THE SELECTED SEVEN

CHAPTER TEN

SHOCKING NEWS

As the professor made his way home after a brief stop, during which he shared a remarkable handshake with a beautiful and mysterious woman he encountered, he was blissfully unaware that this moment would be the last handshake he would ever experience in his life. It was a chance meeting on a busy street corner, the sun setting in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow that highlighted her striking features. Their hands met in a firm yet delicate clasp, and in that fleeting moment, a connection seemed to spark between them, a silent acknowledgment of shared stories and hidden depths that neither would fully understand at that moment.

Indeed, the power of a woman cannot be underestimated. Women possess an inherent ability to inspire profound changes in those they interact with, often in subtle yet impactful ways. This power extends beyond mere physical allure; it embodies the essence of wisdom, empathy, and resilience they carry within themselves. It is often said that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; while this sentiment holds some truth, it is only partially accurate. The true beginning of wisdom stems from the reverence of women, regardless of how small or seemingly insignificant they may appear. Women are the bearers of life; they brought us into this world, nurturing our lives through their sacrifices and love. It is through them that we will eventually return to our ancestors, emphasizing the need to navigate our lives with care and consideration.

In their pursuit of life's endeavors, women often refrain from unnecessary noise or drama, unlike many men who frequently thrive amidst chaos. Their approach is often characterized by a nurturing spirit and a keen insight into the emotional undercurrents of the people around them. They exercise common sense and wisdom, utilizing a calm approach that empowers them to achieve positive outcomes. This stands in stark contrast to men, who sometimes falter due to impulsiveness and rash decisions, driven by the need to assert their dominance or exhibit their strength. The silent strength of women often leads to resolution and peace, qualities that are vital in any societal structure, serving as the glue that holds families and communities together.

As they drove along the familiar route, Professor Kelvin Innocent's assistant, Bradford Thompson, noticed something unusual about his boss—a condition he had never witnessed before. Usually, the professor maintained his composure and alertness, never resting in his vehicle; however, this time he appeared to be slumbering peacefully, like a child who had finally succumbed to the sweet embrace of sleep after a long day of play. His face was relaxed, free from the worries that seemed to etch deep lines during his intensive days of campaigning, where the pressures and expectations loomed heavy.

Contemplating what to do, the assistant pondered whether he should summon Professor Innocent from his slumber. After several moments of deliberation, he ultimately decided against it, reasoning that the professor must have been exhausted after addressing over a million people on the campaign trail during their recent tour. "He must be extremely tired from the campaign," he thought to himself. "There’s no point in waking him up; he deserves this rest." He appreciated the weight of the responsibilities that lay on the professor's shoulders—the long hours filled with speeches, handshakes, and the need to inspire a nation with his vision.

Upon their arrival at the professor's house, the chauffeur parked in the designated area, alongside other vehicles that had accompanied them to the campaign ground. Bradford Thompson stepped out of the car and, with a sense of duty, opened the back door for his boss to alight. However, as he leaned in to gently rouse the professor, he was struck by a harrowing realization—Professor Innocent was lifeless, his body still and cold. A rush of panic flooded through him as he comprehended the weight of the moment, horrified at the thought of what this unforeseen tragedy could mean, not only for the campaign but for the lives irrevocably altered by the professor's influences. The handshake shared earlier—a poignant reminder of the fragility of life—echoed in his mind, intensifying his grief.

This shocking revelation rippled through everyone present, leaving mouths agape and eyes wide in astonishment and disbelief. The once, warm glow of the day turned frigid in an instant, an ironic contrast to the deepening sense of loss that enveloped the crowd. They confronted the stark reality of the professor's untimely demise, their hearts sinking under the weight of grief as they grappled with the loss of a man who had inspired countless individuals with his passion for knowledge and unwavering commitment to education.

"What happened to my husband?" Veronica, the wife of the deceased, implored through her sobs, her voice trembling with despair as she fixed her gaze on Mathew Beldray, the husband's special driver.

Mathew was a seasoned professional, known for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to the professor for years, but in this moment, he felt entirely helpless.

Surrounded by the cacophony of emotions, Veronica stood amid a chaotic scene filled with bustling onlookers, emergency responders, and the remnants of shattered dreams and unfulfilled promises, her heart aching with a pain that felt insurmountable.

Mathew stood there, staring at her with a vacant expression, clearly at a loss for words; the shock of the incident rendered him speechless as if the world around him had slowed down to a standstill. The air was thick with tension, and the weight of the moment bore down on them both like a tangible force.

"Are you daft? Am I not talking to you?" Her frustration boiled over like a pot left unattended, and she glared at him, anger etched deeply on her face. The bittersweet mix of tears in her eyes flowed freely, melding with the fury of a wife who had just lost her partner, her confidant, and her greatest supporter. Each heartbeat felt like a reminder of her profound loss, fueling her indignation at the chilling absence of answers as to why this tragedy had occurred.

"Madam, I am very sorry," Mathew replied, bowing his head apologetically, his own heart racing with the enormity of her grief. He felt utterly helpless in the face of such overwhelming sorrow as if he were but a bystander in a tragedy far greater than himself. "The personal assistant is in a better position to answer your question," he added in a desperate bid to redirect her focus, hoping to diffuse some of the escalating tension in the air, though he recognized the futility of his words, which felt more like a weak lifeline in the storm of her despair.

Turning her penetrating gaze toward Bradford, the personal assistant, she demanded, "Who took my husband's life?" Her voice trembled, a haunting mix of pleading and fury as if she were searching for a shred of truth within the nightmare that had suddenly enveloped her existence. She felt as though her world had been upended, and she needed answers to restore even a fragment of her shattered reality.

"Madam, I don’t know. We found him dead inside the car," Bradford replied, his voice thick with emotion, a tremor weaving through each word like a shivering leaf in the autumn breeze. Tears streamed down his cheeks unbidden, and he struggled to maintain his composure, painfully aware of the gravity of the situation, the loss they all felt weighing heavily on him. "Honestly, you must believe me..."

"Stop lying to me. I know when people are lying!" Veronica's eyes flared with intensity, sharp and piercing, as they darted toward the armed guards assigned to protect her husband's life. The guards stood like statues, their expressions impassive yet somber, adding to her sense of isolation. "What can you say about my husband's sudden departure?" Her words hung in the air, heavy with accusation and a sense of betrayal, as if every moment of silence was a damning testament to their failure. In that moment, she felt an urge to challenge the very fabric of their reality, demanding accountability in a world that seemed so cruelly indifferent to her pain.

It was death that took him," one of the guards replied, attempting to offer comfort amidst the chaos with a calmness he scarcely felt. There was a tremor in his voice, betraying the storm of emotions raging inside him. "Take heart, ma!" he added, though the words felt hollow in the face of such profound loss.

"Death doesn’t kill. It is people who kill people!" she interrupted fiercely, her voice rising with every word, echoing with passion and indignation. Each syllable was charged with a blend of grief and fury that seemed to reverberate in the air around them. "What use are you and your guns when you cannot defend an innocent man who is advocating for the emancipation and freedom of our people? He was fighting for justice, and you stood by idly! Find the killers of my husband. I repeat, find the killers of my husband!" The finality of her command echoed in the silence that followed, an urgent note amid despair, a poignant reminder of her husband's unwavering commitment to their noble cause, and her desperate need for answers that felt just out of reach. Her heart pounded as she spoke, each beat a prayer for justice amidst a tempest of grief and rage that would not subside until the truth was uncovered.

As the news of Professor Kelvin Innocent's sudden demise spread like wildfire, igniting conversations from street corners to community gatherings, the entire community and the state at large were engulfed in mourning. The shockwaves of his passing resonated far beyond his immediate circles; they radiated through the classrooms, lecture halls, and community centers where he had so profoundly impacted lives. Kelvin was not just a scholar; he was a beacon of hope for many, renowned for his substantial contributions to the fields of education and social activism. His extensive research on marginalized communities exposed systemic inequalities and illuminated the struggles of those whose voices often went unheard. He had devoted years to enlightening others about the importance of social equity, facilitating workshops that equipped individuals with the tools to advocate for themselves.

His passionate speeches advocating for social justice and equality resonated deeply with people from all walks of life, inspiring students, activists, and professionals alike to join the fight for change. Each public appearance was nothing short of electrifying—his fiery rhetoric stirred the hearts of listeners, often leaving them motivated to translate words into action. He possessed the rare ability to inspire others to stand up against inequality and discrimination, igniting a sense of purpose and empowerment that led to grassroots movements across the region.

His death struck a devastating blow to all who believed in his vision for a better society, leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill. In those first hours following the news, whispers of disbelief transformed into a collective vow to carry forward his legacy. Friends and supporters pledged to honor his memory by continuing the fight he had so passionately embraced, determined to seek out justice not only for Kelvin but for all those who had once found strength and an unwavering sense of hope in his presence.