9| Innuendo

He paced thro and fro, as various thoughts ran wild in his head. The mall had the very best of security, and there was no way any of the footages from the cameras could get stolen.

Even if one of his customers had been the one who had videotaped the fight, they would have not been able to get away without any of the staffs and security knowing.

The phone bleeped again, and Daniel shot his eyes to the screen – it was a call from his personal assistant, and he picked up instantly.

“Tell me,” He said.

From the other end, came a slightly rushed voice of his P.A, which always had a faint Spanish accent.

“Daniel, the story is hot on the headlines.”

Daniel sighed. This was the last thing he needed – becoming the topic of gossip in the public. His image was already at the verge of collapsing with the rumor circulation around that he was an addict.

“What are we going to do?” He questioned – hoping that there was a way he could just get the public to forget everything they know of him.

“We’ll have to meet up to discuss that a.s.a.p.”

“Alright, Ray. Text everyone,” Daniel ordered, and hung up. His eyes moved to the cigarette in between his fingers, and he brought it to his lips, and took a deep inhalation, and released the air out through his lips.

This was pointless. He was not calm, and he wasn’t thinking straight. His head was spinning around, and he could barely see clearly.

He clutched the rim of his bed, stabilizing himself. He knew he was a mess, but cowering up in here and feeling sorry is just pathetic.

He needed to get out there, and face everything. He needed to clear his name, and the ravaging rumors going around.

Hurriedly, Daniel changed into a white T-shirt and blue jean. He picked up his car keys and dashed out of the room.

He hesitated for a while in front of Derin’s room, contemplating if he should let her know of what was going on, but he instantly crumpled up the thought, and continued down the stairs, and out of the house.

The sound of engines woke Derin from her nap, and she shot to her feet, and to the window. She saw Daniel get into his car, and drive out. He seemed to be in a hurry, and he looked quite disturbed – she only wondered what he might be up to.

Howbeit, she was glad that he was out of the house, and once again, she could enjoy the peace of being alone. She couldn’t help but think of what she would do now that the monster was out of the house, but her thoughts were interrupted by the slight grumbling from her stomach.

Well, everything else could wait, but not her hunger. With this, she walked out of the room to look for something edible to be eaten.

On arrival at the Hartley Penthouse, a large ranch owned by the Hartleys which was built by Daniel’s grandparents upon arrival in Nigeria in the year 1960, but currently managed by Lake, Daniel’s father.

Lake’s parents were sent in as doctors from Greece in order to help with the battle of epidemics at that time. However, they ended up falling in love with Nigeria and her cultures, and refused returning to their home country.

Lake was just a seven year old when they came to Nigeria, but his sister Magdalene arrived two years after they came to the country. Lake’s parents, Gracie, and Patrick, became farmers, and overtime they cultivated one of the largest farms in Nigeria.

Following in his parents footsteps, Lake also founded ‘The Hartley Winery’ which exported to major countries around the world. In just five decades, the Hartley name had managed to root into Nigeria, and the neighboring countries.

As Daniel drove into the fields, he was welcomed by his personal assistant; Ray Benxi.

“You’re right on time, Daniel,” He said to Daniel as soon as he alighted from his jeep, and they both walked to the inner garden of the ranch where his manager was seated. Beside him sat Daniel’s father.

“Hey Starry,” His manager, Henry Ford, smiled brightly on sighting Daniel.

Despite being in his late forties, Henry looked very much youthful, and he was always on the move with Daniel and Ray. Henry was more than a manager to Daniel; he was more of a father and a friend to him. Henry and Daniel’s father had been childhood friends, and Henry partially raised Daniel.

Henry was a Georgian by birth, but he chose to accept the citizenship in Nigerian. He lived with his wife, Louisa May, and his step-brother, Frank Lloyd.

Seeing Henry here, meant that everything would be alright, Daniel knew. “Hey, Henry,” He replied Henry, before he turned to the fourth man in the room, his father. “Dad.”

Lake’s face held a frown, and his eyes were hard on Daniel like a rock. Daniel could tell that his father was disappointed in him.

Honestly, Lake had never been proud of his son, and also found a reason to be disappointed in Daniel.

“What do you have to say for yourself, young man?” Lake questioned, harshly.

Daniel looked down, “I’m sorry, dad.”

Lake laughed. “Do you think sorry will fix this?” He huffed before he removed his glasses and placed them on the table. “Why do you keep messing up yourself in the eyes of the public?” He fumed.

“It’s not like I do it on purpose!” Daniel countered.

“It seems you do!” Lake retorted.

Henry chimed in before it got even hot between the father and son, “Listen, we are to be looking for solutions and not keep throwing blames at one another.

The air went cold as Lake and Daniel glared at each other. Lake took his eyes away from his son, and faced the man who had just calmed the situation.

“Henry, what are our options?”

Henry sighed, and also threw his eyes to the man beside Daniel. Ray swallowed a lump in his throat as they all faced him, and he knew that he had to come up with a solution again, like always.

“Well, firstly, we need to speak with the press, and clarify all their questions,” Ray stated – this snapped a cord in Daniel as he instantly knew where all this was headed to, and he did not like it, at all. “The veil on Daniel’s marriage would be pulled-”

Daniel chimed in, “We can’t do that.”

His father eyed him, “May we know why we can’t?”

Daniel’s shoulder fell as he took a deep sigh, “Revealing this information, now, will mark the beginning of the end of my career. My fans and followers would not take the blow of a ‘secret marriage’ as easily as they accepted the rumors of my addiction. My businesses are also on the line here, please.”

Several seconds of silence passed as each man seemed to weigh the words that had just found their way out of Daniel’s lips.

Finally, Lake cleared his throat.

“You may have a point there, Daniel,” He said – Daniel’s eyes flashed and a quick smile ran through his lips – but, Lake’s face remained blunt.

“However, the truth – as the elders always say – is the only way out of a lie. If we plan to solve this issue, we’ll have to become honest at a certain point in time, and that is now.”

Hearing these words from his father made him cringe. He couldn’t go out there and blabber everything to the public. There must be a way out of this. He had to save his reputation, and also manage to tell the truth.

“Ray, organize the media for a briefing at the courthouse,” Lake ordered Ray, and flashed a look to Henry, “This needs to end now.”

Hurriedly, Ray dashed back into the building, with his hands already working on texting the media houses.

Henry also stood up, after sensing that Lake and his son needed to have a ‘heart to heart’ discussion.

“Lake, I’ll see you later,” He bid his friend, and then smiled at Daniel, “Take care, kid.”

Daniel stretched a smile, and nodded. This satisfied Henry, and he walked on after Ray.

As soon as both men were gone, Lake faced his son squarely, and on meeting his father’s hot glare, Daniel knew he was in for a ‘hot’ talk.

“What led you to having a fist fight with that man?” Lake questioned.

Even though he did not see the reason to reply his father, Daniel said, “Must I have a reason, dad?”

Lake’s eyeballs grew bulgy as he stared at his son, and he laughed, “Don’t you think there are consequences for your actions? Didn’t you ever consider your image before doing that?” Lake uttered, “The truth is, Daniel, you do not think.”

Despite how swelled up his anger was towards his father, Daniel found himself agreeing with what his father said, and his lips went in accordance to this, “You’re right, dad.”

Lake nodded him to go on.

“Derin, the woman you all made me marry, is the cause of that fight,” Daniel said, and this time, he didn’t try to hide his anger, “She was flirting with another man in my very own mall.”

Lake’s brows furrowed, and his forehead rumpled, “That can’t be true. Derin is a well cultured and behaved woman.”

Daniel laughed once, “Is this the act of a ‘well-cultured’ and ‘mannered’ lady? I’m sorry, dad, but this is wrong.”

Unable to hide his surprise, Lake gaped.

One, he trusted that Derin would not be capable of having an affair.

Two, what will she ever gain from doing so?

However, he also knew that his son wasn’t great with lies.

“Son,” He called to Daniel, who crossed his arms, and faced him, “Derin, as I know, is not capable of doing what you accused her off.”

Daniel laughed, “Seriously, dad, you’re taking her side?”

“I’m not. The only reason why I think you fisted that man was because you were jealous.” Lake blurted.

For a second, Daniel stared at his father, before he held his side, and laughed harder.

He, Daniel, jealous of a mere Nigerian girl was completely hilarious.

It was also pointless to try to argue this with his father, and so, he gave a quick bow to his dad, before walking back inside the house, still laughing.

After making herself clean up the whole house, Derin crashed unto her bed as her whole body hammered in pains. There was nothing for her to do, but just stay the whole day at home, alone.

One, she was bored. Two, she was lonely. So, working herself to tiredness was the best thing she could think of.

Her thoughts were interrupted with the ring of the doorbell which echoed entirely through the house. She groaned, as she pushed herself up the bed, and walked downstairs to open the door.

Her jaw flung to the floor when she saw Bayo at the door, at his side was the gateman.

“Ma’am, he said he knows you and-” Ben tried explaining but Bayo cut him short.

“You look like you literally ran a marathon, sweetheart,” Bayo commented, as his lips pulled into a thin smile.

This snapped her out of her shock, and she jumped to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. This was the cue for the gateman, who turned around, returning back to his post.

“I guess you’ve missed me,” Bayo said, as he held her waist.

Muttering into his neck, Derin said, “More than you think.”

“Are you really okay, sweetheart?” He asked – his brows knitted with worry as he pulled from the hug.

She didn’t want him worrying about her, and so, she pulled her lips into a broad grin.

“Of course, Bayo. Come on in,” She said, as she turned into the living room, and he followed.

“Why are you here?”

He rolled his eyes, and accompanied this with a long frustrated sigh, “Seriously, Derin? I know something’s up with that husband of yours. I can just tell.”

The color drained out of her eyes when she saw that Bayo was not fooled with her smile.

She looked away from him, “I’m sorry I canceled the date.”

Bayo walked to her, and wrapped his arms around her waist, cuddling her from behind.

She relaxed into his chest, “Derin, you don’t need to apologize. I know Daniel made you to cancel. Remember that I heard his jerky voice.”

She laughed at this.

Pleased with her lightened mood, he smiled to himself. “But, I don’t give a damn about him, sweetheart.”

She cocked her face to his, “Really?”

He smiled, “Yes, because you are mine.”

She laughed as she swatted his arm playfully. “C’mon, Bayo.”

He chuckled.

“What would you like to eat?” She asked, but he frowned.

“Even if I wanted to eat, it wouldn’t be here, in Daniel’s house,” He spoke out, and a sad smile crossed her lips.

Of course, how could she think that Bayo was alright with her marriage with Daniel?

Bayo noticed this change in her. “Derin, don’t mind me.”

She shook her head, “No, I understand, Bayo.”

Reaching for her hands, he clasped them gently in his.

His gaze locked with hers, “Maybe, it’s all weird that you are married now, but that makes no difference to me, Derin. I have always cared for you, and I will always. I’m always going to be here for you.”

She smiled, “Thanks, Bayo. Thanks for being my friend.”

“No need to thank me, sweetheart. I’m like a slug etched to your face – I’m never going away,” He asserted to her.

She felt her face warm up at this, and she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, and he held her close to himself in a light hug.

She detached herself from his hug, and stepped onto her toe, until she was facing him, “You’re being too nice. What’s up?”

He pouted, “Can’t I be charming anymore?”

She laughed, and pulled his nose, “It doesn’t fit you, man.”

He joined in the laugh as he threw his arms up in surrender, “Alright. So, how about I take you out?” He asked, “Nothing cocky, I promise.”

She laughed, “Only on one condition.” He raised an eyebrow, “We’ll not go too far?”

“Promise,” He replied. “This will be our first date, sweetheart,” he commented as a coy smile ran through his brown lips.

She punched him on his side, and he laughed.

“Pervert!”

“How does those little fist of yours hurt so much?!” He pouted, but she mocked him as a chuckle escape her lips.

Teasingly, he draped his hand over her head – impishly pushing her down, and they both erupted into giggles.

After their return from the café where they had gone to have dinner together, Derin and Bayo sat at the home bar, chatting about all that had happened after she had left.

“What about you, Bayo? Are you still the same bunked up bachelor?”

He laughed, “Well, sorry to blow your bubbles, sweetheart, I’m not single,” He replied.

Her heart fell to the bottom of her stomach as she realized that Bayo was taken – not that she would consider a relationship with him, other than friendship – but, she still found that it hurt her to know that he had someone.

However, she pulled on a smile, “What’s her name?”

“Evelyn,” He replied.

“You love her, right?”

Immediately, he said, “Not really.”

She sprang her face to him, at once. If there was something she was sure hadn’t changed with him was his ability to remain blunt at all times, even if the situation demands otherwise.

“What do you mean, Bayo?”

He shrugged, “I care for her, a lot,” he said, “but, that’s all.”

“Really, that’s all?”

He nodded, “Yes.”

“Why?” She found herself asking.

He looked at her, “Simple. I love someone else.”

Derin’s eyes glistered as she kept staring at him, “You’re full of wonders. Who do you love, then?”

His lips pulled into a lopsided grin, “The same girl I’ve always loved, and will always love.”

“And, she is?” Derin cut in.

His gaze remained on her, unblinking and Derin began to feel uneasy with his eyes on her.

His hands trailed over to hers which rested on the cabinet, and her skin tingled as his skin met with hers. Her heart thumped nervously against the walls of her chest, as she pressed her lips together.

Finally, his lips parted, and he said, “Derin, I love only-”

His words hung in the air, as the main door banged shut. Both their eyes flew to the entrance, where Karen, Daniel’s mother was standing. Karen’s eyes darted between the duo, and on her face was etched a questioning look.

She walked to them. “What is going on here?”

Derin pulled on a smile, “Nothing ma, we’re just having a drink.” As much as she tried to compose herself, her shaky voice gave her away.

Karen stared at them for a while, before she said, “Okay. Now, will you introduce me to your friend?”

“Of course,” Derin said, “Ma, this is Adebayo Peterson, my old friend. Bayo, she is my mother-in-law, Karen Hartley.” She introduced Karen to Bayo, who smiled as he and the woman shared a handshake.

“It’s nice meeting you, ma’am,” Bayo said.

Karen’s lips stretched into a curing smile, “My pleasure, Mr. Peterson.”

Standing up, he said, “Well, I must take my leave now, ma’am.”

A frown came over Karen’s lips, “Why so soon? Don’t tell me that my presence is chasing you away?”

He shook his head and laughed. “That is not the case, ma’am. I was actually on my way,” He lied.

“Alright, take care,” Karen said.

Derin also forced out a grin, “Take care, Bayo.”

He threw her a side wink, before he turned around and left the house.

Serving her mother-in-law, Derin poured the orange juice into the tumbler and placed it gently on the stool at the side of the sofa where Karen was seated.

“Have some juice, ma.” Derin said.

Looking up from the album she had her eyes buried into, Karen smiled, “Thanks, Derin. By the way, you and my son look so cute in these pictures.”

Derin smiled, her cheeks dimpling up.

However, Karen’s smile disappeared, and the sides of her eyes went downwards.

“How I only wish that you both were really happy?”

Derin tried to keep up her smile, as she chuckled, “What do you mean, ma?”

A sad smile appeared on Karen’s lips, and she patted the seat beside hers, telling Derin to sit. Derin nodded and plumped into the sofa.

“I understand everything, Derin,” Karen spoke up.

“I-” Derin tried to force a lie out her lips, but Karen shook her head, cutting Derin short.

“I’m his mother, Derin. I know how stubborn my son is, and I can tell that he isn’t the best husband to you right now,” She said.

Derin’s heart fluttered. She felt relieved that Karen knew the truth that she had tried her best, but Daniel was the one with the fault.

Still, she pulled on a smile.

“I just think we need time to get to know each other,” Derin said. She did not want Karen to be aware of the true situation between her and Daniel.

She had made a promise to Karen that she will do her best, and even if Daniel’s not really cooperative, she was determined to ensure she tries harder.

Karen nodded.

“Daniel, make sure to say what we rehearsed,” Ray said as they all walked into the large conference room where Daniel was to give his briefing on the incidence at the mall.

He wasn’t ever a fan of the paparazzi and the media, but how could he avoid them when they were always in his shadow.

The door came open, and they were ushered into the room by the military.

On getting in, Daniel’s eyes widened at the roomful of flashing cameras, and the news-thirsty men and women behind them.

After Henry’s opening, Ray who stood at the side, signaled Daniel to go on with his speech. Looking down at the paper in his hands which had the scribbled handwriting of Ray, and he sighed.

“It has been rumored that I am depositing claims on another man’s wife,” Daniel spoke, but before he could complete this sentence, one of the journalists, a short and plump woman chimed in with his first question.

“Why were you in a fist fight with the said man if you hadn’t upset him?” She tossed this to him.

Daniel’s lips parted open to reply, but another question came in from another journalist, before he could get this in, another came in, and the questions just kept pouring in.

“Is it true that you are having an affair with the said woman?”

“If that is so, how long has this been going on?”

“Your fans are questioning your sexual life?”

“How can you explain your relationship with the said woman?”

“Is she your mistress or just a side lover?”

“Are you secretly married to her?”

The questions kept propelling at him, and his face went white.

He could not take all the pressure around him, and so, he stood up, and dashed out of the room, but not before he heard the media come after him with questions.

Henry ran after him, “Kid, wait up!”

But, Daniel didn’t slow down, and only muttered, “I desperately need a drag,” and he walked into the gents, banging the door close.

Ray tried explaining to the chaotic presspersons, but they were already on their new story, they already had the headlines pulled out. As this went on, a slim lady stood in front of her camera man, with a smile on her rugged red lips.

“As seen, it seems that our very dear Mr. Perfect is far from perfect. With the allegations and rumors that he has been having an affair with a married woman, and the obvious lack of denial. We can’t help but think that our dear playboy has stuck himself in a matrimonial web. Owing to his actions today, we have these questions running in our minds; is Daniel Hartley an addict, or is he suffering from instant enochlophobia?”

She shrugged, and pulled her lips together in a dramatic way.

“Sheba Shelia, from On-sight News, reporting live from Hartley Co.” She said, and the broadcast closed up.

This was broadcasted on every station, and the breaking news had their headlines running with the same question.

“Daniel Lanre Craig Hartley, an addict or suffering from enochlophobia?”

Derin and Karen were coincidentally watching the news when the broadcast came up on the screen, and they both gasped on seeing the headliners.

“What?!” Karen gasped.