SEALED DEAL

"So, Miss Riccaford, why do you want to buy a dead company?" Omar asks as I go through the documents.


"Mr. Omar, I believe in second chances and in getting up every time we fall. The fact that the company sank to the ground under your management doesn't mean that it will do the same under mine." I respond.

"I love your way of thinking. You sure are really Riccaford—strong, bold, oriented, and, above all, beautiful inside and out."

"Thank you, Mr. Omar."


"However, sometimes common sense is crucial. It still baffles me why a rich tycoon like you, who is capable of buying the entire Nairobi city if you want, is interested in a dead company."

Ooh, I see he has some brains left.


"Let's just say that I have the power and the will to help a person who is in dire need like you, Omar. I know you are facing a lawsuit due to your debts. Your own house is on the mortgage, but that won't cover even a quarter of your debts. The banks are on your neck, as are hundreds of employees that you haven't paid in eight or nine months now." I state.

"How do you know that?"

"You didn't expect me to get myself into a mess that I don't know its cause, did you? I do a thorough background check on the things I invest in, Mr. Omar. I also know that you are relocating your family to the upcountry to save them from the shame you are about to go through and also because you can't afford city life anymore."

"That is an invasion of privacy, Miss Riccaford! It is unlawful to have someone investigated like that without their consent or having committed any crime," he says, trying to act all dearly on me.

I put my last signature on the document and slammed his copy in front of him. "I have all the damn rights to know absolutely everything about you as the owner of the company I am buying. And instead of whining, Mr. Omar, you should be thankful to me that I am saving you from the hole that you dug for yourself. My lawyer will call as soon as possible for the settlement." I spring to my feet.

"Aren't you even going to bargain?" He asks after perusing through the signed pages.

I give him a cheezy smile. "No. I am much okay with the figures." I proudly state.

"Is this how you do business, Miss Riccaford, or is it only in my case?"

See this one! What is his problem? I saved his arse and his family, and it is not even because of him that I am doing this, and he is still running his mouth, and not with gratitude?

"Mrs. Almeda Riccaforte, in case you are behind the news," I correct, taking a step toward him. 'And no, I just consider some cases like this one. The amount will settle your debts and leave you with some mere dimes for survival, and on my hand, this amount will make no difference in my bank balances. Not even a scratch, and I will make a whole lot from it. Good day, Mr. Omar. I presume we are done here." I leave the idiot to ponder his predicaments, toss my copies of the documents in my purse, and stomp out.

I admit I know nothing about the textile business, but I know it can be beneficial. I'm planning on building more hotels in the future, and what would be nicer and more beneficial during the construction than owning a textile company? Grace will be over the moon with the news.

I dial her number and wait for her response. "Hey, bestie! Don't tell me you are up so early on a Saturday morning." She speaks, and I can hear her yawning.

It's almost nine in the morning, and she is sleeping? Since when did she become a sleepy head or a lazy bone? And my coffee shop? Don't tell me she is neglecting it while I am out here fixing such deep shit for her. "Grace? Don't tell me you haven't opened the shop!"

"I asked Ana to take charge today because I woke up with a terrible headache. But I will be going in a few," she responds, and it is now that I sense her unusual self.

I breathed out a sigh. "Ooh, I see. Are you okay now? Are you feeling better? You can take a day off and rest if you are not well," I ask.

"No. Don't worry, I am fine. I got soaked up in rain yesterday when I came home. I have taken some painkillers, and I know I will feel better in a couple of minutes," she explains.

Poor thing. Here I was about to go all berserk on her. "Ooh, so sorry about that. You can take a day off if you are not well, Grace. Really, I wouldn't like you going to work sick, you know." I say to her.

"Nah. I'm okay, Ellie. Really. You tell me. Aren't you supposed to be snuggling beside your beautiful God this early morning?" she says.

Ooh, yeah! I should. And I would love to do that when I get home, since it's too early. But, dah! How can I afford to sleep or rest when my friends are missing?

"Well, I had an important deal to close this morning. But I am heading back." I say this as I ignite the engine and step on the accelerator, driving out of the building.

"I see. Was it successful? Wait, what was it about?"

"I'll tell you all about it later. I need you to be here on Monday."

"Monday?" She queries.

"Yes, Monday. And no questions until then." I state, and she sighs. I can hear her.

"Well, alright."

"And Grace, please be careful. I need you to take a flight and don't leave the airport alone. I will send guards to pick you up, okay?"

"Okay. Have you found a lead on the whereabouts of Rose and Grace yet?" She asks with worry.

Damn! If only…