December 12, 1970

Patrick stood more like a moron a few steps away from the chief who never looked up for a while now. It's difficult to say that the chief was engrossed; he just sat there starring at the television with the numerous cheque books unsigned. To be accurate, Patrick had been standing since the TV show began which he ignored not because he lack interest, but because if he dare look, the chief will awake.

After a lengthy uninterrupted gazing on the TV, the chief turned casually to Patrick, his eyes fixed above Patrick but Patrick knew he was ready to talk.

"So, you are the new clerk for my office…?" the chief said and turned to the TV again.

Patrick nodded due to the fact that he was already becoming annoyed by the chief's attitude, but because he knew the chief did not see him, he forced himself to speak his word gaily.

"You are very right Sir, I'm your new clerk and it will be my honor to be at your service…"

Patrick trailed off when the chief stood and left; moving into the inner room. Patrick stood there in confusion checking his words all over again, then the chief voice came loudly within the room-

"-clerk…! Come here at once…!"

Patrick zoomed off without knowing where the entrance to the inner room was because thick curtains covered the whole body of the interior; as a result, Patrick collided with the wall. He fell and stood automatically seizing his voice from screaming. Without more hesitation, he disappeared into the inner room after dabbing his hands around and finding the entrance.

In the room, Patrick stood starring at the opened briefcase that was stacked with crisp naira notes. The chief was with a casual smile. He was sitting before Patrick and held a glass of dry gin.

"You called me sir?" Patrick swallowed hard and peered at the chief with a firm face, "…and here I am…at your service."

The chief beamed with the glass between his mouths. He eyeballed Patrick and the money, then he dropped the gin glass.

"That money is supposed to be deposited to my personal account. Take the money and go to the bank, I don't need to tell you what to do in the bank, you are a clerical officer." The chief stood and walked yet into another inner room leaving Patrick and the money stacked brief case.

Without any ceremony, Patrick went forth and took the briefcase after taking his time to clip it closed. He lifted the briefcase and beneath it was a little card. Patrick picked the card and examined it. It was memo that read:

"Patrick, your hundred year's salary cannot afford this money, take caution."

Patrick sighed and dumped the card on the desk. Although he was the clerk, he was determined to work his way through and become richer than his boss. He shook the briefcase, glad with his decision, he went off with the briefcase and away.