Chapter seven

Security! Security!.” Durrel whimpered like a baby as he called out for help. 

Richard was yet to be done with him, which made his cry for help, a waste of time. No one dared to intervene until he was done teaching him a lesson.  Satisfied with the injuries he inflicted on Durrel, Richard walked away, leaving the infamous “Mr. Durrel” to help himself from the floor where he laid. 

After all the beatings the big mouthed man received from Richard, he expected him to accord himself a bit of shame but as the saying went “empty barrels, make the loudest noise.” Mr.Durrel still refused to accept defeat. “Good morning, Mr. Escrow, we h--” The receptionist made to blow his cover-up, but Richard was quick to signal her not to say anything. She composed herself, her face returning to its professional state before Durrel walked in, in all his disheveled glory.

“I have an appointment with the CEO.” Durrel informed Grace, the receptionist. “Please hold on.” She informed Durrel, her hands flying to her system as she typed away. After confirming his statement, Grace ushered both Durrel and Richard to the elevator. “This way sir.” She spoke to Richard with respect, ready to enter the lift if need be, until they both arrived at their destination.

Durrel obviously infuriated, queried the receptionist for being disrespectful and ill-mannered. “How dare you accord him the respect that should be given to me. Oh, the disrespect! The lift is only for elites and not paupers. Yet, you have the audacity to invite him first and me last.” He bellowed about being considered a second fiddle.

The receptionist, without uttering a word, bent her head slightly in respect before walking away. Richard huffed as the lift began to skyrocket upwards. They both arrived at the last floor, Richard taking the lead, his shoulder raised high like he owned the place.

“Good day sir.” Giovanni, his secretary, acknowledged his presence, her steps matching his in the hallway. Durrel confused by the turn of event, stopped in his track, his face a shade of white, completely drained of blood. Richard ignored his frozen form and walked past him, his hands in his worn out jean pocket.

“You can't be… Are you?” He stuttered. Realization finally eminent on his face, caused “Mr.”  Durrel to take a step backwards. Richard, enjoying the view, quietly signaled his secretary to do what he should have done outside his building. “Giovanni, as of this day, Mr. Durrel Stance is banned from this building. Is that clear?” He thundered.

“Yes sir.” She replied instantly, her hands moving to her glasses to place it properly on her face. “Ahh, one more thing, let this be extended to the Durrel Corporation and Mechanics. Cut all business ties with them and cancel the already existing contract signed with them.” Giovanni typed away on her iPad, making the necessary adjustments.

“You can't do that over a little fight, bro.” Durrel had suddenly metamorphosed into a meek kitten, as his eyes glistened with unshed tears. Richard already had two of his able-bodied men at arms length, ready to do his bidding. “Take him away.” He ordered. Richard watched without an iota of guilt as Durrel was dragged down the stairs of his building and flung like some disposed waste near the dumpster. 

**********************************

Durrel still shock struck, laid among the pile of dirt, trying to gather his thoughts and think of his next move. His father was going to have his head on a stake. Begging Richard after their ordeal and the unfiltered words he had to say about his wife, was not an option. The Devon's. Yes, they were his fallback plan.

The hot chick that waited for him inside his car, chewed away on her gum, her extra white teeth in full display at the sight of Durrel approaching his car. “Baby, what took you so long?” She whined. “Get out.” He asked calmly, his mind in a frenzy. “But ba---”

“I said get out!.” He bellowed. She did not need to be told twice to know he was in no mood to kiss her sorry ass. She scurried out of the car, fear vivid on her face by his beastly change in attitude and without delay, he zoomed out of the parking lot.

“Hey man. Some guys were spreading some false rumor about you, and I just called to be certain.” His buddy, Drew, said through the mobile radio-telephone in his car. “What rumor?” He inquired from his friend, who obviously wanted to certify the authenticity of the rumor. “That you got kicked out from Bigger Son's Technology.” Durrel hit the brakes in shock as the tires of his vehicle screeched on the tarred road.

“Drew, I'll call you back.” He cut the call before Drew could pry some more. He frantically searched through his chat with Humphrey Devon and found the address of his said wife to be. The dilapidated house, was a poor sight to his eyes, but he knocked anyway. After a while, Sierra, the wife of his nemesis, stood at the other end of the door.

He gave her a flirty smile, relieved that the news of his dismissal had not gotten to their ears. “Good day mother-in-law.” He smiled at her as they both exchanged pleasantries. “I know you are still unhappy with me for failing to strike a deal with Bigger Son's Tech. I promise I will make it up to you.” He pleaded to the Lady of the house, who seemed to be doing some kind of math in her head.

“Apology accepted son. Come, make yourself comfortable. Sierra, take a good look at the handsome chunk of a man. I suggest the two of you go out over the weekend and get to know each other.” Lady Carolina encouraged her daughter, whose interest was keenly glued on the TV screen.

“Mom, look at this.” She interrupted her mother's attempt to bring them closer, pointing at the announcement made on the screen by Bigger Sons Officials. “Durrel Corporation and Mechanics have been banned from any future business ventures with Bigger Sons Tech and any organization, business holding or franchise that decides to stay in business, contact, or partnership with them, will be blacklisted.” Lady Carolina read out loud for all the inhabitants of the house who were not blind or daft to hear. Silence followed she was done reading. “Durrel, son. I think it is time for you to take your leave. Humphrey, see him out will you please.” Lady Carolina kicked Durrel out without giving it a second thought.

Furious, he made his way back to his car only to find toms of emails, texts, and phone calls from all his former business partners, all wanting out. He was yet to digest the series of rejections when he received a call from home. “Durrel Stance! You are a disgrace to the family and the Stance dynasty at large. Don't you dare step foot in my house or come close to my establishment.” His father warned before ending the call on him.

Durrel, was a finished man with nothing left to his name.