The Dawuni Files - A White Shadow

Chapter Ten

Dawuni sat in one of the large gardens of the Pearl Plaza Hotel, and marveled at what money could do. The garden was big and designed almost to perfection. Different species of trees both Ghanaian and foreign had been planted, producing a seamless piece of nature.

There was a large fountain in the shape of a peacock in the middle of the garden and rocks placed strageticaly to produce a feeling of calmness.

Dawuni was sitting at a table under a type of tree with broad deep green leaves and  yellow flowers doting its branches. Around him, tables with chairs doted all around the garden placed in such a way that afforded guests with the needed privacy. Overhead, birds chirped and called on the branches of the trees.

He inhaled the fresh air laced with different scents and sipped his ginger drink whilst checking his watch. It was almost time for his meeting with the First Lady  and he hoped she'd  make it.

Diane had made it very clear to him in a call  last night, that she was a very busy woman and her schedules sometimes changed. By the tone of her voice Dawuni knew that she wasn't very enthused on the idea of meeting with him.

At exactly eleven o'clock, Dawuni saw the First Lady and a body guard walking towards him. The bodyguard stopped a few feet from him and Diane walked to the table where they shook hands, exchanging greetings.

" My name is ... " Dawuni started to introduce himself.

"I know who you are." Diane cut in. " Just get straight to the point."

Dawuni  was taken aback slightly but he quickly composed himself and framed his first question.

"Your husband said you are the only one who knows of he and Monique. Have you told anyone else, maybe a family member or a friend."

"No." Diane said stoically." Your husband having an affair with another woman isn't something you go around telling people, is it?"

"No one?" Dawuni pressed." You have never mentioned it in a comment to a friend?"

" How old are you?" Diane's eyes narrowed.

Dawuni wondered what his age had to do with thier conversation, but he played along.

" Twenty eight, ma'am". He answered.

" And do you know how long I've been in politics?"

"No, ma'am".

" Thirty solid years". Diane said icily. " I entered politics during a time women were still seen fit for only catering, teaching or nursing. I had to compete with men who had connections, to become a party executive, then a member of parliament and to a Minister for Health before I resigned. Do you think that I've managed to make myself to this very day, relevant in politics by  being stupid? I've already told you , I told no one and if you don't have any serious questions to ask tell me and stop wasting my time."

Dawuni could clearly see that she hated the meeting alot. But which wife wouldn't?
" What is the state of your marriage with the president?"

" I don't think if we had a happy marriage he would be cheating on me". Diane told him, speaking like the way she would to a 6 year old.

Dawuni decided to change tactics.
" Have you met Monique before?"

" If I've met her before she wouldn't still be walking around with her pretty face intact."

" Do you know what will happen if the pictures are made public?" Dawuni asked. It was his turn to play.

"Yes. I would also be destroyed."

" Tsk tsk ". Dawuni shook his head. " The President and Monique would be affected alright, but you. You wouldn't be destroyed. On the contrary, people would sympathise with you. After all, you just an innocent wife who was minding her business and then what happened? Your husband decided to cheat on you."

He sat back and sipped his drink, welcoming the burning sensation as the ginger passed through his throat. Dawuni watched as a myriad of emotions passed over Diane's face and wondered if he had achieved the effect he desired.

" What are you trying to say?" Diane's tone was even.

" I'm not trying to say anything." Dawuni shrugged as he leaned forward. " I'm merely stating what is likely to happen."

The slap was swift and sharp. The fact that Dawuni had expected it , did nothing to lessen the pain. His cheek was on fire. Dawuni put on a surprised look but inwardly he was smiling.

" How dare you?" Diane's anger was clearly visible. She picked up her bag and strode out of the garden, her bodyguard close to her heels.

Dawuni took time to finish his drink as he processed Diane's words and reaction. Taking his last sip, Dawuni looked around the garden and walked out.
The songs of the beautiful birds announcing his leave.