The Big Decision
1281 Words
Mariya climbed into the back seat of the sleek black car that crawled up at the back door of the ballroom and settled into the backseat. her mind filled with a mix of relief and weariness.
She could hear the security man firing shots at the back of the tinted and tempered glass of the car and she instinctively ducked her head to avoid the bullets.
The Director had provided the vehicle for her safe journey back to the orphanage as promised.
And she hoped that he bullet really got to the president, else this would all be a mess.
But little did she know that her supposed escape would turn into another treacherous ordeal.
Marshall had tried calling her, unknown to him that the Director confiscated her phone before the operation and so there was no means of communication.
As the car glided through the dimly lit streets, Mariya's eyelids grew heavy and her head ached so bad.
She stretched her head and spine trying to stay active but that seemed impossible.
Her body felt like she had been drugged or something.
She didn't know that the drivers wore oxygen masks, protecting themselves from the poisonous gas they were about to introduce into the vehicle.
With a swift motion, they activated the mechanism, and the toxic fumes began to fill the car.
Mariya's eyes fluttered open, sensing something was amiss.
But by then the air had already grown thick, making her struggle with her breathing.
Panic surged through her veins as she gasped for air, her lungs burning with each laboured breath.
Frantically, she clawed at the window controls, desperate for a breath of fresh air, but they were locked.
“What”
“Stop”
“Let me out,” she pleaded.
The drivers, their faces covered in oxygen masks, glanced at each other, their eyes cold and there was no atom of mercy in their voice.
They watched Mariya's struggles with detached indifference, knowing that the poisonous gas would soon kill her and that was exactly what they wanted.
According to the plan of event.
Once Mariya kills the president, she took will be killed. So that during police investigation. The trails will definitely lead to Mariya but then they would find her dead and assume that she committed suicide after the operation.
That way the president case would be sealed.
Since Mariya had no cellphone to communicate with the director and tell him that the plan failed. These drivers also went ahead with the director instructions oblivious of what just happened inside the hall.
As the car wound its way up a winding mountain road, Mariya succumbed to the toxic fumes, her consciousness fading away.
Unconscious and bruised, she appeared lifeless to the drivers as they approached the edge of a cliff.
They opened the door and unceremoniously dragged Mariya's limp body out, and instantly threw her violently down the mountain.
Mariya landed with her head against the large heavy rock and blacked out.
They also threw down the vehicle and every other single thing that would incriminate them.
* * *
Alexander after escaping the gunshots from the unruly lady was immediately sneaked out of the venue for the function.
He was driven to the hospital where he went to confirm from the doctor that nothing could be done to save his wife.
As he strode through the corridors of the hospital, his face etched with worry.
He had just received the distressing news that his wife had been involved in an accident. He has no idea how that news got out to other people's hearing but first he needs to see the doctor.
As he and his entourage approached the reception desk.
"I need to see the doctor immediately. Where is my wife?" Alexander demanded.
The receptionist was completely terrified by Alexander’s presence; she quickly composed herself and consulted her records.
"Mr. Alexander, the doctor is currently attending to your wife. I can arrange for you to speak with him as soon as he's available." The receptionist was breathing as fast as if she was running up a flight of stairs.
As he waited anxiously, mild chaos interrupted the tense atmosphere.
People were making way for something that seemed like an ambulance to pass through.
Medical personnel rushed by, pushing an emergency stretcher with urgency.
On it lay Mariya, her face pale and her body covered in bruises, her blood dripping on the hospital floor as she was being rushed to the ICU. She was discovered by a fisherman after she was thrown down the cliff. It was the fisherman who called the police for help.
Alexander's attention shifted momentarily. He watched as the medical team whisked Mariya away.
And he imagined that this was the same way his wife Carissa was dragged into the hospital. The girl on the stretcher looked like his wife except for her face.
The same colour of skin and the same height and body shape. Just different faces.
Finally, the doctor emerged from the room where Carissa was being treated.
His face wore a grave expression, and Alexander’s heart sank at the sight.
"Doctor, please tell me she's going to be alright," Alexander pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.
The doctor sighed heavily, his eyes filled with sympathy.
"I'm sorry, Alexander, but we did everything we could. Unfortunately, your wife has passed away."
A wave of shock and grief washed over Alexander, it was as if his world was crumbling before him in an instant.
"Sir,”
“This is not a time to mourn. We need to find a solution as soon as possible” Alexander’s personal assistant Joel said to him.
“First no one needs to hear about Clarissa’s death. So I'll advise that you don't cry publicly so that these bloggers won't take an unaware picture of you”
“You might not know it but the press are watching for any reaction from you. They only need one sad reaction to confirm that your wife is dead”
“ I will advise that we all move to the doctor’s room to see how we can solve this puddle” Joel was more calm and collected. And this was the reason Alexander kept him for years.
Because of his ability to reason behind emotions.
They all moved into the secluded area of the doctors office.
“I know that this is a devastating loss. But pick yourself up like a man. The public will expect you to suspend your campaign and mourn your passing wife if they ever hear that Mrs Carissa is dead" Joel said.
“Do you want to contest for the presidency in the next term? If not, let's nip this problem in the bud right here”
Alexander’s eyes flickered. He had spent so much time preparing for this opportunity.
"No, Joel”
“I cannot let this tragedy get in the way of my campaign. I will find a way to honour Carissa’s memory while continuing to serve the people."
Joel smiled a bit at Alexander’s opinion.
He hesitated a bit before responding.
"Sir, the risk of public backlash and accusations of insensitivity could be immense."
“It could be detrimental against you as beginner in politics”
“ Where are you driving with all this words Joel, tell me exactly what you have in mind” Alexander was already impatient.
I am sorry if this sounds insensitive but this is the most rational thing to do at this time.
“I suggest that we clone Carissa. We need to give the public a healthy and beautiful i********: model and future first lady”
This will even publicise your campaign.
- Writer
