Chapter 62: Chapter 62

Saturday 11:00 am

"Has she said anything yet?" The D.P.O entered the questioning room, watching the lady sitting down majestically with a straight face.

Sam shook his head in negative and the D.P.O walked closer, still paying close attention to Raliat. "You should say something young lady or you will have yourself to blame," he finalized and twirled round to go out.

He was almost at the door before he turned back sharply at Sam.

"Sam", he called. "Torture her till she says what she knows."

"Yes, sir", Sam answered and he beckoned to the policewoman behind Raliat to come and take over.

The D.P.O went out and was about to enter his office when he heard the echoes of her loud cry of "Dan Allah!"

****

"Babe, I'm sorry for not coming around yesterday. I went home to inform mum about what happened and also to pick a few things. Mum was worried sick about me", Saleem explained.

Salamat flashed a smile at him and he took a hold of her hand.

"It's ok", she said to him softly, looking at their enjoined hands.

He stared at her for a while and removed his hand from hers. Salamat was surprised at the action and she suddenly missed the feeling of his hand on hers. "Why did you do that?" She questioned.

He hiffed. "You see why I said I want us to get married? This is the first time we are holding hands. I can't hold you when I desire to because it's sinful."

Salamat looked down and said, "I am sorry. I now know the reason for Ayoade's sudden rush to get married. He refused to divulge his reasons to me though, but from all that has happened and the statement you just made, I figured it out."

"What reason?" He inquired

"Never mind. I'm sorry for not understanding you well enough." She apologized.

"I was scared it was an unrequited love." He admitted.

"Of course not. Why will you think that way?"

"I want to have you to myself, princess. I'm also sorry for not reasoning with you. I was just thinking about myself. That was selfish of me."

"No, don't say that. Your reasons are genuine and I admire you more for that. I'm sorry once again."

"Alright princess", He grinned.

"What's with the princess all of a sudden?"

"Aren't you a princess? You are my princess."

"Nop, I'm not. I am my daddy's princess but I am your queen."

He laughed richly. "Really?"

Salamat giggled and it caught the attention of the police officer standing by the doorpost. Salamat saw the look on his face and laughed more.

"Mum told me that Ayoade's fiance has been caught." He informed her.

"Yes. She is the one that can shed more light on what is happening. I have refused to let it bother me again. I know my innocence will save me."

"Let's just keep praying. God is merciful and He will show us his mercy. I know this is happening for a reason, so don't let it weigh you down."

"I can't remember the last time I laughed this way. I felt at peace and happy with myself this morning and I asked God for forgiveness for not being grateful enough. Walahi, I almost gave up but now I am sure God will pave a way. I just hope it won't be long."

"God's willing, it won't" Saleem prayed. "I'm sure you are happy because you've seen me now" he smirked.

"Of course not. I've been happy since I woke up."

"That's because you have a feeling that I would come." He argued.

"You are not serious", she said and laughed.

Saleem's phone interrupted her laughter.

"Good morning sir", he politely said into the phone.

"Morning Saleem, how are you doing?" Dr. Hussain said from the other side.

"I'm great, sir."

"Are you still in Zaria?"

"Yes, sir."

"How come I didn't see you?"

"Something came up but it has been resolved now. I just came back from Kano this morning." He responded.

"Alright, your form is ready and I need your help on the fieldwork I want to conduct for my program. It's within the school premises and I would love to have you on my crew. It starts on Monday."

"Oh," he said with hesitation. Ok, sir but...."

There were voices in the background and Saleem waited for a while to complete his statement.

"See you on Monday Saleem by 9 exactly. Thank you and bye." Dr. Hussain said and disconnected the call.

"Oh, God!"

"What is it?" Salamat asked with concern.

"Dr. Hussain invited me for a fieldwork."

"What's the problem?"

"I want to decline."

"Why?"

"Fieldwork is a stressful task. How will I cope with fieldwork and coming here to spend time with you?"

"How many days?" She asked again

"Usually 10-12 days."

"Here in Zaria?"

"In the school premises, he said."

"I hope to be out of here before then but if not, I can endure. Isn't he the man who helped you during your service?"

"Yes, he is."

"He is a good man, indeed. Don't decline it." Salamat advised.

"But......"

"There you are", A voice said. They raised their head to see Mr. And Mrs. Ademola approaching.

"I am highly disappointed in you, Saleem. I trusted and loved you like my own child. Is this how to pay me?"

Salamat was with a confused look on her face, same with Saleem.

"What happened, mum?" He asked, looking from the wife to the husband who was silently sucking on his lower lip.

"Salamat told me you were going out with Bimpe but I told her I trust you not to do such a thing. And now she is pregnant. You impregnated her. Can life be any better? We aren't done with one problem and another is already springing up." The woman yelled.

Saleem was shocked and wordless at the accusation. Salamat was mute too as she looked from her mother to the speechless Saleem.

****

"Has the camera been repaired?" Bode asked the D.P.O as they moved to the parking lot.

"Not really." The D.P.O answered absent-mindedly.

"Why is it taking so long?"

"I don't know." He replied.

"I'm sure we will get solid evidence from it. Maybe the culprit tampered with it."

"Probably. What did your wife say about the virginity test?" The D.P.O asked.

"Oh! I forgot. She said it is not advisable." Bode answered.

"Why?"

"Because it is a painful and traumatic experience for the victim and it is in a way an assault. She even added that we might end up being sued by female activists if the test is carried out without the consent of the patient." Bode explained.

"Hmmm" the D.P.O sighed. "So that is out of the question."

"Yes. She said it is unreliable and mostly inconclusive."

"Ok. Why do you say you don't believe she is a virgin?" The D.P.O questioned all of a sudden.

"Nothing."

"Don't tell me that Bode. I know you are hiding something."

Bode got to his car and watched the D.P.O, then he muttered, "Salamat was a victim of rape."