Hit and Run II

The usual Lagos traffic bothered her a lot today. She had to be at Ojuelegba by 10am. “Why didn’t he just stay on the island?” Daberechi said out loud. These were days when she hated coming to the mainland. To distract herself, she decided to think of pleasant things, like how she loved living on the island. She smiled at the fact that water surrounded her and she could see the ocean whenever she felt like. She paid the beach frequent visits that the waters would have accepted her as one of their own, if it were possible. The island was also quiet, yeah, she loved her peace. She checked her watch, it was 9:45am. “Damn it, I’m going to be late!”
The events that followed her return to Lagos after her father’s burial had been enormous. She frequently contacted Bar. Ike who told her that her father’s will will be read when the family was together. That wouldn’t be difficult, once Uncle Somto was free, he’d come to Lagos with his family. She was always at the office, attending meetings, visiting clients, going to sites and so on. She also stayed home sometimes, to check up on Chika, though it was the other way round. Chika cooked wonderfully well, she took up most of the cooking from the servants. Daberechi was impressed, she wasn’t a bad cook herself but Chika was awesome. She was also preoccupied with finding her father’s killer.
In fact, her rendezvous on the mainland was with the private detective she hired. She had found out that her dad had been to the office that day with his driver but had left alone. According to Ahmed, the driver, “Oga just say he wan drive himself, me I no know why.” Even Mr Johnson, her father’s right hand had said, “he said he was going for a visit, that he would be back, the devil just took him too early, what a pity.” He had being acting weird that morning, telling her things about the lands at Olawole and how important they were. He had said he’d tell her more when he came back, well, he never came back. She also found out that her dad had met with Mr Kanyisola, a land surveyor, that day. She had met with him to know what the meeting was about, he responded, “Chief was making sure the Olawole lands were well guarded and not sold off.” Still about the Olawole lands, what was so important about them. She would find out. She got to Ojuelegba at about 10:10 and made a left turn. She drove for another 15 minutes and stopped in front of a small house. A young, attractive man got into the front seat of her car. “You are late”, he said, with a frown. “I know”, she apologized, “traffic. Hope no one followed you?” He didn’t answer, but asked her the same thing, “hope no one followed you?” She smirked. He dropped a brown envelope on her lap and said, “I’ll be expecting my money before the day runs out.” “Definitely, if whatever is inside here is helpful”, she said, opening the envelope.
She didn’t like what she saw. “How’s this possible?” she asked, holding about two pictures, “my uncle wasn’t in Lagos the day my dad died”. Well, maybe your uncle has a twin”, he replied with an evil smile, “so, you have two uncles.”  She stared at him, this guy made her uncomfortable on different levels, she didn’t like the way he looked at her and she definitely didn’t like his sense of humor. But, he was the best detective she could get. “I’ll send your money, keep digging, leave now”, she said, starting her car. He left and she drove off. She was deep in thoughts. “Why didn’t Uncle Somto tell me he saw dad that day? Why didn’t he tell me he was in Lagos?” Uncle Somto was in charge of the business in Enugu, he came to Lagos from time to time and he always told her when he was around. She didn’t want to suspect her uncle, but this was serious. She decided not to tell him anything yet. Well, Chikanyiama would have to talk one way or the other.
She headed home. She didn’t even notice the traffic, her mind was filled with so many questions. When she arrived, Chika came out to meet her. “Daby, ahu a dikwa gi?” it’s just past noon, what are you doing home so early?” “Well, I decided to take you out, you’ve been home all through, at least I think you have, we are going to the beach, get dressed”, Daby said walking in. Before she could go a few steps, Chika jumped on her. “Okay, take it easy girl”, she said, perplexed, “I’m not sending you to Dubai.” “Ehn, Daby, you are za best cousin in the world”, Chika said, laughing, “please it’s beach wear you will give me.” They walked in together and Daby smiled. She had to act normal to prevent Chika from suspecting her doubts of her father. This was going to be the first of many hangouts.



*Note: This is fiction, some places mentioned “Olawole Lands” do not exist.*


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