Chapter 65

He woke up with a start the following day. He entered the bathroom and had a shower. Then he came out of the bathroom and changed into a blue Kaunda suit.

His hand went into his bag and came out with the necessary documents he required for identification purposes. When he was satisfied, he was ready to leave he walked out of his room, closing the door behind him

He went back to the restaurant for breakfast. There were not many people this time as it was about 7.30 am. He went over to a seat near the counter and sat down.

The waiter came hurriedly to him and asked. "What will you have for breakfast, tea, or coffee?"

"Get me black tea."

"Would you like anything else?" 

"Let me also have three boiled eggs and two slices of buttered bread." Jacob replied. "And some pineapple juice, please!" 

The man disappeared and went for the order. Then he returned carrying the tray with his breakfast. He put them on his table and went to serve the other customers who had just walked in. 

Jacob drank the tea. He enjoyed the boiled eggs and buttered bread, a habit he had formed at the Kabwegyere's. Fifteen minutes later, he was ready to leave. He went to the counter and paid for his breakfast. 

It took him about ten minutes to reach the Transocean Company offices. At the entrance, he paused when he saw the janitor stare at him suspiciously. "I'd like to go to the office of the Human Resources Manager. Where is it?" 

The tall, dark janitor nodded and pointed. "Go up the stairs, on the first floor. Then ask from there."

"Thanks," said Jacob as he went up the stairs. 

He reached the first floor. Then he saw a corridor which had offices on either side.

He stood hesitating for a while, and then he decided to look for the office. Slowly, he walked along the corridor, checking on each door he passed. 

Then, a few steps ahead, he saw it. The door was written in block letters: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER. Under the title was the name Peter Katerega. Jacob pushed the door and walked into the office. 

It was a spacious office which was carpeted. Facing him and seating behind a table with a large electric typewriter was a fair, complexioned, sexy-looking and attractive young woman with long black hair.

She appeared to be in her mid-twenties. Her sexy brown eyes smiled at him as he entered, and Jacob realized she was the secretary to the Human Resources Manager. 

"Excuse me, madam," Jacob began. "I am a new member of staff. Can I see the Human Resources Manager, please?" 

The woman regarded him briefly and asked: "Do you have the appointment letter? Let me see it." 

He fished it from his trouser pocket and handed it over to her. She glanced at it briefly and then returned it to him. Jacob watched as she lifted the phone to speak. 

"Mr. Katerega, there's a new employee over here asking for you. Can he come over?" 

There was a pause as the woman listened to the voice at the other end. Then she replaced the receiver and looked at him. 

"It's okay," she told him as she pointed to the door, "You can go right in."

He did not hesitate. He walked into a large, well-furnished office, which was also carpeted and air-conditioned. He stood for a few seconds staring at the things in the office as he thought he was probably lost. Then he saw him. 

Mr. Katerega sat behind his desk on a rocking chair reading the morning newspaper. As Jacob entered the room, Katerega stopped glancing at the paper and sized him up. His eyes travelled briefly over Jacob's attire, and then he began to talk. 

"Yes, can I help you?" Katerega said as he rose to his feet. 

Jacob now saw him clearly. He was a tall and big man who was probably forty-five years. His eyes were kind natured, and he had a long, sharp nose. His hair was short, black and crew cut, and his complexion dark. 

"I'm Jacob Karahani."

"Are you the new employee?" 

"Yes, sir," Jacob replied and said, "Here's my appointment letter." 

Katerega's hand reached for the letter. He looked at it. Then he turned to Jacob and began to talk: "Well, so you've come at last? Welcome to your new appointment. I'm sure you'll enjoy your work with us here."

"That's right, sir." 

"Our company enjoys a good reputation around and our staff is quite hard-working. Opportunities exist for young people like you. At twenty-five with a job like ours, you should be able to rise up the career ladder if you are disciplined and hardworking."

"I'll do my best and fit well into the company." 

Everything was explained to him. His duties were also outlined, and he was expected to begin working the following day. It was expected that the first week would be an orientation one as he would be taken around the departments to meet other staff members. He would begin working as a junior administrative clerk in the Company Secretary's office.

"Tomorrow, Jenny, will take you round the departments to orientate you." Katerega explained and added: "As for today, you can go and rest as you familiarize yourself with our town. It's quite a friendly town with good people who are quite welcoming." 

Katerega waved his hands in a gesture of dismissal. Then he sat down and his eyes went back to the newspaper he was reading. 

Jacob saw the signal of dismissal and said, "Thank you very much, sir." 

He walked slowly out of the office. At the reception where Jenny was seated, he stopped and said: "Thanks Jenny. The boss has been very kind." 

She smiled. Then she asked, "How did you know my name?" 

"The boss told me. He also said you would introduce me to the other staff members with time." 

"It's okay. I'll gladly do it when he tells me." She said and added, "You aren't going to work today?"

"He said I should take time to rest and familiarize myself with the town. So I'll go back." 

"It's alright. But come now so that I can show you where you'll be working from. Follow me!"

He obeyed.

She rose to her feet and walked out of her office as he came in her wake. He observed she was neither short nor tall and was averagely built.

Jacob watched as she swayed her heavy hips along the corridor. And her legs looked wonderful in the sling backs she wore.

The combination of her large hips and her tiny waist made her figure look like a wasp. She looked quite nice, and Jacob wondered whether she was married.

They reached a flight of stairs which they climbed and came to the second floor. Then they turned right, and he saw a door that was written in bold letters: REGISTRY. 

They entered, and Jacob saw two men and a lady seated behind desks. Jenny spoke rapidly, "This is our new member of staff. He's Jacob Karahani." 

The gentlemen and the lady eyed him with a lot of interest as they stood there. Then, turning to Jacob, Jenny said: "Jacob, these are the clerks in the registry whom you will work with. But come and see your office." 

She walked to a door that led to an inner office and pushed it open. She entered, and Jacob followed her. Then she said, "This will be your office." 

It was a small neat office with a desk and chair. A large filing cabinet stood against the wall, and the room was also air conditioned. Jacob's eyes travelled over the office and saw it was small but quite comfortable.

"It's a nice one," Jacob said.

"The previous occupant didn't like it and quit suddenly." She told him.

"Well, I'll fill the gap quite zealously."

"If you wish, you can remain here and get used to the place as I go back to my office," she said, smiling. 

"No, I'd rather leave with you and come back tomorrow as the boss said."

"It's okay then." 

Then they walked out of the room and went back the way they came. Outside Jenny's office, Jacob said: "Thanks Jenny. You've been so friendly and kind."

"It's my duty." She smiled again as she entered her office. Jacob watched her go and then went hurriedly down the stairs into the street below.