Chapter 37: Spill the photos!

  "What are you doing here, did you come to see someone?" Carol asked calmly

  "Except I have a reason to. Please cut the chase and the pretense, mother!" I said almost whispering

  "Great. What happened?" She looked concerned

   "I really don't know what happened, I found her lying on the floor in her bedroom..." I explained

  "Did you see Cathy?" She asked

I knew why she asked, not just for safety but to make sure their secret doesn't leak. No one knew Eric and Ada were in a very bad situation and even divorced but they pretended to appear invincible to the crowd

  "Don't worry, I took care of that as well. I dismissed her and trust me, you'd never ever find her. Just relax!" I said

  "Danni, i know you're mad at me over the Will I...." Carol began

  "There you go. I'm wealthy ma'am, I don't need no Will from anyone, we both know that." I reminded

  "Ok. I'm sorry to..." She said, I didn't know if it were an honest apology or not

  "...Can we be there for Ada instead, coz the apologies ain't working!" I turned away

Carol spoke to the doctor in charge demanding Ada to be moved to the governor's residence for better supervision.

I knew that would happen even when the doctor insisted she should be taken care of at the hospital. The doctor inquired that it could only happen the next day after a closer look on her which Carol agreed to. 

Ada wasn't talking nor eating, she was different, I knew there was a cause for that. According to the doctor, his diagnosis stated her to be in a state of shock, leading to the dysfunctional part of her brain which was a temporary memory loss, Schizophrenia. I felt very bad, taking Ada away to the governor's residence could mean a lot, she could be manipulated or even harmed then I decided to do this my own way.

I got home exhausted, Jordan's smile brightened me up as he spoke too

  "Ma-ma!" He said

  "Oh my god! You called me Mama!" I screamed in excitement like I had no problems at all. He giggled in turns as Bella stood next to us in excitement as well. I bathed him and fed him well, I made sure he cried about nothing not even his diapers could upset him because they were clean. He slept off soundly and peacefully with a glaring brightness like that if his father, Jamal. I took my shower as well and changed into something much comfy like a white  t-shirt and a black baggy pants, then a Calvin Klein black and white hoodie and Air Jordan's sneakers. I changed this outfit not because I wanted fashion at the moment, I later realized what I had on me was crazy and sick. Few minutes later, I drove to the hospital, Larry insisted a drive but there was no point going out.

While I waited outside the ward looking through the glass, Carol sat beside her muttering in her ears. Ada's eyes were tightly closed. Lola tapped me on the shoulder then I turned to her with a warm hug, Lola looks simple in a track suit and gucci sneakers while her straight her rested  below her shoulders.

  "Are you ok? How have you been holding on lately?"

  "Just fine. I really don't know what must have happened back there but good news is she's fine and uh...really not fine up there." I explained

  "Oh God!" She sighed in accordance "Can we not see her?" Lola asked commonly

  "I guess not. There's a restraining order, thanks to her mom, the governor's wife!" I taunted, I was really angry at them not letting me in.

She pasted me lightly and continued

  "C'mon Danni, what were you expecting? There governmental power just got nothing to do with us simply because they think we're nothing. The relationship and wealth just happened to be a savior at the moment." Lola added rightfully. I scoffed continuing

  "That's how it goes. And do you know the weirdest part of it, Eric is no where to be found, I tried to reach him but I couldn't get through..." I added

  "That's not nice, he couldn't have touched her, could he?" She asked sensitively

  "Nah, Lola. Cathy, the maidservant at the house, mentioned that they had a really bad argument and then he left. I just wonder what could have happened along the way, you know?" I explained without missing out

  "I need your help, Lola." We looked at Ada through the mirror with an ongoing conversation then I blurted 

  "What is it?" Lola asked curiously

  "We should keep her, we hide her away from the McClure's."

 Lola looked at me immediately

  "Are you crazy? This is the governor's daughter, Danielle!" She said defiantly

  "...And we're Dr Khaleefa's children, so chill. Look at it this way, if Carol takes Ada home which she would in hours to come, she would confuse Ada the more because right now they're searching for Eric to blast him with this scandal again. If we keep her, we try to make her remember stuff, lots of it and she'd definitely remember Eric, prove his innocence. Hmm?" I waited patiently for an answer

  "You sound like its easy. This is a very very bad idea. If they find out that we've got their daughter, what would happen?" Lola was right

  "Before that happens, we'd figure out a way. I need your help...I can't tell Jamal just now, he's out of town so when he returns I'll tell him. See?" I tried to persuade her

  "Danni, this is the dumbest thing I've heard so far. We are literally abducting her, that's kidnap..." She scolded calmly.  

  "You can actually paint it nice, just keeping her would be better." I said regardless

Lola stood quietly for a few seconds and said

  "Let's do it!!!" 

  "Yass!" I exclaimed "Let's make a few calls, the mafia men would do!" I said again

  "Ok girl. This is sweeter than I had thought, I missed old times.." Lola smiled clenching her fist

  "Just one last time and no one would know, its for Ada!" I reminded, she also nodded in agreement.

I called on the men for a quick business and as always they were ready for it, and they considered it menial. I was at the hospital sending out the information while Lola was with the men in black. The vehicle that Ada was taken in was simply attacked by Dr Khaleefa's men, they shot no one and no tried to retaliate back. Ada was gently carried into our van as well sped off. There was no sign of trace, not even a plate number could surface. Carol was restless and hopeless at the moment. I didn't enjoy punishing her that way, I only wanted the truth for Eric and Ada because I understood they were under duress, the McClure's had allowed the love of power to intoxicate them to the extent that they no longer considered their children's emotions as important.

I took on a war that was totally not mine but it became mine ever Eric asked for my help and I realized Ada would be in more danger than ever, I wanted them to pay without anyone noticing. Jamal would definitely not like this but I was ready for whatever, I had to help my friends since they once did when I was on the verge of dying. It was time to come through for them as well.

Ada was taken to Dr Khaleefa's mansion on the outskirts of town, we provided our family doctor with everything he could use for her revival then I summoned Cathy back to work, time for her to take care of her Mistress.

Lola and I were driving home as we saw the news on the mini TV which they were contemplations about the deputy governor's death and Ada's attack

  "Jeez, turn off that crap dude! They'd always pretend to not know what happened to the deputy." Lola said angrily

I turned it off and continued while she focused in the road

  "Politics is one of the dirtiest games played on earth. Eric is in a big mess, trust me!" I added

  "For real, that's true. Where could Eric be at? Don't you think he wants to know about his wife?" She stirred

  "If you ask, I don't know. Definitely, they'd had a bad time together but what on earth made him leave. Ok, if he left because the conversation was no where close to good then where's he? Just think it over" 

  "Anything might not or might happened. Lola, this is crazy. Why can't they make up for once and get this over with?" I pointed out regardless

  "Not because you got a big heart means everyone does. If you can absorb just anything, others can't believe me" she said

I nodded gently in agreement, that was true. Not everyone has to be like me on the go.

We stood in silence for over 10 seconds then my cell phone beeped, it was a text from Eric

        **Can we talk, I beed your help!**

I turned to Lola showing her the text

  "Really?" I said

She looked at it and shrugged

  "This man is fine, that means he heard about it. I mean its on air, look!" She added

  "This guy is crazy though, few minutes ago we wondered why he disappeared and now this?" I asked in dismay

  "Hmm. We all know Eric, if it was about Ada he would definitely pop up for her. Something's wrong!" Lola said

  "I just don't know what to do." I said almost confused

  "How?" He pulled over to hear me out

  "Jamal warned me about seeing Eric and I know how angry Jamal was at this. The last time he showed up was at my house but still, he was freaking angry!" 

  "Whoa! He's right after all. Look, you've had history with this man and you know...y'all might just fall again." Lola said underneath her breath

  "I heard you bissh, what was that supposed to mean by the way? I don't love Eric, I love Jamal. Just as you ain't letting no one come at Lionel, am I making any sense here?" I explained

  "Absolutely. You are. Just saying what he might be thinking, he's only insecure and naive about you and this Eric thing, I would definitely feel the same" Lola added

  "Really! Just drive please, I got a son at home, if Jamal finds out I'm out this late its another level of arguments. Let's go girl!" I smiled while talking 

Lola laughed at my concern, back then I cared about nothing but myself and now I was a wife with two men.

06:43pm,

At the McClure's,

Carol paced restlessly back and front wondering what on earth she could do. She rushed to Pete who was in a meeting, then get turned to her in slight worry and disappointment

  "Please, excuse us for fifteen minutes. Thank you!" Pete politely mentioned

The council all walked out immediately providing the space he requested. She stood next to me as he looked up to her

  "What's wrong, darling?" He tried to touch her flawless skin as she refrained

  "Are you even worried that our daughter is missing, are you Pete?" She looked angry

He gave a faint smile and continued

  "I am. I just don't know what to do..." He blurted

  "You-are-a-goddamn governor, which means that you could do just anything, anything Pete." She yelled

  "Do you think I don't care? I've been on the search ever since you arrived home, how did you let that happen anyway? You've messed everything up, what if someone finds out about everything, we are dead Ivey." He almost yelled

  "So what should we do? We can't sit here and do nothing or act fine, that meeting you're holding is useless, Pete!" She said regardless

  "Those people you see there are the only means we could get what we want, Carol. While I run state affairs and find our sick daughter, do well to find the culprits as well" he suggested scolding her

  "Maybe I know who's behind all of this. Have you thought about that one person?" She pointed out

  "Eric?" Pete said with a frown

  "Right!" She smiled almost invisibly "Have you wondered why he's been out of sight since last night? 'Coz if he didn't have a hand in this scandal then why's he missing all of a sudden? Have you thought about that too? Look Pete, he threatened to expose everything from start to finish and so why wouldn't he attempt MURDER on Ada? She's attorney remember, our only reliable defendant, you see?" She stopped

Pete was silent, he was confused

  "Eric cannot hurt his wife, he wouldn't do no such thing, he's a good man..." Pete defended

  "I know he couldn't, because you'd defend him. And you believe that? He threatened your wife countlessly, with the positive hypothesis I gave you; you still can't understand who's the devil here? He wants to back out so easily after all the time, energy and free passes we invested in him? He needs to pay!" She finalized

  "Find out. I've got a meeting to conclude, I'll see you later!" He kissed her swiftly as she smiled wiping off the little stain of her brown lipstick on his lips with her right thumb.

She walked out gorgeously which left Pete to mesmerize and still think about what she presumed was right.

Right after 2 days,

I agreed to see Eric at a coffee shop while we  both maintained a disguise

  "Eric, you know, I'm so engulfed in this shit that I can't go out that easily. Where on earth have you been lately?" I began

  "Somewhere around the Woods downtown., that's it." He said

  "That's it for you? You left your wife unconscious, almost dead and drenched for reasons I don't know...." 

  "Reasons you don't know, that's true. Did you hear the shit she said to me? I know I was wrong and I'm sorry but it doesn't give her the right to look at me that way, Danni..." He started

  "...that's why you did what you did?"I asked trying to understand

  "Did what? I did nothing. All I've ever done for Ada is you love and respect her. The McClure's ain't people, they're monsters Danni, believe me. I regret the day I got myself attracted to her, maybe its time for payback..." Eric blurted

I was confused at once,one minute he sounded a saint the other minute he was a different person.

  "Eric, I need you to be honest with me, ok. Can you do that?"

  "I wouldn't call on you if I wasn't honest. Its only you who practically knows and believes me." He added

  "Did you hurt her Ada? Did you lay a finger on her, please tell me. That's the only way I could help you out!" I requested calmly as my eyes welled up

  "Danni, I'd never ever touch a woman let alone Ada, she's my wife. Just because She constantly reminded of the my mistake, and accused me of being a leech on her family because I wanted power, I'd never do that. She reminded me about you, asking if this was all you had to go through with me, am I that bad?" He looked remorseful and sober

  "Jeez! You are a good man, Eric. I didn't leave you because you hurt me, I left you because I didn't love you back the way I should. You're not the bad guy, Carol is somehow" I said to him

  "Then why are you asking if I hurt Ada when you know I wouldn't dare." He asked again

He was right about that question, if i claimed to know him better, why would I ask? I sighed and continued

  "That's exactly what everyone would ask. She called about past 9pm, asking if I could come through for her, I guess after y'all argued or something then I told her I had a date with Jamal. She sounded really worn out and probably drenched in tears.....The next morning I decided to visit her at your house, then I found her unconscious after Cathy and I tried to unlock the door with a spare key. She was lying on the floor, breathless." I narrated again.

He looked somewhat worried

  "Too bad. I didn't touch her, yes! she said some pretty awful things then I left finally. She didn't want me around her, she hated me!"

  "Eric, I'm trying to help you. The governor and his wife are searching for you, they think you attacked her..." I said then he interrupted

  "But I didn't, I swear on my life I didn't. I got angry at her because I saw her with a man at a restaurant then I confronted her that's all, I didn't hurt her...." I said defensively

  "But you were the last person to leave the room, Eric. What actually happened?"

  "Do you believe me or not, Danni? I d get you" He looked disappointed

  "To be honest, I don't know what to think or believe. All I want to do is help you, Eric." I said truthfully

  "Why?" He interrupted instantly as he stood up to leave

  "That's what we should do, help each other. Won't you ask if she's ok or not?" I stirred as I stood as well

  "She can die for all I care, she hates me, remember?" He sounded reluctant, and it felt like I was wasting my time on him

  "She was diagnosed with Schizophrenia earlier, she can't remember anything at all at the moment, not even you. She doesn't talk to no one, So Lola and I are watching over her till she recovers to defend you at least....Maybe"

  "How did she get that?" Hr turned fully to me as well sat again

  "Shock and trauma." I simply said

  "What? Is It that bad?" He asked

  "Yes Eric, and now Carol thinks you attacked her, they're looking for you everywhere, Eric. We had to abduct her before they fool her with their lies to frame you up again. I'm sorry this is on you." I apologized 

He sighed

  "Who knows about this?"

  "Just Lola and I. But I have to tell Jamal when he returns right? He'd help us, you!" I assured

  "Jamal again. I'm sorry for jeopardizing your marriage somehow!" He apologized

  "Its ok, he understands. He's only being protective like you were over Ada. I'll talk to you soon ok? This is our secret, I'll talk to our lawyer." I assured

  "Thank you, honey! I don't know how to appreciate you already. This is too much for me, and Kayla..."

  "I know. Kayla's fine too, that's why we need to fight this."

We hugged tightly then we parted ways again, i didn't remember to ask where he'd be at the moment, we had a lot to still talk about. I recorded our conversation so that I  could have an evidence and our lawyer could listen and know how to defend him.

Robin Leonard, , the head of States' Security reported to Carol's office at about 10:05am

  "First lady, I have recovered everything you asked. Still Unable to find him, he's smart you know!" He said after his salutations, he smiled as he sat comfortably as he handed her a brown envelope

She sighed and continued

  "That's why you're here, is he way smarter than you are?" She said with dissatisfaction

She opened the envelope then brought some photos of Eric, who was on the process of strangling ex deputy who tried to resist. 

  "Still favorable! I hope there are no more faces?" She asked with a fierce look

 "Not at all, first lady. I had it excruciated, so no worries, madam." He assured with a grin 

  "There better be not, Robin." She handed the pictures back to him and instructed "Now you can do as we planned and remember, they cannot know who's behind this. Once this is let out, he'd return begging just as expected." She smiled

  "Absolutely, I couldn't refuse. And we are doing everything in our power to find Ada, we promise!" He said more seriously

  "Of course Robin, it hurts a lot to not find your own daughter, it really hurts. Go now, he must be somewhere around!" She said turning away

  "Yes madam, we promise. I should leave!" He saluted again and left instantly

Carol was confused at that moment, hoping Eric would pay for everything he has caused her family.