MY TREASURED DESIRE

CHAPTER TEN: Reese's Reminiscences II

Reese’s Room – Royal Guests’ Mansions, Nri City, Africa.

Reese’s Reminiscences II

I met my Alex arguing with the boss of the Men in suit... inside Grand Home Kitchen, Restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Mafia Boss explained arrogantly that he helped the proprietor a lot in setting up the business. When he needed Security Services – and that was very often – “he was there for him” till he took this Restaurant Business into the “A” Class.

From the Proprietor’s humble responses, Alex noted that he pays a huge, unwarranted security bill for the Mafia’s security duties, weekly... At the present downturn in most economies, the proprietor could not be able to afford any further increase in Security Bills, or he would soon go bankrupt... But the Mafia Boss wanted a 100% increase in the illegal bill. That is the crux of the matter in argument.

Alex appealed that the heated argument be stopped and begged the tough guys to relax for a short talk. The boss replied that if it leads to a waste of his time, he will beat Alex up and make him to pay the new bill, today. He boasted that he would surely arrest (kidnap) the proprietor along with Alex – who has become a nosey-Parker in this case, even after he has paid up. But Alex was not a guy that gives up so easily, or so it seems.

Alex began: “A young mafia boss man who has amassed ‘a lot of wealth’ met an old man and told him, ‘You know that I’m richer than you. So, there is no point dragging this business matter with me.’” And the old man replied, “How do you measure wealth? You are not right, Sir!”

“The young man decided that he would prove a point to the Old Man by flaunting his wealth, ‘Okay, let’s go to my house and I will show you’.”

“So, they went to the young man’s house in one of his luxurious cars and got there within ‘5 minutes.’ What greeted them was about 20 kinds of choice cars in his garage - Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari, Bugatti, etc.”

“Then the old man said, ‘now let’s go to my house'. So, they went into the old man’s car, and the journey lasted about ‘40 minutes.’ They were delayed on the way by distinguished calibre of wealthy people wanting to honour and pay homage to the old man. Some were in more expensive cars, Lincoln, Rolls Royce, Bentley Limousines, Lamborghini, etc., thanking the old man for helping them get rich.”

“Then, an often-ignored truth dawned on the young man: The wealth of a man is in the quality of the people in his life – lasting achievements and legacy - not the material things he has acquired.”

“The old man has the people who own the choicest cars in his life, and if the young man’s cars and physical acquisitions are gone, then his riches are gone. But there’s no material thing you will take from the old man to make him poor. In other words: He doesn't need to keep those cars; those cars are in the lives of those in the man’s life.”

“This is the power of being there for people.”

The Mafia boss frowned and rose to speak. But Alex gestured that he has not finished his lectures.

“The reason people will fear to hurt you is when they know the power of those who will come against them if they touch you.”

And Alex repeated the sentences that annoyed Don Leslie Adams: “This is the power of being there for people! You never lose when you keep helping other people achieve their dream, the reward is always higher than the help.”

Don Leslie Adams could not bear Alex's hindrance to his jungle justice anymore... He clapped his hands twice, and 10 heavily built guys in suits surrounded Alex. As they made efforts to hit him, he displayed the martial arts of avoiding being hit, becoming so elusive, frustrating his assailants without making any effort to attack them. So, Don Leslie Adams clapped twice again and rolled his hands in a gesture of ‘change”. 10 tougher bouncers moved near Alex. This time, Alex had to defend himself harder, as he realised that if he did not attack these set, he might be wounded so badly. So, in attacking with his legs and fists, all the ten strongly built men were on the floor with different degrees of injuries in a matter of minutes: even, a few of the assailants have passed out - unconscious! So, more men started entering the fight until Dr. Alex was hit with a flying drop-kick from Don Leslie. He crashed to the nearby wall.

Before the men could now take advantage of Alex being hit, to lynch him, I rolled into the midst of the fighters, and used my lethal feet to break about seven pairs of legs, while obstructing Don Leslie’s attacks: Obviously, I had the antidotes to the Don’s moves, as we were taught about that high-scale defence by Achaia’s Special Squad. We were trained with the Armed Forces’ Generals, even as Youths in the Palace. I overpowered the strong men, inflicting lethal injuries on them. At this time Alex had recovered, and Don Leslie - who had decided to avoid Reese as he focuses on injuring the prince - received some kicks, from Dr. Alex Junior, across his temples that made him to beat a retreat... Don Leslie held his head and started panting, using the other hand to take his phone. He called for back-up. I allowed him, somehow because I got to admire Alex’s agility and style. No one would ever believe that he was so good in martial arts. His hits – and kicks – were skilful, hard to block and professional! After 30 minutes, Don and his back-up team have been fatally humbled, being seriously scathed - and their Boss, I had tied up.

With blood-soaked mouth, Don Leslie Adams wondered how he – ‘The Lord of Fear in Cambridge’ - could be beaten by a couple on Honeymoon! He therefore begged for his life, promising on his honour that he would always be on their side in future. Alex asked some of Don’s own men that could still move to untie the ropes on their boss. And, bending down to pick Alex’s purse near Don Leslie, one of my call-cards fell from that purse.

Don Leslie picked up the Card with great trembling and pains.

“Dr. Reese Chang? Are you… related to… Reynold and Raymond… Chang?”

“What has that got to do with anything?” I snapped.

“Dr. Reese Chang, Group Medical Director of Royal Specialist Hospital of Achaia,” the Man read as if he had just been sentenced to death.

I asked him to stay calm. And tell me what is worrying him.

“I am a wretched evil soul. Slap me and beat me more. But do not tell Prince Reynold and General Raymond Chang. My generation would be ended!” He bowed and cried like a boy!

Alex stepped in: “Tell me. How are the Honourable men whose names you mentioned related to you?”

“Sir, I was a bad egg. I have reformed today,” Don Leslie begged passionately.

But Alex took his phone and threatened to call his own future Brother-in-law, Prince Reynold Chang!

“No… Okay, I will speak now... I owe my life to them. I was a Colonel in Achaia's Royal Guard. And a fellow soldier – but because of another soldier’s greed for Promotion – he plotted against me and soiled my image. The Court Marshall judged me guilty based on the heinous collaboration and chicanery of his other highly political soldiers. I was sentenced to death because matters of treason are no light issues anywhere!” He paused for a moment and shook his head before he continued.

“But before the Emperor of Achaia could ratify the verdict of the Court Marshall, the Grandson of the Emperor and his own General privately investigated the matter and produced evidence to save my life... The other soldier could not be proven as a traitor, though… He was taken as a patriot who must have been misled into judging me as being over-ambitious. The other soldier remained in the army until he was found to be the Big Informant of the Casino Cartel - A powerful terrorist link against Achaia’s stability. The Crown Prince ordered me to relocate to America and work as a security expert to make ends meet... Prince Reynold gave me the Capital with which I built up my Security Organisation... General Raymond paid for and registered our Organisation in USA. He gave us 10 Black-Belt Karate expert fighters that are also trained in the use of war weapons and tactics. They are still with us... but not invited here for today’s mission. They are given the task to improve our Professional tactics and strengthen our team’s weapon handling... So, I was supposed to be shocked that only two young people could beat up a team that was trained for six years under a strict disciplinary regime! Now, I have given my word. One Call, and I will kill my wife, if you so desire!” He bowed to the ground and refused to raise his head again... Those who recovered from their pains soon joined their boss to bow!

Alex looked at me and I nodded, as he spoke: “From today, you and your team are at our Service. You will no longer usurp innocent people's hard-earned funds. You will now protect Patrick Jacobs – the Grand Home Kitchen's CEO, for free. He is one of your bosses now... We would get you an updated licence, if necessary – after we have run a security check on your organisation, and we shall give you an annual subvention of $12,200,000= to run your security outfit here in America. Is that okay?!”

“You... are too kind, Master. I pledge my life to you, from today.”

I felt shocked that Prince Alex was so good in Kung Fu. How could that be? Of course, he already knew about my capabilities. I turned to Don Leslie and said: “Through your Security details from General Raymond, My...” I drifted off.

Alex took over: “My fiancée and I will reach you through your details, okay?!”

“I am truly honoured, Sir and my Princess.” Don Leslie was in ecstasy but could not laugh in victory. He kept my call-card to himself as a cherished possession. And my Alex introduced himself to the boys…

 “I am a Prince, Dr. Alex George-Orji: You will get used to me as ‘Dr. Alex Junior’... You will be free to run your own affairs, but no more underhand deals, ever. You will make more wealth with your civility and responsibility in dealing aright with others. Your loyalty to us, and our connections should also help your Organisation, Okay? But I must tell you these truths: Keep them close to your heart:”

?Achievement is what you can do by yourself. But -

?Success is what people can let you have when you’re still good with them.

?Legacy is what people can let you have when you are no longer with them.

“At the back of your mind, LEGACY should be what drives your actions.”

“Focus on building people: Every business, workplace, company is an incubation place to raise people. Never forget that!”

After the appreciations from Patrick Jacobs and the Don, with our clarifications on the duo’s new partnerships, Alex took my hand in his own and we left Grand Home Kitchen. He drove to another Classy Restaurant, Toscano, where they welcomed us with an amazing grandeur. Alex must have booked the table as a surprise... I had to eat because we were famished. He swiped his Platinum Card but did not talk about what the hospitality service costs. He made me feel like a queen!

After the meal, he was saying some things, but I was carried away... But he moved his face so close to mine... He was about to kiss me when I jerked back into reality, and said, as if something wrong would have happened: “No, Alex...!”

***

I shook off the reminiscences and looked around the grandiose suite on whose royal leather seat I have been recollecting on events... Did Alex actually kiss me on that day at Toscano? No... I dissuaded him with salient reasons which he agreed to... Apart from my coy-mistress point of view, he was yet to become my official fiancé. But he is a wise, almost perfect, and understanding gentleman.

Again, I raised up my left hand to see the diamond engagement ring, which I got few hours ago... And I could not help but exclaim: “My Alex ensured that the engravings were done at my precise order given to the Manager at Signitas... And this is that same ring... Just as I saw the Harvard Graduates' Diamond-inserted Pendant, which Alex had stealthily tucked into the pocket of the dress I wore on the day we went riding in his Lamborghini!”

“How I wish Alex would be here now,” I miss him. At least, he has now proposed to marry me, and I had called Grandpa, Grandma, Reynold, and name them... They are all happy for us!

Just then, I heard a beep at my Mansion Suite's Door. “Please, do enter!” The staff (Special Room Service attached to me) brought in a gorgeous evening wear, complete with a pair of shoes, and jewelleries to match... Looks so priceless! My favourite Pink! It has a beautiful card attached. It reads:

“Beware of what you wish for, Honey Lass! You wish for me to be with you, right? I will soon be next to you! Your sister-in-law said that you both discussed about something... And she said you’ll get the answer later today... Is that right?”

I asked the Waiter about Alex's whereabouts after reading the card. And he wasn't too surprised, as he seems to understand his boss:

“Do not be too inquisitive, My Princess. He would be here when you need him the most,” he said, with a huge smile. He bowed and left the room.

I nodded, before he left. When he clicked my Suite’s Door closed, I took my phone and dialled EnDee as soon as she picked her phone, I spoke out: “Who goes to see animals in the night? Cut to the chase and swing your exotic waist to my room in a jiffy!”

“O Yes, Sister-in-law. In about two hours.” That is a reassuring response from the sweet best friend I know.

I called Alex, and he quickly took the call, speaking before I could mutter a word: “My delectable and extremely pleasant Princess. I'm certain that you are not thinking about seeing the four-legged friends now. There is no night here in Oil-Palm Rich State, anyway. Entertainment Venues and small snack joints still sell for 24hours, running endless shifts... But I'll be with you in two hours!”

“I think EnDee would also be in my room, with you. I can’t wait to see you to know what you both want me to see tonight, My Charming Prince!” That was all I could say.