Chapter 72

The quest for power is innate in every human that lived or still live. It is a known fact that political power is the most sought in the world. During politics, a lot of characters of humans both men and women are seen, especially those that are aspiring for various positions. Senator Crusoe was one such person whose desperation for power had no equal. He had many dirty plans up his sleeves, he can kill all in the name of position . Since he heard about Olivia's interest and saw the percentage rating she was getting on public opinion platforms, he knew there was a problem. Initially, all he had in his mind that was that she was a new person on the game of politics so she would be a work over. He had tried kidnapping her, even as far as Africa, which failed, He had also made attempt on 'her life' even though he never knew she was a different person from Mira, he failed too. While he did all these, he never knew he was being watched by Ben and his team. His most recent was the meeting he had with Tim and Chase.

...Ben Hart has been in government and in the corridors of power for decades, he had served n various capacities under various regime. In fact his wealth of knowledge is known to many, and his aspiration was welcomed. He had worked as a director in different agencies, he was the former director of the Financial crime agency where he served for three years. While there he made a lot of impact and from there he was moved to the board of directors in the Central bank. He was also and remained in various banks a member in various financial institutions. He had served as a member representing his constituency in the federal legislative arm of the government, his input was outstanding and he served for two terms, before leaving the position to go for a higher one. He studied Econometrics and graduated as with first class and the best graduate student that year. This earned him a scholarship to study at the prestigious Oxford university. He then decided to pursue a career in law and succeeded in having a degree in that line. He got his licence to practice but his input, experience and expertise was mostly needed in the governmental affairs...

As the reader was giving the citation on Ben Hart to the audience, the Security and secret service were already on their way to the location were the stage had been set up for the arrest of the Senator. Ben had excused himself to take a phone call, so he stepped out and after the call, he came back and sat quietly. The reader continued with the citation. It was a double deal, while Ben was being introduced to the party as one of the aspirants for the forth coming presidential primaries, his daughter Olivia was to be unveiled too, as the candidate to take over from Senator Crusoe. Mira was sitting close to his Dad, Olivia's posters and that of his Dad was everywhere, their were different support groups present. Some of them were for Ben, while some others were for Olivia. Ben had insisted that Olivia wait and recover before returning to Paris. He had earlier planned that she came back, but for the accident, he had to change his mind. Another reason being that Mira was doing a nice job standing in for her. Their identical nature made it impossible for anyone to know who was who. In fact most times in their home, their father do mistake them. Even though the semblance had few inconveniences, the advantages they enjoy outweighs that. After the citations, Ben was called up to the podium to give his speech. The moment he  stood up, the entire crowed rose and started capping. The clapping continued until he walked up to the podium. Even while he was trying to give his speech, some were still shouting and clapping, that he had to plead with them to give him a listening ear. He took his time to address the crowed given them his manifesto. After that, Olivia's citation was read, then Olivia was called up. Mira as usual did a marvelous job in the speech she gave. 

While Mira was presenting her speech, Ben received another message asking that the security be at alert and that a reinforcement was on the way to fortify the already existing one. The information was that there was a plan they intercepted that the event was to be attacked and the target was Olivia. At that point, the security agents had to re strategize, making sure Ben and the daughter were protected. The agents had intercepted the message at their arrival to the place were senator, Chase and Tim were to have their final meeting for the execution of their plans. They did not meet anyone, rather there was a paper that was left there which they interpreted thus regarding the attack. Meanwhile the other team of agents were still on Chase' trail, they had planted a device on Tim which they were using to track them. Senator had decided not to hold the meeting at the planned venue, suspecting there may be eyes on him. Hence his change of mind when they got there. They were already starting the meeting before he thought about it. It was while they were hurriedly leaving that the piece of paper fell out of the ones he was holding, they were numerous sketches and plans he had scribbled down to guide him on relaying whatever he wanted them to do. 

Meanwhile in the US, Brains flight had landed, he went through the routine check procedures, before getting to the arrivals gate. As soon as he got out rolling his box behind him, he stood for a while searching for Lucy. Lucy had promised to pick him up from the airport, she made all the necessary arrangements before hand. The staff on the hotel were helpful, they told her the driver that would take her, wait for her and bring her back. From what they tod her, it was cheaper and more convenient than using other booked rides. That morning, she had thought of what to tell Olivia regarding her movement, finally she called her and told her she was going to the airport to pick a friend. When she arrives the airport, she didn't know where or how to go about waiting, the driver was helpful on that he led the way while she followed after they had parked the car. It was after the announcement of the arrival of the flight, that they stood up and walked to the waiting lounge. That was when Brains saw her, he moved quietly to her from behind and called her name, Lucy turned and with a shout, she hugged him. The driver having known he was the one they were there to pick up, too the box from Brains and led them back to the car. The trip from the airport back to the hotel, was filled with a lot of catching up gists. Questions was thrown, answers were given. Brains was also feeding his eyes with the beauty of the environment as they drove by. They finally arrived the hotel, then came an argument regarding Brains choice of taking a room, Lucy insisted Brains must stay in her room, but Brains didn't want to, he tried all he could to convince her. He made her understand that he really needed to give her privacy since she came for business. It took them quite a long time to arrive at a common ground where they agreed that Brains should take up his own room. Lucy's acceptance wasn't without a clause which of course was the room for visits. Brains who was already tired and wanted to avoid more arguments, agreed to her clause. He was taking to his room while Lucy went back to hers. Brains took his shower and relaxed, he ordered for food and drink. He began to think of how to take advantage of his visit while looking out for his friend. One thing he must do, he promised himself was to make contacts. He knew it was good for h kind of job and business. The food was brought to him and he ate to his fill, then drank some wine before hitting the bed. What he never knew nor anticipated was the the Olivia that he knew and went to look for in Paris, the real Olivia was just few doors from him.

By the time Brains arrived the Hotel, Olivia and Mary were already on their way to the hospital to see how Mike was fairing. The doctor had called earlier to tell them he had regained his sight, but was yet to talk. The mode of communication for now was by writing whatever he had in mind telling anyone. Even though that wasn't what Olivia needed to hear, she was a little happy that he could communicate at all, regardless of the medium. So long as she was concerned, Mike meant the world to her now, their togetherness in the country, devoid of any interruption, had given her the opportunity to test him, and from his actions and inactions, he had proven himself. Olivia had also told Mary the aunt a little about him, although Mary did not take any stand point, she asked her a few questions and after her answers, she told her to be careful and make sure he was not in anyway committed to another woman. Olivia understood why Mary emphasized on that, their father had told them her story on how her husband who had married somewhere came to Paris and having met Mary as a young lady, she fell in love with him, the young man hid the truth about his family from him and went ahead dating her. Before Mary could know it, she was already pregnant for him. The said man disappears into thin air. Olivia carefully avoided extending discussions on her suggestions, so as to avoid touching emotions as she was always feeling she failed her family, especially Ben Hart. when they got to the scene of the accident, Olivia had a flashback and it affected her immediately, Mary who was close to her felt it and held her making her bend her head not to look out. The shock almost returned back, as she shivered and almost panicked.The driver slowed down when he got to the gate of the hospital. He then drove in and parked, Olivia and Mary came down from the car and walked straight to the ward were Mike was, while the driver found a space were other visiting drivers were seated. When Olivia and the aunt got to the ward, Mike was not in bed, the nurse told them he was taking his bath. Olivia was glad, at least he could walk, and he could see and  communicate. She won't want  imagine herself introducing a blind man to her family as a husband to be. That would be more difficult than selling a refrigerator to an Eskimo. She took time to bring out the few things she bought while they were coming. Especially was the flowers ad cards, which she strategically placed on the table beside his bed. The flower was a rose and the scent was already taking over the entire room. She also placed one of the beautiful pictures they took while at the beach. All she was thinking was something to make Mike happy. 

If there was any one so much bothered this time as regards all the happenings, that would be Pat. She felt she was in the dark as regards her friend and Mike. Even though she had made up her mind when it comes to her relationship with Mike, her conscience was still alive and she wouldn't want any hurt to befall him. She was fat from Africa, and the possibility of getting a visa from Paris with her African passport she wouldn't know. She thought of reaching out to Ben, but who to tell him she wants to go check was another issue. If he would accept to help, it would be easier to get the assistance on the premise that she was to go see her husband who had accident in the US. Then how would she explain that the same husband was with his daughter when the accident occured. She wouldn't want to mess her friend up in her family. She would find herself back to Africa as soon as possible she thought, after all she had done what she came for. What kept her was that the senator insisted she name her price for the set-up. She had thought it through and decided she won't do it, even Ben had told her to make sure she went through his own officers routine check before heading to airport so as to avoid being set up too. Pat decided because of her state of mind which was becoming worried, that he would tell the senator to expect her feedback when she travelled back to Africa, with that, by the time he would start disturbing her, she would have got her visa and possibly be in the US. This was her well thought out plan which she prayed work out that way for her. She called Mike again ,the nurse who had always picked the call picked again, Pat who had never told the nurse she was Mike's wife, (rather she told her she was his sister calling from Africa) asked if she could speak to Mike. The nurse's response was still the same, as that was that Mike wouldn't be able to talk to her yet. Each time she responded this way, Pat would feel deserted , as she felt Mike was going too far by refusing to talk to her. When Olivia heard the response from the nurse, she enquired of her who called, the nurse told her Pat, then added Mike's sister from Africa. Olivia held herself and smiled. She wouldn't know why Pat was referring herself as the sister, but she had known that Pat could be mischievous and funny sometimes. She quickly called Pat, and when she picked, she gave room for exchange of pleasantries before bringing the issue of herself and Mike's condition. She told Pat who was worried that Mike doesn't want to talk to her, that Mike was having speech issues, and that the doctors were trying to do something about it. Pat was touched, she thanked Olivia and promise to get back to her soonest. This she did as she wanted her visit to be a surprise to her. She would get to the US, with the address of the Hospital, she would be would be able to trace them. She decided to have a rest having known that Mike was not in anyway avoiding her call.