Mr. Wanjala grabbed her by the waist, drew her closer, and kissed her viciously. He wanted to continue forever but Kerubo marshaled all her strength and shoved him away as she shouted, "Stop it Mr. Wanjala. I told you am married and this is a public place."
Mr. Wanjala quipped, "Understand me. It is the love for me that keeps my bones on fire. Yes, I know you are married, and the public must know how much I adore you."
Kerubo frowned. "Have some decorum. What do you think my husband will feel?"
"He must be ashamed of himself.'' Mr. Wanjala said. "Putting a pretty lady like you in a secondhand Probox is not only awful but a capital offense. Tell him to get a good lawyer because, from the look of things, capital punishment is waiting eagerly for him. If you forget about the useless man, I will make sure you own a private jet. A thing he will never give you."
The temptations were growing stronger for Kerubo. "Please just leave me alone. I'm happily married. And you know what they say, someone's wife is hot coals. You will be badly burnt."
Mr. Wanjala noticed her blushing and that excited him with hope. "Beautiful Kerubo, I would rather be burned to death on your bosom than die naturally anywhere else. I am ready to die for you. I love you to the extent that I can take a bullet in your place. Just give me an iota of your heart and I will totally change your life. At your age, it's time to eat life with a big spoon. This is not the time for you to sweat it out. No. I have enough for you, me, your children, and even the whole of your village. Can you imagine this weekend at Niagara Falls listening to the roaring waters, next weekend at Greenland, next at Maldives, and a month back here to unwind before we embark back to globe-trotting. What do you think about it? I am ready to give you the world. Let's start this weekend.''
There was nothing likeable about Mr. Wanjala but the offers he was making were just irresistible. There was not an iota of love for him in her heart but the word Niagara melted her heart. She had heard and read about the place but she had never envisioned nor dreamt about stepping her foot there. But here was a chance. Who could resist it? Even if there was, it was not her.
"Mr. Wanjala it's getting late let me go."
"Are you in or not? I need to make reservations."
Kerubo was in but she had to play hard to get. "Let me first think about it, I will let you know."
Kerubo went straight to Mutiso to get his point of view. And she explained everything to him.
Mutiso said calmly. "Accept the offer."
"But you know how repulsive people with potbellies are to me. I can even puke at their sight"
"You better start loving them. This is a billion times better deal than John."
"Now, how will I manage the two, John and Wanjala?"
"Quickly get the divorce papers. John has outlived his usefulness.''
"Eish, you are so cruel…''
"There is no option. This is pure business. In business, the main goal is profit and wealth maximization. As long as the two are on the right course let whoever wants to hang himself do so. Or you've started loving him?"
"Yes and no. you can't stay with someone for that long and fail to love one or two things about them. But he can't replace the love I have for you. Yours is special. I love you so much."
"Me too. Sometimes it hurts me too much when I see you involved sexually with other men. But I have to bear the pain because it's for our good. In the end, we will enjoy the fruits."
"Me too. I hate living with someone for years and yet the love of my life is lonely here."
"Don't worry it's just a matter of days and we will be officially back together. This time round it should be a maximum of two years not the insane 20 years with John. Be sharp and do it quickly. Even though we can comfortably live for the rest of our lives with a quarter of Wanjalas' wealth, let us aim higher. The sky is the limit. Let us milk and milk him dry. This is the best and only opportunity for us to be inducted into the billionaires club."
"Hope we succeed."
"We will succeed. Only stick to the rules. This time round introduce me as a cousin. I need to be visiting you frequently without fear of being caught."
"Okay, dear. I can't wait for the time I will be enjoying you alone.''
John stood there perplexed. The phone was lying in pieces on the ground and a sharp knife was next to it. He picked up the knife, unlocked the bedroom door, and left. He was not sure if he was ready for it. He could see gloomy ominous stars leading him. As he strolled away, his huge frame looked defeated and desperate. There was literary no strength in him. His one and only beloved wife was secretly planning to divorce him. He had loved and cherished her all the twenty years they had been together. In fact, he was planning a surprise lavish party to celebrate the 20th anniversary in the best five-star hotel in the country. John blamed the phone; he had avoided his wife's phone for quite a long time. But still taking the phone was a good surprise. There was nothing he had failed to give to his wife; whatever she wanted he provided, sometimes going beyond his means. He had even taken up a side hustle in the assassin world so that he could afford the expensive lifestyle of his wife who aged like fine wine. For twenty years, he had learned to live with nobody else but his wife. John was willing to part with anything in the world except Njeri his charming wife. His beautiful Njeri was on a mission to dump him on the exact day they got married, twenty years back. That's how she planned to celebrate the anniversary. In the eyes of John, it was pure malevolence. The main intention was to hurt him. What was the world going to be without Njeri? It pained him. Where was he going to hide? John looked small and useless. How would he answer relatives and friends? John knew he had to calm himself if he wanted to figure out what had transpired behind his back. So he feigned oblivion.
Two weeks later he went to see his doctor. John anxiously picked up the DNA results of his four children and to his detriment, none of the four children was his. Now he understood why his beloved wife was going to leave with all the kids.
Being a government senior investigator, John rose up early because he needed to piece everything together. He doubted his two younger children but not the first two. It was the shock of his life. He had fainted but was not quite sure about it because he only woke up after a few minutes. All the four were not his!
John went to their offices locked himself in one of the rooms, with all the necessary gadgets, and started his research. He retrieved a good number of messages and calls, listening and reading till he got the ones he wanted. The firstborn and secondborn were fathered by one Mutiso, and the thirdborn, and fourth by someone by the name Wanjala. Mutiso was his friend, college mate, and neighbor for years, but for Wanjala he had to find out who he was. Mutiso had been one of his best friends since college days, they had done so much together to deserve such injustice. Mutiso was the one who introduced him to Njeri. So he had been the fool all along. John made up his mind, revenge was to be cooked and served hot. But for Wanjala he had to find out who exactly he was and if he was guilty or innocent and the proportionate revenge. John jerked back to reality. He was about 2 km away from home, trekking along the deserted road not even realizing it was getting darker and empty.
'Where are you going at this time of the night with that knife," Njeri shouted.
John went back home with Njeri holding hands reminiscing on the youthful love escapades. John was a medium-sized man, soft-spoken and with a childish face that bespoke innocence. You could easily mistake him for a pastor but his inner self was the exact opposite. He had the cruelty of animals for the few who knew him but no one could ever suspect him. But for those not close to John, he was an angel.
John met Wanjala in one of the rich boys' clubs in the CBD. He had his paraphernalia in place; gloves and his Welrod pistol. That was all he needed for the night. They talked over a bottle of whisky. Easily connected as whisky cheered them on. Wanjala was a red-eyed, scary-looking man that could easily be mistaken for a criminal. But in a real sense, he was someone who could not hurt a fly, although his penchant for threats always kept him on the suspects' list. John had informed Mutiso of a desire to drink together at the club, so Mutiso joined them later for a drink. As the drinks hit them and the conversation grew lively and louder, John smiled at the accomplishment. His strategy was watertight and the stars aligned perfectly. Finally, he had managed to bring together all his enemies for revenge. As they talked Wanjala would give directions on the phone occasionally to his wife who was to join him for a drink.
"You are such amazing men,' Wanjala said, 'In two weeks, am tying the Knot with a pretty lady by the name of Kerubo. I'm already thinking of having you as my best man, John will you be available?'
"Cheers, I will be there for you man," John shouted excitedly.
"Count us in, what are friends for," a tipsy Mutiso shouted.
John was busy scheming. He was dead sure that the wedding would take place over his dead body. He just wanted to know more about Wanjala to pass his judgment on him. But for Mutiso the gallows were raring to go.
"Finally she is here…..she is such a class,'' Wanjala said as he pocketed his iPhone. "Some men are just trash. How can they mistreat such a princess? I can't wait to meet that stupid man, give him a few slaps, and show him the middle finger. A real nincompoop. I think it is some bad-smelling primitive baboon."
John swallowed hard the whisky. Someone had the audacity to insult him after snatching away his wife of 20 years. It was pure malevolence. It was their time to celebrate their porcelain wedding. He couldn't imagine himself being anything else rather than a failure.
A tipsy Kerubo walked in and went straight to their table. She was oblivious to his husband John hanging out at the same table. After a tight hug, she sat on Wanjalas' lap.
Mutisos' face turned pale. "Is this your wife to be?"
Wanjala nodded. 'Ooh yes, such a beauty to behold ama vipi? Darling, say hi to my friends."
Kerubo turned to say hi, but something struck her. It was his husband and Mutiso. Her face turned pale. She could have looked around first. She quickly rose from Wanjalas' lap and sat in the adjacent seat. But the damage was already done.
It was officially over.
Wanjala didn't notice the changed environment. "How can a man mistreat such a damsel? The day I will meet that imbecile I will remove two of his useless teeth. My darling here has been so unlucky in marriage. She only gets married to cocks not real men. Can you imagine the father of her first and second born is a deadbeat and the fool she is currently living with is a very toxic and dangerous man? Darling don't worry. I'm here to wipe out all your tears. Never again will you cry."
John was composed, he had planned everything perfectly. ''Njeri, oh sorry Kerubo, pleasure meeting you.''
Njeri was more than tense, she didn't know what to expect. She knew the kind of man John was.
John gulped the second glass. "Wanjala for your own good keep off this woman.''
'Why?'
'She is Mutisos' wife and her name is Njeri. And she is a death trap.'
Mutiso was enraged. "Idiot. My wife or yours.''
John shouted back, "So says the deadbeat.''
Wanjala banged the table. 'Are you stupid? You want to fight over my wife in my presence."
Mutiso threw the glass he was holding at John, but he dodged. John threw some punches at Mutiso's face and Mutiso retaliated before the club security threw them out.
'What was that? Do you know these guys? I mean John not Mutiso your cousin.'
'I don't even understand. I think alcohol has gotten into their head. You know Mutiso is my cousin. Ignore him. Keep away from such violent men.'
Mutiso had just opened his car door when he heard someone shout, ''Mutiso, Mutiso!''
Looking back, it was John walking towards him with his hands raised.
John had a well-choreographed strategy. He had to stick to it to the latter. ''I'm sorry my guy. It should not have happened. I think it's this booze. I need to take a break. Please forgive me. You know she is my wife and I was overwhelmed by anger.''
''Why would you make such a grave allegation? Njeri has been your wife for years, what were you insinuating?"
'I'm sorry bro. We have been friends for years but I have never wronged you. I think it's this booze."
"Okay. But tame your tongue. Next time I won't tolerate such allegations.'
"Our friendship goes back many years, let's not allow a woman to come in between. She no longer loves me and it will be barbarian for me to stick to her. I will get another wife but our friendship will not die."
They hugged each other before a voice shouted behind them. "Next time you two fools try that nonsense before me, you will see fire. Stay away from my wife or I will kill you.''
Looking back it was Wanjala, tightly holding Njeri close to him. They kissed each other passionately as John and Mutiso stared at them. The sight drove demons into John's heart. His heart cracked. He spoke not a word until they drove away. His beloved wife was gone and gone forever. The only thing ringing in his mind was revenge. He had been the best to Njeri. Why was he being tortured like this? The pain was to be shared equally. She also deserved to feel the pain.
Mutiso knew that his friend was hurting. He just stared back at him pitifully. He had no word to say.
After a moment of silence, John said, "Wanjala is innocent. I feel we have offended him. He was lied to.'
Mutiso liked this kind of thought. He was expecting nothing less than pure violence from John. John was a changed man. "Exactly, I think we should have held our horses and resolved the matter in his absence.''
"I think we can still make peace with him. There is still room for dialogue.''
'How?'
''Let's go and apologize to him."
'Really? I can drive straight away to his place.''
'So you know his place?'
Mutiso realized his mistake. "No, I mean we can follow him behind until we get to his place. With the help of the location he had given us earlier, we will get there.''
'Okay. Let me pick up my phone from the DJ and we go."
'It's okay.'
John went, took his phone from the DJ, and left on foot through the back gate. A few meters from the clubs' gate he phoned Mutiso to inform him that he could pick him up down the road.
Mutiso slowed down next to John who sat down on the edge of the road his head slumped down. He sympathized with him. John's heart was crushed and his ego deflated. He had never seen John broken like that. Even though he was the author of the mess, he felt sorry for John. At his age where would he start? ''John are you sure we can do this? We can do it tomorrow after you cool down.''
'No, no, let us strike the iron while it is still hot. Tomorrow may be too late'' John said as he strived to be on his feet. "I will just use the backseat. Let me doze a little bit. You will wake me up when we get there.''
"No problem, you can cool your heart a little bit."
'Are you sure Wanjala will take our apology?''
'I think so. He looks an amiable man.'
'We won't be locked out?'
'Nope. We will use all the necessary means to get in.'
It was a 30-minute drive to Wanjalas place. At the gate, Mutiso only lowered the door window and the watchman rushed to open the gate for him. The watchman knew Mutiso too well as Njeris' cousin and he was a frequent visitor. John was quietly watching the events, he didn't sleep for a second. He had a watertight plan to adhere to. And an iota of sleep would water down the plan.
Mutiso rang the doorbell. A few seconds later the door swung open and it was Njeri standing at the door wrapped in a white towel. John choked at the sight but did everything to suppress his bile. Njeri was appalled. Her face turned pale. Questions ran up and down her mind. What were the two up to? Had Mutiso decided to abort their mission? Why would Mutiso allow John to know about where Wanjala stayed and yet he knew how dangerous and cruel he was?
''Don't fret. We are not here for war but for peace. We came to apologize'' Mutiso broke the deadlock.
"Yes, we are here to apologize to Wanjala. He is innocent. It is me and you who have a case. I have thought about it and decided to let you go. Marriage isn't a prison where you are caged. If someone grows out of love it is better to let her go rather than forcefully keep her. Wanjala is a nice guy, you have a taste. He has made me realize I'm the problem and not you. I have realized I never gave you love."
Njeri felt her heart cool. ''You can come in. You almost gave me a heart attack.' Njeri left them in the seating room and came back with a champagne bottle and three glasses. ''My man has just gone to take a shower, you will have to wait for around 20 minutes or less. But don't worry I have already briefed him about your presence and he is excited.''
Exactly 20 minutes later Wanjala walked into the sitting room and the apology started flowing as Njeri went to the kitchen to prepare some food for them.
''I'm sorry for the umpteenth time. Much more sorry for what am about to do. I'm devoid of options. I just have to do it." John said as he adjusted his hand gloves, and then reached out to his trench coat pocket for the pistol. ''Mutiso why did you use your wife to rob me? All these years I have been feeding and taking care of your wife and children? And you heartlessly instructed your wife to never sire a child with me for twenty good years. More painful is the fact that you allowed this ugly bastard here to have children with her. You deserve a hell ticket. Just one kid to further my lineage was a problem to you. May your children be fatherless and your wife a widow. You have milked me dry and you still have the audacity to divorce me when I'm old and broke. Even you two agree that am innocent in this murder."
"Please don't shoot me, I can explain…please…" Mutiso pleaded.
"You better explain that to the devil in hell,'' John said as he pulled the trigger.
Three shots and he turned towards Wanjala. Wanjala sat there completely riveted and traumatized. He was already dead just waiting for the official death.
''And you, just relax. I'm not going to kill you, but I have a punishment for you if you behave. For all the insults and humiliation you have subjected me to, you won't get away scot-free. It will be a good lesson for you and your fellow men who can't keep off other peoples' wives. So rise and drive me out of this place and don't dare do anything stupid. Faster I don't have time."
Njeri stepped into the sitting room. The first thing her eyes landed on was Wanjala walking away from his trademark chair his hands raised up and behind him, John holding a pistol. Appalled, her eyes quickly scanned the room and she saw blood spurted around and a lifeless body lying on the floor. Mutiso her husband was dead. The serving tray she was carrying slipped out of her hands as she let out a shriek of terror.
"Shhhh, anything from your mouth and you depart from the universe. In fact, join your husband, lets' go for a short road trip using your Benz. The rule for survival is, to keep your mouth shut and ears open to follow all instructions.''
John sat at the back as Wanjala drove out of the compound. The watchman wanted to know where they were going at such a time of the night. It was unusual for them. Was there an emergency? Could he be of any help? He almost stopped them to ask some questions but remembered how Kerubo scolded him vehemently when he became inquisitive about Mutiso.
About 2 km away John ordered, "Drop me here! I think I'm tired of this boring road trip. You can continue if you like. My first mission is complete and the journey of the next mission is halfway to completion. Wanjala, I anonymously sent you a text to keep away from my wife and you never listened. Instead, you kept on threatening and insulting me. Here comes your reward. And you Njeri I will make sure you share my pain. Bye-bye."
Wanjala and Kerubo spoke not a word to each other until they got back to the house and Wanjala shouted, "Finally I have evaded the pangs of hell."
''Darling what really happened?''
"Don't ask me questions. Only one thing I know for sure; I was dead now I'm alive. You can review the CCTV footage. With the footage, we are out of danger. I will make sure that the murderer rots in jail. Let me regain my consciousness before I figure out what to do.''
Njeri watched the whole clip but the moment she decided to rewind the footage, the screen blinked and lo, the footage was gone! She tried refreshing, restarting, and rebooting and the footage was gone. "Darling we are in for trouble. We are not yet out of the woods. The CCTV footage has miraculously disappeared without a trace."
Wanjala jerked out of his seat. "What do you mean? Hope that is a prank. That's the only evidence we have.''
"It was there. I watched it but the moment I did the rewind, the screen blinked and the footage disappeared. I have even tried to check it on my phone but it's not there. Can you check your phone?"
Wanjala checked everywhere and the footage was gone. The part between Mutiso parking the car outside their house to them driving John out was deleted. They tried retrieving it but nothing happened. Realty dawned on them. It was their mess and not John. They had underestimated John. So it was up to them to clear the mess.
"Let me call the police?''
"You are out of your mind. Are you ready to go to jail for the rest of your life?''
"It is not us who killed him. We know the culprit."
"You are mad. What evidence do you have? With a good lawyer, John will easily be exonerated by both the court and the court of public opinion. There is absolutely no evidence linking John to the murder.''
"But you and I know the truth. We can testify against him in a court of law."
"First and foremost we are the suspects, not John. John can be the witness, not us."
"What should we do?"
"Let us clear this mess before it is too late?"
"How now?"
"Let's get this corpse out of this house and dump it somewhere away from us."
"Listen I will drive him to a deserted place and leave him there inside the car. You can follow from behind to pick me up. Help me carry the corpse to the car. Let us now hurry up before dawn catches us.''
Mutiso was a well-known journalist cum blogger. It just took minutes after his sister posted on all of her social media handles of his disappearance for his whereabouts to be established. He was found dead in his car with gunshot wounds. Everybody was convinced it was a robbery with violence incident as initially reported by the police, until one blogger at the scene posted photos that showed a few stains of blood inside the car. And that meant two things: he was either shot hours after he died or he was shot and carried into the car. The bloggers and other social media users posted their doubts and thoughts tagging the criminal investigation agency. The mainstream media also took over. The story was all over. The cry for justice reigned supreme. People started tracing his last movements. And then a photo of Mutiso and Wanjala in a club surfaced online.
Wanjala was enjoying his morning nap when his phone started ringing continuously. It was unusual. He became alarmed. He took hold of his phone and the messages were furiously coming in. He panicked. He decided to ignore the calls and go straight to the messages to get a gist of what was the matter. He opened his inbox only to be hit by a barrage of questions. Are you alright? Are you okay? Are you aware your friend is dead? What happened to your friend? Your friend is dead. People are worried about you? Where are you? He turned his Wi-Fi on and logged into his Twitter account. Trending number one was Mutisos' murder. After the first scroll, he saw a picture of him and Mutiso drinking together. Fear gripped him. How did he allow the picture to be taken? This was another footprint that could easily incriminate him. Now he understood why John excused himself from the photo. Why didn't his instincts sound an alarm bell? John had finished him.
The whole day it was just about Mutiso murder. Everywhere from the mainstream media, and internet to any other gathering. People had refused to buy into the preliminary police report of robbery with violence. The pressure on the director of criminal investigation mounted, but he could not budge until he got a phone call from the president. The president was precise in his directive. Do you know this is painting me in bad light as the president? I give you three days. After 3 days I need the answers. Start the investigations now. Today counts. The director summoned his most trusted and competent team of four led by Innocent Mandela. Innocent was the most competent and thorough investigator the director knew of. There was no day he had failed to beat any deadline. And before they began following in their footsteps, Innocent told his 3 colleagues, "Don't worry about the unidentified fourth man. His name is John, he will be one of the witnesses in court. Leave him alone for me."
Innocent left with his team of investigators to start the investigation at the club. They interviewed everyone at the club; the security guys, the DJ, the waiters, and finally the watchman at the gate who gave them some critical information thus becoming one of their witnesses. They reviewed the CCTV footage at the club, gate, and the ones at the city center. The CCTV footage at various roads captured Mutisos' car movements until they reached Mr. Wanjalas' house making him and his wife the primary suspects.
Wanjala was comfortably watching world news when detectives entered his house. He was a bit worried but his conscious was clear. He was innocent and he knew the murderer even though social media users had already hanged him for the murder. He was certain the truth would come out. And he will be vindicated.
Innocent Mandela took over. "Mr. Wanjala I hope you know why we are here. So we will go straight to the case. Take us through the steps don't beat about the bush."
"Yes, I know. I have been waiting for you. I'm very excited you came to hearken to my side of what transpired. Your competence is unmatched in the whole of this continent. Let me explain to you what really happened."
They quietly listened as Wanjala took them step by step from the time he left the house to the club up to the point of murder"
"It's John my wife's ex who shot him dead here. Right before my eyes. I speak the truth."
Innocent challenged him, "But how did the CCTV footage disappear? You have to back your recount with some tangible evidence."
"I just don't understand. I have tried IT experts, hackers, and CCTV experts but none of them can retrieve the footage. But my wife can bear me witness."
"But all the fingerprints match yours and your wife. No other fingerprints. All the CCTV footage we have doesn't have that fictitious character John. Convince us."
"That man John fooled us."
'Okay. Lets' cap it here. If we will need you we will let you know."
"You are always welcome. I can't wait to be vindicated."
"Okay," Innocent said then turned to address his comrades, "You can leave, I will meet you outside.''
After they left, Innocent Mandela removed his hyper-realistic mask for a moment and then put it on.
They all exclaimed at once. "John!"
Innocent Mandela giggled. "Yes, my friends. This is Innocent Mandela on the decks but in the witness box, it will be your friend John. Let's meet in court."
"This is not right. You butcher someone then you want me to pay the price? You ordered the meal you must foot the bill.''
"That's how it is supposed to be. But what did you do together with that man Mutiso? You ordered, ate, drank, and then forwarded the bills to me. You would not even allow me just a sip of the drink or a teaspoon of the food. For 20 good years! How inhumane is just? Can you imagine that? You see these tears streaming on my temples, before they dry up justice will have prevailed.''
Njeri apologized. "I'm sorry. It was all my fault. We can settle this outside the courts."
"Njeri the train left the station. The horrendous distress and disgrace that you have subjected me to cannot allow me to backtrack. The only way I can heal is to let you feel the way I have felt for the last six months."
Wanjala pleaded, "But am not to blame. I wasn't aware of her being your wife."
John said, "So it would be justifiable if you did it to another man? Are you even sorry? Listen to my advice. I'm aware you are running around with bribes and meeting influential politicians trying to interfere with this case. Listen to me. Don't spend a dime as the case is already closed and your sentence has already been written. Drop those top-notch lawyers you have hired. They will impoverish you before you even start your life sentence."
"Life sentence," Wanjala choked at the statement. "Please let settle this outside the courts. I will pay you all you want."
"Even if you pay me the whole world what will that benefit me? At 55 years old without a child? Clearly, you don't understand my pain. My time is up. Let's meet in court. Always remember I had no option. If I was a religious person I would have forgiven you, but you all know am an atheist. Bye.''
Wanjala fished out his phone and called the director of criminal investigations.
"Hello, Mr. Director. Long time. This is Mr. Wanjala himself."
"Yes, Mr. Wanjala. It has been a while.''
''I want you to do me a favor.''
"What is it? You know your case is in the public domain. I could have helped you but the president is on my neck."
"I know. But I only want you to change the investigators especially that man John."
"NO. John is not among the investigators."
''I mean the leader of the team."
"That man is the most competent around the region. He leaves no stone unturned."
"That man is directly involved in the murder."
"Which man? John is not part of the team."
"Wait he is. I personally know him. That guy by the name Innocent Mandela."
"Relax Mr. Wanjala. Things will be laid open and you will be exonerated. If you are innocent panic not.''
"Mr. Director you are not getting me. What I am saying is that the man is the one who murdered Mutiso and he is interfering with the investigation."
"Mr. Wanjala are you on drugs or what? If you are innocent don't worry. I am also involved in the investigation. Stay away from alcohol at this moment. Relax you can even run mad. Please don't call me again lest some hacker releases the recording to the public further complicating the matter. If you are innocent I will make sure you are free. Bye."
"Mr. Director am not drunk. I just ....hello….. hello…. Hello."
"Am finished," Wanjala said in despair as he slumped over his table.
"Don't surrender yet, there are still other ways to do it, 'Kerubo consoled him.
"But why did you plunge me into this slippery ditch?"
"I didn't know it would end like this. But I can call two, three people that are close to the judge.''
"How do we escape this? The whole world is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that we are the murderers. All our evidence is not cogent enough."
"But with the best lawyers we have, we still got a chance. We will fight until justice is rightfully served.''
"Okay, let's hope for the best."
"Darling you promised you would never forsake me even in the shadows of death," Kerubo said caressing his hands.
Mr. Wanjala assured him. "I still love you despite all the shortcomings."
"I love you too and I promise to stick by your side through it all. Even if it's the death sentence let us die together."
"Kerubo you are the best. Your love is worth dying for."
They passionately hugged and kissed. Theirs was true love. As they hugged the police came in and handcuffed them.
Two days later Innocent Mandela went to the remand to visit Njeri. There were some good developments in the case. When Njeri came into the room she was sweating, shivering, and traumatized. That was the Njeri he wanted to talk to. At the state, the deal would be struck without any hesitation.
"Mrs. Njeri, how is life here?"
"Horrible. Why did you separate us?"
"It doesn't work like that here. You will be separated for the rest of your life."
"Imagine I have not eaten since yesterday night. I have been locked alone in that dingy room. Nobody to talk to and no getting out. Just alone. This is against my rights.''
"Imagine the cell is a hundred times better. The moment you are sentenced you will be fainting thrice per day. It's horrendous there."
"I just can't stay here any longer. I would rather die at once than slowly."
"But today am here to set you free."
"Thank you. Are you serious?"
"Very serious. But on conditions."
"Which conditions? I can do anything to get out of here."
"Good. This is it. Here is the deal."
"What is the deal?"
"You become a state witness and all the charges against you will be dropped."
"A state witness, how?"
"You will witness against Mr. Wanjala."
"No. I cannot betray my husband. Never. Let me rot here."
"Think about your four children. Now that Mutiso is dead who will take care of them? I am just extending the olive branch to you. I don't want your children to become street urchins. The bond is ready and all the murder charges against you will be dropped, if you agree."
"No. never. I can never betray my husband never."
"Okay. I won't force you. It is for your own benefit."
The courtroom was packed and quiet. The trial hearing had been delayed for minutes as protestors had gathered around the court gate chanting 'Justice for Mutiso'. The entry had been blocked by the protestors forcing the anti-riot police to be called in. Mutiso was a well-known journalist who was a great influencer all over social media. His case has attracted many from journalists to bloggers to almost everybody.
The prosecutor picked it up. ''Your honor, there are several witnesses here that I want to bring forth your honor. The first is the watchman at the clubs' gate. What's your name and where do you come from."
"My name is Alphose Omondi."
"What's your occupation?"
"I'm a security guard working for G4S security firm.''
"Are you stationed at the stated club 22?"
"Yes."
"How long have you been there?"
"For over three months now."
"Tell us what transpired on the fateful day."
"Wanjala, Mutiso, and John are frequent customers. On that day, Wanjala drove in first, then John was dropped off by a cab, and later on, Mutiso drove in. They sat at the same table enjoying their drinks until a certain lady joined their table. That's when the mood changed. There was a bitter exchange of words before a fight broke out. We were called in and we managed to separate them."
"Do you know why they were fighting?"
"No. But from the explanation by the revelers who were close, it seems they were fighting over the lady."
"After you threw them out of the club, where did they go?"
"Mutiso went to the parking lot but moments later John followed him. At first, we thought they again wanted to fight but John assured us that he wanted to amicably resolve the issue. We only stood aside monitoring the situation. I can assure this court by the time they left the club they were friends again."
"What about Mr. Wanjala?"
"By the time Mr. Wanjala was leaving the two were still engrossed in a conversation in the parking yard. Mr. Wanjala passed by them and sternly warned them, 'Next time you two fools try that nonsense before me, you will see fire. Stay away from my wife or I will kill you.'
"How did they leave?"
"Mr. Wanjala was the first to drive out with the lady, then a few minutes later Mutiso left and later John left through the back gate on foot."
"Thank you very much. The next witness your honor is the watchman at Mr. Wanjalas' home. What's your name and occupation?'
"My name is Victor Musoli. I work for KK security co as a security guard."
"For how long have you worked at Mr. Wanjalas' home?"
"For five months only."
"On that particular day, what can you remember?"
"My boss Mr. Wanjala came back some minutes before midnight. He was in the company of his wife Mrs. Kerubo. I opened the portal for him as usual. But a few minutes later Mutiso, Kerubos' cousin, arrived at the gate with his shiny blackish harrier. I opened the gate for him as he was usually a frequent visitor. It was unusual for him to visit at such a time of the night. Despite the curiosity I didn't question him as Madam Kerubo once slapped me when I became too inquisitive about Mutiso. She sternly warned me never to question any of her visitors. So I just opened the gate, closed it, and minded my business. Whatever transpired after that I have no idea."
"Apart from Mutiso, who else was in the car?"
"I only saw Mutiso."
"Was there another person in the back seat of the car?"
"With the tilted windows, I was unable to see the back seats. I think he was alone in the car.'
"Now. How did the car leave the compound?"
"It was Mr. Wanjala who drove the harrier outside."
"At the time where was Mutiso."
"Honestly I didn't see Mutiso again."
"Inside the house, was there any commotion, heated argument, or even strange sound?"
"No. The only sound I heard from the house was the gales of laughter. No agonic cry or any cry for help."
"When Mr. Wanjala came back which car were they driving?"
"Their black Mercedes."
"And what about Mutiso car they left with?"
"I never saw that car again."
"Thank you. Your honor the next witness is John."
"What's your name and what do you do for a living?"
"I am John Mugabe a shrewd businessman who owns a good number of flats here in this city."
Mr. Wanjala who had been silent throughout shouted. "Liar. His name is Innocent Mandela, an intelligence officer, and a part-time murderer."
A smiling John shot back. "Yours looks betrays you. The judge just needs to look at your scary face and the case will be closed."
The court erupted into laughter.
The judge slammed the gavel down on his desk and shouted, "Order, order… Mr. Wanjala and Mr. John this is a courtroom not a political rally for heckling."
John took the court through the night. From how he met Mr. Wanjala for the first time at the club, to his calling Mutiso over the phone, the fight at the club, and finally their reunion at the club's parking lot. From there he categorically stated he had no idea what happened. He painted a vivid picture of the night with a few pauses of emotions.
"The last witness is Mrs. Njeri. What's your name?"
"My name is Gladys Njeri. I m a model and fashionista."
"For how long have you been married to Mr. Wanjala?"
"For the past 5 years after I broke up with my first husband."
"On the fateful day, you were at the center of everything. What led to the fight at the club?"
"By the time I joined their table, Mr. Wanjala, Mutiso, and John were having cordial talks. In the talks, they could argue but it wasn't serious until the drinks finally hit them. The arguments turned louder and vehement before leading to a fight between Mutiso and John."
"What exactly were they arguing about?"
"Many topics ranging from football, politics, and girls. I can't vividly recall what insult John threw at Mutiso, but it was something to do with Mutisos' wife being a slut.''
"At the car park did Mr. Wanjala threaten Mutiso and John? If yes what are the exact words he used.''
"Yes, he did. If I quote him he said, 'Stay away from my wife or I will kill you. But I don't think he meant it as he has a penchant for threats but seldom bites."
"At your house, who drove in?"
"Mutiso."
"Who else was in the car?"
There was a moment of silence in the courtroom. Njeri studied Mr. Wanjalas face. She could read his lips. Just tell the truth, my dear. Only the truth will set me free. Just do this for me, if you love me. All my hopes are on you. I need you now more than ever. The fate of Mr. Wanjala lay squarely in her hands. It was her time to save him. Her eyes swiveled and landed on John. She could hear John's voice, try it and you are dead. John's threats were not like Mr. Wanjala you fail to adhere to the instructions, and you are done. She breathed in and out.
"It was Mutiso and...…
"Mutiso and who?"
Njeri saw John's face reddened by anger. "Mutiso and ... Mutiso was alone.''
Mr. Wanjala slumped over the desk. The one and only witness he had had turned against him. It was over for him. He could see defeat written all over his defense team.
"So what really happened in the sitting room?"
"Honestly I don't know what transpired as I was in the kitchen preparing them a meal."
And Njeri broke out in tears. She was unable to continue with the testimony. But the most important part was over. For the first time, Mr. Wanjala regretted ever meeting her.
After being handed the life sentence, as the courtroom erupted with thunderous shouts of 'Justice is done, Justice served' Njeri walked towards Mr. Wanjala and said, "You promised to take the bullet in my place. Just take it like a man. It wasn't my desire but I had to do it for the children. They are still young and need me more as you will never be there for them. Just do it for them. Just understand my situation. I will always love you."
Mr. Wanjala uttered not a word as the police whisked him away. She just stood there still, tears of guilt flowing. Someone embraced her from behind and when she turned it was John.
"Now that Mutiso and Wanjala are gone. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? I still love you."
"But why did you have to do it?'' Njeri cried.
"It's because of love my dear."
"What love is this?"
"Remember what I promised you. That I will kill anyway that would try to come in between us. I only kept my vow. I'm sure there are still specks of love for me in your heart. I will be waiting for you at home."
Mr. Wanjalas' lawyer said, "We still have a chance. Within 14 days we can appeal."
Mr. Wanjala turned his face and he saw them. So all along Njeri was in love with John. If not why was she calm in Johns' arms? So he had been the fool all the way? It had been a ploy by Njeri and John. Immediately he felt searing coals of hate burn his bones. He had a plan but the police around him were too quick.
Mr. Wanjala turned to his lawyer and shouted. "Let me rot in jail. Keep the fucking appeal to yourself."
Chapter 2
It had been a month of tears and self pity. Njeri had lost both happiness and purpose for living. The engine behind her lifestyle andlove of her life Mutiso was gone, never to come back again. She was broken and all her dreams shattered. The only viable option remaining was Mr. Wanjala. But Mr. Wanjala had rejected her proposal for appeal, and the 14 days window for appeal had closed. Mr. Wanjala resolve was as strong as steel. Let me do it so that you may know how much I love you. And the only way you can reciprocate is to stay single forever. I have left all my wealth in your hands. You will lack nothing. Never ever fail me in this one thing. I'm glad you have pledged yourself.
Njeri had made the pledge consciously and in her normal mind. After what had happened to her Mutiso she had lost everything in the name of love. Her heart was empty and she knew she would never ever fall in love again. It took her days to convince Mr. Wanjala there was nothing between her and John. And unfortunately, by the time Mr. Wanjala was convinced the time for the appeal had elapsed. Njeri could spend a whole week locked in the house, only leaving on Saturdays to visit Mr. Wanjala in jail. Suicide had been one better option for her but the thought of her lovely children walking around as total opharns always stopped her on the track. The children were lovely and loving. They could warmly embrace her in the evening after school and whisper, Mum don't worry you will overcome. You are too strong to lose the battle. And in a minute she could feel loved and rejuvenated.
One Saturday Njeri was tired so she wasn't able to visit Mr. Wanjala in prison. So she chose to unwind while reading some horror novels. The novel wasn't as scary as it was before or perhaps her heart was calloused now. She no longer possessed the tender heart. As the sun set, beautifying the horizon, she heard excited voices of the children who were playing outside, "Dad, Dad, Dad." Lifting her head up, John was right there in front of her with the children hanging on him.
Njeri was appalled and angry. "How did you get in here you murderer."
"Dear don't say that in front of the children," John said calmly. " They're still young to handle such kind of stuff."
"Dad, where have you been. We missed you. Mum said you are dead."
"All of you, out of here to your room." Njeri commanded them." This murderer here is not your father. No question. To your room now."
As the children rushed to their room, John sat beside her. "Darling don't do the children. They are innocent in the whole of this saga. I'm a murderer I don't deny, but remember it is because of the love I have for you."
"I told you your presence drives me nuts. If you truly love me keep away from me."
"Look at yourself. You can't live like this. Your frame is gone. Your smooth face to is no more. It's time to get back on your feet."
" It's none of your business. For the umpteenth time. I don't want to see you again in my life. Maybe in hell."
"Look I still love you. And I am here because the children phoned me. I promised them not to worry I will be here. The children are worried about you Njeri."
"The children phoned you? Where did they get your number? How?"
"I was equally shocked. I thought it was you who gave them."
"God forbid. Why would I have a murderers number in my phone?"
"Look Njeri. I know you are still mad at me. I don't blame you. But for the sake of the children let get back together. They know me as their father and it will be hard to convince them otherwise.I love you. I didn't all this because of the love I had for you."
"Over my dead body. What love is this?"
John went on one knee, lifted up his head his gaze fixed on Njeri.Even before he said a word Njeri lifted her glass of wine and threw it straight at his face, rose on her feet and shouted as she left to the house.
"Out of this place. Never ever step your foot here again."
Njeri sobbed hysterical. It was like every time she saw John the wound in her heart would turn fresh. She loathed him.
John visited again and again but he was turned away at the gate. The gatemen were always under strict instructions. Never ever to let them in. He tried all means but Njeri was adamant.
On a Monday morning, April 2016, Njeri was driving the children to school when she accidentally hit a motorcycle rider. At first she wanted to take the rider and rush him to the hospital but the passers-by obstructed her. A crowd began to build and from their talk they were baying for the blood of the motorist. Quickly rushed back to the car and locked all the doors, but as she tried to reverse and speed away, the rowdy youths encircled the car and demanded she get out. She stayed firm hoping and praying for the police to arrive. At first the rowdy youths wanted to break into the car but one suggested that the car be dosed with petrol and set on fire. And they agreed on that.
Njeri looked around but no one was there for her. She looked beside her, her last born was sleeping innocently unaware of the impending disaster, Behind the car her four children were huddled together crying Please don't kill us. The sight drove her mad. The children were innocent. "Roney, I know you have your father's phone number, this is my phone call him now."
"Which father mum?"
"John. Call him right away."
"But you said we should never call him and he is not our father."
"Call him now!" Njeri ordered.
Roney the elder son, quickly dialed the number. "Dad it is me Roney, please come quickly we are on the verge of being burned alive."
"Roney, what prank is this? Where is your mother."
Njeri snatched the phone from Roney. "John we are about to be burned, run. Outer ring road. Right now. I have pinned the location. A minute and we are all dead."
"What kind of prank is this. You know I don't like pranks."