It was late in the evening. Jane waved at Jeff as he was driven out of the premises. Jeff waved back and Jane walked towards the gates. She waited and watched until the car was out of sight. She smiled and turned around only to realize that investigator Patrick was standing behind her.
“Oh my bad! I was thrown off my feet. Ihave forgotten all about you. I sincerely apologize,” Jane said.
“Apology accepted. Let’s get down to business, the day is long gone,” investigator Patrick responded and both walked back in. They took their seat in one of the bars within the compound and resumed discussion.
“It is no news that Evans Mechanics was recently involved in a fire accident,” Jane began.
“Yes, it made the headlines”.. Pat responded thoughtfully. “The CEO was badly burnt and presently in a coma. His wife happens to be my friend.” “Aww.. Sorry about that.”
“The fire wasn’t accidental, it was an arson.” Jane said.
“Arson? Wow! Any suspect in the picture?” Pat asked.
“Yeah, it’s kinda domestic, I will fill you in but hear the second case. My friend, I mean the wife of Evans Mechanics’ CEO was abducted while drunk and brutally raped.”
“What?! What the heck?!” “Yes it’s what it is and it’s somewhat connected to the arson case..”
“Are the two cases connected? How?” Pat cut in… “Yes both are connected. “It’s no news that the CEO is a womanizer. His wife filed for divorce when one of his mistresses dropped a bombshell that she was pregnant. He refused to sign the papers and his wife got depressed. She walked out and got preyed upon. The arson occurred just immediately after my friend was threatened on the phone by her husband’s mistress that he might not see her husband anymore,”Jane told Pat.
“Wow, this is huge. I will have to come down to the metropolis. I need to have a word with your friend,” Pat said.
“Least I forgot, do not mention the rape case when you meet with her. She is overly sensitive about it. I am just investigating it on my own,” Jane warned. “Oh noted.”
“Thanks so much Mr Pat. This means so much to me,” Jane said and rose up to turn in for the night.
“Congratulations once again”, Patrick called out. “Thanks Pat,” Jane responded with a smile plastered on her face.
“When did you guys meet?” Pat asked. “We met at the metropolis. We were already dating before meeting at the party today. We never knew we’d see each other here today.”
“Wow! It’s indeed mind blowing. It explains your sassiness. How long have you been together?” “Not quite long, just a few months ago.” “It’s good, just try to take your time before going to the altar. As you can see, I am a divorce. Marriage isn’t a joke. You also have your friend to learn from,” Patrick said.
“Thanks for the advice Pat, You’re a big brother I never had… I still remember the good old days,” Jane said and pecked him on the forehead.
Patrick smiled and took his leave. As an investigator and an expert, his gut told him Jeff was not a right pick for Jane but he just could not place his hands on the reason. He knew all of Jeff’s vigor and enthusiasm during the party was not genuine, he could see through the young man. He wished Jane would take his advice seriously.
Jane flung her tired body on the bed. The day’s stress has taken its toll on her. She was absolutely stressed out. She was too tired to check on her parents. She dialed Jeff’s number severally but he didn’t pick up.
“He could possibly be on the road”, she muttered and dropped the phone.
Just then, her phone beeped, she thought it was Jeff but it turned out to be Lisa. She picked up the phone gingerly and engaged her friend as she told her about her meeting with the investigator and her betrothal. Lisa could not believe her story about the betrothal. She couldn’t wait for the full gist.
*******
Jeff laughed out loud as he sipped down his drink. It was night and there were plenty of girls and music in the club. “This is crazy, is it not? Father, you caught the wrong fish,” Jeff muttered and refilled his glass. He was dead drunk.
Two ladies walked up to him. Each sat on his sides. One slid her hand under his shirt and fumbled with his abs while the other took a sip from one of his untouched drinks. Jeff laughed hard and drank all the way.