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

Chapter 17(Served your own stew)

“Is this it? The end of the road for me.”

“What will you do, Arthur?” He asked himself as he slapped himself so hard.

Was he going to keep trying or should he go back and bring Ruth forth to take over right after stabbing her at the back? 

The thought of it made him go crazy. He didn't see it coming. He is served from the meal that he has cooked.

His phone kept notifying him that the family were waiting patiently for him. They were all over the moon, ready for Arthur to feed their ears. Well, indeed, he has something to feed them.

Right at Rayton Company, Teleimans company, the whole family gathered waiting for him to scratch their itching ears.

Grandpa Bruce furrowed his eyebrow on sighting Arthur emerge, looking downcasted and shy since he kept a slouched posture on his way inside as against his usual peacock stance.

Arthur’s facial expression had  immediately tuned the temperature of the room, creating a mounting curiosity among the Teleimans. They expected a big smuggish smile on his face.

The one troubled the most was Grandpa Bruce, he couldn't wrap himself around what would have made his favorite grandson’s mood to dampen.

“What happened, Arthur? Why do you look like a forlorner?” Grandpa Bruce finally asked, unable to keep his curiosity at bay.

One should see the way Arthur bent his head, just like that of a kid in trouble. He was indeed in trouble.

His mood has already cast anxiety among his relatives who can't help but wonder what would have gone wrong for the family prince. 

“How was the meeting, Arthur? Did Mr Paulson treat you well?” Jude Teleimans adjusted uneasily in his rather uncomfortable seat. His voice and eyes were marinated with worries. He felt for himself  and his son knowing without doubt that if Arthur manages to sabotage the deal, it will be the end of the road for him. His ambition to succeed grandpa would be a fable 

“The meeting didn't go as intended. Mr. Mr. Paul. Paulson…” just then Grandpa Bruce slammed the table before him, “Get your feeble self together!”

“Arthur was forced to talk but that was after taking advantage of the breathing exercise, He squeezed his face while he gulped his saliva. It felt like the words were stuck right in his throat.

“The meeting never happened.” He paused  as if he was summoning courage to continue, “Mr Paulson was not happy due to Ruth's absence. He also insisted that if we don't act fast, they will be forced to reconsider.” By the time he was done, everyone in the room wore a disappointed expression but Grandpa Bruce was worried the most.

The thought of losing a deal that would place right at the sky made him  feel numb. The more he stared at his hopeless grandson the more he regretted welcoming them at the odd hour of the night. If he had shunned them back to their hurt, Ruth would still be in charge and that will surely eliminate unnecessary drama.

He steered his gaze from Arthur to his son, Jude and bit his lips. “I will not allow you two to sabotage this deal for us. You people caused this and will fix it. At no account should we lose this deal lest, you guys cease to be part of the family.” Grandpa Bruce screeched and stormed out of the room leaving sediment of his furry for the two culprits to mule.

One by one, each Teleimans left, even his most fanatic relatives dusted their bums and left. “Grandpa is really angry, Arthur. I don't think it is good for you and us to be seen hanging around with you.”

“Regardless, we will be with you spiritually, well that's if there is anything like that.,’

At last it was father and son, two conniving animals.

“At this point, I have to believe that Ruth is having an affair with that bald useless man.” Jude’s lip finally split open to talk following exhausting minutes of silence. From his dusky countenance one could tell that he wasn't having the best of days.

“Or maybe she is blackmailing him or something.” Arthur responded, tapping his feet repeatedly in a frantic manner. “That's the only natural explanation for all this. A boor like her shouldn't be able to stand before Mr Paulson of all people unless we put all these in picture.” Arthur asserted with a peeved expression.

His rant was met with silence by Jude. “No one will listen to us, Arthur. We should find our way out of this quagmire. I don't need to tell you that your grandfather won't hesitate in keeping to his word.”

This was the part that Arthur has been avoiding. Hearing it steered a wave of emotions. He clenched his jaw while his face darkened. He shuddered at the thought of appearing subservient to Ruth. It was a hard pill to swallow but he has to comply lest he becomes an outcast.

“As expected, the witch is nowhere here.” Jude admitted before swiveling his gaze towards Arthur, “You have to call her.”

Arthur brought out his phone and dialed Ruth's number. He wasn't going to coast around knowing that further delay will be dangerous. He was going to get Ruth back into the game. After some seconds the call connected. Arthur frowned as a masculine voice emerged. He needed not to be a genius to tell that it was Redmond.

“Give the fucking phone to Ruth! Are you her personal assistant now?” Arthur roared on hearing Redmond's voice.

“Is that why you called? To ask me these important questions.” 

“Where the fuck is Ruth? Tell her to get to the family company right now!” He uttered frostily, barking like a hungry dog.

“Ruth is sick, I advise you to check her later.” Redmond replied and disconnected the call leaving Arthur wide gazed and open-mouthed. “Did that nitwit just hang up on me?” He queried in disbelief.