She picked through the box and extracted a folder, from which she selected a typed letter. “See what you think of this.”
He read it.
15th February
Dear Madam Fiona Smith-Aidoo,
I have received your letter from 5th February. I appreciate your candid thoughts and agree how unseemly that these rumors arose. Based on your assurances, I believe you are an honorable woman who had nothing to do with the accusations. Regarding the radio broadcast in which I was involved, I apologize for and retract any inflammatory statements I made.
As we move into a new year, I hope to preside as chief executive over one of the most prosperous periods for our beloved Sekondi-Takoradi, and I look forward to your support.
Yours faithfully,
Kwesi DeSouza
“Is this about the allegation that DeSouza embezzled STMA money to build a house?” Dawson asked.
“Yes,” she said, looking a little surprised. “How did you know?”
“I have a cousin who has lived in Takoradi all his life and follows local politics, and I was talking to him last night.”
“Ah, I see.”
“He told me that Fiona and Kwesi DeSouza were rivals at the STMA.”
“Yes, they were.” She pulled a face. “DeSouza’s a nasty man. He was expecting to be reelected for a second term as chief executive of STMA, but Auntie Fiona beat him solidly. He was stunned. And I was glad.”
“Do you believe your aunt would have started the rumor about the embezzlement in order to discredit DeSouza?”
She shook her head vigorously. “Not her style.”
“Did he show his resentment after losing to her?”
“Yes, of course he did,” she said, as if it should have been obvious. “Things like being disruptive at meetings, coming in late, interrupting my aunt, and claiming she wasn’t following various protocols. Mean-spirited, spiteful little man who couldn’t stand the thought that a woman, if you please, had beaten him.”
Dawson nodded. He knew a few men like that. “Did he ever make any threats to her?”
“Not that I know of, but there’s no doubt he hated her.”
“I understand he strongly criticized your aunt on that radio program.”
“Criticize?” Smith-Aidoo lifted her chin slightly “No, Inspector Dawson-it was a tirade.”
“Did he have animosity toward your uncle as well?”
“He did, because after the broadcast, Uncle Charles went to the STMA offices and lambasted him. DeSouza tried to hit back by saying, ‘Just you try setting up a business in this town and see how far you get.’ ” She rolled her eyes. “Empty vessels make the most noise.”
