It was a very long night for John Boston Smith, CEO of ALF Group of Companies. After the exhausting events of the day; a flashback of his broken relationship, anxiety of attack and fear of losing his daughter, he had hit the bed, a train of emotional wreck. Soon he found himself in the enclosed arms of sleep, patting him to oblivion.
With the help of Patty, his housekeeper, he had set up a temporary room for Ella to pass the night before her room would be ready the next day.
It was a beautiful memory; enjoying the tranquility of the ocean with Tessy. They had been pronounced man and wife by the officiating Minister. It was pure joy for Smith, watching Tessy beam with smile as she said her vows. He could barely contain himself at the reception. He had planned a surprise getaway for his bride. He whisked her off amidst friends and family. Even his driver, James, had been in high spirit since the announcement of their engagement. He gave his boss an approving look as he opened the door of the limousine after Tessy had been made to settle into the car herself.
Smith had arranged a beach honeymoon in the caribbean for the woman of his life. It had been one of Tessy's wishes he had promised to fulfill. After the necessary documentation had taken place, Jean flew them out of the country in Smith's private jet.
Out of the blue, the beauty became the beast as Tessy gradually transformed in Smith's sight. The bright sky became gloomy, a storm had gathered from all points, creating a terrifying atmosphere. Smith rolled in bed restlessly, beads of perspiration gathered on his forehead like tiny blisters. His body also covered in sweat, soaking his king-sized bed. His sweet dream became a nightmare. He fisted his hands to his side, squeezing the bedspread with it. He rolled to his side once more releasing an animal cry of pain. His anguish was indescribable. His head rolling sideways, as he kept repeating a monosyllabic word. No!
His eyes fluttered open, his troubled mind trying to picture his environment. Then, he realized he was having a bad dream again. The part of the bed he slept was soaked in his sweat. He climbed out of bed in a swift motion, as he made his way to the bathroom to have a shower. When he was done, he simply put his pyjamas bottom on, then proceeded to his bar to pour himself a strong drink. He carried his glass and the bottle of liquor with him to his home office, chosing to work a bit since sleep had elude him.
He went through his work pad. There are some pending issues that required his attention. He had not forgotten the reason he had lashed out on his managing director, Kenneth Paul, on Friday. After the exorbitant list submitted by Paul to the financial officer. An ex employee had filed a case against his company and James had left him out of it, despite being a huge case. Anna had brought him in on it. So, he had ordered that she submitted all files regarding the case to his table that Friday. He had requested Paul's presence also, only for Paul to try downplay the issue like it was not a big deal. Smith had lost his cool then.
"What do you mean a minor case. The court is charging you that huge fine and you call it minor? Did it ever occurred to you what that would do to our reputation?" Smith had lashed out.
Paul had bowed this head like a sullen child.
"Besides, what is this about no safety measures for workers? How much do we allocate for that per quarter? Do you even understand a thing about court case and its procedure? For fuck's sake! Why would you accept the fine?"
Paul still maintained his silence, not sure of how to defend his actions.
"Answer me!" Smith barked
Paul's head snapped up immediately.
"Sir, we ... we haven't exactly acknowledged the court's fine. The list was only submitted in error to the financial officer's desk. Infact, I can assure you that the plaintiff had withdrawn the case" he said, feeling some confidence restored to him.
"Submit in error? Who is the idiot that commit such wrong? I don't remember the human resource department employing incompetent fools!".
Smith's eyes was blazing fire. He has been pushed to his limit, listening to the flimsy excuses Paul was giving him.
"Sir, I have dealt with the personnel. I sincerely apologize for that"
"I am no fool, Paul. And you are playing with fire if you think for once you can play on my intelligence". Smith stated a clear warning, his eyes staring intently at Paul before he continued.
"Okay, let's assume that the bill was submitted in error, and it's been brought to your notice. Why wasn't the financial desk given a heads-up?" Smith questioned.
"I ... actually, I was going to do that today before I got your invite".
Smith nodded, not taking his eyes off Paul's. He would not argue further with him now. Smith thought.
"You said the plaintiff stepped out of the case, right? Smith asked
"Yes, sir. She did. It was a false accusation to begin with", Paul replied
"Okay, but she hasn't heard the last from me. You will file a new case against her. She will compensate ALF for damaging her reputation".
"Uhm, I would like to state my view on that sir, if you don't mind"
"Go on"
"That woman is not capable to meet any of your demands, I assure you. So, I would suggest we let it be, so we don't stir up the masses anger against us. I believe majority would want to sympathize with her and turn the case around sir. Paul explained.
"We are the victim here. That woman rubbed my name in mud and I should let her be? Have you thought about what message that would be sending to the public out there? Or even our competitors who would turn such situation around to do more damage for ALF?"
"I understand sir"
"No, you don't understand. It would simply means she was right and that's why she was able to walk freely. And a lot can come out of that. Including the fine you claimed to receive in error." Smith said
"I'm sorry sir".
"I used to believe you are smarter than this but right now you make me question that. Work with Bugle on this. I want a case filed against that woman" Smith had told him.
Smith rubbed his temple in circular motion. Just recalling their conversation is making his head hot. He would never have expected such incompetency from his own managing director. He wondered briefly if there was more to the case than Paul was letting on.
He would dig to the end of the matter. Smith promised himself, as he emptied the content of his glass.
Just then, a call came in on Smith's phone. He picked it up to answer the call. It was his private investigator, Douglas. .
"Smith" he said to the receiver.
Good morning sir," Douglas greeted.
"Yes, morning. What's the news?"
"Sir, following your instruction to keep tab on Miss Minali, one of my boys reported to me she has been visiting an hospital for the last two days and it was even confirmed that she passed the night there. Also, I believe the money you transferred to her account was used for the hospital bills. Sir, I'm guessing her mother's health condition is critical at the moment. That's the only logical explanation, I can give for now"
Smith had his eyes closed all the while. He exhaled!
"Thank you. You have done a great job"
"Sir, would you like us to look further into it to ascertain the cause?"
"Yes, do that. And Send me the address of the hospital".
"I have sent all to your mail sir. Including footage of Miss Minali captured around the hospital and her house".
"Excellent. I will check it".
"We are almost concluding our investigation on Fred. You will be interested in what I have for you. I believe it will help bring him and Fox industry down," Douglas said.
"Alright. Be careful" Smith cautioned
"When don't I boss?"
Smith could tell he's probably having a good one there. He enjoys what he does. Sometimes, too much, for his own good. He's one of the few persons he knows who doesn't care much about their safety when on assignment.
"Always", Smith replied mockingly. "Now, get off my phone Douglas. Let me catch some sleep". Smith said, dismissing him.
Good thing he has a team of sufficient personnel, Smith considered, as he rose from his seat. He had been able to put the remnant of his dream back where it belonged. He thought of getting some sleep before daybreak but first, he would check on his daughter.
He went into Ella's room quietly. He didn't want to stir her from sleep. He noted she was sleeping peacefully. He lightly rubbed her cheek, then gave her a peck before stepping out quietly, just as he had come in..