Author: Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Eleven (11) – “Lover’s Clash”

The next thing I heard was the shot of a gun which quickly followed by a short scream that was very familiar with my brother’s voice.

I quickly rushed to the back door only to see that Vanderwal have been cuffed by the police led by Detective Ama.

Apparently, my brother tried escaping but the police fired a warning shot and out of fear he screamed.

There was little I could do. I urged Vanderwal to tell the police the truth surrounding Vanessa’s death and this caught Detective Ama’s attention.

“Is there anything you want me to do before I put you behind bars” She asked my Brother.

“Go on, tell her” I urged.

“I’m not the killer you looking for. You have the wrong guy. It’s our gardener Barista” Vanderwal said.

“Well, he is a matter of interest in this case and he is on our radar. As a matter of fact, my investigation will prove your innocence or not but for now, you are our prime suspect” she said.

They drove off together with my brother in their car.

I need to get my brother out. That was not his place. He is doing everything best to rewrite his wrong and the only person he can count on is me and no one else.

To help my brother meant I needed to involve the very one I thought of avoiding – My Ex – AK.

And guess what, he is the first task on my psychologist list. I guess I have to kill two birds with one stone.

I made a quick visit to the police station to see my brother who gave me all the details and how i could locate AK.

The very next day, I was on my way to see him. Meeting AK could trigger my vulnerability but I knew I had to be stronger.

I have to be strong and fight for my brother’s freedom. I have to be strong and make sure I bring justice to whoever murdered my best friend and lastly I had to be strong for myself.

It was a beautiful compound embellished with beautiful sunflower garden.

I walked towards the door and pressed the doorbell. In no time, a young boy came to answer the door. He should be about 8 years and indeed he had the resemblance of AK.

There was no doubt that, that could be his son. There was only one way to find out.

“Hello dear, how are you” I asked the young boy.

“I’m fine.” He responded politely.

“Is your father there? “ I asked

Then he nodded. Just then I heard a female voice calling the young boy.

“Felix, Felix, how many times do I have to warned you not to answer the door” She said and eventually came to the door where I was.

She was gorgeous. That must be his wife.

“Hi, how may I help you” She asked.

“My name is Ruth, I’m after AK, whom I believe is your husband” I answered

“Oh yes, you are right. He actually have a visitor, but you can come in” She said.

I must admit, this lady was really nice and welcoming.

“I’m Debby Tagoe, my friend calls Mis T. I’m sure we may have to be friends since you are friends with my husband” She said.

Right there I knew She was a talker. After a quick handshake, she went in to call her husband.

AK came out and to my surprise, Ampofo also followed him.

What the hell was he doing here? I asked myself.

To be Continued.

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Ten (10) – “The Siren”

I got stunned by his words. I didn’t see this coming.

“How do you expect me to believe that” I asked.

“You still don’t get it, do you? Vanderwal said.
“He threatened to get raid of her when I was trying to make things right between you two. He got it all wrong. But I took his threats for granted and I feel I’m to be blamed for all this because I saw it coming.”

“How did you even get yourself involved with Barista? I didn’t know you to be that type” I asked.

The moment this question popped up, my step brother took a deep breath and asked me to sit down.

He pulled the coffee table closer and sat on it, right across me.

“You may have to listen and listen carefully.” He said.
“Mum’s last words before she died was for me to protect you and that’s what I have been doing always.

We all have our flaws and mine was my abusive nature. And when the opportunity came for me to travel abroad, I thought that will help me battle with that nature of mine.

I saw myself among bad company and soon I became a drug addict. My addiction was so severe that I used every single dime I earned to buy drugs.

Not that I wanted to, but my addiction was just not controllable. I ran into debts that I couldn’t just pay. My life was in danger, I only had a week to finish off my debts or I will be killed if possible.

Of course, my debtor gave me another option and In returned, I will get all the drugs I wanted and also everything I owed will be forgiven. And the option was to sleep with him.

Not once, not twice but it happened severally. Not that I wanted to, but I didn’t see any other option. My life was in danger.

Somehow, someone within our gang snitched me to the police that I was doing drugs. Eventually I was arrested and got deported.

So you see, I didn’t come back at my own will, I was deported. I thought my troubles would have stayed in the states but it came along with me.

I found myself now wanting to sleep with men and that’s how come I got hooked with Barista. “

Just when he was about to finish. We heard the police siren coming in. They were close by.

I had to protect my brother and we both knew they were coming after him. I told him to use the back door while I try to lure them away ones they coming knocking at the door.

I quickly run towards the front door while Vanderwal tried to escape through the back door.

The next thing I heard was the shot of a gun which quickly followed by a short scream that was very familiar with my brother’s voice.

This can’t be good.

To be Continued

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Nine (9) – “Couch Time”

“Just get out, Please. I want to be alone” I said.

It all began when I met Ampofo online, then our first date was a total mess. He ended up getting accident just after he left me and eventually I got to know he was dating my best friend whom I believed was murdered by my stepbrother.

I got myself arrested and my long time missing ex, whom I’m so much in love till this very moment came to my aid and bailed me out.

And just when I thought things were moving on well, I got heartbroken again. He was even married and I failed to notice it.

Here I am, my family is torn apart, I have lost my best friend and my love life, just sucks.

So now tell me, my psychologist, how can someone broken like me, be fixed.

Just after AK left me, I needed sometime with my Psychologist. I didn’t want to be alone, my thoughts were just haunting me. And here I am, telling my psychologist my problems hoping that she will understand me.

“You know what” she said. “I would prefer you call me by my name. And don’t see me as a psychologist, see me as a friend. This is the only way can do whatever I’m about to tell you” she said.

“Fine!! Psychologist. Sorry Adwoa AJ right?” I said.

“You can call me AJ for now” she said. “Now, it’s good you’ve recognized that you’re broken and guess what, every broken thing can be fixed”

“How do you fix me, just tell me” I said, I was so desperate and if there are solutions to my problems, I was ready to do whatever it takes.

Then she picked up a sheet of paper and started writing on it. After, she handed over the paper to me.

“These are four days task on the sheet of paper for you. Do it. And that will end it all” Aj said.

I took a close look at the task, which seemed quite daring but I was ready to give in my all.

It was just about 10:50pm when I finally got to my doorstep. I took sometime for myself to take few shots of tequila just to clear off my head before getting home.

Upon my arrival, Vanderwal had returned and was seated on the sofa with his face buried in his arms.

“Where have you been” I asked. “You so heartless, you abandoned me when I got arrested? How could you?

I was just pouring out my frustration yet he never said a word.

“Say something!! Vanderwal !!! I need answers. Tell me what happened to Vanessa, talk to me before I call the police” I threatened.

He got up and walked towards me, that was when I saw he had been really weeping.

“I never abandon you, sister. I can’t do that.” He said with tears in eyes. I have never seen this side of him. He looked so sad and damaged.

“Have you even asked yourself, how AK got to know you were arrested? “ he questioned me
“It was all me. I knew you had nothing to do with this. I can’t abandon you.”

He was making sense. But there was more to it than the answers he was giving.

“And how could you believe I had a hand in Vanessa’s death – How could you” he asked.

“Then how do you explain the bracelet in your bedroom.” I asked.

“She gave it to me herself. I’m not the killer for crying out loud” He answered “Barista is”

I got stunned by his words. I didn’t see this coming.

To be Continued.

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Eight (8) – “Open Wounds”

When he saw me, I could tell from his eyes, he wanted me, just like I did. I walked straight to him, sat on his laps facing him, and immediately planted a kiss on his lips.

I felt his hand on my waist. His grip was so firm. Our lips were locked up. How I held his head while kissing him said it all – I MISS HIM.

Soon, my kissing followed with soft moans. I was totally out of control and all I wanted was him.

I held back and stopped kissing him. I wanted to catch a glimpse of his eyes.

“I love you AK” I whispered. Then I kissed him again. This time around, I got more naughty. I wanted to feel him below. Slowly, with a single hand, i unzipped his trouser and slowly held onto his manhood.

This was not my AK. There was no erection at all. What I thought should be rigid and firm, was rather on a holiday.

Well, I gave in my all by kissing him more and stroking his manhood but there wasn’t even a tick or a twitch.

Suddenly, AK couldn’t take it anymore, he pushed me away and got up. He then zipped his trouser back and that was when I began to feel embarrassed.

Maybe I rushed into this or AK didn’t find me attractive any longer. I felt really uneasy. What could be the problem? This wasn’t the AK I knew.

He used to be the wild type. He knows how I want it just by giving him a look. Everything had turned around now.

“I’m sorry Ruth. I can’t do this. I’m really sorry” He said.

“AK, is something wrong with me? Have you stopped loving me” I asked.

“The problem is not about you, Ruth” AK said.
“It’s about me, I belong to another” He added and showed me his marriage ring on his finger.

How did I fail to see it. Oh My God! I was so heartbroken and ashamed of myself.

“Things have changed. I’m really sorry but we have to talk” He said.

I felt useless at that point. The only thing I had to do was to show him the door. I couldn’t take it any longer.

“Just get out, Please. I want to be alone” I said.

To be Continued.

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Seven (7) – “Blast from the Past”

“You’ve been arrested for the murder of Vanessa. You’re advice to remain silence for whatever you say may be you use as evidence in the court of law.”

Everyone has a closet in his wardrobe. We all have secrets. Well, I do too. Stuck in this cells, waiting for my attorney to come, i think I should just let the cat out of the bag.

Vanessa and my brother had a history some time back. As far as I’m concerned, Vanderwal was Vanessa’s first love.

Their relationship didn’t lust long because of the abusive nature of my brother. And just few days ago I saw Vanessa’s bracelet in my brother’s room.

Somehow, I had a strong feeling that my brother had a hand in this. It’s been three days now since I got arrested and since then, Vanderwal haven’t been seen or heard from.

I guess there was a lot about my brother that I didn’t know of. I told the police, that I had no hand In this and that was the truth.

The more I think about this, the more I felt uneasy. I kept crying for getting myself involved in this whole mess and for the lost of my friend Vanessa.

I should have found a way of resolving our differences rather than getting my brother involved.

And for my brother, Vanderwal, if my suspicions were right- I won’t ever forgive him.

I heard keys jingling and footsteps coming towards the cell. It was Ama, the detective.

She eventually opened the cell and called my name out.

“You’ve been bailed out” she said. “However, your brother is wanted. If you really don’t want to end up behind bars again, alert us when you see him.”

Then I nodded my head.

“You really have some good connections” Ama said as we walked to the police counter.

“You really need to thank this man. He fast tracked everything” She added.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him. It was AK, my long missing ex.

I stood there, wondering if this was all a dream. He noticed how I was stunned.

“A hug will do” He said.

I quickly walked towards him, and gave him a tight hug.

His smell, was good as always. I miss him alot. And what a moment, when I needed help, he had showed up.

“Let’s get out of here, we have a lot to talk about” AK said.

It didn’t take long to get to my place, and indeed, there was no sign of my step brother.

It didn’t really mattered to me now, I was with AK.

I wanted to know where he has been and what he has been up to but again, that can wait until I finished taking my bath.

I had this crazy idea, I don’t know what came over me. Just when I finished bathing, with my towel wrapped on my body, I just dashed to the hall, where AK was seated.

When he saw me, I could tell from his eyes, he wanted me, just like I did. I walked straight to him, sat on his laps facing him, and immediately planted a kiss on his lips.

To be Continued.

Shades of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Five (6)- “Time with the Law”

I pushed him away. It was my best friend Vanessa. Apparently, she had been following Ampofo around without him noticing it.

I could see how disappointed she was.

“Wait. There’s more to this than you think” I said.

She couldn’t hold it any longer. Her rage wouldn’t let her.

“How could you? “ Vanessa asked.

Like I’ve been struck by lightning, I was short of words. I didn’t know what to say. I was surprised to see Ampofo mute like dumb.
He could have said something.

The next thing, Vanessa just dashed off in anger. Like a coward, Ampofo followed her shortly afterwards.

I was left alone at the restaurant, lost in thoughts and wondering how I got myself into this mess.

How was I to know. I had no idea it was Ampofo I was meeting and now it has cost a friendship which was built from our infancy.

Weeks past and Vanessa was avoiding me. She didn’t pick my calls either. This was where I felt I needed the help of my brother, Vanderwal.

I explained everything to him and just what I expected he decided to help. All I had to do was to lay back and wait on him.

Days turned to weeks and eventually, it was getting close to a month since i involved my brother yet he didn’t give me any feedback.

I couldn’t wait any longer. I had to confront him and find out what was really going on.

Vanderwal sat on the sofa busy on his phone.

“How long are you going to keep me waiting”. I asked.

“What are you talking about?” He answered.

“Oh don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. Hold on! Let me guess. You’re busy thinking of your boy lover – Barista” I said

“Watch your mouth Woman” He warned. I could see the surprise on his face when I said that.

Before we could go any further. The doorbell rang. I went ahead to check who it was and to my surprise, it was the cops. Three in all, one lady and two guys.

“Good evening. Madam” the lady greeted.

“Evening, how may I help you” I asked.

“I’m detective Ama Kodesh from the police headquarters. I believe you’re Ruth.” She asked.

Then I nodded in response. She immediately brought out her handcuffs and cuffed me.

“You’ve been arrested for the murder of Vanessa. You’re advice to remain silence for whatever you say may be you use as evidence in the court of law.”

To be Continued.

Shades of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Five (5) – “Mirror on the Wall”

Out of curiosity, I wanted to see what was going on. And to my surprise, I saw my brother having sex with another male – Barista, our Gardner.

Who was I to question my brother? I must admit, I’ve never seen this side of my brother and that really shocked me.

I decided to let sleeping dogs lie. I pretended I never knew what was going on and indeed he never suspected anything either.

Days past and I was beginning to feel depressed. Everything I dreamt of, in relationship was nothing but a fantasy..

This was eating me up. Indeed, no man can live in isolation.

To overcome my loneliness, I found myself spending more time at the gym than usual and this morning was no different.

Before I stepped out of the house, just at my door, I saw a Bouquet of Flowers with my name on the tag.

The sender was anonymous however on the tag had the inscription “Dinner at 7pm – Starbite”

That was just across the street. I didn’t know who this came from but I had a strong feeling that it was from my ex and to be honest, I was extremely excited about it.

He was the only one who knew how I was so fond of flowers and I couldn’t just wait for the moment.

That day was longer than usual. The clock was ticking slowly as I was so much desperate to see him. I wondered where he had been and indeed I had a lot of questions for him.

I stood right in front of the mirror. My dinner wear was fitting enough to see my curves. A armless dress that partially exposed my firm breast.

A little make-up on my face and my hairstyle was a long ponytail. Right in the mirror, I knew I was looking elegant and seductive.

I was missing something! YES! The perfume. I splashed myself with the perfume giving me a refreshing fragrance.

I set off and in no time I was at star-bite 30 minutes earlier. A perfect cozy venue with a romantic scene. I spotted a table for two and quickly made myself comfortable on the table.

I wanted to see him before he does. I didn’t know how I was going to react when I see him. I was very optimistic to see him than to hear what he had to say about his sudden disappearance.

I felt a warm touch on my shoulder behind me. It felt soft and I liked it. I knew it was him. He is here. I turned around to see him but to my surprise it was Ampofo again.

I was disappointed. I wasn’t expecting him and I didn’t want to see him at all.

Just then he knelt down and looked up at me. I was surprised to see his eyes teary. Everyone around noticed us and that made me uncomfortable.

Just to avoid any more unwanted attention, I took him by the hand and he got up on his feet. He actually bought it and thought I had forgiven him.

Before I knew it, Ampofo had hugged me tight.

The next I head was my name.

“Ruth?.What!!! ?

I pushed him away. It was my best friend Vanessa. Apparently, she had been following Ampofo around without him noticing it.

To be Continued.

Shades of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Four (4) – “Thin Line”

At this point I just didn’t know what I have gotten myself into. My Bestfriend and I were practically dating the same guy.

I never saw this coming but at the moment, for friendship sake, I had to keep everything to myself and that meant – lying.

“We really don’t know each other that much” I said. “Our path crossed at the mall just yesterday and he offered me a ride home. That’s all”

The look on Vanessa’s face said it all. She didn’t believe what I was saying.

“That’s strange. He was with me the whole day” She said.

“Then I guess he has a lot of questions to answer when he wakes up” I said. “I have to be on my way now. Vanderwal must be worried”

“Is he back already” She asked.

I nodded and left immediately leaving Vanessa with Ampofo. That was really a close call. Aside all this, I was really hurt for letting Ampofo into my life.

He wasn’t worth it. All I felt was pain and hatred for him.

I guess there’s a thin line between love and hate after all.

I was determined not to let this get to me. However I completely shut all doors to emotions. I felt that, to be in love leaves you to be weak.

I’m not going to be weak anymore. I want to be strong and be on my own, besides I have no one to answer to.

Few days past. Vanessa was the one who kept me updated on Ampofo’s condition. He was responding to treatment.

It’s almost 12 AM. I was stuck in my room sipping on juice. For some time now, sleeping was not a thing for me.

My brother’s room was just across mine and I could hear moans coming out of his room. He was at it again.

Jumping from one lady to the other. I wasn’t really bothered about it just that the moans actually brought some memories with my ex.

Speaking of my ex, I never knew where he was, whether alive or dead. All I remembered was, one time I was so much in love and the next thing he had disappeared and till date, he’s nowhere to be found.

I threw myself in bed with my face stuck on the ceiling. I could still hear the moans coming from Vanderwal’s room.

I couldn’t take it any longer. I got out of my room just to get some more juice. I noticed my brother’s door was left ajar.

Out of curiosity, I wanted to see what was going on. And to my surprise, I saw my brother having sex with another male – Barista, our Gardner.

To be Continued.

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Three (3) – “Double Date”

“The driver of the Nissan Micra car is reportedly dead on admission at the 37 Military Hospital” Akua Hans said as she read the news.

For a moment I thought I was dreaming. I thought this whole thing wasn’t real. I just stood there staring at the TV even when the news was over. I was shocked.

I had mixed feeling. I felt sad and confused yet there was not even a single drop of tears from eyes. Probably it’s because I had my own doubt.

I thought the best thing for me to do, is to rush to the hospital and see things for myself but here I was, stuck with my brother, Vanderwal.

He noticed how sad I was and questioned me yet I had a way of brushing him off. I needed to confirm the story. It was too hard to believe.

I found myself locked up in my room, figuring how I’m going to leave home without my brother noticing. The only person I could think of is Vanessa my best friend.

We’ve been friends for ages and normally she the girl that comes up with the crazy ideas. I needed her help with this.

Without delaying, I reached out to my phone and immediately called her number. Surprisingly there was no answer.

This was strange. The Vanessa I know will never missed my call for anything. She’s always with the phone.

I guess I was on my own now. I waited for Vanderwal to sleep and slowly I sneaked out of the house. Soon I was on my way to 37 Military Hospital.

It was almost 1 am when I got to the hospital. After quick enquiries. I was led to the emergency ward.

To my surprise, Ampofo was alive after all. He had a broken leg which was bandaged. The news got it wrong. He was alive.

Just when I saw him on the bed, I drew close to him and placed my hand on his hand, just to feel the life in him. Ampofo was fast asleep that he didn’t noticed my presence.

All that mattered to me was that he was alive. I decided to stay with him for awhile and somehow I blamed myself for being so hard on him.

Probably this wouldn’t have happened if I had just played along. Just when I thought all was calm, Vanessa, my best friend walked into the ward and that really surprised me.

We were both surprised to see each other at the ward and the question we both asked ourselves was “what was she doing here?”

Vanessa was quick to answer first

“That’s my boyfriend, Ampofo, the one have been telling you about. Do you know each other” She asked.

I couldn’t believe my ears. Vanessa have been talking about her boyfriend anytime we met but I had never gotten the chance to meet him.

At this point I just didn’t know what I have gotten myself into. My Bestfriend and I were practically dating the same guy.

To be Continued

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Two (2) – “ Late Hour News”

I felt this whole thing was totally a mistake.
This meet up shouldn’t have happened.

“Is this how we planned it? We’re supposed to have our own moment, what happened to all what we talked about” I said.

“I knew it, I knew you are the nagging type. What is wrong with this place. Have you even considered how this will mean to me” Ampofo said.

I didn’t see this coming. Right there I knew Ampofo was “No No” for me. There he is, telling me right in the face that I’m the nagging type.

“Wow” a shock of the century. I wasn’t ready to argue with him. At this point, I just wanted to go home and be alone.

“Can you just take me home” I asked.

Without any response, he angrily just opened the car door and waited for me to join. I thought Ampofo was the gentle type but the sweet guy I met online was definitely not the one I’m seeing now.

There was no way I was going to continue with this relationship. This is another dead end.

I sat in his car and through out our entire time., there was total silence. In less than 30mins, we had gotten to my house.

There was no goodbyes, not even a single word. Ampofo just drove off right after I got out of the car.

A terrible night indeed.

I didn’t turned on the lights before leaving the house for the so called date but I was surprised to find it on upon my return.

Someone was definitely in the house. I wasn’t expecting anyone but I was adamant to see that there could be danger ahead.

Just when I began walking towards the door, the door opened from the inside and there he was, Vanderwal, my step brother.

He was supposed to be in the states. What was he doing here? There again, I wasn’t really surprised, my step brother was very secretive.

We didn’t really get along very much. I felt he was too strict and always looking out for me like I was a child. Anyway. I was glad he had returned.

“I thought you’ll be here by the end of the month” I said when I saw him.

“Is this the way to welcome your brother home” He rhetorically asked.

He’s right. Vanderwal can be very annoying but I still loved him. I walked over and gave him big hug. It’s been about 3 years now since he left for the states.

I had my step brother to make my night after a terrible date with Ampofo. Just before I went to shower and retired to bed, the late hour news on Television got my attention.

It was Akua Hans, the popular Ghanaian Newscaster at it again with her breaking news.

Apparently there was a terrible accident on Accra High street.

I noticed the car immediately when I saw the shoots from the camera. It was Ampofo’s car. He had been involved in an accident.

The last words of Akua Hans kept Re echoing in my ears and my heart kept beating fast.

“The driver of the Nissan Micra car is reportedly dead on admission at the 37 Military Hospital” Akua Hans said as she read the news

To be Continued