The Mile 3 Murder Mystery

Chapter Three: Mark Tunde

 

 

Superintendent of Police Mark Tunde  had spent the entire evening attending a  party  thrown by one of Abuja’s  wealthiest businesswomen. His usual duties as a police officer often put him  in the presence of powerful figures. He decided to enjoy his leave by attending the party but his  phone buzzed unexpectedly. A call from the Inspector General of Police.

" Superintendent of Police Mark I need you back at the headquarters ”

Mark Tunde has a knack for solving cases no one else can in Abuja. He has a sharp mind and an enigmatic demeanor. He was legendary in the city, renowned for his ability to unravel the most tangled webs of deceit. From unsolvable murders to high-profile cases, his track record was spotless. Sometimes he goes undercover. For months, he will live among criminals, gaining their trust and collecting evidence. He has a history of pushing the boundaries. His intuition was razor-sharp, and he has a habit of glancing over his shoulder at just the right moment.His style often leads to breakthroughs but his unorthodox methods have caused problems in the past. With so much bravery and dedication he has ensured justice is served on so many criminals and his story inspires many young officers. One story that won’t go away was when four armed robbers invaded a bank in Abuja. Mark single-handedly infiltrated the bank, disarmed the robbers, and freed the hostages without firing a single bullet.He is a no-nonsense cop known for his precision and tactical skills to restore order. He grew up in foster care, giving him a strong sense of justice and a soft spot for protecting the vulnerable. His no-nonsense attitude made him one of the state’s best police officers.

The Inspector General of Police Ahmed Bura received a message from the commissioner of police in Port Harcourt on the urgency of sending one of his best hands to Port Harcourt. Bura calls in his department’s most decorated and controversial officer, Superintendent  Mark Tunde   to assign him to the operation in the Garden City. Mark thrives on high-stake missions.

Bura was in a meeting with some police officers when Mark entered. The boss quickly dismissed the officers and asked him to sit down.

Bura:  I’ve been reviewing officers for a special assignment in Port Harcourt. It’s a challenging but important role, and I believe you’re the right person for it.

Mark:  Port Harcourt? That’s unexpected. What’s the assignment?

Bura: The daughter of billionaire Lebari Tor was murdered in the street of Port Harcourt. She was a club girl. Her death makes five persons murdered the same way. There’s a sharp rise in organized killings in the city. They’ve requested someone with experience in handling complex investigations and strategic planning. Your track record here makes you a top candidate.

Mark : It's a great  honor to be recommended by my IGP. Thanks for seeing me suitable for the job. How long is the posting?

Bura: It’s a job for six months. It could be extended depending on the situation. It’s not a permanent transfer. 

Mark: fine. When do I leave? 

Bura: Tomorrow. All travelling documents are ready. See AIG Idowu for collection and travelling expenses.

As Mark left the office of the IGP, Ambrose who was waiting at a corner brought out his cell phone and put a call through.

Ambrose was a former pickpocket turned police officer with a knack for staying unnoticed. He found himself in a more lucrative  and illegal business as side hustle: surveillance for the highest bidder.  His spying business has expanded. People come to him for information, spouses who suspect infidelity, business partners looking for leverage. He used his position as an officer to gain access to confidential records, dispatch logs, and files. His secret dealings had become a trap he could no longer avoid.He was hired by a mysterious client who insisted on one thing: track Mark Tunde and report back everything he did.

Mark had always loved flying, and this trip was unavoidable. Assigned to assist in this murder case in Port Harcourt city, he found himself at the bustling Abuja airport, ticket in hand. As he boarded the plane, his trained eyes scanned the rows while pretending to stow his luggage.  

His plane landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport. He stepped off the plane, stretched his legs after the short flight. He was in Garden City, the city of great men like Ken Saro Wiwa, Obi Wale, OCC and others.

At the airport, a driver, a man in a black suit was waiting for him.

Tamuno: [Holding a sign with a name on it near the arrivals gate] Excuse me sir, are you  Mark Tunde?

Mark: [Nods] That’s me.  Are you the driver sent by Moscow Road? 

Tamuno: Yes, sir. I’m Tamuno. Commissioner sent me to pick you up. Welcome to Port Harcourt. Can I take your bags?

Mark: Yes, please.

Standing beside Tamuno was Sergeant Peter. He was looking at Mark with an eye of pity.

Mark: Who is this?

Tamuno: This is Sergeant Peter Sir.

Mark: Sergeant Peter, do you mind telling me why you are staring at me that way?

Peter: Sorry Sir . My mistake Sir. Only that you’ve just walked into a city of secrets. And there are people here who will not want you  to be asking the wrong questions.

Mark didn’t know whether the man was a friend, an enemy, or something else entirely. But one thing was certain: his life in Port Harcourt  wasn’t going to be as simple as he had hoped. From the funny behavior of Sargent Peter he quickly realized that he wasn’t just going to be hunting for  killers, he was going to be  hunted as well.

One thing Mark did not realize is that danger would not lie in the case he was going to be investigating alone, danger was also in the silent shadow of someone who had been watching his every step. 

Tamuno put the bags at the back and they all entered the car and drove off.

Ambrose, who was sitting at a nearby restaurant at the Port Harcourt International Airport, watched them through the window. He brought out his cell phone and put a call through.