The Convicted Son-In-law

Chapter 13- The Plot

The next morning, a family meeting was called in the early hours. Ofcourse Barry had given Marcus twenty-four hours to get the project for the Jefferson's.

'Could it be that Marcus did it? Ofcourse not' Barry discarded the thought as he drove the family over to the company. 

"Now listen everyone," grandmother said excitedly. "I got a call from Marcus this morning and he said he wants to see us all here because he has got some news regarding his venture to the Jackson Five Corporation."

Everyone exclaimed, excitement in the air.

"Where is Marcus?" 

"Could he have done it?"

"Oh no! that live in son-in-law bet with his wife."

Everyone mumbled as they waited for Marcus. Just then, the door of the hall swung open and a bouncing Marcus danced his way inside, smirking with confidence. 

Everyone stood up in anticipation. Barry remained seated, wondering what trick was up that bastard's sleeve. 

"What did I say?" Marcus chuckled, his eyes gleaming with happiness. He spread his arms wide and smiked. "Did I not say I could get you the business contract with The Jackson Five?"

"What?!"

The whole hall erupted with excitement. The Jefferson's celebrated, some jumped, some clapped hands and others shared huggs. Grandmother Jefferson saluted the heavens with a short hand-prayer. 

Tanya's eyes widened, mouth gaping open. 'Oh my god! What did this mean? Did this not mean I'm going to divorce Barry and marry Marcus then?'

A bitter smile emmited from Barry Jackson, convinced Marcus was just putting up an act. Surely he would soon say he was joking right?

"Nonsense!" Barry roared, halting everyone's joy. 

"Nonsense. If you got the Jackson Five to Collaborate with the Jefferson's then where is the contract?" He asked raising to his feet.  

"Haha!" Marcus laughed, ignoring Barry and walking towards grandmother Lydia at the pulpit. "Grandmother, I spoke to Brian Hayes himself, he has promised me the contract by end of business today." 

Grandmother was all smiles. "My future son-in-law, thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to the Jefferson's. Please tell us, how much business are we talking here?"

"Oh! I nearly forgot to tell you. The contract is worth one billion dollars," Marcus said, turning to the crowd to sturdy their excitement.

The hall roared again with so much happiness. Only Barry, his wife Tanya and her parents were still shocked. 'What kind of humiliation has Barry caused us?'

"Impossible!" Barry said bitterly. 

"You shut up!" Grandmother Lydia yelled. "Don't you see that important people are speaking here. Who are you to even say anything here? You are just a useless convinct. A foolish live-in-son-in-law of the Jefferson family."

"That's right!" Added Marcus. "Even that useless title is being taken away from you today. Did you not have a bet with me? You have foolishly put your wife on the line. And now, I have won and you have lost. Your wife will now be married to me and you will be thrown back to the streets where you belong."

Tanya turned and stared daggers into Barry, dissapointed. Susan felt like she could slap Barry into oblivion- If only he was closer to herself.

"Well, as far as I'm concerned you have won nothing until you bring the signed and sealed contract." Barry confronted Marcus, closing the distance between them. "I hope you know what a genuine legal contract looks like right?"

"Do you really think I wouldn't know? Barry, I'm a multi-million dollar business man. I've dealt with contracts all my life." Marcus strode pass Barry, his shoulder tapping Barry's as he walked to Tanya. 

"And you, my beloved, will be mine tonight after I bring the contract. You will spend not a single more day with this useless son-in-law who married into your family. Now you will know what it feels like to marry a real man." Marcus caressed Tanya's hair.

"That's enough!" Barry roared, blocking Marcus from his wife. 

"Get out of here," Barry pointed towards the door. "Until then, she's still married to me."

Marcus turned to walk out. "Grandmother, everyone. We shall meet tonight!"

"Wait!" As Marcus was on his way out. "Grandmother rushed towards him smiling from ear-to-ear and politely said. "My son, tonight we will hold a banquet to celebrate our collaboration with the Jackson Five Corporation. We will like to thank you very much for your role in getting us this contract. And tonight, we will formally hand over Tanya Jefferson to you, alright. Go well my son." 

Marcus bowed, turned and left. 

'Yes!' Marcus celebrated. 'I have done it. My acting was so good. They all fell for it hook line and sink. Tonight, I will give them what they want and take what I have always wanted. Tanya Jefferson will be in my bed tonight. That fool Barry has been married to her for over five years but has not even touched her. I will have her and by the time they realise what had happened, I would have enjoyed her and taken her innocence. Tonight is the night.'

When Marcus had left, Grandmother Lydia Jefferson turned around staring a hole through Barry Jackson. 

"You…go pack up. You are leaving the Jefferson's house tonight!"