Epic 39Finally, as I walked through the front door of my home, I found Timi waiting with a warm smile. Eager to share my day with him especially the part about encountering Inspector John. Timi listened attentively, nodding and laughing along with me, especially when I described how furious Inspector John was, regarding my response to him, Just as I was about to mention my pending leave request, my phone buzzed with a notification. Curiously, I quickly checked it and couldn't help but smile. It was the approval for my leave! Excitement filled my voice as l exclaimed,"Guess what Timi? My leave got approved!" Timi's face lit up with genuine happiness and pride for me. "That's amazing, Bro! You totally deserve it," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "Don't worry about a thing, I'll handle everything at the office. I'll certainly deal with Inspector John, he sure not to mess with us again, Just go and enjoy your well-deserved break!". Timi mumbled as we started laughing.I felt
Epic 40I returned the goodbye wave to Timi because I was sitting close to the window, though I doubt if he saw me though. I kept looking and smiling at him until the aeroplane zoomed off, and after couldn't get to see Timi again, I stopped waving and of course smiling. I miss him already, the empty cloud and the chipping sound of passengers distracted me from my thoughts before I finally settled down.As I settled into my seat on the plane, I couldn't help but notice the friendly smile of the woman sitting next to me. She had introduced herself as Jasmine and she exuded an air of confidence and warmth. We exchanged pleasantries and soon found ourselves engrossed in a lively conversation.Jasmine shared stories about her experiences as an officer, recounting thrilling moments and the challenges she faced. I listened intently, captivated by her tales of bravery and dedication. I admired her passion and how she portrayed her love for the police force.“Tell me about yours, you look so m
Epic 41I couldn't get Jasmine's thoughts off my head, I hadn't spoken to Timi in days because he always seemed busy each time I called, it was already midnight and I didn't know if it was cool to give him a call. I couldn't resist the urge, because there was this strong desire to tell him about Jasmine. I mean, he ought to know about Jasmine.Unlike I had expected, Timi picked up his call even faster.“Sleeping?!”. I whispered with a touch of guilt.“Nah, sorry, I have been busy for some days now”. He apologized.“It's okay, I have got so many gist for you”. I replied all excited.“Mmm, seems I have been missing a lot you know. Tell me, what is the gist about?”.“Okay, let's start with this, picture this: The day I boarded the plane when you saw me off, you remember?”. I said, sounding all happy.“yeah, of course I do”. Timi said in anticipation.“Cool, it's awesome you still remember, so little did I know fate had something extraordinary in store for me. As I settled into my seat, I
Epic 42As I woke up from my deep slumber, the first thing that greeted me was the soft glow of dawn filtering through the curtains. The room was still enveloped in a hazy darkness, and the quietness of the early morning hung in the air. The world outside seemed to be in a state of slumber, with only a few early birds chirping their melodies.I stretched my limbs, feeling a mix of grogginess and anticipation for the day ahead. The room was adorned with shelves filled with books, my trusty companions in this journey called life. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the kitchen, inviting me to indulge in its warm embrace.Just as I was about to make my way to the kitchen, my brother's ringtone pierced through the tranquillity of the morning. Annoyed yet curious, I answered the call, hoping it was something important to warrant such an early interruption."Hello?" I groggily muttered into the phone, my voice still laced with sleep.And then, in a hushed and urgent tone, my brot
Epic 43I watched as Jasmine took the case upon her, I wanted to appreciate her for her kindness.“We need to go back to Nigeria”. She let out all of a sudden.“To Nigeria?! I mean, that's too risky, you haven't even achieved the reason why you are here. I am sorry I had to put all these on you”. I said apologetically“It's fine”. She mumbled.“Besides this is more important than my coming over here”. She said while dialling a number on her phone.“Hey, Mr. Joe! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to talk to you about something important…” she let out, she did put the call on speak out so I had no other option but to eavesdrop.“Oh, hey Jasmine! I'm doing alright, thanks for asking”. The man from the other end let out sounding very much excited.“Well, I've been thinking a lot about our appointment, and I've come to a difficult decision. I think it's best if we push our appointment”. This statement got me, I felt guilty, I wanted to drag the phone from her and tell the man it was a pra
Epic 44It was finally our departure day, Jasmine was all looking professional and sweet, and the sun was just beginning to set as the plane touched down at Murtala Mohammed International Airport. I peered out the window, my heart fluttering with excitement and anticipation. As the plane taxied to a stop, I looked over at Jasmine and smiled. We were finally back in our home country, after spending so many weeks away.As we made our way through the airport, I couldn't help but feel a rush of memories and emotions. It had been weeks yet felt like years since I had last set foot in Nigeria, and everything felt so familiar and yet so new.It was after a long and exhausting flight, Jasmine decided to stop by at Abuja, rather than continue to Lagos with me. As we said our goodbyes at the airport, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Despite the promise of a visit soon, I knew it wouldn't be the same without her by my side.I watched as she walked away, her suitcase rolling behind he
Epic 45Since the DPO and Inspector John got suspended from seats, I have been the one managing the affairs of the station, for two days the station was very peaceful until the murder case of an army officer occurred at the third mainland bridge, it was not just an army officer, this was Jasmine's uncle. It has been a hell of an investigation, with calls flying in and out, Jasmine's face didn't seem to stay off the office CCTV throughout that week because she didn't stop coming.“I swear on my blood I am going to find the idiot that did this, he and his entire generation will pay for this”. She had let out angrily as she barged into my office.“We are working tirelessly on the case”. I managed to say.“I know, I know you all are doing your best on that, but you need to try even harder, not even a CCTV surveillance, not even a single witness… all the system had issues and at the same thing, common Kyrian, this is unbelievable… I am going to handle this case myself, I don't mind coming
Epic 46Timi didn't come back home, I had pleaded with him not to so that Jasmine could sleep over.“We need to get a DPO for the station”. Jasmine had said after a while. “New?!”. I asked surprised as she nodded her head gently, I need to make Inspector John and the DPO don't get to hold any crucial office anymore.“But we don't even have any evidence to do that”. I suggested“Yeah, we don't have evidence for my uncle's case, but we have evidence for your forced demotion due to his corrupt self”. I could feel the anger in her voice.“What evidence do you have?”. I let out confused.“You don't need to know, we will see to that at the panel”. She said delightedly.“You don't have to stress yourself over the demotion, I mean, I can cope. It is not a new thing and I am not the first person to have such an experie…”“Don't get me angrier, please… so because you are not the first person, that means the evil should continue?! Does that mean they should go unpunished for their unjust act?!
Epic 131As they walked back through the forest, the darkness of the night setting in around them, Jasmine turned to Kyrian and asked softly, "What was your father like?"Kyrian smiled, the memories of his father filling his heart with warmth. "He was everything I could ever hope to be," he said, his voice filled with pride. "He was strong but gentle. He was brave, but kind. He was my hero, my mentor, my best friend."Jasmine nodded, her eyes shining with love and understanding. As they walked through the snow-covered forest, Kyrian turned to Jasmine and said with a mischievous grin, "You know, I think King would love the beach. Maybe we could take him there for his first birthday. We could build sandcastles, swim in the sea, and watch the sunset over the ocean."Jasmine laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That sounds perfect," she said, her voice filled with joy. "And we can take a family photo on the beach, with King laughing and playing in the sand. The days and weeks pas
Epic 130As Kyrian shared the news with his friends and family, his heart swelled with joy and gratitude. He knew that they had been there for him and Jasmine throughout their journey, and he wanted them to be a part of this momentous occasion.Timi, who had always been like a brother to Kyrian, let out a whoop of joy when he heard the news. "Finally, I'm an uncle!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "You have to bring little King to the dojo when he's old enough. We'll teach him everything we know. Mr. Bola's response was more measured, but no less sincere. "This is truly wonderful news, Kyrian," he said, his voice filled with pride. "You and Jasmine have been through so much together. It's so good to see you both finally achieving this moment of happiness. I can't wait to meet the little one."As Kyrian spoke with his loved ones, he felt his world expanding, his heart growing larger with every moment.“You know you are the next in line Timi”. My Bola whispered as the
Epic 129As Kyrian and Jasmine thanked Jasmine's father, a sense of relief washed over them, the weight of uncertainty lifted from their shoulders. They rose from the table, their hands still entwined, their hearts filled with joy and anticipation.Outside, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with streaks of gold and pink. Kyrian turned to Jasmine, his eyes alight with love. "I have one more thing to ask you, Jasmine," he said, his voice gentle but serious. "Will you marry me?"Jasmine's eyes filled with tears, her heart swelling with happiness and love. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chirping of the birds and the rustle of the leaves. "Yes, I will marry you."Kyrian pulled her into his arms, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that held all the promise of their future. As the sun sank lower in the sky, the two of them stood there, surrounded by the beauty of the world, a world that, at that moment, seemed full of hope and possibility. As the weeks pas
Epic 128Kyrian stared at the metal bars that separated them, the gulf between them so much more than physical. For a long moment, he said nothing, his thoughts racing.Finally, he spoke. "Why?" he asked, the word escaping his lips like a breath of air. "Why did you do it? Why did you betray me? Why did you become what you were?"Ken remained silent, his eyes unreadable, his expression impassive. Then, he spoke, his voice low and resigned. "I have made my choices, Kyrian," he said. "Choices that I cannot undo, choices that have led me here," Ken continued, his voice growing softer, more reflective. "But I want you to know, Kyrian, that I am not without regret. I have done many things in my life, some of them good, some of them bad. But I am not beyond redemption."Kyrian stared at Ken, his heart aching with the weight of the moment. "Then why?" he asked again, his voice shaking slightly. "Why did you turn away from me? Why did you turn away from everything we believed in?" Ken's gaze
Epic 127Kyrian was taken aback by the call, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. "That was Ken," he said, his voice low and tight. "He knows about our plan."Jasmine and Timi's faces paled, the shock of the moment sinking in."How is that possible?" Jasmine asked, her voice trembling slightly. "We haven't told anyone."Kyrian's mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information they had gathered. "He must have someone on the inside," he said, his eyes hardening with determination. "We'll continue to pretend like we're giving up," Jasmine continued, her mind already whirling with ideas. "We'll feed him misinformation, make him think he's winning. But in the meantime, we'll be searching for the leak."Kyrian nodded a fierce determination in his eyes. "We need to be extra careful," he said, his voice grave. "If Ken finds out we're on to him, he'll disappear into thin air, and we'll never get justice for your father. Timi shifted uncomfortably, his mind racing with
Epic 126"Listen," Timi said, breaking the silence, his voice tentative but hopeful. "This has been such a wonderful night. Can't we make it last just a little bit longer?"Jasmine and Kyrian exchanged a glance, their expressions uncertain.Inspector Bami smiled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I suppose one more night won't hurt," he said, his voice playful. "I have a couple of spare beds. You're welcome to stay."Timi grinned, relief and excitement filling his face. Kyrian and Jasmine couldn't help but laugh at Timi's eagerness, and the group made their way to the spare rooms, preparing for a night of restful sleep.But as the lights went out and the quiet of the night settled in, Jasmine found herself tossing and turning, unable to shake the unease that had settled in her mind.She couldn't shake the feeling that they were all still in danger, that Ken's threat was still very real and very present. Kyrian, sensing Jasmine's unease, gently reached out and took her hand, his touch
Epic 125For a moment, the three of them sat there in silence, allowing the words to sink in.Outside, the city was asleep, the streets quiet and still, but inside the bar, their world felt alive with possibility and peace.Timi took a sip of his drink, the silence comfortable and warm between them. "I think you're right," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.Jasmine reached for Kyrian's hand, her expression filled with warmth and compassion. The night stretched on, the three of them lingering in the bar as the hours passed.As they sat there, talking and laughing, a sense of gratitude filled the air. They were grateful for each other, for the friendship and support they had found in one another.They were grateful for the moments of joy and laughter, for the tiny miracles of everyday life.And they were grateful for the strength they had found within themselves, for the courage and resilience that had carried them through the darkness and into the light. As the sun began to rise
Epic 124Kyrian nodded, his expression solemn and resolved. "Thank you," he said, his voice heavy with gratitude. "I know this isn't easy for either of you, but I appreciate your understanding."I just need a few more days. If Ken doesn't surrender himself by then, you have my word that I won't stop you from bringing him in."Timi nodded, his expression grim. "Just promise us one thing," he said, his voice filled with concern. "Don't take any unnecessary risks. You've been through enough already."Kyrian nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I promise," he said, his voice filled with a newfound sense of resolve."Now, if you don't mind, I need to get some fresh air," he said, his eyes flicking towards the door. "I think I could use a walk to clear my head."Timi and Jasmine exchanged a look, a smile passing between them."We'll be here when you get back," Timi said, his voice filled with warmth. Kyrian stepped out into the warm sunshine, the breeze blowing gently
Epic 123Kyrian's brow furrowed, his mind racing as he considered Ken's words. "You're trying to shift the blame away from yourself," he said, his voice low and intense. "You want me to believe that someone else is responsible for all of this chaos and destruction."Ken's expression remained unreadable, his eyes fixed on Kyrian. "I am only telling you what I know," he said, his voice calm and even. "I am not the only person in this world who is capable of causing harm."Kyrian's expression hardened, his voice filled with determination. Kyrian's words dripped with bitterness and sarcasm as he glared at Ken. "As it stands now, you're the only one who seems capable of causing harm in this world," he spat. "You've done nothing but bring pain and destruction to the people around you."Ken's expression grew colder, his eyes dark and unfeeling. "And what would you have me do?" he demanded. "What would you have me say to make you believe that I am not the monster you think I am?"Kyrian shook