I apologize for my inconsistency, it wasn't deliberate. please do share your thoughts before exiting.

I see new faces reading, welcome on board.

30

'Mrs Katherine, we sincerely appreciate you and your husband for the invitation and reception in your home.' Tobi acknowledged on his feet.

'Please sit Tobi.' Katherine was dressed simply and sitted beside her husband on a three-sitter couch.

They had made their familiar strangers comfortable in one of the sitting rooms in the mansion and they served them with freshly made juice, home made cookies and water.

Kelvin had insisted they all tasted something before any conversation.

'You all had to fly over mountains, hills, valleys, nations and so on to be here, considering the faces before me, I'm inquisitive.' She pursed her lips momentarily. 'I am inquisitive to know what the family of the man who killed my brother and indirectly killed my father and rendered me without a family leaving me with hell as a major option is willing to say to me.'

The Yerimas lowered their gaze and the women exhaled.

She narrowed her brows and glanced in the direction of her uncles and their wives. 'I am also inquisitive to know what some so called uncles has to say when could have prevented the death of their nephew and their elder half brother who gave them love, education and a better life. ' She grimaced. 'You did killed them before they died in reality. And then you placed your niece in hell.'

Tears dropped down Ezinne's eyes and she hastily wiped them off.

Ngozi had not being married when Katherine was sent out of her father's property but she seen enough photographs and stories but she had only shrugged them all away.
She knew her husband built an admirable mansion in which they lived where her late brother-in-law and family used to live.

She hadn't bother to ask about the girl.
If her husband wasn't bothered who was she to ask.

'Since your offences are equal on my scale, so any side can go first.' She raised an index finger thoughtfully. 'What's the name of the monster that killed my brother?' Her eyes were fixed on Aishat.

'Moshud Yekini.' The weight of the reality of the penalty of what her family, generation and generations to come will face had taken its toll on the once outspoken, tall, plumb, fairskinned and beautiful Aisha. The very one who had being the envy of most women because she had being the best jewelries seller in the country in so much that the creme de la creme in the country had patronized her when she was in business.

There she sat void of make up and jeweleries which she couldn't do without afore time.

'Say that again.'

'Moshud Yekini.' She repeated slowly and flatly.

'Go ahead.' Katherine sat back.

Kelvin studied all of their faces and the tension was palpable.

'At first, we thought it was ordinary,' Yerima began, 'a dark cloud that was soon to give way for dawn. 'We were a bonded family and cherished every fellowship we had.
One of such occurred many years back and we were there to grace the birthday party of the son of my eldest sister, Shakirat. He was hale and healthy but a week later, he went to take his bath. He had just stepped into the bath tub and had not turned on the shower. In fact, he still had his towel around him.'

'Suddenly, I heard a shriek, worst than anything I've ever heard in my entire life.' Tobi, the husband to Shakirat continued. 'By the time I got to the bathroom from my sturdy, Prince's body was motionless and without a trace of injury or blood oozing from any part. I rushed him to the hospital but it was more like an effort to prove him clinically dead.' He swallowed.

Shakirat eyes were filled with tears. 'I couldn't believe it...I just couldn't comprehend while death would snuff life out of my son, a ten years old.' Though it's been close to a couple of decade, the pain was still evident in her voice. 'I just couldn't believe he was gone.'

'It was like a mirage to me because I spoke to him the night before.' Yerima shrugged. 'The announcement of his death by the doctor gave my father a daze he never recovered from.'

Katherine sat up and exchanged glance with her husband.

'Are you trying to tell my wife and I that Moshud is dead?'

'Yes sir.' Yerima replied.

Katherine almost laughed but it didn't surface. 'You've got to be kidding me.' She raised a palm and dropped it. 'That's not possible!'

They all stared at her bewildered.

'Dear darl, you don't believe them, do you?' She gave a short laugh and a quick a look at Kelvin.

Kelvin knew it was a rhetorical question so he only smiled.

'Come on you all!' She beamed as she adjusted to the edge of the sofa. 'Don't tell me he's somewhere six feet below. That's ridiculous!' She opened a palm and bobbed her head from side to side with her eyes gleaming. 'If this is information is some kind of strategy, you all have to go back to the drawing board.' She furrowed her brows.

Yerima spirit sank.


'I remembered a crowd gathered and begged, I remembered my brother prostrating on a dirty and dusty road, I was on my knees too, all pleading with this one man to no avail.' She paused and glared at them. 'So, I drew my conclusion, who wouldn't anyway. ' She laughed heartily.

Her uncles panicked at her choice of humor. It was going to be difficult, very difficult.

....

-*+

'If God wants you to listen to them there would be a confirmation. Mum you'll see them again.' Her daughter had whispered to her just as she dropped off she and her brother at school earlier in day.

It was about noon when the chief security officer had brought the announcement of both the presence of the Yerima's and Ezeugo's family.

She folded the note and handed it over to him. 'Give this note to anyone of them and let them go.'

'Would that be all ma'am?' He inquired.

'Thank you so much Elvis and that would be all.' Katherine smiled up at him before capping her pen.

He gave a low bow before proceeding with the instruction.

Katherine drummed her pen momentarily on the desk before going through the report the account department had presented.

+*-

kingphilip:

the Biblical one

That's true!

Hameenat94:
Katherine has 2 thread carefully so as nt 2 offend d God she has established a gud relationship wit. Weldone dear.

Now that a salient point, thanks dearest.

boladex1:
i love this update and kat reaction becuase one things is certain forgiveness its not easy especially when you passed through
what she has gone through but she should also remembers that Gods has vindicated her and she should have mercy on them.

thanks Queen you r marvelous always touching my emotions

I'll whisper that in Katherine's ear.
Thanks dear.

Phlakes:
Weldone queen, u are really doin a great job, more grace dear

Thanks sweetie.

lenmafon:


@king... it is not as easy as u think o! i know she finally forgive them all but the pain of what they did has to heal first. seeing them only brings back the hurt, pain and memories of unnecessary sufferings she passed through.
thanks queenxstar for the lovely update

That's plain reality sweetie...it's easier said than done, I appreciate you pointing that out.

kingphilip:
same to u o queen
great update dear
I think Katherine is taking this thing too far

quite alright they wronged ha but atleast find a place in ur heart to forgive them but sure they'll linger in ur thought if u don't n twill affect u on the bad side
forgiveness does the forgiver more good dan d forgived

Great food for thought! Thanks for sharing.

nnekamezor:
"To err is human n to forgive Divine"... I do hope Kathy forgives dem ASAP, she will hv peace aftawards... Its nt easy tho, buh wit God all tins are POSSIBLE... Nice one dearie... Hapi blessed new month too

Well said Nneoma.

kingphilip:

external disappointment is beta than those done by ur immediate family.. if Joseph could, she can

Which Joseph sir?

A BLESSED NEW MONTH GREAT PEOPLE!
Do not forget to share your thoughts.

-+-

'Hi sweetest heart. ' Kelvin cooed and opened his arms.

She stepped into his arms and held him tight as relief flooded her. She felt the urge to burst into tears but suppressed it immediately, now was not the time.

He still had his long sleeved shirt still tucked in the blazer trousers from work. 'I'm up here on a mission, Bennedict says you've been unhappy and despite him asking, you claimed nothing was amiss. He has therefore employed the services of able detective Kelvin Sigismund.'

Katherine smiled fondly, her son had turned out to be very observant.

'I called at your office to take you for a surprise treat and Evelyn told me you left three hours before closing time. Besides, your phone has been switched off. What could be wrong sweetie?'

How she wanted to tell him all without mincing words, instead she said, 'My dear darling,' She reached out to touch a side of his face with her plan. 'I promise to tell it all when you've freshened up and on a full stomach.'

Katherine took his hand and made to lead him out but he restrained her.

'I can't see myself enjoying your delicious meal with the knowledge you're unhappy.' She appeared to him like she had shed some kilogramme since he last saw her in the morning.

'Well said dearest.' She exhaled.

He sat and asked her to sit on his lap. 'I'm listening darling. '

'I...I don't even how to began.' She exhaled once more. 'Some people form Nigeria came to see in the office and claimed to be family of the man that shot my brother.'

'What!' Kelvin exclaimed. He went wide eyed and his jaw dropped simultaneously.

'Yes sweetie, it's... it's crazy...bizarre, I don't know...' She sighed.

He blinked severally as his allow the information to sink in.

'What did you do?' He looked up at her

'Send them right out of my office.' Katherine replied spitefully.

Silence prevailed as Kelvin brows narrowed into a frown as he lapsed into thoughts once more.

'Sweetheart, what can you make of their visit?'

Katherine heaved and pondered momentarily before answering. 'I don't know what to think nor make of it and I don't care. If the devil had decided to lie all along and decided to raise his ugly head at this point ready...' She smiled bitterly. 'He had better strap his belt tightly...' she stood and tapped her foot for few seconds. 'Air bag would even be anti safety eventually. Hmmm...' She resolved.

Kelvin exhaled and stood. 'Come sweetie,' He took her hand and led her down the stairs. 'We are going to tell our children about this, hear their opinion and report it to our father above.'

+++
*-+

Katherine walked into the rugged lobby leading directly to her office and stopped short bewildered and bemused.

She removed her sunglasses slowly and squint her eyes as if to allow better accommodation. She advance slowly.

Her Cologne and aura went before her and they looked just to sight her.

Ezinne gasped and a palm clasped her mouth afterwards. She recognized her despite the transformation, her face reminded her so much of her mother, a woman who had welcomed her into the family with open arms, polished her cooking skills. She had solely sponsored all meal and drinks those present at her wedding to her brother-in-law took.

In a rush, she remembered Katherine as barely a teen, how she had danced so well at their wedding and mesmerized all present. She and husband had even Joked that she more money sprayed on her than them.

Guilt coursed through every fibre of her being.

The very person they had to hired the best of detectives to look for two years having tried various solutions from one spiritualist to another, native doctor to another, false prophet to another and tried variety of supposedly concoctions and prescriptions.

Katherine recognized them instantly.

Her oldest uncle, Marcus Ezeugo stood dazed at the presence of his niece, the one he carried on the day of her birth and then he hung his head in shame.

His younger brother, Azubuike and their wives stood and lowered their gaze.

Katherine wore her sun glasses and advanced towards Evelyn who had being on her feet as soon as she saw Katherine.

'Katherine...' Marcus called more of a whisper fully laced with pleas.

She grimaced but turned to look at them when in front of her secretary's desk. 'I feel like the very devil just called my name, I don't want to hear your voice again!' She thundered but her voice was void of spite and anger.

Marcus winced and recoiled.

'Evelyn?' She called eyes not leaving them. 'Call security, I need feed back that they've left this premises within this same minute.' She took a quick glance at her wrist watch before walking head high into her office.

Ezinne slumped on the floor and placed both hands on her head.

Evelyn was already speaking into a phone.

The memory she had taken with her were that of them well dressed but not good looking, perspiring in a well ventilated and airconditioned lobby, their facial expression was as though they were on the verge of cardiac arrest.

A question was paramount in her mind. Was there a courtesy visit or something much more?

She withdrew her mobile phone and speed dialled her husband number.

++*

The cycle is about to be complete.
Wonderful work ma'am.

onosj:
Our honorable Queen no update 2day.

No dear, I'm on duty today and tomorrow.

onosj:
4 d wicked, a day will always come when u think u are safe nd happy. But suddenly ur joy will turn 2 betterness in ur mouth, nd u will know dat u are paying some debts. Katherine put urself 2gether!! They are paying 4 d evil they did 2 ur family.

True.

lyzee21:
Nice 1 Queen

Thank you dear.

grocery:
Good job.....Queenxstar

Thanks sweetie.

kingphilip:
Kathy shouldn't have done dat she should just forgive n forget though it might not seem so easy but she should just try

I know she can

BTW queen nice update n hope u r gud too

Appreciate your contribution as always dearest.

princesssusan:
Hmmm life at times could be so unpredictable, gr8t! One queen

Thank you Princess.

Bluestarry:
ma darling wen r u starting a new story?

New story ke! I will be starting a post graduate course by Nov, I doubt if I'll be able to do a combo. If I can, I trust it'll be on my blog.

ESIXLOVE:
nice work. But i have a question.
How did they know that kathrine is the very girl whose brother their father murdered with impunity since the whole scene was over a decade.

Good question, that will be explained. Remember that her brother death was carried by the press and Katherine was interviewed once by the press. She is an international face now, with a good detective, they would be able to locate her.

boladex1:
thanks queen for this update

am really enjoying the story

I appreciate your comment sweetie.

princesssusan:
Woa! Congrats to sigimund queen when is d next update komn?

it's been served dearie.

kennylizzy:
I think Yekini's father was d one that shot Kathy's brother while Ezeugo was her uncle dat threw her out of her father's house. Thanks queenxstar more mb to ur fone

We are about to find out dearest.

+*-
'These are brother-in-laws, my sisters, ' Yekini felt the overwhelming urge to be on his feet as he did the introduction and so, he was on his feet. 'That is my mother and I am the son of the man that...that shot your brother.'

Katherine shut both eyes with a palm raised and pin drop silence prevailed. For a minute, she had no iota of doubt that she was having a horrible day mare.

'Can you repeat your last statement?' Katherine rose slowly.

'That is... that is true.' Yerima said, expecting any device to be hurled at him soonest.

Her eyes blinked severally in utter shock. 'You...you are family of the uniformed man that murdered... that terminated the life of my brother.' She had raised an index finger. 'Leave this company now.'

'My...my daughter...' Aisha began.

Sharply and furiously, Katherine interrupted her. 'Heaven forbids! Get out of his office within this second!' Instantly, her palm descended on a button on the desk and in thirty seconds, five security men entered the office.

'Usher them out.'

The security didn't hesitate, having never seen their boss so upset.

Katherine stared at closed door and then, her eyes closed because everything around her seemed to spinning.

She staggered and her gave a silence splitting scream.

Before Evelyn, her secretary rushed in, she had already slumped in a cushion chair and her head was buried in her palms.

'Ma, are you all right?'

'I am...I'm... ' She sighed. 'Evelyn cancel all my appointment, I want to see nobody and received no phone calls.'

'Yes ma but are...?'

'Don't worry about me.'

Evelyn took a couple of glances before finally shutting the door.

Katherine raised her head and stared into space, her tears flowed freely.

***

29
Ten years later,

'Honey, did you intend to take your camera and forget it in the sitting room?' Katherine looked elegant in a well tailored designers skirt suit.

Marigold Franklin Sigismund, taller than her age, an exact replica of her dad's American complexion, beautiful with a face that was almost always smiling collected the cased camera. Her younger brother had once told her that if she was to be an animal, she would have been a Cheshire cat.

She was in a well trimmed designers skirt and she walked side by side her mum to the Jeep. She also carried her mum's hand bag.

'Thanks mum, I would have felt bad if I got to the school show just to realise I left it at home, mum you're a darling. ' She beamed and it was so identical to her father's except for the display of gap tooth which she took from her mum. Some familiar with the family says she looked more like the dad than the mum but others argued otherwise.

'I'm glad.' She said just before she pressed the receive key of her mobile phone that was vibrating. 'Excuse me hon.' She glanced at her ten year old daughter before raising the phone to her ears. 'How're you dear... you very know that I can't be the office until three hours...if they can wait till then...thanks...later.'

'That was important right?' She glanced at her mother.

'Maybe.' She shrugged and opened the driver side of the car. 'My angel was booked far before the call of today. Everything has to be done according to priority. Get into the car Goldie.'

'I'm glad you're coming for I've got a surprise for you and daddy.' She said after strapping her seat belt.

Soon the car was revving down the road.

'Remember the letter my school posted on its show, I am the script writer of the drama feature.'

'No honey!' Katherine glanced at her.

'Yes mummy!' Marigold retaliated in the same vein. 'You and dad said my short stories were wonderful so before school exams started, I took them to school to do some sorting, Mr Li stumbled on it, he read and said it was good. The stories were transferred to some other teachers in the lower grade and then some others in the higher grades. Two weeks later, the head of the literal department sent for me. She said to me-

"Your stories are fabulous."

"Thank you ma" I replied.

"Marigold darling, how about writing a story with this title?" She handed me a slip with a title and few tips.

'I...I'll like to ma." I replied.

"Can you be done in three weeks?"

"I should be but if I'm unable to ma, I'll inform you."

I wrote it and submitted three days after the assigned time. A couple of days after, she said to me- "Marigold, you're the script writer of the drama the high graders will be performing for the school show and I also learnt that you're the daughter to the business shakers, Kelvin and Katherine Sigismund."

"Yes ma!'' I readily replied.' Marigold burst into laughter.

'That is great Marigold! I'm actually surprised but honey, why did you decide to keep it to yourself until now?'

'Marijory is making a special presentation today and she's keeping it a surprise to her parents so I decided it was cool for me to do so.'

'Hmmm...' She resolved thoughtfully as she brought the car to a halt at the red sign of traffic light.

'Professionals and Judges are going to be present, the press too. If the drama picks an award and commendation, it will be shown on TV. I will have an opportunity of being tutored by some of the best writers.'

'Now I am assured that you're hearty about your talent, your dad and I promise to support you all the way.'

'I love you so more mummy!' Marigold said gleefully.

Katherine narrowed her brows as she took a turn. 'Why so more, and not so much?'

Marigold exhaled. 'Daddy is filling the much space in such a way that I can't squeeze in besides, I don't have what it takes to compete with him.'

She laughed hard and long barely unable to wait to share with her husband. 'I'll tell my treasure.'

'I can do you the honors mum.'

Katherine chuckled.

Bennedict Franklin Sigismund was on a trip with his father while Marijory Sigisfried who was nine years old was Kenneth and Kayla adorable daughter and Marigold best friend, with exactly a year between them.

Three years after daughter, the Sigisfried welcomed identical twin boys.

+++

Hameenat94:
I really back wat Jit said... It happened in fighting back buh it wasn't much as dis.. Gen 2 Gen no continuity @ll.. I tot it was 'cos of d pressure @ work buh I trust u 2 really improve... I knw u read Switched nd Chocolates nd Sushi... The chapters showed continuation. I hp u undstand me.. Its all 4 ur own gud

I think this continuity issue dwells because I'm yet to narrate the reason for the Yekini's and Ezeugo's ordeal.

While I work the aspect of continuity my dearest Jiteshell mentioned, I'll take the option that that's my unique of writing.
I hope it will clearer and better at the end.

As always, your royal pence is highly welcomed.

-+*

Oh God please help her. That damn so called emergency meeting! I never wanted to leave as if I knew... I promised to be there with her.

The car screeched to a halt, he bolted out, slammed the door shut before running all the way into the hospital. No one stopped him because they all knew him.

He raced up the stairs in threes, not exercising the patience of the electronic stairs moving him up. As his eyes scanned the tag on each door he passed, he maintained his pace.

He got to the door he was looking for, halt and took quick deep breaths in and out.

'Mum...' Kelvin whispered when he entered.

'Oh honey...' She beamed as she glanced at him and then at the bundle in her arms. 'Behold, the most beautiful baby I've ever set my eyes on.'

He moved close and peered. 'My...my baby.' He choked as tears sting his eyes.

'Yes your baby, my first grand child. ' Darlene couldn't help but chuckle as his reaction as she handed her over.

The baby stirred, stretched and went back to sleep. He held her close to his heart. 'I almost can't believe I'm holding you eventually.' He shut his eyes and exhaled mesmerized. 'My God in heaven, I bless you for your faithfulness, thank you for this precious gift you've given us. I pray that she would fulfil her purpose on earth, you'll teach us to bring her in a godly way.'

'Amen.' Darlene chanted with her eyes closed.

'She will be great, far better than her parents, she will be a force of revolutionalization to the world in Jesus name.'

'Amen.' Darlene said.

He kissed her on the forehead and then, stared down at her scrutinzingly. 'Mum, she is so pretty!'

'Of course dear, she should be, she is very well from a linage of beautiful people. She is more beautiful when her eyes are opened.' Darlene chuckled.

Kelvin handed the baby over and walked over to where his wife laid with a hand on her abdomen. Her eyes were closed.

'Angel are you okay?' He took her hand and knelt beside her.

'I'm... I'm okay.' Katherine opened her eyes and beamed up at him. 'Our beauty has been born dearest.'

'Yes.' He beamed. 'Thank you for her.' He kissed her on the lips and his grip on her hand tightened. 'My sweetness, I am sorry for not being there for you.'

'That may be a good thing in a way, you might have changed your mind about having two boys and a girl.' Her glassy eyes shone.

Kelvin exchanged glances with his mother who smiled like she knew a great secret.

Katherine closed her eyes.

'Do allow her rest honey.'

Just then, Kayla came in white. 'Congratulations Kelly.' She embraced him. 'You've got for yourself a bouncing, healthy and pretty baby girl.'

'I know Kay, thank you so much.'

Kayla turned to her mother who now seated.' Dad is crossed that you did not call to inform him before coming to the hospital. My Sweetheart will soon be here.' Kayla sat beside her mother.

'Where are they?' Camilla bursted in the private ward decorated with pink and white balloons and cards. She cast her bag and car keys aside as she saw the baby. 'Oh my cutie... cutie!' She brimmed with happiness. 'Mummy please let me hold her. Oh my...she is so adorable! My name is Aunt Camilla, I am the one that use to sing for you when you're in your mummy's womb. Oh my...she just smiled at me, she remember me!'

They all chuckled except Katherine.

'Congratulations big bro.' With an arm, she embraced him and kissed him on both cheeks.

'Thanks darling.' Kelvin returned before going to perch on the bed with Katherine.

'I saw a gatherine of the press as I sneaked into the hospital via the back. They would have to swallow the patience pill because the Sigismund take pride in relishing their special moments.' Camilla said before reaching into her bag for her camera.

It's been two years since their marriage.

+*-

All royal members of the house, I crave to be better and I need all of your help, what do you think of Jitshell opinion of my story? Please...

Hameenat, Tiffany, KingPhilip and others who have read my other stories and this present one, what do you say?

Jiteshell:
It's just like reading those cartoons at the back of vanguard today and the one you read tomorrow does not continue from where yesterday's own stopped but jumped, and it kept on happening with every episode, you surely wud not be happy and maybe even stop reading it, I unfollowed this story many times cos of it but I keep coming back, I can't help it

Thank you so much darl, God bless you. I'll work on it.
Sometimes I feel if I keep giving a back to back continuation, the story would never end. From the manuscript, I excluded some of what i counted unnecessary.

Glowingscenes after reading FIGHTING BACK, advised that i skip the unnecessary.