Nelly went impromptu to her father’s company as planned. She went straight to the accounts department and asked for the financial reports of the company for the past four years. To her greatest dismay, the company was actually on a decline.
“What happened to the company’s finances?” she questioned the account officer.
“Ma.. the issue is from the company. We only compile the records they give us.”
“Listen to the nonsense coming from you. You only record accounts without knowing what’s happening. Will you speak up this instant?”
“I’m sorry ma. The company is experiencing from financial crises and…”
“Mr Jay, I’m not blind. From the reports, there’s clearly financial crises. The question is why is there a financial problem? What happened to your bank of knowledge in finances? Why will the company crumble under your management?”
“I’m sorry ma.”
Nelly was pissed. This silly man was only apologising without saying anything sensible. She sighed and ordered,
“Get me a photocopy of that report now.”
Armed with the report, she went off to Michael’s office. She knocked softly and entered.
“Good morning ma. You didn’t have to come all the way up madam. You should have just called me and I’ll be downstairs to receive you.”
Nelly ignored his greetings and slammed the report on his face.
“What is this? And what did you show me the last time I was here?”
Michael picked up the report and colour drained from his face.
“Speak up! What is this?”
“The…it’s …. fi…fi…”
“Have you gone mute? Speak will you?”
“Yes.. yes ma. It’s the financial reports ma.”
“Of course I know it’s the financial reports. Why is it different from the one you showed me and why is my company going bankrupt? What have you all been doing in this company in my absence?”
“I’m sorry ma but…”
“But what?”
Michael didn’t want to spill. Nathan would skin him alive if he did. The best thing was to refer the young lady to her father.
“I’m sorry madam. I’m not in position to say anything. Mr Stratford will tell you everything.”
“Are you insane? I’m asking a question and you open your mouth to tell me you can’t say a word?”
Nelly couldn’t help but wonder where these employees got their guts from but Michael gave her the answer.
“Mr Stratford will be angry and I don’t want to offend him madam. We have been given strict instructions ma.”
Nelly grabbed the paper and stormed out of his office. It was with this same energy and anger that she entered her father’s room.
“Dad!” she called.
“Nelly? What’s wrong? Why that look on your face?”
“I demand an explanation for this. Look at our company financial reports and tell me what’s happening. Your employees won’t speak, saying that’s your instructions. Do you know about the fake report that was given to me the last time I went to the company?”
Nathan took the paper before her with trembling hands. It contained the true financial status of the company. The constant struggles for power and the embezzlement of funds by Ethan and his mother had caused great harm to the company. Easton and his group went as far as stopping all business transactions in the company to make Nathan give up the company but he refused. He looked at the paper and then at his daughter. He didn’t want to tell her everything. No, it would hurt her to know that the company was built on the wrong foundation. On a foundation of lies, deceit and threat. How was he supposed to explain the issues he was having with Easton? Moreover, he did not want to involve his only daughter in a battle that will consume her. She didn’t deserve the pain, the stress and the worry that comes with the knowledge of what was happening in the company.
“Dad?” Nelly called pulling him out of his thoughts.
“I’m waiting to hear what you have to say.”
“There’s nothing to say. The report says it all.”
“What’s the reason? What is it that you are not telling me about our company? Moreover, who is Ethan?”
“Ethan?” Nathan repeated the name in surprise.
“Yes. Who is he?”
Nathan figured she should know the truth about that one.
“He’s my son. I had him out of wedlock.”
“You cheated on my mother? You knew you had a son all these years but you never told me?”
“It’s not that. You are getting it all wrong. I didn’t know. I only found out last year. I’m sorry I cheated on your mother. I’m really sorry.”
“Now tell me again. What paper…”
She wanted to ask her father what was in the paper Ethan brought and the meaning of some things Ethan said but she thought against it. She did not want to give her father the impression that she was sneaking up on his conversations.
“He was here a few days ago. Does he come here often?”
“Not too often.”
“Alright. I’m still waiting for you to tell me about the company father.”
“Nelly?”
“Yes dad. I’m still here, and I’m listening.”
“The company is experiencing huge crises that I do not want you to get involved in no matter what happens. You are my only child and your safety is my priority. Allow me to handle the company. Everything will be fine soon.”
“But Dad, you are ill and I’m sure that the company and all that’s going on around it has a major hand in your ill health. You can count on me father. Just tell me all I need to know and I’ll take it up from there. Please.”
“Everything will be fine in no time. I don’t want you to be in danger because of the company. You know I love you and I will not want anything to happen to you. Just relax and let it go, okay?”
Nelly nodded to make the old man happy.
“Come here,” he opened his arms and held Nelly in a tight hug.
Towards afternoon, Nelly brought her father some food.
“Dad, wake up. I made you lunch.”
She touched her father but…..
Nathan Stratford lay dead cold on the bed!