CALEB FOLLOWED THE BMW

CALEB FOLLOWED THE BMW

Rising from his bed Caleb went to his parents room to check on them. Sitting now on his dad's bed Caleb held his dad's hand, wanting with all his heart to remove any thought of him losing his legacy and to reassure him that all will be well.  "Dad, I want you to trust me and stop worrying, the third store is not in such a bad shape now. Whatever savings I have, I tried to fix the problem, so just get well and I will save your legacy, I promise you."

When his dad stroked his hand, "Caleb my son, you are doing a good job and I am so proud of you, you is a good son and I know you will try your best  but the damage is already done."

Thinking he has given up, "Dad, I thank you for saying that and whatever it will take for I to save your legacy I will find a way to do it, now I want you to try and get some rest." Caleb said as he bid the both of them a good night and then when to his room.

The thought of his dad giving up was not something he wanted to think about, he must come up with some fresh ideas quickly to raise money to salvage what he can to clear all the upcoming payment for the weeks ahead.

*****

Driving up Clarke Street, where her four brothers had co-operated and bought a block of land and split it four ways. It was much easier when she visited, they were all next to each other and she gets to see her nephews and niece together.

Parking in Jerod's yard, taking a deep breath then took her bag with the snacks for the children and closed the door. Ringing the bell, then sat in the gallery waiting for the door to open. When she got no answer she went to Matt's house, then to Joshua's wondering where everyone was.

'Today is Wednesday, even Alana, Joy, Amy, and Elly aren't home. I know the children are in school, but where is dad?'

Calling Jerod, when he answered, "Aye, I am home here, where are you all?... When did that happen?... Okay, I will be there soon, I am going to leave now."

Leaving Clarke Street, Sarahiah drove to her home on Malatos Street, she needed to take a shower. 'From what Jerod was saying, it seems I will need to take another week's away from the store, this one will be a vacation and carry him so he can relax, we can talk and spend some time together. He is stressed out because of mom's death.'

Feeling this heaviness wondering if he was so worried about her leaving when he needed her most, could that be the reason he is so stressed out? 

***

Seeing a white BMW coming at a fast speed, he thought, 'What is wrong with these people? This is a residential area, just suppose a child step out,' he stopped and waited for the car to passed as he continued thinking, 'What would happen?' but then the car past him.

Seeing it was the young lady, looking through the rearview mirror, as he look for a place to turn around and follow her. The car swerve and turned into a street. Caleb drove into the street slowly, seeing there was no BMW parked on the roadway nor in any garage.

He continued driving going into a branch street, but nothing. Returning the way he came in, seeing a Steelton written on the mailbox. A young lady was walking on the sidewalk, Caleb stopped, winding down the glass.

"Excuse me," when the young lady stopped and turned towards him, "I was looking for a Mr. Antonio Steelton home?"

"You are parked in front of their house sir, but you just missed his daughter, she left about five minutes ago."

"I was wondering if you could tell me where her brothers are living."

"Sorry, her brothers are lawmen, and we don't give out that information to anyone"

"Are you related to them?"

Noticing the way she looks at him then she take a look inside his car before she said, "Yes, they are my cousins," she responds then she continues on her way ignoring him.

Caleb watched her walk away, she dismiss him as though that was the end of her conversation and she was not going to answer anymore questions.

When his phone rang, Caleb notices it was Fred, he had no choice but to answer  knowing he has been waiting for some news from his investor, "Yes.... Hello Fred... Okay, I will be there in twenty minutes."

Before driving out the street, he stop to read the name, 'Malatos Street.'

CALEB FELT STYFILED IN THE RELATIONSHIP

Caleb has been driving around for a while just to get a parking spot. When he did find one all he could see was Jezell across the street waiting for him with a big smile slapped on her face. 

He knew he could not keep avoiding her for much longer. Thinking up a plan quickly as he hurried across the street. When she grabbed hold of his hand, not wanting to hurt her or draw any suspicion on himself about the way he felt for the young lady he said, "Look honey, I am very busy, I have someone waiting for me in my office and I am already late, so I will see you in a while, okay." 

Caleb observed her standing there still waiting, also, he could see she was disappointed and angry because he has avoided her for a few days now. But he was not lying to her, knowing Fred was waiting on him.'

He knew she was still looking after him, as he walks away feeling like a raze of fire burning his back. When he entered his store he didn't turn back but went straight to his office. 'God, how am I going to get rid of her, before I see that young lady I used to enjoy her company, but now I feel stifled in this friendship.'

He had only rested his briefcase down when Maggie knocks and Fred enters his office. Shaking Fred's hand, "Sorry for keeping you, now let me hear what you have learned?"

"Caleb, the owner is very cunning, from what the workers were saying, there is no manager and they don't know who the owner is. When I asked who hired them, all they divulged was there is an assistant manager and he did all the hiring.

Besides, the clerks, it has an accountant who just comes in for a few hours a day. Caleb from what I observed the few times I visited, the store is doing well. There are new stocks and the store is rearranged nicely, which is drawing in customers. Oh, and Caleb, while I was snooping around, I overheard that the new owner seems to be a woman."

"Well, keep digging, I need to know my competition."

"Look Caleb, you are in a low cash flow and you still have three stores, why don't you focus your full attention on building those instead of paying investigators fees. You will need every dollar to refurbish the stores, but you are in for some stiff competition."

"You are right Fred, I am only a few inches from being drowned."

Knowing Jezell was around somewhere, Caleb strolled through the mall, seeing some boxes being delivered to A and S stores, then the young lady that was her friend. 'I never did get her name and the gentleman had already seen me, so if I query from someone else, I might gather some information and where her new job place is.'

Entering the store, viewing the brands of clothes they were selling. They had originals and imitations, it seems they cater for all. There was a mixture of clothes, shoes, perfumes, and other gift items. Seeing a ten per cent sale tag that was very eye-catching. It has gotten the customer's attention and they were busy.

When a person came from behind him asking, "Can I help you, sir?" 

Before he could answer her, her phone rang, he listened to her speak but was unable to figure out what was being said. 

Caleb looked around to see if anyone had called her, but the other sales clerks were busy dealing with other customers, before switching of she said, "I will get it when I finish work."

Then she said to him, "I am sorry very sir, for the hold back ,now can I help you?" When he asked the price of the perfume she responded, "It's sixty dollars and we have some for twenty dollars."

"Do you have the original to it?"

"Sorry, we are all out right now, but we are expecting new stocks within the weekend, but the Black Suede gives the same effect, this is for twenty and the original is sixty dollars."

"Can I ask you something?" Noticing her smile Caleb thought maybe she might be honest enough and give him a truthful answer and not laugh at him as the young lady did. 

CALEB METTHE STEELTON FAMILY

The clerk heard him repeat himself as he ask so softly almost in a whisper when a customer approaches them, "Can I ask a favour?"

When she said, "Yes sir, that is what I am here for."

"Look, the truth is I just wanted to know about the girl who used to work here, the golden hair one, with the grey eyes, where is she working now?" 

"I am sorry sir, but she only told us she got a promotion, she didn't say where she got her new job, so I really cannot help you."

"For a sales rep, what promotions are available?"

"Sir she was just working here temporary, but I believe she was taking an accounts course, so she must have acquired an accountant position, she used to help out the boss with the accounts here."

"I understand what you are saying, and I am sure she must have given you a contact number, seeing that you were working collogues, and you must be friends. I really need this favour from you, can you please speak with her and tell her I want to speak with her about something very important?"

"Look, you will have to buy something because the boss is looking at me, and we can talk, as I conduct my sale." 

"Sure, sure, that is not a problem, give me one of the Black Suede, and can you tell me her name?"

"You mean Sarahiah?"

"Is that her name?"

"Yes sir, well I hope it is she you talking about?"

"Can you tell her to wait at the mall entrance Friday after work, I will be waiting for her and when you speak to her if she agrees to give me her number, I will appreciate it very much."

"I could tell her, but her boyfriend will be very angry if he hears about this."

"You mean the person who used to walk out of the mall with her?"

"Yes, Mitch can be very ugly at times, and if he knows I divulge anything about Sarahiah, and that you want to meet with her, I could get into trouble, I could even lose my job."

Watching him cash then leave, she thought, 'Mitch was right, he came for information about Sarahiah, but Sarahiah's motto is to give the people what they want as long as they buy something.'

*****

Returning to the store, 'At least I get her name and I hope she gets the message, but if Jezell comes Friday, how will I divert her attention, and this young lady is not stupid. I already see the way she smiles, oh, it is wicked and tempting, but her lips are on fire and so is her hand, it burns like hell. Well, I will just have to come up with a plan if they both turn up together.'

Feeling for a burger for his dinner, Caleb decided before leaving the town he will buy himself a one at the Burger Palace with a portion of fries.

Entering inside the palace he place his order, bought a juice to cool his throat while he waits for his order to be ready, then took a seat and waited.

Hearing laughing, Caleb turned slightly to see who was so happy.  Seeing this large family sitting, they had to join two tables together to accommodate them as they enjoy their meal.

Recognizing Jerod, wondering if the sister was with them, Caleb stood up immediately and walked towards them, "Hello, it is good to see you again Mr. Steelton."

Noticing the smile but Caleb scope each of the women, they were all beautiful. When Jerod stood up, "Mr. Christian, won't you join us?"

"Please no, I don't want to disrupt your friendly meal. When I saw you I just came to extend my condolences, Stretching out his hand, "Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mom." Caleb responds, glancing at them one last time hoping they will tell him which of them is their sister. Getting no introduction he    tip his head slightly as though it was a bow to leave.

When Jerod said, "Thanks, you have not met the other members of the family. This young lady here is my wife, Alana, and this is my son, David," when Matt stood up, "This is my second brother, Matthias, his wife Joy, and his son, Stephen." 

Introducing, Darius, "Darius is my last brother and this is his wife, Amy, and his daughter, Mariel, our princess, and here is Joshua,  he is the third and his wife, Elly, and his son, Graham."

  Caleb thought for a moment they are all so big builted, especially the one with the little girl, but she is not with them.

"You all, this is Caleb Christian whom dad arranged to marry Sarah, but with mom's death, that has fallen through."

"How is your dad?" Caleb asks curiously to know how he was keeping and maybe they will revealed something about the sister. 

"Papa is doing okay," Mariel replies. Caleb smiled, 'Liking her immediately,' seeing how chirpy she was and the others keep looking at him with a smile, just like how the young lady was smiling at him.

'Is she their sister,  but the names are not the same,' When  Darius said, "Honey, our friend didn't ask you," but then Darius responds, "Dad is a bit under the weather these few days, and Sarah is with him."

"Will you please give them my regards," Caleb said, bidding them a good evening then returned to his table.

CALEB REFLECTS ON WHAT MAY HAPPEN

While waiting for his order Caleb heard the children laughing, he wondered, 'What was the joke? but they seem to be very happy in spite of their loss, then it is only the sister and the father that are missing the mother. Is that why Nevil, Gilbert and Aaliyah don't care about mom and dad, they have their family for comfort.'

At that moment Caleb deliberates, 'Have I made a huge blunder by turning them back with the dowry, they seem to be a happy family and they have the same amount of family members as us, but they are different, all those brothers respect each other but ours is like dog eat dog.

Glimpsing at them once more, 'Their children make them happy. Oh Lord if something were to happen to any one of my parents I don't really have a family I could lean on for support or comfort.

Petal is there but she is unreliable and it will be just I, and how will I relate how I am feeling to anyone of my surviving parent? They will need someone to comfort them.  Dad is right, it is time I start my own family, if only I could meet the young lady and speak to her.'

Recalling the father's words that the sister favoured Jerod, but looking at the brothers, the one who has the girl child, and the girl at the mall, they favour each other a lot. 'Are they related, and why am I not lucky to see who the sister is?'

***

At the hospital Sarah wipes her dad's face with the wet rag, "I hope you know that your worrying about mom has brought on this illness, but don't worry, I decided to take you away for a week and we could spend ample time together. I will speak to the doctor, so there is no need to worry."

With the oxygen hooked up and the IV in his left hand, he looked so lifeless. 'Is he worrying about me?' she wondered while going to the washroom, not wanting him to see her crying.

Washing her face, she then took some deep breaths and whispered, "Lord, he is all that I have now, you already took mom, will you take him and leave me an orphan?" 

Looking at the mirror, passing a slight powder before she returned to the ward, the doctor was attending to him, "Doctor, what is wrong with my dad? He was good a few days ago before my mom died, so what could cause him to become so weak so quickly?"

Seeing him remove the oxygen tank and only left the IV, "We cannot say now, but by tomorrow after we take the few tests and when we get the results, then we will know for definite what course of medication to prescribe for his treatment but from what you are saying it could he is grieving and a bit stressed out."

"Will I need to be here when he goes to get the test done?"

"That won't be necessary, but this same time tomorrow I will be reviewing the test results, then we will discuss the next course of treatment, does he have a medical plan?"

"Yes doctor, I took out one a few years back for him."

"Then have that at your finger's tip just in case it will be needed."

"Thank you, Dr. Silver, I know he is just stressed out with mom's death recently, but he should be well in a few days."

"You are right, why don't you try and get some rest yourself, you look worn out, and I will see you tomorrow this time."

Dr. Silver kept his eyes on her until she was out of the ward then turned to the nurse, "Nurse Walter, I want his pressure to be monitored regularly, and every five hours test his glucose level, and the first thing in the morning, these tests need to be done."

Taking the sheet of paper seeing the many tests wondering if the family is aware that he has cancer. "Yes, Dr. Silver I will ensure that the next shift will carry out your instructions when I write my report."

Driving home she parked the car at the back of the house, expecting the boys to drop by. Making herself a cup of tea and cut a few slices of cheese to eat with crackers, but halfway through she just dumped the tea in the sink and place the cheese in a small container in the refrigerator.

Nothing had any taste in her mouth, going to her parent's room she opened the safety box, taking out the envelope she had given to her mom.

Seeing some other envelopes, she took them out and sat on the bed reading through each document. She was unable to believe her eyes as she read. 'How could she not reveal this to any of us?'

MATT PRAISE SARAHIAH

Reading each document carefully Sarahiah mumbles to herself, 'Mom had taken out a life insurance policy ten years ago, and she also has shares in the credit union. Not once did she mention any of this to any of us.'

Placing the policy, the pocketbook with the shares, and her dad's medical plan in her briefcase. She secured all the documents for the next day, then locked the safety box, and the room, and went to take a long soak. She knows the boys have their own keys so if they come they will enter without having to disturb her.

Sarahiah rested the washrag on her head, the headache began after the doctor spoke with her. She knew he was not saying anything to frighten her, but it seemed as though something was not right. 

'How long has dad been hiding his illness from me, is that why he wanted me to get married? Oh Lord, by my rebelling against him, could that be the real reason for the sudden sickness, Lord is it I that has caused him to stress out.  Am I the one responsible for him being in this condition? Was it because I took the briefcase of money, but I was only thinking if he didn't find it, he would forget all about this marriage.'

Stepping out of the tub, she felt this was all her fault, 'I must return it to Jerod in the morning, and if getting married will make him happy, and will remove the stress then I will have no choice and agree to his demands.'

Waking up early the next morning, she put both briefcases in the car, then returned and freshened up. Dressing for work Sarahiah packs a few pieces of clothes to take for her dad and a few pieces for herself. 

Locking the house, she then drove up to the boys, hearing that Jerod wasn't home she went to Matt and called the other two, she placed the briefcase in their care and told them, "Give Jerod the briefcase, it belongs to dad. I am mostly out of the house, so let him keep it for dad. I will see you all later."

Going to the store she asked Mitch to hold the fourth because her dad was in the hospital. She visited the credit union informing them of her mom's death and then visited the insurance company.

Sarahiah heard that she needed to update her policy seeing as she had missed four months in her payment, she informed them of the automobile accident four months prior and her death that only happened recently.

"We need you to bring in a doctor's report and her death certificate."

"Thanks, I will get those documents by next week."

Feeling all alone, she entered the store and went to the office, and in one corner she jump slumped down, and cried, allowing the hurt and frustration to flow.

***

Antonio sees when Jerod entering the ward with the briefcase in his hand, he wondered, 'Where did he get it?' smiling at the four boys that surrounded the bed, "Where is Sarah. I haven't seen her today?"

Matt replied, "She said that she will visit this afternoon dad, and Sarah dropped your briefcase this morning for us. I know you were worried thinking she had used the money, but it is all here, I counted it myself."

"Matt, she had taken it and when I went to the bank, they said she had taken a loan of two and a half million the day before your mother died."

"So, is that the reason you are worrying? Dad, please come on you are worrying unnecessary, you know Sarah is a big girl and is very independent and responsible, we have to trust her, look at what she did for mom's funeral we didn't have to lift a finger and nothing was missing. Dad she sends of mom looking like a queen she is."

"I know son and I am very sorry, but what can I do I can't help worrying about her."

Darius took his dad's hand in his, "Now you listen to me, Sarah is brave and strong, she has so many talents  so though matter what happens we will be right there to hold her hand."

ANTONIOBLESSED HIS SONS

When Jerod said, "Dad, Sarah has a good head on her shoulders, she is too intelligent to involve any of us in any scheme and you know the store is hers'. Look at what she had done with what mom gave her. And she also said she is not owing to the bank, maybe she wanted to expand the store, so she could take care of herself."

"Son, suppose she makes a bad deal?"

Joshua said, "Dad, you are worrying unnecessarily, but if that were to happen I will stand with her," Antonio then heard the others saying they would help her through matter what.

Jerod see his dad concerns and said, trying to reassure him, "Dad, we are her brothers, and we love her, she takes care of our children, she took care of mom and now she is here taking care of you. What is it to bail her out of some hot water? I am her eldest brother and I am sure, Matt, Josh, and Darius will be there with me, so please stop worrying and get better."

"Thank you all so much, make me a promise that when she is ready to get married, you will stand with her."

"We will dad, she is our baby sister, you wouldn't believe this, but we met Mr. Christian's son yesterday. Dad, he looks like a nice enough guy," Jerod responded.

"Mr. Christian is a very upright person, but from what I heard, his children have followed the wrong path. But this young man, he is the only one that has followed in his father's footsteps."

Jerod ponders with the words his father spoke, 'This is not a spur of the moment decision for dad neither is it a coincident, dad must have done a background check into this family before he brought this matter before us then to Sarah. Look at the others as they continue to speak with dad.

Hearing the bell declaring visiting hour was over, I said to dad, "Dad, we are going and we will see you tomorrow."  He took my hand in his, thinking he wanted to say something privately.

Dipping my head closer to hear what he wanted to say. He rest his hand on my head hearing him pronounce blessing, and then he did the same with Matt, Joshua and Darius. When he completed his blessing he said, "You all have made your mother and I so proud, and your sister has done well for herself."

"Thanks, dad, it is nice to hear you say it," Darius replied.

***

Half four Caleb stood waiting at the mall entrance, not seeing her was frustrating but it was a relief that Jezell didn't show it.  Five-o-clock came and the young lady didn't come.

Closing his eyes he leaned in a corner hoping and praying silently that she receive the message and will come. When he felt the gentle touch he thought, 'She has reached.'

Opening his eyes quickly only to see the sales rep, he spoke to was standing in front of him. Disappointment fill his heart especially when she said, "I am very sorry, but I haven't seen her and can't say where she is working, so I was unable to pass on the message."

"Is she unwell?" Caleb asks wanting to know if something has happen to her.

"We don't know," Claudia saw his disappointment, but just said, "Bye," and left, joining the others across the street.

Mitch turned to look at him, "Who does he think he is?" Angry with him just thinking he is so pushy, 'Is he a pervert wanting to know about her whereabouts?' 

"Mitch, he looked so disappointed not meeting her, do you think he wanted to discuss some important business or to offer her a job?"

Mitch recalls that he did asked her if she was seeking employment. But his anger boils within, "Important business? Men like him are only interested in one thing Claudia."

"Are you jealous Mitch?" Observing the way his jaw was moving and his eyes were brown almost black with rage.

"Are you mad Claudia? Sarah and I are just friends."

"Mitch, I have observed how you keep watching her, I can understand if you say you like her because she is very pretty."

"So what if I like her, it just that I admire the way she dresses so neat and nice, I am sure it's not a crime? And she is very pretty, and speaks to the customers gently."

"I know boss, but this gentleman seems as though he has a business proposal to offer her, so why worry?" Claudia turned to look where he was standing, "Is he waiting on someone else?"

"Maybe he is waiting for the leach that clings on to him," Sabrina responds.

"Okay, so you see Mitch, he must be only thinking about a business proposition, it has nothing to do with what you are thinking." 

When Sabrina said, "Mitch, Claudia could be right because if he wanted to meet her with any other motive, why would he want that leach to join him for this meeting. At that moment they all see Jezell appear going straight to him clinging on to his hand.

Caleb felt hurt but what choice did he had, smiling down to Jezell, asking, "What has kept you, do you know how long I have been waiting, come on let us leave this place, next time I will leave you and you will have to travel."

Observing all her friends has gone, he then went to the car park with Jezell. Sitting in the van resting his head on the steering wheel. Thinking, 'I have waited the entire day hoping she had gotten my message. I had no idea what I was going to talk to her about, but I just wanted to see her. Dear God, why do I have this longing just to get a glimpse of her, what is happening to me? Please Lord. I really need some help.'

Hearing Jezell ask, "Caleb, are you feeling unwell?"

"It's just my head, recently I seems to be getting this serious headache."

"Honey why haven't you told me that before? let us visit the doctor, he will give you something." 

"Look, I visited the doctor a few days ago and Jezell, I know you care for me but please just don't ask any questions, this all started that day I hit that person and get soak so no more questions please."

Noticing how she was looking at him as he drives, but he ignores her.