CHAPTER SIXTEEN
1463 Words
I walked into the HR office, pissed, furious and disappointed. My work was stolen. I wrote an article about the the benefits of s****l education for children. It was a well written and detailed article that was going to be posted on the news’ online platforms. In the past one month of working with them, I had created an educational TV show called Facts and Coffee. My show increased the followers we had on all our social media handles and also drew the attention of the younger generation who sadly, pay little to no attention to critical matters. I had every right to be angry, that was my work, I didn't steal it, or pay someone to write and research for me. I researched like my life depended on it, I visited schools, hospitals, orphanages and had a recorded Zoom meeting with the Minister for Children's Affairs. I wasn't going to let someone ruin my hard work. I explained everything to the HR and she summoned all the employees present.
“Who had the audacity to not only open Ketura’s personal laptop but also steal her work?”
Silence.
“Have you all gone mute? You've forgotten how to speak? Fine, since no one wants to say anything, I will investigate the matter and believe me when I tell you that the orchestrator will not go unpunished.”
She dismissed everyone and continued with what she was doing. I wasn't satisfied with that meeting, it felt like a pep talk to me. She tried to sound stern but it felt fake, her mannerisms gave off this “I don't care” aura. I picked my bag and laptop and I left the office. I stopped by an ice cream shop and ate strawberry flavored ice cream, I needed to calm my nerves. I began to think and think, I hit the rewind button in my brain and I began to go back in time. Two days ago I left my laptop in the office because taking it home everyday was becoming cumbersome. I had to take my handbag, my laptop bag, my lunch and slippers, I didn't have a car so it wasn't fun for me. I didn't want to call anyone but I couldn't do it alone so I called Mark.
“It's about time girl. I thought you weren't going to call me.”
“I can't figure it out alone and the person I trust at work is you.”
“I'm happy that you aren't letting this go. Come back to work Tura I know you're hurt but this isn't your father's company, you could get a query.”
I got back to work and told him everything I could remember.
“That's it girl. Someone must have been watching you. The person was seriously keeping tabs on you. Like he or she was minding your business.”
“Mark, stop saying the same thing differently. I know that that's the case but we need to find out who and why.”
“Girll. I'm so excited, I have goosebumps all over.”
“Why?”
“Cos this looks like the police shows I watch on TV. We're detectives and we're fighting crime.”
“Mark, please be serious I have to find my article before Thursday.”
“I'm serious girl, I'm just trying to lighten up the atmosphere.”
We couldn't go to the security department, they would tell on us and the culprit could be anybody.
“I have an idea girl.”
“Okay, tell me.”
“What if we get a camera? Like a camera that we could put in a small teddy bear? I think they sell stuff like that, like teddy bears with cameras inside them.”
“Okay? Expatiate.”
“Girl, how can you be so smart and so clueless at the same time?”
“Oh my God, I see where this is going. I'll put the Teddy on my desk and it will record everything!”
“Yes girl, now you get it.”
“So when can we get it?”
“Girl don't bother, I'll ask my boyfriend, he'll get it for us.”
“Thank you so much. Wait, boyfriend?”
“Yes Tura, my boyfriend. Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You're gay?”
“Yes.”
“Why am I surprised? I shouldn't be, I see how you act differently around everybody else but are always yourself when you're with me.”
“You observant b***h, I love you.”
“I love you too. I'm glad that you can freely express yourself around me.”
Four hours later, Mark told me that his boyfriend had gotten the camera.
“Wow, so fast? He really loves you.”
“Girl, he worships me. So, all we have to do is buy teddy bears.”
“Bears? Why?”
“The culprit is a journalist babe so he or she isn't stupid, he or she could suspect the sudden change in your work desk. So I'll buy similar teddies the same size as yours and share it to the entire staff.”
“Mark, you're a sweetheart. I love your brain.”
“Thank you girl.”
“Sorry for asking but, what does your boyfriend do for a living?”
“Oil and gas babe. You know Rhino Filling Station?”
“Of course I do, they're everywhere. Wait, he owns it?”
“Yes he does.”
“You have high tastes and I love it for you.”
“Thank you girl.”
The next day, Mark arrived at work with a box of teddy bears. He merrily shared it to the entire staff including the HR and the MD. All we had to do now, was sit and wait. My colleagues asked what I was going to do about my stolen article and I told them that I would let it go. They believed me since I was always calm and didn't react to statements and behaviours that were meant to make me loose my temper.
I went home with my fingers crossed hoping that tomorrow would bring good tidings for me. Richard called just when I had gotten cozy for Netflix and chill with myself. His call came at the wrong time but it would be rude to ignore it so I picked.
“Hello Ketura.”
“Good evening Richard. How're you doing?”
“Fine thank you. How're you?”
“I'm good, I guess.”
“That's not what someone who's truly good would say. What happened?”
I told him about what transpired at work and what I'm doing to tackle it. He listened attentively and gave his two cents on the matter. I didn't want the conversation to be about me alone so I asked about his day. His day was rough too, his staff has been stealing alot of money from him. He can't ask him to refund the money because it's a lot and the thieving ex employee cannot afford to pay back so he had to let him go.
“I'm so sorry about that.”
“It's fine, that's one of the downsides of being self employed. Finding an honest worker is like looking for a strand of hair in the dark.”
“You'll be fine Richard. Don't think about it too much, just think of how to make your money difficult to steal or tamper with. You need to hire a good accountant.”
“I'm working on that. I can't afford to go through this again.”
“You won't.”
“You sound so sure. Do you know something that I don't?”
“No. I just know that you're smart and intelligent. You won't let this repeat itself again.”
“Wow. Thank you for making me blush and smile tonight.”
“You're welcome Richie.”
“Richie, I like that.”
“Thank you.”
“I shall ask something of you tomorrow and I hope that you will grant my request.”
“Why not ask me now?”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Ketura, I would love to look into your eyes while I talk to you.”
“Okay…”
“What I'm trying to say is, I would love to go out with you.”
“You're good with words Richard.”
“I try. So, what do you say?”
“I say yes.”
“Thank you Ketura.”
“You're welcome Richie.”
“Goodnight Kate.”
“Oh wow, nickname for me too. Goodnight Richie.”
I put down the phone, and continued Netflix and chilling.
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD