Detective Philip and Yaw lingered in silence after the security opened the main gate.
Before the door, they stood in patient anticipation, having rung the bell without any response. Detective Philip contemplated whether to inquire with the security personnel about the occupants. However, he reasoned that if there were no one inside, the security wouldn't have granted them entry in the first place. "Maybe they're not around," Yaw suggested.
"If they weren't, the security would have informed us," Philip reasoned. Just as Philip was about to ring the bell again, Tasmina opened the door. However, he noticed a lack of the usual excitement she displayed upon seeing him.
Philip knew Tasmina had harboured an interest in him for quite some time, and her typical enthusiasm was absent today. "Good afternoon," Tasmina greeted, to which Philip simply nodded and inquired, "Can we come inside?"
"Mum is not here," Tasmina replied. "I'm not here to see your mum, Tasmina. Just let us in. I'm quite thirsty, and that's not how to treat visitors," Philip stated. Tasmina hesitated before reluctantly opening the door for the duo.
Upon entering, Detective Philip sensed an unsettling atmosphere, a subtle feeling that something was amiss. Choosing to dismiss his instincts, they were guided to the living room, settling onto plush couches.
"I'll fetch you some water," murmured Tasmina, prompting Detective Philip to inquire about her absent mother. "She travelled to the central region two days ago for funeral arrangements," Tasmina explained, and Detective Philip nodded, allowing her to retreat for water.
"Sense anything peculiar here?" Philip whispered to Yaw, who merely shook his head.
Moments later, Thomas entered, trailed by Tasmina carrying a tray with water. She served the visitors, while Thomas, taking a seat opposite Detective Philip, remarked, "Such an unexpected visit."
Observing Tasmina as she returned the tray, Detective Philip redirected his attention to the young man. "Yes, Tom, an unexpected piece of information led me here," he responded.
"Oh?" Thomas responded, meeting Detective Philip's intense gaze. "I'm the one investigating your father's murder, and I've come with a few questions," Philip stated, scrutinizing the young man.
"Of course, I'll gladly answer any questions to serve justice for my father," Thomas replied with fervour. However, he swiftly shifted the conversation, pressing about his father's assets. "When will you return my dad's belongings that you have?"
"I can arrange for them to be returned once we leave," Detective Philip assured. Having completed his examination of the car and finding nothing crucial on the phone, he sensed potential erasure but moved past it.
"Alright, then let's begin," Thomas eagerly agreed. Detective Philip, after scanning his surroundings, initiated, "I was informed you arrived the morning after your father's death."
Thomas nodded, prompting suspicion in Detective Philip. Inspector Evans had shared Thomas's arrival details, and the swift timing raised questions. Considering the typical travel time from the USA to Ghana, Thomas's early arrival seemed peculiar.
"I was already coming to Ghana for some work, and it coincided with my dad's death. My early arrival has nothing to do with it," Thomas explained preemptively, addressing Philip's unspoken doubts.
"I intended to ask for your phone, but I trust you wouldn't have anything to do with the death of your father. Let's-" Detective Philip cursed as the glass of water he was setting down slipped, shattering on the ground.
"My bad; I'll handle it," Detective Philip assured, rising from his seat. Yaw, in dutiful response, stood up and offered his master a face towel to address the water on his trousers. Thomas, too, excused himself, stating, "I'll fetch a broom," before leaving the living room in a hurry.
"Let's go," Detective Philip urged the moment Thomas departed. Yaw, bewildered by the sudden turn of events, followed his master briskly. Once outside, and in their car, Detective Philip swiftly reached for his phone, urgently dialling a contact.
"I need backup at Rexford's Residence immediately," Detective Philip asserted with urgency, leaving Yaw utterly confused about the unfolding situation.
" What's going on sir" Yaw asked
The detective offered no clarification as he started the car, drove a distance away and stopped at a spot behind a large vehicle.
His gaze remained fixed on the road.
The subtle crimson hue on Thomas's back didn't escape Detective Philip's notice, as the young man entered the living room nor did the unspoken message conveyed by Tasmina's eyes when she served him the water and the unsettling sensation lingered within him from the moment he stepped into the house.
Something was Amiss.
Detective Philip observed a car speeding past, unmistakably driven by Thomas. Sensing something amiss, Yaw's confusion deepened. Detective Philip, without hesitation, restarted the car, tailing Thomas. Simultaneously, he placed a call, summoning backup both for Thomas's pursuit and Rexford's Residence, anticipating that Tasmina might still be inside.
***********************
Inspector Evans, mid-lunch at the cafeteria, received a cryptic call from Detective Philip, who revealed nothing beyond the urgent need for backup. Responding promptly, Evans dispatched reinforcements to Rexford's Residence while joining the backup team directed by Detective Philip.
Philip later informed Evans that Thomas was attempting to flee towards Fiaso, prompting a shift in their route to intercept him beforehand. The blaring police sirens and flashing lights attracted the attention of onlookers as the convoy, consisting of four cars, sped through traffic, overtaking every vehicle. Though other cars yielded to the police vehicles, the curiosity of bystanders heightened.
In the third car of the convoy, Inspector Evans observed the unfolding scene. Upon reaching the city near Fiaso, they informed Detective Philip that they had entered the city while he and Thomas were still en route. Following Philip's instructions, they prepared to block the road, anticipating Thomas's imminent arrival.
As the convoy strategically positioned to block the road near Fiaso, the anticipation hung thick in the air. Detective Philip, on the phone with Inspector Evans, coordinated the operation, ensuring everything was in place.
Meanwhile, the citizens, now aware of the unfolding police activity, watched with a mix of curiosity and concern. The flashing lights and blaring sirens created a spectacle that held the city's attention.
Back in the speeding car, Detective Philip maintained focus on the road ahead, determination etched on his face. He relayed updated information to Inspector Evans, alerting him to the approaching pursuit.
As Thomas, unaware of the impending blockade, continued his escape, the tension rose on both ends. The police convoy, ready for the decisive moment, awaited the confrontation that would unfold at the roadblock near Fiaso.
As Thomas approached the designated roadblock, the police convoy, led by Inspector Evans, stood prepared for the imminent confrontation. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Detective Philip, in his pursuit, closed the gap between them.
With precision timing, the convoy blocked the road, forcing Thomas to come to a sudden halt. The screeching of tires echoed through the air as Thomas realized he was surrounded by law enforcement.
Detective Philip swiftly exited his vehicle, accompanied by a frightened Yaw.
The gravity of the situation dawned on Thomas as he found himself encircled. Inspector Evans approached, ready to apprehend him
The city, now crowded amidst the traffic, witnessed the culmination of the chase. Thomas, once attempting to elude justice, was now in the custody of the determined officers, bringing a moment of resolution to the unfolding drama.
As the police closed in on Thomas during the daring escape attempt, a tense moment unfolded. With the screech of tires and the halt of the car, an officer swiftly opened the back door to reveal the anxious figure of Tasmina. She had been forced into the car during Thomas's attempt to flee.
Detective Philip, witnessing this development, immediately approached the vehicle. He ensured Tasmina's safety, offering reassurance amid the chaos.
Tasmina, tears streaming down her face, embraced Detective Philip with a trembling intensity. In an uncharacteristically tender moment, Philip held onto her as she wept, offering a comforting presence. Yaw observed, noting the rare display of compassion from Detective Philip.
"Victoria," Tasmina choked out amidst her tears, the weight of her words laden with grief. "Philip, Victoria, she's gone," she continued to murmur, lost in her sorrow.
"Shh Calm down, Tasmina," Detective Philip whispered soothingly, attempting to provide solace in the face of the devastating news.
"No, no, we have to go back, Philip, please," Tasmina pleaded, her distress palpable.
Philip gently pulled back, instructing Yaw to assist Tasmina into their awaiting car, recognizing the need to handle the situation with care.
Meanwhile, Inspector Evans coordinated the securing of the scene and the transportation of Thomas back to the city for further questioning.
Ensuring that everything was in order, Detective Philip exchanged a nod with Inspector Evans as he approached his car with a sense of urgency, deciding to return to Rexford's Residence.