Merged As One

CHAPTER 2

Three days later, at 8:30 a.m., Mr. Johnson went off to the farm to get some fruit and vegetables.

“Where is your dad?” Mrs. Kate asked.

“I saw him step out of the house a few minutes ago, but he didn't say where he was off to. He just said he would be right back.”

Emily leaned by the window side humming, and there she saw her father through the window coming home with two baskets that contained fruits and vegetables. She hurriedly ran out to help him.

“Welcome hunnie.” Mrs Kate said as he stepped into the house. “What are these for? We still have some left in the store. Why restocking so early?” she asked.

“We are not restocking. These are gifts for Kimberly and something to eat on your journey. You both leave today and that's final.”

“No, Dad! We can't leave you here alone. It's not safe,” Emily objected.

“You don't have a choice dear.” her father said.

“But … but…”

“No buts Emily. Don't be stubborn!”

Mrs Kate moved towards her husband. She tried to speak, but she was choked with tears. With a heavy heart, she reminded her husband of the way out she suggested a few days ago.

“No. Taking a loan from the bank is no solution to this situation. We can't create another problem for ourselves, we can't. Mr. Greg is just disappointed and that's why things are the way they are now. This is our only option and the farm will be sold tomorrow.”

He leaned closely and hugged his wife, caressing her hair with a slight kiss on her forehead.

“Oh really. Are we doing this now?” Emily playfully broke the tension.

“Come here sweetie.” her dad said, laughing and stretching out his left arm for a hug.

*****

Two days later, after the farm was sold, Mr. Johnson went off to see Mr. Greg as early as 8:00 a.m. to pay part of the money he was accused of stealing.

In his bag was two thousand and thirty dollars which he sold his small farm for. As he walked through the crowd in the subway, he noticed a group of men following him. His heart pounded so fast and cold sweat ran down his spine. He suddenly slowed his pace and his eyes peered at the side. He turned around slowly, but there was no one. He breathed deeply and sighed.

“It's just my imagination,” he said as he paused to assure himself.

He started walking again. Then he saw through his peripheral vision three men in dark shades with a sweatshirt and faded black jeans.

His heart raced back and forth as he increased his pace. “This can't be happening today,” he thought. While lost in his thoughts, he gets surrounded by the three men. One moved to his front, another by his side and the other stayed behind him.

“What's in the bag?” the man by his side asked in a low yet confrontational tone.

“My.. My clothes,” Mr. Johnson stammered as he replied. “ What do you want?”

“You are a smart man,” the man by his side said with a mischievous smirk on his face as they walked. "I knew this wouldn't be a difficult task. Now gently unzip the bag. I want to see your pretty clothes.”

“I can't!” Mr. Johnson answered.

“Oh yes, you can,” the man replied as he raised his sweatshirt to show Mr. Johnson the pistol by the side of his trousers.

Mr. Johnson's eyes widened at the sight of the gun. At that moment, he thought his soul had left his body as the memories of how beautiful and whole his family is, flashed through his eyes.

Without a second thought, he handed the bag over to him and without hesitation, they left.

Mr. Johnson, at that spot, knew he was doomed. He had to think fast. His only way out is to plead for forgiveness. “Perhaps, I will be pardoned.” He thought to himself.

A few minutes later, he got to Mr. Greg's office. Immediately he opened the door, he locked eyes with Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg scanned him from head to toe and said, “I see you came empty. Coming empty isn't part of what we agreed on. I know we were quite familiar but I didn't expect you to forget so easily that I'm your boss.”

He stood up from his chair and sat on his table. “You are a talented man. You crept into my office, stole eighty thousand dollars, and tampered with the CCTV footage. In less than two days, you miraculously spent half of the money, leaving you with the second half. I'm sure it took you months to come up with something like this.”

“No sir, I didn't tamper with the CCTV footage. I had two thousand dollars on my way here to deposit, but I got robbed on the subway.” Mr. Johnson said in concentration, as he gestured emphatically, trying to explain his intricate situation.

“Why add lies to worsen the situation?” Mr. Greg said in provocation, "I still find it hard to believe that you are capable of such. Well, no man is as innocent as they look.”

Moving towards Mr. Johnson, he looked straight into his eyes, still trying to find some truth. “So, how do you intend to pay back?” He asked.

“If you give me a few weeks, I will be able to come up with the money,” Mr. Johnson answered with a look of uncertainty.

“How much time do you need?” he paused. “Unfortunately, there isn't much time again, and there's nothing I can do."

"Take my daughter,” Mr. Johnson said, breathing heavily as sweat greased his palms. He could hear his heart beating in his head.

"What!" Mr. Greg exclaimed. “Your daughter doesn't look like money to me and I do not need a wife or help.”

“She can be of help to your family, she can be a wife to your son."

“What do you mean?" Mr. Greg asked with a confused look.

“I overheard the discussion you had with your son, Joe, and your wife concerning him getting a life partner before he assumes office as the new CEO. I know it wasn't my place to eavesdrop, but my daughter can make a good wife. She's well-trained and behaved.”

“Are you trying to sell your daughter?” Mr. Greg asked with a questioning look on his face.

“No sir! I'd never do such a thing. I'm only trying to help.”

"What makes you think I'd listen to you? Can your daughter be any better than you? Perhaps she is because I'm quite familiar with her though.” Mr. Greg answered.

"The kind of wife my son needs is a tough one, the one who can shape him back to normal.” He thought aloud, pacing his office.

“My daughter is of good character, sir. If there's any perfect woman for your son, then she's the one.” He replied, trying to assure and convince Mr. Greg.

“That's enough. Fine, if you say your daughter is tough enough to be with my son. But this can only happen if she willingly agrees to marry him. Who knows, she could be the one to heal his bruised heart.” Mr. Greg said.

" You may leave now.” He gestured with his hand.

“My daughter and I will be here the day after tomorrow to give you our response.”

He said, then he exited the room.

Mr. Greg sat on his chair thinking about the conversation he had with Mr. Johnson. “I think this is a good idea. There's no better wife for my son than Emily.