THE BLACK WIDOW

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Michael's statement to the police was helpful to their investigations. Superintendent Kanu looked closely at Sonia and asked her,

"Didn't this car just came back from the mechanic workshop?"

"Yes, it arrived a few minutes after Michael and I got back from Ghana."

"Was there any complaint from the mechanic?"

"No. He said the servicing was done, and that all was good."

The Superintendent sighed deeply and said,

"I will not be surprised if this is a conspiracy. It is your car. The target was you, not your husband."

"What?" Sonia was stunned. "Why would anyone want to hurt me?"

"Has anyone threatened you recently?"

"Nobody, but I was attacked several months ago and I was pregnant at the time. I lost my baby to the incident."

"I know. I saw it on Tv." The Superintendent replied casually.

"Mrs. Rogers, who do you think might be behind these attacks?"

She knew for a fact that it was Mrs. Rogers, but she had no evidence.

"I have never done anything that could make anyone hate me this much."

Except mother – in – law.

"Okay then, but if anyone comes to mind, please do not hesitate to inform us. In the meantime, we will track down the mechanic and bring him for questioning."

"Track down?" Sonia was shocked.

"Yes. He has disappeared. No one knows where he is."

A cold chill went down Sonia's spine.

Could Mrs. Rogers be responsible for the accident?

====

During the two year marriage of Sonia and Michael, David kept his distance entirely. But, he was aware of all the tragedies that had fallen on his beloved friend, and he knew the culprit. He had called the Doctor in charge of Michael because they were friends. The latter in no words made it clear that Michael's chances of survival were slim. And since then, he had been pleading for God to spare his life.

Two days later, Sonia went to church for service, dressed in the green dress Michael had bought for her, with the matching emerald green set of jewelry he bought with it. She had gone to church not to show off but to stand in faith and not a mourner.

"No more mourning for me." She had told herself.

After the service, she went straight to the hospital and found his entire family there in Michael's room.

"Where have you been and why are you dressed like that?" Mrs Rogers said unpleasantly.

"I went to church." She replied with a smile.

"You did well Sonia. I'm sure you prayed well for Michael." Mr. Rogers said sweetly, ignoring his wife's cold looks.

"Yes I did. Thank you Dad."

"I would love to be with my wife alone." Michael said firmly, but with pain written all over his face.

His family filed out and the lovebirds were alone together.

"You look beautiful." Michael complemented her.

"I knew this set were your favourite so I decided to wear them and cheer you up as well."

He smiled.

"The Doctor said I should be up and about soon. I'm sorry about what happened to your car. It is completely written off."

Sonia smiled at him and replied,

"We can get another one my love. Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah. So tell me, what did the pastor teach today?"

Sonia's eyes lit up and she began to share with him.

Sonia went back thereafter to change into something more casual and also bring some change of clothes for Michael for his discharge in a few days. She was really excited to have him back home. By the time she got to the hospital, Mr. Rogers and Margaret had gone home. Mrs. Rogers remained behind. Sonia entered Michael's room nervously. She didn't want a showdown with her mother-in-law.

When she got in, she saw that the woman had a sad countenance.

"What is the matter?" She asked.

"His situation became worse. The doctor said the internal bleedings won't stop." She broke down in tears.

Sonia walked past her and knelt by Michael's side. Mrs. Rogers got there and pushed her away.

"It was supposed to be you, not my Michael, you witch!"

The truth dawned on Sonia right at that moment. Mrs. Rogers just confessed to this evil crime against her. She hated her enough to really want her dead. Oh God! This can't be true! She stood by the door, stunned by this revelation and the consequences that could follow if evidence comes to light.

=====

By 8pm that night, Michael died. The doctor told Mr. Rogers first and the rest were soon informed. Sonia's heart seem to fail at that moment as she slumped to the floor. Mrs. Rogers screamed and wailed. The news spread like wildfire that "The heir of ROGERS INDUSTRIES has died." 

It was all over the news in the morning. Sonia had woken up and found herself on a hospital bed. She could not move. Her mind could not function. Her eyes were dry and her face showed no expressions.

In the next few days, the Rogers' mansion was filled with people coming in and out to give their condolences. Sonia was given a room at the mansion to stay while they plan her husband's funeral. Her mother came in too and stayed with her to give her support. They were all heartbroken and shattered. But what happened cannot be undone.

The funeral ceremony took place the next weekend. Mrs. Moses dressed her daughter up in a black plain dress and head out for church. It was during the service that mute Sonia's mind opened to the reality of what was happening. Somehow, over the past few days, she had successfully convinced herself that it was all a nightmare and the love of her life would come back. Tears began to run down her face, but she said nothing. Georgina after two years decided to show up and she comforted her friend,

"It's going to be okay Sonia. It will be."