"Good day people. I'm sure
you all are wondering why you've been summoned here. I'm afraid we have
bad news. The M.D just died some moments ago."
People start murmuring, a few were crying, a good number of them seemed cold or in shock, all in all they were all under control.
Not a kind of reaction you would expect from people who probably just saw their boss few hours ago and now hear she's dead.
Lots of them seemed indifferent. Just like any other person on the road died.
"I need you all to remain calm. The police would be here shortly as I've called them, I've been told not to allow anyone leave the premises, so I've alerted the security guards at the entrance not to allow anyone in or out till further notice. I hope no one is outside the premises at the moment?"
Samuel, the fashion design factory supervisor raises his hand to talk.
"Yes, Samuel, you want to say something?" Mr. Ibrahim asks him.
"Sir, Taye had to go to the island this morning to get a few sewing materials we ran out of. She left immediately Madam came because Madam's driver took her with the car."
"Ok. Mercy note that. Also, who are those that are not here? I know some people must be attending to customers and clients presently.
Let the supervisor of each section, document any member of his or her team that isn't here and with reasons. You all would remain here till the police gets here."
"But those who aren't here would be worried," that was Bose, the head masseuse.
"I know, once you've documented the names of those that are not here, your departmental heads would go back and stay at your duty posts, and when those working are through with the clients, you can break the news to them.
They paid for the services so they must get them. Explain to them and let them know they can't leave our premises till the police get here. Make them as comfortable as possible."
The departmental heads do as they are told, Mercy makes use of her phone to document all the information.
_______________________________________
"Who dey in shage here?"
Inspector Rabiu asks as he and three policemen are led into the conference room where the staff members are still waiting.
It's been almost an hour since Mr. Ibrahim informed the police, they took their time coming.
"I am, I'm Mr. Ibrahim, the General Manager of this establishment. "
He shakes hands with the policemen and briefs them on What happened and what has been done so far.
"Listen efribody. Ayam Inspector Rabiu. Me with my men are hia to sof dis moda crime.
I want you to know moda is not a belebu ovense, so diafo, if you are de killer, it is beta you confess now!" He says with a sense of finality.
He reeks of alcohol.
He looks rough.
He is so dishevelled.
His protruding tummy peeks under his uniform jacket. His trousers seem too tight for him.
And his shoes? Story for another day.
Austin is irritated, as well as a good number of the staff members.
This police officer doesn't look like one who knows what he's doing.
"Is this the best the police force has to offer? Austin whispers to Samuel.
"What are you saying? Na you kill am?" Rabiu barks at Austin.
"No o, I'm only wondering how you know it's a murder case without even inspecting the body or conducting any test." Austin responds, irritated.
"Ook. You be police abi. You dey infestigate abi. Na him go tish us awa job." He tells his equally clueless colleagues as they scowl at Austin.
"No sir, I'm just saying you must be very good at your job for you to know......"
"Shut upuuuu. And let somebody show me de dead body. And no one must leave dis place till I say so." He says with an air of importance as he leaves the room.
Mr Ibrahim designated Austin to take the police men to the M.D's office and help them with whatever they need.
After checking the corpse and looking around the room, checking the files on the table;
"Na person kill am!" He declares.
His junior colleagues nod in agreement.
"The policemen of this country are actually worse than I thought," Austin thinks.
Austin loves to watch crime series and movies, like CSI, Law and Order, 24hrs, to mention a few; so he finds it appalling the way these excuse of policemen are handling the matter on ground.
Shouldn't an autopsy be conducted before you jump to conclusions?" Austin couldn't help but ask.
"Wetin dis man dey do for my crime sin?"
Rabiu asks, gesturing towards Austin.
"I dey suspect say na you kill am."
"No oooo. Can I leave then?" Austin is scared now as he remembers the kind of stories he has heard of how corrupt policemen rope people in on cases they know nothing about.
#fiction
#murderornot
All rights reserved
Written By Tolulope Fakayode Faniran
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