NOT DEAD YET… (IX)
I may have little or no idea of what actually transpired right after Ken disclosed the ill news of Mama’s death and Papa’s predicament to me. But I was sure I wasn’t really myself.
My world came crashing over, and for the second time, I begged death to come have me.
Ken had been truly supportive. His words of hope and consolations were the core reasons I was still very much alive. I had severally contemplated suicide, but he gave me a thousand and one reasons to live on. Now I must do my part to make meaning of what’s left.
Ken provided me with adequate medical care, as well as having me undergo therapeutic sessions to foster my healing process. He also got me new set of clothes and shoes as I hope to restart life from ground zero.
One month after, and I was now back on my feet. I told Ken of my plans to visit the police station and make a report and he gave his full support. He asked that I keep some vital information about me private, and if possible, try as much as possible to disguise so I don’t reveal too much of myself to the police since nobody could be trusted now.
I ruminated on his words and did as he advised. I showed up the following day at the station wearing a whole different look and identity. I requested to see the DPO in charge and my request was granted shortly after.
The DPO hosted me in his office and gave me audience. I took time to narrate my ordeal from the first day, and down to the last. He was left dumbfounded at my revelation, staring on like I was a ghost or something close. He appeared uneasy and was beginning to sweat profusely.
“This is serious” He stuttered “Does anyone else know about this?”
I shook my head.
“Good!” He snapped, and began to pace about the office in thought “What did you say is your name again?”
“Aisha!” I replied “Aisha Ibrahim”
Alright. Give me a moment, Aisha. I’d be right back” He excused himself and exited the office.
I sat back and heaved a deep sigh. The phone with me soon began to vibrate. The same phone I had stolen from the cabin in the forest.
I unveiled it from my pocket and stared at the it, ‘DPO’ appeared on the screen.
I became confused.
The call came a second time and the same name appeared on the screen. I ignored the call, left my seat and strolled across the room to the window. I parted the curtains and beheld the DPO at a secluded spot trying to make a call.
The call returned for the third consecutive time and I equally ignored it. A message soon dropped in. I turned the phone off and returned it to my pocket.
The DPO soon walked back in trying to hide his nervousness. He approached his seat, settled down and cleared his throat.
“Miss Aisha” He began “I was actually trying to reach the IGP so this case could get better ambience and worthwhile attention, but unfortunately I couldn’t reach him. This is a top case and as well requires special treatment”
I nodded
“I’ll like you to go back home and return here tomorrow morning so we can obtain further information and act accordingly” He continued “But please, no third ear should know of this”
I nodded again
He then provided me with a piece of paper to put down my personal details, which includes my phone number and house address. I did as requested, but provided him with only wrong information. He also wrote down his phone number on a piece of paper and handed it to me to always call Incase I get new updates as they arise.
I left for home, and all through the rest of the day, the number saved as ‘DPO’ wouldn’t stop calling. My curiosity was finally laid to rest when I had compared the number saved on the phone with the very one the DPO had given me. They were one and the same.
I accessed the message box and opened the unread message that had dropped earlier. It reads..
“Kaptain, we have an issue on our hands. One of your subjects has escaped your camp and is about to let the cat out of the bag. Call me ASAP or I will have to finish her myself”
It’s one step to the final… This is not the end.
Úncle Nnamdi wrote it ✍️
