Delayed Diagnosis Episode 9
Written by Kingsley Olanrewaju Efughi
I got to the hospital and I wasn’t ready for the sight that awaited me..I should have noticed something was amiss long ago but I was deep in thought…I had been given a mission impossible which i had to make possible because the stakes were too high..
I walked in on the police officers in the waiting room..where they had most likely been questioning Andy and his ‘wife’ Andy looked worried he sat down in a corner with Mona beside him that wasn’t all..
I could see Chiefs wife Mrs Benita with her two children standing beside the officers.
I took all this in while in motion (which was slow thanks to the limp)
A part of my brain noticed the triangle of Andy,Mona and the Chiefs son Emenike. I wondered what his reaction would be like if I told him this dude had his wife the day before..
I drew stares my way as everyone seemed to lapse into silence as all eyes focused on me.
I moved to the a single chair away from their section..the same place the snoring man had slept away before his chilling revelation.
They studied me for some seconds more and I took my time settling down playing an old fragile man to the fullest.
“So he gave you the keys and the note this morning and disappeared?”
I could hear their voice clearly! This is how the snoring guy probably listened to Andy and I the night before… I shook my head.
Presently Emenike was pacing while Andy fumbled out a reply to the sergeant who asked the question..”yes..that’s what I’ve been saying since..me I was sleeping he gave me and left”
I tried my best to feign disinterest in what they were saying but I could see a particular police man watching me with narrowed eyes and a frown..my heart quickened and I wished I had a news paper or something to feast my eyes..instead I rested my chin on my cane and tapped my foot softly.
“So you’re telling us this woman was attacked outside her home by some stranger…how come you and obasi turned out here together?”
I could feel Andy sweating..”he came to my house..earlier..we were both inside”
“Are you aware Obasi is the leading suspect in the murder of your workmate..one miss Fumi?”
“I-i had no idea” Andy stammered..
The police man who had been observing me came my way..
I braced myself.
Emenike was saying..”I know he is responsible..this guy should be locked up..he’s not stable”
“What are you doing here?” The officer had reached my side.
He sized me up quite rudly and I took my time..turning my head slowly then adjusting my glasses as I stared up at him..
“My grand daughter..pregnant”
He looked at me closely..”are you not the husband to one Alhaja that is here?”
I looked at him blankly..”my grand daughter want to give birth..so me I come..me I wait..” Wtf! Talking like an illiterate would contradict my outlook.
The police looked at me again..”let’s take a walk”
“Constable!” It was the sergeant
“Sah” the constable who had been making me squirm stood at attention.
I looked up to notice they were all leaving the room..with Andy and his wife..in tow..probably to the station..because of the car case..although I knew Mona only had to pull some strings in person of strange eyes and they’d be out with minimum bail. I still felt I was gonna get snitched on..Andy was a qood guy but he lacked the balls and guts (I’m one to talk)
The constable hurried to his sergeant and I sighed in relief..then my breath caught again as my eyes met Ada..she was looking at me in disbelief as if she saw through all the old man getup..her mouth opened in surprise as she moved towards the door..she was directly behind Andy and Mona..I knew she had to recognise me..there was no other reason for her to look at a stranger in open mouth surprise.
I expected the worst..for her to raise the alarm,point at the old man but she just stared until she left the room..I stayed were I was for minutes after the waiting room was empty. Calming the old and feeble heart.
I left the waiting room in search of the doctor who had attended to us..I didn’t see him I checked out the reception for the fat nurse lady but instead met a slim dude.
I reasoned that when Alhaja’s husband had come with Mona in the morning they were yet to change shifts..so it was possible this nurse guy hadn’t met Alhaja’s real husband..
I thanked God Wendy had worked on my teeth making it look old and coloured. I felt it was a giveaway that an old man like the one I was portraying would have 32 healthy
teeth.
“Yes can I help you sir?”
“I want to check my wife she was attacked and her head-“
“Oh..Alhaja..she has been asking for you since..she came around sometime this afternoon and she’s very weak but she still asked for you” he came around the table and took my hand..which I was just suddenly aware would feel young and smooth..I quickly retrieved my hand and used it to grab the cane
“Lemme take you to her..if she isnt sleeping..I don’t think doctor would mind..I can spare a few minutes..its a miracle the way her recovery was instant…its a good thing she was brought here by your neighbour.”
‘This guy Na chatterbox’ I thought idly as I followed him praying Alhaja would be sleeping..once I assuaged my conscience and was convinced she was okay..I was off from this hospital..I had 48 hours to perform magic. We entered the room and to my dismay I could see alhaja staring at the small TV in the corner..
“Oh yes..all the soap opera stations have kept her quite busy..Alhaja..guess who is here!”
I decided I didn’t like this nurse guy..he was too lousy…whether I disliked him or not..Alhaja was looking at me..a slight smile on her lips and I wondered if by some stupid luck I could pull this off..another part of me marveled at the love she shared with her husband. But as I got closer her smile faded..”oko’ mi da?”(where is my husband)
“Iya..emi ni” (wife it is me…or so I hoped)
She frowned and shook her head..the movement made her wince in pain..
“Woa..what happened?”
“I think the blow gave her a little amnesia” I said to the nurse..who frowned..he studied Alhaja who was still muttering denials and asking for her real husband..
“That’s strange..I hope its nothing serious..hold on lemme get the doctor”
I nodded..the moment he left the room..I looked at Alhaja…”I’m sorry” I said…
I left and closed the door softly..I had to move on now..I had a race against time..
I saw no more police…nor Ada or her mother..it seems they all went to the station ..I hoped they had seen the car in the crusade ground..if not..
I considered my next action as I headed for the exit.
°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•
The chief: it turned out his product ammunition was not just a metaphor with reference to alcohol..actually supplying arms to sleeper cells just for money…but why had he left..such important documents about in the first place..and had technically invited and given me time to snoop and find it..my mind told me to be careful..and thread lightly when dealing with the chief..I considered the fact that he was blacklisted to be killed once the ‘institute’ had the paper containing the coordinates was in their hands..my mind moved to Dr. rasheed and all he had told me..the ‘kidon’ were known for their innovative killings.. The family to one of their victims concerning their strike back operation (wrath of God) in response to the Munich massacre had argued that the said victim died from natural causes..I marveled at the innovation this people took in killing. I truly believed that if I played my part and relayed the document then chief would bite the dust in hours..I wondered if the strike team was on stand by already..probably In shadows waiting quietly..I really wouldn’t lose any sleep over his death..to be frank..Fumi’s death had made me stone cold…it was just a game to him..it could easily be any of my sisters next..or..I grinded my teeth in anger..my mother…no way! He had to go first…then if I had to trek round Lagos..I would hunt down that old assasin who had done the actual trigger pulling.
The question was..what if Chief somehow had the papers in his possession..how do I get it?
Then there was strange eyes..I had long forgotten the fact that he save my life..now over 72 hours ago..because his recent actions had endangered it over and over again..he had seemed truly pissed when I had declared the papers missing back in my house..but he was a master liar no doubt..he had also pretended to not to know of Chiefs ‘operations’ address but according to Mona he had ‘discovered that Intel himself’
Something nagged at my brain but I missed it…it danced just out of reach and it seemed the harder I tried to grasp it the more it moved farther away.
I gave up. It was extremely likely that strange eyes had the documents.. It seemed more like his thing…breaking and entering was his specialty and he loved messing with minds..
Then Fome…her involvement in all this seemed to be deeper than I initially thought..
The sky rumbled and I looked up…not one single star in sight..my stomach was churning growling in hunger..but I had no time to waste..I couldn’t afford to be stuck in a diner when the rain started…I thought to Fome..Dr.Rasheed had said to get her to contact me…how? I thought of how she contacted me to warn me about the old woman assassin..she had said ‘don’t enter that office’ as if she were behind me..
“What did she mean..” The first drop of rain began dropping and I knew I had to make up my mind…either Chief or strange eyes..who to contact first..and how do I go about it..? My mind was blank..
The rain seemed to increase..and I suddenly..needed a break..I had been up and about since like 5 am..after spending the night dozing in a sleeping position..(I totally forgot the 3 hours sleep I squeezed in at the hotel)
I decided to branch in a food joint I noticed by the road..the bright neon lights announced it was a 24/7 strictly ‘swallow joint’
I escaped the increasing rain..and decided that a plate of pounded yam could help jump start the brain because I needed strategies…but I wasn’t going to starve myself anymore…I could be dead in 48 hours and I wasn’t going on an empty stomach.
The restaurant was almost filled up I chose a lonely table and sat down anticipating my meal..welcome aromas drifted from the kitchen.
The rain had increased, although the sound was reduced in here..I could tell it was serious when people began rushing in seeking shelter.
A sales girl rushed to my side..pretty and in her early 20s.
“E ka le daddy..ki lo fe je” (good evening,what will u eat)
I wanted to ask her which soup they had but couldn’t remember the Yoruba word for soup
I settled on vegetable with pounded yam and as she retreated from my table..I felt watched..I glanced around the diner but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary..people were sitting,eating,talking..some where standing observing the rain..waiting for the slightest break in current and they’d be on the street no doubt..I took my time to observe as many people as u could..but I didn’t notice anybody..no one seemed to be paying any particular attention to me and I focused on my food when the girl served it.
As I ate I tried to think of my next line of action..everything that had happened to me so far seemed surreal but I didn’t need to pinch myself to be reminded this was reality.
It was a known fact the chief wanted me dead..so it was logical I try to contact him first before all the effects of Wendy’s wand ran out..what I intended to do I didn’t know..how was also a mystery but I knew I needed to act.
How about if i try to kill two birds with one stone?…on the off chance that strange eyes was the one with the papers and I could sense my danger in coming across the chief..
I pushed my thoughts to the background again and observed the diner. The feeling of being watched again..I feared it was someone from Dr. Rasheeds side..I didn’t even want to think of the institute..but the details he had rattled of about my family had been to accurate…it was chilling..what had he said..’my fathers ram had won’ how did he know about that..when my mother had called-
My phone vibrated!
I checked the I.d and grimaced..
I wouldn’t say speak of the devil..cos my mother is an angel in my eyes but lo and behold my thoughts must have conjured the call..
I hesitated to pick the call..washing my hands hoping it would be a missed call..
The vibration stopped..before I could blink she was calling again…”hello mama”
I saw a young couple at the next table look at me in surprise I could tell what they were thinking..
‘wow this old man..still has a mother…and they talk on the phone’
“I was expecting your call back since na” she said accusingly
“I forgot mama..the work has been too much recently”
She softened “I know..that’s why you need a wife by your side now..I’ve been telling you since”
I mumbled something in agreement watching the sales girl as she cleared the table.
“Your fathers ram has another fight on Saturday..” She lowered her voice “its like God touched this your father today o..he used the money he won from that fight to buy me some lace and judge”
My eyes widened…my sisters and I had been responsible for clothing our mother since I could remember..we didn’t really ‘send’ our Father because he came into enough money regularly from gambling alone..but you know the cycle of gambling in and out..still sufficient money was on hand to spoil his wife every now and then but the thought never crossed his mind..that’s why I was surprised..this was news!
“All of it?” I asked her
“Haba now don’t you know your father”
I smiled.
She went on “so we should be with you on Sunday your father is looking forward to it..I just pray his ram wins..”
I wondered if it would make any difference..Sunday was in 4 days time…
“Whats wrong..why are you quiet?”
“I don’t know if its malaria..since yesterday I’ve been feeling sick”
“Have you taken drugs?”
“Mama I’ve taken everything I just need to sleep”
“Toh- oya rest o..we’d talk later”
I put down the phone and observed the windows..the rain had reduced..and not enough to keep me stationary on a normal day..but I feared it would wear out the effects on my face .I could feel it wasn’t as profound as when She had finished it that morning.
So I remained in my seat and had even spaced out not gazing at anything in particular..the Sales girl returned to collect money and as I paid her I glanced around the room. I saw Mona at a table around my 3 o’clock position….I considered she and Andy would probably be hungry and this place was a walking distance from the hospital..
‘That was quick..Mona must have pulled some major strings..were is Andy..’ I thought to myself as I watched her idly..
She seemed to look around and I guessed she was expecting someone..where is Andy?..I looked around suddenly alert and wondered who she was expecting..,I wouldn’t be surprised to see Emenike I thought to myself
She had nothing on her table and the sales girl approached her and they spoke..I had no idea what they said but the sales girl moved to another table before heading towards the kitchen.
Finally I saw her signal to who she was waiting for..I turned discreetly to check out the arrival expecting to see Emenike.
My mouth hung open like a cartoon I was sure..but moving to the table and now sitting down opposite Andy’s dear wife was the old woman..the legit one. She still carried the same bag..as the last time..on the outside it looked like what an old woman would carry with all her harmless possessions inside. But I knew a deadly weapon (possibly a glock 9..) Was in the bag..I wondered if Mona knew too..and what kind of business..would they have together?
The sales girl returned “daddy shey you will drink something Madam they complain say seat no dey for other people wey wan chop”
“But I just ate here now..” My eyes were on Mona and Fumi’s killer
“Oya gimme malt..you still hold my change sef”
She skipped away and I watched Mona and the old woman talk in hushed tones..
What business does a federal agent have with an assassin for hire..the very one who had killed my friend and wanted me dead.. I picked up my phone..’I hope he traces this..’
I dialled strange eyes “Rex..what a pleasant surprise”
“One of your agents is married to Andy my friend from work..yes or no”
“What… which agent…Andy..Andy..I know him very well but his wife..is not I repeat..not a federal agent.”
I said nothing but observed them the sales girl brought my drink and made to open it.
I inclined my head to where Mona and the assassin still sat discussing. “How come your madam doesn’t worry those two women…they didn’t even buy anything”
She opened my drink then looked over .”no oo..that younger woman paid money for just that table”
“But I thought..your first service was to the stomach of people”
She laughed..”daddy not with this kind of money o” I uncovered my hand from the mouth piece of the phone, strange eyes was still on the line
“you have something I need” I glanced at the two women..still deep in discussion.
“I’d be with you shortly..” He must have traced the location…well the more the merrier..
“Make sure you bring the papers…all of it”
“I see you’ve gotten some base in your voice .but which papers?.I trust you would explain better when we see”
“You’re messing with forces you can’t handle”
Mona glanced around and I averted my gaze and picked my drink….I could feel her gaze in my direction and hoped she didn’t recognize me from earlier in the waiting room. Two times might seem too much of a coincidence..
Strange eyes was blabbering “forces I can’t control..that’s what I should be telling you..you never should have ditched me..now you-“
I cut the call then put the phone on aeroplane mode..you never know..but strange eyes could enter the diner with a device that would latch onto my signal and direct him to my table..after all What was it Dr Rasheed had said again..”strange eyes was spoilt with gadgets to blind him to where he should look”
I put the phone in my pocket and looked discreetly in the direction of Mona’s table..my breath caught..they were both looking at me contemplatively and muttering to each other.
I tried to act nonchalant but I could tell from the corner of my eye that their attention was still on me.
Lightening flashed from outside..the rain wasn’t over yet.
The phrase seemed to imply my current situation..and I sighed as I worriedly observed the old crooner (ruthless killer)and Mona (Agent or ??)
Presently like two monitoring spirits..I could tell they decided there was something fishy about me.
I sat counting the seconds into minutes..I watched the door closely..and spared a glance towards the other table..two pairs of eyes were pointed my way..it seemed as if they wanted eye contact..I thought it looked obvious I was avoiding eye contact..but I feared if our eyes met..I’d see the flicker of recognition at least on on Mona’s face.
The old wooman caressed her bag which was on the table..and my blood chilled..not the bag again..surely she wouldn’t try anything funny in such a crowded place..in the privacy of the toilet my life had been saved by two unsuspecting girls..not to talk of this public place.
But my mind was still on the edge.
My attention was drawn to the door..and a group of people (about 5) hurried in seeking shelter from the rain.
I noticed him immediately..he stood out from the rest or maybe because I had been expecting someone like that exactly..but I could tell he was from strange eyes side of the fence. While others seemed to have been caught in the rain unawares..he seemed to have prepared for it..right now he was shaking of a his heavy windbreaker which was waterproof..I tried to cross his face to the gala seller who had left my face with scratches but couldn’t place the gala agent’s face..new faces and events had occupied my memory I guess.
The agent was observing everybody with trained eyes as he walked around holding his dripping coat pretending to be on the look out for a vacant space..but I could see his eyes scanning the faces..I watched his face for any sign he recognized Mona..but nothing when he looked at me..I held my breath..he took a sit close to the entrance..he had practically circled The diner then settled at the spot he passed.
I looked at the other table..they were talking to each other now..I don’t think they noticed the agent but the old crooner still stroked her bag almost lovingly I thought.
I saw strange eyes come from the kitchen and my eyes bulged..when did he pass? He looked as if he had been in there all along..his clothes where dry…except..: I noticed his trousers from the ankle down were soaked wet and he wore rain boots.
He had probably gone through the kitchen window..I’m sure he brought a coat just like this other one that is drying now..I sipped my drink as I watched him enter the diner..
A part of me thought and hoped that it was a set up..that they had lured the old crooner here to take her down..and that Mona was indeed an agent and that strange eyes hadn’t traced my call but had been communicating with Mona about taking down the assassin…some how I knew it was wishful thinking.
I saw Mona’s eyes widen and I read her lips clearly “sh!t” she put her head down..he had seen strange eyes..
I watched this with interest..front seats in the cinema…’why would she duck?..she knows strange eyes..and knows he can recognise her..’
Strange eyes hadn’t seen her..he was stopping by tables asking questions and moving on..the way he was moving..he’d get to my table first before the other one..what was he even asking them anyway? He would lean in a table and say or ask something and most times they would shake their heads. Other times I couldn’t make out their reply. He was heading to my table like 4 places away..I got out my phone..
[ look to your left..the lady in a blue blouse said she worked with you the old woman In brown is Fumis murderer and also after my neck]
I pressed send..then added another:
[Show me I can trust you. Do something!]
Both messages brought up an error sign..but I had credit now..aeroplane mode!..
I dragged my notification down then deactivated it..I pressed resend rapidly for both messages while my network bar rebooted.
Strange eyes was two tables away..maybe if we spoke he wouldn’t recognise the voice..but I had a feeling he would..I would have to try my best to alter my voice.
The messages showed me a sent sign..I put my phone on aeroplane mode and looked up just as strange eyes approached my table.
He leaned in..his phone beeped..I heard it too new message.
“Are you the owner of a pathfinder vehicle outside..plate number-“
The phone beeped again..the second message..
I could see his hands were itching him..he straightened up and checked the phone..his first reaction was to scan the room probably looking for where I sent the message from..not knowing yours truly was in front of him.
Then he checked out Mona’s table and he frowned..looked at his phone again..then looked round..I could tell he was baffled..without any word he turned from my table and walked to the door where his partner had sat..I watched him closely and noticed a sign..he gave his partner..just a slight sweep of the head..his partner got up and headed outside to the rain..I could see him pulling out his phone as he left..’better call back up’ I said through gritted teeth.
I wasn’t the only one monitoring these movements..Mona was literally fidgeting..and I was finding her reaction. Interesting..it seemed they had both forgotten about me..
She muttered something to the old woman and she grabbed the bag holding it in Her lap with her hands positioned in a way that ensured easy access to the content.
I obsereved strange eyes..he was standing by the door looking around..wondering were I was hiding I was sure.
A man decided to leave and brace the rain..he got up and moved to the door..strange eyes almost didn’t clear road for the man..he eyeballed the man till the man was almost past him. The man raised his arms in a ‘what?” Kind of gesture and strange eyes sidestepped letting him pass.
I disabled the aeroplane mode once more..”,have to warn this fool” I
Sent a message
[The old woman has a wicked gun in her purse]
I clicked send but the message refused to deliver..my network was full so it had to be strange eyes..
I watched Mona’s table closely…she seemed to be really restless and I could tell the old woman was trying to placate her.
I looked at strange eyes he was talking into his wrist watch..and truly just as Dr. Rasheed had said..the gadget blinded him to where he was meant to look..because as I looked back to the other table..Mona brought out a Pringles jar from under the table..and with much urgency thrust it at the old crooner.
I knew it as I knew my name was Rex Obasi..the papers were rolled in there!
Mona pointed towards the kitchen while speaking to the old woman and I knew she had guessed that strange eyes had used there to gain entrance.
She finished whatever instructions she gave the woman and stood up..the old crooner remained on her seat and I watched as Mona made her way towards the entrance..
Strange eyes saw her approach and stopped talking into the watch phone or whatever was on his wrist.
He moved to intercept her as he came to her front he raised a hand to her and made to speak…Mona’s next action would make me think she was not an agent at all or if she was she was a rogue agent.
With lightening speed she struck out her hand slapping away the one strange eyes had raised she turned 180 with a round house kick following…strange eyes was lucky she had on sneaks and not heels if not I probably would be referring to him as no eyes after this incident.
The kick connected well and strange eyes staggered but the stubborn man wouldnt go down..he counter striked with a kick of his own and the fight was on..people were shouting and exclaiming..making a racket..but nobody made any move towards them..I looked at the old woman and saw her shuffling her way in the confusion towards the kitchen..Pringles case in hand. I got to my feet grabbing my cane as I fast limped after her..this had to be a miracle..for the papers to fall under my very nose! I couldn’t miss it..no it wasn’t an option.
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