BEFORE DAWN

When the victim gets punished, the culprit praised and the crime redecorated with lies, then vengeance is non evitable. Too many questions ran through Susan's mind and each question seemed multiplied every passing minute. "Vengeance is for God, you have no right to take someone's life no matter the offence. Christ paid the price for all sinners. Let God be the Judge......" A preacher sounded across the street that early Tuesday morning as Susan continued to watch the dawn unfold. Whatever the man of God was saying was probably in disagreement with the plans going on every dark night in Susan's mind.

"God is busy. He didn't hear me screaming out in that dark aile. God may have forgotten the sound of a crying innocent lady being raped. It is time to do the job of the Lord and be the judge. Andy, you would need a new Christ to pay for this sins." Susan said into the breaking dawn.

Bound by the pains she still felt deep down here soul, the only thing she wanted was the truth, or maybe revenge on Andy for the crimes, but who told them the lies? Why was her suspension letter bearing a different date?

"Dear God, if you're real and can hear me, know that this creature has been wronged and dealt with unjustly. If you may, send me help, please make it quick!" Susan prayed. Help didn't come. Reaching out to Jane that morning to understand more clearly the conditions of her suspension, Susan got notified that she may have to try a new place if vacancy is available as her position has been occupied. Someone already sat on her chair, and was using her desk as she and Jane spoke. Heartbroken, she resulted to more tears.

Raped, suspended without notice,and now fired without reason,Susan cried some more.

Will the Community Police Department come to her aid? She thought about it for a while then decided it would be legal.

Her only ally being Jane, she called her again to let her in on her plans and Jane seemed pleased that she had trusted her and quickly gave her counsel. Susan was ready to meet the chief shortly, being a victim of multiple cases.

She went out that warm noon dressed in her casual outfit; a sleeveless gown stopping just below the knees and a high heeled boot to match the jacket. She was looking elegant and beautiful,despite her teary nights. Stepping out of her middle class apartment, Susan boarded a cab to the Human Rights unit of the Community Police Department CPD of Meeks Town. All through the ride, she couldn't get her thoughts right, always focusing on Andy. In her mind, she already slit his throat and hung the head at the signpost of his work place. Life wouldnt be anything worth living if Andy and his cohorts still walked the earth freely.

"What would the police do to a rapist?" She asked unconsciouusly and out loud.

"Probably lock him up if found guilty" the cab man responded without, taking a look at the lady at the back of his car through the mirror.

"That's if he is found guilty. What if he is very guilty?" She asked, releasing herself.

"No one is guilty until tried ma'am. The court has the final say in every matter. " the man told her.

"The court? Really? How about when someone got unfair treatments? What would the court do? Can't the one who was wronged get justice ?" She asked.

"Ma'am, justice is pronounced by the judge and no one else is fit to take the laws by force. We are here" he said as he parked safely in front of the CPD office. "Should I stay on stand by?"

"No, thanks so much. Take this" she handed him his fares and walked off without turning back. Susan was really ready to make Andy pay. He would pay, he had to.

"Ma'am, we are really sorry about the incidence in your report but from same report, it shows that you got a little too much to drink that night. Is that right?" The chief asked Susan upon reading the report she had written .

"Yes sir. But I remember everything. I wasn't too buzzed. I know what I'm talking about officer. Andy raped me and left me to die." She defended .

"I know. You already stated that here. But the thing is, I'm only being professional here. He isn't absolutely to be called a rapist until a case is made and he is tried. Do you have any witnesses?"

"We were alone at the place. The club had lots of people. They all saw us leaving. Even my friend Jane, was there. Officer, will you arrest him already?" Susan sounded impatient.

"Arrest him? You only made an allegation. There's no warrants for his arrest. He may be invited for questioning, from there, we will know what to do. For now ma'am I suggest you get a professional psychologist. It is observe something isn't right with your mental health. Have a nice day ma'am." The police chief dismissed her without any hopes. What could be really happening.

Disappointed, she dragged herself out of the paramilitary work space. Her head had a million words and questions racing through, seeking for expressions at same time, causing a mental traffic. She stood there, confused and tired, it was getting dark and she had to find her way home. Just then, a cab pulled over.

"Ma'am, it seems you had a long day. You actually over paid me last time, I guess I should refund you. Please hop in lemme get you home." It was the same cab man Susan had taken on her way to the CPD office. "You're a kind man. Thanks for coming for me." She said before opening the front door to join the driver on the passenger's seat. "How long have you been waiting?"

"I had to cancel all bookings ma'am. You looked really troubled when you boarded and your questions also got me worried. I don't want to dig into your personal matters but I feel you will need a bigger back up than that fat bellied old chief. He only knows how to fill up his tummy with bribes and taking advantage of vulnerable victims. Sorry 'bout that. How did it go?"

"It seems you know him pretty well. He is such a jerk" she said, with a light smile. She had a new company.

"Yes. Dennis is a dirty cop. He isn't alone though. Dirty cops rule the system now."

"You know his name. What's yours?" She asked.

"I'm Franklin, or Frank for short. Used to be a cop before I got laid off because I tried to intersect and underground drug deal, which the top dirty cops like Dennis were cartels. Well, that's all in the past now. I got my cab to feed me and its a major joy ride." Frank, the Cab man told her.

"Oh.... Sorry bout that Frank. I'm Susan. Used to be a staff with JV consults. I have my ugly stories too." She added. Both friends chatted as the ride went on slowly and finally she found herself before her block.

"Thanks Frank. You are truly a good man."

"Thanks too Suzzy. Haven't had a good conversation in a long while. You can call me anytime you need a ride" he assured .

"Sure thing Frank. I will be needing you often. Stay close" she waved as he zoomed off.