The FCNB was closed pending an ongoing investigation but the staff were allowed in to help the detectives and forensics. Led by Detective Stewart a thorough search was underway trying to capitalize on any mistake or a stone that was left unturned. Just as the director had asked, different teams were there but were they getting any closer?
Far from the beehive of activities, Stewart's former person of interest in the case was seated in her office, busy typing away on the keyboard of her computer. Stewart knocked on the door that was already open.
"Come in detective. Can I be of any help?"
"No" he looked around the small office neatly arranged office, "I'm just walking around"
"Okay. Should I leave?"
"No. Just... I'm just looking for someone to talk to"
"About the case?"
"Yeah. But you're not the right one, aren't you?"
He took the client's couch. Maya noticed the skyrocketing stress levels Stewart was feeling. His messed-up hair and soiled coat, the wrinkles under his eyes were all signs of burnout. The detective was in dire need of rest and although she couldn't help him with the case or rest she felt like a little kindness and a listening ear were not too much to ask for considering she was not very busy.
"Where are you going?"
"Sit tight detective" Maya assured walking out of her own office, looking sharp in a navy blue suit, white blouse, and black heels...you might wonder who inspired her looks that morning.
Moments later she came back with a tray, on it was a sandwich, an apple, and a glass of cold pineapple juice telling from the condensation outside the glass surface.
"What is this?"
"When was the last time you ate something detective?"
She shrugged and went ahead to serve him a healthy breakfast then took back her seat. Stewart took his breakfast in silence, Maya went back to whatever she was doing on her computer, her screen was tilted strategically such that she was the only one who could see it.
"Thank you"
"You're welcome detective. Have you thought of giving this a break..."
"And let that bastard win? Hell no. This is my only goal in life, I'm never going to rest until that bastard and his bunch of outlaws are behind bars"
"Taking a break isn't giving up detective. You're still the best, that's why you were assigned this case"
"You believe that?" his face seemed to lighten up. Just like all humans from time to time, the man of the law needed some motivation. Someone to believe in him.
"Absolutely. That's if you get him before I do"
They burst into laughter, what a practical joke! On the bright side, even his seating posture showcased a little confidence. His shoulders were not dropped any more nor were his cheeks sagged. Just like that Maya managed to light him up for a moment as they talked about anything outside his work while his team kept working on the vault and safety deposit boxes, he forgot all about his stressful work and just lived. Perhaps the longest ten minutes of freedom he had enjoyed in recent months.
"You're special Maya. Thank you, I needed that and I'm going to consider that break go home and hang with my daughters"
"That's nice. Come back feeling refreshed, you might get a clear point of view"
He left his seat, Maya picked up the utensils and they walked out together.
"About that call yesterday"
"What about it?" They stopped in the middle of the banking hall.
"It came from someone levels above my pay grade. Which means you're either related to someone very powerful or you're..."
"My father was a police officer. He made a few friends I can call anytime when am in trouble"
"Was?" Stewart noticed the sadness in her voice, it was his time to be empathetic.
"He was shot in the line of duty five years ago. A good man. I should go detective you have an investigation to lead" she flashed one of those easy customer care smiles.
"I'm very sorry for your loss. See you around"
"I wish you success detective"
After dropping the utensils in the kitchen Maya went to the bathroom. Her eyes were glittering with tears, she missed her father. Very much and narrating his death to someone just brought back all the sad memories and feelings of helplessness when she first got the news of his death. Coincidentally, Anita’s call came in and it didn't help much. Just the person she was dying to talk to, it started with sniffles and her eyes became very itchy.
"Hi busy bee"
"Hello," she couldn't hold back the tears anymore.
"Are you crying? What's wrong?"
"Nothing?"
"It's something. Tell you what, I'm a few blocks away we can go for lunch and you will tell me all of it"
She wiped her tears, "Okay see you soon"
"Hang in there. Everything is going to be fine I got you"
Maya washed her face and blew her nose, forced a smile in the mirror, and worked on her hair before leaving the washroom looking confident. She found the branch manager talking to the detective.
"Can I have a word, sir"
"Detective, you've met Maya our loans and recovery officer she joined us recently"
"I have"
"Is it private?"
"No. I wanted to meet a friend for lunch, if we are done here...with your permission. Both of you"
The manager looked at Stewart he nodded, he turned back to Maya, "We're done, you can leave see you tomorrow. Come back ready to work the customers will be allowed in"
"Okay. Any progress?"
"Nothing to be excited about but we have found prints that might be a lead," the detective said.
"As long as it's a lead. Good day, all" She went back to her office and grabbed her handbag.
Anita was waiting at the door and the moment it flung open she met her best friend with a warm embrace.
"I'm here now. What happened?"
"I'll explain on the way"
"Did any of those law enforcement assholes in there harass you?"
"No. Let's go" Maya had to drag her across the road to where her car was parked.
The girls stopped at one of the popular cafes in town. The Columbus cafe. Small and strategically nestled on the corner of a block in the middle of a busy city. It was already occupied with lively guests seated around the tables for three scattered all over the place, the Humm of their conversations coupled with the soft jazz music in the background created a soothing environment.
"Welcome ladies, what can I get you?"
"Stake, chips, salad, and soda" Anita was the first one to order, "make your order"
"Chicken wings and salad. A glass of water too"
"Eating healthy huh? You'll grow old before I do you know"
"That's because I'm older than you"
Their food was brought and Anita was starving as she said, she dived right into it. Tearing the meat like a wild cat.
"You need to see your mum and talk to her about it"
"About what?"
"Your dad. It’s obvious you miss him and you're still in some kind of denial, the best way to handle this is to talk to someone as close to him about it"
She smiled wiping her mouth with a napkin, "Since when did you become a behavioral psychologist, last I checked you were into fashion"
"Ha-ha very funny"
"I'll do it. This weekend that means no hanging out because we will be going to church on Sunday"
"You'd have been busy with your freelance stuff anyway not a big loss for me"
"Is that what we are calling it?"
"You have a better name? No, you don't. I'm the one who is good at names. Did the criminal call?"
"Jeez!"
Her insult was followed by a loud laughter that attracted the attention of other clients, Maya had to apologize on her behalf before joining her in it. Together they were such a vibe and also social misfits, a menace to the society.
"You just gave me an idea if he calls I'll save his number-the criminal"
"No. If he calls you hand his ass over to the authorities. What will your mum think of such a union, her only child raised in a Christian and conservative background opening her legs for some criminal who kills people"
"Not that I'm defending him. He-doesn't-kill-people"
"How sure are you? Ooh wait you've known him since the sixth grade"
"Will you stop being judgmental?"
"I'm just saying you can do better. He doesn't deserve you even if he has the physique of a Greek God"
Maya smiled.
"Does he have the physique of..."
"I'm not talking about it anymore. He can't call he won't call let's get over it"
Coincidentally her phone started buzzing in her handbag, they looked at each other restraining laughter. She fished it out and showed a curious Anita the screen, it wasn't Knox.
"If it makes you feel better it's not anyone I know either"
"Shut up. Pick the call!" She hissed.
"Hello...hello!"
"What happened?"
"They hung up. Let me call again"
"That's him, I know how criminals think. Don't fall for anything he says"
"Hello. Who is it, please...At eight...okay I'll try to be there on time" She hung up and kept her phone away, Anita was staring at her waiting for the update.
"You bastard"
"It was not him it was my neighbor Mark and before you Jump to conclusions, he is married. He is setting me up with his brother and I'm just trying to be a great neighbor"
"I'll need all the details when you meet him. If he is cute and he doesn't kill people, we give him a chance"
That wasn't going away anytime soon. After lunch, Anita dropped her back at the FCNB and they parted ways both of them feeling better than before.