₦airaland Forum

***
The second they stepped out, Unique burst out ‘’what was the lie for?’’

‘’People like to extricate themselves from unpleasant situations. I don’t blame the Ebosele’s – no one likes police palaver in Nigeria’’

‘’I know but it’s either that or you are hiding something’’ Unique continued. For God sake even Mrs Noruwa heard the loud cries of Mrs Buwa…’’

Then Chichi hissed in annoyance ‘’that lady has no shame in her dictionary. The Eosele’s are decent people and when decent people don’t do the right thing like opening their door when a stranger cries for help, they feel ashamed. It’s not something you are proud of but someone like Nogie, feels no shame…’’

‘’And why should she feel shame? It’s a nasty thing alright but every right thinking Nigerian knows very few people would open their door in that circumstance. You’ll probably not open your door if you are home alone with your kid and nanny. I’ll bloody well open my door with my gun in hand. In any case, whatever choice we make, we should not be ashamed and we should speak the truth. End of the day, this is Nigeria and no one would crucify you for not stepping out at night. No one would flog you for not answering the cries of a woman when the power is out!’’

‘’Inspector Unique chillax, this is the Nigerian Police after all. We have a lot of wiping up to do. People will continue to lie and …’’

‘’Well, that’s their headache. They made a choice and I’ve made mine. This is my job and if you fuvcking lie to me in the course of my investigation, you hang a fuvcking red flag on your head. The Ebosele’s have just put themselves on my radar and you know what that means!’’

‘’Uhmnnnnnn!’’

‘’By the way, did you see what the husband was putting on the entire time?’’

‘’Yeah’’ Chichi continued, ‘’singlet and faded jogging pants’’

‘’Yeah right and that is the person that was just about to go out hun? Fuvcking lying police evading uncooperative smooth-talking thugs!’’

Then Chichi reached for Unique’s shoulder and began to laugh hysterically ‘’I don die for laugh ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Did Mrs Noruwa not tell you she was cooking beans? Did you perceive beans all the while we sat in her parlor? Unique, end of the day everybody lies to the police’’

Meanwhile behind a window, the Ebosele’s were staring at the pair ‘’do you think they noticed anything?’’ Pearl asked in fear.

‘’You were a bit stiff dear. It’s good to be relaxed in times like that. Didn’t you see how composed I was? Next time just try to be…’’

‘’God forbid there will ever be a next time. But do you think Ose’s answer is something we should be worried about?’’

‘’I don’t think so; take your mind off it. Can’t you see the way they are laughing like clowns? It’s nothing to worry about. People tell white lies all the time to police people in this country – no one wants their wahala. I bet more neighbours would deny hearing anything. As for Osemudiamen, I need to have a word with him’’

Then Pearl reached for her husband’s arm and touched it lightly ‘’we can’t be too hard on him because he said the truth. It is what is expected of decent people the world over’’

‘’You have a good point, that is why I will speak to him gently. He needs to understand, it’s rude to cut in while adults are speaking. I say it all the time and now you can see what that nearly cost us. Nevertheless, we must be thankful he said nothing about the plantain and medicine trip. It would have been far worse!’’

‘’He could not have said a thing’’ Pearl whispered, ‘’he was sleeping at that point’’

‘’I know but we also thought he was sleeping while that noise was being made. Apparently, he heard Mrs Buwa crying and banging on the gate’’

Then Pearl pulled the curtain together and whispered ‘’Osenobla, please have mercy on us’’

‘’5 years old’’

‘’Didn’t the generator disturb you?’’

Then Pearl shifted uncomfortably in her chair ‘’but we don’t have a generator’’ Ose finished.

‘’Is that all you heard young man?’’

‘’Yes’’

Then Unique nodded at the Ebosele’s ‘’thanks people’’

Immediately Imonite tried to repair the damage ‘’sorry about that erm… I mean the confusion. It’s just that we don’t want issues. We feel bad we couldn’t assist whoever was yelling that night and erm…’’

‘’We didn’t even know it was Mrs Buwa’’ Pearl added.

Then Unique nodded at them one last time ‘’that’s okay, I understand. We are Nigerians after all’’

Then Chichi frowned slightly ‘’really, you didn’t hear people gather around or anyone running down the street and yelling for help?’’

‘’I’m afraid not’’ Imonitie lied.

Then Pearl quickly added ‘’we put on the generator pretty much straight away didn’t we dear?’’ she looked at her husband again and Imonitie nodded in agreement ‘’yes we did. It wasn’t until the following morning, I heard the unfortunate tale. I didn’t even notice anything as I drove off to work. It was my wife who later called to tell me about it. Didn’t you dear?’’

‘’Yes I did. Nogie informed me about it the following morning’’

Then Unique stood up and Chichi followed suit ‘’please keep your eyes and ears open’’ he added. He handed a card to Imonitie and continued ‘’we are particularly interested in anyone driving or moving around by 7pm on the 11th. I’m not saying that person did something, but they may be able to help with the investigation. They may have seen or heard something. It is very essential you reach out to us if you hear anything’’

Suddenly a small voice spoke out ‘’I heard something that night’’

Everyone froze and looked in the direction of the young child who was still seated on the couch. Then Pearl rebuked him sharply

‘’Osemudiamen, you should not talk unless you are spoken to. Now get out of here!’’ she yelled.

‘’No, leave him’’ Chichi replied, ‘’darling, what did you hear?’’

‘’Osenobla, this child will not kill me!’’ Pearl moaned, ‘’he was sick on that day – down with a fever. He was shaking like a leaf in harmattan and acting delirious. What could he have heard?’’

‘’Let’s hear him out’’ Imonitie said. ‘’Son, help the police. What did you hear?’’

‘’One woman was crying and shouting that night. That is what I heard’’

‘’Where were you when you heard this?’’ Chichi asked.

‘’In my room’’ the child continued. He pointed in another direction and Unique nodded at him ‘’how old are you young man?’’

Introductions were made and Imonitie sat down with his son by his side. He seemed at ease and was not as uptight as his wife. He was a handsome young man with a dimple on the chin. He was quite tall, muscular and dark with a well chiseled face. He seemed really concerned when Unique mentioned the perpetrator lived within the neighbourhood ‘’we must watch over these young ones’’ Imonitie replied. He held his son in a protective manner and frowned.

Then Unique continued, ‘’every good parent should be worried you know but I must add we are on top of the situation. So I was wondering if you can continue from where we stopped Dr Ebosele. I mean your movement that day‘’

‘’Well it was pretty random. That day, I took the bus to work then returned with my son in the evening. It was a normal day for us. It was not until the next day, we heard of the sad news’’ as Pearl spoke, she kept looking at her husband like she needed his approval or something. Anytime she looked at Imonitie, he would nod like he agreed with her and it was okay to continue.

The detectives noticed it and Unique felt it was slightly odd but for Chichi it was normal. Some married couples acted like that; hell she acted like that sometimes.

Unique watched them some more before throwing out the next question ‘’did any friend come visiting or did you step out after you came home?’’

‘’No’’ they replied in unison. They shook their head to further buttress their point and in that moment, they sounded and looked like twin robots on display.

‘’Do you think it was an outsider?’’Pearl asked.

‘’Well we don’t know yet’’ Unique replied. ‘’What about you sir? How did your day go?’’

Imonitie cleared this throat ‘’well pretty much straight like my wife. It was an uneventful day; I drove the car to work on that day. I dropped my son off at the school and got back as I usually do’’

‘’What time was that?’’

‘’Around 6pm maybe a little later, because I stopped to buy fuel at the station and that was it’’

‘’So perhaps you got home around half six or…’’

‘’I’ll say 6.20 or something like that. Much closer to the 6.15, 6.20 mark’’ Imonitie quickly replied.

Then Chichi asked the next question ‘’did you hear anything that evening? I mean any disturbance or something like that’’

The couple looked at each other and spoke at the same time ‘’no’’

‘’Is there a problem?’’ the pretty lady enquired.

‘’No, not at all’’ Chichi replied. ‘’We are investigating the hit and run incident. We are just going around the neighbourhood and speaking to people. May I come in please?’’

‘’We were just about to head out but…’’

Then Unique cleared his throat and went for the kill ‘’I’m afraid we have to eat into your time. We have cause to believe the killer or killers reside within the neighborhood and we need to start eliminating people ASAP. We just spoke to your neighbour Mrs Noruwa. I can see you have a young child and I presume you’d want to have the beast that did this off your street’’

Immediately, Pearl froze but quickly recovered and began to act like a concerned mother and neighbour ‘’oh certainly, I’ll want the person caught. I’m just shocked someone living around would do that. Professor and Mrs Buwa are the kindest people you’d ever meet. Please come in’’ Pearl led the way into her house and continued to talk ‘’do you think it was done on purpose?’’ she asked.

‘’We don’t know yet’’ Unique replied.

‘’Jesus Christ! That would be devastating. Who on earth would want to do a thing like that? Perhaps it was an accident; I don’t want to imagine we have brutes living in our midst’’

‘’If you don’t mind me asking, how many people live in this house?’’ Unique asked.

‘’Just three of us; my son myself and my husband. Wait let me call him’’ then Pearl began to yell ‘’darlinggggggggggggggggggg! Lord have mercy! Dear, the police are here! Ose, please call your daddy’

Then the little child ran off again ‘’would you like to tell me about your whereabouts on the 11 of August’’ Unique continued. He was the one in charge of the questioning and as he spoke, he made notes while Chichi looked around the modest house.

‘’Yes, yes, I came from work that day. I picked my son from his school and we came in by the normal time 5pm’’

Suddenly Unique frowned at his jotter ‘’sorry how rude of me, I know you as the doctor but can I get your full name please?’’

‘’Oh it’s Dr Ebosele’’ Pearl replied.

Then Chichi smiled at her ‘’Esan wé khin?’’ Pearl smiled back but said nothing else. Still Chichi was excited. So far, something about the Buwa’s and Ebosele excited her. Pearl came from the same region as her husband while Prof was a lawyer just like her husband.

While they continued with the preliminary question and answer session, Chichi admired the young doctor. Pearl looked really classy and casual like a university chick. She must have been about 5’6 or 5’7. Her skin glowed but you wouldn’t describe her as light skinned. It looked like she took good care of herself and used some really expensive cream or perhaps it was just good genes. Chichi concluded Pearl had short hair because she was on feather braids that stopped at the start of her neck.

At some point, Chichi was so impressed she decided to get serious with her exercise and dieting. Right there on Dr Ebosele’s couch, she decided she would start her jogging and squatting again. Her son was old enough and she had stopped br.eastfeeding a long time ago. It was no longer fashionable to have kids and remain big! Suddenly, her daydreaming came to an abrupt end the moment Imonitie strolled in with his son.

TEN

The second they were out of Nogie’s house, Chichi whispered fiercely ‘’what da hell!’’

‘’I swear if I were her husband, I’ll be bald by now. I’ll chew my hair off my bloody scalp! It’s no wonder he just happens to be a business man who travels a lot. I don’t blame him. I would fly to the moon if I were in his shoes!’’

As they spoke, they kept walking in the direction of the doctor’s house which was next door. It was the last property on the street. By the time they arrived at the gate, Unique pushed it inwards and it swung wide open ‘’careless’’ Chichi whispered.

‘’Tell me something I don’t know. One would think they would all lock their gate with what happened the other day’’

They arrived at the steps of the house and knocked. Then the peace of the good doctor and her husband would be destroyed.

The first thing they noticed right after they rang the bell was the patter of tiny feet. A little child no older than 5 years ran out and stared at them before running back inside the house. Then a beautiful woman in her early to mid thirties appeared. She wore a faded jeans and white T-shirt ‘’good day, how may I help you?’’ she asked.

Then Chichi spoke up ‘’good afternoon, it’s the police. We would love to speak to the occupants of the house’’

Immediately there was panic in the woman’s eyes but it was not unusual in these parts. The mention of the name police conjured a lot of emotions: fear, anger, panic, worry, rage, etc.

Then Nogie laughed; it was a funny kind of laughter. It was high pitched, prolonged and capable of breaking glass! Then she continued again ‘’oh you haven’t seen anything yet. Do you know all our names start with the letter N? Nosayaba, Nomagbon, Nicole, Nogie and my husband is Noel. He was born on Christmas day you know. So every Christmas, we have double celebration in this house’’

Then for the first time since the detectives stepped into her compound, Chichi began to laugh and Nogie joined in. Afterwards Nogie continued to explain ‘’I know its funny right but that’s how God wants it. By his grace, I will add another soon and her name will be Nora. Then I will rest from my job of procreation’’

‘’How do you know your next baby will be a girl?’’ Unique asked.

‘’Because God has revealed it to me already’’

Then Unique continued to laugh. He stretched out his hand for a handshake – it was time to keep it moving ‘’thank you for your time Mrs Noruwa. I have a good feeling I will be in touch; nothing extensive just a little bit here and there. In addition, I would like to solicit your help in solving this crime. Please keep your ears and eyes open for any new information. In particular, any neighbour that was out and about on the evening of August the 11th from about say 7pm. Any neighbour who drove his car or had a guest visiting with a car’’

Then Nogie lowered her voice and frowned ‘’if I hear anything, you will be the first person I’ll contact and you can take that to the bank. Would you like to leave your number with me or something?’’

Chichi gave her a card then Nogie smiled and asked ‘’would you like some more cake for the road?’’

‘’No thanks’’ they replied in unison.

Then she bade them farewell as they made their way out.

missterious:
Just like that, Nogie is my favourite character.
I feel like Prof Buwa didn't feel his daughter's death at all. Minutes after seeing her corpse, he's already playing detective?
I missed Unique.
Chichi is married now with a kid? Awesome.
Ride on, touchmeder. Update everyday oh.

Thanks dear. Its great to note readers who got the first part of the story. Makes me feel you completely get where i'm coming from.

UjSizzle:
I like this Nogie character Serious busybody neighbor.


Nice story OP. I also like the Nkemdilim story on your blog (but your Igbo is terrible sha )

LOL it's alright. I'm not Ibo. I blame google translate.
Thanks for bringing it to my notice though. I need to call an Ibo speaking friend soon.

PS: any Bini reader following? Please don't fail to point out my error here as well.

Meanwhile, Nogie continued her take with such zest ‘’a shrill cry broke into the night. My officers, immediately goose pimple appeared all over my body and I could feel the hair at the back of my neck stand! Immediately I locked my doors and put down my curtains. Thankfully my gate was locked, always is. I could hear footsteps running down the street and when it got to the front of my house, the person began to scream and shake the gate. Immediately, I put off the lamp and headed for my room. No more generator that night; me I nor wan know. Even my egusi soup was left half cooked until the following morning. It was the next day I heard it was Mrs Buwa lamenting the night before. Chai! I felt so bad I could not come out and help but it was not my fault now. Na naija we dey plus I am a young woman with no man to protect me’’

‘’I understand’’ Unique whispered.

‘’My officers, na so I take see the matter oh. Like I said, I went to bed immediately and it was the next day I heard the full story’’

‘’So you heard nothing before the cry. I mean like if a car went by or anything…’’

‘’No, no, no, no nothing of that sort – sorry. I was cooking in my kitchen. I couldn’t have heard a thing if someone was having a go at it in my living room!’’

Then Chichi coughed and Nogie apologized ‘’I’m sorry just trying to make it clear, I didn’t hear or see anything’’

Then Chichi got up, for her, Nogie’s attempt at helping came to naught. It was a complete waste of time and they needed to leave her house ASAP! She stretched out his hand for a handshake ‘’thank you for your time Mrs erm…’’

‘’Noruwa – Mrs Nogie Nekpen Noruwa’’

‘’That’s a bit of a tongue twister’’ Unique joked. ‘’I bet I’ll struggle if I had to say that really fast’’

Before the detectives sat down, Nogie rushed towards the sofa and began to dust it. Once she was done, she smiled at them and announced it was okay to sit down. Then she kicked some toys aside and began to grumble when one injured her ‘’oh my God, what an evil tricycle! What do I do with these children of mine? Everywhere is like a playroom to them. Oh a mother’s job is indeed fulltime’’

The detectives smiled at themselves but said nothing. Once Nogie was satisfied with her attempt at clearing her parlor, she ran to the kitchen and fetched a huge slice of cake with cold water. She arranged it in front of the detectives and announced with gusto ‘’my home made carrot cake. Please enjoy’’

Then she spent the next few minutes, giving then a low down of every soul who lived on the street – none was exempt! Of course she began with Professor Buwa and his kind wife who worked as a geography teacher in a government secondary school. She knew the rich chief who lived opposite them; she quickly added he was the one with the hideous pitanga plant.

She knew the neighbours who occupied the house before the Buwa’s. Nogie added that the owner was a cocky old doctor who suddenly felt he was better than everyone. She said he was lucky enough to run to Saudi Arabia when they were badly in need of doctors. She added that he was once a simple doctor who worked at UBTH. She went on to say he was so rich now. He even bought the house opposite and now rented it out to a hermit! She said it was so bad, no one knew what the spinster (hermit) looked like. But she quickly added that she had met the lady and the woman worked at government house.

She went on to tell them about Engineer Akindele and his young family who lived opposite her house. She said his children (Bimbo and Shola) loved the evil red fruit they call pitanga. She spoke about the elderly widow who lived after Professor Buwa. She said Mrs Bricks was a lovely soul but her problem was she didn’t know how to let go off her son ‘’that boy should be 35 plus but he is still living with his mother! It is so sad because he should be in his own house with his own wife and children. I don’t know how Mrs Bricks can be comfortable with someone else’s husband in her home! She needs to kick that boy out. He has sucked enough bre.ast!’’

Then she continued on like a typewriter. She spoke about the recluse (who lived opposite the Ebosele’s) and his young mistress – emphasis on the word mistress and not wife. She stressed the lady was latching on to the poor widow. She said the mistress drove the late wife and took over the house. She spoke about the recluse son (a young lawyer) and she called him a good for nothing ‘charge and bail’ lawyer ‘’bum is what he is!’’ Nogie cried out, ‘’once you see him, you’d know what I mean. He cannot be older than 25/26 but the smoking has made him age considerably!’’

At that junction, Chichi frowned her fair face – she was an advocate for all lawyers and she didn’t like to hear rubbish about the noble people! Then Nogie, spoke about her family. She said her husband was a business man who was away most of the time. She quickly added that every other neighbour she had not mentioned were not so relevant.

Then finally she capped up by speaking about the wonderful doctor who lived with her husband and son in the next compound. By the time she was done, Chichi felt like throwing her exceptionally sweet cake in her face! On the other hand, Unique was excited, there was nothing as good as a chatty neighbour. They could cut your work in half and throw more light on a nagging issue. Unique watched her talk some more before he asked the next question ‘’so what happened that night?’’ He continued to munch his cake; the cake was crap but he was hungry so he didn’t mind.

Then Nogie continued to chatter like a parrot ‘’oh what a night it was! I was alone with the kids and the small girl that stays with me. My husband was away on another business trip; God bless him - still is by the way. My kids were in the bedroom and my help was trying to get the baby to sleep. I was in the kitchen preparing the soup for the following day then NEPA took their yeye light. Before I could find my rechargeable lamp to put on my generator, what did I hear? My good officers, ask me what I heard’’

Chichi rolled her eyes in her mind but she could see Unique was having a ball ‘’what did you hear?’’ he asked. He had pushed his jotter aside and was recording the conversation with Nogie’s permission. She spoke too much and too fast so it was necessary in her case.

gal10:
Welldone touchmeder! Good to see this! Following ya. Please don't stop!

Oh thanks. Its good to have you with this story.

Chichi looked at Unique and he shook his head to indicate it wasn’t necessary so she quickly continued ‘’no need, just show me here, in your parlor’’

Some seconds later, it was done. Michael insisted he was by the gate while his sister was some feet away. From his explanation, it appeared like he was partially within the compound when the initial impact occurred. He explained that he was going to tell his parents that Maureen was trying to cross the road. With the recreation done, give or take Maureen was about 8 to 10 feet away.

***

By the time, the detectives got out of the house, they heaved a collective sigh of relief ‘’I never want to do that again’’ Chichi announced.

‘’Then you better hand in your resignation’’ Unique advised.

‘’Jesus Christ! That was emotionally draining; I need to see a shrink or something. How long did we spend in there and to think we still have 8 houses!’’

‘’We better get cracking then. I don’t think we need to worry too much about the first two houses for now. We can safely conclude the occupants are not the perpetrators although they might have seen or heard something. I’m willing to place my money on the houses at the bottom of the street so let’s work our way up from there’’

‘’Good thinking’’ Chichi concluded.

Xyz

‘’Its okay sir, we will do our best’’ Chichi whispered. ‘’It’s important you also realize that the perpetrator of this dastardly act may not be a neighbour. It might be a visitor who will not mention a thing to his host’’

The professor was quiet for a while as he pondered on what Chichi just said. Some seconds later, he announced ‘’you have a point officer. It’s somewhat comforting to see it like that but something tells me that was not the case. I feel it deep within and I can’t explain it’’

‘’And that is what we will help to unravel’’ Unique concluded. ‘’I was wondering if we could speak to the kids now’’

Then Professor Buwa nodded at them and began to yell their names. He was still seated on his chair but Chichi felt it would be better if they spoke to the kids alone. As long as the younger one didn’t feel threatened in anyway, it was better that way. Some children were more outspoken in the absence of their parents. She gave the professor a wry smile and asked if anyone else lived with them and he replied in the negative. Then Chichi continued quietly ‘’I was wondering if we could speak to the children alone?’’

The professor look perplexed for a second or two then he shrugged his shoulders ‘’erm… that’s fine but all I ask is that you be gentle with the little one. I don’t want a case where he is made to go on and on about what he has no idea about. I don’t want anyone to take him on a guilt trip’’
‘’It’s not a problem prof, we are professionals and we handle cases like this all the time’’ Chichi replied.

Then Professor Buwa excused himself and the children emerged. Dennis had little or nothing to add to what his dad said. He said before the incident, he was in his room and he didn’t hear anything. He said he was lying on his bed with his headphone blasting music. He actually had the large headphone around his neck as he spoke. He insisted no car drove in or left the street.

There was no chance someone drove by after the incident. He said he sat by the corner and watched. As a matter of fact, his father recruited the mallam across their house and the street was barricaded. Some neighbours hung around as well and kept them company until his father returned.

Once Dennis was done with his version, he asked to be excused so they allowed him leave. He wandered off somewhere and returned with a glass of water and bloodshot eyes. Next it was the turn of the young Michael.

Xyz.

Unique studied the young man as he opened the gate slowly. He could not have been older than 16 to 17 years of age. His face was riddled with a lot of pimples but that was okay for a growing boy. He wore a tight sky blue T-shirt and a pair of dark brown jeans. He appeared sad but if you bent you head in another direction, you could easily mistake the look for one of resignation.

Suddenly the young boy spoke up again ‘’my father has been expecting you people since the start of the week’’

‘’And what of your mother?’’

‘’She is away on a trip’’

‘’Is your father at home?’’ Unique asked.

‘’Yes he is’’

Then Chichi took over from him her colleague ‘’I presume you are Dennis?’’

‘’Yes I am ma’’

‘’We are sorry for your loss. We will do everything within our power to help. Please stick around because we have some questions to ask’’

Then Dennis nodded at them and pushed the door aside. As he ran up the stairs to call his father, Unique looked around the house. It was a beautiful house with all the trappings of a wealthy owner. There were pictures on a low table and it was heartbreaking to see the picture of the young girl.

On the wall, stood more pictures; family pictures, paintings and a large clock. A beautiful chandelier was stationed at the center of the ceiling. At the far end of the parlor, there was a picture of the patriarch. It was quite large and it looked rather imposing ‘’see your husband people’’ Unique whispered.

Then Chichi’s face lit up with a smile ‘’the learned ones. Who is as noble a barrister? Show me a profession that compares with the men and women in wig’’

‘’Ermmmmmmmm… drag queens, burlesque dancers or actors in an 18th century stage play’’

‘’Asshole!’’ Chichi whispered.

almadebe:
Very nice story meder, I pity Mrs buma, pearl too

Thanks

‘’Why not channel all that emotion into holy anger? Holy anger that will not make you rest until we catch the killer. Holy anger that will propel you with a vengeance’’

Then Chichi reached for a bar of chocolate and peeled off the wrapper slowly. She bit into it and sighed in satisfaction ‘’I need a cup of coffee’’ she announced. All the while Unique watched her with a smile playing at the corner of his mouth ‘’whatttttttttttttt?’’ she yelled.

‘’Finish your chocolate and come over so we can discuss our game plan. We have a lot of people to interview. 8 houses nor be beans…’’

‘’8 houses? Chei! Hit and run on a major road is even better because people would not allow the driver get away. Oh God, why did I join the police force?’’ Chichi joked.

‘’You know I ask myself that same question every bloody time. By the way, you got chocolate stuck by the corner of your mouth.

Then Chichi bowed her head and began to rub her mouth while Unique continued to laugh at her.

Xyz.

Xyz

***

A week after the incident, Professor Buwa went to see his old friend at the police station. The ASP had heard about the sad development and had even visited the Buwas. He had to; he once played an important role in the little girl’s life. The friends spoke for sometime before Prof revealed what was on his mind.

Then ASP Kassim Kolawole interlaced his fingers and sighed deeply ‘’don’t you worry about it. We are talking 8 houses with the killer living in one of them. Don’t you worry; I have the right man for the job’’

‘’I trust you and I’ll appreciate your help. My wife is going away for a long time – about a month and half. She will be leaving by the end of this week so it’s perfect time for me.’’

‘’Why do you say so?’’ the inspector asked.

‘’Well because you need to be wired in a certain way to pursue this sort of thing to a logical conclusion. Unfortunately Roli is not that way; she is the type that will hinder it from the word go’’

‘’Then we might have a small problem. What do you intend to do with the culprit after he has been found? Your wife would not be there forever so why do you think she would not influence you to drop the case by the time she returns?’’

‘’Because I want to believe, we would have found the killer by then. Once I set off on this journey there is no stopping me. I can be sidetracked before it begins but not when I know the killer. So to answer your question, I would like whoever is responsible for this to feel the full weight of the law. I am not a lawyer for nothing; I know my right. To that end, I won’t stop until that person is brought to book’’

‘’Uhmnnnnnnnnnnnnn! It remains your right after all. However I must be honest with you from the word go. Sadly, these sort of cases are not top priority for the police. The problem is that most times, victims of these sort of crimes choose to settle out of court. In a developed society, the state takes it upon itself to prosecute such crimes and give closure to the victim’s family even if the accused has apologised and is truly sorry’’

Xyz

It seemed like everybody was doing what the group did. They stood up to pray and everyone stood up with them. They went around offering comforting words and everyone stood in line as well. Suddenly, Pearl found herself on the queue. She was actually the last one in line. She was nowhere near Mrs Buwa but her heart was already doing summersaults in her chest! It would be the first time she would touch Mrs Buwa but such a simple act had elevated to something else.

She almost didn’t want to do it but everyone was doing it and it seemed they were all taking their leave with the group. As Pearl knelt before Mrs Buwa, she suddenly burst into tears. It was slightly surprising because at this point, the loud outburst had come to an end. Besides, the sympathizers were not the ones weeping so loud, it was close family members or Mrs Buwa. For a moment, it seemed like the world stood still as both women came face to face. Nogie raised an eyebrow in confusion and one or two individuals looked at themselves in surprise.

Immediately, Mrs Buwa embraced Pearl and began to cry with her. Pearl had her head behind Mrs Buwa’s shoulder so people could not see her facial expression ‘’I’m so sorry for your loss’’ Pearl whispered over and over again.

‘’Thank you my dear sister’’ Mrs Buwa replied.

She was too weak to escort anyone outside and she bade them farewell as the group made their way out of her house.


The return journey back to Pearl’s house was devoid of the usual chatter. Nogie noticed it but she was smart enough to keep quiet. For some reason the kind doctor had broken down at the end of the visit and it was not the time to engage in idle chatter. By the time they arrived at Nogie’s house, she ran off to get Ose. She had a live in relative hence her childcare chore was practically split in half.

Some seconds later, Nogie returned holding a reluctant Ose by the hand. The children seemed to have enjoyed themselves and Ose didn’t want to go home. Pearl kept pulling his arm and at some point, she pointed a finger in his face and said some words in Ishan. That seemed to calm the child and produce the desired effect. By the time she opened her front door, Imonitie was waiting for her with his arms folded across his chest ‘’welcome’’ she greeted.