MY NAME IS ELIZABETH …. Season o2
I could remember one deal I had gotten with Arums Company limited. Their boss had wanted to get a contract with a foreign investor but they needed an alliance with an already known company, so he had to come to us for the deal. Unfortunately, our CEO refused his offer based on the terms and conditions he gave out which Kingsley, the MD of Arums Company didn’t find favourable. Everything is money, and everything is business. Our company had wanted him to sign that if we sign his paper, he would offer us 5% of the proceedings of their contract with the foreign investor, but what Kingsley wanted was just to buy our signature, that’s all. That day, I could remember seeing his text, he invited me for dinner. He told me how desperately he needed our company’s signature, and offered me a deal. I should get it for him and then I would get the sum of 20 million. He wanted to buy if from us at 70 million, but our company wanted 5% of all the proceedings regularly. When I heard the amount, it was alluring. He told me that he would transfer it straight away if agreed. At first, I refused and left the place. But as days passed by, certain things cropped up. My younger brother was caught up in Thailand for drug, and they were going to kill him. Someone offered to break him out at the sum of 10 million which I didn’t have. Coupled with the fact that my mother started developing cancerous cells which according to the doctor
needed constant therapy to avert it in time. I placed my mother on medication and it was wiping out all I had left. I had spent the sum of five million already, I was running dry. I had no choice so I texted Kingsley that night that I was in, but he was going to make it 30 million. He couldn’t agree less. I could remember his text calling me a brave girl and telling me that I wouldn’t regret it. Just then I saw the alert of 20 million. I told him it wasn’t our deal but he replied that when I get him the papers, then I get the remaining amount, so I set to work. For the paper to be complete, it required the signatures of our CEO, and then that of Mrs Catherine. I also needed their finger prints. I could easily get that of Catherine but that of our CEO would be difficult. He has a personal secretary and getting close to him wasn’t that easy. I had to visit Mrs Catherine and started discussing certain issues. I saw her drinking from a cup of coffee. I noticed where she handled it. As soon as she excused herself to the rest room, I collected her finger print. As for her signature, I knew how to sign that myself. Then I went off to that of the CEO. If our department wanted him to sign anything for us, it was always Mrs Catherine that does that, or she sends her secretary. I had to see Sandy and started up a discussion. While we discussed she told me she was going off the CEO’s office to sign a document, I had to offer to take it to him myself, that he invited me for a chat. She innocently accepted. I took the file and went off to the CEO’s office. I had to take the purple leaf that was usually under any receipt paper, which helped in duplicating whatever anyone wrote, and impressed it at the back of the column where he was going to sign so that it could duplicate his signature. Of course, he wasn’t expecting me but I knew how to handle my game. I brought up a little discussion about the company which impressed him, then I showed him the file. When he saw it he looked at it with a reserved expression.
“Catherine was going to bring this?” he said.
“Yes sir, I told her I was coming here so I offered to bring it along,” I answered immediately.
“Alright, if you say so.” Immediately, he tried to reach for his pen, but myself, in order to use one stone to catch two birds, I had to make my move. Just then I dropped my pen on his desk.
“Sir, you can use my pen.”
“Oh don’t worry, I have mine.” He said as he took it and gave it back to me. I collected it back making sure my fingers didn’t collide with his. Of course, I knew he wasn’t going to use my pen because every document he signed, he did that with only one pen, that was the one on his breast pocket. It was a customized pen which was only two in the whole world. Those two belonged to him. He doesn’t buy new ones, it’s only refilled. He signed it and I said thank you and left with smiles. I got to my office then and removed the duplicated signature and rushed to give back the file before anyone suspects. However, as I made to leave, I jammed Austin and the file fell from my hands. He helped me picked them even though I refused but he insisted. He said sorry and went his way. I already had all I needed so I proceeded with the plan. I got the paper Kingsley needed and I couldn’t send it to him. I started having double mind so I delayed sending it. He called and called and then he issued a threat that got me. I had told him that I wasn’t interested anymore, he should forward his account number let me refund him. He told me I must keep to my end of the bargain, if not, he would expose me with the evidences of the texts and the transferred money. I knew I had got a dead end. I asked to see him, I told him to delete everything before we proceeded and he did. I gave him what he needed but he didn’t keep to the end of his bargain. He refused sending the rest of the money saying that he must get the contract to ensure the authenticity of the paper. It became another issue for.
That morning, it was unpresumptuous, as soon as I arrived I noticed my office was locked. The security personnel informed me that I was needed in the CEO’s office. My heart raced as was never before. When I entered, I found all the board members including Mrs Catherine seated. The CEO spoke
“If there is anything I am sure of, it is that I try to put smiles to the faces of all my workers and staff. The lower staff sing my praises, even with the little they get. But what I can’t fathom is having a senior worker here stab me at the back. Upon everything I try to do for all of you. You asked for an increment to your pay, I did that. You asked for allowances, I doubled that. You asked for your leave, I made sure it happened. And you all know that there was nothing you asked I didn’t do, just to make you happy, and I’m willing to do more, yet someone here couldn’t appreciate me. Someone here signed out our company’s signature behind our back without any authorization.” He stopped and started staring at all of us deep in the eyes. As he talked Austin stared at me. He started walking before us looking deep at our faces as he passed. I tried as much as possible to remain calm. When he reached before me, he halted and looked me in the eyes and smiled. He touched my shoulder and said,
“Don’t worry, I will find the person. I promise you, she will never finish telling her story.” He left me. By then, my heart raced more than I could ever think of. I had concluded that he must have found out. Something in me suggested to me to own up, perhaps I could tell him the reasons why I did such. At the other hand I thought about my reputation, how it was going to die at a snap. I thought about how disappointed he would be in me. I thought about how disappointed Mrs Catherine would be. I really knew that I had messed up full time. ‘Why did he use ‘she’, and not ‘he’? Why did he have to stop before me, and no other person?’ were questions I continuously asked myself. Perhaps, he was waiting to know if I could honestly own up. He ended finally, “All the senior staff here, I have invited technicians to search our systems. The person that did this must be found this morning, and believe you me, it’s not going to be a funny adventure. Good luck.” As he said that two men on black suit entered. “All should proceed to his or her office now.” Everyone stood up and I believed that I would have little time to wipe up my system before those guys should come. As soon as I made to leave the door,
“Lizzy,” He called me. I stopped and turned. The CEO was smiling again.
“Sir,” I answered.
“I have someplace I wish to send you. Sequel to this, I will have them search your office first.” He said that looking at my face. I just stood still. “Are we good?” he asked at last.
“Yes sir.” Something in me was compelling me to own up.
“Well then, gentlemen, please follow her.” I left with them. They entered my office and asked me to put in my password which I did. One of them was searching my cardboards and files while the other ransacking my system. I was just waiting for them to call me because everything was just as I left them. I had stood waiting for them for up to 20 minutes and then the one at my system stood up and said,
“You are Lizzy, right?”
“Yes,” I answered.
“You seem too walked up.” I then knew it was the time. I wanted him to say the words and he said them. “You can have your office now, you are clean. Thanks for your cooperation,” he said and they left. I couldn’t believe it. I took my phone and dialled my assistant line asking whether she came in to my office, she said no. I was like, who in the name of God entered my office. I had to say it loud. Just then I heard from the door,
“I did.” He entered and closed the door. I was so shocked that I couldn’t talk anymore. He was having the file containing the papers of the signature and fingerprints which I had left in my office. I was just looking at him. He looked at it again and kept it on my table then said, “Take your stuff”. He turned to leave.
“What do you want?” I asked him. I knew it was a dead end. He could demand for anything. I was going to become his slave because he has all the evidences of my illegal action.
“Just be good, and learn how to cover your tracks.” He left my office. I became so bewildered. I started asking myself again, what could he mean? Even if he had demanded for sexual satisfaction to cover me up, I would have no choice. Just then I got the call that the CEO wanted me in the office right away. I proceeded. When I got there I saw Austin, my heart flickered in me. The CEO started smiling again and I presumed Austin had done the worse. Just then he spoke up.
“Sorry for the turn up this morning. I mean, it’s quite unusual to see such here. That’s by the way. There’s a new and hot contract from the federal government. I got the information late, but I can’t stop making effort in my life. That is why I’m sending both of, the bright minds of this company. We do not have any assurance that we are going to make out something in it, but I depend on you. The contract we are talking about here involves more than ten billion naira. How I wish you will get me a tail of this. You will be leaving tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow sir?” I asked.
“Yes tomorrow. Like I told you. I didn’t get the information in time, but I believe in your ingenuity, both of you. I have arranged a business class flight for you. Your hotel is already waiting you, and my people over there will give you the best of attention and service you desire. Just try your best. I really hope in you.”
I had to put few of my things together, the next day saw us airborne to Abuja. When we landed, jeeps were already there to take us to our hotel. It was a very furnished hotel. My room was before that of Austin, so he followed me in. We looked around, it was excellent.
“Have a good night sleep, we will be leaving early enough tomorrow,” He said. As he made to leave I asked.
“How did you know I was the one, and how did you find those papers?”
“Is this really necessary now?”
“Yes. You have everything on me now. I just want to know, how did you come across them?”
“Alright. That day I knocked down your file, I saw the inscription on it. I knew it wasn’t for our office. I knew you were up to something but I didn’t suspect in any way that it was forgery. I just wanted to know what it was. I had to sneak in to your office. Then I saw it, I saw everything. I left late that day, and it was then that I saw the CEO ordering through the phone that all senior staff would be searched. I had to go back and wipe out everything.”
“How were you able to enter into my system?” I asked and he smirked.
“You didn’t read my file, did you? Perhaps, if you had, you would have known that I was a computer analyst. Anyway, that was what they wrote. I was a hacker. I can get into any system I want at any time, at any place. You have known now, perhaps we are both guilty.”
“What do you want?” I asked again.
“Good night,” he said and went off to his room. I couldn’t sleep the whole night. It had me thinking all the night. The next day, myself and Austin were taken to see the federal representatives. There were up to 250 companies vying for the contract. I wondered why our CEO had insisted on having us contest for the contract. We were obviously the last. We passed the first round. It remained about a hundred companies. Our company had much credibility. It was very awesome and amazing seeing those panel. Austin was really amazing and affectionate. We had received a call from the CEO asking us to make him proud. We presented our deal and proposal. We did it simultaneously, Austin spoke, I spoke. At a time, Austin started saying things our company never had. I was surprised, he provided even false evidences creating our credibility. When I asked him he said it was a game. I asked him what if we are caught and he answered no one would catch us. When the contract is signed, no going back. When everything was set, we made our last presentation. It has taken us up to two weeks then in Abuja. They were going to announce the company that got the contract. We settled and the Minister for works addressed everyone. At last, there were three contracts to be given; one at the state level which worth about five billion naira, one at the federal level which worth about 20 billion, and then the last at the international level which worth about 50 billion naira. She was going to call the companies that got the contracts. She called the first company, their personnel began to rejoice. She called the second company that won the federal contract, they started rejoicing. It remained only one company and that was going to carry the mega contract. Out of 100 companies there, only two have been called remaining 98 others gazing with expectation. And out of that 98 only one company will be carrying the mega contract. We waited with nervous hearts even though I never had faith, I mean, our company reported last. Just then, she mentioned our company. I didn’t know when I sprang up in an unexpected and unprecedented jubilation and hugged Austin. We were so happy and the Ministry of works started congratulating us. It was very hilarious. We didn’t hope for such. We the last became the first, more credits to the genuine lies of Austin. He was really marvellous and magical. It really called for celebration. We had followed the Minister to collect all the necessary documents which we signed on behalf of our company. Our CEO called us mandating us to celebrate it however we wanted, the company would take care of everything. He asked us to go for shopping and get all we needed.
That night, I sat at the bar with Austin drinking champagne. We discussed all our ordeals and how we arrived at that particular success. We stayed long, and we got to have some rest. We bid each other good night and headed to our rooms. I couldn’t sleep and it was getting after 11pm. I knew that I wanted something, I was just afraid, and at the same time I couldn’t manage my restlessness. I just wore my nightgown and proceeded to Austin’s room. It took me some nerves to press his bell. I had wanted to press the second time when he opened the door. He was wearing only his trouser and had a bare body. His look said much about his amusement on the surprised visit. He didn’t say anything but his countenance was asking a lot of questions which I had to answer.
“I can’t sleep,” I just said looking at him straight in the eyes. He gave way meaning I should come in. I entered. “You’re still awake?” I asked. He didn’t answer and I turned, he was standing behind me smiling. He placed his hands on my waist and drew me closer, suddenly he pressed his lips on my lips and kissed me. I pushed him back.
“I’m sorry,” he said “I thought that …”
“Shhhh!” I said crossing his lips. No need saying anything. Actually, that was what I wanted at the moment. I now had to draw him closer myself and pressed my lips on his. We started kissing ravenously lurching ourselves awkwardly. His tongue strangled mine in my mouth. He lifted me up dropping me on the bed. He slowly unbuttoned my nightgown as his touch brought romance to a rush. He kissed my neck and his breath whispered sweet air to my ears. It was rippling as I unbelted his trouser. The whole night seemed to be filled with heavenly roses as we studied ourselves naked. That seemed to be my best night, with my supposed enemy.
Our company staff headed by the CEO waited for our arrival. The company had a great celebration for our victory. Both of us had demanded for leave and it was granted. I entered Austin’s office, he was searching his office cupboard.
I tapped at the door, “Wrong time?” I said.
“Not at all, come in,” I entered. He dropped what he was holding.
“Ehhhmmm,” I began “I came to say thank you.”
“For what?” he said smiling as usual.
“For the other time, for covering up for me. I have asked you what you want but, you don’t want to say it. Whatever you are waiting for, I know you are up something.”
He laughed. “Is that it? Perhaps, that’s not the most interesting issue right now, is it? Why not, ehmm, let’s talk about that other night, at the hotel.”
“Oh cheez, Austin you are such a bunch.”
“Oh yes, I am, am I not? You know I was thinking it was a spirit ringing the bell, and the spirit became fresh.”
“Stop Austin.”
“And the spirit was really good at what she does.”
“I said stop Austin. Alright, I know I needed affection, thanks for being there.”
He came closer, “Lizzy, you know we could always have some such awesome moments.”
“Really, like ....”
“No, no, it’s not that. I mean like, having dinner, tonight.” I had some thought.
“Alright, it’s not that bad. Beep me the time and venue.” I said.
“Done, will be waiting.”
“Alright then, see you later.” I made to leave and stopped at the door. I turned and said lastly, “About the other night, you were good. It’s good you enjoyed what you had, it might be your last opportunity.” He only smiled. I received a message from Mrs Catherine, she wanted to see me so I headed to her office. When I opened her door I tapped at it. She looked with smiles
“Come in, come in,” she said as she stood up and gave me a warm embrace. I sat down. “My dear, I just want to congratulate you in person for your wonderful performance and the excellent result you brought back.”
“Oh, thank you ma. But I must confess, Austin was quite wonderful.”
“Before I forget dear, I also wish to congratulate you for moving on well with Austin. I always had this faith that both of you cooperating together would favour this company immensely.” We laughed.
“It’s alright ma, let’s talk on better issues,” I said still resting the laughter remaining in my mouth.
“Of course my dear, that’s actually why I called you. Why not we begin with how you got the paper and the signatures you gave to Mr Kingsley, the CEO of Arum’s Company Limited.” She said looking at me with a sarcastic smile tugging at the side of her lips. My mouth gaped open and I was left aghast, and I knew it was the dead end.
Season 03 loading….
I could remember one deal I had gotten with Arums Company limited. Their boss had wanted to get a contract with a foreign investor but they needed an alliance with an already known company, so he had to come to us for the deal. Unfortunately, our CEO refused his offer based on the terms and conditions he gave out which Kingsley, the MD of Arums Company didn’t find favourable. Everything is money, and everything is business. Our company had wanted him to sign that if we sign his paper, he would offer us 5% of the proceedings of their contract with the foreign investor, but what Kingsley wanted was just to buy our signature, that’s all. That day, I could remember seeing his text, he invited me for dinner. He told me how desperately he needed our company’s signature, and offered me a deal. I should get it for him and then I would get the sum of 20 million. He wanted to buy if from us at 70 million, but our company wanted 5% of all the proceedings regularly. When I heard the amount, it was alluring. He told me that he would transfer it straight away if agreed. At first, I refused and left the place. But as days passed by, certain things cropped up. My younger brother was caught up in Thailand for drug, and they were going to kill him. Someone offered to break him out at the sum of 10 million which I didn’t have. Coupled with the fact that my mother started developing cancerous cells which according to the doctor
needed constant therapy to avert it in time. I placed my mother on medication and it was wiping out all I had left. I had spent the sum of five million already, I was running dry. I had no choice so I texted Kingsley that night that I was in, but he was going to make it 30 million. He couldn’t agree less. I could remember his text calling me a brave girl and telling me that I wouldn’t regret it. Just then I saw the alert of 20 million. I told him it wasn’t our deal but he replied that when I get him the papers, then I get the remaining amount, so I set to work. For the paper to be complete, it required the signatures of our CEO, and then that of Mrs Catherine. I also needed their finger prints. I could easily get that of Catherine but that of our CEO would be difficult. He has a personal secretary and getting close to him wasn’t that easy. I had to visit Mrs Catherine and started discussing certain issues. I saw her drinking from a cup of coffee. I noticed where she handled it. As soon as she excused herself to the rest room, I collected her finger print. As for her signature, I knew how to sign that myself. Then I went off to that of the CEO. If our department wanted him to sign anything for us, it was always Mrs Catherine that does that, or she sends her secretary. I had to see Sandy and started up a discussion. While we discussed she told me she was going off the CEO’s office to sign a document, I had to offer to take it to him myself, that he invited me for a chat. She innocently accepted. I took the file and went off to the CEO’s office. I had to take the purple leaf that was usually under any receipt paper, which helped in duplicating whatever anyone wrote, and impressed it at the back of the column where he was going to sign so that it could duplicate his signature. Of course, he wasn’t expecting me but I knew how to handle my game. I brought up a little discussion about the company which impressed him, then I showed him the file. When he saw it he looked at it with a reserved expression.
“Catherine was going to bring this?” he said.
“Yes sir, I told her I was coming here so I offered to bring it along,” I answered immediately.
“Alright, if you say so.” Immediately, he tried to reach for his pen, but myself, in order to use one stone to catch two birds, I had to make my move. Just then I dropped my pen on his desk.
“Sir, you can use my pen.”
“Oh don’t worry, I have mine.” He said as he took it and gave it back to me. I collected it back making sure my fingers didn’t collide with his. Of course, I knew he wasn’t going to use my pen because every document he signed, he did that with only one pen, that was the one on his breast pocket. It was a customized pen which was only two in the whole world. Those two belonged to him. He doesn’t buy new ones, it’s only refilled. He signed it and I said thank you and left with smiles. I got to my office then and removed the duplicated signature and rushed to give back the file before anyone suspects. However, as I made to leave, I jammed Austin and the file fell from my hands. He helped me picked them even though I refused but he insisted. He said sorry and went his way. I already had all I needed so I proceeded with the plan. I got the paper Kingsley needed and I couldn’t send it to him. I started having double mind so I delayed sending it. He called and called and then he issued a threat that got me. I had told him that I wasn’t interested anymore, he should forward his account number let me refund him. He told me I must keep to my end of the bargain, if not, he would expose me with the evidences of the texts and the transferred money. I knew I had got a dead end. I asked to see him, I told him to delete everything before we proceeded and he did. I gave him what he needed but he didn’t keep to the end of his bargain. He refused sending the rest of the money saying that he must get the contract to ensure the authenticity of the paper. It became another issue for.
That morning, it was unpresumptuous, as soon as I arrived I noticed my office was locked. The security personnel informed me that I was needed in the CEO’s office. My heart raced as was never before. When I entered, I found all the board members including Mrs Catherine seated. The CEO spoke
“If there is anything I am sure of, it is that I try to put smiles to the faces of all my workers and staff. The lower staff sing my praises, even with the little they get. But what I can’t fathom is having a senior worker here stab me at the back. Upon everything I try to do for all of you. You asked for an increment to your pay, I did that. You asked for allowances, I doubled that. You asked for your leave, I made sure it happened. And you all know that there was nothing you asked I didn’t do, just to make you happy, and I’m willing to do more, yet someone here couldn’t appreciate me. Someone here signed out our company’s signature behind our back without any authorization.” He stopped and started staring at all of us deep in the eyes. As he talked Austin stared at me. He started walking before us looking deep at our faces as he passed. I tried as much as possible to remain calm. When he reached before me, he halted and looked me in the eyes and smiled. He touched my shoulder and said,
“Don’t worry, I will find the person. I promise you, she will never finish telling her story.” He left me. By then, my heart raced more than I could ever think of. I had concluded that he must have found out. Something in me suggested to me to own up, perhaps I could tell him the reasons why I did such. At the other hand I thought about my reputation, how it was going to die at a snap. I thought about how disappointed he would be in me. I thought about how disappointed Mrs Catherine would be. I really knew that I had messed up full time. ‘Why did he use ‘she’, and not ‘he’? Why did he have to stop before me, and no other person?’ were questions I continuously asked myself. Perhaps, he was waiting to know if I could honestly own up. He ended finally, “All the senior staff here, I have invited technicians to search our systems. The person that did this must be found this morning, and believe you me, it’s not going to be a funny adventure. Good luck.” As he said that two men on black suit entered. “All should proceed to his or her office now.” Everyone stood up and I believed that I would have little time to wipe up my system before those guys should come. As soon as I made to leave the door,
“Lizzy,” He called me. I stopped and turned. The CEO was smiling again.
“Sir,” I answered.
“I have someplace I wish to send you. Sequel to this, I will have them search your office first.” He said that looking at my face. I just stood still. “Are we good?” he asked at last.
“Yes sir.” Something in me was compelling me to own up.
“Well then, gentlemen, please follow her.” I left with them. They entered my office and asked me to put in my password which I did. One of them was searching my cardboards and files while the other ransacking my system. I was just waiting for them to call me because everything was just as I left them. I had stood waiting for them for up to 20 minutes and then the one at my system stood up and said,
“You are Lizzy, right?”
“Yes,” I answered.
“You seem too walked up.” I then knew it was the time. I wanted him to say the words and he said them. “You can have your office now, you are clean. Thanks for your cooperation,” he said and they left. I couldn’t believe it. I took my phone and dialled my assistant line asking whether she came in to my office, she said no. I was like, who in the name of God entered my office. I had to say it loud. Just then I heard from the door,
“I did.” He entered and closed the door. I was so shocked that I couldn’t talk anymore. He was having the file containing the papers of the signature and fingerprints which I had left in my office. I was just looking at him. He looked at it again and kept it on my table then said, “Take your stuff”. He turned to leave.
“What do you want?” I asked him. I knew it was a dead end. He could demand for anything. I was going to become his slave because he has all the evidences of my illegal action.
“Just be good, and learn how to cover your tracks.” He left my office. I became so bewildered. I started asking myself again, what could he mean? Even if he had demanded for sexual satisfaction to cover me up, I would have no choice. Just then I got the call that the CEO wanted me in the office right away. I proceeded. When I got there I saw Austin, my heart flickered in me. The CEO started smiling again and I presumed Austin had done the worse. Just then he spoke up.
“Sorry for the turn up this morning. I mean, it’s quite unusual to see such here. That’s by the way. There’s a new and hot contract from the federal government. I got the information late, but I can’t stop making effort in my life. That is why I’m sending both of, the bright minds of this company. We do not have any assurance that we are going to make out something in it, but I depend on you. The contract we are talking about here involves more than ten billion naira. How I wish you will get me a tail of this. You will be leaving tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow sir?” I asked.
“Yes tomorrow. Like I told you. I didn’t get the information in time, but I believe in your ingenuity, both of you. I have arranged a business class flight for you. Your hotel is already waiting you, and my people over there will give you the best of attention and service you desire. Just try your best. I really hope in you.”
I had to put few of my things together, the next day saw us airborne to Abuja. When we landed, jeeps were already there to take us to our hotel. It was a very furnished hotel. My room was before that of Austin, so he followed me in. We looked around, it was excellent.
“Have a good night sleep, we will be leaving early enough tomorrow,” He said. As he made to leave I asked.
“How did you know I was the one, and how did you find those papers?”
“Is this really necessary now?”
“Yes. You have everything on me now. I just want to know, how did you come across them?”
“Alright. That day I knocked down your file, I saw the inscription on it. I knew it wasn’t for our office. I knew you were up to something but I didn’t suspect in any way that it was forgery. I just wanted to know what it was. I had to sneak in to your office. Then I saw it, I saw everything. I left late that day, and it was then that I saw the CEO ordering through the phone that all senior staff would be searched. I had to go back and wipe out everything.”
“How were you able to enter into my system?” I asked and he smirked.
“You didn’t read my file, did you? Perhaps, if you had, you would have known that I was a computer analyst. Anyway, that was what they wrote. I was a hacker. I can get into any system I want at any time, at any place. You have known now, perhaps we are both guilty.”
“What do you want?” I asked again.
“Good night,” he said and went off to his room. I couldn’t sleep the whole night. It had me thinking all the night. The next day, myself and Austin were taken to see the federal representatives. There were up to 250 companies vying for the contract. I wondered why our CEO had insisted on having us contest for the contract. We were obviously the last. We passed the first round. It remained about a hundred companies. Our company had much credibility. It was very awesome and amazing seeing those panel. Austin was really amazing and affectionate. We had received a call from the CEO asking us to make him proud. We presented our deal and proposal. We did it simultaneously, Austin spoke, I spoke. At a time, Austin started saying things our company never had. I was surprised, he provided even false evidences creating our credibility. When I asked him he said it was a game. I asked him what if we are caught and he answered no one would catch us. When the contract is signed, no going back. When everything was set, we made our last presentation. It has taken us up to two weeks then in Abuja. They were going to announce the company that got the contract. We settled and the Minister for works addressed everyone. At last, there were three contracts to be given; one at the state level which worth about five billion naira, one at the federal level which worth about 20 billion, and then the last at the international level which worth about 50 billion naira. She was going to call the companies that got the contracts. She called the first company, their personnel began to rejoice. She called the second company that won the federal contract, they started rejoicing. It remained only one company and that was going to carry the mega contract. Out of 100 companies there, only two have been called remaining 98 others gazing with expectation. And out of that 98 only one company will be carrying the mega contract. We waited with nervous hearts even though I never had faith, I mean, our company reported last. Just then, she mentioned our company. I didn’t know when I sprang up in an unexpected and unprecedented jubilation and hugged Austin. We were so happy and the Ministry of works started congratulating us. It was very hilarious. We didn’t hope for such. We the last became the first, more credits to the genuine lies of Austin. He was really marvellous and magical. It really called for celebration. We had followed the Minister to collect all the necessary documents which we signed on behalf of our company. Our CEO called us mandating us to celebrate it however we wanted, the company would take care of everything. He asked us to go for shopping and get all we needed.
That night, I sat at the bar with Austin drinking champagne. We discussed all our ordeals and how we arrived at that particular success. We stayed long, and we got to have some rest. We bid each other good night and headed to our rooms. I couldn’t sleep and it was getting after 11pm. I knew that I wanted something, I was just afraid, and at the same time I couldn’t manage my restlessness. I just wore my nightgown and proceeded to Austin’s room. It took me some nerves to press his bell. I had wanted to press the second time when he opened the door. He was wearing only his trouser and had a bare body. His look said much about his amusement on the surprised visit. He didn’t say anything but his countenance was asking a lot of questions which I had to answer.
“I can’t sleep,” I just said looking at him straight in the eyes. He gave way meaning I should come in. I entered. “You’re still awake?” I asked. He didn’t answer and I turned, he was standing behind me smiling. He placed his hands on my waist and drew me closer, suddenly he pressed his lips on my lips and kissed me. I pushed him back.
“I’m sorry,” he said “I thought that …”
“Shhhh!” I said crossing his lips. No need saying anything. Actually, that was what I wanted at the moment. I now had to draw him closer myself and pressed my lips on his. We started kissing ravenously lurching ourselves awkwardly. His tongue strangled mine in my mouth. He lifted me up dropping me on the bed. He slowly unbuttoned my nightgown as his touch brought romance to a rush. He kissed my neck and his breath whispered sweet air to my ears. It was rippling as I unbelted his trouser. The whole night seemed to be filled with heavenly roses as we studied ourselves naked. That seemed to be my best night, with my supposed enemy.
Our company staff headed by the CEO waited for our arrival. The company had a great celebration for our victory. Both of us had demanded for leave and it was granted. I entered Austin’s office, he was searching his office cupboard.
I tapped at the door, “Wrong time?” I said.
“Not at all, come in,” I entered. He dropped what he was holding.
“Ehhhmmm,” I began “I came to say thank you.”
“For what?” he said smiling as usual.
“For the other time, for covering up for me. I have asked you what you want but, you don’t want to say it. Whatever you are waiting for, I know you are up something.”
He laughed. “Is that it? Perhaps, that’s not the most interesting issue right now, is it? Why not, ehmm, let’s talk about that other night, at the hotel.”
“Oh cheez, Austin you are such a bunch.”
“Oh yes, I am, am I not? You know I was thinking it was a spirit ringing the bell, and the spirit became fresh.”
“Stop Austin.”
“And the spirit was really good at what she does.”
“I said stop Austin. Alright, I know I needed affection, thanks for being there.”
He came closer, “Lizzy, you know we could always have some such awesome moments.”
“Really, like ....”
“No, no, it’s not that. I mean like, having dinner, tonight.” I had some thought.
“Alright, it’s not that bad. Beep me the time and venue.” I said.
“Done, will be waiting.”
“Alright then, see you later.” I made to leave and stopped at the door. I turned and said lastly, “About the other night, you were good. It’s good you enjoyed what you had, it might be your last opportunity.” He only smiled. I received a message from Mrs Catherine, she wanted to see me so I headed to her office. When I opened her door I tapped at it. She looked with smiles
“Come in, come in,” she said as she stood up and gave me a warm embrace. I sat down. “My dear, I just want to congratulate you in person for your wonderful performance and the excellent result you brought back.”
“Oh, thank you ma. But I must confess, Austin was quite wonderful.”
“Before I forget dear, I also wish to congratulate you for moving on well with Austin. I always had this faith that both of you cooperating together would favour this company immensely.” We laughed.
“It’s alright ma, let’s talk on better issues,” I said still resting the laughter remaining in my mouth.
“Of course my dear, that’s actually why I called you. Why not we begin with how you got the paper and the signatures you gave to Mr Kingsley, the CEO of Arum’s Company Limited.” She said looking at me with a sarcastic smile tugging at the side of her lips. My mouth gaped open and I was left aghast, and I knew it was the dead end.
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