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Chapter Seventeen
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2024-10-29 19:42:563rd January, 1999(morning)
The Warehouse
Lana
Its 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
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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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Nineteen
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty one
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.
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty two
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty three
7th January, 1999Undisclosed locationLionelGosh!. Vanessa is dead, I can't believe she's dead. She wasn't supposed to die. Though we didn't get along so well but she was still my friend. She was there for me when my girlfriend dumped me for another guy. Shit, she was there for me whenever I felt down.The tough girl act she usually puts on was just a guise. Deep down, she was a sad, broken girl. Not many people knew about her family but the little she shared was enough to know that she hasn't always had it rosy all her life.The President ordered that attack, I'm sure of it. To make matters worse, the boss was severely injured. We were lucky to escape. I fear for the boss. Heck, he couldn't even talk to me.After Patricia left with Lana to the safe house, I drove the boss to the safe house too, where we would be staying since our mansion was in ruins. I hate to admit it but the FBI got us thi
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8th January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie RawlingsMy office was in a huge mess. The tables and chairs overturned, my portrait smashed. This was as a result of my outburst earlier on. I was angry, furious and disappointed that yet again I couldn't rescue my daughter.Matt, who tried to calm me down sat in a corner, staring into space. Samantha who had somehow gotten wind of this information was at the point of crying herself to death. I had failed again, failed to nail that bastard.Earlier, Peter Cavinsky gave a report on how everything took place. Leonard Martins was dead and the rest who were lucky to survive had various degrees of injury. The only consolation I had was the report that Joel was severely injured and had little chance of surviving and also his warehouse was in ruins. &n
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty Five
10th January, 1999Undisclosed locationJoelLionel came in, wearing a mixed expression. He was confused, sad and looked defeated. He slumped on the chair Carlos just left, stretching out his tired legs. "Lionel" I said.I had a feeling that something was wrong and it wasn't about the attack. Lionel looked lost. Damn, he couldn't even respond as he just stared into space. "Lionel" I repeated, a bit louder this time.Only then did he look at me and what I saw broke my heart into a thousand pieces. Lionel was fighting back tears. Shit!, what must have happened to cause this kind of reaction. &n
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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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty Nine
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Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty eight
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty Seven
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
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Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty Five
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.
Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty four
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty three
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty two
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
