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Chapter Twenty three
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2024-10-29 19:42:567th January, 1999
Undisclosed location
Lionel
Gosh!. 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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Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty Four
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty six
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
Bloody Christmas Chapter Twenty seven
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
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
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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
