CHAPTER 9

Sophia's Pov.

I left Doctor Newman's office, after striking deals with him. At first, I never believed that we would ever have something to do together because of the bizarre character he displayed before me. I soon got to understand that such attitudes, were his usual way of life and who knows, he might be strategic about it.

Doctor Newman after striking a deal with him assured me of his and his men's commitment to stand and defend our proposed security agreement. I agreed to work with him, after seeing how good and intelligent he was in matters regarding security.

 However, the deal was done and dusted, just hoping to hear good news from it.

 I got home, and the moment I reached, an unexpected call came in, through one of my private numbers. A number I don't usually relate to people outside, except for a few sets of dudes who were very close to me for strategic reasons.

'' Hello,'' I spoke silently.

''If you like, talk gently or not, but one thing is sure, that his mother will be executed in the next four days if our demands are not met on time'' The strange voice informed me.

''What! Who are you if I may ask?'' I asked, but the mysterious voice, hung up, leaving me in a state of confusion.

I quickly got into our bedroom to inform Anderson, who was going through some old-looking documents.

''What did they want? I think they were referring to you about my mother'' He said, as he hurriedly kept and folded back the documents on his hands.

The both of us became tensed up, as were seen walking gently all over the rooms. It was very severe, especially for Anderson who needed to see his mum by all means.

He took my phone and dialled the number, but the line became automatically blocked. We just hoped that the strange callers would call back.

 Four hours later, his phone rang, and he picked it up.

''Hello young man, we are with your mother, ''Mrs. Clara'', and we have some messages for you'' The same voice who once spoke to me, said to him.

''All right sir, I'm listening'' He responded.

''Shut up your mouth, you ugly monkey. Whether you're listening or not, it's never our business. It's your choice to listen. However, we shall take drastic actions if you refuse to comply with us'' The voice spoke.

''Alright sir, just say what you want to say. I shall make sure that your will be fulfilled, as long as you don't hurt my mother'' Anderson pleaded.

However, the voice again hung the call. We became more confused, as we didn't know what to do. Whether to believe their indirect claims of being with Anderson's mother or not. We then waited for the rest of that day but didn't get any further calls again from them.

 Nevertheless, I woke up the next day hale and hearty, dressed up, and off I went to work. Anderson just wanted me to remain dedicated to his business empire since it has come to our understanding that it was the point of contention between some unknown dudes.

''I wish you well today, but don't forget to watch your back as you move about today'' He advises.

I turned to look at him but all I saw, was a weak man. I mean, he wasn't that capable of fighting or challenging his enemies. He was not the warring kind of guy. His kind seems to be a peace lover. Thus, I see it as a responsibility to defend him, and that, I will do.

''I welcome you all once again to this important meeting. Today, I have deemed it fit to appoint by merit and inaugurate the new executives of this empire. We all know that many things have not been moving right for a long time and this reason, I have demoted all sitting executives, bringing in new ones'' I Spoke to the hearing of all, in the meeting hall.

 Both senior and junior staff were listening to my speech. They just wanted to see how the day would end. Of course, they knew that I would appoint new executives today.

Not many workers were happy, most especially the going leaders of the empire.

''Permit me to call on the following workers, who have been appointed into different executive positions,'' I said, as I began to mention their names. They were all surprised to know about their appointments, as they never believed that they would ever be given such kinds of positions in the empire.

 However, these sets of individuals, have been for a long time, deprived of their rights and benefits in the empire and this was as a result of corruption.

 As this continued, the crowd cheered them up, by clapping and hailing them on loud voices. Thus, their inauguration was also been celebrated.

I also took them to the empire's inner chamber, where we had a private meeting. At least, these are the ones I could trust. We were restructuring the empire back to its glorious days and also, for easy administration.

 Meanwhile, I got home that same day and found Anderson walking helter-skelter, and whenever he appeared in this mood, then, something was wrong.

''Hi dear, what's the matter?''I asked but he was silent on me.

I asked again, and then he turned and looked at me with a sad face, and spoke.

'' My mother's life is in danger'' He said, but I just kept quiet, so I would get the full story of what he was trying to tell me.

''They have given me just two days, to pay them the sum of $100 million before they would release her. Else, they would eliminate her''.

I was mad when I heard this. Finally, we have come to a crossroads and here, we must decide decisively, on what to do.

I then, dropped my bag, went close to him and as I was about to hug him, I saw some pictures and a letter with him.