1st January, 1999(New year)
The Warehouse
Joel
"Is the job done?" I asked, slowly twisting the golden ring on my finger.
"Yes sir" Nicolas said.
"Good. Now I want you and Harold to move somewhere far away until I need you again. Is that clear?"
"Yes boss".
"Good, call me Lionel on your way out. You may leave" I dismissed them.
Few minutes later, Lionel arrived clad in boots, jeans and a light blue polo shirt.
"Happy new year boss" he said as a form of greeting.
"Its new year?" I said, having no idea of the date.
2nd January, 1999The White houseFirst Lady Samantha RawlingsA new year without my daughter, a new year of sadness. A year I would never forget. I still haven't gotten a report from James and by now, I was beyond worried. What's taking him so long?. It's well over twenty four hours since I gave him the job and i'm yet to get anything from him. I couldn't risk going over to his house for fear of someone recognizing me. "What do I do?" I muttered.A gentle knock on the door cut through my thoughts. I remembered I was expecting Agent mark, I assigned the job of getting any information that he could find concerning Lana's kidnap, I just hope he got something. "Agent Mark, do you have any news?." "Yes ma'am" he said, sadly.&nbs
3rd January, 1999(morning)The White HousePresident Freddie RawlingsI had to get to Joel one way or the other. Damn, never in my life have I felt so hopeless. All efforts I've put in to secure my daughter's release have proved abortive, I was so terrified at what my daughter might be passing through now.I just couldn't stay still knowing fully well that she's in the hands of that monster. Picking up my phone, I do the one thing I know is right. "Matt, meet me in my office in the next thirty minutes" I instructed, cutting the call.I was so ashamed at what I was about to do but that was the only way I could rescue my daughter from Joel's clutches.Thirty minutes later, Matt Dallas walked in. Tall with broad shoulders and dark brown hair, he was in his late fifties and having served as a secretary-g
3rd January, 1999(morning)The WarehouseLanaIts a never ending circle. A repeated sequence I experience everyday, locked up in this room with little or no contact. A hollow feeling in my heart whenever I think about my family, the grief I feel whenever I remember those who died in that bloody Christmas party.Over the weeks, I've had little or no contact with Joel. The only reason he came to my room was to warn me that time was running out. I was so scared at what would happen if time finally runs out. My family hasn't made any contact with Joel, actually nobody at the white house has even made any effort to secure my release.Would they just leave me here to die at Joel's hands?, Don't I mean anything to them?. Perhaps this was how my life was going to end. Dying at the hands of a psychotic killer, perfect. I could just see how the headlines would be; "Lana Rawlings, daughter of President Freddie Rawlings has d
3rd January, 1999(evening)The WarehouseLanaI was dressed in a black knee length gown, nothing special. What's there to celebrate anyway, its not as if this is a friendly dinner. I just hope this goes well and I don't die before its over.Summoning enough courage, I pushed open the doors leading to the dining room. To say I was surprised at what I saw would be an understatement, I was amazed. Never in my life could I have imagined that the most feared terrorist group could laugh so cheerfully without a care in the world.Joel, being the leader of the gang sat at the head of the table. By his right sat Vanessa, looking so beautiful as ever. An Italian man I didn't recognize sat by his left while a bunch of other people I didn't know filled the dinner table, leaving an empty chair beside Vanessa which was obviously for me.They were immersed in their discussion, none aware of my presence. Just then, Vanessa
4th January, 1999The White HouseFirst Lady Samantha RawlingsI still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that James Roberts was dead. I mean, how could this happen. James was always so careful, he was practically invisible. As far as I'm concerned, nobody knew him. He never drew attention to himself. How on earth did he end up getting killed?. Gosh, this is getting serious by the day. Whoever is behind this has no conscience at all.The problem at hand now was what to do. My only source of hope was gone. Agent Mark hasn't gotten anything for the past few days, I was practically at a standstill.The only option I have left is to inform Freddie, perhaps we can put heads together and come out with a plan. After all, two heads are better than one. I just hope he comes out with a plan. &nbs
4th January, 1999(mid day)The WarehouseLanaI stared at Joel like he had grown two heads. The story he just told me was incredulous. How on earth does he expect me to believe all the rubbish he just spewed out?. There was a war between my heart and my head. My heart told me not to believe Joel while my head told me otherwise. Now, I didn't know what to believe. "So, what you're trying to tell me is that my father murdered your sister and that's the whole reason I'm being held hostage". "Yes Lana. I promised to avenge my sister's death". "What does that have to do with me then?". " Lana, one day you will know" he said, solemn
5th January, 1999The WarehouseJoelI didn't quite expect Lana to ask me that kind of favour. What was she thinking?, did she expect me to forgive her father so easily?. I decided at the last minute to tell her half of the truth, her father can tell her the rest if he's even alive by then.I still had this nagging feeling that we were going to be under an attack soon. I hope Freddie is not trying to do anything funny because if so, the result would be disastrous. I trust my gang to retaliate in full force if anything goes wrong.Lionel walked in beaming with smiles. That's odd, most of the time Lionel was always moody until...ah, I see the Goodluck charm here: Lana. "Good day boss" he said. "Lionel, I see you're happy today. Care to share the good news?" I said.
6th January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie RawlingsToday is the day we strike. Today is the day I finally get my daughter back. Yesterday, Matt made a shocking revelation. I never knew that he had his own private security outfit. He actually trained men and women and was the head of the team. In total, he had about five hundred men and women but a hundred will be going for this operation. I and Matt would remain here at the white house while his men and some FBI agents invade Joel's house.We were currently in my office, going over the last minute details. The operation was scheduled to hold later in the evening and by now the teams were ready. "Mr President, I think we've gotten all the details" Matt said. "Yes. How would the me
Freddie Rawlings "What's the situation of things Brooks", I said, pacing about. My lawyer had just walked in with a perplexed look in his eyes. I was getting fed up of the whole situation with no hope in sight. I had already sent Samantha and Lana to a safe location pending when all these would be over. "Sir, I might have found a solution to our predicament", he said. "Okay, let me hear it". Brooks began narrating what he had planned and I couldn't help but smile at the plan. Not only was it feasible but it was a realistic plan. In one word, it was flawless. The case was adjourned till the following month and we had a lot of time to accomplish it. "Do you think it's going to work?", I asked. "I'm
Brooks Davies 32 Boleauvard street, New Jersey The case between the Former President and JG was getting worse by the day. Each time the case was heading to a positive direction, JG always found a way to bring in more incriminating evidences. By now, I had already exhausted most of my resources and I was left at a cross road. JG had power and money that much was certain but his innate ability to convince a crowd was superb. JG was a demi god, one who could control people however he pleased and I had a sinking feeling that was what he did. I had a feeling that he bribed the judge and all those working on the case. At a snap of his fingers, top business men and men in power come running at once. I exhaled, thinking of the next line of action to take. I could talk to JG to drop the case but I knew that would be like wishing for a unicorn. JG was stubborn as ever and no amount of cajoling or begging would make him change h
6th January, 1999 Federal High Court Freddie Rawlings Another day, another battle. It goes on and on. A motion already in place, only one fatal evidence would halt this moving storm. Deep down, I knew it was coming, sooner than expected. The presiding judge arrived soon and the court was fully ready for today's proceedings. "Good day everyone, welcome to today's court proceedings. Without wasting much of our time, let's begin. I'll call on Carl greenwood to begin his cross-examination of his first witness. Carl stood up smartly, adjusting his toe as he made his way to the witness stand. The witness, a willowy tall brunette was ushered in. She looked out of place in a court full of vibrant people. She looked like someone who should be shielded from the wickedness of the world, someone who should be kept, like an egg. If her sunken eyes didn't give the impression that she was always hungry, her l
4th January, 1999Undisclosed locationLionelJoel was beginning to haunt my dreams. A day hardly passes without me seeing him in my dreams. He was a living nightmare, watching my every move, waiting for the right moment to strike. I could tell that he was watching me closely, too closely for my liking. He already had his suspicions about me but oddly enough, I didn't care. He could do his worse and I wouldn't give a damn. I was tired, fedup with living this kind of life. A life of fear, battles.At this point, I was ready to spill all of Joel's secrets and this time, there was no stopping me. Freddie was suffering for a crime he didn't commit. Though I wasn't present when it happened, I can bet on my last blood that he is innocent. He is being frames but only God knows why.Joel is not only an animal but a bloody monster who should be dealt with in the most severe way. The trial was progressing and the odds were not in Freddie's favour. Something
2nd February, 1999Federal High CourtFreddie RawlingsToday is the day we call in the witnesses, today will determine how the rest of the trial will go. To say I'm scared would be an understatement, I was downright terrified. Who knew the tricks Joel could pull, I wouldn't be surprised if he's already influenced their decisions. "We thank you all for converging here this morning as we begin the cross examination of the witnesses. This honorable court wishes to appeal to you that no matter what happens during this cross examination, we beg you to hold your peace. Without further ado, may we have the first witness please", the honorable judge said.Carl lifted himself out of his chair with a sigh and slowly walked over to the first witness who was earlier ushered into the witness box.A tall broad man with salt and pepper hair stood in the witness box as he watched Carl approach with a bit of fe
31st January, 1999Undisclosed locationJoelThe reports that Lionel was sending in was not encouraging at all. I never knew that Brooks could pose a problem. If I had known ever since, I would have taken him out. I don't want any thing to spoil my carefully laid out plans. Brooks was posing a threat now, a big one. The problem now is that it won't be easy to take him out now when the whole world already knows that he's defending Freddie.That was a silly mistake on my path. I'll let him be for now. After the trial, I can take him out. After all, he won't be of any use again. In the mean time, my whole focus will be on Freddie and his family. I must acknowledged Carl, he's really doing a good job. Speaking of the devil, he walked in at that moment, walking majestically like he owned the place. I had called him earlier so we could have a meeting but I didn't expect him to be this fast. "Morning J", he hollered.
30th January, 1999Federal High CourtUnknown POVCarl Greenwood rose to make his opening address to the jury. He was a skilled and able prosecutor, hardly was there any he lost. He was always in the know, got his facts and figures right and he was known for bringing up surprises even at the last minute.Freddie's hands were shaking as he began his address. He talked about how he murdered Anna, giving the spectators a picture they could think about. He described each event like he was present. By now, Freddie could feel the hatred in their eyes. "Before this trial has ended", Carl said. " the state will prove that Freddie Rawlings cold bloodedly murdered Anna Gustav by drowning knowing fully well the poor Lady could not swim. We shall prove beyond a shadow of doubt... "Carl kept his address short and to the point then it was the turn of the Attorney of defense. The spectators in the courtroom watched Brooks Davies as he
29th January, 1999(The trial)Federal High CourtUnknown POVFew hours before the murder trial of Freddie Rawlings was to begin, Room 4 in the Federal courthouse in Washington DC was overflowing with spectators. The courthouse was an enormous white building that took more than half of the land where it sat peacefully. The inside was another story entirely. The 50- year old building was one of the biggest in the state and was responsible for most trials.It was an imposing structure which sends shivers down the spine of anyone who comes in contact with it and this was the same effect it had on Freddie Rawlings who sat in the first row of benches with his lawyer, Brooks Davies who was known for his wittiness, sharp tongue and his unrelenting attitude. Suffice to say, he was one of the best in the whole of Washington DC and even in the whole country.A tall man with light freckles on his cheek, graying hair and deep set eyes that barely missed nothing. He
28th January, 1999(a day before the trial)The Safe HouseFreddie RawlingsNumb. That's how I felt at this moment, this feeling of nothingness around me. This feeling of hopelessness. Tomorrow, I'll stand in court before the whole world, testifying to my sins as I watch the whole world condemn me with their eyes.I was beyond exposed now, with no where left to hide. The law has finally gotten me, my sins has finally come knocking. It was time to pay. This morning, Lana had already left for her grandmother's house. Lord knows she's still too young to experience the rigours that associates the courtroom. I wouldn't want her to see the judging eyes from the spectators, their evil tongue as they spew harsh words at me. No, I don't want her to experience any of that. She's to young, much too young.I was so nervous and scared at the outcome of tomorrow's trial, it will determine if the whole trial will go well or not. From my subconscious mind, I