Benny was still mad at Jane but he had no choice. He had to reach out to her as she was in the best position to take care of Alex and his wife.
“Hello,” Jane said into the phone. She was unsure of how to respond as things were still awkward between them.
“Hello Miss Jane. I am sorry for bothering you. Mr Alex had his surgery earlier today, he is yet to come around. Unfortunately, his wife fell unconscious due to exhaustion…”
“Oh my goodness! Poor Lisa,” Jane cut in.
“Yeah, it’s unfortunate but all is under control. She is presently admitted to the hospital and she has regained consciousness but the doctor insisted she needed absolute rest. She is sedated and presently asleep. I am not sure she would be able to return home tonight,” Benny concluded.
“Thanks Ben, thanks for the call. I am presently out of town and l am not sure I can make it down tonight. I will show up as early as possible tomorrow morning,” Jane responded. “All right, please do, Benny said.
“l am really sorry about yesterday, I did not check the text you sent in time…” Jane began but the line went dead.
“Not again!” Jane exclaimed. She shrugged it off and put a call forward to Margaret to inform her Lisa won’t be making it home for the night.
******
Jane left for the metropolis before sunrise. She had just driven off when Patrick drove in. He needed to meet Cole. This time, he had something suspicious on Mr Jimmy Johnson; Jeff’s father.
“Did you know Jeff was adopted?” Patrick asked Cole. “No… I guess we did not really talk at length,” Cole responded.
“Don’t you think such information is crucial especially with marriage in mind? I am sure Jane isn’t aware too,” Patrick said and provided information about Jeff’s adoption.
“Apart from Jeff’s adoption, Jimmy Johnson is also not clean. He has past criminal records. He was arrested twice for fraud. He was remanded for a year. His crime on the second arrest was grander but he evaded serving terms as he pulled some strings.
It was after this that he established his company. I am sure the company is a project he funded from the proceeds from fraud. He adopted Jeff around this time. Jeff was just fifteen.” Patrick added.
Cole looked away silently and suddenly exclaimed, “incredible! Pat, you’ve really done a nice job here. I am sure that information was kept confidential. I did some digging from my end but got nothing. Anything about the young man?” Cole asked.
“Nothing yet.”
“Continue digging, his path is too rough to be clean,” Cole said thoughtfully.
****
Ben led Jane towards Lisa’s room. The silence between the two was awkward. Jane felt a hollow in her stomach, she was uncomfortable.
Ben’s disposition was all professional. Shoulders high, strides straight with a don’t mess with me look. “Here we are,” he said and Jane knocked at her friend’s room.
She rushed in and both hugged each other. “What the heck happened to you? I’m sorry I wasn’t around, I have a lot going lately,” Jane said.
“I know”, Lisa nodded.
The two friends chatted while Benny checked on his boss. Alex remained unconscious. Benny needed him back. He needed to make crucial decisions that could be the company’s life line. Moreover his position was under threat.
Benny heaved a sigh and turned around to take his leave. “Where is my wife?” Alex’s voice sounded in a whisper.
Ben was startled. He turned around and rushed towards the bed. “Boss! You are finally here! Yikes!” The young man exclaimed.
“Where is my wife?” Alex repeated. “You don’t even acknowledge my presence, it hurts, you know. Your wife will be here soon,” Benny responded with a sullen face and walked out.
Alex was concerned about his wife. He had noticed her weariness and her eye bags the previous day.
“Ma’am, boss is back. Mr Peterson has regained consciousness.” Ben shouted from outside Lisa’s door.
Lisa sprang up from her bed and rushed towards the door. “Alex is conscious!” She hummed repeatedly, flung the door open and walked past Ben like she was a wind.
“What the heck!” Jane exclaimed and tried to catch up with Lisa.
Benny grabbed her arm as soon as she got to the lobby. “I think we should give them some privacy,” Ben said. “Oh, I am completely ignorant, I wanted to ensure Lisa is strong enough,” Jane said and continued to gaze at Lisa as she staggered away.
Benny tightened his grips on her wrist and she looked at him questioningly. Ben let go immediately and bowed in apology.
Jane rubbed at her wrist and whispered, “can we talk?”
“I’m all ears,” Ben responded grudgingly. He walked out of the lobby and Jane followed after him.
“About the other day… I am sorry for putting you in a tight situation. I saw the message after I had left..”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Benny cut in. “Then, what did you want me to do?” “Nothing,” Benny said with a hard expression and walked away.
Two days later
Lisa could not believe it was over. She drove into the compound with her husband. It was like a dream.
“Hurray!” Jerry shouted as soon as he saw his father. “I thought father won’t come home again,” he said and ran across.
Sammy flung his school bag off his shoulders and ran after Jerry. It was a lovely sight.
“Hey guys take it easy dad is just recuperating!” Lisa shouted out.
Alex watched Lisa from the corner of his eyes. All he could see was a happy but tired woman. He realized his wife fought long and hard for his return.
*******
Benny’s office line beeped, it was Julie. “Hello, your girl is here asking after you. She said she didn’t book an appointment, should l let her in?” Julie said over the phone.
“Who did you say?” Benny asked. “Your girlfriend.” Julie responded impatiently. “Oh! Let her in,” Benny said and wondered why Jane came to visit him at work.
“Why are you here?” Benny asked as soon as Jane walked in. “Be a gentleman , I think you should invite me in,” Jane responded.
“You’re already in. You came during working hours without booking an appointment. Normally, I am not supposed to entertain your visit… I made an exception because it’s you. Please have a seat,” Benny said and paraded the office.
“You should realize how much you mean to me, I left Lisa and her husband to come see you. Your friendship means a lot to me. I have few friends after all, so… count yourself lucky… I just want to clarify things. We all have our good and bad moments. I couldn’t pick your calls because I was down. When I stumbled unexpectedly on you with a chick, what did you expect that I think? I know we have nothing going on and I overreacted but I didn’t mean to mess up your day and the text message? I only saw it after it was all over,” Jane said and rose to her feet.
“I just wanted to clear the air. I don’t want to lose your friendship. I might not be able to tell you how much I have come to love you because l am betrothed to another. I wished you had spoken up earlier… l am passing through a lot right now and I don’t know which way to go but I wish you could linger a little more,” she added.
“What do you mean?” Benny spoke up for the first time. He walked up to her and nudged her to face him.
“Give me more time to decide,” Jane said. “To decide on what?” Benny asked flatly.
“To decide if I will be with you or not.” “Incredible! Are you that desperate to get me? Come to your senses, you are a betrothed, young woman!” Benny fired and laughed sarcastically.“
Jane was speechless. She blinked hard and walked out without saying another word. She could hear Benny’s sarcastic laughter as she walked away.
“Was it brutal? Did it hurt?” Benny asked himself and continued to laugh. He wanted to hurt her and he did. He walked towards his window and watched Jane as she walked down to the parking lot.
She stood by her car and looked up at his window. Benny was sure she saw him watching her as it was a clear view. They saw one another clearly.
Benny saw the regret and hurt in her eyes. AlI vengefulness dissipated and he beat up himself. He wanted to hug and shelter her from himself.
Jane heaved a sigh and drove out of the premises. Benny rushed down but it was too late she had driven off. “What the fuck!” He yelled and returned to get his car keys.
Jane shivered as she drove. She has never felt such embarrassment. She thought he would understand her dilemma but he only made a mockery of her. She wanted to cry but tears just didn’t flow.
She was carried away with her thoughts and lost concentration. She lost control of the car and she yelled as she tried to regain control. It was too late.
The car swayed off the road and came to a screeching stop just in front of a tree.
Benny cursed out loud as he watched from
behind. “I won’t forgive myself if she gets hurt,” He said to himself as he drove towards her car.
He pulled over and ran to her rescue. “Jane! open up!” He shouted and banged hard at the door.
Jane wasn’t aware of his presence, she opened the door and tried to get out. Benny drew her up and caught her in his arms. “I am sorry,” he muttered.”
“Get your hands off me you bastard! Put me down!” She yelled and tried to wiggle out of his hold. Benny did not let go, he held her tight by the shoulders and said, “calm down, Jane. Look into my eyes… l am sorry. I just wanted to get even. You made me fall deep into an obvious trap. I was mad, I wanted you to feel my pains but I overdid it. I was a jerk back in there but now, I am here.”
Jane was weakened. Her resistance gave way and she sobbed into his chest. Benny lifted her head and looked straight into her watery eyes. He muttered, “I heard all you said back there.. I will wait. I will wait for you,” He said and captured her lips in his.