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Chapter Twenty seven
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2024-10-29 19:42:5615th January, 1999
Undisclosed location
Joel
The 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
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Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty Eight
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'
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty Nine
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Thirty
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. &
Bloody Christmas Chapter Thirty One
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Thirty Two
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Thirty three
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Thirty Four
22nd January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie RawlingsIt was a gloomy day, just like how I was feeling at the moment. A day no doubt that will bring trouble and chaos if I didn't handle it well. Today is the day that I finally tender my resignation, the day the whole world will know the monster I am. Earlier, I had called Matt, my special adviser to inform him that finally I have come to the end of the race. I couldn't do it anymore, pretending to myself that I was fighting a war when in reality I was just fighting with myself. Come to think of it, who was I kidding. A murderer like me is clearly not fit to rule talk more of making decisions. Its better I face the music now before its too late. I knew what was coming and oddly enough, I wasn't scared. Joel and his gang might as well do their worse but not until I get my daughter out of there. Gregor. To think that my best friend could betray me, someone I so trusted was a big blow to the face. Deep down, I knew that he had a
Bloody Christmas Chapter Thirty Five
22nd January, 1999(evening)Undisclosed LocationLionelI had just stepped out of the bathroom when the ringing of my phone halted me in my steps. I continued drying my hair, purposely ignoring the phone. I wasn't in the mood to take any calls, the person could as well call back later if he was interested in talking to me.The phone finally fell silent only to resume once more with a strong determination. I sighed, knowing that I had to take it. "What", I practically growled into the phone. " Check the news", the voice said. "Who the hell are you to tell me what to do" I seethed. "Quit being stubborn for once and check the damn news" the voice said before cutting the call.That was rude, so rude. I'm sure the idiot didn't know who I was or else he would have
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Bloody Christmas Chapter Fifty
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
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
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Forty Six
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
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
