Sister Deborah

Episode 27

Why should an unknown lady take to her heels the moment she sighted me, if she isn’t of course guilty of a crime? I thought to myself, panting heavily, exhausted from the distance at which I had chased the motorcyclist. I was certain that the lady on the motorcycle was none other than Annabel, disguised in a dark hood, dark shades and a face-cap. I could recognize her dubious face at any moment in time.

I halted by the roadside amidst the intense traffic, watching the motorcyclist zoom off farther with the lady. I was exhausted from running. My legs wobbled.

Gracefully, I glanced behind me and saw the police officers’ van and Chief Etomiʼs vehicle speeding towards me. They had used the u-turn which was officially illegal under law, but urgently needed in our situation.

“Officers, thatʼs the lady. I am sure that is Annabel!” I shouted at the top of my voice as their vehicles halted before me.

“Get in! Quick!” One of the officers instructed. I adhered hurriedly.

The vehicle picked momentum as the officer ignited the engine. He sped up at a considerable pace and speed to meet up with and cover the distance of the motorcyclist.

Half way into the road with the police sirens blaring loudly, still on the intense pursuit of the motorcyclist, Chief Etomiʼs Hummer Jeep broke down and likewise we also encountered traffic. The motorcyclist utilized the advantage to his own good by taking short-cuts and using narrow lanes to escape farther. The traffic hindered us from pursuing them any further.

The three police officers and I stepped out of the van altogether, contemplating on whether to chase the motorcyclist on foot. Fabian suggested a nice idea instead. He walked to an elderly motorcyclist and pleaded with him to borrow us his motorcycle, at first, the motorcyclist acted reluctant, but at the sight of the officers on their uniform vests, he eventually gave in. He lended his motorcycle to us.

Sergeant Bernard, who had the highest rank amongst the other officers, steered the motorcycle and ignited the engine. He gestured to one of the officers to follow him, but instead, I quickly took the officers’ place and sat behind the sergeant.

“Young man, what are you doing?”
“Assisting you, sir.” I responded confidently.

“You don’t even have any legal training, young man. This is not child’s play or a drama series either. I hope you are well aware, boy?” The sergeant cautioned me, concerned.

I nodded. “I know, sir.”
Chief Etomi patted my shoulder and said calmly. “Be careful, my son.”

With that, the sergeant ignited the motorcycle again and zoomed off. The traffic was easy to by-pass due to the motorcycle’s size; we crossed narrow lanes and short-cuts which led us back in no time to Annabel and the motorcyclistʼs view.

Something astonishing happened thereafter.