Cole was by the window in his study when Jane drove in. He smiled as he watched her pull into the garage. He continued to stare into space till his smile dissolved into a grim expression.
“isn’t it better now that you visit every now and then?” Mrs CIinton asked as Jane made her way towards her.
“Mother!” Jane exclaimed and pecked her mother on the forehead. “What about Mrs Jack? isn’t she around yet?” She asked and settled in the seat beside her mother.
“No, not yet, but she is on her way.. You should go greet your father first,” her mother responded.
“Alright mum,” Jane said and headed towards the main entrance
“Mother is always in one of the bars while father likes to remain in his study,” she muttered as she proceeded.
“A whole lot will pass you by while you remain stuck in here,” Jane pulled a joke on her father.
“Common isn’t that too harsh to say to your old man?” Cole said heartily and pressed in for a hug.
“You are never tired of having your daughter around,” Jane teased. “Why would I? And Jeff? Hope you guys are closing up the gaps and getting along,” Cole asked. “Sure we are,” Jane responded flatly.
“How is Sandra’s case coming up, do you have a headway already?” Cole asked. “Well, yes and no. We are praying for a miracle,” Jane responded.
“A miracle?” Cole questioned. “Yes, we are waiting for the culprit to make another demand.”
“Oh! I see… But do you think it will work? Those guys are pretty smart. Only a fool would make another move after the first two attempts,” Cole advised.
“Well, let’s hope he will. Money is really tempting,” Jane responded.
Cole shrugged, he was skeptical about the plan, “you should have a plan B,” he muttered.
“Noted dad… I need to return downstairs.” “Alright, you, take your time.” Jane pecked her father and moved towards the door.
“Jane, if you need any help concerning Jeff do not hesitate…”Cole said suddenly. “We are fine. Thanks.” Jane retorted and walked away.
Deep down within her she knew Jeff was a big blow and for the first time in her life, she made a big error. She was always sure to double check her decisions before deciding on them. It seems she was fated to get it all wrong when it comes to love. Benny Bells came to her mind and she dissolved the thought immediately.
“Jane!” Her mother called out. She had walked past her mother. “Where are you headed? You were thinking so hard,” her mother said.
“Nothing much, just about Sandra. Mother, you never told me she was a childhood friend,” Jane said. “l just felt it wasn’t necessary since you might not recognize her.
“It was needful and helpful. I was able to get into her because she recognized me.” “Oh, she did? It’s probably because she is older. She must have more vivid memories than you do. So tell me, how is she? I heard…”
“Mother, you have ceased to discuss fixing my wedding date. Why?” Jane intentionally diverted the discussion.
“How dare you pull my legs? Your father told me you needed more time. He wanted you to have all the time in the world.”
“Oh!” Jane cried out like she wasn’t aware. “Cut the pretense honey,” her mother retorted. “I know you have your reasons and we are ready to support your decisions but I still don’t understand the reason for your hesitation. The young man looks decent enough, I don’t..”
“Mother, please spare me, let’s not go there,” Jane said and she was relieved that Mrs Jack drove in just in time else, her mother would not have let the issue rest.
Jane got down to business immediately Mrs Jack settled down. She made her realize the real issue with Sandra.
“She feels rejected. You reprimanded her excessively and disregarded her pains. You were only concerned about your public image,” Jane said.
“What?! Incredible! That spoiled brat! She knows nothing… She squandered millions of dollars on two different occasions and she wants us to pamper her? Fine, I know she was conned but she ought to have informed us after the first attempt!” Mrs Jack blurted out.
“Ma’am, if you really don’t want to lose your daughter, you have to do away with sentiments and put yourself in her shoes. She must have had reasons for hiding. Now that everything has been revealed, all she needs now is your support and understanding to help her back on her feet,” Jane advised.
********
It was closing hours. Benny put a call through to Julie, he wanted her to come see him in his office. Julie planted a mischievous smile on her face as she knocked at the door and made her way into Alex’s office.
“You may have your seat.” Benny said. Julie took her seat and Benny faced her squarely.
“I apologized for what happened earlier… I was rather impulsive, I should have stopped you. Let’s forget it ever happened,” Benny said flatly.
“What?! You took advantage of me! You should take responsibility for your actions!” Julie yelled. She could not believe her ears.
“What do you mean? Come off it! Have you forgotten? You initiated the kiss! You kissed me first! Benny retorted.
“Are you doing this because of her? Can’t you see she isn’t interested in you?” Julie fired.
“Don’t drag her into this. Okay? You may leave.” Benny said, sounding all professional.
Julie could not believe her ears. She was close to tears. She hissed and marched out of his office.
Benny sighed as soon as she left. He was angry with himself and with Jane. It all happened because he lost his guard while trying to apologize for Jane’s interference.
The office line beeped and he picked it up. It was Lisa.
“Hello Ben, did you see the launching at Lense Clinic? What the heck was all that ramblings about,” Lisa asked.
“It is what it is. It is for real. I think the fire outbreak opened us up to intruders. It’s no doubt that the data on the machine leaked out,” Benny responded.
“This is crazy! Is there no way the news can be pulled down or something? I am afraid things won’t go well if Alex catches wind of it.”
“The news has gone viral. It’s rather too late for that. The next step is finding out whoever sold out the data,” Benny suggested.
“Anyone in mind?”
“Not at all, but data on each product is restricted to only a few persons in the company. No random person can gain access to it,” Benny said and Lisa hung up.
She joined the kids who were playing around alongside their father. She had taken them to see their father again. She wanted them to have enough time together before the surgery. “Who was that?” Alex asked. “It was Jane,” Lisa lied. “Oh! Cool. Extend my greetings…it’s been a long time since she visited,” Alex said.