queen u r mixing it up here please seems you'll delete the 2nd one because it's centered on fighting back n not on
nice one dear I admire ur courage

kingphilip: queen u r mixing it up here please seems you'll delete the 2nd one because it's centered on fighting back n not on
nice one dear I admire ur courage

Oh no... how do I delete it?

I'm sorry everyone, my last post was a mistake.

7
Katherine entered the comfort station
and closed the door. It was clean and as
she rested on the door, she glanced at
her reflection.
All guard let loose. 'Oh God... 'was all she
managed before bursting into tears.
Can things just go on smoothly with her
as with others.
+++
Kelvin waited patiently for him to begin
the conversation.
'You know you can't do this to me Mr
Sigismund, not after I have given my best
to this company. ' Patrick said with eyes
like that of a hungry puppy whose meal
had been kept high above reach.
'An extra pinch of salt can spoil a good
meal and render it distasteful. I didn't do
anything to you, you just added that extra
pinch of sand to your work over the
years. ' Kelvin explained rocking his chair.
'She insulted me! ' He blurted.
'Action and reaction are equal and
opposite. No sane being will insult his or
boss just like that. let's be realistic, what
you did was wrong. It is an act of
immaturity and punishable in my book.'
'But ...' He began incoherently.
Kelvin stood. 'Your service so far is highly
appreciated. You may see the admin
director now.' He said with a note of
finality.
Patrick left the office as tears welled his
eyes, what was he going to tell his family?
Where was he going to start from? Where
was he going to start from after loosing
employment in one of the best
employees friendliest in the country.
He should have know the most beautiful
ones usually pose more problem, but
hers had nailed him. His wife was never
going to forgive him if he got wind of the
details.
Kelvin settled in his seat and called
Precious to know of her welfare but she
hadn't been able to get through to her.
+++
*-*
'Come on Katherine, I don't see the part
of a cleaner, is that a surprise? ' Kelvin
asked and dropped the company
customized fountain pen he had been
holding on the closed file before him.
She looked at him for a long while before
she replied. 'No.'
'Every child always have a dream one
time or the other of being somebody in
life and there is a point of realization. I
think that should be happening to you.'
He wheeled his chair close to the desk
and studied her expression. 'Don't tell
me it was to be a cleaner. '
'It wasn't and I had a dream.' She replied
flatly.
Strange, was the word on his mind. He
could hardly read from her facial display
nor voice since It's intensity and
amplitude remained. 'What happened? '
'I have to turn down that question, Why?
No comment and am sorry Sir. ' She said
simply.
He looked at her for a very long time
thoughtfully.
This was the first genuine care she was
getting and she refused to be carried
away instead she braced for what was
coming.
When she was about to begin reciting in
her mind the states of the country and
their capital to pass time, he spoke. 'Since
we agreed there is no part of a cleaner in
you. I came up with something. ' He
pressed a button on a phone on the
table. 'Precious come in with it.' He
looked at her and smiled. 'Sometimes,
problem and disappointment usually turn
to be blessing in disguise. '
Katherine agreed but didn't believe it
wholeheartedly.
A knock at the door and Precious came
in.
She looked from the DG to his secretary
who held an envelope.
'Give it to her.' He instructed his
secretary.
She obeyed.
'Open it.' He told her.
Her heart beat quickened as she opened
the letter.
'Letter of appointment as a secretary. '
She muttered after thirty seconds with
eyes still on the paper.
They both nodded when she eventually
looked up. 'What have I done to deserve
this? ' She asked surprised and directed
her gaze to the director.
'Saying no to what is worth saying no to,
that brought you to my notice in the first
place. ' He told her. 'You may not
understand the impact of your decision to
stand out will have on this company but
you've saved it, in a way . ' Kelvin told
her. 'For me and what have seen of you,
you're able or to elaborate it well, well
able to be a secretary. You will be
learning from Precious, she is one of the
best.'
'Thank you Sir.' Precious beamed.
'You're going to work hand in hand.with
her for the main time. ' Kelvin
expantiated.
Katherine closed her eyes momentarily
and swallowed hard. 'This is a surprise
that …that... ' She looked at him.
He saw pain, repressed pain in her eyes.
'This is unexpected and considering the
level of transit. ' She chuckled and
bobbed her head from side to side. 'I
don't know to express my appreciation,
thank you so much Sir but I will be
pleased to know the price I have to pay. '
'That's brilliant Katherine, don't prove me
wrong by being diligent and faithful. '
She nodded her head thoughtfully. 'Sir,
can Precious please excuse us?'
'Thank you Precious. '
She excused them.
'Diligence and faithfulness, Yes but I want
to know the main price I have to pay.'
Her eyes didn't leave his.
He met her gaze and for a moment, he
was lost and then he blinked thoughtfully.
It dawned on him and he almost burst
out laughing. 'I am a pot that chastise a
kettle for being black . I am giving you
this opportunity from the conviction I
have and the sincerity of my heart. '
Silence prevailed as Katherine glanced
back at the letter. 'I will take the post,
Thank you very much Sir.' She knelt.
'No …no …please stand already. ' He
stood. 'Pick your uniform from the
clothing department, take the rest of the
week off and resume on Monday. '
'Thank you.' She gave a faint smile.
Kelvin nodded and she left.
He remained on his feet thoughtfully, he
had seen that lack of trust and pain in her
eyes.
Precious rounded her desk to meet her.
'Are you taking the job? ' She asked
anxiously.
She had never anyone so selfless. 'Yes
Precious. '
'Yes! ' Precious hugged her. She and her
boss had sat to decide the plan and she
was glad it worked. 'I'll shift my chair and
move Yours close so I could start feeling
you before Monday! ' She grinned.
Katherine smiled and took both hands in
hers. 'You know what Precious? '
'What? ' She was still smiling.
'If you keep up with your behaviour, you
will go places.'
'I know, Thanks. I am happy for you.'
'Thank you.'
Precious quickly peeped at the lobby
leading to the DG'S office before taking
Katherine's hand. 'Let me see you off to
the elevator. '
+++
*-*
Katherine knew she ought to be
swimming in happiness. For the love of
raspberries! How many cleaners were
turned secretaries? Not mere secretary
but to the very boss!
She shook her head nothing was going to
put the thrill in her. She had lost count of
the number of arms of flesh that had
failed her long time.
When she told the head cleaner, she had
given her all her blessings and added she
was going to miss her. She smiled in
remembrance. She had not seen the
assistant chief security officer, Mr Sayo
that had ushered into the waters of the
company. Hence, she hadn't told him.
They had been the closest to her.
This appointment was baby steps to what
she aspired to achieve. She looked
forward to Monday as she gathered the
mass of her jet black into the hair net.
She sat up on the bed and brought her
Bible close.
All she wanted was God's will. She was
going to pray for her DG so things don't
get sour and for grace in her new place of
assignment .
She closed her eyes and searched her
mind for the best worship song.
+++

*-*
Aisha hit the brass knocker. 'Kafee, can I
come in? '
'Yes mum.' Kafayat made to grab tissue
to wipe her face but wasn't fast enough.
Her mother entered and noticed the
tears. 'Sweetheart …haba. ' She sat on
the bed. 'What is wrong? '
She wiped her tears with her palms.
'Nothing mum.'
'How can you be crying and say nothing is
wrong. ' Worry creased her brows.
'Do you know mum that …' She sniffed.
'Dad and I made plans for his birthday
celebration …that should have hold
today. ' She sobbed
Tears ran down Aisha's face as she pulled
Kafayat close into an embrace.
She had a
good cry at the early hours of the day
when she had woken up with the
knowledge and the immediate emptiness
that set in. Her dearly beloved husband was no more.

+++

8

<em>What a relief! </em>Katherine almost screamed as she stepped past the huge gate. She let out a heave of relief. She should have known and took a cab from home irregardless of the cost. She was sure that was nothing compared to the embarrassment she got on her way to work.

The embarrassment, unnecessary politeness and invitation to bus chat. To top it, two guys had offered to pay her bus fare and asked for a phone number she didn't even have.

'Katherine.'

She turned in the direction of the voice.

'Katherine you're actually the one, I thought I was seeing things!'

'Good morning Sir.' She smiled at Mr Sayo understanding his surprise, 'I meant to tell you on Thursday but you were in a meeting. I am now an appointed secretary. '

'Hey,' He beamed. 'Congratulations child, you look so beautiful. '

'Thank you Sir. ' She appreciated.

'I'll send up a congratulatory gift to you later in day.'

Katherine nodded with a smile and made to continue her strides when she took a glance at the security office.

An usual number of them were standing  in front and it was just few minutes before seven but then she stared and agaped mouth began to close and look away in embarrassment.

The security guy who had asked Mr Sayo about her on the day she sought employment, Abbey approached her hastily as if walking normally was going to make him change his mind.

He had wooed her once and admired her silently after being politely turned down. 'Emmm....Katherine.' He easily caught up with her. 'I don't know what you think of me but I... I want to advise you.'

She honored him and halt to listen.

'I don't think you need the cleaning nor the secretaring job, the form of the most beautiful girl in Nigeria is on sale, you should get one for yourself. I can give you half of the money of the form.' He met her gaze. 'You don't need the wand of a fairy god mother for everything to fall in place. You are qualified.'

She grinned. 'I really appreciate you looking out for me Abbey but you know what am going to say.'

'I know.' He nodded. 'Your beauty beyond all have set my eyes on even in screen.' That said, he left more hastily than he had come.

Katherine watched the departing figure momentarily before heading to her destination.

She sneezed and then remembered a superstitious belief that <em>sneezing can be prompted when one name is being mentioned or discussed about.</em> She reached for a hanky with a smile knowing she was going to be the major source of gossip.

+++
*-*

'Good morning Sir.' She smiled charmingly on her feet as Kelvin strode in white shirt and black pant trousers almost looking like a sailor with black shoes. He held a brief case which he always refuse help with.

'Good morning, hope we have a Precious today. ' He beamed.

'Sure.' She returned affirmatively.

He glanced around. 'Where is SI's newest secre...? '

She emerged from the lobby in an animal print blazer over black sleeveless blouse and pencil skirt with cream 3inches high shoes. She had her name tag on just below Where the customized signature of the company was. Her hair was half parted in a slant,wrapped around and pinned with matching color of  hair clips, curled strand graced a side of her face.

'Oh -my- God! ' Precious exclaimed before glancing at Kelvin. <em>Was he seeing what was before her?</em>

'Good morning  Sir, good morning Precious. ' She smiled revealing dimples on her cheeks.

'Good morning Katherine.' He had been mesmerized at the transformation but was quick to recover. Position and Authority was all about control and he did have it in abundance. 'Ready to take new challenges?'

'Yes Sir.'

'Welcome on board then, you look splendid. ' That said, he held for his office.

'Thank you.' She called after him.

'Wow! ' Precious looked her over from head to toes taking in every detail of her physical appearance. 'You look so... so amazing! Tell me how many admirers did you get on your way here. '

Katherine rolled her eyes before shaking her head.

'Wait! ' She covered the distance between them. 'Is that your natural hair? ' She touched it slightly. 'Ha, no wonder you've been covering your hair! '

'Precious leave me alone jare. ' She said dismissively  before rounded the desk to sit.

'It's unfair na, what people like us are looking for.' Precious continued unperturbed.

'Precious! ' She chided.

Precious halt and glared at her. <em> is it now wrong to admire?</em>

Katherine couldn't help but chuckle at her expression.

+++

Katherine was reading the guide book Precious had gotten for her from the company's library when Kelvin entered from his office.

'How has it been? '

'Smooth. ' She looked up from the book.

'And Precious? '

'Just left for lunch.'

'What are you still waiting for? '

'I will pass.'

'Alright.' He walked away.

A couple of minutes Later, one of the security officers delivered a can coke and mince pie courtesy of Mr Sayo.

After thanking him profusely, she placed it in her bag.


Ten minutes Later, Prrcious came back with a nylon. 'Katherine, you should have come to the cafeteria, the admin director bought this for all the secretaries. ' She placed the nylon in front of her. 'I got this for you. '

'That is so considerate of you, thank you.' She smiled up at her.

'Next time you should join me.' She slumped into her seat.

'I won't. '

Precious sat back on her seat. 'Don't tell me you there already. ' Her gaze was fixed where Katherine had a finger in between the book.

'I am.'

'So fast, the opposite of me. ' She glanced at the table clock. 'I will nap for fifteen minutes. '

'Provided you don't snore.' Katherine stood to held for the rest room.

Precious shot a warning gaze at Katherine. 'I will catch you.' She closed her eyes.

+++
*-*
'Sir, it is like a puzzle to me that a cleaner could know so much.' Precious was seated in the Kelvin's office. 'If am to be honest, I will say there is nothing she learnt from me instead I have learnt from her. When I speak, she just listen to me as if what am saying was new, watch me practise and when I give her opportunity, I get to raise my brows astonished for she does it perfectly. Severally I was compelled to ask her if she had ever done Secretariat studies or a school that does such.'

'And what she did say? '

Precious chuckled. 'Katherine said that she had never seen the four walls of a secretarial school talk more of entering one.'

Kelvin laughed. 'So she is hilarious.'

'Sometimes but she barely talks.' Precious expressed. 'The only problem I have with her is that she has never gone for lunch.'

'You should buy for her then.'

'She won't accept, she had made that very clear.'

Kelvin shrugged not having a solution to that.

'Sir, you were right when you told her she was well able.' Precious beamed.

'Well... ' He drummed his fingers on his desk momentarily. 'That was a satisfactory report I suppose she can move on.'

'Yes Sir.'

'I have something for you two for making things very easy for so far so good when you get back from the account department.'

'Okay Sir.' Precious said gleefully before excusing herself.

Kelvin stood crossed to the minifridge in the sitting wing of his office to pour himself an orange flavored yoghurt.

+++

*-*
'I... I need your prayers Katherine. ' They were in the elevator having collected their payslips.

'Is there a problem? ' Katherine searched her expression.

'My responsibility went to the sky last weekend. You know that early next month, the best secretary in SI will be appointed an execretary. I need the job and the extra cash.' She had lost her mum at an early age, her father had suffered partial stroke a year back and couldn't perform active service. He lost his job and Precious had to cater for him and her 3younger brothers and sister, being the first.
Katherine took her hand as they walked out of the elevator. 'Do your best and may God crown that effort with good success.'

'Amen.' She claimed and then a smile spread over the frown that had etched her face.

'What? ' She looked away from her face to adjust two potted plant.

'The boss... he has something for us.' She announced gleefully before pulling her towards his wing.


*
'There! ' He placed the two paper bags containing 3litres of fruit juice and tin biscuits each on the center table.

'Thank you very much. This is quite generous of you Sir.'

He glanced at her, almost directly behind Precious. He saw her reluctance.

Precious stepped on the rug to view the content of the paper bag. 'Oooops! ' Her eyes gleamed in excitement. ' Thank you very much.'

'You're Welcome. '

Katherine followed her cue and stepped forward. 'Thank you very much Sir.'

'Welcome. ' He answered.

They each picked their paper bags and made to leave.

'Katherine could your please stay back for a minute? '

In spite of the politeness, her spirit sank.

Precious left the office.

She turned towards his direction with lowered gaze.

'I don't force people to accept things I give out willingly. If you don't want it, you can reject it instead of putting up an unreal act or going with the crowd. ' Having expressed himself, he felt pained. <em>Why couldn't she just let go and be free?<em> Why was she different? </em>
</em>

'I'm... I'm sorry Sir.' She felt the disappointment portrayed in his voice.

'Do you want to return it? '

'No Sir.' She glanced at his face but he didn't look angry. 'I am sorry. '

'It is okay Katherine.' He felt moved to sit her and find out Why she was antisocial but he feared her rejection.

She excused herself. When she got out, She exhaled relieved.

+++

Precious couldn't help but jump in the elevator unable to contain her elation.<em>what a dream come true!</em>

'Take it easy ma'am, you're in the elevator. ' Katherine advised grinning.

'Easy is not in my dictionary right now.' She made to do an edo dance using the envelope in her hand to improvise handkerchief.

Katherine burst into laughter.

'Congratulations girl. '

'Thanks for your prayers and all.' She reached out and gave her a bear hug.

Precious got out of the elevator first, jumped and twirled.

Kelvin slowed his pace and eventually halt so he won't bump into her. 'That's the spirit girl! '

Precious froze. 'Oh... emmm...Sir... I'm... ' She went wide eyed in embarrassment.

'Congratulations. ' He walked away.

Katherine who had witnessed all, burst into stifled laughter.

+++

wow queen you are really killing it
ride on jare... no mind me i've lost touch with soothing words this days... please do u know where i can get them back?

following. Job weldone ere!

Well done please post regularly to reach the point u were before crash

boladex1: Well done please post regularly to reach the point u were before crash

I'll try

TemitopeDaniel: following. Job weldone ere!

Thanks Sweetie.

kingphilip: wow queen you are really killing it
ride on jare... no mind me i've lost touch with soothing words this days... please do u know where i can get them back?

Look deep inside, it's in you.

Continue... Datx d spirit!!!!

Sits comfortably, dis is more interestin than i thought. Make suspense no come kill pesin o

Queenxstar: Look deep inside, it's in you.

k i'll try communicating with my inner self sha

toykathy: Sits comfortably, dis is more interestin than i thought. Make suspense no come kill pesin o

Hmmm... e no fit kill you.

Hameenat94: Continue... Datx d spirit!!!!

Thank you.

9

'Katherine, news just reach me that ten thousand naira is missing from the managing director's office and that you are also the last person to enter his office. What can you say about that? ' Kelvin sipped from his mug of water.

'What I can say about being the last person to enter his office, that I don't know of.' She met his gaze. 'All I know is that he asked me to drop a file in his office, so I dropped it on the desk and left. '

'How about the ten thousand? ' Kelvin focused his striking eyes on her.

Katherine gave a short laugh. 'How am I suppose to know if I walked in, dropped the file on his desk and left?' She raised a hand in front of her emphatically, 'If I did that, how am I supposed to know if there was a million naira or whatever in his office. ' She couldn't help the sarcasm in her voice.

His voice was calm. 'You can confide in me, you can tell me about it. This act can mar all I cherish about you. I beg you to confide in me before it is too late.'
He entwined his palms on his desk.

'This is ridiculous!' Katherine shook her head, partly in disbelief and partly trying to keep calm. 'Katherine Sylvester is not desperate, even if I am, ten thousand cannot calm my desperation talk more of solving it.'

Kelvin shrugged. 'I don't think you understand the extent of allegation Katherine, you're the chief suspect. '

Katherine closed her momentarily before exhaling. 'With all due respect Sir, I can't sit through this conversation anymore,' She stood  I'll implore you  to go ahead to do whatever is in the company constitution for such offense. Excuse me.' She left.

He glared at the closed door not believing what he just heard. <em>Was she void of emotions? How could she be so calm? She had even encouraged him to take drastic measure. </em>
He massaged his brows knowing he was in a fix. Everyone was watching, most unhappy about his decision that uplifted her despite the fact none had dare confront him.

Something propelled him to glance at the wall in which the framed photograph  of his father hung, following was that of Jesus with opened arms.

He closed his eyes and asked for guidance from the all Knowing Being. He didn't want to tamper with anybody's emotion.

+++
*-*
She was writing on a note pad when he came in from his office to hers. She didn't look up  though she sensed his presence.

He stood at the back of one of the chairs. 'Katherine, I am sorry about accusing you yesterday, the MD just called me that he found the money.'

She nodded halting her pen momentarily.

'Aren't you going to say anything? '

Katherine shook her head and continued writing once more.

How unnerving and powerless she did made him feel, no one had left him ever confused.
He strode out, she had been his secretary for 3months since Precious became an execretary and left for her office. He had never been able to read her expression correctly.

He knew there was something about her but the more he tried to find out, the more withdrawn she became.
+++
*-*
The MD called wanting to speak to the director general exactly 2 weeks after she was accused of theft and three hours after she had gone to his office to drop a report.

Now he was calling like he had done the other day .

She transferred the call but didn't drop the phone.

There had been another theft and she was a suspect.

When the call ended, she gave a humorless laughter. Then for ten minutes, she tapped her feet as she waited for her boss to take his decision. By the time he summoned her to his office, she was furious.

Katherine entered his office.

'Kat... ' He was interrupted.

'I know what you are going to say, there have been yet another theft and I am a suspect. ' She narrowed her brows.

He glared at her.

'I am sick and tired of all these. I have never being so humiliated and insulted all my life! What have I done so wrong? Who have I offended that I can't even get a breathing space? I sincerely can't take this anymore.' She expressed breathlessly. 'I can't work in a place where I can't have peace of mind, where everybody including my boss doesn't trust me.' She exhaled. 'You can call the police, torture me or whatever but I won't sit through another interrogation. '

He had sat back and watched her, seen a rare part of her. She had let go and he had seen the sparkles in her eyes though it was of anger . 'When you rage, there a unique beauty that radiates on your face. '

Caught unawares, she paled like she had been burnt. For a moment she was lost before she scrambled out of the office without excusing herself.

Was it tears he had seen? He sighed before he allowed his chair rock in deep thoughts . He was going to get to bottom of the whole mystery before he lose one of his best secretary so far.

Katherine slammed the rest room door close and burst into tears. 'God... Why can't I have peace? Why.. ' She sobbed and her whole body shook. She sneezed twice and her nose began to weep.

Kelvin came out to head for the MD 's office but Katherine was no where in sight.

He felt a slight headache as he approached the elevator.

*
When he came in, Katherine head was on her desk.
He knew nothing he would say would make the situation better besides he didn't know what mood she was in and was not a specialist in mood management. So he head for his office with a suspect in mind and a plan.

*

For the rest of that Friday, she couldn't eat nor do anything, she just wept till she was sore and drifted to sleep.

Thanks goodness the next day was a work free day because  she had woke up from the edge of the bed with frontal headache, cracked voice and swollen eyes.

+++
*-*
The conference room was the smallest
they had in the company, despite the fact
that the DG, Executive director, head of
every departments, MD, Execretary and
five other secretaries were present with
Katherine inclusive , there still few seat
unoccupied. They were seated around
polished hexagonal table.
'Precious could you please exchange seat
with Katherine? ' He smiled at Precious.
She smiled back and left her seat to sit
beside Yemisi.
Silence returned to the table. Each
oblivious to the reason for the gathering.
'I welcome you all to this meeting that is
the first of its kind and would be the last
too. ' He had allowed a minute to prevail
before he began.
Kelvin scanned their faces. 'The matter at
hand is that of the incident of the missing
money and the accusations. This issue will
be settled once and for all. ' He paused
momentarily. 'First, I blamed the MD for
keeping such amount of money in his
office but I realise that there are some
transactions he does do for the company
besides, I don't see a reason why we all
can't keep a thing in the privacy of our
offices and still meet it there.'
Most of the tops present nodded.
Somehow she had prepared herself for
the worst, she suspected the reason for
the meeting when her boss inform her to
inform the cleaning department and listed
those who she was to tell are to
participate. <em>Serenity... calmness...</em>
<em>peace... silence...quietness.</em> She kept
repeating those words in her mind to
keep her emotions in check even as she
listened.
'I don't want such situation at all in my
company. ' He frowned as he directed his
gaze to Yemisi. 'Yemisi, what do you know
about the cases of the missing money?'
She blanched as they all directed their
attention to her.
'I ...I don't know anything about it Sir.'
'What relationship did you have with
Patrick, our former account director? '
Kelvin asked more calmly.
'The AD-secretary relationship. ' She
answered calmly recovering quickly.
'What again? '
'Nothing more Sir.'
'Are you sure nothing more? '
'Yes Sir.' She nodded before the reply.
The conference room was becoming like a
court session and that got everyone alert.
'Good, but am sure you can give
confession.' He beamed infectiously.
'Confessions? ' Yemisi went wide eyed.
'What confession? ' Her brows narrowed
confused.
'The missing money, the relationship you
have with Patrick Sunday. ' He
expantiated as he placed his palms
together on the table.
Katherine looked from her boss to Yemisi.
She didn't think Yemisi would go so far...
so far to implicate her.
'With all due respect Sir, I don't
understand what you are talking about.'
With a smile lingering on his lips, he held
her gaze briefly. 'I like you because you
are a good game player. Unfortunately,
you play the game as it comes without
knowing the rules of the game.' He
glanced around. 'Those that are good
game players can bare me witness that
your skills and experience in a game
might be insignificant in another. '
Most nodded including Precious.
'I am afraid girl, your method of playing is
not going to help you one bit.'
'Please Sir, I don't know what you're
talking about.' Yemisi was almost close to
tears.
'I can also bet you wouldn't until the
torturing by the members of the police
force begin.' His voice was icy.
That made some of the persons at the
table to exchange glances.
'Yeh-police! ' She opened palms to plea.
'Please Sir, I swear... I haven't done
anything.'
Some of the ladies present were touched
but who dared to challenge the DG.
'I hate lies Yemisi! You understand me I -
hate -lies! ' He was on his feet angrily.
'You alone know what is good for you, one
more lie from that mouth of yours and
you will be receiving it hot. On your feet!
'
All of them were flabbergasted, before
them was a part of their boss they never
knew existed. Yemisi hurried to her feet
trembling.
'You have been sleeping with Patrick.'
'No... no Sir.' She glanced at him and the
threat his face held made her rethink.
'Yes Sir.'
Some mouths opened and closed.
'For how long? '
She blanched like someone who was
about to suffer cardiac arrest. 'Emmm... I
can't remember.'
Katherine just watched the drama unfold
with a blank expression.
'Why did you have an objection when I
told you to address the termination of
appointment letter and Why the rudeness
to Katherine? '
'Objection? I agreed... with... ermm...'
Her cold palm touched her neck
nervously. 'I saw Katherine as a threat, I
didn't like her .' She blurted.
Precious rolled her eyes before shaking
her head.
He glanced at Katherine but the
expression on her face remained. 'What
threat?should be my next question but I
already know the answer. Since you are
sleeping together, maybe the need to
plan a meeting venue...is that the reason
Patrick calls almost three times on daily
basis?'
Yemisi was so shocked that she became
tongue tied. She just stared.

Everyone stared at her expecting answers.

'Yemisi, did you get my question? '

'Yes...Yes Sir.' She stammered swinging her hands like one who has just dipped hands into a bowl containing pepper. 'Emmm...I... I... '

'Seems you are on the spot, I am going to help you. ' He smiled. 'Is it because he want to know what is going on, who is promoted, how to get back at his enemies or both of your enemies?

Yemisi shook her head quickly. 'No... no... no.'

Most of them were surprised at the unveil of the secret, the secretaries who could fit in the shoes of Yemisi in the sleeping part were grateful they were not victims. The boss they were lusting after, they never knew he could be so ruthless in asking questions.

'I can play a couple of recorded.phone conversations.'

'It is true.'

'Which is true? '

'Everything is true.'

'Splendid! ' He exclaimed gleefully. 'To the missing money, is there is a link between the two cases? '

'Yes.'

'You did the stealing? '

'Yes.'

'What! ' The MD exclaimed and looked at Katherine with so much apology placed in a facial expression.

'Why did you return the first money? '

'So that everyone will think the accused repented. '

'And the second? '

'To put her into trouble. '

'Jesus Christ! Yemisi, what are you thinking? To put an innocent into trouble! ' The MD made to stand angrily.

'Calm down MD, I am going to give you time to give her a piece of you. Don't you want your money back? '

That seems to douse his anger as he settled back into his seat.

'How about the thirty thousand? '

'Sir... I... I... 'She sobbed. 'I gave it to Mr Patrick yesterday. '

'Huh! ' He was surprised for the first time that day.

'Madam what is your share in it? ' The executive director just a couple of years older than Kelvin said with a voice laced with sarcasm.

'Fifteen thousand. '

'The video camera in this conference room are on, hence, this meeting is recorded for future reference and punishment to those who have the guts to repeat this kind of thing. The technical department have been a wonderful help in trashing out this issue. ' His gaze swept over them. 'This same way Yemisi was fished out is the same way those perpetuating evil will be fished out but then, the consequence will be grave. ' He stood. 'Precious go out and usher the police in.

She obeyed.

Yemisi burst into tears. 'I am sorry Sir... please... I am sorry everyone.... please help me beg the boss.'

'Channel your apology first to Katherine. For once, I permit you to spread the word around. ' He followed the three police officer as they led her away.

They began to leave one after the other.

The MD stood beside her seat. 'The one thing I don't appreciate in life is false accusation. I am sorry for doing that to you. '

Katherine nodded.

'Please am sorry. ' He apologized once more before leaving.

Precious placed a hand on her shoulder standing behind her. 'Katherine, it's better the truth has prevailed, it is better people have a different perceptive about you, it is better you're not suffering for what you did not do. I trust everything to be fine once more. '

'Thank you.' She looked up and smiled.

Precious squeezed her shoulder lightly before leaving.

Katherine folded her arms and stared into space. <em>Life ...so unpredictable, and her life, why was is that when everything seem to be going on well, smooth, something comes up and blows everything into thin air, it just happen everytime. Was it her destiny? </em>She exhaled.
<em>Confession most time, it was very good so one can know what people think and feel about one, what extent they can go in hurting whom they despised. Hmmmm...Why can't just some people  respect others decision? </em>

'Excuse me.' The security officer said for the second time.

She blinked back to reality and it appeared the conference room was bigger because everyone had left. She stood and head for the exit door.

+++
*-*
She stepped out of the elevator and lurched. Her vision blurred and  she held onto the  rail.

She waited with eyes closed and took in deep breaths.

Ten minutes later,

Katherine knocked on the door.

'Step in. '

Kelvin watched her approach still attending to the call on his mobile phone. 'That was a huge step... when everything is set, I will come....' He laughed and gestured for her seat. 'Okay... of course. Bye.'

'Yes Katherine. ' He sat up.

'I have something to tell you Sir .'

'Do I owe you an apology? ' He felt a tinge of guilt at the way she had paled.

'No Sir. I am rather grateful for your expertise.'

'What do you want to tell me? ' He narrowed his brows.

'I don't feel well, please can I can take the rest of the day off? '

He did see it, she appeared emaciated and her cornea had been stained red. 'Is staying off going to make you better or you go to the clinic? '

'No to your latter question. '

'Okay then, give me your mobile number so I can call you later. '

'I don't have one Sir.'

He stared at her in disbelief but something about her facial expression told him she was serious besides he couldn't remember seeing her with any.

He shrugged. 'I really need to call for I don't like what am seeing of you. I would have rather you see a doctor. '

Katherine shook her head.

'I have to do something else then. ' He said thoughtfully before he opened one of the drawers and brought out a SIM card. 'I haven't used this nor give the number out.' He picked the phone on the table, removed its SIM and replaced it without a glance at Katherine whose brows was narrowed with a worried frown.

'Sir, you don't have to do all that, giving me your permission is enough. '

He looked at the screen of the phone as it came on. 'This is not going to be another conference session Katherine, I won't take an objection. '

She pouted her lips even as she collected the phone and Kelvin almost asked her if she was the last child. He chuckled instead.

He saw her off to the door, 'Do I ask one of the driver to take you home. '

She shook her head.

'You're being overly dramatic, in a way I contributed to whatever health challenge you are experiencing. After all, I accused you directly. '

'You did what you should have done. '

He stepped ahead and opened the door. 'I'll talk to you later and I need you to know that never for once did my trust in you dwindled. '

'Thank you.' She said and smiled.

Kelvin closed the door after her and was glad he was able to get a smile from her.

++++
*-*

When she got to the gate, Abbey had seen her countenance and knew she was under the weather. The news had spread fast.

He hailed a cab for her and paid despite her objection.

<strong>+++</strong>

10

'Why is she not picking her calls? ' Kelvin said to himself before lowering himself to a vinyl chair facing the swimming pool, he placed the tumbler of  vine juice he held on a stool close.

He adjusted the earphones and used a finger to redial the number. He sat back anticipating the pick of his call.

'He...Hello.' She coughed.

'Hello Kath...can you hear me? Hello Katherine... '

'Yes... Yes.'

'How do you feel now? '

'Me... I don't actually know....awful ...' She sniffed.

'Oh... ' He sat up. 'Have you had some medications?'

'Ye... Yes.'

'Are you alone?'

'Yes.' She coughed.

'Give me your address, you don't sound fine.'

'No Sir.'

'No? ' He went wide eyed. 'Give me your address, am not coming to eat you.'

'I... I know but no.'

Kelvin sensed her firmness even from her voice. How could a woman be so adamant even in illness?
He exhaled. 'Tell me how do you feel? '

'I feel cold inside but very hot...outside. My extremities are cold.'

He wasn't surprised, she sounded like a hydrophobic who had accidentally fallen into a well little did he know at that moment, she had a wrapper over her and a duvet over her even her head was not exclusive, the hand that was not holding the phone was in her flexed knees.

'Sometimes when we take medications, it is like our condition is aggravated, relief might not be instant but it will eventually come.'

How come you know all that? Was what she would have asked save for her weak state.

'If you can have a warm bath, or drink water, you know like a room temperature kind.'

'O..okay. '

'Are you going to try doing one of those? '

'Will drink water. '

'Okay then, since you don't want to tell me your address, I pray that the good Lord heal you.'

'Amen.' Another surprise, she didn't know he was a believer of God.

'Speedy recovery Katherine, if you change your mind, the phone is on. Goodnight. '

'Thank you...Goodnight. '

He sighed. He thought illness made a person more gullible to attention and care. Why was Katherine so damn different! If a woman could be so firm in weakness, how about in strength?
He could almost laughed as he remembered her walking majestically into his office on the day he wanted to accuse her a second time, he was sure she must have fought so hard not to point her warning finger at him, instead his brows narrowed into a frown.

There was something about her that worried him.

He sighed, stifled a yawn, gulped down his remaining juice. He stood and stretched before heading to the mansion that was proudly his. Somewhere in his mind, he knew she would come back to his thought when he was in bed with a filled belly.

+++
'Good morning Sir.'

'How relief am I hear from you, I have called severally this morning but the phone just rings and rings...'

'I am so sorry, I almost freaked out when I saw fifteen missed calls when I woke. ' She sobered. 'I was able to sleep after this localized throbbing in my head just to me to awake five minutes ago, it is almost eleven! I hope you can pardon me for taking more than I requested but I will be in the office as soon as I can.'

Kelvin chuckled.'Ease up ma'am, I have a conscience I cherish so much. I will see you on Monday.'

'Awww....' She exhaled relieved. 'What other type of boss can one ask of? '

'A replication of me, a twin, triplet, maybe a quadruplet or probably a... '.He began readily

Katherine laughter rang out, throaty at first but soft and infectious later.

He smiled, threw his head back and wished he could see her face. 'I beseech you Katherine, eat lunch today and take your medication.'

She laughed knowing he was referring to her continual refusal to eat lunch.

'I don't need you to laugh, chuckle or even giggle, promise Katherine promise. '

'I promise. '

'And even after? '

'I am not going to promise on that. '

Kelvin laughed for he knew he was not going to get her on that.

'Do rest it all out.'

'I will. God bless you.'

'Thanks. '

'Who is filling in for me? '

'Precious. '

'Do extend my greeting. ' She beamed taking a mental note to buy her something to say Thanks . 'Say hello to her.'

'Sure. ' He wheeled his chair close  to his desk as he began to work on his system.

It was barely three minutes after the call with Katherine ended when the table phone began to ring. He pressed the receive button.

'Sir, the secretary of the research department is here with the comprehensive report you asked for. '

'File it with the rest, I will be asking for them later. Katherine sends a hello to you.'

'Oh! How is she? '

'I believe she will be better. '

'OK Sir. ' She dropped the phone.

'Who is the she? ' The secretary queried with raised fixed eyelashes.

Precious ignored her, collected the report and went ahead to file it.

'Precious na... okay Miss Precious. ' She put a puppy smile. 'Please tell me who the she is .'

'Gossipper! Please carry your smile and questions to another side. I don't have time for aimless talks. The next thing will be Precious said that, that that that is that, it will go from mouth to ear, nooo!' Precious told her in a shooing manner.

'Na the small post they give you de shack you? ' She retorted and hissed.

Precious tipped her blazer by the shoulders. 'I am very proud of who I am and am sure if I exchange my post with you, you will be more than willingly to accept. Get out of my office now! '

She began to leave not prepared for the outburst and knowing the implication if the boss got a wind of their exchange besides she was now her senior colleague.

'Internet without marsk!' She finalized and burst into laughter. She had learnt that from a niece.

++++
*-*
Kelvin was done with his e-mails and it was time to delve into the reports, suddenly, he was brainstormed.

The Biodata, Katherine's specifically, if he had read it, he would have surprised her the night before.

He would really love to know what a surprise could do to her.

He did not know the password to such information, so he punched a number on the intercom to reach Precious.

*-*

'Good morning Miss.' She saw Precious was engrossed in a file. 'I will like to see Mr Sigismund though I have no appointment. I am a foreign investor. '

Precious looked up and her face glowed.'Aaaa! ' She exclaimed and rounded the desk.'It is so good to see you!' She hugged her.

Katherine chuckled at her enthusiasm. 'You make me feel like have been gone for two years.'

Precious laughed even as she felt her face with her palm . 'If I have my way, you will be  gone for two weeks. You still look pale to me. '

'Am I glad you're not the boss? ' She set her bag on the desk and glanced at the adjoining lobby. 'Is Mr Sigismund in? '

'Not yet, he will be attending to some appointment from home.'

'Okay. ' She perched on Precious seat and gave a scrutinizing look at the open file. 'Update me please. '

Before they parted an hour later, Katherine gave her a wrapped package.

+++
*-*

A smile spread across as he sighted her. 'Look who we have here and has taken over already. '

Katherine sprang to her feet. 'Good morning Sir, Welcome, how did the appointments go? '

'Very well. '

She handed him the phone. 'Thank you very much Sir. '

'Welcome back . 'He gave her a card. 'Check my schedule and see if I will be free so I can know how to honor the RSVP. '

'Okay Sir.'

He left for his office with a knowing smile. He had checked the biodata and had learnt all he wanted and more which included a rare coincidence which had motivated him to plan a surprise for her.

+++

*-*
She was in the elevator with both  the secretaries of the advert department and research department respectively .

She was going to sign in a parcel for her boss at the reception.

'How come you've obtained so much favour from the boss, how do you seduce him? ' Secretary to the Ad department, Anat asked.

<em>Wetin person no go hear! </em>Katherine took a lingering look at the questionnaire but made no attempt to reply. <em>Baby faced, with make up that make one want to avoid going close to her for fear of getting stained. Her breasts looked like they were going to pop out any minute.</em>

'Katherine, she is talking to you. ' Abiola, the other secretary seconded.

She glanced at her. <em>The gown she had on was so tight that she wondered how she breathed. </em>'What kind of question was that? ' She decided to speak.

'It doesn't matter what kind of question, just answer. ' Abiola replied

She looked from Abiola to Anat. 'Don't make me believe you're jobless people. ' She saw the light changed and head to the door.

Abiola pulled her arm stopping her. 'And what do you mean by that? ' She demanded with a face that reminded one of a smilie with a scowl.

<em>If they had eyes that did observe they wouldn't have asked their silly question for she would never be in their category though they had same dressing code. '</em>Go for what you need girls not what you want or probably drive you crazy. ' Just then, the door slid opened and she walked head high leaving her earlier companions stunned, so stunned that they remained till the door closed.

+++

*-*

She placed the box on the table. 'The IVs have been arranged in such a way I think will be convenient for you, you can check to see if there are any objections before I call the parties involved to give your approval.'

'Okay...' He looked from the box up to her face. 'Take seat Katherine.'

Katherine obeyed.

'Have you been hearing the gossips that has been directed towards this storey?'

'Yes.' She said after a moment of thought.

'How do you feel? '

Katherine tilted her a side and back before a smile graced her face. 'I am going to answer your question with the lyrics of two Nigerian musicians. ' She glanced at him. 'One said - Let them say, he that has mouth, owns it. The other said -there is nothing one would do that people won't talk, so it better one satisfy one's conscience because you can never satisfy everybody's no matter what one does.'

Kelvin beamed. 'That was very comprehensive. So you listen to music? '

'Sensible ones.'

'That means you dance to sensible music. ' He was inquisitive.

'It depends on your  idea of dance, maybe and maybe not.' She shrugged with a smile.

'That means you're a dancer .' He couldn't help himself despite her diplomacy.

Katherine burst into laughter and her dimples was pronounced. She stood.

'Can I have a yes or no answer please? ' He feigned firmness but it was laced with amusement.

She rolled her eyes. 'You can't have one please, excuse me.' With that she fled.

Kelvin burst into bouts of laughter for his curiosity and the response he got. He stood, picked the box and head for the sitting wing.

There, he reached for a remote for he wanted a music background.

+++

Basirat knocked the door, waited&nbsp; and then opened.

Binta Adam had her legs crossed on the bed, she was clutching a teddy bear and reading a book before her mother came in.

'Hello darling. ' She said as she sat on the bed.

'Hello mum.' She smiled at her.

She glanced at the- sugar girl story back cover her daughter had been reading. 'In a week time, it is going to be birthday Bint, do you know that? ' She beamed.

'Yes mum.' Binta replied with no amusement.

Basirat narrowed her brows, <em>that was strange. </em>She observed her closely since she had expected her to jump excitedly. 'You don't seem happy. '

'I have no cause to be unhappy. ' She placed her teddy on a lying position with its head on a pillow.

'Yes... Yes, you don't have any cause to be sad but Bint you are not showing signs of happiness either. ' Basirat stated.

Binta stood and placed the book she had been reading at the book shelf in her room. 'How? '

Her eyes followed her daughter every movement. 'In time past, you did count down to your birthday, you haven't said the kind of dress you want to wear, where you will like to shop, how you want it celebrated, etcetera. 'She listed knowingly.

'That's because I don't want to celebrate my birthday. ' Binta replied still standing.

'What! ' She went wide eyed shocked but recovered quickly and burst into laughter. She stood, held her hand and led back to seat at the edge of the bed. 'You're joking right?' Basirat faced her. 'I don't need your response. ' She said affirmatively still laughing.

'No am not. ' She shook her head.

'Okay, ' She exhaled. 'Why? '

'I don't know mummy.' She looked up at her mother with sincerity in her eyes.

'Come on Binta, if you want mummy to take that, you have to come up a tangible reason and that was not a tangible one.'

'I don't know but I don't feel like celebrating my birthday and don't want to hear talks of it.' Binta said calmly.

'That is not possible. ' Basirat shook her head.

'Please mummy, please... ' Binta pleaded desperately.

'No darling, that is not possible. ' She firmly and stood. She took a glance at the ceiling fan and took a mental note to arrange to replace it with an air-conditioner.

+++

*-*
Habeeb Adam was on his way to the sitting room and the wife was on way to the bedroom when they bumped into each other.

'Can't you for once look at where you are going to? ' He said sharply, his face contorted by the smirk it held.

'And you seer, couldn't you have avoided the accident since you see it all.' She retorted, sizing him up with her eyes.

Habeeb owned a film production company and his wife, one of the highest paid actress in Africa.

They both burst into laughter.

'What did Binta say?' He managed in between bouts of laughter.

'She said she don't want to celebrate.'

'What! ' He glared at her momentarily. 'Are you for real? '

'Yea Sweet.'

'What reason did she give? '

'No reason just don't feel like celebrating and don't want to hear talks about it.'

He went from being wide-eyed to chuckling within seconds. 'What do my eleven year old angel know about feelings?'

'Discover for yourself Love.'

'Hmmmm...' He muttered thoughtfully.

+++

10

'Why is she not picking her calls? ' Kelvin said to himself before lowering himself to a vinyl chair facing the swimming pool, he placed the tumbler of  vine juice he held on a stool close.

He adjusted the earphones and used a finger to redial the number. He sat back anticipating the pick of his call.

'He...Hello.' She coughed.

'Hello Kath...can you hear me? Hello Katherine... '

'Yes... Yes.'

'How do you feel now? '

'Me... I don't actually know....awful ...' She sniffed.

'Oh... ' He sat up. 'Have you had some medications?'

'Ye... Yes.'

'Are you alone?'

'Yes.' She coughed.

'Give me your address, you don't sound fine.'

'No Sir.'

'No? ' He went wide eyed. 'Give me your address, am not coming to eat you.'

'I... I know but no.'

Kelvin sensed her firmness even from her voice. How could a woman be so adamant even in illness?
He exhaled. 'Tell me how do you feel? '

'I feel cold inside but very hot...outside. My extremities are cold.'

He wasn't surprised, she sounded like a hydrophobic who had accidentally fallen into a well little did he know at that moment, she had a wrapper over her and a duvet over her even her head was not exclusive, the hand that was not holding the phone was in her flexed knees.

'Sometimes when we take medications, it is like our condition is aggravated, relief might not be instant but it will eventually come.'

How come you know all that? Was what she would have asked save for her weak state.

'If you can have a warm bath, or drink water, you know like a room temperature kind.'

'O..okay. '

'Are you going to try doing one of those? '

'Will drink water. '

'Okay then, since you don't want to tell me your address, I pray that the good Lord heal you.'

'Amen.' Another surprise, she didn't know he was a believer of God.

'Speedy recovery Katherine, if you change your mind, the phone is on. Goodnight. '

'Thank you...Goodnight. '

He sighed. He thought illness made a person more gullible to attention and care. Why was Katherine so damn different! If a woman could be so firm in weakness, how about in strength?
He could almost laughed as he remembered her walking majestically into his office on the day he wanted to accuse her a second time, he was sure she must have fought so hard not to point her warning finger at him, instead his brows narrowed into a frown.

There was something about her that worried him.

He sighed, stifled a yawn, gulped down his remaining juice. He stood and stretched before heading to the mansion that was proudly his. Somewhere in his mind, he knew she would come back to his thought when he was in bed with a filled belly.

+++
'Good morning Sir.'

'How relief am I hear from you, I have called severally this morning but the phone just rings and rings...'

'I am so sorry, I almost freaked out when I saw fifteen missed calls when I woke. ' She sobered. 'I was able to sleep after this localized throbbing in my head just to me to awake five minutes ago, it is almost eleven! I hope you can pardon me for taking more than I requested but I will be in the office as soon as I can.'

Kelvin chuckled.'Ease up ma'am, I have a conscience I cherish so much. I will see you on Monday.'

'Awww....' She exhaled relieved. 'What other type of boss can one ask of? '

'A replication of me, a twin, triplet, maybe a quadruplet or probably a... '.He began readily

Katherine laughter rang out, throaty at first but soft and infectious later.

He smiled, threw his head back and wished he could see her face. 'I beseech you Katherine, eat lunch today and take your medication.'

She laughed knowing he was referring to her continual refusal to eat lunch.

'I don't need you to laugh, chuckle or even giggle, promise Katherine promise. '

'I promise. '

'And even after? '

'I am not going to promise on that. '

Kelvin laughed for he knew he was not going to get her on that.

'Do rest it all out.'

'I will. God bless you.'

'Thanks. '

'Who is filling in for me? '

'Precious. '

'Do extend my greeting. ' She beamed taking a mental note to buy her something to say Thanks . 'Say hello to her.'

'Sure. ' He wheeled his chair close  to his desk as he began to work on his system.

It was barely three minutes after the call with Katherine ended when the table phone began to ring. He pressed the receive button.

'Sir, the secretary of the research department is here with the comprehensive report you asked for. '

'File it with the rest, I will be asking for them later. Katherine sends a hello to you.'

'Oh! How is she? '

'I believe she will be better. '

'OK Sir. ' She dropped the phone.

'Who is the she? ' The secretary queried with raised fixed eyelashes.

Precious ignored her, collected the report and went ahead to file it.

'Precious na... okay Miss Precious. ' She put a puppy smile. 'Please tell me who the she is .'

'Gossipper! Please carry your smile and questions to another side. I don't have time for aimless talks. The next thing will be Precious said that, that that that is that, it will go from mouth to ear, nooo!' Precious told her in a shooing manner.

'Na the small post they give you de shack you? ' She retorted and hissed.

Precious tipped her blazer by the shoulders. 'I am very proud of who I am and am sure if I exchange my post with you, you will be more than willingly to accept. Get out of my office now! '

She began to leave not prepared for the outburst and knowing the implication if the boss got a wind of their exchange besides she was now her senior colleague.

'Internet without marsk!' She finalized and burst into laughter. She had learnt that from a niece.

++++
*-*
Kelvin was done with his e-mails and it was time to delve into the reports, suddenly, he was brainstormed.

The Biodata, Katherine's specifically, if he had read it, he would have surprised her the night before.

He would really love to know what a surprise could do to her.

He did not know the password to such information, so he punched a number on the intercom to reach Precious.

*-*

'Good morning Miss.' She saw Precious was engrossed in a file. 'I will like to see Mr Sigismund though I have no appointment. I am a foreign investor. '

Precious looked up and her face glowed.'Aaaa! ' She exclaimed and rounded the desk.'It is so good to see you!' She hugged her.

Katherine chuckled at her enthusiasm. 'You make me feel like have been gone for two years.'

Precious laughed even as she felt her face with her palm . 'If I have my way, you will be  gone for two weeks. You still look pale to me. '

'Am I glad you're not the boss? ' She set her bag on the desk and glanced at the adjoining lobby. 'Is Mr Sigismund in? '

'Not yet, he will be attending to some appointment from home.'

'Okay. ' She perched on Precious seat and gave a scrutinizing look at the open file. 'Update me please. '

Before they parted an hour later, Katherine gave her a wrapped package.

+++
*-*

A smile spread across as he sighted her. 'Look who we have here and has taken over already. '

Katherine sprang to her feet. 'Good morning Sir, Welcome, how did the appointments go? '

'Very well. '

She handed him the phone. 'Thank you very much Sir. '

'Welcome back . 'He gave her a card. 'Check my schedule and see if I will be free so I can know how to honor the RSVP. '

'Okay Sir.'

He left for his office with a knowing smile. He had checked the biodata and had learnt all he wanted and more which included a rare coincidence which had motivated him to plan a surprise for her.

+++

*-*
She was in the elevator with both  the secretaries of the advert department and research department respectively .

She was going to sign in a parcel for her boss at the reception.

'How come you've obtained so much favour from the boss, how do you seduce him? ' Secretary to the Ad department, Anat asked.

<em>Wetin person no go hear! </em>Katherine took a lingering look at the questionnaire but made no attempt to reply. <em>Baby faced, with make up that make one want to avoid going close to her for fear of getting stained. Her breasts looked like they were going to pop out any minute.</em>

'Katherine, she is talking to you. ' Abiola, the other secretary seconded.

She glanced at her. <em>The gown she had on was so tight that she wondered how she breathed. </em>'What kind of question was that? ' She decided to speak.

'It doesn't matter what kind of question, just answer. ' Abiola replied

She looked from Abiola to Anat. 'Don't make me believe you're jobless people. ' She saw the light changed and head to the door.

Abiola pulled her arm stopping her. 'And what do you mean by that? ' She demanded with a face that reminded one of a smilie with a scowl.

<em>If they had eyes that did observe they wouldn't have asked their silly question for she would never be in their category though they had same dressing code. '</em>Go for what you need girls not what you want or probably drive you crazy. ' Just then, the door slid opened and she walked head high leaving her earlier companions stunned, so stunned that they remained till the door closed.

+++

*-*

She placed the box on the table. 'The IVs have been arranged in such a way I think will be convenient for you, you can check to see if there are any objections before I call the parties involved to give your approval.'

'Okay...' He looked from the box up to her face. 'Take seat Katherine.'

Katherine obeyed.

'Have you been hearing the gossips that has been directed towards this storey?'

'Yes.' She said after a moment of thought.

'How do you feel? '

Katherine tilted her a side and back before a smile graced her face. 'I am going to answer your question with the lyrics of two Nigerian musicians. ' She glanced at him. 'One said - Let them say, he that has mouth, owns it. The other said -there is nothing one would do that people won't talk, so it better one satisfy one's conscience because you can never satisfy everybody's no matter what one does.'

Kelvin beamed. 'That was very comprehensive. So you listen to music? '

'Sensible ones.'

'That means you dance to sensible music. ' He was inquisitive.

'It depends on your  idea of dance, maybe and maybe not.' She shrugged with a smile.

'That means you're a dancer .' He couldn't help himself despite her diplomacy.

Katherine burst into laughter and her dimples was pronounced. She stood.

'Can I have a yes or no answer please? ' He feigned firmness but it was laced with amusement.

She rolled her eyes. 'You can't have one please, excuse me.' With that she fled.

Kelvin burst into bouts of laughter for his curiosity and the response he got. He stood, picked the box and head for the sitting wing.

There, he reached for a remote for he wanted a music background.

+++

Basirat knocked the door, waited and then opened.

Binta Adam had her legs crossed on the bed, she was clutching a teddy bear and reading a book before her mother came in.

'Hello darling. ' She said as she sat on the bed.

'Hello mum.' She smiled at her.

She glanced at the- sugar girl story back cover her daughter had been reading. 'In a week time, it is going to be birthday Bint, do you know that? ' She beamed.

'Yes mum.' Binta replied with no amusement.

Basirat narrowed her brows, <em>that was strange. </em>She observed her closely since she had expected her to jump excitedly. 'You don't seem happy. '

'I have no cause to be unhappy. ' She placed her teddy on a lying position with its head on a pillow.

'Yes... Yes, you don't have any cause to be sad but Bint you are not showing signs of happiness either. ' Basirat stated.

Binta stood and placed the book she had been reading at the book shelf in her room. 'How? '

Her eyes followed her daughter every movement. 'In time past, you did count down to your birthday, you haven't said the kind of dress you want to wear, where you will like to shop, how you want it celebrated, etcetera. 'She listed knowingly.

'That's because I don't want to celebrate my birthday. ' Binta replied still standing.

'What! ' She went wide eyed shocked but recovered quickly and burst into laughter. She stood, held her hand and led back to seat at the edge of the bed. 'You're joking right?' Basirat faced her. 'I don't need your response. ' She said affirmatively still laughing.

'No am not. ' She shook her head.

'Okay, ' She exhaled. 'Why? '

'I don't know mummy.' She looked up at her mother with sincerity in her eyes.

'Come on Binta, if you want mummy to take that, you have to come up a tangible reason and that was not a tangible one.'

'I don't know but I don't feel like celebrating my birthday and don't want to hear talks of it.' Binta said calmly.

'That is not possible. ' Basirat shook her head.

'Please mummy, please... ' Binta pleaded desperately.

'No darling, that is not possible. ' She firmly and stood. She took a glance at the ceiling fan and took a mental note to arrange to replace it with an air-conditioner.

+++

*-*
Habeeb Adam was on his way to the sitting room and the wife was on way to the bedroom when they bumped into each other.

'Can't you for once look at where you are going to? ' He said sharply, his face contorted by the smirk it held.

'And you seer, couldn't you have avoided the accident since you see it all.' She retorted, sizing him up with her eyes.

Habeeb owned a film production company and his wife, one of the highest paid actress in Africa.

They both burst into laughter.

'What did Binta say?' He managed in between bouts of laughter.

'She said she don't want to celebrate.'

'What! ' He glared at her momentarily. 'Are you for real? '

'Yea Sweet.'

'What reason did she give? '

'No reason just don't feel like celebrating and don't want to hear talks about it.'

He went from being wide-eyed to chuckling within seconds. 'What do my eleven year old angel know about feelings?'

'Discover for yourself Love.'

'Hmmmm...' He muttered thoughtfully.

+++

11

Katherine placed her bag down and a
beautifully wrapped parcel on her desk
attracted her attention. She was about to
go ask the security men in the lobby how
it got to her desk when something
glittering caught her eyes.
In gold was written -Happy birthday
Katherine.
She slumped on the nearest chair dazed,
thank goodness she was close to one. For
five seconds, she remained in the same
position as she tried to recall the day and
month and actually it was her birthday!
Who in the world was the sender?
She undid the wrapper. 'Oh myGod!' she
exclaimed, 'Oh-my-God.' She repeated
flabbergasted. On her lap was the newest
brand of phone that was being
advertised. It was a superior brand of his
phone!
She knew instantly who the sender was.
How could he spend so much money to
buy a phone to celebrate a birthday that
she didn't even remember! Not that her
birthday was not special to her, at a point
in her life it meant everything to her but
those period were long gone. Its thought
brought back rush of emotions and
memories that dishevelled her so much.
With unwavering determination long ago,
she had repressed her birth date in such a
way that she treated it like every other
day.
Since she started in Sigismund, so many
things had happened that had put cracks
on a heart that she had choicelessly and
carefully pick its pieces and fix back. This
present was a shocker that threatened to
break her heart . Her eyes blinked
severally and then heaved.
No...no...don't cry. She told herself. You
know that once you start, you won't stop
today.
She stood. How did he know it was her
birthday? The biodata. She answered
immediately. She opened a drawer and
placed the phone. 'God please help me.'
She muttered and head to his office.
She still had an objection.
+++
*-*
She stepped in and he looked from the
book he had been reading. 'Happy
Birthday Katherine. ' He beamed.
'Thank you Sir. ' She smiled. 'I saw the
present and am so taken aback. You really
went out of your way and I am grateful
but I... I don't have cake and drink to
give you. '
He chuckled. 'Don't bother about that,
am glad you love your surprise. '
'Sir I... I don't have anybody to call.' She
blurted out.
Was she actually serious? He was alarmed
but he lowered his gaze, drummed the
pencil he was holding on his desk for few
seconds thoughtfully. 'Mobile phones are
not made for communication only though
it is one of the vitals but not the all in all.
If you have nobody to call, you can call
me, myself and I and Precious also. Four
persons to call is far beyond nobody. ' He
smiled up at her with a raised brow.
Katherine chuckled. 'Thank you Sir.' She
glanced at her wrist watch. 'The meeting
is in a couple of hours, you should be on
your way now because the traffic along
Lagos -Ibadan express way is
unpredictable. '
'True, inform my driver that I will be
ready to go in five minutes. '
'Okay Sir. Excuse me.' As she head out,
she knew she was indebted to him and
would never forget his person.
+++
*-*
'My dad will arrive Nigeria by Sunday and
he will be staying for three days. He is
going to survey generally, attend
coferences, seminars etcetera. His
permanent secretary was sacked after his
last visit. It doesn't make sense
employing a secretary for three days so...
sacrifice. ' Kelvin sipped water and then
entwined his palms on the desk. 'I have
two persons that can serve that purpose,
Precious and you.'
Katherine listened maintaining a blank
facial expression.
'Precious is now an execretory and it is
unfair for me to make her do what she is
above. You are competent for this work,
besides it will provide you with exposure
and experiences. You will be working with the
founder of Sigismund International and
going places with him. You are the only
secretary I know that can work with my
him. He is a no-nonsense-man.'

What! From the DG to the founder, has
he forgotten her root? 'Sir I... I can't... '
'Katherine you can, I believe you can.
Give me no objection and I would take
it.'He held her gaze.

She exhaled.

'By 7 on Monday, my driver will be
waiting here to take you to the
production company. I don't think it is in
you to be nervous, please don't be now.'
He searched her expression hoping he
was not being manipulative.
The plea his voice held had surprising
soothed her. He had believed in her so
far and it had worked out. She nodded,
hopefully this too will work.
'Is that a yes?'
What is wrong with this boss sef, he
doesn't want no but when he get Yes, he
still question it. 'Yes.' She told him.
'Thank you.' He said gleefully, so gleefully
that it made Katherine smile. 'Don't be
scared Katherine, just be yourself. '
She nodded.
It was an opportunity, a rare one to meet
the Visionary of such a great company
that has been established in half of the
world and was the biggest in the country.
She knew so many would give whatever
they can to see him talk more of working
for him and here she was having direct
access for him for three days and she had
even dared to object.
She resolved to doing her best.
+++

*-*

Katherine repeated the paragraph.

'My dear, you repeated that.' Franklin Sigismund observed and glanced at her.

They were in the sitting wing of the permanent office of Franklin, its class was very well beyond that of Kelvin. It represented the status of the owner in a breath taking way and the wall was graced with awards and recognition he had received in Nigeria.

Katherine was seated opposite him holding a letter.

'I want to comment on the paragraph that is why I repeated it so you can understand what I am driving at. The paragraph was centred on plea.' She glanced down at the letter. 'Based on the content of this letter and the organisation it is addressed to, I think a firm  letter will do the magic. ' She expatiated, 'Not that pleas won't work but it is going to give the addressee an impression that we are desperate, that we are begging because there are no other up to standard substitute. They will feel important and will want to put their power to test by extending our feedback date and making us want to plea more, not that
we won't eventually get what we need but it will be delayed. Pleas do the trick most times but not in this case, it should be transposed.'

'I kinda Katherine, it was my Korean secretary that wrote it you can rewrite it.' He said and sipped from the icetea in a tumbler on his side table.

'Yes Sir and I have one observation, more of a contribution. '

'Shoot. ' He said with a smile as one directing a movie and sat back.

'On our tour in the company, I saw samples of the supposed new product, the bar soap. Bar soap are so common in Nigeria that people have a lot to choose from and sometimes the packaging have little or no effect on their choices because they see the tag bar soap on all available choices. Regardless of that, when I looked at those samples in the lab yesterday, something occurred to me, when you see something over and over again though having different content but packaged in the same way, there is a high tendency of still making it a never mind.' She looked at him for an approval.

He nodded.

'We all get curious when we  see an unusual presentation of a thing. Who doesn't appreciate creativity! It is possible to get creative with the soap production, make various shapes...' She raised her hands for descriptive purpose. 'Common shapes like rectangle, square, rhombus, triangle etcetera,  alongside variety of colours. I know all those are possible scientifically with the various coloring pigment alongside precision.' She paused and swallowed.

His eyes did not leave her face yet it caught every movement of her hands.

'Nigerians crave for detergent and use bar soaps when they need to wash native attire. From what the research department discovered, tested and presented, we know this soap has an authentic wiping effect on the toughest stain one can think of. I believe its content can be preserved despite the shapes and colours. Also advertisement, ' She lifted both hands and made a quotation mark sign with both her fingers. 'The people who face the problem of stains are the school children, housewives, unskilled and semiskilled labourers and workers and so on.'

'The advertisement has to have a kind of canopy, a coverage for them all. For instance, students in high school and college are mostly responsible for their washing. In most case, they scrub, wash but some stains just wouldn't come off. It is a known knowledge that they want to look impressive at all time, they are desperate for a soap that works. Hence, their ears are on the ground. '

'The soap is introduced with all its uniqueness, you don't need to soak before washing, you get to chose a preferred color and shape, washing is faster and energy preserving. Mother needn't take clothes off the line to wash a second time. Such news spread like wild fire in harmattan.' Katherine smiled and tilted her head in a kind of what -do -you -think way?

Franklin smiled though thoughtful with his left palm rubbing his cheek. 'You solved the three major priority of a producer- what to produce, how to produce and for whom to produce. When I hear something unusual but promising I get to rub my left cheek the way I am doing now.' He grinned.

Katherine chuckled rather shyly.

'My three intended days are over today, make the necessary call and put my flight ticket on hold. Contact the head of research and advertisement department for a meeting for 8 tomorrow. Kelvin... Kelvin can't be around tomorrow, he will be sealing a contract. When we've converged you will be repeating what you just told me. That was the most powerful suggestion I ever heard from a secretary, as a matter of fact, you're the best I ever had. '

She blushed. 'Thank you Sir .'

Franklin stood. 'Meet me downstairs in fifteen minutes let's go for lunch.'

Katherine stood.

'You've been more of a personal assistant than a secretary to me. I'll like you to come to the airport with me tomorrow. More importantly, I will like to see your lovely face when I come back to Nigeria, for my son do not tolerate nonsense. '

'I will do my best sir.' She beamed as she remembered the words of Kelvin. He had told her, his father is a no nonsense man.

He walked out with an aura of confidence and a smile people often wondered if it was plastered since he was always smiling. Kelvin was a chip off his shoulder, just that Kelvin had blue eyes and was taller while his was hazel.

+++

Queenxstar: Hmmm... e no fit kill you.

i pray so. Keep d update coming. Weldone

toykathy:



i pray so. Keep d update coming. Weldone

Thank you darling.

12

It was with great difficulty that he restrained himself from covering the distance between them to pull her in his arms. 'Katherine, I am so glad you're back. ' He said instead.

'Oh.' She waved off with a palm. 'I will be sincere with you boss, I am not happy am back.' She kept a straight as she halted in front of him.

'Oh no! ' He groaned. 'When you called the day before yesterday saying you are not resuming till today. I nearly burst into tears because... emmm...' He exhaled deeply.

She narrowed her brows momentarily at him, then looked past him to her desk. 'What is this? ' She walked towards the desk. 'Who disarrayed my desk? '

Kelvin turned knowing the kind of expression he was going to see on her face. 'This is what I was...'

'With all due apologies Sir, which secretary actually disorganized my desk in this way.' She directed her gaze to him.

'Abiola. ' His voice became sober. 'She was excited to take your place but I should have known better. I had to raise my voice and threatened her before she kept her hands to herself and concentrated on a job I did all by myself. God knows how I survived. '

She laughed in remembrance. 'I wouldn't be surprised. '

It was his turn to narrow his brows at her. 'Why?'

'Never mind Sir. ' She pitied him. 'I am sorry about the inconvenience.'

He nodded as he lifted and positioned her stationery case. 'How did things go for the four days?'

' I... ' A smile spread across her lips. 'I had a great time and Mr Franklin taught me a lot and took me everywhere. Thanks for making me go.'

'Sure. Welcome back.' He head for his office with a happiness he himself couldn't explain.

She looked at the empty wrapper of bubble on desk but she still retained her smile as she set to work. She missed him and her office. It was good to be back nonetheless.

+++

***
Her body was on the bed, very very cold. Though her eyes was closed, her face and lemon colored gown was smeared with blood and her braided hair with beads was matted with blood. A towel looking reddish brown cushioned the side of her neck where there was a gash, from which blood had gushed earlier.

Though motionless, her face had peace smothered on it.

Her immediate extended family except the children were seated around the pink and lemon colored spacious bedroom.

Her father, knelt beside her bed with her left cold small palm in the middle of his warm own, silent tears were rolling down his cheek.

Her mother, Basirat was seated on the rugged floor wailing and also shaking both legs, her while her elder sister, Shakirat Ayomide had tears of remembrance in her eyes. Her sister -in- law flanked her other side, she made to wipe her nose but she shook her head.

'Binta... Oh my darling Binta. ' She sobbed. 'How am I... I supposed to know I was planning and forcing your dreams to be cut short... Oh lord! My father! You should warned me.' She glanced at the lifeless body. 'Binta forgive me please... please... Binta please... I... I am sorry ...' She sobbed and coughed.

'I am very sorry for not respecting your wish. Oh God please forgive me please... ' She tightly shut her eyes as her voice trailed off.

<em>My darling please forgive me, I never knew this was coming, I would have done everything to prevent it. You've been so much of an inspiration to me Binta... I would never forgive myself for having a hand in your last minutes on earth pains. I love you so much... you know darling, you know.<em> Habeeb shoulders sagged as he sobbed. 'Oh Binta, my darling Binta. ' He eventually muttered as the first set of tears rolled down his cheeks.

Kafayat Yerima sat as the farthest corner of the room staring at the body of her niece expecting a miracle, a movement of whatever form and as seconds tickled away she felt nauseated.

The family doctor faced the wall, it was a terrible kind of death to him, since she was only a child, a wonderful one. She was always curious and asked questions. She had told him she would be a medical doctor and a writer. His hand touched his face and was not surprised it was wet. He had been called to save her but it was a fast death and gory too, she had died before he arrived.

Her grandma, Aisha stared blankly at the child she held ten minutes after birth. Her tears flowed, three losses in the family within a year was practically unbearable.

Yerima knelt beside his brother -in- law and placed an arm around his shoulder knowing words were useless. <em>Oh Lord have mercy.</em>He prayed in his mind. He was the only one in the room whose face was not stained with tears but he was bleeding inside.

Kafayat hurried out to throw up but everyone was too weak to follow her.

In everybody mind, at the remote part, there was a chilling fear, that was a probability, too frightening to say it aloud.

Maybe... just maybe the spirit of death had decided to pitch its tent in their family.

+++

*-*

Katherine gasped, covered her mouth and read through the alert on her phone again.

The account department had made a mistake, surely they had. She picked the phone on the table and dialled a short code.

After speaking with the secretary, she referred her to the account director.

'You are a good person Katherine, most people won't bother to confirm before enjoying themselves. If a hundred and fifty thousand is what you got, then you needn't panic. Mr Franklin personal called and asked about your salary, he instructed that should be your pay for this month. '

'That is almost double my salary! ' She protested wide eyed.

'Enjoy yourself girl.' He chuckled before hanging up.

Katherine stared into space blankly not knowing if she should laugh or cry.

+++

*-*

'Hello hello, hello hello, hello hello pick up da phone. Hello big brother.' Camilla Sigismund drawled sweetly with a voice laced with happiness.

Kelvin chuckled, same introduction as always. 'How're you doing darling baby sis? ' He closed the book he had been reading.

'How more can I be, how more...?  She paused considering. 'Let me give you an insight to how am doing. I am in my bedroom, with legs crossed under me, beside me is a tray containing cookies and my favorite juice. Before me is the TV and my favorite soap opera is on. And you? '

'Ooops!  That is enough to make me envious but no, I am seated on a vinyl chair facing the pool, I have my favorite fruit wine and mouth-watering popcorns in a saucer. ' He glanced at the sky. 'Above me is nature show of beautiful colours and Oh... ' He inhaled and exhaled deeply. 'I am been caressed by cool sit-here-forever-kind of breeze. '

Camilla laughed. 'I give it to you. What really matters is that we are both enjoying ourselves. '

'How is the united nations Cam? '

'We are so united this period, how is SIC? '

'The company is doing great.'

'There is this guy in my soap that swore he would never date and it seemed so natural to remember you. Please disappoint me, is there a lady now? '

<em>Yes!</em> His mind had screamed to his surprise but he caught himself. 'For now baby sis no one but I give my word before the next time we talk, the coin will be tossed to the other side.' He smiled.

'Beautiful! That is so cool to hear, that has spared you from the 1001 dating tips for men I had planned to read to you so thank the Almighty.'

Had he actually been so convincing that Camilla had let him go for once. 'Mighty God thank you. ' He said heartily.

Camilla chuckled and stretched out her legs. 'Whatever you do, no matter how tight your schedule may be...'

'Don't forget to rest.' He completed with a smile.

'So you still remember Kayla's  words on marble.

'Of course I do not when she ends with that everytime she calls. '

'Take care of you babe and be careful with the guys, remember am a ear you can talk to when confuse.'

'Sure thing. Bye big bro. '

'Bye.' His brows narrowed as he dropped the phone, he had convinced his sister in spite of himself. He had never dated not because he had personal problem nor was he gynophobic.

When he was younger he dated his books and when he grew older he got scared by what he saw and heard about his love ones, his immediate younger sister had suffered two broken relationship and it had left her with hatred for the opposite sex while his best friend had suffered three broken relationship and had swore to had nothing to do with the opposite sex.

He had been there, seen their pains, how they suffered and listened to their wails.

He had not written what should epitomize his kind of woman as most people do but seeing Katherine five days a week had made him realise what he really needed.

+++

*-*
KELVIN was seated at the balcony, a bare leg up on a side table unwrapping various birthday present from all member and non member of staff, including those that came from the production company.

Curiosity had prompted him to open hers first, right in the office and a wide grin had formed on his face and had remained even through out the three hours the company was locked down for his celebration.

Katherine had given him a Timex branded, square faced, black leather quartz wrist watch with silver stainless buckle with double loop. Alongside an authentic brown leather sandals and a beautiful card.

He had discarded the one he had on and strapped the watch, he would have done same for the sandals that made his feet glow saved he was in an English attire.

He had watched her dance so well with Precious at the far end of the conference.

He did dance too surprising all of his employees.

He began to hum as he remembered the quotes she had written in the card to commend him. The eulogy made his day.

+++

*-*

Every seat in the conference room was occupied even the production manager and his secretary were on seat.

Mr Gbenjo, the PM began to speak two minutes after they had settled. 'This is the administrative company and the power point of SIC. I am here to listen to your opinion about our baby product.'

The room was still after he left speaking.

Katherine had something to say but she was not going to rush on, her superiors were present and were not speaking yet. She began a seconds time in her mind.

...<em>five, six, seven, eight, nine....</em>She exhaled and waited before her right hand was raised above her head.

'Yes Katherine. ' He acknowledged with a smile.

Katherine stood. 'I want to talk about a part of production that is sometimes disregarded yet its importance cannot be over emphasized. '

All attention were focused on her.

'For this cause many companies have gone under. Even when they trouble shoot, they are not able to discover what went wrong. Nigerians are people who take to advertisement in such a way that when a promise of heaven on earth is made, they expect it to be so and even more.

Manufacturers get to a point that when they have high consumers, they tend to make a tiny reduction in the quality or quantity or both so they could produce more and increase their profit margin. They forget that every now and then, a local or international substitute for the product get into the market usually at cheaper price, with unique packaging and probably addition or additions as the case maybe.'

Kelvin glanced around to see the expression at the heads present before concentrating once more on his secretary .

'On the other hand, their love ones are call their attention to the new product. ' She beamed.

'We also tend to get so attached to a product that has worked for us. Even as others call their attention to a substitute, their loyalty holds them back, they have their doubt, they are reluctant to stop using that product until a perfect excuse come. A perfect excuse of reduction in quality and quantity.' She said the latter emphatically. '

'We all can testify that a consumer lost might be difficult to regain or never be regained.'

The account director nodded his head remembering some of the products he had stopped using and the PM did same too.

Precious didn't miss all her gestures as she was turned in between being flabbergasted and mesmerized. Before her was a colleague that never cease to amaze her.


The secretary to the PM wrote on a notepad and some of the marketers did same.

'To our product, we should keep every promise made in our various advert to our potential consumers, bearing in mind the damage the littlest dubious trick can wreck. Thank you. ' She concluded and sat.

No one moved, when she became convinced she had blundered, heads began to nod and an applaus broke out until everyone was clapping.

'Let's keep it up for her once more. 'Mr Gbenjo said all in smiles. 'Powerful contribution Katherine. '

'Thank you sir.' She said before she exhaled and lowered her head.

He asked for other contributions and when there was none, he concluded, thanked Katherine once more before he left with Kelvin.

++++

13

'See me in my office now.' He instructed without a glance at her and proceeded without reducing his strides.

Her pen dropped and her heart sank right to the bottom of her abdomen.

Oh God have mercy... His tone had being more of a rebuke than instruction. He had never used such tone on her.

Had she actually blundered? Were  the applause and nodding of heads mere act to prevent her from feeling embarrassed?
Was her boss disappointed in her?
Was he going to throw her out?

She stood supporting herself with hands on the arms of the chair. As she walked to the office she realised that SIC was her family, a reason for purposeful days to look forward to.

Her life was not going to remain the same.

She knocked, waited  and then entered. She glanced at his face before closing the door behind her.

'Sit.'  He told her quietly.

She glanced at him before she obeyed, her palms had become sweaty.

Kelvin knew he had made her apprehensive. 'This is a surprise and at the same time not a surprise, it is a kind of  paradox.' He flashed her a smile.

Oh God, he is trying not to make me feel bad before he throws me out.

' This is beyond a double coincidence and this recommendation is extraordinary because it is coming from great people. ' He paused momentarily and sat back. 'And to also think that so much is being said and done by a high school graduate baffles me.' He shrugged at an afterthought. 'Nothing is impossible with God, afterall, you're His creature. 'Based on that and what have been thinking of for sometime, I have decided to fill a position that I didn't consider anyone qualified until now. ' He waited. 'Katherine Sylvester, you're now Sigismund Assistant Director. '

Katherine closed her eyes feeling like a heavy blow has been dealt on her. She didn't understand his introduction but it didn't matter anymore.

She took quick deep breath as she felt like she was choking.

His last statement was definitely a figment of her imagination.

She could vouch it was a figment of her imagination.

She opened her eyes to find his steady gaze on her with brows narrowed in worry.

He had been afraid that she would suffer cardiogenic shock with the way she blanched and shivered.

'Forgive me Sir.' She cleared her throat and adjusted to the edge of her seat. 'Can you please repeat what you just said? ' She glanced back to ensure someone else had not entered the office and he had been referring to the person.

He laughed at her action. 'Katherine Sylvester, you're Sigismund International appointed Assistant Director General. ' He repeated emphatically.

'Jesus.' She muttered before she broke into a short laugh. 'Sir is this a joke or assessment of some sort? '

'None of the above ma'am, I am serious. ' Kelvin stated simply.

'Sir you are forgetting something vital, You've forgotten my root, I am cleaner.' The pitch of her voice rose slightly and she placed a palm on her chest in a bid to convince him. 'What do I intend to achieve being an ADG without qualifications?'

'You are appointed by recommendations not qualifications my dear.'

'What are you talking about? ' She was on the verge of crying out.

'My dad told me you worth more than a secretary, the head of advertisement and research said same, the Production manager said so for the second time today and expressed his intention to recruit you in the production company and it was like a scale fell off my eyes just listening to you today. You've been working with me for over a year and I know that you're far more than a secretary .'

She shook her head in quick successions.

He tilted his head to a side. 'Are you trying to tell me we are all wrong. '

'I don't know! ' She said exasperated.

Kelvin was on his feet, 'if you don't know, you have no right to argue or object. Let me make this clear to you...' He gave her a stern glare. 'There is nothing you will do that will make me change my mind.'

She would have managed to smile if not that she was angry and shocked. 'Really? ' She stood.

'Yes' He crossed over to sitting wing of his office.

'What are you doing? ' she went wide eyed in alarm as he turned on a switch before he adjusted table camera on a side table. 'Getting ready to give the company the news.'

'Jesus Christ! ' She exclaimed hysterically. 'Sir, this is completely absurd! '

'Maybe to you not to me.' He attached the microphone to his immaculate shirt before going on switch the camera and a screen occupying one-quarter of the wall came alive.

She moved closer not even knowing it, by then her eyes were filled with tears.

He sat and focused the camera. 'Attention every one. Attention please... switch on the screen in your various department, I have an announcement to make.

She stood beyond the focal point of the camera but at a place where she could see the screen.

Various departments in partitioned form began to show on the screen.

He gave the announcement and everywhere became still.

She nodded knowingly at their reaction.

'Anyone who have objection, objections about the news should speak now.' He waited for three minutes before proceeding. 'In the absence of any objection, Thank you. '

Applause broke out from a department she couldn't figure out and it spread like if they didn't, they would all lose their jobs and some went ahead to top it with a plastic smile.'

Katherine went back to stand beside her earlier seat. He switched off all devices before he returned back to his high back seat with a smile. 'You see no objection and the deed is done.'

She considered herself blind that there was no objection indeed. She just looked on.

He knew he hadn't convinced her. <em>Was this about what people will say? </em> 'Sit Katherine, let's talk about this. I hope this is not about what some might say because you remember you said... '

'With all due respect, I know what I said.' She tried not to snap. 'What I would not take is someone manipulating me and that is what you just did. I will not go along with your offer until I have thought about it. I promise.you a feedback. Thank you Sir.'

That said, she left and closed the door behind her.

'What! ' He exclaimed and then shook his head in disbelief. He would never really understand her, he realised to his dismay. He sighed.


<em>Who in the world would reject such offer? And emphatically do so.</em>

+++

*-*

'...before we end the stock market report for Sigismund International, information reaching our news room is that the post of the assistant director general is now held by Miss Katherine Sylvester...'

Katherine glanced at the TV screen from the lying position on the sofa.

Just then, her phone rang, she did not need to check her phone to know who the caller was.

He was probably watching same news bulletin.

She allowed the call to end before sending him a text message.

It was strictly her decision and she would allow no influence in spite publicity.

+++

*-*

Katherine saw him first as came out from his private elevator.

He looked back because he felt the presence of another.

'Good morning Sir.' She greeted without a smile, nevertheless looking gorgeous in a crotchet laced dress suit, her natural hair ghana-weaved at front and the rest were singly weaved and gathered into a cream-colored clip. A brown three inches pencil heeled shoes with a cream alongside brown colored bag completed her dressing.

He heaved before turning around.'Good morning Katherine, did we actually have a real fight? '

'I have a ready made answer for you, I came this morning to tender my resignation letter personally instead of going through another means of communication. ' She told him calmly.

He studied her for a few seconds. 'You are joking aren't you? ' <em>Oh no...</em> He groaned. <em> Will she actually go to that extreme? </em>

'How do you know I am joking? ' She asked, her expression not changing.

'Are you joking? ' He managed a calm countenance.

Katherine tilted her head from side to side. 'I am actually joking. ' She gave in and smiled.

Kelvin stared at her. <em>How could a lady he could easily replace her post affect him so.</em> He exhaled and took in her appearance.

*-*

'I had to think about it properly, I had to know if I could put up with the responsibilities and challenges. Most importantly I needed to tell God.' She looked away from him. 'I forgot to... '

'Ask the price you have to pay.' He completed knowingly.

She pursed her lips.

He felt disappointed. 'I beg you to erase such mind set when dealing with me. Please...Katherine, you deserve .'

She nodded.

'Instead of having two eyes viewing things, SIC proudly has four eyes. What should go unnoticed by me, shouldn't escape your notice. We are partners, you do understand what I mean? ' He beamed.

'Perfectly.'

'Sometimes, you have act as my representative in going to places and so on. You know what the paper work entails, also administration. Any time you're confused, don't hesitate to call on me.'

'Yes Sir.'

'Those two words... ' Kelvin waved two fingers dismissively. 'You have to drop the mentality of work between boss and secretary. Have you heard of partners who address themselves formally? '

'No.' She grinned mischievously. 'What if I prefer the sir stuff?'

'There is no room for preference, can I call you Kathy? '

Katherine looked at him momentarily as beautiful memories came back to her. 'Can I call you Kel...ooops! I don't mean it.' She placed a palm over her mouth.

Kelvin laughed and stood. 'I call you Kathy, you call me Kel.'

Katherine stood.

'To your office.' He extended his hand once more and she took it.

She was overwhelmed, not even in her most accommodating dream- she, hand in hand with her boss.

He appeared so relaxed like it was their normal routine.

Kelvin loved the feel of her palm, its tenderness like it had never know hardwork which he knew wasn't true.

He opened the door and allowed her enter before he joined.

She gasped. Never seeing an office so feminine yet beautiful and spacious.

The office was painted in cream, her seat was same color but matted with a touch of baby pink, her desk was a glass top with simple metal supports. A book case painted cream and green also acting as a back drop for storage. Comfort pinpoint green stack chairs were at the other side of the desk.

There was a sitting wing, with the sofas green and cream, side tables a centre table and a sound system.

She looked away from Mr Franklin photograph, the President and governor portrait to the paintings  hung and then to the rug that made her want to kick off her shoes and walk bare feet.

'This is beautiful! ' She exclaimed with her eyes sparkling.

He wished he could make the expression permanent because she looked breathtakingly beautiful. 'Get a photograph of you framed so it can be hung. Kathy if there is anything you don't like... '

'No noo... it is perfect, just perfect. ' She head to her seat still mesmerized. Seems like the person who designed the office had her favorite colors in mind.

'Can I sit? '

'Ha... please sit.' She quickly said .

He obeyed and she did same.

The seat was so comfortable, that shr was tempted to close her eyes briefly.

'Here is your appointment letter. Later you go to see the admin director to discuss details of your employment.'

'Thank you Sir.' She collected the letter gladly.

'You will be interviewing the applicants for the post of our secretary and another tomorrow. One of the receptionist will be giving you all the details, CVs inclusive. We have twenty applicants.'

'I will look into it.'

He stood and extended his hand.

Katherine took it. 'Congratulations. I trust you to do fabulous.'

'Thank you.'

He left her.

Katherine opened the letter, read through before walking to the sitting wing of her office to kneel with both hands raised .

'Lord Almighty, my Everything, this is the work You've given to me, I give it back to You. I ask for your guidance, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. ' Her eyes were tightly shut.

+++

14


'Do you have the arrangement compiled the way I asked? ' She asked the male receptionist who had left the counter to meet her in the inner office.

'Yes ma.' He handed the file over.

'Akpan are they seated as they came, their names and arrival time documented? '

'Yes ma.' Akpan affirmed. 'With the aid of Abbey, the security officer, they are seated from the left hand side in the reception hall. You can have a look if you wish.'

'Yes please. ' she looked through the glass which gave a clear view of the reception.

She opened the file, scan through and then looked through the screen.

Akpan studied her. 'Do you need a seat.'

'I don't mind, thank you.' She looked at him smiling. He had been in the waters of SIC before her but yet, here he was respecting her.

He lifted a high stool close and she sat before directing her gaze back to the applicants.

She began to write on the papers taking note with a pencil. That she did for about ten minutes before walking out to the reception.

'Good morning everyone.' She smiled charmingly as twenty pair of eyes directed their attention to her. 'I am sorry we didn't keep to the scheduled time, it was intentional because the ten minutes out of the thirty minutes delay was used for screening.

They all became alert and those who had familiarized themselves exchanged glances.

'I know you are all eager to know what the screening is all about but when I give the results, I don't want to call names, take number from my left hand side. '

In a less than a minute, they were done with taking numbers.

'This screening I consider important because in a way it proves one's level of commitment to work. The time of resumption of most companies is 8am, SIC inclusive, and you were all notified of the time of the interview.
Definitely, distance barrier is cancelled for it was not impromptu, if you definitely had this job in mind, you would have prepared to be here in time.' She paused and glanced at their.

Some avoided her gaze out of guilt.

'I am emphasizing to make bad enough to prevent making this kind of mistake again and increasing your employment chances next time.'

She glanced at the file she was holding. 'If you are arrived here from ten minutes before nine, you're late. Having said that, number 20 to 17 are screened out. I Wish you favour next time.' She waited till they left.

'Ladies and gentlemen, the next screening will be on general comportment which include decency in dressing, eating habit, some of you did not stop chewing until I walked in. Based on that... ' She looked back to her file. 'number 13, 9, 5, 12, 11, 7 and fourteen are screened. I believe you know which category you fall in but don't hesitate to object and I will explain why.'

She waited as they, some had dared to give her quelling look before they were ushered out by Abbey.

They were all females save one.

Katherine beamed at them. 'I am left with number one, two, three, four, six and eight and we shall proceed for our interview. You can follow Mr Abiodun to the room.

The assistant to Akpan, handed her some questionnaires and made to follow her.

'Don't worry Agnes, I've got it.' She told her with a smile.

+++

*-*

Good morning and we are all welcome to a meeting that is impromptu yet well honored. 'Katherine beamed.

They were all seated in the largest conference room with 95% of the employees present. All department had more than one representative.

'We all gathered to discuss a matter that pose a threat to we all, that is if we permit.' She stood. 'I need to say this so we know the importance of the matter, if my person is going to prevent you from paying attention, please disregard me and listen.' She stood.

She had noticed the look of envy on the expression of most ladies. They had kept tabs on her in a bid to know why so she was so favored, so when she stood, their eyes took in her dressing.

She looked like royalty in the glittering blue snowflaked chiffon flared skirt just on her knees while above it was a sleeveless white blouse and a blazer of same material of the skirt was over the blouse. Her hair that was packed in knots was held by a hair band with both color combination. Her feet were in a silver colored two inches slippers. It was a freestyle friday as in dressing.

'The boss discovered a deepening valley replacing the ever increasing hill we used to have. The general input of this company is dwindling because we have decided not to give SIC our best anymore.' She left to stand behind her seat. She had been seated left hand to Kelvin.
'Decisions like that don't just come like that, somethings are taken into consideration whether consciously or unconscious. Such decisions are usually influenced.' She paused purposefully for what she said to sink in.

'What are some of the influences?' She opened a palm. 'We all know the power that lies in the tongue, it well emphasized in the holy book, I can't speak for other religious books. '

They all listened and their eyes followed her hand movements.

'The tongue can mar or make a person, it is also a sword that can slash a person void of touch. It is the smallest member of the body yet outshines the rest. The negative ways to use one tongue includes tale bearing, back biting, gossiping etcetera.
I will talk about them jointly because they are kind of similar. Give a man pen, paper and present before him a scene, a blurred one. He noticed what looks the pen of someone he has a grudge against. He might not bother to a take a closer look anymore as his imagination take charge as he begin to write things he is unsure of .

Tale bearing is time consuming and brain tasking. Soon the gossip will be packaged and presented in a colorful form and it spreads from mouth to ear, abi is it ear to mouth?'

Most of them smiled but no one attempted to reply.

'Whatever.' she finalized with a grin. 'Before long, a mouth wouldn't realise it is the telling the subject of the gossip about the gossip, then, a cycle is accomplished. Such cycle breeds animosity, grudge, malice and the need to retaliate. I can't imagine anyone with such mindset giving his or her best at work because most of the time, he is looking for an occasion to retaliate or a tale to spread.

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so the tongue is among our members, that it defileth our whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature and it is set on fire of hell. "

It is against nature that people should bare false witness for it creates fire where such exist and we should also remember that where there was an outbreak of fire, the ground is not spared.
The boss will always say that a team that works together wins together but a loner never achieves much.' She paused once more.

<em>Oh! She did take what he says to heart. </em>He sipped water and then returned his attention back to her.

'Having that in mind, the next thing I want to talk about is selfishness, the I, I, I attitude. You have attained a position due to hardwork and resilience in spite of being trodden by superiors and now you're one, you seat, put your legs up on the desk and crossed them. You activate hibernating mode.

The- I don't care attitude. ' She lifted both hands to demonstrate quotation marks. 'It might not matter now but it will when we are out in the ocean looking for a place cosy enough to keep afloat. If SIC goes down, we all go with it whether we like it or not. It is our source of daily bread and we should put it all our might. No matter your qualification looking for a new job is not easy and when one gets one, the post and respect might not be same.'

Most nodded thoughtfully.

'For our sakes , the vision and mission of this company, let's joined hands and work together. In many years to come, God sparing our lives, we should be able to proudly say we contributed to the solid foundation of SIC.'

Heads began nodding.

'Let's forgive and forget, we are all brothers and sisters. Let help each other. ' She beamed. 'Shall we all rise and join hands?'

They obeyed and she joined hands with Kelvin and the executive director, Mr Olaide Maechi.

'I want to know those that are into greatness. Can we chorus revolution ?'

'Revolution!' They chorused.

'Hmmm...' She drawled thoughtfully. 'That doesn't sound like it was from people who have decided to give SIC their best.'

'Revolution!' They chorused and it was resounding.

She urged them to repeat it for the final time which they did and resounding round of applause followed suit.

'Thank you very much.' She made to hand over to Kelvin who asked her go ahead and round off.
She in turn called on Oluwafemi to round with a short prayer.

They cheered when she and Kelvin left afterwards.

Obviously, she had worked her way into their respective heart or so she felt.

+++

*-*

Katherine sat and buried her face in her palms.

Kelvin took in the braids of her hair before he walked to the mini fridge, took in the packs of pineapple and coconut juice. <em>It was obvious she love pineapple and coconut. He picked a bottled water and closed the fridge. He unsealed it.</em>

'Kathy you should drink water. Here.'

She raised her head and avoided looking at him. 'Thank you.' She received it and gulped one quarter.

He pulled a chair and sat. 'You have a gift of the garb.'

'Thanks.' She took another sip of water.

'I am impressed with the way you handled everything, it was magical. Do you know I consider a proper gratitude? '

'Tell me.' She looked at him.

'Taking you out for a late lunch. ' He still retained his smile revealing his milk-looking immaculate teeth.

She raised her brows alarmed but managed to keep her voice calm.'Mouthing your gratitude like you already did is just perfect. I did that for we all.'

He knew it and saw it, that look of panic and he wasn't going to let get her away with it, not this day. 'I know what you did Kathy, if you're not comfortable with me taking you out, we can make do with the company's cafeteria. '

'No Kelvin. ' She shook her head too quickly.

'I not asking for your permission dear but come to think of it... ' He grinned mischievously. 'You've not had lunch since I've know you. Is it like prohibited where you come from? I do love stories that go way back. '

'Don't be ridiculous! ' She shot him a warning gaze but the dreamy look on his face and teasing smile that etched his lips melted the anger that had wanted to surface. 'I'll do lunch. '

'Thank you Miss Sylvester, see you by 4.' He stood, winked before he head out.

Her eyes followed him out and noticed his walking steps were different, he was practically bouncing away. She burst into bouts of laughter when the door closed.

+++

That was where we stopped before the hack. Fresh update will start this week. Your encouragement will be appreciated.

This should be familiar...

TemitopeDaniel: This should be familiar...

Very familiar Sweetie. Thank you.

Weldone Queen, God bless u plenty. Wen is d nxt update pls?

toykathy: Weldone Queen, God bless u plenty. Wen is d nxt update pls?

Tomorrow

Isn't ds last update frm fighting back? BTW, I'm rily glad ds story is bak!

crislyn: Isn't ds last update frm fighting back? BTW, I'm rily glad ds story is bak!

Yes that was the last update.