THE ELITE'S SHADOW

I stared hard at her I'm disgust she didn't seem to care as she continued behaving care free. She wore a strapless suede short half flay gown. Her hair styled in a wavy style. Her makeover seemed a little extreme. Worse still she ate like a glutton which disgusted me the more making me feel like throwing up. I felt so embarrassed sitting next to this urchin and this is the second meal she just finished then she belched loudly without courtesy.

"What sort of crude creature did my grandma pick this time." I yelled as I used my hands to hit the table. As I clenched my jaws staring daggers at her.

"Since we aren't talking, why disturb me when I'm eating. You're a total contrast from what I was told, just so you know I was coerced into coming here in the first place." She explained rudely as she raised her hands trying to get the waitress attention, I quickly pulled her hands down.

"Don't you dare! Is this your first time eating expensive dishes from a luxurious eatery that would turn you into a glutton. Is this how crude and uncultured you behave?" I yelled in disgust as my brows furrowed. She stared hard at me then rolled her eyes followed by a loud hiss

"I can afford these dishes I picked. And this isn't my first time eating out in a luxurious eatery and it's offensive to call a lady crude." she said trying hard to defend herself. As she picked up the handkerchief from the table to wipe her face.

"I think I said the truth. What sort of lady behaves like a Tarzan? You're the first kind I've ever seen. So as not waste my precious time I'll call this a day and I'm not like the crude guys you've met who abandon a lady at an eatery without paying. Just so you know the bills have been sorted out." I said not minding her gaze as I walked out. Then Aidan ran up to me. Seems like he has something urgent to say. He walked briskly striding his long legs. Holding the MacBook like his life depended on it.

"Sir, Madam insist that you come to her villa and pass the night there." Aidan my PA said.

"What important meeting does she wants to have with me. Find out more on the random lady that saved my life last night" I instructed Aidan as he unlocked my car and opened the door for me to get in before he got into the car.

"Since Madam Hart wants to see me why don't you drive to her place because I have something urgent to discuss with her. Her recent behavior is expected but unnecessary." I said as I loosened my tie heaving a sigh of relief. In no time we were at Madam's Hart villa. The Mansion stood tall. With valid security and being greeted by the bunch of servants is no new thing. I was ushered inside. I arrived inside the Mansion and headed straight to the living room. I sighted Madam Hart. Her straight satin gown graced her slender golden brown skin. Wrinkles appeared to make her more attractive even at old age. She held unto her walking stick. More like it carried most of her weight. staring at the ceiling. Crafted by a well known Epoxy designer. She stared hard at the ceiling and heaved a sigh of relief. whenever she does this is when she's worried sick about something.

"Is anything bothering you Madam Hart?" I asked as she turned her gaze From the ceiling to me. Her full grey hair graced her beautiful face. Her eyes designed with wrinkles. She gave a wry smile. Holding unto her walking stick tightly although with shaky hands. I went further to help hold her. Then I led her to the sofa.

"How was your date son?" she rather asked instead of replying my questions. She has a thing for dodging questions.

"That shouldn't be your problem grandma. You look worried and I'm concerned. So do you mind sharing your problem with me so we can solve it?" I asked as I used my fingers to arrange her hair that fell freely on her face. Then slowly tucked them behind her ears.

"Are you sure you are concerned? Are you sure you can solve my problem son?" she asked in a rather calm tone but it also sounded sarcastic. Still smiling. Displaying her beautiful set of teeth.

"What sort of question is that grandma. Look" I said as I held her palms and stared into her eyes. "Whatever bothers you bothers me and there is nothing I can't solve so what is it. Spill it don't stress yourself thinking grandma it's unsafe for your health" I said as a thin smile formed on her still face then she smiled.

"How was your date son? Miriam is a good girl....." she said staring hard into my eyes then I quickly cut her short.

"Grandma this isn't about the date. What really is eating you up?" I asked in a more serious tone.

"Find a woman son and get married. I'm worried because without marriage you would be ripped off your position. This is an order from your grandfather and you are given two months ultimatum. Introduce a lady and retain your position or remain single and loose your position. That explains why I've been organizing blind dates" she said staring at me still holding my hands.

"Is this why you kept asking me about that crap of a date. Why did you bring a crude lady to me for a date. Did I hurt you that much. I promise I'll bring a lady to you as my date. So don't stress yourself thinking again" I said as I pulled her into a tight hug.

"Thank you son I knew you wouldn't disappoint me" Grandma said while the hug lasted. I went to my room after the discussion with Grandma. Then I heaved a sigh of relief. I promised her that I'll bring a lady when I have none and now it's turned into a do or die affair. Who would become the lucky lady or I'm I cursed when it comes to choosing ladies no one has made my heart beat. Then my phone vibrated. A message from Aidan. I quickly grabbed my phone to check what he sent me.

"Sir here are her details" it read as I opened a word document. Then I slowly nodded my head. If there's anyone I need as my woman it must be her. No other lady has trapped my heart like she did. Finally I found her. Her smell is still divine. Her boldness is what I really admire. A stranger took so much risk just to save my life. I would have been a dead man if she didn't save me. Her presence completely heals any broken heart. Her philosophy of life is distinct from others and finally I found her after all these years of waiting thinking I'll never set my eyes on her again. I thought as my face curved into a smile, wait there Mia culpa your prince charming is coming to get you.

I dialed Erica's line several times but the line appeared unreachable. I tried calling her several times but to no avail. Did something happen to her phone or did something happen to her. No I doubt something happened to her. I went to the freezer to get chilled soda. I quickly opened the soda and gulped a reasonable amount, when my phone started ringing. I dropped the soda on the marble workbench as I ran to the sitting room. My phone laid on the center table. I picked up my phone the caller ID displayed on the screen turned out to be one of my clients.

But I seriously don't feel like going anywhere. So I dropped the phone on the table. Emily is getting me scared it's been two days no calls and she's not answering any either. My phone rang again I rushed to see the caller id expecting to see Emily's call but no it was my mom. I know she'll start her talks that seem unnecessary to me. I just had to answer the phone.

"Dear when are you coming home" she asked as I answered the call. Then say down on one of the sofa.

"Is that why you called. I'm busy with my work mom and I don't have any free time for visitation." I replied rudely as I crossed my legs. Regretting ever answering her call.

"When last I remember you worked as nothing but a prostitute. This isn't how we trained you Tiffany . Your father and I raised you properly and it hurts our pride that you decided to turn out this way. Tiffany come home we need to talk." mom said as she sounded angry on the other end making me roll my eye. Releasing a long hiss.

"Point of correction I'm not a prostitute but a sex worker. And my pay is handsome and far better than what your godly daughter is earning. It's a pity you and dad refused to enjoy the fruit of your labour by refusing me from sending you allowances. Talking of raising a child properly you both suck at it. What kind of parent send their kids to mushroom schools when our mates were in top notch schools, we ate twice a day while our mates ate as much as they could. If you couldn't cater for children why bring them into the world to suffer. Why didn't you close that legs of yours. How did you feel seeing other children healthy and yours malnourished, other children wearing designers clothing and we got rags to put on. And you say you brought us up properly, finally I got a chance to save myself from poverty through my god sent job and all you both do is to condemn me. I understand you both love poverty that you influenced my younger sister into having your poverty mentality but I dare to be different." I explained angrily on the phone as she sniffed. I can guess she's crying. I didn't mean to be harsh but that was the candid truth.

"Your father and I sacrificed our all good for you both. We deprived ourselves a lot of things just so we could train you both and this is the thank you we get. This life you've chosen to live is very dangerous. I wonder why you chose to be the family's black sheep but one thing is certain you'll regret it I just pray you'll stop earlier or else your life would be in total jeopardy." Mom said as she ended the call. 'Fuck!' I cursed as I ended the call. As long as I'm concerned they have no impact in my life. My phone rang again my hopes on seeing Erica's call dropped as a result of the latter call. I sluggishly checked the caller ID only to my very surprise Erica's name was boldly displayed on the screen. I quickly answered the call.

"Hey baby girl." I spoke with so much enthusiasm but what I heard at the background freaked me out. Muffled screams was heard from the background. My heart suddenly started pounding.

"Erica are you there?" I asked paranoid I began feeling weak then I clenched the table for support. Amongst the loud muffled screams came a shrill voice

"Please save me." the voice which I recognized as Erica's my heart started pounding hard what must have happened to her.

"Erica are you there! Hang on please!! Erica!!!" I yelled continuously in my paranoid state then a scary male voice was heard at the background followed by total silence and a crashing sound. That's how the call ended and that's how I lost her. I stared hard at the screen as tears flowed from my eyes. I started running around in my paranoid state. Then I realized my next door neighbor, Tim was into cyber security. I ran to his house and knocked luckily he was at home. Then he opened the door. He seemed to be having a good time.

"Tim, Erica's been kidnapped can you help me track this line because she just used it to call me so I can get her location." I said kneeling down begging him to help me with my already swollen eyes as I explained everything to him.

"Holy moly! Who would believe that one day the great Tiffany would be at my mercy. If you need my help you'll pay for the services." he said as his eyes ran over my body then he displayed a sinister smile. His ginger hair fell on his face depicting a creepy look. At this point in time I have to beg with my life. As I can't loose Erica.

"I'm ready to pay for anything just call the amount and I'll pay." I said still begging him despite my continuous sniffing. My palms rubbed against each other. He squatted next to me as he held my chin up. Then he smirked.

"I didn't need your money but I want you to scream my name on my bed. You know what I mean slut. Long ago you and Erica kept making hurtful remarks at me. Comparing my manhood to that of a six year old. You both said all kinds of things that I won't be able to make a woman scream my name. Now you would be the first woman to scream my name." He said blatantly. Using his eyes to size up my boobs. As the used his finger to run over them, giving them a light squeeze. I wasn't expecting this response from him. For some reason unknown to me I felt my heart pained as he called me the name slut. My face turned pale. He stood up and made to leave. I have to do anything to save Erica but sleeping with this. No. It isn't happening.

"Please help me Tim. Erica's life is in danger, please." I said sobbing as I tugged into his trousers. "You can't be saying this now. Help me Tim." I begged him earnestly. As I held unto his trousers.

"Tiffany heaven help those who help themselves. Agree to my terms and I'll help you out. Simple" he said as he tried to free himself from my grip. But mine was stronger. We struggled for some time. It dawned on me that I have to please him in order for him to save Erica. I'll have to agree to his condition. Indeed heaven help those who help themselves.

"Ok I surrender. I'm in as long as we're able to save Erica I'm in." I said as I finally accepted defeat. His face suddenly lit up. He grabbed my breast and squeezed then roughly. Smirking wide as possible. I never imagined that I'll be in this sort of situation in my life. He then spanked my buttocks as I stood up. Yes I'm used to this but this time it felt different, I felt like a virgin forced to please a total stranger. It's painful but I had to force a moan. Then he quickly shut the door. What shocked me the most was when he opened his closet after ordering me to strip and lay nude in the bed. Who would have believed that he was dip into BDSM. What I never did with my customers due to the cruelty. I had to succumb to his deal in order to save my friend but after having sex with him he threw me out of his house not caring to look at my teary face, bruised skin already peeled all thanks to the whip. and pleas. I can't loose Erica, I have to do something. I tried to stand but I couldn't it felt as if my vagina had been torn apart. I held the wall for support. My legs felt heavy as I made each step. Although I had to sleep with a rag, a beast disguised in a human form, tortured me thoroughly as a form of taking his revenge on me. I did all these in search of help but at last he turned his back at me. I don't mind doing worse things. Hang in there Erica I'll come save you.

I woke up sluggishly my eyes squinted suddenly due to the light I managed to open my eyes slowly just to realize that I passed the night at the street while I was asking people when last they saw Erica. I can't believe that I slept outside. I stared around only to be greeted by dozens of eyes which seemed like they were piercing into me. Right now I look like a shadow of myself then I stared at the ground currencies of different denominations were placed next to me did they mistake me for a beggar. I quickly packed the money. I had to hold the wall to support myself to stand up.

I still felt the pain, I had to limp and headed straight to a supermarket close.

Indeed I was parched and I needed water. On getting there the first thing I heard was breaking news. My eyes moved around the place and fixed on the television. An organ trafficker was caught and it was said that he had killed alot of people child, adult etc. and only two ladies happened to survive the others were reported dead. He spoke while the press were interrogating him as he spoke I immediately shook in fear his voice sounded familiar to that male voice on the phone yesterday. My heart sank instantly. God please if this is what I'm thinking let Erica be among the two ladies alive.

They showed the first lady although her face was blurred and she was badly injured. My heart started pounding as I awaited the arrival of the second lady but they showed pictures of the corpses saying family members should identify their bodies. Then they showed a lady wearing a Versace crop top and mini skirt, with a Versace leg chain in her left foot, her right foot was missing. I quickly stared at my left foot. My chain was there. I and Erica bought the Versace leg chain for ourselves my heart sank immediately.

I didn't want to believe that it was Erica's corpse I was seeing, at this point it felt like my world was crumbling, my appetite immediately died down, I kept on moving backwards my eyes were watery, I still can't believe I couldn't save her. She called asking to save her and I just couldn't. I couldn't save her. What sort of person would she see me as in her afterlife. Her friend whom she sacrificed a lot for couldn't keep her only request. God let this be a dream Erica is alive yes she's alive.

I pinched myself but I could feel pain, at times when dreaming you are subject to pain. I ran towards a young man. Wearing a checked long sleeve shirt and black denim jean trouser. His face seemed somewhat familiar but I can't place it. His depicted a commanding aura. Even in casual outfits. His honey brown curly hair fell on his well chiseled face. Graced with hazel eyes, thin straight nose and thin lips. I had to raise my head to look up to his face. Throughout my tears in the industry, I would say this is the most handsome man I've ever met.

"Please pinch me so I'll confirm I'm not dreaming." I said as I grabbed his hands bringing it closer to my skin but he drifted away quickly. Resulting in my shaking lightly. Then he used the back of his palm to touch my forehead. I flinched in shock expecting the worse.

"Are you okay young lady?" he asked acting like he's concerned. I was shocked as I didn't expect the concern. I just stood staring at him like a moron then I broke down in tears. Crying due to the fact I had just lost my dearest friend.

"How can I be okay, how can I sleep properly, when I couldn't save this one person who gave her all for me." I said as I broke down the more. Surprisingly he pulled me into his arms. Which shocked me the most.

"It's okay. Everything can't turn out perfect. We aren't immortals the fact we are imperfect is what makes us humans." he gave me his handkerchief so I can clean my tears. I quickly grabbed unto the handkerchief. Using it to cover my eyes.

"Thank you." I muttered slowly as he left. I quickly went out of the supermarket as I didn't feel the urge to eat anything anymore. I was crossing the road and I didn't notice the traffic light on the zebra crossing has changed from green to red all I could remember was seeing a red Benz coming with so much speed. I yelled in shock and that was the end.

I woke up finding myself in an entirely different place. The place was painted white. Did I really die, I'm I in heaven, can I see Emily, were the questions I kept asking myself. I looked at my self I was covered with a quilt. Life support machines beside me. Did I really survive this. I thought I was going to die I didn't know I'll survive this. I turned to the bedside table I saw the handkerchief given to me by the random guy neatly wrapped placed in top of an envelope. I held the handkerchief close to my bosom and I quickly opened the envelope. It's content read.

"Dear friend, I know you've always blamed yourself for your friend's death. I'll give you this chance so you can clarify your conscience and also bring the culprit to justice. If you have any evidence don't hesitate to call this number.

Attorney John

07134467382

Thanks."

My eyes teared as I read and I dropped my phone at my house. A stranger offered to help me when that stupid neighbor of mine turned me down when I needed him the most. Then the doctor came into the hospital. I took a closer look to realize that the doctor was an old high school classmate of mine, Joan. We were so happy to meet each other. She talked about her success story, her career ups and downs and her family. I just responded to her discussion. At that point I realized I was a failure, no success story, should I tell her I'm a sex worker I'll have to practice what I studied in school and I have no family. Maybe this second chance is for me to correct my wrongs.

"Wait let me get you something." she said as she left my ward and returned few minutes later with an envelope. "You remember Miranda?" she asked.

"Yes I do." I said. Miranda started sleeping with married men from high school. My bad life started from my second year in college.

"She's getting married." Joan announced happily and guess who she's getting married to.

"Just speak I'm not a good guesser." I said

"An assembly man, shocking is it not?"

"Yes it is, but also expected as that was the class of people she associated with." I explained.

"I think I need to rest now. Maybe we discuss later Joan" I said as I laid down shutting my eyes as the conversation was becoming boring to me. I'll need to see my parents and talk to them. I need them now especially now that I'm ready to pursue a new life.