THE ORDEALS OF NNEOMA
Episode 19
*****
The police officer quickly got to where Morris and his mother were.
“Madam, you are under arrest for adoption fr@ud.”
“I didn’t commit any crime, he’s my child!”
The people started drawing nearer.
“He is Nneoma’s twin, you gave me money when you took the child,” Bimbo shouted.
“I didn’t buy him. I only gave you money because you said you needed money. Besides you both said the child’s parents are dead and have no other relatives. Have you forgotten that you went through all the legal processes with me? I have the right to full custody of this child. Everything we did was documented, as if I knew a day like this would come. He is my child!”
Bimbo was speechless.
“Madam, you are still under arrest. We must confirm your claims before you will be released. You will follow us to the station,” the officer said.
“Let me call my lawyer.”
“Go ahead.”
Lina brought out her phone and called her lawyer.
“Please come to Ndokwa police station. Get the original document of my child’s custody while coming please.”
She then faced the police officer.
“Let’s go to the station.”
Lina and Morris entered the car, the officer joined them.
Stella and Bimbo entered the police vehicle with the other officer.
Both vehicles left for the police station and the people who gathered started dispersing with different versions of the incident.
“I will meet you people at the station,” Nneoma’s father shouted to the moving police vehicle as he waited for Nneoma to change into a gown that one of the onlookers brought.
When she was done changing her clothes, her father took her to a nearby barbing saloon for a haircut.
Afterwards, they left for the house.
As soon as they got home, Dera ran out to welcome them.
She was shocked and as well happy to see Nneoma again. She hugged her and apologised for all the pa!n that she and her mother caused her.
Later on, Nneoma freshened up and also ate some food. Dera did not hesitate to tell her everything that had happened starting from the day she ate the po!soned food.
Their father was delighted when he saw them happily discussing.
He then left for the police station.
When he got there, he was directed to the DPO’s office.
As he entered the office, he saw Morris and Lina with their lawyer already seated.
He was directed on where to sit.
“Mr. Ike, you must have been the biological father of this boy but I’m afraid the law is not on your side. These documents they presented showed that this lady has legal custody of this boy,” handing him the papers.
“Look closely, you will identify your wife’s signature. She and her accomplice claimed that the boy’s parents were de@d and no relatives to leave the child with. There is nothing we can do for you here,
I suggest you both should settle amongst yourselves outside here.”
Nneoma’s father was disappointed and couldn’t say a word.
“As for Stella and her accomplice, they have been incarcerated and awaiting trials.”
As he was speaking, Sergent Dozie knocked and entered.
“Sergent Dozie, how did it go?”
“Nobody was in the building.”
“What!? Hope you went to the right place. You mean you did not see any baba or whosoever operates there?”
“Yes sir, we even asked around and confirmed we were at the right place. I guess he’s aware of our coming that’s why he’s at large.”
“How far can he run? You can go.”
Sergent Dozie saluted him and left.
“As I said earlier, I suggest you settle this case out of here, you all can go.”
They all stood up and left the office.
As soon as they came outside, the lawyer entered his car and left.
Lina and Morris stood in front of the police station as Mr. Ike refused to go home.
“Mummy, can I talk to him.”
“Yes. Go ahead.”
Morris then walked up to Mr. Ike.
“Please I want to see Nneoma.”
Mr Ike looked at Lina for approval and she nodded.
“Let’s go together,” Lina said as she left for where she packed her car.
They all entered the car and zoomed off.
A few minutes later, they got to Mr. Ike’s place.
Nneoma and Dera came out to see who drove into their compound.
Morris quickly got down from the vehicle and rushed to where Nneoma stood and hugged her.
“You look good, they said you are my sister.”
Nneoma didn’t know what to say. She knew they were strangers but there was an inexplicable bond she felt as they hugged. Morris then followed the girls into the house.
Lina and Nneoma’s father stood in front of the car watching them.
Lina looked gloomy and disappointed.
She then turned to leave.
“Please don’t go,” Nneoma’s father said.
She then started shedding tears.
“I’m a successful woman and I have always been a good woman but all my life I keep getting disappointments. My husband left me for another woman because I was unable to conceive. Now this. I wish I could just end it all. I have lost Morris too,” she continued crying.
“Please don’t cry, we will look for a better way to sort things out.”
When they were done talking outside, Nneoma’s father called Morris to follow Lina home.
Morris came out but was still happily discussing with Nneoma and Dera.
“We will keep in touch,” Nneoma’s father said to Lina as they exchanged contacts.
Morris cheerfully waved at the girls as he entered the car.
Lina then gave Nneoma’s father her business card and drove off.
TO BE CONTINUED.