Chapter 64 064

Chapter 64 064
UNCLE GREG

The blue card.

I recognize it from somewhere.

“Oh yeah, I remember…it was held by one of those lawyers who came to see I and my brother some days back about this goddamn debate!!”

I picked up the card almost immediately before Ray realizes…

“I thought you were going outside, Greg?” Ray suddenly raised his heads up.

“Oh yes, I am…I just wanted to see if I forgot anything,” I said, to quickly cover up.

I hurriedly went outside and sat by the pavement just right outside.

“This is quite strange. Why would he forget his card in my papers?” I said as I kept staring at the card.

It had to be for a reason. I kept looking around to know if anyone was looking most especially Ray.

He could step out anytime just to annoy me like always and make me realize how brilliant he is.

It was a torture…even though not physical. It was something I always wanted to avoid.

But this blue card…….

Something keeps pricking me to call the number on it. “I mean, why would he leave the card if it wasn't for me to call him??!” I pondered.

Who knows? Maybe I could get a hint from him about how this will all go down.

Or perhaps how I could dodge the whole weight of the debate and the need to show up there.

I thought round and round and ended up dialing the number displayed at the back of the card.

“Hello, Mr Lawrence, am I right?” I said over the phone.

“It's Dr. Lawrence. Put some respect on my name, young man,” he responded with a rather harsh tone.

Whatever. I mumbled.

“What's your name and how can I help you?” He asked.

At first, the question was quite surprising. I mean, you should know I was going to call you. You are the one who placed your card in between my papers.

But then, I forgot it's only a card…so many people could have their hands on it one way or the other from him.

“Oh come on, Dr. Lawrence. I thought you would recognize the voice. It's I, Greg…Greg Gold,” I answered confidently whilst secretly making sure Ray isn't anywhere close by.

“Oh, Greg…wow…how wonderful to have your call. Is there something you need?” He asked with a sudden change in tone.

I smiled…..Ooh, the audacity and honor money gives, is something worth beholding.

Just a mention of my father's name and the man suddenly forgot he was just correcting me on his some seconds ago.

Interesting and at the same time, powerful!

“Please whatever it is, I'm quite surprised to see your call but how did you get this business line?”

“Can I just redirect you to my personal number instead?” He added.

He just wouldn't stop. He kept talking even without waiting to listen. The respect and accord was just too much.

“Uhm…I actually thought you wanted this call cause I saw your card in my papers for the debate,” I said.

“Oh, that must have be been a mistake. Sorry about that, Mr. Greg Gold. Is there anything else I can help you with?” He asked further.

Hmmm…..

I could just let him know. After all, I wasn't even preparing for the bullshit speech. It’s better to be wise about it now that I have the chance.

“Erm, I could ask for anything right? Anything I want??” I said.

“Of course, Mr. Greg, as long as it is something I could do, Sir….”

I checked around once again. 

“I ain't up for the shit happening tomorrow. It’s not something I can do. The whole thing on those papers is not just for me and I don't think I can do it so I need your help..” I explained.

“Hmm…my help…but I can't debate for you, Mr. Greg. That would automatically disqualify you and your brother wins,” he replied.

“There they go again…is there even a prize to win in the first place? I mean, is this talk of some chest box real?” I blurted.

“Oooh…don't play with it, Mr. Greg. Your father was damn serious when he put this in writing. I don't know what the content is but I know it's worth more than anything. If I had the chance, I would have loved to contest as well!” 

“Then help me with something at least….”

“If I win, you win and I'm  sure you know what I mean by that already,” I answered.

“Do you know what a ballpoint is?” He suddenly asked.

“Uhmmm…a pen and also what is written on top of the paper..” I answered.

“Exactly…that is your clue right there, dwell on it,” he said.

Ah, damn! This is the part where I proudly call myself a dullard.

“Mr. Lawrence….I ain't ready to do any research or reading for this thing tomorrow. Can you just help me through?”

“I have an idea…..”

“We communicate through earphone…just tell everything I need to know and help me win this. Ray must not have that chestbox…” I uttered.

“And?” He interrupted.

“And you get paid a quarter of whatever is in the chestbox,” I replied.

“Half or no deal. Its a difficult task you have given me, Mr.Greg,” he responded in a haste.

“Whatever, deal..means I don't have to look at this thing again,” I squeezed the paper and disconnected the call.

The next day came and yeah, I got fucking prepared with my EarPods on, all connected to Dr. Lawrence through the call.

We got into the building, a mini hall with a small stage and there was a 20 man panel right in front of us…few minutes later, few others got in and sat behind the panel..

They looked like regular people.

“We would like to hear from you first, Mr. Greg,” the only aged lady in the panel pointed at me.

“Uhn, Me??? Could my brother go first?” I uttered.

She shook her head in disagreement. “No, Sir. According to what I have here, you, Mr. Greg is to speak first. Your time is already ticking,” she voiced out through the microphone in front of her.

Oopsy….

Voice cracked. Sealed lips.

Earnestly waiting for a voice in my ears to proceed.