CORDIALLY
1163 Words
A grand, estate pulsed with quiet urgency as maids and security staff prepared for Leonard's arrival.
Leonard’s presence was announced by his footsteps, which echoed throughout the foyer, the automated gates closing behind him. The thud from the closed gate felt like the weight of expectation from the family hitting his shoulders.
Despite the splendor, Leonard's face was tight with discomfort. Hoping he would get through the visit without losing himself.
His mother, Grace Ardiuo, stood waiting in the drawing room her commanding presence filling the space. At 55, she was a solid, imposing woman her posture unwavering, her voice one that stood on business. Once a rising political star, Grace carried the unmistakable aura of power and control. She didn't need to ask for respect people gave it to her without question.
As she approached Leonard in excitement and with a welcoming spirit, she greeted him. But as usual, her eyes failed her, although she was happy to see him but there was something off, intensity flickered in her gaze, and this happened each time she was around Leonard, as if trying to hide something from him. Behind her sharp gaze, there was also a hint of watchfulness as her mind and thinking were always a step ahead.
“Son, you don’t have any idea how impatient I have been since I heard you were going to grace my invite”. She said her tone rising with excitement and she stepped forward with wide arms that he managed to dodge in time.
**************
The busy staff setting the table for lunch swam all around them quietly, the maids arranged the table and the security guards inspected the room vigilantly.
Leonard was openly irritated, his eyes went through the room, his mother’s way of running things was far different from his and he never liked it, there was too much show, too much fear and control.
At lunch, in the formal dining room:
Grace poured a glass of wine and began, "Gabriella will be back from London soon. You know, she's going to be completely under my wings my protégé. Sometimes I think she might just be too much for us, but then again I remember no one comes close to you when it comes to success Leonard.” She ended with a chuckle.
In a second Leonard’s gaze ran through her, he didn’t say a word he was not interested in the conversation. Instead, he changed the topic, no matter if it was quite obvious that he was avoiding the marital discussion.
"I'm meeting the governor next week," Leonard said, leaning back in his chair. "I'm proposing a grant for less privileged folks to work at my company with free accommodation. It'll reduce our tax burden smart move all around."
Grace's eyes narrowed. "Leonard, you've already done plenty. You've built homes for the less privileged, yes? Investors might shy away if they think their money is just being funneled into charity. You need to focus on the investors and shareholders, not some beggars.
He sighed irritated by her remark. "The people handling the funds aren't helping those folks. It's better if they work to earn their keep."
Grace fixed him with a steely gaze her pointy jaw resting on her raised intertwined fingers a bit unsure of how to start. "You want to help, fine but don't complicate your business with politics or get the government involved with your business, cause they never stop at one offer. Focus on what you're good at. Leave the rest to those who understand it."
Leonard felt the familiar frustration rising. His mother was always so sure, so rigid, unwilling to see things his way. But he held his tongue, knowing this visit was about appearances as much as anything else.
"I’m almost late for my next scheduled, Mother." He announced reading his bespoke watch on his left wrist.
He laid the fork, which he had barely used, and walked out of the building, he didn’t care if she was pleased or displeased about his departure.
Grace didn’t seem too surprised, as that was his usual cold behavior.
As the driver drove them in silence, the car suddenly stopped jolting him out of his thoughts. Which made him disoriented for a moment his mind suddenly racing to catch up.
Then the sound of gunfire shattered the air, bullets tearing toward the car, thankfully some parts of it were bulletproof.
His childhood trauma surged back in full force he was frozen to his seat, eyes wide, heart pounding. The driver was bleeding profusely from his chest region, and the sight of it was like a punch to the gut.
He clamped his hand over his ear like a child, curling up as if to protect himself from the horrors
Then, after what felt like an eternity, backup security arrived, rushing onto the scene. Jeff came with them. Without hesitation, Jeff sprinted to the ambushed car where Leonard sat and helped him into a safer vehicle.
They soon arrived at Leonard's home. It was clear Leonard needed medical attention, but he had warned Jeff firmly no hospitals. No explanations, just a strict order.
Leonard finally opened his eyes, Jeff right beside him.
"It was your driver. His phone was tapped, and your location was tracked."
Leonard's lips curled into an unexpected, wickedly mean smile.
"I will get them."
The darkness outside held a night that was thick and still untouched by even a whisper. But inside, a storm was gathering. And Leonard was ready to unleash it.
***********
"The job was a disaster. Make sure the driver is dead. I'll wire the money tomorrow.”
He stopped briefly, his eyes mysterious and wicked.
"Silence everyone involved. And tell the boss I've taken care of it."
The conversation had ended briefly and coded, the man dressed in black gave the messenger a card. The card was thick and brown and with an imprint on it which read ‘FAILED MISSION”
The card changed hands again.
The boss loomed in the darkness blending with its nature. His features were obscured by a mask. The messenger could hardly recognize him initially. He received the card and immediately fired his gun severally times at the sender until he was sure the body was lifeless.
“I had already expected this failure, paying incapable fools to take one man down.” He blurted angrily, his voice echoing into the silent night.
The cigarette butt festered on the ground a tiny spark put off by his boot thud. A mean smile rested on his face.
With a curt nod, he signaled to his man then a low gravelly chuckle that came next would send a shiver down any spine.
"Blowing up the Golden Globe Gates with Leonard in it... is not a bad idea. But isn't that the same as getting myself jobless?"
He let out an evil chuckle that sang his pain, bitterness and failure in taking down Leonard Marcel Kendrick.
- Writer
