The rain had turned into a storm, pouring down with vengeance. No driver could afford to drive in such weather. However, Rt. Hon Kwesi Adu-Tutu had no choice than to do so.
Every now and then, he peeped into the rear view mirror of the vehicle to see if he was still being chased. Finally, when he was sure he was not being chased, he decided to go home, pack some things and make it across the border into Togo before daybreak. He was sure that once day breaks, there would be a man hunting for him. He was unaware there was a manhunt already underway for him. The order by the army commander for him to be arrested was being complied with. Members of the Special Forces had been deployed all over the city in spite of the weather to search for him and arrest him. Radio and TV stations were also already broadcasting the call for his arrest. Suddenly, his phone rang, startling him. He looked at the number on the screen. It was Akpene!
He answered the call but before he could say anything, Akpene asked him what he had done and where he was.
“I have not done anything, my love. Why are you asking me this question? You sound apprehensive” he said.
“Soldiers are all over here, searching every place for you. I am sure they will be here in the bedroom soon. The policemen on duty and your driver have been arrested. I saw them being made to lie down in …..”
Suddenly, the speaker heard a crash and then Akpene screamed. He nearly dropped his phone.
“Hello! Hello!” he quaked into the phone. But instead of her response, he heard another voice on the phone.
“Speaker! Can you hear me? I know you can hear me. Turn yourself in to the nearest police station for your own safety. It is in your own interest before we get you” the voice at the other end said.
Quickly, Adu-Tutu switched off his phone. It was clear to him immediately there was a manhunt for him and soldiers had already stormed his house. The sound of Akpene screaming had been too much for him. He realized he was trembling. She was the love of his life, the only person he really cared about. It was because of her that he had to dispose of his wife. Thoughts of her in the hands of hostile soldiers was something he could not take. He felt like giving himself up for the first time.
He drove off the road and parked the vehicle on the pavement opposite a restaurant. There was nobody in the restaurant. Its doors were closed. Now, it was clear he couldn’t go to his house again. He wished he had carried his passport and at least some of the money he had with him at home. He knew he had at least $ 105,000 locked up in the safe in his bedroom. Now, there was no way he could reach it.
The rain lashed furiously against his vehicle while the accompanying strong winds made it sway here and there. He switched on the radio to find out if the manhunt for him was being broadcast. Sure, it was being broadcasted! He tuned in from station to station; the news was the same; the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Kwesi Adu-Tut is wanted for plotting multiple murders and plotting to assassinate the Vice-President of the republic, Gertrude Mensah. A reward of GH¢ 500,000 was up for anybody who would give information that would lead to his arrest. People were also to lookout for a white Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with registered number GR 88884- 19. Immediately, he realized the last place he should be at that moment was in his vehicle. With the description of the car in which he was being made public, it would not be long before someone spots it and calls the police. The only option left for him was to abandon the car and make the rest of his escape by another means.
Thoughts of getting out of the comfort of his vehicle into the rain was disheartening and frightening as well. However, he had no choice. The more time he spends in the vehicle, the more likely it was that he would be apprehended.
He removed his tie and wristwatch and placed them on the seat. He knew this was going to be the last time he would see these items. He was particularly interested in the watch. It was a gift from Akpene, one he treasures so much. He wished it was water resistant like his phone.
He was set to leave the vehicle now. How he wished he was at home, tucked in bed with Akpene by his side. On such occasions, she would leave him for the kitchen and soon return with a cup of hot chocolate drink. He sighed.
The wind shook the vehicle once more as the rain lashed at it. He wished it would stop raining. He was about deciding to wait small to see if the rain would stop when he saw lights in the distance. Immediately, he decided it must be a military team which was searching for him; no car would be out in such a murderous rain. Quickly, he opened the door of the vehicle, took a deep breath and stepped out into the rain. The intensity took him by surprise. It attacked him with such vehemence that made him want to dash back into his vehicle.