HE ROSE AGAIN

Chapter 006

“This is awesome! Wow!...... So, I can start planning on how to get back what truly belongs to me. Finally, my life is about to take a new turn. Janitor Lamar!” Lamar exclaimed and burst into hysterical laughter.

Lamar trudged home, his mind swirling with thoughts of revenge and justice for his parents. The people who kept him in this position must pay. As Lamar entered his small apartment, he pulled out an old notebook and began to jot down ideas on how to uncover the truth.

He didn't bother to change up or at least Freshen up. He didn't want to waste any more minutes, his mind was just fixed on avenging his family.

But the more Lamar writes, the more he learns that it isn't just about writing, it is about strategic planning and being careful so he won't get caught.

But first things first, gathered himself and got ready for the cleaning job the next day. He had to create a nice impression for the other staff to love and trust him.

With that thought in mind, he quickly freshened up, ate the doughnut he had, and lay on his small bed waiting for sleep to take him off.

“Beep! “Beep!!…..

The sound of his ringing tone dragged him back to reality. Reluctantly, Lamar checked his phone and it was Mr. James.

He got curious. And immediately answered the call. “Mr. James is there….?”

Lamar’s statement was interrupted by the stern voice of Mr. James’s questions and warning.

“Hey, boy, did you visit Stevenson Hill Empire?”

Lamar hesitated thinking of the right and best answer to give. “Lamar Answer me now!” Mr James’s strict voice resonated from the other end of the call.

Lamar jolted “Yes, yes, I went there. Is there a problem?” inquiring curiously.

Mr. James sighed, saying. “I'm sorry for using a harsh tone of voice. But I'm just looking out for you. It would help if you didn't visit there again. They might discover you and your life would be at risk. Please Lamar I care about you and your family a lot. Your father wouldn't be happy with me if I let you make careless decisions. Let's plan this together, I promise you'll get back all that was lost.”

Lamar rolled his eyes, “Ok….,” he paused with his answers, he can't trust anyone yet. So he decided not to give in to his request. “Mr James, I appreciate your help and support. For revealing this huge secret about my family to me. But for now, I want to do things in my own way. Please I urge you to respect that. Thank you.”

And without waiting for Mr James' response knowing fully well that he was going to talk against Lamar's decision he ended the call.

“I'm sorry, Mr James if you genuinely wanted to help but I can't trust anybody. It's not my fault. I'm just trying to be careful. Maybe later, I might let you help but for now, I don't trust you.” Lamar said, his voice barely a whisper.

With that thought in mind, Lamar fell into a relentless sleep.

THE NEXT DAY…..

Having a job to handle, Lamar didn't need the alarm clock to wake him up. He woke up feeling nervous, knowing the task he had in his hands.

Reluctantly, Lamar made his way to the bathroom and had a quick bath. Hastily, he picked up an old white shirt and a pair of black plain trousers. It was perfect for his first day at work.

Lamar didn't bother taking coffee because of his nervousness, also he wanted to create an impressive first impression.

Having dressed to his taste, Lamar made his way downstairs and flagged down a taxi.

STEVENSON HILL EMPIRE……

Lamar got down from the taxi, paid, and nervously walked down to the Empire Building complex.

Feeling nervous, Lamar paid the taxi fare and walked towards the Empire Building complex. As he entered the quiet and yet busy building, he checked his watch and saw it was 7:00 AM. Workers had already started their day, but many seemed too busy to acknowledge him.

Some people ignored Lamar completely, while others responded with indifference, barely looking at him. Even the other janitors seemed reluctant to help him, leaving Lamar feeling lost and confused.

Feeling desperate for guidance, Lamar approached the reception desk. Despite receiving the same cold treatment from most of the staff, Ella, one of the receptionists, noticed his distress and approached him.

"Hi there, I'm Ella," she said with a friendly smile. "Is everything okay? You look a bit lost."

Lamar felt relieved, finally, someone was talking to him and was willing to help. So, he began to explain his situation to Ella. "I'm new here, my name is Lamar and I'm not sure where to start. No one wants to help me, even the other janitors aren't helping me either."

Ella nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Don't worry, I can help you out. Let's start by getting you familiar with your duties and the layout of the building." She then proceeded to guide Lamar through his tasks and offered him useful advice on how to steer his new job, and to know which areas he would be working on and the areas to avoid.

It was a relief for Lamar. Happily, he thanked Ella. She was a lifesaver. “Thank you, Miss Ella. I couldn't have known how to handle all these without your help.”

Ella chuckled, “It's fine. You can go back to work and please don't listen to anybody, just do your work diligently and avoid problems.”

Lamar smiled and nodded his head. He couldn't believe such a beautiful and charming young lady would be kind enough to help him. “I would like to know her further,” he thought.

Noticing that Lamar was a bit off, Ella inquired, with frown brows. “Is everything alright with you?”

Ella’s question brings Lamar back to reality. He answered quickly. “Yes! Yes! Can I see you after work?”

Ella giggled, “Of course, if you want to. Here take my number, call me when you are done with work.”

With that Ella walked out immediately. She didn't want her colleagues to be thinking too much.