THE RISE OF JORDAN RIVERS

DIFENDING HIMSELF

Jordan and Anna got into her gold sports car and drove to the Hilton Hotel on the outskirts of Nairobi city. It was a short distance from the judicial court where they were. She also felt the need for some privacy with the man who now meant so much to her, so she had asked the driver to join the guards in the convoy behind them, while only she and Jordan drove in her car.

They pulled up in front of the voluptuous hotel after a few minutes.

“Umh, Jordan, right?” She asked after turning to Jordan.

“Yes. My name is Jordan.” He said.

“Okay. And I am Anna De’Luka. But just call me Anna.” She said after realizing they had not introduced themselves.

“Okay. Anna, it is.” Jordan said with a small grin.

“Okay. You may go in first. I will just park and join you.” Anna explained.

“Alright,” Jordan responded and stepped out of the car.

He started his way to the entrance as he sampled the rich, unruffled aura. He had not sniffed any peace for the longest time, so this got him all intoxicated until the guard startled him.

“Excuse me! Don't you dare take another step!” The security guard’s harsh baritone halted Jordan’s steps.

His eyes locked with the guard’s, and he could not fail to catch the revolt in the guard's eyes. It seemed like he reeked of something that nettled the guard’s intestines and impured the air he was breathing. 

“Did you miss your way to your home in the dumping site or what?” The guard asked.

Jordan could partly infer the guard’s take on his status. It had been about twelve hours since Diana and her mother kicked him out of the house. He had not taken a bath or changed his clothes. He was still so befouled from the last night’s fight. His clothes were lacerated and still had the stains of blood. Maybe he somehow sent something acerbic to anyone. He himself was not comfortable with how he looked, but he felt like the guard was going overboard with his reactions.

“Sir, I am with someone. She just went to park the car and…”

“See!” The guard spoke again, cutting Jordan off. “In case you are deuteranopic, this is a high-profile hotel. We do not entertain broke people here, not to talk of beggars. You better leave before you bleed too much of your wheezy, infectious aura!” 

The revilement slapped Jordan really hard. His ire rose up. He understood it would be arduous for people not to err in judging him based on his physical visual aspect, but at least the ignoramus, chesty guard could have given him the benefit of the doubt and listened to what he had to say. It was not right for him to be insulted this way.

But even though he felt infuriated, he did not want to provoke a scene or misbehave here. So, he sucked in his ire and blocked it at the throat as he tried to explain himself one more time.

“As I was saying, I came with someone. Her name is Anna De’Luka. You can check your records for clarity or just wait for her to come and negate this.” Jordan retained his composure as he spoke, but deep inside, he wanted to slap the man before him across the face.

The way he was looking at Jordan as he explained himself was trenchant enough that he did not believe even a single word from Jordan’s mouth. That is why he was not showing any intent to check the damn records to confirm what Jordan was saying. The revolt on his face was now conjugated with loathing and mockery.

“You are not just a beggar, but a stupid one too. How dare you try to teach me how to do my job, huh? Do you think I have time to do what you are asking, knowing very well that you are obviously lying? Get the hell out of here before I drag you outside myself!” The security guard ordered.

At this point, Jordan wished that Anna could just show up and clarify the misconception. He could not leave as per the guard’s orders, and he could no longer hold his demons either. He could no longer bear the insolence.

“What is going on here?” A male’s voice came in, and a man emerged from the inside.

He was tall, and his classic suit and bold stance exuded authority. 

“Greetings, manager!” The guard greeted him, bowing slightly to the man, who Jordan now learned was the manager of the hotel.

 ‘At least. Maybe he would do a better, more understanding job than this impossible guard.’ Jordan thought.

 Although Jordan noted how the manager’s expression dropped the moment he laid eyes on Jordan, he took it upon himself to explain the situation. 

“Sir. I am trying to explain to the security man here that I am not gatecrashing like he is insinuating. I am with a friend. Her name is Anna De’Luka. She will be here in a minute after parking. I can just wait for her right here to avoid any inconveniences.” Jordan explained calmly.

Anna De’Luka!

The name rang with unsubtle, undeniable recognition in the manager’s ears. The hotel in the picture was owned by the said family. But he found it so comical and unbelievable that the bedraggled, unbearable man could have even a sheer link with a member of such an eminent family. He found Jordan’s words to be nothing but a poor beggar’s trick. 

“Your trick won't work on me, foolish beggar! I have come across a lot of people using the same tricks just to steal a meal. Leave!” The manager’s fury had skyrocketed.

He did not want people to catch a glimpse of the dirty man in the hotel compound, as that would negatively impact the luxurious hotel.

“Sir, what else do I need to do to prove that I am not a beggar like you both are insinuating? I have explained over and over again that my companion will be here in a minute.” Jordan spoke, and just like his anger was rising, so was the manager’s as he walked over to Jordan.

“How about I show you where exactly you belong, huh?” The manager roared as he launched a slap.

He aimed it at Jordan’s jaw, but it did not land where he intended it to.

Jordan was no ordinary man anymore. The martial art in him could not allow him to take any beating from anyone, especially when he had done nothing wrong. With an easy swerve, he caught the manager’s hand, gripped it tightly, and twisted it, venting all the boiling wrath inside him on it.

“Ouch! Help! Help me before he breaks my hand!” The manager groaned in pain as he yelled to the guard, who stood a safe distance from the fight.