Chapter 5: Search for a Worthy Maid

Jason*

"Next file!" I bellowed but the door remained closed.

"This is the third time I would be demanding for this and if you keep me waiting for too long, I assume you don't value your job. A lot of resumes and application forms are submitted daily, I don't search for workers; they look for me."

I raised my voice and lowered my dark glasses, my gaze fixated on the door.

"Next file," I repeated.

Sona, my secretary ran in with numerous files and placed them before me, she nearly got her dress torn by the doorknob in the process.

"I'm extremely sorry Sir."

My eyes walked over her body, I shook my head.

"If you keep displaying this trait of incompetency, I don't mind helping you to lose your job." I adjusted my tie and flexed my neck.

"This file is not stamped yet, where is this file coming in from?"

She bent a little forward, her eyes scanned a few lines in the paper.

"This is from the photography unit sir, they got to replace the lights as they are getting dimmer."

"Are there no batteries for those?"

"According to him, the devices are overused."

"Get me my pen."

I quickly signed a letter to be sent to the finance department for the release of funds to have the issue of lighting settled.

"Take this with you to the finance officer." She turned around and made to move. "You moron! Don't go right away."

"Alright, Sir."

"And this?"

"I'm afraid, the company record losses Sir."

"And why is that?"

"The amount of money earlier released for the purchase of new vibrators and strap-ons for the lesbian videos at the end of the last month was misused."

"And where are these gadgets? There seem to be nothing new in the videos I received last week."

"According to the prop manager, the gadgets were not purchased, I can't find anything new in the storeroom."

"Call me the finance officer."

"Okay, Sir."

The secretary left and in a few minutes, the finance officer stepped in.

"Sir?"

"Please sit, do you have an idea about why there are losses in this company?" I asked pointing at the empty spaces on the paper.

"No sir, I have heard of no such thing."

"I'm aware you released one hundred thousand dollars a month ago. What was that for?"

He hung his head and when he'd raised it, he apologized.

"Sir, I was persuaded by the stage manager of the lesbian unit to release funds for the purchase of a few worn-out gadgets."

"You may now leave my office, submit the financial statement to the manager tomorrow and also let me speak with the stage manager of the lesbian unit."

Seconds ticked into minutes and minutes into hours

My phone beeped, it was my mom who had called to inform me about the arrival of my brother.

I called in my guards to pick up my cell phones and briefcase.

I got into my Lambo and had my favorite driver at the steering.

I would have to get home so I could fly my Chopper to my father's house because I would be meeting with my twin brother in just a few minutes after four years of separation.

After I have had a refreshing bath, I got dressed and joined my men.

The flight took less than an hour but I felt like it took forever, I was desperate about meeting Justin.

The house was as still as always, there were just three uniformed guards at the gate, the others wore their mufti and I rebuked them.

My father's passing doesn't call for disorderliness. I told them

"The black clothes are for the funeral, we are mourning, sir."

One of them said in their defense and I simply raised my hand and there was silence.

"Sir, your briefcase?"

"Give that to Michelle."

The dining room was set and it was large enough to contain everyone else attending the funeral, mom wore a black gown without makeup. That was unusual.

"Welcome son."

"Thanks, mom. Where are others?"

"The priest has been waiting, he is with Justin inside your father's room. Mr. Larry is here as well and your cousins too. His daughter-in-law is pregnant."

She said that not really because she had to spread good news but because she wanted to pick on me again but I smartly turned her down.

"I'll be with them shortly," I said leaving her behind.

Justin became bigger over the years, and our hug was quite warm and mutual so that we hardly break out from it, so the priest pulled us asunder.

The smiles on our faces stayed and after the priest had prayed, the burial was conducted.

Sitting out in the family dining room, my father's brother, Mr. Larry, stressed something I never planned to hear.

"Your father was going to mention in the Will he had signed, the person who will be in charge of the agency but he complained that non of his sons are married."

"Pardon?" Justin dropped his wine glass almost spilling its content on the tablecloth.

"It's written down in the company's article of association, the director general must be a family man." Mr. Larry said coldly looking expectantly at me, probably waiting for my opinion.

"What? Is that even necessary?" I queried in bewilderment.

"Yes, it is very necessary to be married." Mom snapped quickly at me.

Justin turned to me gradually though not making it obvious, I could feel he was staring but I couldn't tell if he was on my side or mom's or thinking about being married by dawn ahead of me.

I comported myself as though I didn't hear Mr. Larry properly but I didn't dare to ask for explanations.

It was dad's doing, perhaps someone advised him to do so as it would make his sons begin to think differently.

"Say more," I said sipping my wine, my eyes searching their faces through the transparent glass.

"That's all to be said," mom added. "That was why I asked you to find a bride, why would you want to let the company in the hands of strangers because of your inability to talk to a woman?"

"I beg your pardon? Mom?"

"Yes? I'm being truthful here son, I don't see you with women, or is there something else you are keeping from your mother?"

"Mom it hasn't come to this yet!"

"Oh yes it has, your father's company is falling and you are in the best place to save it but your laziness won't let you wake up to reality!"

I stood to my feet.

"Oscar! Take out my briefcase, we are leaving now."

"Yes sir!"

"Jason, I'm your mother and I mean well for you. You are older than Justin and you are the most suitable for the job, you are more educated and experienced than he is." Mom whispered into my ears after finding her way outside to meet with me.

"Mom, how would I be married without a bride, do I marry myself?" I lowered my voice.

Mom and dad had always dragged the issue of marriage since I clocked 27.

The fact remains that I, Jason can't fall in love with a woman again, how can I? After my dirty experience in the past?

"How about the pretty ladies I meet whenever I visit your company? Aren't they good enough?"

"Those are my staff, they work for me for crying out loud."

"Don't you sometimes feel like you need a woman? Tell me, how do you overcome your sexual urge? I'm worried about you son.'

"I got myself a toy at home, that's it and so far I've been happy." I looked into her face. "You need to stop worrying about me."

"There's nothing a toy can offer compared to a woman, a toy won't wake you up with a kiss at dawn, it can't pet you when you are down, it can't cook you sumptuous meals."

"I have my cook's mom, wonderful cooks."

Mom gave me a look expressing tiredness, she was tired of me.

"Alright, I will take the offer, I'll do things right." Mom smiled, "Yes give me a short time." I added.

I assured her though I never knew or had plans to think about my decision. Mom smiled and gave me a side hug.

"That's cool Jason. Michelle got a job with the state and she's resigning by the weekend."

"Wow, that's perfect news. Congratulations to her."

"Yeah it is, I'll be conducting an interview for the appointment of two new maids to replace her, I already sent the information to news stations."

"Well, that's pretty cool. I wish you choose someone as worthy as Michelle."

"I hope so. This morning, a certain Lilian recommended her friend Jasmine via email to the press. I got the mail this morning."

I turned in her direction immediately feeling surprised. "Did you just say, Jasmine?" I asked trying to conceal my reaction.