The magic power and Devin Power

Chapter Five: The Night Escape

She smiled. "Reading and watching Korean dramas. How about you?"

"Mostly football. I also enjoy listening to the radio and relaxing with some cool music," he replied.

They continued with small talk about their favorite foods. Clara listened as James described his love for beans with bread and Titus fish, while she shared her fondness for pounded yam and noodles.

After a pause, James looked at her thoughtfully. "Clara, there's something I'd like to share with you."

"What is it, sir?"

He hesitated, then said, "I have a daughter. My wife… she passed away a while ago."

Clara's face softened. "I'm so sorry, sir."

"My daughter lives with my grandmother for now, but she'll be back soon," he explained.

Clara nodded. "Alright, sir. It's getting late, though, and I don't like cooking too late. Would you like some semolina for dinner?"

"That sounds perfect, Clara."

As Clara headed to the kitchen, James watched her with a gentle smile. He admired her calm, caring nature, even though they didn't know each other well.

When Clara finished cooking, she called James to the table. They ate together in quiet, comfortable silence. After dinner, they stepped outside to enjoy the cool evening air, continuing their conversation under the soft glow of the streetlights.

As the clock crept past 10 p.m., James glanced at his watch, his expression shifting to mild concern. "Clara, it's gotten quite late. I should head home."

"Alright, sir," she replied. "Let me walk with you to your car."

They walked to his car, but when James tried to start it, the engine wouldn't turn over. He tried several times, but it refused to start.

Clara looked at him thoughtfully. "Maybe you should stay here for the night and call a mechanic in the morning."

James shook his head. "I'd rather head home. I have a few things to finish tonight, and, honestly, I don't sleep well in hot places."

Clara nodded. "Alright. Let's walk to the junction so you can catch a bus."

James locked his car, and they began walking down the quiet street. However, as they neared the main road, two police officers stopped them.

"Don't you know it's against the law to be out this late?" one of the officers demanded harshly.

James raised his hands in a placating gesture. "We didn't know, officer. We're sorry. We'll head back now."

But the officers didn't relent. "No apologies here. You're both under arrest for breaking curfew. Don't say anything that might be used against you."

A police car was parked nearby, and the officers gestured for them to get in. Clara and James obeyed, sliding into the back seat. As the car sped away, Clara sensed the officer's thoughts, though he had no idea she could hear him.

Good catch tonight, the driver thought to himself. They'll have to pay 20,000 naira each before we let them go.

Clara's eyes widened. 40,000 naira for both of us? she thought, feeling a surge of panic. She glanced at James, who looked equally tense, though he was unaware of her secret ability.

After a moment, Clara decided to act. She closed her eyes and focused, willing the two officers in the back to fall asleep. Within seconds, their heads drooped, leaving only the driver awake. Next, she grabbed James's hand and silently wished for them to be back at the spot where they'd been stopped.

In an instant, they were back on the quiet street.

James blinked, astonished. "Clara, I saw the officers fall asleep, and now… we're here again? Did you… did you do that?"

Clara gave a small smile. "Yes. It was the ring my grandmother gave me. With this ring, anything I wish for will come to pass."

He stared at her, still processing. "That's incredible. Why didn't you tell me about it earlier?"

She shrugged playfully. "I wanted to surprise you."

They shared a brief laugh, but their relief was cut short when they heard a gruff voice behind them. "Hey, stop right there!"

They turned to see a hunter running toward them, his rifle raised.

"What are you doing out here at this hour?" he demanded, breathing heavily.

"We're just trying to reach the main road to catch a bus home," Clara explained calmly.

The hunter shook his head, scowling. "The law says anyone out this late should be taken to the police station."

He raised his gun, aiming it squarely at them. "Now follow me, or I'll put a bullet in your heads."

James took a step forward, his voice pleading. "Please, sir, we won't be out late again. Just let us go."

The hunter was unmoved. "Enough talk. Move, or I'll shoot."

Clara glanced at James, whispering, "Let's run on my count."

James nodded, and together they bolted down the street. The hunter shouted and fired a shot, but before the bullet could reach them, they vanished into thin air.

Back on the street, the hunter was left staring at the empty path in shock. "What? They… they vanished! Were they spirits or something?" He shook his head, murmuring to himself as he continued his patrol, bewildered.

*****

When the police driver arrived at the station, he parked beside the restroom, unaware that Clara and James had escaped. Glancing into the back seat, he was shocked to find the two officers still asleep—and Clara and James nowhere to be found. He quickly shook the officers awake.

"Hey, wake up!" he barked. "Where are the suspects?"

The two officers, groggy and confused, scanned their surroundings and quickly realized what had happened. One of them stammered, "How…how could they have escaped? Driver, weren't you watching them?"

The driver shot back, "What kind of question is that? I was driving! You two were supposed to be keeping an eye on them, not sleeping!"

Unbeknownst to them, the DPO (Divisional Police Officer) was in the restroom nearby, overhearing their argument.

One officer retorted, "Maybe you let them go on purpose! Who knows—maybe you took a bribe and let them escape!"

"Me? Take a bribe?" the driver replied, his voice rising. "You were sitting right beside them! How could they disappear without you noticing?"

Their argument was interrupted as the DPO stepped out of the restroom. "All of you," he said sternly, "to my office. Now."

In the DPO's office, the officers stood nervously in front of him as he settled into his chair, his gaze icy.

"Now," he said in a measured tone, "explain what happened."

The officers exchanged uneasy glances but remained silent.

"Speak up, or I'll have each one of you in a cell by nightfall," the DPO warned.