"Is that all you could remember?" the detective asked me. It wasn't that hard for me not to remember knowing that the shooting happened only a few hours ago. I didn't get much sleep last night. The scene kept playing over and over in my mind. This didn't seem real.
"Yes, that's all I can remember, detective. I'm sorry."
"It's fine. You're just going through a bit of shock. I won't ask nothing else. You can leave." The opened the door and escorted me out of the room. I had went to the lobby to see Tano and Wade talking. They stopped when they seen me coming. The detective was right behind me.
"You all are free to go. I appreciate you both coming down here and giving a statement. We're going to look more into this when the victim comes too. " He then turned to Wade, "Would if be ok to contact your clients if we have any more questions?" he asked.
Wade looked to me and Tano. We both nodded our heads in approval.
"Sure Detective Orton. They would be more than obliged to help in any way they can." Wade smiled as he extended his hand to the detective.
"It's been a pleasure," they shook hands. "Thanks again."
"No problem. Come on guys, let's go." Wade ushered us out of the police station.
We stayed in the parking lot to talk to Wade for a bit. He wanted to know what else we knew about the situation. I knew Tano was not going to tell Wade the entire truth so I went along with everything he said.
"Wade, all I can tell you is that Christian and I have been suspecting Becker and Muhammad for a while. They were making themselves obvious that they were up to no good. I am certain that Madakai was behind this."
Wade looked at Tano in disbelief. It seemed as if he was certain Tano was hiding something but wasn't sure. Instead of asking, he took Tano's word. He then pressed his luck and tried to get me to come out with the truth.
"Do you believe that also, Christian?" he asked me.
"There is no doubt in my mind that it's Madaki. After all, he was the one who betrayed Tano's father. You have seen the news haven't you?" I replied to Wade who was now stumped. It was known to the world what Madaki did to Mr. Osei. Wade should have known first hand since he was his attorney.
"Yeah I have. And I am terribly sorry Mr. Osei is going through such a hard time because of it. Though it's weird, why would Madaki have a couple of orderlies killed? I know the man is ruthless but this isn't making any sense," Wade was puzzled.
"Maybe it's because they were working for him," Tano answered quickly as he lighted a cigarette. He took a long drag of it and exhaled then continued, "His number was in Muhammad's cell phone listed under his alias Charlie Boule."
Our mouths dropped. I was curious as to how Tano managed to pick up one of their cell phones without me or anyone else noticing. My guess was that he did this when he checked on Muhammad.
"H-how do you know this?" Wade wondered.
"Yeah. Please explain that to us." I asked of him.
"I found out about his alias that day in Ghana. It's why I was almost killed. He played this Charlie character off as a big shot investor to their company when in reality, he was a fraud. Madaki had been using this alias to steal money and do God know what else with it. I confronted him about this and threatened to tell Father. And, here we are."
Wade and I looked at each other in disbelief. Wade tried speaking but no words were coming out. It seemed like Wade was starting to regret every taking on the Osei's as clients.
I took the opportunity of Wade's befuddlement to get more answers out of Tano before he tried.
"Tell me Tano,," I moved closer to him. "How long did you know about Becker and Muhammad?"
It took Tano a while to answer. He finished off the rest of his cigarette and threw the bud in the grass.
"Since Ghana. It was only three days ago when I realized who they were. I wish I would have paid attention sooner."
I stared Tano down. How could he not have recognized the two men who were trying to kill him before? Suddenly I felt my head pounding and my heart pumping harder. I wanted to hit Tano but held back since we were still at the police station.
"Before you ask your next question, allow me to answer it. I went back to the shooting because I knew it was going to happen. Madaki isn't the only who can create an imaginary friend."
January 19
Finally my time at the Osei's mansion had some to an end. I got up early to finish packing and to check on Mr. Osei one last time. The car to take me home was arriving at 10am. I called Candice to let her know what was going in.
"I'm so glad you're coming home baby. I've been so worried about you. I hope this is the last time you ever see him." Candice never referred Tano by his name. She never missed a chance to throw and insult or two about him whenever we talked.
"I hope so too. I don't think I can take any more of his brand of craziness. I thought I was coming to care for his father, not be a witness to a shoot out. It's like Ghana all over again," I sighed as I sat down on the bed.
"Think of it this way; you will be home with me and this will all be behind you. You will never have to see him again," Candice assured me.
"You're right, Candice. I wish ten would get here already. I don't want to stay another second in this place."
"I know sweetie. Be patient. You'll be home," I heard someone calling for Candice. "Hey I have to go. Got a meeting to go to. You take care. I will see you when you get home. I love you."
"I love you too. Bye" I hung up the phone and started packing again. After I was done, I started to place my luggage by the door. That's when I heard a knock. Without giving me time to answer, the person on the other side came it.
"Dr. Reso. Is it ok for me to come?" Tano asked peaking inside.
"Sure," I continued to sit my luggage by the door while Tano took sat on my bed.
Tano watched me for a while as I started cleaning up the room. He then spoke.
"Listen, I'm sorry for the trouble I have caused you. It was not my intention to put you in any harm. Please accept my apologies. You are an excellent doctor and have served my father well."
"Thank you, Tano. I appreciate you coming to apologize but there is no need. What's done is done. In couple of hours, I will go back to my normal life and acting as if none of this ever happened. What you did was beyond stupid. You could have gotten us both thrown in jail or even killed."
"I know and I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I never meant to put you in danger like that. I just wanted justice on my father. That's all."
"I understand that because he deserves it but not like this. You're a murderer now Tano. I can't be involved in any of this." I sat down next to Tano. We were silent for a while until Tano spoke,
"Will you promise me you won't say anything?" he asked.
I hesitated to answer. Keeping what I knew would label me as an accomplice. A man died and one is fighting for his life as we speak. I could lose everything if it all were to come out.
"I promise," I assured Tano, "Under one condition."
"Name it."
"You take the fall for everything. I would be damned if I have to spend the rest of my life in prison because of you."
"Done. I will take the fall for everything and make sure that nothing happens to you. I am a man of my word." Tano was serious and I could tell that he was. Tano only wanted revenge but he didn't realize that revenge can sometimes come with unintended casualties. Unfortunately, I was one of them.
"Good. I have to finish packing. Tell your father I will be there to check on him soon." I got up from the bed to get my bag ready to check on Mr. Osei one last time.
"Very well," Tano started leaving the room when he stopped. "Christian," he called for me.
I turned around to face him.
"Thank you," Tano said softly, "Thank you for everything." I could see his eyes becoming watery.
"No problem."
Tano left.
I did one last check up on Mr. Osei who still needed more treatment. I was told that the original doctor who cared for him was back from vacation and would around noon. Also, the replacement orderlies were starting today. I was able to meet them before I left.
"Dr. Reso, I would like for you to meet the new orderlies, Gail and Evan," Mr. Osei motioned for them to enter his room. An Asian woman and a white man had entered smiling.
"Hi, how are you?" I shook their hands.
"Great," Evan replied. "So we hear you're leaving today. So sad you couldn't stay longer."
I chucked, "Yeah I know. I was just a temporary replacement for the real doctor. Well be sure to take good care of my friend. And don't worry, Jazz may be aggressive but she's cool as long as you are doing your job. Be sure not to upset her."
"Will do, Dr. Reso. It was nice meeting you," Gail said.
"It was nice meeting you too. You take care Mr. Osei. It was a pleasure." I extended my hand to him.
"Like wise. I will be sure to tell the U of C what fine doctor they have in you. Stay blessed doctor. Goodbye."
"Bye," I shook Gail and Evan's hand again and left. While I was coming out of the room Ciera approached me to tell me my car had arrived.
"Thank you Ciera, I will be right down."
"Do you need help with your bags? I can get Lester to help," she offered.
"No, I'm good. I got it. Thanks."
"Mandy has packed you a lunch in case you become hungry on your way home. Be sure to get it on your way out. Goodbye Dr. Reso. Take care," Ciara surprised me by leaping into my arms and hugging me.
"You be good Ciera. Watch out of Mr. Osei for me."
"I will." Ciera went inside Mr. Osei's room and I went to take my luggage to the car.
I said goodbye to all of the staff members and Mr. Osei's family. I didn't say goodbye to Tano since he had left after our talk which was fine with me. I would be happy not seeing Tano again for the rest of my life.
On the drive home, I texted Candice to let her know I was on my way. I then called Adam to see what he was up to.
"Hey! Haven't heard from you in a while. How are things?" Adam asked me.
"Good. I'm on my way home now. Can't tell you how great it feels to be out of there," I sighed.
"Was it that bad?"
"Some what. You wouldn't believe me if I told you," before I could say another word, I heard the other line. "Hey Adam hold on for a minute. Someone's on the other end."
"Sure."I switched over to answer the call.
"Hello?"
"Dr. Reso?" a strong husky voice answered.
I instantly tensed up. I had no idea who was calling me.
"This is him. What can I do for you?" I asked.
"The question is, what can you do to save your self and your family."
I sat up straight and gripped the phone. I had recognized the voice from the other end but I couldn't come to believe it.
"What are you planning to do?"
"Don't worry about it, doctor. Just know that if you continue your involvement with the Osei's, you will find yourself responsible for the death of your wife and child. Have a nice day Dr. Reso." he hung up.
I stared at my phone in shock. At this moment I was powerless to do anything. All I could think of is the safety of Didi and Jason and how fast I could get to them. I remembered that Adam was on the other line and switched over.
"Adam, I'll have to call you back. I got a call from the Osei's, it seems important." I lied to my friend.
"Alright. Call me later man. We have a lot of catching up to do."
"I will. Bye.""Bye"
I hurried and searched for Tano's number and dialed it. Tano had answered on the first ring.
"Tano!" I shouted "We have to talk. It's Madaki."
"Yes, I know. I will be at your house by one. Don't go anywhere."
"Ok" Tano hung up the phone.
For the rest of the ride, I tried getting in contact with Didi to see if she and Jason were fine but I couldn't reach them. Her phone went straight to voicemail each time. I had stopped trying as I hoped that they were fine and she would call me to me that they were. When I arrived home, I waited for Tano show. I became more paranoid as time went by. All I could think of how I had made the biggest mistake of my life and now my family was going to suffer the consequences.
