CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
The detective located Michael Adeyemi through old company records.
He was living in Abuja and had spent several years working outside Lagos. After receiving a formal request to speak with the investigators, Michael agreed to meet them.
Aisha and Daniel were present when the meeting took place.
Michael was a middle-aged man with tired eyes and a cautious manner. He looked at Aisha for a long moment before speaking.
"You look like your father."
Aisha swallowed.
"You knew him well?"
"Samuel was a good man. He believed that doing the right thing was more important than protecting his own interests."
"Then why did you disappear from his life?"
Michael lowered his gaze.
"Because I was afraid."
He explained that Samuel had discovered irregularities in a business arrangement involving Robert Cole. Michael had helped Samuel review some of the records, but when Robert realised what they were doing, he began threatening people connected to the investigation.
"I received warnings," Michael said. "My family was mentioned. I panicked and left Lagos."
Aisha's face tightened.
"You left my father to deal with everything alone?"
Michael nodded slowly.
"I did. It is something I have regretted for years."
Daniel leaned forward.
"What was the payment made before Samuel died?"
Michael explained that it was money returned to Samuel after a business agreement was cancelled. He provided bank records and correspondence supporting his account.
The detective examined the documents and made notes.
"So the payment wasn't connected to an attempt to harm Samuel?" Aisha asked.
"Not to my knowledge," Michael replied. "I had no reason to hurt him."
Aisha studied his face. She wanted to believe him, but she had learned not to accept anyone's explanation without evidence.
"Did you know Robert was spreading accusations against my mother?"
"Yes. I heard about it later, but by then I had already left Lagos. I should have come forward."
"Why didn't you?"
Michael looked ashamed.
"Because every year I waited made it harder to admit that I had abandoned someone who trusted me."
Aisha looked down at her hands.
She was angry with him, but she also understood something about fear. It could make people choose silence when courage was needed most.
Before the meeting ended, Michael handed the detective copies of his records and agreed to provide further information.
Outside, Aisha turned to Daniel.
"I don't know whether I can forgive him."
"You don't have to decide today."
She nodded.
At least now, they had one more piece of the puzzle.
And the payment that had looked suspicious was beginning to make sense.
But one question remained: what else had Samuel discovered before he died?