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

Chapter 23(The Jeffersons)

He withdrew his sturdy build and then squatted a bit, “Am sorry, you there” he apologized while he caressed what seemed like a bump. Ruth was already three months in but yet, she looked just like a virgin.

“How is work, my dear?” Redmond leaped up with a smile.

“Work is tough for me and baby” she admitted with a sad grin while holding her bump.

“But we get it under control as far as daddy is here for us.” She said and collapsed to the sofa.

“Have dinner already made for you… and the little one”

“Oh my dear Red, what would I have done without you?” She confessed, her eyes blazing with admiration. She stared at her belly and said, “What do you think little one? Isn't daddy fabulous?” She giggled profusely.

She jerked her head towards Redmond like she just remembered something, “Speaking about dinner, I would be going for the Jefferson’s dinner night tomorrow.”

Redmond leaned forward with a slight frown, “Is everything alright? Why is it so sudden?”

“Yeah, it is alright, at least for now. Well, tomorrow, the Jefferson family will publicly announce the three families that will collaborate with them in their next big architectural adventure. That's lots of money and power, Red. This is the massive lift that this family needs. I hope we get it.”

“Hmmm” Redmond grunts, his face still squeezed a bit, “How stiff is the competition?”

“Quite stiff my love but we will surely put up a good fight.”

Redmond exhaled softly and then extended his hands towards hers, “Do you want me to accompany you?” He raised his burnished dark eyebrows.

A heartily smile creased Ruth's face. She then crossed her left hand and cupped his hand, an exhibition of deep affection. “You're my greatest cheerleader and I am forever  lucky to have you. But I won't bother you with this. I will be going with my secretary and Mr Chadwick.”

“Chadwick? Why did the name sound very familiar?” Redmond thought to himself but didn't bother to probe more. 

“Alright then, let me get you your food ready.” He said and left for the kitchen.

Just then, his phone rang. He pressed the receiving interface on the screen and it connected immediately.

“My Lord?” A submissive voice echoed from the other end of the call. 

“You must have a death wish to call me at such an odd hour?” Redmond replied gruffly. Redmond had warned everyone against calling him at a certain time that it was obvious that Ruth would be around.

“Forgive me General but you must hear this.” 

There was silence for a moment

“Go ahead Mr Roosevelt”

“It happens my Lord that a particular family has this particular herb that you have been looking for years.”

“Which family?” Redmond interrupted. His blue eyes sparkled and eyebrows raised.

“The Jefferson family, my Lord.”

“What a coincidence” he thought to himself.

“What will it cost, Mr Roosevelt?”

“The Jeffersons are very wealthy, no amount will interest them but I know something that they will die for to get. 

In recent weeks, the Jeffersons have been victims of three premeditated attacks by unknown culprits. 

Their security system is porous and are desperately in search of a knight in shining armour that will aid in discovering the enemy or enemies as it may be. But, most importantly, the knight must be capable of protecting their beautiful daughter and heir to their empire.”

Silence brewed in by the time Roosevelt was done talking. Redmond was thinking and Roosevelt, though absent, knew this and wouldn't disturb such a process for his Lord.

Redmond stood and peeped from the kitchen door towards his dear wife who was resting and probably waiting for the said dinner.

“How can you make this work Mr. Roosevelt giving my nobody facade?” Redmond knew that no one would dare hire him unless the person truly knows him. He wanted to maintain a low profile and that's what he has done so far. 

If the Jeffersons knew who he was, they would be begging earnestly to have him, even if it is for an hour but that was the price he had to pay for the path that he had chosen.

“I will take care of that My Lord, my word is worth more than gold.” 

With that, the call ended.

The day went very fast, the next, more faster. The day was gradually fading into night. Redmond sat on top of his favorite spot, his bee farm fence. 

He just bid Ruth goodbye a few minutes ago. She was already out for the Jeffersons dinner party. 

He was still yet to hear from Roosevelt but he didn't bother much. Roosevelt wasn't a bungler. He has known him for long to know that he will surely deliver.

“Where is he? Where is that clumsy fool that calls himself, Redmond!” A nagging voice stormed his quiet moment. He sighed, he didn't need to be a clairvoyant to know that it was Aunt Tana. Her mouth can never go dry.

“Where is he?” she strode ferociously towards him, raining abuses as she approached. “You are really something else. You’re just a bloke, an incompetent one at that.” She sneered, her veins all sprang out.

“Look at you sitting there doing God knows what, why your duly mates are busy making money, tons of them!”

“What have I done to deserve all this?” Redmond said slowly, pretending to care.

She chuckled dryly, her eyes ruddy as she continued, “Where is the food? There is no food in the fucking house! All the pots are empty. But all you do is sit, stare, eat and suck my daughter dry. You're a blood sucking parasite…”

Still whining, Redmond noticed a convoy of Bentley roll in. Redmond was only able to see it because he was sitting on top of the fence. “Alright yeah, excuse me a bit.” He said and jumped down the fence before striding towards the direction of the cars.

Aunt Tana wasn't giving up hence Redmond's gesture of excusing himself was not enough to shut her up. She rather followed him, cursing him at each step he made. 

She stopped dead, fear flooded her by the time she finally got hold of the fine array of cars in front of their home, coupled with six footed men in fine black suits.

By the side of the lead car, one of the men opened the door behind and a beautiful classy lady stepped out. In a flash, an umbrella was over her, courtesy of one of the men.

She was beautiful and elegant. Fair, round face, eyes masked with shady goggles. Good hips and voluptuous figure that hung tightly on the red dress. 

She walked gracefully towards Redmond, a gait that will swoon any man. Redmond stood still with a relaxed deposition. Aunt Tana on the other hand was far behind, ready to put up a good run if the need arrives.

“Are you Mr Red?” She asked on halting before him.