The Mile 3 Murder Mystery

Chapter Four : Lebari Tor

 

Lebari Tor's name has been synonymous with power in Rivers State for so many years. He is whispered in boardrooms and political circles in Port Harcourt.  He's a billionaire who controls industries, governments, and the narrative of power in the State. His wealth has bought him everything a man could desire. Known for his charisma, Lebari always gets what he wants. He is  already hardened by years of cutthroat business practices, and  usually takes matters into his own hands. One great weapon he has is Nwito, the assassin who carries out his most sensitive operations. Nwito silenced whistleblowers, eliminated competitors, and dismantled threats for Lebari. He was paid heavily. Lebari's only daughter Vera lived a life of luxury. She had everything money could buy: luxury cars, designer wardrobes, and so much money.With her father’s fortune at her fingertips, she travelled to so many countries, hosting wild parties and engaging in reckless escapades. She was a burden to her father. Her scandalous double life was a thing of concern, life of a harlot who frequented the underworld of high-end clubs, seeking pleasure, power, and an escape from the suffocating expectations of her family. She has disdain for her father’s controlling ways and goes to clubs and parties sometimes  in disguise.

When night falls, she becomes a different person. She shed the designer gowns for leather skirts, and the glittering jewels were replaced. Her nocturnal life was a worry to the family. Her father, exasperated by her antics, often threatened to cut her off. But she would laugh, knowing he never will because she  was his only daughter. Then, that night, Vera was killed. The news shattered Lebari. At first, he clung to the police's boss explanations and assurance of finding the killers fast but when he remembered that four other women had died the same way and the police had not come out with results, grief gave way to fury. Lebari wasn’t a man who plays by the rules, and this time, he is not going to care about the consequences. His daughter has been killed and he knows someone is getting at him. He is not only after revenge; he wants to burn the world of the killers of his daughter to the ground. He was no stranger to ruthlessness, but this was different. This wasn’t about business or power, this was personal.

Though he knows no amount of justice or vengeance could bring his daughter back, he must get vengeance for Vera.He must confront the fact that his wealth and influence may have played a part in Vera’s murder. As he seeks justice for her, he must also come to terms with the moral compromises he's made throughout his life, questioning whether the price of success was worth the loss of his only  daughter.

Lebari: call Nwito for me

Gbarale: Yes, sir 

Mark Tunde stepped into the sprawling, bustling police station of Moscow Road. The air smelled of cigarettes and tension, and the chatter of officers filled the rooms. He was greeted with nods and curious glances. He had earned a reputation for solving high-profile cases in Abuja, but Port Harcourt was a whole new game.When he walked into the station, he was immediately a topic of discussion. His reputation preceded him.

He got to  the office of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police. The door to the Commissioner's office was ajar. Tamuno, who was showing him the way, knocked lightly.

“Come in,” 

Obed Ede was already waiting. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vivian was also in the office waiting. Vivian, a trailblazing woman  in a predominantly male force, had spent her career breaking barriers. She rose through the ranks with sheer determination, a sharp mind, and an unwavering commitment to justice. She also has an exceptional ability to solve high-profile cases .

Obed greeted Mark with a warm smile, offering him a seat in his luxurious office in Moscow Road. He spoke in clear and pointed terms, praising Mark's reputation and offering him his "support" in his new role. 

Vivian: You were highly recommended. You came with an impressive resume. 

Mark: Thank you Madam.

Vivian: I heard you’re a maverick who solves cases with unorthodox methods, often bending or outright ignoring protocols .

Mark : That’s what they think.

Vivian: Does your methods also include disregard for the chain of command?

Mark: No.

Obed: I hope the I* of police has briefed you of the situation.

Mark: Yes, he did.

Obed brought out a file, flipping through the photos and notes. " five victims, same way, same style. One of the victims is Vera, daughter of billionaire businessman Lebari Tor and he's on my neck asking for results. Think you can handle it?”

Mark picked up the file.

" I will do my best"

Obed nodded approvingly. “You’ll be working with Jane on this one. She knows the city inside out. I need results. Now go meet Jane. Tamuno will take you to her office”

“Yes, Sir”                

“Don’t let me down.”

As Tamuno and Mark were leaving the office of the Commissioner of Police, Superintendent of Police Uche, who was about to enter the office approached them. Uche has  a reputation for being no nonsense and there are  whispers of his heavy  wealth.  He was the Port Harcourt City Police top surveillance expert, an agent who preferred operating from the shadows rather than engaging in direct action, a silent watcher who always delivers. He was a legend in the intelligence world. Recently a prominent intelligence agency in Angola requested his expertise.

Uche: You’re the new guy? Impressive credentials.

Mark: Yes Sir. Thank you Sir

Uche: They say you have skills.  But this job is more  than just having skills and solving cases. It's going to be a tough one. Just  be careful.

Mark: Thank you sir.

Uche : Where are you going?

Tamuno: I'm taking him to Madam Jane's office.

Uche: OK. Goodluck. 

Ambrose was outside the commissioner's office. Surveilling Police Superintendent Mark has not been an easy task.

He brought out his cell phone and put a call through.