Trouble brews, an old beer
Drank from the cup of mischief
Sly as the fox, strolling down the path
Whistling an old song, of trouble.
As it turned out, the new year had new twists and turns and new beasts were created in the name of ambitions.
Everyone had resumed to work and as it is custom in this parts, people also drew list of things they want to have accomplished by the end of the year. New year resolutions.
Just after resumption, in the second week, a shocker happened.
The MD had asked to see him in his office. My mind raced as to the possible reason(s) why. It couldn't have been as regards the end of year party. He had called me to thank me early the next morning, and indeed he sounded very grateful. Well, the last time he called me into his office privately, there was some good news, and I silently prayed that this too was good news.
I sat as he offered me a seat at his table and first he asked
"Are you very familiar with the rules and regulations of this company?"
With that, I broke a sweat. Starting a conversation like this was scary and much more, threatening.
I slowly nodded.
"Fairly, sir" not knowing where he was going and didn't want to lay my own trap.
He then went straight to point with a hit
"You are dating, aren't you?"
Attempting to remain formal and not give away too much of my private life, I remained quiet. Neither saying a word nor nodding.
He continued.
"You very well know romance and work do not go together"
I sat motionless, looking blankly at him.
Apparently, the MD had caught wind. But how? I kept wondering.
Moments later, I stepped out of his office a lot relieved of the interrogations I just went through. Through it all, the MD never mentioned Ada. Although, very obviously he now knows.
Back at my desk, I was more or less distracted. Sometimes, I slipped into a soliloquy. Then an idea hit me! Efe!
The next minute found me by Efe's desk on a friendly visit. Of course, this time around I had come to squeeze some information out of him. Although I intend to speak softly to him to tell me what he knows, I also came with a big stick. And will not hesistate to use it. I had a good measure of power against Efe, even more than that I hoped to count on his loyalty to Ada.
"Ahhh! What's up naw?!"
"Stag my guy, how far" Efe replied heartily, grinning from ear to ear.
I just chatted generally with him at first, knowing that somewhere along the line he will get around to his love. The one I intend to use to my advantage for what I need to know.
We hadn't talked two minutes, Efe asked
"Stag, I been noh wan disturb you o, abeg help me with that stuff nau"
"Oh! I thought your new year resolution will be to stop viewing porn?"
He laughed like he was laughing at me
"New year ko, old year resolution ni. Abegi free me jor. We just resumed, I didn't want to rush you before but since you're new now, just help do am sharp-sharp now"
True to himself, the leopard can not change his skin.
Hmmm
"But what if I'm no longer here again"
"Why won't you? You be MD boy nau, he sees you as a kool person, so who born anybody well wan sack you"
"So you know say person dey attempt something and you no hint me?"
"No no no, no be like that nah"
"But of course, you suppose don know who nah"
"That your yansh?"
Efe nodded slowly.
But continued
"Its not about you. The battle is between them"
"But how did she know?"
"On the evening of the end of year event, she had invited a cousin of hers and everyone got introduced to everyone"
He paused for a second, and continued
"This her cousin went to visit her friend one day when she saw both of you together on their street. She had commented to her friend that she recognized both of you from the event. It was this friend who had told her much about how both of you were always seen together. Sometimes coming late together at night and at other times, leaving very early together, indicating someone sleeps over."
What a coincidence! I just couldn't phantom it all. Really funny how stuff works sometimes. And how much Amebo neighbours can engage in.
"I guess she had just added one to one from the gossip. But let me ask: is the 1+1=1? Or is it equals 2?"
"Do the math and tell me what the result is" I said as I turned around to leave
"The configurations nko?" She quickly asked as I made to leave
"Later." I signaled him.
As I was getting to my desk, a text message came in. It was Ada.
"At 2. Out."
I perfectly understood the message. Lunch at 2 o'clock. Outside restaurant, usual place."
When we met later that afternoon, she let me know the MD had called her and had been asking the implications of her actions. He couldn't afford to loose her, yet he couldn't flout his company's policy so he doesn't set a bad precedence. More like he was in a dilemma, knowing he didn't have any rights to tell anybody who to date or not.
The most he could do is enforce his rules and regulations and penalties prescribed for those who break them.
Finally he had proposed if one of the lovers would leave for the other, and that could be settled between the lovers.
Meanwhile, certain caucus want the rules enforced. As it seemed, it was what they want.
Both of the lovers must leave.
A tough decision here. Should I quit the company for ada? But mehnn! Hunger is real out there o.
When we saw later in the evening, Ada suggested she wanted to quit. I wouldn't have any of that, we would both rather quit.
But then again, are we being rational here?
The next day, the MD said he had talked to one of his friends and one of us would be absolved into one of the major banks within the next six weeks. I could see he was trying his best for us. Trying to settle things amicably. He had powerful friends and could muster such moves in so short a time.
Yet, it wasn't the last we had heard of this. When the mastermind's Plan A failed, Plan B was a shocker to us all.
Even Efe was outraged!
Drank from the cup of mischief
Sly as the fox, strolling down the path
Whistling an old song, of trouble.
As it turned out, the new year had new twists and turns and new beasts were created in the name of ambitions.
Everyone had resumed to work and as it is custom in this parts, people also drew list of things they want to have accomplished by the end of the year. New year resolutions.
Just after resumption, in the second week, a shocker happened.
The MD had asked to see him in his office. My mind raced as to the possible reason(s) why. It couldn't have been as regards the end of year party. He had called me to thank me early the next morning, and indeed he sounded very grateful. Well, the last time he called me into his office privately, there was some good news, and I silently prayed that this too was good news.
I sat as he offered me a seat at his table and first he asked
"Are you very familiar with the rules and regulations of this company?"
With that, I broke a sweat. Starting a conversation like this was scary and much more, threatening.
I slowly nodded.
"Fairly, sir" not knowing where he was going and didn't want to lay my own trap.
He then went straight to point with a hit
"You are dating, aren't you?"
Attempting to remain formal and not give away too much of my private life, I remained quiet. Neither saying a word nor nodding.
He continued.
"You very well know romance and work do not go together"
I sat motionless, looking blankly at him.
Apparently, the MD had caught wind. But how? I kept wondering.
Moments later, I stepped out of his office a lot relieved of the interrogations I just went through. Through it all, the MD never mentioned Ada. Although, very obviously he now knows.
Back at my desk, I was more or less distracted. Sometimes, I slipped into a soliloquy. Then an idea hit me! Efe!
The next minute found me by Efe's desk on a friendly visit. Of course, this time around I had come to squeeze some information out of him. Although I intend to speak softly to him to tell me what he knows, I also came with a big stick. And will not hesistate to use it. I had a good measure of power against Efe, even more than that I hoped to count on his loyalty to Ada.
"Ahhh! What's up naw?!"
"Stag my guy, how far" Efe replied heartily, grinning from ear to ear.
I just chatted generally with him at first, knowing that somewhere along the line he will get around to his love. The one I intend to use to my advantage for what I need to know.
We hadn't talked two minutes, Efe asked
"Stag, I been noh wan disturb you o, abeg help me with that stuff nau"
"Oh! I thought your new year resolution will be to stop viewing porn?"
He laughed like he was laughing at me
"New year ko, old year resolution ni. Abegi free me jor. We just resumed, I didn't want to rush you before but since you're new now, just help do am sharp-sharp now"
True to himself, the leopard can not change his skin.
Hmmm
"But what if I'm no longer here again"
"Why won't you? You be MD boy nau, he sees you as a kool person, so who born anybody well wan sack you"
"So you know say person dey attempt something and you no hint me?"
"No no no, no be like that nah"
"But of course, you suppose don know who nah"
"That your yansh?"
Efe nodded slowly.
But continued
"Its not about you. The battle is between them"
"But how did she know?"
"On the evening of the end of year event, she had invited a cousin of hers and everyone got introduced to everyone"
He paused for a second, and continued
"This her cousin went to visit her friend one day when she saw both of you together on their street. She had commented to her friend that she recognized both of you from the event. It was this friend who had told her much about how both of you were always seen together. Sometimes coming late together at night and at other times, leaving very early together, indicating someone sleeps over."
What a coincidence! I just couldn't phantom it all. Really funny how stuff works sometimes. And how much Amebo neighbours can engage in.
"I guess she had just added one to one from the gossip. But let me ask: is the 1+1=1? Or is it equals 2?"
"Do the math and tell me what the result is" I said as I turned around to leave
"The configurations nko?" She quickly asked as I made to leave
"Later." I signaled him.
As I was getting to my desk, a text message came in. It was Ada.
"At 2. Out."
I perfectly understood the message. Lunch at 2 o'clock. Outside restaurant, usual place."
When we met later that afternoon, she let me know the MD had called her and had been asking the implications of her actions. He couldn't afford to loose her, yet he couldn't flout his company's policy so he doesn't set a bad precedence. More like he was in a dilemma, knowing he didn't have any rights to tell anybody who to date or not.
The most he could do is enforce his rules and regulations and penalties prescribed for those who break them.
Finally he had proposed if one of the lovers would leave for the other, and that could be settled between the lovers.
Meanwhile, certain caucus want the rules enforced. As it seemed, it was what they want.
Both of the lovers must leave.
A tough decision here. Should I quit the company for ada? But mehnn! Hunger is real out there o.
When we saw later in the evening, Ada suggested she wanted to quit. I wouldn't have any of that, we would both rather quit.
But then again, are we being rational here?
The next day, the MD said he had talked to one of his friends and one of us would be absolved into one of the major banks within the next six weeks. I could see he was trying his best for us. Trying to settle things amicably. He had powerful friends and could muster such moves in so short a time.
Yet, it wasn't the last we had heard of this. When the mastermind's Plan A failed, Plan B was a shocker to us all.
Even Efe was outraged!
As it turned out, everyone had known about me and Ada. Although she didn't
seem to care much about it, it thought the focus on us was unnecessary.
Some sympathized with out dilemma, some were just neutral and a hidden
number were happy.
Happiness is relative. And in this case one person's fall seemed to appease certain people who wanted the power Ada's position wielded.
Quite a number of things were going on underneath and an unwilling mole was caught up in the scheme of things.
The MD had stretched an offer of truce but somehow, the had an undertone. Accepting it felt like running with your tail between your legs. Or so Ada thought. If she'd leave, she would not be accepting the MD's offer. He didn't want to loose her because of the company's investments in her. Trainings, conferences, etc. And he liked her amiable persona.
But there are consequences to bear when you mix romance with work. Well, that is one argument. But then, we never talked much in the office nor played any love cards around work. Dating Ada and enjoying the MD's goodwill did not in any way make me begin to take things for granted.
Well, the die has been cast.
At this time, I had uncovered the spearhead, Mercy. Maybe the envy, or maybe ambitiousness was her drive. But one thing that seemed to occur to me was the fact no one fights so boldly, alone. I figured there had to be some other behind her, supporting and pushing her. But was only a guess.
When I later saw Ada later in the evening, I told her of my suspicions. She didn't say anything but simply pulled out her phone, scrolled to a text message and showed me one. It read:
Strike the shepard and the sheep will scatter. Zoro
Short but worrying the message was.
"Who sent the message" I asked
"I don't know the person"
"Did you call to speak with the person?"
"I dialed the number but it has been switched off ever since I received it" she said.
An unknown person giving hints. So somebody somewhere knows something we didn't know.
That night my mind kept rolling over events and sequence of things. I had always thought Mercy wanted the position so she sought ways to overthrow her boss. I guess she must've been planning the coup long enough. But something kept bugging me. There was something just beneath the surface. And my curious mind was beginning to scrap the surface. Perhaps, I could dig deep enough to find something. If nothing at all, I was determined to find out those in her camp.
But for a minute I wondered how the MD thought about things. He didn't have any other choices in a situation that is categorically stated out.
But surely, a wise leader knows that one must follow before one can lead. Mercy isn't ready to follow, yet wants to lead. And any boss that knows the machiavelian principles knows that a subordinate who betrays her boss to get to take over her seat can betray his entire company and sell out when offered a price.
Me and Ada had made up our minds to leave. So every other thing we were doing was formality. Ada's niceness to Mercy had earned yielded nothing else but scorn and disdain. And it was especially disheartening for Ada to know her subordinate had been scheming to overthrow her in a ruthless way and take over the seat. At some point at home, she had even been emotional about it and almost cried. I calmed her and told her to leave her be.
"She who rules by the sword will one day die by her own sword."
The disciplinary committee sat the next monday. I had been given memo the week before. Me, Ada and unexpectedly Mercy was also there waiting to go in after me and Ada. I was surprised to see her there though.
Minutes later in the board room, I was seated. Ada took her seat too.
"Mr Stag, without mincing words, do you know why you are here?" Began one of the members of the committee.
"Although I received the memo, I'd appreciate if the offenses can be read out again, sir."
"You are accused of being in an unprofessional relationship with a colleague who's a member of staff here. What do you have to say?"
"I do not deny it. But I might want to chip in that the level of relationship I had with her has not in any way hindered nor interfered in any way with our duties, sir"
"Interference with duty is not the contention here, mr stag. In the first place, such relationship is not allowed between two colleagues here." Another one cut in
Then the MD spoke up but directed his words to Ada.
"Do you deny or have anything contrary to say?"
She slowly shook her head
"No."
"If you do bot deny it nor have anything contrary, then you are excused if you may. You are a senior staff here and I do not think you should be interrogated in a condescending manner" the MD said.
"I'm okay sir, if questions remain objective and limited to how the relationship affects my professional duties. I do not think I would have any problems."
"Very well then"
On and on but smoothly it went and we eventually left the board room together. Even the MD and his disciplinary committee looked really impressed that we stood by each other throughout.
Next in line was Mercy for whatever reasons she was invited. If it had anything to do with Ada and I, I'd like to know how many Heads of Department would like the idea of their subordinates turning them in.
It was later I got to hear the reason for the invitation.
Sometime ago, Ada had been on her annual leave when some phony document was signed by the 'Head of Department' bearing her signature. Ada had come back and took responsibility for it knowing well that Mercy must have done it. The MD had raised an eyebrow but eventually let go. For this, so long later, she was to answer for it.
Ada had been called back there again for that purpose. It must have really been a tough day for her.
That day ended. The next day came with a lot of speculations as the committee was to come up with their recommendations. I and Ada spent the evening together, finding comfort and solace with each other.
The next day at the office, we had arrived at about same time because I saw when she parked into a space and alighted with her 'usuals'. File of papers, food flask etc. She brought food from home on many days and only ate in the restaurant when she didn't come with hers.
Also, in what came to me as a shock, Mercy was nailed on forgery and she had to go! Wonderful!!!
Even more was recommended that juxtaposing company's interests, individual years of experience etc I should choose to be transferred to the other branch.
This seemed like a triumph but what was about to happen that afternoon was not expected at all.
It was around 3:pm when there was a little commotion in the office. There were people rushing around. I headed towards them to see what was going on, only to see Ada being carried in a hurry by two people and MD was running behind them. It was an emergency.
Instantly, my flight or fight response activated as I was thrown into panic, I ran towards them. I held Ada asking her what was happening to her but she could barely talk. I bet she couldn't even tell who was holding or talking to her. We all rushed her downstairs and the MD's driver had swung the car around as we carried her into the back seat. I sat there with her and we all headed to the hospital. All the while Ada was clutching her stomach.
The SUV screeched to a stop in front of the emergency unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, two nurses ran towards us and in the next instant, they were wheeling Ada on a stretcher down the hallway and before we knew it, she was in emergency hall.
We weren't allowed in.
None of us knew what happened until about 30minutes later when the doctors came out.
Ada had been poisoned!..
Happiness is relative. And in this case one person's fall seemed to appease certain people who wanted the power Ada's position wielded.
Quite a number of things were going on underneath and an unwilling mole was caught up in the scheme of things.
The MD had stretched an offer of truce but somehow, the had an undertone. Accepting it felt like running with your tail between your legs. Or so Ada thought. If she'd leave, she would not be accepting the MD's offer. He didn't want to loose her because of the company's investments in her. Trainings, conferences, etc. And he liked her amiable persona.
But there are consequences to bear when you mix romance with work. Well, that is one argument. But then, we never talked much in the office nor played any love cards around work. Dating Ada and enjoying the MD's goodwill did not in any way make me begin to take things for granted.
Well, the die has been cast.
At this time, I had uncovered the spearhead, Mercy. Maybe the envy, or maybe ambitiousness was her drive. But one thing that seemed to occur to me was the fact no one fights so boldly, alone. I figured there had to be some other behind her, supporting and pushing her. But was only a guess.
When I later saw Ada later in the evening, I told her of my suspicions. She didn't say anything but simply pulled out her phone, scrolled to a text message and showed me one. It read:
Strike the shepard and the sheep will scatter. Zoro
Short but worrying the message was.
"Who sent the message" I asked
"I don't know the person"
"Did you call to speak with the person?"
"I dialed the number but it has been switched off ever since I received it" she said.
An unknown person giving hints. So somebody somewhere knows something we didn't know.
That night my mind kept rolling over events and sequence of things. I had always thought Mercy wanted the position so she sought ways to overthrow her boss. I guess she must've been planning the coup long enough. But something kept bugging me. There was something just beneath the surface. And my curious mind was beginning to scrap the surface. Perhaps, I could dig deep enough to find something. If nothing at all, I was determined to find out those in her camp.
But for a minute I wondered how the MD thought about things. He didn't have any other choices in a situation that is categorically stated out.
But surely, a wise leader knows that one must follow before one can lead. Mercy isn't ready to follow, yet wants to lead. And any boss that knows the machiavelian principles knows that a subordinate who betrays her boss to get to take over her seat can betray his entire company and sell out when offered a price.
Me and Ada had made up our minds to leave. So every other thing we were doing was formality. Ada's niceness to Mercy had earned yielded nothing else but scorn and disdain. And it was especially disheartening for Ada to know her subordinate had been scheming to overthrow her in a ruthless way and take over the seat. At some point at home, she had even been emotional about it and almost cried. I calmed her and told her to leave her be.
"She who rules by the sword will one day die by her own sword."
The disciplinary committee sat the next monday. I had been given memo the week before. Me, Ada and unexpectedly Mercy was also there waiting to go in after me and Ada. I was surprised to see her there though.
Minutes later in the board room, I was seated. Ada took her seat too.
"Mr Stag, without mincing words, do you know why you are here?" Began one of the members of the committee.
"Although I received the memo, I'd appreciate if the offenses can be read out again, sir."
"You are accused of being in an unprofessional relationship with a colleague who's a member of staff here. What do you have to say?"
"I do not deny it. But I might want to chip in that the level of relationship I had with her has not in any way hindered nor interfered in any way with our duties, sir"
"Interference with duty is not the contention here, mr stag. In the first place, such relationship is not allowed between two colleagues here." Another one cut in
Then the MD spoke up but directed his words to Ada.
"Do you deny or have anything contrary to say?"
She slowly shook her head
"No."
"If you do bot deny it nor have anything contrary, then you are excused if you may. You are a senior staff here and I do not think you should be interrogated in a condescending manner" the MD said.
"I'm okay sir, if questions remain objective and limited to how the relationship affects my professional duties. I do not think I would have any problems."
"Very well then"
On and on but smoothly it went and we eventually left the board room together. Even the MD and his disciplinary committee looked really impressed that we stood by each other throughout.
Next in line was Mercy for whatever reasons she was invited. If it had anything to do with Ada and I, I'd like to know how many Heads of Department would like the idea of their subordinates turning them in.
It was later I got to hear the reason for the invitation.
Sometime ago, Ada had been on her annual leave when some phony document was signed by the 'Head of Department' bearing her signature. Ada had come back and took responsibility for it knowing well that Mercy must have done it. The MD had raised an eyebrow but eventually let go. For this, so long later, she was to answer for it.
Ada had been called back there again for that purpose. It must have really been a tough day for her.
That day ended. The next day came with a lot of speculations as the committee was to come up with their recommendations. I and Ada spent the evening together, finding comfort and solace with each other.
The next day at the office, we had arrived at about same time because I saw when she parked into a space and alighted with her 'usuals'. File of papers, food flask etc. She brought food from home on many days and only ate in the restaurant when she didn't come with hers.
Also, in what came to me as a shock, Mercy was nailed on forgery and she had to go! Wonderful!!!
Even more was recommended that juxtaposing company's interests, individual years of experience etc I should choose to be transferred to the other branch.
This seemed like a triumph but what was about to happen that afternoon was not expected at all.
It was around 3:pm when there was a little commotion in the office. There were people rushing around. I headed towards them to see what was going on, only to see Ada being carried in a hurry by two people and MD was running behind them. It was an emergency.
Instantly, my flight or fight response activated as I was thrown into panic, I ran towards them. I held Ada asking her what was happening to her but she could barely talk. I bet she couldn't even tell who was holding or talking to her. We all rushed her downstairs and the MD's driver had swung the car around as we carried her into the back seat. I sat there with her and we all headed to the hospital. All the while Ada was clutching her stomach.
The SUV screeched to a stop in front of the emergency unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, two nurses ran towards us and in the next instant, they were wheeling Ada on a stretcher down the hallway and before we knew it, she was in emergency hall.
We weren't allowed in.
None of us knew what happened until about 30minutes later when the doctors came out.
Ada had been poisoned!..
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