Joy was Arrested

12 Chapter 12: Joy Was Arrested

Mr. and Mrs. Laughter welcomed Samba into their home. Mrs. Laughter explained Samba's situation to her husband, who was moved with pity and allowed her to stay with them.

He accepted her and promised to take care of her like their own children, treating her equally.

*******

Angelina's worry grew as Samba remained missing. She searched the streets and sought help from friends, but no one had seen Samba.

She even visited the police station to file a report, but they could not locate her.

When Mr. Jack returned from his trip, he learned about Samba's disappearance and shared his concerns with a close friend, who suggested seeking guidance from a pastor.

The pastor offered reassurance, telling them that Samba would be found safe, even if it took time.

Mr. Jack and his wife put their faith in the Lord and were reassured by the pastor's words.

A few days later, a police officer arrived at Mr. Jack's doorstep and knocked on the door. Joy and her mother were at home, and Joy went to open it.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," the officer greeted.

"Good afternoon, sir," replied Angelina, hopeful that Samba had been found.

"Who is Joy in this house?" the officer asked.

"What happened?" Angelina asked, concerned.

"Nothing serious. We just want to ask her a few questions, and she will be back soon."

"Okay, this is Joy, my only daughter. Let's go together, sir," Angelina said.

The officer agreed, and they went to the police station together. When they arrived, the officer led them to the DPO's office.

The DPO welcomed them and asked Angelina to sit down.

"Are you her mother?" he asked.

"Yes," Angelina replied.

"Your child Joy has been caught stealing in a shop, and we have evidence here."

Joy and her mother were shocked.

"Oh my God, Joy, when did you become a thief?" Angelina exclaimed.

Joy's heart began to beat fast. She couldn't answer her mother.

"Sir, can I see the evidence?" Angelina asked.

"Alright," the DPO said, playing a video on his phone and showing it to Angelina.

The video showed Joy stealing money in a shop and putting the stolen money into her pocket.

"Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Joy, I can't believe you did this. Now tell me, how did it happen?" Angelina demanded.

Joy couldn't say a word.

"Speak up! Are you not the one in the video?" the DPO asked.

Joy attempted to explain herself, admitting she had been left in charge of the shop, but her words fell on deaf ears.

The DPO then asked Angelina to leave while Joy remained at the station.

Angelina left, contemplating how their family had come to face such challenges.

The situation was a stark reminder that challenges could arise from unexpected sources and that truth had a way of revealing itself, even when one least expected it.

***

Six months had passed since Samba's disappearance, and Mrs. Laughter went to visit her friend Titi, who owned a small shop selling provisions and foodstuffs. Upon arrival, Mrs. Laughter found Titi attending to a customer.

After exchanging pleasantries, Titi revealed that a friend needed a housemaid to take care of her home and children while she was away.

Mrs. Laughter promised to check with one of her girls at home to see if they might be interested in the opportunity.

As they chatted, a daily contribution collector arrived on his motorcycle to collect Titi's daily savings. Titi handed him ₦1000, and he signed her book to confirm the transaction.

Before leaving, Mrs. Laughter mentioned that she needed to return home and would extend Titi's greetings to her husband.

Titi apologized for not being able to offer any refreshments, and the two friends bid farewell.

***

When Mrs. Laughter got home, she asked Samba if she was interested in working as a housemaid, and Samba said she was interested in the job.

Mrs. Laughter then called her friend and informed her that she had found someone interested in the work. Her friend said she would take Samba to the place to start the job.

The next day, Mrs. Laughter directed Samba to Titi's shop.

Samba dressed up, carried her luggage, and went to the place she was directed to go.

When she arrived at Titi's shop, she knelt to show respect and greeted her.

"Good morning."

"Morning. How are you doing?" Titi asked.

"Fine, ma. I was directed to come to your shop this morning by your friend," Samba replied.

"Okay, are you the person who wants to start the work?"

"Yes, ma," she said, bowing her head.

"Alright, have a seat," Titi said, and Samba sat on a bench.

"Wait a minute; let me call someone who will take you to the place where you will start working."

"Okay, thank you, ma," Samba replied.

Titi went to her drawer, took out her phone, and called Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams answered.

"Hello, good morning."

"Morning. I just wanted to inform you that the person who wants to start the cleaning work is here."

"Okay, thank you. Tell her to wait; I am coming to pick her up."

"Alright, she will wait," Titi said, then hung up.

Two hours later, a blue Toyota Camry parked beside Titi's shop, and a man dressed in plain blue clothes with long sleeves stepped out.

The man, Mr. Williams, closed the car door and walked gently to Titi's shop.

"Good morning, ma. How is business today?" he greeted.

"We thank God," Titi replied.

"Alright, is this the girl who wants to work?" Mr. Williams asked, pointing at Samba.

"Yes, she is," Titi said.

Samba picked up her luggage and stood up.

"What is your name?"

"My name is Samba."

"Alright, we will be on our way now. Come with me," Mr. Williams said.

"Alright, bye," Titi said.

They went to the car, got in, and Mr. Williams drove Samba to his house.