Her Innocuous Ways

Chapter Nine

Her Innocuous Ways

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Stephen Ameh tried to ignore the chill of dread that had been steadily enveloping him since he received a call from Lara that morning.

His usual concentration was been blown to bits by the news of her detainment at the police station. Dragging his hand roughly in his hair, he scribbled the last paragraph on the board in his notebook.

Immediately his lecturer left the class, Stephen had been tempted to call Mr Oyeyemi. He was a Police officer at Division F. However, the news of Lara writing Pharez as her surname wouldn't make Mr Oyeyemi believe him. Would it?

Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought and strolled to the walkway to get himself some sausages and a canned drink.

"Chairman! How far na? I wan see you o."

"I dey o. Thank you! Abeg, you fit see me another time? My mood no good at all today." Stephen said shaking hands with Faramola and his friend who sat next to him. He wasn't in a chatty mood and was grateful when none of the boys uttered a word.

It was Faramola who broke the silence by clearing his throat before adding,"it's about Lara. Sir Breezy told me what happened in school this morning. "

"Lara! I'll be going to see her soon." Stephen responded coldly.

Faramola could understand the chilly voice. Feeling the need to clear the air, he quickly explained to Stephen that the relationship that existed between Lara and himself had been a platonic one.

Stephen tried extremely hard to concentrate on the conversation.
"I find that hard to believe," Stephen said, " Lara told me you two had the love thing going for you. What I don't understand is why you decided to not only deny but abandon her at the police custody when she needs you most?"

No one spoke for a long time after Stephen asked the most ridiculous question Faramola's ever heard.

Rubbing his damped hands on his trousers, Stephen locked his eyes sternly with Faramola for a while before giving him a piece of his mind.

"Faramola! Just because you've grown bored by her doesn't give you the right to treat her like a featherhead. She deserves better, you know?" Stephen said as he stood up.

Faramola was dumbfounded. He couldn't remember asking Lara out officially as a girlfriend. Its true he'd taken her out but not as his girl. Unsure of what to say to his hurting course mate, he decided it was best to keep shut.

"Stephen, you can have my car key. I don't think you'll be able to make it to town in time waiting on the long queue at the Park. Faramola will give me a ride home." Sir Breezy said as he tossed him the key to his navy blue Toyota Corolla.

"Thanks!" Stephen said as he collected the key.

"For the record, I never asked her out. I was interested in her classmate. The dark one not her. Am sorry guy. This one wey your blood dey hot like this.." Faramola joked shaking his head and grinning wickedly.

"Stephen, its like you like this your Church member o?" Sir Breezy also teased.

Deciding it was better to avoid the questions than answer them. He shook the guys warmly and walked towards Breezy's car packed few blocks away from the class area.

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

"Good afternoon sir" Stephen greeted the police officer at the counter.

"Afternoon sir. Police are your friend. What can I do for you?" The officer greeted him.

The suspicious look on the officer's face when he asked of Lara Pharez told him there's was more to the story than meets the eye. He was quick to notice how the man's tone had changed from civil to harsh.

"Mr man, are you one of her customers?" The officer asked.

"No sir! Can I speak with Mr Oyeyemi please?" Stephen requested politely.

"Is that not Brother Stephen?" Pastor Anako said to Sergeant Oyeyemi as the duo strolled into the room where Stephen stood with his back to them.

The salutation of the police officer announced the presence of someone with an higher rank. Stephen was glad to see Mr Oyeyemi and his Pastor.

The Sergeant greeted his men briefly while pastor and himself stood in silence. Entering the Sergeant's office, he explained the call he had received that morning connecting Lara Dalton to Lara Pharez.

"What?" Pastor and Sergeant said in unison.

Reaching for his desk phone, Sergeant ordered that Lara Pharez be brought to his office.

"Pastor, the lady will soon be here", the Sergeant said fixing his gaze on his doorknob.

The room became uncomfortably silent as the trio awaited the coming of Lara Pharez.