CLOSER TO THE TRUTH Caleb was expecting a call from Mr Lujan but he didn't. Instead, it was the one called Adelio Amos that reached out to him.He sounded relaxed and calm as if he was one of his men but Caleb didn't let that fool him one bit. Of course, he knew Mr Amos had seen the news and read what people were saying on social media. A lot were against him. "Mr Amos, to what do I owe this pleasant surprise." He too was acting calm as if he didn't just go in front of the whole world to challenge them. "I'm surprised you seem calm and unperturbed despite what you've been through. That's one of the attributes of a true leader," he said, his tone still as relaxed as ever. "Were you expecting a different reaction? And how do you know what I've been through, if I may ask?" The man was silent. He had given himself away by that singular comment. He needed to choose his next words carefully now. "Common, Mr Dezani, let's not pretend like we're children here. You and I know that not ma
OVER MY DEAD BODYThe following morning, Caleb had scheduled the meeting with his men to take place as early as 7:45 am. It was a calculated plan to inconvenience Mr Adelio Amos knowing fully well he might not be up for it because someone within his faction had intimated him that Mr Amos was hosting the launching of his new car business the same day. As soon as he posted the update on the group, he turned off his data - which was around 5:00 am. He was making his way to Fountain Arena alongside Abhi who was driving while Officer Martins and Ethan sat behind. The other four officers were yet to recover so he didn't bother hiring more men. Then he saw people gathering in front of a guest house which is the next street before the venue. "Slow down, Abhi," Caleb said to his friend, "I want to find out what's going on there." Abhi slowed down. When they got closer, he wound down the side window. The people gathering around were discussing in hushed tones. "What is the issue?" he aske
TEST OF WILLS"You don't have much of a choice," Mr Amos sneered at El-Zaki. "I have control of the media as well as the loyalty of a good number of our members. They will do as I say.""Are you threatening me Adelio? Remember that I still have a lot of influence whether I'm the number one don or outgoing don."Mr Amos let out a burst of sarcastic laughter that echoed throughout the entire hospital room. "If that is the case, why didn't I see your security guards at the door trying to stop me?"The man stood up and walked over to the foot of the bed so he'd have a better look at El-Zaki. "Caleb Dezani had only recently beaten up two of your men and locked them up. The assistant head of police already gave him security escorts and pledged his loyalty to the new don."El-Zaki raised his head in shock."Oh ho!" Mr Amos smirked. "See? You don't even have adequate information about the goings-on in your household. Is that the characteristics of a man who intends to wrest power from a full-
I WANT HIM BACK Two days after the incident, Caleb's phone wouldn't stop buzzing at every minute. People were calling from different countries to congratulate him. His uncle, Mr Tomas, said he was going to pay him a courtesy visit from Madrid in a couple of days.It was going to be a big family get-together - one his grandfather said had not happened since his parents' death. And Caleb was desperately looking forward to it. Then out of nowhere, a strange number began to call him. When he saw it, he noticed it wasn't the local line. He looked closely at the country code, it was from Mumbai. "Do I have any M75 from Mumbai?" he muttered and decided to go through the names on the list that was given to him. There was no member's name indicated to be from Mumbai. He sighed and picked up the phone. "Hello, Don!" the voice said. It was feminine and strangely familiar. Caleb switched on his True Caller app to check the caller's detail. It registered as Liliana Jonas. What a surprise tha
BEYOND REACHCaleb wasn't sure he heard Mia right. Did she want him? Just like that? Why? And more importantly, why now?He didn't say anything. "Are you there?" she asked. "Please don't say no. Grant me this one request, if not for anything, for our past friendship."He scoffed. "Past friendship? Were we ever friends, Mia? Did I cut the mark to be considered a friend by you? Was there a time you made me feel loved or welcome in your life?" His tone kept rising with each question so much that he choked."I know how this may sound, alright. But I desperately need to talk to someone before I lose my mind.""In that case, let me get you the psychiatrist who works at the hospital you're admitted in. He's a good listener and counsellor."The dint of sarcasm could not be missed in Caleb's tone."Come on, Caleb. I know you're enjoying this. Yes, I admit that I'm miserable - if that will make you change your mind."Caleb heard the sound of the door opening and closing. "I have to go now," Mi
GAME OVER El-Zaki told his personal doctor Robinson that he wanted to go home. "I will continue to receive whatever treatment the doctors recommend from home." The old man tried to persuade him to stay a while longer but he wouldn't listen. "I want to be discharged," he emphasized. "Tell that young lady doctor." "Doctor Fernandez?" "Whatever her name is!" he snapped. He was acting moody and ill-tempered since the visit by Mr Amos. "Things are truly getting out of hand and unless I go back home, there's very little I can do from within these walls," he grimaced looking around. Doctor Robinson gave his explanation careful consideration and consented. "I'll see how I can convince them to let you go.""Yes, you do that."***Caleb was having a meeting with Mr Amos when he received a buzz in his phone. "I heard from one of the nurses that my father will be discharged today," the text message read. "Huh?" he exclaimed. That made Adelio jerk up his head. "Is everything alright?" he a
IT'S NOT OVER YETCaleb briefly stopped by the hospital to see Samantha's doctor. He was surprised that the girl knew who he was when he decided to check on her. The live announcement by her father took everyone by surprise. Even himself. He went on to talk about his good qualities, something that no one had ever done. And because of that, his social media handle was buzzing like a beehive. And his phone wouldn't stop ringing. Mr Ramirez was one of those that called and said he was going to pay him a courtesy visit from Madrid. "I feel on top of the world," he said when the man asked him how he was taking the fame. "Yes you should, but it also calls for you to be extra vigilant. Not everyone is genuinely happy with the news. So watch your back." He thanked the man and said he was looking forward to hosting him. As he sat now in front of the doctor, he realised how true Mr Ramirez's words were. "I never knew you were someone of high class until I saw the news. If I must do this w
SEEKING ANSWERS "What's on your mind?" Bella asked Caleb when he stayed quiet for a while. "Does my story make you sad too?" Caleb shook his head. "No. Not really," he corrected himself. "I just wish your mother would be more open about the past. It might help to sort out the future." They were sitting in a secluded area in the V. I. P section. The manager had given them preferential treatment because he recognised Caleb from the last time. The both of them seemed lost in thought. "I think I may know your mother," Caleb said suddenly, breaking the deafening silence. Bella jerked up her head. "Really?" She pushed herself forward. "Where did you know her from?" "At the hospital." "Huh?" "I met her too at the hospital." "You had a conversation with her already?" "Kind of." Then Caleb went on to explain how they were together in the bleeding room the day he donated blood for her stepfather. "What struck my attention was the striking resemblance of your eye colour. That sparkli