Chapter 8

• BRIAN'S POV
• I was pissed the whole day, having caught Blair on Steven’s call and I could not seem to understand why she never stayed in her lane.
• “Stephen,” I called back,
• “Brian, what is happening? Are you also in trouble over there?” Stephen’s voice was heavy with concern.
• “I'm fine, I'm fine,” I replied lightly. “What is happening?” I questioned.
• “I need to return as soon as possible,” I said, “it's becoming pretty difficult to remain a secret here, especially with this snoopy wife of mine,” I added.
• “Wife?” Stephen exclaimed in shock.
• I placed my hand on my forehead, recalling that I had never mentioned Blair to him.
• “Brian, wife?” He queried again, “now you're living a double life?”
• “What if anyone finds out and she becomes a target? Or a link to get to you?” Stephen expressed his concern.
• “I have it under control,” I responded, “she knows nothing,” I added.
• “Well, I wouldn't say nothing, with way you're complaining,” Stephen said.
• “Hey, meet me at the spot in an hour,” I said, “no questions raised,” I added.
• Stephen exhaled sharply, “fine,” he replied, after which I hung up.
• I took an hour's drive to the outskirt of town, to an old apartment, standing out alone.
• Upon my arrival, Steven was packed in the apartment premises.
• “You know you're impossible,” Stephen said, as soon as I alighted my vehicle.
• “Brian Criag,” I said in a teasing tone, lifting my hands in the air and we both erupted in laughter.
• We shook hands and tapped each other's back, heading into the apartment.
• “You know I always thought you'd make a warehouse of this place,” Stephen said, “now you just need it to save your life,” he teased.
• “Oh well,” I responded, laughing lightly.
• The apartment was a three storey building, owned by me. I had gotten it a long time ago, along side the three hectars of land around it, hoping to set up a new company.
• Although the plan was now on halt, it served as a meeting point for Steve and I.
• Steven was my cousin and pretty much the only family I had left. We grew up together and had built everything we now had from scratch.
• He was the only person who could step on my toes and get away with it, although he knew better than to step on my toes.
• “So…do you love her?” Steven asked, as we both stared out the window and unto the vast land before us.
• I took a deep breath, focusing my gaze on the vast land.
• “I'm not sure,” I finally said,
• “What do you mean you're not sure?” Stephen queried in a high-pitched tone.
• “You just jumped into marriage without any emotions?” He asked.
• “You of all people know that I've never been a man of emotions,” I replied, walking away from the window and fixing a glass of wine.
• “This is marriage, Brian,” Stephen said, “there has to be some emotions,”
• I kept quiet for a while, taking a sip from my wine glass.
• “Well, I think she's cute,” I said, “if that counts for anything,”
• “Rather than being irritated by her drama, I find it adorable to watch,” I said.
• “So you love her then,” Stephen replied.
• “Love is quite a strong word, Stephen,” I replied.
• “How's everything over there?” I quickly switched the topic, before he got to ask any more questions.
• “Well, the figures are looking great this month,” Stephen replied. “Although there was a major set back, with the burning of the warehouse,”
• “Hmmm,” I exclaimed, “and the police?” I questioned.
• “It's been three years, Brian,” Stephen replied, “you might want to return and face whatever the wrath that be,”
• “I still have some faith,” I said,
• “After all these years?” Stephen queried, his facial expression questioning my sanity.
• I took a deep breath, taking a sip from my wine glass.
• *********************************************
• I took a deep breath, pushing the door open.
• I hadn't been home in three days, as I had to spend ample time with Stephen, drafting plans for the next quarter of the year, while checking the figures of the last quarter.
• I found the tray of food I served Blair, three days ago, barely touched.
• I instantly got upset.
• ‘if she decided on not eating, the least she could do was clean up,” I thought.
• There were only very few things that pissed me off worse than littering the placed, besides, this was a small space and any little displacement would have it like a dumpster.
• “Blair!” I called, furiously.
• “Blair!” I pushed the bedroom door open.
• I continually called, searching every corner for her, but to no avail.
• I fell into the couch, worried, until it hit me.
• I hurried to Mr. Williams house.
• Blair could not navigate this environment, if she was to be anywhere else, it had to be her parents’ house.
• The guards at the gate vehemently refused my entry into the gates. They said it was Mr. Williams' order that I never step foot in the mansion again.
• “Williams!” I yelled, standing in front of the gate.
• “Williams! I want my wife! You gave her to me, remember?” I didn't realize how dramatic I was being, yelling in front of Mr. Williams' gate.
• The dust accumulating at the house, as well as her breakfast from three days ago, barely touched, indicated that Blair hadn't been home since my absence and it baffled me.
• “You know I could have you arrested for being a nuisance,” Mr. Willams surfaced, sounding very calm.
• “Where is my wife?” I threw a question, firmly at him.
• “We can barely call her your wife,” he said, “I mean, she was gifted to you,” he added.
• I reached out to my bag, and grabbed a bundle of five dollar bills.
• I flung it angrily at him, “that covers for all your expenses,” I said, “now, where is she?” I questioned angrily.
• It was not until Mr. Williams’ shock went on for minutes, before I realized that I did something a little out of place.
• “Where is my wife?” I ignored the rising tension, and strived towards my goal.