Afraid To Love Episode 28 by Patience Ahworegba
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“Yes,” Allan said to his phone as he continued to scribble words on a white file on his table. “Have a great day.” He took the phone off his ear and tapped the red button. That was Darren. He had informed Allan that their plan was working and he should not forget to record any conversation he was going to have with Tricia or her accomplice if he meets with any of them.
Allan did not think he needed that reminder. He was a grown man and not a baby. Besides that, he sure knows how to pull his own stunt. He always knew what to do. The telephone on his desk rang, interrupting his thoughts.
“Yes?”
“Doctor, there’s a man here to see you.” the voice of a lady said over the receiver.
“Does he have an appointment?”
There was silence the next seconds that followed.
“No, he doesn’t.” the voice came again. “Sir, he’s a new face and strange.”
Allan smiled to himself.
“I’ve got nothing serious doing and I’m bored. Let him in.”
He put down the receiver, switched on the recorder and composed himself; awaiting the presence of this new and strange face.
*
*
*
Darren quietly watched Jeremy as he furiously gripped the steering wheel and driving very fast. This wasn’t part of the plan but Jeremy had insisted they visit Purity’s office. He had his way. No one could actually control Jeremy. The absence of his fiancee was really driving him crazy. “Drive more slowly. I’m not prepared to die. Drop me off if you want to.”
Jeremy scowled.
“What exactly are we going to do there?” Darren questioned.
He sighed. “Anything.” He raked his hair with his right hand. “I remember she left all she had in her office the very day she was abducted. Purity’s very good at keeping secrets and hiding things. She must have something that connects, something that relates. Just anything for her to know she was going to go through something like that.”
“Then she would have alerted you.”
“I just said she did not!”
“What kind of woman does that? She sees danger and keeps her mouth shut?”
“Purity Theodore,” Jeremy solemnly answered.
*
*
*
The door flung open as Allan has expected. A man walked in, confidently. His face was familiar and he had a smirk on.
“Welcome,” Allan said in the most polite way he could, “Please make yourself comfortable.”
The young man nodded and immediately occupied a vacant chair which was on the opposite side of the doctor. He looked the doctor in the eye. He was very observant. This doctor had decided to pay an unexpected visit so much believed in himself. It must be part of his personality that he radiated – an aura of confidence. “Good day, doctor,” he greeted with an expressionless tone.
Dr. Allan smiled in return. His voice was all he needed to confirm who he really was.
“What can I do for you, Mr . . . ?”
“Let’s leave the introduction out of this,” he bluntly answered.
Allan did not see that coming, he was going to be very careful with this guy. He was really smart, he couldn’t underestimate him; especially after seeing how he handled Darren the previous night. “Alright, sir. What help can I offer?”
He pressed his palm against his face. “I’m seriously ill. Been ill for the past nine years.”
A frown creased Allan’s handsome face, “Have you been treating it?”
“Could it really be treated?” he shot at him.
“I guess so,” Allan honestly replied. He was confused as well. Where was this man driving at? He wasn’t going to be so easy as Tricia. “The symptoms?”
He cleared his throat. “My heart begins racing for no good reason. It did that the very day I caught a glimpse of her. It hasn’t stopped racing for her. I always get nervous around her, but I try to keep my cool.” He paused, gazing at the doctor. “Shall I proceed?”
“Please, do,” Allan urged him. His interest had been aroused.
“I searched for her nine years. I finally got to find her. But she was to be given way to another man. My heart lurched, it couldn’t bear to take it. It couldn’t bear to see the woman it beats for given away.” He paused again, allowing the words to sink into the doctor’s head. “What exactly could be my problem?”
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Allan chuckled. He needed no sorcerer to tell him that the gentleman seated before him was Ernest, Ernest Turner. The cousin of his dear friend – Jeremy. “Your story is a captivating one indeed. I am not specialized in psychology, but I can offer some assistance.”
Ernest smiled widely. “I do need that.”
“You say for over nine years, you couldn’t let go of her?”
“Not me, my heart,” he corrected.
“Oh, your heart. Does the woman in question have the same feelings as your heart does?” Allan asked.
“I do not think so. She chose a different man. She is confused. Incapable of loving any man.”
“Is she happy with this man?”
“I mentioned that she’s incapable of loving.”
“Does it mean she can’t be happy with whoever she choose to be with?”
“That’s the problem,” Ernest quickly remarked. “She’s making a poor decision. She can’t be with any other man. I am the only one that can make her happy and feel secure.” Now, he was going to hit the nail on the head. “The other man whom her parents are forcing her to marry isn’t worthy of her. He shouldn’t even be given the opportunity to see her or get close.”
This man must be definitely crazy, Allan thought. The fact that he’s in love as he claims he is doesn’t mean he should badmouth Jeremy. He wished to cut his tongue off so he couldn’t utter any other word. He couldn’t, he just had to keep his calm. “Did the woman agree to this?”
“Nope. I concluded.”
Allan quietly did some calculations in his head. He sighed deeply. “I think I’ve gotten a diagnosis for your ‘strange’ illness.” He tapped his pen on his mohagony desk. “You are completely besotted with this woman. That is why you seem to be making conclusions for her. Only she should do that. Under that love you say you have, its mixed with anger and hatred; for she chose a different man over you. Its not complete love. You are a love-lorn. To relieve yourself of that pain, you do crazy things. What do you think?”
*
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*
“Good day, Mr. Broderick,” a young lady seated behind a desk greeted Jeremy as he and Darren stepped into the Theodore’s Enterprise. She had a cheerful smile on her face.
Jeremy walked up to her. “Very well, sir,” she replied, still smiling.
“I believe Miss Purity Theodore isn’t on seat,” said Jeremy, getting to the point.
“That’s right,” she concurred. “Its getting up to four days, presently. We have neither heard from her nor seen her. Her papa says she’s okay and he’s taking care of things now,” she explained further.
“Please, do not let Mr. Aaron Theodore know I was here.”
She nodded, willing to obey Jeremy. He was attractive to her and she never stopped smiling.
Jeremy smiled back at her, for the first time. “I want to go up to Purity’s office. Need to get some things. Are her things still in order?”
“They should be. No one goes up there without her consent. Just Heather is permitted.”
“Thank you for the information.” Jeremy turned to Darren. “Lets go.”
“Heather isn’t in….” the receptionist blurted out, it was too late. Mr. Broderick and his friend already headed to the elevator. “If I had the opportunity to be engaged to this man, I’d marry him immediately. I’m not going to give it a second thought. He’s so handsome; he’s voice is soothing and he’s rich,” she dreamily thought out loud. “I don’t know why Miss Theodore is delaying?” she concluded with a slight frown on her face and focused on her work.
*
*
*
“Did you notice that young lady undressing you with her beautiful eyes?” Darren asked his friend.
“Did something like that happen?” Jeremy threw at him.
Darren laughed. “You’re so into her that you don’t even notice when other women are wanting your attention.”
Jeremy coughed. His only response to Darren’s taunt. “We are here,” he informed Darren as they got to a huge door. He reached for the done knob and turned it.
The door responded and opened silently. They walked in and were greeted by an empty office. The small room was clean and smelt nice as it always did, but Heather was missing. Where could she be? Or had she relocated till Purity returns? He couldn’t tell.
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“Her secretary’s not in. This office belongs to her.” Jeremy closed the door behind him.
“Aren’t you glad?”
“No. She was going to give us information. I’m sure she know about Ernest visits here and what they talked about.” He took a deep breath, “Let’s go in and see what we can find.”
*
*
*
Ernest smiled at the doctor’s thoughtful diagnosis. He might be right. He must have gotten it. But he couldn’t agree with that. He would not accept the fact that he was unhappy without Melisa’s love. He had gotten her and she was gonna love him back. More than anything she felt for his cousin. The doctor had judged Jim perfectly. That was not what hear. “I don’t think you have the right diagnosis. I would take my leave now.” He stood up.
“Its always difficult and might seem impossible for a patient to accept his illness especially when it is really bad. But in time, you’ll come to terms with that. Why don’t you just let her go? Love can’t be forced.”
“I am waiting patiently and I’ll keep waiting.” Ernest insisted he was right.
The doctor shook his head. “Then what would she be doing? Waiting to love you back?” Allan chuckled. “Make her happy. Let her go. That’s when you’d be acting in love. Give her what she really wants, her desire.”
Ernest wasn’t going to let those words have any impact on him. He wasn’t going to get emotional. He was not going to think about it. Having Melisa was what he wanted, and whatever he did, he was doing for love. “It was nice seeing you,” he replied, concluding. He had to go.
“Its only going to be nice if you heed my advice,” Allan responded, unambiguously.
He turned his back to him and shuffled to the door. On getting to it, he paused. “Tricia, the daughter of Sept. Cayson came crying to me. What exactly did you accuse her of?”
That’s the reason he came visiting, Allan thought. If they were going to try anything, they were too late. “I can’t remember.”
“Nice try,” Ernest said, a smile on his lips. “Be careful what you say to her. You might wanna swallow your words. Good bye.”
He was too fast. He left before giving Allan any opportunity to make a sound.
Allan smiled mischievously, tapping a pen on his desk. He paused for a few minutes, seriously meditating on what he had just discussed with Ernest. He shook his head pitiably and pressed a red button on his recorder.
*
*
*
“Where is the secretary of Purity Theodore?” Jeremy asked, hastily.
The young lady raised her head in hearing that voice speak to her again. She considered him more sexy as he hurriedly spoke. She never failed to flash him her best smile. “She’s not in,” she quickly sent him a look of apology, “I couldn’t tell you before you left my presence. I’m sorry.”
“Why isn’t she at work?” he demanded. Just as he would, if it were his company.
“Um, she’s on vacation.”
“What? Does she has to do that?” That was totally the wrong time she chose. Not when her boss was missing. This wasn’t good news.
“Miss Theodore approved of it. It was her proposal and she consented. You know it-”
“When is this vacation going to be over?”
The miss frowned at Jeremy’s rude interruption. She didn’t like that. “I think two months.”
“d–n it!” he exclaimed. “Lemme have her contact, now.”
She sighed. I guess he isn’t a patient person, she thought silently.
*
*
*
“I hope its to your delight.”
She looked around her surrounding once more. It was tidy. Been tidied up by the man who had forcefully taken her away from her life. The floor was neat. The windows were cleaned. No trace of spiders nor their webs anymore. The entire room gleamed. A small comfortable bed was put in place for her to rest and get a good sleep. He had even provided food, water and beverages. But most of all, he had untied her and brought clothes, toothbrush and other feminine items. Should she be grateful or not? The room was tiny, it couldn’t compare to her little palace at her papa’s mansion. “Its not exactly what would be my taste or quality. But what can I say? Its far more better than its old state. I’d have to adjust.”
Ernest smiled. “You don’t have to worry. I’m taking you out of here, soon.”
She scowled. “And where will you be taking me to?” She let her weight drop on the only available chair.
“Its a surprise.”
“Its a surprise,” she muttered
Afraid To Love Episode 29 by Patience Ahworegba
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Her thoughts travelled back to when she first rode in Jeremy’s car. It was a surprise. He took her to his home and she met his dad for the first time. At that moment, her face grew pale, she felt pangs of loneliness. She so much missed him – his voice, his sweet talks, his piercing hazel eyes, his smiles, the deep roll of his laughter, his kisses and being in his arms. She longed to see his face and hold them in her slender arms; even for a minute. That was how badly she wanted to be with him. She wondered if he was alright. She smiled sadly. “How is Jeremy?”
Wasn’t she ever going to forget him. “I have no idea.”
“Tricia,” she painfully pronounced the name, “Tricia Cayson. Did she not contact you? Tell you about his health?”
“Nope. We no more contact eachother.”
She hung her head, unhappy. She was playing with her fingers. “I guess you two finally got what you want.”
He had an urgent meeting to attend to. If it were in his power, he’d have called the meeting off and spent a great deal of time, chatting with his Melisa. “I have to get going now.” He drew himself to her and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
Purity didn’t flinch, neither did she resist his lips touching her right cheek. She only closed her eyes and pictured Jeremy kissing her.
“Don’t do anything funny. Stay put,” he instructed, lovingly.
Purity smirked. “What makes you think I’ll try running away?”
“You’re a strongwilled woman.” he stroked her hair, “Its easy to tell what you can do.”
She held his gaze. “There’s hope. A glimmer of hope. I can feel it.” she closed her eyes and s—-d in a breath. “I’ve never felt this way all my life. Its a new feeling and I’m so sure of it. It brings me joy. I have no reason to escape,” she reopened them. “Jeremy’s going to get me from you.”
That sent a shiver down his spine. He shuddered slightly. He was relieved she was not able to notice his little fears and insecurity. “You sound so confident. Why is that?” Jeremy had not contacted her in any way. He was too careful, no one most have seen him or followed him. He made sure she gets no contact. Why was she speaking with so much conviction?
“I believe he has feelings for me. Even if its not love, I’m sure he’ll search for me and would not spare anyone who messes with me,” she boldly informed him, sounding courageous.
“Suit yourself,” he mumbled and walked out of the room, locking her in.
Purity plodded. She plodded round the room in deep thoughts. He had to come. Jeremy was to rescue her. She believed in him. She hoped in him. She had faith in him. Before it all goes bad, he’d do something. She had love in him. She had given her heart to him. She was sure of it this time. Purity Theodore’s no more afraid to love. She had a big grin seated on her pretty face.
*
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*
Her words troubled him. It told him something was wrong. Something bad could happen. He had to act fast. It had to be urgent. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing her again.
Her dug his hand into his pocket and brought out his cell phone. He quickly dialled a number. “I’m heading to your place.”
*
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*
“Aaron!” Prudence called, she sounded worried and tensed. She had not heard from her only daughter for five days now. She could not take it anymore. She had to see her, hug her, talk to her, know how she’s doing. It couldn’t happen because Purity had gone missing. Something had to be done. Its not like her daughter to just disappear that way. No matter how crazy Purity was, she’d never go away for days. She was always scared, away from her family. She never really liked staying all by herself.
“My darling,” Aaron answered, trying to ease every bit of concern out of himself.
“Can’t you see its getting up to a week?” she raised her voice at him – a thing she hardly does. She couldn’t help it. “I need my daughter back. My Purity! Let her come home.”
Aaron took his wife by the hand and led her to a couch. He sat her down and gently rubbed her shoulders, placing her head on his laps. “She’s fine, my darling. She’s okay. I promise she’ll get home. You will see her,” he comforted his wife in a soothing tone. “Be strong.” He took a deep breath, trying to swallow his forthcoming tears. The truth was that he wasn’t strong. When it came to Purity, he was weak. He was trying to be brave for his family. He hoped that Jeremy was rescue her soon. That hope kept him from going crazy
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“This is interesting,” Jeremy said, flipping through a notepad in his hand. It was Purity’s notepad. It contained many scribblings written by Purity herself. What she wrote had to do mostly with her personal life. Her inner person, her very true self. It was a life not many people knew of. She wrote things about her day. Her whereabouts, her success and problems she encountered. The words were poetic and touching. She was very emotional. Jeremy named it ‘Her Life’s Book.’ He had known much about her and he was glad he had found it among her things.
While he and Darren and gone through her things at the office, he took what he could find with him. Her purse, books, notepads, and her cell which was already dead. He got this strange feeling that it’d lead to somewhere, something he had to unravel.
“What?” Darren and Allan asked in unison, out of sheer curiosity.
“Its private,” Jeremy quickly withdrew the notepad from the prying eyes of his friends.
They resigned and retreated to their former potions, sitting on the sofa.
“I have the record of Ernest Turner, indirectly confessing what he did to Purity. Its crystal clear he has her with him,” Allan informed Darren. “He didn’t hide it.”
“Even if he tried to, its out in the open,” Darren remarked.
“There was something I saw in his eyes. A gleam of uncertainty and remorse. I just can’t understand it. His words were in direct contrast with his gaze. He was battling to hide it, I still saw it.”
“You’re not a psychologist, Allan,” Darren reminded him.
Jeremy paid no attention to them. He continued to peer into ‘Her Life’s Book’ which he found so intriguing. He wasn’t willing to lift his eyes off it. He was definitely going to complete it that very night. He kept reading till he came across a very disturbing line. His brows creased as he read it over and over again. What the hell does this mean? What does she mean by this? “‘I struck a b—h on her face. The tramp tried messing with me. No one does that.’?” He mused for minutes over this. Who could this ‘b—h’ be? He went further to read more. “‘I took a picture’?” An idea hit him. “Get me Purity’s cellphone,” he said to no one in particular.
Darren got it and passed it to him. He powered it immediately. It requested for a passcode. “s–t!” he cursed under his breath. “What on earth is her passcode?”
“Do you mind telling us what’s going on?” Allan questioned, his curiosity increasing.
Jeremy couldn’t keep this from them, he had to make it known. “Its about Purity. Here, she wrote she slapped a b—h and she has the picture in her phone. I want to know who she struck and why. First, who? The phone’s requesting for a code,” he bitterly explained.
“You’re good at hacking into phones, right?” Allan asked the detective, hopefully. He wasn’t sure if he did the right thing, but he had to. A better part of him hoped for a positive answer.
“Um….,” the detective began. “I’m quite good at electronic gadgets. Hacking? I don’t think so.” He looked at the both of them. Their eyes gleamed of disappointment. Had he let them down? “I could still do something,” he assured them. He was not certain, however, he had to do something. “Let me have the phone.”
Jeremy obediently passed the cellphone to Darren. He was full of hopes. There was something in that phone that could lead them to the third person involved in her kidnapping. Darren couldn’t let them down, not now. The person must be taking revenge because Purity hit her. Who could that be?
Darren took the phone from Jeremy. This should be easy, right? He stared at it and it stared back at him, without blinking. He was confused; what could he do? He hid his confusion from his friends. He was gonna try his best. He got to work.
“Jeremy, try to remember. A password is something someone can easily recall. It must be a part of her. A word she always say or a number. Try to think back. We don’t want to put all our hopes on Darren, if you understand what I mean,” Allan propounded. He tried to sound so convincing and persuasive.
He was right. Darren had admitted that he couldn’t do it. He could really use some thinking. He left his seat and began shuffling from one corner of the living room to another. He tried recollecting all the words of Purity. What word did she always use? What would actually be that code?
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“Tricia, come lets have dinner,” David requested. He was in a good mood. He had a blissful day and was interested in spending the rest of it with his lovely daughter. He had specially prepared the meal, whistling joyfully as he did so. It was all for his darling, she’d definitely love it.
Tricia Cayson heard her father call her to have dinner. It was a good thing, she thought. Her dad was a great cook, though she never learned from him. She hauled herself off her mattress where she had been day dreaming of Jeremy Broderick. She was in a hurry to quench her desire to eat a special meal. But something her father said had not been right.
“That’s my darling,” David cooed, with a pleasant smile on his face, on sighting Tricia.
She in turn, smiled back and helped herself into the dining chair on the right hand side of her father. That was her permanent seat. It was her space and she began to cherish it so much after her mother had passed away – a tragic memory.
Tricia’s mouth watered as the aroma filled her nostrils. She smiled at her father as she sniffed into the tempting aroma of the butter nut chili. “This is great.”
“Shall we get to eat?” David patiently enquired.
“Sure,” Tricia agreed, picking up the cutleries neatly arranged on the table. They were meant for her.
David been eating too. He stole glances at his daughter, making sure she was happy. She was his source of joy and his priority. Nothing else mattered to him than putting a smile across her beautiful face which made her more pretty. He was contented, feeling her happiness.
“Father,” she called, wiping her mouth with a servette, “You seem very happy tonight. Why?”
“Its you, my daughter,” David grinned.
“Dad, could you do something for me?” she asked with a glitter in her eyes.
“Anything for you,” David replied, smiling. He was ready to do whatever she asks.
“Why’d name me Tricia?” she bluntly questioned, gazing into her father’s eyes.
That, he never thought she’d ask in her entire life. “What sort of question is that?” the surprise was much evident in his voice.
“Just answer me,” she desperately said.
David couldn’t get why she asked that. He sighed deeply. It could be out of sheer curiosity, he concluded. “It was your mother that gave you that name. Its what she wanted for you. Its a wonderful name. I love it.”
Tricia rolled her eyes, listening to her father’s explanation which she termed ‘boring.’ It wasn’t enough reason. “I no longer like the name. You’d have named me something else.”
“Why are you sounding like this? What’s wrong with the name? I’m your father. Your mother and I decided to give you that name. You can’t change that now. Its beautiful, like you are,” David pressed, sounding persuasive as he could. Something was definitely wrong with his daughter.
“I want something chaste, clean,” she insisted. “Call me ‘Purity’!”
“What?” he looked intently at her. “Purity? What’s up with that name? What’s wrong with ‘Tricia?’” he demanded, getting angry. He couldn’t believe she’d reject the name his precious wife had given to her.
Tricia couldn’t explain. She had no answer to give him. She could not even understand herself, why had she requested that? She thought her head was going to split into two. She nervously pushed her chair back and got off her seat. “i don’t know! Just do as I asked, make me happy!” she shouted at him and walked away.
“Tricia!” David called to her retreating figure, but she didn’t answer or even look back. He sadly stared at her unfinished food. He was sad he couldn’t fulfill her wish, he couldn’t make her happy. He had promised to always call her ‘Tricia.’ He wasn’t going back on his words. That was more important than fulfilling his daughter’s ridiculous request.
*
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*
Yes! It finally hit him. That’s the word she always used. It made her feel in a highly placed position. That was how she always saw herself. He rushed to Darren and snatched Purity’s cellphone from him. He looked at Darren quizzically and back at the phone. Darren had not even done a thing. That wasn’t the problem. He just had to punch the words that had come into his head.
He breathed deeply and typed the words into the phone. To his surprise, the phone chimed. He was excited. This was good. “Pretty princess,” he muttered, grinning. “Now lets get to business,” he said to his friends. “Lets see who this woman is.”
Afraid To Love Episode 30 by Patience Ahworegba
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“What the hell is this?” Jeremy asked to no one in particular, his tone mixed with amazement and anger.
Darren and Allan rushed to his side and saw what got him pissed. They both gasped. “Its Tricia,” Darren whispered. This could be it. It could prove Tricia had a hand in Purity’s disappearance. They didnt have all the details yet. But he was convinced that she did it. She was Ernest’s partner.
“We don’t know what happened that day. Did she tell you anything about this?”
“No, none of them did,” Jeremy replied, recovering from his shock. “Purity had met with Tricia? How’s that even possible? Tricia never mentioned this to me, neither did Purity. I hate this, she should have told me,” Jeremy lashed his anger into the empty space. His countenance was twisted with rage, perplexity and surprise.
“Don’t jump into conclusions, yet,” Allan rebuked him.
“He’s right,” Darren supported, “She may not have known Tricia was your ex. You dont know the whole story yet. Wait till you hear it,” Darren quickly added, hoping to reduce his rising anger.
Jeremy shook his head. Where was he going to hear the story from? Who was going to give him the full details? Just who was gonna do that? Tricia had to answer his questions. What exactly did she go there to do? He peered at the picture in the phone for the second time, scrutinizing it. Then he noticed something he hadn’t seen before. The dress Tricia was wearing. She had visited him in that dress. That was the day they had a fight, a disagreement. She promised to deal with Purity. Did she actually do that? Or was that what she was doing? Who did she visit first – him or Purity? He surely needed answers. He was going to get to the buttom of this. Who could come out with the truth? Who? Tricia could lie. “Heather,” he answered himself.
*
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*
Purity lay on the soft bed Ernest had brought in for her and closed her eyes. She felt relaxed and her nerves were soothed. It’d been days since she had craved for a beauty sleep, she was glad she was going to have one tonight. She patiently waited for sleep to erode her, to take her into a world of dreams and fantasies. All that would make her forget her loneliness, the pain and anger she felt towards Ernest. All she wanted was a good night rest.
Seconds rolled into minutes, yet she was not a bit sleepy. Minutes stretched into hours, but she was still very much awake. She found herself thinking about Jeremy. She wondered if he was alright and in good health. His memory – had he gotten it back? Did he think of her or was Tricia Cayson by his side. Probably, they’re together in bed, she sadly mused. Who was this Tricia by the way? She was not sure she’d seen or met with her. The only thing she knew about her was that she was Jeremy’s ex girlfriend.
Purity hastily pushed those thoughts aside. She was not going to start thinking of another woman being with Jeremy. She wasn’t going to get hurt or jealous. She just had to stop. She thought about her parents and her brothers. How devasteted they must be feeling because of her absence. She wondered how they were coping – especially her mum. Her papa was strong, he could handle almost anything. At that moment, she missed them, she missed everything and everyone. Her life, left behind was meaningful. Now she knew the importance of family and being surrounded with loved ones. She had learnt a lot and if she was going to make it out alive, she’d never trade her family’s love for anything else.
The urge, the need to get back, to escape was eating her up. She had to leave, to help herself. She needed to do something. But there was something else, it was stronger, powerful and overwhelming. That hope, that confidence swept through her. She did not need to fight back – that was what she had always done. This time around, it wouldn’t be so. She was going to face it, allow it to come around. The confidence that Jeremy was coming for her had a strong effect over her entire self. She was not going to run away. Jeremy was going to rescue her and Ernest was going to hand her back to the man who deserved her. A weak smile flittered across her face. She was going to do just that – wait till she will be set free.
Slowly, she dried her eyes with the back of her hands, “I believe he’ll come,” she muttered.
*
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*
“Heather?” Jeremy called into his phone.
“Yes, may I know who is speaking, please?” came a voice. A voice whom he recognized as Heather’s.
He heaved a sigh. “Jeremy Broderick?”
“Jere…… What?” she gasped.
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He almost laughed, but he stopped himself from doing so. He could detect astonishment and fear in her voice. Had she not gotten over that day’s event? A smile creased his face. “I’m very sorry calling you at this late hour, but I urgently need to talk to you.”
The sound of a slight cough could be heard over the phone. “What’s this about, sir?” she asked.
“I want you to tell me everything you know about the vists Ernest Turner made to the office.”
“He always came for Miss Theodore, sir.”
“Did you know what his visits meant?”
“I don’t, sir. But he was always cold and cranky. I don’t get it, but i usually had an eerie feeling whenever I saw him.”
This was it. He was slowly getting there. “You heard any of their conversations?”
“I did not. She taught me never to eavesdrop. I never did. But I heard voices, though. It wasn’t clear, but I could feel tremor in her voice whenever she spoke with him, like she was never comfortable in his presence.” She paused for a little while. “What’s this all about, sir?”
“You’d get to know, soon. Um, do you have an idea, what transpired between your boss and a strange lady? Purity hit her.”
He could hear her giggling over the phone. That incident must have been funny. He caught himself wishing to have been there when Purity had slapped her. Now that he thought about it, Tricia, sure deserved that slap.
“Um…. I heard the lady accidentally colided with Miss Theodore. She did not apologise, they kinda exchanged words and she got what she’d called for.”
“They didn’t bicker?”
“Um….. I don’t think so. It didn’t take much time, just for a while.”
Then, they must not have argued concerning him. Why did Tricia go there? Only she could supply the answer. “Thank you for cooperating. Have a great night.” Jeremy quickly disconnected the call. He was done and that was that. He wouldn’t let her say one more word. He was in no mood to satisfy the curiosity of anyone. He needed to satisfy his. “Did you get everything?”
“Everything,” Darren confidently responded with a smile on his face.
“Now, we’ve got enough evidence to hold ’em down.” Allan was happy and proud of the fact that he had helped.
“We don’t know where she is. We still don’t.” He was getting angry. If Darren hadn’t been so stupid, as he called it, Purity would have been out of Ernest’s hands. He had not yet fully forgiven Darren for what he did. He had a reason, didn’t he? “Why did you do it?” he asked, facing Darren.
He had been waiting for this. He knew he’d ask. He’d know why he blew their cover up and let Ernest see them. Now, he’d tell them everything. He tried reading the meaning of Jeremy’s stare. He could not decipher what he was thinking. He understood, better not to infuriate him. “There’s a reason,” he breathed out.
“What’s the d–n reason?” Jeremy shot at him.
Allan took him by the shoulder, “Yelling at him won’t get him to talk. Why don’t you settle down and listen to what he has to say?”
“He has a wristwatch on,” Darren began. “Its something I’ve noticed-”
“Everyone has a watch on,” Allan taunted, chuckling. “I have one, too.” He raised his left arm for them to see it.
Darren snorted and shot Allan a warning look. He wasn’t gonna let his friend get to him. “There was something different about it. Its metallic, very rare and expensive. That watch is so important to this case,” he paused, reading their expressions. They were eager to hear more. He smriked and continued. “The tape we watched showed us a masked man taking away Purity Theodore. We can prove it was Ernest.”
“How?” Jeremy asked. His anger had cooled off.
“He’s always wearing the watch. Its exactly the same.”
Allan recalled something. “He had it on! I definitely saw it.”
“That’s true. He made a mistake. It must be part of him that’s difficult to let go off. Well, that night I spoke with him, I tactfully placed a tracking device on his watch. Its so tiny that he can’t notice it.”
“That’s why……. that’s why you let him see us.” Allan blurted out.
Darren nodded. “Recently, I’ve been studying his movements on my cellphone. I know his every move and I have goodnews,” he smiled triumphantly.
“What?” Jeremy’s hope lit up.
“I know where Purity Theodore is.”
91
“Are you all ready?” Detective Darren questioned Allan and Jeremy.
They both nodded.
“Allan, you’re going to turn all the evidence that points to Ernest as the abductor of Purity to the police department,” Darren instructed.
Allan rolled his eyes. “Yeah. You didn’t stop reminding me all night.” He did the lace of his black, dynamic sneakers. “Hold on, how will they believe me? No one knows she’s missing, it wasn’t announced.”
“Yeah,” Jeremy said, giving thought to what Allan had just mentioned. “People don’t know anything about it. How does he get to convince them? Something has to be done, if not all our efforts goes down the drain.” Worry etched all over his face. He couldn’t fail. He hated failure. He’d never fail, not himself, not Aaron Theodore and especially not Purity. She needed to be rescued, to be saved. “Tell us, what do we do?”
Darren could understand their concern. Especially that of Jeremy. “Now, you’re both talking like detectives,” he tried lightening up the mood. Detecting from the stares he recieved, he knew they were in no mood for a joke. “Okay. Fine. There’s no need to worry. Allan, when you get to the station, ask for Myles. He’s a superintendent.”
“Myles?” Allan repeated, obviously confused. “Why do I need to find him?”
Darren turned to Jeremy, looking him in the eye, “I’m sorry, Jeremy. I couldn’t keep this to myself. I had to tell someone. Especially when a time like this comes. Just get to him, give him all the evidence and there’ll be an arrest warrant for Ernest Turner. You’ll come to the venue after that, with him.”
Jeremy wanted to get angry at Darren. He did not keep his promise of telling no one about Purity’s disappearence. But on a second thought, he stopped himself. Darren did it for their benefit. They needed such help now. “Thank you, Darren.”
Allan smiled at Darren. “Nice job, bro. We’re gonna finish this today.”
Darren nodded. “Make sure you get there. Be careful. Dont’t see any officer other than Myles. He knows you’ll be coming. He’ll handle the rest,” he intstructed, slowly, to make sure Allan caught every bit of what he said. He knew the kind of person Allan was – he didn’t like being told what to do.
“Alright, Detective. I promise to do all you’ve asked of me. I will be faithful,” he swore and saluted Darren and flashed a funny smile. He knew he had to do this. He had to carry out Darren’s orders. Purity’s life depended on him doing so.
Darren smiled back and returned his salute. He soon started laughing.
Allan joined him.
Jeremy was also laughing. An important quest lay ahead of them. It wouldn’t be all bad if they had a little bit of fun before they go conquering. He had no idea what would happen next. He just had to cherish the moment they were having. He took a step forward. “Come here,” he invited his friends to move closer to him.
Darren and Allan exchanged inquisitive glances. They had no idea what Jeremy was up to, but they knew he couldn’t harm them. They trotted to him.
He had a reassuring smile on his face. “I…. um….,” he cleared his throat. “I wanna say thank you to you two. Without your help, I wouldn’t even have the vigor to search for my fiancee. You’re like my brothers, brothers I never had. I’m glad I have friends like you, trusted friends that I can rely on and tell everything. Thank you so very much for your help.”
“I couldn’t call myself a human when my very successful billionaire has some problems, and I can’t help. Its my duty – as a friend, I’m a detective, remember?” Darren grinned. He was so happy he was useful.
“Yeah,” Jeremy answered. “Its your d–n job.”
“Ahem!” Allan got their attention. “Jeremy, you still haven’t told us what you read in that book.” He faced Darren, “See, he’s hiding things from us.”
Jeremy and Darren shook their heads.
“Its private,” Jeremy repeated his words of the previous night.
Allan snorted. “Whatever. Just hug me.”
They all went for a big hug. Just as they used to – back in the old days.
“I’m glad I helped, Jeremy,” Allan confessed, beaming. “Lets not sober up, its time for action.”
“I can’t breathe,” Darren complained, “Let me out.”
“Excuse me?”
They all left eachother, nervously. It was what they hated – being caught wrapped up in each other’s arms. It was really embarrassing.
“Um, yeah?” Jeremy answered, trying to sound normal.
The two friends just looked sideways.
“My prayer’s been answered,” Darren muttered.
“Tricia Cayson is here,” the maid stated what she came for.
“Just exactly what I needed. Get her,” he firmly commanded.
The maid swiftly moved to action.
“What are you planning to do?” Allan queried.
Jeremy smiled coyly. “Just sit back and watch.”
Afraid To Love
#OpraDre
…to be continued
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