VINCA'S REVENGE

She woke up in a dark and stuffy room. Coughing, she tried hard to breathe in the stale air that was suffocating her as she struggled to get her head around the recent happening but just couldn't fathom what she had encountered. Images kept flashing in her mind and going back into the dark before she could make any meaning of them.

She tried standing up on her feet but was too weak to do so. She then opted to lean her back against the wall but felt a sharp wound on her left side. Reaching her hand to the pain, she touched a wet sticky substance. She had no idea what it was and she couldn't see a thing in the dark.

"Breath gal, breath," she told herself, starting to feel overwhelmed with anxiety rise.

"Hello, can anyone hear me?"

Silence.

"Hello, please I need help. Anyone

please" she cried out.

Silence.

"Oh God, where am I, and what happened to me? Why can't I remember anything"? She was now in panic mode, her heart pounding.

As he walked his dog, he had a faint sound of somebody crying for help. Bruno came on alert mode, with his body rigid and his tail up. Frost knew his dog had also heard the screaming so they went towards the sound only to meet with an old wooden shed.

Bruno started barking when he got to the door of the shed and Frost had no choice but to come towards the shed. He saw a new padlock on the door which was odd cause the shed was really old. It was a huge contrast that could not be missed at all.

"Hello, anybody there? He called out.

Hearing shuffling noises, he banged on the door, "Is anybody in there? he shouted.

"Help me, help" she cried out in a weak voice.

Bruno with his sharp ears heard it and started scratching on the door. Frost motioned for his dog to step aside and he kicked the door hard. It didn't give way so bracing himself for impact, he rammed his right shoulder into the door, disregarding the pain as it gave way with a loud bang.

He took out his phone and shone his torch inside the shed. The place was dark and filthy and a young woman was lying on the floor. She seemed to be in pain and her left side was bloodied.

She tried sitting up, not sure if this helped her or the one who put her in misery.

"I won't hurt you, I'm here to help" he assured her when he read her expression. Moving forward Bruno went to her and started sniffing. He seemed to like her cause he began to lick her face. It was a wonder to Frost because he knew his dog wasn't good at socializing.

"What's your name and how did you get here?"

The lady looked at him with teary eyes that were full of worry and fear.

Can you talk?"

She shook her head, trying to clear the muddle that was in her mind. She just couldn't focus and was afraid of losing it so she shut her eyes tight and concentrated on breathing.

Frost, feeling pity for her, took out a bottle of water from his backpack and opening the cap, gave it to her. Helping her to sit up, he gently pressed the bottle on her lips and made her take a sip.

It was so hard swallowing the water that she cringed and coughed, tears coming out of her eyes. Ordering his dog to stay by her side, he went out of the shed to make a quick phone call cause he had left her in the dark. He then went back and carefully picked up the lady, he carried her out of the shed and waited for help to arrive.

*****

A week had gone by since Frost went back home from his vacation. Sitting in his office, his mind went back to a week ago when he found her in the shed.

She still hadn't spoken a word to the doctor and Frost had no idea who she was or what had happened to her. She seemed to be lost most of the time and spent her nights crying. Frost could hear her from her room cause his was right opposite hers.

Looking at his wristwatch, he saw that it was already time for him to get going. He picked up his phone and made a call to his assistant who was with him day and night. With the nature of his work, he needed a full-time assistant and Leonard was just the right person for this job.

He had been working for Frost for many years now since Frost started his business from scratch. One could say that Frost was his idol cause he overcame so much to be where he is now. Seeing his boss calling, he picked up the documents needed for the meeting and headed out of his office.

"Ready Boss"? He asked with a smile on his face. Frost pushed his spectacles up his nose and glowered at his assistant. He knew Leo was the one person who never feared him maybe because he was with him when he was at his lowest so he knew everything about him. Ignoring his boss's facial expression, Leo took Frost's phone and headed towards the elevator.

The meeting today was with a top-notch investor and they needed to get this right so that their company could be awarded a government contract that would get them at the top of the business chain.

Getting off the elevator, the two of them headed to the Bentley parked at the front of the building.

The driver saw Mr. Reginald appearing from the building and he opened the rear door of the car while Leo got into the front seat with the driver. They had exactly half an hour to get to the hotel before the meeting and since there was less traffic, the driver breezed passed the few cars to the hotel.

STANFORD HOTEL.

After alighting to open the door for Frost, Leo took a step towards the hotel before hearing his boss calling out.

"Did you remember to take care of the emendations in the contract? asked Frost. Leo gave a nod and they proceeded to the reception area.

Even before inquiring, the receptionist, in a light red blazer and matching pleated skirt went forward and with a slight bow asked if they were there to see Mr. Vanross. Leo affirmed and the receptionist led them towards the special elevator that will take them up to the rooftop where Mr. Vanross, popularly known as Mr. V was waiting for them.

Once inside the elevator, the receptionist pressed the top floor button. When it stopped, the pretty lady stepped aside and let the visitors out of the elevator. She then led them to a spacious area with a very good ambiance, very soothing music, and a sweet aroma of delicacy that would make one's stomach growl without warning.

Of course, Stam saw none of these because his main concern was the business at hand. Unfortunately for Leo who was yet to have lunch, his hunger pangs acted up immediately. As if Frost knew what was on Leo's mind, he gave him a sharp no-nonsense look that stilled the hunger immediately. Leo knew that when it came to business, his boss never tolerated mediocrity of any kind.

"Mr. Vanross, your visitors please." She said motioning to Frost and Leo to take their seats. At the same time, Mr. Vanross signaled a waiter that was hovering nearby and asked him to serve sparkling water to his visitors.

He then thanked the receptionist and excused her to go back to her desk. With a slight bow, she left towards the elevator while Leo took the opportunity to take a large sip of the water served before him.

"Mr. Reginald, it's a pleasure to meet you," said Mr. Vanross.

The pleasure is mine" replied Frost, his voice smooth, very unlike the aura that surrounded him.

"This is my assistant Mr. Leonard Smith, Frost said.

"Please call me Mr. V," the host said.

Leo handed over the file he had brought to Frost so that the meeting could commence. He didn't know how long he was going to last with all that tantalizing and mouth-watering scent drifting up his nose and he just hoped that this was going to be a very short meeting.

"Mr.V, as we had talked over the phone, I am going after the Genex project and I need a partner for this cause it's a huge investment that cannot be handled by just one company".

"As you know, the government requires that the company taking this project gives 80% capital upfront so that they can get the 20% from the government.

"My company has 50% that it can invest and I'm hoping that we can collaborate on this project. This means that if you are willing then you can give the 30% remaining so we can start working as soon as possible."

Mr.V listened quietly, nodding here and there as Frost explained the details of the project. He looked at the spreadsheet laid on the table and kept referring back to the documents to verify everything that was being said.

For Mr. V to get to where he was, he had learned to be a quiet listener but a quick learner, picking important details and knowing the pros and cons within minutes of a business transaction.

As they were busy negotiating, the footsteps of the receptionist's high heels were heard as she came off the lift. The men's heads rose only for Frost to go stiff releasing a very cold aura that shook Leo.

Frost looked up, his eyes turning red with anger. He slowly rose, causing Leo to jump up from his seat too as he recognized who the receptionist was ushering in.

Mr. V stood up and went towards the visitor with extended hands. "Mr. Pierce, it is so good of you to join us. Please, have a seat", he said as the two men shook hands in greetings.

Mr. Tom Pierce turned and faced Frost, not sure of how Frost would react to his presence. "Son, how have you been?" he asked only to be met by a glare.

Frost didn't answer a thing and just stood coldly with his arms stiffened by his sides. After taking in a deep breath to get his emotions in check, he asked "What the hell are you doing here?"

Mr. V, not sure of what was going on stood in between them while Leo tried pulling his boss away, fearing an ugly confrontation that was bound to take place. Frost stood firmly on his spot wanting to throw a punch at anything, anyone.

Mr. Pierce knew he had to cool down the situation somehow so he tried explaining to the young man.

"Listen, son, Mr. V and I are old comrades and he owns this hotel. He is also an influential businessman as you know. When I heard that you were seeking an investor for your project, I approached him and requested that he helps you with this. I know it is not in my place to do so but you are my son and I want to help you"

Frost tightened his knuckles together wanting to hit the man in front of him. Leo, nudged him, giving him a warning for him to remember where and why they were there.

Poor Mr. V had no idea what was going on and could only stare at the two men who seemed to be at odds with each other. He never in his wildest dreams imagined that his old-time friend had problems with his eldest son.

Whenever they met up, his friend would always boast of his son's achievements and held him in high esteem. What was happening now was beyond his comprehension. Could it be that father and son were estranged and he didn't know of this?

A slight smile twitched on his face. Here he was, always lamenting over his son's inability to do business yet his friend was in an even worse situation.

Frost fiercely looked at his father and in a terrifyingly low growl said, "I AM NOT YOUR SON AND YOU WILL NEVER BE MY FATHER!!".

With that, he walked out without sparing anyone a glance. Leo had to quickly collect the documents they came with and after giving a hurried apology, ran after his boss.

Mr. Pierce, who was too shaken by what his son said, felt his knees give way. Luckily Mr. V reacted quickly and caught him before falling. He guided his friend to a seat and gave him a glass of water, hoping to cool down his anxiety.

He then silently waited for Tom to explain.

"I never thought that even after fifteen years, my son would still not want to see me. I am so sorry for any embarrassment that I have caused you today, my old friend", said Tom with a deep regretful sigh.

Leo rushed up and caught up with Frost before reaching the elevator. He didn't say a word because he knew the extent of his boss's temper. All through to the car, Frost was enveloped by a heavy coldness that made Leo shiver.

As soon as the driver saw them exit the building, he got out of the car and opened the door for Frost. Leo got in the front seat and immediately turned the AC on to dissipate the cold. Even the driver felt that something wasn't right.

"Take me to the club" he ordered and the silent journey began.

Leo had no idea how Mr. Pierce came about the meeting and Mr. V didn't tell him anything about a third party when they were planning for the meeting. He just hoped that today's episode wouldn't fall on his head.

Back in Frost's house, the doctor was trying to convince the young lady to take her medicine but she refused to indulge her. Shaking her head vigorously, she behaved like a small child despite the doctor's coaxing.

Vexed, Doctor Weister decided to call Leo to report the latest development. She knew that if the patient refused to take her medication on time then it would mess with her mental system and they still needed to figure out who she was and what had happened to her.

Leo picked up the phone as soon as it vibrated, not wanting to disturb Frost who had his eyes tightly shut. After hearing the situation at hand, he told the doctor that he would be there in twenty minutes.

When they got to the club, Frost went straight to the gym. He walked towards the locker room, needing to change into his boxing gear. He knew had to exert himself to deal with the anger that was boiling inside of him otherwise he would just explode.

Knowing that this was going to take a while, Leo let him be and headed out. He soon flagged down a taxi and left for Frost's place. The doctor sounded urgent on phone.

The gym is one place where Frost could shed off his CEO facade and just be himself. He needed not to hide from his pain, anger, and anguish anytime he got into a workout.

This always left him feeling refreshed physically but so empty emotionally because his wounds ran deep. Locating a free punching bag in the boxing section, he got right into it and started punching with all his might.

"Frost man, what's eating you up today? You are about to wear out the bag"

Frost paused to take a look at Kent, one of his sparing partners. Without giving him an answer, he continued pounding and kicking the bag.

"Why don't we go at it if you need to blow off some steam?" Kent offered with a crooked smile. He could see the veins popping from his friend's forehead.

Frost didn't disappoint and they both went into the boxing ring.

*****

Doctor Weister heard Leo's voice downstairs and heaved a sigh of relief. Soon she heard a knock and stood up to open the door. Leo got into the room and saw the young lady crouched at the corner of the room, trying to make herself as small as possible as if she could become invisible with the act.

Her arms were around her knees and she looked petrified. Removing his blazer and setting it on the chair, he took the tablets from the doctor and crouched near the young lady.

Thinking of a way to convince her to take her medication, he took his painkillers from his shirt pocket and held them in his other hand while stretching the hand with her medicine towards her.

"Hey beautiful, help me take my medicine so that I can feel better," he said while smiling at her. He figured since he had a headache coming on, he might as well use this chance to take the painkillers while prompting her to have hers.

She looked at him with questioning eyes while he took the tablet into his mouth and swallowed with a sip of water. He then coaxed her to open her mouth and quickly pushed the two tablets inside.

He then gave her a glass of water and motioned for her to drink. Although she had lost her memory and was very scared, she felt that she could trust this person squatting next to her.

He didn't have the stern look of the lady who kept popping into her room now and then. With the help of Weister, they then helped her onto the bed so that she could rest for a while.

Weister had been thinking about whether to use the hypnosis method on her patient to see if it would trigger her memory but Frost was very much against it. He felt that whatever trauma the young lady had gone through, they needed to give her time to recover at least her physical wounds before dealing with her mental state.

They both headed downstairs so Weister could brief Leo on the progress so far. Cause he hadn't had a bite since breakfast, he requested the house help to prepare something for both of them. As they waited, Weister spoke her mind.

"The slash wound is healing fine because she doesn't move around much. She also seems to be getting used to the bedroom environment which is a good thing.

"Seeing the way you interacted with her also means that she is learning to trust. I just hope that there is something that will be able to trigger her memory so that we can know who she is."

Leo looked at her and asked if the lady had had anything to eat but she shook her head negatively. He sighed, knowing that she rarely ate and this might end up affecting the progress of her healing. When the food was ready, he took a few slices of bread and a bowl of soup and asked the house help to take it to the lady's room.

Frost was not concentrating which resulted in him getting quite a few punches. This made him even more furious. Unfortunately the more he missed hitting Kent, the more Kent hit him.

Getting angrier by the minute, he lost control and using his shoulder, rammed into Kent who wasn't expecting such a dirty move. He then straddled his opponent and started raining blows on him.

Luckily for Kent, there were a few guys who had come to watch the match so they got into the ring and separated the two of them.

"Bro, what's happening with you today?" He asked Frost while spitting blood from his mouth. He knew his friend had a bad temperament but he never expected to be on the receiving end of it.

Feeling like a veil had been lifted off from his eyes, Frost looked at Kent's almost battered face and wondered what kind of a demon had possessed him. He had never lost himself like this before and he knew that unexpectedly seeing his father today was the cause.

Knowing that it would be futile to apologize to his friend right now, he angrily left for the showers, planning to render the apology later on. He knew he had some explaining to do and he wasn't in the right frame at the moment. He was also never good at apologizing.

After he was done and clothed, he called his assistant cause he realized Leo hadn't been in the gym with him. Leo picked up his call and they agreed to meet at the office in twenty minutes.