Binta

Chapter Four

I got back to the office and headed straight to my Boss office but he was not on seat so I went to my office.

"Barr Binta! How was court today?" Lara inquired with a crooked smile. She stood by my office door in her clean grey fitted coloured suit and pointed heels. She is slender and gorgeous.

"Court was good everything went smoothly "I affirmed her.

"That's interesting...probably you would survive" she said slowly and comfortably approaching my desk.

"No judgment on you but don't get too comfortable it's never easy working with Barr Musa, there is never an ending work to be done...Honestly I pity you already". She whispered in my ears and looked at me as though she expected me to respond but I had absolutely nothing to say to her.

"Try and enjoy it while it lasts" she finished and after observing me, she walked out.

I took a long breath and sat back on my seat pondering harder at her words. My thought was interrupted by the buzz of my phone.

"I told you to call me when your Boss is in the office?"My mom snapped through the phone which got me irritated.

"He is not yet in the office and I am just coming back from the court, today is a busy day mom, I would call you when he is free and ready to meet you please" I assured her.

"You better do, it's very important I see him" with that she ended the call.

Mommy kena! I wonder why she wants to see him that bad, I sighed.

I took out my food flask and helped my tummy with some food, I really need the energy to work, I fear when I start working I won't remember to eat again.

"Sorry for interrupting you, "Lara approached my desk with some files, which she dropped hard on my desk.

"The Boss said you should study all these files and follow the instructions on each file, he also said they are some client coming for pre trial conference in an hour time he needs you to handle it, the matter is coming up tomorrow"

"Were is the file for tomorrow matter please, because I can see four files here"

"Figure it out yourself...I guess you are capable "she mocked and left me stranded and frustrated.

One thing I know deep down is you don't put me to a challenge but I crush it In Shaa Allah (by God's Grace) with that I set to work.

"The clients are present and at the conference hall, everything is set we are waiting for you Ma" Lara said sarcastically.

"Thank you Lara I would join them in a bit" I checked the clock and it was time for Zuhur prayer." I could feel Lara gaze on me.

"I need to say my prayers please" I added without meeting her gaze, I was not ready for her annoying attitude.

"Oh!" Lara shrugs.

"Holy Mary" I heard her called out as she walked away laughing.

Honestly I wonder what is Lara's problem with me, I can't remember doing anything wrong to her, I won't allow her stupid manners affects me I have better things to concentrate on.

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I entered the conference hall and apologized for my delay, I introduced myself and informed them I would be leading them thorough the pre trial conference. I could see some doubt and disappointment written all over their face, but I don't blame them I also have some doubt in myself.

I took a seat directly opposite them as I sat I apologized for my boss absence and encouraged them to please be free with me and give me their cooperation.

"As you all know the pre-trial conference is to expose you to likable questions that might arise during cross examination based on your written statement on oath" the two witnesses nodded except one who looked confused.

"But I no write any statement" one of the witness protest.

"Did you depose to an affidavit on this matter" I asked the witness politely and I could see confusion written all over his face, then I assumed he don't understand English well.

"He don't understand English very well "the second witness affirmed my assumption.

"What language do you understand well?" I asked him again

"Hausa" the second witness answered on his behalf.

"shikena toh munyi da Hausa( it alright lets speak in Hausa)" I suggested.

I pleaded to the second witness to translate whatever I said in English to Hausa for the understanding of the witness which he did gladly and accurately. I do understand Hausa but I can't speak or write it very well.

The pre trial went well but it was not at all easy, I had to be very patient. The second witness seemed very difficult I wish we could do away with him but he is very fundamental to the case. I pray we don't have to declare him a hostile witness.