Inna looked at Sani, then at the paper he brought her with Taura’s name and number written on it.

She said, “When you checked again, did you find anything about his life or character after the issue with his children?”

Sani said, “Honestly, nothing special… except…”

He paused. “Actually, nothing.”

She said, “You’d better talk.”

He said, “I only heard he has two sons—twins—Hassan the older, and his younger brother Husaini. But yesterday I was told Hassan and Sagir, and the third is a girl.”

Inna said, “Or maybe you’re forgetting?”

He said, “It’s possible. I heard Husaini died when he was young.”

She said, “But you told me two boys and one girl.”

He said, “I know, but I thought they were twins. I didn’t know it was an older and younger brother.”

Inna nodded calmly. “Nothing else?”

He said, “Nothing.”

She saved the number in her phone and dialed it.

It rang four times before he picked up.

On his side, he was sitting at the back of the car with Ummy, and Sagir in the driver’s seat while Hassan sat beside him. They were on their way to the hospital.

When he answered, Inna greeted him.

Abba replied and said, “I don’t recognize this number.”

Inna said, “It’s me, Hajiya Grain.”

He paused, thought for a few seconds, then said, “Hajiya, good afternoon,” his tone instantly becoming respectful.

Inna replied, then said, “Taura, I want to see you. I hope you can spare me some time.”

He said, “Hajiya, what city are you in?”

She said, “I’m in Kano, and I’m requesting to meet you whenever you have time.”

He said, “Today I have work to do, but I don’t think I’ll have anything tomorrow. Where shall we meet?”

He looked at Ummy as he spoke.

She asked, “Will you come to my house, or should I come, or do we meet somewhere else?”

He said, “There’s no problem, I’ll come.”

She said, “Thank you, Taura. I’ll send you the house address.”

He replied, “Okay,” and ended the call.

He looked at Hassan, whose eyes were closed like someone sleeping, though everyone in the car knew he wasn’t asleep.

He turned to Ummy and told her who had called.

The gate of a large hospital opened for them, and Sagir drove in.

---

✦✦✦

Jalila walked a long distance before reaching home. She was exhausted and lay down immediately.

Upon entering, she found Mumy in their room. Her heart skipped. She looked at Goggo, who looked as if she held back tears.

As soon as Mumy saw her, she said:

“So you’re back from your wayward roaming?”

Jalila’s face changed. She looked toward Goggo, already sure they had insulted her behind her back.

“Mumy, I don’t underst—”

A heavy slap stopped her mid-sentence. She held her cheek in shock.

Mumy said, “Who told you this house is a brothel? Or what exactly?”

Jalila said, shocked, “Mumy, I don’t—”

Another slap landed.

Mumy said, “Whose house were you in? You shameless hypocrite! I noticed you no longer like coming home with Safeena—because you’re busy chasing men!”

Goggo spoke sharply, “RAMLATU!”

Both women turned to her.

Jalila had never seen Mumy this angry.

---