It was weekend, Jeff drove down to Jane’s as early as possible. He had promised to drive her down home. It would avail him the opportunity to see her parents and also be part of the discussion process.
Jane was already prepared when he arrived. He helped her with her box and soon they were on their way.
It was a long drive as Jane was deep in thought and less interactive. She has not checked on Alex since her first visit.
She was too embarrassed to face Lisa and wanted to ensure she did not run into Benny.
“Are you alright? You look withdrawn and disturbed… What’s up?” Jeff’s voice broke into her thoughts.
Jane forced a smile, “I am fine. I just need more rest. I was really busy yesterday with one of my clients,” Jane responded. “Oh! Sorry about that… We would soon be home,” Jeff encouraged.
*******
Mrs Clinton was with one of her friends; Mrs Jack. They were seated in one of the bars within the mansion and deep in discussion. Mrs Jack’s husband was also one of Mr Clinton’s associates.
“I am expecting Jane today. We need to speed up everything about her wedding… I am afraid if we drag things out, she might change her mind,” Mrs Clinton said. “That is great…. I hope she will be available to take on my daughter’s case as your husband had promised. I don’t know what to do with Sandra… she is getting worse day by day. I am afraid we might lose her,” Mrs Jack lamented.
“I pray Jane showed up as she had promised… She could change her mind… But to be candid, it seems your husband is not taking your daughter’s case seriously,” Mrs Clinton complained.
“We are being restrained because we do not want it to go public. We need an investigator from our inner circle,” Mrs Jack said.
“Oh! Now I understand… Jane digs into such cases where big wigs are involved… Let’s just pray she shows up and she is interested in the case,” Mrs Clinton responded.
“I pray she takes on the case. Sandra’s therapist said Sandra could get closure if the culprit is brought to book,” Mrs Jack said.
“Yeah, it’s a given in such cases but we must approach it all with carefulness. If digging into the case would be of any help, it must be done privately else Sandra falls apart. She is enormously affected as it is.” Mrs Clinton responded.
*****
The guards opened the gates and Jeff drove in. He eased into the garage and brought the car to a halt.
He scurried to Jane’s side of the car and opened the door lavishly for her. He held the door open like a gentleman and Jane stepped out like a queen. “Thank you,” she blew out joyfully.
Jeff took her hand in his and they walked towards the mansion.
“Mother! l am disappointed, there are no rugs nor flowers today.” Jane accused her mother as she sighted her. She walked up to her and plastered a kiss on her forehead.
“Oh! We threw a welcoming party because you’ve been home in a while,” her mother responded. “Good day ma’am”, Jane greeted her mother’s friend. Jeff also bowed in greetings to the two women.
“You should go greet your father, he is in the study,” Mrs Clinton said. “Alright, mum,” Jane responded and dragged Jeff along.
“Butter bread is here!” Cole exclaimed as he sighted Jane. Jane pressed in for a hug while Jeff exchanged a handshake.
“See who we have here… My son-in-law,” Cole said and Jeff laughed out loud.
They were invited into the dinning and were served by the maids.
“I am glad you are here together today. We need to start putting necessary plans and parameters in place towards your wedding. Aren’t you two ready?” Cole asked.
“My father has been on my neck too. It’s one of the reasons I am here sir,” Jeff responded before Jane could say otherwise.
“I should go see mum while you men discuss your thing,” Jane said and rose up abruptly. “We should have our discussion together. Least I forgot, one of my associates; Mr Jack, needs your service.” Cole added.
“Yeah, mother informed me on the phone. What is it about? Is it something serious?” Jane asked. “Yes, it is. I promised you would be around today. His wife is presently with your mother. Go see them. I will engage this young man for now.”
It was Jane’s escape. She leapt out of the living room and made her way towards her mother and her friend.
“Do you love my daughter?” Cole asked Jeff as soon as Jane was out of earshot. Jeff was clearly flustered but he remained silent.
“Do you love my daughter?” Cole repeated.
“Yes I do,” Jeff responded with enthusiasm.
“I doubt it. Your body language says otherwise. Young man, listen. I don’t enforce choices on my daughter. The betrothal party was but a show. You are only engaged because you two wanted it. I had an agreement with your father that the outcome of the party depends on you two. When it turned out the way it did, we assumed that things are gonna work out fine between the two of you but I don’t want to assume. We do not know how far things were between you two before the betrothal. Come to think of it, my daughter never mentioned anything about you. We might be far apart but we do communicate. She hides nothing of importance from me. If she thinks you’re serious with her she would have informed me even before the betrothal,” Cole said.
“I love her with all my being. I think you should speak to her instead. She insisted she needed more time before settling down,” Jeff responded.
“Oh I see. Janet has always been like that… she takes after her mother. Do not worry, I will speak with her but son, yield my warnings. You’d be dead if you mess with my daughter,” Cole said flatly.
Jeff could feel his body shiver. He knew it wasn’t an empty threat. Killing someone like him was a piece of cake for such a man of power and relevance. He bowed in response and could not utter a word.
******
Jane took down notes as she spoke to Mrs Jack. “This is quite bizarre! I think I will have to see Sandra, I need to talk to her in person,” Jane said.
“Are you free enough to see her today?” Mrs Jack asked. “l should be able to spare some time. I pray I wrap things up here speedily,” Jane eyed her mother and rose to her feet. She bowed slightly and walked back to the mansion.
Just before she stepped in, she overheard her father making a call; “Hello Patrick. I need you to look into someone for me… Yeah, it’s Jimmy Jeff; Jane’s fiance.”
“Where is father?” Jane asked as she bumped into the living room. “He has retired into his study,” Jeff responded. “Oh, don’t tell me the father to son talk has ended,” Jane said.
“How far with the woman you met?” Jeff asked. “Oh that? It’s pretty bad. I think her daughter was conned. I don’t have all the details yet. I will have to check her up… You might have to return without me. How was the talk between you and father?” Jane asked.
“It went fine, he promised to validate things from your end too.”
“I am sorry I can’t be by your side, I need to go, duty calls… Father! I have to go… I need to get first hand information from my new client,” Jane yelled.
“That’s my princess! Go, girl!” Cole yelled back as he walked out of his study.
Jane and Jeff bowed in greetings and took their leave. Jeff left in his car while a car was prepared for Jane alongside a driver.
“Just a minute! I need to see father!” Jane exclaimed and made her way back to the mansion under her mother’s and Jeff’s questioning stares.
“I thought you had left..”Cole began but Jane cut in. “Father! What was that?! Why did you ask Patrick to look into my fiance?”
“Do you want to cover up for him? Are you not confident? Are you scared we will dig up dirt?” Cole challenged.
“What the heck are you talking about dad?” Jane questioned.
“Why did you stall for time? Why did you tell him you ain’t ready for marriage?” Cole probed.
“I realized that I’m not prepared. Though we have been together, the betrothal brought up marriage without warning. I just needed time to know him more.”
“No Jane, do not fool me. I know you. You must have caught on something.”
“Nothing! Nothing father, just a gut feeling.”
“l see. Now, that gut feeling is something, let’s dig it out.” “If you are that careful, you should have dug out whatever before the betrothal!” Jane fired. “Unfortunately I didn’t but it isn’t too late.”
“We are gonna have this discussion again!” Jane fired and walked out on her father.
She did not give her mother and Jeff a second look, she was on fire. She took her seat in the car and the driver drove off right behind Mrs Jack’s car.
“That girl and her temper. You have to be patient with her,” Mrs Clinton advised Jeff who looked confused and deep in thought.
“Thanks for the advice ma,” Jeff finally said and wheeled his car out of the premises.
Jane was angry and confused. She should be happy that her father wanted to help out. She could not reason out why she got all worked up.
Her phone suddenly beeped. It was Benny. “Why is he calling!” She yelled as she picked up the phone. “Hello, to what pleasure do I owe this call?” Jane yelled into the phone.
“Hmm, Jane, I just called to apologize about the night and all. I didn’t mean to put you in a fix, l just couldn’t control myself around you. I am sorry.”
“You should avoid doing what you will regret. How is Alex and Lisa?”
“Of course, they are together, I am at the hospital as well, we are taking boss for a stroll. His muscles are stiff.”
“Alright, greet Lisa. I am presently out of town.”
“Alright, I will,” Benny responded and Jane hung up.