15 Tragedy 12

“Mother, it is a long story. Let us eat. We have many things to talk about.”

“All right, son. If you say so.”

Likewise, they had their meal silently. While they were eating, they noticed that Leon was exceptionally calm and his attention was on the television. At that point, they were attracted to the television too. They noticed that the broadcast was still on the Press Conference that the International Vice Chairman held that afternoon. The bombed helicopter, the collapsed building at the island were played too. Then Mr. Israel began to listen attentively to the broadcaster, especially the Vox pop.

Now, he was able to assess the effect of the Press Conference on the masses when he heard comments like:

(I was in doubt when I heard that the collapsed building belonged to the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group because they are noted for quality.)

(I was certain that there must be a mix-up somewhere.)

(I'm glad that they had fished out the bad element. Long live the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group.)

While his attention was on the television, he could not read the mood of the people around him.

Now, Jessica and Dora became moody and Dora dropped her cutlery while she stared vacantly into the air. Meanwhile, she could imagine the pain her son and father-in-law could be passing through.

Meanwhile, tears were already dropping from her eyes. Now, Ken, who observed that their mood swing was as a result of the pictures that they saw on the television, ordered Leon.

“Turn off the television.”

“All right, Mr. Israel.”

Leon got off the dinner table, headed to the parlor and switched off the television before he returned to join them. Now, Jessica, who was emotional too, had to put herself together. She looked at Ken, who knew what was going on in his wife's mind, before she looked at Dora and comforted.

“Dora, you have to be strong for us. Don't allow your husband to break down, please.”

To their surprise, Ken was not disturbed. Even if he was, his expression did not reveal it. Then, he smiled, looked at his wife and teased.

“You look prettier when you cry.”

Now, Jessica and Leon, who were not expecting the joke, could not help but laugh aloud and Dora, who was infested by their laughter, laughed too. Meanwhile, Ken had succeeded in arresting the atmosphere by making it livelier and Jessica teased Dora too.

“I can understand why Jewel sulks all the time.”

They all laughed hysterically and continued with their meal. Now, Mr. Israel's phone rang, and he looked at it. He smiled when he saw the caller and announced.

“Ambassador Grayson.”

Dora and Jessica looked at Leon, who was smiling softly, before they focused on Ken. Then he spoke.

“Good evening, Ambassador Grayson. I am pleased to hear from you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Israel. I have heard all that happened.”

“It is all right. We bless God. Everything is under control.”

“That is good to hear. We are boarding right now. We hope to be with you in the next thirteen hours.”

“Wow! I can't wait to receive you in Toronto. Have a safe trip.”

“Thank you.”

When the call ended, Ken decided to find out how the Ambassador got the information, he looked at Leon and asked.

“Did you inform your dad?”

Leon nodded his head in affirmation.

“When?”

“This evening.”

Then, Jessica exclaimed.

“That is a quick one. They decided to come over immediately.”

“Yes. Grandma.”

Now, Ken looked at his wife, who had calmed down and said.

“My love.”

She smiled shyly and responded.

“Yes, hubby.”

“It is not as serious as you think. They will be out of this before you know it.”

“Thank you, hubby.”

Afterward, Leon, who had never stayed without Jeff for more than a day, began to feel his absence. However, he comported himself and walked to his room. Likewise, Dora accompanied her mother-in-law to her room, and they chatted happily. Now, Ken, who was still sitting on the dinner table after they walked away, gave Ahmed a call. When he picked, he greeted.

“Good evening, boss.”

“Good evening, Ahmed. Where are you?”

“I am with Ralf.”

“It is all right. I am at the dinner table and I wish to see you.”

“Okay, boss. I will be with you shortly.”

As he promised, he joined Mr. Ken Israel, and they walked to his room. Then, he switched on the television before he took his seat opposite his boss. To their delight, the Prime Minister, Dr. Davis Bergeron, publicly commiserated with the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group and tendered his apology on behalf of the good people of Canada. When the broadcast came to an end, Mr. Ken Israel pointed out.

“That is a good one.”

Then, Ahmed remarked as he turned down the volume of the television

“Yes, boss. In every country, there must be some bad elements who would dent her image.”

“You are right. The reason I called you is for us to discuss how to fish out the likes of the Works Department Manager, who may have evil intentions against the organization.”

“That is a good idea, boss. I think the Lieutenant would be useful in this context.”

“How? Why do you think so?”

“His boss is involved in the attack. The fear that he may be the next victim will make him to be pro…”

Now, he paused when he watched the television and saw a depressed woman and her family of two daughters and a son who was the senior. Their ages range from seventeen to twenty-one years. Then, Mr. Ken Israel focused on the television too. Meanwhile, Ahmed had to raise the volume of the television with the remote control, which was beside him. Then, they listened to the woman's speech. Although, she had gone far in her statement before they hooked up, but they were able to get her message from her conclusion.

“… My children and I wish to dissociate with Mr. Donald Priestley from now henceforth.”