Beep. Beep.. Beep...
The sound of the Vital signs monitor alongside other apparatus attached to his almost lifeless body were the only thing indicating that he was not dead, yet. Laid on the bed, wrapped in post-operative drape, turban bandage wrapped around his head, tracheostomy tube, temperature sensor, digital sphygmomanometer, pulse oximeter were his companion,
Two days ago.
Siren blasting both from police vehicles and ambulances. 'THIS IS A CRIME SCENE UNDER INVESTIGATION' tape was drawn all over the school perimeter. Detectives, police officers, investigative journalist, media journalist, E.R. Nurses, E.R. Doctors were all trooping in and out of SS-1A.
Some group of police men were rigorously trying to barricade onlookers and passers-by from trespassing. The crime scene itself, where a gunshot was heard and someone dropped almost dead. How he hadn't died was a miracle, unexplainable, because it was a skull-hit, blood splashed all over the front tables, white board and floor.
"Screechh.. Hello, this is Detective Adams on the line, do you copy?".
On the other side of the walkie-talkie, "Screechh... Hello, Detective Adams, this is Sergeant Chase on the line"
"Sergeant, we just got a lead about the killer. Fingerprints, and some strands of hair were found at the crime scene, I'm currently sending a dispatch to you to get them analysed."
"Okay Sir, Yes Sir..."
The line went dead.
Cleaning and sorting of investigative materials were ongoing when, "Medics! Medics!! He's alive, emergency service is needed here now!"
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ....30"
"Two breaths".... 'FUSHHHHHH', 'FUSHHHH".
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, ....30"
"Two breaths"... 'FUSHHHHHH', 'FUSHHHH".
Two Nurses were actively engaging in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while the Doctor administered adrenaline via his veins. "Mr Rodrygo, can you hear me?"
"Charging.... Clear"..
'Jerk.'
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ....30"
"Two breaths".... 'FUSHHHHHH', 'FUSHHHH".
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, ....30"
"Two breaths"... 'FUSHHHHHH', 'FUSHHHH".
"Charging.... Clear"....
'Jerk.'
Beep...Beep....Beep.... "He's back, He's back".
"Rush him Normal Saline, ASAP!"
Siren blasting on high pitch, the ambulance came nearer to SS-1A block, as Mr Rodrygo was carried on a stretcher and wheeled to the ambulance waiting to zoom him off to the nearest hospital.
Today.
Ultra-violet light beaming on a material, a blue-white reflection shone on the plastic face mask of the laboratory scientist.
"Bring me the fingerprint analysis equipment...and". She looks up...
"Oh, Cinderella! You're the one on shift this afternoon, how is Orion doing?"
"Orion is doing just fine, Ma'am. He's still trying to recover of the shock from two days ago."
"Yeah, I understand, my regards to him. How's your husband?"
"He's doing very fine, ma'am. Thank you."
"You're welcome, get me those equipment let's find out who the culprit is, and get these bad guys. Hmm."
"On it, Ma."
On the hill-side of Franschhoek, a sunny afternoon, with a number of dreamy white clouds hovering over, like guardian angels admiring and watching over the serene sight of the valley, lizards basking in the warm yellow sun, flowers and leaves dawdle to the whistles of the cool breeze, very few people walking to and fro going about their daily business. A bungalow with ash painting, aluminium roofing, and decent grasses growing in the perimeters. The sun shone at the 3'o clock of the building, casting a shadow at 60° angle. Butterflies perching on random flowers that seems enticing. This is Orion's parent's house. The door tag has '17' on it, a numbering system indicating house address.
"Orion, how about we go see Mr Rodrygo on Friday evening, to check how he is fairing and say Hi."?
"Hmm."
"What? You don't want to go?"
"Well, I have not yet accepted that this is the new reality of Mr Rodrygo, it was too sudden"
"Yeah, it was! I just hope they catch the culprit"
Orion took a deep sigh, "I hope". "Friday evening, yeah? Okay, we will go".
"Before I forget, I think we can buy him some flowers and cards, Indigo".
"Hmm, so thoughtful of you, who would have thought he was in the middle of sending you out of the class."
Bombastic side eyes followed from Orion "At least, that doesn't warrant his death ticket".
"Yeah, yeah, We will go. I need to start going, I want to prepare Pap en Vleis (Maize porridge with stewed meat) and vegetables for papa. So I can remind him that my birthday is Saturday."
"You mean this Saturday"? Orion widened eyes gave away his surprised look.
"Yes, I don't blame you if you forget" Hissed. "You never really cared about me in the first place."
"Yo! Why wou..."
Cough. Cough.. Cough... Orion was beating his chest, trying to ease himself of the choking sensation. "Urrgggh, you made me choke because of the way you jumped into conclusion."
"Sorry, Let me get you water"... "My bad." Indigo paced towards the kitchen to get Orion water to drink.
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
The police department which has always been a busy place became climaxed due to the increasing cases of crime reports. Uniformed men going from telecoms to their seats attending to the increasing numbers of calls giving them little to no valid information about the culprit or a suspect. Keyboards been punched at high frequency, files and documents been cross-checked and carried about, landlines ringing every 15-45 seconds, doors been opened at intervals and almost the same persons going in and out of the rooms.
Ring. Ring..
"Hello, this is Detective Nolwazi on the line, who's speaking.."
"Hello, Sir, I think I saw someone around the school premises, he jumped over the fence when I saw him."
"Hello, hello! What did you say, please"?. "Did you see his face? Can you describe him?"
'Screech...' The line went dead.
"Gracious! Hello, hello?, Gosh! How do I work with this dinosaur telecoms now?. Just when I thought I had a lead."
Ring. Ring..
Detective Nolwazi rushed to pick the call before it goes off. "Hello, are you with me? This is Detective Nolwazi, can you hear me?".
"Hello Sir, I want to report a case, ASAP."
"Yeah, Go on, Ma. I can hear you loud and clear".
"Sir! I'm completely fed up and tired of this house, I want to file for a divorce and report my husband for emotional abuse.."
"Divorce?" A sigh of exasperation followed Nolwazi's question. Very disappointed that it wasn't the previous caller that called and what the heck does the police has to do with a divorce case. Those were the type of questions running through the detective mind.
"Hello, can you hear me Sir.."?
"Ma'am, this is the wrong organisation to call for this."
"I just wanted to report my ungrateful husband for..."
Nolwazi ended the call from his side. "I'm looking for leads to solve this crime not domestic drama." Hissed.
"Nolwazi"
"Sir!" Nolwazi answered as he walked into the office from which the voice came from. He opened the door, threw a salute and stood at ease.
"We scanned the area of the school and discovered a mini mart around the area has a CCTV camera, you'll go there with a warrant to check. Also there's another case of kidnap that happened at Stellenbosch, go there and get as much information as you can...." The D.P.O. looked through the monitor screen, adjusted his glasses, and was typing.
"Are you still here?" The D.P.O. asked, surprised Nolwazi was still present.
"Yes Sir, I haven't been dismissed."
'Smirk'..."You've been dismissed, and take some officers along with you".
"Yes Sir!". Salutes and went outside.
Ring. Ring.. Ring... Ring....
"Hello, this is Detective Nolwazi, who am I speaking with?".
TRAIN STATION
People moving in and out of a very tall building, whites, blacks, Latinas, Albinos. A young foreign lady can be seen struggling to chase away a handful of child beggars constantly harassing her for money. An adult male negotiating an amount for carrying luggage to the car park, two policemen were seen dragging a malnourished man in handcuffs for trying to pickpocket. And the usual, a Hausa man camping around looking for foreigners interested in Bureau de' change. Nigerians are literally everywhere, like pollens blown into the air, scattered and dwelling in every nooks and crannies of every continent.
Two men alighted from a cab.
"If you go to the depth of the Pacific, I'm sure you'll find Nigerians there". One laughed, looking forward to start a conversation with the other man.
"Brooo, you no lie ooo, even me wey you dey follow talk, na Nigerian I be oo".
The man who started the conversation realising he was talking to an unexpected companion kept his mouth shut and increased his walking pace.
"Bro, why are you running away? Are you in shock that I'm a Nigerian? Lmaoo. My bad, My bad for being Nigerian". He laughed while ending his talk and making his way into the tall building.
The administrative building is an impressive structure, characterized by its striking height that dominates the surrounding landscape from outside. Inside, the building's façade features sleek, curved staircases made of gleaming glass, adding a touch of modern sophistication. Multiple elevators efficiently transport people between floors, catering to the bustling activity of numerous individuals moving in and out of the building. The clock tower atop the building, which can be seen both inside and outside serves as a prominent landmark, keeping pace with the dynamic rhythm of the surrounding city. Directly facing the doorway is an office, and a checkpoint, where identities and documents are cross-matched and confirmed before allowing further advancement into the main waiting hall.
The Nigerian man walked into the office. "Good afternoon, Sir. I want to enter the waiting hall, please ".
"Documents please, ID, passport, any means of identity and your ticket".
"Here Sir". He submitted his documents while waiting for the Clerk to do the necessary, he scanned around the office. On the left was a fridge with a standing church calendar, a mug and two cases of files. On the right was a shelf containing too many dusty files than his eyes could keep up with. The floor was neat and tiled, except for the few dusty footprints from incoming and outgoing travellers. The roof was modern POP ceiling with an artistic design, the person in charge was really trying to make an impression. The bulb was lit, and the ceiling fan rolling at a bearable speed enough to ensure ventilation yet maintaining an appropriate level of humidity.
He looked at the Clerk who has been typing consistently trying to verify his identity. He was at ease enough to properly notice the clerk in front of him. A fair share of grey hair, sharp nose, thick brows, hairy hands, Biconcave eye glasses, and a name tag 'Jonathan Lace'.
Jonathan looked up to see the Nigerian looking at him, their eyes met.
'Clears throat..'. "So you're Akomolafe Jayden"?
"Yes Sir".
"Nigerian?".
"Yes Sir".
"Taking a train to Franschhoek, for what in particular...business?".
"No Sir, I'm a FBI agent from the United States, been sent here to carry out some investigations. But please, excuse me, why are you asking?".
"Protocols...just following protocols".
"Okay Sir".
"So, Mr Jayden, I think you're cleared, you can enter the waiting hall and wait for the next train to arrive for departure in 46 minutes. Welcome to Cape Town".
"Thank you Sir, Have a lovely day too". Both men stood up to shake hands, while Jayden exited the room facing towards the entrance into the hall.
"A Nigerian? A FBI Agent.. in Cape Town. Nah! This is becoming serious let me call this man to update him fast".
The television which was behind when Jayden entered the clerk's office displayed a breaking news, talking about the update and progress of the attempted murder investigation going on in Franschhoek, Cape Town. "In as much as no evidential progress has been made on the culprit, the police has assured the media of not leaving any stones unturned so they can get to the end of ...".
The television went dead. Jonathan Lace was seen dropping the TV remote and hissing.
It was Friday evening, Orion Lace and Indigo Snow was seen buying flowers and cards to gift Mr Rodrygo, who was still recovering. Even though he was still unconscious, the Doctor has assured the school and significant others that he would recover soon. This news of recovery didn't meet some people well. Those in charge of the assault didn't like the news of Rodrygo recovering. And trust them to start pulling strings to end him once and for all.
"Orion, let's buy a vase for this flower".
"How much is left, I have 6 rands here".
"I have 10 rands, 11 rands is enough to get a flower vase".
"Okay, cool. What do you suggest I write on the card?".
"Hmmm, I think...wait let's get out of here first, this place is too cold for a gift store".
"Okay.."
They both walked to the cashier to pay for their goodies, got their receipts and moved out of the gift store.
CAPE TOWN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL.
A white magnified structure with it name written in bold, and a big red cross above the name. Its structure flanking both on the 6's and 9's like the wings of an eagle ready to ascend. A modern sight to behold. At the top roof is a hangar for helicopter landing for emergency entry and exit. In front of the hospital were 4 ambulances parked, two ambulances arriving same time returning from different locations, Casualty health professionals running out to triage the newly brought in victims. 3 power bikes parked, and a black bus with engines still running, ready to take corpses from the hospital to the morgue.
Orion and Indigo met the drama going on in front of the hospital, and they both sighed.
"What's going on in Cape Town?"
"I sincerely can't answer that question 'cause what do we call these"?.
"It's well".
They both walked to the elevator, clicked on the button, entered and punched the 3rd floor button on the elevator pad.
On the 3rd floor of the hospital, A man was seen fully dressed in white, white gloves, and a name tag. A typical medical professional by look. He opened Ward room 6, looked sideways, entered, then closed the door.
Indigo carried the vase and the cards while Orion carried the flowers, and a basket of beverages and disposables.
"Do we even know the ward number he was admitted to?".
"Yes, I think ward room 7".
"Okay, let's walk fast".
A few steps and a sharp cut to the right, they faced a long hall of heaven's like white painting, with each door numbered, they kept checking till they got to Ward 7. The doors of each ward room has a small see through covered with glass, in which passers-by can peep through to see the interior of each rooms
Peeped.
"Orion, this room is empty".
"Oh! You are kidding right".
"No, I'm not".
Orion peeped into the room and realised it was truly empty. "But I thought he was admitted to ward room 7, was he changed?".
"Hmm, let's check room 6".
Orion was still trying to pick up his loads when Indigo dropped the vase and cards with her while covering her mouth in a very palpable shock. Fidgety and also turn pink, Orion observed Indigo must have seen something.
The sound of the Vase crashing on the tiled floor was loud enough for anyone on the 3rd floor to hear. Orion was about to rush to see what could have scared Indigo so much, when Indigo took two steps back and screamed at the top of her voice.
"RUN! RUN!!"
Immediately, both lad paced the hall in less than 5 strides, with Indigo gaining top acceleration in seconds. With a lap jump and three strides, Indigo had crossed several stairs. Very unusual for a girl, has she seen a ghost?. Orion was still trying to catch up with her to calm her and tell her if they should use the elevator instead. But the pace at which he saw her moved through the stairs, he knew it was a wrong idea.
"Indigo, wait. What happened?".
"Indigo!". He was almost catching up with her on the 2nd floor when two gunshots and bullet sped passed him like flash.
'Pow! Pow!'
"Oh shit!" Orion took a swerve and was airborne. His instant jet of fight or flight hormone kicked in and he was seen gliding through the 1st floor like a threatened rodent. He went past Indigo like they weren't just chit-chatting 5 minutes ago.
With the gunshots, the hospital was already in pandemonium and the ground floor was already flooded with people pacing towards the front door looking for safety.
'Pow!' Another gunshot rang and a lady dropped dead right behind Indigo.
"Shit! Shit!! Shit!!!".