Throughout that day, Humaira couldn't eat. She tried calling one or two people to report the case. But one thing is that Alhaji Musa is a wild lion; one would have to trail carefully in other to trap him down.

Unlike anyone else, everything about him is different. Humaira felt so much concern for her younger sister, Zainab but that wasn't comparable to what she's feeling for Hadee. The boy can't even speak properly. The scene of how he was clinging to her throughout the party flashed through her mind. She called the police and reported that her missing son must be found. Although they promised to work day and night to look for the 5-year-old, Humaira's mind wasn't at rest. It was night and all she kept on doing was crying in prayers.

'Ya Allah! I know that I'm not perfect. Yes, I agree that I've sinned a lot and maybe I'm not worthy of joy or happiness but please, Do me this favor. Bring my son back to me. Show me a sign that he was safe... Your savant has come before you on her knees. I know you've tested me a lot of times and I've failed. Oh Allah, don't give me a date so strong because I'm weak. Only you know how much I love my son, please don't let me lose him like this oh Lord.'

***

It was a perfect morning. Humaira went with Barrister Edward to Alhaji Musa's house. On getting there, his Albino gatekeeper reported that he'd left very early that morning for the office.

"Was he around yesterday evening? I mean did he sleep here?" Barrister Edward asked the gatekeeper.

"Yes, o. He came home last night but it was very late. Around 11:00 p.m.... But I guess it's all about work."

"Okay, thank you." The barrister returned into the car, hoping they would be able to meet him in the office.

Humaira and the barrister had to go to his office right away. Clutch to her head, Humaira tried to regain her breath as whispered silently in tears. You have to be strong my dear. You wouldn't want the Alhaji to see you heartbroken like this, would you?"

Barrister Edward asked as she wiped away her tears.

"Good." He muttered and drove away.

On the other hand, Alhaji Musa's mind was at rest.

"I did a neat job indeed. I need some credit." He praised herself as she rolled on his executive, leather chair. He whooshed the air of relief and started doing some office work.

Meanwhile, Hadee woke up that morning, meeting himself in an unknown place. He looked around and he the saw faces of people he'd never met before; Mr Sheyi and his wife.

Hadee started crying and calling "Mama! Mamaaa!! Mamaaa!!!" But it seems his mother is nowhere to be found. They tried calming him down with everything. Desola even tried being with him but he cried louder and louder. It went on for hours and the old couple were confused about what to do.

Desola then convinced her husband to call the Alhaji and inform him about it.

"Hello, good morning Alhaji!" Mr. Sheyi greeted me over the phone

"Good morning, Mr. Sheyi. How is everything?"

"Fine o. Mayowa just woke up now and he's been crying. It's almost three hours now, even though we have him everything, he's still crying Mama! What should we do? If he goes on like this, he might catch a fever."

"Don't worry Mr. Sheyi. He's just not use to the environment that's why. I think he would adjust with time. Just give him drugs and take good care of him."

"Okay sure." Mr. Sheyi replied over the phone.

"If his body is running temperature just tell me. I would contact a very good doctor who would come and check on him."

"Okay sir, that would be fine."

"Okay, good then. I would give the doctor your address so he would come to examine him, just in case." Alhaji Musa intoned and cuts the call. He quickly scrolled through his contact list and searched for to he doctor's name... Doc Jonah. Doctor Jonah is the son of one of his old schoolmate but he resides within that locality.

"Hello Alhaji Musa."

"Jonah-Jonah! How are you."

"Fine sir. It's been a while. You didn't even call me after my wedding. It's not fair."

"I'm so sorry dear. I've been so busy with office work. You'd be surprised how engrossed I am right now but I really need your help and it's urgent.

"Okay Alhaji, I'm all ears." Jonas paid attention to when the Alhaji was going to say.

"I'm going to send you an address right now. It's just the next town after yours. My son is in Ekiti... I want you to check on him."

"Your son?"

"Yes, we're actually kind of related but I call him my son. He's just a 5 year old and he stays somewhere at Itapaji. I'd send you the address right away."

"What's wrong with your son? Any idea sir?"

"I don't know but you'd be able to examine him well. I would send the payments t_"

Just then, he heard a knock on the door.

Mrs. Lydia said some people were looking for him outside..
"Okay, I would get in touch with you soon so we would discuss better. Please take care of him for me, doctor Jonas."

"Okay sir, definitely."

"Bye." Alhaji Musa uttered rather impatiently before cutting the call.

"Any idea of who they are!" His face unexpectedly glared at Mrs Lydia.

For some reasons, he know he had done something wrong so he wasn't settled. His innocent secretary that didn't know anything was wondering why he's sounding as annoyed with this. Well, he glared at her most times 'but what is his reason how?' She wondered.

"I just asked you a question!" He woke her out of her thoughts. "Who are they!"

She looked at him, confused.

"Ummm... I'm not sure but I think it's your longtime friend's daughter; Humaira and a strange looking man. I don't know."

"Look here Lydia! I don't have time for your rubbish! You know what?!... Just call them in!" He raged at her as she shivered like a scared cat.

Unable to answer, she just nodded her hear and walked out if his office, frightened.

Well, he too was. He took of his big Dansiki off and hanged it somewhere at the corner of his office. Due to the hot feeling of guilt that was burning in his heart, he was already sweating inside his air conditioned office.

As if nothing was wrong, Alhaji Musa beamed a smile immediately they entered.

"Good morning sir," Barrister Edward greeted.

It's been 5 years. 5 long years since Humaira met him. She looked at him with so much hatred in her eyes but she was asked to calm down so they would solve the issue peacefully. So, when she entered, she didn't bother greeting him. She just rolled her eyes at the Alhaji. He was feeling guilty for his actions anyways but he acted so well by covering it with a fake smile.

"Welcome, have a seat." He offered.

Humaira didn't want to seat but Barrister Edward urged her to with a wink. Like he was trying to say, I got your back.

After seating... He happily stared at them like a puppy.

"What a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting you guys this morning but as you've come, what can I offer you? As in, what did I do to owe this grand visi_"

"Don't act as if you don't know why were here, Alhaji! You know what you've done and you're what? Pretending?!" Humaira fired.

"Calm down Humaira. Like I said, I got this covered." Barrister Edward urged to her while the chameleon in front of them faked innocence.

"Hope all is well?" He frowned looking confused. "What happened to her? Any problem?"

"With due respect, Alhaji Musa. I'd like to ask you some questions sir."

"Okay, go on."

"Where were you between 2:00 p.m- 6:00p.m last night?"

"Umm...." He looked perplexing and dropped his smile. "I was having a meeting with other board members from Akpo. The meeting lasted for an hour so, I had to go to Royal City Hotel to do some personal work." He lied.

"Oh, really?" Barrister Edward questioned.

"Yes. That was what happened. I had a lot of work to do as I've been so occupied lately. All my schedules are tight, I came home so late yester-night and had to rush to office this morning to complete the project I'm working on."

"Hmmm..." Barrister Edward smiled at him. It looked mysterious, Alhaji Musa couldn't understand why.

"Anything the matter?" He retorted.

"Alhaji Musa Adamu, Director of COLFOLDS Company." He called.

"Yes. I'm here."

"You would have to follow us to our station to clearify issues. We would have to take proper investigations because Miss Humaira's son got missing yesterday. Her younger sister was attacked alongside the boy, whom we haven't found till now. All hands points at you, You're the number 1 suspect, Alhaji. Now, follow us to the station."

"Awwww! That's so painful but I'm innocent." He assured.

"How would I know that?"

"Ermmm... Can I call my lawyer?" He questioned.

"Yes, sure."

"Just a minute." He took his phone and called his lawyer, asking him to meet up at the police station.

"Okay, let's go." He picked up his Dansiki as they walked out of the office.

***

At the police station...

Barrister Edward went to met a sergeant at the entrance and informed him they were here to see the D.P.O. he went to veify from him first and he said they'd had an appointment so the sergeant let them in.

The three of them walked directly into the D.P.O's office. He was a short, looking man with a fat, bulky stature like that of 'papa ajasco'. His pot belly was pretty transparent and noticable under this thick, black T-Shirt. He was wearing a dark, navy-blue jeans to complement the outfit. His clean shaved jaw made his face looked rounder like a perfect circle and his bald head fits his figure so well. One could mistake him to be in his early fifties while he's actually 66. On his legs were black, shiny leathery shoes that looked imported. His office was spacious enough and the fragrance of his power and wealth welcomed them in as they entered.

"Good morning officer Bamidele Isaac." Barrister Edward greeted with a bow and a handshake immediately as they entered the office.

"Welcome barrister. Please, take your seats." he offered.

"You're Alhaji Musa Adamu, I guess." He asked, facing Alhaji Musa and adjusting the clean, reading classes that rested on the bridge of his nose.

"Yes." He answered. "I'm Alhaji Musa."

"Wow! Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you and I know you're a man of power. I also heard your aspiring for the governor's post."

"Yes, officer Bamidele, It's all God's grace." Alhaji Musa replied with a thin smile.

"So based on the issue at ground, you were suspected for kidnapping a 5 year old. A boy stuffing from autism."

"Austism?" He asked simultaneously, confusion plastered all over his face.

"Yes, the boy is autistic. You sent your boys to kidnap him... What's your motive for this?"

"Don't get confused sir. I have no hand in kidnapping anyone. I don't even know about anyone or any boy." He denied.
"I'm only familiar with Humaira here and the last time we met was 5 years ago."

"That's not my question Alhaji. Did you kidnap the boy or not? Where have you taken him to? Where exactly are you hiding him? What are your motives Alhaji Musa?"

"I didn't kidnap anyone officer Bamidele, I swear on my life. Look, I'm a very busy business man. I'm successful and fulfilled, I have all I want and wish for? Why would I ever kidnap a 5 year old?"

"Okay, since you denied being responsible, I'd ask my officers to take measurable steps. You were brought here for questioning not because we find you innocent but because you're a popular and a well respected man within our society. I wouldn't want to spoil your name or tanish your business in anyway. If you're responsible, just bring the boy back to his mother and let everyone have peace. If I lay hands on the kidnappers and the secret is exposed that you're responsible. Alhaji Musa, I'd make sure you rot in jail! No amount of begging, pity or bribing would set you free. You're innocent right?" He asked his finally, staring into his eyes earnestly.

"Yes sir. I'm innocent." He replied to him.

"Okay, fine then. So sorry for the disturbance." The D.P.O apologized with a beaming smile.

Throughout the questioning, Humaira's eyes looked heavy as tears started welling up in her eyes. She wanted to speak but barrister Edward urged her not to. They need to exercise patience and let the police do their work.

"It must be a misunderstanding." Alhaji Musa retorted.

"It's all a lie officer! Please help me find my son. This monster is good at playing games. I'm sure he's responsible!!" Humaira cried, almost attacking him but barrister Edward held her back.

"You need to hold yourself this time and be strong for your son. I have a feeling that he's responsible but the Nigerian police force would take charge. These people aren't foolish, especially Officer Bamidele. I know he's going to root out all of these."

"What am I going to do now barrister. I feel useless if I can't save my son. What would I do if they don't find him? What if_" she cried out loud, nearly chocked by sorrow.

***

Words and Translations

-D.P.O: Divisional Police Officer. And alternative to S.P, Superintendent of Police.

-Papa Ajasco: A Nigerian funny comedian and actor.

-Akpo: Somewhere in Abuja, Nigeria.