Mark slammed his firm fist hard down on the solid mahogany desk he was leaning on. The place was so untidy, papers scattered all over his office, and almost all drawers opened. It looked like he was searching for something life-saving in his office. His usual organized self could seem to be just a show.
"Shit!" he growled through clenched teeth, "all my Machiavellian plans have gone to waste that. That…" said Mark vehemently. All his built-up castles had collapsed.
"No, no, no, he can't sell me out. I have to leave before that imbecile tells on me to the cops," thought Mark loudly. The thought of going to jail haunted him. Still, he was not contrived to feel remorse for what he planned and did to his friend. He had to turn tail from all these inconveniences. He immediately rose, picked up his phone, jacket, and a piece of paper, glanced at it briefly, and then tossed it aside. He flapped around the room, looking at the paned window, then turned to one of the open drawers, picked a pile of documents, and placed it inside his leather briefcase. He then looked around the room and strode out, banging the innocent door behind him.
All his life, he had worked hard aspiring for something better for himself, but as fate had it, he hit the end before he even began. Everything he had worked hard for disastrously slipped right through his hands when he thought he had made it.
He could feel his heart beating as swift as his steps as he walked to his car, looking around. As soon as he reached his parked jeep, he ignited the ignition and drove immediately out of the premises without hesitating for a second.
The bustling activities of the day quilted as he drove past the shops. Everything looked so deserted few people could be seen walking around their businesses. As he drove to the shopping center, some old men could be seen playing cards while others were staring aimlessly at the road and space. They seemed to be in their thoughts.
As Mark drove through the town to his destination, he was disconcerted as he didn't even know what to do or turn to. His colossal stupidity has led him from the frying pan into the fire.
He remembered everything crystal clear.
It was one Saturday morning when Denis Ekeno, his friend, came to his apartment. He was resting on the sofa of his apartment looking through some documents when he heard a car pulling over at his parking. He left his papers on the table and peeped through the window. Dennis was getting out of his Mercedes Benz and pushed the door to close behind him.
He stood for a moment outside as if he had remembered something but moved instantly across the parking area walked towards the door. He knocked on the door in quick succession. Mark swiftly moved from the window to open the door to his friend.
"Hey morning," greeted Dennis as he walked inside the house
"Morning," responded Mark curiously
Dennis sank in a leather-covered seat near the kitchen door. He seemed to be loaded with thoughts and a bit stressed. After a long period of silence from the two parties, Dennis finally sat forward, and his brown eyes shot a glance at Mark.
"I need your help, Mark."
"What is it," Mark asked curiously
"Am going to my uncle's burial in a couple of days, and I need someone I trust to look over the business while I am away," stated Dennis. "Also, apart from the burial, I may be gone for two months somewhere to deal with urgent matters. If Dennis was seriously looking at Mark, he could sense a sense of excitement taking him over.
Mark came closer to Dennis and parted his back" I am sorry, man, accept my condolences, take it easy. I know you were very close to your uncle ad he played a good part in your upbringing." Consoled Mark sympathetically to his friend.
Mark felt like flying to the sky with happiness, but he had to be careful not to make his friend notice anything suspicious yet and had to suppress it.
"So who do you have in mind to help with the running of the Company," asked Mark expectantly
"I have no one else other than you. You know we have come from far together, and you know everything about my business. It cannot be in a safer hand than your."
"Will you accept to do me this favor?" asked Dennis as he finished his sentence.
Mark thought for a few minutes before answering, "well. I can't say no to my friend. You know I can do anything for you without even asking. What are friends for? Everything will be in safer hands. You go and bury your uncle. I'll handle everything."
"I have left every detail with the lawyer and managers, Mr. Ekitela Randy. He will help in case you need anything."
"I must be getting along now, and I have to do one and two things before embarking on my journey in three days."
"Thanks, man, you are a true friend indeed," said Denis as he stood on his feet.
He then embraced Mark quickly and paced to the door. Before he opened the door, he stood for a second, contemplating what he could have done without Mark in his life. He has always been there for him.
"Have just realized how I can't do without you, and without your support, I would not be where I am. You have always been there for me each time I need you. Will forever be indebted to you," Said Dennis sincerely
"You are my only friend and even more like a brother. You are my family." Said Mark emotionally
They embraced again and walked out of the building, laughing at what they did in the past when kids were together. He escorted him to where he had parked the car and watched him drive out of the compound without blinking while waving at him.
Yes! Mark exclaimed, raising his folded fist in the air in excitement." It is time now to implement the plan," thought mark as he walked back to his house cheerfully
The remains of the flowers stood crisp and lively in their rainy season. Mark walked up the steps to the house and closed the door behind him. This was the opportunity he was looking for to take everything from his friend. He could not let the opportunity slip from his hand. Dennis did not even realize he had given the wolf a chance to devour him whole.