Chapter Seven

In the quiet hours of predawn, the city of Oumar Karim began to stir from its slumber, the first signs of life emerging as the darkness reluctantly gave way to the soft glow of dawn. As the sky turned from inky black to a hazy shade of blue, the streets came alive with activity, the stillness of the night giving way to the bustling energy of a new day.

Against this backdrop of awakening, PRK police officers hurriedly set up a roadblock on the busy thoroughfare of Adekunle Avenue. With the city beginning to hum with the rhythm of morning commuters and delivery trucks, the officers worked to direct traffic and position barricades, their movements brisk and purposeful in the growing light.

"Move those barricades into position! We need to search every vehicle in this gridlock," barked tbe sergeant in charge, his voice cutting through the early morning air with a sense of urgency.

The officers fanned out to approach each vehicle with determination, their flashlights cutting through the fading darkness as they conducted their searches. One by one, they meticulously inspected the cars, their actions punctuated by the distant sound of engines revving and horns honking.

Approaching a nondescript white van at the heart of the gridlock, one officer signaled for the driver to roll down his window. "Sir, we need to conduct a routine search of your vehicle. Please step out and open the back," he instructed.

The young man behind the wheel hesitated for a moment, his eyes scanning the increasingly busy street before him. Suddenly, with a sense of urgency, he swerved out of the lane into the empty lane for oncoming vehicle, forcing the officer to jump out of the way to avoid being run over, and slammed his foot on the accelerator, the engine roaring to life as the van surged forward, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.

"Stop that vehicle!" shouted the sergeant in charge, his command spurring the police into a frantic chase.

With sirens blaring and lights flashing behind him, the driver of the van floored the accelerator. The police had their guns drawn. One officer slid spike strips into the way. The tires of the van burst with a loud explosion as the van drove over the spikes and the wheels began sparking as they ground against the asphalt. The van then skidded to a stop. He had barely driven a hundred meters. Officers surrounded the vehicle with their guns drawn.

"Get out of the vehicle with your hands up!" commanded the sergeant in charge, his voice strained as he had been running, as he approached the van.

The young man, his breath visible in the crisp morning air, slowly emerged from the van, his hands raised in surrender. One officer pried open the booth. It was stacked full of boxes. When they opened the first box, it was full of narcotics. There were more than eleven boxes inside the van.

"It's not them," muttered the sergeant in charge, his frustration evident as he surveyed the scene. "But we've still made a significant bust today."

The officers took the young man into custody with the city continuing to pulse with the energy of a new day.

—

In the opulent office of President Lamine Mamadou, the chief of staff hovered nervously near his desk, his eyes darting between the President and the blinking red light on the secure line. With each ring, tension coiled tighter in the room, palpable as the weight of impending crisis hung heavy in the air.

Finally, President Mamadou lifted the receiver, his voice firm as he greeted the caller. "President Mamadou speaking," he intoned, his tone betraying none of the unease roiling within him.

"President Mamadou, it's Jordan Richardson," came the voice on the other end, the familiarity of the Prime Minister of Novarica offering a fleeting sense of reassurance amidst the turmoil. "I've just been briefed on the situation with Cheikh Abdoulaye and I want to extend my deepest condolences. I've also been briefed on the potential suspects attached to this case. We need to address this situation swiftly and diplomatically, so we don't end up with an international incident on our hands."

President Mamadou's jaw clenched. "Jordan, this feels like the integrity of our democracy has been compromised," he replied, his voice tight with indignation. "It has all the makings of Novarica's interference all over it. It cannot go unpunished."

"President Mamadou, I have my National Security Advisor with me here. His name is Ronald Clement," Jordan continued, his words carrying a weight of authority that demanded attention. "Let me give him the floor for a minute."

Ronald Clement spoke up in a calm and reassuring tone. "Mr. President, rest assured that I understand your concerns, but escalating tensions will only serve to worsen the situation."

President Mamadou's brow furrowed as he considered Ronald Clement's words. "And what, Mr. Clement, would you propose we do? You won't be speaking with me if you hadn't drawn up a compromise," he asked, his tone sharp with skepticism.

Ronald's response was measured, his voice a steady anchor amidst the storm. "I propose a collaborative effort," he began, his words carrying the weight of careful consideration. "Let us work together to apprehend the suspects, ensure a thorough investigation, and if they are found guilty, have them extradited to PRK to face justice."

There was a pregnant pause as President Mamadou contemplated Ronald's proposal. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer now. "You will have them arrested if they are found in your country and extradited to ours. We will conduct the investigation to find out if they are guilty."

"That's a fair deal, Mr. President."

"Very well, Mr. Clement. Let us hope that this collaboration can bring about a resolution to this unfortunate situation."

"Mr. President," Jordan said. "This is one of those situations no one foresees. Let's work together, so we can come out on the other side stronger because of it."

"Arrest them and send them to me." And Lamine ended the call.

As the call ended, the chief of staff exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, the tension in the room dissipating like smoke in the wind.