Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-nine: A Friendly Advice

"Are you going to pick your call or should I?"

Ronke couldn't stand her phone ringing endlessly as she kept ignoring it.

"It's nothing, you were saying?"

She sipped her coffee slowly as she let Ronke run her through the plans for the agency.

"Well, we might have a breakthrough for the agency, I've been speaking with some potential investors and we might have a meeting by next week, everything is halted for now because of the holidays"

Ronke said but her mind is elsewhere as she stared blankly into the empty space.

"Okay I'm tired of talking to myself, are you okay?"
"I am fine, continue" she said
"What was my last statement?"
"Uhmm... You..." she stuttered

"Well I lost you at potential investors, I'm sorry, my mind is not here no matter how I try to focus"

"That figures, what happened?" she asked

"I sort of tried to leave without saying goodbye to Mike, this morning after we... You know, and he caught me, since then I've been feeling awful"

"What? You pulled the call girl stunt?"

"What's a call girl stunt?" she asked confused

"It is when the guy leaves the next morning without saying goodbye after a wild night, typical one night stand but in this case you are the one leaving, why? Was it that bad?" she teased

"No, it wasn't, it was great, I got scared, I can't take another heartbreak, he was amazing, everything I wanted but then reality set in, I felt cheap, he must think I'm cheap"

She poured out all her emotions at once.

"Because you slept with him on the first night? Guys don't care, people still get dumped even when they have a 90 day rule shit still happens. How will you know if it ends bad if you don't try, Mike is a great guy who loves you"

"It's still early to qualify it with love" she sipped a little of her coffee

"I'm serious, I've seen the way he looks at you, it takes serious balls to walk up to you and he is genuine, he has a job, he might not be there yet but he is the best guy I've ever seen you with" Ronke said with full assurance

"Thank you, I really needed to hear that"

Her phone chimed, she raised it and read the message that came in.

"And he just invited me to his office Christmas party"

"Say yes, you really need to stop jumping into conclusions, kiss under the mistletoe, have fun, life is too short, maybe have a rematch, this time don't leave"

"Very funny"

She said as she typed 'okay will go with you' and hit send.

To be continued.... 

Lame Red: Picstrip 4

For the fourth strip, is there really a Mr Right? Or he is just simply make believe like Santa Claus??

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-eight: Pep Talk

"For someone who just escaped death, is it healthy to start your day with such work load?"

She looked down at him working with the stack of files scattered on his table. 

"Tell that to Mr Barrington, the terminator" he said in dismal 

"So what is up with you?" she asked 

"Nothing really"

He raised his phone, signed deeply and dropped it back. 

"You've been staring at your phone like you are expecting a call"

"I'm okay"

"If you say so" she turned to leave 

"Uhmm Pegs, this might be weird but can I ask you a question?" he called her back. 

"Sure what is it?" she pulled up a chair and sat beside him. 

"I kind of caught Ngozi tiptoeing out of my room early this morning, we kind of...... you know, last night and since then I've been calling her but she puts me on hold or doesn't pick up"

She looked at him in amusement. 

"Mike, do you realize you are trying to talk to me about your sex life, are you cool with that?" she asked 

"From the looks of it, I have no choice and I'm desperate" he said 

"Uhmm, okay, there are several reasons why a girl creeps out after sex, if she is a player or it was bad or she is ashamed"

He thought deeply as he tried to categorize what made Ngozi leave in an awkward way that morning. 

"She is not a player, she is the bold type and can't be ashamed, so it was definitely bad"

He appeared downcast and used his palm to support his chin.

"Really? You just got out of the hospital and you are already getting down" she teased 

"I know it just happened and I really messed up, didn't even bring my A game, I'm so screwed how do I make this right?"

"I don't know Mike, I'm not your therapist, maybe you should invite her to the Christmas party tomorrow at Mr Lawson's house, have a reason for her to call you, but stop calling her, you are not a stalker boyfriend" she advised 

"Sounds like a nice idea. Thank you Pegs, I knew you would tell me the truth"

"You are welcome" she stood 

"You know what Mike, she would be a fool not to call you back, pick up your ego and have a little faith, you don't always have to get it right the first time"

To be continued... 

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-seven: Mr Buzz Kill

He probably had not felt that much confidence surge through him as he graced the office with his presence that morning. He missed being there, after spending a whole week at the hospital and he was indeed happy to be back"

"Hey Rose, how are you?" he greeted the receptionist all smiles 

"I'm good, welcome back Mike" she replied in a fuzzy way

"Thank you very much"

"Uhmmm, Mr Barrington has asked that you report to his office once you come in"
"Is he in already? How does he always do it? You know, be early?" he asked
"I don't know Mike, he is always early and you seem kind of upbeat this morning" she remarked in wonder of what made him so joyful.
"Really? Glad you can tell"

He winked at her and braced himself as he strolled majestically to Bello's office. 

As usual, he was his dense self, crude, staring hard at him with his fingers crossed, adding to the usual tension in the room. 

"So Mike, your one week absence has put a black hole on my case" 

He banged his fist on a stack of files which made Mike jump on his seat.

 "Here is everything you need to do before you close shop today"
"Wow, all of them?" he asked to be clear
"Do you have a problem with my methods?"

"No..n..ot really" he stuttered "I mean I just got out of the hospital, I was..."
"Not my problem, yours, now you get to work, immediately"

"Not even a single remorse" he said to himself
"What did you say?"
"Nothing, I didn't say a word "
"Good,  now be good associate and get it done"

He grabbed the files and headed for the door. 

"One more thing Mike" he turned back at him "if you really want to go far in this job, keep your sentiments, your emotions, your humanity, at the front door"

To be continued.... 

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-six: Guilt Tripping

She probably had been awake all through the night, tossing and turning as random thoughts rushed through her mind like a flood.

Did she make a grave mistake? She couldn't ascertain the right answer to the question but she still hates the way she felt, horrible, dirty but above all ashamed.

 She got up from the bed slowly to retrieve her clothes which was scattered around the room, first her bra on his bedside lamp, her gown on the floor and her jewelry on the dresser.

 She got into the gown, zipped it and tiptoed to the door still holding on to the bra.

"Good morning"

She stopped abruptly on her tracks and slowly turned to meet his glaring eyes staring hard at hard

"Morning" she replied

Where are you rushing off to? I thought you would stay for breakfast" he said

"I have an early start today, didn't want to wake you"

"I won't mind, you should have at least left a note on the table that is more polite. Were you just doing the walk of shame?" he asked 

"What? No... I just need to get up early"

"You still have your bra on your hand"

He pointed at it and she hid it behind her

"We are adults, we were both fully aware of what happened last night, no need to feel bad about it"

"I've got to go Mike, take care of yourself"

She opened the door and walked out.

"Should I call you?" the door closed with a bang "Definitely the walk of shame"


To be continued.... 

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-five: Feel The Same

He struggled aimlessly to get out of the binds that cut deep into his skin, his mouth was taped shut so he could only make muffled sounds, the room was pitch black and smelled of old chemicals.

 Soon the rusty door swung open and the light from an overhead bulb came on. A man dressed in black came towards him, removed the tape from his mouth and leaves the room. He started screaming but a voice pierced through a speaker he couldn't see.

"No need to scream Mr Issac, no one would here you" said the voice which was feminine 

"Who are you people? I didn't do anything" he said 

"I know how you feel, vulnerable, hurt, scared, exposed, that's how you made a certain young man feel, can you remember Mike? The man you sent thugs to beat up?" the voice said 

"I don't know what you are talking about"

"I guess by now you should know that your life depends on how honest you are"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I just told them to rough him up, didn't know it will get out of hand" he confessed 

"That's too bad, next time don't go beating people up, you don't know who is watching and this time your bunch of stupid certificates won't help you"

"Please, please, I said sorry, honestly I didn't mean to, I'm sorry"

 He pleaded endlessly as soon as the man came into the room and walked straight to him. He signaled him to shut him mouth and knocked him out with a blow. He passed out immediately.

Mandy walked into the room with another man, she looked at him and hissed loudly.

"What should we do to him?" the man asked 

"Just drop him off where you found him, I'm sure he is really shaken up and has learned his lesson"

"Here we are"

She placed his bag on the floor and looked at him with her hands folded. 

"I can't thank you enough, these past few days, you have really been there for me" he said 

"It's nothing, that's what friends are for" she said 

He really wished he had the courage to open up to her and say all the words screaming loudly in his head. 

"I... I really like you Ngozi, more than how friends do, I mean you are intimidating and I don't think I can ever... "

"Shut up Mike!" she cut him short to his surprise.

"What? Why would you tell me that?"

"Shut up, I know what you want to say, and I don't care because I like you more than how friends do too"

He pulled her close to him and looked deep into her eyes. 

"I've always wanted to do this, right from the first day I saw you"

"Do what?" she whispered breathless

He leaned further and felt her lips as it met his, it was so soft and made his heart race even faster. He kissed her slowly, passionately and she responded accurately which took them further into a kind of feeling neither had felt before.

To be continued...

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-four: Risks We Have To Take

She poked her head into the ward and saw his face lighten up as he met her gaze. 

"I come bearing good tidings, wow Mike even with the bruises you still look cute as ever" she teased
"Pegs, I have missed your smart mouth, how are you?"

She sat beside him on the bed. 

"Don't worry about me, I'm always good. Sorry I couldn't come earlier you know how it is at the office"
"I understand" he said
"How are you holding up?"
"Well they removed the bandage this morning, soon I will be fit enough to sleep in my own bed, I've really missed the comfort"
"I hope you haven't been here all by yourself?" she asked
"Not at all, Ngozi has been with me all through, she barely leaves my sight, she just stepped out to handle her usual business"

She looked at him with a smirk on her face. 

"What?"
"Are you sure you are just friends with her because she really cares if she can sacrifice her time to be here" she said
"I've thought about it too, but she is way out of my league and it scares me that I will never match up to her expectations" he said worried 

"Look Mike, there is no woman on this earth that is out of your league, you are a great guy and she will be lucky to have you. Ask her first, whatever she says, at least you tried instead of wishing you had said something"

Joseph dialed the Minister's number on his iPad and after a few beeps of the dial tone he picked up. 

"Am I calling at an awkward time?" he placed the call on speaker.
"No Joseph, you know I always have time for you" the Minister's deep voice said from the other end.
"I'm taking the case, I hope you are happy"
"I knew you would reconsider, I tried using drastic measures but I decided to be patient with you"

"I'm taking your case on one condition, you pay me the normal fee, no 30% of the stolen funds, no site for my firm in Abuja, just the normal per hour charge" he said
"We have a deal then, but Joseph in case of next time, always take the money, it's simply business"
"There won't be a next time, have a pleasant evening"

He hung up. 

To be continued... 

Lame Red: Picstrip 3

Every girl with a circle of friends can relate to this week's picstrip, we always have that one friend who says she is done with men but ever ready with the first one that shows up.

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-three: Hurt one, Hurt all

"I don't know I barely remember how it happened"

He wished she would stop quizzing him on details of the attack he wanted buried and forgotten. 

"The doctor said it's normal if he doesn't remember how it happened, a kind of short term memory loss caused by a traumatic experience" Ngozi chipped in 

"What do you know, he needs to have an idea at least" Mandy said unimpressed
"Is she always like this?" Ngozi said to him
"You have no idea, that's why I told you to just say I'm in the hospital not call the calvary" he replied 

"I'm right here both of you. Look Mike, anything can happen to anyone at the firm, I just want to know if it is personal or not, I mean, no offense to your condition if you think I don't care"

He sighed deeply and like a fragment of his imagination, he remembered a scene from the attack and the words that he heard vividly. 

"I think I remember something, one of the men was like next time take the case and I have always been taking my cases.... except the one that the guy said he was fired unlawfully and it was all a coax. But wait, why am I explaining to you? Do you now work for law enforcement?" he said 

"No but I'm the closet thing you can ever get. Don't be offended Mike if I'm not crying at your bedside because you didn't die but have you seen you? You were beaten to almost a pulp, who does that? It is not compulsory that all cases must be attended to only those we deem fit and necessary. If this can happen to you in our own sanctuary, it can happen to anyone. I will check your case file and fish out the bastard, he is going to regret laying his hand on a Lawson. Get well soon we got work to"

 She said and they both looked at him in shock

 "Don't mind me, get all the rest you can, Ngozi thank you for taking care of him, wish I can stay longer but duty calls, will show up later, duty calls"

She gave him a pat on his shoulder and walked out of the ward. 

"Wow, so much tension for one woman" Ngozi said 

"Welcome to my world"

To be continued... 

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-two: There For Mike

She stood at the lounge for minutes and counting, waiting hopelessly for the receptionist who promised to inform Peggy that she wanted to see her... urgently.

She made sure that she mentioned the word at the beginning or end of her statement, like a prefix and suffix so she would understand how pressing the matter was. 

Peggy managed to show up and of course, she wore another loud dress, she thought. 

"I was surprised when Rose told me that Ngozi Anya wanted to see me, 'urgently'. If it is about Mike, he didn't show up to work today and I'm kind of surprised because it's quite unlikely" 

She said the words fasts without pauses or breaks inbetween. 

"Actually I am here because of Mike, he is at the general hospital"

She said and Peggy's eyes widened in shock. 

"What? How? When I left him yesterday he was completely fine"

"He was beaten by thugs here last night. I found him lying in the pool of his own blood outside. He is really in a dire situation, the doctor said she was surprised that he didn't experience any internal hemorrhaging"

"Please come with me"

Peggy lead the way and they walked to an office. 

"Oh my God! Now I feel so bad for wanting to kill him whenever he shows up. How is he?" Mandy said worried. 

"Stable but still in pain, they left him for dead. I haven't gotten over the shock of what happened, is there no security here?"
"Seriously I am as surprised as you are, everything felt normal this morning like nothing happened"

"Who could have done that to Mike? He would never step on anyone's toes, intentionally" Peggy said. 

"Let's go, I am coming with you to the hospital"

She cleared her table and grabbed her purse

 "Peggy inform Mr Lawson of the situation, cancel all my appointments for the day till I come back. I hope whoever did this is praying seriously that I don't figure it out because they must pay"

To be continued...

Wisdom Wednesday: Bad Never Sells

Live Fast Die Young, Bad Girls Do it Well.

That was a line sung repeatedly by M.I.A in her infamous hit song Bad girls.

Well maybe she was making a hit, but most of her words have actually pawned out.

You see people are attracted to what they see, and not what they believe that's why a girl in a picture with a smile can't stand a chance with a girl in a picture exposing parts that should be left clad. 

If you got it flaunt it, blah blah blah but those girls are trophies, they are for show off, they are for conversations like 'Hey, that's my bitch' and they be like 'Damn you are hitting it good! '*high five*.

They are fun yes but let's admit it the fun doesn't go on and on it stops.

Every minute a good girl goes bad because she is under pressure and with the help of social media making fallacies real, she bends finally to the norm forgetting that not everyone is supposed to go bad, there are two sides of a coin and quite unfortunately these girls pay the price. 

Well I am not judging though, I'm just someone reflecting on life as it is and this topic is one of interest because I am a woman and I am concerned. 

A man can really change from his past ways, turn a new leaf and might not pay the price but a woman must pay that price because she is scarred for life, that wound never heals. Are you being bad because you feel that is what the world wants, a bad girl? A dope one? The fun girl? No honey, the world wants you for who you really are, what's the use of a salt when it has lost it's value? 

Bad never sells, it may go on for a while, but it's not there to stay because at the end of the day, everyone wishes for something better. 

Mandy's Law: Episode Twenty-one: The Aftermath

Maybe it was a dream.

But he still felt pain.

So sharp that it hurt like a knife plunging deep into his ribs.

He tried to move but he couldn't, he tried to open up his eyes but it was impossible, his nose was filled with the harsh scent of drugs which took over the atmosphere.

 He heard voices after voices, fade in and out of the room but one voice was constant, her voice and that made him hold on to hope that he would see her again.

His eyes opened slowly, the room was blurred but gradually his vision returned to him. She was fast asleep on the chair next to his bed and he thought she was was a lovely sight to behold.

She turned and opened up her eyes and was surprised that he was awake.

"Oh my God! Mike! You gave me a heart attack!"

She sprang up from the chair and sat next to him.
"Where am I?"
"In the hospital of course, where else would you be?"
"What happened?" he asked
"You called me and I found you passed out, unconscious, lying in the pool of your own blood outside your office. I've been in shock since yesterday, your phone was damaged I didn't know who to call. What is going on? Who did this to you?"
"I don't know, it happened so fast, two men came out of nowhere and attacked me. What time is it?"
"It's 10am" she said
"Jeez! Please I need a favor, I need you to help me inform my office that I am in the hospital"

She looked at him in disbelief. 

"You almost died and all you can think of is work?"
"Please, at least let them know what is going on and why I didn't show up"

She folded her arms stubborn and persistent on having it her way, but she gave in. 

"Fine! But next time when you get hurt, call any of them. I don't think I can handle such trauma ever! I will go freshen up then I will head to your office, after that I will be back"

His eyes widened in surprise. 

"You've been here since last night?"
"What do you think?" 

She took her bag and walked out of the ward. 

"Thank you" he called out after her. 

To be continued...

Sunday Sermons: Angel Wings and a Flutter

Perils are normal...

You can actually be in pain, you are human.

You can actually have it tough, struggle, fight tooth and nail, for scraps, for survival.

They are steps, they are never permanent

What remains abnormal, is when you accept the situation, accept it for who you are, refuse to believe that it can better, it will get better.

You can't make it big without trying.

You can't stand firm without falling.

You can't walk without crawling.

And you can't run without walking. 

Everything has its own time.

A time to sow, a time to grow, 

A time to bloom a time to reap. 

A time to look, a time to leap

A time to hope, a time to achieve. 

Take each stage one step at a time, focus, believe, hold on to hope, never let go, as far as you are doing it right, pay day must arrive.

There is no wealth without sweat, only a transient moment of glory which could fade to oblivion in minutes.

MANDY'S LAW: EPISODE TWENTY: WE DON'T SEE IT COMING

"I've been waiting here for a while now and I almost thought you wouldn't show up. How did it go?"

He stood at the reception with his hands folded looking up to Mike in anticipation of good news. 

"I'm sorry to disappoint you but I can't take your case" he said to his surprise 

"Just like that?" Can't you at least explain to me?" 

He rather he demanded than ask politely but Mike didn't budge. 

"Well I went over to your work place and no one had anything pleasant to say"
"That's because they are haters"

He said bluntly and Mike wasn't pleased. 

"Excuse me?"
"They are haters, all of them and that's the more reason you should sue their asses!" he ranted
"Watch your language here or I would hold you in contempt"

"Seriously? Come on man chill out, take the case, you won't regret it" he pressed further
"Mr Emenike I am sorry but I'm going to ask you to leave"

His eyes widened in dismal.

"You are asking me to walk out of this firm? He grunted "You know before I came here, I heard this firm was best at getting the job done, but right now, not so much, go to hell! You will regret this, I promise you"

He stormed down to the elevator, hitting the button repeatedly until it chimed and gave way. He stomped in muttering curses and kicking furiously at the walls until the doors slid close. 

"Is that man okay?" Rose asked
"I don't think so, but he got what he deserved"

She stared on at him as he tried to pick up his courage and render an apology. 

"I don't know where to start but I have to start from somewhere, I am really sorry Mandy for being disloyal and sentimental at my job. I promise not to get you upset ever" he said
"Really? That was touching, what got into you?" she teased 

"I realized that the path I want to choose for myself is wrong. I have also decided not to take the case"
"Don't be stupid. Look Mike I am not the boss of your life, you are the boss of your own life. Take the case because if you don't you might regret later when you reflect on your life. It's important that you do" she commanded
"So I can go ahead and tell Mr Lawson that I'm on it?"
"No need"

He became confused on what she really meant "I already did, said you let me do the honors"

"Wow, thanks Mandy, I will not disappoint you"
"Slow down tiger, don't get way over your head"
"Seriously I won't"

He exited the building with Peggy and they walked to the garage. 

"You were right Pegs, she is really a nice person" he said as she opened the car door
"Don't get too cocky, she has her highs and lows, you don't want to get caught in the middle" she said
"I know, I'm having a moment here, don't jinx it"
"See you tomorrow Mike, are you sure you don't want me to drop you off"
"Don't worry, my place is not far from here, but yours is. Have a nice night."

He waited until she drove out of the compound then he slowly made his way to the gate. He was surprised that the gate man wasn't at his post anymore and felt something wasn't right. Soon enough he saw two men emerge from the shadows. 

"Hey" one called out to him "You are Mike right?"

"Yes, how did you?"

They rendered several blows on his body knocking him down to the ground and dealt severe beatings all over him. He felt his bones break one by one and other parts of his body go numb to the blows"

"Next time, take a case" the spokesman said and spat on him.

He laid almost lifeless on the floor gasping for breath as he reached for his phone and helped himself stand, swaying dangerously to the gate. The screen was already smashed because it was in his pocket, he scrolled down his contact and dialed her number, she picked at the second dial tone. 

"Hello Mike, how are you?"

"Ngo...zi, I am, I am" 

He struggled to speak but his mouth was heavy and bruised

"Mike, are you alright?"
"Help. Me" 

The phone slipped out of his hand as he hit the hard concrete, nothing was seen, nothing was heard, just darkness, pitch darkness and her voice fading slowly as it pierced through the phone. 

"Mike!  Mike! Hello Hello, Mike, talk to me, Mike!"

To be continued...

Lame Red: Picstrip 2

Love is indeed a 'misconcepted' word in our generation and a few seem to think that it's hurtful, but love is kind and my girls agree with me too. *winks*

MANDY'S LAW: EPISODE NINETEEN: TROUBLE BREWS

She waited patiently for him as he stepped out of the elevator and walked into the office lounge. She tried so hard to control her temper and hoped that the first word that came out of her mouth wasn't lethal. 

"How did the case go?" 

She asked surprised at herself that she was able to hold it down.

"You were right, I did some necessary research, turns out the guy was trouble before he got fired" he said
"So you are not taking the case, pro bono?"
"I'm not even taking it pro bonus, I'm done with it"
"Anything on your mind you would like to share?"

She looked at him and he looked back his face expressionless in wonder of what she meant. 

"Uhmm, none that I know of. Is something wrong?" he asked
"Well since I'm not worth knowing, Mr Lawson would like to know your take on handling the murder case with Bello"

His mouth flung open and he almost pinched himself that he forgot to pass down the vital information. 

"I'm sorry Mandy, I totally forgot about that, I would not intentionally keep it from you, I mean I wanted to tell you but you were pissed so I didn't want to aggravate your temper" he explained 

"What makes you think I would be angry that you are on the case?"
"I know you wanted the case, so I kind of put two and two together"
"Are you suggesting that I am jealous that you got a case I wanted?" she pressed further.
"No! Not at all, I mean I don't know, I just acted on impulse, I hope you are not angry?"
"You know what Mike, it is not all the time we are offered cases we want but that doesn't mean we don't get better. If you had told me, why will I get upset about it?"
"I'm glad you understand, I really wanted to..."
"No I don't understand Mike!" she cut him short "In fact right now, I am super pissed!"

She stormed out and walked down the hall to her office, he just stood there in shock wondering if he would ever make it right.

She was deep in a conversation, all smiles and giggles when he walked into her office.

"Yea I understand, no silly I will" she looked up at him "Uhmmm hold on, I will have to call you back, alright" she hung up.
"What brings you here Mike? You've been scarce since you started seeing super model"

"I'm not seeing her"

She raised her brow

"Technically, who were you with on the phone that made you all giggly?" he asked
"Excuse me? None of your business! So what can I do for you?"

"I think Mandy is angry with me and I don't know how to fix it" 

She chuckled 

"What?"
"For starters you are still alive so she is not" she said
"So I have to drop dead if she is?"
"Literally"

He sighed deeply and slumped on the chair. 

"How do I fix it so it doesn't get to that?"
"First of all, what did you do?" she asked
"I kinda didn't tell her that I am on the murder case with Mr Barrington"
"You kind of or you purposely let it slip?"
"Maybe, I wanted to but she was upset at that moment so I didn't say it because I didn't want to make it worse"

She nodded negatively 

"Sentiments is very bad for law business, you don't owe her anything but your loyalty and services"
"I thought I was being disloyal for working on a case she wanted..."
"Most times we don't always get the cases we want, Mr Lawson has been in this for more than thirty years, he knows the ropes so who ever he stations for a particular case he knows what he is doing and Mandy understands that completely, she could be a brat at times but she cools off eventually"

He used his palm to support his chin as his feet tapped rhythmically in anxiety 

"How do I make it better?"
"You apologize properly, trust me you want Mandy on your side more than Bello. Bello, sorry to say is a user who only cares about his work, doesn't care about your personal feelings. Make sure you make this right and next time don't put sentiments over value, you will get crushed in court if you do" she advised
"Thanks Pegs, I knew talking to you would help, I will right away"

He made his way to Mandy's office but was stopped half way through by Rose.

"Mike! Sorry to interrupt but the guy from yesterday is waiting at the reception" she said
"Thanks Rose" she leaves "Time to take care of one thing before the other" he said to himself as he followed her behind.

To be continued...

MANDY'S LAW: EPISODE EIGHTEEN: EVERYONE HATES BANKERS

He had always hated banks and the memories it brought along with it but he couldn't avoid it this time, he had to try. 

Coupled with the harsh cold breeze of the harmattan that morning, the air conditioning in the banking hall was worse that even though he had suited up, he felt it down his spine.

"Can't they just increase it or better still turn it off?" 

He cursed under his breath as he made his way to the customer service. 

"Welcome to Land Bank, how may I help you?" 

The woman said between a forced smile and gritted teeth. 

"I would like to see the manager please" 

He said and her forehead creased as the smile disappeared slowly. 

"If you have any complaints about your bank account, I can address the issue instead of going straight to the manager" she said 

"I don't bank here, no offense but I'm here on behalf of a former employee, Mr Emenike Issac, I'm his lawyer"

She looked at him for a while and picked the phone receiver.

"Just a second" she dialed a number 

"Hello sir, a lawyer is here to see you, okay, would direct him to your office" she put down the receiver 

"Come with me sir"

She ushered him into the managers office and he was glad that the temperature was more regulated. 

"Please have a sit, how may I help you?" the manager said politely 

"I am here representing Mr Issac Emenike, he was a former accountant before the retrenchment. He has filed for unlawful termination of employment"

His eyes widened in disbelief. 

"Are you serious? Who does that? Was he the only one that was fired?"
"Well he has based his claims on him being fully qualified for the job more than anyone. His credentials are attached at the back of his file"

He passed down the envelope to him and he opened it pouring out the content. He flipped through page by page, reading keenly. 

"Issac, now I know who he is. I'm sorry to say this but he was a complete pain in my ass. He always gave opinions in matters that didn't concern him because of his so called qualifications, he even threatened to get me fired because I made a 2.2 and passed my chartered. Everyone hated him no exception, he was too full of himself, a Mr I know it all, I might not be as smart as he is, but I have more practical skills. Let me give you an advice, stay away from his case or he wouldn't end up teaching you how to do your own job" he warned
"I promised I would do some research, I am not fully on the case, I don't like banks and bankers. Well everything you just said I witnessed first hand, will let him know I'm not taking the case, I also have a problem with Mr know all's" 

"Thank you for being reasonable, I just got promoted, I don't think the bank can handle a lawsuit, one more thing since you are here, why not try opening an account with us? We have a special interest package for the holidays" 

He said with a wide grin which made Mike smile and wonder if they would ever change from their enticing devilish deals. 

"Thanks but I will pass, have a nice day"

"Uhmm, there, there, the other one and that one, that's all" 

Mandy helped Joseph get through the office application on the laptop. 

"Nice work, took me a while to figure it out, thanks for putting me through it" he said 

"You are welcome" 

"Mandy, why don't you want Bello on the murder case?" he asked
"Of course he told you" she said in spite "Well for starters, I think Bello gets the big cases all the time and I am left with peanuts"
"You know that's not true. Do you know who is on the opposing counsel?"

"No"

"Olabanjo, you know how ruthless he is, I'm doing this for you, you can't bear such heat. It's bad enough we are on the defense, and they got Olabanjo. Bello is well equipped for this, he majored in criminal law" 

He tried to placate her with his words. 

"I get it, I can't stand whatever Olabanjo will rain in court, but you know I'm prepared, how long will I have to be on the bleachers? Soon you would give me an excuse on why I'm not partner yet"

"So this is also about that. Andy, I am your father and I know what is best for you, but you have to slow down your pace, you don't get to the mountain by jumping over hurdles, you get there one rock at a time. Tell Mike to see me, I need to know his response on the case, he is backing up Bello"

Mandy looked at him surprised that he mentioned Mike. 

"Mike? My assistant?"
"Yes, he has great potentials and he is also a criminal lawyer, didn't he inform you that he was asked to back up Bello?"

She chuckled and shook her head. 

"Maybe it slipped, don't worry, I would tell him when he gets back from a case I didn't approve"

To be continued...

MANDY'S LAW: EPISODE SEVENTEEN: BOSS LADY

The only noise in the room was the ticking of the clock as he stared tensely into his eyes trying to channel Joseph Lawson or Bello Barrington, of course he picked Joseph, Bello was too crude.

"So Mr Emenike, you said your bank fired you and you feel they were unjust in their actions. Explain in details please, I need to get a more accurate story if I want to go in guns blazing"

He used his right hand to support his chin as he peered deeper into his eyes. 

"Uhmm, you know how it is in this country now, a mere BSc won't fetch you a well paid job, the competition has tripled over the years due to the mass rate of unemployment and I gave it my all in school, made a 2.1 in accounting, a first class in MSc and aced in the institute of chartered accounting" he said confidently

"So you are basing your claims mainly on your educational attainment, you might have the qualifications on paper but you might not actually have the working experience"

"I am not trying to boast here but I know my capability and I deserve an explanation for letting me go. If you win this lawsuit and I'm promoted, you get a lot of cut, about 20 million and above. Banks value their reputation and they pay a lot to keep things quiet, trust me I know"
"The money is enticing but I am only taking this because you will keep disturbing the peace of this firm if I don't and also to prove to you that it's not all about a bunch of certificates" Mike said
"I know what I am saying, you will not regret taking my case. One more thing, can you take me pro bono until I win?" 

He asked which made Mike chuckle lightly. 

"I knew you would ask that but just know that I'm not fully on this case, till I get all I need"

He walked into her office and met her standing with her hands folded like she expected him to walk through the door.

"You know I'm amazed Mike, you went behind me to threaten my client! Even though she was wrong, you would have cleared it with me first" she said as he sat down.
"But I sent you an update on the case, why am I being drilled, Sergeant?"
"So it's funny to you, really? Look you are my assistant, so I should be aware of your moves, imagine my surprise when my father mentioned you scored another client, Are you trying to undermine me Mike?" she rasped
"I would never undermine you, whatever I do is for the benefit of the firm and it's a win win for us. I came to ask a favor, I need to take on a case, pro bono. It's not really a case just doing some research"H

He blurted out the words and her eyes widened in fury. 

"Pro bono? On whose expenses? You are on your own Mike, if you think you can take up cases like a martyr, you are solo on this. So is there anything else you would like to say to ruin my day?"

"I just said no and scampered out like a girl. I couldn't bear to tell her that Bello had listed me as the associate on the murder case she has always wanted"

He sat at a bar with Ngozi during his lunch break filling her in on his work details. 

"Oh so you are a girl now, don't you think it will be worse if she hears it from someone else?" she said
"I've thought about it, I just have to be quicker than anyone else. I will tell her, she just needs to cool off first"
"Isn't it awkward for you working under a woman, would you have preferred if it was a man? I know a lot of men are sexist"
"Man or not have you met Mandy? She is a man in a woman's body, I don't mean in physical form she is really a beautiful woman, I mean in character" he explained
"Seems to me like you have been admiring your boss"

She grinned 

"No, it's just a harmless compliment. I really like talking to you Ngozi and I'm sorry it's work related but I really feel better when I lay it all on you" he said
"Hmm it's interesting, didn't know lawyers have this kind of fun, kind of makes me wonder what it would have been like if I had a 9-5 job or in your case 7-6, so no offense taken"
"For starters, I'm sure you would boss a lot of people around"

She shoved him playful and they laughed.

To be continued....

MANDY'S LAW: EPISODE SIXTEEN: BRAVE STEPS

"That's all on my cases for review"

Bello shut of the iPad as Joseph marked out the cases on his handbook. 

"Great job Bello, you always make me proud" he said 

"Thanks... Dad" 

He looked at him with his brows raised 

"Just kidding... obviously"

"How far have you gone with the Ajah case? trial starts soon"

"I'm still working on it, but I need an associate haven't found someone competent enough plus Mandy is making things difficult, she wants the case" he said 

"Leave her to me, about the associate, what do you think of Mike?" 

Bello looked at him confused. 

"Mike? The newbie Mike?"

"Yes, or does anyone else bear the name?"

"Mike, hmmm, Mike, why do you think he is capable?" he asked out of curiosity 

"The boy has two clients in three weeks, imagine what he could do in a year"

"That's true and I will send for him after this meeting. It seems like you have bigger fish to fry"

He looked straight at him and Joseph wondered what he meant by that statement. 

"What?" 

"I saw you get into a tundra parked in the compound yesterday" he said 

"Oh, that's the minister. He came into town yesterday" he said rather nonchalantly 

"So?"

"I was able to stall, but not for long"

"Why can't you just say no?"

"Because it's not in the option, it's either yes or yes. I'm backed up in a tight corner Bello, I need to figure out what I have to do next"

"You better figure it out quick, it's already telling on you, the stress"

He wasn't sure of what to say or why he was called, he just sat there looking at him and the words jumped out of his mouth rather too soon.

"Uhmm if this about me coming late today in law time, there is totally an explanation" he said
"It's not about that but do tell" he crossed his fingers and tilted forward
"I thought you said its not about that... "
"You are really smart Mike, what do you know about the Ajah case?" he asked
"I've heard whispers enough to know that it is a murder trial"
"Whispers, or gossip, do you engage in office gossip Mike?"
"Definitely not gossip, whispers" he said
"Well the whisperer was right, it's definitely a murder trial. I need an associate to back me up in court are you up to the task? This requires more work, your head in the case and of course being early in law time"

He couldn't believe what he heard and his mouth flung open in amazement. 

"Wow I don't know what to say, it's really overwhelming to ask me to be an associate on a leading case"
"Are you in or not?"
"Hundred percent in, I'm ready to give it my all and always be early" he said
"I'm still building up the case so this requires you working closely with me all the time so one more thing, you need to clear this out with Mandy"
"Sure, I don't think she should have any objections, I mean it's me"
"You really don't know her, but good luck with that"

He sighed deeply as he walked out of the office, on his way back to the cubicle he almost bumped into the receptionist. 

"Hi Mike"
"Hey Rose, how are you?"
"Fine, uhmmm, there is a man at the reception, he has refused to leave until he speaks to a lawyer. Everyone is busy so I am kinda hoping if you will help me out" she said
"Okay, where is he?"
"Let me walk you to him"

He reached the reception to meet the man in question, sitting with his legs crossed and his hands behind his head. Mike was appalled by his mode of relaxation in an office. 

"So Mr I heard you need a lawyer"

"It's Issac, Issac Emenike" he introduced himself 

"How may we be of service?"
"I just got fired from my Bank job where I was an accountant, I want to sue for unlawful termination of employment" he said head strong which made Mike chuckle.
"Aren't banks synonymous with massive retrenchment all the time? Why is your case different?"
"It is because I have an MSc in business administration and a chartered accountant, they are dead without me" he proudly announced.
"Looks like there is more to your story, come with me, let's see if you have a case here"

To be continued....