Chapter 9
"It's a falsehood that your husband is confined to the hospital. Disregard Betty's deceitful words. Your husband has been ensnared, and suspicion looms over Betty's involvement in his abduction. Moreover, your mother-in-law has vanished under mysterious circumstances, coinciding with your husband's disappearance. There's speculation that Betty's actions stem from a vendetta, fueled by your husband's orchestration of a faux traditional wedding, intended to shame her. Despite scouring every corner of the village, they remain elusive," a distant relative named Uche divulged to Titi upon her arrival at Madu's homestead in the hinterlands. Overwhelmed by the distressing news, Titi feared the worst for her husband.
"Have the authorities been notified?" Titi implored Uche, tears welling in her eyes. Accepting a cup of water, tainted with an ominous hue, she hesitated to drink from the village's only source, a river she believed to harbor typhoid. Recalling she had brought bottled water, she retreated to her car for respite.
"Have the police been alerted?" Titi inquired, mustering strength after hydrating.
"None yet. Rumors caution against police involvement, fearing repercussions. The kidnappers remain silent, and tavern whispers offer scant insight. We tread cautiously, lest our actions exacerbate the situation," Uche cautioned.
"We must inform the authorities promptly. Has any ransom demand been made? Any conditions for my husband's release?" Titi probed.
"No demands as of yet. Betty clamors for a public apology akin to the humiliation she endured. Only then, she claims, will your husband and mother-in-law be released," Uche disclosed.
"Betty's demands are untenable. Who is your source? Can they lead us to the kidnappers?" Titi inquired, hoping for a breakthrough.
"Gleaned from tavern chatter, not direct contact. But I can guide you to a source," Uche offered.
Later that evening, Titi encountered a youth named Egu, renowned for his prowess and innocence. Over several days, Titi forged a rapport with Egu, showering him with gifts, hoping to extract vital information.
Overhearing Egu discuss a kidnapping, Titi's suspicion intensified. Risking all, she confronted him.
"Are you involved in my husband's abduction? The kidnappers warn against involving the police, and you've been linked to spreading that directive. Are you complicit?" Titi's plea was desperate.
"How dare you accuse me?" Egu retorted defensively.
"My husband's life is at stake. Please, if you possess any knowledge, share it. I'll reward you generously and shield you from authorities," Titi implored tearfully, sensing Egu's deceit.
"I am innocent," Egu claimed, though his demeanor betrayed him.
"Please, help me," Titi beseeched, tears flowing.
Relenting, Egu outlined a plan: double Betty's bribe to secure her husband's release. Desperate, Titi acquiesced, providing the funds.
The following night, Egu brokered a deal with his cohorts, facilitating Titi's clandestine rescue mission, unbeknownst to Betty. With newfound allies among the kidnappers, Titi stormed their hideout, determined to reclaim her loved ones.