Pride ✔️

04

"It doesn't seem like much, to be honest," Nick said, ever doubtful. "How do you know we're not following loose ends? For all we know, the prince wanted to disappear because he doesn't want to become chief."

Kathleen had to admit, he had a point, but she had a hunch. And her hunches were usually right. They were headed for Uncle Ebo's house. He was very popular among the folk because people talked about him heartily.

Whatever Kathleen expected, it was not what she saw. Uncle Ebo was not the balding, pot-bellied father she'd imagined, but rather, a tall, startlingly handsome man. She was surprised by just how good looking the man was. And his hair! So bushy and thick!

She realized with a start that he looked familiar. He looked like the girl she'd spoken with, the first one. Araba, his daughter. She couldn't believe her luck. She'd spoken with her first suspect without even realizing it. It had to be a sign.

"Kathleen Abakwam?" The patriarch of the family greeted her, shaking her hand vigorously. She was surprised by how strong and handsome he was. She felt her knees go weak. It was during times like these when she wished she was just a little bit prettier. "Welcome, welcome. This is my wife, Kukuua." He introduced her to the stout woman who stood a little bit behind him.

Unlike the rest of the family, she wasn't a looker. It made Kathleen feel more confident about herself. If he'd spent all his married life looking at a woman who looked like that, then maybe he would enjoy looking at her.

"Come in," the stout woman directed her inside, while Uncle Ebo repeated his greetings with Nick. Kathleen sat in the tastefully decorated living room, enjoying just how homely the place felt. They weren't rich, but their house was decent and beautiful enough that she felt welcome.

There was a large open window from which a pleasant breeze wafted into the room. It came from a small garden. Kathleen felt very content, so much so that she was tempted to close her eyes, of course, until a sumptuous meal was set before her.

Kukuua smiled kindly at her and Nick. "Pardon us for not preparing properly for your arrival. It was on such short notice that I had to whip up something quick."

Kathleen wondered how fufu and light soup could be considered something quick. Uncle Ebo was a lucky man. Never being one to complain, Kathleen finished off the delicious meal. By the time she'd consumed the last morsel, she felt incredibly sleepy.

She fought to keep her eyes open, smiling at the man who now sat before her, having finished his own meal.

"Well, I'm sure by now my reputation precedes me," the journalist said.

"I know you're looking for clues on what happened to the prince. What confuses me is why you think a lowly hunter such as myself would be able to help you."

"I'm just gathering as much information as I can," Kathleen hurried to say. She didn't want this fine specimen of a man antagonizing her.

"Of course. Ask away."

"What was your daughter's relationship with the prince, if I may ask?" She wasted no time in getting to the point, hoping he'd find her straightforwardness endearing.

"Like her relationship with any other man. They all want her. I wished she'd choose to settle with him. It'd be good for her, but I don't know what's wrong with that girl. Maybe pride? I wouldn't blame her. She is unbelievably beautiful. Have you met her?"

"Yes, yesterday. I didn't know her then, though."

He nodded.

"Did you know if the crown prince and the prince of your village ever interacted?"