Dana and Lara had arrived smoothly at Frank’s place.“How are you?” Sarah was waiting at the door. She was excited, she didn’t really have any girlfriends for a long time.“I am hungry.” Dana pouted as she walked in.“We haven’t had breakfast yet. We were waiting for you two.” Sarah smiled.Everyone was waiting at the table, including 2 new underage faces.“This is Dana and Lara.” Sarah introduced to her kids. Lu ran upto them and hugged them both “Auntie Dana…. Auntie Lara…”. He led them both to the table.“We will sit together.” He smiled sweetly.Ben’s and Ed’s face darkened. “No” they responded in unison.Lu pouted, he looked at Dana with the most pitiful puppy eye expression he could muster.“Aawwh…” Dana kneeled and hugged him. “I will sit with you, okay?”“UMM…” He hummed like a happy bum and looked at Lara.Lara ruffled his hair and nodded.He led Dana and Lara to the seats next to him and sat down proudly. He didn’t forget to send a gloating look at Ben and Ed.‘This little d
The next 2 weeks were uneventful and quiet. During this time, Lara only took local assignments. She accompanied Dana for her house visits with Kim. Kim was getting more and more under the pump as the exam dates grew closer.During the house visit a week before the exam-“Dana, I know I have to become independent. But my heart is beating so fast, I can’t breathe.” Kim spoke anxiously.“Kiddo, you don’t breathe with your heart. … you should stop studying and follow my footsteps…. Ha…. Ha…. Ha…” Lara laughed as she rubbed the top of Kim’s hair.Kim rolled her eyes and looked pleadingly at Dana “Can you come with me for my exams? It’s next week Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for year 11 subjects.”Dana pursed her lips into a smile “Do you want my Boss to fire me?”“That’s okay. Mr. Adalase can take care of you.” Kim muttered while pulling Dana’s hand like a spoilt child.“Kim, dad will come with you.” Steve felt really helpless, she would always think of Dana when she needed something.“Ho
Ben and the rest viewed the surveillance. Ben felt his heart clogging up as he watched Dana’s unconscious body being lowered on to the ground. Ed wasn’t in a better state either. Shadow got to work swiftly. He noted the license plate number of the white minivan and sent Style to file a complaint with the precinct. Scar, Spice and Speed sat reviewing the surveillance videos from the time Dana entered Randy's for other clues.“We will shift to Adalase manor. You guys, see if you can take these videos offsite and follow. If not, keep reviewing here.” Ben instructed as he stood up.“See if the others are available to join.” Ben instructed Shadow and turned to Ed “Maybe leave the kids out.”Ed shook his head “I don’t think they will listen if it’s not an order. Let them do what they want. We can use all the manpower we can get.”“I will get my men over.” Frank was about to dial when he was stopped by Ben.“We can’t afford any more accidents. Make sure the kids are covered. If possible, ge
“Are you insulting her looks?” Dana shook her head in sympathy “I was trying to save you a miserable death. But that you have insulted her looks… I don’t think I can save you….”“Puchi…” Lara couldn’t help laughing even though she was trembling with fear. She had no idea whose ghost had affected Dana.“Do you know who I am?” The bald man with a sleezy aura asked. He was getting impatient with her stupidity.“You…” Dana frowned… her disdainful face feigned a thoughtful expression. She made a careless clicking sound and added “Some scum who thinks he’s won with 10 steroid injected misfits.”“Heh! Do you think I would bring you here with just 10 men??” The bald man sneered.“Let me introduce myself. I am Dolce Fulton.” Dolce lifted his lips in mockery. “This is my friend Dickson Landon.” He rubbed his hand against his baldness on top of his head. “And don’t worry, there's another 10 in the dark and another 50 guarding this factory outside. So don’t get your hopes high.”“Heh! 50 men outs
Frank raised his boomerang, aimed that the lizard men on the wall; pressed the lever for releasing the blades and swung. He flicked two of his hunter’s knife at the throats of one to his right and one to his left before coming out of their triad formation and raising his hand to catch his boomerang. His actions were swift and precise. All of this only took a fraction of a minute.Shadow focused his attention at the obstacles on the path to the power grid and operation panel. Jayden held his gear with one hand and swung the sword with the other. Daniel protected Jayden from behind.As soon as they reached the grid, Jayden set to work. He connected the control panel to his laptop and rerouted the operational command to Kayden.“Kayden are you in?” Jayden asked as he set the control panel suction properties.“In” Kayden responded a few minutes later “I have adjusted the suction properties. Release the values of all pipes on the left first and then right.”Jayden followed Kayden’s instruc
The 3 jeeps carrying the special task force drove towards Adalase manor.“Major General, dinner will be served when you are all refreshed. Your rooms have been arranged on the third floor.” Scholar came out to welcome as per Ben’s instructions.“We…. We will return to our homes.” Amelia did not want to impose.“This is our Boss’s instructions.” Scholar informed politely.“Let’s just stay if it has been organized.” Daniel didn’t stand on formality. To him, it was all the same, whether it was Ben’s or Ed’s residence.Nathan, Shaun and Hillary stood hesitating.“You are included.” Scholar nodded.“You have something to say?” Tyrell noted Scholar standing without moving.“That… do you want to refresh up, dinner and then talk?” Scholar scratched the back of his head.Everyone looked at Daniel.“Let’s go fresh-up first…. I still have the smell of blood.” Daniel frowned. It had been a while since he had left active duty and more than 20 years since he actively participated in field operation
Daniel and the rest came down after showering. They sat down to chat about the day.“Dinner is ready.” Mrs Bentley announced as soon as Hillary who was the last one to come down took a seat.Everyone gathered in the lounge after dinner.“Let’s talk downstairs.” Scholar appeared out of nowhere and advised as he led the way.“What is it?” Daniel asked once everyone was settled down.“Do I call you chief as Boss or Major General?” Scholar scratched the back of his head.“Daniel will do.”“Then, I will follow Boss and call you chief.” Scholar nodded ignoring Daniel’s request. How could he have the guts to call this tiger by his first name?“Boss’s meaning for today’s events is to bring Dolce’s activities to light. He wants to use today’s incident to officially announce and denounce him of his military credentials and services.” Scholar paused “Boss didn’t instruct this to be discussed tonight… but …”“I know. He would have if he wasn’t distracted.” Daniel understood Ben. He would wrap up
“How are you feeling?” He asked as he sat next to Dana.Lara and Kim walked out to take a breather.“I am okay. Why are you here?”“Where else should I be?” Ben grinned“Aren’t you busy?”“I always have time for you.”Dana rolled her eyes.“Has the matter been resolved?”“Not yet… We have done all we need to … the rest is up to Ed and Tyrell.”Dana nodded.“Next time don’t put yourself at risk. I will always find a way.” Ben gently caressed the wound on her forehead with a guilt-ridden face.“What did Shadow mean by creating havoc?” Dana ignored Ben’s request and asked as she remembered what Shadow had said.Ben pursed his lips.Dana pulled his sleeve… she was naturally curious.“You want to know?” Ben asked helplessly; He’d rather she not know regarding his dark side.Dana nodded.“Of course. I have to punish the instigators not just the perpetuator.” Ben explained.Dana raised her eyebrows.“Do you remember meeting Amber?”Dana thought for a minute before shaking her head.Lara and
“That is not up to you.” Marken, one of the high counsellors disdained. Adalases was not Ben’s to stake at will; There were other Adalases who could refute this stake.Sherman knew Marken’s ambition was no less than Herten, but he also knew that unlike Herten, Marken would never betray his country and was in a good mood for watching a show although he knew what decision he would ultimately make.“That is a fair point.” Sherman nodded thoughtfully before saying “If the entire Adalase can be staked on this man, then I agree.” Sherman chuckled “With resources greater than the reserve bank, it won’t be hard to rebuild our facilities even if we are compromised.”No one could refute this point.“The Weldons won’t shy away from responsibility either.” Frank didn’t know why the commander had changed his colors, but he stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother.Shadow didn’t have anything to offer, but he stood beside Ben. His expression unwavering.Tyrell slowly got up from his chair and wal
Lara delivered a baby girl as her heart’s desire. She only saw her bundle of joy for a minute before her vision blurred. She also saw the joy in her man’s eyes. These were the two things she remembered before she fainted. She didn’t know if she would wake up again or whether this was eternal sleep, but she was gratified.The Evans and Burton elders had just returned when Amy came out holding the bundle of joy. They didn’t have time to process everything before they were handed the little bundle.“She is so sweet.” Megan smiled as looked over Marjorie shoulders.“My daughter-in-law is indeed pretty.” Dana laughed. She knew the minds of the elders were not calm. She was trying to lighten their moods.No one knew when Ben, Frank and Shadow appeared behind their women.“How can it be so easy to snatch my granddaughter?” Marjorie retorted proudly.“Yes…. yes…yes...” Abigail laughed happily as she let the little one hold her finger tightly. Dana’s retort had pulled the elders mind back to th
Ben and Dana’s days were filled with love and tranquility. Ben felt like he was in a dream; his life was everything he dreamed of; his beloved woman was his wife; she would cook and wait for him; his house was filled with the laughter of the precious treasures his wife had given him. He was truly grateful to the heavens.Ed’s days were getting hectic. Between the challenges of his official duty and a pregnant wife, he was almost ready to retire. He wanted to spend more time with his wife and child. Seeing Ben’s cute little babies, he couldn’t wait to have his own little treasure.Frank and Sarah didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; their little Lu would run almost every day to see his little wife, especially now that she was becoming prettier. The babies were becoming chubbier with fair skin and rosy cheeks. Their features were becoming more prominent and dashing, melting the hearts of everyone around them.Dan and Don were like a mother hen defending their younger siblings from everyo
The next day, the Williamses landed and rushed to the hospital. Dana had rested well and regained most of her vigor.Ben was changing nappies while Dana was sleeping peacefully when they arrived.“She can still sleep?” Dana’s younger sister asked in surprise as Ben gestured for them to lower their volume. He handed one baby each to the stunned Mr and Mrs Williams and led all of them to the adjacent room.“Sorry… Dana has just rested.” Ben apologized sincerely for his rudeness.Mrs Williams shook head, her eyes were misty. She was truly grateful to the heavens for her daughter’s fortune to have met such a man. Even though he was rich and powerful, he loved and doted on her without bounds…. This was truly her fortune. It would be a lie to say that they were not worried. On the way back after the wedding they had met a lady who was crying pitifully. Mrs Williams didn’t feel comfortable and lend her a shoulder to lean on; She didn’t know who they were and told them that she was fleeing fro
Ben sat next to Dana urging her to wake up. He was scared out of his wits as he had seen the amount of blood that she lost during the delivery… he feared that she wouldn’t wake up and all his happiness would disappear in the blink of an eye even though Steve repeatedly reassured him that she was fine and just sleeping from exhaustion. He sat next to her telling her how much he missed her.He told her how he felt that a portion of him was missing without her by his side; He told her how much he loved her…. He begged her to wake up… He sat by her side never taking his eyes of her pale face… holding her hand … and begging her to wake up….He started to tell her their story from his perspective. He told her how she disturbed him from their first encounter. How he thought that she had approached him with a purpose, He told her how he shamelessly wanted to see her even if he knew that she had approached him with a purpose.He told her how he used to follow her like a shadow just to feel her
Ben was on edge now that Dana was full term. He kept following her nervously like a shadow. One evening just as they finished dinner and were heading upstairs to retire, Dana stood still on the stairs and called weakly “Ben….”“What is it?” Ben looked affectionately at his wife who had stopped walking and became stiff.“I…. my …. I think my water broke.” Dana barely managed to mumble as she held on tightly to Ben.“You…. you….” Ben froze.Alexa was the first to react. She ran downstairs to alert Shadow and Mrs Bentley before running back upstairs to get the baby bag that Dana had prepared beforehand.“CEO” Alexa called out helplessly as she saw a frozen Ben.“Huh?” Ben looked at the panic-stricken Dana and came to his senses. He carried her and ran downstairs carefully. Alexa informed him that Shadow was waiting downstairs with the car. Shadow had informed Steve as soon as Alexa came running downstairs. Everything at the hospital would be set by Steve.Shadow sped towards the hospital;
Shadow had been getting along fabulously with Ruth and decided that he wanted to get married watching Ben’s bliss. He had decided on Ruth, then what was the point in delaying… but the problem was he had no idea how to…. he was also worried if Ruth didn’t have the same intention… then wouldn’t he be making a fool of himself?Shadow walked around with a constipated expression. He would have asked Dana’s help if his boss wasn’t so petty…. But what could he do… his boss was!“What’s wrong?” Dana finally asked as she couldn’t bear to watch his miserable face.“I …” Shadow suddenly felt tongue tied. He was waiting for Dana to ask…. But when she did, he didn’t know how to vocalize his problem. He lowered his head with a frown on his lips.“He wants to propose to Ruth but doesn’t know how to.” Ben didn’t give Shadow any face when he mercilessly pierced through his wall.“Oh….” Dana nodded perceptively “You are worried that she doesn’t have that intention and she will reject?”Shadow nodded alt
The ladies went shopping happily without realizing that none of their actions were missed by their men.Dana wanted to see how Ruth was going so she decided to stop by her shop. However, she changed her mind when she got to Ruth’s shop and pulled the others and ran. Granger was at the store pestering Ruth. It was most certainly a crime to stop someone’s fortune and she didn’t want her husband to have another enemy…..hehe…hehe… she was quite clever!“What are you laughing like a fool for?” Lara asked looking at Dana’s silly smile.Dana shrugged keeping her silly smile but didn’t enlighten the two.“Sister-in-law...” A sweet sound called from behind as the ladies were immersed in their world of freedom.The three turned in unison but Dana’s face darkened as she saw Lizzie walking towards her smiling like a flower. She had almost forgotten her promise to Bertie.“When did I become your sister-in-law?” Dana folded her hands looking arrogantly at Lizzie.“Soon… soon we will be family.” Lizz
In a condemned cell in B country, Pigle read the news of embezzlement of 10 million in public funds from Pigle enterprises. He begged the prison guards to let him see his son one last time.Jefferson indulged him considering he had inadvertently helped Ben get closure to the mystery that was haunting him for more than 15 years.Pigle junior arrived promptly to see his father once he was granted visitation rights.“Son, this is all Mr Adalase’s doing. You have to become strong and hit him hard.” Charles eyes were red with anger.“Dad, I know all about the cause and effect of this incident.” Pigle junior lowered his head in shame. His father was his pride. He looked up to his father but now…. looking at all the shameful things his father had done, he didn’t want any part in it. He wanted to take his mother and run far from all this shame.“Son…” Charles called; his eyes widened as he lifted in eyebrows.Pigle junior showed the video that was sent to him soon after the incident broke out.