by Len du Randt
‘Like, my dear Natasha, is an understatement,’ he said and leaned forward to kiss her.
Natasha pulled back. ‘Not so fast,’ she said with a sly grin. ‘You will have to earn your rewards.’
‘Anything,’ Jared said. ‘Just name it, and it’s as good as done.’
She smiled and traced her fingers over his lips. ‘There’s another fund raiser on Monday evening...’
‘I’m there,’ he said without a moment’s hesitation. ‘Say no more.’ He leaned over again to kiss her.
She shoved him back gently. ‘This is a very important function,’ she said. ‘The topic is of great importance.’
‘Done,’ he said. ‘Now kiss me.’
‘Promise that you’ll go.’
‘I promise.’
She smiled and moved closer to him. For a moment she looked into his eyes without saying anything. He then brought his face down and kissed her.
Shaun looked at them for a brief moment. They didn’t hear him enter the office. He shook his head and then slowly retraced his steps and closed the door behind him. Not good, he thought. Definitely not good.
* - - - *
Amy was on her way out when the phone rang. She bit her lip. Friday afternoon traffic was always bad, even for a town the size of Kelwick. If it was a client that wanted to enquire about a customer order, or needed to place one, the conversation could go on for longer than she was prepared to stay.
The phone rang.
It might be Jared, she thought to herself. She sighed and picked up the phone. ‘Kelwick Christian Media, good day.’
‘Amy?’
‘Yes...?’
‘Hey. It’s Shaun.’
Amy breathed out a sigh of relief. ‘Oh hi, Shaun. How are you?’
‘I guess I’m okay,’ he said. ‘And you?’
She smiled faintly. ‘I guess I’m okay, too.’
‘Haven’t seen you in a while,’ he said, trying to establish some sort of common ground before getting to the point. ‘You hardly visit anymore.’
‘Jared’s been busy the last couple of days. It’s been difficult to attend to any of our social responsibilities.’
Shaun was quiet for a moment. ‘About that,’ he said. ‘Jared is the reason I’m calling you.’
‘Is he...is everything okay?’
‘I don’t think so, no,’ Shaun answered truthfully. ‘Jared’s been behaving kind of strange these last two weeks. He’s virtually changed overnight. It’s as if he doesn’t care about the company anymore.’
Amy sat down. ‘So it’s not just my imagination?’
‘Afraid not, no,’ Shaun said. ‘It’s as if nothing matters anymore; as if the only thing he can find time for is that woman.’
That woman. Amy’s blood froze. ‘What woman?’
‘That new PA he’s gone and hired. She has an unnatural hold over him.’
Amy’s throat constricted and it felt like her lungs could only store half the air they normally did. She was aware of the flutter in her voice as she asked, ‘Why are you telling me this, Shaun?’
‘The Business, Amy,’ Shaun said. ‘I’m telling you this in the hope that the two of us can bring Jared back to his senses and save the company.’
‘What...what’s wrong with the company?’
‘To put it mildly,’ Shaun said. ‘Jared’s behaviour is upsetting our biggest client. If the client decides to no longer make use of our services, the company can and most probably will sink. Jared will lose everything he has. Everyone else would lose their jobs.’
‘This is terrible,’ Amy said. She did notice Jared’s strange behaviour, but assumed that it was only toward her that he had changed. ‘This woman,’ she said and swallowed hard. ‘Do you think he feels something for her?’
‘Yes,’ Shaun said bluntly. Under less dire circumstances he would have been more tactful with his answers, but he wanted her to realize how serious this was. ‘I hate to be the one to tell you this, I really do, Amy. But many people’s livelihoods are at stake here and someone needs to put an end to this.’
Amy’s stomach twisted into a knot. Was he about to tell her what she feared the most to hear? Did she want to hear it? She closed her eyes and waited for Shaun to continue.
‘Every time he opens his mouth to speak, it’s about her. He takes her everywhere he goes. Lisa was his PA too, and he didn’t speak to her unless it was business related or otherwise absolutely necessary. But this...this is different.’
Amy’s knuckles whitened. ‘Different? How?’
‘I walked into Jared’s office a few minutes ago. They didn’t see me, but I saw them.’
Amy let out a sob, but brought her emotions under control by clenching her teeth.
‘They were kissing, Amy,’ Shaun said. ‘I’m sorry to be the one that has to tell you this, but as a concerned friend, of both you and Jared, and for the survival of Whyte & Greene, I have to give it to you straight.’
She wanted to cry. Her soul wanted to tear itself loose from her body. But the tears wouldn’t come. ‘I...I’m glad you told me,’ she said softly. ‘I’ll speak to him.’
‘We have to get that woman out of his life,’ Shaun said. ‘If we don’t, well...’
‘Thank you,’ Amy said. She hung up the phone and looked at the clock on the wall. The time didn’t register in her mind. Her mind was reeling. Reality was spinning out of control. ‘Dear Lord,’ she prayed as the tears welled in her eyes. ‘Don’t let this happen to me.’ I can’t live without him. She didn’t care about the traffic anymore. She didn’t care about anything. If what Shaun had told her was true, the only man she ever loved had fallen for another woman. Amy swallowed hard, trying to fight back the sobs that were forcing their way from her throat. Her vision blurred and her eyes stung. A stabbing pain shot through her mind and her mouth pulled open wide enough for the first cry to escape. Amy couldn’t contain it any longer. She couldn’t keep the tears from streaming down her cheeks. Finally she cupped her face in her hands and wept.
* - - - *
Jared groaned as he slapped his briefcase on the living room table. He didn’t bother with the newspaper anymore. He stretched his arms behind his back as he began toward the kitchen. Halfway there, he stopped. Something was different; almost out of place. There was no smell to welcome him home, no frying onions or baked potatoes.
Nothing.
The kitchen light was off. Were they supposed to go out tonight? I hope not! Did he forget? Doubt it. Jared followed the dimmed light coming from the dining room. Amy sat at the empty table, her hands covering her face.
‘Hey,’ he said as he walked in. He leaned forward to kiss her, but she turned her head away from him and he merely managed a peck on the cheek. ‘What’s wrong?’
What’s wrong? Amy didn’t answer, but merely looked at him. Her anger conflicted with her love for the man. She didn’t know if she wanted to scream or cry, so she merely remained silent.
‘Amy,’ Jared said as he sat down next to her. ‘What’s the matter?’
She swallowed hard. ‘Where were you the other night, Jared?’ she asked. ‘Where did you go to after the function?’
Jared sighed. ‘I told you; I was at a friend’s place.’
She bit her lip. ‘Was Natasha with you?’
He flinched as if he had been struck by something solid. ‘Natasha was at the function with me, yes. But not afterwards.’
Amy’s jaw bones tightened. She loved Jared more than words could describe, but Shaun was right. The man hadn’t been himself lately. ‘I’m going back to my parents’ place for a while,’ she said. ‘Just until I can clear my head and you can straighten yourself out.’
‘What?’ Jared exploded. ‘What’s gotten into you, Amy? You knew from the beginning of our relationship that I have a lot of friends and that we sometimes hang out until the early morning hours. You knew that before you decided to accept me for who I am, and now you act like it’s a sin? What’s that all about?’
�
�And just who are you, Jared?’ she asked. ‘Because I don’t know anymore.’
‘What are you talking about? I’m the same Jared you always knew.’
Amy turned her head away. She didn’t want to see his initial facial expression when she asked, ‘Have you ever cheated on me?’
The question came from nowhere and threw him off guard. How much did she know? Just how far could he take this? ‘No,’ he answered. ‘I don’t see what that has to do with anything...’
‘Do you promise that you’ve never cheated on me? Ever?’
‘Amy, what on earth—?’
‘Do you promise, Jared?’
‘Alright, I promise. For crying out loud, I’ve never cheated on you.’
‘Not even once?’
‘Not even in my thoughts.’
She stared into his eyes for a long moment. ‘So you’re not only unfaithful, but a liar too.’
‘What?’
‘I know what happened this afternoon,’ she said. ‘I know what happened between you and Natasha when you thought that no one could see you.
Shaun! Jared inhaled deeply and decided to play it cool instead. ‘What on earth are you talking about, Amy? Stop throwing me with bits and pieces of riddles and just come out with it already.’
‘Shaun saw you kissing that woman!’
That woman? ‘When was this?’ He had to stall for time; think of a way to make him look like the victim.
‘This afternoon, at around four.’
Jared was silent for a moment. He pushed his chair back and without saying anything walked out of the room. Amy wanted to cry, but she didn’t. Somewhere in the house she heard a cabinet open and slam shut. Jared’s footsteps grew louder as he approached the dining room again. He stood next to her and leaned forward until his nose almost touched hers. She tried to avoid eye contact, but at this proximity, that was an impossibility. ‘Is this what this whole charade is all about?’ he asked and produced a small velvet box. With his thumb he flicked the lid off to expose the diamond ring.
Amy’s heart sank. ‘Jared, I...’
‘Is this what you want?’ he yelled. He stood up and towered over her. ‘Is it?’
She was on the verge of tears.
Jared slammed the box onto the table. The ring bounced back and fell on the far side before sliding off. ‘There’s your stupid ring,’ he hissed. He didn’t allow her time to respond but stormed from the room instead, grabbed his car keys from the living room table, and sped off in the Vanquish.
* - - - *
Sunday night. He was supposed to be in Church with his fiancé, clapping to the music while worshipping his newfound Saviour. But he wasn’t. Instead, Jared was at a pub at the corner of Lavender and Sixth. The pub stayed open despite the fact that there were only four regulars there that evening. Four regulars and Jared.
Shaun saw you...
Betrayed.
...kissing that woman!
Betrayed by his best friend.
Judas!
Jared shook his head. Why wouldn’t everyone just leave him alone and allow him to live life the way he wanted to? Why did everyone think they had the right to dictate what he should and shouldn’t do? Was Natasha the only one capable of understanding him? He raised his empty glass into the air and the bartender took it from him in exchange for a filled one.
I’m going back to my parents’ place for a while, Amy’s voice echoed in his thoughts. Just until I can clear my head and you can straighten yourself out.
When Jared returned home later that evening, Amy was gone. She had left with most of her belongings. He spent the next two evenings at the pub where he tried to clear his thoughts and re-evaluate his situation. At the end of the first evening he stumbled from the building, his thoughts jumbled together like the Gin and Tonic that he indulged in. Jared had a sneaky suspicion that this evening would turn out more or less the same.
Something on the television screen in the corner of the pub made Jared look up. The word Columbia grabbed his attention and he asked the bartender to turn up the volume.
‘The jail break took place last night when seventy rebel troops engaged the prison guards with gunfire and grenades. The twelve minute raid left nineteen guards dead and four inmates on the run. One of the prisoners that escaped is believed to be Aaryan Omar, the rebel leader of the Colombian Armed Forces.’
Jared rubbed his face. Was this true? Could this really be happening? A sense of shock, fear, disbelief, and pride overcame him all at once.
‘Shortly after the prison break,’ the newsreader continued, ‘the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá was destroyed when it was attacked with heavy artillery. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, but the U.S. Government has reason to believe that the Colombian Armed Forces might have been behind the attack. A rigorous investigation will be launched into the Embassy attack, and plans to re-capture the rebel leader, Aaryan Omar have already been set in motion.’
Jared sat up straight on the bar stool. By signing one cheque, he managed to help create international news. He was impressed with the efficiency in which the people that hosted the function carried out their plans.
There’s another fund raiser on Monday evening...
Tomorrow night.
This is a very important function. The topic is of great importance.
Jared smiled. He couldn’t wait to see what it was about. He liked the idea of creating history; influencing events behind the scenes to make the headlines everyone reads about the next day. The idea of that level of power intrigued him.
Promise me that you’ll be there.
‘I promished,’ he slurred and washed down his Gin and Tonic. He motioned to the bartender that he wanted the bill, and after paying, left the damp smell of stale beer and rotten egg yolk for the fresh air of the outside world. He needed rest; he wanted to be fresh for tomorrow’s function. This time though, he wouldn’t have to worry about Amy. She was out of the picture for the time being. He was his own boss again and the feeling was as liberating as the realization that he was one of the major key players in something that happened a continent away. This was true power. Not the kind where you asked a receptionist for a cup of coffee or fired someone for not doing their job or even deciding which days to play golf and which ones to use up in meetings. This was power beyond the scope of board rooms. This was real power, and he wanted more of it.
* - - - *
‘Shaun?’
‘Yes?’
‘It’s Amy.’
‘Oh, hi there. How are things?’
‘Well...that’s why I’m calling. Jared and I had a fight and I was wondering if we could talk...’
* - - - *
Including Natasha, only six people attended the function on Monday evening. Jared scanned the room, observing the four men and his personal assistant. She wouldn’t participate in the events, but would merely observe. The other men there didn’t seem to mind her presence.
‘You have been chosen for this evening’s topic of interest,’ a man at the front said to Jared and the four men next to him. No microphone was needed. ‘The five of you have each been singled out and hand selected by the board of trustees.’
Singled out, Jared thought. Impressive.
‘I’m sure that all of you have heard or read about the recent earthquake near Australia.’
Everyone present nodded.
‘Although the loss of life is always tragic, it is—in some cases—an unfortunate necessity.’
Jared glanced at Natasha. She smiled at him and focussed her attention at the man standing in front of them. Jared caught the hint and did the same.
‘For certain points to be driven home, powerful examples need to be made. If not, we might as well pack up and quit.’
What’s this guy talking about? Jared wondered. He figured that he would soon enough find out.
‘The quake, in a nutshell, was the direct result of a satellite that has the capability of heating the Earth’s ionosphere to such a
degree that it changes shape,’ the man at the front informed the group. ‘The accumulated energy is then transferred back to earth in a nuclear-sized explosion. This particular explosion was aimed at underwater fault lines near Australia and was meant to disrupt the fault plates enough to cause an earthquake that met our exact pre-defined requirements. We wanted an eight point six Richter Scale earthquake and we got it. The tidal waves, the fires, the loss of life, was nature taking its course.’
‘The earthquake was intentional?’ one of the men at the front asked. Jared was glad that he didn’t have to ask the question.
The man at the front nodded. ‘As far as anyone knows, our satellite is a failsafe backup unit for digital television networks. Only fifteen people on earth, and yes, this includes you, know about its true nature. To date, it has been tested a few times with great success. No one ever suspected any form of human involvement, and no one ever will.’
Everyone sat back in deep thought. Jared gulped down his whiskey. It was immediately replaced. If what he heard was true, this would indeed prove to be an interesting investment.
‘What’s the goal behind the quakes?’ a stocky man three seats to the right of Jared asked. ‘Why would we want to kill thousands of people?’
The man at the front smiled. ‘Think about it,’ he said. ‘If other countries knew what you could do, they would bow down on their knees and worship you. Ever wanted to run your own country? Ever wanted to bring one of the super powers to its knees? Imagine the San Andreas Fault dropping whole cities into the ocean. Imagine the power you could wield with this device.’
Jared thought about countries like Russia, China, and England, all bowing down to do his bidding. Use Whyte & Greene International for all your imports and exports or else!
‘The ultimate objective,’ the speaker said, ‘is to unite the people of the world to a common goal. Every person in every country is aware of the quake and involved with assistance and relief on some level. Everyone is helping where they can with aid to those who lost their homes and families during the floods. From super powers like the United States and Europe to smaller players like South Africa and the rest of the African continent, everyone’s involved. Everyone is speaking one common language for one common cause.’
