Chapter Ten

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"In a significant development, Senator Agabaje Johnson and his son have confirmed their appearance in court, where they intend to vigorously defend themselves against the allegations leveled against them. Senator Johnson boldly declared, 'I'll demonstrate unequivocally that I have no fear of these accusations, and that they are baseless, especially from someone new to the legal arena.'"

"Contrastingly, Barrister Akorede Williams has chosen not to make any public statements or reveal her stance on the case, leaving her motivations undisclosed. Senator Agabaje Johnson, however, representing himself and his son, maintains their innocence in the face of all the allegations brought against them."

This has been the latest update in this ongoing legal matter, with Senator Agabaje Johnson firmly asserting his readiness to confront the accusations head-on in the courtroom.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams exchanged glances, their expressions filled with concern. Mr. Williams shook his head in disbelief, while his wife let out a deep sigh. This was their reaction after watching the news.

"Mum! Mum!" A lady's voice pierced the air.

Her brother spun around, his eyes narrowing. "Why are you calling Mum? It's not time for her show yet."

"I know, but she told me to call her whenever the news about the Barrister comes up," the lady explained, her tone tinged with urgency.

Soon, the distinct sound of their mother's footsteps echoed through the house. Her slippers clapped on the tiled staircase as she descended quickly, a mixture of concern and anticipation on her face. "What? What?" she exclaimed, expecting it to be an emergency.

"The Barrister is in the news," Jessica announced, her voice carrying the weight of the revelation.

As their mother descended the stairs, her pace remained measured. Her eyes were fixed on the TV screen, and she found her seat on one of the sofas, never breaking her gaze.

Her son couldn't help but watch her closely, his thoughts racing. "There you go again, Mum. Why do you always do that ?"

His mother spared him only a brief glance before returning her focus to the news airing on the TV. "Do what?" she asked, her voice distracted.

"You act like her image is going to disappear every time you see it," he continued, referring to Kore's picture.

"That's true. I've noticed that too, Mum. Why is that?" her daughter chimed in.

Her mother remained silent for a long while. "Nothing," she finally replied, the word carrying an air of mystery.

"Nothing," she repeated before rising from her seat and retracing her steps back to where she came from, leaving the duo puzzled.

"Weird," Jessica muttered under her breath, summarizing the strange atmosphere that had just unfolded.

******
Later that evening.....

BREAKING NEWS:

Senator Agbaje's convincing efforts have led the federal government to decide on broadcasting the court proceedings involving Barrister Akorede Williams and himself. Mark your calendars for December 12, 2021. Stay tuned for further updates.

Kore's phone buzzed relentlessly, almost as if echoing the urgency of the news report

"Kore, did you listen to the news ?" Her mother's voice was direct, wasting no time.

"Mum, good evening," Kore responded, trying to keep a calm tone.

" There would have been something good about the evening if you had listened to our instructions of you to drop the case, Akorede. Akorede what is wrong with you ?" Her mother's voice escalated, tension creeping in. beginning to raise her voice.

"Mum, it's not my fault. I am as surprised as.....anyone that is," Kore replied, frustration subtly tainting his tone.

"Korede, it's not too late to drop the case. Drop the case and pick another. There are s whole lot of other cases for you to handle. Her father chimed in from the background.

"But Dad, that's not possible, you can't expect me to back down now," Kore retorted, determination in her voice.

"Korede, we are talking about your safety here, why can't you understand ? These politicians will stop at nothing till they kill you," her mother pleaded.

"Mum, Dad, I am not going to Die. Why do you keep talking about that ? If I drop the case now, what of those who want justice ? Wouldn't you think me selfish and cowardly of me to drop the case ?" Kore questioned, resolve unwavering.,

There seemed to be a moment of hesitation in the background.

"Well....." Mrs. Williams began, it's easier for you to say and there are other Lawyers to do that. You just let the case go and let other white sharks handle it. Mrs. Williams persisted.

At this Kore felt a pang of hurt. "White sharks, really, Mum ? If the other Lawyers are White sharks, what am I then ? Because Mum, to be honest, I feel very hurt."

Mr. Williams spoke up this time around. $we are sorry dear. But, isn't there any other Lawyer that can..."

"Dad," a frown crossed through her face. One could hear the hurt in her voice as she spoke. Dad, you're hurting me you...." She stopped herself and heard a sigh in the background.

"Mum, Dad, I'm taking the case. Me and no other white shark." She declared firmly.

"But, you are at the risk of dying." Her mother spoke up once again, airing her concerns.

"Well, since everyone's talking about me dying, I don't care anymore. If I die, at least, I'll know I wasn't a coward doing it.And, instead of worrying l, why don't t you trust God and pray for me. That's the least I could ask for , Mum, Dad, please."

There was a pause, and then, a hesitant response. "K - k ..." Mr. Williams tried to say.

"I'm sorry. I have to go, Take care, Mum and Dad." With that, Kore ended the call leaving behind, a tense and worried atmosphere.

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