Jamilah had left earlier and borrowed my car. She said something about driving a little before she would be issued her driver's license. I was only fine with it after she promised that she was going to stay away from driving in places where there were lots of cars and people.
Gabriel had been sending me text messages which I chose to ignore, I needed to stay sane.
I had gone through all the files from the brothel. I had managed to separate the ones with "D", "S" and "T" from the rest and I was ready to call the owner of the brothel for questioning on Monday.
I had to get more information. I hadn't told Miriam about the files. It was going to be hard to do everything with her when feelings were attached.
I was slowly trying to take any dependence I had on her away. Hopefully I would be able to detain the owner of the brothel by Monday without her knowing.
I felt I was already halfway there. There had to be a connection between the brothel owner and the murderer. And they tried to work together to get rid of her.
If the owner of the brothel would co-operate then ending this case won't be so hard. I was looking through the window in my room. I could see the neighborhood from here and it gave me a sense of security.
A sense of security was something I liked, it was the only good thing I left these days except, of course, the feel of Miriam's skin on or near mine. It always sent a chill down my spine, something I tried to mask. It was exciting and frustrating that I was growing feelings for the same person I was supposed to be protecting.
I wished it would end but at the same time, I relished in it. I couldn't help my mind wandering to her.
What was I doing?
I shook my head. Olajide, this is not you. Suddenly the view lost its effect on me. The desire to take some alcohol was very strong and I had to put up a fight with myself. I wanted to keep my promise to Miriam.
I moved downstairs to the sitting room where Miriam was watching TV. She smiled at the TV, a genuine one, it was beautiful because I hardly saw those. As I walked to the couch, she didn't notice it. I was glad I didn't have to go to work.
Oh glorious Saturday.
"I didn't know you like telenovelas."
She jumped at my voice and turned defensively to look at me, raising fists in front of her face as if she was ready to fight me.
I couldn't hold it back, I laughed my heart out. I didn't laugh like this everyday.
She looked a little confused and bit her lower lip, instantly I looked at it. She didn't seem to notice.
"You're happy today."
I frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"That you behave way too serious for your health."
I didn't say anything, she was right after all.
I moved to the front of the couch and sat beside her. She shifted, keeping a little distance between us, she may have not intended me to see it.
I felt a little disappointed, but I tried to shove the feeling away. There was this awkward silence between us and she had stopped smiling. It was almost like she was trying hard to not talk to me.
Seconds felt like hours and the air was beginning to feel thick with tension. Miriam excused herself and went to the kitchen. I, however, ran my hand all over my short hair.
She seemed to be avoiding me all over again and it was beginning to start a new kind of frustration.
Had I done something wrong?
I went to the kitchen and saw her holding her head, facing down. She seemed to be muttering something under her breath as she closed her eyes.
"Are you avoiding me, Miriam?", I interrupted whatever she was doing.
She froze before turning to look at me, her eyes held a little horror as she saw that I stood in the doorway, her only route to escape. She eventually folded her arms and stood in a way to mask her nervousness.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, by telling me what's going on. You're avoiding me, aren't you?"
She had a look on her face that told me that I was right. She noticed I was reading her expression and looked away.
I wasn't happy.
"What's wrong? Is it something I did?"
I couldn't remember any argument we had or problems. She even seemed to do everything I asked her to do laundry without even putting up a fight. I thought she was beginning to understand why I was doing what I did.
"Answer me.", I demanded.
She was silent and I realized I being a little agressive.
Damn my aggressive side.
I moved closer to her and put my hands on either side of her, they rested on the sink so she was between me and the sink. She looked at me immediately, there was a mix of emotions in her eyes. I was glad fear wasn't one of them, but also almost surprised too.
Great, now I had her attention.
"Why're you avoiding me?"
She opened her mouth to speak but closed it immediately, I could tell that a lot was going on in her head.
"Are you scared of me?"
Nothing.
"Miriam, say something. Please. The silence is killing me."
She took a breath. I didn't expect what she said next.
"Why am I still in your house?"
"Excuse me?"
"Jide, why exactly am I still in your house?"
Now it was my turn to be silent.
It was funny I couldn't find an answer to the question. The funnier thing was that I didn't even know the answer myself. Or I knew but I decided to hide it and stop myself from feeling vulnerable.
She pushed one arm away from the sink and got out of the small space I had crammed her in.
"Wait."
I said when she was just about to leave the door.
"Yes?"
I turned to find her looking at me, arms folded. I didn't know why I stopped her, I could have just allowed her to go through the door, to walk away but something deep inside me didn't want that. I found my mouth making words before my brain could process anything else.
"Actually, I—"
I was interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing in my pocket.
Wow, wonderful timing.
I fished it out of my pocket anyways and picked it up without even checking to see who it was.
"Good afternoon, Olajide speaking.", I began casually.
The next question I was asked was strange, I answered it anyways. But what came after that, I couldn't handle. My knees felt weak and everything seemed to be spinning. I almost dropped the phone.
"What?! How did it happen?! I'll be right there.", I found myself shouting and ended the call.
~~~
Author's note: People! Sorry, no romantic scenes here 😂
I'm actually more concerned about what the call was about and you should be too.
So, I'll still need your support so please don't pass by without voting, commenting or both. It would make my day.
Also I'll need you all to check out the book; "Nigerian Lockdown Library" by Youdee_official. Please vote, comment, participate and support.
You can decide to drop your stories for shout-outs, just check it out for book suggestions or both.
I've posted the link, so you can check it out.
Thank you so much ❤️
Much love from your girl 😘
And stay safe 😉