Walking In Deception

CHAPTER 6: CASE SOLVED. SHALL WE REPORT THAT TO THE POLICE?

I woke up that morning feeling rejuvenated — or at least that’s what I told myself. It was a lie, of course. A lie I told to stay strong. I had to be, especially for Mrs. Okon, who had held me together through my worst nights.

The house was cold, the kind of cold that settles on grief. I put on an extra sweater and went downstairs, determined to surprise everyone with breakfast in bed. But when I reached the kitchen, I stopped in my tracks.

Detective Osahon was already there, cooking.

He moved quietly, methodically, like a man used to working in silence.

“The atmosphere’s been so tense,” he said with a faint smile, noticing me. “I thought I’d lighten it with a surprise. No one expects to find me in the kitchen, right?”

I couldn’t help but scoff. “I would’ve never guessed.”

He chuckled softly. “You know, I was once like you, trying to stay strong when everything was falling apart. I had just lost my job. My wife was working around the clock to keep us afloat. Jonathan was little then, probably doesn’t even remember her face.”

He paused, stirring the pot absentmindedly. “I helped with chores, told myself it would get better. And it did, for a while.”

Then his voice shifted. Lower. Sadder.

“Just when things were looking up, she died in a hit-and-run.”

I gasped, the sound sharp in the quiet kitchen.

“No one bothered investigated,” he said bitterly. “That’s why I became a detective. I didn’t want another child to lose their mother like that. But somewhere along the line, I got lost. The fame, the influence, it all got to me. I became a puppet for the rich… pinning murders on their rivals. And now, here I am.” He exhaled deeply. “It could happen to anyone, right?”

“Sure,” I said quietly. “You did everything you could.”

I hesitated at the doorway before leaving. “You’re a good man, Detective Osahon. Don’t let anyone tell you you're not. Maybe if you opened up like this more often, people would see the real you.”

He smiled faintly but said nothing.

---

Upstairs, I gently opened Mrs. Okon’s door. She was already awake, sitting upright on the bed with her head bowed. Her eyes looked dim, drained of light.

“Did you get any sleep? I’m worried about you,” I said softly.

“I’ll be fine, madam,” she murmured, forcing a smile. “Let me wash up and make breakfast for everyone.”

I hugged her gently. “Detective Osahon already took care of that.”

Just then, I heard the faint sound of sweeping.

I followed the sound and found Mr. Richard at the corner of the hallway, broom in hand.

“Mr. Richard? Are you—?”

He smiled awkwardly. “Yes. Don’t be surprised. It’s the least I can do. I haven’t been much help in 'detective duties' lately, and Osahon never gives me the chance to do anything meaningful.”

“I’m sure he will someday,” I said kindly. “Still, that’s really sweet of you. Now I feel like the only one not contributing.”

“Don’t be,” he said. “You did enough yesterday.”

Before I could reply, Osahon appeared halfway up the stairs, holding a towel.

“Breakfast is ready,” he announced flatly. “How’s Mrs. Okon?”