Richie's graduation was 3 days away. I was busy with preparations. Meanwhile, Richard had travelled to Ghana for a business trip. I was in the office during my lunch break when I got a call from the Company's General manager in Lagos.
"Good morning Mrs Richard" he greeted.
"Good morning Mr Francis. Hope all is well?" I asked because it was odd for him to call me directly.
"I'm afraid not ma'am. You should switch on the news channel. The Office in Victoria island caught fire last night. Nobody knows the source of the fire. The police are still investigating. All the files have been burnt down to ashes. We've lost a lot of documents. We don't know who got them out of the fire-proof cabinets. Mrs Richard are you still with me?"
I was dumbfounded. Words failed me. The office in Victoria Island was the biggest and it had the highest investment and profit. I couldn't begin to imagine how much would be lost and what that would mean in the present unstable economy. And the worst part, it wasn't insured.
"Hello?" he said again.
"Mr Francis I hope nobody is hurt?" I asked.
"No ma, but 1 body was found. The security guard that was on patrol. He would have seen what started the fire. The police suspect he brought out those files and maybe set the place on fire. He is burnt almost beyond recognition. His family demand compensation" he replied.
"Alright, talk to the financial secretary. I'll be in Lagos by tomorrow" I said and hung up.
I started feeling dizzy. I called Richard and told him what happened. He was shocked too. When I left the office I asked my secretary to book a flight to Lagos. The fire accident was all over the news.
When I went home Richie was with Nana playing scrabble. I told him what happened and that I needed to travel. I was contemplating leaving him alone since Richard was not back yet.
My flight was 8.30 the next morning. Before I left I told Richie to be good.
"No parties while I'm away okay?" I said to him. He laughed.
"Ofcourse mum. have a safe flight" he replied. I was still unsure of leaving him to the care of our workers. I thought of asking Delilah to stay with him before I came back. I was only going away for a day. I told Richie but he wasn't happy. He assured me he'll be responsible and he'll be alright.
I arrived in Lagos amidst the aftermath of the fire incident. I didn't know it was that serious. The building was barely recognisable. I went to visit the victim's family. Compensation of 3 million naira had been paid already. The police were still investigating the cause of the fire.
I had a lot of supervision to do which would take me atleast 3 days. I was gonna miss Richie's graduation dinner. I wasn't happy about it. Richard called me to ask about how things were going.
"Everything is a mess. There's a lot to do. I can't leave Lagos till Monday and Richie's graduation dinner is Saturday." I told him how stressed I was already.
"Don't worry. I'll fly straight to Lagos from Ghana on Friday. I'll take over and you can go back to Abuja in time for Richie's graduation dinner. Is that okay?" he asked.
"No honey. Maybe you should be with him at the graduation dinner instead. I'll see if I can round up by Friday." I replied.
"As you wish. While you're there... why don't you check on Blessing? Ask if she's coming for the graduation dinner. She should be there. He's her son" he said. I kept quiet for a while. It won't be an easy task, I thought to myself.
"Text me the address. I'll send someone if I can't make it" I replied. When we finished talking I called Richie to make sure he was alright. He didn't seem to mind that I would miss his graduation.
"It's okay mum. I understand" he said to me. I was relieved.
Richard texted me Blessing's address. I picked a few things for her at the mall so as not to go empty handed. I was having mixed feelings about going to see her. When I reached the flat I knocked. A tall fat man in a tight shirt with bald head opened the door.
"Yes? How may I help you?" he enquired. I must be in the wrong house, I thought to myself. I checked the flat number again to confirm. It was the right number.
"Uhmm good afternoon I'm here to see miss Blessing. I was told she lives here" I smiled as I told him. He spent a long time looking at me before he moved aside.
"Come inside. I'll call her" he replied.
I went in uncertainly. The flat was nice and neat. Richard sure has a good taste in furniture, I thought as I sank into the soft plushy sofa.
I looked around. There were no frames or photographs on the wall, unlike my house which was covered in pictures and art.
The man went inside what should be the kitchen. I kept the basket of cookies and stuff I brought with me on the side stool and waited. Shortly after, he came out followed by Blessing. She looked fresh and relaxed. And she had added weight.
Money is really a miracle worker, I thought. When she came I stood up.
"Good afternoon Blessing" I greeted her. To my surprise she actually smiled.
"Good afternoon. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" she asked smiling. I tried to mask my surprise because I was sure my mouth was gaping wide open.
"Oh please do sit down. Make yourself at home" she said again gesturing to the chair behind me. I swallowed and sat. She was still smiling. It was starting to freak me out. She had changed completely and it was scaring me.
"Thanks. I came by to see how you're doing. And to invite you to Rich--- I mean Junior's Graduation dinner. It's on Saturday." I watched her reaction.
"Oh great. My little boy is now graduating. And how nice of you to think of inviting me" she smiled again and looked straight into my eyes. I shifted in my seat.
"Er--- well... You're his mother Afterall. You should be there" I replied in a low voice. She laughed.
"Indeed. Oh forgive my manners. Obi please get her something to drink" she said to the man I met at the door.
"Oh please don't bother. I should be on my way" I said quickly. Who knows what she would put in the drink, I thought.
She looked at me with a bemused expression, like she was studying me. I was becoming uncomfortable. I decided I would leave before things get more awkward. I was just about to leave when she smiled and said:
"I'm back in school now by the way."
I was trying hard not to be rude.
"Oh that's very nice. I really should be leaving now" I said to her.
"Oh why the hurry? By the way I heard about the fire incident. Makes you wonder who would hate you that much, to set your money-making machine ablaze huh?" I started to sweat. What is she insinuating? I faked a smile.
"It was an accident actually. Faulty electronic" I replied calmly. She laughed.
"Was it now? And the victim... I do hope his family won't press charges" she picked at her nails.
"He used to be a friend of mine you know. But he died for a good cause,i would say" she looked at me and laughed. "What is it mrs smart? Cat ate your tongue?" she said.
"What do you mean by all this?" I asked.
"I told you it's not over yet, didn't I? Infact it has just begun" she replied and smiled wickedly.
My mouth suddenly went dry. Many thoughts were coming to my head. I didn't want to believe what my mind was telling me. I picked up my purse and stood up.
"Thanks for the hospitality" I said dryly as I made for the door. I didn't look back to see her reaction.
"See you at the graduation dinner---- or not!" she called after me as I entered the car. I could still hear her laugh as I told the driver to step on the gas.
**** *************************** **********
My whole body was shaking by the time I got back to my hotel room. Everything started to make sense. The exaggerated calm attitude Blessing had, the way she was looking at me. I couldn't believe she would do that to me. Don't just conclude yet, she might have been bluffing. I said to myself. I had to talk to someone. The first person I called was Delilah. I told her what transpired between Blessing and I. She was equally shocked but she advised me not to do anything about it. I thought of telling Richard but I decided against it. He asked me about my meeting with her. I just told him it went well.
Saturday came and I couldn't make it back to abuja. I was so sad. Richard told me he was back home and everything was okay. I called Richie.
"Hey I'm sorry I can't make it. I'll make it up to you I promise." I said to him.
"It's alright mum. Guess what?" he said excitedly. I could tell he wasn't bothered about my absence. It gave me a sinking feeling.
"Uhmm... I can't guess. Tell me" I replied.
"Well there are two things. I passed my SAT and I just received my admission letter from university of southern california" he said happily.
"That's great. I knew you could do it. Congratulations!" I was so happy for him, for us.
"There's something else. Nana said she'd go to prom with me. Can you believe it?"
"Wow Richie that's wonderful. What about her scholarship exam?" I asked surprised. Nana was supposed to be in Lagos because of her scholarship. I was uncomfortable to think that they had the house to themselves all this while.
"She doesn't need to. Her uncle promised to sponsor her. He lives in the US" he replied.
"That's good to know. Congrats to you both. What about your mum? Have you heard from her?" I asked curious to know if Blessing was going to the Graduation dinner.
"Yeah she called me this morning. She's in abuja already. She said she'll be there. I really wish you would be here too" he replied. I sighed. I wanted to leave but there were things that needed my attention. I decided I would stay and finish everything before leaving. Atleast I'll be at the house party.
"Cheer up I'll be back tomorrow morning". I replied.
"Alright. I can't wait to see you. I've gotta go. Bye" he said.
"Bye" I replied.
With that the conversation ended. I hung up. The Saturday was gloomy for me. I missed Richard dearly. And my encounter with Blessing was still disturbing me. I had a terrible feeling that she had something to do with the fire, if not everything.
She said something about the security guard being her friend. I decided to find out more about that. I went to the victim's house where I met his mother and his sister. They were kind to me.
His mother, Mrs Akin told me that Blessing had often visited her late son just before his death, and he seemed troubled after every visit. She also said that Blessing spent on him alot and also gave him a lot of money. I had a feeling Blessing forced him to start the fire and unfortunately he didn't make it out of it. It was sad and unfortunate. I thanked them and left.
I was so mad at Blessing. I thought of every possible way to get back at her but I just decided to let karma get at her. Besides I wasn't sure she was really behind it. I had no proof.
I had a meeting in the evening and by the time I finished it was late in the night. I dialled Richie's number to hear how the prom went. It was switched off. It's 12am already. He must be sleeping, I thought. I decided to call Richard instead. He didn't pick. I called 5 more times. I was getting worried. Many thoughts came to my mind but then I remembered they had a busy day so they must be tired. I texted them both. "Hey I've been trying to reach you. I hope you had fun. Call me as soon as you get this. I miss you" I hit send and hoped they'll call me soon. I fell asleep soon afterwards.
I was woken by a call at 3AM. I didn't check the caller before picking.
"Hello?" I said drowsily.
"Hey baby. Sorry I missed your call"
The person replied. It was Richard.
"Sweetheart where have you been? What happened? I've been worried" I asked.
"I know, I'm sorry. I've been sleeping. I didn't even hear the phone ring. I was thinking of calling you earlier but it skipped my mind" he replied.
"It's okay. How's Richie? I couldn't reach him. Is he okay?" I asked.
"Yeah he is. Though I came home earlier than him and I've been sleeping since I came back I don't know what time he came home. I guess he's asleep" he replied.
"Okay my regards to him. Love you"
"I love you too. Goodnight" he said and hung up.
The next morning I was less busy. I tried to round up everything so I could go back to abuja the next day. On my way back to the hotel I passed by a church. I started thinking. I wasn't really a church-goer. In fact the last time I went to church was for my wedding. I told the driver to park the car. I wondered if it would be weird if I walked in since I wasn't a member. After a little thought I asked him to drive on. Maybe when I go back to abuja we'll start going to church as a family, Richard, Richie and I. It seemed like a nice idea.
On getting to the hotel Richard called me.
"Hey I was just thinking about you. How are you doing?" I asked excitedly.
"Alison, Richie has not been home since last night" he said. His voice was shaky.
"I've been trying to reach him but his number is not going through. I asked his friends but they said the last time they saw him was when he was leaving the prom last night. Has he contacted you?" he said in a rush.
I was confused. Richie always spent the night at home. Where could he be? I wondered.
"No he hasn't. I'm sure he spent the night at home. Maybe he went out this morning. There's no reason to get all worked up. He's an adult he can take care of himself. I'm sure he'll be back soon" I replied calmly.
"He didn't come back since last night I'm sure. His bed is perfectly made. Nobody saw him coming home last night. Alison I'm worried" he said. He sounded disturbed. I had to assure him that Richie would be fine. I found it a bit strange but I didn't see any reason to panic.
"Listen honey, I'll take the next flight back to abuja. I'm sure he'll be back before I arrive. By the way, you should contact Blessing just in case he went to see her. He'll be home soon" I assured him. He relaxed a bit but he still sounded worried. He said he would call Blessing.
When we finished talking I called my P.A to book a flight for me. I had to go back to abuja the next day. Hopefully Richie would be back home before I arrive, I thought.
**************** *************** **********
Exclusive to www.fundanfo.com
I was in abuja by 10AM. The weather was cloudy like it was about to rain. My driver was already waiting for me at the airport. I was tired and eager to get home. Richard must be in the office now, I thought. I tried calling him again. He picked on the first ring.
"Hey baby" he said. "I'm sorry I missed your call. I've been carried away."
"It's okay. I'm on my way back home. Just left the airport. Is Richie back?" I asked.
"No sign of Richie. I've just finished talking with the D.P.O. I've filed a police report" he replied. I was surprised he had reported so soon. For all we know, he could be at a friend's place. I still believed he'd be back soon. We just need to be a little bit patient, I thought.
"But honey, don't you think it's too early to involve the police? I mean we're not even sure he's missing" I said to him.
"Alison this is my son we're talking about! What do you mean it's too soon? It's been almost 24 hours! I've been worried sick since yesterday. You know it's unlike him to stay away from home this long. There's no sign of him. What do you expect me to do?! Just fold my arms and wait for him to waltz into the house? I can't do that. I have to do something" he stated agressively.
I was surprised at the harshness in his voice. I realised this was something serious. I could tell he was really disturbed. It was unlike me to stay this calm when normally I would have been panicking. I saw no cause for alarm because I was confident he would come back soon. I sighed.
"You know Richie is like my son also. I love him as much as you do and I always want him to be safe and sound. I just think it's too early to declare him missing. By the way did you contact his mother?" I asked.
"I couldn't reach her. I called the hotel she lodged in and I was told she checked out this morning. I called her house caretaker in Lagos but he said she's not in Lagos. Obviously Richie is not with her. No one knows her whereabouts" he replied.
"Then we should wait and see what the police would come up with. I'm sure he'll be fine" I told him.
"I hope so. See you at home" he replied.
"Bye" I said and hung up.
I started thinking of all the possible places Richie could go to. He wasn't with his Friends and he wasn't with his mother. Where on earth could he be? It was so baffling.
It started raining as we drove through the gate. Peter came with an umbrella. He held it for me till I reached the veranda. It was warm and cozy inside the house. Bola welcomed me and collected my hand luggage. I went upstairs and took a hot bath, taking my time to wash my stress away. I had breakfast on the plane so I wasn't hungry.
I called Delilah and told her that I'm back in abuja and that Richie hasn't been seen since Saturday night. She was as shocked as I was. She said she'd come over in the evening. I laid down to take a nap.
I slept for a long time. When I woke up it was 2pm. The rain had stopped. I went downstairs, to the kitchen to find something to eat. I brought out chocolate cake from the fridge and ate some, then I picked a can of coke and went to Richie's room.
The room was clean. His ipad was on his bedside drawer along with a few books. I checked his wardrobe. Everything was in place. There were no missing clothes, shoes or accessories, not that I noticed. I wasn't sure of what I was looking for exactly. I looked into all his drawers. There was nothing suspicious or interesting, nothing unusual. I left the room with a sinking feeling. What if I never see Richie again? I thought. then I quickly turned my thoughts away from that direction. I was already feeling depressed.
I sat down in the living room watching news on TV when suddenly Richie's picture was shown on the screen. He had been declared missing and the police had started searching for him. Any person with information about his whereabouts was to be rewarded with N100,000.
Evil thoughts started occupying my mind after seeing the ad. What if he had an accident? What if he ran away? What if I would never set eyes on him again? How would I survive it? A million what ifs were running through my mind. I picked up my headphones and plugged them in my ear. The music was calm and relaxing. It took my mind off my pessimistic thoughts. I decided to work out. I was heading to the gym room when Delilah came in. We exchanged pleasantries.
"I saw the ad on the news. I hope he'll be found soon and I hope nothing has happened to him" she said to me sadly as she sat down.
"I hope so too. But he's all grown up now. He should be able to take care of himself... unless..." I started to say the things that had been running through my mind but I kept quiet.
" let's just hope for the best" I added.
We sat in silence for a while before Richard came back. He looked tired and worn out. I stood up and hugged him. "Good to see you Delilah". He said to her.
"Good to see you too Richard. No news about Richie?" she asked.
"Non at all." he replied and headed upstairs.
"Excuse me" I said to Delilah as I followed him.
"I have to leave. We'll talk on phone later. Do take care" she said.
"Okay I will. Take care too" I replied and walked away.
I met Richard sitting on the edge of the bed with his hands on his head, with a faraway look in his eyes. I sat beside him and put my arms around him. He kissed my forehead.
"I hate to see you like this honey. Please cheer up. I'm sure we'll hear something soon" I said to him soothingly but he only sighed. I noticed he was still wearing his shoes. I knelt in front of him and unlaced it , then I removed the shoe. Right foot first, then left. I removed the socks also. I stood up and undid his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. All the while he didn't say anything. I continued undressing him. When he was stripped down to his shorts, I prepared a hot bath. I undressed too and led him to the bathroom.
We had a nice bath after which we went downstairs to have dinner. He was unusually quiet and he picked at his food. All my attempts at starting a conversation were dampened instantly by a nod, a grunt or a sigh. I decided to keep quiet. I kept looking at the time and gazing at the door, hoping Richie would walk in and everything would be alright once again, but each time I looked I was disappointed.
To be continued 20th Jan 2018......
Also Read
Fading Star -Episode 1
Fading Star - Episode 2
Fading Star - Episode 3
Fading Star - Episode 4
Things you should stop asking Google
By: Marsy
Aadammaryam95@gmail.com
Where did Richie go to? Will he ever come back? Let's hear your thoughts and comments as you anticipate subsequent episodes.
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