Walking In Deception

CHAPTER 6: Case solved, how about we submit this to the police

I woke up that morning feeling rejuvenated like nothing had happened these past few days. It was a lie I told myself to keep myself strong. I had to stay strong for Mrs. Okon as she was for me in the initial part of my mental breakdown. I put on more clothing because it was cold that morning. That morning, I planned to surprise everyone with breakfast-in-bed. To my surprise, I found Detective Osahon in the kitchen. I had seen someone cook so quietly before.

"The atmosphere has been so tense I could lessen with a big surprise. No one would expect me in the kitchen, right?" He explained with a smile.

I scoffed and said, " I would have never in a million years thought this would happen."

"You know, I was once like you. I had just lost my job and my wife was working round the clock to support the family in the meantime. Jonathan was very little then. I doubt if even remembers what she looked like. I gave her a little nudge on the back by helping out with the chores till I got another job."

"Well, did you?" I asked. By now, I had completely abandoned my task at hand. I was glad that I was getting to know more of Detective Osahon's backstory.

"I did. In fact, it was bigger." By Detective Osahon's delay in his next statement, I could sense a tragic story coming. "Just when we're getting better, she died in a hit-and-run."

"Oh my God!" I gasped for air.

"No one investigated it. I didn't want that to happen to anyone else. I didn't want another boy to lose his mother and so I became a Detective. Eventually, I got carried away by the fame, I lost sight of my initial objective and became a puppet to the rich who choose to pin murders on their rival." His face was as if he was telling the most traumatic of his life. He took a deep breath and continued, "And now, here I am. I mean, it could happen to anybody, right?"

"Sure, I mean, Of course. You did everything you could." As I left the kitchen to give Detective Osahon his space, I said, "You're a good man, Detective Osahon. Don't let anyone tell you you are not. Maybe if you open up like this once or twice, people will get to see the real you."

I went upstairs to check up on Mrs. Okon. I gently opened the door because I did not want to startle Mrs. Okon. To my surprise, she was already awake.

"Did you get some sleep? I'm worried about you." I said. To be sincere, she was worth worrying about. She sat upright in her bed with her head face downwards. Her eyes looked dim and hazy. It was as if she had not slept for days.

"I'll be fine, madam. Let me wash up and prepare something for everyone." Mrs. Okon said as she tried to get up. I cuddled her tightly and said, "Detective Osahon is handling that already."

Just then, I heard the sound of someone sweeping.

"Please, get some rest." I said to Mrs. Okon as I gently laid her down. I got up to see who it was.

"Mr. Richard, are you...?"

"Yes. Please, don't be surprised. It's the least I can do. I haven't been doing a lot of detective duties lately. I just want to help but Detective Osahon never gives me the chance." Mr. Richard explained.

"I'm sure he will someday. It's really sweet of you. Now, I feel like I'm the only one not contributing."

"Don't be. You did a lot yesterday."

Detective Osahon was already halfway up the stairs when he saw Mr. Richard and me.

"Breakfast is ready. How is Mrs. Okon doing?" Detective Osahon announced.

"I'm alright. I thank you all for your support." Mrs. Okon in.

"Since we're all here, why don't we move to the dining room." All of this, Detective Osahon said with an expressionless face.