“Eish, somebody’s in a good mood this morning,” Chief Inspector Naa Kai Sowah teased as Natalie virtually skipped into the courtroom, looking like her problems had been wiped out with a single swipe. The way she cheerfully greeted everyone only lent more credence to that.

Natalie smirked and shrugged. “Oh Inspector, it’s one of those days where you just wake up with joy in your heart, you know.”

“Hehe, I see. Well, it’s very necessary. After the tough times you’ve had, it’s only important you find some joy.”

Natalie nodded as she took her seat, feeling pleased at how she felt no deep sadness remembering Naphtali for the first time in weeks. “Of course. That’s very true. And with the way I’m feeling right now, I’m going to be very, very intentional about pursuing joy. The past is in the past.”

The older woman nodded. “That’s the spirit. Don’t let the throes of the past continue to haunt you. Move on and see what the future holds. There’s so much in store for you.”

Natalie smiled. “Yeah, you’re right. Thank you so much, Chief Inspector.”

“You’re welcome, my dear.”

Switching on her computer as the officer walked away, she had a grin on her face.

Indeed, the past was in the past. She wasn’t going to sit there and let thoughts about Naphtali’s rejection keep her down. The guy had moved on and was even throwing silly shots at her, so he wasn’t worth thinking about.

In any case, the real reason for her joy was the previous evening. Any doubts or unease over hooking up with Marty was extinguished by the sweetness of their time together.

A chill ran down her spine as the memories of those passionate kisses and sweet words came to mind. It had been magical. A lot more magical than any moment she had shared with that petty ex of hers. They had not consummated the fling yet, but after enjoying a passionate and intimate period, they were already planning to get it done as soon as possible.

Who would have thought she’d find this much-needed shot of happiness in this man? Certainly not her. But she sure was glad she took a chance on him. It might have taken an insulting post by Naphtali to push her, but she still could have stalled. She didn’t, though, and that’s what mattered.

Still grinning as she replayed them in her mind, she murmured to herself, “Definitely worth it. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”  

***

Wayne was on his phone, waiting along with everyone else as Justice Paul had disappeared into his chambers for another quick recess. As the others also got busy with their phones, waiting for the judge to return and continue with proceedings, a message from Alayaa popped up.

He opened it.

Babe 😩😩

Wayne smirked. Whenever those emojis showed up next to the word ‘babe’, it was usually a predecessor to a naughty text, which was being typed.

I miss you and your sweet 🍆

Wayne had to keep himself from laughing out loud. They had been at it for a few days, and it had been awesome as always, bringing out the naughty side of his sweet wife. “Typical Alayaa!” he snickered to himself. “Such a spoiled little girl.”

He then responded. I miss you too, love. Want some more?

The response was almost instant.

Want ke? I need some more, la!

He stifled more laughter, shaking his head as she typed on. Oh, how he loved his wife and her risque ways!

The next message was more serious.

Anyways, I spoke to Madam Henrietta. She said we could come on Saturday morning. Is that ok with you?

He nodded. That was the main reason she was contacting him. After their conversation, he had been anticipating this. And now it was here. Sighing within himself, he muttered, “Yep, let’s get this done. No point letting the past continue to marinate in my heart.”

He responded. Yeah, that’s cool.

Alright, I’ll let her know, then.

Sure, we’ll talk later, then.

Alright, babe. Please eat heavy, wai. Coz I’m coming for it tonight.

Wayne stifled yet another laugh before Divine’s voice rang out, signaling Justice Paul’s return.

***

It was about 1:15 pm when Justice Paul returned to his chambers, done with the day’s cases. He leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply as he removed his wig and set it carefully on the stand beside his desk. Elias followed after him, placing a neatly stacked set of law books on the desk.

“Thank you, Elias,” Paul nodded, grabbing a bottle of water from the corner of the desk and taking a long sip. Elias duly nodded and took his leave.

Closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths, Justice Paul relaxed in his seat for a few moments. “Another day, another dose of justice,” he whispered aloud before lifting himself straight. Those moments to breathe were always helpful for his psyche. Now he could get to the usual signing and quick checks before heading home.

Just as he was about to dive into his case notes for the next day, there was a knock at the door.

“Yes, come in,” Paul called.

The door opened, and a gentleman in a dark suit, bearing the unmistakable insignia of the Judicial Service, stepped inside. He held a slim envelope in his hand and wore a polite but professional expression.

“Good afternoon, Your Honour,” the gentleman said, bowing accordingly. “I’m here on behalf of the Judicial Service. I have a document addressed to you.”

Paul raised an eyebrow but gestured for him to leave the envelope on the table. The gentleman quickly obeyed and excused himself promptly, leaving him alone in the room once more.

He picked up the envelope. It bore the official stamp of the Judicial Council and was addressed to him in bold, black letters. “What could it be about?” he wondered aloud as he broke the seal, unfolded the letter, and began to read.

As his eyes scanned the words, his brow furrowed in confusion, then lifted in shock.

“What?! What the hell is this?”

Its content was as follows:

“Dear Justice Paul Kwarteng Takyi,

The Judicial Council has received a formal complaint against you concerning Case No. 238/2024. The complainant alleges that your handling of the case displayed bias and reflected a personal vendetta against the parties involved, resulting in an unjust dismissal of the matter. The Council will initiate a preliminary review to determine the validity of these claims. You are invited to provide a written response within 14 days of receipt of this letter.”

As he dropped the letter on the desk, he knew what this was.

It was an attack on his decision to reject the bribe attempts. These folks had decided to hit back at him. Since he had refused to give them what they wanted, they were looking to lie on him and taint his integrity and reputation.

He shook his head. “Nonsense. Absolute nonsense.”

***

Hey Marty

Hey you. Wassup?

Just thinking about you. Can’t wait for tomorrow.

Hehe, me too. It’s gonna be wild tomorrow.

Oh I’m sure of that. You said it’s at Boatson Hotel?

Yeah, yeah. That’s where we’ll meet.

Alright, then. Are you home yet?

Nah, on my way.

Alright, lemme know when you get home.

Sure thing, Nat.

Marty hummed softly to himself as he drove through the quiet streets, feeling lighter than he had in months. He could not have felt more satisfied than he did at that moment. The previous night had gone perfectly; much better than he’d hoped. Getting his lips upon those lovely ones of Natalie had felt like a dream come true, and she was clearly sold out to him now. The chat they had engaged in before he left the office was a testament to that fact.

“Dreams really do come true, chale,” he chuckled as he moved on. “After tomorrow, I’m gonna be one hell of a happy man, I swear down. Proper enjoyment!”

As he reached a red light, he picked up his phone and called his wife as he usually did. It rang twice before she answered.

“Hello, Marty?”

“Yeah, Martha. I’m on my way home now, okay? Just a late meeting that ran over a bit. You know how it is at the firm.”

“Yeah, sure. No worries. Drive safe.”

“Will do. See you soon.”

She ended the call without another word, leaving Marty with the faintest twinge of annoyance. “Same old Martha,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as the traffic light turned green, allowing him to move.

***

In the Amegbo household, Mrs. Martha Amegbo was seated at the dining table, her facial expression unreadable as she finished the last sip of her chamomile tea. Her laptop open and in front of her, she typed quickly, pulling up WhatsApp Web.

A small but sinister and disappointed smile played on her lips as Marty’s account opened. He might not have remembered, but as he used her laptop to open his WhatsApp a few months ago, she had access to his chats. And considering how shady his behaviour had become over the past few weeks, it was just as well.

She busily scrolled through his chats, her eyes narrowing as she opened the conversation with Natalie.

Any suspicion of infidelity was instantly confirmed upon a quick view of that chat. All was laid bare before her as she saw everything the two had been discussing. The flirtations, the declarations, and the details of their plans for the next day.

Closing the laptop with a sharp snap, Martha sat back, shutting her eyes and shaking her head.

Disappointment. Hurt. Anger. All the emotions that a spouse discovering their partner’s philandering ways would feel, was all locked up in her chest.

“So, that’s how it is,” she murmured, her voice icy. “You think you’re clever, don’t you, Marty? Okay, let’s see how clever you feel when this is over.”

Rising to her feet, a fire began to blaze within her heart. If this man she called a husband thought he was going to play her for a fool, he was sorely mistaken. And whoever that Natalie girl was, she wasn’t going to get away with it, either.

“This won’t end the way you think it will, Marty. Trust me. It won’t.”

Well, this certainly won’t end well for Marty and Natalie. And the nerve of those bribers to report Justice Paul! This season’s almost done, so let’s see what happens…