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

Chapter 7(The Phone Call)

Ruth's eyes were occluded with tears by the time they were out of the family mansion.

  “Am sorry Red, I can't believe my family will treat you this way.” She cried out, bracing herself on his arm.

  “You're not to be blamed, dear. You better stop crying lest I join you.” Redmond pleaded, rubbing his palm soothingly on hers. 

  Redmond's playful threat was enough to ease her emotional laden state as she gradually stopped. She wiped the tears off her face before starting again, “But…getting a deal from the Zinont is like having a life sentence. It is just literally impossible for you.” She commented, uncertainty and worries etched in her voice and eyes.

  “That doesn't mean I shouldn't try, besides you said it yourself, it is literally impossible but not impossible. Hopefully…”

  “I will go myself.” Ruth's eyes lit up immediately like she had seen some way out from their problem. 

  “I still bear the Teleimans name and have a quite reasonable knowledge about architecture and sealing a deal. It is safe to say that I stand a better chance than you.” She suggested, glimpse of hope could be seen unfolding in her eyes.

  Ruth must have analyzed the situation to sprang up with the idea to go herself. She knew that the Teleimans name, a second rate family in Denor city, will at the very least ensure that she gets an audience with a staff in the Group.

  She also deemed herself more worthy of a try due to her good knowledge of architecture and business. Her resume puts her in a better position when compared to Redmond who is literally a nobody with little or no knowledge about architecture or business.

  Redmond raised his head to look at her face, “But…”

  “Shhh” she places her hand on his lips, “Allow me to help us, please.” She pleaded, giving Redmond no reason to disagree.

  “I will only agree if only you allow me to accompany you.” 

  She smiled warmly and nodded, “Can’t stay a minute without me, huh?” 

  “Don't flatter yourself.” They playfully walked their way down to Tana’s apartment where both have to go their separate ways.

  Ruth was instructed to stay within the family’s corridor until Redmond fulfilled his own part of the bargain. From where he stood, Redmond could see the spying glaring eyes of Aunt Tana from the window.

  Redmond reached for his phone and dialed a number which connected, “Send me everything I should know about the Zinont Group.” He ordered.

  “Ok sir.” The voice on the other end of the call replied.

  Redmond stopped a cab on his way to Zinont Group headquarters. It was getting late already but he remained adamant. He was head bent on meeting the head of the Zinont Group himself.

  Twenty five minutes later, he was in front of Zinont Group headquarters.

  The usually busy magnificent building appeared deserted. Regardless, he sauntered into the Zinont Group headquarters.

  He rushed to the elevator and pressed the button for the sixteenth floor.

  Ding! 

  He was alerted that he was already at the apex of the floor. On entering the big room, the receptionist was quick to spot him. Having made sure that Mr Paulson had cleared his schedule earlier, she was surprised to see an average dressed man. He donned a plain pant and a corporate shirt while his hands were bare of any Jewelry or watch

  That was a red flag to the receptionist as it differed from the regular affluent looking men and women on their expensive jewelry and watches.

  “Excuse me mister, mister!” She called out, stopping Redmond in his tracks.

  Redmond turned to face the young receptionist, “No, Not at all but…”

  “That's enough. It is clearly written all over your face that you can't have a meeting with Mr Paulson.” She hushed him, not giving him a chance to explain himself.

  “I will advise you to leave, lest the security will do you the favour.” She threatened 

  “Staying behind won’t change anything. Mister Paulson won't give you listening ears even if you manage to see him. A call will get the security and I promise they won't be nice.” She added seeing that her threat didn't move the strange man.

  Redmond was disappointed by the Receptionist’s rude attitude towards him. Not ready to argue further, Redmond dipped his hand inside his pants pocket and brought out his phone. 

  He immediately dialed a number and in split seconds, the receiver picked and Redmond said, “Buy up forty percent of Zinont shares…” he took a glance at the receptionist and his face darkened the more, “In fact, scratch it off and make it eighty. I want it done in the next few minutes.” 

  By the time Redmond was done with the call, the receptionist was trembling and the reason for that had eluded her. Seeing an ordinary man make such a call could easily be dismissed as bluff but there was something unique about Redmond that kept her on her toes.

  Scared of what would be her fate if the ordinary man’s threat were legit, she dialed the receiver, calling her boss. “Forgive me sir for disturbing you but do you happen to have any appointment with anyone by this time.”

  “Appointment? I have none” Mr Paulson replied grudgingly.

  “Sir, there is a man here claiming to have a meeting with you. I have denied him his request repeatedly but…”

  “But what!?” He barked furiously, clearly impatient and agitated.

  “He just made a call to someone instructing him to buy up eighty percent of the company shares.”

  Hahaha!

  “Can you listen to yourself? Can't believe I have to pay you thousands of dollars every month for this. 

  Buy up the company shares indeed. Isn't that a joke of the decade, not even the Seven Keys can do that.

  Engage the security personnels and let them take it from there.” He slammed the receiver and continued to attend to his unattended business.

  Before could move a muscle, his phone rang and the name, “Mister Summer” emerged.

  He picked immediately, his voice calm, well collected and submissive. “Mr Sum…”

  “What have you done Mr. Paulson?” The voice from the other end asked, sprinkling layers of confusion on Mr. Paulson’s face.

  “Am quite lost here Mr. Summer.”

  “Yeah, you should be because that's the only explanation for this. Eighty percent of the Zinont Group headquarters is now purchased by a powerful and wealthy personality.”

  In split seconds, Paulson’s face contorted into a petrified one. His pupil dilated as his body temperature dropped drastically while beads of hot sweat formed on his forehead.

  “Bu…but..t” he stammered fervently, unable to make a complete sentence. It was at that point that he remembered the call that he just had with the receptionist.

  “Hel..p M.e Mr. Summ.er!” He pleaded solemnly. If anyone will be capable of salvaging the situation it would be Mr.Summer. Mr. Summer, a wealthy and powerful man, respected by all including the Seven Keys. He will be able to put one or two strings to save him.

  “Am sorry old friend but you're in this alone. The man in question isn't someone anyone in Denor city including me will want to be in his bad book

  Talking to you now is endangering myself. Good luck friend.” 

  “Wait…Mr. Summer! Mr. Summer!” Mr. Paulson barked as he hung the call on him.

  Mr Paulson was sweating profusely, his heart beat could be heard pounding vigorously as he pants for air. Without hesitation he rushed out from the office, praying earnestly that the security personnels hadn't taken action.

  Out from his office to the hallway, he saw a decently dressed man in between some aggressive looking officers. 

  Immediately he ran as fast as his feet could carry him and fell on his feet, his face on his feet while he begged passionately leaving everyone including the receptionist stunned.

  Redmond didn't need anyone to tell him that his order had been executed. With a cold smile, he said, “Finally we meet Mr. Paulson. For a moment I thought seeing you was an impossible venture but clearly it doesn't seem so now.”

  “Forgive me my Lord, you must forgive me” He pleaded, grabbing his feet like his life depended on it.

  They pleas were able to pacify Redmond. Paulson escorted to his office where he treated him like a king. 

  “What will I do my Lord to change my fate?” He asked in an obsequious manner. He was ready to do anything to save himself. 

  “My wife, Ruth Teleimans will be here tomorrow. I want her to leave here with the official confirmation of the partnership deal.” 

  Mr. Paulson swallowed hard as his eyeballs darted to and fro. He nodded subconsciously. He knew that in normal circumstances, the Teleimans won't be able to even dine on his table.

  “Is that yes Mr. Paulson?”

  “Yes sir. Remember, Ruth Teleimans. Your fate is now in your hands.” He said and stood to leave when Mr Paulson called out with a great tone of humility, “If you wish My Lord, who are you?”

  A cold smile creased Redmond's face as his eyes held him in place. “It is not important now but Just know that I am someone capable of bringing you to your doom with just a phone call.” He said and left Mr. Paulson bewildered and dazed.