Making trips to the Police station was not a novice action to me. Occasionally, I venture there to deliver findings regarding some patients’ legal matters, but today was a different kind of trip.
It was 9am, and I was supposed to be with patient 533, not sitting in an empty questioning room with black coffee as a companion. I began humming Rusted root’s — Send me on my way. On reaching the chorus, the door opened, revealing a bald grinning police officer.
“Ah, Samuel, sorry for the hassle with my men that came to get you; the case was assigned to another officer, so I couldn’t intervene,” another officer? Officer Effiong was the best in this jurisdiction, he’s good at sniffing crime, but this newbie must be sent from the heavens for him to overthrow Effiong on this case. “I was promoted, by the way,” little wonder. “I just came to make sure you’re not uncomfortable. I guess the inspector is still getting familiar with all the facts on the case. Just sit and remain calm till then.”
Just then, another person entered, a female in her early 30s sporting a denim shirt and a frustrated look.
“Ehen, Inspector Bassey, you’re finally here. Let me take my leave,” Officer Effiong walked out but only after offering the newbie a sympathetic look.
“Yes, sorry for the delay, sir. This case is already weighing on my spinal cords,” she sat across from me, gathered her hands on her forehead, then proceeded to wrap her braids in a semi ponytail look. There was no evidence of make-up on her facial features. Her looks were the total opposite of Doctor Lola’s; she was brown-skinned and petite.
She was somewhat attractive.
“Mr Samuel Obi, how are you doing today?” she grinned at me like I had not been sitting for the past two hours.
“Its Doctor Samuel. And I feel how anyone would be given the circumstance. Why exactly am I here? Your subordinates gave me a vague reply when I asked, I have patients to attend to,” My patience had started to wear thin like the pantyhose my sister owned in her teenage years.
“Woah, I see you’re a hit the nail on the head kind of person, ‘Doctor,’” why the consistent grins? “Firstly, I’m sorry for the long wait, I was newly assigned to this case, and I had some briefing to complete before meeting you,” excuses and more excuses.
“Detective Effiong advised questioning you first that’s why you’re my first visitor. Anyway, I have some questions regarding the mental capacity of Mr. Olajide and his contribution towards his case…” she opened a file and brought out a pen; I assumed the file was Ola’s. Finally, enough time-wasting.
“Okay, what are your questions?” I sighed; this was going to sting.
“I just want to know the extent of his contribution of the names and identities of his drug connections, its crucial to the case, and you’re seemingly the only person he talked to willingly about it.” She leaned forward with curiosity. Her shirt was buttoned to the top…hmmm, no interest in showing any signs of appeal. Impressive.
“Well, Ola was a smart boy; he was in jail for dealing and using hard drugs; he never stopped, not even in jail. You should know that some inmates deal drugs in prison. Besides the point, Ola never revealed any useful information regarding the case in any of our sessions. He always evaded the topic like he was afraid of being punished for opening his mouth. It’s heavily ironic that he ended up taking it to his grave,” if Ola had managed to confide in me, I would’ve had the information to avenged his unjust death.
Detective Bassey looked at me like I suddenly had a red afro wig and a red nose. “Wait, you therapized him for a month and didn’t get anything? What were you chatting about? The color of his favorite mug?” disappointment clouded her features. The ever-plastered grin had disappeared.
“I would appreciate some level of respect towards my practices, you’re not a specialist. He was a disturbed human and needed to be treated with care, not like a-a-a…” I trailed off; I couldn’t even complete the sentence. My vision was filled with images of Ola’s body abandoned on the cold hard floor.
“A criminal? Because he was one and not a fragile little Angel like you’re trying to portray him,” What? “Doctor Samuel, I heard you’re one of the best in your field, but I urge you not to forget that most of those patients are actual criminals and not innocent folks. Do not let empathy cloud your reality. Anyway, thank you for coming today, I’ll contact you if your assistance is ever needed on this case,” the grin was back.
As I walked to the bus stop, the events which happened in the Police station whirled around my thoughts. I urge you not to forget that most of those patients are actual criminals and not innocent folks. Do not let empathy cloud your reality. The humor in those words hit me like the next available train. Laughter sprouted from my lips uncontrollably; I had to pause for a while to regain composure. Nothing irritates me as much when it comes to critics towards my profession, not even Doctor Ebuka’s annoying chats.
Arriving at my abode, relief washed over me. This day was like a rotten egg; it stunk heavily. I heard voices at the side and I silently prayed it had no drama to do with me.
“Ah, doctor. Welcome o, you returned early today,” behold, the newlyweds I have as neighbors. They recently moved in, and they do not miss a chance to be lovey-dovey and chatty. “A package was dropped for you; we collected it for you since you were not around.” The husband handed me a bright pink package. They gave me sly looks that assured me they thought it was a female’s gift and wanted the neighborly gist.
“Oh, Thank you. Have a nice day,” I nodded and entered my apartment.
Today was just a drag, I thought as I sat on the sofa. The package caught my eye. Who would send me such a thing? It looked like a unicorn puked on it. I opened it and discovered it was double wrapped; the final result was in a Ziploc bag and felt cold. I had an eerie feeling about this package but, curiosity was the best motivator.
I dared to open the bag and was faced with a morbid image of a tongue preserved in ice that had almost melted away. The organ had already turned somewhat purple, there was a note attached to the bag, it read;
Be careful,
With love.
