VALIANT

chapter two

TWO 

Margaret had bore five children in one pregnancy. The sixth won't come out until the doctors decide to do a c-section, and they were able to save both mother and baby. But the babies disappeared that night. Only the sixth was left with the mother and there were two policemen guarding her room. 

They didn't dare tell the poor woman that her husband was no more. And to top it up, her babies were missing. 

'How is she?' Cooper asked the doctor 

'She's recovering well.' 

'Have you told her anything yet?' 

'No.' 

'Very well then. But you can't continue to hide it from her' 

'Margaret Swansea is a strong woman.' the doctor added. 

'If you'll excuse me doctor, I'll like to talk to her but I'll see you before I leave. I have something important to discuss with you.' Cooper said. 

'Alright then.' 

When Cooper got into Margaret's room, the woman was incredibly calm as she nuzzles her daughter to her. 

As he approached her bed side, he started. 

'I'm detective Cooper Daniels. How are you?' his voice was etched with concern. 

'I know everything detective.' she stated calmly. 'The death of my husband and the abduction of my babies.' she planted a kiss on daughter's forehead. 'But I know that I'll find them someday, I thank God that I have the sixth with me. I'll call her Erin, after my mother' 

'You're indeed an extraordinary woman Ms. Swansea.' Cooper praised. 

'I have to be strong for them. I'll not give up no matter what happens.' 

'We're doing our best to find the killer and abductors, am sure they're no different persons.'

'There was a mysterious woman amongst the nurses, did you notice?' Cooper asked. 

'No I didn't.' replied the doctor. 

'Do you think she's part of your employees?' 

'I think so.' 

'Do you have a nurse by the name Jojo Wesley?' 

'Yes. But, Jojo Wesley has been on leave since two weeks ago.' 

'But she was one of the nurses helping Ms. Swansea last night' Cooper pointed out. 

'Am confused detective, I don't know what to say.' the doctor swallowed hard, afraid that his hospital might be complicated. 

'When does her leave expire?' 

'Next week.' 

'I'll need her for interrogation. Can I have her address?' 

'Sure-sure of course.' he pressed the button on the intercom to summon his secretary. 

The knock came through few seconds later. 

'Yes doctor?' 

'Get me nurse Jojo's address.' 

'Right away doc.'

Cooper drew his coupe to halt in front of the small house. The pavement was wide and flowers were lined up to the door step. 

He walked towards the house and unto the threshold; he knocked gently on the door and waited. 

A middle aged woman emerged. 

'Good evening ma'am.' he greeted. 'I'm detective Cooper Daniels.' he said, holding out his I.D to her view. 

'What can I do for you detective?' 

'Uhm am looking for Jojo Wesley.' 

'My goddaughter is in Houston.' the woman replied. 

'Can I talk to you then?' 

She eyed him coolly before she finally said 

'sure.' she pulled the door wide open and motioned him in. 

'Have a seat please.' she offered. 'Can I get you a cup of tea?' 

'Sure. That'll be nice.' he returned with a smile. 

When she brought the tea, he sipped a little then set the mug down on the table. 

'Like I said earlier ma'am, am here with a case which Jojo Wesley's involved in.' 

'What's that!? My goddaughter will never get herself involved with the cops.' she countered. 

'Not everything that glitters is gold. Last night, a woman on the onset of labor was brought to the hospital and was assisted by three nurses including Jojo. It was a sextuple birth.' 

The woman listened without interrupting. 'Jojo disappeared right after the babies went missing.' 

'But Jojo has been out of town for close to two weeks now, and I've been talking to her constantly' 

'I'd like to talk to Jojo in person.' 

'Then I'll send for her right away.' 

'Thank you ma'am. I didn't mean to disrupt your peace.' he apologized. 

'You're only doing your job.' she smiled.

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