It was midnight. The nurse on duty made her way into Alex’s room. She took his vitals and made some notes. She was about leaving when she noticed Alex’s fingers.
She gave a closer look and realized that she wasn’t mistaken. Alex’s fingers had twitched. She gave a more intent look and noticed slight movements in his feet and toes. His eyes also fluttered and almost blinked open.
The nurse pressed the alarm button and the doctor in charge came rushing almost immediately.
“It’s a normal reaction. Do not give his family any false hope. I hope he will come around soon,” the doctor said after examining Alex.
**********
It was a brand new day. Investigator Patrick made his way to a photo lab. He printed the pictures he got from Randy bar. He dropped some of the pictures with the lab man and told him to work on them.
“The video quality is poor and the video was recorded in the dark. I will work on it but do not get your hopes up,” the lab man said and Patrick thanked him before making his way back to his office.
He rolled out instructions to his underlings and thereafter, he began his journey down to the metropolis.
*******”
Jane was having her breakfast when her phone rang, “mother?” She muttered and picked up her phone. “Hello mum,” Jane said. “Naughty girl! You did not deem it fit to give us a call. You should show up at the weekend. We need to start planning for your wedding. Moreso, I overheard one of your father’s associates discussing with your father. It seems he wants you to investigate some matters discreetly. You will get full gist when you come around,” Mrs Clinton said.
“Alright mum, I will fix my schedules and get back to you.” “If you refuse to show up, I will bundle you out of your cocoon myself,” Mrs Clinton warned.
Jane chuckled and hung up. “What wedding plans? Isn’t it too early for that?” She muttered and dug into her meal thoughtfully.
A firm raps at her door brought her back to consciousness. She went for the door and realized it was Jeff. “Talk about the devil,” she muttered as she opened up.
“Nice having you around,” Jane said smugly and returned to her meal.
“You’re sure you are happy to see me? I doubt it,” Jeff said and made his way in. “You’re not happy but angry… Is it because I missed your calls?… It’s understandable but common, don’t be petty.. You know I am a busy man… Lately, things has been hectic at the company,” Jeff said.
“Did you call this pettiness? I am mad because you didn’t return my calls. Yeah, you missed them because you were busy but what about when you were done. If I am important to you, you would have called me back,” Jane retorted.
“I am sorry…” Jeff apologized with his hands raised up in the air.
After they made up, Jane told Jeff about her mother’s call and her proposition to start up wedding preparations.
“Since things turned out well. Dad has also been nagging me about going on to solemnize our union… Dad wants us to get down to it,” Jeff said.
“Dad? And you? Did you want it?” Jane asked. “Why not? Have you forgotten? The whole thing about betrothal delayed us till now. We should be grateful for how it all turned out,” Jeff responded..
“Sure… But I object,” Jane said flatly. “What?! What do you mean?” Jeff asked with his forehead burrowed.
“Our parents set us up because they wanted us together, it is normal that they wanted us to get things moving but isn’t it paramount that we check our individual desires?” Jane responded.
“What the heck are you talking about? We were together before our parents’ interference! Are you in any way having a change of mind?” Jeff blurted.
“Not really.” “Then, what really?” Jeff asked angrily.
“I think we should take more time to get to know each other. We should not rush because our parents wanted it. We should do what we want. I hate anything programmed or arranged.”
“I don’t seem to understand you. You were on my neck for a wedding date even before we had our betrothal. Now we have the freedom and you suddenly need some time? Can you tell me what is really happening? Don’t give me that bull shit about needing more time!” Jeff roared.
Jane remained calm. She refused to respond to Jeff rather, she slurped the last spoon of her oat.
Jeff continued to blabber angrily, “is this about the friend whom you went to meet in your betrothal gown?!” Jeff fired. Jane looked up in shock and Jeff smirked.
“I am not dumb! I saw you guys! I saw it all. I was at Good Times. Now tell me, are you having a change of mind because of that jerk?!” Jeff roared and made his way towards the door.
“Common Jeff! What do you mean?! He is just a friend!” Jane yelled but Jeff was already at the door. He flung the door open and made his way out with a mischievous smile plastered on his face. “Mission accomplished!” He muttered.
Jane ran after him but he had already slid into his car. He wound down his side glass and spoke to her. “Calm down babe. I know you need more time and you ain’t seeing your friend but I am pissed off right now… Let’s talk later. Be good. Ok?” Jeff said and before Jane could respond he had put the car to ignition.
“What a bad way to begin a day,” Jane muttered. She stood akimbo and watched him drive out of sight before walking back in.
Jeff smiled happily as he drove away. He had accomplished his mission. He intentionally made Jane mad and confused. He had envisaged her feeling of insecurity would make her stall for more time. It’s time to take advantage of her. He thought and picked up his phone, he put a call to his friend, “I told you. She caved in!” He yelled happily.
****
“Who the heck is that!?” Lisa yelled and went for the door. She had dropped the kids at school and had told Margaret to stay away since the previous night.
She opened up and realized it was investigator Patrick.
“Wow! I am sorry for my outburst. I did not expect that you would show up early. Good morning,” Lisa apologized.
“No qualms. I should have put a call through before driving down. Hope you are better this morning,” Pat asked as Lisa led him in.