15th January, 1999
Undisclosed location
Joel
The past few days has been one of the hardest days in my life. The pain and sleepless nights coupled with Vanessa's death has been so devastating. My only consolation is that she's in a better place, away from this toxic lifestyle.
I honoured her last wish and yesterday she was cremated and it was the first time I cried since Anna's death. The emotions I felt yesterday were overwhelming, it was like a blanket, choking me. I just had to let it all out. Lionel was a sobbing mess beside me. Never have I seen him look so sad and defeated, he couldn't utter a word throughout and only sobbed harder as we left the place where her final remains were kept.
This morning, I felt a little bit better as the pain I felt dew days ago was nearly gone. I must say, Carlos did a very good job. The place where I was shot had become a little less painful nevertheless Carlos warned me with strict instructions not to over exer
16th January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie Rawlings "Hey man, what's up" I said, immediately Gregor picked the call. After I left Samantha to rest, I decided to call Gregor since it's been so long I spoke to him. I could tell that something was off about him. Gone was the cherry voice I was used to, his voice now took on a more serious tone. "Good" he simply said.Well, that wasn't what I was expecting. Something was definitely wrong with him. "Gregor. What's wrong, even from your voice I can tell that something is up." I said, fishing for answers.There was a sigh at the other end. The line went quiet for a few minutes and I feared that he had cut the call. I was just about to speak when he cut me off, still with that brooding voice. "Nothing is wrong Freddie. I just have a whole lot on my plate at this moment, it's nothing really" he said, trying to convince me.That was a big fat lie and both of us knew it. Could Gregor have an ailment I didn'
17th January, 1999Undisclosed LocationLana "Lana, the boss wants you" Lionel said, barging into my room.I was momentarily startled. One, Lionel's attitude towards me this past few days has been kind of strange. Gone was the friendly and care free boy I was used to. Now, he treated me with disdain and hatred. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Nothing is wrong" he said, looking at me dead in the eye. "OK. Please give me a few minutes to change" I whispered. "No, he said abruptly. "You're fine this way" he added.What was he saying?. How on earth does he expect me to go out like this, in my pyjamas for goodness sake. "But I can't come out like this" I said, on the verge of tears. "I don't care. Now move" he ordered, pu
18th January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie Rawlings "I talked to Gregor yesterday" I said to Samantha who was brewing some coffee. Her hands froze, putting the coffee machine away as she picked up the mugs, handing me one. She slowly took a sip, her mind assessing what I just told her. "How is he ?" She said, finally.I put down my mug, trying to figure out what to say. Was Gregor fine?. Well, that was definitely a no. Was he sick?, I didn't think so. I guess I could safely say that he was 'fine'. "He's fine, I guess" I said, taking a light sip from the steaming cup. "Freddie" Samantha sighed, putting her mug down. "Yeah" I whispered, also doing the same. &
19th January, 1999Undisclosed locationJoelI watched with satisfaction as Lana stared at Gregory, completely lost for words. So far, I think this is the biggest bombshell I've dropped on her. On the other hand, convincing Gregor on this wasn't as easy as I expected. I will give him that though, the man is loyal to a fault. That's when I used the greatest weapon of all- money. Who knew the great governor could bend by just offering him a few thousand dollars. I never knew that he was deep in debt. Apparently, our good man here found himself in the company of some drug barons and now, they needed the money he was loaned.My offer was like a breath of fresh air to him, accepting quickly like his life depended on it. Actually, it does. "This is your plan?" Lana asked, breaking into my thoughts. She stared at Gregory as if he'd suddenly grown two heads. Then, she looked at me. Disappointment, anger and hurt clouding
21st January, 1999New YorkFirst lady Samantha Rawlings "Sam" my mother whispered, handing me a cup of coffee. I slowly took a sip, staring at the window as the rain poured down in torrents. Its like it came with a purpose, like it was trying to wash away everything that was not meant to happen. It was a steady crescendo, drowning out every of my thoughts as i cradled the cup of coffee closer, taking warmth from its soothing embrace.Melissa Reynolds stood, staring at her daughter, not knowing quite what to do in this case. She knew of her granddaughter's kidnap and now, the man behind this gruesome act which her daughter just revealed to her.A strong woman of seventy six, she was loved and respected by many having trained her children singlehandedly after being abandoned by her husband. She was an epitome of grace, humility and often preached all these to her children even up until now.A proud mother of three successful chil
21st January, 1999(evening)Washington D.CUndisclosed locationLana "So this is your game plan", I said giving Joel a death glare. "It's not a game child. Its real," he said. "What then do you stand to gain if my father resigns?", I asked, hardly believing any of this. " Tsk tsk. Not to worry kid, you'll find out in due time" he waved me off.I sat back, keeping quiet for now. Who knew what Joel could do when he was angry. That man was so unpredictable.They soon left the room, plunging me in darkness. This was far worse than when I was in my room at the warehouse. The difference was clear, I felt like a queen living there but now I didn't even know what to think.There was no way that my dad could win the upcoming elections, nobody in his right senses would vote for a man who couldn't keep his own family safe. If they had their way, they will call for
22nd January, 1999The White HousePresident Freddie RawlingsIt was a gloomy day, just like how I was feeling at the moment. A day no doubt that will bring trouble and chaos if I didn't handle it well. Today is the day that I finally tender my resignation, the day the whole world will know the monster I am. Earlier, I had called Matt, my special adviser to inform him that finally I have come to the end of the race. I couldn't do it anymore, pretending to myself that I was fighting a war when in reality I was just fighting with myself. Come to think of it, who was I kidding. A murderer like me is clearly not fit to rule talk more of making decisions. Its better I face the music now before its too late. I knew what was coming and oddly enough, I wasn't scared. Joel and his gang might as well do their worse but not until I get my daughter out of there. Gregor. To think that my best friend could betray me, someone I so trusted was a big blow to the face. Deep down, I knew that he had a
22nd January, 1999(evening)Undisclosed LocationLionelI had just stepped out of the bathroom when the ringing of my phone halted me in my steps. I continued drying my hair, purposely ignoring the phone. I wasn't in the mood to take any calls, the person could as well call back later if he was interested in talking to me.The phone finally fell silent only to resume once more with a strong determination. I sighed, knowing that I had to take it. "What", I practically growled into the phone. " Check the news", the voice said. "Who the hell are you to tell me what to do" I seethed. "Quit being stubborn for once and check the damn news" the voice said before cutting the call.That was rude, so rude. I'm sure the idiot didn't know who I was or else he would have