THE CULPRIT

THEODORA'S MANSION

Theodora pulled over in her garage and alighted gracefully beaming with smiles all over.

" Finally, you are out of my path,Leyla. This really calls for a celebration...... ", she shouted cheerfully, gliding into the house.

DANIEL'S OFFICE

Daniel stood in the office,frustrated as he flashes back on what transpired earlier between himself and Theodora.

" What do I do....God! I'm doomed....."

He sighed and faint nervously into his chair. Just then, his phone rang. He gazed at it indifferently, ignoring but it kept ringing.

" Who could it be, gosh...!", he exclaimed, depressed, picking up the phone.

" Hello, who is this and how may I help you..."

" I'm Mr. Julius, calling from THE HOPE HOSPITAL. Am I speaking to Mr Daniel, Leyla's husband?", a voice queried from the other end.

" Hospital....? what happened and where is my wife....", he exclaimed, tensed.

" She was involved in an accident and was rushed here....."

" What....? How? Where...?, Okay... okay, am on my way..I'll be there in no time", he uttered rushing out of the office.

HOSPITAL

Leyla laid on the bed half conscious while the doctors attend to her. She held one of the doctors weakly, drawing her closer to herself.

" Please don't tell my husband anything about my pregnancy if he ask. Just tell him everything is fine....", she whispered.

The doctor starred at her a bit puzzled and nodded.

" Be rest assured okay. Just hang in there....."

*********

The police inspector stood at the corridor with some of the witnesses, interrogating them when Daniel rushed in.

" Leyla...!, Leyla..!, where is she ? Someone please talk to me...", he cried.

" Excuse me, guys, I'll be with you soon", the inspector excused himself, approaching Daniel.

" Hello, sir....are you a relative of the victim?"

" Yes...., yes, sir, I'm her husband. Where is she....?"

" Calm down, she is in the emergency ward at the moment but she'll be fine. The doctors are with her....."

" Oh, God..., How about her pregnancy...? "

" Don't know about that now,sir but I believe they'll all be fine..."

Daniel slowly moved towards the ward,with tears in his eyes as he flashes back on the pains he had caused her all these while.

" Sir...I need to ask you one last question.... ", the inspector called behind him.

He paused and slowly turned towards him.

" Okay....I'm listening..... "

" Our investigations shows the accident was a planned one. Do you in anyway know who might be behind it.....?

He starred blankly at his face, confused.

" Planned? But who might want to hurt Leyla..?", he wondered.

Just then, Theodora's threat echoed in his mind.

" Um...yes...yes , inspector, Theodora."

" Who is Theodora and why do you think she might be the one....?"

" Um....she use to be my girlfriend (sigh). I got involved with her due to Leyla's childlessness but when I found out Leyla was pregnant, I called it quit.

She came to the office today and threatened to get back at me for calling it quit...."

" Can I have her address.....?"

" Sure sir...."

He drew out a card from his wallet and handed it over to the inspector. The inspector glanced at it for a while and stood.

" Alright, that's all for now... Thanks for your time..."

" Okay, sir. Please, do your best to get the culprit..."

" Sure, we will. Have a nice day..."

" Thanks...."

Daniel stood at the corridor, distressed as he watch the inspector trod out of the hospital.

" I'm so sorry, Leyla for getting you into this situation... ", he muttered in tears.