind was not in it at all. The thought of how to deal with Nedu filled my heart.

“Nedu is a wizard. I am sure that he formulated this lie from the information he got from Mr. Ahmed,” I thought to myself.

“Young man, I have to verify your claim. Till then, I want you to excuse me.”

“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” I thought.

“ Iyk, how far? Did you discover anything?”

“I will be through in a moment sir,” I lied.

I had not even started checking the car. I was overtaken by the thought of the nonsense that Nedu was doing.

After a thorough checking of the car, I discovered that some of the car parts needed to be changed. Mr. Abel gave me money to buy them. He also gave me money to buy lunch for myself. I was about fixing the parts I bought for the car when someone called Mr. Abel on phone. I didn’t hear what the person at the other end of the line was saying, but I took note of Mr. Abel’s responses.

………………Yes, I am back.

………………I arrived yesterday

………………No, I am not at home

………………I am fixing my car

……………..What kind of question is that. Don’t you know where and who normally fix our cars.

……………..Of course, it is Iyke

……………..What!

……………. I didn’t know

……………..Anyway, thanks so much

………………I will talk to you later

“Iyk I have to go now,” Mr. Abel announced suddenly.

“I hope that there is no problem sir?”

“There is no problem. I just have to go.”

“But I haven’t fixed the things I bought.” I tried my best to sound as calm as possible though, I was greatly worried.

“Don’t worry about that. You can use them for your own car or dash them out.” He made an attempt to go, later he turned.

“I never came to you. Please take note of that.” I shuddered, wondering what he meant by that statement.

He quickly jumped into his car and zoomed off like one being pursued by a ghost.

“It is confirmed! Something is wrong with me,” I concluded.

I turned to see Nedu laughing triumphantly. I did not mind him because his mockery was the least of my problem at that moment.

“Iyk why are you disturbing yourself. A customer gifted the motor parts meant for his car to you and you are worried. That, calls for celebration. I wish all my customers will be behaving like him,” Nelly said. I ignored him and bowed my head.