Chapter 12: The Favor Called
Mumbo leaned back in his office chair, exhaustion settling over him. The progress Twaweza had made in recent weeks was remarkable, but the weight of its growth was beginning to show. Their recent tender win with the County Government of Bungoma was a significant milestone, but instead of celebrating, he found himself diving deeper into work.
The company was now supplying miscellaneous items to the county, a wide range of goods from office supplies to basic tools. Though it wasn't a massive contract, it kept them afloat and opened doors to further opportunities. What Mumbo didn't know was that the tender they had won had been controlled for years by the local Member of Parliament, a man known for forging documents to secure such deals. To him, losing the tender was a minor inconvenience. With bigger sources of income, he considered it nothing more than a scratch on his well-oiled machine.
Still, Twaweza refused to stop there. Amanda, ever perceptive, pointed out the limitations they faced. "We need our own infrastructure," she said during a strategy meeting. "Warehouses, offices and the workshops. Renting is killing our profits."
Mumbo knew she was right. Renting space was a financial drain, and he had land sitting idle, just waiting to be put to use. Inspired, he began plans to develop his property. Warehouses would give them storage capacity, and an office would establish permanence. The project would cost a fortune, but Mumbo was ready to take the risk.
The land, which Mumbo had acquired in secret, was a sprawling piece of fertile ground that had been left uncultivated for years. Growing up in an agricultural family, Mumbo saw an opportunity to diversify his investments. With Kendi's help, he hired an agricultural expert, Dr. Mwangi, along with an assistant to develop a plan for the land.
Dr. Mwangi was an older man with decades of experience, but his enthusiasm matched that of a young entrepreneur. After a few days of surveying the property, he returned with a proposal.
"This land has incredible potential," Dr. Mwangi said, spreading a map across Mumbo's desk. "We can divide it into sections—one for cash crops, one for vegetables, and another for experimental farming techniques. If we do this right, you'll not only have food for your family but also a steady income stream."
Mumbo listened intently. The idea of turning his land into an agricultural powerhouse excited him, but it also added another layer of responsibility. The six-figure savings he once thought were limitless now seemed small.
"The money goes fast," he admitted to Kendi during a late-night meeting.
She laughed softly. "Welcome to the world of entrepreneurship. It's not as glamorous as it looks, is it?"
"Not even close," he replied, shaking his head.
Despite the financial strain, Mumbo pushed forward. Construction of the warehouses began, and word spread about the new project. Unintentionally, Mumbo became a source of employment for many unemployed youths in the area. For every brick laid, every field tilled, a family gained a means to survive.
Amid all this chaos, Kendi decided it was time to call in her favor.
"Mumbo," she said one afternoon, leaning against the doorframe of his office, "it's time."
"Time for what?" he asked, though he already suspected the answer.
"You owe me. Remember? My parents still think you're my boyfriend."
Mumbo groaned. "I was hoping you'd forget about that."
"Not a chance," Kendi said, smirking. "There's a party this weekend. You'll come with me, meet some of my family and friends, and play along. Just for one night."
He sighed but nodded. "Alright. I'll do it. But you owe me this time."
The party was a gathering of young professionals, an annual event Kendi had attended for years. It was held at a grand venue on the outskirts of the city, complete with live music, gourmet food, and an air of effortless sophistication.
Mumbo arrived in a tailored suit, feeling slightly out of place but masking it with his usual calm demeanor. Kendi, dressed in an elegant emerald-green dress, met him at the entrance.
"You clean up well," she said, giving him an approving nod.
"So do you," he replied, offering his arm.
Inside, Mumbo met some of Kendi's childhood friends and distant cousins. They were a mix of successful entrepreneurs, lawyers, and academics, all polished and confident. Though he felt like an outsider, Mumbo quickly adapted, engaging in conversations about business and literature.
One of Kendi's friends, a sharp-witted woman named Tasha, took a particular interest in him.
"So, Mumbo," she said with a sly smile, "how long have you and Kendi been together?"
Before he could answer, Kendi jumped in. "Long enough," she said, her tone playful but firm.
Mumbo smirked. "Yeah, long enough."
Tasha raised an eyebrow but didn't press further.
The evening passed smoothly, but Mumbo couldn't shake the feeling that Kendi's friends were testing him. Though he hadn't met her parents, he knew this was just the beginning.
Meanwhile, Amanda continued her search for her favorite author. Mumbo had been updating his online story under his alias, gaining new fans and keeping his old ones hooked. Amanda, fascinated by the author's words, still hadn't connected the dots.
"I'm going to find out who he is," she declared one day.
Kendi, who knew the truth, struggled to suppress a smile.
"You might be closer than you think," she said cryptically.
As the party wound down, Mumbo and Kendi sat outside, away from the crowd. The night was cool, and the city lights twinkled in the distance.
"Thanks for coming," Kendi said softly.
"Anytime," Mumbo replied.
Before they could say more, Kendi's phone buzzed. It was a message from the private investigator she'd hired to dig deeper into their case.
"What is it?" Mumbo asked, noticing her frown.
She hesitated before showing him the message.
The police were bribed to raid your family's land. The money trail is clear. I'll send the evidence soon.
Mumbo stared at the screen, his jaw tightening.
"This changes everything," he said.
Kendi nodded. "It's a game-changer."
As they drove home that night, both of them were deep in thought. The case was far from over, and with this new evidence, the fight for justice was about to take a dramatic turn.