HOPE IT'S OVER 4

I was overshadowed by my own thoughts. My heart densely populated with fear. I took a long look at the station and made my eyes pierce through the prisons. I caught the sufferings of men behind the thick iron bars, it was nothing to wish or experience unlike those often portrayed in American movies. All I needed was my traveling credentials, everything, and I would be good as the air.

Steve was already outside the station to take us back home. He opened the back door for me to rest my head, while Dennis sat beside him at the front. I could hear Dennis repeating the whole scenario at Steve's wish on our way back.

"Really?" He said, "but how come you couldn't recognise any of the two?"

"Just like I said earlier, I got out late, I couldn't see them well."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sir."

There was a brief silence after the interrogation. I didn't believe I was already getting Steve worried about me.

I thought he was just who he was, timid and gullible. Dennis got down from the car just as we got home, while I waited behind to talk to Steve. "I don't know why all these are happening to me at this time, I don't." I cried, painlessly. I got down, and headed to my flat, to make up for the mess. I was waiting for Steve to also get down and join me in rearranging the rooms but he wouldn't. He rather drove off.

Steve must be angry with me, I guessed. Well, he had every reason to be. I laid my back on the couch, trying to find some rest. I tried stretching to reach the remote controller. Sure, African Magic was my favorite. I wanted to see my best actor on scene again. His look, tall, moderate in size. I loved his humour. I have watched him acted several roles in movies and no matter what the part might be, he would always deliver. Recently, Lade had been awarded the best Nollywood actor, and I was so happy for him.

A scene portrayed my current situation, and my mind was up again, agitated. The picture of the two officers involved in Gabriel's investigation seeped into my memory. Fear gripped me so tight. I felt I wasn't safe for any reason. I had to be sure Don left no trace behind, lest we're found so soon and easy. I quickly reached for my android to make a call.

"Hello, Don."

"My lady, my lady. New job for me?"

"No, but we might be having problem. Where are you? We need to meet."

"What? Can't we discuss it over the phone?"

"Dummy! We can't. Where are you?"

"Arena. You have two hours to meet me before I leave for an assignment."

"Okay. I will see you in a jiffy."

Don's place was just some blocks outside my estate, and it wasn't difficult to get a cab going to that area. He puffed another cloudy smoke to welcome me to his Arena, as he so called it.

"What's the matter?" He asked.

"I never knew Gabriel was Steve's family doctor's son."

"Really?"

"He was not just their son, he was their only hope."

"Wow. Bad loss for them."

"Yea. Very bad and painful. I was at their house today and I met the police there. They are already investigating the case."

"Okay?"

"Ugh! Okay?" Do you know how fearful I am right now? Wait. Are you sure you never left any trace behind?"

"You have asked me this several times. I didn't."

Okay. Let's just hope we don't get discovered."

"Discover?" He said. "Never. They can't. It is only when you commit a crime you become afraid of being discovered."

"What? I don't get."

"Maybe it's high time I told you the truth." He sighed lightly, puffing another smoke. "I didn't kill Gabriel."

"Ugh? What are you talking about?"

"Someone else did. He had already been murdered before I got to his place. Seemed he had many enemies other than you."

"You mean you didn't kill him?"

"No, I didn't."

"You son of a bitch," I yelled, "and you still had the heart to collect the remaining balance from me, despite you were not the one who murdered him."

"That's how life is, my lady. You wouldn't expect me to be faithful, would you?"

"Okay. Okay." I said, trying to calm myself. "So what next now?"

"Nothing, than for the police to get the real murderer arrested."

It was already night. I returned to the street to get a cab that could take me back to my estate. My mind remained unrest. If Don did not kill Gabriel as I ordered, then who did? I was trying to fix the puzzle. Could I link the murder of Gabriel to my stolen travelling credentials? Sure, I could. It's possible. The person who killed Gabriel could have been the same who broke into my flat. Maybe my guess was wrong. Maybe they're two different people. Free air was blowing in through the open windows, but I was still sweating in the cab. I wished it was over, but it's like things just got started.

Story by: MICHEALHADEN & TABITHA