CHAPTER EIGHT: PUT PLAN INTO ACTION

The ride home was quiet as both mother and daughter were busy with their different thoughts. Cherry knew something must had happened between Mr. Isaac and Sheila while she was incarcerated becaude, her daughter's countainance was better than when she came to meet her at the precinct but looking at her daughter now, she took a glance at Sheila then, she looked relaxed. Could it be possible that on confirming her story, Mr. Isaac believed her and set her free? What way did Sheila narrate the story to be more convincing? Could it be it was the lawyer that pleaded on her behalf? She would wait till they got home as her daughter had said before asking the topmost question on her mind.

Sheila had not overcome Mr. Isaac's proposal in as much as she would perform her marital right. But they were not in love with each other then, how possible could they coexist without problem. She had dreamt about her marriage to be a love filled one. She never envisaged herself in a forced. Who still does forced marriage in this century? She had no way of getting out of this problem than to pay the debt with her body. Her mother could have told her the truth before now. Breaking the news of her marriage to her parents would affect them adversely and her best bet was to keep it from them for the moment if not, she knew her mother, the guilt might damage her. It was better to be in a loveless marriage than having her mother locked up in jail. She looked at her mother who looked at her the same time and gave her an assuring smile.

'Please sir, you'll take the next left turn and the second house on the right is our house.' Cherry informed the driver.

'It's okay ma'am'. The driver responded.

When he pulled over, he quickly came to open door for Sheila who, quickly rushed out of the car to help her mother.

'Thank you sir.' Sheila thanked the driver.

'Please call me Bart madam and boss has instructed me to be at stand by for you anytime.'

'?!' Both of them were speechless. It was then Sheila took notice of the beautiful black Mercedes Benz that dropped them. Her thought did not make her be aware of the beautiful interior of the car.

'Bart, you're welcome. Will you mind to come inside for a cup of coffee?' Her mother offered.

'I'm okay ma'am.' Bart rejected politely with a smile.

Once inside the living room, Cherry dropped her bag on the table and turned to her daughter. 'Now spit what took place that caused this change Sheila Banks!' Cherry required from her daughter sternly.

Sheila looked away from her mother as she spoke. 'Mum, I don't know what you're talking about. Mr. Isaac is just being nice to us.'

'You think I was born yesterday? The George Isaac IV that said I should be taken away threatened me for taking his money. This same person after you met him set me free and put a car at our disposal. What happened my dear?'

'Mum, you're just assuming things. I believe when I explained the situation we are in, he was compassionate and offered to help.'

'Did he offer you a good job with a car attached to it?' Cherry asked not convinced.

'Yeah, you could say that. I'll actually be working close to him now for sometime.' Sheila lied convincingly.

'I see.' Cherry said with a sigh of relief. This almost broke Sheila's resolve but she needed to keep her forced marriage from her parents for the time being.

'It's time to go and see your father. Although no one has called from the hospital if he's opened his eyes.' Cherry said going into her room for change of clothes.

'Have you checked your phone after we left the precinct?'

'Oh mine, my phone has been switched off.' She brought her phone from her bag and switched it on. Many calls came including the hospital. 'Honey, the hospital has called.'

Both changed their clothes and headed to the hospital.

Meanwhile in George's office, there was no time to go for lunch so he ordered food in the office for him and Gary before Gary came back from the precinct. They were eating while Gary gave him the report at the precinct.

'You have made her feel as if it was her right to steal my money with your ridiculous proposal.' George complained the hundredth time.

'If you knew it was ridiculous, why did you accept it? Buddy, it's the best way to keep your secret. Don't forget that as a public figure, you're lying. She doesn't know about you needing her for your political agenda and after you might hsve sent her away, she would think she had served her deserved punishment. Shame that her mother stole, would not allow her to say anything against you.' Gary stressed his point

'I have to polish her up to my standard if I want to convince grandpa and the populace. She looks too plain for my liking.'

'It's because you're blinded by your anger, she is a beautiful girl. With a little make up here and there, she'd be the elegant babe you're looking for.' Gary complimented Sheila.

'Don't tell me you're interested in her already.' George said with mock seriousness.

'Don't tell me you're jealous.' Gary threw back a banter.

'Jealous? Don't worry you can have her after she served her purpose if, you so much like her.'

'I'm much indifferent to her so no need to be insecure.'

'Insecure? Me?' George gave a throaty laugh. 'You can say that again.' He pushed the disposable plate his food was served in away, and stood up from the couch he was sitting to his swivel chair. He picked up his phone and saw Gary's questioning expression. 'It's time to put our plan into action.' He said as he made a call.

Sheila and her mother were overjoyed to see Tim had already gained consciousness. Although the doctor warned them not to exert him, but they could not contain themselves. Sheila told him about the interview she had and her being hopeful of getting the job. The mother was quiet since she could not tell her husband that she had lost her job as a result of stealing from her boss. She looked quietly as her daughter chatted on both important and non important issues excitedly. Presently, Tim could not eat anything but be on IV until he farted.

Sheila made her father smile when she promised to buy him a bigger house in future. At that time, her phone rang with a strange number displayed on the screen. She excused herself to pick her call. 'Hello?' She said carefully.

'Miss Banks?'

'Yes and who is this?'

'This is George Isaac IV, your fiancee. Get prepared because we're going on a dinner date by seven pm.' And the phone went dead.