CHAPTER THREE

She parked her vehicle in the expansive parking lot of Saint High, which notably surpassed the size of the parking lot at her husband's workplace.

The educational institution comprised eight buildings, each standing four stories tall, and boasted various sports facilities, including football courts, basketball courts, and a netball court.

Saint High School, where she had graduated in 2010, held a distinctive position as the only institution in Lagos, Nigeria, providing scholarships to up to fifty students for their university education, thanks to the support of fourteen prominent sponsors.

Anna, having excelled in English and Mathematics, earned a scholarship that alleviated the financial burden on her mother.

Theresa, her best friend, currently managed the school as the current proprietress after her mother had left for the United States.

Anna made her way to Theresa's office on the top floor of the third building.

Surprisingly, the office had undergone a transformation in its aesthetics.

While Theresa's mother had painted it purple during her tenure, Theresa had opted for a pink hue with a touch of white.

Theresa was seated right there, dozing off on her giant seat.

She had obviously not been sleeping at night because of the current issue, Anna observed. "Sleepyhead" Anna stared pitifully at her friend.

Theresa was so shocked to see Anna that she jumped off her seat. "You came, Anna. Thank you so much," Theresa said as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Let's start business!" Anna said, sitting mischievously on Theresa's chair. "What are we doing right away?"

"You are going to interview ten students today," Theresa began to explain. "The selected ten are the ones who have been in Saint High for six years. They might have more information because of their longer years in Saint High. The final class students were formerly a hundred, but currently, they are ninety-seven class members. All boarders. As you know, we make it compulsory for the final class students to live in the school because of their final exams preparations during night classes." Theresa explained with a plain face.

Anna nodded thoughtfully. "You are right. Ten students will be enough for me to have a little bit of an idea of what I need to investigate," Anna responded.

Theresa hugged her. "I still can't believe you came for me, Anna."

"Where did you reserve as my office? Hope it is grand enough to entertain a queen?" Anna inquired.

Theresa rolled her eyes mischievously. "I rearranged that ugly old library at the back of my office."

Anna gasped and cringed. "That library was haunted those days in Saint High."

Theresa burst into laughter. "Those days, those lesbians will be doing rubbish at the back and be disturbing us with unwanted moaning."

Anna shrugged. "Whatever."

"I am very sure Richard threw a big fight," Theresa observed.

"Why not? If Richard was given the opportunity to wrap me inside his trousers he will do it," Anna remarked.

Theresa chuckled. "Thank God he now has a rival. He will rest now."

"Rival? What rival?" Anna asked curiously.

"Your ex-boyfriend," Theresa turned mischievously.

"Frederick Solomon?" Anna inquired.

Theresa nodded in confirmation."What about him?" Anna asked, puzzled.

"I discharged those detectives immediately you gave me hints that you will be coming. He agreed to join you in the investigation. So, I just split it. He will interview ten while you interview the other ten," Theresa explained.

Anna sighed exasperatedly. "What do you think you are doing, Theresa?" she asked, clearly frustrated.

Theresa began, "Ever since you married Richard, you have stopped being the big girl you used to be. Have you forgotten? Every guy wanted to date you! Big boys! You were a hacker and a government spy for that matter! You were the first person to drive a Rolls Royce in our circle, remember? But after you married Richard, you went back to square zero because of so-called love!"

Anna frowned, her tone serious, "How many times have I told you never to talk ill of my husband again? I told you right?"

Theresa continued, "Fred's dad is a freaking billionaire! See the websites under his name! Fred descended so low to become my school detective because of you. Fred still loves you. You need to see the way he smiled when I told him you were coming and he begged with his life that he wanted to be your partner in this investigation."

Anna moved towards the door, determined to leave.

Theresa quickly stopped her, "Anna, why don't you take jokes? I was only pulling your legs, my dear friend. I am really sorry. I didn't mean to get on your dear nerves."

"Why did you make Fred my partner in this?" Anna asked, still upset.

"It was not intentional. I wanted the deal to be easier for you so that you will end it on time and concentrate more on your family. You know how much two heads are better than one. Besides, you are already blinded by Richard's moneyless love. Whatever deal you both have is just barely professional," Theresa explained.

Anna looked concerned, "I don't want to hurt my husband. Richard will definitely feel bad if he hears that Fred is involved in this."

"Have you forgotten that they were friends? He won't feel exactly angry about it," Theresa reassured her.

"They were never friends. They were only roommates," Anna corrected.

Theresa rolled her eyes, "Roommates, friends...they got along."

"Have you forgotten how Fred betrayed my husband?" Anna reminded.

"Yes, but Richard still stole your heart in the end," Theresa pointed out.

Anna smiled deeply, "Promise me that you will never tell me anything that will damage my marriage?"

"I promise I won't, best friend," Theresa vowed.