The Deathlike Mission - Episode 7

 

The party ended badly for Kari. Jide kept showing up at every chance he got, giving Laura a reason to stay busy with other guests. This irritated Kari so much but nothing she did could keep him off. She could have left the party but for the fact that the car keys were with Laura and she would never make the mistake of handing it to her for any reason since she still was having a great time, she decided to put up with Jide's constant pestering. He wanted her to carry on investigating the case which he was sure she was capable of but what he stood to gain in it was elusive to Kari.

"There's nothing in this for me . I'm just as curious as you or anyone else. I know that you could have come up with something eventually but the opportunity was taken from you right before you began. Even though you think the resources and time to secretly carry on with this may not be available, it can still work, I will help."

"Mr Jide, you are one big clown of a man. We do not even know each other, I mean is this how you go about helping detectives back to cases they have been signed off?"

"Well, not exactly. Just a little bit close to that. You can call me a freelance crime investigator, if that will help change your mind."

"Well it won't. My sincere advice, the earlier you stopped wasting your time trying to convince me, the better for you because nothing in the world will make me trespass on someone else's case, not even on the account of a total stranger who calls himself a freelance crime investigator whatever that means, excuse me."

And that was how the evening went on

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/the-deathlike-mission-pt-1

. Jide never gave up trying to convince her. He needed to keep her to his side because apart from being his prey, she might be really useful to his quest. The John Malik's case was no ordinary case, it had a link to the kingpin he was sure. Afterall whatever reason could there be that Zuri had called earlier and asked him to lay low on his chase of the girl until he hears an instruction from him. They must have gotten wind of the the transfer of case files, thier target has changed. This was the perfect distraction he needed. He had no jurisdiction or basis to carry on the investigation by himself since he was out of service all he had was the intelligence but his prey even though she no longer has the case, possessed deep insight, enthusiasm and maybe the technology required for it. Therefore he will continue to work secretly with her while he awaits any further instructions from Zuri.

Kari was grateful when at about 10:30pm Laura walked up to her and suggested they have had it for the night. Shortly before then Jide had come up behind her one last time to slip a piece of paper into the tiny opening of her purse.

"Should you decide to work with me Kari, you can always reach me through this. But do not delay too long, I just might change my mind."

"Get lost!" Kari had barked through gritted teeth and clenched fist. Jide only smiled and blew her a kiss.

The twenty minutes drive to Laura's mansion was silent. Kari was spending the weekend there since her dad was away. On the steering wheel, Laura kept throwing curious glances towards Kari's direction. It was only for the fact that she needed to concentrate on the road that she could hold down the numerous questions about Jide hanging just on the tip of her tongue about to explode.

It was an uncomfortable silence, more discomforting than the one at the party. Kari was relieved at her friend's quiet, because she couldn't stand her questioning yet, but she knew it was only for a time. All she did was pray that the journey home be longer. In a short time there were already parked in front of the house. Both girls managed the silence till they got safely inside, then Kari decided it was time as she collapsed into the double settee.

"Come on now, you can start talking."

"Oh my God! I was going to explode in a minute," Laura huffed as she dropped her purse on the glass center table.

"And I am not ready to loose you yet, so go ahead and start with the questioning."

Laura laughed before beginning, "So who was the guy?"

"Jide, surname Cooker..."

"Don't let me get started with you," Laura queried standing before her friend, too curious to sit. "You know what I meant by that question. He can't just be Jide Cooker, the guy was all over you throughout the party following you everywhere. I purposefully stayed away because I sensed he needed privacy with you if you must know."

"Really?" Kari asked, disbelieve obvious in her tone.

"Yes really. So I would like to know what that man is about."

"I have no idea, you will not believe it. He saved me on the night I was attacked, he was at the office this evening to see me you remember, and I accidentally bumped into him this night at the party when you left me frolicking about!" Kari ended sharply.

"So you mean to say if I leave you for a moment, you can't take care till I come back right?" Kari smiled at her sarcasm. "Anyways that still doesn't answer my question, what is he about?"

"You will be amazed at his proposition." she replied sitting up. "He wants me to secretly continue investigating John Malik's case, he promised to be of help though."

"Unbelievable. How? Who is he and how did he know what you were up to?"

"A freelance criminal investigator as he puts it and as for how he knows, that is still a mystery to me."

"What is his interest?"

"He made it clear he has none."

"And you believed him?"

"It meant no difference not to have."

"Is Paul aware of this?"

"No, everything happened just a while ago. I haven't spoken with him yet."

"This is so unthinkable, I wonder who he thinks himself to be. So what are you going to do?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? You know what," she said after a thought, "I think he likes you because it's no doubt he has been trailing after you for sometime and he just wants to be close to you using the case."

"That's totally impossible."

"But it looks to me that way, people like that can't be trusted." Laura protested.

"Be careful the things you see," Kari warned.

"You had better not be sarcastic about this, it's a very serious matter. Listen, though he is handsome, I don't think I like the idea of him been romantically involved with you, what happens to Paul then?"

"Laura! have you lost your mind, what are you even talking about?"

"Well, I was just saying so you will take precautions."

"What? You are far worse than this Jide I've just discovered that." Kari stood up and made for the staircase.

"Whatever. Hey, where do you think you are going?"

"To the guest room ofcourse," Kari replied without turning or slowing her pace.

"I thought we would spend the night in my room?"

"No."

"But why, we haven't even finished talking about your Jide."

"I need to sleep peacefully," she replied taking the stairs one at a time as she climbed. "Plus, he is not my Jide."

"Kari, are you upset with me because of what I said?"

"No.

"Then what?"

"Nothing. Goodnight." She disappeared into the small passage that led to the guest rooms.

Laura exhaled deeply and collapsed on the same settee Kari had been sitting with a tired frown on her face.

In the guest room, after changing into Laura's spare pyjamas and lying on the bed, Kari found it difficult to sleep even though it was well past 11:pm. The reason was for the past one week, she had not slept this early as a result of constant researching to solve her case, and her body had grown accustomed to this routine. She was beginning to miss working on that case Kari realized. Her mind drifted back to the events of the day, the confrontation she had with her chief, her plea that she was on something, she needed time and how it fell on deaf ears. She had somehow managed to obtain Malik's bank transaction records for the past two years, if he belonged to any terrorist organization or syndicate then there must be some clue there. She puffed out tiringly. There was no point thinking about that anymore since she was no longer part of that assignment, she resolved. But yet more than before, a huge feeling of dissatisfaction and curiousity kept nagging deep down her. She turned and tossed about her bed as the events of the evening continued to linger on her mind, then it stop somewhere. Jide. His proposal. Was he for real? What if his offer could help put an end to the questions ragging in her mind? But he was a stranger whom she hardly knew, however persistent and persuasive he might have become. She thought about the possibility of working with him but quickly waded out of the thought as quickly as she could. What would Laura and Paul think, they definitely would not welcome the idea. But she was the one who had sacrificed her time and resting hours trying to get a clue from the beginning, now that she might just be close to one everything was taken from her. Paul had already asked her to stay off completely as she was ordered, he wasn't angry a bit the way she had thought that she lost his case. She was confused and curious altogether. Then she sighed deeply again and made up her mind. She won't just sit here waiting for the new detective in charge to work alone solving the case if he ever will when she could sort for the answers on her own. Even though it wasn't going to be official, satisfying her curiosity was enough reason to make her embark on this personal investigation which could be dangerous and detrimental to her healthy career if it ever gets out. Debarring whatever Laura or Paul thinks, she had made her decision finally, but how she was going to contact him was a problem. Then a smile formed on her lips as she reached for her purse.

It was almost 8:30am before Kari opened her eyes the next day. She had never slept that way in a long while, could be because of the satisfactory feeling that things will turn out well. After saying her prayer, she slowly crept out out of bed to the bathroom to wash her mouth. Following that, she headed downstairs and found Laura on the meal table having breakfast and watching television. Laura looked up to find her friend approaching at the sound of footsteps on the staircase.

"Hey babe, you're finally awake!" she sort of screamed.

"Laura, goodmorning."

"Morning," replied Laura between a mouthful of toasted bread. "How was your night."

"Good," she replied leaning on the back of the chair opposite her friend. "Laura about last night, I'm sorry I walked out on you..."

"Nonsense! if there's anything to say I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have said those things to add to your uneasiness, I was probably overrun by the alcohol. I'm really sorry."

"It was nothing really, I simply overreacted. So are we good now?"

"We have never been better," she said in her usual cheery manner. "Now come share my breakfast while i asked Alice to fix yours," she gestured to the seat Kari leaned on.

They ate amidst a light discussion. After the meal, Kari decided to tell her friend about her decision even though she was sure a fresh argument will ensue.

"What would you think if i agreed to take Jide up on his offer?" she asked looking straight at her friend.

"Simple. I will think you have lost your mind falling for the tricks of a total stranger you don't even know." Laura replied.

"Well, I've decided. You can go ahead and think the worst of me."

There was a pause before Laura began.

"Aside from been the smart Senior Special Detective Kari Salman, you are also stupid. You can't sense danger even though you were to sit right in the in the middle of it. I mean what in God's name have possessed you so? How well do you know this person? Do you realize what you might be getting yourself into?"

"Laura, calm down you are yelling. Look I understand your concern, but it's equally frustrating and dangerous sitting here doing nothing. You of all people know how seriously I take my job. It gives me restlessness knowing I will not be able to find out who John Malik's killers are by myself and so many other things you know about. If i can't officially be on that case then I must be on it some other way."

"One more reason why I can't ever wish to be you or anything close to you. Not every thing requires your hand in it Kari."

"Come on, you sound as though I am on a suicide mission. I'm not used to you talking this way, I need all the humour you can give please."

"I cannot help it, your curiosity is suicidal in itself. Please I beg you in the name of our friendship do not delve into this."

"Am sorry," Kari said looking away, "I've already made my decision."

"Then I'll have no other choice than to officially welcome you to the desk, it's to my advantage anyway why do I even bother," she added shrugging her shoulders.

"There you are." laughed Kari. "Now," she continued. "I will be needing your help in every way."

"Anything to help you remain desk bound."

"You really wish that for me don't you? Anyways, with hat in hand and tail between my legs, I contacted Jide last night."

"Really? What a shame!"

"Yes, he was almost bluffing like he said, but finally we both agreed to meet at your place this evening," said Kari scared Laura was going to refuse.

"You are really going crazy, you think i can lend you my house?"

"It's the least favour you would do because i have more to ask."

"We'll see about that. As for my house, my answer is no. Not everyone has an attitude of throwing themselves at strangers."

"I would really have felt bad about that statement if I did not know you well," said Kari smiling and standing up." Now I need to go continue my study while I wait for my visitor." she added jeeringly, throwing a cushion at Laura who ducked.                   *                 *                 *

Dusk fell quickly to Kari because she had spent the whole day trying to read meanings to every penny that went in and out of his account, but as always, nothing was giving her a clue. She probably made a mistake trying to get back to it because it was already an established fact that nothing meaningful would ever come out of this. That was the only lead she had left after his death, maybe she should just call Jide and ask him to forget she accepted revisiting the case...

The doorbell rang, Laura was resting upstairs, so who could it be? As Alice the maid rushed to answer the door, her heart skipped twice as she reasoned who it might be. She was right. Jide entered the doorway filling every inch with his huge frame. He smiled towards Alice as he made his way past her to meet with Kari.

"Hello Kari," he bellowed in his graceful strides to reach her.

"Hi, you came," replied Kari a little bit tensed, standing up to his greetings.

"I could never fail to keep my promise, that you will come to know about me."

"Nice to hear, you are welcome. Make yourself comfortable, she gestured to the sofa behind him."

"Thank you," he replied sitting and looking around. "You got yourself a nice place,"

"Over the phone, I warned you it was my friend's home, didn't I?"

"This friend of yours must be family for you to feel so at ease in her home. I wouldn't think there will be any harm taking the compliments in her place."

"If you say so, thank you. So what may we offer you?"

"Nothing for now, I'll rather we go straight to business of the day."

"Right," she said and sat on the recliner by his side.

"So, what have you reached?"

"Not so much, still going around the twist. I tell you nothing makes sense anymore. Here is a copy detailing the facts, read it for yourself. Managed to save it should I need it," she said handing over some paper works to him. He took it and glanced at it with so much experience.

"And this?" he asked, showing her the files containing his financial transactions.

"Oh, that's about my only hope right now, we might know a lot from that." Jide merely nodded as he flipped through the papers. He stood up engrossed in his study as he took in every detail contained in files. His huge stature filled the sitting room as he paced about. Kari began to wonder who this stranger with her was, she had no idea where he came from, what he was made of and how he got to know so much about her. In her sitting position, she however noticed for the first time his distinguished features as she watched him keenly from the corner of her eyes trying to read his personality. She had never taken in all of his peculiarities before now, the circumstances surrounding thier meeting had not permitted her. He was three inches taller than Paul was she observed, broad where Paul had a lean muscular build and dark-skinned where Paul was light in complexion. He had dark piercing eyes and a hard jaw line that traced his square chin up to his thin lips which was finely situated under a well-chiseled nose. He was every inch handsome, confident and comely. It was strange how all these physical attributes she was beginning to notice and admire belonged to just one man. He marked some important information on the papers he was studying with such knack and skill like he had been doing that all his life. A man couldn't be more wholesome and appealing. This Jide cooker, who was he?