DERIN'S PLIGHT

DERIN’S PLIGHT

– A REVENGE QUEST GONE AWRY

Dr Titilope Joacquim

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted into any retrieval system, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. All names, character and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons; living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To my awesome husband, brother and parents, it is a blessing to have known you all in this lifetime. Thank you for always cheering me on, for showing me relentless love and full support especially when I was down and discouraged. May God bless you and always support you in all your life endeavours.

I love you Tokunbo, Tolu, Mum and Dad

Finally and most importantly, all gratitude to God almighty for the talent of writing, the gift of life and the blessing of making this project a success.

Thank you, Jesus.

CHAPTER 1

It was a cold and gloomy morning in Koje city. Professor Adetola Cole’s death still stunned everyone. The turmoil caused by his demise was comparable to no-other. As the city mourned the death of this rare gem, they couldn’t help but wonder who the callous murderer could be.

Agony was written over Derinsola’s face when she saw her father’s body which had been laid into the crypt…….. “Goodbye Dad,” she whispered.

“I promise to make the monster responsible for this grave injustice pay dearly.”

The clergy performed the funeral rites after which there was a procession to the church nearby for the memorial service.

The service started with an opening prayer and then, Derin was summoned. She walked up to the pulpit to give a brief Biography of her father. The eyes that followed her every step were piercing. Most people actually felt sorry for her.

Professor Cole never failed to involve his daughter in the science conventions each year. He was extremely proud of how she had blossomed over the years. At the end of his speech after every award, it was routine to hear him say…. “My beautiful daughter is my ever powerful inspiration; I am happy enough to try new experiments because of her.”

Her voice trembled as she tried desperately to hold back tears. She however commenced her speech:

“Professor Cole was born on the 15th of January 1970 in Koje City where he began his life’s journey. He was the only child born to real estate mogul Late Olatunbi Cole and his wife Bisola Cole.

Professor Adetola Cole travelled to England at the age of 16 where he enrolled at the University of Bailmore. There, he attained a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. A great Love for science was born in him during the course of his undergraduate study.

At the age of 22, he discovered his true calling in life which was to make a difference in the world of science. Prof A, as he was fondly called, was renowned for his ground breaking achievements especially here in West Africa. Among those achievements include the invention of the truth mobilizer (used in courts today to prevent the innocent from being convicted of crimes) He also initiated the Mastronaut project and wireless electricity amongst others.

Professor Adetola Cole was a very caring father. I would forever cherish all the wonderful times we spent together. It is indeed a privilege for me to have called someone like him; Dad.”

At that moment, a cry of anguish burst from her lips. One of the ushers quietly led her back to her seat. The latter part of the memorial service was a blur to Derin. The only thing she wanted was to go back home to privately wallow in her sorrow.

The family driver (Mr Bode) picked her up after the service and drove straight to the Coles’ mansion. It was almost as if she couldn’t recognize her once lively home. The beauty she previously adored had depreciated ever since the death of her father.

The toughest part of the situation actually, was dealing with her grandmother. After the death of Olatunbi 10 years ago, Derin and Prof A became Bisola’s only companions.

They were a very close knit Trio, sufficient enough for each other. They hardly left the mansion except occasionally to visit some distant relatives and friends. Derin walked into her grandmother’s room and met her standing by the window. Even as an old woman she had quite an obsession for aesthetics.

The walls of Bisola’s room were painted in a beautiful shade of peach and matched with brown tiles and numerous wall paintings. She certainly did a great job of making the family house as homely as possible.

Bisola looked towards Derin to acknowledge her presence. The look on her face was much unlike her natural radiant look. To say she was downcast was an understatement. It was obvious she had been crying all morning.

“How was the memorial service?” Bisola asked with a brittle voice. It was already bad enough that she had to deal with her father’s death but seeing her grandmother that way really broke Derin.

“Nana you really should stop crying so you don’t fall sick.”

“I am sorry, this is very difficult to comprehend,” Bisola muttered before walking towards the bed and taking her seat.

“He was really excited in the few weeks preceding his death and he kept reminding us to watch out for his grand performance at the science convention this year,” she said looking puzzled.

“I know you miss him Nana,” Derin walked up to her and sat next to her on the bed.

“I miss him too,” she mentioned before giving her grandmother a warm hug.

“Don’t worry he is in a better place. At least we still have each other,” somehow Derin managed to put up a smile.

“I promise you that whoever did this doesn’t know what is coming.” Her hand wiped the tears forming in her eyes.

“Whoever it is would surely pay for this grave injustice.”

Bisola was quiet for a few minutes after Derin’s threats; she looked very disturbed.

“You know I don’t want to lose you as well dear. Please let this go. There is no need digging up secrets that could hurt you.”

“I am no coward Nana, I am ready to face whatever comes my way,” she spoke sternly.

Bisola did not have the strength to argue with her, it was obvious Derin was still as stubborn as ever. There was no point trying to persuade her.

“Just promise me dear that you would be safe.”

“I would try Nana, please get some sleep. You look really tired,” Derin replied as she walked out of the room.

CHAPTER 2

“The time for brooding has passed. There is still a cold blooded murderer on the loose and the Law enforcement agencies are doing absolutely nothing, it is time to take action myself,” Derin muttered in frustration as she surfed through her late father’s laboratory.

The fact that the science convention would never be the same again without her father was no news. Derin and her grandmother had received invitations with special seats to witness the honoring of a great scientist that was; ‘Professor Adetola Cole.’

She had given the invitation deep thoughts. On one hand it would bring back the lovely memories she had shared with her father, on the other hand it might enlarge the void that had been created by her father’s death. Bisola strangely had contrary opinions, she felt the convention would somehow make her feel closer to her son and also help to continue his legacy. Anything to please Bisola was welcome by Derin. The past two months had been a struggle; trying to recover from the loss was certainly no easy job especially for her grandmother.

Mrs B as she was fondly called instantly became Derin’s mother figure when her biological mother left twenty six years ago.

“Derin had always wondered why a woman would leave her six months old child and husband without even looking back. She however, had absolutely no reason to look for her mother, Nana was quite sufficient for her. She was the true definition of relentless love.

“Derin! Derin! Bisola called out as soon as she entered her late son’s laboratory

“What are you up to?” she asked with a puzzled look.

“Oh Nana, I am only searching for clues to lead us straight to the murderer,” Derin answered rolling her eyes.

“My darling, you don’t give up do you! Please let’s have dinner together. You have become so obsessed with the thought of finding the murderer.” She pulled Derin towards herself in an attempt to lead her out of the laboratory.

“Oh Nana, please stop! I promise to join you in the next couple of minutes,” she pleaded.

“Ok, I would be waiting for you downstairs. Please do not let your meal get cold dear.”

“I won’t Nana,” Derin replied, she was obviously more interested in her snooping for clues.

“This is so useless,” she screamed.

“Nothing in this laboratory seems helpful.”

Derin left the Laboratory and hurried down the stairs to ensure her grandmother did not come back to look for her.

“Oh there you are, come and have your seat dear. Why do you have that look on your face?” Bisola asked apparently worried.

“It is nothing ma, I am only a bit disappointed. I couldn’t find anything useful at the lab,” she shrugged and took a seat at the dining table next to her grandmother.

“It is fine dear, this might just be God telling you to back down,” She replied with her left hand placed on Derin’s shoulder.

“No ma, please I don’t want to have this discussion with you again,” She picked up the cutlery and they both ate in silence. Bisola knew her grandchild too well; she was obviously upset by her suggestion. She, therefore, decided to step back and give her some space. After the meal, they exchanged hugs and kisses after which she walked to her room to retire for the night.

Derin sat in the living room in deep thought. She suddenly remembered her Dad’s hobby. He constantly penned down most of his special achievements in the world of science.

“Oh! How could I have forgotten Dad’s diary,” She almost slipped as she raced up the stairs to Professor Cole’s room.

”Where could he have kept it,” she thought as she searched round the room.

“How do I even recognize this diary?” Her father had never shown it to her before, he only mentioned it a couple of times. She checked the books on the shelf; there was nothing out of place. There were mostly scientific books and a few inspirational books arranged on the shelf.

“O Lord, please some help would be really appreciated here! Where in the world could he have kept this diary?”

It was already getting late, Derin was actually quite sore from snooping around

“At least I have some hope now, I would continue tomorrow when I am more rested,” She switched off the lights and exited the room.

Bisola was awakened the next morning by a loud thud emanating from her late son’s room. At first, she was a bit startled by the sound. She however reasoned that it was probably Derin with her daily assignment.

“Self acclaimed Investigator,” Bisola mumbled. She shook her head and walked into her Son’s room. The room had been turned upside down.

“What in the world is going on here Aderinsola Cole?,” Bisola asked with a stern tone.

“Ignore the mess Nana. It would be taken care of. I am almost there, I can feel it.” Derin was apparently not paying attention to her grandmother. She failed to notice the irritated look on her face.

“What exactly can you feel dear, please enlighten me?” Bisola spoke with a sarcastic tone.

This time, Derin actually paused to observe her grandmother’s face. She sensed that her counseling sermon was going to begin again. The tone of her voice said it all. She definitely did not need this kind of distraction.

“Oh Nana!” Derin smiled “I forgot to tell you……”

Bisola kept starring at her granddaughter. She waited patiently for Derin’s explanation.

“I made weekend reservations for us at that beautiful resort centre out of town. You know, that one you have always wanted to visit.”

“Oh you did?” Bisola replied evidently excited.

“Yes, you know I love you Nana,” Derin walked towards her and planted a kiss on her cheek.

“I love you too honey,” Bisola replied.

“Oh my! I haven’t packed my bags for the trip,” She dashed out of the room.

Derin laughed at the sight of her grandmother panicking.

“All this drama only because she has not packed for the trip, she is still my same old Nana,” Derin chuckled.

“Now I have to ensure I actually make a reservation. Her wrath might be unbearable if I don’t.”