BLOOD AND MONEY

BLOOD AND MONEY EPISODE ELEVEN

Willis had the agendas of the day passed around in a sheet of paper before the meeting started. He introduced me to the rest of the board members and from what Mark told me, Mr Anthony and Mr. Maxwell were the main investors of the company and they were slightly above Willis. Their word was final and not even Willis could go against that.

Willis: we have agenda number one which is the burial of the late Gerald and his wife.. Everything is in place and the burial should take place this weekend unless there is any objections to that.

Mr. Anthony: how much has been allocated for the burial. Gerald was the C.E.O of this company he needs a decent burial.

Willis: the finance team was able to give two million to cater for the funeral expenses for both.

Mr. Anthony: I hope that includes caterers and tents because people have to eat and drink after that.

Willis: its all settled.

All that time mark and I were quiet listening not having anything to say about the funeral. Maybe we would in the next agenda.

Mr. Maxwell: is the son of the late Gerald in agreement with the funeral arrangements. We cannot just make conclusions yet he has not been involved.

Mark thought the two million funeral allocation funds was good so I was in agreement with everything concerning the funeral.

Willis: now on to agenda two. The strike. The cause of the strike was based on lack of finances which we are still working on because not all of the workers have resumed work.

Robert: are you saying that a big company like GnW has no money to pay its workers yet the company opened another branch recently?

Willis: the branch was opened before we started running low on cash.

Me: running low on cash, where has the money been going if the workers have not been paid in like two or three months and how much does it take to pay the workers?

Willis: close to two million.

Mark: thats a lie Owen. I have a documentation from the finance department team the only month that the workers have not been paid is this month. The strike should be Willi's project to get away from the company. Ask mercy to give the financial statement. She knows the truth.

Me: something is not adding up about all these Willis. GnW has around 30 employees and an average employee is paid an average of thirty thousand. From what I gathered the company has not paid the workers for this month only and I think Mercy and the finance team should have documentation to prove that.

Mr.Maxwell: Mercy?

Mercy looked at Willis who had his eyes fixed on her then she slowly pulled out some papers and handed them to me and Maxwell who passed the other to Willis and Anthony.

Mr.Anthony: the statement says exactly what Owen claims and if this is true, why were the workers on strike, its not even end month yet.

Willis: from my end there are a few workers who have not been paid unless we are looking at different finance reports.

Me: what reports are you looking at. Kindly allow us to discuss the April and June financial reports. When Patrick was still heading the finance department. Patrick had huge sum of money signed off to you without the C.E.O knowing about it. Kindly tell the board members what you did with 3.2 million in the first cheque and 5.2million in the other cheque.

Willis: I don't know what you are talking about Owen. The figures you are quoting are insane.

Me: are they? Mr. Patrick, did you sign off two cheques worth 3.2 and 5.2 million?

Patrick: I have never signed unauthorized cheques.

Me: mercy do you have statements of how money has been used from January to now, all the cheques that were signed out and everything?

Mercy: yes sir though I don't have the ones from Patrick's end.

Me: can you avail them in the next meeting?

Willis: just what gives you the right to come here and start running the show?

Robert: I don't see anything wrong with asking questions. If the money was misused we need to know because my entire working history in this company, there is no day the workers went on strike because of unpaid salary.

Mr. Maxwell: what was portrayed from the workers a few days was very uncalled for. Gerald might be dead but we will not let GnW go down. The people who went on strike for no apparent reason should be fired and create opportunity for people who want to work.

Willis: do you understand that firing those people means holding several other trainings for people who will come in and that's another waste of resources. This boy has no proof of what he is saying.

Me: what if I can bring proof of what I'm saying? These employees need to be equipped with proper working skills. We don't need a bunch of lazy employees working with certain individuals to bring the company down. My father worked so hard to make sure this company is running and he's been dead a few days and its already scrambling. Does it mean we don't have proper leadership or what is going on?

Mr.Anthony: good question Owen. We have invested so much in this company and personally I would not want to see this company fall. I back up Maxwell on firing the employees who are not ready to work. The company is not totally bankrupt and we can still afford to train and get the best employees. We also need a leader like Gerald was, and the board will vote in the next meeting that will happen after the burial.

Patrick: I thought its automatic that Willis takes the leadership because he partly owns the company and he was working closely with Gerald.

Mr. Maxwell: there's nothing like automatic. The board has to sit down and discuss a few candidates that have been proposed and then we see the way forward. Willis might own apart of the company but Gerald had the bigger share of it.

Mr.Anthony: that's right. Mercy get the names of the employees that are not in their work stations, have the secretary write them a dismissal email and have their salaries for this month deposited into their bank accounts and after that, their faces should not be seen anywhere close to this company.

Mercy: yes sir.

She said with a brief smile and I could see just how happy she was..

Mr. Maxwell: get the financial statement's from January and Patrick you do the same. Owen we will need to see your proof as well then we can see who is telling the truth.

Willi's face turn red.

Mr. Anthony: Owen, do you think you have what it takes to work in this company and maybe someday take up the place your father left?

Willis: what,... take up the place his father left, this kid knows nothing about this company. The last time I checked he was not even interested in anything to do with the company.

Me: I know a lot more than you think I do. I know every corner in this company and how it operates. My father taught me everything there is to know about the company because he knew this day would come and he would want me to carry on his legacy. I am ready to pick it from where my father left. I will do anything to make sure this company is back on its feet.

Mark: that's the way to go kid, I love the confidence and the strength in your voice. I can imagine the look on Willi's face from here.

I could see Maxwell and Anthony in agreement with what I had said and so was the rest of the board members except Jabali and Patrick who was willis' cheque signer.

After the meeting I had a few words with chege and Anthony and they encouraged me continue what my father had started. They said I was going to attend the next meeting where the board would decide who becomes the next leader of the company.

I walked up to Robert who couldn't stop staring and if no one really knew him, they would think he was gay or something.

Me: hey.

Robert: you look sharp man, is this a new suit?

Me: come on, you are embarrassing me.

Robert: no,.. seriously though, you look hot.

Me: are we going to the hospital to get the DNA test done?

Robert: yes. Is Della coming?

Me: I don't know but she said she will...oh I need to tell you we've got company tonight.

Robert: what sort of company?

Me: Willis' family is coming over.

I told him as we walked to the parking.

Me: I don't have my car so I will ride in yours.

Robert: why are they coming to your place?

Me: to condole with me or something like that. His wife insisted and she knew my parents well enough to want to bring flowers on their graves.

Robert: I would love to know how that goes especially after he almost chocked on his tongue when you showed up looking like a model. Damn man, you murdered them in there with your confidence I almost thought it wasn't you.

I smiled for not knowing what to say.

We got in his car and he drove off. I took off my ear piece because its work was already done...

"Mum how comes I've never met this Owen guy you are taking about?"

Serena asked helping her mother to fold some of her clothes and put them away.

Maggy: that's because you have been away for long. Owen is Gerald's son. The man who worked with your father.

Serena: do we really have to go?

Maggy: you don't have to go but I do. When people loose their love ones, it's only human to go there and be with them and tell them sorry for their loss. You are an adult now Serena, you should know some of these things.

Serena: not that I don't. I'm just not excited about going places besides I know no one around here.

Maggy: you can start by meeting people at Owens. Owen is a fine young man too you never know, then you need to adjust Serena. We are not going back to Canada.

Their talk was interrupted by a call from Willis who told Maggy he was not going to be there for the dinner.

Maggy: but we had already planned Willis

Willis: you know how the last couple of days has been. I thought I would show up but I have a lot of work to do. The board met today and my job is at stake.

Maggy: what happened?

Willis: we will talk about that. You can go to Owens or you can cancel but I won't be able to make it.

Maggy: its rude to cancel on people last minute. Serena and I will

Willis: okay...is Serena there with you?

Maggy: yes. Just speak she is listening

Willis: how is my favorite girl?

Serena: I'm well Daddy, I thought you would come with us.

Willis: work my darling but I will make it up to you. We could go out for lunch one of these days.

Serena: I'd love love that.

Willis: there is soon going to be some vacancy in the company, would you like to work for me?

Serena: is that hot guy I saw the other day going to be there?

Maggy: Serena!

Serena: what mum, he's hot. You should have seen him.

Willis: can we not talk about hot guys where work is concerned?

Serena: is he going to be there?

Willis: yes, Jabali works for me too.

Serena: then sign me up.

Willis: hahaha I've changed my mind. You can't work for me.

Serena: come on dad.

Willis: you guys have fun alright, I will see you later.

Serena: okay dad.

The call ended and Maggy looked at Serena in disbelief.

Serena: what?

Maggy: so there is a hot guy somewhere?

Serena: right, I don't want to talk about it. I will find myself a dress for the dinner thingy.

She picked the laundry basket with her clothes in it and left her mother's bedroom.

Robert and I got to the hospital and talked to the receptionist who directed us to the doctor we were to deal with. Della was not there and that was the typical her, I even doubted if she was going to show up.

We spoke with the doctor who took us through the DNA process and just as we were about to get done, the door was knocked and when the doctor asked whoever was knocking to come in, the door flew open and in walked Della..

Della: I hope I'm not late.

Doctor: please come in.

She walked in and sat across me. I was baffled that she showed up because I was beginning to think she went back home that day and killed my mother. If only the dead could talk.

The doctor spoke to Della and carried out the tests then told us the results would be back in a few weeks.

I thanked the doctor then we walked out and Della looked like she wanted to talk but I didn't have that time. I needed to get home and attend to my guests.

Robert said he would drop me home before he went to his girlfriend's. He said he didn't want to look at Willi's face for he found it disgusting.

Della got in her car and drove off too and through out the drive Robert kept stealing glances at me.

Me: just say what you want to say. Keeping it inside will chock you to death.

Robert: you are not going to give me any explanations are you?

Me: explanations on what?

Robert: you lied to me Owen. Where did you go?

Owen: It was a booty call from a blast in the past.

Robert: and you couldn't just tell me you were going to get laid?

Me: I didn't want your "judgy" eyes all over me.

Robert: so how was she?

I looked at him and smiled not responding to that question. The good thing about Robert is that he was easy. He didn't hold grudges and didn't stay mad...

Robert dropped me home then left almost immediately. I got inside and my guests had not arrived. I was not sure if Willis was really going to come but since there were no calls from either of them, i assumed they were still going to show up.

Rhoda was done cooking and the house smelled so nice. She stood by the kitchen door smiling as I made my way towards her. I had the two buttons on my shirt unbuttoned slightly exposing my chest and that's where her eyes were fixed.

Me: can't you make it less obvious that you are lusting at me?

Rhoda: don't be so full of yourself.

I made my way to the kitchen and the arrangement was amazing. Rhoda worked with an event organizing company so this was not new to her at all.

Me: thanks Rhoda, you pulled this quite well.

Rhoda: anything for you Owen. I've got to go. We have a wedding tomorrow and we have a final meeting tonight.

I nodded then took out my phone and sent her some money. She looked at her phone and smiled.

Rhoda: you didn't have to send extra.

Me: you deserve it Rhoda.

She tried to get past me but I stood in her way and she looked up and my gaze met hers.

Rhoda: seriously?

Me: what?

Rhoda: I need to be somewhere

Me: have dinner with us.

Rhoda: I can't.

I narrowed my eyes at her and she flashed a bright smile.

Me: I have never served guests before. You know how complicated things can get.

Rhoda: then call Della, she's your girlfriend right?

Me: we broke up.

She widened her eyes then raised an eyebrow.

Rhoda: interesting.

Me: what is?

Rhoda: you guys were so in love. I never thought you would break up.

Me: that's not the point. Please help me with the guest...

Rhoda: I honestly can't. If I do that I would be messing up a client.

I didn't want to push so hard because Rhoda was a woman of her word. I didn't want to mess up her job too so I let her go. I saw her to the door and called her a cab. I don't know why I did but yeah something's are just unexplainable.

I got back in the house, took a quick shower and changed into something comfortable then nervously sat there waiting for the Willi's to arrive.

Elsewhere...

"How did people get ahead of us. Who killed the guards yesterday and which office was broken into?"

Willis asked angrily pacing inside the room and both Jabali, Patrick and Buggy sat there listening to him rant.

Jabali: no office was broken into. They just killed the guards.

The police had camped at the company carrying out investigations after the two guards were shot. Willis had no idea it was Owen since the CCTV footage was erased. Mark took care of it that morning when he showed up as a cleaner very early before Owen showed up at his place. He just didn't mention it.

Jabali: I don't think any of us could screw up the plan before the given time. We were to attack today not yesterday.

Patrick: but someone did, do we have a traitor among us?

Willis: if Della was here, I would be worried but she has no idea what we were planning. I think the documents are still safe inside Gerald's office so we still push on with the plan of blowing the place up.

Buggy: are you kidding, we should let the heat cool off first.

Willis: we don't have time. Owen is coming at me and he is fighting to get the C.E.O spot and those idiots will surely back him up. I loose my job, that means no pay for you guys so you better get on board with the plan.

Jabali: the company is under the police watch. We can't pull it through tonight.

Willis: are you chickening out on me, what happened to killing everyone, don't you have guns and bullets?

There was silence.

Willis: I will do it alone and prove to you that the cops mean nothing but that means I reduce your cut by half. Patrick I need you to get on Mercy's case. You need to know what she knows, steal all the important documents as far as finance is concerned. I don't want that kind of challenge and embarrassment again inside the board room.

Patrick: how do I do that, you know I was taken off finance.

Willis: I don't know, take her out, sleep with her, whatever it takes to alter those figures. I need results.

He pulled the drawer pulled out two guns and some bullets. He fixed the bullets in the guns then c****d them and made sure they were ready for use.

Jabali: I will come with you.

He got his gun and did the same.

Willis turned and looked at Buggy who shrugged his shoulder and joined them too.

I heard the bell and I quickly got up and rushed to the door. I opened it and there stood Maggy and someone I didn't really know. Maggy, I knew because she and Willis came home several times.

Me: hello,

Maggy: hello Owen, how are you?

Me: I'm well. Please come in.

She walked in and the other lady couldn't help but stare as I held on the door for her waiting for her to walk in. She smiled and I smiled back. She was beautiful and her short red dress brought out everything about her just fine. She smelled nice I couldn't tell what perfume that was but it caught my attention.

Me: please feel at home...

Maggy: thank you Owen.

Me: is uncle Willis coming?

Maggy: no. He called and said he would be working late. This is Serena by the way....my daughter

Me: oh!

I couldn't hide the surprise in my face as I shook her hand.

Me: how comes I've never heard about her?

Serena: that's because I've spent most of my life in Canada. Its nice to meet you Owen.

Me: nice to meet you too.

I said pulling my hand from hers because the grip was a bit tighter than a usual handshake plus she couldn't get her eyes off me. Now I was getting nervous....

Elsewhere...

Della went to Adana's place as she had promised to drop by when she was done running around. She got in and lazily threw herself on her bed.

Della: God I'm so tired!

Adana looked at her then shook her head. She covered the food that was cooking before joining her and she sat on the edge of the bed.

Della didn't sit up but stared blankly at the ceiling.

Adana: what's going on in your head?

Della: I met this guy. He is very rich..

Adana: isn't that a good thing. Aren't you into rich guys?

Della: I am. But my conscious is haunting me.

Adana: why?

Della: his wife is in a comma and he shipped his kids to god knows where.

Adana: Della!

Della: I know but I need the money Adana and the man is wiling to spend.

Adana: what about his wife?

Della: she is in a comma she can't fulfil his s****l needs.

She turned and looked at Adana whose mind had already drifted.

Della: what's bothering you?

Adana: Leonard never called. Not even to check on me and see how I'm doing.

Della: I'm sorry but you don't need him Adana. Leo dumped you because he does not love you anymore and its about time you get over it.

Adana: easy to say because you have no idea how it feels to loose a baby, a job and along time boyfriend all at once.

A tear dropped from her eyes and Della sat up and hugged her.

Della: I'm sorry Adana.... I really am...

That night, Willis and his team left to go attack the cops that were meant to protect the company and from the moment they landed, there was a nasty shoot out between them and the cops. From the ground floor, they managed to kill three cops but one did not die on the spot. He called the radiophone for backup and within no time the place had a few more cops coming in.

Buggy: s**t Willis, I told you this was a bad idea.

He said firing shots as they covered each others backs.

Jabali: we are already here, shut up man.

The shoot out went back and forth for a while and Willis was afraid they were going to get cornered. He pressed the lift ducked in when the door flew open. Jabali and buggy jumped in too and the lift went down.

The police had been going up the stairs not knowing how many guys were there.

When the lift got down and the door opened an officer shot at Willis in the stomach before Jabali and Buggy showered bullets on him.

He was there readily waiting with a gun hoping it wasn't a fellow officer but too bad for him.

Jabali: damn Willis get the f**k up man.

Willis was down with blood oozing from his stomach.

Buggy: he can't you i***t can't you see he has been shot?

Willis: get out of here before you get busted.

Jabali: we can't leave you here.

Jabali said hanging one of Willi's arm on his shoulder and just as they were about to step out of the lift a police pointed a gun at them..

Officer: freeze! Do not move.

They stood there looking at him with his gun pointed at their faces. Willis was now definitely in trouble......