“Since then, he had been threatening me, saying that he would inform the world about what we did back then if I refused to help him or do his bidding. That would only bring us danger as the news could get to the Don we did business with. You know how the mafia works right? When he brought the idea of you getting married to his daughter, I couldn’t refuse even after knowing that he has other intentions.”
His voice cracked, feeling sorry for what he had done. “I’m sorry for ever causing you pain son, it just had to be like that for our safety and prosperity. That was one reason I told you not to venture into any sort of business with the mafias. They are very dangerous.”
Jasper placed his hand on his father’s shoulder letting out a huge breath “I understand you dad. I promise not to go near the mafia life and I’ll do my best to protect everything you’ve worked hard for.”
“That’s my boy, I know I can count on you, I’m just scared about Grey. He became more greedy recently and I don’t know what he would do the next minute.”
“No cause for alarm dad, we tackle things the way they come. One step at a time.” Jasper assured, smiling widely at his father.
“I have to go now, I’ll come to see you another time,” Jasper announced his leave.
“Sure, you’re welcome here anytime. Make sure you come with my baby when next you visit.”
Jasper grinned and muffled a laugh.
*
*
The rain never stopped falling on the dry earth after its absence for so long. It began first with droplets of water, then turned into a torrential downpour together with the wind in its full power gusting in all directions. It signified the beginning of autumn.
Jasper sat on his office chair deep in thought. After going to visit his dad, he had gone to his father-in-law’s office to speak with him and probably sound him out.
Upon getting there, he heard something he never expected to hear. Entering the building, everyone showed him respect and didn’t query him. Who in the business world wouldn’t know that Jasper Callaghan was the son-in-law of the Hansworts? Not with the way the media blew the news about his wedding everywhere.
In a bid to knock on Grey’s office door, he heard voices speaking that caught his attention.
“Why won’t you tell Ma’am Cassandra about the things going on? It’s high time you told her about everything, the company and what you intend to do about your cause –the great cause.” the first person asked oblivious of Jasper’s presence at the door. It was sure to be a male voice, maybe that of his secretary or personal assistant.
“Cassandra is only a chess piece in the whole thing, Billie. She’s not wise enough to handle plans as big as this. Why do you think I married her off to that kid? It’s to secure her a better future with her strong-headed attitude, lavish spending and slutty behaviour. Tell me! do you think someone like her can inherit my company?” Surely, that was Grey’s voice.
“But I would go with the idea that everyone has their uses and talents in solving issues and making things done. Why don’t you give her a chance? You never can tell, she might be of help than you think.”
“I’ve done that already. She should’ve been able to prove her worth with the task I gave her already.”
“How do you mean sir?”
“She signed a deal with me before agreeing to get married to Xavier’s son. She would get me the information I need from his son, I would fulfil some things for her.”
“That’s a good step, I hope she does well.”
“Maybe, she has been acting carelessly recently. Her boyfriend turned her into a money bag and she never cares. What do you think Xavier’s son would have done if not for my threats?”
“You’re right. I guess it’s better to remind her of her purpose before she goes out of track.
“I’ll do that surely, just waiting for the right time to teach her a lesson. If her husband decides to divorce her despite my threats? Don’t you think she’s finished?”
Chuckles were heard thereafter.
Jasper remembered all these and it disturbed his mind greatly. He had left the building without a word, nor showing his presence. What Grey meant by finishing Cassandra, he didn’t know.
“Isn’t she Grey’s daughter? What is he planning to do with her? Which great cause are they talking about?” his mind was unsettled.
The wind changed direction, hitting his windows with full force and Jasper felt heat despite the cold rain descending the earth. He opened the window to let the cool breeze relieve him.
A knock on his office door, but he didn’t hear. He was totally carried away in his thoughts trying to figure out what his grandfather meant by the key.
A second knock, he drifted back to reality. “Come in”
Hold and behold, Caitlyn was in his presence.
“What’re you doing here?” he seemed less enthusiastic tucking his left hand in his left jean pocket.
Caitlyn moved closer to him “Are you okay?”
“I am, I asked what you’re doing here and who let you in?”
“I used the card you gave me when we met again”
Jasper was in no mood for talks and tried to be less rude. He gazed out of the window, staring into space. Bits of rainwater splashed into his office and he shut the window close, though not completely.
Caitlyn cleared her throat “I called your digits several times, but you didn’t pick up. I came to know if….”
“I saw the calls but was too busy to respond.”
“This isn’t like you, Jasper, you would have called back…..”
“I didn’t call back because I didn’t want to. No further discussion.”
Caitlyn held his arms in her hands and raised her head to look at his eyes, forcing his gaze on hers in the process. “I know you’re angry with me, I’m really sorry for slapping you. I didn’t mean to cause you trouble. Who would have thought a reporter was present there?”
Jasper removed his hand from hers, stepping back a foot away from her. “There you go again… anyway, I’m not angry at you, you can leave.” he disengaged his hands from hers and changed position.
“What do you mean by what you said?” Caitlyn was getting angry.
“I’m not in the mood for talks, Caitlyn!”
“And you’ll have to tell me why you made that statement.”
“You want to know? Fine, I’ll tell you. You’ve always been selfish and rash. You never listen to anyone believing your thoughts are always right.”
“Selfish? Do you dare say it again?”
“You heard me right Caitlyn, you’re freaking selfish and strong-headed. If I may ask, why did you slap me in the first place? What wrong have I done you?”
Caitlyn raised her hand in a bid to hit Jasper but stopped at his chuckle. “There you go again, wanting to repeat the same deed.” he turned his back on her.
Tears streamed down Caitlyn’s cheeks. Jasper’s words to her were far from what she expected from him. Going to his office was to plead for forgiveness, but things aren’t ending the way she expected.
“Was that the reason you left back then?”
Jasper didn’t respond or make a sound, his thoughts were muddled and unsettled, thus, paying less attention to Caitlyn. “Whatever you think it is”
He breathed out an enormous mass of air and made to exit the room. He had to control his body emotions at that moment and staying with Caitlyn in an enclosed room, he considered dangerous.
“Jasper please, I’m sorry.” Caitlyn hugged him unexpectedly. Jasper was awed by her action. Not the hug but her apology. Caitlyn of all people never apologized for her wrongs in the past. To her, her actions were always right. Though, Jasper liked her, thinking that it was an act of immaturity on her part but he never expected her to grow up with such a habit.
On the day she slapped him, he understood that she still has the character in her just like when they were teens.
Confused about what to do, he stood motionless as she sobbed silently waiting for him to say something. Probably his forgiving response. The door flung open and Jasper’s eyes widened.
“Aunty Caitlyn?” Jasmine called out, her hands tucked in Carl’s manly palm.
Carl coughed, smiling at Jasper while Jasmine ran to the duo who tried to move away from each other but only managed to stay half feet apart.
“Why are you hugging my daddy?”
“I’m…”
“I don’t want to see you near my daddy, I’m the only one who can hug him okay?” Jasmine yelled pointing a warning finger at Caitlyn.