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It was barely eight o'clock in the morning when Officer Michael Tanui, walked into Fahari Diner. A 38 caliber handgun holstered to his belt on the left-hand side.

Fahari, which meant 'joy' in Swahili, was a cozy little diner located on the bustling Moi Avenue. To its left was a women's clothing boutique called Carla's Trends, which had glass-paneled displays featuring mannequins draped in what Michael thought were skimpy garments. On the right side of the diner was a small cyber café.

The gilded bell atop the door tinkled as it closed behind him. The aroma of coffee filled the air.

Michael chose the booth at the farthest end of the diner, next to the window that overlooked the busy street. He wanted a safe place to talk.

A waitress walked up to him. She was a young woman wearing a blue and white patterned apron with a tag on her chest that read Felicity. "The weather today is rather too cold, don't you think, Officer?" she asked with a cheerful voice. Soft rhumba music was playing in the background.

"Mmh," Michael replied, as he was not in the mood for small talk.

"What can I get you?" she asked.

"A cup of black coffee," he said. He turned to look out the large window and watched people scurrying about to their various workplaces. A trail of mist had settled onto the window.

A few minutes later, Gary Wako approached. He was dressed in a long brown overcoat, a white flannel shirt, and a pair of drab slacks.

"I don't like waiting for you," Michael said the moment Gary Wako took the seat opposite him.

"I didn't like calling you either," Gary replied.

The waitress returned with Michael's order and Gary asked for the same. A cup of black coffee.

As the waitress turned towards the counter, Michael wasted no time in getting straight to the point. He wasn't one to beat around the bush. "There was nothing in that house. My guys found nothing. It was a waste of time," he said.

There was a moment of silence as Felicity brought Gary's order. Gary whispered a thank you as she disappeared again.

"What do you mean by nothing?" Gary asked.

"There was no sign of the flash drive. It wasn't there," Michael replied.

"It can't be, Michael. That drive is still there," Gary insisted.

Michael bit his lip in irritation. It had only been a few hours since he had been at Tricia's house, and her words still lingered in his mind. "I don't know what mess you're in, Gary, and frankly, I wouldn't want to know. But since you've already pulled me into this, you better start talking."

Gary knew that Officer Michael didn't like being kept out of the loop.

"You shouldn't get involved," Gary said.

"Bullshit," Michael interrupted. "I risked my ass hiring some dudes to break into that house, and you're sitting here saying I shouldn't get involved. It's a little too late for that."

Yesterday, Michael received a call from Gary asking for a favor. Michael owed Gary one, so he had agreed to the plan: get into the house, search for the drive, and leave. Michael didn't ask questions. He figured that his late partner, Officer Edward Muiru, had unfinished business with Gary Wako.

Michael hadn't expected a slip-up in the plan, but then one of the guys hit Tricia Muiru in the back of the head. It was unintentional, he had said. Either way, that was not part of the plan. They were supposed to go in silently and leave as though nothing had taken place.

"What happened?" Gary asked.

"Me and my partner got called in to check out a burglary attempt. The case won't get anywhere. My guys didn't leave any evidence behind. My point is, you've got to give me something to work with."

"Okay. Okay," Gary brought his hands up in surrender.

"I think. No. I know someone is blackmailing me," he began. It was only two days ago since he had received the text on his phone. 412. He was certain the intention was to stir him. "I need the drive. It's my only security."

By saying security, Officer Michael was sure Gary meant leverage.

"Just how much trouble are you in?"

"Enough to want the drive."

Michael got the message, Gary wasn't planning on telling him what the problem was.

"How sure are you that it's at Officer Edward's house?" he asked.

"That's because I gave it to him."

Michael was starting to piece together his suspicion. Officer Edward wasn't the type of person who would just get involved with anyone. For him to be involved with Gary Wako, it could only mean one thing - he was working on a case and Gary was part of it. Michael imagined it could be either the victim or a suspect, but he doubted the former.

Suddenly, Michael thought of something.

"He could have handed it out."

"What?" asked Gary.

"The drive. Edward could have handed it out."

Gary shook his head. "No. He didn't trust a soul in the police department. No offense to you though. He had his fears."

"What fears?"

Gary hesitated. "Look, I can't say anything more. You shouldn't know. Just help me get the drive. Please. It's my insurance."

Michael decided not to push further. He figured he would find out eventually. Instead, he asked, "Do you happen to know the person blackmailing you?"

"No. All I got is a text," replied Gary.

When Michael raised his eyebrows in confusion, Gary said he had received a text earlier, and that's how he knew he was being blackmailed.

"Send me the number. I'll have a look at it once I get back to the office," Michael said.

Before they parted ways, Michael agreed to return to the house and have another sweep. This time, he would go alone. He made sure Gary Wako understood that it was a long shot, and he probably would find nothing.


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