Unexpected Trouble - S01 E08

Story 2 months ago

Unexpected Trouble - S01 E08

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 8

Unexpected Trouble Episode Eight

Livinus lay on the hospital bed, hooked to a drip. His body was weak and he could barely speak. The nurses checked on him often, and one of the doctors assured him that if he continued with his treatment, he would soon regain strength. Livinus nodded slowly. He didn’t know whether to be hopeful or scared. Even though he was in pain, the fact that he wasn’t locked in the prison cell gave him small comfort. He didn’t know that more trouble was coming his way.

The news of Livinus being admitted to the hospital spread fast. It was broadcast on radio and mentioned in a few online platforms. Melinda’s parents were in Lagos when they heard about it. Her father stood from his seat in anger and shouted, “Why should my daughter’s killer be enjoying fresh air in the hospital? Why should he be given comfort?” Her mother added, “He deserves to suffer! That boy should never come out until he pays for what he did.” Their anger increased and they both agreed to travel to Enugu immediately.

The next day, they arrived at the hospital with straight faces. The hospital receptionist welcomed them and assumed they came to see Livinus out of sympathy. “You’re welcome, ma, sir. Please wait, we’ll take you to him shortly.” The woman nodded, but didn’t smile. When they got to Livinus’ room, the nurse said, “Please try not to upset the patient. He is still very weak.” Melinda’s mother only looked at her and entered the room. Her husband followed behind.

Livinus turned his head slowly when he saw them. He forced a small greeting. “Good afternoon, sir… ma.” Melinda’s mother stepped closer and replied sharply, “Don’t greet me. You should be ashamed.” Her voice was loud. Livinus looked down. Melinda’s father pointed at him and said, “You killed my daughter. You think we’ll let you recover in peace? You must suffer. We’ll make sure of it.” Livinus didn’t argue. He closed his eyes. His lips moved slowly. “I didn’t kill Melinda. I swear. I didn’t.”

They didn’t believe him. “You must think you can fool everyone,” Melinda’s mother said. “But not us. You’ll pay for our daughter’s death. You will not escape.” The nurse who brought them stood by the door, confused. She walked to the bed and whispered to the visitors, “Please, he’s not strong. Let’s allow him rest.” Melinda’s father ignored her. “We are not done. You’ll go back to prison today. That place is where you belong.” With that, they turned and left the hospital room.

They didn’t stop there. They went straight to the prison. The officer at the front desk was surprised to see them. “Good afternoon. Hope all is well?” Melinda’s father smiled and brought out an envelope. “I want to see your boss,” he said. The officer checked the envelope, quickly made a call, and in a few minutes, they were taken inside to see the prison controller. The man welcomed them and offered seats. Melinda’s father placed the envelope on the table. “We know how things work in this place. That boy in the hospital must go back to prison.”

The prison boss opened the envelope and saw the money. He remained silent for a while. Then he said, “You people should go. We’ll handle it.” Melinda’s mother added, “He must go back today. Don’t delay. That boy should not spend one more night enjoying comfort.” The boss gave a short nod. “Consider it done.” They thanked him and walked out. Melinda’s parents felt satisfied. They had done what they came to do. They got into their vehicle and left the prison compound without looking back.

Later that same day, around 5:45pm, two officers entered the hospital with a file in hand. They walked to the front desk and showed a transfer order. “We are here to pick a prisoner who was brought here for treatment,” one of them said. The nurse at the desk stood up immediately. “He’s not fit to leave yet. He’s still on medication.” One officer said, “We are following orders. Bring the doctor.” The doctor in charge came out and reviewed the paper. “He still needs at least three more days. If you take him now, he might not survive.”

“We were sent by the prison,” the officer replied. “Whether he survives or not is not our concern. Our job is to return him.” The doctor looked at Livinus through the glass door. He was sleeping. The drip was still running. “This is wrong,” the doctor said. But they had their orders. In less than ten minutes, the officers entered the room, woke Livinus, and helped him up. He looked confused. “Where are you taking me?” he asked weakly. “Back to prison,” one officer said. “But I’m not well,” Livinus whispered. “I’ll die there.” No one listened.

As they dragged him out of the hospital room, a nurse tried to stop them. “Please wait. Let’s call his lawyer. He’s been handling this case.” The officer ignored her. “Lawyer or no lawyer, our boss gave the order. He must return today.” The doctor came again and begged, but they refused. Livinus groaned as he was taken out. The pain was becoming worse. “This is wickedness,” the nurse said under her breath. She quickly wrote down the names on the officers’ badges. Someone needed to speak up. The doctor walked away in silence, shaking his head.

Back at the prison, Livinus was taken to a dark and dirty cell. It smelled of urine and stale food. He coughed as he sat on the cold floor. One of the inmates looked at him. “You again?” the man said. “They brought you back too soon.” Livinus nodded slowly. “I was not strong enough to come back. But I had no choice.” He leaned on the wall and closed his eyes. His head was hot. His hands were cold. He could barely sit upright. He felt like his body was shutting down. He needed help, but none was coming.

In a small room inside the prison office, the boss counted the money again. He smiled. “This job is sweet when you know how to move,” he said to the officer beside him. “Make sure nobody visits him for now. Tell the warders to keep him inside. Let him feel it.” The officer nodded. “Yes sir. I’ll tell them now.” Melinda’s parents had done their part. Livinus was back inside. His sickness continued, but nobody cared. The hospital treatment was over. Now, only time would tell if he would survive or not.

To be continued