“He turned to stone?” Sunny screeched. “Oh my God, is she like Medusa in Greek mythology?! We’re doomed! How are we going . . . we need a mirror then. Or . . .”

“Sunny, shut UP!!” Chichi shouted. “Geez, did you drink coffee this morning, sha? Or some of your dad’s ogogoro?”

“My dad doesn’t drink that. He drinks Guinness.”

“Just listen! When he saw her, she was such a horrifying sight to him that part of his hair turned white. Remember he was only about sixteen. So he looked very strange. He ran off and never looked for Udide again. She ended this story with this line, ‘Without knowing a way through at daytime, never attempt to pass through at night.’ Udide has a dark sense of humor.”

“I guess,” Sunny said. “But if she does, well, is it smart to use this same way to find her? And what if it’s just a story?”

Chichi shook her head. “Udide’s stories are never just stories. And I think it was more about the intent that got that guy messed up. We are looking for her for a good reason, Sunny. These dreams you’re having about Osisi are serious. Something bad is going to happen, Ekwensu is on the loose and you are involved. There is something you need in Osisi and the only way to get there is by something only she can create. We’re not seeking her out to prove how powerful we are.”

Sunny hoped Chichi was right. Her hair was already yellow. She didn’t need white streaks from terror to make it even lighter.

The five of them stood in front of the Jeep as Sunny smoothed out the map on the car. Chukwu put his finger on the city of Aba. “Okay, so we’re near here. We should take the Port Harcourt–Aba Expressway to . . .”

“I know the way,” Chichi said. “I studied a local map I bought at the market.” She tapped her forehead. “Got it all up here.”

“Me too,” Sasha said. “Plus, I checked out Google Earth and Mapquest. Nothing much there, unless you’re looking at Lagos itself. But this map is more accurate than a GPS or anything online. Anyway, it’s not the way that’ll be difficult. It’s not getting robbed or driving the car down a pothole that’ll be the real test. I ain’t from here, but I been here a minute now.”

“We can stop in Benin City and stay with my uncle,” Chichi added.

“Oh no, hon,” Chukwu said with a chuckle. “If we leave soon, we’ll get there by sundown, trust me. We’ll be at my friend’s aunt and uncle’s house in no time.”

Chichi paused. Then she smiled sweetly and said, “Okay, o.”

Orlu laughed to himself.

Within fifteen minutes, they were all piled into the Jeep. Chukwu grasped the wheel, trying not to look at Sasha. Sasha plugged his phone into the Jeep’s stereo system and was looking for just the right music so that he wouldn’t have to talk to Chukwu. Chichi was behind Sasha, a Banga cigarette in hand that she planned to light as soon as they were past the sight of Sunny’s parents. Orlu was behind Chukwu looking worried. And Sunny was in the middle waving at Ugonna.