Desperate Moves

12

I was jolted out of my reverie by Sam’s voice. I turned to see that he was set so I went in to call Cynthia. She was just putting finishing touches to her make-up. I went into my room to cover the flask containing the food, which I had left open to prevent the noodles getting mushy. I bagged it, grabbed my purse and my phone and headed out. Cynthia came out of her room just as I finished locking the door.

When we arrived the station, we approached the lady we met at the counter - thank God it was not the same lady we met the day before - and asked of Officer John. She instead, asked our purpose of visit, to which Sam narrated. She then directed us to meet with another Officer. After another long narration, he beckoned on a junior officer and asked him to go get Tosin.

Tosin came out looking forlorn, with black rims around his eyes. He sat down opposite us but avoided all eye contact. I broke the silence after an awkward thirty seconds of quiet.

“Good morning.”

His only response was a nod.

Another minute passed before I could find my voice again.

“I’m really sorry, Tosin.” I waited for him to say something but he just raised his head, looked at me for a brief two seconds before letting turning back his attention to his hands. I went on

“I think one way of solving this is by calling all those that were present immediately after the incident. We need to talk to someone so all those that were present can be brought in for questioning.”

“What would be the need? Are you trying to get more people tangled in this? His voice dripped with venom.

“Tosin, you are making this more difficult for me. I want to try and extricate you from this.” I was close to tears.

“Extricate? How are you sure I am not guilty?” he furrowed his eyebrows into a frown.

“My instincts tell me you are innocent.”

“What if your instincts are wrong?”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “You are innocent until proven guilty. At least let me satisfy my conscience. It won’t be fair for you to be punished for another man’s sins.”

Sam shifted uncomfortably on his seat while I was trying to converse with Tosin. He was making great effort to not interrupt our conversation.

Just then, Officer John walked in. it was a huge relief as it looked like he was much more concerned about the case. After the formalities, I explained to him the need to bring in all those that were present after the incident. He was willing to follow the lead, so he asked

“How many people came outside after the incident?” he had his focus on Cynthia.

“I came out to meet, I think, four people.” She responded, her voice quivering slightly.

“Was Tosin one of them?”

“Yes.”

“Who were the other three persons?”

“Anaele, Solomon and Anastasia.”

“Are they all tenants?”

“Yes.” She said with a slight nod of her head.

“What of the landlord of the apartment?

“He’s not living in the compound.”

“Alright. Are the people you met at the scene at home?” he was ready to swing into action.

She glanced at her wrist watch before responding. “I think Anaele and Anastasia will be back from church by now. They are Catholics. I don’t know about Solomon.”

Officer John quickly dispatched two officers to go along with Cynthia to get them, while myself, Sam and Tosin waited.

I had completely forgotten about the food I brought for Tosin to eat until they had left. It was then Sam reminded me about it. I asked the officer to allow him to eat and he granted. At first he had wanted to turn down the offer of food, but I pressed on him to eat and he reluctantly accepted. He ate quickly and then gulped down the sachet of water I handed him.

“I didn’t do it.” his gaze was directed at Sam.

Both of us turned to stare at him. He ignored our puzzled looks and continued.

“I want you to take my word for it, that I didn’t commit this felony. Edidiong is one lady I have come to like a lot and to respect so much. She is a wonderful friend whom I have come to take as my sister. Yes, I am not a good person like her,” he made air quotes at good. “But I respect her sincerity and maturity a lot. She has never made me feel condemned, neither has she ever pressurized me to accept her ways even though she has talked to me about it quite a number of times. I hold her in very high esteem. I have no reason to have done that to her. I was deeply hurt when I went out that night to realize what had happened. I know saying this may not absolve me from this accusation but I want to let you know any way.” He let out a loud sigh as he concluded.

I sat riveted to my seat, stunned at his words. I’ve known he liked and respected me a lot, but hearing him admit it in this fashion brought tears to my eyes. I became more determined to see him being set free.

“Hmm!” Sam let out a sigh. “I just want the felons to be found and brought to book.”

“I strongly believe they will be caught.” Tosin said.