Chapter 46

He left the living room without loodave at his daughter. He was disappointed she turned out the way she did. He did not know how to begin to forgive her. Claire knew she hurt her father deeply and he was ashamed of her.
Her mother tried to comfort her by hugging. Claire ran upstairs avoiding her. She locked herself in her room and smiled. Jennifer was out of the picture, the Police no longer suspected her and soon she would be out of town. Start her life all over again and return to ascend her throne. She continued to dance across the room.
Her body trembled after she saw a writing on her mirror. It was written in blood.
"I'm back. You can't run. A."
No, it couldn't. It was a message from Jennifer. Claire could not believe her eyes. Jennifer was dead. She made sure of it. Ghosts do not exist. It couldn't be Jennifer's ghost. She screamed and ran out of the room.
"What happened Claire?" her mother asked.
"Blood... Someone... Wrote a message on my mirror. I am scared mother," she panicked.
Her father rushes in. He ordered the maids to confirm what his daughter had said. Who would sneak into his house and leave a, message. The maids returned claiming nothing was on the mirror. Claire could have been imagining.
"I'm not lying. Believe me. I saw it. It said... " she paused. If she told them they would suspect her. She knew her father was already angry with her. This would have her disowned and jailed. The thought of prison scared her.
"I must have been imagining. I'm still in shock after all that has happened," she tried to appear convincing and hoped they buy the story. She was certain it was her mind playing games with her. Was it?
She returned back to her room, examines the mirror. It was clean and clear. She heaved a sigh of relief. No Jennifer's ghost. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Once her eyes opened she saw her. She looked at Claire the same way she did that day.
"You are not real. You are dead. Leave me alone," Claire kept chanting the words as she slowly turned from the mirror to where Jennifer stood. No one was there. "Stupid! You are just imagining things. What can dead Jennifer do? She's gone and never coming back." she laughed.
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"Former school teacher found dead in his house this morning. The Police believe he has been murdered but by who?  Is our town safe? Who is behind the killings?"
Destiny turns off the television. She didn't need anyone to tell her who killed Mr. Ben. Claire definitely did it. She wondered why her beloved friend didn't let her know before madave a drastic move. If she wasn't careful, Claire was going to drag her along with her.
Her gust was telling her someone amongst them must have confessed. She loved Claire but in situations like this, Destiny chose to save herself.
"Hello, Police station? I have a vital information that can help in Jennifer's and Ben's cases. I'll be there in a minute to record my statement."
Prison would not look good for her reputation. She had a lot planned for the future. It was Claire's doing keeping her out of her doings. Claire didn't think of anyone but herself. Destiny was doing the same thing.
––––––––-–-––––
Renard arrived at the hospital and before he could enquire about Jennifer, he received a call that could take the case to the next level. Someone was ready to confess. He could not contain his happiness so he hugged the doctor.
He gets to the station on time. He is excited to be interrogating the witness to the crime. Beauty sat there in tears. She was scared and anxious. She had to get it off her chest.
Renard sat down observing her. He watch her tensely. He tried to guess her age and connection to the case. His mind produced no accurate answer. He too was curious to know. Her lawyer came in and sat next to her.
"Shall we begin? I am Attorney Henry. My client will only speak after you sign these papers. In exchange for her testimony, she will not be charged for any involvement in the crime. You are free to go through the papers," the Lawyer said.
Renard got the paper and read through it. He hands it over to his partner, David to confirm. David gives him the go ahead. Renard signed the papers and returned it to the Lawyer.
"Thank you. Miss Beauty, you may proceed," the Lawyer said.
"We planned to get Jennifer back. She came up with the idea and insisted she would carry through with it alone. We only assisted in getting everything ready for that day," Beauty said.
"Who is this 'she'?" David asked.
"Claire Monte, she wanted to get her revenge on Jennifer for ruining and stealing everything from her."
" I knew it had to be her. She wasn't honest in her testimony. Who and who assisted?" Renard asked.
"Mr. Ben, Fate, Destiny and I," she said.
Everything made sense. The story was complete. Claire Monte was the mastermind behind the whole drama happening in the town. Renard could not wait to arrest her for attempted murder.
"Who are you to Claire? " David asked her. Her eyes were filled with tears waiting to be poured down. "I am her best friend and so is Fate and Destiny. She was closer to Destiny than the rest of us. Mr. Ben was her lover, "she replied.
"Do you know Mr. Ben was found dead this morning in his house."
She covered her mouth to hold back the screams and cries. She did not know anything about Ben's murder. "I suspect Jennifer. Jennifer's ghost did this. She was about to do the same thing to me but I wasn't ready to confess," Beauty said.
Renard and David were confused. Ghost? They came to a conclusion Beauty was mentally unstable. They got what they needed. It was time to arrest Claire Monte and the rest of the crew.
Something unexpected happened. There was another witness to both Jennifer and Ben's case. Renard was over joyed and he could not wait to share it with Mrs. Stone.
She came prepared with her lawyer. She wasn't ready for prison. She saw Beauty being escorted out of the building. Her gusts were right this time.  She would have to ensure she outsmarted her. Destiny used to think Beauty was soft. She had been proven wrong.
Beauty was a snake. She never really liked her. She never saw the reasons why Claire had her around. "Fucdave bitch!" she cursed.
Renard was excited to interrogate Destiny. She came in with her Lawyer with the same negotiation. He couldn't just let it be.
"She will be charged and sentenced to  two years in prison with a bail the judge will decide. That's all I can offer you," Renard dropped the info.
Destiny gave her Lawyer the go ahead. The offer was good. If it were money, she had more than enough. She had no choice but to agree.
Renard signed the papers and the interrogation began. Destiny confessed to always supporting Claire in whatever she did. She was that one true friend Claire could count on. She also confessed to carrying the knife used to commit the crime.
"It was a maroon knife. The sharpest in the kitchen. All I had to do was get in the house. Apologizing to Jennifer was the only way," Destiny said.
Why would she betray her friend if they were that close? The question kept bothering Renard and he had to ask. Destiny gave him an honest answer.
"she got out of hand and threatened to destroy Ben because he dumped her for another girl. She could do the same to me if I mess in the future. I had to come clean."
"What roll did each of you play?" David curiously asked her.
"As you know already, I took the knife. Fate found out the necessary information needed about Jennifer and those living in the house. Ben drove us there and Claire did the job. We were never to discuss it."
Renard was more than eager to arrest Claire and triad her for attempted murder and murder. A girl like her should be severely punished by the law. Out of anger and hatred, she took the laws into her hands. The town was definitely not safe with her around.
Few days later Claire was arrested alongside all her ally that played a part in this dirty crime and they were going to be locked away for a long time
Ten years later
For better for worse, in sickness and in health until death do us part, I said and slide the diamond ring into David's ring finger.
I present to you the latest couples in town Mr and Mrs David Marcus, pastor Charles announced and handed my marriage certificate to me.
My heart leaped with joy as I stretched out my marriage certificate to the church amidst cheers and screams from friends and well wishers.
Kiss your bride, pastor Charles said to David.
I lowered my head shyly as David shifted close to me and blushed his lips on mine in a light kiss.
The choir sang a hmm, I held David's hand and gently lead the way out of the church with our wedding trains following behind.
The reception followed at Amity Hotel an hour later, I had spent so much money and I was satisfied that my wedding turned out elaborate and classy to my taste.
Immediately after the wedding reception, David excused himself to make a call.
What's so urgent about the call, wait until we leave here, I said sweetly with a smile.
I will be back in a minute baby, David replied and gave me a peck.
I watched him walk out of the hall feeling like I was married to the most handsome man in the world.
Friends and well wishers came up the podium to snap pictures with me, I was all smiles receiving kind wishes and hugs. I repeatedly told people that asked of David that he was on an important call but I felt uncomfortable snapping with them alone without David standing beside me.
Please Kimberly, go and call David to come back inside, I whispered to my chief bridesmaid.
Kimberly nodded and rushed out of the hall, her stilettos making loud sounds.
I fixed Kimberly a worried glare when she came back minutes later without David.
Where is he? I asked and almost pushed a teenage girl that was standing on the podium dancing to the Fuji love music the DJ played.
He is nowhere to be found. I've searched everywhere, Kimberly said with a frown.
But he told me he wants to make a call. where has he gone? I asked.
I don't know, Kimberly replied.
Anyone seen David? I asked the groomsmen.
I exhaled and grabbed my wedding gown when they all shook their heads.
Control yourself before people will notice and talks will go round. I will take you to the car and then call all the bridesmaids and we get out of here. Groomsmen will unwrap the wedding gifts, Kimberly said soothingly.
Ok, I replied.
Calm down and smile, Kimberly commanded.
I feigned a smile, waved to my guests and walked out of the hall followed by Kimberly.
I want to go home with my husband, I screamed and refuse to enter my car.
We will find him for you, Martha replied.
Let's go home everything will be settled, Jeremy put in.
What If David is in trouble? I asked.
Put yourself together Ama. It will be sorted out, Jeremy said gently pulling me to enter the car.
I reluctantly entered into the car.
My friends heaved in relieve and got in with me.
Take us to her house, Kimberly said to my driver.
I was restless throughout the ride back home.
Immediately the driver drove into my mansion and parked, I jumped down from the car.
I threw myself on the ground spreading my legs wide apart.
Give me my husband, I sobbed.
Respect your wedding gown girl and get up from there, Jeremy screamed at me.
I could feel the anger in her voice, she wasn't pleased with my inability to hold myself.
Don't talk to her like that, if you were in her shoe you would have done worse, Nancy nagged at Jeremy.
Imagine a wedding gown imported from Dubai, a gown worth million, Jeremy sighed.
So you care about the gown more than the missing man? Martha asked.
Allow me to die before you bury me, Jeremy replied and hissed at Martha.
I have strange feelings about this David of a man, Kimberly said.
You have never liked him. from the day Ama introduced him to us you have been talking about strange feelings, Jeremy replied.
I still don't like him and I'm still having weird feelings, Kimberly retorted.
Go and get your own man, Martha said.
I will get my man at the right time. What kind of a man leaves his wife inside the reception hall immediately after his wedding? Isn't he supposed to leave the reception hall with her? Kimberly asked.
He is a man, he might have had an emergency and rushed there, Martha replied.
What happened with informing your wife that you have an emergency? Kimberly asked.
Jealousy is the first step to becoming a witch, Nancy mocked.
I'm not jealous. I feel weird about that David...
Enough, Jeremy screamed at Kimberly.
Please Ama, your husband is fine. Let me call him,  Martha said and brought out my phone.
I watched restlessly as she called my husband...
Not available, Martha said.
The gate opened and David walked in looking dope.
David, I gasped and jumped up.
What's happening here? David asked.
I mumbled.
We search all over the hotel for you but you were no where to be found so she thought you are missing, Jeremy replied.
Oh I'm sorry dear, my uncle told me to come immediately so I had to rush there, David replied.
Thank God you are safe, I replied and hugged David warmly.
No matter the emergency, don't you think you should have taken her out of the reception hall and informed her before leaving? Ama would have even told her driver to take you to your uncle's place, Kimberly said.
I saw a flinch pass David's face. It passed very fast that I wondered if I really saw it or only imagined it.
Questionnaire, Martha mimicked Kimberly.
Let's go inside, Jeremy replied.
We all went inside my magnificent sitting room.
Go to the kitchen and serve yourself, if you like exhaust my foodstuffs, I said to my friends as David dragged me up the stairs.
We want twins, Martha teased and others laughed.
I looked at my friends and shook my head.
We got to my bedroom, an inner voice told me to pray, I shook the voice away as David helped me take off my wedding gown.
An hour later, we were done with a passionate love making and David was laid beside me sleeping soundly.
I smiled as memories of how I met David played in my mind.
FLASH BACK
Few days after returning from Dubai, I had an interstate business deal. Not wishing to send the goods to my customer through waybill, I decided to do an interstate drive to deliver the goods myself.
Two days to the day I was to go deliver the goods, I called Mandu my mechanic to come check my car to avoid any break down. Mandy insisted that I bring the car to the mechanic shop because he had a lot in his hand and couldn't leave them to come over to my house.
I arrived at the mechanic shop and was greeted by a young man sitting under the shade reading a cosmic magazine.
FLASH BACK CONTINUES
Hello, I greeted and got no reply.
I repeated the greeting thrice before he lifted his face from the cosmic magazine he was reading.
Hello ma, he replied.
I'm looking for Mandu the mechanic, I said.
Please just drive forward, he is at the second shade, he said and immediately continued reading his magazine.
I gave him a quick stare and drove toward the second shade.
Mandu was laid under a black Volvo busy working.
Mandu, I called.
Welcome ma'am, he replied and came out from under the car.
How are you doing, I asked.
I'm okay, Mandu replied as He walked towards me.
He flashed me a smile showing his brownish dentition.
I brought my car for checking, I explained.
Customers like you are a blessing, you're a very good lady. Other rich women won't be as humble as you are, Mandu spat.
I grinned and got down from the car.
I walked into the shade and sat down.
I turned back to the first shade, the guy was still reading his magazine.
Mandu, I called.
Yes madam, Mandu replied.
That guy there, who is he? I haven't seen him here before, I said and pointed at the first shade.
That's my friend David. The guy isn't cute, Mandu replied and continued checking my car igniter.
Why calling him an idiot? I asked.
That's exactly what he is, Mandu replied absentminded.
Hmm, I sighed.
Because he is educated, he refuses to do menial jobs. I pray the economy teaches him a bitter lesson, Mandu replied.
People's destiny are different. Maybe his destiny doesn't have anything doing in a mechanic shop, I said.
I know people have different destinies, But would you want to starve to death before achieving your dreams? He left the university since three years ago and still doesn't have anything doing, He is still living in his parents apartment with them. That was how I visited him and his mom asked me to create space for him here and that we could share the profit, that's how he became a burden to me, all he does is to just sit, read and eat the little I manage to provide, Mandu explained.
You are overreacting, I said.
Don't be attracted to him, I planned on stopping him from coming here, Mandu replied.
I got up and walked to the first shade, I stood there for a minute staring at him.
He was so absorbed in his magazine to notice me and immediately I understood Mandu's pains.
I tapped him on his shoulder.
Can you please gimme a minute, I said when he lifted his face.
It's ok, he replied and placed the magazine on the bench.
I sat beside him keeping no distance from him.
Since I came, I noticed you are busy with the magazine, don't you work? I asked.
I'm searching for a job. I've sent out CV but I don't get any luck. The last place I went last month, I was told they will get back to me but I haven't heard anything, he replied.
I know I'm suppose to mind my business but I just felt i should talk to you...
There is no problem, he replied.
Why don't you join Mandu to repair cars instead of wasting your time reading magazines that doesn't put anything in your pocket at the end of the day, I said.
Hmm, he sighed.
I giggled.
I understand it's embarrassing being seen working at a mechanic shop but it is better to overlook jesters cos they won't put food on our table, I said.
I will try, he said.
Better, I replied.
Can't you help me? I mean can you help me submit my CV in your workplace? He asked.
I work at Excon mobile...
Wow, he gasped.
It is very hard to fix someone, I said.
Of course they employ people who went to school abroad and children of our top men of which you must be one of them, he said.
Well I'm not a wealthy man's child but I actually schooled abroad, I said not wishing to lie and not wishing to tell him my life story.
So you mean you can't help? He asked.
What if I employ him in one of my brands? The pay may not be that big but it's still better than what a mechanic earns, I thought.
I picked his magazine, brought out a pen from my breast pocket and wrote my house address on the back of the magazine.
Well we can't discuss here. Pay me a visit so we sit and discuss so I will know how to help you, I said.
Ok, he replied.
I'm Ama and you are David, right? I asked.
Yes, he said with a nod.
Nice to meet you, I stretched out my hand for a shake.
He shook my hand with a dry smile.
I will pay you a visit, David said.
I'm a very busy woman and you will see me at home only on weekends, I said.
Ok, he replied.
I nodded and walked back to Mandu who had finished checking up my car and was working on another car.
I will transfer money to your account, I said and got into my car.
Alright ma'am, Mandu said.
I've told your friend to be helping you. I will also find a way to help him get a decent job, I said.
Don't intervene, you're a nice young lady, Mandy replied.
I shouldn't help him or what? I asked.
I didn't mean that but there's this proverb that says he who plays with the tail of a leopard would get what he is looking for, Mandu said.
What's that supposed to mean, I asked feeling insulted.
No offence ma'am, I was only quoting a parable...
I hissed and drove out of the mechanic shop.
On weekend David visited, I didn't expect the visit as my friends had told me there were coming over and I was preparing my house for them.
Never less, I welcome David warmly and served him orange juice with one slice of pizza.
Nice house you got, David complimented.
Thanks. This is a gold mine, I replied.
You mean you built this and you live all alone? David asked.
Yes. this is the reward of my hard work. The cars out there, they are all mine, I bragged.
I smiled as David scanned me.
I told you I work at Excon mobile but that's not all, I have three brands; boutique, clinic and ware house, I explained.
Wow, you are such a rich lady and not even inherited wealth. Ambitious ladies like you are very rare. Ladies of nowadays just want to depend on men, David said.
That's true. Being a hustler saves women from unnecessary insults from men, I replied with a smirk.
So you want to tell me you are single? David asked.
Well I had a white boyfriend. We didn't break-up, we just lost contact. He was my university lover and after I graduated from University in California and came back to America we lost contact, I said.
So that means you are single? David repeated his question.
Yes. Anyway enough of talking about me. Let's talk about you. Like I told you, I can't fix you at Excon mobile cos it is beyond my Power. But I can fix you as a staff in one of my brands, the pay is not much but is cool and manageable until you find a better job, I replied.
I'm interested please. I studied mechanical engineering. I choose being a staff at your Warehouse, David said impatiently.
Perfect...
I was cut short by my friends giggling into the house.
Ama baby, Jeremy said with a grin.