Detective Philip's knock echoed, and the wooden door swung open promptly, revealing Jesse. Bare-chested, his small, dark skin showcased a lean physique. Although Jesse lacked evident abs, his chest to his abdomen was beautifully carved, capturing Detective Philip's attention, and for a moment, he couldn't help but appreciate the sight before him.
"Who is it, Kwesi?" a voice called from inside the room, snapping Detective Philip back to reality.
It's the Detective," Jesse responded, his voice composed despite the subtle distraction.
"Oh, I'm coming," Maame U's voice echoed from the room. "Come feed Ama," she added, and Jesse gave one more look at Detective Philip as he reentered the room.
Maame U emerged, draped in a cloth, expressing surprise at the unexpected visit. "I didn't know you would come today, sir. I would have cooked for you," she said.
Detective Philip offered one of his affectionate smiles. "It's okay. Just came to check up, to make sure you're following your promise," he explained.
Maame U nodded. "Thank you for everything," she expressed gratitude.
"It's part of my work. I will leave now since everything is in place," Detective Philip stated. Maame U called out for Jesse, who emerged now dressed, with Baby Ama clinging to him. Upon seeing the detective, Baby Ama showed a clear preference, wanting to go to him. Jesse, perplexed, glanced at his mother, who simply shrugged.
"She has taken a liking to him. Let her go to him," Maame U suggested. Jesse approached and handed Baby Ama to Detective Philip. The two shared a brief stare before Detective Philip broke it, raising Ama who giggled loudly.
"I'll come another time to play fully with you. For now, I have to go," Detective Philip said as he handed the baby back to Jesse. Without looking back, he went to his car and drove off.
'What the hell happened over there' he thought.
"What promise was he talking about, Ma?" Jesse inquired as the car drove off.
"Forget it. Did she finish all her food?" Maame U redirected the conversation.
"Let me know, Ma, what promise," Jesse persisted.
Realizing her son wouldn't let it go, Maame U decided to disclose the truth. "He told me you are not talking or answering the questions they ask you in the prison regarding Josh. He said you'll be free to talk to me instead, so he told me to extract all information and let him know. That way, they can carry on the investigation and free you if you're innocent. That was the promise," Maame U explained, then entered the house, leaving Jesse outside with Baby Ama, who was babbling in her adorable language.
*************************************
Detective Elena swiftly arrived at the police headquarters upon hearing of Thomas's arrest. She made her way directly to Detective Philip's office, where she discovered him reclined in his chair, eyes closed, exuding a composed demeanour. His smooth, dark complexion accentuated his striking handsomeness.
Detective Philip's eyes gracefully fluttered open, capturing Detective Elena discreetly observing him. A warm smile graced his features as Detective Elena cleared her throat in acknowledgment. With deliberate poise, she advanced, settling into the chair opposite the detective.
"Where's your assistant?" she inquired, reaching for a bottle of water to satiate her thirst. As she took a measured sip, Detective Philip responded, "I sent him on an errand."
A brief yet pregnant silence lingered before Detective Philip, with a touch of theatrical flair, broke the quietude. "I never thought I would be privileged enough for your visit, but here I am," he declared, placing a hand dramatically over his chest.
Detective Elena, in response, rolled her eyes with an air of subtle amusement. She delicately dabbed her mouth with a handkerchief, addressing the lingering droplet of water.
"I've heard about Thomas's connection to his father's demise," Detective Elena uttered with a hint of bewilderment, her gaze fixed on Detective Philip.
Detective Philip, responding with a nonchalant hum, simply nodded. "I don't get it, how did this happen, how were you able to put these up," she asked, shaking her head in puzzlement.
"Well, I believed this to be my exclusive investigation, conducted discreetly," Detective Philip asserted, sitting upright and reaching for his phone. A sense of authority coloured his tone.
Detective Elena, leaning forward, reminded him, "You injected yourself into my inquiry as well."
Unfazed, Detective Philip continued with a measured tone, still engrossed in his phone. "Elena, I haven't intruded upon your case. Consider that your suspect is intertwined with mine, Jesse's dead friend shared similar cuts with Rexford's body so obviously he's my suspect too."
"What! I thought we had joined forces to solve our cases," Detective Elena exclaimed, a tinge of frustration colouring her voice.
Detective Philip, brow furrowed, shifted his attention from his phone to Elena. "You and who?" he queried, a subtle edge to his tone.
"Listen, Elena, the case I'm handling isn't confined to the late Regional officer; it's expansive, encompassing all facets of the police departments. It's more intricate than it may seem. Naturally, I'll reach out when I need your assistance," he explained, a measured calm in his words.
"If you wouldn't mind, I have somewhere to be. Yaw is supposed to be here at any moment from now; if he arrives, please let him know he can rest at my apartment. I'll join him there," Detective Philip added, retrieving his phone and car keys before making his exit, leaving Detective Elena in contemplation.
************************************
In the modernized room adorned with a queen-sized bed, two figures engaged in hushed conversation, their words permeating the air with palpable tension. One, perturbed by the situation, voiced discontent with the orders given, while the other, resolute and unwavering, stood firm in his stance.
The elderly woman sighed wearily, settling onto the queen-sized bed, while her son paced restlessly around the room. "You have to leave the country," Maame Yaa advised her son, the gravity of the situation etched on her face.
"I understand, but we must clarify matters. If Victoria wakes up now, she could divulge everything," Thomas replied, his hands ruffling through his hair in visible distress.
"That infuriating detective," Maame Yaa muttered, expressing her frustration with the ongoing predicament. Seeking guidance, she asked, "So, what should we do now?"
Thomas sighed, attempting to calm the storm within. "Mom, you know we're innocent of Daddy's death. We need to stay composed for now."
"But Philip is relentless. He won't rest until he's convinced we were somehow involved. You know him well," Maame Yaa expressed her concern.
"He won't find anything substantial in the car or the phone he took, right?" she inquired, seeking reassurance.
"No, the car only reveals its location, and the phone is impenetrable. Emma couldn't crack it either. We're in the clear for now," Thomas explained, attempting to allay his mother's fears.
"Very well, if that's the case, I'll speak to Vicky's doctor, and ensure she remains unavailable for questioning," Maame Yaa decided, rising from the bed.
"Where is Tasmina?" Thomas inquired, frustration marking his face.
"I don't know; she mentioned meeting someone." Maame Yaa answered.
"Why did you let her go, Mum?" Thomas questioned urgently.
"We need to keep a close eye on her," he insisted as he exited the room, leaving the weight of uncertainty lingering in the air.
In a quaint restaurant that exuded a cozy ambience, adorned with warm-toned decor and soft, ambient lighting. Rustic wooden tables were adorned with small vases of fresh flowers, casting a subtle fragrance in the air. The gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery created a soothing background melody, providing a comfortable backdrop for the patrons. As the aroma of food wafted through the air.
In the intimate confines of the restaurant, Detective Philip and Tasmina occupied a discreet corner on the right side. The ambiance, accentuated by the soft hum of conversation and the gentle clinking of cutlery, provided a semblance of privacy for their discussion.
"I can't return there; I fear what Thomas might do to me," Tasmina confessed, her voice laden with trepidation, as Detective Philip calmly indulged in the fries he had ordered.
"How many times must I reiterate this, Tasmina?" Detective Philip responded calmly, meeting her gaze with a steadying presence.
"I'm just scared, Philip. Thomas has changed so much; I don't recognize him anymore. You shouldn't have bailed him," Tasmina admitted, her emotions teetering on the edge of tears.
Detective Philip studied her intently, taking a sip of his mango juice. "Trust me, you're safe. There are discreetly stationed officers around your house, keeping a vigilant eye on your brother. They know about everything transpiring inside; you need not worry," he reassured, leaning back in his chair, attuned to the soft background melody.
"But how are they aware of what's happening inside?" Tasmina inquired, seeking clarification.
"As I mentioned, Tasmina, don't concern yourself. You must leave before arousing suspicion," Detective Philip urged, the nod to the gentle background music underscoring his composed demeanor.
"Alright," Tasmina acquiesced, a trace of sadness lingering in her eyes.
"Do you think he killed Daddy?" she ventured once more.
"That's precisely what I'm endeavoring to uncover, Tasmina. For now, no more questions; you should depart," Detective Philip asserted, observing as the young woman gracefully left the table, leaving behind a trail of unanswered queries.