10th January, 1999
Undisclosed location
Joel
Lionel 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
10th January, 1999(evening)The White HouseFirst Lady Samantha RawlingsI had a pounding headache that refused to go away. All the painkillers I used earlier refused to work, the headache grew worse each passing minute. My body felt hot, my hands were cold and they were shaking. "Samantha" a voice said.I looked up to see Freddie sitting at the edge of my bed. I couldn't even respond as I only stared at him, wishing he could just go away so I could sleep in peace. "Sam, you're burning up" he said, touching my skin lightly.I groaned as I felt a pang of pain on the left side of my head, it left me dizzy as I tried to control the urge to throw up. &nbs
15th January, 1999Undisclosed locationJoelThe past few days has been one of the hardest days in my life. The pain and sleepless nights coupled with Vanessa's death has been so devastating. My only consolation is that she's in a better place, away from this toxic lifestyle.I honoured her last wish and yesterday she was cremated and it was the first time I cried since Anna's death. The emotions I felt yesterday were overwhelming, it was like a blanket, choking me. I just had to let it all out. Lionel was a sobbing mess beside me. Never have I seen him look so sad and defeated, he couldn't utter a word throughout and only sobbed harder as we left the place where her final remains were kept.This morning, I felt a little bit better as the pain I felt dew days ago was nearly gone. I must say, Carlos did a very good job. The place where I was shot had become a little less painful nevertheless Carlos warned me with strict instructions not to over exer
16th January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie Rawlings "Hey man, what's up" I said, immediately Gregor picked the call. After I left Samantha to rest, I decided to call Gregor since it's been so long I spoke to him. I could tell that something was off about him. Gone was the cherry voice I was used to, his voice now took on a more serious tone. "Good" he simply said.Well, that wasn't what I was expecting. Something was definitely wrong with him. "Gregor. What's wrong, even from your voice I can tell that something is up." I said, fishing for answers.There was a sigh at the other end. The line went quiet for a few minutes and I feared that he had cut the call. I was just about to speak when he cut me off, still with that brooding voice. "Nothing is wrong Freddie. I just have a whole lot on my plate at this moment, it's nothing really" he said, trying to convince me.That was a big fat lie and both of us knew it. Could Gregor have an ailment I didn'
17th January, 1999Undisclosed LocationLana "Lana, the boss wants you" Lionel said, barging into my room.I was momentarily startled. One, Lionel's attitude towards me this past few days has been kind of strange. Gone was the friendly and care free boy I was used to. Now, he treated me with disdain and hatred. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Nothing is wrong" he said, looking at me dead in the eye. "OK. Please give me a few minutes to change" I whispered. "No, he said abruptly. "You're fine this way" he added.What was he saying?. How on earth does he expect me to go out like this, in my pyjamas for goodness sake. "But I can't come out like this" I said, on the verge of tears. "I don't care. Now move" he ordered, pu
18th January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie Rawlings "I talked to Gregor yesterday" I said to Samantha who was brewing some coffee. Her hands froze, putting the coffee machine away as she picked up the mugs, handing me one. She slowly took a sip, her mind assessing what I just told her. "How is he ?" She said, finally.I put down my mug, trying to figure out what to say. Was Gregor fine?. Well, that was definitely a no. Was he sick?, I didn't think so. I guess I could safely say that he was 'fine'. "He's fine, I guess" I said, taking a light sip from the steaming cup. "Freddie" Samantha sighed, putting her mug down. "Yeah" I whispered, also doing the same. &
19th January, 1999Undisclosed locationJoelI watched with satisfaction as Lana stared at Gregory, completely lost for words. So far, I think this is the biggest bombshell I've dropped on her. On the other hand, convincing Gregor on this wasn't as easy as I expected. I will give him that though, the man is loyal to a fault. That's when I used the greatest weapon of all- money. Who knew the great governor could bend by just offering him a few thousand dollars. I never knew that he was deep in debt. Apparently, our good man here found himself in the company of some drug barons and now, they needed the money he was loaned.My offer was like a breath of fresh air to him, accepting quickly like his life depended on it. Actually, it does. "This is your plan?" Lana asked, breaking into my thoughts. She stared at Gregory as if he'd suddenly grown two heads. Then, she looked at me. Disappointment, anger and hurt clouding
21st January, 1999New YorkFirst lady Samantha Rawlings "Sam" my mother whispered, handing me a cup of coffee. I slowly took a sip, staring at the window as the rain poured down in torrents. Its like it came with a purpose, like it was trying to wash away everything that was not meant to happen. It was a steady crescendo, drowning out every of my thoughts as i cradled the cup of coffee closer, taking warmth from its soothing embrace.Melissa Reynolds stood, staring at her daughter, not knowing quite what to do in this case. She knew of her granddaughter's kidnap and now, the man behind this gruesome act which her daughter just revealed to her.A strong woman of seventy six, she was loved and respected by many having trained her children singlehandedly after being abandoned by her husband. She was an epitome of grace, humility and often preached all these to her children even up until now.A proud mother of three successful chil
21st January, 1999(evening)Washington D.CUndisclosed locationLana "So this is your game plan", I said giving Joel a death glare. "It's not a game child. Its real," he said. "What then do you stand to gain if my father resigns?", I asked, hardly believing any of this. " Tsk tsk. Not to worry kid, you'll find out in due time" he waved me off.I sat back, keeping quiet for now. Who knew what Joel could do when he was angry. That man was so unpredictable.They soon left the room, plunging me in darkness. This was far worse than when I was in my room at the warehouse. The difference was clear, I felt like a queen living there but now I didn't even know what to think.There was no way that my dad could win the upcoming elections, nobody in his right senses would vote for a man who couldn't keep his own family safe. If they had their way, they will call for