My Friendly Enemy Chp XIX

Chapter Nineteen: Questions Behind the Condolences Three weeks had passed since my burial.Although the stream of visitors had reduced, our Abuja home still received family members, friends, business associates, and sympathizers almost every day.Bukunmi remained strong for our daughters.During the day, she wore a brave smile. At night, when the girls had fallen asleep, she allowed herself to grieve, not for a dead husband, but for a husband she couldn't even call or embrace in public.One quiet Saturday afternoon, the gate opened once again.Andrew had come to visit.This time, he came alone. The security guards ushered him into the sitting room, where Bukunmi was arranging some flowers that mourners had brought earlier that morning.She stood up politely."You're welcome, Andrew."He nodded with a sad smile."Thank you, Bukunmi."She offered him a seat and instructed one of the housekeepers to bring refreshments.For a few minutes, they spoke about the twins, my adopted mother, and how difficult life had become since my supposed death.Andrew sighed deeply."I still wake up sometimes expecting Clement to call me."Bukunmi lowered her eyes."So do I."Silence settled between them.Andrew slowly picked up the glass of juice before placing it back on the table without taking a sip.He looked thoughtful."Bukunmi...""Yes?""There has been something on my mind."She looked at him."What is it?"He hesitated, choosing his words carefully."Before... before Clement died...""Did he ever mention any business deal to you?"Bukunmi frowned slightly."What kind of business deal?""I don't know..."He shrugged casually."Maybe a new investment.""A partnership.""Or perhaps someone he was planning to meet."She looked at him for a moment before asking calmly,"Did my husband have any pending business with you?"Andrew blinked."What?""Or perhaps..."She continued,"...did he owe you any money?"Andrew quickly shook his head."No.""Nothing like that.""He never owed me a kobo.""Then were the two of you working on something I should know about?"Again, he shook his head."No.""There wasn't any unfinished project between us."Bukunmi folded her hands on her lap."Then why are you asking?"Andrew forced a faint smile."I'm just..."He paused."...curious.""Curious?"He nodded."Clement's death came so suddenly.""I keep wondering whether there was something he got involved in.""Maybe a business deal.""Maybe someone he offended.""Maybe something that could explain what happened."Bukunmi held his gaze.For a brief second, neither of them spoke.Then she replied quietly,"My husband never discussed anything unusual with me before he died"Andrew nodded slowly."I see."She continued,"If there had been something important, I believe he would have told me."Andrew looked away."You're probably right."The conversation drifted to other topics, but Bukunmi couldn't shake the feeling that Andrew hadn't come merely to console the family.His questions had seemed too deliberate.Too calculated.Almost as though he was trying to confirm something.After another twenty minutes, Andrew stood to leave.He smiled politely."If there's anything you or the girls need.......Please don't hesitate to call me."Bukunmi returned the smile."Thank you."He walked toward the door before stopping briefly."Clement was lucky to have you."She nodded."And I was lucky to have him."Andrew left.His vehicle slowly disappeared through the gates.The moment it was out of sight, Bukunmi's smile vanished.She immediately picked up her phone.Without hesitation, she dialed a number known only to a handful of people.When the call connected, she spoke in a low voice."He came."There was silence on the other end."He asked strange questions."Another pause."He wanted to know whether you had discussed any business deals with me before..."She stopped herself."...before your supposed death."She listened carefully before nodding."Yes.""I thought the same thing."After ending the call, she stood quietly by the window.Andrew's visit had confirmed one thing.He wasn't merely mourning a friend.He was searching for answers.Answers that could only matter...If he still doubted whether his plan had truly succeeded.

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