WRECKED
/ WRECKED 37 36
A massive dose of barbiturates had been found at the postmortem. The verdict was suicide while the balance of the mind was disturbed; otherwise, there was nothing to account for swallowing a fatal dose of sleeping pills. The residue was found in an empty glass, in the dregs of the yoghurt Kuku drank before her death.
Mustapha swore under oath that he had made love to his wife that night. He had gone to check on her after hours of studying, then one thing led to another. He had returned to his room to continue his study. That explained the recent sexual intercourse and marks on the body consistent with love making a few hours before death.
Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.
The coroner gave a long opinion and managed to slip in a few reactions on the transience of wealth and beauty, as if the unhappy girl killing herself was some sort of retribution. Around the country, there was a general feeling of satisfaction that the Rufais had been given a kick in the teeth at last, just to make up for what they had and who they were.
A week later, Kuku was buried at Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens. It was a private service. Her coffin seemed so large to Anaya. It was impossible to believe that her beautiful body was shut inside it, locked away from the light and the air forever. "Everything in the light and air ought to be happy," a poet had said. "Whoever is not in his con and the dark grave let him know he has enough." Anaya felt the giddy sense of being alive in the presence of the dead. There was a beautiful wreath of owers from Mustapha, and one from Anaya. Afsat sent nothing. A very large unmarked wreath of white owers came from Jubril, and everyone in the family knew it. It was a simple service, too. The Anglican vicar spoke movingly of the young life blighted so tragically. The Odegas and Rufais sat in their pew. Not a handkerchief was produced even for form's sake. The vicar was shocked by their coldness and lack of grief. He had never liked Sir Odega. He thought him patronizing and supercilious, and his wife, rarely attended church, but could be sighted at parties around the country. The people sitting behind them were more human than the immediate family. One girl, in particular, was in tears.
At the graveside, only the Odegas and Jubril stayed on to see Kuku buried. That shocked the vicar too. When it was over, they shook hands with him, thanked him formally, and walked to their cars. He looked after them in distaste. He paused a moment by the new mound of earth. He said a personal prayer for Kuku Rufai. He had no doubt she had died unhappy and alone among them all.
Kuku's death was never mentioned at any of their homes after the funeral.
Chapter end
|
Report
|
|
Donate
Oh o, this user has not set a donation button.
|
