₦airaland Forum

SmithN:
Bring it on. The story drawing more attention

Thanks b

Lemonadewifey:
Wonderful story millie.
For clarity sake, I can't seem to remember MJ. Please who's she?

Chris's old EA before he employed Tinu

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Tinu sat a wall looking at pictures Ajiri gave her from the twins' Recognition Day. Ajiri told her Temi was part of the school's mini orchestra and he played his solo piece Fur Elise so beautifully. She smiled at the picture of her son in his little coat with tails with his fingers on the keys of the black grand piano. She looked at the other pictures of him receiving prices for excelling in some subjects. She smiled at her daughter’s picture. Tóminí was receiving an award in it. Ajiri told her she won the school’s art competition for the students in the lower primary section. She felt blessed to have such gifted children.

She was probably looking at the pictures for the hundredth time since Ajiri gave them to her. She could see herself in Tóminí. She hoped the girl wouldn’thave to pass through half the pain she went through. Tears stung her eyes as she saw the family picture the twins took with Chris, Tega, Evwomazino and Ajiri. Chris looked so much like his father. He had the same dark eyes and in the picture he smiled so much like Chris.

She wished she could be with her children. She would have probably been the craziest mum at the Recognition Day, cheering wildly and giving standing ovations. She would probably have embarrassed her children. She wouldn’tcare. That’s what family does. They are there for you in good times and bad, rejoicing with you and crying with you. She remembered when she won a design competition in school and she was awarded by the first lady of the state. Her mum kept on cheering and telling everyone that cared to listen that was her daughter. She remembered her dad pinching her and telling her to behave.
She looked at the pictures again and again.

In the blink of an eye, the pictures were gone. She looked up in outrage and saw one of her cellmates glaring at her, one of the squeezing her pictures. She stood in the speed of light.

“Aliya, give me my pictures.”, she demanded firmly. The lady kept mute, eyeing her and crunched the pictures harder.

“Aliya, I said give me back my pictures.”, she shouted and made to collect them but the lady pushed her back.


“You think you are smart abi? You will be behaving as if you are the queen of this prison. Let me tell you something, we were here before you. So you better let your head be correct. Where is the money you were given day before yesterday?”, Aliya asked.

Tinu looked at her in anger and said “I gave everything to Hadiza. Give me back my pictures.”

“Are you mad? I said where I the money?”, Aliya shouted.

“Are you deaf? I said I have everything to Hadiza.”, Tinu responded.

Aliya, enraged, slapped Tinu. “Who do you think you are talking to?” Tinu held her cheek and glared at her. “Where is the money?”

“It is with Hadiza.”, Tinu replied.

“You think I am joking with you?”, Aliya said and ripped Tinu’s pictures into two. Tinu looked at her pictures in pieces on the floor and slapped with all her might. Aliya fell to the floor from the impact. Aliya looked at Tinu in shock.

“All this while you’ve been stealing from me but I kept quiet. You slapped me and I kept quiet. The next time you try to touch anything pertaining to my children, that day I will show you the reason I am in prison.”, Tinu said, picked up the pieces of her pictures and walked away

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Gabriel groaned and shuffled to the door. The caller kept on knocking and he yelled, “Are you mad? I said I’m coming.” He unlocked the door and MJ rushed in. His breath caught and he closed the door.

“MJ, what are you doing here?”, he asked and hoped this was a short visit.

“Gabe, you will not believe what I just heard.”, she said in glee.

“MJ, I – this isa bad time. Can we talk on phone?”, he said groggily.

“Gabe, are you ok?”, she asked and pressed her palm to his forehead and then the back of her hand to his neck. “Your temperature seems normal.”

“MJ, please.”, he pleaded.

“Ok. I’m sorry. I’ll see you later. Take care of yourself. You’re all I have left.”, she said and hugged him. “But it’s really good news.” She said and held onto the door handle.

“Gabe?”, a female voice whined. Gabriel cursed Tanya as she stood in his living room in his collared tee-shirt and he saw MJ's face go from confusion to realisation and then disdain.

“So she’s why this is a bad time?”, MJ spat in his face.

“Gabe, who is this?”, Tanya asked.

“Gabe? She calls you Gabe?”, MJ asked in anger.

“MJ, it’s not what it looks like.”, Gabriel explained.

“Save it. Like you said this is a bad time.”, she said, opened the door and stormed out.

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...........

Hey, peeps.

There you have it. I'll drop one more update and then might be all for this week.

Operative word being might. I don't know. It depends on how strong I am.

Let me know what you think about the updates and the idea of the spin-off.

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............

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Tinu looked around and spotted her children. A gasp of joy escaped her lips. As if they heard her, the twins turned around. Nothing would ever make her forget the smiles that appeared on their faces as their faces as they saw her. The Oduahs turned to see her and she saw Margaux hold onto the children’s hands to stop them from going to her. She laughed as the twins pinched and scratched her and broke away from her grip and ran to her. She sank to her knees and hugged them as though her life depended on it. She breathed in their scent. They smelled like the baby powder she always used on them. She released them to look at them. She kissed their faces and hugged them again.

“How are you? How is school? How is Chris? Do you eat well? How is the boarding house? Are you comfortable?”, Tinu ramble in one breath.
“My God, I’ve missed you. Where is Chris? Why isn’t he here with you?”, she asked crying.

“Chris is at home with Grandma. That’s what Grandpa told us.”, Temi said as he wiped her tears. She chuckled at his act.

“Mummy, I’ve missed you so much.”, Tóminí said.

“Me too.”, Temi said.

“It’s ok. I’ll be back soon before you know it. I asked the judge to let you live with Aunty AJ while I’m away. So during your holidays you will stay with her.”, she explained.

“Ok.”, they answered.

“How is our little sister?”, Temi asked.

“Regina is fine.”, she answered smiling and hugged them again. The warden with her tugged at her shoulder and pulled her up. “I love you. Remember that I love two you and your brother so much.”, she said as the warden led her to her seat. The twins sadly returned to their seat by their aunt and grandfather.

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Tinu sat on the field that was more sand than grass, playing with a stalk of Bahama grass and hoping the pain reliever would start its job soon. She tried to straighten her back but the sharp pain that shot through her spine warned her not to. She wondered why her cellmates hated her. They beat her up and took the fruits and snacks Ajiri had given her. At least, they left her with her supplements. A sigh escaped her lips. If only they could start the goddamn trial. At least she’d know her fate.

Would she ever hold her children in her arms and kiss them again? Would she ever listen to Temi and Tóminí argue over which tv station they would watch? Would she ever see Chris smile with his cute one sided dimple? Would they still love her the way they used to? Would she still be their mummy?

She felt her baby kick and she gasped in joy. Her Regina was ok. She rubbed her belly and the baby kicked again. “Regina.”, she cooed and the baby kicked again and she laughed in ecstasy. She hadn’t been more happy in a long time.

“You look happy.”, Ireti said as she sat beside her.

“Well, my baby kicked for the first time”, Tinu said smiling.

“Awwwn.”, Ireti beamed.

“Ireti, thank you for the other day.”, Tinu said.

“Its nothing. I’ve been the new inmate before. It gets better eventually.”, Ireti said.

“Really? I doubt it. It’s like my very existence irritates them.”, Tinu said.

“Well..”

“Well, what?”

“Well, you’re rich. You have it easy. I mean you came in two weeks ago and you already have visitors. Some of us haven't seen our loved ones in years because we can’t afford the toll. I haven’t seen my sisters in months. They can’t afford to pay the guards and I can’t waste the money I make here on visiting when I have to think of taking care of myself. Hadiza has three children outside. She hasn’t seen them in six years. I think her last born is twelve now. Aliya steals so she can see her baby. You came in here and you’ve been visited six times. Of course, they are envious and angry.”

“And you’re not?”, Tinu said raising an eyebrow.

“Look, if you don’t want to hear the bitter truth don’t ask.”, Ireti put in.

“What are you here for?”, Tinu asked.

“I tried my hand at prostitution for the first time. The brothel I was in was raided. I’ve been here since because my family could not afford bail.”, she said.

“That’s… i..”

“Don’t feel pity for me. I made the choice. I have to live with the consequences. Anyway, the evangelism team are here. So, if you probably want some sort of spiritual comfort, you might want to come inside.”, Ireti announced as she stood.

“I’ll pass. Thank you.”

“Ok.”, Ireti said and left.

Tinu sat there and returned her attention to her forlorn stalk of weed. She had been so oblivious and crass. She thought her cellmates didn’twant visitors or had no family. Who wouldn’t want to be visited in this hellhole? They must have seen her frequent visits as her flaunting her wealth. She could understand where they were coming from.

“Hi.”, a cheery voice greeted. Tinu looked up and saw a lady smiling like some cartoon Character. Her perfect white teeth were on display and the apples of her rounds cheeks were gleaming in the sunlight. She wondered if her cheeks and jaws didn’t hurt from smiling so wide. She read the inscription on the woman’s tee-shirt and rolled her eyes. Did Jesus really love everyone? He might but he definitely loved some more than the others.

“May I join you?”, the lady’s sweet voice said.

Tinu looked at her form fitting dark blue jeans.
“Are you sure you want to get those dirty?”, Tinu asked cynically.

“Watch me.”, the lady said and sat on the Sandy grass cross-legged. “I’m Felicia. You are?”, the lady said smiling and extended her hand.
Tinu looked at her and wondered if she would still be so cheery if she slapped her. “Tinu”, she said and shook the extended hand rudely.

“Its nice to meet you…”

“Really? Is it? Or is that what your evangelism guide tells you to say?”, Tinu commented snidely.

“Would you believe me if I said yes?”, Felicia asked.

“No. I would call you a liar and a hypocrite. I know your type.”, Tinu said.

“Ok then. Educate me. What is my type?”, Felicia said in amusement.

“You just shook my hand when all you really want to do is wipe your hands and sanitize them. I’m in prison hence a sinner. I’m beneath you but I need saving and that’s why you’re here. You righteous perfect girl with me the dirty sinner.”, Tinu said.

“I’m far from perfect.”

“What else would you say?”

“I really am. I disobeyed my father and married the man he told me expressly not to marry. I didn’t only just marry him, I hired actors to pose as my family.”, Felicia said laughing.

“Is that supposed to make me believe your imperfection?”, Tinu asked.

“Maybe. My husband used to hit me. He used to rape me. I held a knife to his heart once. I ran away from him and I abandoned my son. But that’s all a thing of the past. We’re happy now.”, Felicia said.

“That just buttresses what I thought. Your Jesus loves some more than the rest of us.”, Tinu said and stood. “You have a beautiful smile and I’m glad Jesus chose to fix your problems. He works for you. But He’s stood by and let every calamity that has ever happened to me befall me. He’s never really loved me and I’m not drinking that Kool aid. You should look for someone else in need of spiritual comfort. All I need is a trial date.”, Tinu said and walked away.




Chapter 21

Seyifunmi watched Dele pack his clothes out of his wardrobe and into his suitcase mumbling under his breath. Ever since he returned from his trip to Abuja something had been on his mind, something he chose to mumble to himself rather than talk to her. She looked down at her laptop and continued typing. She wouldn’t nag him about it. If he wanted to talk to her, he would. His phone lit up and vibrated beside her. She looked at the caller ID and saw a Mr. Abu(Lawyer).

“Mr. Abu is calling.”, she said and handed him the phone. He mumbled a thank you and picked the call. “Good evening sir…How did the application go?.... Look, I’m paying you because I want custody of my children… You told me an ex parte application would work….What do you mean by it expedited the trial?.... She wants to see me? Fine, I’ll be in Abuja first thing tomorrow morning. I am not giving up the rights to my children again…. Thank you. I’ll see you in court.”, Dele said and hung up. He sighed and sat on the bed.

Seyifunmi took off her glasses and put her laptop on the bedside table. She crawled to meet him on the other side of the bed and wrapped her arms around him. He smiled and held her arms.
“Do you want to talk?”, she asked and kissed his cheek.

“Its complicated.”, he answered.

“I write programmes and codes for a living. I think I can try to understand it.”, she said.

“I want custody of my children by hook or by crook. I think I’m going by crook.”, he summarized.

“You aren’t kidnapping them, are you?”, she asked.

“Tinu wants them to stay with a friend of hers and I filed for an ex parte application that they be given to me.”, he explained.

“You went behind her back.”, Seyifunmi simplified.

“I want my children.”, he said.

“Dele, so long as you are not kidnapping them then I support you. You’re their father. They should be with you. Not her in-laws or her friend.”, she said. He held her arms and turned to kiss her.

anonimi:
Thanks for giving this the thoroughness it deserves, which many Nigerians don't and we end up looking so shallow when our products/services are compared with others.


www.nairaland.com/attachments/4160990_image_jpeg_jpeg6f95b5e7a24ad4fc0808d6698fd37362

Thanks love.

I'll try to take that advise when next I'm donating blood.

ewawumi:
Where should I start sef? Ann2012, you owe me for not inviting me to read this masterpiece earlier. Nice work OP, and in all sincerity, I feel so bad for Tinu, her life has just been one he'll of a ride I can identify with. There is just so much anyone can take

Thanks love. You're welcome to Ocean of Secrets. Please grab a life jacket.

AdewaleCoal:
I am enjoying the Read... More wisdom to you

Thanks love. Amen.

Hiya guys. Update's here. I'm sorry it's short. I'm really feeling under the weather. So it might be a little bit sloppy. I apologise in advance.

Please let me know what you think about the spin-off I mentioned in my announcement yesterday.

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..........

Dystopian is definitely my thing. Can't wait for the update.

PrudySara:
Well, this life you just gave to expect the unexpected...
I really want Mayowa and Roselle to get back together...she messed up real good, but he should forgive her. Also, i want Rosanna and Alisdare back together. Rosanna can't be with Ose, their personality don't match. Dele should also stick to Seyifunmi.
MJ I know...who is Gabriel please?? Who is using who??

Thanks Millieademi!

You're welcome, boo.

Gabriel is MJ's fiance's brother.

Hola mi amors

I'm not quite sure if that's correct but all join.

How have you all been? I'm at home trying to write and catch up on my series and telenovelas. Please I recommend listening to "A que no me dejas" for those of us who love Spanish. While listening to it, read the translation of the lyrics.

My dears, I am swooning here.

If you can, try to watch the telenovela on Eva+. It's really good.


Now my purpose of coming here today.

No, I'm not postponing updating. Latest by Friday, update will drop or sooner than that. As the spirit leads.

So to my purpose. As some of you might have figured out, I have practically finished the Ocean of Secrets trilogy in my head. So, I don't know what spirit entered me yesterday but I decided to try a spin-off, an Ocean of Secrets novella (whoop whoop or not) It's practically about Tóminí's love life. Don't worry I won't begin posting it till I'm done with the trilogy.

Now, to hit the nail on the head(don't mind me I just want to make this announcement as long as possible.), I went back to the drawing board and a new idea hit me. So I had to modify an update. I think post no 870 or thereabout. It's the scene where the detective revealed the autopsy showed traces of aconite in Chris's blood.

For those who don't want to go back. Basically, i removed aconite and replaced it with toxins and rather than have Tinu order it online, it was reduced to be from the food he last ate which Tinu cooked.

Thank you for reading my announcement. I love you guys.

If you love the idea of the spin-off, please let me know.

izaray:
Jide don even try sef, if it's some jealous men, immediately she made mention of visiting her ex in a hotel pim, fight don start!

Actually. I was already afraid he would make a mountain out of it

Aunty Yeni, please just return the box to the sender and get a restraining order. If he wants to be mad, show him that madness does not run in his family alone.

Don't open your eyes and let one South Africa returned exlover to pour sand inside your garri.

As for brother Jide, may the Almighty God grant you sense and contentment. I don't know if they are doing you or you are doing yourself.


Takes a deep breath and puts on a Bree Van de Kamp smile.


Well done, Wura Serano. I'm enjoying this work. I would have loved to purchase your work but mama is on holiday and cash flow has ceased. I guess I just have to wait for the small small appetizers you're giving us.


Lovely job, b.

Hi, guys. How was your week? Thank you for your beautiful comments and motivation. I probably haven't told you this in a while but you guys are amazeballs!!

So here's the sitch. I won't be updating Oceans of Secrets till the end of next week. Why? Here's why. Frankly, a certain amount of research goes into any writing. So majority of the following episodes will take place in prison. And I for one am not familiar with the Nigerian prison setting. I don't want to write the work based on foreign prison systems I've seen in movies.


That's the reason why the updates will be postponed till next week. Kindly bare with me.

Ann2012:
I want Mayowa and Roselle back together,
Alisdare and Rosanna should also get back together.
The Oduah's stick together but one of them should be able to stand up for Tinu.
I don't want Tinu and Dele back, Dele should stick to Sheyifunmi.
Gabriel better be wise, MJ might use and dump him after the whole revenge plot.
I pray Tinu gets the strength she needs to scale through.
Thanks for the update ma'am

Thank you love. You're welcome.

mhizv:
see as I carry the matter for head

I'm glad you carry the matter for head. It means the story means to you.


And I thank you for that.


Chop kiss dear

chisiudeh:
Well both can unsee each other. She can stand for all I care.

LMAO.

chisiudeh:
Naso dem drive her back to her first husband who'll grab it with everything he has got.

Dele is seeing Seyifunmi, remember? And I don't think Seyifunmi will take losing Dele, lying down.

PrudySara:
Oh Tinu!!
I don't believe her in-laws could react the way they did!

Well, We're humans and challenges are meant to come our way, I hope she'll be able to face it and come out strong.

Roselle can't eat her cake and have it, it's not that easy.

Thanks millieademi

Better believe it. You haven't seen the other side of the Oduahs yet. If they love you, thank God. If they hate you pray to God.


By the way, so it's another one of those rare occasions when the heavens and earth allign.

What do you think about Mayowa and Roselle? Should they get back together? Send in your votes. Voting closes by 8.

mhizv:
Same here. Not all ships are meant to have an happy ending or end up been together at the end. Chris is perfect for tinu. And I still don't believe he's dead.

You have a point though. Chris is dead o. Make una believe am. And he is not Jesus Christ, he is not waking up anytime soon.

Oremeyii:
When I saw that Chris had died, I was like, he can still be alive joor, I was flowing with Tinu....until her father in-law burst my bubble with the words "we saw the body".
Yeeeeeeeeeeiiiiii, how come? Car crash ni o *starts wailing*

This one that all her in-laws just ganged up on her like.............

If not for the intervention of whatever that'll intervene, Tinu would spend a lot of time in prison, they'd take her baby from her after it's born and Dele would have to take the twins.

This new, tragic twist shouldn't bring Dele and Tinu together o. I don't fancy their shipping anymore, but u can do whatever u want o, you're d writer, d one with d pen.
Kudos!

Ok dear.

I appreciate the lengthy comment. I love it when y'all pour out your thoughts about the Characters and the plot.

Honestly... don't let me talk.

Zuriel100:
milli dear.... great twist to d story.. never saw this coming... but just pity tinu..I know her enemies are behind Chris death..... this may bring her and dele back together, which I won't wish....... love u

Ok, noted. ❤️ you too bro

jamesfadairo:
You are just too much!!!!And who is that manutd player?

Wayne Rooney if I'm correct. Thanks for the compliment, love.

Hi guys, sorry this is short. I've been having a weird case of writer's block or laziness. I'm not quite sure.

Please help me enjoy beebee.

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Jaiye smiled as he held the door open for his wife and son. They continued singing and laughing as they entered the house. They just returned from family day out- one of Felicia’s inventions to help them Bond and make up for the lost years. He couldn’t believe he missed out on six years of this possible bliss. He only thanked God as he locked the door. He turned to see his son on his wife’s lap as she clung to him , the two of them laughing their ribs to cracks. He proceeded to join them on the sofa.

“So guys, I have some good news for you.”, he announced after the laughter died. His wife sat up and placed Dapo on the sofa by her side. “So, my boss was appointed Attorney General of the Federation…”

“What does Attorney General of the Federation mean?”, Dapo asked.

“That’s like the federal government's lawyer. He goes to court for the government.”, Felicia explained.

“Hes also the Minister of Justice.”, Jaiye chipped in.

“That’s a big job, right?”, Dapo asked.

“Yes, it is. An extremely important one. And in order to do his job well, my boss needs a lot of help . So he’s asked me to go with him to Abuja and work with him.”, Jaiye explained.

“That’s cool, dad.”, Dapo said ecstatic.

“So we’re moving to Abuja?”, Felicia asked.

“Yes, love.”, Jaiye answered.

“Well, that’s great. When are we leaving?”, she said.

“Well, I’ll be moving next week.”

“Next week? Really, Jay?”

“I’m really sorry but the former AG was terrible at his job. My boss has to put a lot of things in order before the formal announcement is made. While I’m in Abuja, I’ll try to work on our accommodation and a new school for Dapo.”, he explained.

“Fine. I’ll ask to be transferred to the Abuja office. I’ll start packing your luggage tomorrow and I’ll start packing the boxes for us to move. Are we going to sell this place?”, Felicia asked.

“No, we’ll keep it. And don’t bother about the packing. I’ll hire a moving company.”, he said.

“Ok.”

“Are you really okay with it?”, he asked and held her hand.

“I am. It’s just so soon. And I mean you’re always busy with work and now you’re going to be assisting the AG Fed. Will we even see you again?”, she complained.

“We’re one and for all, right? We’ll make it work. I promise.”, he answered.

“A promise is a debt, dad.”, Dapo reminded.

“I never owe, Dapo. You can ask your mum.”, he said smiling.

“Mummy?”

“Your dad never owes and he never breaks his promises.”, Felicia said smiling.

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Tanya knocked on the door repeatedly as her heart began to race. She adjusted her hair and perked up her breasts as she waited for Gabriel to open the door. The door opened and she laughed her lips at his. A chuckle escaped his throat as he shut the door and led the two to the bedroom. Once they were there, they tore the clothes off each other and made love.

“I love you, Gabriel.”, she muttered as she fell asleep. Gabriel sighed and got out of bed.

Collateral damage. She’s just collateral damage, Gabe. Get yourself together.

He walked to his bathroom and splashed water on his face. He stared at his reflection. Everything he’d done was for her. The only woman he had ever loved but she chose his brother and here he was helping her get revenge if it meant being close to her. But there was only so much he could take. He could only hope that after all was done, after they made Tinu pay for the death of his brother then MJ would see him as something more.

He groaned and went back to his bedroom. He laid back in bed and stared at the ceiling thinking of MJ. She used to be the sweetest girl he had ever met. They were neighbors and grew up in the same neighborhood. He had always had eyes for her but never brought himself to tell her till he left to serve. By the time he got back from his NYSC, his older brother and MJ were already dating. After his brother’s death, MJ went from a sweet pineapple to the bitter aftertaste a pineapple left after drinking water afterwards. He could only hope that after her revenge, the MJ he fell in love with would return.

Tanya snuggled closer to him and he could only feel pity for the girl. He was only using her to achieve MJ's plan. She was a great distraction and a good avenue to vent his sexual frustrations. But he couldn’t possibly feel anything for such a traitor. If she could betray her boss for a hot guy and a quick f*** then she had no loyalty.








Please don't crucify me.


I love you

blesskewe:
Awwwwww
U made my Sunday
I really don't think tinu killed Chris
And rose wanted today her cake and have it


Love is damn complicated

Awwn. I'm glad I could put a smile on your face.

Rose.... I just smh.

I don't think love is complicated. Most people just tend to complicate the simplest things for their own selfish reasons.

You love someone? Be with them and be true and faithful while you're at it. It's that simple. How do you think fairytale characters lived happily ever after? Everything was simple. Fall in love, tell the person you love him/her, if they reciprocate, get married.


Anyway, humans are complex such their emotions have to be complex.

Wo, don't mind my rant jare.

ogbosike:
Oh! My poor Tinu, hope the good old Dele will help her get through..
And how is Dele's girlfriend going to handle the reunion of her man and his ex?
Op you have brightened my day.

We don't know o.

Awwn. I'm glad I did.

pcicero:
OK, this is getting interesting, why would Tinu order aconite?
What if she did sef?

Aconite could be a drug but it's most times a poison.

Ann2012:
Pls, this suffering is too much for Tinu....
The Oduah's are now against her

Well, wouldn't you be? They just found out Tinu could have murdered Chris. There's no benefit of the doubt especially with the statement she made.

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The detective tossed some groundnut into his mouth and chewed like a garbage truck as he explained the details of their investigation. The rich family of the deceased looked out of place in the scruffy office.

“Well,….. from the investigation….. and forensics and the autopsy, it was discovered…”, the detective explained punctuating his speech with chewing his groundnut.

“Will you stop eating that blasted groundnut and say what you need to say like a normal human being?”, Mr. Oduah shouted.

The man frowned and swallowed. “From the autopsy, the deceased didn’t die as a result of the accident. He had a heart attack and that was why he lost control of his vehicle….”

“How is that Tinu’s fault? I don’t know what they teach you in whatever police academy you went to but the arrested person must have remotely caused the death of the deceased. Why was Tinu arrested?”, Ajiri shouted.

“If you will let me finish, madam lawyer, we found traces of aconite in the deceased's blood.”, the detective said scowling.

“What?”, Mr. Oduah said.

“And guess who prepared the food the deceased ate last?”, he put in.

“Tinu?”, Mrs. Oduah asked in disbelief.

“Is that remote enough for you Madam Lawyer?”, the detective scorned.

“No, there has to be some sort of mix up. Tinu would never kill Chris.”, Dele said.

“Yes, exactly. Tinu was in love with Chris. She would never kill him. What reason could she possibly have to kill him?”, Ajiri said confused.

“She is our prime suspect. We are keeping her here further investigation.”, the detective announced.

“When are you arraigning her then?”, Ajiri asked.

“Anytime within the two months the law prescribes.”, he stated.

“But she’s pregnant. You can’t just keep her here for two months.”, Ajiri said outraged.

“Madam Lawyer…”

“If you call me that one more time, I swear I will smack the taste out of your mouth.”, Ajiri said in frustration.

“Are you threatening an officer of the law?”, the man said in anger.

“Go ahead and sue me then, Mister Officer!”, she responded in equal anger.

“Ajiri, calm down. We don’t need you incarcerated as well.”, Dele pleaded.

“I will go and see Tinu. I can’t stand this man.”, she said and left.

“What are we going to do, sir?”, Dele asked Mr. Oduah.

“I don’t know. It’s our son she killed.”, the man said.

“What?!”, Dele asked in shock.

“Tinu is not the angel you believe she is. She once swore to kill Chris if he had a mistress. I believe she did it.”, Margaux said.

“What?!”, he repeated in disbelief. “You believe Tinu killed Chris?”, Dele asked in shock.

“All evidence point to her.”, Mrs. Oduah said.

“What would she have hoped to achieve by killing Chris? What could have been her motive?”, Dele said.

“Look, young man. It is not my duty to understand the motive of the killer of my firstborn son. My problem is making her pay for what she did. If you’ll excuse me, I have to call my lawyer.”, the man said and left with his wife and daughter in tow.

Dele shook his head and decided to go look for Tinu.

✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴✴

Mayowa ran up the stairs taking them two by two. He prayed to all the angels and saints and hoped nothing happened to Roselle. He jogged to his apartment and found two police men stationed in front of it. As he explained to them that he was the owner of the apartment, two men wheeled a stretcher with a buff man in handcuffs on it. He walked in and met Rose giving her statement to the police rubbing an ice pack on her cheekbone.

He rushed to her side. “What on earth happened?”, he asked the police man.

“Sorry, who are you?”, the man asked.

“I own the apartment.”, he answered.

“Well, there was a burglar but your girlfriend stopped him. That’s the short version. Excuse me.”, the officer said and left them.

“What were you thinking?”, he shouted at Rose. “What if he had a gun or a knife?”

“Relax, I still take capoeira lessons.”, she said.

“And that explains why you have an ice pack on your face.”, he said and rolled his eyes.
“Did you see the guy? He’s a brute. Besides, I ended up with a swollen face. He has a concussion. I think that qualifies as a good job.”, she said.

“Why are you even bothered if I am burgled? We aren’t together anymore. It shouldn’t be your concern.”, he said.

“I…. I…. You’re right. It shouldn’t be but it is. I… You know what? A thank you should have sufficed. I screwed up. It was a massive screw up. I get it. I regret it. I’m sorry. I’ve been apologizing to you for close to a month and half now. Mayowa, there’s only so much I can take…”

“Are you trying to guilt me into forgiving you? I didn’t ask you to cheat on me. How would you feel if it was my tongue stuck down another woman’s throat?”

“Please, like I haven’t seen that already. I felt bad. I felt terrible. I felt like killing her and beating you up till next year. It hurt but….”

“But nothing, Rose. Nothing can ever take away what I saw that afternoon or the fact that you went out with the guy. Thank you for stopping the burglar but it doesn’t change things between us.”

“Ok. I’m sorry.”, she apologized and dropped the ice pack on his coffee table. “Ill never stop being sorry. And I’ll wait an eternity for you to forgive me.” , she put in and left the apartment.