She shook her head. “Not at all. We can go now if that’s convenient for you. I don’t need to be at the hospital until after lunch, so we have some time.”
“That would be perfect.”
Something or someone behind Dawson drew Dr. Smith-Aidoo’s attention, and he turned to follow her gaze. A middle-aged man in a dark suit was coming into the restaurant accompanied by a young, smartly dressed, full-figured woman.
“That’s Terence Amihere,” Dr. Smith-Aidoo said quietly. “Minister of Energy. Do you know him? The director of the BNI is his brother.”
“Ah, I see,” Dawson said. “I didn’t know that. The BNI director and my boss are always at each other’s throats.”
A waiter showed the minister and the woman to a table that was quite close to Dawson and the doctor, and now Amihere noticed them.
“Doctor Smith-Aidoo!” he exclaimed, coming to their table. “How nice to see you!”
She turned on a brilliant smile for him. “Good morning, Mr. Amihere. How are you?”
“I’m doing well, by His grace, thank you. I hope all is well with you.”
“Yes, thank you. Please, meet Inspector Darko Dawson from Accra CID. He’s helping in the investigation of the death of my aunt and uncle.”
“Oh, excellent.” He turned to Dawson. “Good morning, Inspector.”
Dawson rose slightly to shake hands.
“Let me express my condolences to you once again, Doctor,” the minister said. “Tragic, just tragic.”
“Thank you,” she said graciously. “Is your wife doing well?”
His face lit up. “Yes, by His grace, and we are both very grateful for your taking care of her so diligently.”
She dropped her head slightly in a modest bow. “I was honored to do it, sir. What brings you from Accra to Takoradi?”
“We have a meeting with Malgam Oil, the STMA and some of the local chiefs this afternoon in Sekondi. I’m briefing my secretary prior to proceeding there.”
Smith-Aidoo’s eyes went very briefly to the secretary and Dawson thought he saw a twinkle in them. “I understand. Then let me not take any more of your time. You’re a busy man.”
They both laughed the Ghanaian laugh that could express so many things-pleasure, mirth, embarrassment, and even respect.
Dawson took in Dr. Smith-Aidoo’s slightly amused look as she watched the minister rejoin his attractive young companion. He guessed she was thinking, that’s not his secretary.
She returned her attention to him. “Shall we go now, Inspector?”
“Yes. I have a taxi, so we can follow you.”
HER CAR WAS a deep, metallic blue Jaguar XF. Baah followed at a respectful distance, as if afraid he might accidentally rear-end the beautiful machine.
