Walking In Deception

CHAPTER 3: Well, guess what? I mourn too...

I was at my study with Detective Osahon. I had called him earlier that morning and now, there we were. I could barely sleep so I still had my cobalt nightgown on. My study was not an elaborate one. In fact, its size could be compared to that of Mr. Jonathan. However, mine was well ventilated and furnished with classy shelves and an set of tables and chairs alongside a sofa by the door which I lie on to get some rest. I immediately remembered how my husband used to cover me with a blanket during my late night with the pen. It had everything I needed for my writing. From my previous stories and favourites, to drafts and most importantly, quietness. It was almost as if my study was sealed away from the rest of the house. My husband had thought it would be best if it were a basement but seeing how much my stories meant to me, he later gave in.
I provided Detective Osahon with details that I thought would be useful like my husband’s allergies and medications. I occasionally rose from my seat at the table with my wine glass in my hand. I had opened a wine bottle for Detective Osahon but he didn't take a single sip and the bottle was running dry. Just then, out of my various and unnecessary details, he asked
“Did Mr. Oluwatoyin travel alone?”
I gasped and dropped my wine glass and covered my mouth with both hands. One might think we had a strong lead but all Detective Osahon asked was a question. I was traumatized. All I could hear was Mrs. Okon's footsteps rushing towards my study and the shrill in her voice as she kept on shouting “Madam!”. Mrs. Okon was vehemently shaking back to life. I did not drop the glass so close to my feet so I was not hurt. Mrs. Okon, seeing me back to my senses, went to sort her way of clearing the broken pieces of the glass while Detective Osahon brought me to my sofa. He took one of the two stools beside my shelf and sat right in front of me.
“Are you going to tell me should I go ahead and ask?” He said with a dead stare.
Our conversation was soon interrupted by Mr. Richard who spoke for the first time in this house.
“I heard the cook screaming. I hope all is well?”
“Her name is Mrs. Okon” I corrected.
“Nothing to worry about. I think I might have triggered it by asking some questions.” Detective Osahon said in between. “I was about to find out what it was before you arrived.”
“You wanted to know if he travelled alone? Well, no. No, he didn't travel alone. He travelled with his secretary or personal assistant or whatever she was to him. He travels with her on almost every book trip. I know I should be the one but I don't like to travel and so he does them for me. He knows what's best for me and my career.” I finally summoned the guts to answer the question.
“So you don't travel at all?” Mr. Richard asked almost in disgust.
“I do but only when…”
“I think we are deviating from the matter at hand.” Detective Osahon cut my explanation short. Is she aware of your husband's passing? Where can we meet her?”
“Well, she hasn't called like she does the next morning after their trip to check up on him so… I'll say she is pretty aware.” I replied with an eye on Mrs. Okon who had just returned to sweep up the broken glass. Her presence always seemed to give me comfort in this hard time.
“Perfect! If you could tell us where we could meet her, we'll be on our way. Mr. Richard?”
“I'm all ears” Mr. Richard sat up and  replied in a soldier-like manner.
“Get dressed and bring me my hat. We're going on a little trip of our own.” Detective Osahon said as if he had had all the answers and was on his way to arrest the culprit. “By the way, where's Mr. Okon? I haven't seen him all morning.”
“He's gone to get groceries. I think so… I'm not sure.” I lightly grabbed Detective Osahon by his arm as he got up and walked to the door. Being as gentle as I could, I whispered, “Mr. Okon has no hand in this.”
“Let the facts decide.” He shot back without turning back to look at me. He then shaked of my still trembling hand, beaconed Mr. Richard and they were on their way.

Detective Osahon and Mr. Richard had arrived at Miss Grace's home. She opened the door right before Mr. Richard could knock.
“Shall we spare each other the trouble and get to what seems to be ‘the matter of the day?” Detective Osahon smiled on hearing this.
“Good day to you.” Mr. Richard said sarcastically. He hated her guts and suspected her from that moment.
“I wasn't talking to you, Mr. Mannequin.” She shot back at Mr. Richard. This comment only made the relationship between her and Mr. Richard soar.
“As much as I would love to see you both fight and go at it. We both know that won't be pretty at all. You're scarcely dressed for a fight and I wouldn't want to see Mr. Richard get beat up by a woman, especially not in that suit.” Detective Osahon had won her heart and willingness to comply with this remark. However, Mr. Richard saw this to be very demeaning and he felt thrown under the bus.
“Ha! I like you already. I think we'll do just fine.” She then patted Mr. Richard on the shoulder, “Not you, Mr. Mannequin. Ha! Come in.” She welcomed them at last. “So, what can I get you?”
“Nothing, madam. If you could have your seat, that would be just fine.” Detective Osahon replied. She did just as Detective Osahon had asked and for the first time, Mr. Richard had seen this woman in a calm state. He was not sure how Detective Osahon did it but he is a wonderful detective after all. “First of all, you are aware of Mr. Kayode Oluwatoyin’s death, right?” Detective Osahon began.
“Yes, I am. Deep vein thrombosis…” Miss Grace replied.
“You didn't express your condolences to his wife maybe?”
“No. Mirabelle thinks I'm a prostitute who is after her money.”
“I'm sorry, I would be very pleased if you elaborated what you meant by “her money”.”
“Her husband is unemployed so he travels around to promote her books and I go with him. Call me a sexist if you choose but I don't believe it's healthy for a husband to work for his wife.”
“I think you're wrong there,madam. Mrs. Oluwatoyin doesn't like to travel and that's why her late husband dropped his former job to promote one that is booming.” Mr. Richard who had been quiet finally chipped in.
“Mr. Richard, you're already doing so much by listening. Thank you for pointing that out but I think you'll do a better job if you do just that.” Detective Osahon said with a straight face.
“And that's why you're not the one in charge.” Miss Grace took this opportunity to kick the lying Mr. Richard and though Mr. Richard didn't approve this comment, he respected Detective Osahon and his methods.
“Back to you, miss. While you were on the plane with Mr. Oluwatoyin, did you notice anything odd about him.” Detective Osahon returned his attention to Miss. Grace.
“Well, he did mention a pain in his knees and…well, most of his joints.” She replied.
“Did you think this to be normal?”
“I mean, it was a long flight and it was normal for him to complain about his knee. That's why I always call the next morning to check up on him.”
“Now, help me out here. Do you think it was something he ate on the plane? I mean, he died in his car…but if you could give an account on his consumption on the plane and maybe, before the flight, you'd make him and his wife very happy.” Detective Osahon said, putting his notepad aside.
“As his wife's happiness, I couldn't care less.”
“Please, help an old man out.”
“Give me a break! It was hard on me too but all everyone cares about is the ‘mourning widow'. Well, guess what? I mourn too and it's not like she even loved him. I'm very sure she's with someone else now and she paid you to dump the murder on me.”
“I assure you, miss. It's nothing like that.” Detective Osahon tried to calm her down.
“No! Get out!” Miss Grace was suddenly enraged. Mr. Richard could have sworn that he saw blood rush through her eyes. Where is the rage coming from? Was it out of guilt, shame or an act all in all? Detective Osahon and Mr. Richard eventually stepped out. Mr. Richard had thought the interview to be unsuccessful until he saw a smirk on Detective Osahon's face.
“I don't understand. We messed up the interview. Why are you smiling?” Mr. Richard was puzzled.
“Maybe you messed it up but I got everything I wanted. I need not to tell you that she's actually in love with Mr. Oluwatoyin, do I?”

It was past eleven o'clock and I still had not seen Mr. Okon. It actually got me thinking about his innocence. I immediately waved off the whole idea of questioning Mr. Okon's innocence. He and his wife had been so good to me. This is not the first such incident, so why should I be worried? Even his wife was used to it by now.
There was a knock on my door. Mrs. Okon was preparing lunch so I insisted on getting the door. It was Mr. Jonathan.
“Hi. Is my dad around? I was around the neighborhood so I thought I should check up on him.” His face was pale and his eyes were faint. Till today, I'm not sure why I stood there staring at him.
“Um… he's not in but you can wait for him inside.” I welcomed Mr. Jonathan and offered a seat in the living room. “I'll be your hostess while you wait, ‘What can I get you, sir?’” I laughed but not as much as he did.
His face suddenly turned gloomy, “Since we're both, how about a chit-chat?”
I sat down, “About what?”
“How are things going with my dad?”
“Relax!”, I said. “ He's fine. I mean, he's made more progress than the police have in days.” I'm not sure why I was glad and reassured by someone else when I'm the one who needs it more.
“You're right. Wow! You are so emotionally strong.”
“I'll try, honey.” Our conversation was cut short by Mr. Okon's entry with a bag of groceries.
“Sorry I'm late.” Mr. Okon said.
“You're pretty late, what happened?” I asked.
“He called me earlier to tell me that he had trouble finding some stuff on the list. I was going to tell you but I got carried away thinking about what happened today.” Mrs. Okon saved her husband from the explanation.
“What? What happened?” Mr. Okon asked and his eyes showed his concern.
“I tell you in the kitchen. I don't wish to disturb our guests.” Mrs. Okon insisted. Mrs. Okon took the grocery bag from Mr. Okon and accompanied him to the kitchen.
Mr. Jonathan was perplexed but he finally found the sense to ask. “What happened? Was it something my dad did?”
“No, not at all. I'm not in the mood but you can come back later. Detective Osahon and Mr. Richard will be back soon. Just come back then.” I didn't realize I was shoving Mr. Jonathan out of my house until I slammed the door in his face. I rested my back on the door and sighed. I was not sure why I did that but I think it has become a trend for me to do things spontaneously and without reason. I just hoped Detective Osahon and Mr. Richard would arrive soon. I couldn't take this suspense anymore.