Dele held Veronica’s hand and ventured on the craziest thing he’d ever done. They followed Glory and the man with her. The couple hid from the criminals, and, though almost caught several times, they managed to follow them out of the evening market down a dark street until the two drove off on a motorcycle.
When they got back to Dele’s room, they were exhausted.
“I’m calling Dauda right away.” Dele breathed hard. “He knew she would leave Lagos if she were released.”
Despite the time of the day, Dauda picked up on the second ring. “Hello, Dauda. Good evening.”
“Hello, Dele. How far?”
“I’m great, thanks. All is well.” He’d brought Dauda up to date on his life from time to time, so he knew his friend was expecting another update. “I saw Glory. Here in Efayaw.”
“The same Glory we know?”
“Yes.”
“I knew it. I told Ofem not to let her go.”
“Why did he?”
Dauda hissed. “You know where she works. Ofem couldn’t even keep her more than a night. Her boss does have influence in some high places.”
“So she may have been here for a month?”
“It’s possible. I tried to keep tabs on her, but I do have a job at the airport.”
“We followed her, but she got on a motorcycle and disappeared. I can’t believe she’s here. Probably her sister is too.”
“You know what, Dele, send me your address. I’m coming in. Don’t tell anybody.”
“Dauda, you’re sure you should?”
“I’m more involved in this case than you think. And I don’t want anyone in my office to know.” There was some noise in the background. “Listen, send the address. Expect me tomorrow.” He hung up.
Dele stared at his phone. “He’s coming tomorrow. Why, though?”
“He must be in this more than you know.”
“Exactly what he said.”
“We just have to keep our fingers crossed. Those criminals are in hiding, and the moment they know someone is close on their trail, they may get violent.” Veronica shrugged. “They must think everything is clear now and the authorities think they’ve left Efayaw.”
Dele grunted. “I’ll send Dauda my address. If he wants to do this without official backing, it’s his decision.”
Dauda arrived the following night. Dele and Veronica met him at the bus station and took him to dinner at a restaurant in town, after which they went to Dele’s apartment, and Veronica went home.
The guys relaxed and chatted late into the night.
“Don’t you have to be at work?” Dele asked.
“I took a casual leave. I am bored stiff at my job. It’s depressing.”
“Well, I wish you luck. I don’t know how you plan to track down these people. You have this place for as long as you wish.”
Dauda checked out the small though well-furnished place. It was the perfect place for a single upwardly mobile man. He had a queen-size bed, a couch, carpet, and a table. Another small table accommodated an electric stove, and beside it a table-top refrigerator. His flat screen TV was bracketed against the wall facing the bed. On the other side of the wall was a room unit air conditioner.
“You have a great place.” Dauda punched his shoulder. “In just a month, you’ve done so well. You see?”
Dele bumped shoulders with his friend. “I have you to thank.”
“I’m happy for you. The lady of yours is nice too. I’m glad I was right.”
“You were so right. Finding a woman is a good thing.” Dele chuckled. “And this woman in particular drives me crazy. I’m saving to marry her in a couple of months. I can’t wait.”
“You’ll see the difference. The moment you marry her, your life will improve even more.”
“Amen. Now, what’s your plan with these criminals?”
Dauda stretched out on the bed and groaned. “Road transportation in this country is a demon.”
Dele laughed. “For a day after, your legs will be asking you if they belonged to your body.”
Dauda did not respond, and when Dele looked at him he was fast asleep.
“I work, bro. And I leave early.”
The policeman didn’t hear, but it didn’t matter.
—————
Dauda woke up on time the following morning and got Veronica to take him back through the path they’d trailed Glory on before she reported at work. In daylight, the street didn’t seem as long, but it was downtown and could lead anywhere.
Veronica pointed at an unremarkable house on a narrow street. “They got on the motorcycle here. They must have parked it earlier.”
“What kind of street is this? What is it known for?”
Veronica shrugged. “Nothing. Just a low-income area. Some people come here to take accommodation because it’s cheap.”
Dele checked his watch. “We have to get to the office.”
“Right.” Dauda took another look around. “I’ll wait till you get back from work, and we can walk around a bit, if you don’t mind?”
“Okay.” Veronica nodded. “Dele?”
“Sure,” he agreed somewhat reluctantly. He wanted to spend the evening with his woman, but Dauda had been a true friend indeed.