Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Eight

Turner! Maxwell exclaimed. Hello Max, Turner greeted him coldly.

Why are you here? Maxwell asked. Stupid question. I have been following you for months now. He said to him,

You knew I was with her? No, I hadn’t expected her but we make do with what we have.

She trusted you and you are colliding with her enemy.

Point of correction Max, he wasn’t her enemy but she was cut in the crossfire for you. Aren’t you selfish enough to still keep her with you after all your bad doings?

I never believed it was you all this while Max. Turner said I searched for years on who murdered my brother, but you? Turner sized him up and down.

You did a terrible thing doing that to me.

Your brother? Maxwell wondered loudly, I thought you were a genius, can't remember the little escapade you did years ago at the bar?

I didn’t…. Maxwell was about to say something but Turner cut him off codly.

I will strip you of everything Maxwell Harold just like you did to me, he said then turned away before Maxwell could say anything.

Xavier smiled at the encounter after Turner left.

What a good way to meet your people, Xavier clasped his hands together.

You fed him your lies and have his back turned against me.

What can I say? The pieces of evidence sound so convincing that he couldn’t refute it.

I thought the boy was the governor’s only son. Maxwell asked bewildered.

Oh! Maxwell, Xavier tutted mimicking Max’s earlier gesture.

Turner was the faceless son of the family. You know the one person who does all the dealings underneath so the surface looks smooth.

Why did you think Ama kidnapped him in the first place?

To take him out, Maxwell concluded, making Xavier smile.

See, I always knew you were brilliant. But your bitch of a woman got him out and now, she’s hindering me.

I will settle the scores with her slowly right after I sell her to the brothel.

She is a fine sample, don’t you think and that sister of hers. She will make do in my bed. For the trouble, he then turns to leave.

****

Cassie went to search for Thompson and Maxwell after Turner joined her at the podium only to hear the last words Xavier spoke to Maxwell.

Are you alright? She asked him in a worried tone.

I am fine, he said let’s go look for your sister, he said shakily.

And Thompson too and as if on cue Thompson appeared from the restroom.

Someone locked me in, he said in a way of explanation. Turner, Maxwell thought.

He needs to make Fiona stay away from him.

The faceless son of the governor was said to be a ruthless cold-blooded person. More ruthless than Xavier or he.

I will go look for your sister. You two can go ahead, he said.

I don’t want them to call us and none of us will be there to give the children some accolades.

Turner is there waiting for us, she said.

At the mention of Turner, Maxwell felt like he just hated something distasteful but he kept quiet.

I see, he said not so enthusiastically.

Then you should go stay with him Tom, we will be back soon.

When they got to Fiona they saw her sitting on the slab underneath the viewer shaking.

Maxwell bent to talk to her, I didn't think she would be able to shake me again, not this much I think.

She used the kids to threaten me and Cassie too, she spoke.

So did Xavier, he said softly.

Deciding against not telling her about Turner, he rubbed her back lightly.

Let’s focus on the competition, it is coming to an end already, Maxwell assured her.

Right! I will listen to you, she said softly.

About my encounter with her please don’t tell Turner, I don’t want him traumatized.

I think he knew about it, Maxwell muttered under his breath making Fiona look at him in confusion.

I will be sure not to let him know, he said with a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

I am so sorry, he drew her to him. It’s okay, she muttered. It’s my choice.

I am fine now, she said to them. You can go back up and help them there. I am no damsel and you too stop worrying and go cheer on your man or I will be having an earful if you are not there.

Cassie hugged her sister and left with Max.