Chapter 1 Tracking him down

The cell phone had rung for seven consecutive times with no response. The inspector General of Police had become tired of answering calls from both familiar and strange voices pressurizing him to do something about the recent murdering of the top five politicians whose demises had brought goose pimples to the masses who now demanded for immediate reaction.

The IGP was pacing up and down in his office as the land phone that rested on a brown mahogany table buzzed off.

              “Sir, the situation seems to be getting out of hand,” officer Kelvin  who just entered said in panic.                   “The news has gotten to all the nooks and crannies of the country and more atrocities are still committed under the broad day light. The citizens now live with their hearts in their palms,” he added in panic.

             “That’s why I need all hands on deck, officer Kelvin. The hoodlums must think that we’re weak, these miscreants must be apprehended at once!” The IGP barked at no person in particular as he wiped his face with his handkerchief. 

The door swung open as detective Sarah walked in, in a navy blue long sleeve tucked into a sky blue jean trousers matched with a black boot. Her hair was tied into a bun and this easily gave her youthfulness away.

Sarah was in her twenties but never seemed to be in good terms with smiles but her facial structure stood perfect and accentuated her slim figure. She looked pale as she had just returned from a duty. The IGP gave a brief sigh at the sight of Sarah as he rested his hands on the shiny brown table.

             “You know what this means, Sarah, don’t you?” he asked.

            “Yes sir,” she responded. Her face was more rigid than ever and her bright eye balls shone like a phoenix as she brushed back the tiny fridge of hair that hung loosely on her temple with her palm.

            “It only means one thing, sir. It means that we'll never rest until we track down these men. I have already started an unofficial and private investigation on this. I believe that before the sun sets today, you won’t be disappointed by the news that I shall bring to you. Here are some of my findings, sir,” she handed over a script with names and sketches of the suspects inscribed on it. 

The IGP was shocked as he glanced through the sketches and their names.

              “How did you arrive at this, detective?” he asked. Officer Ben who had come in was also shocked as he scanned through the list.

             “Sir, I don’t start what I can’t finish. My instinct never fails me too…”

             “We don’t work with instincts here, detective,” he cut in sharply.

            “That was why I took the investigation further. Sir, I took the finger prints of the suspects and it matched perfectly with the ones found on the dead bodies,” Sarah gave a knowing look as the IGP’s mouth opened in bewilderment.

             “How on earth did you do that?" he asked when he found his tongue. Officer Ben seemed to have lost himself too on hearing this. Surprise was registered on his strained face.

             “Just few tricks sir. I’m sure you will get the details when all is over,” Sarah finalized as she gave them an assuring look.

            “I trust your ability, detective. In that case, I shall assign ten extra men to you for this duty,”

            “That won’t be necessary, sir. Manpower is not needed yet. This task is something that only wisdom can handle,” she said.

             “In that case, you may go with officer Ben here,”

              “Thank you sir, you won’t be disappointed,” Sarah said as they made towards the door.

              “Sarah,” the IGP called.

              “Sir,”

              “Don’t forget to inform me if you need reinforcement,” instructed the IGP.

             “Thanks for your concern,” Sarah said as she shut the door after her.

The IGP had been more than a friend to the detective, Sarah David, who had come to take him like a father she once had. No wonder she won his trust the way she did. Yes, the IGP was always known as being stiff and found the word, ‘friendship’ strange.

But this had never been the case with Sarah who he had grown to be fond of and who also commanded reasonable respect from him.