Chapter 52: Chapter 52

Saleem got to Shika and had to call the number again to get the exact location where she was at the University Teaching Hospital.

"Saleem", she called, making an effort to sit up with a teary face.

"Bimpe", he called back with concern, looking up at the two policemen beside her bed.

Bimpe began to sob again as he sat next to her after greeting the policemen who only nodded at his greetings.

"Bimpe", he called again as her sob subsidized.

"What happened? What were you saying over the phone?"

"Salamat killed my brother", she repeated.

"What do you mean by that?" He questioned with a grimace. "What sort of allegation is that? Do you even know what you are saying?"

"I know what I am saying, Saleem. I went to the class to read overnight because of the test I was supposed to write this morning, only to get back to the house this morning to see my brother in a pool of his blood and Salamat was right beside him with bloodstained hands. What more explanation will you make of that?" She said more like a whisper.

Her voice was gone.

"That doesn't give you the right to accuse her. Did you catch her in the act?"

"No, I didn't but I have been suspicious of the two of them. They were together throughout yesterday and Salamat has refused to say what is going in between them. If someone else had murdered my brother, she would have said it but all she does is stare at us like a dummy. Saleem, my only brother is gone. My life is ruined", she wailed, putting her hands on her head.

Saleem was confused and speechless as he stared at her crying face.

"What was Salamat doing with her brother since yesterday uptil this morning?" He asked himself.

As if reading his mind, she commented, "I think they are going out together. They have has been communicating for a while."

"Bimpe", he half-yelled in caution.

"You remember I told you yesterday that something has been bothering me for a while now?", she asked and he nodded.

"I think Ayoade has been having an affair. I've seen evidence that he usually brings a girl home anytime I was not around but I can't tell if he has a girlfriend or not."

"What are you insinuating, Bimpe?" He demanded.

"Saleem, I am not a dullard and this is my brother we are talking about here. Forget the fact that there is something between you and Salamat. I want justice for my brother and I will get it."

"You can't be so sure that she is the killer. What's giving you this much confidence?"

"Ayoade came from Abeokuta, on behalf of my parents to check on my welfare and this is what she can do to repay my parent?", she said dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. "Put yourself in my shoes and tell me how you will feel."

"Bimpe...."

"Ayoade and Salamat were dating, I am sure of it. And I am sure something must have happened overnight that made her did such a thing. My instinct is always right. Think about it Saleem", she said but Saleem was quiet.

Then she continued. "You are my friend and you can decide not to support me but I will get justice for my brother. God is seeing everyone and will judge you accordingly."

"Bimpe, this issue is not about common sense", he began but she had started crying again.

"Ok. I'm sorry about the death of your brother. Where is Salamat now?"

"In the police station", she replied

"What? Which of the police station?"

"Kataf police station", she answered.

Saleem stood up abruptly and rushed out of the hospital as Bimpe stared at him till he was out of sight.

*****

Salem got to the police station and strode towards the policemen at the front counter when his phone rang.

His mother was calling. He couldn't pick as he stood in front of the policeman whose head was bent in something that looks like a long book.

"Good morning, sir", he greeted them, politely, putting his phone back into his side pocket.

"Morning", the first man answered with a crooked smile. "How can we help you?"

The second officer looked up at him without a smile, answered his greeting with a grumble, and went back to work.

"I'm here to see Salamat. I was told she was brought in here", Saleem said to the smiling man.

"Salamat?" The man repeated, flipping over the book in front of him.

As if remembering something, he lifted his head sharply. "She was brought in here this morning, right?" He asked Saleem who nodded in response.

"Salamat Ademola?" He asked again.

"Yes, that's her name."

"Oh... That's true. Give me a minute", he said and went back to flipping the pages of the book.

"Saleem", someone called and Saleem looked sideways to see Salamat's parents coming out from a tiny corridor.

"Mummy", he said and moved closer to them.

"Thank God, you are here", she muttered with a worried look.

"What happened?" He asked Mr. Ademola who only shook his head.

"I have no idea. Wumi has refused to talk to us. I don't know what's wrong with her?" Mrs. Ademola said.

"Where is she?"

"She is in the cell", she replied. "Let me take you to her, maybe she will talk when she sees you", she uttered holding his hand

"Madam", the police officer cut in.

"Wait behind, let him go alone. "Young man", he called, referring to Saleem. "She is in cell 12."

"Ok. Thank you sir", Saleem said to the man and turned to the worried couple. "I'll be right back."

"Alright, dear."

He moved towards the corridor and looked at each cell number as he passed. He got to the 6th cell and saw her cell number by the left. The place was in pitch darkness and he strained his eyes to see if she was there.

He called her name gently when he saw her sitting on the bare floor with her head bent. His heart irked at the sight.

"Ifemi (My love)", he called again softly but she was not moving.

"Salamat, please talk to me. This issue is no longer funny. We need to look for a way to take you out of here before it gets out of hand" he said to her but was met with silence.

"You need to say something to prove your innocence dear", he said again, squatting down.

She raised her head and stared at him with an expressionless face.

"Do you believe them?" She asked.

"Who?" He wanted to ask but figured she was talking about the accusations the policemen and Bimpe were laying at her.

"Of course not. I know you can't do such a thing."

She was waiting for his reply and when she got it, she nodded and bowed her head down again. "That is all that matters."

"No, you are wrong dear. Murder is a serious case and you need to speak up to prove your innocence. Please, if not for my sake, do this for your parents. They are troubled. Mummy is on the verge of crying."

She was quiet for a while before saying, "I did not kill him."

Saleem heaved a sigh of relief and asked. "Do you know who did?"

"The person he had sex with the night before", she muttered and burst into tears.

Saleem was confused as he remembered Bimpe's word.

And then a wave of doubt engulfed him as he watched her cried her eyes out.