David Okafor was nervous as he entered the courtroom. He had been waiting for this day for a long time, but he was not sure if he was ready for it. He had spent months investigating and reporting on the case of Emmanuel Adeyemi, the most notorious drug lord in Benin City. He had uncovered some shocking facts about his crimes and connections, and he had also found the only witness who could testify against him: Grace Okonkwo, his childhood friend.
He had not seen Grace since they were 16, when she disappeared after a tragic incident that changed their lives forever. He had always wondered what happened to her, and he was surprised when he learned that she was alive and willing to speak out. He had contacted her through a police officer, Inspector Samuel Eze, who was in charge of the investigation against Adeyemi. He had arranged a meeting with her at a safe house, where he had interviewed her and recorded her testimony. She had told him everything: how she witnessed Adeyemi killing her brother, who was a rival drug dealer, how she escaped and changed her identity, how she lived in fear of being found by Adeyemi's men, and how she decided to testify against him after being contacted by the police.
David had promised to protect her and help her bring Adeyemi to justice. He had also felt a surge of emotions when he saw her again: she was still beautiful, smart, and kind, but she was also scarred, scared, and sad. He had realized that he still loved her, even after all these years. He had wanted to tell her how he felt, but he did not have the chance. She had left the safe house shortly after the interview, saying that she needed some time alone before the trial. She had given him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and thanked him for his support. She had also asked him to keep her location secret, even from his own brother.
David's brother was Michael Okafor, a lawyer who worked for Adeyemi. He was one of the reasons why David hated Adeyemi so much. He could not understand how his brother could defend such a monster, and how he could betray his own family and friends. He knew that Michael was not happy with his job, but he also knew that he was too afraid to quit. He had warned David to stay away from the case, saying that it was too dangerous and that Adeyemi would never be convicted. He had also hinted that he knew something about Grace's whereabouts, but he did not reveal anything.
David did not trust his brother, and he did not listen to his warnings. He was determined to expose Adeyemi and help Grace. He believed that they had a chance to win the case, especially with Grace's testimony. He hoped that she would show up in court today, and that she would be safe.
He looked around the courtroom and saw that it was packed with people: journalists, lawyers, police officers, spectators, and supporters of both sides. He saw Inspector Eze sitting in the front row, looking serious and confident. He saw his mother sitting next to him, looking worried and proud. He saw his brother sitting at the defense table, looking bored and annoyed. And he saw Adeyemi sitting next to him, looking calm and smug.
Adeyemi was wearing a white suit and a gold watch, and he had a smirk on his face. He looked like a successful businessman, not a ruthless criminal. He did not seem to be bothered by the charges against him: murder, kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, and more. He knew that he had the best lawyers in the country, and that he had friends in high places who could help him evade arrest and prosecution. He also knew that he had taken care of any potential witnesses who could incriminate him: either by bribing them, threatening them, or killing them.
Except for one: Grace Okonkwo.
He knew that she was alive and that she was planning to testify against him. He knew because he had set a trap for her last night: he had sent one of his men to call her father and tell him that Grace wanted to see him at a hotel. He knew that Grace loved her father dearly and that she would not resist the temptation to reunite with him after six years of separation. He also knew that her father was loyal to him and that he would do anything for money.
He did not know that Grace's father was already dead.
He did not know that Grace had received a call from David last night warning her about the trap.
He did not know that Grace had escaped from the hotel with David's help before his men could get there.
He did not know that Grace was hiding in another safe house with David right now.
He did not know that Grace was about to enter the courtroom and ruin his plans.
He did not know that David had a surprise for him.
He did not know that David had a gun.