THE BROODER

EPISODE 5

THE BROODER

5.

Dedicated to Connie Chef

**ASHLEY**

The next morning I demanded to see the boss.

The guards laughed at me. One of the guards said that I am a dying antelope that jumps at the front of the lion thinking he's brave.

I told him that he'll either tell the boss that I want to see him or I'll die with my babies. They know what it means for a client to be disappointed. The loss it will bring to the boss and their ruined reputation.

I was allowed audience with Mr Savannah. He appeared intimidating but I didn't want to care .

Mr Savannah: b***h, what do you want?

*Your mother is the b***h. She failed to raise a human being. * I screamed in my mind.

" I am having sextuplets and I want protection"

Mr Savannah: you think you're carrying the next Jesus right? Who even told that nonsense? Have ever seen a sextuplets in Africa? We don't have that record so please get...out...of...my...goddam.. office!

" You can ask doctor Segundo. He knows and he's keeping it a secret. I don't know he's reasons for keeping it a secret but I know it. Iam their mother and I can feel them. I don't want to die with them. You know he doesn't have the equipment and experience to carry out a successful surgery. He'll just kill them all and leave me to die. " I think I got his attention and he believed me. I mean, I have no reason to lie to him.

He sent for doctor Segundo as we both sat down waiting for the lying- killer of a doctor to report back.

The office was very big and elegant. I saw the telephone on the desk and at that point, I wished that we were permitted to give our family a call even if it's just once in a year.

I want to hear my mother's soft voice and my father's hoarse voice. I want to hear my sisters argue and fight over petty belongings. I just want my family... I'm not yet eighteen and I've had babies already, Some I don't even know where they are.

I have seen more than an old lady here at this factory. I want to go home...I silently cried.

Mr Savannah was just busy with his paperworks while his guards were cautiously watching me. What can a poor pregnant lady possibly do to three hefty men?

Immediately he saw me, he became uncomfortable.

Doctor Segundo: what are you doing here Ashley? You know you're approaching your third semester and should take enough bed rest so as to...

The fool was cut shut by the boss.

Mr Savannah: Segundo, how many babies is she carrying?

Doctor Segundo: (he wasn't expecting the question so he was terrified and shaken) Bay..bay..bbay...bies?

Mr Savannah: You know how the madam values loyalty more than anything in this business. So answer my question before I order a thorough investigation.

It was at this moment that I knew that the factory is headed by a woman.

Doctor Segundo: Nonuplet sir... they are nine babies.

" Nine? Nine babies? Oh my god! You're wicked doctor Segundo! You want to kill me. You know that you can't deliver nine babies but you want to kill me..."

Mr Savannah: boys! Take her back to her room and I need twenty-four hours eyes on her. She's a great asset to the factory.

**RICHARD **

The entrance door alerted me of his coming in.

"Death?"

" In the kitchen!" He's in a joyful mood. I already know he has some good news for me.

" Out with it Jordans, I can be anything but a telepathist."

I grabbed two dishes and dished out my signature pasta. I love cooking my own meals sometimes. I do have a chef for when I'm heavy with workload or I could just eat out . The thing about cooking is that, it reminds me of ma'am Claire. She taught me to cook and it became our thing.

She'd always say" I know they say a real African man shouldn't cook but there's more pleasure in eating your own meals"

I gave him his plate and we both head to the dinning.

Jordans: " The smiths were on the news this morning. It's the end of business for them. Do you know that Rodriguez called begging? He's ready to deny being Smith."

The truth is I did this just for Jordan. He had a nasty history with the smiths in the past. Rodriguez, is the last son of Donald Smith and he's in charge of the drugs shipment.

Jordans:" Honestly death, I've thought of ways to deal with the smiths for long but it wasn't forthcoming. I got my boys to tamper with their business months ago but they didn't feel a scratch."

The bastard was very excited and couldn't even hide it. I bet he knows I have a soft spot for him. Jordans will forever remain my close pal.

" It was strictly business. You know I love loyalty more than anything. We had an agreement but they decided to cross boundaries. The old fool had the guts to proudly say that I had daddy issues. They asked for it." His phone rings...

Jordans: " f**k! "(That'll probably be his bitch.)

I was just so happy that I forgot to pick the kids from school. I promised my little brats that I'll come get them from school today. Let me run along!

" Yeah go on, father of the year!"

Speaking of little brats, I think I'll need one, just one mini-me. I would have liked to have a surrogate do all the job but my enemies could trace it and it'll backfire. I just need the baby , no connection with the mother or so. I don't even need a hospital appointment or any form of third parties involved.

I'll have a talk with Jordans later tomorrow to discuss this heir issue. I can't have all these investments and money and not have anyone to spoil it on. I've just realised how boring my life is. Having a child has it's risk but I think I'll be able to handle it. I'll have him or her home schooled, monitored, guarded every seconds and I will personally protect my child.

"The time is here, Richard!"