Marie was at one of her friends’ on Saturday morning. They were having a mini party. Marie excused herself to use the restroom. She was on her way when her phone beeped.
It was an email. She opened up her mailbox and realized it was from Lense Clinic. She hissed and opened up the mail.
“We closed a deal on certain terms that was acceptable to each party as at the time of contracting. It was agreed that each party would be liable to consequences as the other party deemed fit in case of a breach in contract. It has come to our notice at Lense Clinic that you sold out data that we bought on exclusive terms to another company. We would deal with this breach of contract as it pleases us.
“What the shit is this?” Marie rumbled as she read and reread the message. “Those rats, how did they get to know? Dec has not even launched the product,” Marie mumbled and ventured into the restroom.
*******
It was Monday morning. Benny could not believe his eyes as he witnessed the numbers of workers that resumed work. He had thought the cut in salary and the gossip going around would discourage many.
Just as Alex had ordered, he had sent a memo to all of their workers telling them to resume fully to work if and only if they could cope with a half cut of their salary.
The turn out was massive.
Alex was yet to resume work but he had scheduled an online meeting with the workers.
By 12 noon, all the workers present were gathered in the conference hall where they gathered to partake in the meeting.
“I am greatly moved beyond words to see you all gathered here today. The company suffered great loss and drastic measures have been taken. I had thought only a handful of you would return to work but you all proved me wrong. Thank you all for believing in me.
The inconveniences will last but for a moment. This meeting was arranged in preparation for the work ahead. It’s no news that one of our data leaked out due to the arson and one of our products has been reproduced by Lense Clinic….”.
*****
Jane braced herself as she prepared for her impromptu visit. She had never visited Jeff before but she was going to surprise him.
Jeff was always there for her, she wanted to do the same.
It was noon and the traffic was light. Jane prayed Jeff was around as she drove down. She pulled over outside his compound and hit the door bell. Jane was relieved when she heard Jeff’s voice from within, “yikes!” She yelled happily.
Jeff wondered who could be visiting. He opened the door and could not believe it was Jane.
“Jane! Why are you here?…. I mean this is your first visit… l ought to make it grand… You should have informed me!” Jeff exclaimed.
“Cut me some slacks,” Jane responded and ventured in.
“This is incredible. When have you been planning this?” Jeff asked. “Few days ago,” Jane responded with a mischievous smile.
“I have always dreamt of this day. Welcome to my abode,” Jeff said without panic. Almost all of his enterprises were carried out outside his dwelling. No one would smell a rat. Carefulness and precision were another thing he had learnt from his father.
Jane unpacked and assessed the rooms. “Come to think of it, you have never invited me here,” she said. “But now you are here. Does it matter?” Jeff replied and Jane smiled.
“What do you think you are doing?” Jeff asked as Jane made her way into the kitchen.
“What does it look like? I am making homemade food. Enough of junk!” Jane said. “Can you even cook?” Jeff replied mockingly.
“What do you mean, I had to learn right from uni. It wasn’t easy living on my own. Couldn’t have lived on junk all through,” Jane said and got busy.
Soon the food was ready and Jeff had a taste. “This is delicious! He said and licked his lips. I have never had anyone cooked for me… even while growing up,” Jeff said.
Jane set the table and they dinned. They chatted over meals. Jane’s effervescence lit up the atmosphere. Jeff watched her with fascination. She made jokes and laughed heartily. Watching her made his heart merry.
“You are too reckless!” Jeff reprimanded and brought a glass of water close to her mouth. She had choked on her meal.
“Take it easy”, Jeff said and patted her back gently. Jane ate quietly and resumed discussion after the meal.
“Did you have fun?” She asked. “Of course!” Jeff exclaimed. “I am glad to hear that. I just wanted to help you get over the previous day’s ordeals. Come to think of it, even if you are not good enough to lead a company, there are other things you could be good at. All you need to do is to find yourself. Are you listening?” Jane said and tapped him.
“I am with you,” Jeff said slowly. He was obviously lost in thought. “You seem far away,” Jane commented.
“This seems too good to be true,” Jeff began. He left his seat and walked up to her.
“Why did you show up late? If I had met you earlier I wouldn’t have been in this mess… I want you and I want to shield you at the same time.”
“What are you talking about?” Jane asked.
“I will be greedy just for tonight.” Jeff said and placed his lips on hers. He waited for a hint of resistance but Jane had clamped her eyes shut.
Jeff hesitated before taking over. He took her lips into his softly. Again it felt real and genuine. If anything was, Jeff knew he had come to love this woman. He touched her and unleashed his passion.
Jane acted against the alarms that blew up in her head. “This isn’t right.. But we are betrothed,” she lectured herself.