CHAPTER 9

Alan allowed his father to complete the treatment without further questioning but the thought of Mr. Greyson’s cancer didn't leave his mind. He kept contemplating a lot of things - perhaps his father would die soon and that was why he was transferring his assets to him. 

What if he wasn't enthusiastic about the chemotherapy?

He noticed that Mr. Greyson’s face was dampened and a sense of hope being lost could be seen on his face. 

Why would he be receiving such important treatment in court premises if it wasn't that he forgot or he was pressured to do so against his will? Was it his father’s will to surrender to the cancer and keep blind faith in him to take his legacy to the next level? That would be a very huge responsibility, he pondered.

In any case, he felt relieved to be back in business and this time even more active than 10 years ago.

***

Lesley Billing was dressed in a well-tailored suit, its fabric having an impeccable outlook. He knew that the first impression mattered a lot if he was to get the position of Chief Operating Officer at Retro Corporations. He had submitted his credentials for vetting and an email was sent to him requesting that he come for vetting.

“But what do you think would happen if your dad knew about this?” Lesley’s wife, Rachel asked as he was applying his perfume before stepping out. “Are you going to resign from your own family company?”

“It's not my family company Rachel,” Lesley responded. “It's my dad’s company and I don't feel important working with Billing Enterprises anymore.”

Lesley noticed his wife was about to query him further so he uttered, “Darling, we will discuss this further when I return okay?”

Lesley Billing was someone who liked power. He loved to be in charge of things but he didn't feel important working with Billing Enterprises because he thought that his dad, Mr. Billing held too much power and withheld him from any important responsibility. 

In any case, being the Chief Operating Officer of a huge company like Retro Corporations was not something he could pass up on. It was something he had been working towards even when they were not in operation because the court decided to freeze their assets.

“Have a seat, Sir,” the interviewer, Mr. Jurgen said and Lesley took his seat confidently. Mr. Jurgen was under specific instructions from Alan so he knew exactly what questions to ask when it got to Lesley’s turn. It had all been planned with Alan.

Alan was watching the whole proceeding of the interview from the company’s CCTV footage.

Mr. Jurgen continued. “We have evaluated the other two contestants for this position and we have seen that they have a high level. What is the special value that you can offer to Retro Corporations?”

“Thanks for the question Sir,” Lesley responded, adjusting his suit. “I offer a whole lot of experience. Being a ——”

“You know what? Stop, stop there,” Mr. Jurgen barged in, a smirk forming on his face. He wanted to keep Lesley on his toes for as long as possible. He was getting a little too confident.

“Actually, you will just take a simple personality test that will determine if you are qualified for this position. And like I said, the other contestants before you did exceedingly well so the stakes are higher and you have to think carefully of your answers.”

Lesley nodded his head anxiously and his pulse was racing. It was an unusual sight because of how much of a strong personality Lesley usually was - he saw the position of Chief Operating Officer as a huge one for him. 

“Now, I will paint a scenario for you. You got angry at someone because — let’s say you didn't like that this man got married into your family. One day you got angry and slapped this man but your watch broke in the process.”

Lesley was rooted to the spot, unable to process what was happening. The scenario was definitely something he had lived before but what connection did it have to do with his interview?

His pulse was heaving forcefully and his palms were becoming clammy. No! This must be just a weird coincidence, he convinced himself.

Mr. Jurgen continued. “Who is to blame for the wristwatch being broken? You or the guy you slapped?” He asked.

Lesley’s eyes darted around. What sort of a question was that? Perhaps he should just answer it and see exactly where the whole situation was leading to. A flurry of thoughts was coming into his mind but he tried to suppress them.

Lesley Parted his lips slightly. “Erm, yes—I would be the one to be blamed,” he answered, his voice breaking as he trembled.

“Very good,” Mr. Jurgen uttered, a smug smile on his face. “You passed the first round. Now, onto the second.”

“What words would you use to describe a situation where you were forced into fighting against someone much more trained in combat just because the people who forced you wanted to create an event for themselves or something to laugh and wine about?”

At that point, Lesley could sense that it was not just an ordinary question. Something was at play and it was a personal attack by someone. 

But who? Alan?

Was someone trying to fight for Alan? Did one of the dignitaries and VIPs who attended the event not like the show that was presented to them? Was it all related? 

Lesley’s head was spinning. He suddenly had an intense urge to pee. The air was hot and he was sweating from head to toe.

His eyes darted around aimlessly and he was trembling like a fish out of water but he managed to bring out a few words from his mouth. “Erm, Sir—Is this related to something else? I am trying to figure out where all of this is coming from.”

It was getting clearer to Lesley that it had to do with Alan but he was still extremely shocked. Alan was a mere errand boy. Who could be pulling this kind of strings for him?

“One more thing Mr. Lesley,” Mr. Jurgen uttered. “Do you by any chance know anyone called Alan?”

Lesley’s heart almost ripped out of his chest at the hearing of that question. He knew it! What had Alan done? Who was helping him? Such a pauper didn't deserve to be fought for. 

“Why is your face as if you have seen a ghost?” Mr. Jurgen asked, letting out a mocking laughter. “How about Tobiat? Does the name ring a bell?”

Lesley felt a loud eruption in his heart again. Of course, he knew Tobiat. The guy who was paired to fight Alan in the ring. But what about him?

Lesley had had enough of the humiliation. He rubbed his palm against his eyes to make sure he wasn't in a dream before turning back in an attempt to escape the interview room.

POW!

He was met with a big fist to his face which sent him flying to the ground and blood spewing out of his mouth.

His eyes had gone dark before he could see who it was.