By Alfred Odiakosa
On the door post is the inscription, "DICKSON AMUNIKE, Ph.D". A double tap on the door followed by a gentle push that left the door ajar. "Come in young lady and lock the door after you", Dr. Dickson instructed. A young lady in skin tight jumpsuit appeared in full view. "Good afternoon Sir!"
"Yes. . . how may I help you?", he peered, deliberately avoiding the face and focusing on the chest with two pointed tips. "Sir. . .I was directed by Chidimma, she said she had spoken with you". "Ohh. . . you're the girl. Department of Business Management right? "Yes sir", she answered. "What is that your name young lady?" "Mirabel Ukaego. . .sir".
What is wrong with you and sir? Did she not tell you how we run things here. . . I like it when those I engage with are properly oriented. Chidimma didn’t tell you. . .?
You don't sound like she did. Call me Dickie. . . yeah, I like that name. Straight to business, Mirabel, you said you didn't write well right? "Yes sir. . . sorry. . .Dickie. I went home to look after my ailing Mom and I came back oblivious of the change of exam date, it was impromptu for me".
" Shhh. . . you girls and stories, you said you're Chidimma's friend and you are not wise. I know where you went to, your fffffgghhkk appointment. It's okay, that's not my business. So the grade; which do you want ? "
"A good one sir. . . sorry. . . Dickie. You know it's a 3credit load course. Sir, I can do anything, any amount. . .I don't have a lot of money but I know you will be considerate Dickie".
"I like the spirit. . . anything. Well, Mirabel. . . my A is for bright students who can defend it, just forget about it and look at other grades. You can have your D if we go with protection, C is for raw and B. . . B is for you if you allow it through the backdoor. Everyone pays their dues when it comes to my grades".
It was as if she was struck by something that rendered her numb. "Remember to book a decent room in an A-class hotel, I hate bed bugs. If you take me to bug infested bed, I'll make sure I transfer the bugs to your grade, until they drain all the blood in it."
