Chapter 31:
After the short reception at king's residence, Mrs. Keith Rodger and husband were taken to the apartment in western part of the palace. The apartment is a detached house. Mark Rodger also was taken to the apartment after his discussions with Prince Richmond.
Mom, Prince Richmond had spoken with the General Manager of Gordon Corporation about my contract. He had instructed the G.M. to ensure the contract is awarded to me.
Oh! What a good news? So when are you picking up the contract document, his mother asked. I will wait till they call for me. In two days, if you don't hear from the company, call the Prince to intimate him, his dad stated.
I'm sure either the GM or the procurement office personnel will call me tomorrow, Mark remarked. Let's hope so, his mother retorted as she sensed there was foul play going on in the corporation.
Mark left his parents late in the evening for his residence in the city. On arrival at his residence, he called Gina Gladson to intimate her of latest development as regard the tender.
She was so excited to hear that Mark Rodger would finally get the contract he had bidded for. "When the contract document is finally handed over to you, we must surely celebrate it, Gina muttered,"
You are very right, Gina, not just celebration but you deserve to be given a precious gift. Oh! I will appreciate such a gift, Mark, she responded with loud smile. I will let you know when I have collected the contract document, Mark said as he ends the call.
Two days later, Mark hasn't received any call or email from the corporation to the effect that the said contract has been awarded to his company. He became worried. He couldn't tell what was happening at Gordon Corporation.
So, he decides to call Prince Richmond to intimate him of the development. Good morning, Prince Richmond. Good morning Mark Rodger. How are you brother? And hope you have collected the contract document, Prince Richmond asked hoping to get a good response.
My Prince that's the reason I'm calling you. I haven't been called to pick up the document. You mean you haven't gotten any call or email message from Gordon Corporation. Yes, Prince, Mark responded.
Please let's meet in the General Manager's office in one hour. Oh! My Prince thank you. I will meet you there right away. When the Prince dropped his phone, he knew something inappropriate is going on in the corporation and he really want to unravel it.
He was taken in a convoy to the company. As he was arriving at the security gate, he saw Mark Rodger just arriving too. So, he asked the driver to pick him up.
As the convoy was heading towards the General Manager's office, Prince Richmond told Mark that he suspected someone in the company is playing pranks concerning his contract. And he will like to know who that personality is.
Mr. William Harts had been briefed of the arrival of Prince Richmond by the receptionist and he was waiting at his door as we approached his office. Good morning my Prince. You didn't call to inform me you are visiting today. Please have your seats, Mr. William Hart stated as he offered them seats. Mark also exchanged greeting too with the GM as he takes his seat.
Good morning Mr. William Hart. Yes, it's going to be a short meeting, Prince responded as he sat in front of the GM. As the GM too returned back to his seat, he politely requested what has brought the Prince to his office.
He cleared his throat said; two days back, I remember asking you to give a contract to Richlad Ventures Limited. Yes, you did, Mr. Hart responded. This is Prince Mark Rodger the director of the company.
He is yet to be given the contract document, Prince yelled. I'm sorry Prince Richmond for the mixed up. I endorsed the contract immediately you called that we should give the contract to the company.
Please, let me call the procurement/contract department to find out why he hasn't been advised. Good afternoon Mr. Jayden Gary. Good afternoon Mr. William Hart. What can I do for you please?
The contract document I endorsed for Richlad Ventures Limited why is it not given to the director of the company yet, Mr. Hart asked. I can't really tell but I have instructed Mr. Garet Nancy since two days ago to get across to the contractor to pick his contract. Why he hasn't done that I can't really tell. I will find out and get back to you.
Please if the contract copy is still there in your office, please bring it straight away to my office. Prince Richmond and the director of the company are right in my office to take the contract document in person.
Okay! I will do just that and come over. In procurement/contract office, Mr. Gary called for Mr. Garet to see him immediately in his office. He rushed from his desk to his boss office.
What's happening to the approved contract document issued to Richlad Ventures Limited? You have reached out to the client to pick up his contract. I haven't, Garet responded with a con smile. How long will it take you to do that? Prince Richmond and the client are in GM's office to collect the document.
Kindly get the document for me right away. I have to take it personally to GM's office now.
Meanwhile, it was an intentional act by Mr. Garet to just delay the despatch of the approved contract to the client. He had wanted to take tip from Mark Rodger before the release of the approved contract document.
However, he has no option now but to release the document for his boss if he still want to keep his job in Gordon Corporation. He returned with a file containing the document and handed it over to his boss.
Mr. Gary knew what Garet Nancy was up to keeping the approved contract document but kept his querry till after returning from GM's office.
As he got to the GM's office, he tapped the door before entering. Please come in, Mr. Hart responded. As he walked into the office, he greeted the Prince, Mark Rodger and Mr. Hart before handing over the file containing the approved contract document to Mr. William Hart.
Please have your seat, Mr. Gary. Thank you, Gary said as he take a seat besides Mark Rodger. Please tell me why Mr. Mark Rodger has not been called to pick up this contract papers, Mr. Hart asked to vindicate himself.
Prince Richmond and Mr. Mark Rodger, I'm very sorry for the delay in releasing the contract papers. It was one of my subordinate that forgot to call Mr. Mark Rodger to pick up his contract. Prince Richmond and Mr. Mark Rodger, please pardon us, Mr. Gary pleaded.
You and your staff are forgiven. Hope such scenerio will not repeat itself again, Prince asked. Sure! My Prince, Mr. Gary replied.
Mr. Hart checked the contract papers then past copies to Mr. Mark Rodger to endorse the client's part. He did sign then return the duplicate copy back to Mr. Hart.
Prince Richmond then thanked both men, Mr. Hart and Gary before they leave the office. As they walked back to the vehicle park, Mark Rodger was relieved of great fear that had gripped him. He was greatly excited that he finally got his fifty billion dollars contract papers in his hand.