NOT A BOARD MEMBER

When the door opened, Linda chose not to open her eyes to check who it is, she just maintains her sitting position at the edge of the bed with her head buried in her palms. The only think she could think of that moment was what really happened that night at the hotel in India.

But the whole plan and perspective change when someone holds her hand tightly. She gently raises her head and stares at Cecelia in confusion. "What are you doing?" She asks but didn't pull of her hand.

"What are you thinking of?" Cecelia asks ignoring her sister's question.

"Just thinking of a lot of things." She carefully pulls out her hand. "You shouldn't be here, my mom won't bow happy if she finds out you are here."

"Do not worry, she already went to bed." She whispers with a bit of assurance.

"Did something happen to her? Why is she sleeping this early?" Linda asks widening her eyes.

"Nothing actually serious, but you know, a lot has happened today. She really needs to calm her nerves and relax well."

Linda sighs deeply. "Do you have any idea where my father is?"

"He is a psychiatric hospital."

Linda stares at Cecelia for a moment without any utterances, then asks afterwards. "What did you just say?"

"Your mom sent him to a psychiatric hospital, she claims to be sick and tired of him."

"How could she?" Linda asks no one in particular and starts sobbing.

"Should I help you to see him tomorrow?"

"No." Linda retorts and shakes her head. "I don't find myself worthy to even stand in his presence anymore."

"So what can I do to ease your pain?" Cecelia asks again.

"Actually…." She clears her throat and continues. "There is a book in my mother's bookshelf that I will like to read."

"Title?"

"The heart of a Lucifer."

Cecelia stands and nods. "I will get that for you." She says and walks out.

***********

"I just spoke with mom." Shamim whispers and sits close to Ella. "She is so mas and unhappy right now we did all of those things without her consent."

"Tomorrow." Ella says and stands. "I want you all to return to Burundi."

"Did you drink again?" Shamim asks and scoffs. "Why are you talking nonsense."

"This battle is going to be a serious one, anything can happen anytime." Ella sighs and reaches out for the bottle if whisky on the table in front of her.

"Is it the situation at hand that turned you into an actual drinker?" Abdullah asks seeming so uncomfortable.

"Have your seat and let's discuss on what next to do." Darifa says, more like ordering.

Miss Smith smiles and pours herself a glass of whisky. "When last did you speak to Helen?" she asks not looking at Darifa but observing her liquor instead.

"Why are you asking after her all of a sudden? Does she have anything to do with us?"

Ella looks up and faces Shamim. "What about you? When was the last time you spoke to Juvenal?"

"Thus morning." He replies calmly.

She turns her head to Asma. "Have you checked up on Uncle Eric recently?"

"That nonsense you are trying to do isn't going to work. You are asking after our loved ones so we can miss home right?" Asma asks a bit annoyed.

"Yes." Ella nods and sits. "Please, I want you all to return home."

"If you ever mention this again, I might go back home for real." Abdullah whispers.

Miss Smith rests her head on the couch and whispers. "I am just so afraid."

"Don't be, our horse is already galloping, we can't possibly jump off any more." Says Asma.

"We are here already, I think what is best is for us is to just fight it once and be done." Shamim advises.

"So, what is next now?" Darifa asks again.

Ella raises her head and sighs. "I think we need to wait for the right time now, I am very sure she might have not recovered from the shock today."

"Regardless, we must always have a card to play." Abdullah whispers.

"Do you still have that voice record with you?" She asks Darifa.

"What voice record is that?"

"The one that has Linda confessing her mom killed my family."

"What so you plan in doing with that Ella?" Asma aaks whispering.

"That will be my next card." She replies with a maniac smile.

"Did anyone see Mr Paul today at all?" Shamim asks changing the topic.

The entire team mates exchange short glances. Why haven't they noticed that at all? The old man want spotted at all.

"That's true, I didn't see him at all today." Ella whispers in a very observing manner. "Why wasn't he there at all?"

"Have you all forgotten he is just a doctor?" Abdullah asks. "He isn't a board member, so it is very possible he wasn't on duty or was busy with some patients.

"Oh! That's true." Shamim exclaims calmly and nods.

"No." Ella shakes he head. "Something isn't right."