The Red Briefcase: The Search

By Muhammed Gassama

David Bello, son of Jessey Bello and Mayuka Ndelle grew up in one of Africa’s smallest country. He had a beginning which was extraordinarily painful that he ended up in an orphanage at the age of four after the unfortunate death of his father. The Red Briefcase his father left behind had a secret which could have solved their nightmares, but his mum could not find it after doing thorough searching. A killer who mistakenly broke into their home luckily found The Red Briefcase in David’s house. The police went after the man and caught him, but the whereabouts of the Red Briefcase became more difficult after the man got killed by the police. But even after defying all odds and became a multi-billionaire construction magnate, David still needed the secret in The Red Briefcase to be able to reach the ultimate success and joy of his life. The Red Briefcase which got lost more than two decades ago could only get to him by a miracle and breaking of codes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Muhammed Gassama
• Release date: Nov 6, 2018

Book preview

Muhammed Gassama

The Red Briefcase

The Search

©2018

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE Page 3

CHAPTER 1 THE SEARCH Page 12

CHAPTER 2 THE CUFF Page 26

CHAPTER 3 DEATH PLOT Page 39

CHAPTER 4 UNCALCULATED SHOTS Page 51

CHAPTER 5 ON THE CHEST Page 62

CHAPTER 6 THE FIRST SECRET Page 75

CHAPTER 7 BEHIND BARS Page 89

CHAPTER 8 THE SILENT GUN Page 104

CHAPTER 9 THE POLICE UNIFORM Page 117

CHAPTER 10 THE SUD-AIRLINES TAKEOFF Page 128

CHAPTER 11 KENYA Page 139

CHAPTER 12 RE-UNION Page 151

CHAPTER 13 PEEP-HOLE Page 162

CHAPTER 14 LAST HOUR Page 175

CHAPTER 15 THE TRUCK Page 186

CHAPTER 16 THE PHONE MESSAGE Page 199

CHAPTER 17 THE SHORTLIST Page 212

CHAPTER 18 BLACK MASKS Page 222

CHAPTER 19 HELICOPTER LIFT Page 234

CHAPTER 20 THE GOVERNMENT LETTER Page 244

CHAPTER 21 TALK TO THE PRESIDENT Page 257

CHAPTER 22 HER EMAIL Page 268

CHAPTER 23 I WANT HIM DEAD Page 280

CHAPTER 24 THE SHOCK Page 291

CHAPTER 25 ARREST COMMAND Page 305

CHAPTER 26 INSIDE THE CENTRAL PRISON Page 319

CHAPTER 27 São Paulo BANK Page 332

CHAPTER 28 JOHNSON Page 344

CHAPTER 29 REFUSING ORDERS Page 356

CHAPTER 30 THE PRISON AMBULANCE Page 368

CHAPTER 31 HANDS UP! Page 380

CHAPTER 32 RESIGNATION Page 392

CHAPTER 33 THE RED BRIEFCASE Page 405 …..About the Author Page 445

THE RED BRIEFCASE…Prologue

T

he ambulance driver drove beyond the bounded speed needed in saving life. The cautious paramedics could not stop the changeless exceeding breath of Jessey, who had a dreadful heart attack. An oxygen mask was put over his face and an IV was inserted into his left arm while lying on a transport chair with severe pain and suffering. They continued examining his breathing as the ambulance danced on the bombed-out road tracks of Serrekunda heading to the major hospital in Banjul. Motor-vehicles and pedestrians made the road empty and wide open, giving justice to the ambulance. As time was running out fast, one of the paramedics on board made a phone call to the Banjul Hospital urging them to get set for an emergency treatment.

Within thirty minutes, the ambulance arrived at the hospital, its blue and red lights flashing and its siren making the atmosphere more tensed. The paramedics and the vigorous nurses took Jessey out of the ambulance, placed him on a hospital bed and rushed him to the emergency room.

You’ve all done great exertion keeping the patient alive and bringing him on time, said Dr. Fatty, a specialist in heart surgery.

The ambulance driver nodded.

Yes, you’re right, Doctor. We hope you can help him survive further.

I will definitely do my best. Now, I got to go! he replied, striding towards the emergency room.

No sooner had he stepped into the emergency room than the nurses started bawling for him.

The patient’s difficulty in breathing is exacerbating, Doctor! said one of the nurses.

Take him! Move him to the operating theater right away! Dr. Fatty said. We need to conduct a super-fast surgery in ten minutes time.

That will be exactly 4:00 pm, said another nurse.

Yeah!

Jessey was quickly taken to the operating theater while Dr. Fatty and his surgery team were dressing up in surgical clothes.

At four O’clock prompt, Dr. Fatty kick-started the operation; he was the cardiovascular surgeon and the rest of the surgical team attentively followed his direction.

Jessey’s wife, Mayuka, who could not get a seat in the ambulance, came to the hospital in a rather small taxi. She jogged to the emergency room, threw the door wide open and went inside. She slapped the door back and walked noisily to the medical receptionist, who was sitting behind a counter talking on a telephone.

Madam! Um, am looking for… she interrupted.

"Could you please allow me to finish this call?

Alright, she muttered.

Mayuka sighed and took two steps back from the counter. She looked down at her feet and noticed that she was putting on a toilet shoe.

Oh! My God, she whispered.

In less than two minutes, the desk woman concluded her telephone conversation.

What can I do for you, woman? she asked.

Mayuka quickly stepped forward.

I am looking for my husband. His name is Jessey.

"I think your husband is undergoing a surgical operation and I advise you to go to the waiting room. The operation will be completed very soon.

Is he going to be fine? Will he survive? she asked, staring like a frightened rat.

I can’t assure you anything, lady, she said. I am not a doctor and I don’t have any further information about your husband. The doctors will soon complete the operation and they will give you every detail.

Mayuka was very terrified and wasn’t satisfied with the response of the medical receptionist. She felt more depressed and turned back, took one step from the counter and became so dizzy before she felt down on the floor.

Help! Help! the medical receptionist shouted.

Two men in police uniforms, who had just entered the emergency hall rushed and came to Mayuka’s rescue. One of the police checked her carotid pulse and found that she was alive, but unconscious. All her eyes were closed and she looked like death. Nurses ran and came very quickly to the scene. Mayuka was lifted, placed on a stretcher and moved to the emergency ward. They quickly tried to ascertain what was wrong with her and a stethoscope was used to examine her blood pressure. Two doctors came five minutes later and joined the busy nurses who were observing and taking charge of Mayuka’s situation

What’s going wrong with this patient? said one of the doctors.

She lost consciousness and her blood pressure is rising too fast, said a senior nurse.

When did it occur?

A couple of minutes ago.

The youngest nurse soon went back to the medical receptionist.

Did you talk to that lady who fainted here? she asked.

Yes, I did. She was looking for her husband and when I told her that he was going through a surgical operation, she could not withstand the weight of that news.

Oh! You should not give such information like that. There is a way to reveal shocking news to people without it causing much harm.

I’m very sorry. I don’t have much experience in this job.

I know you are new to this job, but be more professional another time or let us be informed before you give-out any serious information.

Okay, you have my word.

When the evening came close, Mayuka’s neighbor whose home is adjacent to hers came home in his car. His name was Sanna and he was the General Manager of Root Bank at the time. He parked his car in his garage and as he walked to his parlor, he had the crying voice of a kid. It was Mayuka’s son, David. He went in and carried him in his hands.

Sanna’s wife, Aisha, came out from the kitchen with a small packet of flour in her hand.

Where were you today I tried to call your phone, but it was switched off, she said.

You sure?

Yes, I tried to reach you on the phone several times, but failed entirely.

Sanna took his right hand and dug his cell phone from his pocket while carrying David in his left arm.

Oh! You’re right. I forgot to switch it on after having a disturbing meeting with President Ali Benzouda at his palace.

Hope you are not in any trouble with him?

Of course not, he said. But as a patriotic citizen I feel very bad when the head of state exercise his power to make deliberate corruption. Since he authorized Johnson to be my main assistant eight months ago, everything is slowing down at the bank.

You mean Johnson is not fit for the job?

You’re correct. There were many qualified candidates for the post, but the president used his power and gave Johnson the job.

Why did he do that?

Um, many people believe that it’s because his university education was financed by Johnson’s late father. They all come from the same village.

This is indeed a dirty corruption.

Yeah and it’s very sad that most government banks across Africa are falling because of this kind of corruption by Presidents. Um, what did you want to talk to me about when you could not reach me through the phone?

Jessey was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance about three hours ago.

Gracious me! Which hospital was he taken to?

He is at the Banjul Hospital and Mayuka is with him.

I have to go there right away.

Sanna handed David to Aisha, ran to his car, jumped in and headed to the country’s main hospital. When he reached Westfield Junction, the traffic lights turned red and he stopped his car. He called Mayuka’s cell phone, but no one picked the call. He bent his back and slowly dropped his head on his two hands which were resting flat on the steering wheel. The traffic lights turned green and he was still bending forgetting that he was in the traffic. Different varieties of car horns began to storm, urging him to move. He came back to his senses and he pressed his foot on the accelerator and sped off. He drove very fast and after twenty-five minutes, he arrived at the hospital.

Sanna entered the hospital ground and met a nurse who was in haste.

Sorry Nurse. I am looking for a patient called, Jessey, he said.

Please, could you check the emergency hall right there?

Yes, for sure. Thank you.

He walked fast and went into the emergency hall and came right in front of the medical receptionist, who was busy writing.

Ma’am do you know where a patient called Jessey is located? he asked.

You’re in the right place, she said. Let me look for Dr. Fatty in just a moment. He had asked me to call him when anyone related to Jessey comes.

Okay.

The medical receptionist left the counter and went for Dr. Fatty. After some minutes, she found him in the mortuary and they came together to emergency hall. Dr. Fatty saw Sanna by the counter and he walked to him.

Good afternoon, Sir. Your face looks very familiar to me. What’s your name?

I’m Sanna Ceesay, the General Manager of Root Bank.

Oh! You’re right. I used to watch you on TV during news and interview programs. Well, nice to meet you.

Thanks and nice to meet you.

Are you a relative of Jessey and his wife?

Yes, I am their neighbor, but am more like a relative to them. Where are they?

Please, come with me to my office. We need to talk first.

Sanna followed Dr. Fatty to his office which was located some distance from the counter. They went in and sat at a desk across from each other. Dr. Fatty took off the stethoscope that was around his neck and placed it carefully on his desk.

The first patient we received, um… he paused searching for the correct name. Jessey. He suffered a serious heart attack and later during our operation, we found-out that he had a liver cancer too.

Where is his wife?

She is unfortunately undergoing a medical operation right now.

Sanna was completely mesmerized and confused.

What happened to her, Doctor?

Um, she couldn’t bear the fact that her husband was undergoing a critical heart surgery. That made her lose consciousness, but she’ll be fine.

Can I see her?

No, not now. Maybe in the next five hours. I mean by 12 O’clock, you’ll have the chance to see her because that’s the exact time we expect her to be back to normal.

Okay and how was the surgery on Jessey? Was it very successful?

Dr. Fatty’s face became darkly with that question. He kept silent for some seconds before he responded.

"Jessey’s heart muscles suffered serious damages which made the operation on him difficult. Before my medical team and I began the operation on him, we knew we had a very thorny task. In fact, he breathed some words which we could not understand. The only thing I heard clearly from his chocking words is ‘Diamond’.

Sanna stood up with a bad feeling.

"But what do you mean, Doctor? Are you trying to tell me that Jessey is dead?

THE SEARCH…Chapter ❶

I

ts three years from those dreadful shocks. Mayuka’s life has become so challenging after her husband failed to survive from that heart attack. She could not understand why Jessey uttered the word ‘Diamond’ shortly before his death. Did Jessey have a diamond? If so, where did he keep it? Did he keep it in the bank? Or did he hide it in the house? Every day, she would lie down on her couch for many hours trying to satisfy these questions which kept on begging her for answers. She tried so hard, but her mind didn’t give her any idea that could answer the questions which bothered her.

Wednesday six O’clock in the evening, Mayuka went to Sanna’s compound with her son, David. She met him watching TV and drinking refreshments in the parlor.

Good evening and how’re you, Sanna? she said.

I’m feeling so exhausted, but am fine, he replied. Please, have a seat.

Mayuka sat down on the sofa while his son picked up the TV remote, playing with it.

Where is your wife? Hope she is not preparing dinner in the kitchen? she said.

No, she went to the shop to buy some bread.

I think she must have been the one who left the door open.

You’re right, he said. She always forgets to close the house-door and it’s not safe especially if no one is in the house.

Sanna’s wife, Aisha, came in as they were talking about her. She placed two loaves of bread on the table and carried David in her hands.

David is getting stronger and heavier every day, she said.

They all laughed heartily.

Today is his third birthday and he’s so happy, Mayuka said. I can imagine how happy his father would be if he was alive.

Sanna and Aisha were swallowed by an overwhelming sense of emotion.

But why didn’t you tell us that David’s birthday was going to be today? We are supposed to celebrate it every year. Even though his father is no longer with us, I’m here to give him that love he needs. Sanna said.

Uh, actually I thought we are in the month of May until this afternoon when I heard someone say on the radio, ‘Seventeen April’.

It’s not too late, Aisha said. We must quickly organize something and celebrate David’s birthday. My small camera can take nice pictures."

Sanna nodded.

Aisha I agree with you. I will take David with me in my car and buy a nice cake in the neighborhood. He should choose which kind of cake he wants and before I go, Mayuka I have a bad news and a good news for you as well.

I guess it’s about the diamond issue, isn’t it? Mayuka said.

He nodded.

Yes, you’re correct. Earlier today, I went to Instant-Bank and I had a discussion with their Manager and he told me that Jessey kept a diamond with them, but later took it. That’s the bad news.

And what’s the good news? Aisha asked.

The Manager confirmed to me that Jessey has half-a-million Dalasi in the bank at this moment. Mayuka I will take you there on Friday so that you can sign few documents to withdraw the money.

Jessey did tell me about his bankruptcy and that he was going to get a heavy loan from Tick-Tack Bank, but he never told me that he was having a diamond in this bank you mentioned. said Mayuka.

Jessey should have let you know about it at least, Sanna said.

But Mayuka you told me that Jessey had a problem with his brothers in Ghana over diamond issues, didn’t you? Aisha said.

Yes. Jessey’s two brothers who are still in Ghana took away all the diamonds their late father left behind and they gave him only one. Um, but he didn’t tell me that he was in possession of it at that moment and I assumed he must have sold it to settle in The Gambia after his brothers threatened his life in Ghana.

Have you thoroughly searched your house? Sanna said? There must be a reason why Jessey uttered the word ‘Diamond’ before his dead in the hospital.

I combed every corner in the house, but could not spot anything that even looks like a diamond. I don’t think there is any diamond hid in the house.

Too bad, isn’t it? I suggest you make a final search in your house and this time, Aisha and I will join you. There is a possibility that we can find it.

Despite the clouds were far from clear with regards to the diamond, Mayuka and her wonderful neighbors happily celebrated his son’s birthday till midnight.

In the morning, Sanna went to work at Root Bank and like Mayuka, he also had a difficult problem which worried him a lot. His assistant manager, Johnson, had grown so powerful in the company due to the corrupt backings he was benefitting from President Ali Benzouda. It was very clear to him that Johnson wanted to take over his position as General Manager at all cost. Sometimes, he would wish to have Johnson fired, but that was legally impossible; only the head of state had the power to sack top officials of the company.

While thinking about Johnson’s inefficiency and lack of respect for the company, Sanna received a telephone call from his secretary, Suwadu Banta.

Sir, Johnson wants to know if you’re not busy? she said.

Am not busy right now, but could be very soon.

Okay, I’ll let him know.

A minute later, Johnson stepped into Sanna’s office with a black file.

Good morning, Sanna,

Morning, please have a seat.

Don’t mind I just want to know if we can persuade the American—

Sky-Net Bank?

Yup. I think we need to persuade them to give us more time to complete the proposal I’m working on.

You’re kidding, Johnson. You must be. You’ve been given three weeks to do this simple work and you have the guts to tell me this absolute nonsense.

Say whatever you want! I don’t have the damn time to do this bunch of work all by myself.

Do you really know the cost of failing to submit this proposal, huh? First, it will upset our relationship with Sky-Net Bank and it will also mean that our expansion program won’t be attained this year. I just don’t know why you’re employed in this company.

Johnson smiled broadly and laughed.

I think President Ali Benzouda is the right person to answer your funny question.

You know what? I don’t have the time to continue arguing with you because we are left with forty-eight hours to finish and submit this proposal.

Sanna stood up with a glowering look and angrily went out of his office. Johnson went up to the door, but he turned back to Sanna’s desk again. He removed a small bottle from the inside pocket of his jacket which contained an internecine poison. He put some of the poison into Sanna’s coffee cup and calmly left the office.

Johnson’s personal secretary later received a call from the deputy assistant manager, Ousainou.

Hello, Sarata is Johnson in his office?

Yes, just a second.

She got through the call to Johnson.

Hello, Ousainou, he said.

Yes, Johnson, the General Manager has ordered me to complete the proposal that you couldn’t finish.

Good! My secretary will bring them to your office in few minutes. If you happen to misunderstand any part of it, you can consult me.

Don’t worry about that, Johnson. The General Manager is just entering my office and he will be guiding me through the whole process.

Just before the cold morning ended, Sanna left Ousainou’s office and went to his secretary, Suwadu Banta.

Excuse me, Suwadu, he said. Please type these papers for me before the next four hours. They are about the proposal of an expansion project with an American bank called, Sky-Net. Please prepare it very well. Ousainou will bring the others as well.

Okay Boss I will, she said.

Sanna went into his office and before he could even sit down, he took his coffee cup and drank almost everything despite it being cold. He instantly became abnormal and very dizzy. He fell down on the floor as he struggled to sit down on his chair and suddenly became unconscious.

Suwadu had the sound of Sanna’s collapse and wasn’t comfortable with it. She took her telephone and called him to know if he was alright. Her call didn’t receive any response for almost a minute. She left her desk and quickly went into Sanna’s office and found him lying on the floor like a dead body. She blenched with fear and screamed for help.

Johnson’s secretary, Sarata came in immediately when she heard Suwadu’s scream. She found Suwadu paralyzed with fear and when she went close to the desk, she saw Sanna’s body lying on the ground. She went back to Suwadu’s desk and telephoned for the security guards positioned at the first floor.

The head of the security guards at the company, Paboi, came and met Johnson and Ousainou giving Sanna first aid while Sarata was assisting Suwadu, whose legs could not benefit her because of fear.

What’s wrong with the General Manager? he asked.

We certainly don’t know, Ousainou said. We need an ambulance to carry him to the hospital.

Paboi was quick to suspect that Sanna was poisoned when he saw the fluids that were oozing from his mouth and the broken coffee cup that lay beside him. He picked the telephone and called an ambulance before he informed the Central Police Unit in Banjul.

Detective Manga arrived half an hour after Sanna was driven to the hospital by an ambulance. He was a tall handsome man in his mid twenties and was incredibly skilled in handling criminal cases of very high degree. As a well-known top class detective, he had succeeded in hunting and bringing to justice decade-long serial killers throughout The Gambia.

He jogged through the entrance of the Root Bank building and badged the security guards. He was directed to the sixth floor and when he came into Sanna’s office, he met Paboi and introduced himself. Paboi knew him well.

It’s good that you are finally here, Detective Manga. I have just received information from the hospital that the General Manager’s sudden unconsciousness was caused by a deadly poison. In fact, that’s exactly what I suspected when I set my eyes on him.

Good job and what’s your name?

I’m Paboi, the head of security in this bank. Glad and honoured to meet you. I am proud of you for the top records you’ve set as a detective for The Gambia our homeland.

Thank you, Paboi. I will have to call my Forensic team to help us track any physical or testimonial evidence to prove whether it’s an attempted murder or suicide.

Paboi nodded.

Yes, you’re right.

Detective Manga dug his cell phone from his pocket and contacted his Forensic team. He was very optimistic that he will get to the bottom of the case because he had dealt with similar ones in the past few years. Why would someone in an exalted position in a government bank want to kill himself? Maybe someone in the bank planted this plot to have him death so as to succeed him. He thought as he inspects Sanna’s office waiting for his Forensic team with patience.

Who is the secretary of the General Manager? he asked.

The lady at the entrance, Suwadu Banta.

And where is she?

I left her in the office of the Deputy Assistant Manager.

Please ask her to come. I will like to speak to her first.

Suwadu soon came into Sanna’s office and saw Detective Manga sitting on the desk.

Good afternoon, Sir, she said.

Yup, good afternoon and I guess you’re Suwadu right?

Yes, I am.

Detective Manga stared into Suwadu’s gorgeous eyes and became lost for words.

Um…. Eh…. Sorry, I am Detective Manga and I’m here to investigate about the possible cause of the General Manager’s poisoning.

Suwadu nodded.

Yes. Okay, Sir.

The beauty that Suwadu possessed was very difficult for a man to resist and Detective Manga was no exception. He knew at the time that he was getting distracted by Suwadu’s beauty, but tried to be professional.

Your boss, he said. is currently under an intense medical care and have very limited chance to survive. It is medically confirmed that drank a coffee tea mixed with poison and I don’t believe it’s an attempted suicide. Somebody is behind this.

Suwadu was not pleased to hear that and her heart beat as fast as light. She knew she was going to face many questions because she was the only one who prepares Sanna’s coffee every day at work.

I am scared, Detective. I don’t think I am in a good state of mind to respond to your questions properly.

Detective Manga noticed Suwadu’s fingers trembling on the table.

Please, you just have to try. I just need some details and I promise am not going to bother you with too many questions.

Suwadu Banta nodded slowly.

Who gave your Boss coffee today?

I did in the morning.

Detective Manga smiled.

Oh, I see why you are scared. Being the one who gave him coffee today does not automatically mean you’re responsible for what happened.

I understand.

Good. Did you see anyone entering his office with a coffee?

No, Sir.

Can you remember those who entered his office today?

Yes, only the Assistant Manager entered his office since morning.

Are you sure.

Yes, I have no doubt about that.

Detective Manga paused for a minute before he made another follow-up question.

What’s his name?

Johnson.

Do you know if the Assistant Manager is in good terms with your Boss?

Suwadu was silent for some moment.

Please, tell me, Detective Manga said.

My Boss and the Assistant Manager live a cat and a dog life. They argue almost daily.

And did they have any argument this morning?

Yes I think, but am not very sure. I only had few insults when they were together in the office.

Thank you, Suwadu. It’s nice talking to you.

Detective Manga got up and grabbed a small paper from his pocket that had his phone number and handed it to Suwadu.

Suwadu nodded.

"Thank you, Detective.

Detective Manga walked a few steps toward the door and he stopped.

One more thing, he said. I just want to tell you that you’re so beautiful.

Suwadu was astonished.

Oh, thanks again, she said.

Detective Manga went to the office on the left-hand-side and saw Sarata seated at her desk ready to face Johnson. He looked above the door and saw a sign that said, ASSISTANT MANAGER.

Hello, madam. Is this, um, the Assistant Manager’s office? he asked.

Yes, it is, Sarata said.

I am Detective Manga and please tell him that I want to speak to him.

Sarata informed Johnson and Detective Manga’s request was given due without any delay. Johnson already knew about his presence and was preparing to face him confidently as well.

Good afternoon, Detective. Um, eh, have a seat please.

Thank you, Assistant Manager. Well, how’re you and what’s your name?

My name is Johnson. Am still shocked by what has happened to Sanna, but am alright. Thank God doctors have saved his life.

Oh! I am glad to learn that, but I think it will be a bad news for the attempted murderer. That is, if the General Manager didn’t poison himself.

Yeah, Johnson said in a confident tone.

Detective Manga paused for a minute.

When did you see your boss today?

Just about three hours ago.

I guess in his office, right?

Johnson nodded emphatically.

Yes, Detective.

What were you discussing with him?

It was about a business proposal and that just took few minutes.

Detective Manga looked intently into Johnson’s eyes.

Was that all you two did?

Johnson quickly suspected that Detective Manga was told about his unhealthy relation with Sanna. He then chose not to lie because that will make him appear more suspicious.

No, Detective. We had a small argument with regards to the business proposal I was assigned to do.

Detective Manga tried to read and understand Johnson’s facial expression in order to construct a sensitive question.

How often do you two argue?

Sometimes, uh, I mean not always. Just few occasions where we think differently, he said.

Detective Manga nodded. His suspicion about Johnson was strengthened by the weak answers he gave. Who else could have so much hatred for the General Manager besides Johnson? Perhaps, he is tired of playing second fiddle to his boss and wants to take up his position. Detective Manga thought in few seconds.

Alright, Johnson, we’ll hang it here for now. But we still need to talk more.

Feel free to come anytime, Detective.

Detective Manga left and went back to Sanna’s office, where he met his two Forensics people, Jim and Joe.

How’re you guys. When did you come?

We are fine, Sir, said Joe. We were told that you were in the Assistant Manager’s office.

Yeah, meaning you two just arrived. Have you found anything yet?

Yes, we’ve found a broken glass cup and a pen which was lying on the desk. The pen has some liquids on it and could probably been used for mixing the poison with the coffee.

Can I see the pen? Detective Manga said, as he put on a pair of latex gloves.

The senior Forensic, Jim, carefully showed Detective Manga the pen.

Detective Manga, this could be the only piece of evidence. Look at it very properly, Jim said.

Detective Manga remember seeing the exact type of pen somewhere. Suddenly, he ran with speed back to Johnson’s office.

THE CUFF….Chapter ❷

D

etective Manga entered Johnson’s office to see if there was any pen similar to the ones which the Forensics people found in Sanna’s office.

Johnson, I think I left my pen in here, he said as he set his eyes on the desk.

Just take one pen from my ink-stand over there. You might have dropped your pen somewhere else.

Detective Manga took advantage of Johnson’s generosity to find possible evidence. The pens he saw in the ink-stand were the exact type that the Forensics people found. He took three pens instead of one and went back to Sanna’s office.

Joe stopped what he was doing when he saw Sanna back with pens in his hands.

Where did you get these pens from?

I got them from the Assistant Manager’s office and it’s the same one you guys showed me. I have the conviction that it will bring us some clue.

We will test the liquid on the pen we found here and if it happens to be a poison… Jim said.

If it happens to be a poison, then you’ll have to extract the finger print on it as well.

That’s correct.

Well, in that case, Joe said. we have to take the Assistant Manager’s finger print right away.

Detective Manga nodded.

I agree with you, Joe.

What’s his name? Jim asked.

Johnson. Detective Manga said. Let’s go to his office so you extract his finger print.

Joe went with Detective Manga and he put Johnson’s finger print on a small size paper and on two other white tissues. Johnson didn’t construe what Joe and Detective Manga were trying to establish. He wasn’t comfortable; he wanted to have an idea about their actual intention. What are these people up to? Why did they take my finger print this early? Thank God I didn’t touch the coffee cup with my hand. He thought for a while trying to free his mind and stop worrying too much.

Some minutes later, he remembered using his pen when he was mixing the coffee with the poison and having left it on the desk.

Damn it! The fucking detective wanted my pens. I’m stupid! I left my pen on Sanna’s desk and they must have seen some finger prints on it. Am screwed, he said in utmost frustration.

He went to Sanna’s office to confirm if his pen was taken away. He found nothing on the desk; not even Sanna’s pens. It was very clear to him that his pen was taken away for testing. Then he realized that he has stepped his feet into a very difficult situation which is difficult to escape. He however had strong hopes that he will be backed by President Ali Benzouda and that gave him a little air to breath.

Detective Manga went to the Banjul hospital after driving his Forensic team to the lab in Serrekunda. He met Aisha sitting and waiting along with Mayuka in the ER looking so frightened and he joined them on the seat. He looked at Aisha’s face and felt emotional.

Hi, why is she shedding tears? he asked Mayuka.

Her husband is in critical condition. He drank a poisonous coffee some hours ago at Root Bank.

"I am Detective Manga