Chapter 5: Truth and lies
Tinashe, it is just as well you have come", I was about to send for you", said Bere sitting on a sofa facing Tinashe, at the Marovas' residence. "There have been developments in your father's murder case. A suspect has been arrested".
"That's great news, uncle", said Tinashe.
"We are not completely out if the woods yet", Bere cautioned. "The trial begins tomorrow, but there is no need for you to be present . I will take care of everything".
"Thank you uncle", said Tinashe.
"You just stay home and rest. You have been through a lot", wisely advised Bere as he stood up and left.
Later that night as Tinashe lay in bed sleeping, he dreamt that Bere appeared standing at the foot of the bed. Tinashe found himself paralyzed, unable to talk or move.
Almost at the same time, the spirit appeared standing at the head of the bed.
"Fool!", said the spirit in a booming voice.
"Spirit!?", Tinashe called out in his mind.
"Yes Tinashe, I can hear your thoughts. Tomorrow when the murder trail of your father begins you must be there to testify".
"You will not testify!", Bere shouted".
"You absolutely must, it is the wish of your ancestors who have brought you out from certain death!", insisted the spirit.
"Don't do it Tinashe!", screamed old Bere. "Listen to me, I am your own blood, listen to me".
"The voice of the innocent is crying out in the dark. There is one who needs you to save her Tinashe, only you can save her", said the spirit.
"How?", Tinashe thought out loud.
"Testify!", replied the spirit
"Don't do it!", Bere desperately cried out.
All this time the old Bere and the spirit had both been paying attention exclusively to Tinashe while they were talking.
Suddenly they looked at other as though noticing one another for the first time.
"I am the voice of your ancestors", said the spirit facing Bere.
"I am your blood, which is greater", said Bere, facing the spirit.
The spirit and Bere rushed at each other, and just as they were about to come to blows, they vanished just as suddenly as they had appeared.
Tinashe woke up with a start hearing the alarm going off. He took a quick shower, got dressed and rushed out to the court hearing.
Court was in session as Tinashe arrived. The judge was reading out the charge, "you Tariro Denenge are accused of fatally shooting one Mr Denison Marova of Marova import/export. It is alleged that on the 3rd of October you shot Mr Denison Marova once in the heart. You were seen by his son one Tinashe Marova as witnessed and signed on the affidavit before me and presented before me by Mr Renson Bere".
Tinashe could hardly what his ears were hearing.
Yet the evidence of his eyes confirmed the horrible scenario as he walked in. Standing in the dock was the love of his life.
The very one he had met at his father's office. She who remaining nameless and faceless until that evening of enchantment. When they had danced together and felt as though they were flying high above the other guests, carried on wings of love. How could she could now be accused of his father's murder and he, be named as the key witness to such a lie. It was not only a travesty of justice. It was a betrayal of trust by the one in whom he had believed unquestioningly all his life. The one whom he had always looked up to for support and guidance.
The betrayal by Bere was too great an injury to overlook, it was a flesh wound that felt as though hole had been punched through his heart. It was still gaping, was still bleeding fresh yet he had to act.
The spirit's words from the previous night came back to him, "the voice of the innocent..."
Tinashe knew, he had to save Tariro. To save himself from losing his mind. It was he could do to his sanity.
"Your honour Tinashe called out!" moving forward.
"Order in court!", the judge yelled banging his hammer on the desk before him.
"Your honour...!", Tinashe cried out more desperately feeling as though his heart was breaking.
"Bailiff arrest that man!", directed the judge.
Tinashe felt that he could no longer contain himself and shouted,
"I am Tinashe Marova and I did not sign that affidavit!",
There were murmurs, ahhh! of surprise from the packed gallery.
"Order in court", called out the judge once again.
The bailiff stopped in midflight to arrest Tinashe and looked at the judge for direction.
"What did you say your name was?", the judge asked for clarity's sake.
The court room was dead silent.
"My name is Tinashe Marova, the late Mr Denison Marova was my father", Tinashe replied more composed.
"You say you did not sign the affidavit before me", asked the judge looking up at Tinashe as he stood in the witness box.
"No your honour ", replied Tinashe.
"It has been a long day", said the judge.
"As there is no supporting evidence to support the charge against Miss Tariro Denenge, I find no reason to justify her further detention her".
Turning to Tariro the judge directed,
"Miss Tariro Denenge, you are free to go"
"Case dismissed", judge declared and banged his hammer once on the desk in front of him.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone