“It likely came in concealed at a port of entry,” Laryea said, crossing to a cabinet in the corner of the room. He removed a bulletproof vest. “Dazz and Courage, get your gear on. We need to go for Edwin. I’m worried he has the missing handgun on his person.” Laryea held out a spare vest to Emma. “That’s for you.”

But when Laryea, Dazz, Courage and Emma arrived at Edwin’s home, he did not appear to be in. His car was gone from the garage and no one answered their repeated knocking. A constable with a battering ram had accompanied them, but the DCOP didn’t want to take that measure yet.

“Try his phone again,” Laryea suggested to Dazz.

Dazz did, but shook his head. “It’s off.” He looked at Emma.

“His mother’s place,” she said. “Mrs. Akrofi.”

The fact that Josephine was Edwin’s mother was no longer a news item for the DCOP. He had not known beforehand, but Dazz had now informed him.

Laryea nodded. “You’re right. Let’s go there now.”

Edwin’s vehicle was parked in the Akrofis’ driveway.

“He’s here,” Courage said.

They piled out of the car and knocked at the front door. It opened and a young woman looked out. She appeared terrified already and her alarm visibly grew as she saw the armed policemen.

“Who are you?” Laryea asked her.

“Araba,” she whispered. “The house girl.”

“We would like to come in, Araba.”

She opened the door wide and stepped aside to let the visitors in.

“What’s wrong?” Laryea asked her. “You’re shaking. We’re not going to harm you. Are you afraid of us?”

“No please,” she said in her tiny voice. “It’s just that a certain man called Edwin came and he’s holding a gun. He took Madam Josephine with him into the bedroom.”

“The missing handgun,” Dazz muttered, looking at Emma. Her heart plunged.

“Show us the bedroom where they are,” Laryea said curtly.

They followed Araba upstairs and she pointed to the end room. “They are in there.”

Laryea lowered his voice. “Thank you, Araba. Please return downstairs to a safe area. Do you have servant’s quarters?”

“Yes please.”

“Then go there and remain until we tell you otherwise. Emma, for now, please stay at the bottom of the stairs for safety.”

Emma complied, but not completely. She stopped halfway down the stairs so she could still see and hear what was going on. Laryea and Dazz went to the bedroom door first while Courage and the constable hung back.

“Edwin!” Dazz called out into the door. “Chaley, what’s up? How be?”

Silence.

“We just want to check on you to make sure you’re fine.”

Edwin replied, but from where Emma stood, she couldn’t hear what he said.

“Are you in there with Mrs. Akrofi?” Dazz asked.