Her Baby’s Secret

Arike’s POV

“Arike, I have requested for an audience with the suspect so you have to brace yourself up for the next few days till we can solve this case.” Bamidele said.

“Thank you, Bamidele.”

“You are going in with a recording device but the police must not know about it.” He said.

“Sounds like a plan…”

“At this point we can’t trust anybody.. even the police, I am afraid that they might be working to favour Shalewa’s father. So the plan is to go into the interrogation room and make sure Dayo tells you the whole truth. That is the only way to get him out of this mess.” He explained.

“Okay that won’t be a problem.” I said.

“Arike, if perhaps Dayo did all these things to Shalewa then we have no option than to plead guilty in the court so they can reduce his sentence and later file in an appeal.” Bamidele’s expression conveyed the message of his words that I should prepare for what was to come.

“Let us hope for the best, Bamidele.” I said.

“Okay.” Then we walked into the station.

“Mr Bamidele-” a tall man dressed in a fine black suit approached us.

“Barrister Prosper,” Bamidele exchanged pleasantries with him.

“Arike meet Barrister Prosper, Dayo’s lawyer.” Bamidele introduced us.

I shook hands with the lawyer. “Thank God you are here, they have refused to let me see my client.” Barrister Prosper complained in anger.

“I have a court note that will allow us see him.” Bamidele said.

“They even apprehended him without an arrest warrant.” Barrister Prosper added.

Bamidele went ahead to request for a presence with the Commissioner of Police and a sergeant left the counter to help us after he screened the court note.

We discussed as we waited for the sergeant to get back to us on our request.

Barrister Porpser moved closer to us. “Shalewa’s dad is the force behind all these, I have tried to let us settle out of court but he has refused saying that my client must pay for hurting his child.” Barrister Prosper said in a whisper.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Looking at him, one wouldn’t doubt his ability as a lawyer – he was good just like Bamidele had painted him but I needed to to be sure if he trusted his client.

“What do you think about your client?” I asked cutting him off his intended sentence.

A muscle in his jaw tightened. “Do you also think that Dayo committed the crimes charged against him?” I asked again.

“Why did you ask?” He sounded like he was offended by my question.

“I just want to know…” I said and he purses his lips.

“My client is innocent.” He answered.

But that doesn’t answer my question, in court cases all clients are always innocent and it is the duties of a lawyer to defend his or her client even when they are guilty.

“So why try to settle out of court when you should have worked on finding evidences that would prove his innocence?” I requested.

Barrister Prosper jaw went slack before he cleared his throat. “Are you trying to doubt my job?”

“Not really.” The corners of my mouth turned up.

His mouth set up in a hard line. “So I am not too enough.”

“Well it seems you also think Dayo is guilty.” I said.

I was starting to feel annoyed by his negligence and neglect of duties as a lawyer.

“He has refused to talk to me or anyone.” Barrister Prosper said.

“So that makes him guilty?” I said in a slightly raised tone.

His eyebrows drew together. “Don’t get me wrong, it was his dad who asked me to request for a settlement. He was willing to pay about forty million to Shalewa.”

I sighed in frustration. “I can’t believe this.”

“He thinks that his son is capable of doing these things just to get out of the marriage because my client never wanted to marry Shalewa in the first place.” Barrister Prosper explained.

I nodded in agreement. “It was an arranged marriage.” Tears shimmered in my eyes.

“Which turned out sour.” Bamidele said.

“So you only did what Mr Awosika asked you to do?” I asked.

“Yes on the condition that he would let me do my work as an attorney if settlement doesn’t work. I am also doing my best.” Barrister Prosper pointed out.

“At this point, let us just stick to our plan of -”

“Barrister Bamidele,” a voice interrupted Bamidele and we all turned to face the person.

I recognized the commissioner of police. He looked at me trying to figure out where he had met me.

“I think.. I know you. We have met before right?” His brows snapping together as he waited for a response.

“Yes five years ago on a murder case of a senator’s daughter.” I answered.

He worked as an assistant commissioner of police back then in another station when I took up the case of a senator’s daughter who was murdered.

Recognition dawned on his face. “Barrister Arike! I can never forget your face! You kept all of us on our toes at the station I worked that time.” Commissioner Akpan laughed.

He had been really good to me and he even pressured his boys to work and cooperate with me because he was also determined to find the killer too. I guess that case got him to where he was now – a commissioner of police.

“Good to see you again, Barrister Arike.” His eyes burned with happiness.

“Likewise sir.” I managed to smile.

“So what happened? I didn’t see or hear from you again.” He asked.

“I relocated to America.” I responded.

“Oh so you have been out of practice?” He asked and I nodded yes.

“Nigeria Judicial system has lost a very skilled barrister. I am not happy o because we need more lawyers like you who are always hungry for justice for citizens. Please how may I help you?” His eyes flickered with sincerity.

“I have taken on Mr Adedayo Awosika’s case, so I am going to work hand in hand with Barrister Prosper.” Bamidele explained.

“Oh that is very good but the suspect is refusing to see anyone even his lawyer.” Commissioner Akpan said.

“I thought it was an order from you.” Barrister Prosper said.

“No, I never gave out such order but I am only following the suspect decision.” Commissioner Akpan said.

“That is because he doesn’t trust anyone with the truth.” I said.

“But I have a letter from the court of law that allows me to see my client.” Bamidele handed the commissioner the letter in a brown envelope.

He read it and sighed. “Well I was just on my way out for a meeting. You can go ahead to see your client.” He said.

“Thank you.” Bamidele said.

Commissioner Akpan instructed one of his boys to take us to Adedayo. “Please let them see Mr Adedayo, and treat them well.” The sergeants then countered saluted him before he said his goodbye to us and walked away.

“Now I know the reason for your questions.” Barrister Prosper said to me.

“You should have met her when she was in practice.” Bamidele chuckled.

“I know about that senator daughter’s case, you should indeed get back to practice.” Barrister Prosper said as we made our way towards the interrogation room.

“Arike, don’t forget to try to get him to talk to you about everything.” Bamidele said.

“Okay.” I nodded and rubbed my palms together.

I have to admit that I was feeling nervous but I have to do this not only for Adedayo but also for the sake of my child.

I placed my hand on the knob and twisted it before opening the door.

“Good luck.” They both mouthed before I stepped into the room.

There was only a dim light that provided brightness in the room. Then I saw a figure, he had his head bowed on the table.

My heartbeat accelerated as I moved closer to him. I can do this! I told myself. I dropped the recorder into my handbag and left the zipper opened so it could take everything we would be discussing in this room.