JORDAN'S POV
I was dazed at Jora's question. Was she eavesdropping on my dad and I's conversation? How did she know that Dad isn't happy that I married her mum?
I stared at her and forced a smile. Of course I wasn't going to tell her the truth, not because I wanted to lie to her but such a thing as dislike for her mother by her grandfather shouldn't be known to her.
" How can you say that baby? Your grandfather loves your mum.." I was telling her when she threw my hands off her shoulders.
She walked a few distance from me and crossed her arms around her chest " You are lying to me daddy. You don't love me anymore right? How can you treat me like a little baby?" Jora reprimanded me.
I was lost. She knew I was lying and trying to cover up for her grandfather? But isn't she a little girl? How was I supposed to treat her?
Before I could say anything in defence, I saw my daughter run off, cleaning the tears off her eyes.
I was moved. I stood up gently and straightened myself. I hate to see her cry, to see tears in those beautiful eyes of hers.
That's my weakness, I hate to see tears in Rachel's eyes, except when she has those exaggerated laughter she often does to amuse me.
Same goes for Jora. I went after her and followed her into her bedroom. On the wall was Rachel's picture like it is in my room.
A lot of kiddies' designs and drawings were in the room. The wall was painted pink, a feminine colour.
On her little bed lay Jora sobbing. She hugged herself and was sniffling when I approached her.
" Jora my love" I called her. I walked over to stand in front of her and pulled the seat close to her bed and sat down.
" Don't talk to me daddy. I hate it when I am being lied to by my father.." Jora declared. She turned her back to me and hugged herself still.
I sighed softly. Telling her the truth that my dad detest her mother and never approved my marriage with her is like planting an unhealthy seed in the heart of a little girl.
What good would that bring her or dad? Dad loves her and accepted her as his granddaughter, that's enough for her to know.
But seeing her like this, I felt like I am responsible for her tears. Looks like I am between a rock and a hard place.
" Jora dear, you know that a daughter should make her daddy happy. And the only way you can make me happy is to believe whatever I say to you.
I love you, grandma and grandpa loves you. Your mummy loves you right up there in heaven. This is your family and we all love you.
I don't want you to fill your head with things that won't bring you any good. Don't think or be concerned about your grandpa's likes and dislikes for your mummy.
What is important is that she's happy where she is and we are happy here and know someday, we will meet her again. Ok?" I sermonized her.
I touched her hair, and asked her to turn and face me. She shrugged and I threatened her that I would leave that day if she kept sobbing.
It worked like magic, it always worked whenever I came around and I wanted her to do something. I will use the same method, and it always worked.
She turned and glanced at me. " I heard grandpa saying you disobeyed him and married my mummy.." Jora was saying and I interrupted her.
" It's not good manners for a kid to eavesdrop when adults are talking. Why did you do it?" I frowned at her.
That was the only way I could cover up that topic. She heard dad yelling at me and saying unpleasant things about her mother.
I wouldn't be able to defend my dad nor say that dad was joking, lying or referring to someone else. The best thing to do was scold her in the only loophole I found.
Jora nodded. She seemed to be frightened by my frown. Anyone would. When I frown, it makes people around me calm down.
I don't know why but I can't explain it either. I stayed with her a few minutes longer and watched her doze off.
I stood up, covered her with a quilt and kissed her temple before stepping out. As I shut the door, I glanced at her again and smiled faintly.
If Rachel had been alive, we would have lived together with our daughter. She wouldn't have been living with my parents, nor hear what she heard that evening.
It was as if I was just getting angry with what my father said. He had allowed his words to affect my daughter and I don't like it.
It wasn't anything to me again to hear him fuming with displeasure with every decision that I make. He's never approved of my decisions and paths that I take.
But making it so glaring and obvious that even Jora heard and knew how her grandfather felt about her mother is something that is unacceptable by me.
I was now going to my room when I heard my mum call me. She said she has been waiting to have a discussion with me but saw me going to Jora's room, she lingered till I came out.
I squinted, waiting to have a discussion with me? Well, I have to listen to her, whatever makes her wait so long while I was with Jora must be something that bothers her.
I let her come into my room and I sat by the edge of the bed and mum took the sofa. She looked worried and unhappy.
I stared at her and wondered. Mum was lively and happy when I arrived earlier in the day. Why the sudden mood swing?
" Jordan, how have you been doing lately?" Mum asked me, she looked at me with eyes that depict pity. She seemed to want to go teary.
" I am fine mum. Everything is good" I replied and I saw her sighed audibly, holding her night wear close to herself as if she was catching a cold.
I asked her if I should turn off the air conditioner in the room and she said no, she's fine.
I waited, she was quiet for a while and didn't know how to begin her words. I was guessing, what she wants to say, does it have to do with my wife Rachel?
CLARA'S POVI had wanted to discuss it with my son for a long time. But I don't know how to go about it. I know his personality and what he wants and accepts.But I couldn't keep quiet and watch. I want my son to be happy just like every mother would.It's been years now after the death of Rachel and Jordan isn't thinking about finding himself another woman.I know he loves Rachel and she felt great about him as well. But he can't keep living like this.Five years have passed and Jordan has not stopped thinking about Rachel. I know in his line of duty, getting married might be optional.But I
Next morning, Jordan decided to take his daughter out after breakfast. Just to spend some time together and visit places.They arrived at the amusement park and Jora saw other children playing around happily in Company of their parents.She stood and admired them. She wants to play around too and mix with other children. She unknowingly tucked on Jordan.Jordan saw her eyes, glued to the children running around the swirling wheel. He whispered"do you want to join those children?"Jora held her father's palm and gave it a little squeeze. She looked up at him and nodded. She smiled and Jordan squatted." Now, if you must play with those ch
JORDAN'S POVI suspect everyone I don't know or remember crossing paths with . When I saw a lady get close to my daughter, I took a few strides and arrived behind her.I couldn't strike but waited to see what she was up to. Jora was smart like I educated her.She didn't say anything to the lady nor kept her smile. She drew backwards when the latter squatted in front of her.She identified a stranger like I had told her in the past, never to go carefree or smiling to a stranger.A stranger might be there to harm her. She must be careful and apply wisdom and distance first before defending herself.&
When Jordan arrived at the airport, he was checked in and took his seat. He would be in Newton city in forty minutes time.He looked at his wristwatch and knew he would arrive at the exact time and head straight to the superintendent's office.As he sat down, he closed his eyes briefly and was lost in thought. He wanted to investigate who that lady was.He doesn't feel good that he was leaving Abuja so soon. He wished he had another one week to spend, he would have found out who she is.He would call his mother and tell her to ensure she protects Jora very well. He doesn't feel safe with anyone unknown to him.Rachel was kidnapped back then an
JORDAN'S POVI least expected to see her on the plane. I heard someone talk about not wanting to believe that someone was trailing her and opened my eyes.Who was talking and to whom? But the fellow I saw was that lady from the previous day. She? Not again!I looked at her and saw her sit properly adjusting herself and putting her dark shade on. Why do I have to meet her again?Was it a mere coincidence or our paths kept lying together? A weak grin appeared on my lips.I told her I wouldn't mind trailing her. But she suddenly became reserved. As if she wasn't the one who spoke a few minutes ago.&n
Jordan was standing expressionless. He is long used to seeing them argue. If one does not oppose the other, the other would create another avenue for argument.Jordan had long been used to them and sometimes it makes working with them exciting. But he loves them the way they are because in line of duty they are best at brainstorming together.They know when to be serious and when to be frivolous. Kunle and Isabella had a past but the former still loves her.He didn't get to know exactly what led to their break up, but somehow, Kunle still had a thing for her in his heart." They stopped arguing and stood before Jordan, they made a salute and walked closer.&nbs
Jordan hissed between gritted teeth. Silly boy, he doesn't know what he meant by knowing something."Nosy '' he murmured under his breath and Kunle chuckled aloud. He had said things that Jordan does not seem interested in.He shrugged and looked towards Tina "You are welcome once again detective Tina" he said stretching his hand and taking hers gently."Thank you detective Kunle,"Tina replied and smiled faintly. She doesn't smile often. Not because she is a detective but because it's just her, she is not the smiling type.Some said she's hard judging by her facial expression while some felt she is being arrogant. Whatever, she is Tina Smith and that's what matters to her.
The detectives asked her if the Chief had been notified. She said she couldn't reach him but his assistant received the message and promised to inform him.But she was still waiting to receive calls from him. He hadn't called her yet. She was sobbing quietly and sniffling.She took a tissue and cleaned her tears. She felt bad. She is the only child she's got and at her age, where does she start from?Jordan looked at her and shook his head. Death meant nothing to him anymore. After Rachel died, he felt the world had come to an end. He had sobbed, mourned and felt like he should die as well.It's been years, but he is still mourning her secretly. He still thinks about her and wishes she was there with