“She’s something like an apprentice with that guy’s private investigator agency—Yemo Sowah. Both came to see me in May asking me about the white man, the one who was your mugu. This is the woman you say wants to be sakawa?”

Nii was in state of confusion. “Please, are you sure this is the same woman?”

Ponsu looked one more time and returned Nii’s phone. “Yes, it’s her. What did you tell her?”

“Bruno trusts her,” Nii said, “so I told them it’s okay for her to come inside with us and I can start to show her things.”

Ponsu’s eyes narrowed. “And what else?”

Nii said, “She asked me if I ever used a woman before to get money from a mugu and I told her yes.”

Ponsu leaned forward and slapped him hard. “Kwasea!”

Nii jumped not only at the impact of the priest’s hand but the very idea that Ponsu had struck him. It had never happened before, and he felt tears prick his eyes.

“You should know better,” Ponsu said. “This woman is investigating you, don’t you see? Because she’s fine, she has blinded you. You know you have to consult me first about these things.”

Emotionally wounded, Nii was almost crying. “Please, I think she’s real. Even if she was a detective, she wants to do the sakawa.”

Ponsu seemed to halfway consider that as a possibility but then he returned to his preceding stance. “Don’t talk to that girl anymore. Do you still trust Bruno? Why didn’t he tell you the girl is a detective?”

“Please, I don’t think he even knows the kind of job she does. They don’t see each other often.”

Ponsu was skeptical. “Find out about her, you understand?”

“Yes please. I will do that.”

“Okay, look,” Ponsu said, softening. “I’m sorry for slapping you, eh?”

“No problem.” Nii managed a smile.

“Just be careful in the future.”

“Yes please.”

“And I think you have some cash for me today.”

Nii Kwei met DI Doris Damptey at their usual spot, and as always, he treated her to a massive meal, this time of fufu and groundnut soup. The woman’s appetite was boundless, and she ate with relish.

“I want to ask you something, Auntie,” Nii said.

“What?”

He showed her his selfie with Emma and Bruno. “Do you know this woman?”

She sucked her fingers. “Emma Djan. She used to be with CID.”

“What does she do for a living?”

“Private investigator now. With Yemo Sowah. She’s too inquisitive. I don’t like her at all.”

“You’re sure she’s still a private detective?”

“Yes, isn’t that what I said? Are you doubting me?”

Nii grinned. “I would never doubt such a wondrous woman as yourself, Auntie.”

“Please.” Damptey rolled her eyes. “So, what about Emma?”