CHAPTER NINE
*Always and forever*"I can't believe you didn't tell me what happened. I kept calling but you weren't answering your phone, I was scared to shit!" Hannah cried out as she perched at the edge of the Queen size bed. Janice was sitting upright on the silky royal golden bed, propped up by pillows."I was unconscious for a while. My father was greatly distressed. I'm sorry to have made you worry. But I'm doing fine now." She yawned and stretched.Mr Briggs, the chauffeur had picked them up at the hospital and took them home. By the time they arrived, it was already a quarter past 11 pm. When they got home, her father helped her to the bedroom.Sleep had evaded her last night. she glanced at the clock, It was 4 am! She kept tossing on the bed pleading for sleep to come but it didn't. With tired eyes, she stared at the ceiling lost in the whirlpool of emotions, replaying the events of that day. Before she realized it, sleep crept up on her.She yawned and stretched again. The dark circles under her eyes were prominent."I'd wager you didn't sleep well last night. What's wrong?" Hannah said as she reached out and stroked Janice's hands.Janice tucked her messy blonde hair behind her ear and fiddled with the hem of her satin night dress. A complex emotion stirred in her heart. She bit her lower lip nervously. She'd find out sooner or later so there's no point keeping the truth from her best friend. Hannah would be so mad at her for going back to drugs.Hannah gently placed her hands around her back as she edged closer. "You can tell me anything remember?"Janice shut her eyes for some moments before she spoke."I went back to being a doper." The words fell out like a block of ice on Hannah's shoulders. Her grey orbs dilated with shock at her confession."W-why Jane?! After all these years? I-I thought you would change!" She bewailed."I'm sorry Hannah. I tried but I couldn't quit it. I went sober for years but when he vanished, I-I was empty inside again. Nonetheless, my mother's death left an indelible mark in my heart but... I thought he made me alive again and I... couldn't handle the emotions churning inside of me!" She said, training her imploring eyes on Hannah's.Hannah sucked in a great deal of air through her pointy nostrils and released it loudly. It seems like Janice no longer trusts her to even tell her this from the onset. They are best friends since way back with no secrets between them. Ever since this Drake dude came into the picture, everything is gradually changing for Janice.She forced a smile at Janice. "Did your Dad know?"Janice nodded slowly and in response, Hannah shook her head. Pain panged in her stomach."And how is your old man taking it? Did he ask you directly?""He confirmed from the doctor's report. I saw it in his eyes-that distressed look but he never asked me directly. Yesterday was...very emotional and sad. I cried, telling him how sorry I was but... We have not had time to sit down and have a long talk about this yet""I didn't expect you would keep a secret Jane, what happened to the " no secrets till we die" promise?""I'm sorry Hannah, I didn't mean to""It's because of Drake right? What's so special about him anyway that made you go back to drugs?" Hannah inquired with her brows rising furiously."Drake really? You also have your reservations about him too?!" She cast an incredulous look and rolled her eyes at her."I just feel it's kinda weird how he disappeared like that and then suddenly shows up and now you're hurt?""It's an accident, Hannah! What the hell are you insinuating? He saved me.""You have never taken any guy seriously until now. But really Jane, do you think he feels anything for you? And besides, I'm trying not to sound negative here but let's face the fact, do you think your father will eventually approve of your..." Thing" if I should call it so. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to support you if that's what makes you happy."She got a point though. Would father approve? Wait a minute. Approve what exactly? What are they? She wondered. Right, Just fuck buddies. Drake hadn't confessed to having any feelings for her even when they had sex a couple of times.He probably sees her as someone to just shag with. Or is this karma getting at her? For all these years she messed around, treating guys like objects of boredom. Breaking her line of thoughts, Hannah nestled her hand around Janice's neck and pressed her head against her face. The faint scent of her expensive perfume tingled her nose."follow your heart, Jane and I'm always here to support you. Always and forever." She said as she jutted out her pinky finger at her to which Janice did the same."Always and forever." She said firmly.Hannah gave her hand a gentle squeeze.Janice returned the squeeze with a breezy smile on her face."How about you? Who's your newfound love? After your French sweetheart, Lucien cheated on you?" Janice arched her brows curiously at her friend and poked at her teasingly.Hannah swatted her hands off her with a smirk on her face."Lucien was a veritable Casanova and a total jerk. He thought decorating my lawn with expensive flowers and buying me cars and designer bags will make me run to his arms after all he's done! I was a big fool to have believed him! I don't wanna see that bastard's face ever again!" She burned with anger as her face contorted in disgust at the mention of that Devil that brought hell into her life. Well, it's been three years and in the past. And she intended it to remain so."Urgghhhh! As if my day is not ruined enough. For the love of God Jane, don't make me remember that asshole." She groaned.A sarcastic snicker slipped from Janice's lips like a stifled hiccup."Oh no, you don't!" Hannah swiftly pinned her friend to the bed, hovering over her with a leery smile on her face as she began pummeling light blows on her friend's stomach.this made Janice giggle sheepishly."Okay, I'm sorry!"The panting Hannah retracted and scowled at her."Right, you're are!""But I was asking you who your newfound lover was and not about Lucian..or could it be... You never stopped thinking about him and what could have been?" By reflex, she covered her belly with her hands.A burst of raspy laughter escaped Hannah's lips."Oh gosh, Jane! Yes, I did think about what could have been but that was in the past now. And as for a newfound lover...."Hazel eyes piercing grey eyes with brows rising."I don't have one. But my boss has been giving me the lecherous look lately. He's no different from Lucien considering the girls fawning over him. But I feel nothing for him."Janice clicked her tongue."Alright, it's just a mere infatuation. It will blow over I promise!" She retorted."That's how it all begins""I'd wring my neck if I will end up in his bed!""I will have your words for it. I will help you snap that cute little neck of yours when the time comes." Janice said as her lips curved into a mischievous smile.The girls giggled heartily."You reek girl!" Hannah hurled the pillow at her.She sniffed her armpits and grimaced. She didn't have the time to bathe since yesterday after the incident."You bet! Why don't you help me scrub my back like old times?" She implored as she pushed the protesting Hannah to the bathroom.CHAPTER TEN* Blind desire*The twin bed creaked beneath his weight as his body sprawled out on the bed. The alarm blared. He grunted as he tossed over the bed to stop the alarm. Time: 11:45 amHe groaned. Yesterday was draining no doubt. They got home pretty late and he slept fitfully throughout the night. Drake sometimes stays at the Jordan's quarters around the wasteland where the stables were located. When he needed some privacy or during his time off, he goes back to his crappy flat downside-the remote area of London.When he's not working for the Jordans, then he's busy with his mechanic work. Occasionally, he does home service for the big guys in London whom he either met at the club or through the recommendation of Janice.He got out of bed, yawning and flexing his muscles. His room was reasonably small for a person or two. The labyrinth of cobwebs clouded his room. He sneezed, almost misty-eyed. The cabin flooring kept squeaking in response as he did a few push-ups wi
CHAPTER ELEVEN*Like black and white*The fuming Drake paced the room in irritation. Blocking her line was a futile attempt. He groaned into the phone."Rachael? Really?! You don't know when to give up, do you?" He growled."And the best thing you thought to do was to block my line? What is the matter with you anyway? What have I done wrong this time? I thought by coming down to London you will be happy to see me. Apparently, I was a fool. Screw you and that rich bitch you've been shagging!!!" She screeched. The phone vibrated in his hand as her shrill voice travelled through it."Look I'm only in London to work. And my personal affairs is no fucking business of yours. Why don't run back home to Scotland and stop making a fuss over everything.""I'm not a child, Finn. For heaven's sake do I disgust you so much that you don't want to even see me? First, you returned to London without my knowledge and now that I'm in London you can't even see me because of some trull you've been bangin
CHAPTER TWELVE*The Jordans 1*He could hear faint laughter and voices emanating from the far corner of the enormous house when he gingerly stepped in. He could see the maid, who was unaware of his presence, darting across the dining room where the faint voices and laughter were coming from with trays laden with sumptuous dishes of all sorts. The tantalizing scent of the food wafted through his nose causing his stomach to grumble. He let the door click shut softly behind him so as not to rouse their attention at the earliest second he stepped in. He did a couple of breathing exercises to gather himself. Thinking about his past made him doubt himself a bit and now he's fidgeting. Fuck! He needs to get his acts together! Alright man, act normal you got this!He took a deep breath and exhaled again. His boots stomped the neatly polished marble flooring as he went. He flinched as the faint voices and laughter became louder and abruptly ceased when he came into view. At this point, he
CHAPTER THIRTEEN*The Jordans 2*"The Jordans?" He asked with a puzzled look. "You mean, the rich folks dad used to work for?" His mum simply nodded, her face now bloated and flushed with tears. He retrieved a neatly folded handkerchief from the pocket of his pants and handed it to her. She wiped her face with shaky hands. Drake felt bad for his mother. He loathed seeing his mother like this, helpless and miserable. She was a poor sight to behold and it wrenched his heart."So you're saying that Dad's employer is the culprit?" "Well, from what I could gather these past few years, yes."He shook his head in disbelief."B-but how?! Dad was his loyal personal bodyguard and assistant. W-why would he betray him?" He stuttered."I couldn't believe it either. Douglas, your father was a brave and loyal man to Mr Thomas Jordan. I just don't get why he would go through the trouble to shut him up even to the point of killing him. I think... " she sat up warily and poured herself a glass of
CHAPTER FOURTEEN*Mary Orwell POV*The gloomy clouds were pregnant with rain. Bolts of Lightning flickered in the sky. The heel of her boots made a clacking sound as she walked across the rocky ground of the Prison compound. the October air around her was crispy as she adjusted the shawl around her neck close to her chin.HM Prison Wandsworth is a Category B men's prison at Wandsworth in the London Borough of Wandsworth, South West London, England. It is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service and is one of the largest prisons in the UK.As she approached the entrance, a stout middle-aged security guard arched his brows at her."May I help you, madam?" He asked."I'm here to see Douglas Orwell.""Are you related to him?""He's my husband. I am Mary Orwell.""Understood. Give me a moment." He said as he dialled the telephone while casting her the once-over look.He spoke inaudibly into the telephone while nodding and then placed the telephone back down."Bags check-in please" he moti
CHAPTER FIFTEEN*Back to the present*"Mr Hughen?" Mr Jordan shot him an inquisitive look.His words startled him, snapping him back to reality. "I-I am s-sorry what?" He stuttered.Fuck! It was unlike him. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Janice eyeing him curiously. The last thing he wants is to rouse their suspicion. Not at this point!Great! Mr Jordan is now giving him the once-over look."Are you alright Mr Hughen?""Yes of course! Is just that I woke up with a nasty headache. but I'm super fine now thanks to this wonderful homemade pork soup. In fact, it is the absolute best!" He said gaily intending to change the subject."Oh thank you. Abigail is a brilliant cook. That's why she's been working with us for a decade now!" The happy Abigail slightly tilted her head in appreciation.He forced a smile then reached for the cold glass of lemon juice and took a sip."So? You haven't answered the question, Mr Hughen..." "Oh right! So um...like I explained to Janice be
CHAPTER SIXTEEN*Kiss me More*"We sedate the horse and use a pair of pliers to crush one or more of the warts deeply enough to make them bleed,” the veterinarian explained. “This will often give the immune system a signal that an intruder is present, allowing the horse’s body to mount an immune response, to fight the warts, faster than when you simply leave the warts alone. Usually, within a week to 10 days, the warts shrink up and are all gone. In the meantime, we may give the young horse some bute or Banamine to help with the discomfort while recovering.” She proceeded to inject the horse with a syringe.The vet doctor gently petted the horse as it neighs softly.Drake nodded with his muscular arms folded as he aptly observed the vet doctor. Doctor Rose appears to be in her mid-thirties. Her ginger hair was pulled back in a bun. Freckles dotted her cheeks. She casually wore a striped shirt and denim jeans underneath her lab coat with a pair of hiking boots. She was averagely pretty
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN*The Mysterious temptation*"Have you made up your mind yet?" Hannah asked as she handed her a cup of hot coffee and sat beside her friend sprawling out on the sofa in pyjamas. She placed hers on the table too after taking a sip."Thanks," Janice said as she took a sip of the hot coffee and placed it on the table.She exhaled and stared at the window of her room. The rain was drizzling now."Well, I thought we're gonna rub minds about it." Hannah shrugged in response. "It starts with you, princess. You're the chairperson!" She winked at her.Janice giggled. "Give me a break! We're best friends and we're in this together. Just in case you seem to forget."Hannah rolled her eyes at her. " like I would forget that."They huddled close together with their faces about two inches apart."Okay, so I've been thinking...we should go to an entirely different place this time. Our last vacation was in Paris. So how does Africa sound like?" She said as she rubbed her chin.Han