The Coup 9
“Good morning, International Vice Chairman.” He greeted with a mild smile. As a matter of respect, Ken stood up and greeted, “Good morning, your Excellency. Welcome to the Cherry Fields.” “Thank you.” After the handshake, Ken offered, “Kindly take your seat.”
Now, Dr. Nkosi was thrilled with the level of respect that he got from the organization which he offended. Besides, he was unable to say why Ken still addressed him as 'Your Excellency'. “Thank you once again” he appreciated and took his seat. Subsequently, Ken went straight to the point. “Your Excellency, I don't wish to take your time. Permit me to ask, why did you refuse to speak with my colleagues and insisted on seeing me?”
Now, Dr. Nkosi was certain that he was actually speaking with a highly placed member of the organization, and he spoke, “Thank you for this honor, IVC. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.” He paused and looked at Ahmed and Barnabas and said, “I hope you don't take offense with my refusal to speak with you?” “Not at all. You are entitled to choose whom to speak with” Ahmed remarked. “Thank you.” Then, he faced Ken and continued. “I chose to speak with you because I wish to be certain that I am speaking with the right person.” Now, the team realized that he was cautious in his dealing and chuckled. Then, he continued, “I wish you would believe me if I deny having any intention to harm the Young CEO or kill him. Furthermore, the syndicates are on the wanted list of the unscrupulous elements that my government had wished to fish out and eliminate. I must admit that your organization did a good job by capturing the criminals that have evaded my security agents.”
After his explanation, there was silence in the office. Dora and Drake, who were working with their system, had stopped and paid attention to the doctor. Then, Ken spoke. “Thank you for your explanation, your Excellency, if I may ask, why did you not bother to make a speech about this and clear the air?” “Well, it was a case of clear conscience, and I was not afraid of the accusation. I was not in a rush to make a public speech without having a word with the offended. I tried to reach the organization through the Ambassador, but we were yet to meet. And now, the coup.”
After his pathetic and straightforward explanation, Ken was moved to sympathy. He recalled how the General Manager and some staff members ganged up against him when he spoke against their reckless expenditure of the company fund. Nevertheless, he shook his head and said, “I see. We waited for your clarification, but when none came, we resolved to hear from you. Now that we have your perspective, we are cool.” “Thank you for your understanding” Dr. Nkosi appreciated. “You are welcome, and thank you for your time.”
At that level, Dr. Nkosi had lifted the burden of shame off his shoulders. Although, he may not have the intelligent and unassuming Young CEO as an in-law, but he was better off. Now, Ken got off the swivel chair and the team stood up too. Dr. Nkosi stood up as and was thrilled to know that it was over, and they never bothered to interrogate him further. They left the office and the IVC walked him to the first floor and chatted happily with him in the vestibule while they waited for the pilot. Then, Barnabas whispered to the IVC. “I think a group photograph would be appropriate.” Then, Ken inquired from the doctor and he gladly gave his consent. After the photos, the three got into the helicopter and returned to the Government House. While Ken returned to his office.
At the Government House.
After they left with the supposed former Head of the Government, the General was troubled. It had never been heard that a victim of a coup was taken away unshackled and without an escort. He considered it a weakness on his part. While he was meditating on that, his Special Assistant on Media matters called his attention to the posts on the internet, and it contributed to his worries.
“How news fly.” “Yes General. I wish there could be a counter post. It is embarrassing that he left the Government House.” “You are right. Get the local television station to report that our soldiers took him to the company for clarifications.” “I got it, General.”
Before the SA could step out of the office, the helicopter flew into the Government House, and they were confused. Meanwhile, their arrival saved the General a lot of embarrassment because the false report would have contradicted what the Cherry Fields would report and dented his administration.
“We are back, General.” Ahmed announced to Gen. McPherson and his men, who were attracted by the helicopter and walked out. “Welcome back. You promised, and I have no doubt that you will.”
Now, Dr. Nkosi alighted from the helicopter with the same mien that he left with, and the General was confused. “Thank you for releasing him, I will be on my way” Ahmed announced.
Without waiting for a reply, he joined Barnabas, who was busy writing his story, and the pilot took off. Meanwhile, the team, who expected to see a frustrated ex Head of Government alight from the helicopter, wished to know what transpired between him and the organization, but he may not divulge. In their stupefaction, he walked back to his house meekly on the outside but excited in the inside. Now, his wife and daughter were glad to see him. Meanwhile, Diana, who wished to see what the organization was up to, asked, “How did it go?” “It went well. The International Vice Chairman is an understanding man. I gave him my perspective, and he was cool with it.” “Just like that?” Diana asked excitedly. “Yes. It was a great relief that I have cleared my name before the people who matter in this issue. Any other person can think otherwise” Dr. Nkosi emphasized. “I got it, my dear. What about Gen. McPherson, did you let him know that you are vindicated?” “I'm not his SA Media. He should find out for himself,” he declared with finality.
After a few seconds, Madeline asked, “Dad, now that you have been vindicated, when can I meet the Young CEO?” At that point, her parents were quite certain that it would not be feasible, but put it mildly to her. “My dear, let's watch and see the turn out of things. Besides, what will be, will be.” The disappointed Madeline walked into her room without a word.