As the devil’s broth, Hoffers’ anger boiled so greatly that he transferred the aggression on anyone that came in sight. He couldn’t believe that I kept his appointment till fortnight just as Mira had stated.
Right in his office, his gaze came on the calendar as he counted days to the president’s birthday. To him twp million dollars was too big an amount to lose.
“Why is Mike Don treating me as some piece of shit? Uh-oh, what wrong did I do that the world richest man looks down on me and nags at the sight of Hoffers Greenfield, uh?” his gaze came upon the TV at once and he saw in news as he genuflected and bowed to me.
“Oh-uh! Jupiter’s brain!” he exclaimed and pointed at the TV, “Take a look at that! What is wrong with the media? Why would they capture that scene? Oh lord!” he stroked his hair confusedly, gulped his rum and slammed the cup on the table as he read the caption on the TV:
Hoffers Bows To His Master.
He snarled as his shoulders lowered in grievance. Promptly his face flushed with redness and he never realized his hands were trembling. “What nonsense caption did they give it, huh? That small boy may be richer than me but he is not my master! He can never be! I still remain Hoffers Greenfield and no one can contest it!” he barked and struggled with his breath, “Mike Don, hmmm what is so special about this strange mogul? How can he be so influential and rich that Mr. President allows him to take decisions on his behalf?”
He raised his gaze at the ceiling and was swallowed in thought, “And by the way where has this rich kid been all this while that I never heard of him…”
In the heat of his thought, the creaking of his door interrupted him and he turned around o see his delivery boy prance into his office with a newspaper handy.
Hoffers narrowed his gaze at the young delivery boy, wondering what he was up to with that newspaper. “To what do I owe this visit, delivery boy? I can’t remember inviting your ass over.” His quarrelsome voice banged in the office.
“Greetings boss and I sincerely apologized for barging in.” The delivery boy sounded and bowed, “With me is today’s newspaper which has the caption, Hoffers Bows To His Master…”
“Hey! Hey!” Hoffers interjected him, “is that the reason you barged in on me and interrupted my peace. Huh? Are you so daft that you can’t discern when your boss is observing a quiet time, huh! You dope!” he snarled and started advancing towards the delivery boy . Once he got to his side, he grabbed his ears and squeezed it, leaving the delivery boy writhing in pain.
“Oh, boss it hurt! Uh-oh please!” the boy wailed struggling to escape his grip. “Apologies boss, please!”
“Now . You listen and listen good. You know who I am. Mike Don is not my master and can never be. That very scene never happened.”
“Uh-oh boss please let go of my ears. It hurt!” the delivery boy wailed and frowned, “I only came to confirm if the image was doctored or it actually happened. Apologies, boss. It is all my fault. I shouldn’t have come to you!”
“I don’t know what is wrong with delivery boys of nowadays. Not only are they poverty-stricken but they are silly. For instance Brian Patrick, my former delivery boy , that was how he came demanding that he and his foster father pass the night in my garage, and then a salary advance . He is as foolish as you!” he cursed through clenched teeth, with his hands still squeezing the boy’s ears, “I won’t be surprised the day you demand to pass the night in my bedroom with my wife.” He finally let go of his ears.
And the delivery boy scuttled to the edge of the wall and writhed in pain amidst tears.
He shut his eyes, “Now my eyes are shut, I don’t want to see your poverty-stricken self by the time I open it!” he ordered and opened it promptly.
His door banged the delivery boy had gone!
He swirled around and caught sight of the news still trending on TV and he switched off the TV, groaned under his breath. “Mike Don, look what you have turned me to?” he sniffed and stroked his hair in fury, “How do I appear in public now? This is the most embarrassing moment of my life…”
His eyes reddened as an idea hit him in the head and he clicked his fingers, phoned his aide and security to get his convoy ready.
Hoffers’ convoy sped into the ministry and he hastily alighted and made head way into the minister’s office. Luckily enough he bumped into him at the corridor.
“Good day, minister!” he greeted impatiently and pushed out his hands to have a handshake.
“Hoffers Greenfield!” the minister called, forced a smile and then let a distressed brow on his face, “To what do I owe this impromptu visit. I can’t recall fixing an appointment with you. As you can see I am on my way to meet with Mr. President.”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Hoffers interjected, “I guess I came right on time, please, I am here as regards to the cooking contract. In fact he awarded that contract to me, but all of a sudden, the world richest man declined it and awarded it to Charity Intercontinental.” He molded his arms, “Please minister, I have come to solicit for your influence. I need you to work things out in my favor, convince Mr. President to decline Mike’s decision. Please I must not lose that contract. Two million dollars is at stake here…”
“Hoffers greenfield!” the minister called emphatically, “I don’t want to get involved with issues bordering on the world richest man. That dude is so rich and powerful that he owns the world now. Mr. President I know, would never do your bidding because he is planning to take a huge loan from the world richest man and he wouldn’t want to ruin the relationship.” He snorted and added, “I am sorry to disappoint you.” he started walking away.
Hoffers pounded behind him, “Hold minister. Is the world richest man more powerful than Mr. President now?”
“That was the same question I asked until he became five hundred trillion dollars richer. His money is longer than long life now. I don’t want to get into his troubles. Good day Greenfield!” he sounded before entering the elevator…