SHADOWS OF DECEIT

Maame U's Plea

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The crowing of the cock signalled the beginning of the day in Madina. The sun hung in the morning blue sky as the residents started their daily activities. News had spread about Maame U's son and Josh, whose grandma was struggling to cope.

Maame U lay on her mattress, hesitant to face the day. Although aware of the morning, she gazed at the sleeping baby on Jesse's mattress. Thoughts of visiting her son in prison crossed her mind, but she lacked the means to bribe prison officers or hire a lawyer. Jesse's money had run out, leaving her with uncertainty about food. Initially, she had suggested selling vegetables at the market, a proposal her son had rejected. Now, with him absent, she needed a way to care for herself and her baby.

A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. Unsure if it was real or imagined, she cautiously opened it to find the man who had led the police to take her son.

"I'm Officer Tod, here to collect your son's phone," he stated without a greeting.

Overwhelmed, Maame U pleaded, "When is my son coming back? Please let me know."

Officer Tod sighed, explaining that surrendering the phone would aid the investigation and possibly lead to an early release if he was cleared. Maame U, with teary eyes, nodded and searched for the phone. Within minutes, she handed it over.

As Officer Tod left, Maame U seized the opportunity, kneeling and passionately asserting her son's innocence. Unsure of how to respond, Officer Tod raised her, expressing understanding. Before leaving, he handed her 200 cedis to tide her over, a gesture that provided a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty.

"We can't always rely on Uber, what do you think?" Detective Philip inquired, glancing at Yaw, who was engrossed in his breakfast. The setting was Labadi Beach Hotel, specifically one of the VVIP rooms secured by the Ghana police service. They enjoyed the lavish services without spending a penny.

Standing by the window, Detective Philip held a cup of coffee, his gaze fixed on the captivating beach outside. The duo occupied a twin room together.

"Well, since we're not footing the bills, it's cool," Yaw responded to his mentor's earlier question.

"I don't like being in an Uber, Yaw," Detective Philip admitted, still captivated by the view beyond the window. The mention of Yaw's name stirred something in the young detective. He took a moment to collect himself before biting into his toasted bread and egg.

"Ah, well, hurry up. We've got somewhere to go before heading to the regional police building for our work," Detective Philip turned to Yaw, signalling the start of their next assignment.

The duo had just arrived in front of a penthouse made of glass.
They stood in a residential enclave before a splendid penthouse, having just been chauffeured there by an Uber. Standing outside, Yaw looked at Detective Philip, confusion evident as they faced an expensive residential building.

Detective Philip rang the bell, answered by an old man with grey hair. "Good morning, sir," the old man saluted, leaving Yaw even more perplexed. Detective Philip nodded and entered.

Inside, Yaw was awestruck by the view. The compound boasted colourful gardens, a crystal blue pool with elegant fountains, and a Terrace that left him speechless. Following Detective Philip, they swiped a card to open the luxurious glass door.

As they entered, Yaw, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Where are we, sir?"

Detective Philip smirked, gulping his water. "Guess," he said, heading upstairs. Left alone, Yaw admired the grey-patched couch, and decorative kitchen near an aquarium, and knocked on the latter.

"Will you need something, sir?" a maid, likely in her late 20s, asked.

"I... I'm okay," Yaw stuttered. The maid nodded and left. As Yaw continued to explore, he heard his mentor's voice.

"Are you done guessing?" Detective Philip descended the stairs with keys in hand, but Yaw simply stared.

"I've given you a simple task, Yaw. You want to be a detective, but it seems you can't investigate and guess whose penthouse this is. You've failed your first assignment," Detective Philip chuckled. "Let's go," he added, urging Yaw to follow.

They proceeded to a garage, a haven for four elegant cars. Detective Philip gracefully unlocked a sleek black Maybach, settling into the driver's seat. Patiently, he waited for Yaw to join him.

As Yaw approached, his eyes widened in realization. "All of these belong to you?" he exclaimed, visibly astonished. Detective Philip, maintaining his composed demeanour, simply smiled. "Are you coming or not? You're a bit late with your answer, Yaw. You've got a long way to go."

Yaw navigated his way to the passenger's seat, taking in the opulent interior of the Maybach. The red and black leather seats exuded luxury. Securing his seatbelt, Yaw prepared for their journey to the next destination, contemplating the unexpected facets of Detective Philip's life.

While Detective Philip steered the car, he noticed Yaw fidgeting. The detective, sharp as ever, discerned that Yaw harboured questions or thoughts he hesitated to express.

"What is it?" Detective Philip glanced at Yaw, who remained uncertain.

"Come on, Yaw, just shoot," Detective Philip encouraged him.

"If you have all this, why did you let them book our hotels and pay for Uber fares?" Yaw asked softly, anticipating a potential outburst. To his surprise, Detective Philip burst into laughter.

"Sometimes, you've got to let them spend. Otherwise, the money ends up in the hands of high officials, contributing to the pervasive embezzlement and corruption within this organization," Detective Philip explained. His focus returned to the road, a short distance remaining before reaching their destination.