BEYOND THE ABAYA

15. Husnah's plan

As I walked back home, I found Husnah and Bisola eagerly waiting for me in the room. Their faces were filled with anticipation, and I could sense that Bisola was bursting with news. I entered the room, locked the door behind me to ensure our conversation remained private, and pulled up a dressing mirror chair to sit opposite them. They were seated on the bed, their eyes fixed intently on me.

"Tell me, Shola," I said, using Bisola's nickname, "what's going on? You look like you've got some big news to share."

Bisola took a deep breath before beginning, "Hmmm, my dad told me that the case was brought to them from the Governor of Lagos State; His Excellency, Abass Dapo Bankole." Her words hung in the air, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I was taken aback, and Husnah's eyes widened in shock as well. We exchanged a glance, both of us processing the weight of Bisola's statement. The Governor of Lagos State? This was getting bigger than we had ever imagined.

"What does it mean?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Bisola leaned forward, her voice filled with excitement. "My dad said that the Governor's involvement means the case is more serious than we thought. There's going to be a lot of attention on it, and we need to be prepared but we need to keep everything a secret"

Husnah and I exchanged another glance, our minds racing with the implications. This was getting interesting, and we were all in it together now.

"So, now what are we supposed to do?" I asked, looking at Bisola for guidance. We were all seated in the room, trying to make sense of the new information.

Bisola's expression turned serious, her eyes locked on mine. "We have to get into the house before we can gather any information, and it has to be you, Islaha."

Husnah's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in concern. "Which way? How are we supposed to get in?"

We all turned to her, our eyes wide with a hint of excitement, and smiled. Husnah's expression changed to confusion as she realized we were looking at her.

"Why are you all staring at me?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice. She looked at each of us, her eyes searching for an explanation.

Bisola and I chimed in unison, our voices barely above a whisper, "You're the way in!"

Husnah let out a dismissive hiss, her lips pursed. "How am I the way? What are you talking about?"

Bisola's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Because the Governor is your dad's close friend, and I'm sure you can think of a way to get us an introduction... or perhaps a more discreet entrance."

Husnah's eyes widened as she grasped the implication. She was the key to getting inside, and we were counting on her to make it happen. She looked at us, her expression a mix of surprise and hesitation.

"You can't be serious," she said, her voice laced with doubt. "My dad's friendship with the Governor doesn't mean I can just waltz into the Government house."

Bisola leaned forward, her voice persuasive. "We're not asking you to waltz in, Husnah. We just need you to use your connections to get Islaha a foot in the door. We'll take care of the rest."

Husnah sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of our expectations. She knew she was the only one who could help us, and we were counting on her.

"Well, I think I have a way," Husnah said, a hint of a plan forming on her face. She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing.

Bisola and I exchanged a hopeful glance, our faces lighting up with excitement. We had been searching for a way to get into the Government house, and Husnah's words offered a glimmer of hope.

"Go on," Bisola urged, leaning forward in her seat. Her eyes were fixed intently on Husnah, eager to hear the plan.

Husnah took a deep breath before continuing. "If Islaha can be a tutor...," she trailed off, looking at me for confirmation.

I nodded eagerly, intrigued by the idea. Being a tutor could be the perfect cover.

Husnah smiled, a plan unfolding on her face. "The Governor's youngest daughter is going to write her A-levels examination in a few months, and she wants to be a lawyer. Whenever she has a problem, she calls me. Maybe if I suggest a tutor to get her ready for her examination, just maybe they might agree."

Bisola's eyes widened in understanding. "And that tutor could be Islaha!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

I grinned, the plan falling into place.

"But do you think they might agree?" I asked, a hint of doubt creeping into my voice.

Husnah nodded confidently. "Yes, they might agree. You studied in one of the best universities in the UK and you were the best graduating student in Nigerian Law School. Your credentials are impressive, Islaha. I'm sure the Governor's wife would be impressed."

Bisola clapped her hands together, her eyes shining with excitement. "This is it, guys! Our way in! We can finally get the answers we've been searching for."

I felt a surge of determination, knowing that we were one step closer to uncovering the truth. With Husnah's plan and my tutoring skills, we could get into the Government house and gather the information we needed. The thought sent a thrill through me, and I knew that we were ready to take on the challenge.

Husnah offered to call the First Lady, but after the second ring with no answer, she decided to call the daughter instead. The girl picked up on the first ring. She put the phone on speaker.

"Hey, sister Husnah!"

"Hey Muyinat." Husnah replied

"You know, I was thinking of coming to visit you today, but Brother Mujeeb advised against it, saying it's not safe for me to go out alone. He suggested I wait for him to accompany me tomorrow."

Husnah laughed and replied, "I'll come tomorrow, but I wanted to check with Aunt first. I called her private number, but she didn't pick up. I guess she's busy."

The girl responded, "Yes, my mom is in a meeting right now, but I'll let her know. What's up? Is everything okay?"

Husnah hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Actually, I wanted to discuss something with her."

The girl replied, "I'll let her know to call you when she's done. Insha Allah!"

Husnah smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction, "Okay, dear. I'll see you tomorrow."

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