STARING COMPETITION

Detective Philip stood beside his car, observing as Detective Elena and Jesse approached. Upon their arrival, he furrowed his brow at the sight of Jesse still clad in his prison uniform.

"Didn't you have anything to change into?" he inquired, his expression tinged with disapproval.

Jesse slowly shook his head, prompting a sigh from the detective. He walked to the driver's side, allowing Elena to open the back door for Jesse, who joined Yaw in the rear seat. Elena settled into the passenger seat as Detective Philip ignited the engine.

"So, what's our next move?" Elena inquired, making herself comfortable as the detective maneuvered the vehicle.

"We've secured his bail; now, it's time to take him back," Detective Philip succinctly replied as he drove away from the prison.

Yaw gazed at the recently bailed inmate who sat at the end of the seat.  Observing him at a distance as he peered into the outside world through the auto glass.

It appeared as though the man had missed the freedom beyond the prison walls.

Yaw found it difficult to reconcile the idea that the man before him could be capable of murder; his countenance bore an innocent demeanour that defied suspicion. However, Yaw had learned the valuable lesson that appearances and looks can indeed be deceiving. This principle had been emphasized during his academic pursuits, serving as a constant reminder of the complexities hidden beneath outward appearances.

Jesse, sensing eyes upon him, turned to meet Yaw's gaze. In response, Yaw offered a small smile before turning away.

Detective Philip brought the car to a halt near a local eatery close to Madina. The morning had advanced, and hunger tugged at him; the prospect of enjoying a meal, particularly fufu, appealed to his senses. With a press of a button, the engine surrendered its hum, and he retrieved his keys to step out.

Elena, assuming they were en route to drop off Jesse, inquired, "Where are you going?"

"To grab a bite. Feel free to join if you're interested," Philip responded, closing the car door with a decisive thud, leaving the trio inside the car.

A palpable silence lingered in the car after Detective Philip's departure. Detective Elena, acknowledging her hunger, sighed as she stepped out, reflecting on the hurried morning that left her without breakfast for her children, entrusted to her mother's care at home since Philip had called her to meet him at the prison.

Left in the car, Yaw and Jesse shared a quiet moment. Jesse, seemingly detached from the recent events, gazed out of the window, lost in thought.

"Aren't you hungry?" Yaw gently inquired. Jesse turned, meeting Yaw's gaze with sleepy eyes, hinting at the fatigue that clung to him.

"You should go. I'll be fine here," Jesse whispered, his voice barely audible. Yaw shook his head, expressing his reluctance.

"I can't leave you here. My master will be displeased," Yaw replied, adding, "Besides, I'm hungry too."

Jesse, sensing Yaw's plea, conceded. Opening the car door, he stepped out, accompanied by Yaw, who seemed excited at the prospect of a meal.

As Jesse walked, the public eye couldn't help but notice his prison uniform, attracting stares and recognition. Unperturbed, he kept his gaze fixed on the ground, indifferent to the curious onlookers. Together with Yaw, they approached the two detectives, ready to join them for a meal.

Upon entering, the duo noticed the two detectives seated at a modest, circular plastic table in the corner, with precisely two vacant chairs left. Taking their places opposite the detectives, they found the table already adorned with food, the detectives engrossed in their meal.

Detective Philip, mid-chew, beckoned a waiter over to accommodate the newcomers. "What will you two have?" he inquired. Jesse looked at Yaw, deferring to him for the order.

"Banku will suffice," Yaw replied, and the waiter acknowledged the choice. As the waiter shifted attention to Jesse, assuming his turn for an order, Jesse remained oblivious.

"Jesse," Detective Elena called, drawing his attention. Jesse raised his head, and Detective Elena prompted, "The waiter is awaiting your order."

Jesse, now back in the moment, glanced at the waiter and mumbled, "The same." The waiter, understanding the order, nodded and departed to arrange their meals.

Detective Philip, having completed his meal, reclined in his chair, casting a casual glance towards Jesse, who remained fixated on the ground. Suppressing a chuckle, Philip pondered what held the young man's attention below eye level.

Choosing not to divert his gaze, Detective Philip maintained his amused scrutiny of Jesse. The young man, seemingly unfazed, lifted his head, catching the detective's eyes locked onto him.

In a silent yet intriguing standoff, Jesse reciprocated the stare, holding Detective Philip's gaze. The detective, finding amusement in this unspoken competition, remained steadfast until the spell was broken by the arrival of the waiter bearing their food.

As Jesse redirected his attention, Detective Philip couldn't help but chuckle. Rising from his seat, he decided to indulge in a bottle of water. "Fetch me a bottle of water," he instructed the waiter, adding, "I'll wait in the car."

Leaving a 200 Ghana cedis note on the table, Detective Philip strolled away after the water was served, leaving the trio to conclude their meal before reuniting with him in the car.

Continuing their journey, Detective Philip navigated the roads of Madina with deliberate caution, mindful of the uneven terrain to preserve his car. The unhurried drive brought them to Jesse's residence.

Maame U, alerted by the familiar hum of the Black Honda, hurried outside. Uncertain about the occupants due to the tinted glass, her heart skipped a beat when Jesse emerged from the car. Overwhelmed with emotion, she enveloped her son in a tight embrace, the relief evident in her tear-filled eyes.

Detective Philip, Detective Elena, and Yaw remained in the car, allowing the poignant reunion to unfold. Maame U, with tears streaming down her face, turned her gratitude towards Detective Philip who had now emerged out of the car to join the mother and son.

Kneeling before him, she expressed her profound thanks, invoking blessings for his prosperity.

Detective Philip, taken aback by the unexpected gesture, lifted Maame U gently. "You need not thank me; this is just a temporary arrangement," he reminded her.

With a nod and a grateful smile, Maame U clung to her son, guiding him into their home. At the doorway, she offered Detective Philip a lingering glance and a nod, reciprocated by the detective with a warm smile. As Jesse disappeared into the house, Detective Philip took a moment before returning to the driver's seat to continue their journey.

After dropping off Detective Elena along the road, Detective Philip returned to the police quarters accompanied by Yaw.

"You can wait for me in the office," Detective Philip instructed Yaw as they entered the building. Yaw nodded and proceeded to the office, while Detective Philip headed to the inspector's office.

Upon entering, he found the inspector dozing off with a sheet of paper in hand, having fallen asleep while perusing the document. A sharp clap disrupted the slumber, and the inspector jolted awake.

"You scared me, Philip," the inspector remarked. Detective Philip chuckled.

"Shouldn't this be reported?" he asked as he took a seat. "You're widely awake now, right?" The detective asked to make sure the inspector was fully conscious.

The inspector nodded, and Detective Philip, leaning back in his chair, crossed his long legs.

"I'm seeking any information you have on Thomas, Rexford's son," Detective Philip stated, initiating the purpose of their conversation.