Bugle and Smith shared a strong relationship that dated back to their childhood days. It was around the time Smith's parents got divorced, following a serious scandal that resulted in their separation at the time. The news of his father's fraud dealings had come to light. Their home became the Press abode, camera lights flashing, angry faces of mob staring; asking questions, demanding answers. J.B Smith who was twelve years at the time was smart enough to know his family was at the receiving of the world's fury. It was a raging storm for the family. It didn't matter the number of times his mother screamed to their camera that the family was innocent. That his father had acted solely on his own and should bear the consequences alone.
Catherine Smith has always been like that. Not one to take the fall with you. Especially, when she had, on different occasions advised her husband to take caution, do away with his immoral friends. She had even stopped accepting gifts and money from him. She also threatened to file for divorce; that was a year before all hell broke loose. The only thing she couldn't bring herself to do was to snitch on her husband. She couldn't bear to see her kids been tainted with news of such. She had hoped that Jake would come around. That his family would be his priority but she was wrong.
Catherine had moved out of the house with her kids and immediately the divorce process was completed, she relocated to another town with them. It was tough on them all but J.B took it hard. He became bad tempered, withdrawn, and was always engaged in a brawl or another at the slightest provocation. He couldn't tolerate anything or anyone around him. Juliet, his sister, was just 3 years at the time. She doesn't have much memory to fall back on.
It was at J.B's new school he met Bugle. On that fateful day, J.B had put a group of bully in their place, in an open confrontation. He had come to the rescue of a girl when he couldn't tolerate the group's cruelty. Bugle's admiration for J.B was palpable. Bugle started drawing closer to J.B until they became best of friends. Bugle had been the one keeping other students at bay whenever they tried to mock J.B for his father's fall. He encouraged J.B to forge ahead.
Bugle and J.B slapped each other's back as they exchanged greetings. He extended his hand to Anna for an handshake.
"I hope your boss here is not making life unbearable for you?" Bugle asked Anna with a smile.
Anna smiled back at him.
"Not at all. He's a sweet one", Anna said whispering.
"Ah! I see. Someone loves her boss"
Anna quickly darted her eyes to J.B's, feeling embarrassed. She didn't expect Bugle to spell it out the way he did.
"Relax! He doesn't get such complement often. He won't even touch a head on your head now that I know you", he said laughing".
Fred had been informed of their arrival immediately J.B stepped into the premises. He came down to receive his guest. He walked up to the group.
"This is a great honor indeed! Africa's young richest billionaire and most eligible bachelor standing right on my property", he said with a smile that exposed his tobacco stained teeth.
"Do not flatter yourself Fred. I'm just a man trying to make a living", J.B responded
Fred acknowledged the presence of Bugle and Anna. He had met the two before on different occasions.
"Okay! Shall we proceed?" Fred asked clapping his hands excitedly as one who won a sweet deal.
He led them into a private dinning hall on the first floor. The room was well arranged to suit the purpose. They all took their seat. Fred sat beside Bugle while facing Anna. J.B sat beside Anna, facing Bugle. A waiter walked to their table, taking their order of wine and food preference.
"Shall we get down to business?" J.B asked seeing no reason to extend his stay there than necessary.
"Relax Smith! You just got here. We'll get to that", Fred said with a hint of amusement.
The waiter came back to serve their wine. Then retreated quietly, leaving them to their discussion.
Just then, Fred's lawyer walked into the room. They all exchanged greetings as he introduced himself as Lucas Greg before taking a seat beside Fred. Their meal was served; ceviche, steak, chicken salad with creamy mushroom toppings, tacos, chicken soup, baked potatoes topped with spicy brussels sprouts, creamed spinach, caesar salad, broccoli and a variety of expensive luscious wine. Fred gave a sigh of contentment as he dug into his plate. The rest ate with sheer gusto.
The dinner was a success with Fred extending a partnership deal to Smith. All the paperwork was done between Fred's lawyer, Lucas and Smith's legal advisor, Bugle. Smith couldn't say for certain what Fred hopes to get from a partnership deal with him but he knew his motives are not pure. At the moment, his private investigator is doing a thorough background check on Fred. He had been out of town for some weeks now, following a clue that could reveal Fred's hidden background and dubious acts if the story is affirmed.
Smith brought out his phone to call James to bring the limo around. Smith and Bugle walked out together with Fred, while Anna trailed behind with Lucas. Lucas who had been giving Anna, open admiration since the time he walked into the dinning room, seized the opportunity to strike a conversation with her.
"You look fabulous, by the way. I couldn't take my eyes off you throughout dinner", he said, complementing her.
Anna flushed brightly.
"Mmm, says someone whose attention was on his plate all through", Anna replied teasingly.
Lucas is a fine specimen in his own right and it wouldn't hurt to associate with him. She thought.
"Ah! That's not true my lady", he said feigning a hurt.
"Anyway, here's my business card. I would love to hear from you".
They bade each other farewell as Anna slid into the limousine.
Fred went back in with Lucas, leaving Smith and Bugle outside.
"I understand why you're doing all this but I do have my reservation on it. I would prefer we tread carefully", Bugle said with all seriousness.
Smith understood Bugle's fear is stemmed from the history he shared with his father. Smith had vowed within him he would erase the dent the old man brought upon the family until the family's name is remembered only for its good deeds. So, being caught in a compromising situation, associating with an infamous personality like Fred, would crash his years of hardwork.
"Trust me man, I've got this", Smith assured him
Bugle nodded as he clasped Smith on his back. They both made small talks before Bugle left for his car. Smith entered his. Anna was dropped first on Smith's order before heading to his penthouse on fifth avenue.