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.... 

Lame Red: Picstrip 1

Ego raised a question on women being attracted to broke otherwise dependent men and this is what the girls had to say about it.

MANDY'S LAW: EPISODE FIFTEEN: WE ALL NEED SAVING

He had never felt such confidence build up inside of him as he walked into the building straight down to her office admist the call from the receptionist trying to check if he had a valid appointment. He knew what he was going to say to her and he couldn't wait for her to see the look on his face and for him also to see the look on her face.

"I never thought it was possible until I witnessed it first hand. She tried to pawn me off to one of her so called investors all in the name of he had a tiring fashion show and needed a back massage" Ronke said in spite 

"What did you do?" he asked
"I sensed foul play but I couldn't imagine that she would try such. She was like a mother to all of us"
"So where is all these coming from? You trying to leave and poaching her girls?
"I know I signed a confidentiality clause, but I had to leave, whether I've stayed up to ten years or not. Other girls might be cool with selling their bodies for bigger contracts, but I prefer going one step at a time"
"So she used my firm to get you to come back, wow, now I'm pissed. I hope you are telling me the truth Ronke" he looked at her straight in the eye.
"Why on earth would I lie? I am pretty pissed to" 

She said with her eyes almost popping out of the socket.

"Did she do the same to you that made you call her a... unno" he said to Ngozi 

"Bitch? Nope, we go way back, but I knew there was something fishy about her methods. She wanted to manage me and I refused since then we have been enemies" she said 

"She just made another one"

"What is going on here?" 

She said as soon as he barged into her office with the receptionist tagging along.
"I am sorry ma, I was trying to ask if he had an appointment" she explained
"I recognize you, you came here with Mandy yesterday, is something wrong?" he kept mute "You may go" she said to the receptionist. 

As soon as she left she turned to Mike

 "Sit down"

I didn't come here to sit, let me make this quick, you are going to drop your lawsuit on Ronke Bidemi" he said head on
"Why? If it is about what I told Mandy, I knew you won't understand... "
"It's not about it" he cut in rudely "It's about you trying to use my firm to file a lawsuit based on false claims. I know in this country you could get away with anything but not when people like me are watchful, here sign this.

He dropped a bunch of files on her table

"What is that?" she looked at it

"Ronke's freedom, she has promised not to talk to anyone about your undercover prostitution ring but I can be very persuasive if you try to prove stubborn"

She nodded negatively and bit on her pencil. 

"How much do you want Mike, that's your name right? How much, so you can leave her alone. She has great potential, might even be the next Ngozi Anya, I can make that possible for her, make the two of you extremely happy"
"Now you just made matters worse, just sign that and don't force me to give my firm reasons to drop you"

"You see Mike, you are a newbie therefore you are still vulnerable and naive in this game. Soon you would do anything to be paid well for your services, you have no idea what you can do with all that power" she said 

"We will see about that, just sign the damn document" 

He realized he just swore and that really made him have an uneasy feeling about being already sucked into the power.

Joseph Lawson left the office and headed straight to his car only to be stopped by a heavily built man dressed in a suit. He directed him to a steel black tundra and opened the door for him to get in. 

"You can't keep avoiding me Joseph" 

The man inside dressed in a flowing agbada said as soon as he came in. 

"When did you come into Lagos?" he asked
"Few hours ago, I need my answer"
"I need more time"
"I've given you two weeks to ponder, I need my answer and I need it now"

"Here is your freedom" 

He handed over the envelope. They are sitting at the rooftop of a hotel bar enjoying an evening drink.
"Thanks Mike, I wish there were more men like you on this earth" Ronke said as she gave him a pat on the back. 

"Just doing my job"

"So Mike what do you say about being a lawyer to our new agency. I and Ronke talked and we decided to go ahead with Sade's proposed fake idea" Ngozi said
"Wow, so this got me new clients"
"Of course, you are stuck with me for a while"

She grinned and he smiled back. 

"How about we go on a proper date, something far from work, what do you think?"
"Did you just ask me out properly?"
"He sure did" Ronke teased
"I would like that"
"Cheers" 

They raised their glass in a toast.
"I got to get used to popping bottles after each of my cases, the good life and doing things the good way no matter the risk" he said
"No matter the risk" they both chorus
"You just gave me an idea for the new agency" Ngozi said
"Risk taking?" he joked
"No silly, it's a secret"

To be continued....