SHADOWS OF DECEIT

The Escape

Detective Philip and Yaw lingered in silence after the security opened the main gate.
Before the door, they stood in patient anticipation, having rung the bell without any response. Detective Philip contemplated whether to inquire with the security personnel about the occupants. However, he reasoned that if there were no one inside, the security wouldn't have granted them entry in the first place. "Maybe they're not around," Yaw suggested.
"If they weren't, the security would have informed us," Philip reasoned. Just as Philip was about to ring the bell again, Tasmina opened the door. However, he noticed a lack of the usual excitement she displayed upon seeing him.

Philip knew Tasmina had harboured an interest in him for quite some time, and her typical enthusiasm was absent today. "Good afternoon," Tasmina greeted, to which Philip simply nodded and inquired, "Can we come inside?"

"Mum is not here," Tasmina replied. "I'm not here to see your mum, Tasmina. Just let us in. I'm quite thirsty, and that's not how to treat visitors," Philip stated. Tasmina hesitated before reluctantly opening the door for the duo.

Upon entering, Detective Philip sensed an unsettling atmosphere, a subtle feeling that something was amiss. Choosing to dismiss his instincts, they were guided to the living room, settling onto plush couches.

"I'll fetch you some water," murmured Tasmina, prompting Detective Philip to inquire about her absent mother. "She travelled to the central region two days ago for funeral arrangements," Tasmina explained, and Detective Philip nodded, allowing her to retreat for water.

"Sense anything peculiar here?" Philip whispered to Yaw, who merely shook his head.

Moments later, Thomas entered, trailed by Tasmina carrying a tray with water. She served the visitors, while Thomas, taking a seat opposite Detective Philip, remarked, "Such an unexpected visit."

Observing Tasmina as she returned the tray, Detective Philip redirected his attention to the young man. "Yes, Tom, an unexpected piece of information led me here," he responded.

"Oh?" Thomas responded, meeting Detective Philip's intense gaze. "I'm the one investigating your father's murder, and I've come with a few questions," Philip stated, scrutinizing the young man.

"Of course, I'll gladly answer any questions to serve justice for my father," Thomas replied with fervour. However, he swiftly shifted the conversation, pressing about his father's assets. "When will you return my dad's belongings that you have?"

"I can arrange for them to be returned once we leave," Detective Philip assured. Having completed his examination of the car and finding nothing crucial on the phone, he sensed potential erasure but moved past it.

"Alright, then let's begin," Thomas eagerly agreed. Detective Philip, after scanning his surroundings, initiated, "I was informed you arrived the morning after your father's death."

Thomas nodded, prompting suspicion in Detective Philip. Inspector Evans had shared Thomas's arrival details, and the swift timing raised questions. Considering the typical travel time from the USA to Ghana, Thomas's early arrival seemed peculiar.

"I was already coming to Ghana for some work, and it coincided with my dad's death. My early arrival has nothing to do with it," Thomas explained preemptively, addressing Philip's unspoken doubts.

"I intended to ask for your phone, but I trust you wouldn't have anything to do with the death of your father. Let's-" Detective Philip cursed as the glass of water he was setting down slipped, shattering on the ground.

"My bad; I'll handle it," Detective Philip assured, rising from his seat. Yaw, in dutiful response, stood up and offered his master a face towel to address the water on his trousers. Thomas, too, excused himself, stating, "I'll fetch a broom," before leaving the living room in a hurry.