SHADOWS OF DECEIT

Not the right time

Inspector Evans reclined on his chair, fixing an intense gaze on Detective Elena. "Have you gone to see the family?" he inquired.

"Not yet. I thought it best to wait a bit, considering they're likely going through a tough time," replied Detective Elena calmly.

Frustration etched across Evans' face, "What kind of Detective are you? The longer you wait, the farther the evidence slips away!"

Unperturbed, Detective Elena held her ground, "I understand, but I've decided to visit the family tomorrow."

"Fine. I'll go see them today; Rexford was a close companion of mine," declared Inspector Evans.

The dishevelled Inspector, haunted by a sleepless night after Rexford's brutal murder, grappled with the incessant ringing of his phone last night. Calls poured in—from genuine concern to morbid curiosity, even the media eager for a story. He had turned his phone off after the constant ringing. He thought of why Rexford would be killed in this manner it was not like Rexford had enemies that he knew of he was lost in thoughts about why anyone would target Rexford.

Interrupted by Detective Elena, Peter entered with a paper bag, offering a momentary break. He handed them coffee, and as he was leaving, Evans halted him. "Who was on duty last night, Peter?"

After a brief pause, Peter answered, "Nate and Kate, but Kate left early due to, um, a personal matter."

"Pregnancy?" Evans interjected.

Wide-eyed, Peter fumbled, "Oh no, I meant she had, um..."

"Her menstrual cycle," Detective Elena smoothly finished Peter's sentence. "She had stained herself or?" Elena asked to confirm what she said

Relieved, Peter confirmed she had stained herself
He left as Evans nodded in understanding.

"Okay, I need to go now," Detective Elena announced as she stood up. "Has the Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that I'll be handling the case?" she inquired.

"Not yet. I heard they're planning to bring in one of the top detectives from Kumasi to assist with the case," replied Inspector Evans. Detective Elena's expression darkened; she wasn't pleased with this news.

"What?" she exclaimed.

Inspector Evans, indifferent, shrugged as he got up to find Nate. "I'll catch up with you later, Detective Elena. Goodbye."

Under the scorching sun, Jesse stood with a face towel draped over his shoulders, periodically dabbing his petite face due to the relentless sweat. Clad in baggy light pants and a loose T-shirt, his small frame hinted at youth, easily mistaken for a 16-year-old despite being a 26-year-old man. Amidst the bustling Madina market, people jostled and bumped into one another, creating a chaotic atmosphere.

Positioned behind a woman vending rice and ripe plantains, Jesse sold coconuts from his trolley. The crowded market made movement challenging, especially for those navigating the bustling aisles. Today, Jesse felt uneasy, acutely aware of the intense stares coming from Rashima's daughter, Fatima.

Rashima and Fatima, hailing from the north, ventured to Accra in pursuit of opportunities. Fatima, a curvy teenage girl adorned with tribal marks on each cheek, had taken a liking to Jesse since her first day assisting her mother. Despite her interest, Jesse consistently feigned ignorance.

As a customer approached Jesse to buy a coconut, he adeptly wielded a large knife, skillfully slicing off the top to create a makeshift cup for the refreshing drink. After payment, the customer savoured the coconut's contents while Jesse efficiently opened it with his knife, placing the whitish flesh into a polythene bag for the customer.

Wiping his face once more, Jesse felt the pangs of hunger. Usually, he would buy food from Rahima, but today was different with Fatima around. Seated on the bench behind him, he awaited customers, wondering why Josh, who typically finished his coffee work by now, hadn't shown up. It was nearing 3 in the afternoon, and just as Jesse contemplated calling Josh, two men approached to buy coconuts. Quickly, he stashed his phone into his pocket and began preparing the coconuts for them.

In the serene Spintex Residential area in Accra stood a white-painted mansion surrounded by flourishing gardens. Within the mansion's living room, a sorrowful woman sat, accompanied by a young man attempting to console her.

"Mum, please, you have to eat. You haven't taken anything since morning, and it won't help you," the concerned young man implored.

Ignoring his plea, the woman continued weeping loudly. An older man swiftly entered the room, observing her with a disapproving shake of his head. "Yaa, stop this and take something. The crying won't get you anywhere," Paa Kwesi urged. It seemed as though he was speaking to an unliving thing, as Maame Yaa cried even louder, causing both the young man and Paa Kwesi to cringe.

The doorbell rang, prompting the young man to rise. "I'll take it," he volunteered, heading to greet the visitor. Opening the luxurious china door, he was pleasantly surprised. "Hello, Uncle Evans," he greeted with a smile.

"When did you land in Ghana, Thomas?" Inspector Evans inquired, clearly taken aback. "I just got here this morning when I heard of the..." Thomas hesitated before Inspector Evans interrupted, "It's okay, Thomas. Are your other siblings in?" he asked.

"Not yet. They're on the plane; they should be here by tomorrow," Thomas replied. "Oh, I see." It dawned on Thomas that Inspector Evans was still outside. "Come in," he invited, making way for him.

As they ascended the stairs, they found Maame Yaa deeply weeping on her expensive cream-coloured sofa. Spotting Inspector Evans, she abruptly stood. "Where is my husband? Isn't he with you?" she shouted. Thomas tried to console her, but she pulled her hands away, walking briskly toward Inspector Evans. Paa Kwesi intervened swiftly, preventing any confrontation.

Inspector Evans, left speechless, grappled with the situation. Thomas approached him, whispering some words. Together, they decided to retreat downstairs to the mansion's bar area for a moment of respite and a drink.
"I apologize for my mother's outburst," Thomas expressed regret on her behalf.

"It's okay; I understand," Inspector Evans replied, sipping on the red wine served to him. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "I'm sorry for the loss. We're doing everything in our power to apprehend the person behind this murder."

"I understand," Thomas whispered.

"Well, I believe my presence isn't welcome here at the moment. This wasn't the right time for a visit. I'll take my leave now," Inspector Evans said, glancing at the handsome young man who bore a striking resemblance to his late father.

He stood and departed, bidding farewell to Paa Kwesi, Maame Yaa's father.