Vera was extremely beautiful and intelligent. A university graduate at only twenty years. She got married to Tunde, an affluent businessman who she had dated for only a short time. Initially, Tunde spoilt Vera with jewelries, cars and raw cash. Tunde loved booze and keeping late nights, habits that got pronounced only after they got married. In the second year of their marriage, Tunde changed drastically. He started abusing Vera physically, driven by the influence of alcohol, combined with Vera’s inability to get pregnant. Vera always had bruises, which she disguised with heavy makeup when going to work. She was the assistant brand manager of a soft drink company in Lagos.

Tunde’s physical assault on Vera became a daily affair and he reacted at the least provocation. Vera was too scared to tell anyone about her predicament, as Tunde threatened her. Vera started going through depression, and missed working days without prior notice. She was fired and her misery worsened, as Tunde beat her more often, locking her up until he came back from work. Vera was pushed to the wall, and now hated Tunde with a passion. She then thought of a plan. She woke up on this morning, dressed beautifully, and with a spark on her face; she sat besides Tunde who was now always cold in the house. She gave him a well rehearsed speech of how much she still loved him, despite everything. She further deceived him that she was pregnant. Tunde was surprised and excited; she then told him she will prepare his favourite meal of pounded yam and fresh fish for dinner. Tunde rarely ate in the house again, but agreed instantly and left for work with joy. When he came back around six thirty, Vera had almost finished his favourite meal. By seven p.m, she served it with a fast acting poison in the soup. Tunde called her sweet names for the first time in a very long time, and dashed to the dinning.

Just before he started eating, the door was forced open; it was ‘Dogo the terror,’ the most wanted armed robber. He said in a harsh voice: “Both of you lie down.” Tunde and Vera were faced down trembling and wondering how he broke in, for he was such a professional. He asked Tunde, “Where are all the millions?’’ Tunde replied; “I don’t have much money now, business is rough.” Dogo searched and collected valuable items with their direction. In dissatisfaction, he bit his lip in annoyance and put a bullet through Tunde’s head. Vera shouted in disbelief. He then said mischievously. “You must be a visionary. I usually kill the man, and let the woman cook me a delicious meal under strict scrutiny, after which we have a good time before I take my leave. But since you already prepared the meal,” pointing at the table, “there will be no waste of time.” He put his gun away and started eating the food, while Vera was sobbing, trembling and starring at Tunde’s lifeless body.  “I would have made the biggest mistake of my life.” She thought.  “Though he wrecked my life, I am not a murderer. I would have spent the rest of my life behind bars.” Dogo was about to finish the meal, when he started panting: “ah, ah”. He convulsed, slumped and died. The police soon arrived on Vera’s call. The lifeless bodies were carried out, as people gathered to console Vera. She told the chief police officer: “It was self defence.” The chief police officer replied: “You did a great job.” Vera looked down: “They will never know who I was really defending myself against.” She taught. But who cared, the facts were logical enough.