"Clean this mess up," Kathrine told one of the armed men in the building. "Trace the name and numbers she gave us. I would love to meet them all." She said.
Angie quickly rushed back to the car. She met Rufus already coming to find her. They went back to the car and were fast enough to get comfortably seated before Kathrine joined them."You took a while before coming back, Mommy," Angie told her mother immediately after she got into the car."Drive now." She told Rufus then turned over to Angelina. "I had a little issue that needed my attention. But I'm here now, what do you want? Would you like candy sticks?" She asked, touching Angie gently on the cheeks.Angie shook her head. "No, I just want to go home.""Me too Baby. Look," she posted at one of Angelina's favorite signs. "That's proof, we're almost home."Angie nodded. "When will Daddy return?" She asked, wishing her father was around, as she wanted to share what she saw with him."Soon baby." HerThey arrived at the Eatery after a few minutes' drive. Rosie was helped out of the car by Bernard. She saw the name of the place and chuckled. They were welcomed at the entrance and directed to an empty table. The Eatery was neat, well-furnished, and upscale. A clear statement from Bernard that he knew just how to flaunt his wealth.It was rumored that he was paid as much as his immediate Boss because of his high intellectual capabilities and the fact that he brings a lot to the company. And it is clear as air that Global Link cannot afford to lose a staff such as him. They ordered for food with Bernard settling for Spaghetti and Rosie for wheat swallow and seafood okra."Mushroom," Rosie said adjusting in her seat. "Who gives their restaurant such a funny name." She laughed heartily."I had the same reaction the first day I visited. I couldn't hold back my surprise." Bernard responded. "But, do not let the name deceive you. They are very good. I must say that
"Annie, I need to tell you something. It's really important." Rosie said, staring wide-eyed at her sister. As usual, it was the weekend and she was home. After the lunch she had with her Boss, she realized it was best to start the journey of introducing Gregory to her family pretty soon. She then made up her mind that it was best to tell Annie first. Then see how she'll accept the news before proceeding to their mother. But even though she'd made the decision, it took her weeks to finally muster the courage to actually open up. It was one of those lazy weekends and they were watching a movie together in the sitting when she decided to break the news to Annie."What is it? And what's with the look on your face?" Annie asked. "I don't know how to start," Rosie replied, calmly. "It's about my love life..., Gregory." "Oh my Goodness! You guys are going through rough patches? What is it about? Whatever it is, you can always resolve it. There is no perfect couple. Most people go th
Tuesday morning, Rosie worked till 3:45 pm before heading to her Boss's office to take the rest of the day off on account of feeling weak and dizzy. Bernard insisted on taking her to the hospital or home at least. But after spending a couple of minutes convincing him she could take care of herself, he reluctantly let her go. She arrived at Brass a little past four and met Genevieve, the crazy secretary. Recalling their previous encounter, she smiled and she walked up to her. "Good evening ma'am." She greeted. "Is Gregory around?" The secretary looked her up and down and let out a mocking laughter. "He's not on seat." She replied and turned her focus back on her monitor. "Where did he go to?" She asked politely. "My Boss, Mr. Gregory Johnson is not on seat Madam. Even if he were to be on seat, I'd never let a disrespectful brat like you inside his office. If you really wish to see him, get an appointment." She said again.
The Bainers were busy getting their dining space set for dinner while anticipating the arrival of Gregory, their guest for the night.The dining table was adorned with faux flowers and vases. The china set, carefully and neatly arranged on the table. Evelyn had brought out her best tableware.Having set up the dining space and arranged the whole house, she sat down in the sitting room with her daughters, awaiting their guest."Honestly, I never knew this house could be this sparkly. I can see my reflection in the tiles." Annie said, causing an uproar of laughter."That goes to show how lazy you and your sister are." Evelyn replied."Me?" Rosie asked surprised. "I don't even live here.""Not living with us doesn't exempt you from sweeping and tidying up the house whenever you are around. And don't tell me you tidy the house because if you do, your sister wouldn't have made such a statement." Evelyn replied."Annie," Rosie called. "Look what you cause with
Inside the house, Rosie met her mother pacing the room. Annie was seated on the sofa with her phone. "You cannot be with that man," Evelyn stated once her daughter stepped inside the house. "He should be in his mid-forties, Rosie." "He's fifty-five." Rosie corrected. "Fifty what? Jesus Christ!! That's worse. What's going on honey? Don't I love you enough? Daddy is not here, I know, but I've been trying to fill that void. You can't be with that man because you miss your father. There's a difference between the relationship you would share with your father and that of your spouse." Evelyn explained. "He has a name, Mommy. Don't refer to him as that man. And Daddy's absence has nothing to do with my relationship with him." Rosie paused. "Mom, Gregory understands me, he's patient, he supports me, goes out of his way to see me happy. I've had a fair share of assholes in my life. But this is a good man. He makes me happy, can't you see." "He has more experience than you, Rosie. He'
"It had something to do with his business associates. We were kidnapped on our way home. I don't recall everything that happened because I was drugged afterward." "Who could have killed him? Do you have any suspects?" Rosie swiped away the tears that were threatening to fall. "Why would someone want him dead? He was such a nice person," she lamented.Annie burst into tears and Rosie drew her into a hug. "He was killed by a woman." Evelyn disclosed to her stunned daughters. "The woman said your father was a sort of obstacle to her company's growth. So she needed to get rid of him. A woman killed your father." She repeated. "Oh, Lord!" Annie spoke, voice cracked and broken. "What was she like?" "I didn't get to see her face, I was in a haze. Everything was blurry. I only made out her manicured fingers holding her gun in place. But I can never forget her voice." She paused for a moment, then continued. "When he was shot, I thin
Rosie slowly awakened to the comforting scent of scrambled eggs and coffee. Blinking, she tried to recall her surroundings and was greeted by Gregory's warm smile. "Good morning, Angel," he said, his eyes full of concern. "Good morning," she murmured, managing a small smile. "I'm sorry for showing up unannounced. I don't know what I was thinking. I was..." "It's okay. I'm glad you came to me. I wouldn't have had it any other way. How do you feel now?" Rosie nodded, "I feel better." She moved to sit up and realized she was wrapped in only a duvet. "Oh my God...""Ugh... I'm so sorry. You were passed out after the shower, so I didn't want to invade your privacy by dressing you up," Gregory explained, as he walked over to show her the neatly folded clothes he had set aside for her. "I kept these for you," he said quietly, turning away to give her some privacy to dress up. Rosie picked up the singlet and shorts, hastily putting them on and giggling nervously
Annie leisurely strolled out of the bustling mall, with the wheels of her shopping cart gliding smoothly across the pavement.As she approached her mother's reliable nine-year-old Toyota, she carefully began to unload the contents of the cart into the car's trunk.With the task complete, she gently guided the cart back to its designated spot under the shade, joining the others in an orderly row.Just as she was about to step into the car, a sudden force yanked her back from behind."I need a moment with you," Owen's unremorseful voice sounded. Annie turned to see Owen and fumed. "Are you raving mad? Why the hell did you pull my hands with such force?" "Sorry about that. Can we talk?" Owen replied, unperturbed. "No, we can't. As you can see, I'm heading home. Try again some other time." Owen held her by the arm again. "Please," he pleaded. "No," she replied. He rubbed his head with both hands. "Listen, Annie, I've been following you arou
Rosie hesitated for a moment before slipping her finger under the flap and pulling out the contents. Her eyes widened with curiosity as she saw a stack of neatly typed pages. As she began to read through them, her breath caught, shock, surprise registered on her face immediately. The papers were house ownership documents for the lake house Gregory rented for her birthday celebration. The same lake house they were in, when he had asked her to marry him. But what shocked her the most was that her name was listed as the new owner of the property. With trembling hands, she looked up at Gregory, unable to believe what the document was implying. “Greg, what… What is this? You bought the house?” Gregory shrugged casually, as if it were no big deal. “You said you liked the house, so I decided to buy it for you,” he explained. “I realized I hadn’t actually gotten you a proper birthday present yet, so… this is my birthday present,
Mrs. Dee quickly disappeared down the hallway, leaving Rosie to soak in the comforting familiarity of the space.Moments later, Gregory appeared at the hallway entrance, surprise and delightful joy spread across his face. He looked at Rosie, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, relishing in the joy of her visit. Then, with a few quick strides, he crossed the room and pulled her into a tight bear hug, lifting her off the ground slightly. Rosie giggled cutely as she spun her slightly.“I can’t believe you’re here,” he murmured into her hair before pulling back just enough to capture her lips in a deep kiss.Mrs. Dee, who had been watching from the hallway, glowed with joy and she did a little happy dance. Sensing that it was time to give them some privacy, she quietly slipped away, leaving the couple to themselves.The kiss between them started slow, as they locked their lips, but then, it gently escalated into something more passionate, demandin
Owen laughed, letting out a harsh, unremorseful sound. “Always acting like the useless clueless saint, always." He spat out. "You had it coming, though. Do you think you can just toss me aside, mess up my career, join a rival firm, cart away most of my clients, and everything will be fine? You deserve everything that happened to you, do you fuckin hear me?” He banged his hands on the table between them and became immediately calm when the policemen in the room rushed at him.Hearing his painful, venomous words, Rosie lost every hope she had of hearing or seeing him sound or act remorseful. It dawned on her that he didn't regret any of the things he did. Unshed tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let him see her cry. “You’re a bitter, selfish, and wicked man,” she spat at him, her voice very steady and clear. “I hope you rot in hell for what you did.” Owen started laughing mockingly, still seated, held down by the police. Without waiting for a response, Rosie turn
As soon as Gregory and Angie left, Rosie turned to her mother, "Well?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.Evelyn took a seat, looking at her warmly. "I always want your happiness, Baby," she began. "Gregory is a good man, he's proven that. And he loves you. It's also very clear that he makes you happy as well. You two would make a good couple. I've gotten past the bad blood between us, and you should do the same."Annie chimed in, "I think someone is going to get back her engagement ring pretty soon because you don't even have a choice. Not with how smitten you look.""You think?" Rosie blushed."I know," Annie replied.Rosie took a deep breath, then confessed, "You are right. I love Gregory Johnson so much that I don't think I could survive perfectly without him. I love the way he loves me."Everyone in the room smiled, feeling the warmth and love shared between them. They all came together for a family hug, embracing the second chance at happiness
A few days after being rescued from her kidnappers, Gregory and his daughter, Angelina brought Rosie home from the hospital, where she spent several days in recovery. Annie let them into the living room and went to inform her mother of their arrival. Evelyn, who was busy in the kitchen, making dinner, hurried out to the living room to welcome her daughter home.Pulling Rosie in a hug, all smiles, she held her a little longer. Annie offered Gregory and his daughter a seat and they settled into two of the empty sofas in the room."Thank you so much," Evelyn said to Gregory when she finally released Rosie. "Thank you for everything." She added."You know I'll do even more," he replied with a smile. Then he turned to Rosie, who was now settling in her seat. "I thought about taking her home to care for her myself, but I figured it was best to bring you home to family first."Annie smiled warmly. "Thanks for being so thoughtful," she said sarcastically. Everyone laug
Disguised as farmers, local traders and fishermen, the police infiltrated the community close to the location where Rosie had been held hostage the night before. Kick-starting an undercover mission.The next morning, their rescue mission commenced. Dressed in rags, a couple of police officers scaled the poorly built fence surrounding the isolated building and quietly entered the compound with cautious and well-calculated movements.As they combed through the house, they found no one else inside. Exposing their trousers, two out of the officers present pulled out their guns with silencers already in place. They followed the signal from Rosie's wristwatch, and it led them to a room with two packed boxes and a mask. A purse was emptied on the bed, and its contents exposed some cash, two debit cards and Rosie's wristwatch. But, there was no sign of Rosie. Their eyes quickly fell on a door at the end of the corridor. Weapons pointed at the door; they approached it
As soon as he ended the call, Gregory put his Bank account officer on speed dial. Without waiting for confirmation, he just knew that the location would lead him to Rosie's kidnappers.So there was no time for sentiments. He needs to start getting things ready, and that would start from his bank. Once his account officer picked up, Gregory barked into the phone. “Damon." He called, "I need $350,000 arranged immediately,” he barked, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. He had already decided it's either try the option of giving the abductors their request and hoping that Rosie would be released to him, safe or involve some of his trusted friends in the force and have them ensure Rosie's safety while he went ahead to give in to the abductors request.Damon agreed, “That can be arranged, sir." He said. "But, I’ll need you to come to the Bank in person. There are certain procedures involved that would require your signature.” He insisted.Gregory’s frustratio
He immediately turned and hurried out of the room with his mind still making several calculations on the next few steps to take. He had to save Rosie, no matter what it took. And in this case, all they want is money, which he has and is willing to offer. However, he wasn't certain about her life. If he were to provide the needed money, would she live, or would she still end up dead? That was a question he had no answer to.As the call to Gregory ended, the scar-faced guy left the room, murmuring inaudibly. Then, the masked one, among her abductors, entered the room.His mask concealed his face completely, leaving only little holes for his eyes, nose, mouth and ears. And when he asked her a question, "Are you hungry?" There was something about his voice that sent chills down her spine. It was somewhat familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. She swallowed hard, trying to convince herself that it was just her mind playing tricks on her. But the more she thought ab
"If the location shows the wristwatch is here, or at the apartment she shares with her flatmate, then we'll be sure that she didn’t go out with it. But if it points to somewhere else… then we might have to check the location out." Gregory replied. The room fell into absolute silence. They were all on edge, silently praying and hoping that the wristwatch’s location would give them a clue to Rosie's current location. Evelyn, who had been quiet for most of the time, spoke again. “She has to be okay...” her voice trembled. Gregory nodded, forcing a positive smile, but the fear in his eyes betrayed his attempt to push a positive message. They were all thinking the same thing, even if they didn’t say it out loud. Everybody knew without being told that something was terribly wrong. As they waited for the tracking information, Annie and Gregory continued trying Rosie's number, while Evelyn, who was terrified to her bones, sat down and started whisper