SHADOWS OF DECEIT

Wink.

The morning sun rises with a gentle warmth, casting a golden glow across the horizon. Its soft rays pierce through the lingering darkness, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange.

As it ascends, the sun bathes the world in a soft, inviting light, awakening nature with a subtle brilliance, and under it stood the Adenta prison,  as a formidable structure, its weathered grey stone walls creating a sense of confinement.

The creaking iron gates opened, revealing narrow corridors with cramped cells, where an air thick with tension and despair permeated the confined space.

Surrounding the prison, a blend of old and new architecture characterized the entrance, adorned with intricate carvings reminiscent of a bygone era. A courtyard offered a limited glimpse of sunlight to prisoners, while watchtowers maintained constant vigilance over the surroundings.

Dedicated prisoner officers, clad in official uniforms, patrolled with unwavering diligence, their stern yet compassionate presence, maintaining order. Among them, Officer Elvis saluted Inspector Evans upon his arrival.

"Sir," Elvis greeted.

"Where is the superintendent?" Inspector Evans asked as they walked.

"At his office, sir," replied Elvis.

"Alright," nodded Inspector Evans, who was accompanied by Felix as they made their way to the superintendent's office continuing their journey through the prison's corridors, where echoes of conversations between officers and inmates lingered in the air.

"Good day, Evans," Superintendent Joe greeted upon seeing Dan and his companion.

"I have no time for formalities now, Joe," Inspector Evans responded with a serious expression.

"Okay, let's go straight to the point then," Joe said, crossing his legs. Inspector Evans pulled a chair opposite Joe, motioning for Felix to do the same.

"I heard this morning that you've found another prisoner butchered last night," Inspector Dan said, staring intently at Joe.

"Yes, that's true," Joe sighed, closing and opening his eyes. He leaned onto his chair, returning the intense stare to Inspector Dan.

"Was he murdered the same way as the other one?" Inspector Evans asked.

"Yes, his kidneys, lungs, heart, and liver were missing," Joe answered wearily.

"Did you check the surveillance cameras?" Inspector Evans inquired.

"It took place where the first one happened; you know that one is years ago it was outside where the camera could not catch," Joe explained.

"Then install some there," Inspector Evans suggested.

"We are on it; we've written a letter to the Ministry of Interior, waiting for them to take action," Joe replied.

Inspector Evans sighed; these cases were taking a toll on him. He glanced at Felix, who sat attentively, then turned his gaze back to Joe.

"This is not the second time this has happened, right?" Inspector Evans asked, staring deeply into Joe's eyes.

"The body we found last night is a day old, but it seems it had been there for a couple of days, the autopsy will tell," Joe replied, evading the question.

"That's not what I asked, Joe," Inspector Evans insisted.

"You know it has been years since the first murder happened. Oh, I heard the Criminal Investigation Department has booked Detective Philip from Kumasi. How were they able to convince him to come here? That man is hard to get," Inspector Dan questioned.

Inspector Evans sighed when he realized Joe wasn't going to answer.

"The order came directly from the Director-General, so he had no option," Inspector Evans replied.

"Well, you have to keep this new murder from the media. I hope the Director-General is aware of it," Inspector Evans stated as he stood up, ready to leave, with Felix following suit.

"Yes, we reported it to him this morning. He said he would arrange for an official investigation, but I don't know if that will be assigned to Philip as well, and this is the first murder this year " Joe explained.

"Philip won't take on two cases; you know how hard he is, and remember you took no action on that murder case," Inspector Evans remarked.

" Well, we have to leave now," Inspector Evans added. Joe accompanied them as they exited the prison.

Elvis opened the backseat door for Inspector Evans, who took a seat, while Felix settled into the driver's seat. As the car drove off, Inspector Evans couldn't help but notice the subtle wink Elvis sent to Felix.

This is a very short chapter.