CHAPTER 19

WAY WORSE

Zayn walked into the Sheriff’s office with an air of importance. He was there to represent Billionaire Javyn Andrew and to gather more information about the supposed witness.

Seated at the other end of the desk in the rather crammed room was a disheveled man who seemed drained of life.

The specks of dirt on his clothes hinted at a lack of proper grooming, or rather the lack of means for proper grooming. Having Zayn sit opposite him showed the stark difference between the men.

“I believe you, sir, are here to represent Mr. Andrew.” He was looking at Zayn, who nodded in agreement.

He scanned the room, moving uncomfortably, feeling out of place in the cluttered office.

“This young man here is Scott and claims to have some information on where Miss Grant is.”

For the first time since he arrived, he looked the man in the eye. Scott had felt invisible to him up until that moment.

“A man claiming to be a prominent politician from Kenya found me and asked me to carry out a job for him.” He seemed quite embarrassed saying this.

“I am a homeless, jobless man with a family to fend for, the money he was offering me would…”

“That’s not what we’re here for, sir. Cut to the chase.” The Sheriff seemed to be running out of patience with the emotional man.

“He wanted me to kidnap his daughter from the University she attends, but I failed to accomplish the task.”

He was no longer looking up at the two men who hung on to his every word. Recalling his actions made him realize just how low he had stooped.

“I later found out the man was one Mr. Grant, and I now know the girl dancing with the billionaire in the magazines is his daughter.”

The sheriff and Zayn exchanged glances as they heard sniffles coming from him.

“When I heard some ladies in the homeless shelter talk about her kidnapping. I immediately knew he had found someone else to do the job for him.”

“You believe Mr. Grant is behind his daughter’s disappearance?”

Scott was wiping his face using the back of his hand. “I know that vile man is behind it. He spoke of her with so much possessiveness.”

“Any idea where he could be right now? Or where you last spotted him?” Zayn was ready to hop on the case.

It took Scott a while to recollect where he last met him, but he eventually remembered where the motel was.

Zayn was already making phone calls despite the Sheriff’s promise that his men would soon find out.

“Thank you so much for the leads, Scott. This is my number in case you get any more information.” He handed over his business card before hurriedly striding out of there.

****

Celia was pacing around the living room for about half an hour when Abel finally called her back. He knew she hated being made to wait.

“How hard is it to pick up a call you…”

“As easy as it is for me to hang up. I’m guessing this has something to do with your son.”

She sighed and clenched her fist, knowing he was enjoying all this. Her son had put her in this situation again.

“I need your help keeping an eye on my son and bringing that girl back. I just want my family to go back to normal.”

The next few seconds were unbearable as she heard him let out a wicked laugh. It was long and tormenting to the woman whose worry grew as each second went by.

“Go to hell, Abel!!”

She hung up and ran to her room. Mia watched all this from the dining room without a word.

Her eyes followed Celia as she swiftly got out of her bedroom with her car keys and white Valentino bag in hand. She could see her lips mumble inaudible words.

Everything unfolding in the house was a mystery to her. Celia was opening the door when Zayn walked in, talking on the phone. Mia held her breath as they nearly bumped into each other.

Mia simply pushed Zayn out of her way and walked out. He was left looking back at her. Probably wondering what was wrong with her.

He caught her staring; this was enough to make her look away and rush to the kitchen.

“Wait, Mia.” She stopped in her tracks as he called out to her.

“Is Jada asleep?”

Mia felt a lump in her throat at the mention of her name. Of course, he cared about her. She hated how he was always after her.

“Yes, she’s already asleep, Zayn. I have work to get to now.” She was leaving once more.

“Don’t you have a second. I’d like you to bring me some hot coffee to my room.”

{BACK IN KENYA, NAIROBI}

Chiri kept glancing at the entrance, hoping to see him. She had been waiting for an hour now in the restaurant for him.

Tyson was giving her every excuse in the book: first, it was a new client to attend to, then he had to stop by somewhere, and now it was the traffic that was making him late.

She was contemplating walking out of there when she noticed his dark, well-built frame walk in. He was in a suit perfectly tailored for his body.

He commanded respect by simply walking in. Heads turned towards him as he walked towards her table, then to her. Their eyes questioned whether or not she was worthy of sitting next to him.

Tyson Brighton was not only a respectable lawyer but also the future son-in-law of Mr. Grant. He was already playing a role in Mr. Grant’s political party and would undoubtedly take after his greatness.

Unlike the many ladies he brought there, Chiri seemed to hate the attention. She did not want to be seen with him.

“About time your ass showed up.” She could not believe the arrogant man before her was once her good friend.

“I’ll make this quick.” He stole a glance at his watch, which screamed embezzled funds.

“Your bestie’s wedding is soon. Her father has gone to get her, and I want you to help plan it. This is a nice chance to gain experience as an interior designer.”

“So you’re doing me a favor now? I’d rather wait for her billionaire to have me plan their wedding.” She rolled her eyes in disgust.

Her words had taken effect, he smirked as he pulled out his cheque book and scribbled on it quickly.

“This is for starting you off and keeping that rubbish out of your mouth. Call me if you need any more.”

Chiri pushed it back towards him and grabbed her purse.

“How about you keep that rubbish of yours. I’d be damned to watch you marry her, Ty.”

She strutted out of there with her red-bottom heels announcing her every step. He bit his lips as he held back the urge to grab her and remind her who he was.

Yet he somehow managed to sit back and watch her leave him with the now crumpled-up cheque.

He could not wait to have Savannah back and humble her. She would be back begging for his mercy soon.