Chapter 13

***Levi.***

I sat in the meeting room of my office, discussing with my business partners, who had come by to talk about the materials for new projects that were underway in STA Constructions. There were some expensive building projects and road projects that were to be carried out in Michigan, and I needed to be up to speed with all the projects.

Knowing that the clients were all top profile clients of the world, they deserved the best. My phone buzzed on the desk, interrupting my focus. I eyed the buzzing phone for a moment, ignoring it, to focus my attention on the file before me. Huge figures stared back at me. They were figures that they estimated were needed to pull up the projects.

The money wasn't the issue, because my clients had enough blunt and my company was reputable. However, I had no choice but to go along with this, because my business partners dealt with the best materials for STA Constructions. I silently listened to them, arguing against ideas I deemed porous.

"Mr Montoya, you have been supplying STA constructions with quality materials over the years. Your efficiency isn't doubted. My only worry is that I need this to be delivered in time. And I need to be assured of the quality, since you informed me that you made certain improvements."

"Mr Ruthford, rest assured that you will get the best. This new variety would be better for your high-profiled clients," Mr Montoya claimed.

I had a steady gaze on the man, his face a mixture of nerves and certainty. He was struggling to pull up a brave face. I didn't know if I should trust his claims, but time was too short.

*I hate last-minute arrangements*, I inwardly growled.

"Fine. Send all the details. I need to give my clients feedback." I stoically stated.

A few minutes later, the meeting ended and everyone exited the meeting room for refreshments. I rose up, grabbing my phone. A number of missed calls. Most of which were work and election related. However, two of the calls were from Kenya. My heart raced instantly, and I took in a deep breath to slow it down. Thoughts of her always got me this way. Racing heart pulses and dry mouthed. I smiled as I dialed her number, waiting for her to pick up the call.

***Kenya.***

I finished dancing with my colleagues, walking to check my phone. Hoping to receive a call back from Levi. We came back hours ago from lunch and fell into our dance routines immediately. I still refused to go to the club with my friends, despite Andrea's persuasions.

"Are you alright?" Andrea asked, concerned. I didn't hear her approach. I lifted my eyes from my phone, smiling.

"Yes, Andy. Am fine. I came to check my phone, that's all."

Andrea came to give me a hug.

"I am so happy that the robbers hadn't hurt you. It would have been terrible if anything had happened to you. And to think that they had even left Claudine's dance school in ashes" Andrea trailed off, looking into my eyes. She looked forlorn.

I looked at her, doubtfully. I still found it hard to believe the story of robbers burning the school to the ground. I still couldn't recall that night in clear detail. Yet, I doubted the story that had gone around since then. Especially the story given by Levi. Not like I doubted him, but there were hazy pictures that kept crossing my mind, perplexing me.

A day after I had woken up, I had been visited in the hospital by Claudine, who had been very sympathetic, despite her own loss. She had worried for me and assured my job's security, as soon as Levi's company finished with the renovations. Of course at the time, I hadn't been aware that Levi had offered to rebuild the dance school for Claudine, no charges needed. So my amazement at the news had been explicit as I later thanked Levi, who hadn't left my side in the hospital.

A huge knot formed in my throat and I recalled he was to be someone else's. At least that part of my memory hadn't abandoned me. I remembered that detail well enough. And that was the reason I pleaded with my Mum not to call Levi my boyfriend. But Mum still believed we were together and I was just too modest to confess it.

On the other hand, my sister, Amanda, only teased me, accusing me of making up stories about Levi Ruthford. I hadn't even bothered to refute her claim. I had just left it at that, hoping that Levi would leave soon to be with his fiance.

But he didn't leave. He sta, we grew closer and he continued to ensure my wellbeing. He even ensured that all Claudine's staff continued to receive their wages, despite being out of work. Somehow, he had gotten the insurance companies to continue our pay, until the school was reopened. Yet, I was aware that he wasn't mine.

"Have you heard the news?" Rory said behind me. I lifted my eyes from my phone, my focus on Rory.

"What news?" Andrea asked, staring at Rory.

"We just saw it. Apparently there had been cross fire between rival gangs at an abandoned warehouse and they all died. Hank and his buddies; Marlon and Chase were among the dead found early this morning." Rory finished.

A gasp escaped our mouths in disbelief. He continued to explain the gruesome scene he had seen on the television and I couldn't help but fall to a nearby seat. I grew dizzy, at the words. A hazy vision or memory of someone's face cloaked in a hoodie loomed over my eyes. Everything suddenly seemed blurry.

"You alright, Ken?" Rory asked, rushing beside me.

Andrea equally did the same, offering me a glass of water.

"Am fine, guys. I think I just got hazy from the news.

*Hank? Dead? Drugs?*