It was a warm summer evening, and the sun had just set, leaving the sky bathed in a warm orange glow.
John Richardson sat on the chair and stared at the large wall clock in his study.
The study was a vast, elegant space with high ceilings, big windows, and furniture that was designed specifically for it. It had a large fireplace, beautiful chandeliers, and detailed mouldings. The walls were adorned with priceless artwork, antique maps, and rare books.
At one end of the study, there was a well-stocked bar, complete with premium liquors, vintage wines, and rare whiskies, including the red wine belonging to the Zaveris company. Also, there was a humidor stocked with the finest, priciest and rarest cigars.
And at the other end of the study, there was a private library, with shelves lined with leather-bound books and first editions. The collection of books ranged from classic literature to modern business books and biographies of other successful people.
The massive desk, which was crafted of expensive exotic wood, and designed with marble, served as the study's centrepiece. The desk was cluttered with high-tech gadgets, such as a top-of-the-line computer, multiple monitors, and high-speed internet. A selection of pricey pens, paperweights, and other executive materials were also there. Amongst the high-tech gadgets were a few 2G phones.
From the study alone, one would see that it reflected the massive wealth, taste and interests that the Richardsons had. It was obvious that the study was designed for comfort, inspiration and productivity.
The Richardsons weren't just anyhow people in the society, they had class and were one of the most elite in the society at large.
Amongst the high-tech gadgets were a few 2G phones. These were his instruments for every sneaky plan he had because they could not be tracked, unlike 3G phones, 4G phones and every other type of high-tech gadgets. They were always properly kept in a safe in his study and He always ensured that the phones were always properly disposed of after every use, so that it would leave no link to him in case things go awry.
The time was now just a few minutes to seven; 6:49pm. John Richardson turned on one of the 2G phones that was on his large marbled table and began to stare at it at intervals. It was like he was expecting a call.
At exactly 7pm, the long-awaited call came in. The phone vibrated and he picked it up almost immediately.
"Hello sir." A male voice calmly said, from the other end of the call.
"Yes, any updates?" He asked as soon as he picked the call.
"The plan fell through, sir. I'm so sorry, sir." The voice responded.
All hopes and positive expectations went down the drain immediately he got the response from the other person on the line.
"What the hell?!" John Richardson yelled at the person on the other end of the call and angrily slammed the phone against the wall. This ended the call and the phone shattered into many pieces.
.
.
.
Kelvin immediately sighted the figure hidden in the shadows of a nearby building in the hospital who had taken the pictures. The photographer had been watching them for a while, and when the strange lady appeared, he saw an opportunity to capture the moment.
Realising he had been sighted by Kelvin after taking their pictures, the photographer immediately took to his heels and Kelvin raced after him in the bid to catch him.
Kelvin instantly picked his phone and speed dialled a number, it was picked immediately.
"Come to the garden behind the Emergency Building immediately, the boss is there. Stay with him, I'll meet you there soon." He ordered and ended the call.
"What is going on?" Sorin immediately said, while trying to release himself from the tight hug of the unknown lady but it seemed impossible.
"Get a grip, lady!" He thundered, finally shaking her off him.
It threw her off balance but she was quick to compose herself.
"Is this how you go about hugging strangers? What the hell!" He fired at her, while she stood there unbothered. Her tears had also dried up. It was like she was on a mission
Sorin was so pissed at the situation and the misinterpretation it sure would have caused in the minds of the people who saw what happened in just a few minutes.
In a few seconds, Damian, another one of Sorin's guards, came running towards them and at that moment, the strange lady moved close to Sorin again, this time, in an attempt to kiss him.
He immediately shoved her aside, making her almost fall to the ground but was swiftly caught by Damian who had gotten to the scene just in time.
"Excuse me ma'am, this is harassment!." Damian said to her harshly.
"Whatever!" The strange lady responded.
"Do you know you can be arrested for this?" Damian added, looking more serious.
"I was only doing my job… Duh!" She responded and walked away, leaving both Damian and Sorin speechless and shocked.
"What did she mean by that?" Sorin asked.
"I have no idea, sir." Damian responded.
"Find out who she is immediately and whoever she is working with or working for. I want to know instantly!" Sorin ordered.
He expected Damian to leave immediately but was surprised that he wasn't taking any step away.
"And what are you still doing here? I just gave you something important to do. What the hell are you waiting for?!" Sorin shouted.
"Sir, Mr Kelvin said to not leave you alone by yourself and wait for him." He responded calmly.
"And where is he by the way?" Sorin asked, looking around with his hands in his pockets.
"I'm not sure sir, he only called me to come here but from the way he sounded, it was like he was running to catch up with something very important." Damian further explained.
"Oh yes, that bastard!" Sorin said with irritation.
Damian knew he would dare not question Sorin. He wasn't close in rank to Kelvin also but he was the head of them all. He was one of the guards but he hardly was ever in close contact with Sorin. He was always sent to the minor jobs but never the major ones.
At that moment, Kelvin appeared with bruised knuckles on his right hand but before he could catch his breath, Sorin began questioning him.
"Where is that bastard? Did you just let him off?"
"Yes sir, he is not worth it but I made sure such wouldn't repeat itself." Kelvin said, still trying to catch his breath.
"Hmmmmm." Sorin sighed after his eyes travelled round Kelvin and noticed the bruised knuckles.
Apparently, he and the strange lady are working together. They needed a hot topic for their agency and needed to do all it takes. The moment they saw you, they decided to use you to get what they needed, sir." Kelvin explained.
"Oh! No wonder she said what she said earlier." Sorin said while connecting the dots while Damian nodded in the positive leaving Kelvin confused.
At that moment, a nurse ran towards them and immediately Sorin saw her, the fear in him shot up once again.
"Your attention is urgently needed, sir." She said and immediately turned back and ran into the hospital.