The Bogeyman; the tale of a man and his death list

Chapter 19(The Humiliation of the Peacocks)

Arthur's soul had already vanished away from his body for a temporary vacation by the time Redmond had his sturdy hands on him.

It was a view of a frightened kid before a giant. “Forgive me for not being a good listener pal, can you please repeat what you said earlier.” Redmond Redmond's facial muscles tightened up, causing him to mount equivalent force on Arthur's shoulder and neck, nearly pinning him to the ground where he stands.

Arthur wouldn't dare repeat himself. He would be lifeless if his lips gave way for it. His Adams apple wriggled while his eyes pleaded.He was scared down to his spine.

Jude on the other hand could only watch the said average Joe bully his only son. This was no time to be a protective father. He knew he wouldn't stand a chance.

“Why are you not talking? Are you dumb now, huh?” Arthur squeezed his face like he was about to shit himself while he kept nodding North-South wise and East-West wise.

Just then Oliver and his mother, Aunt Tana emerged. They probably came back from somewhere.

“What's happening here?”  Oliver threw himself wholeheartedly into the situation. At this time, Redmond has released his grip from Arthur.

Arthur on the other hand, immediately sought himself out, shaking off whatever that had transpired a couple of minutes ago. He immediately wore a superior look on sighting his cousin, Oliver.

The last thing he would want is to allow Oliver to catch a glimpse of what he looks like when he doesn't have his shoulder high and his hands winged like a peacock. It comes natural for him, the domineering one just like his father to Oliver's late  father. 

Like his father to Oliver's father, he was the favourite grandson and he literally had anything he wanted while Oliver was another gimmick of his subservient father.

“Congratulations Oliver, your family is in trouble.” Jude managed to coe. Like his son, he has worn his usual supercilious deposition. Their appearance was far different from the humbled and trounced countenance they had earlier.

“What trouble, cousin?” He asked, his tone masked with anxiety.

“Hmm, good for you that you asked. This indolent fool laid his unclean hands on my son.” Jude did the honour of responding.

Oliver turned his gaze towards Redmond. Instinctively, he was on the brink of yelling at him when Aunt Tana got hold of him. An action that surprised them.

“Redmond won't hit a mosquito unless it bites him, surely your son must have done something to deserve what he got.” She narrowed her gaze towards Arthur in a way that appeared like she was examining him. “Your son is a lucky one to still be able to stand and whine about a fellow lad dominating him.” Aunt Tana mocked. She may despise Redmond but not enough to forget the snakes that snatched away Ruth's trophy.

“Woman…is this what you have to say for his inexplicable actions” Jude jabbed a trembling finger towards her. But Tana wasn't one to back out in a verbal duel.

“Go back to your rich homes! You won't subdue me in my own house. What are you even doing here?” Tana asked, her eyes reddened with bitterness.

“Yeah, what are you doing here Cous, I have never seen you here.” Oliver chimed

“Haven't you guys heard? These two have wronged the Zinont company hierarchy causing them to have a rethink on the collaboration hence Grandpa has given them two days to resolve it unless they will be sent parking.”

Tana’s face split for a smile, “But I still don't understand how that concerns us.”

“That's because Ruth's appearance is the only antidote to this poison.”

There was a short pause before a wave of boisterous laughter erupted among Tana and Oliver. Jude and his dear son could only watch, unable to do a thing. They were humiliated and embarrassed like never before.

“How the mighty have fallen. Who would have envisaged that a moment like this will dawn on us. The two peacocks of the Teleimans family in my front door and at my mercy.” She bursted into another spree of laughter.

“No wonder Arthur has his feet on my turf. Didn't he say that the difference between us is like day and night, we'll how do you explain this.” Oliver said in a cocky manner.

“Yeah, right after they backstabbed Ruth. I guess you guys didn't see this one coming.”

“Forgive us, we apologize for our wrongdoings. We promise to turn a new leaf.” Jude pleaded on their behalf.

Tana and Oliver were marveled by his reaction. Never in their lives have they seen Jude appear humble and sincere. It was like meeting a humble version of a very complacent fellow in another dimension.

“Your pleas are soothing to the ear but we all know you wouldn't have your golden feets here if it wasn't for your perilous situation.” Oliver admitted boldly for the first in his life. For what seemed like a millennium, it seemed like the universe was in for them.

“Don't turn your back on us now. We need you. We all know how hefty and disastrous Grandpa’s wrath can be.” Arthur pleaded. It was the only option available otherwise he would never apologize and plead for their assistance. 

On the other hand, there was nothing to be ashamed of after all, they have already rubbed their faces with mud. He was eager to put on a convincing act to gain their forgiveness. He would stand a better chance to exert his revenge as a member of the family. However he has to be patient.

Aunt Tana wasn't one to forgive but for the sake of Ruth standing a chance again to spearhead the deal, she would embrace this particular virtue called forgiveness.

She sighed deeply and immediately she turned towards Redmond as if he remembered something, “By the way, where Ruth at?”

“She is sick, isn't she, Arthur?” Redmond mocked, “What's it again, fever, right?” He pressed, not ready to give up.

Arthur was fuming deep inside and at this same time surprised how Redmond came about the “fever” thing. He had lied discreetly, even his followers wouldn't overhear it even if they strain their ears. Arthur wouldn't know that Paulson is Redmond's puppet and keeps him updated.

“Sick?” Tana grimaced, “Did she develop a fever overnight?” Tana asked, missing out on the conversation.

Aunt Tana dashed inside worried but there was Ruth looking hale and sound. “I was told you were sick but you really don't look like one.” She said lightly as she examined her by placing the dorsum of her hands on various parts of her skin.

Ruth immediately heaved a sly smile and rthen rised a bit to whisper into Aunt Tana's ear “I’m not sick. Am just pretending. This is Redmond's idea.”

“Pretending?...” She raised her eyebrows and then, a warm smile gently crept into her face. “That son of a bitch is really a god-damned package.”