Chapter 3

"Get me the files and make sure you send out the report, okay?" The mayor said to his secretary and walked into his office.

"Yes, sir," her voice followed, but he had already closed his doors.

As usual, the tiled floor sparkled. He observed the placement of his awards, most especially the one he was given at the annual peacekeeping conference some years ago.

He smiled, everyone thinks he earned all these medals for serving the people. What else did he expect? He smiled, knowing fully well that the awards and trophies were not because of his commitment to the people but rather, his commitment to making the governor happy.

He continued to walk around the office, hands akimbo, glancing from photograph to photograph, when he got to the portrait of Dr Han, he smiled again.

Dr Han was the Mayor he succeeded. The accident that killed Dr Han and his family had thrown the entire town into a dilemma.

"Old fool," the mayor finally said, his eyes still fixed on the portrait of Dr. Han. "You'd have been alive if not for your stubbornness."

The mayor darted his thoughts back to what had happened last night. "What should I do?" He muttered to himse, sitting on his chair.

If he doesn't act fast, soon he is going to end up like Dr Han, and that was something he would do anything within his power to keep from happening.

He jolted back to reality as his phone began to ring. He brought the little device out of his pocket and placed it on his ear. There was silence for a while. "The Mayor speaking," he said, containing his anger and patiently waited for the caller to reply.

"Mr. Mayor?" the voice spoke as if to confirm if it was truly the mayor he was speaking to.

"Yes, what's it?"

"The men were not able to find the person," the voice replied gently.

"Fuck!" The Mayor cursed, banging his left hand on the table,. "I knew those good for nothing dimwits were useless. Whoever it was must have heard something, we've to find the person," he said and pressed his weight on the chair, and it screeched backwards. "Any news on the goods?"

"Nothing much, sir. We've got information about some strange people driving out of the town that day" the voice answered, making sure he let the mayor know that it was just rumours.

"Get everything you can on the drivers, alright? I'll be expecting," the mayor replied, filling himself in with the small hope that had presented itself to him.

It's too early to butcher his mood into pieces, the mayor mused, then picked up the office handset, putting a call to his secretary, he ordered, "I don't want anyone in my office."

"What if they come looking for you? Someone important?"

"Tell them I'm out for an important meeting," he blurted an order to his secretary and reached to drop the handset back on the dialer.

The Mayor began to think about how things would be if he was unable to provide the goods. One thing was for sure, he'd have no office to come to everyday. All these, he used his hands to insinuate everything in the office, gone.

"There's no way I'll let my world crumple, everything I've built. No, I won't allow it. Not when I'm still alive," he managed to curb his worry and instantly brought out his phone.

"Hey Kelvin, we've got to talk. There's a burning fire in the rat's hole and if nothing is done, the rat will have no place to hide anymore. I'm in my office," he said, catching his breath and ended the call.

Unlike other vampires he knew, the governor was a day walker, immune to sunlight. His strength surpassed that of any other vampire, and poison, and weapons had no effect on him. Only magic could harm him.

"Sir, Kelvin is here" Mary, his secretary entered and informed him.

He let out a soft sigh, "send him in."

Kelvin waa the only person he has hope would be able to provide suitable solutions to his problems. He was certain Kelvin would find a way out for him this time too.

When Kelvin stepped into the office, it was only with inner strength that the mayor did not run to him and hugged him like a child would joyfully wrap his little arms around his mother when he sees her after a long time.

"Whatsup, man? What's stealing the peace in your pouch? " Kelvin asked as he sank into one of the chairs.

"Not good, Kel, a fire is burning outside and the rat has got nowhere to go because his house is on flames." The mayor's voice was low, deep and clear.

"Whatever it is putting fire on the rat's hole needs to be taken out before it takes the rat out."

"It ain't that easy man. It ain't that easy to take out," The mayor bent his head down for a moment and raised his head up. He used his hand to reek through his hair. It was clear that he was disturbed. If his brain had its way, it'd be out of his right now to escape the stress it has been going through.

"Will you tell me what's the problem or you're going to sit there and cry like a woman? I've got other things to do, you know right?" Kelvin was becoming impatient with the way his friend was not going straight to the point. They've come a long way, they've made history, whatever one of them gets into they're in it together.

"Kel, I've got the governor's goods on my neck. They were ambushed on the way to make the delivery. Both men murdered and the goods disappeared. No trace of it. Nothing. Just thin air," The mayor shrugged, explaining everything to Kelvin, leaving out nothing.

"No trace. You mean two of your men were killed and you lost the goods, huh?"

"Yes, Kel. No sign of it anywhere."

"And who would do such a clean job? Spoken to other mayors?" Kelvin asked.

"No man, that's a bad idea. They'd use that against me. I'll lose my worth and respect. I've got to make things right myself, that's why I need your help," The mayor muttered, weakly, begging for help.

"We'll see what we can do about it. Cheer up, man, we've been through tougher situations, this isn't something you'll let to distract you. Keep a clean head. I have a plan."

"I knew you'd help me out. What's the plan?"