The Bogeyman; the tale of a man and his death list

Chapter 15(The Storm)

The Zinont Group has just cancelled every collaboration and deals with the New World Group.

Latest from today; The New World Group has lost the majority of their shareholders.

The Denor city law enforcement agency has confiscated millions of New World Group products. In their words, “Lacking in quality.”

Four biggest banks in Denor city are out to recover their unpaid debts from New World Group.

The notification kept popping out, one after the other. The bing sound from the notification didn't help matters either. It was so loud that he felt his ear drum peeling off at each turn.

Jason stepped backwards in a haphazard manner and slumped to the couch. His face paled heavily while hot sweat formed on his forehead. He loosened the first three buttons of the first three buttons of his shirt as he sought for air.

He couldn't believe it, his eyes blinking in quick succession as the notification kept popping. Sighting the quick change in his mood and body chemistry, Redmond knew that Mr Paulson had finally shown him how terrible his said jokes can be. The Teleimans, including Ruth, were confused and speechless. It was crazy and outrageous.

It was also too much to process for the second rate family. Witnessing the Zinont Group choose their family over the great Wade family, an important part of the Seven Keys of Denor city was a lot to wash down.

“Mr Wade? Isn't this a small challenge? Make some calls and everything will dissolve. This must be a misunderstanding.” Arthur tried to cheer him up. He was indeed a faithful and loyal dog even when the tides were against them.

Jason was lost, he couldn't even raise his head but that was until his phone rang and a distressed voice emerged, “Where are you this piece of shit? What have you done to anger the Zinont Group?” Aunt Gena’s voice echoed, sucking out whatever that was remaining of his life.

Jason was already drenched in sweat by the time she was done. It was all real, the notifications, the news and Paulson's threats. He couldn't believe it but the call was enough to clear all his doubts.

He fell on his knee, right before Ruth and Redmond, his eyes red and pregnant with tears. “ Please, please, forgive me. Spare my family, please.” He fell towards Ruth, grabbing her feet and pleaded earnestly, “Please, please. Am sorry. This is some misunderstanding. For the sake of our unborn child, please.”

At this point, the whole family was fed up, even Arthur felt the same way. Grandpa Bruce couldn't hide his excitement on the turn of events. He may have fawned for their support for the past years but seeing them helpless and in ruin, he knew it was time to take the bold step.

Without any more hesitation he ordered that Jason should be thrown out.

His eyes glinted suddenly as he steered his gaze towards Ruth. His face flashed with a smile that made Ruth shy away like a virgin.

“Come Ruth, come and sit with Grandpa.” He called out leaving every other person envious and jealous. It was without doubt, Ruth had saved the day.

Full of joy, he gleefully proclaimed that Ruth will oversee the collaboration and deal with the Zinont Group.

Ruth couldn't hide her excitement but she wasn't going to forget the man that she wanted so dearly. “What about Red, Grandpa?” With this Grandpa finally spared a sight for Redmond. The strange man has proven without doubt that he is beyond what he appears like.

He may still be unable to wrap his hand around Redmond's ability to outwit his opponents and enemies but he was sure that there was more to him than the eyes sees. “Well, if that will make you feel better, let him stay. He is good to be your husband on the condition that you two will stay at Tana's place. In that way, we will have you nearby.” Ruth was overwhelmed, she dashed towards him and threw herself on him.

Everyone was still shocked and confused, they wore envious looks while Arthur's face was like one smooched by a pile of feces.

Some of the relatives were reluctant to leave after Grandpa Bruce and others including Ruth and Redmond had left. They were Arthur's staunch followers. They were also people that despised Ruth.

“Arthur, you can't allow this to happen. You must find a way to thwart Ruth's dubious plan.”

“You must act fast, Arthur or you will be sidelined by the side and we all know that won't be good for your ambition.”

“Having her spearhead the collaboration between us and the mighty Zinont Group isn't a sign of good fate towards a happy after for you.”

Arthur was somber by the time he heard about the big threat to his ambitions. He swallowed hard, “Don't worry folks. I have everything in control. They won't see my next move coming.” He smiled maliciously.

That night, while everyone clinged to their beds for succour and comfort, Arthur and his father, Jude Teleimans were in Grandpa Bruce's sitting room.

“Father, are you really going to allow Ruth to head the collaboration with the Zinont Group.” Son asked his father as they all sat in the living room.

Grandpa Bruce was reluctant but he proceeded and replied gracefully, “Yes, Ruth single handedly got the contract, it is right that she oversees the deal.”

“Grandpa, Don't you think it will be too much for her to handle given her inexperience in the field. Leaving the fate of such a pivotal project in her hands will be quite overwhelming for her, hence risky.” Arthur chipped in, after his father had given him the background.

Grandpa Bruce's face immediately wore a sad face. He was disappointed in the behaviour of the two grown ass men. “The night is still young, if you can’t be a man and speak your mind, then I would have no other choice but to call it a day.”

Jude cleared his throat as he adjusted himself on the soft sofa, “What we’re trying to say, Grandpa , is that Arthur here is more suited for the position than Ruth, especially since she isn't really biologically part of the family.”

“Allowing a stranger who is currently married to a mysterious stranger to be in charge of an important family business is risky, Grandpa.” Arthur chimed, rubbing his finger on his nose.

Grandpa exhaled deeply as he appeared to be giving it a thought, “Ruth hasn't given us any reason to doubt her loyalty for this family, rather she has proven that she is part of us.” Grandpa Bruce insisted.

“Ruth has suffered greatly in this family and she has taken it with great resilience. It won't be an oversight Grandpa if we refuse to admit that she is likely to turn her back on us and get her revenge. Ultimately, being in charge of the collaboration with the Zinont Group will further foster and strengthen her increasing popularity and influence.”

By the time Arthur was done, Grandpa Bruce was already plunged into the world of thoughts. His face has turned gloomy as he thought about it critically. “You're right, Arthur. Leaving her in charge might turn out to be detrimental to us and I won't take that risk.”

Arthur was relieved on hearing this but he was calm enough to hide his excitement. Grandpa on the other hand knew from his vast experience that there was more to the gentleman's complaints but still, he decided to put Arthur in charge.

Early in the morning, Ruth was busy running through the documents and data necessary for the collaboration. She was ecstatic, humming beautifully and dancing. But all that changed when she heard Grandpa speak from the phone.