[21/07, 09:14] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_1

The match was reaching its highest peak as I watched my favorite team win. Enjoying myself for a
while forgetting everything that I was going through at the moment. Well, my boss just called me a
failure a hundredth time after consistently failing to resolve the case of the murder of one of the
most renowned rich men in town, my best friend for that.
Days, weeks and indeed months now have gone by and I don’t seem to be able to uncover the
person behind the murder or have any successful leads at all. I tried with everything I had to
uncover the mystery of the death of my friend but every time I was almost getting to catch up with
him, the guy behind the murder seemed to be a step ahead of me.
I was at the verge of my Career and almost giving up, what with the influence of the big man on
the hierarchy in the police force. He seemed well known and connected to the top guys I even
wonder why I had been so much lucky to have been saved from being fired.
I sighed at the thought and my excitement of Man U scoring 2 goals against Arsenal no longer
having an effect on the sadness that I was facing.
Looking behind me upon hearing the door to the cafeteria open with a bang.
“What the hell!” I stated looking at my friend Mwila who rushed in almost banging his head in the
door way.
“You have to see this!” he panted catching his breath.
“See what?” I asked snapping the phone from his hand as he extended it towards me.
“What the…? Where did this come from?” Stopping my mouth from mentioning hell.
“It came via WhatsApp” Mwila pushes his hands in his pockets.
“I know that silly, this is my phone and I can see how it was delivered. “ I scold him scrolling down
as pictures of a dead girl covered in a pool of blood went down one after the other.
“Who sent this?” I asked throwing my phone on the table before me it crashed a little bit as it
touched the counter.
I had been sitting in the in the cafeteria watching soccer when Mwila rushed in. I paced around
ignoring the eyes of other officers around trying to think of what I was to do.
“Who could have sent this?” Mwila looked up my face his strong statue stationed to one point I
looked at his rough face seeing how curious he was.
“We got to find out because whoever it is, is our Killer. The guy behind the death of this woman is
our Killer and like I told you before, he was to kill again. This is the third time this idiot is killing and
I seem to have no damn way of catching him. This is so fucked up!” I snap walking out of the
cafeteria and Mwila matched behind me I can feel his breath behind me.
He has been my partner for a long time. Since I joined the force as a detective 10 years back, I
have known the shot tough guy behind me and what we had was more than a work relationship.
We were so close so much that I sometimes felt he could read my thoughts and I his.
“Theodore!” Mwila holds my shoulder stopping me
“Calm down man, we have been on this case for quite some time and to be honest am frustrated
too but we ought to put our heads down and think before we do anything.”
“This guy knows us more than we think and he probably knows how worked out we will be the
more reason he is sending this to us. He wants to prove something to us.” He adds nodding his
head as we stand close to the office.
“Prove what now?” I shake my head trying to think.
“He is better than you? Or maybe that he is invisible” Mwila smiles this time walking 2 steps away
from me.
“Well, he got it wrong this time. I will not rest till I get him. Send those photos to forensics and let
the IT guys try to track that number. Am going to take some air outside” I handed him the phone
sighing.
“Where to now?” he asks before I walk away.
“Will just drive around call me on the other line if anything comes up” I spoke dismissingly.
The reviving sound of the engine catches my ears making my mind try to keep pace with its
sound. Without thinking of where I was, I put the engine in gear 2 and left the car park with speed I
knew if the director was around I was going get his scold for acting like a lunatic driving at that
speed in the police premises.
I went on moving at a great speed in the outskirts of town my head going round in circles with
thoughts.
“You are a failure! How can you take the whole 5 months without having a slight lead that turn out
successful? My husband must be moving in his grave seeing how much his trusted friend has
failed to avenge his death by catching the criminal who killed him!” I heard her scorching voice yell
in my head.
“Calm down now will you? You damn know I have worked my butt off the past months to find the
killer. It’s just a matter of time and I will have him. I promise you that. Everyone makes mistakes
you know and he is not so different from everyone” I defended myself looking direct into her eyes
hoping maybe she might just understand how much I wanted to catch the fool who murdered my
friend in cold blood.
“Whatever! Just do me a favor, until you have him, don’t come near me” she exhaled and sat back
in her couch turning on the volume from the TV. I stared at her figure for a good couple of minutes
and walked out before I could get myself to say what was on my mind.
Lost in thoughts I could hear the Phone in my pockets ring though it sounded like it was a long
way from where I was standing watching over the straight road ahead of me. I let it ring till it
almost cut and pushed my hand and sliding it to answer before I could even check the caller ID.
“Did you get my package?” a voice spoke from the other end making me sit up from the point I
leaned on my car.
Shocked at the familiar sound of the voice, I looked at the phone and placed it back to my ear,
realizing it`s unknown number.
“Who are you?” I was panting asking her.
Instead of answering she bursts out laughing in a way I find to be odd. The sound of her laughter
so close to the voices of that bad bitch witch I saw in some horror movie I had watched. Before I
could say another word the line went dead.
I tried to call back but it was off. I shake my head walking around as I called Mwila.
“Pick up, pick up man!’ I pace around.
“Yes man.” He responds finally.
“Say the number which sent those photos” I went on him straight up.
“Why? “ Mwila was sighing I can feel him on the other end.
“Do it now dammit! “ I screamed hating he was working on my patience.
Immediately Mwila gives me the other number, I establish it was the same line the killer had used
to send the photos and called me on.
“You will never catch him, you know why? Cause she is clever and sharper than you all are” the
voice of Cleopatra catches my ears again.
“She?” I had asked looking at her smiling face as she stood leaning on the rail in her back yard.
“How do you know it’s a she” I asked seeing her look at me and down at the glass of wine in her
hands,
“Well,” she cleared her throat. “It could be anyone right? My point is that you have failed Theo” she
shrugged and walked away like she was not the one who just lost her husband.

“Damn you!” my anger as evident in my voice as I hit the car so hard it makes a dent.
“Bitch! You have been under my nose all this time? How dare you!”
My anger now at peak as I went round the car. I drive turning around and speeding away.
“I will have you today!” I spat.

The house was silent, the deepening silence that makes my mouth dry as I take some steady
steps towards the mansion before me. Pushing the door open, I match in after ensuring no one
saw me. Prepared with my gun pointed out, I let a laugh in my mind not knowing if my mind was
playing games with me or I was right.
Like to confirm my dilemma, she emerged from the stairs holding a glass of wine as she mostly did
and walked elegantly in her long black dress. Slowly she steps down without taking her eyes off
me.
I almost put down my gun but then noticed some stains of blood on her hands and shoes.
“What..?” my voice stammers afraid of saying what is in my mind right this minute.
“Congratulations detective! “She claps her hands as she comes closer to where I was not sure of
what I am to do.
“For what?” I swallow hard am sure she is able to hear the sounds of the push down my throat.
“You are, you are the…...” the stammering comes back, trying to hold myself and I suddenly feel a
cold chill touch my heart.
“Say it Theo! Come on say it!” she yells at me laughing so evidently I begin wondering maybe she
is on some kind of spell or maybe her thinking is taken over by some alien being.
[21/07, 09:14] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_2
Standing like a fool I watched her walk past me to sit down in a chair by the bar. Letting her long
dress apart from where the long slit was revealing her smooth thighs fully aware I was seeing her
every move.
“Why did you do it?” I asked her moving closer to her my gun still held steady in my hands. She
smiled.
“well, why did I do what exactly?, send you pictures of that dead bitch who had caused me so
much pain before or why did I kill them?” she shrugged holding her wine up high like she was not
aware of how freaky she sounded playing and talking calmly.
“Cleo.” I shook my head confused. “You are an evil woman, a pathetic bitch who killed her
husband in cold blood and two other women in months. You are under arrest for the murder of
Cedrick Tukiya, Lucy Mwiya and Tasila Ngoma!” I shouted walking to her holding the hand cuffs
ready to get her.
She pulled out a gun at me standing up her heels making some little sounds as she matched
steadily towards me.
“You will not do such a thing to me Theo, you will now arrest me today at least. What? You will not
give me a chance to explain myself for old times’ sake?” she chuckled grabbing the gun from my
back her gun still pointed at me.
“Throw those down now will you?” she indicated with her head pointing at the cuffs in my hands.
I did as she ordered seeing how cold her face was. She bend down slowly picking them up.
“What are you going to do, you pathetic woman? You murdered your husband, how could you?
You fooled me all these months I believed you were mad at me because I was not able to get
justice for Cedrick.” I spat feeling angry as she pointed the gun ahead for me to sit on the couch.
“You never wanted to see the truth in front of you Theo, you know why?” she smiles sitting on the
other couch facing me her beautiful face evident.
“How can such a beautiful person become so evil?” I asked myself inside as I listened to her brag
about how she managed to fool me.
“Why?” I responded aloud looking at her.
She sighed before answering.
“Because you love me Theodore, you always have. I know since high School I was the one you
loved but I don’t understand why you pushed me to your best friend” she shrugged turning her
face into that with sadness.
“you are talking nonsense Cleo, this is madness and no matter what you do, unless you kill me, I
will not let you go free, you will pay for your crimes, that I can assure you” I nodded my head at
her.
She placed the gun on her laps and leaned back exposing her thigh again, I swallowed hard and
looked away.
“I will tell you how it all begun my Theo, I will tell you my story from long time ago and I want you to
pay attention. First of all I need you to be comfortable” she smiled at me.
“What kind of nonsense is this Cleo? I don’t have time for your games I stood to snatch her gun
but she quickly picked it up and fired a shot in the rooftop startling me.
“Sit down dammit!” she yelled angrily standing up holding her long dress and looking closely at
me.
“I have killed three people and you damn know so well I will not hesitate to kill you. Or what? You
think you were sharp enough to figure out it was me who did it? Well, you are wrong buddy, I
wanted you to know, I just got so tired of your boring search, and you have not been funny since I
knew every step you were taking. You and that short fried of yours are so dramatic you thought
you could manage playing sharp with me?’ she laughed before continuing.
“So will you shut up and calm your nerves listening to what I will say or you want me to shoot
you?” she asked closing in to me further my nose could get strongly her sweet scent. I nodded my
head in agreement but she shook hers,
“You know what? I will not have you playing your detective moves on me so let’s move it. To my
bedroom” she yelled holding the gun in a grip.
She made me lead the way upstairs and into her bedroom and she knocked me out. I fall to the
floor unconscious for some minutes and when I finally came to, she had me cuffed to her bed. I
tried to pull myself loose but it was pointless, I was stuck there. I looked around just to see her
walk out of the bathroom changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, she looked so fresh I noticed
she had a cleanup bath.
“What do you think you are doing Cleo?” I asked holding my head with the other hand where she
had hit me.
“I told you I will tell you a story and that’s what I intend to do” she smiled leaning closer to me and
kissing my lips slightly moaning as she tortured me. I felt myself jiggle a little bit as the touch of
her lips felt so smooth and sweet on my lips. She seemed to be aware of how I was feeling as she
looked at my face with a knowing smile.
“I have always known you loved me Theo, how I wish you chose to me instead of throwing me to
that dog” she giggled sadly.
“I don’t and I never loved you, comfort yourself all you want but the only man that loved you is
buried in memorial park because you killed him” I scoffed angrily trying to push down the urge to
lick where she had kissed me.
“Hm. I hate it because you always reject me. Now,” she sighed sitting opposite me a glass of wine
held in her left hand she swallowed hard closing her eyes after drinking some of the glass content.

“Want some?” she asked with a furrowed face.

“this was my husband`s favorite wine you remember that huh?” she lifted the bottle up and looking
at it closely like she was seeing it for the first time.
My mind flashed back to years back when I visited Cedrick at his house.
“Hey Detective! He shouted seeing me walk to him as his mother led me in.
“Hey director!” I smiled as we gave each other some shoulder hug.
“I missed you buddy, how long have toy been away? I was so excited when I received your call
that you coming here” Cedrick smiled.
“Yeah I know right, I missed you too my friend. But don’t be like a girl crying for me, am here now
and this time we will be seeing more of each other” I laughed as he held my shoulder leading me
to the back yard.
“this is my favorite wine Theo, I can never get fade up of taking it, second to women, this wine
turns me on” he lifted the bottle at me and I laughed grabbing it from him.
“Well, it surely is a good one” I sighed after taking a sip from the glass he poured some for me.
“Are you kidding? Have you ever tasted such good wine before? This is the best!” he laughed
hitting my shoulders.
“He loved his beer and win more than he loved me that jerk” Cleo spoke up taking me off the past
memory,
“He loved you in his own way, you were supposed to be grateful for he always gave you what you
wanted” I answered back watching her pour some more wine in the glass.
“I see you are still in the dark about all this huh, now listen to me Theo. I want you to listen and
pay attention because what am about to tell you today, I have never told a soul before. Not even
my own mother. “She cleared her throat leaning her head on the wall.

Cleopatra`s narration….
I was so pissed my mom insisted we move to the capital city after she and my dad got divorced. In
all honesty I wanted to stay with my dad but he told me his job required him to move about hence
he was not going to be there always as mom would be. Well I had no choice then but to move with
my mother, she made me leave my friends and all the good memories.
I felt I had everything in Kasama and the thought of a big city scared me.
The first week into the new school, Munali secondary was so depressing. I was a center of
attraction because of my looks and the fact that my mother drove me to school the first day in her
Fortuner, the vehicle she was given from her work place.
Everyone was on the parade it being a Monday and with my mother`s attention seeking altitude
she made a scene walking me to the head teachers office after parking her car in the open space
everyone would see us walk in.
…………………………………………………………….
As Cleo narrated this, I recalled the day she was referring to. I was the prefect on duty that day.
And I had watched a well-polished woman drive in with a new girl. My heart leaped with joy seeing
how beautiful she was. She seemed shy I could tell she was uncomfortable.
I recalled later on running to Cedrick telling him what I had seen.
“Well, I cannot wait to see such an amazing girl” he had smiled at me.
“Well there she goes” I pointed at Cleopatra seeing her walk by that afternoon.
“What? Wow! She is a true definition of a beautiful girl and that I will have” he smiled hitting my
shoulder as he always did.
I knew then I had no chance at all. We were in our final grade, Cedrick was my best friend and we
were inseparable. I just loved the fact that he made me his best friend even when we came from
different worlds. Him a son of a big business man and I a son of a teacher.
It seemed he was never bothered by that as the two of us were always together since 8th grade.
So that day even when I too wanted the new grade 10 girl for myself, I let him get the chance.
What with my status, I knew I could never have her anyway.
……………………………

“are you listening?” came Cleo`s voice snapping me from my own memory.
‘Yeah sure I am” I looked at her and she sighed before continuing…..
[21/07, 09:14] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_3
Cleo`s Narration continued….
Like I said earlier, my first week wasn’t so appealing, I was still missing home and my friends.
Thankfully I met my friend Tasila who helped me cope with the new environment. I started feeling
at home a month later, that’s when I met you two. You were the quiet one, a handsome prefect
guy that I always desired he would at least talk to me for at least a minute. But no, that never
came as you played dumb like I never existed whenever I was around you and Cedrick.
Time and again I had tried to stay clear from Cedrick who from the first time he approached me he
clearly made his intentions of being close to me. I remember one afternoon you guys where writing
your final paper and I had come to school to check on our math’s teacher. He walked towards me
with a wide smile
“Hey! What are you doing here?” he had asked standing near me.
“I came to see the math’s teacher over some work he asked me to come get. What about you?
You done with your exams?” I looked at him rubbing my foot on the ground.
“Yeah am done finally. I just finished my last paper but am still hanging around waiting for my
buddy to finish too” he explained and shrugged proudly.
“Your buddy?” I deliberately asked knowing so well he meant you.
“Yeah Theodore, the tall dark guy?” he smiled making a face sure that I wouldn’t forget who he
was referring to.
“Yeah that one, right. I know him how can I forget that cool guy” I had spoken without thinking and
I saw your friend smile.
“You think he`s cool huh?”
“Yeah, I mean unlike you he does not go round with every girl he sees in school, besides the girls
think he is handsome, so” I shrugged with a chuckle. Theodore was one proud guy and I knew that
day his ego was somewhat tempered. Am now meant to understand that day he made it his
mission to show me between the two of you he was the coolest.
……………..
I cleared my throat at this point of her narration,
“Well, he was a cool guy everyone knew that fact about him. Am sure he did want you because he
loved you not that he wanted to prove a point. I mean what was there to compete with about me, I
was just an ordinary guy with less charms as compared to Cedrick who had it all” I sighed rubbing
my a fingers on the wrist where the cuffs where tied to the bed.
She closed her eyes a little bit and I took the chance to study her facial features. Cleo was still the
perfect girl I had met years back but certainly something about her had changed. Her long pointed
nose and narrow eye lids gave me the impression that she had more to tell about what happened
between her and my best friend.
“Go ahead” I coughed a little making her open her eyes and staring at me.
“Well, now you are interested eeh?” she smiled at me.
“I am not the same little innocent girl my Theo, I”
“stop calling me `my`” I cut her and she frowned sadly siting back after taking another gulp of wine
I was wondering why she had not gotten drunk after pouring almost 4 glasses since we sat in her
room.
“Hm. Whatever!” she giggled and placed down the glass cup. She closed back her eyes and
folded herself in her arms before continuing.
……………………………

I was reluctant to go for the party which Cedrick invited me to that afternoon. He told me his father
allowed him to organize a party at his house and that he was inviting all his friends to go cerebrate
the completion of secondary school.
“But am not a school leaver myself, I still have a couple of years to go so I don’t see why I should
come to your party” I had responded.
“Well, I want you to come because to be honesty, I like you a lot. “He chuckled rubbing his chin.
“well I will ask my mom first if she agrees to come pick me up in the evening then I will come, if
not, then you will have to excuse me as I will not manage to walk back home after 20 hours” I told
him frankly.
“Be there whatever the case, I can take you home whenever you will want to go” he insisted.
That day was the start of him chasing after me. I knew in my heart I was not so much of a funny of
his but I thought, well, what’s to lose? This guy is just asking me for a party and it was not a big
deal. Little did I know that was the beginning of my journey with him?
As you know, since you were there. Cedrick never left my side that at that party. He made sure I
had all I needed and was comfortable. He made me feel so much important among the others girls
that where throwing themselves on him.
You know, that day, was the day I started looking at him differently. That guy knew how to get a
girl and like a fool I fall for him. Yes, I did and now I wish I could turn back the hands of time to
change it all.
…………….
“Why is that?” I badged in again.
She shook her head slowly without looking at me.
“Well, because I saw him lead me in his charms and forgot to look at what I really wanted. But if
you let me tell the story without interrupting you would understand what I mean.” She sighed
“Go ahead then” I signaled and she went on still closing her eyes as though she could clearly see
her memories with her eyes closed.
……………………………….
Well, that night was great and the days that came by, even though Cedrick was out of school, he
made it his mission to drive to school just to see me. I became comfortable with him. He got me
whatever I wanted even things I didn’t ask for.
What bothered me though, was how he always tagged you along? You were like his shadow. For
some reason I was happy with that arrangement. I got to see you too. I saw it Theodore, the way
you looked at me all those times. I knew something was burning inside you.
“What a coward.” I had thought to myself time and again.
One day I was made to ask Cedrick why you seemed so comfortable being with him every time he
came to see me. Know what he told me? Hahaha.
“He is in love with you, he cannot tell me because he knows he stands no chance. He dared not
say a thing even though I could see in in his eyes. You are mine and he is my best friend. Tell you
what though?” he had asked me.
“What?” I asked without so much regard as at that point I had turned my eyes to look at you
waiting for him in the car. I was trying to ascertain if his claims where true.
“Well, I push him to come along so that he does not make a mistake of crossing me and coming to
you. He is my friend but I know he has such silent but deep Charisma that pulls people towards
him” Cedrick responded with a laugh.
“But Cedrick he is your friend why not tell him that and find out maybe you are jumping into
conclusions, he does not love me. How can he, he barely talks to me” I tried to argue.
“You are probably rightly my baby, let’s forget about him and tell me how much you are prepared
for the exams?” he changed the subject holding my hand as we sat on the lawn behind our house.
At that time, I was about to write the final secondary year exams.
…………….
“Okey Cleopatra, seriously am getting bored. Why are you telling me things which I already know,
I mean your high school relationship was well known to me so cut me this crap and tell me the
main reason why you killed Cedrick? I snapped pulling my hand a little bit.
“Come on, stop wasting my time. I need to go and work, besides, Mwila is probably trying to call
me since you have my phone switched off” I added seriously.
She stood up calmly and walked towards me, squatting next to me and handing me a glass of
wine. I shook my head to decline her offer. She stood and walked away.
“We are here this whole day and night Theo, you and me are having this special bonding time and
today in this room we both going to have a better definition of what will become of us tomorrow.
“There is no tomorrow for you, well, at least not a free one” I giggled teasingly. She ignored my
comment and went to sit on her bed.
“Mind I sit here? This bed is more comfortable than the floor. Sorry for you though, I cannot let you
free yet” she answered instead.
“I am not going to explain the consequences of having me tied like this. I am a detective and…”
“Stop talking Theo, I would love my mind to be clear as I tell you this story” she raised her hand at
me.
“I need some water, can I at least have that?” I asked her before she could say any more.
“Sure, all you need to say is give me water or even food. No reason to be formal you know that”
she laughed standing and walking to the small refrigerator and getting a bottle of water. She went
back to sit after handing it to my left free hand.
“You know it’s funny, I didnt plan for this, I mean you being tied up in my bedroom like this and
telling you what happened. No...” she shook her head smiling.
“It so happened that after putting three stabs in the heart of that Tasila, I felt well, Cleopatra, why
not tell the man who has suffered so much to find justice for his friend know what the heck of a
human being his best friend was. Then I decided to lead you here. So interesting right?” she
nodded her head rubbing her well manured nails.
“You are sick in the head Cleo!” I bellowed at her.
She laughed softly lying flat on her stomach holding her chin in her palms and her legs folded
together.
“Yeah I got sick 10 years ago when you and that friend of yours ganged up to make my life a living
hell. “She scoffed.
“What? Now am to blame too?” I asked my eyes wide open.
“Yeah you are partly to blame.” She responded blankly.
“Okey this is going to be one heck of a day” I sniffed and looked up at her ready to hear the entire
side of her story.
[21/07, 09:14] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_4

Cleopatra`s Narration continues……….

From time to time, I grew fond of Cedrick, though I gave him the condition I was not going to give
him the pleasure of breaking my virginity, he struggled to stay away till I completed high school. By
then we were officially dating and my mom knew about him. He would come home to see me and
mom allowed him inside. Of course she had her obvious reasons, the guy was coming from a rich
family and given mom`s history of loving wealthy, I knew that was what interested her the most.
Well to cut the story short, Cedrick and I were good till one day I discovered he was sleeping with
my friend Tasila. There I was thinking he was honoring his promise of waiting till I was ready. Little
did I know he was having sex with the friend I trusted the most.
I never knew anything till the time I caught them ready handed at his family house. I had decided
to pay my man a visit from school. He told me he was going to be home that day and asking if I
could go visit him, he said him and his father had some company business to attend too at his
house.
You can imagine my disappointment when I went ahead to see him later that day, I wanted to
surprise him so I walked into his room just to find them making out.
“What the hell Cedrick!” I yelled seeing them going on their business without noticing I was
standing there.
“Babe, what are you doing here?” he stammered standing up abruptly as Talisa’s face went down
the floor in shame.
“Eeh, so this is the business meeting you were having with your father right? How could you? You
lied that you loved me and was ready to wait till I was ready. You pay back my trust with sleeping
with my best friend?” I had scolded him completely ignoring Tasila.
“It’s not that, Cleo please let me explain” he pleaded trying to hold me but I got out before he could
say whatever he wanted to. Crying as I ran outside, I vowed to never get back with him.
He came running towards me and know what that jerk said.
“I love you but am a man, I needed this and your friend made herself available. You know am not
strong enough to stay without a woman” he spoke and I could see he was being truthful even
though it pained me.
“Why didn’t you ask me about that then? Did you have to sleep with my friend Cedrick, really?” I
spat trying to walk away but he grabbed me back kissing me even as I tried hard to fight him off.
“I love you my baby, I love you and I don’t want us to end. Am sorry for this please believe me” he
begged kneeling whilst holding me.
“Let me go Cedrick, I bet you will never change, you will always be that lover boy I met in high
school.” I shook him off and ran off to the road to catch a cab home.
My mother didn’t give me a chance when I told her what happened instead, she pushed me to
him and told me men where like that and I needed to give him a chance. She convinced me to get
back with him and even though my instincts warned me not to, I went ahead dating him.
The second blow am so sure you are aware as I ran to you this time.
………………………….
I watched her sigh and pause making me remember the time she came to me one evening, I just
came back from having some funny with the guys from the force and I was just getting home.
Before I could open the door I saw her seated beside the entrance her face wet with tears.
My heart raced seeing her that sad, even though I was a bit drunk I was sober enough to see she
was hurting.
“Cleo! What are you doing here?” I asked her squatting before her.
“Why didn’t you tell me your friend has a child with another woman?” she looked at me.
“What? Who told you that? , I mean “
“Don’t lie to me Theo, I know Cedrick has a child with another woman, she just gave birth a month
ago. What kind of a friend are you that you do not advice each other on good morals?” she shook
her head.
I was speechless. I knew Cedrick had issues with girls but he never told me that issue of
impregnating a girl. I had to try defend him again, but this time with luck of facts from him I was
stuck.
“Listen Cleo, am sure there is a mistake somewhere. Cedrick would never do that to you. That guy
is in love with you and am sure there is a misunderstanding somewhere” I tried to comfort her but
she was too upset to calm down.
“Okey, why don’t you come in the house and we talk about this” I spoke softly holding her hand.
She wore a slim fit short dress and some pumps, her braids neatly done and her face was cute as
always. In my state, I stared at her longer than I had intended, my mind playing games with me.
Clearing my throat I handed her some water but she declined,
“I want something strong to calm my nerves” she whispered seriously.
“But Cleopatra, you do not drink alcohol”
“I do now, can you just give me the damn beer!” she spoke her voice high.
“Whoa! Calm down, I don’t like where this is going but I don’t think it’s a good idea you start
drinking” I protested and she stood up walking to the refrigerator and got the wine I had stored
there. Without hesitation she opened the bottle and started gulping the contents like she was a pro
at drinking.
The first two gulps she chocked a bit and I ran to hold back the bottle from her but she pushed me
back. In surrender, I watched her drink till the bottle was almost half.
“My life sucks” she whispered after a while of silence in the room.
“Why is that?” I stood a few steps from her watching her drink herself till she was drunk.
“My mother has become this bitch sleeping around with different men, from the time her and my
dad divorced she has been going out with one man after another, she is no longer the woman I
knew. She never talks about her and Dad and what happened between them. I don’t understand
why she seems so desperate, she has a good job and all but eish” she paused shaking her head.
I couldn’t get to comment about her mother and honesty I didn’t know what to tell her. Several
times I had met her mother with different men but I never thought it was in my place to judge her.
“I truly hoped that Cedrick would love me for real and chose me. Even when it hurts so much I still
feel I love him you know?” she chuckled nodding her head.
“He loves you Cleo, he does no wonder he is still with you all these years. Maybe he just loses it
sometimes, you know sometimes us guys tend to be, what can I say? Childish” I smiled trying to
make her understand even though I knew that was the least kind of advice she needed. To hear
men are bound to hurt women because they are childish.
“Hmm, I know you will always defend him because he is your friend. But that jerk is too much, he
sleeps with everyone he sees in a skirt. You know since the time I caught him with Tasila, it has
been one girl after another. I have no idea why I keep myself in this relationship” she sighed
shaking her head and drunk from the wine bottle again.
This time I ran to her and got it from her hands.
“You have had enough Cleo. Let me call Cedrick to take you home now, we will talk about this
tomorrow” I tried to help her up to the couch. She smiled in my face
“Why is it that good guys like you are so hard to find?” she burped laughing a little but deliberately
rubbing her hands in my head.
“Well, I don’t know what you mean good guys but I will set you on the couch till Cedrick comes to
pick you up” I pulled her to the couch.
“No, I don’t want to see him today. Please don’t call him Theo please I beg you” she pleaded
holding my hand when I tried to stand up.
“Okey then, let me call your mother, you are so drunk you cannot go back home alone like this”
“Can I stay with you tonight?” she asked this time sitting up and facing me.
I knew my weakness with her even when I never got to admit it to anyone. I was not so
comfortable being that close to her and she was making it so hard by pushing herself so close to
me. She leaned her head on my shoulder.
“Cleo” I cleared my throat patting her hand as I thought she had fallen asleep.
“Theo, do you love me?” she had asked making me astound by her question.
“What, umm no, I mean what makes you ask that?” I responded trying to push myself far from her
but she pulled my hand.
“Please do not act like that with me. I cannot stand you treating me like am some trash. Just tell
me the truth” she sat up looking at my face.
“Um, I think you had too much to drink, come on lets go you sleep in the other bedroom it’s late” I
tried to change the subject but she shook her head.
“Why? Why do you hate me then? Am I not good enough for you?” she asked looking into my
eyes even if I knew she was drunk I felt uncomfortable.
“you and my friend are together, you just told me you loved him, I don’t understand why you need
another man`s approval” I managed to argue
“You know the truth is that I first loved you before I got with Cedrick, if only you had the courage to
tell me the truth this would not be happening to me. Am I not beautiful enough for you huh?” she
went on this time her hands wrapped around my face.
“You are so beautiful and am sure the desire of every man Cleo. Don’t ever think otherwise, if that
jerk is not treating you as you deserve it’s because he is a fool.” I responded without realizing how
much I was giving myself away.
Before I knew it she was so close to me planting a kiss on my lips. The taste of the wine she had
taken touching my lips her soft breaths making me want to cling more to her. I was not doing
anything to stop her, honestly i loved the idea of being like that even when my voice inside was
shouting for me to stay away. Without a second thought I held her closer to me kissing her back
strongly.
I heard her moan in pleasure and God, the sound of her voice made my mind go wild. She pushed
me down and I allowed her to get on top of me not breaking from the kiss. Things got out of hand
as she pulled up her shirt.
“Make me yours Theo, that bastard does not deserve to be my first” she whispered and I swear I
was so close to losing it, the temptation to make the girl I always dreamed about her first made me
want more of her but the inner soft voice warned me sternly of the mistake I was about to make.
“Stop it!” I yelled pushing her back and standing up panting.
“Stop it Cleopatra. We cannot betray my friend like this. I love him and we come a long way” I held
my head walking around.
“To answer your question, no. I don’t love you. Now can I call someone to take you home?”
She stared at me and shook her head.
“You are a coward, you keep pushing me to that idiot even when you know well that you are the
one that truly love me” she spat angrily.
“It doesn’t matter how I feel now does it? My feelings are not important here. Please can you leave
now?” I asked her without looking at her face. I was so afraid seeing her face would weaken me
further.
“You want me to leave your house at 1am?” she asked placing her both legs on the couch.
“Well, sir, I may suck to you but believe me am not on a suicide mission, so no, am not leaving till
its safe outside” she closed her eyes and in an instant she was asleep.
“Oh God, what am I doing?” I hit my head confused.
[21/07, 09:15] Martin Martino: Silently_Deep_5

The following morning i woke up with the sound of my phone ringing. Rubbing my eyes before
grabbing it from the table, I took a look at the caller Id and saw it was Cedrick
"Hey buddy!" I responded
"Theo am in shit!" He spoke I could hear his voice panicking.
"You my friend are always in trouble, what is wrong with you? You need to grow up man" I scolded
him even before he told me what trouble he was in, knowing exactly what he was going to tell me.
It was always his habit of calling me Whenever he messed up things with Cleo.
"Are you going to hear me out or not?" He answered back with a deep sigh.
"Yeah I already know, when were you going to tell me you got another girl preganant, come on
man this is going beyond boundaries, I mean you could not even use protection?"
"I see she told you already" he spoke in a calm voice.
"Yeah she did, infact I found her wasted at my door step last night. She is sleeping in the other
room right as we speak"
"What? She came there? I went to look for her at her house last night and the mother told me she
was out. Oh man this girl is so damn too much, it's just some cry baby why is she making a big
fuss out of this?" Cedrick went on.
"You know what, am getting tired of you doing this man. Just come over and get your girl to her
house, I need to go for work now" I scolded him cutting the call.

"What a jerk!" I shook my head going to take a bath. By the time I walked into the kitchen, Cleo
was still in the spare bedroom. I didn't want to disturb her so I went on having a hot cup of coffee.
Cedrick walked in a few minutes later clad in a pair of black jeans and a gray t shirt, looking as
elegant as he always did. Sometimes I could not help feel jealousy of the guy. He had everything,
the fame, the statue, and ofcourse the obvious one, an attraction to beutiful women.
I wondered why he had to pick on Celopatara though, in my own opinion he never loved her as
much.
"You good?" He scratched his back of the head standing next to me.
"Yeah sure, she is in the other room." I sighed standing up.
"Wait Theo!" He held my hand seeing I was stepping away.
"What did she say? How come she spent a night here with you?" He asked and I nodded my head
with a grin.
"Hm. Are you jealousy of me now? " I asked folding my arms.
"You know, I dont get why you seem so pissed about this man. Cleo is my woman and I will do
anything I want with her. Why you acting like a jealousy boyfriend? " He remarked looking away.

"You son of..." I almost said but shook my head

"You know what? You are so damn right man, it's none of my damn business, do me a favour, you
both keep me out of your affairs, am so done !" I spat and walked away to my room.
"Oh man, come on, you know I didnt mean that, you are my brother and of all people in this world I
know you understand me better. Please, help me out here. She is probably heated right now and I
need your help. I made a mistake and I know that sucks bad, but I still need her. That girl there is
the woman I need for my wife. Help me make things right you know" he lowered his face standing
before me in my bedroom.
"Uhhh! Cedrick" I sighed shaking my head.
"Do you even love this girl or you just love the idea of her being your wife?" I asked him serious
this time.
"I love her enough to want her to be my wife man. Help me make things right" he smiled.
"I know you like this girl too and I trust your judgemnet" he giggled making a face at me.
"Tell you what, am going to propose to her today if she forgives me. She might help me grow you
know, she is the right person for me. You feel me right?" He smiled
"Whatever you want buddy, after all you always get what you want." I shrugged grabbing my
phone.
"Well shall we?" He chuckled indicating for me to take him to the room Cleopatra was sleeping in.
That day I had to srand in between them trying to get them reconciled. I could see Cleo shooting
her eyes at me in a way that told me she didn't want me to intervene but I insisted.
There In front of me Cedrick brought out a very expensive Gold ring and proposed to marry her.
She accepted the proposal and I had left the room leaving them embracing each other. My heart
felt heavy, I could feel myself getting so jealous so I had to move away.
Just as I was getting to the door outside, she came to me.
"Theo!" She called my name and I turned to look at her face.
"What?" I responded my voice not so pleasant and I cared less what she was going to think.
"Thank you for last night, I mean the hositpitallity, I know I was quiet drunk and if I did anything
stupid please forgive me. " she held her palms together as she spoke.
"You don't remember?" I asked her
"Did I?" She raised her eyes.
"Ofcourse not. Just make sure you don't drink again." I shrugged and turned to go.
"So that's it, you won't speak to me about ..."
"About what exactly?" I sharply responded.
"Well, nothing, am sorry, I should probably let you go for work." She sighed and I walked out not
wanting to spend another minute with her. I could hear Cedrick speaking on his phone from the
other room and I realised she took the opportunity to come talk to me.
..............

"Hm that silence means you recall the events of that day so well" Cleopatra spoke making me look
at her realising I had gone quiet on her.
"Yeah I do so what?" I sighed dismissingly.
"You do huh? Now you realise what I meant you where part to blame in the turn out of my life. "
She looked at me accusingly.
"Is that what you think? I helped two people in love to get together and I become the cause of their
misfortunes, is that what you call that?" I shook my head.

"My God Theo, you have always been hard headed. I wanted so many times for you to look at me
differently, If only you had given me hope I could have not married Cedrick. " She giggled sadly.

"Hmm" I murmured shifting.

"My hand is getting numb, can we finish this conversation and get to the actual thing already. I
need to get back to work and you are supposed to be in police custody" I remarked ignoring her
shooting stares at me.

"He married me because he loved the idea of being with me, he wanted to prove that he could get
any woman he wanted. He never loved me and from time to time he brought women in the house.
Spitting it in my face that he was a man and could do whatever he wanted in his house.
Can you believe that idiot brought his girlfriend's including that bitch Tasila to lay her in our
matrimonial bed. ?" She shook her head this time I noticed her eyes were watery.
"I wanted It to work. I never wanted history to repaet itself. I wanted to change my mother's record
of divorce and make it work.
Day and night I prayed that God would help my husband change. I had no where else to run to. To
the outside people we were perfect . But I was dying inside. Cedrick tortured me in all possible
ways.
He called me names, he told me in my face I was not what he had expected and that i sucked in
bed.
One day I remember I came home from the hospital with a report I was preganant.
I had hoped with everything in me that a child would help change him. I thought, well, God will
soften his heart and he would look at me differently but no, he became worse.
"I am not even sure that bastard you carrying there is mine. I barely lay my hands on you" he
yelled in my face..
You have no idea how much I needed him to love me back. I was determined to stay by him and
followed some elders advice that one day he would change.
I was 6 months preganat when he drove back home with a woman one day. I swear I wanted to
contain it but I couldn't.
I confronted him and slapped the girl."

She paused tears falling down her eyes I felt so sorry for her. I had not in all the years they were
married, thought that was happening to her. Cedrick always told me that they were okey. I had an
idea of his multiple girl friends but to the extent of talking them to his house, well that came as a
blow.

"Am sorry" I managed to say looking at Cleo sobbing.

"He started beating me, he ignored my cry for him to stop. " She stammered still crying.
"He beat me up till I started bleeding. My life was never the same since that day. He made me
lose my only source of hope." She sniffed on and grabbed a glass of wine.
"You know what" she sighed making a face at me.
"The doctor told me I was carrying twins. I lost my babies and I felt my inside turn dark. From that
day I never spoke a word to him. He came to the hospital apologising that he was drunk and didnt
know what got into him. He bought me a car as a way I apologising but nothing made sense to
me. I was so so angry, I was bitter and coloured in hate. Hate for the man that since I was young, I
had hoped would change for me. I hated all the girls he flashed in my face especially that Lucy
and Tasila. I hated them more everyday and I started drinking beer. Hoping when I was drunk my
pain would go away but it never did.
My bitterness grew to the extent that I would stand by the door way waiting for Cedrick to come
home.
Standing in the door way I would stare at him walk in without saying a word to him.
"Why do you do that? You have no idea how creepy you look standing and staring at me like you
will kill" he remarked one day and I smiled inside.
"That's it" I nodded my head sitting back in the couch
"Yeah, you have done enough damage you bastartd and you have the balls to call me creepy.
Well, your wish is my command" I sighed and from then I started planning on how i was going to
eliminate him. "
She paused.

"No matter what he did you had no right to take his life Cleo, you could have just left him. " I shook
my head
"Left him? Are you kidding me? I was not going to leave a man that left me barren, you have to
undetstand I was told I would never concieve again because my womb was damanged. No, I was
not going to leave him so that he would simply marry another woman and live on happily like
nothing happened. " She spat her voice so cold.
I was silent, now beginning to understand partially what caused her to become so bitter and full of
hate. I was lost of words. For a moment I felt responsible for her pain and I could not find words to
tell her. I folded my legs closer to myself waiting for her to tell me what happened afterwards.
[21/07, 09:15] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_6

Cleo continues…..
I attempted to stab him to death whilst he was asleep, seeing his calm face as he lay there made
me withdraw. I wished he was always that calm. I sat beside him holding his face and crying
myself out. For almost half an hour he slept peacefully and I kept smiling to myself at how cute he
was.
He woke up later on with a start seeing me watch him in his sleep.
“What the hell!” he stunned sitting up.
“What do you think you are doing? You act so creepy the past days and I wonder if you are okey
up your head” he yelled at me gulping his stinking beer breath on to my face. I held my nose for a
second and he crawled out of bed.
“I was telling your mother how pathetic you have become of late, she looks far much better than
you “he remarked
“You were telling my mother? Since when do you two talk?” I stood up following him.
“Um... “he looked at me murmuring like someone who was caught doing something wrong.
“Yeah, I talked to her last week, I had to tell her what has been going on in this house, it was a
stupid accident for crying out loud” he snapped walking away to the bathroom.
“A stupid accident that lost me my sons you bastard!” I screamed following him still.
“You will regret this you know” I pointed at him and I was not bluffing, my insides knew I was being
so damn serious.
“You know what your problem is?” he turned to face me.
“You lack self-confidence, you are so wasted you act desperate, you think I didn’t know about your
stupid fantasy of having kids to lure me to yourself? Well, I got news for you, am so glad you lost
the pregnancy, I didn’t ask you to give me kids, I already have one and you know that I never
intended to have any more kids. Look at me, am the only child of mom and dad and am cool with
it. I also wanted one child, but no, you were too naïve to get that through your dumb head! You
disgust me!” he yelled and before he could move away, with all the strength in me pushed him to
the wall. I wanted him to die right that minute.
Seeing he was slowly waking up from his unconsciousness, I quickly went over him pushing his
head further to the wall again and again with my teeth gritted. If I say I didn’t have clear intent to
kill I will lie to you Theo. I truly wanted him dead, I thought with his death would come my relief
from all the horrible pains he had caused me.
Later on realizing he was not moving, I went out of my house and spend the night at my mother`s
house. I called some guys to mess up the house for it to look like a robbery and they got away with
his car and other valuable things from the house.
………………………
I was speechless, I looked at her now guzzling the wine rapidly as though she was trying to drown
the past down to her stomach.
“You killed him with pure hatred” I remarked lost of words.
“Yeah I did, and you know what? Even though I regret what I did a little bit, am glad the world is
less a bad man. That fool had it coming, he lived his life like everything depended on him, so” she
shrugged causally going to sit back on her bed.
“so all these months you made me look for Cedrick`s killer knowing so well you did it?” I lowered
my eyes asking her.
“Yeah I did, I wanted you to suffer too, you failed me too. I had to kill Lucy because she discovered
the truth somehow, it slipped out of my mouth one time when I met her in town and she wanted to
play smart with me.
“You will die like that bastard too” I had told her off and she started accusing me of murdering him.
Telling me she was aware of how bizarre I acted towards my husband a few weeks before he
died.
I planned for her death too and as for Tasila, that bitch had it coming the moment she started
sleeping with my man” she chuckled seriously talking like it was all a game.
I couldn’t find anything to say. I just started recalling every event that came after Cedrick was
discovered murdered.

“Theo!” Mwila had called me from the office.

“You have to come with me there has been an incident reported at Mr. Kalonde’s resident” he
announced looking a bit sad.
“What happened? Is Cedrick and Cloe okey?’ I asked him closing back the file i was studying for
some trafficking case.
“I think is best we go, so you see for yourself” Mwila sighed.
I was almost running to my car, speeding off, I rushed to the house and by the time I was getting
there, other officers had the house flooded and busy doing their job getting pictures of the scene. I
was told it was a robbery and the man was killed.
“the woman got saved cause she wasn’t home last night as this happened.” The officer who was
explaining things to me added.
With force I pushed myself through the people around and my heart stopped seeing Cedrick in a
downpour of blood his head almost torn into pieces, there was blood all over the bathroom tab.
descending back on the floor, I held my head.
“Oh God! “ I let a scream.
“Who did this?” I asked looking at our boss staring on too.
“I am made to understand he was your friend” he responded
“Yeah, this guy was more than that he was like a brother to me man, I will find whoever did this to
him!” I yelled angrily.
“No, I will assign this to others it’s too personal for you and ”
He could not finish his sentence and I cut him short.
“Am the best person to do it Sir, please give me the chance to find the person who murdered my
friend in cold blood” I pleaded standing closer to him.
At the moment my eyes caught a glimpse of Cleo sitting down next to her bed looking so
devastated.
“Excuse me” I walked away and rushed to Cleo, upon seeing me she cried out loudly coming into
my hold. I held her telling her how horrible it was and comforting her I would find the killer.
“I promise you I will find whoever did this, I know whoever did it is out there and as long as I live, I
will hunt him or them till I catch them.” I looked at her wiping her tears.
“You have to find him please, my husband…. My husband is gone, how am I going to live without
him.” She sobbed making me shed tears too.
It never crossed my mind to think she was the one who killed him. She always called me
sometimes to stay with her. I knew she was finding comfort in me and somehow I felt obliged to be
there for her. I vowed to take care of her. Now hearing her confess she killed him left me in shock I
didn’t know what to think anymore.
“You really have let me down Cleo, am sorry you had to go through so much pain but it’s my duty
to take you into custody” I looked up at her face.
“How are you going to do that given you are the one on cuffs right now.” She shrugged pulling her
mouth on me.
“Mwila has obviously been looking for me, as we speak am sure he is on his way here. Come on,
end this madness once and for all Cleopatra, you have no way out” I told her hoping she would
listen to me.
“You love me still don’t you? You care what will happen to me cause you still have feelings for me”
she responded instead moving closer to me.
“Will you stop already, am tired of this haa, just hand me the keys” I sharply spoke but she
laughed slowly coming on to me.
In an instance I grabbed her leg and pulled her towards me.
“What now?” she laughed looking at me as I pinned her down with my legs.
“Give me the keys now Cleo!” I tried to yell
“Say the truth man, you want me this close just admit it” she smiled teasing my chest with her free
hand.
“Hand me the keys Cleo. Am serious, does this look like a joke to you?”
She struggled to pull her other hand lose and when she did, she got the chance touching my most
sensitive parts making me feel vulnerable. She took advantage of the fact that I still was attracted
to her. During the investigations I realized I started becoming comfortable with her, if she had not
told me that day she murdered Cedrick I could have lost myself to her. She was the kind of woman
with that effect on me.
In years I failed to find a woman to marry, even though I never agreed with anyone pointing out I
loved Cleo, I defended my actions to not finding the right woman.
Twisting the event from my advantage to grip her till she surrendered the keys, I found myself
vulnerably kissing her back, the touch and feel of her wine tasting lips and soft moans as she
worked her way through my body left me defenseless.
“yeah, I want you to never forget this moment my love, this body could have been yours, if only
you gave me a chance, she leaned forward going down my mid legs and doing what I cannot put
in words to my man. I was panting wanting more of her and whatever she was doing on me. I
closed my eyes enjoying the moment when we heard a car pulling over from outside.
She quickly went to check who it was and I heard her curse as she grabbed a small bag she had
packed from the closet.
“I am not going to jail Theo! Am not!” she looked at me and ran out leaving me panting like an
idiot.
“Cleo! Cleopatra! Come back here dammit!” I shouted trying to pull myself loose.
“You are making things worse for yourself, come back I will help you!” I yelled the more but it was
silent, she was gone.
[21/07, 09:15] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_7

"Theo!" Mwila called out running up the stairs I could hear his feet as he approached.
"Am here!" I responded fastening my zip which Cleo left open.
"What the Fu.....!" He sighs loudly seeing me cuffed to the side cabinet.
"How did this happen my friend?" He asked searching for the keys from his pockets.
"Can you just get this thing off my hands first?" I looked up at him.
"Whoo! Don't tell me that crazy woman did this to you." He giggled as he clicked the lock from the
cuffs.
"Yeah, she is crazy for sure. She just confessed she murdered her husband. She is the killer we
have been looking for" I explained rubbing my arm where the cuffs had left a mark.
"But how did you know? I figured it out after the IT guy told me the address where the pics came
from" He asked seriously looking around the room seeing a bottle of wine with a little contents on
the floor and a glass besides it.
"I put the pieces together when she called me earlier. I was coming to check on her and confirm
my theory, then she came out with blood stains on her hands. She somehow manged to get me
cuffed here and then told me everything" I explained.
"Hm" was all Mwila did.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked walking in front of him.
"Am just curious, how did a woman manage to get you from down the stairs upto her room.
Cuffed you and sat down telling you all that? then I come here she is gone?" He raised his
suspicious eyes at me.
"Um, well, I told you she hit me on the head and disarmed me somehow" I stammered realising
how naive that sounded.
"Oh man, I couldn't believe she was capable of murdering a human being. This whoe thing is
disheartening" I remarked as we went on searching the house.
"Listen to me Theo, you are my partner and I really love you. This girl spolied your mind a long
time ago and as much as you live with this oppsession towards her, you will never get justice for
Cedrick. You cannot tell me a woman overpowered you and managed to disarm you, you have
delt with far more dangerous criminals and never was there an incident you allowed someone get
your gun man. You have to stay focused am sure the boss will fry you if he comes to know that
you had the killer and let her go free." He scolded me and i knew there was absolute truth to what
he was saying.
"This will cost you your job Theo, just look at you, your belt is still open I will not ask how that
happened since you were tied up" he shrugged shaking his head.
Realising my belt was still loose I quickly fastened it

"It's not what you think man, Cleo has gone nuts and...."
"Dammit! Man, she has you in her grip and she knows that. Am going to tell the boss to get you off
this case man, this is it. I will not tell him the details of today but I will ask he gives me another
partner. I see you are not fit for this case Theo" he mentioned seriously.
"No, no, you can't do that man please, just give me a chance to make things right Mwila. She
manged to fool me this time but I won't allow that again. I know her and I can help bring her in,
please" I held my hands together pleading with him as we stood in the living room.
"No, if you recall so well I told you I suspected something was off with that woman and like always
you defended her. You told me I was crazy for thinking she could have a hand in her husband's
death, here we now" he pointed at me.

"Okay, please, I appreciate you won't tell the boss about today but please, don't push me off the
case. I need to do this to clear my conscious and help get justice for the person I knew almost my
whole life and those two women. You are my friend Mwila, come on don't be too hard on me" I
held his shoulder making him look at me.
He sighed shaking his head.
"One silly mistake and am telling the boss everything man, am so damn serious" he warned.
"Now, where is the body?" He asked
"What body?" I asked quiet lost
"The body of the woman who was killed today, the photos?" He shook his head.
"Yeah, the body!" I let a shout realising I forgot the purpose of my going to see Cleo.
"You are so wasted you know that? You should look at yourself in the mirror and see how pathetic
that woman makes you look" he snapped.
I could not agree with him more, he was right, I felt wasted, my mind was clouded with thoughts of
Cleo, but I had to stay light headed for me to acomplish the mission of serving Justice.
We started walking and searching around the house trying to find the body of Tasila.
"I don't think she had enough time to move the body from here " I spoke after some time of
searching in vain.
"I called the others, they should me on their way to get more information around the house.
Meantime, let's check outside too. You are right, she couldn't have manged to move the body in
such a short period especially her being a woman" Mwila responded.
"Tell me everything she said and what happened when you got here" he asked looking back at me
as we walked outside.
"But.."
"Am not telling it to anyone else, a have already agreed on telling a fake story to cover you up, but
I need to know the entire truth if we will have to catch her" he stared at me.
"Yeah sure man, she..." I went on explaining all the details to him.

"Hey! Here! " I called Mwila out after we split.

In the garrage I found Tasila's body tied to a chair with lots of cuts on her body.
"God, she is a damn blood killer!" Mwila whistled seeing how mutilated the body was.
"What the hell was this woman doing to this poor lady?" Mwila asked no one in particular. I
couldn't say a word. Right that moment I realised I was a fool to feel sorry for Cleo, she had
become a cold killer. I could see from the way the body before us was, tied to a chair with cuts all
over. A sharp knife thrown down the floor.
"Cleo Cleo! What are you?" I whispered as we checked the area.
The guys from forensics and other departments were all over the scene as we explained the
planned story of how I figured Cleo murdered her husband.
The media guys where all over too taking the photos and asking questions.

"Detective Theodore Simbule! Can you tell us more about this woman. We are meant to believe
she was your best friend's wife and your friend too." A reporter asked me as they had the camera
pointed at me.
I wanted to shove her away but then I realised I could use the media to communicate with Cleo.
Knowing her, she was probably tuned in the media to watch what was going on.
"Yeah, you are right Cedrick was more than a friend to me, I regarded his wife as family and
whatever happened for her to murder her husband and this woman was not the right thing to do. I
will do anything within my powers to get justice. That is what I signed for in this job. I will find her,
no matter how much she hides, I will find her" I added with a tone of certainty looking straight at
the camera.
[21/07, 09:15] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_8
2 months later….

I couldn't sleep, I walked to the backyard, pulled a chair and sat down my face lifted up. A bottle of
a cold beer in my hands
The images of Cedrick's body smashed to the wall with blood all over, the body of Lucy, tied to a
tree in the bushes and Tasila mutilated whilst tied to a chair going round my head.
Drinking rapidly the cold beer, I let its scotch burn my gullet in the hope it's effect would awake me
from what I was hoping could be a dream.
"Dammit Cleo!" I whispered to myself. Feeling so overburdened by everything.

My boss, didn't like the fact that I of all people was not able to tell Cleo was the killer after all the
past months. He personally pointed out I was supposed to know earlier given I had told him I knew
Cleo and Cedrick better.
I was lost in thoughts when my phone rung.
"Hey man, where are you?" Came Mwila's voice from the other end.
"At my Place, why?" I responded without much interest.
"Come over to the club"
"Oh man, I don't feel like driving. Am a bit tipsy, been drinking for a while so, I bet I will pass “I
declined
“You have to take a break off this case my friend, come on Theo come here” he insisted.
“Okey, give me some few minutes I will join you” I placed down the bottle which was in my hands
and walked to my car.
Mwila and some other guys had ordered some rounds, he walked towards me the moment I
entered the club.
“Hey! Good to see you, come on there is something for everyone here” he pulled my hand. The
whole time as we drunk my mind was somewhere else. I needed a distraction I knew that but the
drinking and chats with the guys didn’t seem like what I needed. I sneaked out after an hour and
went home to sleep.
The following morning I woke up with a bad hangover, I took a cold shower and walked outside to
take some fresh air with my towel wrapped around me. Sitting on the door step I looked ahead of
the yard facing the road side.
I was lost in thoughts when I saw a woman waving at me. I tried to ignore her thinking she was
referring to someone else but when she shouted her greetings to me, I knew she was actually
talking to me.
“Can I help you?” I asked standing up from where I sat getting closer to the wired fence to talk to
her.
“Yes sir, am looking for some Job to do” she responded in a low vulnerable tone.
“Hm. I don’t think I have anything for you my dear sorry” I responded without second thoughts.
“Anything I can do sir, please, I have nowhere to go, my husband divorced me and went away with
everything and I have no family to run to. I can do anything sir, sweeping your yard, cleaning your
house, washing or anything just to earn a little money to buy myself something to eat, please Sir,
have mercy” she pleaded.
My heart went out to her. I felt I needed to help her and so I ushered her in.
“You can help clean my house, there are some dirty clothes in the washing basket too.” I indicated
to her. It being a weekend, I went back to my room watching some soccer on the bedroom TV.
After an hour or so, I heard a soft knock on my door.
“Yes!” I turned down the volume and walked to the door.
“I have finished sir and I have served you breakfast too” she announced.
“Breakfast?” I asked surprised cause I could not recall telling her to make me breakfast.
“Am sorry, I just figured you must be hungry and so since I saw the food when I was working on
the dirty plates, I thought I should help make breakfast” she quickly explained almost going down
her knees.
“its okey, thank you I will come have it.” I exhaled dismissingly.
She didn’t move, it was like she wanted me to get to the kitchen that minute.
“Well, let’s eat” I sighed walking to the Kitchen. The sandwich she had made for me was delicious,
the bacon and salad added was just what I had longed for in some breakfast.
My mind went back to a few years back when I visited Cleo and Cedrick. She had made me a
similar sandwich and I loved it so much.
“Sir, are you okey?” she asked seeing I zoomed out lost in thoughts the sandwich in my hand.
“Yea, yea am okey, just remembered a friend of mine who made me a similar Sandwich years
back. Where did you learn to do this?” I asked her looking at her calm face.
I saw her smile, and for the first time that day, I took my time checking out her face and body, she
was actually beautiful, a calm long face with a small black dot on top of her cheek. She was of a
medium height and her figure great. Brushing off the stupid ideas of checking a vulnerable woman,
I cleared my throat.
“I used to work as a house worker for some rich family for a good number of years but they moved
to another city so now I have no job “She smiled.
“I learnt how to cook from there sir” she added looking down, I noticed she seemed shy.
“I see, well thank you for the food and the cleaning, I will just get you your money” I stood up and
walked to my room to get her the money.
“Excuse me sir, can I be coming to help you with the house work? I mean if you don’t mind. “She
giggled shyly.
“Yeah why not” I shrugged casually watching her as she stood by the door almost leaving.
“By the way I didn’t get your name” I smiled
“Am Natalie sir” she responded.
“Well Natalie good to know you and thanks for the works and the food” I smiled and watched her
leave.
“hm” I murmured seeing how she was shaking her soft behind, if I knew her well, I would say she
was leading me on.
A week later, she came back, on a weekend again. I assigned her the chores and like she did
earlier she cleaned up and cooked my lunch before leaving. The following weekend she showed
up in the same manner.
“Tell me about this newly found maid my friend” Mwila asked me as we had our lunch one
afternoon.
“She is cool man, she works so hard just see how neat my house has become” I pointed around
as we were seated in my kitchen having lunch.
“yeah I noticed, though I wonder what`s with praising her all the time man, don’t tell me you
digging a maid huh?” he laughed shaking his head at me.
“um no it`s not that, just that I feel for her man, she seems lonely, from the stories she told me of
her ex-husband, it’s like she has had it the hard way you know. Am just saying though nothing
more to that but compassion” I smiled and Mwila hit my shoulder playfully.
“Compassion it is!” he teased and right that minute my phone rung.
“Yes boss!” I responded immediately I picked it up.
“They found Cleopatra’s body” he announced and I dropped the plate I was holding in my hand
standing up.
“What’s that? “ I asked just to be sure I heard him right.
“Yeah, she is dead Theo, they found her body hanging on a tree and I need you and your partner
to go check out the site” he added
I was powerless, I sat down slowly my mind confused.
“What is it man, you look pale” Mwila asked standing up close to me.
She killed herself” I told him.
“Who? Who killed herself Theo?” he asked shaking my shoulders.
“Cleopatra was found hanging on a tree and the boss wants us to go check the site.” I explained to
him.
“Oh that woman, what the hell is wrong with her? We have been running around to get her in
months and she turns out dead? This doesn’t make sense at all” he shook his head.
Right that minute we took off and we confirmed Cleopatra had hanged herself. Close to the dead
body was a note where she asked for my forgiveness and said she wanted to rest as her
conscious was haunting her day and night.
I turned her around just to make sure I was seeing the right person, it was her, in her beautiful face
as though she was just sleeping.
“I don’t understand this too Mwila” I spoke after coming out of the shock.
“Why did she have to kill herself after running around for months? I mean what’s the point of
running if she knew she was going to kill herself? Why now? She could have done this some time
back. Why now” I wondered trying to make sense out of everything.
“Well. Karma maybe, she got tired and her conscious, like she has indicated in the note was on to
her till she gave up” he sighed
“For some reason I don’t believe that Mwila, there is more to her death and I will find out what it is”
I answered.
[21/07, 09:15] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_9

"You look sad Sir, is anything the matter?" Natalie asked as I sat silently in the couch.
That was a day Cleo was to be burried and even though i tried to hide how i really felt it was
evident I was hurting inside.
Love can be crazy sometimes, here I was feeling sad for the woman that i knew so well was crazy
in the head. In all honesty I had wished i caught her and place her in prison. This might sound
crazy but I loved her that much. I hoped to be seeing her even from afar. Now that she was gone
for good I couldn't help but feel bad.

My suspicions of foul play were cleared as the DNA test comfimed the woman was Cleo, her
mother was so devasted at the loss of her only child and all back ground Check pointed towards
suicide.
Well, I figured it was time to let go of my obsession with her. I had loved her since high school and
now I hoped to start leaving my life. Just maybe I would find happiness.
"Sir are you okey?" Natalie patted my hand shaking me off my sad thoughts.
"Yeah, am fine, am okey" I sighed.
"This person who died must be special to you huh?" She Asked her eyes with compassion.
"I lost a dear one once, I can relate to your pain. " She added after a moment of silence from me.
"Hmm whom did you lose?" I asked her avoiding to answer her initial question.
"My father and of course my husband. It is quiet weired that after what he did to me I still feel sad
about everything. " She sighed sadly.

"Well, I got to go for that funeral now, are you done? Maybe can drop you at your house?" I asked
standing up.
"That is very kind of you sir, let me just get my small bag" she smiled standing up.
Clad in a slim fitting cotton dress in black and some white pumps. Her dress code made me look
at her twice. She seemed well dressed for a maid but I figured she was spending most of the
money I used to pay her to buy herself clothes.
Like to answer my unasked questions, she looked at me as she sat in the front seat of my car.
"I started a little business at home. I have hired a boy to sell some fruits for me whilst I work
around. I had to keep myself up headed you know" she smiled looking ahead the road.
"Natalie?" I called her looking at her side face as she kept on the road ahead.
"Sir?" Said turned to look at me and quickly looked away.
"Would you love to come stay with me?" I asked without thinking twice about my words. What I
actually intended to say was that she was beautiful, but I don't know where it came from I just
found myself inviting her to stay with me.
"What?" She asked shocked herself.
"Oh, I mean can you become a full time worker and stay by my house, you know instead of you
moving to and from every weakened. I just thought that maybe you would love to become, you
know, full time..."
"I will be honoured sir" she cut my stammering short.
"I would really love to work a full time Job sir" she shly responded looking down her fingers.
"Well, thanks." I smiled nodding my head.
"So when you are ready you can come over the house." I added as I dropped her off some road in
one of the shanty compounds in Lusaka.
"Theo, what are you doing? " I hit my head a little bit as I drove away
I looked in the side mirror and saw her standing there waving sheepishly at me.
I hooted just to not make her feel awkward waving at a car.
The burrial for Cleo attracted some social media guys and a few spectators who wanted to confirm
The woman who killed her husband and friends was dead.
I walked to the side where her mother was seated with her friends and a few family members
crying.
"Am sorry for your loss mam" I whispered.
She looked at me and wiped her tears with a soft hank.
"You should have saved my daughter Theo, you had the power to do so but you threw her away
when she needed you the most" she shook her head at me.
".sorry but what was it I was supposed to do to help your daughter? She killed my friend and went
into fugitive. Please do not put this on me her own guilty conscious killed her. " I responded
calmly.

"I hope you are happy now, I lost my only child and the man who could have helped save her life
seems so at easy with everything" she whsipered back at me.

I didn't want to pick up some argument with her so I slowly walked away from her and stood at a
distance watching as they lowered Cleo's body into the grave. I could not stay to hear or see the
rest of the burial procession. I went back home and drunk myself to sleep.
The following morning i stayed in bed longer than usual. I just made a few calls to some guys and
watched some documentaries.
The vibration on my phone made me turn around to pick the phone that I had plugged into the
charger.
"Helo" I responded
"Helo Sir!" I heard her calm voice on the other end.
"Natalie" I sighed holding my head with my free hand.
"Yes Sir, I wanted to find out if I can come today." She spoke.
"Yeah sure. In fact let me come pick you up, is that okey?" I asked trying to sound as mature as
possible. I couldn't have her thinking I was excited she was coming to live with me.

I walked to her house and saw her photos stil hanging on the wall. I needed to help her carry the
bags and she invited me inside her two roomed house.
I saw her captured with a man, they were close enough I concluded that must have been her ex
husband.
In another, was an elderly woman.

"My mom" she pointed at the frame seeing I was watching it.
"Oh I see" i smiled
"I assume this one is your husband?"
"My ex husband" she corrected me quickly.
"Yeah sure. So where is he now?" I asked walking away.
"I don't really know but I heard he married another woman and they moved to Northen Province.
Honesty I don't like talking about him" she shrugged.
"It must really hurt I can't imagine your pain since I have never married myself." I remarked
"Hm. Really? Why not, I mean you Sir"
"Theodore, just call me Theodore or Theo as called by many" I smiled
She cleared her throat before contuining.
"I wanted to say you are a good looking man and doing fine too. I just wonder why you never
married?" She giggled
I laughed out a bit shaking my head before responding.
"Lets just say i never found the right person to marry" I shrugged.
"Well, but you loved someone" she asked immediately looking at me.
"Am sorry am being too ...." She quickly added cutting herself short and went on packing her
things.
"It's alright, if we are going to stay together we need to get to know each other somehow" I smiled
still standing this time close to the small window showing some house Behind with a woman
washing clothes whilst some small boys played on.
"Yeah I did love someone " I smiled looking away from the window to her face lifted up at me.
"You did huh?" She smiled blushing.
"Yeah, though it was never complete, she belonged to someone else. Let's just say it was
forbidden love and now it's all over. " I sighed my mind going back to thinking of Cleo.
"All over? You are giving up on love. My father used to say the only thing that endures forever is
love. That it can never die no matter how painful it can be to love someone" she smiled lifting her
bag and placing it by the door.

"Hm I guess he was right only that I can't have her now. She is gone" I sighed.
"I mean she died" I added seeing she eyed me like confused with what I meant.

"Oh am so sorry Sir, sorry Theo" she quickly corrected herself.

"Yep can we go now?" I asked wanting to change the subject.
She nodded her head and told me she was going to just get her cloths and had out everything in
one place so she would be visiting her house once in a while.
"This is my home and I know one day I might decide to come back here. " She smiled.
"Yeah? Sweet home" I sgrugged helping her with the bag as she locked the door with a moltice
lock.

For some reason i thought the looks on the faces of the women from the neighbours seemed
weired. They watched us till we were at the car.
"You not saying bye to any of them? They seem intrested in what you are doing " I remarked as I
got inside.
"I already said bye. That's how people behave here, am sure you and this car has amazed them
and they want to watch" she laughed.
"You are a rare gem" she added and looked at her. Smiling to myself before starting the engine.
"Rare gem hm" I murmered inside my head.
[21/07, 09:15] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_10
My days became brighter with the coming of Natalie into my home, I would walk in from work to
her smiles. Her warm welcome always made me look forward to going home. She made sure my
house was in order, her cooking would catch my nose the moment I would enter the yard.
“hey!’ she called me out as I got down the car, waving at me cheerfully she seemed to have good
news for me.
“Hey Natalie! How is it going here?, you look rather happy this afternoon” I smiled walking towards
her.
“Yeah. I couldn’t wait for you to get home, I made something special for your birthday” she smiled
carrying my work bag.
“My what?” I asked shocked she knew about my birthday. I barely remembered it myself, if not for
the wishes from my friends on Facebook I wouldn’t have remembered it.
“How did you know, I almost forgot it myself till I saw it on Facebook I asked following her inside.
She paused a little bit and sighed with a smile.
“Of course I saw it from Facebook too, I was browsing through just like you taught me and I came
across the notification and saw it”
“I see” I chuckled as she casually held my hand leading me to the Kitchen.
She had made a beautiful cake with my names engraved on it, “happy birthday Theo.”
“Wow!” I was amazed honestly. I had not expected such a gesture. With Natalie it was like having
a small package that every time you open you discover a little piece of treasure with her. She kept
doing things that always left me wondering where she had been, she seemed right in all senses
and I started developing some extra ordinary feelings for her.
“Come on, take a bite “she handed me a knife as I kept staring at her still wondering what I had
done to deserve such favors.
“Thank you” I managed to say moving closer to the table and grabbing the knife from her. She
smiled and moved to give me way to the cake.
“mmmmhm, so nice” I murmured my mouth full. She let a laugh at the way I was munching the
cake my mouth full and I set my eyes at her teeth, her laughter making me draw to her I could not
hesitate anymore.
“You welcome” she stopped smiling and looked at me now closing back her mouth and I kept
reading them imagining how they would taste on my lips. Before I could talk myself out of the
thoughts I pulled her closer to me and looked into her silent but deep eyes, every corner of them
was calling out to me and I felt my heart race a little bit.
She was actually making me feel nervous in a good way.
“Theo …” she whispered but I didn’t allow her to speak, the attraction between us was so obvious I
could see her wanting me too.
In a moment I was lost in her embrace and was kissing her passionately. There was something
about her kiss, but I never paid attention so much as to figure out what it was. I let myself enjoy
the moment with her.
She wrapped her hands around my neck and I held her waist pulling her closer to me.
There was no going back, I could feel the fire growing between us and her breath told me she was
enjoying every bit as much as I was too. I lifted her up to the table and pushed back the cake
making sure not to lose hold of her sweet lips my hands holding her tighter like I was afraid she
would escape.
“I love you” I found myself whispering between kisses. She didn’t respond but the change of tone
in her kiss made me realise she felt something similar. We were tangled getting to each other`s
inside skin and breathing heavily like we were breathing our last when Mwila bashed in without
knocking as was his habit.
“Oh Sorry!” he held his mouth with his hands stopping amid his steps and looking at us.
“What the…!” I almost cursed pulling myself away from Natalie my heart beating like it would rush
out my chest. Natalie smiled shyly looking down as she struggled to get down the table.
“Theo” Mwila indicated for me walking to my bedroom.
“What is going on here? I thought you said you are not into her man” he asked accusingly.
“I didn’t see it coming Mwila” I looked at him rather mad at him for snooping in at us.
“I mean, I think I love her” I shrugged
“You love your maid? Are you nuts?” he asked pushing me to the wall.
“Yeah I know what she is but I can’t help it. Besides you yourself have said how clever and sharp
she seems to be a mare maid. I can’t hold it anymore, she made a cake for my birthday” I
defended myself.
“She made a cake? Is that why you were almost banging her by the kitchen table? Cause she
made a damn cake? You don’t even like cakes for crying out loud” he shook his head.
“What the hell is wrong with you? I finally find someone I get to like and here you are acting like a
jealousy wife” I scolded him going to sit down.
“Listen to me Theo, I have heard of stories with these kind of people”
“What kind?” I cut him
“Maids, servants, whatever the hell you call them. Please go out there and find a decent educated
girl that you will get to know better, her background and all, not some random maid you picked
from the shanty” he remarked staring at me seriously.
“Am your friend Mwila and not your son, mind the way you utter your words at me, huh. What the
hell is wrong with you?” I clicked my tongue getting angry with him.
“Anyway, I have said my peace Theo, I have said my own ohhh!” he added in a Nigerian tone.
“What do you want?” I asked him without wanting him to waste my time anymore, my thoughts
were gone to the taste of Natalie`s lips and I couldn’t seem to get rid of her beautiful face filled with
desire.
“I forgot to get my file from your car. I need to work on it and I must have left it this afternoon when
we went to arrest that thief in town” he responded still shaking his head at me.
“Go get it then” I threw the keys at him.
He shrugged and walked out my room. I stood up pacing around waiting for him to return the keys.

“There you go, I hope you enjoy yourself since you already set your foot in the water” he laughed
and left.
I watched him as he drove away thinking about what he just told me.
“I am sorry I caused you that embarrassment” I heard Natalie`s voice as she stood in the door
way.
“Oh Natalie there is nothing to be sorry for, in fact I should apologize for coming on to you like that.
I mean I shouldn’t have, you know, take advantage of you like that” I told her and her face fall
down like she was not expecting me to be disappointed.
“Why not, because am just a simple Grade 12 and a maid?” she asked her tone sad.
“No, no, don’t even say that, what I mean is “ I paused not knowing what to say.
“I mean, I should have not done that out of the blues, we have stayed for over three months
together and you have been so good to me and helps me a lot. But I had no right to jump on top
you and kissing you like that without saying anything to you first” I explained myself feeling like an
idiot.
“I like you a lot too, am sorry I should have stopped you but I guess it’s a mistake that we both will
not repeat” she remarked and before I could respond she walked away.
I raised my hand and opened my mouth to say something but I dropped my hand back sighing
deeply.
“Theo!” I hit my forehead trying to think straight.
[21/07, 09:15] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_11
Henry…..
I looked outside the window watching the trees and bushes pass by as the bus moved. It was a
long trip to Lusaka I was taking after 2 years of being away from my home. I could not wait to see
my beautiful wife, the woman of my youth.
Even though I had not talked to her in months, I still believed she was right at home waiting for me.
Due to circumstances beyond my control I had stopped communicating with her. The time I was
leaving things were bad at home, I had lost my job from the Chinese shop I used to work. My wife
Shila used to work as a maid but as a man, I felt I was the one to provide for my family. I never
wanted her to suffer so I travelled to Northern Province where I started doing some fish business.
In a few months after I arrived I had lost my phone which cut all my connections with my dear wife.

Life was not easy for me back there, it was one misfortune after the other. I struggled to raise a
few monies from the fish sales but I was robbed just when I thought I was getting there. Stranded
in the river banks of Lake Mweru, I decided to start working for some fisher men to raise some
money to start up again.
Not that I never wanted to communicate with my wife, but after losing her line I completely stayed
in the dark. Here I was now, 2 years later, trusting my dear sweet wife was waiting for me in our
home in Chawama compound. My thoughts went back to the time I was leaving her.
“I don’t like this idea of going that far sweetie, you could find another job here in Lusaka. You do
not need to go back to your home town leaving me here all alone” she sat on a small still holding
her head as she complained.
“Listen to me Shila, I know this is hard for you, trust me I really want to stay by you but at the same
time I need to fight hard to earn a decent living, look at our house, the kind of food we eat. No my
Shila I want to give you a better life and I know if I use this same money I was given to start a fish
business, am sure we will be better. I don’t like you working for someone as house help.” I squat
near her raising her face as I spoke.
“It still doesn’t sound okey sweetie. Am still for the idea you try out here” she looked away.
I knew she didn’t want me to go but I had convinced myself doing a fish business was going to
help us a lot. I lifted her to the house and she laughed knowing what I intended to do.
“I know your trick Henry, stop it, you are not going to bribe me into accepting this” she giggled as I
tickled her a little laying her down our small bed. We were poor yes, but I knew the woman before
me loved me for who I was. We meet in town when she used to sale in the streets and myself was
still working for the Chinese.
A year later, she stopped selling after our first born girl was born. I was able to take care of both of
them from my small salary. Though it was not much which led her mother who lived in Mumbwa to
get our girl when she turned a year old in the name of helping us to settle and have a decent life.
“What now, you seem lost in thoughts” she had asked me
“Yeah, I want us to be a complete family, I need to go and get our daughter and live with her, I
have never liked the idea of your mother raising our child Shila” I shook my head siting up from the
bed.
She smiled and came on to me wrapping her hands around me from the back her breasts which
were still exposed touching my back skin.
“don’t worry about that, mother is not complaining, she is a farmer and she is right, our lively hood
is not stable enough for us to raise our kid well, let’s work hard and make decent life like mom
have said and we shall have our child here with us” she whispered deliberately rubbing my upper
body. That moment we decided finally and agreed on my mission.
I was still lost in my own memories when the bus conductor announced we had arrived in Kabwe.
He told people we had 5 minutes break and would start off soon. I couldn’t even move out, all I
wanted was to get home and see my wife.
2 hours later, we drove into Lusaka and I Passed through some shops getting my wife a few
clothing’s and some foods, excited to see her I got on a bus from City market.
Humming to a song as I bounced myself up and down the road leading home.
“Henry!” I heard a voice call out to me and immediately I recognized it. It was my friend Chola.
“Hey! Henry big man, you are back finally” he smiled greeting me cheerfully.
“Yes my friend it was not easy back there but God is faithful, I managed to get myself on my feet
after a lot of trials. Well, here I am, back to be with my dove” I smiled widely and walked on.
“hm, you mean you are not with Shila?” he asked walking with me.
“What do you mean am with her? I left her at our house and I lost my phone, I never mastered her
number and so all this time we were never in touch. How can she possibly be with me?” I asked
looking at him like he was crazy.
“well, I don’t know about all that but I personally saw your wife on the day she was leaving and she
told me she was coming to you, that you called her and asked her go come join you” he shrugged
“What?” I stopped in my steps looking at him.
“You are serious?” I asked realizing he was not turning back the joke.
“Why would I lie about things like that man, am telling you the truth, it’s been a year now, your wife
is gone. If you don’t believe me lets go you check your house.” He added
I could not believe my ears, if my wife left to come join me, then how was it that she never came? I
knew that was not even possible because Shila had never travelled to Northern Province before.
However, to add to my shock, I found out our house was rented by someone else and the land
lord confirmed what Chola had told me.
“Yes dear, Shila came to me one day happy, she told me she was going to join you wherever you
had gone and packed out the following day. That was the last I saw of her” she remarked
I paced around trying to think what was going on, my instincts warned me something was terribly
wrong somewhere and I had to find out sooner than later what the hell Shila was doing.
“She wouldn’t probably run away with another man?” I asked Chola sitting down at his house as
he invited me to take a break at his place.
“We can’t tell for sure man, women of this era have become something else, anything is possible
but before you conclude you better get in touch or better still travel to Mumbwa and check her
mother`s place. “ he advised
“You are right my dear, let me not get ahead of myself, she probably went to her mother`s. I
somehow blame myself for staying away for a long time. Anyway first thing tomorrow, I am getting
on a bus to Mumbwa” I sighed leaning back on the wall from the still I sat on.

“What is wrong with men of this age? You come here to ask if your wife is here after all these
years of you going silent on us. You two have completely forgotten about this your child, even in
my old age you insist on me keeping your child” Shila`s mother scolded me even before I could
explain myself.
“mother, am sorry I didn’t come to get my child on time, you know I was never for the idea of you
taking her but you insisted” I tried to defend myself feeling irritated she was indirectly telling me I
failed to raise my own child.
“Yeah, because I could not watch my grandchild wallowing in poverty when am still alive. By the
way where is your wife?” she asked. I looked at her surprised.
“Is this woman okey? I just asked if her daughter came here a few minutes ago and she is asking
me back with the same question” I murmured inside my head.
Clearing my throat, I sat up and looked at her.
“I told you earlier am here to see or rather check if Shila is here. I was not around and when I
came back, I was told she left so I hoped to find her here” I explained through again.
“No, you people have not showed up here for a while now, the last time your wife called to speak
to her child was almost a year ago and since then she has not called nor come here. For some
time I have tried to call her line but nothing” she shrugged sadly.
“Oh my” I shook my head too.
“Where is she then? Where is she?” I asked myself
“What does that mean?” her mother snapped lifting my daughter who was seated on her laps and
looking at me. I went on explaining everything to her and by the time I was done, she was standing
on me pulling me in my shirts.
“where have you taken my daughter you evil man, I know and have heard about you people from
northern province how you use human beings in charms for fishing. Right this minute you will tell
me where my girl is!” she shouted on top of her voice.
“Calm down mother, am as shocked as you are. I never went with her anywhere if you want you
can come with me we ask people where we used to live” I tried to defend myself pulling her hands
off my shirt.
She sat back crying and accusing me of being responsible for the disappearance of her child.
After a long while of trying to calm her, she was finally calm and I asked she went with me to
Lusaka so we could file in a police report for missing persons.
[21/07, 09:16] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_12
It was almost a year with Natalie staying with me. We had started making out, not on any agreed
terms but it just seemed like we both approved our attraction to one another. She had even moved
to my bedroom.
“Theo!” she called me one evening as we lay in my bed her clinging to me with both her hands.
“Yes dear” I responded holding her fingers in mine.
“We have been together for a good number of months, I want to know what it is that you think
about us” she sighed after finishing her statement.
“I don’t understand” I responded as a matter of fact. I know I felt drawn to her and was really falling
in love, I just couldn’t get myself to propose marriage to her. I was not ready to take her to my
parents as my wife. Somehow even though I hated Mwila`s guts, I always sat down to think
through what he used to tell me about Natalie. He was right, I barely knew the woman I was
holding in my hands, she told me a few things about herself and I somehow felt I needed more
than her stories.
“What is with men? “She answered back making me look at her face as she was now seated her
back on me.
“You have been saying you are happy with me and that you love me, I ask what your plans are
with me. You act like you do not know what has been going on, well am a woman Theo, I deserve
a man who would respect me and treat me with respect” she went on and I realise she was getting
upset.
“come on honey, you cannot get mad over this, last time you asked I told you I am not yet ready to
settle in marriage. For now am okey with this” I sighed telling her in all honesty.
“ it’s not like you are still a young girl and interested in marriage, you yourself told me you didn’t
think you wanted marriage after what you went through” I tried to reason with her rubbing her
back.
“I love you Theo, I swear I never knew at some point I would tell this to a man but I cannot avoid
what I feel. You have made me realise that the world has better men, I wish I had met you earlier. I
mean, am just a maid but you have shown me love in ways that I never imagined. In the past
months I have hardly thought about my past. I was telling my mother last time I visited her that I
have found love.” She pauses and smiles turning her face to look at me.
“She cautioned me though saying she doesn’t want me to be miserable again. You are not going
to hurt me in the end are you?” she asked seriously.
I looked at her for a minute. She looked so sincere in her words I felt guilty. I didn’t want her to
think I was taking advantage of her but yet again I didnt want to commit myself till I was sure.

A week later I was with Mwila at work.

“So my friend, tell me how it is going with Natalie” he spoke playing with a pen in his hand as he
leaned back his chair. I closed back the file in my hands and looked up at her.
“She demands more than what we have man, I don’t know …” I responded shaking my head.
“What don’t you know? That she wants to marry you or that you are not so sure about her?” he
laughed staring at me.
“I don’t know man, it’s just that this is not how I imagined to meet my wife. Besides she has been
married before so I don’t think…”
“What now? You don’t think she is the right person after sleeping with her for more than 6 months?
Grow up Theo, grow up man. First it was an obsession with Cleopatra, now this maid. Hm. no my
friend, put yourself together, you are 32 years old man you are not a little teenage boy anymore”
he told me seriously.
“What am I going to do man, I have fallen in love with this girl even when my mind is not ready to
accept her as anything more, and I still feel it in my heart that I love her. I don’t know, it’s the first
time am actually getting to love someone and have them with me this close and for a long period.
With Cleo it was different cause even though I loved her with all my heart, I could not have her” I
tried to explain myself but Mwila didn’t seem to like the idea still.
“Well, like I always tell you it’s hard to advise the man who is in love. All I am saying this time
around is that open your eyes my friend, open your eyes and see who that girl truly is.” He
shrugged and stood up.
“We can go and check on that case now, am sure the Lab guys got something on those tests.” I
stood up too and we both walked out talking about something else.
“Yes, I have not set my eyes on my wife for almost 2 years now, I just returned and she is
nowhere to be seen.” I heard a man explaining to the officers at the registry.
“what`s going on here?’ I asked as we approached seeing a woman crying and a man standing
next to her giving his statement to the police officer.
“this man`s wife ran away 2 years ago and this is the mother accusing him of having used her
daughter in rituals” the officer looked up at us explaining.
I shook my head and walked on.
“There is drama in this place” I chuckled.
“Yeah, the world has gone crazy man, people behave weird it’s sad. That poor woman, she
seemed devastated. “Mwila remarked too. We could hear the man explaining himself but we didn’t
pay much attention and we had a case to solve.
[21/07, 09:16] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_13

The thrilling feeling of going after some criminals always got my mind working faster. We were in
the middle of a criminal follow up waiting for some crimnal we had hunted for years. An informat
told us they spotted him in some compound and we had parked our car waiting to close in on him.
"There he goes!" Mwila shouted and we jumped out of the vehicle chasing after the guy.
"Use the other way I cut him through this path" I signalled to Mwila and rushed to the small path
too.
After almost 5 minutesof persuing him, I caught up with him and pushed the guy down the ground
holding his hands placing the cuffs on his arms.
"Your time is up you loser!" I sighed lifting him up. Just then Mwila stopped in front of us.
"You got him. You are the man" he smiled patting my back and we walked on pushing forward the
criminal.
We were just getting to the office when my phone rung.
"Helo!" I responded pushing the guy we caught to the cell bars after he was processed.
"Honey, am at the hospital seeing a Doctor, I think you should come over here" came Natalie's
voice from the other end.
"Are you okey? What happened?" I asked panicking.
"Yes i feel okey now, Will you just come here ?" I heard her sigh.
"Am on my way!" I told her before cutting the line.
I told Mwila I was to step out a little bit and he gave me a knowing look.
"I hope it's not one of those escapes to go and be with that woman" he winced.
"That woman has a name my dear, its Natalie" I shook my head at him.
"Yeah sure, what happened now you look like she is dying or sonething ?" He teased.
"She is at the hospital, I don't know why and am going there to find out" I responded whilst
walking.
"Go ahead boss, go check on your woman" he smiled at me.

Getting to the hospital, I was almost running through the alley to get to her. I found her seated in
the doctor's office smiling as she saw me walk in.
"Natalie, are you okey?" I asked lifting her up worried.
"Yeah calm down honey will you? Am not dying " She teased but I didn't find her funny at the
moment.
"What is going on here?" I asked this time looking at the doctor and back at her.
"Your wife has some good news for you Sir" the Doctor smiled. I wanted to tell him we were not
married yet but I thought that was not important at the time.
"What is it honey?" I looked at Natalie.
"Am pregnant, am 5 weeks pregnant my love" she smiled pulling her hands as she played with her
fingers
"Whao! Really?" I asked more of shocked than surprised.
"Yeah the doctor just confirmed it. I was not feeling well the whole morning and I didn't want to
bother you so I decided to come have some check ups and well, here we are, am carrying your
child Theo" she smiled
"This is a big surprise, what can i say.." I stammered.
"I thought you would be happy am carrying your child Theo" she looked at me sadly.
"No, I mean yes am Happy honey, it's just that I didn't expect this. Are we ready for a child? " I
found myself uttering and she stormed away.
I looked at the doctor sighing deeply.
"A child is a blessing Sir and every woman wants a man who would be there to suport them and
love them when they are carrying his child" the doctor nodded his head at me
"Yeah you are right let me get to her" I pointed out the door and walked out to find Natalie who
was not standing by my car looking sad.
"I didn't plan for this you know, I was as surprised as you are but I thought you would be happy?"
She looked away from me.
"Come here Natalie " I pulled her to myself embracing her.
"I love you and am goibg to be here for you till our child comes. Its just that I was shocked back
there and didn't know how to react. But if we are going to be parents soon then its high time we
thought of making our relationship official" I whsipred to her stroking her back gently.
"What do you mean by that?" She stepped back asking .
"I mean I need to see your mother and ask for your hand in marriage. You are a good person and
am sure my mom will love you" I smiled and she pulled me into a kiss smiling happily.
"Thank you, even though i didn't see this coming am happy that you trust me enough to make me
your wife Theo"
"Yeah I love you and for me that's enough for now" I smiled back and opened the for for her before
moving in to the driver's seat.
It was all smiles that day. She treated me to a good meal and as her bedroom skills were super, I
got myself a good stress relief in the night.
Now I decided there was no turning back. Asking her about her mother she told me after talking to
her, her mother said she was out of town, but her mother's sister was around somewhere within
Lusaka.
"In fact I grew up with this aunty of mine, she is the best person for you to see. Her and my uncle
will spearhead the marriage thing" she had told me and I did as she told me.
My family and I want to see this her aunty and uncle and we were charged. A few weeks later i
paid up the dowerly and all was due for our big day. I could see her happy, she was ever smiling
and I couldn't help feel proud. She was everything I wanted and what gave me so much gladness
is the fact that she was happy with me. I asked to take her to school so that she would continued
college but she declined saying she would settle for some business.
Now we only had a month towards our wedding and we were going round town, buying staff.
"Shila! Sheila!" A lady was calling looking in our direction.
"Honey, It seems that girl is calling you or what?" I asked her.
"Since when is my name Shila honey, no forget her she is obviously calling someone else or has
mistaken my face for someone else" she shrugged cassually and moved on.
I took a look at her as she went on selecting some things. There was little change on her body, I
was expecting to see signs of pregamacy since she was supposed to be about 3 months preganat
at the moment. Her tummy was still as flat and nothing seemed changed about her except her
appetite for icecream.
"When are you going to start showing" I whsipered to her making her laugh.
"I don't know, was wondering the same. I feel almost the same except for my craving for icecream,
I bet am that kind of woman that doesn't show fast" she smiled.
"Yeah probably or am not feeding you enough to make the baby grow" I laughed and she joined
in.
"You are crazy" she laughed.

Well, we got married a few weeks later. Her mother yet again didn't show up. I was told she was
still away but thankfully a few relatives came through with her uncle and aunty we paid dowerly to.
All went on well and we came back from our honeymoon a couple of weeks later.
Natalie got so sick I had to take her to the same doctor and I told me her preganacy was high risky
and I needed to avoid making love to her till she was due.
I found it akward but I was willing to do anything to make sure her and my child were okey.
In a month or so she started showing and I was finally relaxed as I started getting worried about
her not showing.
I was so excited now with the idea of having a baby, so much that I never paid attention to making
love to her following the doctors orders.
Sometimes though she would allow me to do a quick one from her behind but made sure I never
touched her berry, it was like she felt some kind of pain and over time I gave up. I wanted her the
Normal way and I didn't want to hurt her.
[21/07, 09:16] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_14

We were happy together, the goodness with Natalie is that there was no dull moment. She always
got me laughing and smiling.
Through out her term of pregnancy she was health. I was glad we didnt encouter a lot of issues.
Her Doctor would consistently check on her on the appointments she had with him.
One evening we sat together in the sitting room. I was seated down on the carpet with her leaning
on my laps.
"Honey, what would you do if Cleo was to come back? She asked me in a soft and composed
voice.
"What? Why would you ask about her?" I looked down at her face.
"Well, cause I know she is the woman you loved so much before. I want to imagine what would
happen if she were to come back. Would you still love her?" She asked without looking at my
eyes.
"I don't like this question Natalie. If you want the truth, Cleo is dead and if it was ever possible she
was to come back, i would not do a thing because am with you now. I know I told you about her
but I never mentioned the fact that Cleo was a murderer.I would never have her no matter what if
she was still alive. Now I have come to realise what I had for her was just an obbsesion and thank
God I found you. You have opened my heart to love and I would never look at another woman" I
explained myself to her.
She sat up looking a bit taken aback I wondered why.
"But why would you forget your first love like that sweetie?" She remarked shaking her head.
"You know what?" I looked at her standing up.
"I do t know what the hell is wrong with you. If I didn't know better, I would think Cleo was your
sister and you are sad I don't love her anymore" I snarled
"Am sorry Sweetie," she walked towards me holding my hand.
"Honestly I don't like this Natalie" I pulled
"I know am sorry my love, I didn't intend to make you mad" she leaned her head on my chest.
I was still looking away hurt with realisation that I still felt something for Cleo for me to get that
affected. She let a small scream holding her stomach.
"Are you okey?" I asked turning to hold her.
"I think am going into labour" she winced in pain.
"Are you sure, I mean is this the time?" I stammered figiting.
"Take me to the hospital Theo!" She scremed out.
Quickly I rushed to get the keys and lifted her to the car as she continued gnawing in pain.
"You will be okey honey, take it easy" I held her hand as I drove us to the hospital.
"Take me to Doctor Mainza" she sighed in pain.
"I know what he told us love don't worry yourself. Am taking you direct to him" I smiled assuring
her.
The Doctor was waiting for us as we arrived like he was expecting us. Immediately taking her into
the Labour ward. As I was told to wait up outside.

I was pacing around impatiently waiting when I spotted a familiar face.

"What?" I whispered to myself following the figure I saw a few meters away. She turned to the left
alley and walked away quickly disapearing in the car park as I got outside.
I started searching around the area for the figure. I held my face in confusion thinking my mind
was playing games with me.
"Now that you look like you have seen a ghost, what is going on?" Mwila walked to me making me
startle.
"Oh! you scared me" I sighed deeply.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" He shoved my shoulders.
"I don't know man, I thought I just saw Cleo pass through the hospital. I followed the woman and
she just vanished into thin air around here" I pointed out.
"Cleo? Are you sure. Remember we burried her, did a DNA test and we both know she is gone
man, come on if I didn't know you I would suspect you on some drugs." He laughed shaking his
head.
"Yeah you are right. Its just that Natalie brought her up today and I somehow got my mind thinking
about her. It could have been someone else" I chuckled walking back into the hospital.
"By the way how is your wife. I received your text and came to check on you guys" Mwila changed
the subject as we walked back in.
"I don't know man, been waiting here for almost 3 hours. Am still waiting to the Doctor or someone
to tell me what the heck is going on in there" I responded sitting down on the bench.
A few minutes later, the nurse walked out of the ward. Standing up to her I asked how my wife was
doing.
"Congratulations Sir, you have a baby boy!" She announced with a smile.
"Oh thank God! " I smiled looking at Mwila who smiled back too.
"How is my wife though?" I asked looking back at the nurse.
"Well, she is okey am sure you can go in and see her" she smiled the more and I quickly rushed in
to see her.
"Hey love!" I kissed her and sat next to her watching the tiny baby in her hands. He was so small
in my eyes I was sacred of holding him.
"Come on, you have to hold your baby" the Doctor laughed seeing how uncomfortable i was.
"Am not sure I know how" I responded as a matter of fact.
"Come here" Natalie sat up handing me the baby and showing me how to hold him.
It was a waonderful moment having the tiny thing in my arms. I moved around the room and
Natalie kept smiling at us.

Well, to say the least, i felt blessed to have them both. Even as I took them home later on I was do
happy and excited. My life was starting to have meaning and I was glad met Natalie.
Unfortunately for me things started turning around slowly but sure. Natalie would bring up Cleo in
most of our talks, saying how sad our love story was because we both never got to experience the
true and genuine love. I was slowly becoming irritated with her. But she didn't seem bothered
about it.
One afternoon I came back from work and found the the nanny she had hired to help take care of
the baby home alone with the child.
"Where is the mother?" I asked her
"She said she is going out to fetch something" the nanny responded as she fed the baby his
porridge.
"Where is that? She always tells me where she goes what happned this time?" I asked worried as
I grabbed my phone to give her a call. Her line was off and i tried several other times all to no
avail.
I was still struggling when she walked in so drunk.
"Natalie! What is going on?" I pulled her to the bedroom angrly at her behaviour.
"You leave a three months old baby and go out there to get this wasted ?" I asked pushing her to
the bed, she staggered before falling.
"What the hell is wrong with you too? I do everything for you in this house. Why are you
complaining? Please Theo, let me lead my own life. Am sick and tired of playing dumb with you!"
She spoke in her drunken state pointing her fingers at me.
I was almost slapping her but held myself. Never had i seen her behave like she was doing and I
sensed something was wrong.
Instead of reacting badly I walked out the house and found myself drinking my disappointment for
the woman I married.
In my head the words of Mwila ringing..
"These kind of people are not to be trusted"
"Oh God, what is going on in my life now? What did I do for her to behave like that?" I started
asking myself.
To make matters worse, that kind of behaviour went on and the more pain she caused me, the
more i got to start regeretting having married her. I started thinking mybe her first husband left her
because that was the kind of woman she was.
With lots of thoughts, I started planing on trying to do what I had avoided for the past 2 years I
came to know her. I had to try find out the real truth about Natalie's past.
"Yes Mwila, today i have decided to try dig into the past. It might be too late for i am married to her
but I think knowing the truth will help me understand what is going on." I explained to Mwila
"Yeah, I only wish you did that before you married her man, now, if you feel that's what you want,
well, am here to help you" he patted my hand.
"I hope we are not digging into something that will destroy you my friend, you seem to love this
woman and am afraid the outcome of this mission might not be pleasant" he added shaking his
head.

"I need to know, before I go crazy with all this Mwila, she is driving me insane day by day I don't
understand why."
[21/07, 09:16] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_15

The woman standing before us was shaking her head as she explained.
"Am telling you those people are strange, I always see them come in and out but they never talk to
anyone. Of late I only see one around but mostly she just walks in and out I doubt she spends the
night here" she explained after we asked her about Natalie and what went on at the house since
she told us that two women are usually seen around.
Asking her when such started happening, she told us about 2 years back. According to her,
Natalie bought the house from a certain man that was now living in some farm in Chongwe. She
told us they just saw a woman shift in but she had never socialised with any of them. They all used
to see her once in a while around the house and always wondered why she was so lonely and
wouldn't talk to anyone.
She added that recently, two women were seen around the house and like always they never
knew who they both were.
"Two women? Who is this Natalie my friend? How is it that a house she rented some time back is
still here and being visited by her and some unknown woman?" Mwila asked me as we sat back in
my car. I was lost of words. I never knew that small house was still there. Natalie had never told
me a thing about it.
"What is going with this woman?" I wondered loudly failing to start the car. My mind went back to
the previous day when I tried to talk to her about what she was doing
"Natalie, you are my wife, a have a child together, tell me what is going on in this house that you
have decided to make my life a living hell" I asked her seated in our bed. She looked down the
floor and for a moment I could see she looked a little bit sad.
"Tell me something Natalie, do you even love me?" I asked her.
"Yes." She responded with one word.
"Hmmm yes?" I questioned her further wanting her to say something to atleast give me sight of
what was going on.
"I never knew I would fall in love with you Theo, you are a good man and honestly you have
treated me right all this time." She paused looking at me and I could somehow see she was being
truthful only that something else was bothering her

"But why the sudden change of behaviour?" I asked her holding her hands into mine.
"I.. I .. I can't tell you that" she shook her head standing up.
"You can't tell me? why?" I folowed her to the side of the room she was.
"Please Theo, do not make this harder than it is already. I drink to try and stay sane cause am
also going crazy" she responded giving my head more confusion.
I stood in front of her, made her look straight into my eyes and asked her again.
"I love you Natalie, you know that for sure. If there is something going on which I should know of
please help me to understand you and let's find the solution toghether" I pleaded with her.
Suddenly she broke down crying before me. I felt bad she looked that vulnerable and I held her
close into my arms rubbing her back.
"Am sorry" she whsipered and before I could say another word she rushed out and she was gone
for hours before returning home late on the night drunk.
She barely touched the baby. It was like she was not intrested in him anymore and since she told
me she could not breast feed, she opted to give him baby fromular. According to her, the doctor
had recommended it since she could not produce enough milk.

"Theo! Are you even getting what am saying?" Mwila waves his hand in my face.
I looked at him and sighed.
"No am sorry, what was that you said? " I asked him.
"Well, I said let's come back here probably in the night and find out what is going on. Something is
fishy here" he explained.
"Natalie has something going on, something big" I responded instead my mind still at her.
"I bet she has, she is acting so weired "he giggled.
"No, serious man. That woman still loves me and I can see it in her eyes. Something happend
after she gave birth to our son. I want her back to speak to the doctor and he told me she could be
having some post pregnancy issues and will come around. I can't take this anymore man, I love
her. I swear I have fallen in love with her and I don't want to lose her. She is my wife now and I will
do anything to help her" I seriously uttered making Mwila shake his head.
"Hm. I pity you my friend. This time you trully fall in love and now you can't even be happy. I hope
all this fuss clears up soon. " he shrugged
"Yeah I hope ask too"

We left Natalie's old house and I took one last look at it from the side mirror. Wondering why she
still visited her old house.
Reaching home that afternoon, I found my wife seated on the door step. She looked up at me and
I for a moment thought she was crying but upon seeing me she smiled standing up.
"Hey!" She greeted me
"Hey" I responded not knowing what to do. She had not given me some chance to talk to her.
"Can we sit here, I miss those days when you used to sit with me here. I loved it here and I miss
that" she told me with a small grinn.
"Okey" I shrugged sitting down on the top step and she walked round and sat in front of me. She
pulled herself closer to me and sat comfortably between my legs and leaned her head backwards
till she settled on my torso. Her hands holding mine on her chest as though she wanted me to feel
her soft and steady heart beat on her upper chest.
"I was never married before" she started without warning.
"What was that?" I asked without moving too.
"Yeah, I lied and am sorry. I have never been married before Theo. That man you saw on the
pictures back at my old house was married to my friend and not me. My friend died and i started
staying in that house" she spoke calmly.
"What are you telling me? I saw you on that photo. You were with him" I responded trying not to
give away my shock.
"Yeah I know, you do not have to believe anything you see Theo, things are not always as they
seem to be." She looked back at my face shrugging. I wanted to ask what she meant by that but I
found myself silent like I was tongue tied.
"Sometimes the people, the things you see around or hear are not what they trully are. This world
has people with minds that are hard to perceive. They would drive you insane with their actions
and most of the times no matter how much light we see around, the dark end up controlling us. "
she added looking away and I noticed she wiped some tears from her eyes.
Yet again I remained silent. I wanted her to say whatever it was without me getting in her way. I
was afraid my outburst would scare her.
"I never knew that this day will come when I would get to tell you about this. I never intdended to
fall in love with you. I was supposed to lure you into believing I loved you and then at the point
when you were desparate, I was supposed to dump you and make you suffer with pain beyond
what you could ever imagine" she went on but this time I failed who keep it to myself. I pushed her
forward a little bit making sure she was looking at me.
"Who are you?" Was what came out of my mouth first.
"My name is not important now. Ask me what do I want with your life?" She made a face seriously
looking into my eyes I felt some little shivers on my face skin.
"My God! What the hell is going on here? Who are you and what do you want with my life?" I
asked now standing up.
Just that minute the Nanny walked out with the baby in her hands. She stood before us and I
looked down not wanting the baby or Nanny see how angry my face had become.
"Am sorry to interrupt but the phone has been ringing." She extended her hands giving Natalie her
phone.
Natalie took it and placed the phone on her ears. Without speaking she listened in and all this time
she kept looking at my face.
"I have heard you" she murmured at last and let her hand fall down her side.
"Am sorry, I got to go. Don't wait up for me I might delay" she added.
"You are not going anywhere!" I pulled her back before she could pass through the door.
"Yess I am and am sorry but you cannot stop me Theo" she responded calmly but seriously.
"Where the hell are you going Natalie! We are still taking and you have brought up a lot of issues
you can't just leave like that? Who do you think I am? A fool or an idiot huh?! " I followed her to the
bedroom as she walked on without responding.
"You will talk to me today dammit!" I yelled pushing her to the bed.
She fall down on the bed and sharply looked at me.
"You are crazy! You want to hurt me?" She screamed shaking her head.
"Am sorry I pushed you that hard Natalie, please let's talk about this now. Who called you, why
have you changed and become this cold again. Please talk me to me am your husband" I knelt
before her begging for her to listen.
She looked at me her eyes filled with tears.
"I want to help you Theo, trust me I want to and I hope to find a way to do so. Just give me time
and I will make things right for you" she answered tears now falling freely.
I watched her in awe as she put on her shoes. She walked to me after placing a small jacket on
top of her body top and high waist jeans, kissing my lips and smiling a bit and walked away.
I hated that I could not stop her. But I felt I could not force her to speak out. I had to find out on my
own what she was doing and I let her walk out the gate before grabbing my car keys.
"I hate this but this is the only way of getting to the truth" I whsipered to myself as I placed the
keys in the ignition.
The moment I got to the road, I saw a car drive away. Following her close but at a good distance
to avoid her seeing me.
After almost 20 minutes of driving, the car she was in stopped and I saw her walk out carrying her
small bag. Without turning her eyes towards where I was, she walked on into some shop.
I followed her and to my shock, she was not there. I looked around and saw another door out the
shop. Following it whilst my heart racing. Looking to and from to see her, but it was quiet, she had
disapeared.
Realising I could talk to the driver of the car she was in, I ran back to the front and the time I got
there, the car was gone.
"Dammit Natalie!" I hit my car front angrly. She had played me. She must have seen me follow
her.
Now I only had one more lead to follow, I was to find out who the other woman she was seen with
at her old house was. So I drove away heading there. I looked at my watch, it was a few minutes
past 18.
I tried to call Mwila to let him know what was going on but his line went unanswered. Deciding to
go ahead on my own I increase the speed of the vehicle looking ahead the straight road stretched
before me.

[21/07, 09:16] Martin Martino: Silently_Deep_16

Natalie....

"We didn't come this far for you to just fall in love with that Theo my dear, no, am not going to let
you do this Mercy, never! Now listen to me, your stupid acts almost got Theodore to discover us.
The guy from the shanty told me he saw Theo and that Mwila at the house."
"What?" I asked surprised. I had seen Theo walk in and the time I was almost telling him what was
happening, he didn't mention anything about the small house in the compound.
"Don't play dumb with me Mercy! I made you and I have the power to destroy you, I have the
power to send you back to where I picked you from. Then we can see how much Will come out of
you. It's your job to keep that man in track. Make sure he is so deep in love with you and follow my
instructions smoothly till I say otherwise!" She went on scolding me like I was her child.
"We don't need to do this anymore, you should have seen how much he is hurting, that guy is a
good person. We have done more harm to him already, he is keeping a child he has no idea isn't
his. You should see his face and happiness everytime he looks at that boy. What did he ever do to
you" I paused shaking my head.
"No, am tired of this my dear, am not going to hurt him anymore I can't take it anymore" I cried
honestly feeling hurt too.
I knew I was somehow stuck with the furious woman before me, she had made me her prisoner of
some sort and if I had known how far she was willing to play her games, I could have chosen to
wallow in poverty and even if I hated what I used to do before, I was better off than an imposter
woman who was playing some lunatic woman's games.
She lifted my head holding the hair extensions I had on, making me look up at her face.
"You are going to go back home, no drinking today, I need you to stay focused I will tell you what
to do next and this time I don't want failure. I don't care if you feel you have fallen in love with that
man, he is never going to be yours. He is mine, he loves me and you are going to teach him how
to love me again. " she gnarled angrily.
"What if i say no? What if I tell you I cannot do this anymore because I love him? " I stood up
challenging her.
"You love him? Hahahahah!" She laughed loudly moving away from me shaking her head.
"You love him when you knew from the word go why you had to go into his house? Are you trying
to get me pissed right now!" She yelled loudly into my face.
"Theo is mine you idiot, and let me warn you, if you don't do as I say, not only will I make your life
miserable by killing your sweet mother and taking away the kind of life I gave to your child. I will
not only do that but I will make sure Theo and the whole world knows who Natalie really is" she
smiled wickedly enjoying every minute she was tormenting my poor soul.
"Why can't you do things yourself? Ehh? Because you know you will be sent to prison the moment
the truth comes out. Am no longer scared of you, I agreed to this because I needed the money.
But what is money if you cannot be happy." I shook my head.
"Well, you want to taste my patience Mercy. Now watch me as I destroy every little thing you hold
dear. Instead of the 2 years ultimatum I gave you, am going to make sure you come out destroyed
and with nothing to walk out to. Yes am capable of doing that, Getting rid of people who get in my
way of happines and if you want to be my next target, well, be my guest!" She spat and grabbed
her hand bag walking towards the hotel room door.
"Keep your phone close cause I will be sending photos of your dead mother!" She turned to look at
me her heels making a squeaky noise as she turned.
"Please don't murder my mother, she has nothing to do with all this" I ran to beg her .
"In 2 years I have tortured her and she doesn't deserve that" I added.
She looked at me standing tall besides me, "get yourself together and do as I say. Am not to
discuss the consequences of your misbehaviour" she pointed a finger at my face and pushed my
hands away from her and walked up like a movie star, her hair dangling behind her and her perfect
shape well fitted into some light brown jumpsuit complimented with white heels and a white
handbag.
I wondered why a woman with so much beauty and power was using me to get things done when
she seemed so qualified to do whatever she wanted on her own.
I shook my head in dismay. She always intimidated me and I recalled the first time I met her.

I went out on my what used to be usual night outings in some club. Due to circumstances in my
life, I opted to start servicing men for money by dancing for them at a strip club. It was not
something I was proud of but I had to do it for survival. She watched me as I did my business
dancing on the pole. Some men whistled and clapped as I danced gracefully in just a thin undies
and my breasts pointed out.
One great thing about my body was the right curves I had in the right places. I was hired
speciafilaly for that and with time, I discovered I had become a favourite for most of the spectators
of the club.
Most people including Cleopatra mistook me for a whore and honestly I became tired of defending
myself. I came to understand no matter what you did, people would always have something to say
about you.
"Well done Natalie!" Cleo clapped her hands as I walked to the back stage after my show was
over.
"Excuse me, do I know you?" I asked stopping before her.
"Not yet, but I got this feeling you are going to be my best friend" she smiled widely at me.
"Hm. If you are here to waste my time am sorry but I got a son to rush to" I walked past her but
she pulled my hand slightly back.
"Are you proud of what you do Mercy?" She asked using my real name. I had deliberately come
up with the name Natalie as my stage name to avoid a lot of people knowing who I trully was. Only
my good friends and the manager of the club knew my real names and somehow i hated the guts
of the woman before me who seemed to be so aware of my little details.
"Lets just say, am the kind of woman that gets what she wants. I have enough money to help you
get out of this business and lead a decent life that will make your mother and son proud. She
doesn't have to know you do this for a living my dear. This is a job for prostitutes and from what I
have gathered, you are kind of different." She remarked folding her hands across herself I could
see the expensive gold watch on her wrist, her markeup was like it was done by a professional
and her blood red dress that went half way her thighs made her look like a movie star. She smiled
at me as I went on checking her black heels with some glitters on top that matched the gold and
silver chain around her neck.

"Call me when you decide to work for me" she smiled ignoring my obvious admiration of her
perfection, she handed me a business card with her names on it.
I looked at my hand where she he placed the card and back at her face.
"Am sorry, I don't deal with strangers" I smiled back at her and handed her back the card but she
pushed it into my pants and walked away her behind moving from side to side making me look
down on myself like i was nothing.
"Who is she?" I asked myself walking into the dressing room.

The following day I sat with my friend Shila. Shila and I had been friends from way back in high
school. Though she unlike me, never got to complete her grade 12. Her father died and her
mother who back then just got a farm in Mumbwa was so broke to pay for her fees and she opted
to drop out before we could get to the final grade.
I was lucky I went through and completed even though my mother could not afford to pay for my
college. I messed up a year later falling in love with a guy from the neigbourhood who got me
pregnant and later on denied responsibility. My mother was constantly sick and I had no way of
finding money to take care of myself and the kid. I was introduced into the strip business by some
friends.

"Who is she?" Shila asked me snapping me from my thoughts.

"Yeah, I have no idea my [Link] should have seen this woman. She was standing there before
me so neat, so elegant I could tell whoever she was had money." I made some gestures as I
explained things to her.
"Really? I wish i could look like that you know. Look at us, you became a strip dancer whilst I
married a man who cannot even provide enough for my stomach. He has been gone for months
without even bothering to call me to tell me how he is and here i am waiting like an idiot meanwhile
some people are living out there like gods" she complained like she always did.
"Well, as for me I know if I can get a decent job, to get just enough to help my mother and son,
then that would be enough. Am not intrested in anything else dear. Wealthy is not for us for sure" I
shrugged sadly.
"Why are you not giving this woman a call? Tell her you will want to know what she wants you to
do for her and just maybe she can hire me too. I can't keep working as a maid you know. Am so
tired of this kind of life." She bravely spoke.
"I forgot to mention that there is some bad vibe with this woman my dear. Something tells me she
is not good and I don't want to get myself in trouble. Unlike you with a husband atleast and a
mother who helps keep your child, I have no one else to help me. My son still needs a mother you
know" I shook my head

"Mercy, you are always negative, come on, it's obvious that woman like your dances what else
would she want you to do? Maybe she has a club or some better business she wants for you.
Okay just try her and if you are not intrested in whatever she wants you to do then let me do it"
she held my hand.
"I don't know my friend, my heart is not at easy. But if you insist I will tell her about you" I smiled at
her and she nodded her head smiling too.
"Good, do that. I cannot keep waiting for Henry who God knows what he is doing down in Northen
Province." She breathed deeply looking away from me.
Little did I know that was going to be the beginning of a life I never imagined was possible.
[21/07, 09:17] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_17

Natalie continues...

The following day, I spotted Cleo in the corner of the club. She had a glass of wine in her hands
and as usual her clothes outshining everyone around. I noticed she seemed to be hiding, like she
didn't want someone to see her there.
I saw her turn her face to a set of guys seated and drinking in some table and I followed her gaze
to see who she was eyeing.
That was the first time I saw Theo and his friend Mwila. I wondered why she kept looking at them
but then blushed off the thoughts as I concentrated on my thing.
"You are ready?" She asked me when I was walking out after my job was completed for that night.

"Yeah. I called you so that I hear what you want me to do. If at all I will not like it, then you will
have to forgive me I will not take the job" I explained myself before hand.
"I want you to take my place and I yours" she started as we sat in a porsh car outside the club.
Surprised, I looked at her not understanding what she meant.
"I know this might be confusing, but I want you to take up my place in someone's life. I want to use
your face and give you mine. " she went on confusing me even more.
"I don't understand still" I shook my head.
She sighed turning to look at me from the driver's seat she sat in. She started explaining to me
what happened to her years back, how she got married and the life she had with her husband.
When she mentioned about her involvement in her husband's death I developed shivers on my
skin. I initially thought she was bluffing but seeing her facial expression serious and determined, I
realised she was dead serious.
"Oh God! You are serious!" I exclaimed shaking my head.
"Do I look like a person who jokes anyhow? I have told you I need that man back in my life and I
cannot live without him. It's hard enough cause he won't accept me for who I am now that he
knows what I have done. This time I want to be his no matter what cause I know he loves me. All I
need to do is show him how much he means to me. I want you to understand because am not
letting you go after telling you all this" she added
"You are crazy if you think am going to accept such kind of a thing. Do I look that desparate to
you? Here I was thinking maybe you have a club of some sort where you want me to work, just to
hear such madiness. Am sorry for your pain and your lose but no thank you." I shrugged and tried
to open the door to leave her car.
She however, had the doors locked.
"Open the door you..."
"My name is Cleopatara, people call me Cleo" she smiled as though i asked her for her name.
"Listen to me. I followed you and I know where you stay, I even talked to your friend Shila and she
agreed to this. However, I trully hoped you would agree to this. Things could have been easy. It's
a shame I will have to eliminate you for nothing" she chuckled playing with her fingers without
looking at me.
I tried to fight my way out but she pulled a gun at me.
"Stay calm now before someone gets hurt" she smiled teasingly.
"What do you want from me? Why me of all the girls around this town?" I felt my eyes go heavy.
"Well, think of it as lucky because I like you a lot. I want you and not that your dull friend. I could
have easily used her but I need someone who is sharp enough.
You see I will take both of us outside this country or call a doctor in so that we do a plastic surgery.
I want to have your face but I doubt giving you mine will do you any good for the moment. I will
need to think about that again." She paused

"Well, the most important thing is that I have you and the rest will fall in place." She went on giving
me all the details despite me telling her I was not intrested.
She talked for another hour threatening my mother and kid's life if I didn't do as she wanted me to.
I went back home feeling scared. Her voice kept ringing in my mind.
"Do this for me and I promise your family will never lack. My husband left me a lot of money and
there is nothing else I want more than the love of my life. I will do anything to have him. Don't even
think of telling this to anyone. Keep this to yourself and we are good" she had warned me.

A week later Shila called me to tell me she had agreed to work for Cleo. I wondered what her own
part was going to be.
"What have you agreed to do Shila? That woman is dangerous" I asked her
"Well, what is there to lose right? Am going to do as she says and at the end of the day I will have
money to help myself and my family. " she responded.
I didn't like the idea of all this but i had no idea of what I was going to do.
Trying to ignore everything, I went back to work. I felt relieved seeing she didn't show up. The
following days and weeks later she had gone mute on me. I had no idea where she had gone but
one day I saw her walk to my house after parking a few meters away.
"Cleo?" I shouted seeing her standing there before me.
She smiled widely but I noticed she seemed somewhat sad.
"What do you want? Where is Shila? I went to her house and didn't find her there. Where in God's
name have you taken my friend?" I asked feeling uneasy.
"Please come with me I explain this to you" she sighed sadly.
For a moment I thought it was a trap but what she said next made me stand up from the stool I sat
on.
"Shila is dead" she looked down her fingers.
"What did you say?" I asked looking at her.
"Please come with me" she spoke her voice sincere.
I followed her and she drove us to some house in Woodlands. A man that looked like a doctor
from his garmets greeted me and ushered us in the house.
I was lead to a room where Shila's body was.
My heart leaped with fear as I saw her lie there dead. What puzzled me the most was her face, I
knew my friends body and clothes for sure but when I looked at her face, it was all Cleo.
"What is this?" I screamed stepping back.
Cleo pulled me to her side and held me close as I cried out
"You killed her!" I shouted at her.
" sorry, she was willing to do this but something went wrong. She didn't tell us she was already
sick so she died in surgery. As you can see, the doctor managed to make her up and give her my
face but she died a few hours ago after developing a sudden fever and went into some kind of
trauma" she explained calmly I wondered what kind of human being would not be moved by such
kind of a thing.
"I want to leave this place right this minute" I shouted wanting to leave.
"I beg you Mercy, do this for me please. I will give you all the money you need for your child and
your mother's well-being. Please I don't want to hurt any of you. I want to help you. You know too
much and I can't just let you go. " she glanced at me her expression serious.
I could not escape her plot. She had me cornered and threatened. I could not run to the police
either for she told me clearly she was watching my every move.
Initially I had thought she would make my face look like hers but when I woke up hours later, my
face was that of Shila.
Asking her why she gave me my friend's face, she told me because she wanted me to act as
Shila.
"I realised Theo would easily recognise you since you dance as a stripper at the club where he
sometimes drinks from. So I want you to have this face that he doesn't know. Besides that, apart
from the husband that has deserted your friend, a few people know about Shila. do not worry for
everything is taken care of. Now you will have this face and do as i say till am ready to walk back
into Theo's life." She informed me.
I had no idea why she was doing all that, she told me for 2 years I would wear Shila's face as it
wasn't Permanently done on my skin. It was more like a mask that I would wear and get it taken
care of by her doctor till my mission was over.

"Now you decide to come back home huh?" Came Theo's angry voice startling me from my
thoughts as I sat quietly in the couch the baby playing with his toys on the carpet where I had
placed him since the Nanny brought him to me.
"Please not today" I looked at Theo's eyes.
"You are mistaken if you think you can pull some silly jokes on me Natalie. I have been more than
pateint with you and now am forced to act" he uttered.
I didn't respond instead I walked away to the bedroom. I could feel his anger as he walked behind
me.
Knowing Cleo was listening in from the listening device she had put on my phone I shook my head
and closed my mouth before I could speak back at him.
The disappointed look on his face making me feel worse than I was already.
[21/07, 09:17] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_18

Theo...
Tracking Natalie's movements proved futile. Everytime I thought I was catching up on her she
turned things in such a way that found myself a step backwards.
"I don't understand why you keep on torelarating her. She is behaved like a lunatic for a while but I
still dont get why you would let her make a fool out of you" Mwila remarked shaking his head at
me after hours of us waiting at Natalie's old house trying to see what goes on.
"What do you expect me to do man? I married her, she is my wife. There is no way I would react
without getting to the roots of whatever is causing her to behave this way" I argued
"Well, suit yourself. After all in the first place I didn't like the way that woman came into your life."
He added.

That evening like others before it we drove away without anything.

I got home after 21 hours and as I walked towards the door I saw her stand by the door staring in
my direction.
"We need to talk but not here" she spoke before I could say anything to her.
"Am not in the mood to play your silly games Natalie. I so much wanted this marriage to work but
for some reason not so sure what, you seem to be out to torture me. All I have done is love you
and our son, I do everything for you in this house. Am faithful to you but am being punished stil" I
complained in response to her.
"Am serious this time Theo. I really have to talk to you and I hope you understand me and try help
me out"she responded calmly her voice a bit broken it seemed she wanted to cry.
"Okay am all ears" I told her without moving from where I stood.
"Not here, she is listening" she responded and walked me to my car.
"Can we drive out? Please" she sighed when she saw how reluctant I was to follow her lead.
I hesitated a bit but on second thought I walked around the car and drove us away from the house.
We drove around for almost 10 minutes without her saying a thing.
I was just about to ask why she wanted us out of the house when she opened her mouth to speak.

"Am not Natalie, my name is Mercy. Cleo is alive. The person you burried as Cleo is my best
friend Shila. I don't know what she is up now, she has been plotting and scheeming for some time.
I am not aware what she is onto for now but that woman is dangerous am not even sure what she
is going to do to me if she knew am telling you this" Natalie rushed through her statement leaving
me speechless.
I was hoping she was playing some kind of joke on me but her facial expression told me she was
being serious.
"What are you telling me?" I calmly spoke when she paused.
"Am sorry Theo, I was forced to do this but I see everything has gone to the extremes am so sick
and tired of everything. I want my poor life back and even though i can not pull back the hands or
time to make things right, I hope one day you will learn to forgive me.
That baby at home is not yours either. I was never pregnant. She arranged for everything making
me wear a bump for months and faking to have labour. The doctor and everything else about that
period was fake. My parents, my name ...." she went on explaining everything like she was
reading some kind of story written in some book for me.
By the time she was done i was shaking. Not sure what it was, Rage, disappointment, anguish or
whatever it was made me so sweaty my forehead was dripping like i was socked in some water.
I looked at her not knowing what I was going to do with her.
"Oh God is this some kind of a dream?" I asked myself looking out the window the night breeze
soothing my face.
"I don't know how long I have left to live but I want you to know that even though i came in your life
as an imposter and did bad things to you on the command of that woman. I have fallen in love
with you. It's the more reason am telling you all this now. I can't continue seeing you this sad and
tormented, believe it or not I love you. I know I have no right to any of your kindness and love you
showed me the past months we have been married so I will not blame you if you locked me up in
prison, but please protect my son and my mother. You are working with the Police and I need you
to do anything in your powers to help them please. They are all I have in this world. " She cried
holding my hand tears falling on it.
I looked at her and away.
"You have no idea how happy I was that I finally manage to find the woman I loved. Cleo was the
reason I failed to get married for a long time and I was honestly happy she was not alive as I felt
free. To hear she is out there and scheeming against me is.. I don't know how to put it in words ." I
paused my heart aching.
" I will find her, I can assure you of that fact and this time around she will not fool me like she did
last time." I told her and I was being so serious. I knew at that moment what I felt for Cleo was
hate.

I had all the reasons to hate Natalie but I found myself feeling pity for her. She was suffering too
and I could hear her cry in her sleep that night. This time I planned to find a better way of catching
Cleo. I asked Natalie to act like she was still on her side for a while till I was able to capture her.
A few days later, as per plan I asked Natalie who had told me she was supposed to meet up with
her as she told her to, to go ahead and act normal.
Without informing anyone, not even Mwila, I got in my car following her to where ever they would
meet. I planted a listening device on Natalie so that I could hear whatever they were going to be
discussing.
"Why did you take so long to reach her" I heard some voice shouting.
"Am sorry, I had to find a way to escape him. He was home today" came Natalie's voice.
"Well, this thing has gone on for so long. It's high time i put this history in the closed book and
move forward." The first voice spoke again and I could hear her clearly and loudly I assumed she
had moved closer to Natalie.
"What have you done to your face?" A worried and panicking voice of Natalie(ofcourse as I
assumed it was cause from what I could hear the voices sounded the same.
"Am taking over your life Natalie. You have acted on my behalf for a long time."
"What do you mean Cleo, i have done all you wanted me to. Why in God's name are you doing
this?" She cried.

"Listen to me you good for nothing woman, you do not fit in any of my future plans. And if you
know so much am not going to let you live" I heard a scream as the voice spoke.
"Please stop now am not going to tell anyone about you, I beg you cleo" the scream went on and I
increased the accelerator to catch up with them.
I knew they were a few meters away so I cruised to make sure I get there before Natalie could get
hurt.
"Stop now! Put your hands where I can see them!" Suddenly a male voice i immediately
recognized shouted.
"Mwila what the hell!" I whispered and parked the vehicle outside the guest house running out to
the rooms without locking the door to the car.
A loud gun shot sounded in the same room I was approaching and I startled and stopped for a
second wondering what was going on.
"Dammit!" I screamed running through the hallway towards room 5 as told by Natalie, was their
meeting place.
Before I could get there Two men came my way shooting at me.
I didn't expect that kind of action but thankfully I had my gun on me.
I pulled out the gun and shot back at the two guys. For a good 5 minutes we exchanged shots and
before I could realise their were creating a deviation I heard Natalie's screams as they pushed her
into a car behind me.
I looked back and the car drove away. The two shooters ran back. For a second I debated whether
to go inside and check on my friend or go after Natalie. The Police silens where blaring from some
distance.
Shaking my head I rushed inside just to find Mwila in a pool of blood. He was screaming in pain
shot in his shoulder.
"Go after her !" He shouted pointing out.
"You are hurt Mwila, I can't leave you like this. What the hell are you even doing here?" I asked as
I tied him to stop blood from coming out.
"I was folllowing your wife on my own. I notice everytime we went after her together she
disappeared. I then realised she had you under surveillance but not me. " he winced trying to sit
up.
"Cleo is still alive man, Natalie told me everything" I looked at him.
"What?"Mwila Held his hand trying to stand.
"That explains a lot of things Theo. I saw two women here and you know what was absurd? I
thought they looked the same" he added
"What do you mean they looked the same?" I asked him looking around for any clues.
"Yeah their faces.."
He could not finish his sentence and I walked closer to him
"Ofcourse, that's it!" I let a scream holding my head.
"What is?" Mwila asked
"Come on we have to go now!" I shouted walking to the door.
"Call in some ambulance and please tell the boss everything. Inform him Cleo is alive but wait till I
get back before I give him the entire story" I shouted as I rushed to my car.
"Wait! What do you mean that's it? What is going on?" Mwila lifted his hand to stop me.
"She is going to kill her and take her place in my house" I responded stopping for a couple of
seconds.
"She.." he almost asked but I ran to my car. I had to get to her before it was too late.
"Where are you taking me you psycho!" I could hear Natalie shouting and cryng and I was glad the
listening device was still on her.
"Please God don't let her kill her. Keep her safe till I get there" I said a little prayer as I followed the
direction of the tracker.
[21/07, 09:17] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_19
Cleopatra…
I noticed Natalie kept looking back, she would shout and look back as though she was giving
someone a signal. I realized she had me sold out. There was no other way of explaining how
Mwila and Theo suddenly showed up at our hiding place.
“Stop the car!” I shouted at the driver.
“But we are in the middle of the road and..”
“I said stop the car dammit! Must I repeat myself before you do as I say?” I yelled the more looking
at the driver.
He pulled over with a screeching sound from the tires and I stepped out grabbing Natalie by the
hand.
“Come here you irresponsible girl, your stupid behavior almost cost me a lot, how dare you tell
them about me! Do you have an idea how much I have worked to come this far?” I shouted the
more shaking her.
A small item planted at the back of her hair was revealed and I pulled it out. Placing it to the
ground and smashed it into pieces.
“Let me see how he will find you fool!” I spanked her hard across the face and she held it in pain
begging for me to let her go.
“Change of plan! I shouted towards the driver.
“Turn left” I added and he did as I commanded.
Now that I had Theo where I wanted, in love with Natalie, my plan was to take over her place. I
didn’t want to kill her per say. But she just got me pissed with her behavior spilling the beans at the
last minute. I was shaking my leg as the vehicle cruised through the busy road, I couldn’t hold
myself. Time was ticking and I needed to act fast. I didn’t come all the way to fail at the last
minute. Being with Theo was the last chance at my happiness. Initially I planned on taking
someone’s face and make him fall in love with me. but when the first attempt to get Shila`s face
failed, I found myself a bit stuck. Thankfully she died on me before the doctor could work on giving
me her face. The plan was to lead Shila to be captured by Theo and then pretend to be her.
It all went sour when the girl died falling to survive a simple surgery, then It clicked, what better
way of starting over with the man I had fallen in love with and who was after me than making him
think I was dead.
So well, I schemed for a suicide and planted Shila`s body. The doctors helped me fake the DNA
test results and it was all perfect.
Now that I was at the verge of succeeding, I could not hold my anger at Mercy who wanted to ruin
it all. She was stupid enough to fall in love with him too.
“Well, she should have known better than falling in love with my man” I screamed in my head
looking ahead the now stretched out road.
“Turn left and park the car” I instructed the driver yet again.
“Come on Natalie, out of the car!” I shouted as she cried begging for me to spare her life. It was so
funny how much her face and mine looked the same.
“You see, my doctor is the best. He is worthy the millions I paid for this. Well who needs money
now that am going to live the rest of my life with the man I love” I smiled at her sad face.
“You see, no one would tell us apart, just listen to my voice” I laughed out teasing her as she
trembled.
“Yeah I have everything you have Mercy. Not to cry over this though it’s not your face after all. The
only difference is that mine is permanent. I had thought of giving you back your face and life but
this last act has cost you so much” I shook my head rubbing my hands.
I was in a pair of jeans and a soft plain t-shirt. The outfit I had planned to put-on that day so that I
would fit in Natalie`s kind of swag.
“Please I beg you she knelt down crying.
“I have a son, he still needs me please I beg you” she went on making noise and I slapped her
hard.
“Your son doesn’t even know you anymore, you saw him last year remember? He knows aunty
Shila though” I laughed teasing her.
“Yeah. You are so done my friend I will…” I could not finish my sentence and the driver yelled to
let me know he could see Theo`s car from down the hill since we parked at a hill side.
“What now?” he asked panicking.
“Don’t worry I got this!” I shouted moving to Natalie.

Theo…..
I was driving like a mad person, I didn`t really know what was driving me, either the hate I felt for
Cleo or the fear of losing the woman who I had come to love so much.
I heard a few shouting and the listening device went squeaking then silent.
“Dammit!” I cursed knowing she had found it.
I drove forward now hoping they were nearby. After 5 minutes of driving, I found the smashed
piece. A couple of minutes I stood there feeling lost, I didn’t know which way to take. Either the
right or left turn since it was a T junction. Seeing a vehicle coming from the left turn I raised my
badge in the air to stop the man.
“Excuse me sir, am a cop. Have you seen any vehicle driving at a great speed heading where you
are coming from?” I asked him.
“Um, no Sir. There is only one car that went this way and it was not driving past 40 Ks” he
responded.
“Right thank you!” I answered and ran back to the vehicle knowing she had gone the other way.
I could see the hill approaching ahead of me and I accelerated to get closer.
“Here you are!” I whispered to myself in my head approaching the car parked on the side.
“Cleo stop it now it’s over!” I shouted seeing her standing over Natalie who was panting and
shouting to be let free.
“Drop the weapon!” I ordered matching to them slowly pointing my gun at her. She quickly dropped
it her hand shaking.
“Theo! You came!” Natalie cried out coming to hug me.
“You alright?” I asked her and immediately Mwila and the other officers pulled over. They were
following me.
“Yes, she is crazy. She was almost killing me!” she cried clinging to me so tight.
“You are safe now, it’s all over “I rubbed her gently and she leaned her head on my shoulders. I
could feel her warm body and heartbeat.
“You are under rest Cleopatra Mubanga! For the murder or your husband, “I could hear the officer
announcing some charges against Cleo. I wondered why she had not spoken a word though.
Looking back I saw her face wet with tears.
Natalie was taken to give her own statement and at that moment I walked towards Cleo and stood
straight on her. She sobbed softly looking down the ground her hands in cuffs. “You will rot in Jail
for what you have made me go through and for the crimes you committed. I don’t believe you
turned out this evil Cleopatra” I shook my head but she was silent.
“I don’t believe your fake tears” I added wanting her to shout and say whatever she was feeling
inside but she remained silent until they lead her to the other vehicle.
“Can we go home now Theo, I have had a rough day you know, I need to rest” Natalie who was
beside me all the time holding on to my hand spoke up.
“Of course, I will take you home and go to the station I need to give my statement.” I sighed. She
leaned forward and kissed my lips.
“I love you” she whispered
“Well, Natalie, I don’t think now is the right time for that. Let me take you home then later on we
can talk about us. So much has happened and I need to clear my head before deciding to go on
with this marriage” I told her a as matter of fact.
“Yeah sure.” she sighed disappointed.
“I understand, whatever decision you will make after this I will accept it” she added and walked to
the vehicle before me.
All the way as I drove her home, she was silent, she didn’t say a word and I assumed she was sad
about my earlier statement. I dropped her home leaving immediately.
“You have to hurry back here” Mwila called me as soon as I drove out my yard.
“The boss needs you to give your full statement too” he added.
“Am on my way man, just a few minutes away” I sighed cutting the line.
[21/07, 09:17] Martin Martino: Silently_Deep_20
Theo continues….
“You have to see the chief now!’ Mwila walked to me the moment I stepped on the front door to the
office building.
“Okey am going there now, calm down you look worked out!” I looked at him as I walked on
without stopping.
“Yeah am not so sure what the hell you are doing, that woman you have taken home has the
same face as your Natalie, open your eyes man” he pulled my shoulders. I turned to look at him
and sighed before responding.
“What are you talking about man? I saw Natalie this morning and I personally pushed her to go
and meet Cleo after she told me everything.” I argued
“Yeah, you saw her and the only thing you are able to identify her by are the clothes right?” he
asked this time striking my thoughts too.
“Yeah, you have a point man, let me get to see the boss and I will talk to that woman locked up
there. I will surely know if she is the one” I answered and walked on to the chief`s office.
Knocking softly, I noticed he was speaking on the phone and he raised his hand to allow me in.
quietly I sat across him.
“Of course sir, I can assure you this is all over now, we have her into custody” the chief concluded
his call and I waited stroking my leg on the floor I felt impatient being there. I was thinking through
what Mwila had just told me and if he was right, then I had the enemy yet again in my house.
“Well, what really went down with these women Detective” the boss looked at me snapping me
from my thoughts.
“Yes sir, like I told you briefly earlier on….” I went on narrating the entire story. The boss kept
nodding his head and at the end of it he smiled pleased that finally we got that matter sorted out.
“I hate that a woman has dragged us this far, only glad we can finally put an end to it” he remarked
as I stood to go.
“So how is Natalie, is it?” he asked before I could turn the knob to the door.
“A bit shaken up sir, but she will be alright” I responded and that said I walked out straight away
heading to the cell block to have a check on the supposedly Cleo since now I was not so sure how
who she really was.
‘open the cell, I need to have a talk with the prisoner” I ordered the officer by the entrance and he
opened the gate to allow me in.
“oh God!” I shouted my heart stopping for a second seeing the body of the woman I came to see
hanging up the ceiling dead.
“What happened? Oh shit!” Mwila shouted coming to a halt besides me.
“This is so fucked up!” I yelled hitting the wall in anger.
“How did this happen? We just locked her up less than an hour ago and now she has committed
suicide?” I asked no one in particular as I paced around the alley waiting for the officers to get
down the body hanging with a tone shirt I could identify it as the same one she wore the time of
her she was caught.
“No man, this cannot be the end of everything, Cleo cannot be dead man. I have to go and see
that woman back at home. This is Cleo`s doing man and the more time I waste here, the more
chances of escaping am giving that evil woman” I spoke my voice filled with anger.
“I know you are upset right now Theo given everything that has been going on and there is a
possibility that Natalie is the one still alive. Take it easy and handle this with caution” he held my
hand preventing me from storming out.
“You have always told me am blinded by her. You have been right all along am not going to let her
get to my head this time around. Am gonna get her and this time God help me cause am thinking
prison is too good for that bitch!” I screamed walking away despite the plea by Mwila for me to wait
till they took a taste to ensure that woman is Cleo.
“Am not giving her another chance to fool me man. Wait here and call me after everything is done”
I added as I opened the car door and started speeding out the moment I got onto the main road.
My phone ring and I looked at the Caller ID, it was showing Natalie’s line. I wanted to let it go
unanswered but then realized if I was dealing with Natalie I would give myself away.
“Yes Natalie!” I responded a bit exaggerated tone trying to sound okey I could feel myself almost
chocking.
“Hey love, am out of the house, I thought I might visit my son and mother first. I will come home
before night time” she told me and I hit the steering wheel making the horn sound loudly.
“Are you okey?” she asked me after a moment of silence.
“Fuck!” I cursed in my mind pissed that she was playing games with me.
“What is going on Theo? Is Cleo dead?” she asked and that moment I confirmed my suspicion
was right.
“How did you know she is dead Natalie?” I asked trying to stay calm as I balanced the vehicle to
avoid hitting into the oncoming cars.
“Um, no I didn’t Theo, just that I heard the hooting and cursing. You sound upset too.” She
responded.
“Okey then see you later” she hang up before I could say another thing
“Dammit! She knows. Oh no, Theo, you cannot lose this time” I scolded myself. Realizing I didn’t
even know where Natalie`s mother and son were exactly. I drove on heading home hoping I could
find something that would lead me to where they were.
“If you had failed to capture her this time, this could have been the end of your career Detective”
my mind recalled the words of the Chief as I walked to the house.
“We cannot have the same criminal slipping through your hands man, everyone especially the top
guys could have questioned our capabilities and I for one could not afford that” he added.
I walked around the house, searching through all the things that belonged to Natalie. I then found
some photos. In one of them was a dark and slim lady with round soft eyes. I assumed that was
the face of the real Natalie.
“Am sorry failed you lady. I wish I met the real you before, we could have been happy together” I
spoke to the pic sitting down and for a moment mourn Natalie. My eyes shifted to another photo in
which a boy of about 4 years stood in front of a jumping castle smiling. I could tell from his eyes
that he was Natalie`s son.
“Well I have to protect your son Natalie. “ I sighed standing up.
Luckily through the papers I found together with the photos as an envelope and in it I found some
money about K10 000. I supposed she was keeping it for her son and within the money was a
small note in her handwriting.
“Am sure if you reading this I must be dead. Am sorry yet again for the trouble I caused you. In my
silence I learned to love you. My love for you might have emerged from the worst but it was the
only true thing about me.
I contributed to ruin your life a great deal but here I am asking for you to help me. Now that am
dead I will not be able to protect him, he is just a boy and so innocent. Please Theo, find him and
save his life. I tried to hide him and my mother at the address on the back of this note to prevent
Cleo from finding them but there is no surety she won`t get to them.
I love you. Till we meet again.
Mercy.
She signed it and my hand was shaking as I finished reading the note. Whipping the tears now
falling my face, I rushed out to get the address.
“Protect them God. Give me this chance to save their innocent lives “I whispered a prayer.
Mwila was calling but I ignored his call concentrating on the road ahead.
“Am sorry not now man” I looked at the call when it came on again.
After 30 minutes of going round in circles in search of the address I found it. It was a small house
within Chawama compound. I drove to the yard and as I approached the house, I saw a man
standing there looking on at me. The moment I was a few steps from him he came forward pulling
my shirt.
“Where is my wife you bastard!” he yelled and before I could get a chance to protect myself he
went on striking me hard blows across my face.
“calm down man, I am here for Natalie`s son and mother who the hell are you?” I asked trying not
to hit him back.
“Am the husband to Shila and I have been told you know where she is and that you might have
killed her already. You will give be back my wife right this minute or I swear I will kill you” the man
spoke in his rage hitting me. A small crowd started gathering and an old woman watching on
started calling me a murderer. Some gallant looking men and youths moved forward and started
hitting me too. I tried to scream for a chance to explain what was going on but they were not letting
me go.
I felt myself grow weak and weak by the minute. I could not see clearly as my vision was getting
blurred so sure I was going to die at the hands of those men. I closed my eyes and moaned in
pain as sharp pains ran through me. Some gun fire in the air scattered the men who had me
surrounded and before I could take time to see my savior, I blacked out.
[21/07, 09:17] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_21

"He's is waking up!" I heard Mwila's voice shouting out, it's sharpness reaching my ears and
making my head want to explode with excruatiating pain I held it in my palms to help quench the
pain.
"Are you okey?" A feminine voice spoke closer to me but I was glad her soft voice was soothing
and so calm I didn't have to hold my head anymore.
My eyes opened and instantly faced into some tender and soft looking eyes. Her mouth curved
into a smile showing off her snow white set of teeth beyond them I could see a peep of her pinkish
tongue. I went on taking in the sight of her pointed nose. From where I lay down I could see the
inside nose so clear. My eyes went round studying her every part of the face and I found myself
stuck on her, I so much wanted to respond to her questions if i was alright? If I was able to see
her, but my tongue felt like it was tied inside.
Her voice like a song in my ears I wished she could speak more and more.
"What is wrong with you Theo?" I heard my inside voice asking me. I refused to answer myself on
that question. Instead I felt myself smiling. I thought I was doing it inside but her smiling back at
me showed me I was actually displaying it.
"Theo man, say something! Are you okey?" The loud voice which at the moment I found irritating
as it took me off my small world of fantasy came through making me look up away from the
angelic face I so much wanted to watch.
"Yeah, am okey shut up man, you are too loud" I responded shooting my eyes at Mwila standing
nearby
"You scared me you fool! I thought you going blind or something" he playfully hit my side. That's
when I felt it. The pain through out my body and now my mind was alert recalling the beating I had.

"What happened? How long have I been here? " I tried to shake myself to sit up but my body was
failing me.
"Ouch!" I screamed painfully my legs heavy.
"Calm down sir, you are quite hurt and you need to stay down and get better. You where brought
in yersterday" That soft voice came on again and this time she held my back taking me back to lay
down. I so much wanted to refuse laying down as I wanted to get on my feet had run to find Cleo
and put an end to her, but her gentle touch was unresistable.
I looked at her full figure as she placed the pillow in my back helping me to lay so that my head
was a bit elevated.
"Who are you?" I found myself asking her without thinking through my words.
"Am a nurse, my name is Tacy" she smiled.
"Tacy, thank you" I smiled back at her. And I could see a questioning look on Mwila's face.
"Okay let me call the Doctor to check on you sir, don't move from here" she patted my shoulder
and walked out her short uniform perfectly fitting I watched her till she disappeared.
"Are you sure you okay? You are acting off" Mwila came closer laughing .
"Yeah, yeah I am. What happened" I asked him and he shook his head.
"You mean apart from getting a beating from an angry mob after leaving your partner behind?" He
asked his face now serious.
"am sorry man, I wanted so much to get to her but like always she is always a step ahead of me" I
winced in pain.
"Yeah she is and this time around we have to work together and find her before she harms that
poor woman and her grand child. You were right, the Tests shows that they woman is not Cleo.
She is out there and am positive she arranged for that beating, she knew you would go to find that
woman and the boy and so she organised the husband and mother to Shila telling them you are
responsible for the disappearance of Natalie. According to the man, A woman they could not
recognised went to tell them the story and when they said they could not recognise her, I was able
to decern she sent someone else again. That woman is a pschyco God knows what she is upto
now. " Mwila shook his head.
"I don't get it either, but whatever the case we have to find her. She will harm the woman and
Natalie or Mercy, whatever her name was , asked me to protect her son and I will do that" I
responded coughing a little bit.
"We have to." Mwila nodded
"I don't think staying here is a good idea, I need to get out man. Arrange for my release right this
minute. " I sat up painfully looking at him.
"Look at you, you are a mess. You should see your face in the mirror. Forget it man, let me handle
this for now. You are in no condition to chase after that crazy woman. Dont worry about the boy
and his grand mother, I took them into safe custody after convicing the boss and I warned them to
watch out for Cleo. They needed to know the truth and so I told them everything" he explained
"That's good thank you man but.."
"He is right, you cannot leave this place like this sir you need to stay i calm and let us help you to
heal" the Doctor walked in with Tacy tagging along behind him.
"Oh no!" I sighed leaning back defeatedly.
Mwila looked on as they checked my wounds and Tacy was instructed to give me some
antibiotics and some pain killers.
Whenever she was that close to me I seemed to loose my mind. Not understanding why I was
acting like a child in her presence.
Mwila left and I was now alone laying down and thinking through things.
"She is mad, she is bent on having you whether you like it or not. She swore she will have you no
matter what she had to do." I remembered Natalie' words
"What did I do?" I asked myself wondering since I never gave her any hopes of being with her. I
agree Cleo was my obsession at some point but I never agreed to loving her especially in her
presence, whatever she was doing really had nothing to do with what I felt but her own madness.
I wondered what really happened between her and her late husband that turmed an innocent girl
into the monster she now had become.

"I will have to change your bandages now" Tacy came to me the following day.
"Good morning nurse Tacy?" I smiled at her waking up from my sleep.
"Good morning Sir, how are you feeling today?" She walked to me and held my hand gently.
"If I have to spend more days being taken care of a woman like you then am not okay " I teased
and she laughed softly as she got on to work on my wounds.
"You will be okey in a few days Sir"
"Oh, I do not have a few days. I need to be out of here" I responded turning to give her access to
wash my back wounds.
"I don't really know why those people beat you up but whatever it is you did was dangerous they
could have killed you." she remarked pressing a soft cotton on my back wounds and I winced a
little bit as the sting from the chemical she was using got on my open wound.
"Sorry" she murmered
"Yeah I have been following up a crazy woman for years." I responded with a chuckle.
"Hm she must be crazy for sure to get you like this" Tacy giggled too.
Our little conversation was interrupted by Mwila who walked in.
"Hey!" He greeted me
"Hey, whats going on you look upset" I asked him pulling down the shirt on me.
"She tried to get to the old woman and the boy this morning. She sent some thugs and there was
some shooting an officer was shot i brought him here" he explained.
"No!" I let a small scream.
"You know what? I can't lay down here any more I got to find that bitch and put her in her place" I
talked as I stood up.
"You cannot leave ..."
"Am sorry my lady I can't stay here." I held her hamd unconsciously.
"That woman is going to kill the boy and I cannot let her win this time." I remarked and I saw her
smile I wondered why she was doing that cause I was not talking about something appealing. I
looked at Mwila and he had the same expression as she did.
"What ? did I say something wrong?" I asked them looking at each one of them.
"My lady?" Mwila burst out laughing
"Oh damn" I hit my head laughing too.
"Am sorry I.." I stammered trying to look at Tacy.
"Its alright" she smiled.
"I understand you trying to be a gentle man." She added.
"Don't fall for this fool, he sucks at love" Mwila teased as I put on my shoes.
"I wil get you for this you fool!" I scolded him and stood up limping a bit as I walked.
"Easy there!" Tacy almost came to my aid as I stumbled on and held the door to support myself.
"Those mad people damaged me " I winced.
We were in the car a few minutes later with Mwila telling me what happened at the house their
were keeping Natalie's mother and son.
"Why does sure want to hurt them? She knows we are on to her but she insists in doing this crazy
shit" I spat
"She wants to get your attention. Am telling you that woman stopped being normal the moment
she killed her husband and you know what's worse? " he paused looking at me as he drove us.
"Her mother was aware she is alive all this while. Infact she is helping her somehow to scheme
her acts. Adding some funds to whatever money she got from her late husband. For paying her
goons and doing whatever she is doing. We need to bring her mother in too and I got some boys
working on that" Mwila informed me.

"That woman has people inside the force that's how come she was able to play around us. She
seemed a step ahead because someone gives her Intel of what is going on" he added shaking his
head.

"Well, now that we know that fact, she will not see us coming this time around." I responded.
"If the person selling out Intel is at the office, that is where I need us to go right this minute. Let us
make her fall into her own trap" I told Mwila who nodded in agreement.
We arrived at the office 20 minutes later and as planned we talked as we moved along the hallway
ensuring that everyone was listening in.
I went to the boss's office later and told him the entire plan to capture Cleo.
An hour later a were parked in front of the new house where we had Natalie's mother and son
hiden (as asumed by everyone since we had them somewhere else and made sure the wrong
information was sent to Cleo).
Hiden in the car which I knew she was not able to identify, we waited for some couple of hours for
any action from her. The pains in my body where disturbing me a little bit but I tried to ignore them
and concetrate.
We were about to give up when a vehicle drove in our direction and stopped in front of the house a
few meters away from where we were parked.
"She is supposed to be there. Come on, come out you bitch !" I whispered impatiently waiting for
her to make a move so a could we move on to her.
Two men walked out and started heading to the house. A few steps away one of them holding
something in his hand raised his hand and threw something in the house. We were still
contemplating what it was when the entire house blew up in flames and the two men rushed back
to the car. This time though we moved on to them before they could speed out.
I fired a shot into the tires to prevent them from driving away.
"Come out with your hands on your head!" I shouted loudly and could see some movements. The
other officers surrounding the area and every one alert.
"Let her be inside" I whispered sighing as we waited for them to walk to our full view.
[21/07, 09:18] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_22
Cleo…
I watched laughing to myself, “you are so predictable my love” I sighed seeing Theo and Mwila
playing hero. They were pointing their guns at the guys I had sent. I suspected their act after
hearing that they were changing the house for safe custody of Natalie`s mother and son. I recalled
the events a few hours back..
“Hey, they are moving them to the location and forwarding to you now” my informant told me that
afternoon. I sat down excited about how I could easily get to them but then after some moment of
thinking through it, I realized something was off. “Why would they move them from the safe place
they were being held to that exposed house if they knew I was going after them?” I asked myself
sitting on the couch and taking my wine.
I decided to make another call right that minute before I could act.
“Hey, what time are they moving them?” I asked the guy who called me earlier.
“Any time from now. Not sure exactly when” he replied and I went to the closet, took out some
funny looking clothes, dressed in a lose t-shirt and a pair of slacks and sneakers. I placed a cap on
my head and wore dark shades.
“You look simple but good” I whispered to myself in the mirror. For such a mission I needed no
one to do things for me. The goodness of having money and nothing much to spend it on, gave
me a lot of crazy ideas. I could do anything I wanted provided the cash flows from the business I
invested in using my mother was generating more than I needed. I hated busses but on such a
mission I thought it was the best form of transport to use.
I sat in the back seat comfortably between two women who started talking about the incident that
happened in the compound about Theo being beaten up.
“I wonder what this world has gone to, did you hear that man was innocent and the real culprit is a
woman?” the lady on my right continued. It was like their small talk started way before I boarded
the bus.
“Yeah I heard so, what kind of woman does that? She is a monster and am sure she has never
given birth before.” The other one responded.
“you are right my friend, us who have kids have a heart of compassion and no matter how bad
things turn out against us, we find comfort in our children and would never go to such extremes.
Killing your fellow human being and walking around like nothing happened, well that’s pure evil”
she remarked and I felt like spanking her in her face.
“How dare you talk about me not having children, do you know how much I wanted to have kids of
my own?” I screamed inside my head gritting my teeth in anger. I was almost responding to their
conversation wanting to tell them not to judge others and learn to mind their own business but the
bus stopped and they moved out.
“Fools, stupid fools! You smell poverty you sluts!” I yelled in my head looking at them as they
walked along the road the buss moving on to join the main road. I was lost in my sad thoughts now
that the idiots had reminded me of my loss. I imagined how much my twins would have grown.
With pain in my heart I held my stomach and wished for a moment God had been kind enough to
open my womb and allow me to have even just one kid. Hot tears formed in my eyes and before I
could hold them back, I felt them run down my cheek and I quickly wiped them. Luck I had shades
on and no one could see me cry.
“Put yourself together Cleo” I scolded myself but the pain in my heart was big I couldn’t hold it. The
bus conductor announced the next stop and I indicated to him I was disembarking.
The moment the bus stopped I stepped out and stood straight. Right in front of me was the police
headquarters and I watched for a minute the small movements in and out of the building. After a
couple of minutes, I saw Theo and Mwila walk in like a pair of lovers. For a second I felt bad
seeing Theo limping and some bandages still on one of his arms.
“Am sorry my love, soon you will understand am doing this for us my love. I want this to be over
and start afresh, I swear am going to take away all your pain” I sighed inside and started crossing
the road. I decided to get inside the building if I had to get my results.
“Excuse me officer” I smiled pushing my shades up a little bit.
“Yes, what can I do for you dear lady?” the man at the reception grinned back at me.
“I am here to see Sergeant Mweetwa” I mentioned an officer I was aware was not in the premises.
Well, privileges of having a mole inside the police.
“he is not yet in, he is reporting after 14 today, you still have about 30 minutes to 14 hours” he
looked at me face.
“Um, let’s see,” I murmured looking at the watch on the wall.
“I can wait, it’s important that I see him” I smirked widely.
“Yeah, there is a bench there, you can wait from there” he responded pointing at a bench on the
left.
“Good, now I can watch what is going on from inside here” I remarked in my head and smile at
him.
“Thank you sir” I spoke loudly and walked to the bench.
I sat there with a newspaper in my hands my legs folded like I was in my home. Meanwhile my
eyes kept scanning around the place. Theo and Mwila came through talking about their plan.
“Why is he shouting out the movement?” I asked myself seeing them pass where I was.
“Come on we have to move now” I heard Mwila telling him and the two with other officers matched
out in a rush. I stood and followed them out a few minutes later and got a taxi from outside.
“take me to this address, if you get there as soon as that car” I said pointing at Mwila`s car ahead.
“I will give you double your bill” I told the taxi driver who smiled widely.
“You got it sweety” he looked back at me.
“Start driving man, I don’t have the whole day” I raised my voice at him and he started following
them.
“Go ahead with the plan, whether they are inside that house or not, burn it down” I gave
instructions to my boys in a text.
Sitting back the taxi, I leaned my head back and started counting, as was my habit when I was
nervous and couldn’t calm. At the count of 1, 569, the taxi driver slowed down and told me the
vehicle we were following was stopping.
“Good, just wait a little bit here, and see what happens” I told him sitting up and watching them
park a few meters from the road.
“Am getting off from here” I told him and handed him his money.
“If I may ask, why are you…” he could not finish asking his question and I leaned forward his
window looking at him even though he could not see my eyes.
“Do you charge to know what your client is up to?” I asked him and he pulled back shaking his
head.
“I thought so, now get out!” I shook my head standing straight and letting him pass to join the road.
I walked using the small path to have a clear view of what Theo and his people where up to and so
here I was watching the house flaming a few minutes later my boys raising their hand in surrender.
I could not care less what they would tell him since I already had plans to change my looks.
I smiled to myself at the look on Theo`s face when he realized I was not inside. I could not hear
what he was saying but from the way he was kicking the tires to the vehicle I knew he was pissed
and probably cursing loudly.
“Hmmm, am sorry love, am not that easy a catch. Work harder!” I smiled puling the shades off my
face and wiping my eyes a little bit.
“Damn this mask is making me sick, its time I got my normal face back. I only hope this is the last
time am going to have a fake face” I spat as I walked down the road to find another car to take me
back to my small hidden home.
“Doctor, are you still in the country?” I made a call to my favorite person, I called him favorite
because his hands wear magic, a medical doctor who flee from his own country after being
charged with practicing illegal plastic surgery and creating masks to match different faces, it
needed an expert to be able to tell someone apart. I called him a small god cause, well, the man
was gifted and with some cash he would give you whatever face you desired.
‘yes, what is it now?” he asked calmly his voice so deep I started wondering why I never found him
attractive even when he made several advances at me. Well, it was simple for me, the mare fact
that I was deeply in love with Theo, I could never get to love anyone else. I wanted him and no
one else and so I made that clear to my doctor even when I sometimes used him to give me
sexual satisfaction whenever I felt bored and in need.
“Come over I need my face changed “I told him straight up.
“What, already?” he asked sounding a bit bored with me.
“Yes, I don’t want this dull looking face, I want my original self this time around, is that an issue?” I
asked him almost blaring in the phone.
“No, it’s not. just that too much of facial makeups can ruin your skin and in worst cases disfigure
you. You are beautiful the way you are Cleo” he started with his long speech and I cut him short.
“I know that, and I just told you I just want you to get rid of this mask. I will have my face again.
This one is too risky as the cops will probably plant it all over the city to catch me. They do not
know I can switch it and am sure the last face they all expect around is my original one” I
explained as I raised my hand to stop a taxi.
“Well, good, see you soon” I acknowledge after he told me he was going to meet me later. I looked
at my phone and sighed looking at the driver who kept stealing glances at me. I smiled at him and
placed the shades back on.
[21/07, 09:18] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_23
Theo….
I was infuriated, I felt it, the impact of Cleo`s actions. She just, made a fool out of us yet again.
Now here I was trying to get information about her from the guys we apprehended.
“Tell me about this woman you are working for?” I asked trying by all means to stay calm. The first
guy looked at me and back down.
“Oh now you don’t talk huh? Listen, don’t push me to pull answers from you. You are going in for a
long time because we caught you on the crime scene and you are working for a criminal. If you
know what is good for you, then you have to start talking” I stared into his dark face and impassive
eyes.
“What is in it for me?” he looked at me with a serious face I laughed for a minute not believing the
idiot was thinking he would negotiate with me.
“What the hell! Where do you think you are? In your office? making some business negotiations?”
I asked him now standing up and folding my sleeves. I could hear my Boss from the other side
telling me not to go against the law and beat that guy up. I touched my ear and sighed deeply an
indication I heard him.
“Start talking now or I will make you talk” I warned and his mouth curved into a smile like I was just
trying to please him. Before I could hold myself he launched on him beating the hell out of his face.

“Theo stop now! “ I heard the boss yelling but I was so upset I was taking it all out of him.
“She does not see us personally. She sends someone to hire people and we only speak to her on
the phone” he quickly told me wiping the blood from his mouth.
“Tell me the truth you lying bastard!” I yelled in his face and he closed his eyes flinching back a bit.

Mwila walked in and held my hand before I could give the guy another beating.
“Take it easy man, you are pissed right now and I think you should take a break to calm yourself
down. Go home and I will handle this from here.” he whispered still holding me as my eyes kept on
the guy before me.
“Go get those wounds cleaned up, I arranged someone to come help you from home” he added
and that last statement got my attention.
“Who?” I asked him not believing his words.
“Go on, I will take care of this man” he indicted with his head pointing to the door. I knew he was
right, I needed a break from all that and the best was I went home since I could even feel the pains
in my arm coming on again.
“Okey, make these fools talk man, make them talk” I grabbed his hand and shook it strong before
leaving.
A few minutes later I was in a bath tab filled with warm water. The warmth of the water soothing
my wounds and I closed my eyes leaning on the sides allowing my mind to calm and be at easy.
My thoughts wondered away and I found myself thinking of Tacy. Her light skin and soft natural
hair, her soft voice and the manner in which she touched my skin whenever she cleaned me up
made me smile.
I didn’t really intend to feel that way towards a lady I just met in the hospital but I couldn’t just help
it. Like God had answered my prayers the door bell rung and I opened my eyes. The ring came a
second time and now I was alert. I emerged from the water, wrapped a towel around myself and
walked to the door.
“Who is there?” I asked before opening. I didn’t want to open for a person I was not aware of in a
bathing towel.
“It’s Tacy, Mwila asked me to come help you with your wounds” she responded her voice ever
calm and appealing in my ears.
“You bastard! You were serious, wow!” I made a happy dance in my head as I opened the door.
The moment she came into full view my heart stopped yet again for a second. I stood there smiling
like a fool my eyes on her. She smiled back at me but I noticed her face was down.
“What…” I could not finish saying it when I realized what she was hiding her eyes from. My towel
had fallen off and I was too distracted to hear it fall. I was completely nude before her.
“Oh shit!” I closed back the door and pick it up quickly wrapping it around my waist making sure
my other hand was holding it close before I opened the door again.
“am sorry, I was um… well” I stuttered making her smile the more her smile making my mouth
watery I felt like a total idiot. I went on apologizing for another minute and she made it clear it was
okey.
“You are welcome, please come in” I moved aside a bit and allowed her in. she looked around the
house as she walked to the couch and I followed behind her letting her lead the way and took the
opportunity to check her out.
She was still in her white uniform he legs a bit exposed and the movement from her back made
me feel some hardening down the down and I knew I had to rush to dress up or that will be the
biggest disaster of the day if I was to continue being near her.
“You have a nice home Theodore, I love the colors and the layout of this room” she complimented
with a smile.
“Thank you, my late wife had some taste” I responded looking around too. Now that she had
mentioned, I took the opportunity to admire what Natalie had done around the house. I never rally
told her how nice it was and for a second I felt sad I didn’t appreciate her much.
“Well, can I just cover my body with something decent” I sighed instead pushing the thoughts of
Natalie out of the way. Her body was still lying in the mortuary and here I was making a fool out of
myself in front of another woman. I felt a little bit guilty and rushed to my room to put on clothes.
“stay focused Theo, you cannot afford falling in another woman`s trap again” I told myself before I
could get to join her back in the living room.
She as quietly as I approached and looked back at me when she felt my presence.
“Well” she stood up holding her hands together.
“I came to check on your wounds and dress up those that are deep, if you don’t mind that is” she
quickly added.
“Please go on, I don’t mind at all” I shivered at the thought of her touching my skin.
“Hm, you will have to sit” she shrugged with a little laugh pointing at the couch.
“Yea right” I smiled sitting down and she walked to my back her already open first aid box on top
of the table.
“Let’s see, hm. This one still looks bad” I felt her touch near my shoulder my skin crawled all down
my feet I moved a little bit.
“Oh sorry, did I hurt you?” she asked stopping.
“Um, not really “I stammered not wanting her to know what was really going on.
“Hand me the disinfectant and the cotton”
I took what she asked for and gave them to her and right away she started nursing me wounds
ever gentle as we chatted. I had to find something to say and get my mind off what her hands
were making me go through at the moment.
“So, who is Tacy?” I asked her and she felt her relax and sigh softly.
“Well. She is a simple girl born from a family of three, the last born of the family. My parents are in
Chapata, and my elder brother too. I stay with my sister the first born who took me in 5 years back
and saw me through high school and nursing school.
I graduated last year as a nurse from UTH with a diploma in nursing.” She explained
“Oh great, simple Tacy huh? I love the description, sounds like you had a sober life “I smiled as
she came round to check the wound on my leg.
“Not quiet, it was a bit rough cause my sister had to pay for my school. She is Single, her husband
divorced her years back. I was some kind of a burden to her and her only daughter. So she really
didn’t give me a good time. But well, thank God am here” she smiled looking at my face.
“Does that hurt?” she changed the subject messaging my leg.
“No” I answered looking at her and wondering why she had such calmness around her even as
she spoke of what I figured wasn’t a good life.
“What about your parents?” I asked her
“Well, they own a small farm back in the village and they thought my sister was the one who had
the capacity to help me with school so they sent me here. my brother`s wife is quiet rough too but I
thought staying with my sister would be a bit better than being with my brother” she smiled calmly.
“Are you always this calm? I mean, you do everything with so much calmness, I wonder why
someone would mistreat you” I smiled putting my shirt back on as she packed her things back in
the box.
“My name means Silence, so maybe it has something to do with my nature” she laughed softly.
“Like serious? It means that?” I asked her chuckling along.
“Yeah, my father told me I was born so quietly and never gave them troubles of crying all the time
like my brother and sister. He named me Tacy to mean `silence` “she smiled and I was so
amazed.
“Wow, you are deep. I have a feeling there is more to you than what am seeing now” I smiled
honestly.
“Well, am work here is over and I need to get home.” She stood up after cleaning up her hands.
“Thank so much for your help. You dint have to but I appreciate it so much. I owe you one” I
smiled standing up.
‘Yeah, just get well soon and you would have paid up for everything” she smiled and walked on to
the door.
“Can I at least drop you home?” I asked
“Um, I appreciate that but am sorry I can`t accept it. The thing, is my sister has issues with visitors
and so I don’t really like going against her.” She smiled dismissingly.
“Oh too bad, but I could drop you off before the house” I insisted and she still turned my offer
down.
“Well, see you around them” I shrugged and watched her leave.
[21/07, 09:18] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_24

Theo...
I was fast asleep when I felt the presence of someone in my room. I tried to rise up but it felt like I
was stuck in the bed. I couldn't move, opening my eyes I saw her, she was standing there her
face at me.
"What do you want from me you evil woman? You murder people, you are so pathetic your time is
almost up!" I shouted but she smiled.
"I love you and if I have to murder again to have you then I will do it again and again" she gnarled.
"You are sick in the head. I hate you, you hear, I hate you with everything I have got!" I spat
shooting my eyes at her.
"Well then see you in hell!" She pulled her gun at me and I heard a loud shot.
Startling from my dream I panted and stood up going to wash off my face in the bathing room. I
looked at myself in the mirror and breathed out heavily.

"Oh God it was just a dream" I whispered rubbing my eyes.

I walked to the kitchen my bare feet catching the coldness from the floor I ignored the it and went
on to make myself a cup of coffee.
It had been a weeks after the failed atempt to catch Cleo and we had been trying everything to get
to her but it was like once again she had varnished. I planted posters of her across the city using
Shila's face she had on ofcourse, but no one came forward to report seeing her or anything.
My mind went back to the person that had helped me stay calm, Tacy.
She had visited me to check on my wounds and now I was completely healed except for the small
scars in the parts where the wounds were deep.
"You don't say much about your wife" Tacy commented one day.
"Yeah cause it's not easy to do that" I sighed trying to push down the topic of Natalie.
"Why? I thought you loved her I can see photos of her still hanging around the house and your son
too. " She pointed around the room.
"Yeah, I don't think this is right to tell you but I discovered my marriage was fake beacuse the
woman I married was fake. She was using a fake name and face too." I told her sadly.
"No, it can't be!" She let a shout holding her mouth.
"Oh my God! Why would a person do that?" She asked in wonder but i was not ready to tell her
the details. Atleast i thought I was to keep the information to myself until Cleo was caught. I started
liking Tacy but I was not going to take up chances before I was sure of her.
"Well, I will not ask the details but one thing I know for sure, when God gives you the right woman,
you will know it in your heart without doubt. I hope you find someone to cover up your pain and
make you happy. You seem like a good person" she smiled like she had read my thoughts.
"Thank you, I love the way you go about your speeches" I smiled genuinely appreciating the kind
of person she was.
I was lost in thought sipping on my coffee when I heard my phone ring from the bedroom.
Standing up I walked to get it and it cut the moment I opened the bedroom door.
"Tacy?" I murmured looking at the missed call. I dialled her line and she answered almost
immediatley sounding somehow in a panic.
"Theo am sorry this is too early but I need your help. My sister had been badly hurt she can barely
breath. I can't drive and it's kind of too early to find a taxi outside. Will you help me take her to the
hospital please" she cried.
"What happened Tacy, how was she hurt?" I asked her getting to grab my pants and shirt.
"Her daughter.." she paused
"Her daughter? What do you mean her daughter?" I asked as I pushed my feet into the shoes.
"I don't know what happened cause I have not seen her In a long time it's like they had a fight
Theo. Please will you help me? she is dying" she asked her voice trembling.
"Ofcourse just give me the address am heading there right this minute!" I told her.
"Stay calm and I will be there" I added and I heard her sigh a little bit.
Driving across the streets I rush to go and find her. Something clicked as I approached the
township in the address she had given me.
"What the..." I almost said it out as I approached the house.
"No way!" I let a scream as I confirmed what I was suspecting. Before me was the house I so very
well knew cause we had frequented it in search of Cleo. It was her mother's house.
"God what is going on?" I asked myself without stopping the vehicle.
I wanted to call Mwila and tell him what I was seeing and learning about the Tacy he had always
praised but I decided to get to the bottom of the matter before I could make any judgements.
"Am outside" I told her on the phone and watched the front door seeing her emerging from there
blood on her cloth.
"Come help me, I can't move her" she shouted raising her hand at me. Without objection I moved
to get and did as she asked.
The woman was barely breathing a gun wound in her chest." Who did this to your sister? Is it
Cleo?" I looked at her after we drove to the hospital and the doctors started working on her.
"You know her daughter? " she asked puzzled .
"I thought she was dead. It's impossible to the dead to come back to life you know. But when my
sister called me to tell me her daughter shot her, i thought it was all a joke till I was her like this"
she looked at me explaining.
"Is this some kind of game Tacy?" I asked without giving her a chance to continue

"What? What is that supposed to mean?" She asked me her face turned into a frown.
"You knew all along am after Celo, yet you are related to her and stay with her mother? Did she
send you to my house?" I asked not getting angry.
"What is going on Theo? Do you know my niece? How do you know my sister?" She asked I
assumed she was being sincere but it was not making any sense.
I grabbed her by the hand and led her outside .
"Tacy I swear to God if you don't tell me what is going on I will not only throw you in jail," I sighed
trying to stay calm.
"Okay, okay, come on tell me, where the hell is she? " I asked and she kept looking at me like I
was mad.
"Theo, honestly I don't know what you want me to tell you. Can you atleast tell me what is going
on here? I called you for help because I think you are my friend and the only person that can help
me right now. Why are you accusing me of things that I have no idea of?" As calm as she always
was she asked me. Even though i was feeling so mad at her at the moment, there was no way I
could continue yelling at such a person. I held her hand and led her to sit in my car.
For a couple of minutes i was quiet trying to find a better way of talking to her. I was not sure why
my heart kept telling she was innocent.
I want on telling her about Cleo and all the time she was staring at me with a look that showed she
was indeed heading the story for the first time.
"Oh my God, that is why she pushed me out of the house. She knew her daughter was still alive
all there years I was meant to think she hated me" she whispered holding her face as tears run
down her cheek.
"I dont understand" I stated shaking my head.
"You told me your sister doesn't allow any visitors weeks back i thought you stay with her"
"No Theo, I lied about that. The thing is I didn't want to show you where I live till I was sure you
were a genuine person. I mean, I was not ready to show my house to a stranger. So I lied about
my sister. She pushed me out of the house 3 years ago since I started working and I have never
gone back there . Once in a while we talk on phone no wonder i was shocked when she called me
today to tell me her daughter shot her after a misunderstanding. According to everyone in the
family, Cleo is dead and honestly you never told me she was the woman you have been talking
about who you are after. Later on knowing her where abouts" she explained
"Oh dear, I didn't expect things to turn out this way. I swear I had no idea you knew my niece. If I
knew, how could I call you to come help my sister? No way Theo, believe me am so shocked right
now I don't know what to say. " She added shaking her head.
"You will have to help me catch her." I looked at her serious this time.
"What? You said yourself she is dangerous, I can be related to her yes but Cleo and I have never
really been that close. The moment she suspects I know about her and know you, she will kill me"
"Please, you ought to help me. Talk to your sister when she awakes and let me know whatever is
going on between her bad her daughter, any leads to catch her. If she was at your sister's house,
it means she is close by. Find out why she shot her mother and give me all the details. I will
protect you I swear even if it's the last thing I will do. I just need to catch her and I will make sure I
protect you in every way possible" I held her hand.
"I don't know if I can do this. Look at me Theo, am shaking just at the mare thought of her. She
shot her mother, am sure she will not heistate to kill me" she cried

"Please don't let her kill me." She looked at my face.

"I won't I promise"
"Okay then, tell me what I have to do" she sighed.
[21/07, 09:18] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_25

Cleo...

"Mom" I started, breathing heavily not wanting to loose myself before her. Lest I do something I
would regret later on.
"Please tell me you are joking, how on earth did you lose my money?"

"I told you it's not my fault Cleo, it was an accident and the entire ship has gone under water and
all the things I had ordered have been submerged and destroyed by the water. " She went on

"How did that happen mother? I thought I told you I needed that money to run my things. Why
didnt you invest it in something less risky, that was the only money I had remaining . How on earth
do you think am going to live without money?" I asked her raising my voice at her
"Enough! enough Cleo! Eeh what is this? You are yelling at me, I also lost my money in that
consignment. I think it's high time you put to a stop all this life you have been leading my child.
You cannot go on Cleo, are you not tired of running and hiding?" She shook her head
"I have told you time and again I don't need your advise, you are the last person I want to hear
advise from. Look at you, you are so pathetic you have not put your own life in order for years
now. All you do is run around with small boys like a fool" I spat angrily.
"Am your mother Cleo, don't insult me. I am just trying to help you cause am tired of all this too. I
have put my life on the line for you hiding you from the cops all this time and now you pay me with
insults?" She moved closer to me her face shining as the markup she had on was now wearing
out.
"If only you had told me you slept with my damn husband and admit your guitly in my face I could
have spared you. But no, I know what you did, I hate you even more for that and you are lucky I
have not killed you already" I told her and I saw her eyes open wide she was shaking.
She slapped me hard before I could continue,
"What? you thought I didn't know huh" I asked her holding my face where she had me slapped .
"How could you say that to me?" She cried out.
"Don't dare deny it mother . I saw you two together. Cedrick had mentioned you several times and
for some time I wondered why. I came here one day without calling you and i saw him walking out
of this house. Now tell me, what the hell was my husband doing here that you or him never talked
about?" I snarled angrily
She looked down, her shame evident. I didn't have to go through the whole issue of seeing them
walk out of a lodge later on.I was mad at her and my husband then but she was lucky back then
my hatred for Cedrick saved her as I vented all my anger on killing him.
"Get my money back mother, I need it and soon. I don't care whether the ship drowned, all I need
is my money and i need it soon" I stood up picking my clutch as she looked on without a word.

"Forget it Cleo, you might hate me for all I care but am done, am not going to have you coming
into my house and risking me being caught by the police. Don't you even think about scaring me
for money or anyhing. Remember I gave you part of that money and I am not indebted to you" she
stood too standing close to me challengingly.
"Don't push it mother, just don't" I moved my face to hers staring deep into them.

"Or what? You will murder me like you have done to your husband and other people in the last few
years?" She asked her voice cold.
"Yeah, trust me, the only thing keeping me from doing that right now is cause you gave birth to me
dear mother. " I spat and stepped back ready to leave.

"Am going to call Theo and tell him what I know!" She yelled at me before I could leave the door.
I stopped instantly like someone pressed a stop button on me. My anger rising. She was getting to
me and I hated it. Slowly I turned to walk to her and she pulled a gun to my face.
"I can defend myself too Cleo, just take my word and leave me alone. I told you am exhausted.
Am so tired with you and your behaviour. Am not going to torelate you anymore" she shook her
head continuously her hand firmly holding the gun.
I clapped my hands laughing as I walked slowly back to her.
"How long huh?" I smiled.
"How long have you been planning this? Is there really a ship with a container for goods mother?"
I asked realising she could be planing on not just giving me back my money.
She smiled teasingly.

"Yeah I thought so, now, give me that money mother. Give it back to me it's my money" I stepped
forward my eyes turning red with anger I could feel them tearly.
"Am not giving you a dime, I told you it's all gone" she shouted moving her fingers around the gun.

"Any step further am shooting" she warned firmly gripping the gun.
"No, you won't mother. You cannot kill me because am your only child. You love me mom,
remember?" I smiled stepping forward steadily.
She was still bickering her threats when I grabbed her hands and the gun fired, the bullet landing
in the wall its sound blocking my ears for a minute. She screamed falling back as I took over the
gun pointing it at her.
"Whoa! So you were indeed going to shot me?" I asked pointing in her chest.
"You are going crazy Cleo. Please stop all this nonsense before it's too late" she shouted
"Yeah, tired of you too mother" I spoke and before she could get where I was going, I fired a shot
into her shoulder she fall back screaming loudly.
"I told to not push me mother. I don't understand why you refuse to listen to me " I shook my head
the gun hanging in my hand.
"Cleo, Cle, Cleo!" She stammered and cried whilst gasping.
"If you are lucky you will live, ofcourse that Is if you manage to get yourself to the hospital before
bleeding to death. You see, that sister of yours could have been of help but well, you threw her out
and now you are all alone. You see, you and I are not different mother. Only that I can never sleep
with my daughter's husband " I chuckled and walked into her room getting all the money I could
find and walked away leaving her screaming in agony.
Sitting in the car outside I cried out. "I didn't want to shoot you, you pushed my hand mother" I
sniffed in the tears leaning back and crying.
20 minutes later, I saw Tacy, my small young aunty, as she was born 3 years later than me. She
passed my car and run to the house.
"Idiot! After being mistreated by your own sister for years you come back running at her call?" I
spat pushing the keys in the ignition.I didn't care to stay on and see if my mother would live or not.
I felt she deserved whatever she as going through and if at all she will survive, I will make sure she
gives me back my money. I thought to myself driving away.
I had to go and see my Theo, a few weeks had passed all because I wanted to make sure the
cops were tired of searching for me. My final piece was to go and face Theo with my original face
on a planned day. I was going to have another woman I planted Natalie's face with to pretend to
be the one behind everything. I was glad I had all things put in order as evidence to convince him I
was kidnapped and the culprit did everything from killing my husband to the last scene. I would cry
my innocence to him and provide all proof till he belived me.
"Am going to end up with you my love" i smiled to myself proudly as I approached his house.
The moment it came into full view, I saw him drive out at a great speed.
"What ?" I let a scream.
"Where is he going to like that?" I asked myself turning the car to follow him.
I was shocked seeing him driving into my mother's yard and later on Tacy coming out.
I watched from a distance as they drove to the hospital and followed them steadily.
Now I was fuming seeing them talking. At first I thought they had an argument but the way he
looked at her and held her hand to lead her to the car made my heart want to burst out with
jealousy.
"Are those two together?" I asked myself leaning back on my seat.
For a good number of minutes I watched Theo's car and I hated to imagine whatever was going
inside there.
[21/07, 09:18] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_26

Theo…
I felt a bit scared sending her to the wolf's lair, knowing so well Cleo would not hesitate to kill her
young aunty if she knew I sent her to spy on her. So I decided to stay as close to her as possible. I
drove my car away to divert attention if at all Cleo was watching, which I thought was a big
possibility especially now that the Doctor had told Tacy, her sister was stable. They managed to
stop the bleeding though she was not yet in position to speak yet, they mentioned she was under
serious observation.
“I need to stay with my sister” I heard Tacy trying to convince the Doctor from the other end of the
listening device. There was no other way I could protect her if I couldn’t hear what was going on so
I sent her in with a plan to get what she could from the sister whenever she was awake.
“Just you, I hope no one else will comes here. We cannot have another disturbance after the visit
by the cops.
The cops she was referring to are the ones I called to come investigate more about the shooting.
This time I wanted to be in the back ground so that if at all Cleo was somewhere near, she wouldnt
know I was on her tail.
For a few minutes I waited to hear something from Tacy but it was silent.
“Hey” I decided to speak to her turning on the speaker.
“How is it going inside there?” I asked
“She is still asleep Theo, what now? Do I have to stay until she is up? “She asked in a whisper.
“Yeah, just wait Tacy don’t worry am out here for you” I placed the speaker closer to my mouth to
assure her. I heard her sigh deeply and it was silent for some seconds.
“Hey, you there?” I asked her
“Theo?” she called my name with a question tone.
“Yes Tacy”
“Why did you believe me? I mean I could be lying about Cleo. Why did you take me for my word
and trust me to do this?” she asked and I was quiet for a moment trying to figure out the answer to
her question, not that it was hard to answer, but I just hadn’t thought of that.
“Whoa! If you were doing so you wouldn’t tell me that now will you?” I chuckled rubbing my
forehead.
“I trust you Tacy, I don’t know why but I got a good feeling about you” I told her truthfully.
“I like you a lot, I hope all this comes to an end soon” she spoke and before I could answer I heard
a voice joining in from the other end.
“How is it going here dear aunty?”
“shit it`s her!” I let a scream and sat up to pay attention to what was going on.
“Oh Jesus!” Tacy screamed I assumed she jumped in the chair.
“You, you are alive?” she stammered I could tell there was fear in her voice shaking I could tell she
was really scared.
“Oh drop it aunty, I know my mother told me I shot her. Stop playing innocent with me. Anyway
that is the least of my worries right now. I am intrigued by one thing in particular” she paused.
“What is that?” Tacy asked, I so much wanted to be there for her.
“What the hell was Theo doing here talking to you” she sounded so close I could tell she had
closed in the gap between them.
“He is my friend, I called him to help me because I don’t know how to drive and he is the first
person I thought of. Why are you asking about him?” she asked back.
“Has he weird you to listen to what is going on here? Where the hell is he!” she yelled loudly and I
was out of the car heading to the ward. I was not going to risk losing her again.
“Stop it, you are going to hurt me and your sick mother here, there is nothing on me check for
yourself” Tacy was heard loudly.
“Stop it now Cleo enough! I am here for my sister and you damn know very well I don’t know what
is going on. I met him in the hospital and even though I know he is a cop, I have no idea what is
going on between you two, he is just a friend” she cried out.
I was almost getting to the door when I saw the Doctor walk into the room and a few minutes later
Cleo walked out. In a long time I had not set my eyes direct at her real face and that day there she
was stationed in front of me her mouth open am sure she didn’t expect me that close. She looked
at me and I at her my heart pumping faster.
That moment was so sudden and unexpected so much that I was lost of action, I had thought of
the day I would come face to face with her and now that she was that close, a few meters away
from where I stood, I hesitated. She was there clad in brown high heeled sandals with a pair of
floral loose pants and a silky black body top with a silver long chain around her. One thing she had
not lost in all her madness was her beauty. She looked outstanding I for a moment wished she
was a normal woman and innocent of all her crimes.
Slowly I walked towards her and she too was still in one place looking at me. Instead of hurrying to
her, I for some reason took my time.
“Cleo!” I yelled aloud like someone had awakened me from my sleep noticing she was now on the
move and trotting to the other exit.
“Stop or I will shoot!” I shouted pulling out my gun and running towards her the people around
watching us.
“Theo!” Tacy called me out drawing away my attention for a second.
“Stay inside am coming!” I shouted back sharply looking back and continuing the chase as Cleo
was running faster heading outside.
I couldn’t get a shot scared of injuring the spectators as the place was now being clouded with
patients and people walking around I had to bump into some of them.
Once outside I fired a shot in the air to stop her but she didnt stop.
“Shit!” I cursed following her across the hospital yard. She entered the mortuary ward and I went in
after her. The room was a bit dark and the chilled silence inside made my skin crawl. I looked
around the place but could not see her. Passing through some people cleaning a body in
preparation for burial I slowed down and they all turned to look at me like I was crazy.
“She went through the back door!” an elderly man shouted pointing outside and I raised my hand
to thank him running out too.
There she was running to the cars parked behind the buildings her shoes in her hands.
I stopped for a second watching her direction. Cutting through another route I came to stand in
front of her my gun in her face.
“It’s over Cleo!” I shouted shaking my heard and my gun firmly held in my hands.
She looked into my eyes and smiled seductively.
“Wow!” she sighed with a laugh,
“Finally my love, I missed you know” she attempted to move towards me but I moved my gun
further at her.
“Don’t move or I will shoot? Hands on your head” I shouted without getting my eyes off her face as
she stared on.
“You must hate me huh, you hate me so bad you treat me like a criminal” she spat as I hand
cuffed her hands.
“Am not treating you any worse than I should, you are not only a criminal, you are a cold killer and
you are going to rot in jail” I shouted pushing her towards the front and people gathered around
watching.
“I got her man, am bringing her through” I called Mwila after pushing Cleo inside the car.
The drove to the station was at first silent until she decided to start talking.
“So what now, that you have me Theo?” she giggled teasingly.
‘So now you will pay for your crimes and I promise you it’s a very long sentence “I snarled
hatefully.
“You used to love me Theo, what happened to that love you felt for me. You cannot lie that you
feel nothing for me now, I saw it in your eyes back at the station, and you still love me I know for
sure. “She remarked without shame or remorse for what she had done.
I laughed aloud shaking my head.
“You don’t get it do you? “ I sighed looking at her from the front mirror
“It’s all over for you Cleo. For your own information if I had any kind of feelings towards you, they
died the very day you told me you were a killer. So get that through your thick head, I do not love
you” I spat with a serious face and I was not joking about it.
“I pity you more than I hate you woman, you are nothing but a bitter human being who has turned
her misfortunes into a madness of killing everyone around her. “ I added and looked ahead
ignoring her tears and groaning behind.
In silence I drove to the station and just as I parked the car, my phone rung and immediately I
answered I heard screaming and crying from the other end.
“Theo, help! Please help me they are going to kill me!” she screamed loudly I took off the phone
from my ears and checked the number to see if I could tell who was calling.
“If you lock her up, Tacy dies!” a male voice came through and immediately the line died.
I was shocked and looked at Cleo`s face and she smiled widely at me.
“You Bitch!” I yelled hitting the car with a loud bang.
[21/07, 09:18] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_27
Cleo……
I felt myself at the wits end, I could not boast about this even though I was trying to make funny of
the situation by mocking Theo, I knew he had me this time around. I looked out the window my
mind trying to find a solution as fast as I could.
I needed a way out and then it clicked, My other phone was still stuck between my breasts and I
needed to use it to text some guy to rescue me.
I shifted about putting Theo into some conversation until I managed to get it closer to my mouth,
the other end still in my bra. I slid it open faking crying and Theo looked forward I could tell he was
no longer looking at me the same.
“Time to save yourself Cleo!” I told myself and slant back a bit landing my chin on the send button
dialing the first number there.
“You hate me that much huh, please forgive me and let me go. I know Tacy is still watching my
mother and I pray she looks after her till she is well. Just let me disappear” I said all that
deliberately hoping the guy on the other side would get sense and act faster. I cut the line and
pushed back the phone in case I had a chance to use it again.
Theo looked on forward not getting what I was saying am sure he was thinking I was ranting. After
some more drama speeches, he drove through the police gate some 15 minutes later and went to
park in the back yard. Lucky for me I chose an intelligent thug to work with. I just hoped this time
he would come through for me again.
He helped me come up with a lot of plots and I was glad most of his moves where great. I had my
own plans too but in order to be ahead of the cops I had to get an ally and this one never let me
down.
I looked outside as Theo picked his phone. He kicked the car in anger and cursing holding his
head and moving a few steps away from the car I didn’t know what was going on but I was so sure
it had to do with my guy.
“Yes, yes! He got it” I made a happy dance in my head. He came back and sat down in his seat
without looking at me. His face covered with pure hatred for he just looked at me and drove away
from the police I smiled before asking,
“What happened my love?” I teased with a smile.
He didn’t answer but the way he was speeding had a thousand words to it. I looked outside
studying where he was going, seeing we headed in the direction of the hospital I assumed it had
something to do with Tacy and I wished for a moment I had seen that coming. He however past it
and headed for the outskirts.
“He cares so much for her?” I asked myself sighing loudly.
“What is between you two?” I asked again cutting through the deep silence around.
“Shut up!” he yelled without looking at me.
“You suck Theo, you always pick on the wrong girls, am the only woman who suits you not these
weaklings you always have to be there to help them” I teased with a laugh and he stopped the car
abruptly making me jerk forward and back.
“I said shut up Cloe!” he looked at me pointing his gun at my face.
“oh whoa!, you have fallen for that boring girl, well, so sad you will not live to enjoy her cause my
men will not let her live past today if at all you will not let me go” I made a funny face at him and he
spat angrily staring at me without a word.
“Come out!” he opened the door and pulled me out before I could make a move.
“I said come out of my car damnit!” he yelled grabbing my cloth and shaking me vigorously the
moment I was outside.
“What now?” I asked wondering what was going on in his head.
“Call them now and tell them to release her or I swear on my life I will kill you. Look around you
Cleo, it’s just you and I here and no one will even know I killed you from out here. I will tell my
boss you escaped like you always do. Am so sick and tired of you Cleopatra” he sighed uncuffing
my hands.
“Go on, call them using that phone you used to call them” he pointed at my chest and I smiled.
“I have no phone on me, I left my hand bag remember?” I faked a smile.
He pulled the phone out of my top and handed it to me.
“Call them now!” he ordered the gun pointed at me. His stare was deep and serious I had to play
along.
“If I call them, they will only let her go if they see me” I spoke calmly
“Am not letting you out of my sight Cleo. Forget it” he responded coldly.
“Yeah, will or just forget about my aunty” I smiled
“How do I trust you will not kill her later on?” he asked looking at me.
“Well, you have no option but to trust me right?” I shrugged
“I will hunt you till I find you and then I will not give you a chance to live Cleo. “He warned and I
smiled knowing I got him again.
“You are so naïve Theo, when will you ever learn?” I asked myself inside my head as I dialed the
number.
“Don’t hurt the girl am on my way” I told my guy and hang up.
“Now what?” I looked at him and he placed the gun down, moving closer to me. He pulled me so
close to his face I could feel his heart beat. His hand wrapped around my neck and he stared deep
into my eyes.
“Don’t mess with me this time, it’s not going to end well” he spoke his voice firm and steady. Then
he pushed me away. I walked on not believing my lucky day. I smiled at him and he looked on
without taking his eyes off me.
I gave my guys some direction after walking a few meters from where I left Theo. moved at least
for 20 minutes to make sure he was not following me.
A few minutes later they came to where I was standing under a tree where there was a shade. It
was a bit bushy everywhere I cursed Theo for bring me that far.
“Where is she?” I asked the first guy that came out of the vehicle.
“She was kicking and screaming so we locked her in the trunk” he informed me.
“Trunk huh? You guys are crazy” I laughed getting in the front seat.
“We are good to go, we will get rid of her afterwards, we might need her in case Theo tries to play
hero with me. “
We moved smoothly since there was less traffic in the outskirts heading to my Doctor`s house. I
needed to plan the next move. It was becoming almost impossible to have Theo and my instincts
started telling me killing him so that I could end it all was the best.
We parked in front of my Doctors house and he walked to the front smiling at me.
“Been days, what is going on?” he asked stepping down to come where we were.
The boys stepped out of the car too as we stood talking.
“What now that you managed to escape?” one of them asked.
“I don’t know, I really wanted to end it all by using another girl to trap them. I could have faked that
she kidnapped and all evidence was in place. I shouldn’t have gone to the hospital” I sighed sadly.
“Yeah, I told you it was too dangerous, going back to the place of the crime is bad” one of them
added.
We were still talking when one of the boys fall down, the second shot came a few seconds later
and landed into the second guy making me bend down a little bit to dodge the next bullet. I hid
behind the large flower pot in front of the door as the Doctor started heading for the door but he
was too late, the bullet landed in his leg and he fall down screaming in pain.
I was panicking as I tried to see who had ambushed us.
“I told you its over” Theo walked to the front a gun pointed at me. His friend Mwila came out of the
flowers surrounding the yard too.
“How did…” I started my question raising my hands in the air hating that I had not taken a gun with
me.
“Well, you thought I was stupid right? That I will let you go just like that? Hmmm, am sorry dear
lady, I have my ways too” he smiled coming around me and pulling a device from my body top and
showing it to my face.
“This is 21st century and technology has made life easy, all I needed is this small thing on you and
I could tell where you were” he smiled the more making me shake my head in disappointment.
“I should have known, the holding and shaking” I nodded my head looking at him as he cuffed my
hands.
“Cleopatra! You are under arrest for the multiple cases of murder, fraud and Identity theft. You
have to remain silent as everything you say can be used against you in the court of law. You have
the right to a lawyer and if you cannot afford one, the state will provide one for you. “He pulled my
hands and roughly pushed me forward.
He walked to the car and opened the trunk pulling out Tacy. He held her face wiping her tears and
shaking face.
“Am sorry for this” he looked at her I felt my heart leap with jealousy , he had never looked at me
like that before. She leaned her head on him as the place was surrounded by other cops. Her soft
sobs irritating me the more I kept yelling insults at them but it was like I had no effect as he held on
to her like promising he would never let her go.
“don’t worry Cleo, we caught that mole you planted at headquarters, he was trying to escaped the
first time I called Mwila but this time, he got it all wrong” Theo spoke loudly at me like I was some
kind of infection and he wouldn’t get closer to me.
I watched as their boss walked in checking everything and shaking his hands to congratulate him
and his friend.
“What happened to you Cleo? you were a good person and so sensitive, you loved people and
life?” Tacy asked walking close to me. I started making plan B just there.
I could not answer her and I fall down faking to collapse.
[21/07, 09:19] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_28
Theo….
“Yes Sir, am personally taking her into custody from here” I finished our brief talk with the Chief of
Police. He nodded his head looking in the direction of the media people.
“Damn, how do these people even know about things, these guys oh” I sighed and before I could
hear what Mwila`s response was I heard Tacy screaming for me.
“Theo! Come here she has collapsed!” she shouted panicking
I ran towards them and found her down the ground an officer attending to her.
“Excuse me officer leave this woman alone I will attend to her” I smiled knowing so well it was a
fake gesture.
“But Sir, she needs a doctor.” The officer argued.
“No, don’t worry I have come to learn about this woman long enough to know she is faking it. This
is one of her schemes but I won’t let her get away with this. It’s over now Cleo, just stop” I added
looking at her as I squat near her motionless form.
“Are you sure? “ Tacy asked before the boss could come on the scene.
“Yeah am so very sure my dear, can you hand me that?” I pointed at the hair pin in her head and
she looked at me then sighed before handing it to me.
I straightened it a little bit and used the sharp side to prick her on her arm and she moved sharply
with a loud wince making us all laugh at her gesture.
“I told you so” I smiled standing up and looking at her furious stare.
“Take her into that car” I ordered the uniformed officers near by and they led her to the car as
camera flashed around the area.
“Am taking her in, you can go home now, this man will drive you” I turned to look at Tacy next to
me.
“okey.” She sighed sadly looking on.
“Are you okey?” I asked.
“Am still scared Theo, what I went through today, I was so sure they are going to kill me. I am still
feeling myself shake you know” she crossed her arms around herself.
“Listen” I held her hands out and looked at her.
“You are safe now, I know this has been hard on you. But all is well now. Any news from your
sister?” I asked her
“I forgot to call in. I have to go see how she is doing, I was pulled out of that place.”
“Well, go on then, this man will take you wherever you will want to go and if it makes you feel safe,
let him take you to my house. I will join you later on. Have some time to rest and call your parents,
am sure they have to know what is going on here” I told her as I led her to the police vehicle.
Watching till the car disappeared, I walked to my car and drove away another officer seated in the
front seat and other police cars following behind. Her silence told me she had realized how much
she had lost. Locking her up I completed the paper work and waited for her to be transferred
immediately to the nearby prison, I decided not to give her the chance to play her drama on me.
“Well done Theo! It’s all over now, you can rest easy and move on, and it’s been one hell of a ride”
Mwila stood next to me as we watched Cleo being lead inside the prison dressed in a prison
uniform. She had to wait for her judgement from there.
“Yeah it really has been. Finally I can rest” I sighed leaning on the car.
“Well, are you not supposed to be somewhere?” he giggled looking at me
“Somewhere?” I made a face not getting what he was driving at.
“Yeah, a woman at your house?” he laughed teasing.
“Dammit! I forgot I asked her to go home and I saw her missed calls as I was doing paper work.
Let me go and see her now” I moved opening the door.
“Hm, so?” Mwila asked smiling.
“What?” I Asked back sitting in the driver`s seat.
“Am waiting to be told how you guys are you know…” he shrugged chuckling.
“You are so unbelievable. Am not telling you nothing man, because there is nothing to tell” I shook
my head placing the keys in the ignition.
“I saw it, that look you had on her at the scene.” He accused but I didn’t answer him, I slowly drove
the car with a smile making him smile back at me.
“Go to home Mwila, go see your wife” I shouted letting my head out a little bit.

I arrived home to find Tacy gone. Getting my phone I dialed her line and she responded just when
it was about to cut.
“Where are you, are you okey?” I asked at the sound of her crying voice.
“My sister died a few minutes ago, the Doctors said she started bleeding inside and they could not
stop it on time.” She sobbed as she told me.
“What? Oh am so sorry. So where are you now?” I asked her
“Am still at the hospital, was waiting till they put her body in the mortuary”
“Am coming there” I cut the line and walked back to the car just to see a woman walk to my gate.
“Yes can I help you?’ I asked her
“Yes sir, am here to bring you this court order” she handed me a piece of paper. I unfolded it my
eyes still on her. It was a summon against me, for stealing a baby from the hospital. The claim was
that on a stated date I organized to steal a newly born baby from the hospital.
“Is this some kind of a joke?” I asked her seriously.
“No sir, am the mother of this the boy you have been keeping as your child. An eye witness told
me they saw your wife and a doctor stealing my baby and they lied to me that I had lost my son
when giving birth” she explained making my head ach for a second I had completely forgotten
about the baby. After Natalie died I had taken the baby to my parents and completely forgot to
follow up on the issue she told me about them arranging for the child with some doctor.
“If what you are saying is true, how did you find me?” I asked her
“I went to your offices earlier today to report and the officer at the reception told me I could settle
this in person since you are a cop and have been working on the case. So I decided to follow you
here. He gave me the address” she explained
“Oh God” I sighed holding my head.
“Anyway, there is nothing can say now since the matter is already in court madam, I wish you had
come to me first I could have told you everything beforehand. But since the matter is in court
already I guess I will show up tomorrow as stated. I have to go somewhere now, if you will excuse
me” I sighed placing the summon on the seat next to me.
She looked at me without moving.
“Where is he?” She asked crying.
“It’s just that I was told my son died and to think he is alive somewhere.. I um...” she sobbed
wiping her face.
“It’s okey, you will see her soon madam. I don’t have an objection to that. He is your son and just
like you lost that child I too was meant to believe he is mine. But I will hand him back after the
court”
“No, am sure he is better off with you sir, I mean, I am not even capable of taking care of him.”
She went on telling me briefly about her life.
“I understand madam. Like I said we....”
“No, forgot about the court issue, I will come tomorrow we talk about this then since you are in a
hurry” she smiled amid tears cutting me short.
I watched her wondering what she was up to but I felt I needed to go and continue with her later
on.
“Yea sure, you know where I stay, come through tomorrow then” I smiled and drove away leaving
her watching my direction her hands on her back.
“Oh God let this be over already” I whispered to myself feeling really tired.
[21/07, 09:19] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_29

5 weeks later.
I was at my parents house after signing adoption papers for the boy Natalie brought me. I loved
him like my own son and even though I had felt bad knowing he was just stolen. I still needed him
as my own.
His real mother whom I came to learn was doing some small jobs and was apparently not doing so
well, begged me that day to help her take care of her child.
"I need your help sir, this child barely knows me and he can now talk and walk. I cannot give him
the life he is used to" she cried out.
"I didn't know my son was in good hands, I know I cannot force you to do anything to help but I ... "

"I got you, it's alright, I already take him as a son and am not going to abandon him. Come through
for any kind of help you need. I will help him till he is old enough" I cut her.
She was so happy and kept thanking me for the offer and we concluded the issue on a good note
with me signing papers to adopt him as my son. He was still young though, so I asked her to keep
her till the boy was old enough to come live with me.

"So what now that this is all over?" My mother patted my hand. I signed deeply looking at her.
"I don't know mom, maybe now it's time to concentrate on my work. I feel I have been stuck on the
same issue of Cleo the past years and now that she is in jail, I wish to continue working normally
and look at other issues too." I chuckled
"You are not a small boy my son, you need to settle down and start a family. I mean, a real family"
She spoke with concern.
"I don't know mother, I have been through quite a lot with issues of a women in a short period am
scared of ending up hurt again." I told her as a matter of fact.
She tried to talk me into considering the issue but I was not giving her any false hope.
Like to save me from my mother, my phone rung and I excused myself walking aside.
"Hey" I answered
"Hey Theo, still at your parent's?" Mwila asked.
"Yes, what's going on?"
"You need to come back here, something to do with Cleo" he informed me and I stood silent not
wanting to hear the bad news.
"Am joking man, come on!" He shouted laughing.
"If you were nearby I could have hit you in the face for this , seriously?" I snapped
"Yeah I know how that woman got to your head. Anyway, are you coming for the farewell party for
our boss? " he quickly changed the subject.
"Oh it's today? I completely forgot. Right am starting off soon" I told him and quickly said my good
byes to my parents and drove away.
The party was taking place in the night and I had to go with a partner as Mwila insisted I go with
someone and even though he didn't say it direct he wanted me to go with Tacy.
Some fear of being hurt or disappointed again I had tried to push my feelings for her away and
even though she kept popping in my mind, I tried to ignore her.
That night I called to ask her to accompany me to the party and she gladly accepted.
I was standing in front of her house waiting for her to come out and she came dresed in a long
night gown that outlined her body. Her weave properly tied up with the latest fashion of the
women's hair extensions, one would think it was her hair. Her looks struck me I was motionless as
she approached me. She had to chose red of all colours.
It brought out her sweet beaming face and her make up was admirable. Not that which would
irritate me, but perfect and in order. ."shall We?" She asked waving her finger at me and i laughed
knowing she caught me staring.
"Can I kiss You?" Was all I could manage to ask her and she smiled nodding her head.
"What took you so long?" She asked moving closer to me and I took the chance and enjoy my
lucky night.
There was this sweetness on her lips that made me hold on to her and right in front of her house,
we held each other and kissed like people that had been starved for years.
Well, I was starved cause at the moment I could feel i had never felt that good and connected to
someone.
"I love You" I whispered to her and she smiled her small gap in the teeth making me want more of
her kisses.
"Can we now go?" She shyly asked.
"Well sure your highness" I teased bowing down and giving her my hand and she lifted her dress a
little bit stepping forward.
I looked at her as she sat in the car and I realised why I was attracted to her, she had features of
Cleopatra. There we some similarities in her and I stood there wondering if she was the right
person for me.
"What now?" She pulled my hand startling me.
"Am sorry, I just thought of something, I... forget it" I cut myself and walked around to drive us.
At the party I kept looking at her to see if at all I could see anything Cleo about her.

"What do you see in Her?" I asked Theo who came to stand with me as his wife talked with Tacy a
few meters away.
"What?" He looked at them questioning
"She looks a bit like Cleo. Am I mistaken man, have I been attracted to her because of her niece?"

"Yeah it could be" he laughed aloud making me hit his shoulder

"Come on, am being serious.. I cannot afford another Cleo drama man. Am beginning to doubt If
what I feel is not connected to her."
"You are insane to compare that woman to Cleo man. Take a good look at her. She is so calm, so
innocent and talks much sense. She is no Cleo my man forget it. That woman is locked up and
she will never come out of that hell hole"
As we talked I saw a figure walk through the clouds holding a glass of wine the same way Cleo
would hold it. Her face was not so clear as the shadows from where she stood covered my clear
view.

"Wait, am coming back" I handed him my glass and followed the woman who was now heading
out the door.
"It cannot be" I whispered to myself and didn't notice Mwila had followed me.
"Who is it?" He asked as we approached the entrance of the banquet hall and the lady got into
the car driving away.
"Do you have the number for anyone at the prisons?" I looked at Mwila
"Yes, What is it now?" He asked wondering.

"Ask if Cleo is in there. Am going after that woman.." I spoke walking on to the car park.
"Theo what is going on?" He shouted standing in one place watching me.
"Make sure you keep Tacy in sight man. Don't loose her!" I shouted and started the car engine
quickly going after the car that just went out.
I saw Mwila shaking his head as I drove past him but I ignored him. I knew he was thinking I was
being paranoid again. It was the second time I was following someone i thought looked like Cleo
and the first attempt turned out wrong. But I had a different feeling this time. My heart kept racing
as the other car came into full view.
"Who are You?" I asked myself.
[21/07, 09:19] Martin Martino: #Silently_Deep_30

Cleo..
I looked at the environment around me breathing in the fresh air and breathing out deeply, it was
so good feeling. I loved the feel of fresh air again. It had been 4 hours after I managed to pull out
an escape from Prison.
Money can buy anything indeed, well probably except from life. It just got me my freedom back.
I figured no one would want to check on me to discover I was no longer in prison, my family clearly
hated me for killing my mother and my husband, none of them wanted anything to do with me.
Well, sounds bad enough but I used it to my advantage.
I used the money my Doctor had left hidden since he never wanted to put it in the bank due to his
fugitive status.
Lucky me I got to know where he hid the money and I intended to use it for a complete start over.
"Its a beautiful day" I stretched myself making a strong stance on my heels my short dress moving
up my thighs I pulled it back a little bit and paced around.

"What now?" My right hand man asked me.

"Well did you follow him the past days?" I asked him instead.
"Yeah I did as you asked, he has some kind of party tonight" The guy informed me
"Good am going there" I shrugged casually.
"What?, Cleo come on that is too dangerous, You don't have to do that, let's just go to the airport
and fly out so we both can start over, you cannot risk it at the moment." He pleaded
"Well, If I just go he will never know how much of a failure he is now, will he?" I laughed looking at
him.
He was nice. He was one of the people that I came to like cause he could produce results. Unlike
his other friends who were killed the day I was caught, him was part of the brains behind my
actions and I felt a bit drawn to him. His ability to come up with clever ideas and execute them
successfully turned me on.
"I don't understand why you are so obsessed by that dull cop. Forget him !" He shouted jealously.
"You are right love. I don't need to, look at me" I moved closer to him seductively.
"I like you a lot and you are so damn hot. You and me could have a better life away from all this
mess. I know you are the only one that has loved me for who I am and now it's time I paid you
back for your hard work and royalty." I smiled and I saw his face beam with Joy.
"You knew what I felt for you all along?" His deep sexy voice whispered
"Yeah silly. I know you are still here today because you fall in love with me. I could see how you
hated the doctor cause I was sleeping with him but you still loved me, so yeah, even though I
cannot say the same about my feelings towards you, I know I can learn to love you" I smiled and
before i could say any more he pulled me to himself planting a passionate kiss on my lips he left
me breathless by the time he was done.
My plan was put on halt as he lifted me to the bed and made love to me. To say he was a beast in
bed is an understatement. He drove me wild at the end of 3 rounds he was still hard I smiled
amazed.
"You are the man" I rubbed his torsos and he smiled proudly
"I will make you happy baby girl. You are so beautiful and am the man for You" he kissed my
forehead and I looked up his face.
"You are not so bad yourself." I pulled myself off bed and walked to take a quick bath.
"Come back we still have 3 hours before our flight" he came to hold me from my back but I pushed
him away.
"Let me just do this please, I need to somehow say bye to him. I promise I won't comprise our
going. Today, come what may, we will leave this country" i kissed his lips and he stood there
watching me bath.

Later that evening I was at the party watching as people drunk and danced around. My eyes were
set on Theo as he held Tacy dancing. They looked perfect and even though I had to wipe my tears
and try to calm myself, I felt happy for him . The fact that he was with my young aunty got me feel
a bit safe for him. He was in good hands. Well, I knew Tacy was a good person and she was so
full of love too.
"Well, my Theo, I have to let go now. Maybe will see you again in the near future." i whispered to
myself and went to the other end of the room getting a glass of wine and holding it out looking at
him. I wanted him to have the last look of my face and I made sure he saw me and I walked out
quickly.
I saw him following me and made a quick call, turning to a corner.
"He is coming out. Move on now!" I told the other person on the other end and she stepped out
just as Theo was emerging from the hall and walked to the car driving off. I smiled seeing how
easily he fall for the bait. He talked to his friend and quickly drove out making me smile as I
watched him disappear and his friend muttering to himself am sure he thought Theo was going
nuts.
"Good bye my love!" I whispered to myself and walked to the car in the back where Dan was
waiting for me.

"Done, can we go now?" I smiled at him and he shook his head in disbelief.
"You are so unbelievable and I love you still" he remarked turning on the ignition key.
"I know" I chuckled and we moved away. I learned back satisfied and 40 minutes later we were
taking off from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
I looked down and smiled.
"Good bye" I whispered inside and leaned my head on Dan who wrapped me around himself I
hoped that was the beginning of a happy life I so much wanted with Theo. I did what I could cause
of my bitter experience in my marriage and desire to be with the man I loved and regretted less for
most of my crimes. For me that was my way of getting what I wanted and well it didn't work out but
I was certain Theo would live to remember me for sure. I was a big part of his memory and he
would probably live to tell my story.

Theo....

I followed the car till it came to stop in front of a yard. The lady came out and I rushed out shouting

"Cleopatra!"
She slowly turned looking at me and i was shocked seeing it was a different person.
"No, it can't be" I whispered getting closer to her. Then it clicked, She had created a diversion.
I knew she was no longer in Prison. earlier Mwila called me and told me Cleo was no longer in
prison. But there was no record of how she escaped.

"Put your hands where I can see them!" I shouted at the lady who simply obeyed.

"Where is She" I shouted closing in to her.

She smiled shaking her head.
"I don't know but I was just called to wear these clothes and come to the party. She told me she
has left and wanted to prove to you her words that you would never lock her up. You lost! " She
smiled like it was a good thing she was telling me.

Well it was evident Cleo had disappeared and this time i knew she had just pulled the last move
on me and I would never get her.
Trying to follow up the matter, I discovered she had paid a bribe to the warder and fleed out of the
country with an unknown guy.
Time past and it was silent with no clue where she was and I decided to rest the case. Natalie's
mother and son were safe and i could help them once in a while. Everything seemed normal and I
started telling myself I needed to move on.

"Just move on, get married to Tacy since you seem to love her and forget about Cleo" Mwila told
me one afternoon.

"Look" he smiled pointing behind me.

I turned to look and there was Tacy waving at me.
Deep inside my head I knew there was still a silent voice that told me I still loved Cleo. I felt I
would miss the chase as it kept me somehow closer to her. I was glad I found someone closer to
her and was glad she loved me more, I silently wished her love was enough for both of us.
"Hey!" She beamed when i was closer to her.
"Hey, You ready?" I smiled holding her closer to me.
"Yeah, guess so. I hope your parent's will like me" She giggled.
"I can assure you, you are the kind of daughter in law they always wished for. They will love you" I
assured her and I was not joking about that. I knew my mother was going to love her more than I
did and that was enough for me to make her my wife.
I looked back at Mwila who waved at me with a smile. I waved back and looked in front joining the
main road.

......... The end.............