Road To Hegemony

PROLOGUE, CH2: SHADE BALOGUN

As early as her childhood, Mrs. Shade Balogun had been diagnosed with a somewhat severe hormonal disorder. Fortunately, most of its effects had been benign and could be managed; some through the use of drugs, others through exercise, diet, and other lifestyle choices. On the other hand, a few of the symptoms had been malignant. Hence, Mrs. Balogun had been forced to follow a strict and discipline health regimen

 Senior Detective Balogun was shocked and confused. Even with all her health issues, this was the first time she collapsed so suddenly. He was very alarmed.

“ Shade! Shade!!” he called to his wife but silence was the response he got.

He quickly brought his right ear close to her nose and found that she was breathing if only so faintly. He calmed down a little realising she only fainted. He carefully placed her on the bed.

"I have to call for an ambulance." said Senior Detective Balogun as he reached for his phone but suddenly decided against it, "It would be faster if I used my car." Not only was his car equipped with a siren for emergencies, but the hospital was also close to their resident. In fact, the proximity to the hospital was one of the criteria for choosing their current residence.

Senior Detective Balogun quickly carried his wife in a princess carry and dashed for the garage.

 “Good thing Kola had already gone to school, the last thing his mother would want is for her health to burden him when he sits for his JAMB exam today.”  Mumbled Senior Detective Balogun as he passed his son's room

He soon got to the garage. He went to his car’s passenger seat and strapped his wife in with the seat belt. He then got into the driver’s seat and sped off to the hospital.

Onikan Hospital

The Onikan hospital was formerly a medium-size health centre but was rebuilt two years ago to increase its size. This was done to relieve the patient load of the Lagos Island General Hospital. Its proximity to the Obalende Police Estate made it the first choice for police officers and their families.

Senior Detective Balogun quickly sped into the hospital’s front parking area and headed for the gynaecology wing of the hospital. He was no stranger to the gynaecology wing as he had brought his wife there numerous times for her routine check-up due to her illness or sometimes just to meet her good friend and doctor, Dr. Ayoola Maja.

Mrs. Shade Balogun and Dr. Ayoola Maja had first met at a university social event through a mutual friend. They both found out that they had a lot in common and hit it off. They met again at the university teaching hospital where Dr. Ayoola Maja was undergoing her residency when Mrs. Shade Balogun went for a check-up and they had been friends ever since. In fact, Mrs. Shade Balogun was Dr. Ayoola Maja’s legal representative while Dr. Ayoola Maja was her doctor. Dr. Ayoola Maja’s position as a staff of the Onikan Hospital was also played a role in choosing their current residence.

Entering into the gynaecology wing, Senior Detective Balogun called a nurse who quickly brought a mobile bed and took Mrs. Balogun to a private ward. She then speedily headed out to call Dr. Maja. About two minutes later, Dr. Maja arrived and entered the ward while Senior Detective Balogun was asked to wait outside.

Senior Detective Balogun brought out his phone and called his partner, Uzo Emeka.

Lagos Island Police Station, Major Crimes Section

Detective Uzo Emeka was in front of a board explaining the progress of the current case when his phone suddenly rang. He saw the caller ID and quickly picked the call. “Hello sir, where are you? We are almost ready to move out for the raid.”

”There is an emergency at home. I had to rush my wife to the hospital. She suddenly lost consciousness this morning. I don’t think I can make it to the work today. Get another detective to go with you and the Special Weapons and Armed Tactics (S.W.A.T) team to raid the hideout. Also, tell the captain I won't make it in today." Replied Senior Detective Balogun in a tired and bitter tone. He had been waiting outside the private ward for just a few minutes but the mental toll he was in made it feel like a year had passed.

“Ok boss, I’ll do that. Do you want me to come over? We can always conduct the raid later.” Said Detective Uzo Emeka

“No! You don’t need to come over. You must conduct the raid and make sure those criminals are caught. We can’t allow them to continue to roam free for even another day. Besides, you know my wife would rather die than let a criminal roam free because of her. So, the best thing you can do for me is to go get them.” Said Senior Detective Balogun firmly.

“Alright boss, I will get it done.” Said Detective Uzo Emeka

Senior Detective Balogun ended the call and found a place to sit while waiting for the doctor. A few minutes later, Dr. Ayoola Maja came out of the ward and walked to him.

“What happened? What made her lose consciousness?” Asked Dr. Ayoola Maja concerned.

Senior Detective Balogun thought for a while and replied, “I honestly don’t know. We were talking and she was excited. All of a sudden, she just lost consciousness. So, I quickly rushed her here.”

Dr. Maja was silent for a while before she finally said, "Well, she has been stabilized and will soon regain consciousness. I carried out some tests and I’m just waiting for the result. I have my suspicions but I will only be able sure when I receive the test results. You can go in and stay with her till she regains consciousness. We will speak again when I receive the lab results.”

Senior Detective Balogun replied, “Alright thanks.” He quickly walked into the ward to be with his wife.

A few hours later, Mrs. Shade Balogun woke up. Senior Detective Balogun, who was sitting at her bedside, quickly held her hand and said “Hello there, beautiful. You scared me”

Mrs. Shade Balogun replied weakly "Don't think you can get rid of me that easily. Anyway, go back home. Kola will soon get home from his exam. I feel tired. I will be staying with Ayoola for the night. You can come to get me tomorrow."

She soon slept off again. A few minutes later, Dr. Maja walked in “Can you come to my office?”

“Alright” replied Senior Detective Balogun

Dr. Ayoola Maja’s Office

They both sat down. Dr. Maja placed her arms on the table and looked straight at Senior Detective Balogun.

“I have gotten the result of the test. Shade is pregnant.”

Senior Detective Balogun’s face alternated from shock to disbelief then to elation and joy. However, before Senior Detective Balogun could say anything, Dr. Maja dropped another bomb.

"But I have bad news..."