28

Eric heaved a sigh before he stepped into the company. His daughter had been well taken care of at Sky Care hospital and she was comfortable but he found it really hard to go to sleep. His thoughts and worry kept him awake all night and all he could do was hope his little girl would come out of all this strong.

“Good morning, Mr. Wood.” It was Thomas Sterling and his voice had cut through Eric’s thought and he turned and smiled.

He needed to be composed and focused to play his role and play it very well.

“And good morning to you too Mr. Sterling,” he said.

“Why aren’t you going in yet? Everything is set and everyone is waiting for you inside.” Mr. Sterling gestured towards the meeting room.

Eric was not supposed, according to the plan, go in without the company of Mr. Price. He’s a long time friend to the Wane family and Mr. Ryan Wane had carefully chosen him among some others. He was meant to have arrived but there had been a little delay in his flight, hence the lateness.

“Is that so? Shall we then.” he said and waited until Mr. Sterling went in before taking a step himself all the while wishing Mr. Price would make it there in due time.

“Good morning Mr. Eric.” All the voices in the room greeted and he gave them a nod before responding.

“A fine morning to you all. I called this impromptu meeting today because some personal issues require me to be away for sometime and I hope I can return back to you all as soon as possible. Whatever papers that need my signature should be brought to me in my office immediately after the meeting.” He said and talked for a little more before signifying the end of the meeting and that the floor was open to take questions.

It was Morris Huggo who spoke first, “Could that personal issue be a sick relative? We all get that don’t we?” he asked, trying to sound as polite as possible.

Eric panicked for a fraction of a second and had to remind himself that he was the boss here, even though Morris was getting dangerously close to the truth. His face took on a stern look and he turned fully facing Morris.

“Like I earlier said, it was a personal issue, that I can’t divulge to anyone here. But thanking God for small mercies, no family member is sick. So does that answer your question Mr. Morris?” he looked right at Morris for sometime before turning away and continuing “…Right who else has a question? Kindly go on, I’d have to step out real soon.” he looked at his watch for time and hoped Mr. Price had arrived the company at this time.

“Now that you are going to be away and Miss Lana Wane isn’t around, who is going to take your place to oversee company matters?” A lady’s voice asked him. Right from when the meeting had just started, he had prepared himself for this question.

“What is the meaning of that question, Mrs. Ellen? I should think that ought to be pretty obvious considering my standing in this company. It’s me of course.” Thomas Sterling cut in before Eric even had the chance to answer.

“Yes indeed, Mr. Sterling here would be the right man to take my place but he in fact wouldn’t be doing that. One Mr. Price is going to be representing me for the time being. I have worked with him for a very long time and I trust his judgment. No offense Mr. Sterling.” Eric said and smiled curtly.

A murmur arose in the room.

“Not Mr. Sterling?”

“I know right? One would think he’d be the best fit for the job.”

“Mr. Price? Never heard of him.”

“A different person walks into this company almost everyday and it’s always people no one has heard of.”

“Mr. Sterling really wouldn’t let go of this.”

“So what now?”

Just then the doors opened and a tall agile man, dressed smartly in an obviously but not glaringly expensive suit and a three thousand dollars haircut walked in all smiles and waving at everyone.

“Thank you all for waiting for me, I had a slight delay in my flight. My name is Bill Price and I hope we all get along.” he introduced.

“Everyone applauded and welcomed him, some wholeheartedly and some grudgingly.

“The same Mr. Price of HOG(Hand of God) companies!”

“I feel so honored to meet such an important man.”

“I am a fan, and all movies produced by him have been hits, so successful.”

“I heard he’s got companies all around.”

“Yes, and great connections too. To think such a man would come into our company.”

It was Eric who spoke next. “You all seemed to have welcomed him, I do hope you get along.” he said.

Thomas Sterling spoke next, “ You are highly welcomed Mr. Price, we’d be happy to work with you and it would be a pleasure of mine and I’d be honored if you’d allow me to show you around the company and our various departments.”

He was quite angry by the choice but he had heard of Mr. Price and being very ambitious, he planned to ride on his coattails up the ladder and if possible use him to effect the release of his son, Jaxon who was still in the grips of the ESU.

“I’m glad to hear that Mr…?” Mr. Price asked.

“Pardon my manners. Thomas, Thomas Sterling.” he replied, stepping out of his seat to take Mr. Price’s hand.

Alisha who had been quiet all this time, stunned and lost in thought, got up and introduced herself with a handshake.

“I’m Alisha Carl, the manager at Emerald Multisource Corporation.”

“A fine young lady, and an intelligent one too.” Mr Price said and bestowed a smile.

A little more briefing was done with some work and then some effecting of plans between just Mr. Eric and Mr. Price.

After the whole ordeal, Eric stepped out of the company and into the car waiting for him and drove off.

Meanwhile, in an upstairs window, Morris Huggo watched him leave and then picked up his phone to make a call.