Just as the situation seemed dire, a group of local passersby intervened, shouting and shoving the area boys away. The men dispersed, disappearing into the chaotic streets. The locals helped Alex to his feet, checking if he was okay.
Jacob thanked them, and they nodded with a sense of camaderie. "You're lucky those guys didn't have knives or worse," one of the men said to Alex.
As the locals helped Alex and Jacob back to the car, Alex's face was battered and bruised. He winced with every movement. Jacob urged him to go to the hospital, but Alex was adamant. "No hospitals. Just take me to the nearest Police station. These folks think they can get away with what they just did but Alex Blackwood would always get the last word!" he muttered through clenched teeth.
" If you insist", Jacob replied. He was also tired of the whole Alex confrontational attitude that kept getting him into trouble. He wondered what the law enforcement agents were like in these parts. He already dialed the Police Emergency Security Number during the confrontation but nobody picked up. He frankly didn't know what next to expect. And to think one would expect a man of Alex to at least be civil was just a lot to expect.
When they finally arrived at the nearest police station, Alex's face was throbbing with pain, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface. They entered the station, and the air was thick with a mixture of sweat, cigarette smoke, and the distant hum of fans struggling against the sweltering heat. The officers at the front desk barely looked up from their paperwork as they entered.
Alex approached the counter, his voice firm but strained. "I need to report an assault. A group of men attacked me and my friend."
The officer behind the desk glanced at Alex's battered face, seemingly unfazed. "Fill out this form," he said curtly, pushing a piece of paper and a pen across the counter.
Alex's patience was wearing thin, but he filled out the form as best he could. He recounted the events of the altercation with the area boys and handed the form back to the officer.
The officer read through the form, his expression unchanged. "You want us to go after them?" he asked casually.
Alex nodded. "Yes, I want them apprehended. They can't just assault people and get away with it."
The officer looked up at Alex, a sly grin forming on his lips. "Of course, sir. We can help you with that. But you know, there might be some expenses involved."
Alex's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. He was well aware of the reputation of some Nigerian police officers, but he never expected to encounter such blatant corruption firsthand. "Expenses? You want me to pay you to do your job?"
The officer's grin widened. "Well, sir, we have to cover our costs, you know. And your case will be a top priority if you're willing to, let's say, contribute."
Alex's anger flared, his swollen face contorting with frustration. He couldn't believe the audacity of the officer. "This is extortion! I won't pay a dime to corrupt officers like you."
The officer leaned back in his chair, seemingly unfazed by Alex's outburst. "Suit yourself, sir. But without a little contribution, it might take us a while to get to your case."
Frustration bubbled up within Alex, a mix of anger at the officer's demand and helplessness in the face of a corrupt system. He turned on his heels and stormed out of the police station, Jacob following closely behind.
As they got back into the car, Jacob sighed heavily. "Alex, I know it's infuriating, but that's just how things work here sometimes. Corruption is deeply ingrained."
Alex clenched his fists, his face a mask of anger and frustration. "I refuse to accept that this is how things are done. No one should have to pay for justice."
Although it was a weird feeling, Jacob found Alex amusing. Here was a guy who just ran into a poor lady leaving her with a dislocation and felt no remorse but all of a sudden when the tables were turned, he started to clamor for justice. Jacob reached out to place a hand on Alex's shoulder. "I know it's not right, but right now, your health is a priority. Let's go to the hospital. We can deal with this mess later."
Alex hesitated, his anger still smoldering. He knew Jacob was right, but his pride and his sense of injustice warred within him. "Fine," he relented through gritted teeth. "But I'll only get some basic treatment. No hospitals."
They reached Alex's temporary residence, and Jacob insisted on providing some basic first aid. He cleaned Alex's wounds as best as he could, though the pain was evident on Alex's face. "You really should have gone to the hospital," Jacob said with concern.
"I'll be fine," Alex grumbled. "Just get me some ice for my face."
As Jacob left the room to fetch some ice, Alex slumped into a chair, replaying the events of the evening in his mind. Suddenly Alex's phone beeped and he saw several missed calls. It seemed like there was another trouble.