EIGHTEEN
Nick entered the company to find almost 3 quarters of the employees in tears. He looked around in confusion, wondering if something bad happened.
Then he learnt from Claire that a stranger lady that calls herself young master's wife had fired them.
Nick let out a heavy sigh. What right did she have? ...
Well she's James's wife...
He shook his head in disappointment and tried consoling them.
"Don't worry when the boss arrives, he will...." He spoke to them but they all rushed towards a particular person, Kneeling before him.
He turned to see that James had arrived. James himself was taken aback and tried preventing them from touching him.
"What on earth is the problem?" He queried a disgusting look on his face.
Claire helped to clear the part for him.
"Sir please save us..."
"I have a family of seven..."
"You can't fire us just like that!!"
He kept on hearing voices. Is a protest going on?
Claire explained everything but he seemed less concerned.
When did Merlin get here? ... Wasn't she the one in the car with me?... What are these people saying?....
"Sir?" Claire called him back to reality.
"Hmmm....just tell them they can stay,'' He replied, a little embarrassed. He walked into the elevator, a series of questions lined up in his head. Nick joined him.
"James, why on earth would you let Merlin do this?... she's practically-"
"Not now, Nick .. not now," James warned him. He himself was confused. If only Nick knew he had no idea about this..I mean she was just with me in the car a while ago....
"Then when? First you married a stranger and now she's taking over the company? Are you alright?.. do you think Mr Clinton would-"
"Clinton, Clinton... Clinton! It's my life and my company for Christ sake!.. leave Clinton out of this!" James yelled in frustration leaving the elevator.
"I'm only concerned as a friend... can't you see that things are falling out of place?" Nick followed him.
"Like I said, I will sort things out. Just say out of this," James warned not sparing him a glance.
Nick felt heartbroken. Did he hear James well? He should stay out of these? Seriously?
"We've been friends for– Mr Clinton?" Nick paused on sighting Mr Clinton as they barged into the office.
James looked surprised too. He wasn't supposed to be here and his flight was 2 days from now, so how come?
Sir Clinton didn't look happy. Both could tell.
Merlin just smiled and hugged James. He instantly forgot all that happened. The series of questions he wanted to ask - just everything.
Nick looked around and wondered what happened to the office arrangements. "Am I the only one seeing these?" He asked pointing at the coloured walls and other changed stuff.
No one talked to him. He just kept mute and nodded his head in disbelief. This is weird...
"Why are you here?" He asked Mr Clinton with no atom of respect.
Sir Clinton was taken aback but actually not offended - he has seen a lot already.
"She calls herself your wife. Explain!" He fired back.
Nick just watched. Merlin gave him a wicked grin.
"That's right. We are married," James replied, circling his arms around her waist.
Sir Clinton shook his head. "Right… you married her without even letting me know? Do you even know her?"
"Oh.. please! I'm sick of all this nonsense. Do I need permission to be married?" He asked angrily, walking towards Sir Clinton.
"I'm your Godfather, if you've forgotten. I helped you establish this company and you..."
"To hell with that. Let's break the bonds," Merlin held his arms and whispered something into his ear.
"I don't need you and your support any more." He continued.
"James!" Nick yelled in disbelief.
"Get lost Nick !" James shouted back at him, firing bullets with his eyes.
Nick turned to Merlin and she gave him a cute smile - a smile that says : James is my man.
"I don't know what this bitch fed you with but you can't." Sir Clinton tried to settle the misunderstanding.
"Don't use the B word on her. She's my wife and if you don't accept it, then I don't know you!" James warned.
Sir Clinton looked angry. This was it! James had gone nuts !!!
"James, reconsider your decision. Sir Clinton has helped you as a kid and he's also helping crystals. Please don't." Nick begged. He knew James wasn't in his right mind.
"It's my decision. I don't want him in my life anymore. Can't he get it? "
Sir Clinton glanced at James, then at Nick and at Merlin. He froze. Her stare was blank and heavy as though she was transmitting something. Invisible blue rays formed arrows and struck Clinton's heart.
He felt a sharp pain in his heart and slowly staggered to the floor. Nick held him up and saw blood oozing from his mouth, his eyes had turned blue too.
"Sir Clinton? Oh my God,.... we should take him to ...to..the hospital," Nick stammered, his voice shaking. Tears welled up in his eyes.
James wanted to call the ambulance but Merlin stopped him.
"They are already on the way," she replied with an evil smile on her lips.
Nick looked at her and then to James. How can they come if you refuse to call them?
In a twinkle of an eye, they heard the siren and Sir Clinton was rushed to the hospital. Nick followed behind.
"Aren't you coming?" He asked James who seemed lost.
This is my fault.... Sir Clinton probably had an attack because of my harsh words..but he shouldn't have said that about Merlin... He is just-
"No he isn't," Merlin replied, holding James back. James nodded at Nick who left disappointed.
Definitely, my James is missing. He thought.
"Hon...how do you like the changes?" Merl asked as soon as Nick left.
James looked around surprised. "Nice," was all he said with a smile.