SHADOWS OF DECEIT

You and who

Detective Philip's knock echoed, and the wooden door swung open promptly, revealing Jesse. Bare-chested, his small, dark skin showcased a lean physique. Although Jesse lacked evident abs, his chest to his abdomen was beautifully carved, capturing Detective Philip's attention, and for a moment, he couldn't help but appreciate the sight before him.

"Who is it, Kwesi?" a voice called from inside the room, snapping Detective Philip back to reality.
It's the Detective," Jesse responded,  his voice composed despite the subtle distraction.

"Oh, I'm coming," Maame U's voice echoed from the room. "Come feed Ama," she added, and Jesse gave one more look at Detective Philip as he reentered the room.

Maame U emerged, draped in a cloth, expressing surprise at the unexpected visit. "I didn't know you would come today, sir. I would have cooked for you," she said.

Detective Philip offered one of his affectionate smiles. "It's okay. Just came to check up, to make sure you're following your promise," he explained.

Maame U nodded. "Thank you for everything," she expressed gratitude.

"It's part of my work. I will leave now since everything is in place," Detective Philip stated. Maame U called out for Jesse, who emerged now dressed, with Baby Ama clinging to him. Upon seeing the detective, Baby Ama showed a clear preference, wanting to go to him. Jesse, perplexed, glanced at his mother, who simply shrugged.

"She has taken a liking to him. Let her go to him," Maame U suggested. Jesse approached and handed Baby Ama to Detective Philip. The two shared a brief stare before Detective Philip broke it, raising Ama who giggled loudly.

"I'll come another time to play fully with you. For now, I have to go," Detective Philip said as he handed the baby back to Jesse. Without looking back, he went to his car and drove off.
'What the hell happened over there' he thought.

"What promise was he talking about, Ma?" Jesse inquired as the car drove off.

"Forget it. Did she finish all her food?" Maame U redirected the conversation.

"Let me know, Ma, what promise," Jesse persisted.

Realizing her son wouldn't let it go, Maame U decided to disclose the truth. "He told me you are not talking or answering the questions they ask you in the prison regarding Josh. He said you'll be free to talk to me instead, so he told me to extract all information and let him know. That way, they can carry on the investigation and free you if you're innocent. That was the promise," Maame U explained, then entered the house, leaving Jesse outside with Baby Ama, who was babbling in her adorable language.

*************************************

Detective Elena swiftly arrived at the police headquarters upon hearing of Thomas's arrest. She made her way directly to Detective Philip's office, where she discovered him reclined in his chair, eyes closed, exuding a composed demeanour. His smooth, dark complexion accentuated his striking handsomeness.

Detective Philip's eyes gracefully fluttered open, capturing Detective Elena discreetly observing him. A warm smile graced his features as Detective Elena cleared her throat in acknowledgment. With deliberate poise, she advanced, settling into the chair opposite the detective.

"Where's your assistant?" she inquired, reaching for a bottle of water to satiate her thirst. As she took a measured sip, Detective Philip responded, "I sent him on an errand."

A brief yet pregnant silence lingered before Detective Philip, with a touch of theatrical flair, broke the quietude. "I never thought I would be privileged enough for your visit, but here I am," he declared, placing a hand dramatically over his chest.