UNDER THE SAME SKY

CHAPTER 4

Clara's POV

After two weeks from the incident. I was at work trying to put things together. Cindy was no more. I was had to be in charge of her duties before I could select a more capable hand to replace her. The full weight of the company now rested on me.

I was the careful type so it took me ages checking resumes to find a fit.

My phone rang and it was Mrs Jerkins it was 2:00pm lunch time. She normally doesn't call at work hours except it's extremely important.

“Hello Mrs Jerkins?” I said casually into the receiver. “Ma’am don't come home please.” Her voice came small and fearful. “What's going on?” I said seriously “they came, some men came and shot the police men dead. Am hiding in the garden right now they are in the house.” I was silent for a while. “Stay there Mrs Jerkins am coming home right now. Just stay don't make a move.” I finally said.

“Okay Ma'am she replied” what the hell do they want from me now? I thought I had a police officer assign to guard me where ever I go and two stationed at my house.

Now they were shot dead. Whoever is doing this must be very powerful and must have a strong reason. But what do I know? I picked my bag and called for more back up at the station then headed home.

When we arrived, there was no one the door was left open. Inside laid the lifeless bodies of the two police officers guarding my mansion. The extra policemen that came with me began searching everywhere.

I went to my room upstairs with one police man. There it was boldly written in blood. “b***h” I covered my mouth with my hands and couldn't scream. I was weak and nob. “Am not staying in this house another moment” I said out loudly. I packed my bags and everything I need with the help of Sam into my car.

We found Mrs Jerkins “oh Ms Clara it was horrible I was at the kitchen when I heard gun shots. I took the back door straight to the garden. I would have been dead also.” She said as she sobbed. “It's okay the police are on it they will find the attackers soon. Don't worry” I said as I comforted her.

You and Sam will take some weeks off for now. “Ma’am where will you be?” Sam interjected. “Somewhere safe till this whole thing comes to an end”. “Give me the keys” I said to him he handed them to me “Ma’am are you sure you’ll be alright?” They both said almost simultaneously. “I will be fine”

“Bill have you checked the basement?” Asked the police officer on a wireless receiver to his colleague “All cleared Sir” came the crisp reply.

I sent my staff off and thanked the police officers. Then I drove to Ribbon a place at the outskirts of town where Alicia my friend lives. Alicia was single thankfully so my adjustment was easy.

“Clara, girl? you look terrible” she gave me a tight hug. “ Am cooking dinner and your just on time.” She added she took my things to her guest room. Alicia’s house was simple painted with warm neutral colours which help played a role in bringing my sanity together.

“This is when you should take some time off work” she said softly “You need a serious break Clara Brooks” she continued. “You know I can't there is no one there to do the task and besides Cindy is gone.” I defended. “But you know, they will track you and still hunt you down” she added “I understand your concerns but…” she cut me off “ no “buts” Clara not this time. Your life is precious to me and if I have to lock you up in this house to keep you safe goddamnit I will.” She said with authority “okay I will obey you” I replied with a mock salute. We both laughed.

Ribbon is really therapeutic I was thinking this evening as I held a cup of hot coffee in my hands. Alicia joined me “Hey girl care to join me tomorrow for selfcare?” I looked up and smiled “Hey Alicia” I greeted “when did you return?” I asked. “ No so long ago came the reply” she sat next to me at the balcony enjoying the sunset.

“Am going to Sal’s” she continued “oh I hear she is good” I said remembering the last massage I did when I was at Ribbon for a brief work related conference. Alicia practically dragged me out of my tight schedule and it was rewarding.

It's been two weeks since I came to Ribbon but I can't find a solution. The police can't even help me. Piercing through my thoughts Alicia countered “My brother's wife knows of a private protection service agency. She gave me their contact when I told her about your situation.

Alicia faced me

Squarely. “Okay Clara, I am sorry to interfere. I know you love to do things your way and you like your privacy but this is life or death. You need all the help you can get.”

She held my hand “babe am afraid for you. I don't want to lose you I still need you alive” she said with so much concern in her eyes “it's okay Alicia am not mad at you I tried to smile even though a quiet indignation was beginning to subtly rise in me. So I am now an object of pity.

This is what my life has come to. I hated people making decisions for me but at this point I am helpless. I held back her hand and smiled reassuringly and said in my usual calm and slow voice “I won't die so easily not yet”

She gave me the card and tapped me lovingly. “ You know what to do” then she went inside.

I stared at the white card with blue and red inscriptions stating the service they render. What a fancy card for a serious organisation. I thought slightly humorously, It captured the Name “Eagles Nest” hmmm let's see what they are all about.