The Dawuni Files - A White Shadow

Chapter three

Dawuni immediately sprung up from his chair and saluted the president."Good morning, sir".

Nii responded with a smile and told him to sit down." I'm sorry for keeping you waiting that long", Nii said as he sank into his chair." I had some important business to attend to".

"No problem, sir," Dawuni told him as he studied him closely. He had seen the president several times on television and a couple of times in real life but never had he seen him this up close. The President looked tired with bags under his eyes but even with that, there was still a spark in his eyes which showed that beneath that facade lurked a very intelligent mind.

"I have a bit of a problem", Nii said as he opened his laptop." And the DCOP recommended you highly. She said you are one of the best young detectives in the country".

"I've had a few successes but I wouldn't say I'm...", Dawuni started to say but Nii cut in.

"Don't be so modest. After all your reputation precedes you".

Dawuni smiled slightly and realised what the President was doing. His careful use of flattery was all calculated down to the last degree to see how Dawuni would react so as to judge his character.

Nii on his part continued to drop subtle doses of flattery as they talked about a wide range of topics for twenty minutes before Nii finally brought Dawuni to the main issue.

"I have a bit of a problem", Nii said and waited to see Dawuni's reaction but he received only a slight nod from the young man, so he continued." It is very personal. Two days ago, I received an email through my private email address".

Nii turned the laptop screen to face Dawuni. Dawuni studied the screen for a few seconds. It showed about eight high definition pictures of Nii and a woman making love. After studying images, Dawuni said," So you want me to find the blackmailer, sir."

"That's not all, scroll down", Nii told him. Dawuni scrolled down and read the rest of the message." This is more or less a threat."
Nii nodded gravely.

"Did you bring in anyone to check out the email?" Dawuni asked.

"I brought in a computer forensics expert, who couldn't trace the email or get much from it", Nii replied, still looking at Dawuni closely. He had expected him to be surprised when he saw the email, but  Dawuni's expression was surprisingly neutral.

"Where were the pictures taken?" Dawuni's voice barely concealed his excitement.

"At one of my Presidential resort/ hideout"

"But isn't there supposed to be security?"

Nii nodded." There is, and that's the surprising thing. The resort is top secret, with 24/7 security guards, high definition CCTV cameras in every nook and cranny of the place plus heat sensors. But sadly, the CCTV cameras did not spot anything."

"How many people know of this resort?"

"Just me, my wife and Monique,the lady in the pictures?"

"Do you have any enemies?" Dawuni asked, but realized how stupid the question was.

"Me?.. Enemies?.., Nii laughed." I have a truck load of them.

After asking a few questions and securing a meeting with Monique two days from now, Dawuni was just about to take his leave when he remembered something.
"Sir, how many people know of your relationship with Monique?"

"Well, nobody apart from... well...my wife", Nii said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

Dawuni couldn't help it as his face registered surprise but he quickly regained his composure and asked if he could have a meeting with her.

"I'll have to check with her to see when she would be available".

"Okay, sir," Dawuni said." Will it be possible for me to have copies of the pictures?"

"What do you need them for," Nii's eyebrows shot up.

Dawuni explained that he wanted his friend, a tech expert, back at the CID to have a look at them.

"What is his name?"

"Titus Ayamga", Dawuni replied.

"But he is the same person I brought in to have a look at the email".

"Really?" Dawuni said. "But I feel he should have a look at it again since it's our only lead".

Nii agreed to send them to him through his email address. As Dawuni reached the door Nii called out to him." Dawuni".

"Yes ,sir". Dawuni turned to face him.

"I hope this case will remain between the two of us ".

"Don't worry,sir . You can be rest assured that I won't say a word to anyone."

"Thank you".

"You are welcome,sir," Dawuni left.