A big catch

As soon as the taxi took off, Tamara started explaining how things went.                                      

‘You see, Yooku, quite a number of people at the fishing harbour have noticed what has been going on with your crew, but they said that Sabina hardly spoke with them, apart from the odd greeting, so they kept their silence.

As for me, I started making friends the very day I started work, so I have been getting a lot of information. They stop at a spot some distance away from the landing bay, and sell the bulk of their fish to a couple of ladies, and come back to the landing bay to sell the little left.

My assistant has been observing them, so he knows the exact location. We should be there in good time to catch them right in the act’.                                                                           

‘I am so grateful, Tamara. To think that these eight people have been stealing for so long’.         ‘Their time is up now. From today they will be looking for another victim’.

As they got down from the taxi, Paa Kwesi, the assistant, came over to them.                             ‘We are in good time. The two ladies just got here, and are walking to meet them. They should land anytime from now. Let’s go by the side route. We will pounce on them without being seen’.

The boat landed, and the crew got down and pulled it close to shore, then some porters went with head pans and carried the big fish to shore. Egya Amo, the captain, negotiated the price with the ladies, and as one of them was handing over the money to him, Tamara called from close by. 

‘Egya Amo! Ayekoo! Is this where you sell our fish, you thief? The owner of the boat, who toiled and put it to sea, has determined a place for you to land, but you and your fellow thieves have chosen your own place, eh? Madam, give me the money, and take the fish away. Now, Egya Amo, leave here with your men before I call the police’.   

‘Madam, can we go and collect our things?’                                                                                      ‘No. Leave or I call the police. You have stolen from us for so long. Your things in the boat have no value compared to what you have stolen. Go and find another victim’. As they walked away, one of the ladies moved over to Tamara.

‘Madam, as for me, I buy fish from anyone offering it for sale. I did not know that the fish did not belong to them. I am ready to buy from you when you get a new crew’.

‘No problem. You can take my number and call me in a week. I would have got a new set of people. As long as you offer me fair prices, I am ready to do business with you’.

‘Wow, Tamara’, Yooku said as they sat in the taxi, ‘I don’t know how to thank you. I had virtually given up any hope of making any money from this business’.  

‘You made a massive investment in it, and it is most unfair that you were treated this way. After recruiting your set of workers, you should also monitor them to know what they are doing. It seems that many people knew what was going on in your boat, except you. That must change. We must stay on top of the game. So in the next few days, let’s find another crew, and get them to start work. This is a good season, so we must take full advantage’.

After the new crew was recruited, Tamara went over to Yooku’s place every Sunday after church to report on the week’s business. Yooku bought her a car to make her work easier, and also as reward for her loyalty.

One morning, Pa John called to inform Yooku that Sabina and Tamara, whose applications Yooku had submitted to the bank, had been invited for interview. Sabina was thrilled to hear the news, and after thanking Yooku profusely, she called Tamara to discuss how to prepare. To her surprise, Tamara did not express much interest in the job, even though she said she would attend the interview. Sabina was even more surprised when she did not show up on the day, so she went over to her place.

‘Tamara, what’s happening? Why did you not show up at the interview? Are you telling me that you are not interested in the bank job?’                                                                                          ‘Before I answer you, Sabina, tell me how it went’.                                                                          ‘I think Yooku’s friend Pa John had already pulled a few strings, because they asked me to start next week.

They are opening a new department to handle remittances by Ghanaians abroad who are making various investments. We start the orientation next Monday, and we start work the following week. But I’m very curious, Tamara, why are you not taking up such a juicy offer? Apart from the attractive pay, there are good career prospects. So tell me your reason’.                                                                 ‘Actually, the simple reason is that Yooku is offering me a good package for managing his business’. 

‘Did I hear you right, Tamara? Is something wrong with you? Have you forgotten that I was doing that very job, and I quit because it was not going anywhere? And you agreed to take it on whilst waiting for something to happen. Now a big opportunity has opened up, and you are telling me you will stick to that useless job? What do your parents say about this? You really shock me, Tamara. We have been friends for many years, so it is my duty to help you avoid such madness’. 

‘Sabina, I know you mean well, but I’m sure you also know that I’m not one to engage in anything without clearly thinking about it. Yes, I have discussed it with my parents, and they are solidly behind me’.

‘I’m going home. If I stay longer I will say something really bad. See you later’. Tamara walked her outside, and as she walked towards the gate, Sabina noticed the car.                                       ‘By the way, has your dad got a new car? I like the colour. And it’s a Toyota. Wow’.                  ‘Actually, its mine. Yooku bought it for me, in appreciation of my efforts’.   

‘I don’t believe it. Listen Tamara, I believe Yooku has conned you with some sweet words and actions. I left the guy because both my parents felt he was a loser, without any direction. Remember? And you are telling me he has bought you a car? I hope the scales fall from your eyes very soon’. With that she stormed out of the gate.