Unfinished Mission (II)

UNFINISHED MISSION (II)

    “So DPO,” the anguished and 5-month pregnant Mrs. Adaobi Okezie said the moment she dashed into the office of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in her area at about 1.20pm on Friday. “You people are yet to fish out the killers of my husband?” She ranted, standing.

     The DPO, Mr. Von Dike looked at her in distress. “Madam, calm down.” He tenderly urged. “Please, sit down.” He added, gesticulating.

    “I should calm down?” Mrs. Adaobi quarreled. “I am talking about my husband’s death, you are asking me to calm down.” She shouted, stood still.

    “Madam, I understand exactly how you feel.”

    “You don’t understand anything,” she responded. “This is two good days after my husband’s death, and absolutely nothing has been done.”

     The DPO was silent, couldn’t utter a word.

    “You are seated there telling me you understand how I feel.” She rode on. “I am sure you are aware my mother-in-law is late too, as a result of the incident?” she landed.

     “Madam, I care so much about that baby in your womb,” quoth Mr. Von. “So, why not just sit down, let me tell you what we have for you?”

     The last statement struck her owing to the ‘baby in the womb’ mentioned, hence she calmly assumed the seat sited directly opposite the DPO’s.   

     “Madam,” Mr. Von Called. “I can assure you we must get the killers of your husband.”

      Mrs. Adaobi was quiet and calm, looked weird though.

     “We are on it,” he continued. “And, we won’t rest until we get to the end of it.”

      She remained mute and moody.

     “You have two persons presently lying in the morgue,” the DPO said. “So, if I say I don’t know what you are passing through, I deserve to be called a bastard.”

      She looked down and retraced her moony eyes to the DPO.

     “We even planned to be in your house this afternoon,” Mr. Von notified. “Because we have some issues to clarify with you.”

     There was absolute tranquility.

    “I am sure you are aware your late husband was strangled at the spot?” Mr. Von proceeded. “So, it requires a painstaking investigation.” He asserted, paused. “And the investigation cannot be adequately done without your assistance.” He added, looking wholly into her vague eyes.

      She reciprocated the sudden look.

     “Madam,” the DPO continued. “Your husband was in court before he died, right?”

      Mrs. Adaobi Okezie nodded. “Yes.” She supplemented.

     “With his step-brother?”

       She nodded as usual.

     “Was he threatened by anyone before he was killed?”

     “No.” She replied, shaking her head.

     “We have already learnt he was on the way to his shop on that fateful day,” quoth Mr. Von. “Can you tell us what time he usually left for his shop?”

     “5am.” She succinctly said.

     “Was it when he left that day?”

      Mrs. Adaobi replied via a nod. “About ten minutes past five.” She added.

     “It’s apparent your husband was strangulated because the attackers wanted to ensure he died at the spot.” Mr. Von Dike informed hesitantly. “There was no trace of gunshot.”

      Mrs. Adaobi gushed out tears.

     “Is Okay Madam,” Mr. Von consoled. “Please, can you tell us his prospect during the court proceeding?”

     “He had greater chances of winning the case.” She informed amidst the sobs, stood up and attempted to walk away.

     “Is okay,” the DPO enjoined. “You can take your leave.” He said, paused. “We will get back to you soonest.” He assured.

      She dashed out, and headed for her home.

       * * * * * *

     “Mr. Mezie Okezie,” the DPO, Mr. Von Dike called. “Why did you kill your brother?”

     Therein, which marked the following day after meeting with Mrs. Adaobi Okezie, the 28-year-old Mr. Mezie Okezie being the prime suspect of the murder case was being quizzed by the police in the police station having been arrested. He was kept in a secluded room, and was surrounded by five armed police personnel including the DPO, who were all on their feet; he was actually the only one seated.

     “Me,” quoth Mr. Mezie, placing his right hand on his chest. “Killed my brother?” He rhetorically enquired, paused. “For what?”

     “So, you don’t want to tell us the truth?” Mr. Dike insisted.

     “The truth?” Mr. Mezie said. “What the hell is the truth, if I may ask…?”

     “Will you shot up?” Mr. Dike heckled. “You and I know that you are the one who killed Mr. Ifeanyi Okezie.”

      Mr. Mezie shook his head amusingly, sighed.

    “So, you think we are here to crack jokes, right?” the DPO continued.

    “What makes you think I was the one who killed my brother?” quoth Mr. Mezie. “My blood brother?”

      Mr. Dike ignored the question. “Tell me,” he rather said. “Who were your accomplices?”

      Mr. Mezie was mute.

     “Or, do you want me to send my officers away?” Mr. Dike calmly inquired. “Before you could talk?”

     “Please, I don’t know what you are talking about,” Mr. Mezie persisted. “For crying out loud, you should be sympathizing with me over my brother’s death.” He said. “And not the other way round.”

     “Since you are still stubborn,” the DPO said, frowning. “I know what to do.”

     Therein, he ordered his men in the room to torture him till he confessed. They did as requested but all their frantic efforts proved abortive.

     The following week, Mr. Mezie was charged to court by the police having presumptuously gotten the needed evidence to nail him down. Before he was taken to the court, he was persuaded by the police to confide in them, assuring him that he would be freed if he complied; but the apparent hardened individual overlooked the urge.

      While the court proceeding was taking place, the defendant Mr. Mezie Okezie pleaded not guilty in spite of the intimidating alibi presented to the court by the plaintiff, the police. The alibi in question wasn’t unconnected with the fact that Mr. Mezie remained the only rival to the deceased prior to his abrupt exit.

       In the midst of the court proceeding, which lasted for months, Mrs. Adaobi Okezie gave birth to a bouncing baby boy; the kid was named after his late father, thus he was addressed as ‘Ifeanyi Junior’.

      Prior to this moment, the remains of Late Mr. Ifeanyi Okezie had been led to rest due to a court injunction issued in respect to that; his Late mother’s were equally buried same day with his.

      Ten months after, intriguingly, Mr. Mezie confessed that he was responsible for his half-brother’s demise, and went further to inform the court that his mother, Lolo Nma Okezie was the one who instigated him to commit the evil act. He equally named two of his accomplices.

      Owing to the revelation, Mr. Mezie Okezie and his mum coupled with his partners in crime were sentenced to life.

      The conviction, though after a long wait, brought a slight relieve to Mrs. Adaobi Okezie alongside her toddler. At least, the mission left unfinished by her late hubby had seemingly been completed.

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