by Gloria Obizu
They are doing what you call investigation! That’s what they told me. Carissa added.
Oh! They talked to you already? Brighton asked.
Yeah!
And what did you tell them?
Lady, I told them nothing! Am I supposed to say what I didn’t see or say what I don’t know? One thing bugging me right now is the whereabouts of Isabel ‘cause I haven’t seen or heard from her since this thing happened. I don’t even understand what this whole shit is all about. May be she knows something but you see, I need to find her first. That’s why I came to you.
Don’t worry! I’m sure she is ok wherever she is ‘cause whosoever it was that took those bullets last night was not a she, the police said he was a guy. That leaves Isabel and every other babe at the party out of it, Brighton continued.
The police told you he was a guy? Carissa asked in some sort of excitement. Oh thank God! Thank you God Almighty! Now I can say for sure that Isabel is ok and Tasha too! Did they say his name or anything about him being dead or something?
They didn’t tell me his name or whether he is died or survived ‘cause they don’t wanna mess up the investigation thing I guess.
Thank you Miss Brighton! You’ve been so kind! If anybody told me Saturday morning this would happen, I wouldn’t believe him.
I understand! That’s the way life goes! Brighten added.
And how have you been doing? Carissa asked.
I manage the much I can! What can I do to beat nature? I’m doing just as fine as I can.
When you need me help out with anything, give me a call, okay? Carissa said.
That’s so kind of you! I always have this feeling there is a great girl veiled inside of you Carissa and you need to work on that! You know what I’m talking about, right? You’ve got a good heart babe so hold on to it and don’t let it falter, okay? Let me know when you get any information.
I’ll do that! Meanwhile I’ve to run ‘cause I’ve got a lot in my mind right now but I’ll come visit some other time, okay? Continue to take very good care of yourself! Carissa said and began leaving.
Be safe now and don’t you go running around so much until we know exactly what’s going on! Brighton added.
Back in the room, Carissa decided to make a few more calls starting with Tasha and got lucky this time as Tasha’s phone began ringing and she picked up.
What’s up with you Tasha? I’ve been trying to talk to you for ages. I left you a message, right?
I slept most of the day girl! That yesterday’s stuff wore me out real bad. The party and all that shit that came up were just too much for me. I was kinda worried about you though, but when you left me the message I kinda figured you’re ok so I thought I should call when my body is done with resting. Tell me, what’s happening at your end?
A lot! Carissa said. A whole lot girlfriend! Worse for me, I don’t even have a single clue what this whole damn thing is all about but I’m thinking you might know something ‘cause I know how smart you can be in situations like this. So tell me, did you see anything at all Tasha!
No! Nothing! Everyone ran the moment the shots went out, remember? I didn’t even look back! That’s how things turned out for us last night, girl. Oh yes! But I had talked to this girl I met at the party and she said a guy took those bullets last night. Is like his name is Wallis or something like that! Tasha said.
Wallis? That’s Isabel’s guy they are talking about!
I don’t know! Tasha continued. Please don’t quote me ‘cause I’m never sure of anything I didn’t see, understand? You know, I don’t believe in gossips so we must wait until we get the exact information from the right source. I mean the Police will let everybody know what is happening on the TV pretty soon, so don’t take what you hear from other sources seriously, okay? You know I understand how these things work pretty well’ don’t you? Could be some mouthy folks spreading some nasty rumor so don’t worry about it. Whatever is going on will come out to the open sooner or later.
I know! I’ll rather take your words for it than whatever it is any other person is saying. But I haven’t heard anything from my roommate since last night? Carissa said.
Don’t get yourself worked up over that ‘cause if there is one thing everyone agreed upon is the fact that whosoever got the bullets last night was a guy, understand? Tasha tried to reassure her friend. I’m sure she is ok. Poor Isabel! The whole thing must have scared the shit out of her! Don’t forget it was her party and this kind of thing happened. That could traumatize anybody you know. I don’t even know how I’m gonna take it if it happened to me ‘cause that was one hell of a big mess. So don’t worry! She’ll surely come back home at her own time, trust me! Did the Police talk to you by any chance?
Yeah!
I hope you played it right!
Tasha you can count on me to do the best I can!
Good! I’m waiting for my turn ‘cause nobody at the party last night will be left out. For now I wanna get myself something to eat before I get ready for the Stripe club. Babe I’m on tonight. I’ll talk to you again soon, okay? You take care of yourself, bye! Tasha concluded.
Carissa thought over what Tasha said and wondered if she was right about Wallis by some chance. Is Isabel with him in the hospital? Is he dead? A lot was going on in her mind all at the same time. In the face of it all, she took out a short time to shower and managed a small breakfast before calling up more girls from the party to see if she could get more feedback, anything to support the Wallis angle. Instead one of the girls, Desha was saying something about the birth day cake. While she ranted, Carissa noticed incoming call; hold on for me Desha! I’m gonna get back to you, okay? A look at her phone and her eyes almost popped out. Unbelievable! She uttered. Isabel! Is that really you?
Yeah! Isabel responded in a weak voice.
Know what; let me discharge this girl on my line so hold on, okay? And in a short while she returned with, Isabel are you okay?
I’m fine! What about yourself?
I’m ok too, other than I’ve been terribly worried! There was no way of me knowing what’s going on with you ‘cause you didn’t call.
Stop worrying Carissa! I’m fine! Tell me something, have the Police been there?
Yeah! They came sniffing around the building as usual. I was hiding in the laundry room when they went into the apartments but I understand they talked to a lot of people. They might have knocked on our door too, I don’t know, but they later got at me! How could they miss! Carissa continued.
Did they talk to you? Isabel asked.
Yeah! Where are you at?
I can’t say much now, Isabel said.
You’ve been okay? Carissa asked.
Yeah! I’m fine and I’ll see you soon.
Wallis was on the wheels taking Isabel back to the apartment while she was talking. In less than 30 minutes, his car came to a halt at 889 Wilkinson Street and both of them went into the apartment. The moment Isabel walked into the house, both girls hugged each other and held on like they didn’t want to let go. Call it off girls, Wallis said. Carissa’s eyes immediately went in his direction and that was the confirmation he is well and alive, a secret thing she kept to herself and continued chattering with Isabel.
Taking another look at Isabel, Carissa sensed immediately that something much more was going on with her roommate. She did not look like she had eaten, showered or even brushed her teeth the whole day and was acting so off bit. Are you sure you’ve been ok? She asked again.
Why do you keep saying that! Anyways I don’t even know whether I’m ok or not and I think you should quit bugging me with that right now. Isabel bellowed.
Why are you screaming at me when both of us have same situation on our hands?
I said quit questioning me, okay? That was my show last night, that’s why I’m acting like that! It
was my party that got messed up and you know how much I prepared for that show and you understand what it meant to me! But then some punk decided to throw everything I labored so hard for up in the air. Come-on now Carissa! Think for a minute how that is gonna work for you if you’re in my shoes. Babe we got to be real here!
I understand! That’s why I’ve been so worried about you! You need to calm down though ‘cause we can’t change nothing now, Carissa tried to reassure her roommate.
I’m actually doing much better than I thought considering what I’ve been through these past hours. I don’t know who else can take all this and still standing! You said the Police been here, right? Isabel asked again.
Yeah!
While the girls continued talking, Wallis interrupted to take his leave yet Carissa never said a word to Isabel on the rumor about him being the guy that got shot last night. Like I said, she continued instead, they caught up with me at the Laundry room and tried getting me to say some, but I had nothing to sell so they left me alone.
What exactly did they say to you? Isabel asked.
You know, things like, where you at the party? And did you see anything? And what am I supposed to tell them Isabel? What? I didn’t see a thing and God knows I’m telling the truth. I know I lie a lot, understand? But that was the truth. I denied I was at the show though. I know it was a dumb thing to do but that was the best I could at the time.
You did a smart thing Carissa! You talked to some of your friends already, right?
Yeah!
And none of them saw or heard anything? Isabel continued probing.
The whole thing happened so fast, remember?
I know. Isabel responded. Do you think anyone in the building knows something?
No! I doubt. Only two guys from the building were at the party and I believe they are hiding somewhere ‘cause I haven’t heard a sound from them since last night. The only thing I’m sure about right now is this, whosoever it was that took those bullets last night for whatsoever reason was a guy, Carissa said.
How did you get that? Isabel asked anxiously.
The police talked to Miss Brighton, the lady at apartment 48 and told her a guy took those bullets last night. Babe, know what this whole thing smells like? Something taken out of the fucking horror pictures and I desperately seek to figure it all out. Right now, I’m so confused, understand? Carissa continued.
Me too! But don’t worry! I’m sure we will find out what is going on one way or another! I’ve been with the Police too! Isabel added in a casual manner.
For real!
Yeah! They called me around noon and were slapping me around just the same way they questioned you; what was the party for? What did you see? What did you do? And all kinds of stuff, but I wasn’t just talking a lot. I’ve seen this kind of thing before and I know how you get in trouble if you open your mouth so wide with those guys in uniform, so I didn’t say much. I advise you to be careful too!
Sure! You are damned right Isabel! Did they say anything about your roommate? Carissa asked.
You know they did! Isabel continued.
And what was it they said about me?
Some shit like, do you live alone? And I answered no. So they kind of probed more but I shut them down on that. I just didn’t wanna talk about it and they let it pass, Isabel said.
If they talk to you again remember I was never at the party, okay? Tell them we don’t get along so I wasn’t invited. I know they gonna talk to me again, I already prepared what to say and you better be ready too ‘cause they surely will talk to you again too. Girl! I tell you some; it is been one hell of a long day. All that was not even supposed to happen, get what I’m saying? It was just a birth day party and all we did was have fun with our friends and now this! Can anybody say we were doing anything wrong? Can someone tell me what the hell is going on here? Wherever I go some kind of hell goes with me! Isabel you see what I’ve been talking about?
I’ve told you many times to stop saying that shit Carissa? I know the whole thing happened on my ticket but I don’t think I’m worked up as much as you. Calm down babe! We’ll probably understand this whole thing better when it comes up on the damned TV this evening? Isabel said.
Yeah! That’s what Tasha said. They always have this kind of thing on TV and since the time says few minutes after six, I could as well turn the damned thing on right away! Carissa said and switched on the TV. It wasn’t too long before what they were looking for came up on the 6pm news.
Here we go! I told you so. Isabel said as she adjusted for what was coming.
Shit men! The police taking some questions from the paparazzi folks. Babe looks like this is gonna be one hell of a big issue. Carissa said as she too took to a vantage position.
Sir! Do we have further updates on the Wilkinson street party shootings? One of the paparazzi was asking.
Miss Beth, all I can say for now is that investigation is continuing on the matter and the police is never gonna hang their boots until we find who did this. No stones will be left unturned. That’s my promise!
Are you guys pursuing any specific lead right now; I mean any person of interest? The Paparazzi guys continued.
None as I’m talking to you but I’m putting out appeal to anyone who might have seen or heard anything he may consider useful in solving this crime to come forward. And I assure you that any information received will be handled as confidential. We’ve very good reputation with our informant protection policy so nobody who wants to assist us needs to fear.
Is the victim in this case dead? Other paparazzi asked.
No, but in critical condition. As at this moment Doctors are not so happy with progress he made so far but we keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. I want to add also that right now no body is being charged for murder ‘cause it’s still a case of an attempt to commit unless faith works against us and we lose the young man involved in this incident. That’s why I encourage whosoever did this to talk to us. Thank you. The Officer responded.
What’s the name of the young man that got shot? Someone asked him.
Teri’s! Teri Parkinson! That’s the name of this young man.
At the mention of Teri’s name, Carissa lost her cool. What!!! Can’t be! Not Teri’s! Isabel did you hear that? I kind of had the feeling that something wasn’t right with Teri’s ‘cause he has not been picking up his calls. Yes! I knew it! Oh my God who did this to him? Who? Carissa was shouting, acting out of control and crying out so loud. Isabel tried to calm her down but she was so grief stricken that she couldn’t be persuaded. After lots and lots of crying and lamenting it began to down on her that indeed something dreadful has happened to a guy who was really close to her at some point in her life. Even though she did not fall in love with Teri in the true essence of it, she did like him in some ways. She now wished she was more cooperative with the Police or at list told them she was at the part because she wanted nothing in this world as much as rush out of the house, go to them, find what hospital Teri is at and go be by his side. But the way things stand right now, she will have to continue to stand by her lies. She had nothing to do with Isabel’s party or whatever it brought forth. Is he gonna die? She managed to ask Isabel after a long time.
How am I supposed to know? Isabel snapped.
But who did this to him? Carissa thought. Instantly she began a recollection of the events of that night Isabel threatened Teri with a gun and somehow her mind began associating that incident with what happened last night. Is Isabel really capable of murder? Did she shot Teri? What is she hiding in that back-sack she carries all over the places and never allows anyone else to touch? She then turned and took a more critical look at this roommate of hers whom she has come to love like she would a sister. All the wired things Isabel does and how she never says anything about her past crossed her mind, all trying to convince her that Isabe
l was connected in some ways with what happened to Teri but it was a convention she was not ready to accept ‘cause Isabel will never do wrong in her eyes. Whatever happens, she will stand by her roommate and wither the storm with the only sister she will ever know since the only future she could see for now is that with Isabel. Whit this decision, Carissa calmed down but chose to have a heart to heart talk with her Isabel. All she wanted now is the truth, a sort of confession that will do nothing else but restore her confidence on her roommate.
Isabel!
What! She was a little jumpy with her response.
You know how we like sisters, share and do everything together. Carissa said in subdued manner.
Ehen! What has that got to do with what is going on? Isabel reacted spontaneously.
You know we only have each other, you know that right? And we are supposed to be honest to one another and not hiding anything no matter what, Carissa continued trying to cajole her roommate
I understand all that shit, okay? Come-on now, quit running round in circles and say what you wanna say ‘cause I ain’t got the whole night, understand? Right now I’m really tired and wanna go get me some sleep so just say what you wanna say and let me go, Isabel snapped.
Please tell me the truth like a sister would! Did you do this to Teri?
What? Carissa, are you out of your mind or something? What made you think I did it?
May be I can’t think of any other person who might have done this, understand? I kinda remember what happened that night you wanted him to leave and he refused and you threatened him with that gun. That kind of bothers me and I’m like maybe he showed up at the party, you got mad and did something to him, continued Carissa
Well you are wrong roommate! Come to think of It, the only question you should be asking right now is what Teri was doing at Isabel’s party even though he was not supposed to be there. Is not to say I did it though, but why did he show up uninvited? Is he crazy or something? Anyways, I did not shot Teri, okay? Does that make it better for you, ah?