JAYDEN walked briskly to the east wing that housed the P4 private classrooms, library and laboratories. Jessica was leaving, and he planned on tailing her.
He was curious about her, and wanted to know where she lived. Bennett had given him information in the files, but he wanted to see the real thing.

She had left an image in his mind in the few minutes he'd spoken to her, and now he was terribly curious to see the place where "people walked on shards of broken glass" as she'd put it.

He flew up the flight of stairs and walked to the top of the building where a helipad was mounted.

Jayden's pilot Kwame stood up as soon as he saw him. "Hello Sir, he greeted in a professional tone."Shall we leave now?
Jayden shook his head quickly. "Nope, I need a driver today not a pilot. I need to follow someone, and the helicopter isn't exactly mixing in with the crowd is it?

The pilot gave a small smile.

"You can drive cars too right?
"Yes Sir, the pilot replied. "Should I go get the car?

Jayden nodded slowly in consent.

Jessica's words flashed through his mind.
"Do you know where I live?

He rode a sleek Audi A3 to school when he didn't use the helicopter. He only used the helicopter when he was late so as to avoid Accra traffic, or when he wanted to draw attention to himself. Jayden's personal garage was full of beautiful cars. All of them in black. Ford Mustangs, Chryslers, Ford Fusions a Mercedes Benz and a sleek black Jaguar. He had no "normal". cars.

He turned around to face his driver. "Can we get a smaller, you know more inconspicuous car? Something that won't draw attention to us? "Like a small Peugeot or Fiat or something?

Kwame scratched his chin. "I'm sorry Sir, but I don't think you own any car of that sort. Jayden stamped his foot in frustration. "What do we do? "She might leave any moment from now! He whined.

What do I do?!
First, make sure she can't leave...

He called the school security and ordered them to lock up the gates until he gave orders for them to be opened.
They obeyed him instantly and without complaints. Jayden of course, was the WORD. His opinion was most times regarded as higher than even the principal's. Jayden, when in his especially reckless moods, was known to fire teachers, and even members of staff. He expelled students he may have had a grudge against, or didn't like, for whatever reason.

From his position on the rooftop, Jayden could see all of the school if not most of it. He saw the crowd of students and some staff who were arguing with the security guards at the gates, angry drivers at the other side of the gates and the distraught gate men who were trying their best to placate the angry crowd and to follow rules at the same time.

Jessica was still there, he saw. She was sitting beside a woman on one of the many benches sprinkled all around the school. She had her chin in her palm and an annoyed semi pissed off look.

He scanned the cars parked around, but none met his expectations. Some too big, others too small, and the rest too fancy...... Just then, he spied one.... a small grey battered VW Golf in the parking lot reserved for staff.

A small grey Golf. It was an old Golf , which was definitely not guaranteed to turn heads. If any heads moved, it would be to question the cars ability to move at all and not because it was an especially extraordinary car.

Also, the car was parked in the lot reserved for staff, which meant it was owned by a staff member,making it all the more easier to get the car.
Jayden frowned at the car. It was perfect.....it wasn't black, but it would have to do. He asked the driver to make sure the car's owner didn't drive off, then, he ran back downstairs.

He burst into their empty classroom, quickly looking around. He spied one of Jenai's white hoodies and picked it up, examining it. The hood was large, and when zipped up concealed most of the wearer's face.
Perfect
He threw the hoodie on over his shirt and grabbed his backpack.
He was just about to rush out when Jake and the boys waylaid him at the door.

" Hey man, Jake greeted, walking in."Where were you? I thought you'd hit the showers with us".
"Umm.....yeah, Jayden countered. "I got held up on the way."

"With what? Wendell questioned. The boys looked back at Jayden expectantly, clearly awaiting an answer.
"Why do you have my hoodie? Jenai asked.
"I'll give it back "Jayden offered. "You should be thankful I'm wearing your clothes!

Jenai gave an amused smile, shoving him lightly. "Whatever, he shrugged. "Just make sure it's still white when you give it back!
Jayden shrugged, Jenai frowned."Do you hear me?! Jenai warned.

Jayden had a reputation of borrowing stuff and not giving them back. When the lenders complained, he just bought them new ones.
"Yeah, yeah... Jayden replied, impatiently tapping the table.

"Well? Jenai prodded. "Where were you really?
"On the roof? Jayden replied, giving them a quick look.
"On the roof? Are you leaving now? In the
copter? I'll come with you! Wendell informed. "I want to take a few aerial photos for the Instaaa! He announced in a singsong voice.

Ugh! Wendell was going to make him late!

"Uhh..... Jayden scratched his head. Maybe another time. "I won't be using the helicopter today.
"Let's talk later, Jayden said hurriedly brushing past the boys. "I'll fill you guys in okay?
"Ciao! He grinned. The boys watched his form as he ran down the stairs. Wendell scratched his head confused.
"What's up with that guy? He whined. Jenai glanced at Jayden's retreating figure. "He hit Jessica on the nose with the basketball earlier didn't he? Probably got something to do with that.

Jake looked at him blankly. "What has that got to do with the way he's flying down the stairs?

Jenai face palmed himself, gave him a duh look , turned around and walked back into the classroom. Wendell and Jake looked at each other and back at the classroom Jenai had just entered.
*****************************
Jessie's POV
I picked up my earphones from my backpack and plugged them into my phone. Then, I started my long walk towards the school gates. Ever since Elaine had left with her mother on her product launch abroad, I'd been going home alone.
Not that I couldn't get home by myself, just that I missed my baby girl. If she were here, she'd have frowned and complained she wasn't a baby girl, but Gabby and I would tease her just the same. I smiled at the thought.

I made a mental note to call her when I got home. I had just walked past the library when I saw the multitude at the gates.
What was happening? I walked closer to the crowd and tapped the shoulder of the lady closest to me.

"Hello madam, good afternoon. I greeted her politely."What's going on here? I asked her.

"It's the gate men! She said angrily. They've closed the gates and lowered the barrier, no one can get in or out!
I frowned slightly. "But why? I moaned. I've got to get to work! "Ugh... Mr. Danso is going to kill me!! She sighed and gave me a knowing look. "I also have to tutor a girl somewhere, and yet here I am, my money slowly ticking away with every second more that I stand here!

I made my way into the crowd of people and finally managed to get close enough to pat Mr. Ofori's arm.
"Mr. Ofori! I called. "Why aren't you letting us out? I need to get to work, my boss is going to kill me!

"I'm sorry Jessica, but we're just following orders. If I let you out, and keep all the rest in, it would hardly be the right thing to do now would it?

The woman, who I later came to find was called Esther and worked in the preschool department of the school. Apparently it was quite hard to get admission to Lincoln Community's preschool.

She told me about how some parents had to be put on a waiting list and how some tried to bribe their way in. We spoke for a while, trying desperately to distract ourselves from the problem we were facing.

The drivers on the other side of the gate were furious. First, they pleaded for the gates to be opened, then resorted to yelling and banging on the gates, then just wandered around languidly waiting for the gate to open. I understood them. It wasn't easy to get a job here in Accra, so when one was finally found, it was wise not to put it in jeopardy.
**************
Jayden's POV
I ran out of the P4 private building, my backpack slung over my shoulder. By the time I got to the Golf and my driver, I, in spite of my athletic ability was struggling to catch my breath. I stopped running a few minutes to the Golf and gathered my composure. I drew my head further back into the hood and zipped it up to cover my face.

I tapped Kwame on the shoulder when I got to him. I took a closer look at the car. Now that I was closer, I saw that it wasn't exactly what I thought it was. I turned to Kwame.
"What kind of bits and pieces colour is this? I asked Kwame. He laughed lightly. "This, Sir, I believe is metallic grey".

"Metallic indeed". This car was in dire need of a serious respraying.
"Shall we leave now? I asked him. He shook his head. "The owner of the car Sir, she's unwilling to part with it".

"What? What?! "She's not parting with it, she's merely lending it didn't you tell her?
I squeezed my fist tightly and inhaled and exhaled slowly and smiled, putting on my business face. "Where's she? I began to ask him when a smallish, probably middle aged woman walked up to us.

She had on thickly rimmed glasses and had a shawl wrapped around her shoulders, a loose cotton blouse and a long skirt that nearly reached her knees. She had her hair wrapped in a bun on her head and was impatiently tapping the car's bonnet.

I quickly turned around and adjusted my hoodie. I mean, Jenai's hoodie and put on my cheetah print face mask leaving only my eyes and forehead exposed. I felt a series of taps on my back.

"Young man! The voice called sharply.
Look at me! How dare you restrict me from moving my car? The frail voice continued. I have the right to move it! It's mine!

I took a deep breath and turned to my questioner.

I can't believe I'm doing this.....

When I turned to her again I noticed her face she reminded me of my grandmother.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience madam, I just really need your car. If you could just lend it to me for a couple hours I would make sure that it's returned to you in the same condition as the first time you gave it to me "..
Maybe even better....

The woman looked at me for a couple of seconds, sizing me up and started to laugh. She laughed so hard I was getting embarrassed.

I should lend it to you? "My car?! In this Accra? "Where have you heard of people lending their cars to total strangers? "You, she continued, "are the perfect most well mannered thief I've ever met in all my sixty five years!

Huh?

"You know, if I had another alternative I would actually give you this one, but Beauty here is my baby girl and I couldn't part with her, she sighed, patting the cars bumper. "She's been with me for more than ten years! She said fondly.
Oh really! I smiled, trying to indulge her in conversation. I can't believe this car is more than five years old!.

Of course I believe that...... 'This car was probably the most used car in all of Accra!

Go home and pray to God to forgive you for trying to cheat an old woman, she said lightly patting my arm.

I squeezed my pressure point. I clearly didn't have any other options but to use my ace card. I took off the hoodie. "I'm Jayden madam, Jayden Grant of Lincoln Bay Industries and I need to have it please. I could still see traces of hesitation on her face so I gave her my personal gold embossed card.

You can take this to Lincoln Bay Towers if you don't get your car back by three business days .That won't be necessary though since I can guarantee your car back , I assured her, giving her the card.

Her face went ashen. "Ohh.... she exclaimed. "S..sir! I.. I don't even know what to say! I...I thought you were going to steal my car or something I didn't know!

Of course you don't know what to say...

I'm really sorry I called you a thief Sir! She said apologetically. "It's just that that there's so many thieves and scammers these days... please don't take my job away from me I beg of you!

I put on my boss mode. "It's fine, but can I get the car? I need to get some information from someone, and my own car might pose problems. I really don't want to be an inconvenience to you but things just happened like this"..
"Of course! She nodded enthusiastically. "Please..do.

I grinned and called the security and asked them to open up. My driver and I piled into the car. I turned to my lender who was still standing outside.
"Umm.... how are you going to get home? I asked her. I wasn't really one to care about these things, but she did have her car in my custody after all.

"I was hoping you would give me a ride, my son...she said, her voice trailing off. I flinched.
My son,.....my son. When last had I heard those words?
I smiled uncomfortably and scooted over in my seat so she could make herself comfortable. The car's interior smelled of air freshener and vanilla, and that was probably the only nice thing about the car. It was so small I could barely stretch my legs. The material was faded and torn up in some parts. The windows were dusty, and parts of the interior was peeling off. The whole car was begging for some expert respraying.

"Her name is Beauty" she informed. "Who exactly? I asked. She patted the passenger seat fondly. "This car is called Beauty" she repeated.

"Beauty huh? I smilingly replied.

How ironic........

****************
Jessica's POV
I was among the first to scramble out as soon as the gate was opened. I speed walked to the trotro station as I prayed for there to be an empty bus still *loading up *passengers.

When I got to my stop I didn't even wait for the bus conductor to fully open the door of the minivan before I rushed out onto the street. And then, I saw him, Mr. Danso talking to the baker who supplied the cafe with doughnuts, bread and whatnots on the other side of the road. He was packing trays of desserts and pastries into the trunk of his car as he talked.

Perfect distraction......

Normally, I would walk slowly and inhale all the sweet smells emanating from the bakery, buy some sugar bread or chitchat with Aisha, my friend who worked there, but I was too frazzled to do anything.

She walked up to Mr. Danso's car and started to arrange a couple of scones in the backseat. I stepped onto the main road a little too soon and nearly got my feet ran over by a car as I tried to sneak past them.

"Hey! The driver shouted at me."Commit suicide somewhere else!
I muttered a quick apology and walked briskly past them and down the street. When I was safely on the other side, I looked back to find that there was some sort of traffic jam and commotion going on uphill and there was a ton of car's honking and angry drivers.

Mr. Danso was no longer in front of the bakery but was now a part of the commotion, angrily sticking his head out of his car's window and making a point of some kind. I heaved a sigh of relief. What ever was going on ought to keep him busy for a while.

My mind flooded with what ifs as I half walked half run down the street to my job. Even if he wasn't close to the shop,unless I was some kind of invisible spirit there was no way I could go in through the front door without him seeing me.
I speed dialed Gabby.

"Gabby!! I hissed.

"Where are you?? She screams in my ear.

I flinch, but I quickly respond. "Long story! I was..

"Later! Gabby interrupted. "Come in through the storage door, I'm waiting for you.

"Thank God for Gabby and her fast thinking. I crept past people and cars and snaked into the storage room of the KoKo King which was unlocked just like Gabby said it would be. I gave a small scream of fright when I opened the door and saw Gabby standing right there.

I looked around blankly and sat on one of the chairs, catching my breath. Then I noticed that she'd ironed and folded my work uniform for me.

I rose from the chair, gave her a toothy smile, and clung to her.
She giggled and shook me off. "What would you do without me Jessica? She asked me comically.
I pretend to think. "I really don't know what I'd do Gabby" I laugh.
She grinned and sat on one of the empty wooden boxes, crossing her legs. "So what happened? She asked.
"Ugh! You can't imagine Gabriella! We were..

Girls!! A voice we knew all too well boomed from upstairs. Mr. Danso was here!

Gabby shot off the box like it was some kind of hot griddle. She dumped the clothes in my arms and rushed out. "Go and get changed quickly, and come upstairs". she added, practically shoving me into the staff washroom. " Hurry! she admonished before racing up the stairs.
I smiled to myself as I quickly changed into my work uniform. Gabby really is the best best friend ever.

Meanwhile
"Can't this thing move any faster?!!! I asked Kwame, frustrated. We'd lost enough time dropping off Mrs. Anim and now Jessica was sitting in the bus three cars ahead of us, and now that we'd finally caught up with her, this piece of metal was refusing to move.
.

"Peeeee.........." a driver behind us in a red Mazda honked at us. I buried my head in my hands. The boys would have a field day if they knew about this. Kwame started the engine again and the car protested by suddenly shaking so violently I hit my head on the window.

The driver of a yellow and white Opel Kadett taxi who was somewhere between the Mazda and us, obviously didn't have the patience to be content with just honking at us. He ventured out of his lane and when he leveled up to our car, started to scream obscenities at us, then zoomed off.

The traffic light turned red.

I was so mad, I couldn't even think clearly. "How dare he talk to us, to me in that manner?! I kicked the driver's seat in front of me and Kwame jerked.
"Sorry... I said gruffly.
"Piiiiiii.......! A horn tooted. I ignored it, poking my head out to check if the traffic light had turned green again.
"Piiii.....again. It sounded like pure silk compared to the sounds emanating from the piece of metal that we were currently in. I turned to the source.

And there it was, at par with ours, a black Hummer
gleaming like polished marble in the sun.
The hum of its engine was music to my ears, making nonsense of Beauty in all respects.

The sleek window slid down smoothly.
"Jayden! the male voice behind the wheel called, "is that you?!
I took a good look and recognized him. " Collin Sika Mingle, the heir to Mingle and Co. Their company was second largest in the country, right behind ours.
Of course we could have been friends growing up, but the media houses and the press were always comparing us so much that there really wasn't any room for friendships.
He and I had been rivals for as long as I could remember.
Mom still compared us all the time.

"Look at Sika! Accompanying his father on business trips and learning the ropes of the business! "You on the other hand, just go around on endless vacations and meaningless trips!.

Always Sika this and Sika that.

I heard Sika was the overseer of Mingle and CO's new petroleum products project! He pulled it off so well! Because of it, he managed to increase the company's profit by more than 15 percent! And at his age! "That's the making of a future CEO!

Do you think he won't be capable of taking over his family's business when the time comes? I've worked hard for the company and I will not have you rip it to the ground because of your childish incompetence!

"What are you doing in these parts? He asked curiously scrutinizing Beauty and I.

I struggled to find the words to reply.
"Why...? I muttered weakly.
"Quite a vehicle you have there Jayden! He grinned mockingly. "Is this the latest addition to your collection?
I was just about to deliver my comeback when the green light came on.
"Oops! He smiled angelically, and glided off smoothly. By the time his car's sleek tail end disappeared I was still watching Kwame apply his feet to Beauty's clutch and accelerator. Sika occupied my mind for a few more minutes and I could feel my skin break out from the stress.

I heaved an audible sigh of relief when Beauty finally yielded to Kwame's persuasion and started to move. We made it slowly downhill and I began to scan the area for signs of Jessica.
Kwame and I scoured the area for several minutes. Still, no Jessica. I could have cried in frustration. We'd come all the way here, we were so close! I was still lamenting when a girl in some sort of work uniform walking out of a cafe close by caught my eye.

She walked right past our car and dumped some trash in a bin nearby. I took a second look at her. It was Gabby!
Jessica's best friend. I know her from all the pictures Jessica has on her Instagram. I did a little happy dance in the backseat.

Where there's a Gabby there must be a Jessica close by no?

"Kwame, I called, tapping his shoulder. "Go out and order something from the cafe".
He smiled unknowingly. "I'm not hungry Sir, he responded.
I insisted. "Go order something Kwame, I order you!
He stared blankly at me. "Umm... okay then?

He assented, turning around halfway around to face me.

"What do you want to get? He asked.
"Ummm....., get anything you want, I replied. "Make sure though that you get that particular girl to cater for you hmm? I said, pointing out Jessica through the glass door. She was chatting with a tall, lanky guy while she polished coffee mugs.
Kwame cast me a sidelong glance and strode in. I stood behind the glass panes, eagerly awaiting the turn of events.
After a while, Kwame walked out again, carrying plastic bags of food with him. He nodded his head in the cafe's direction.

"She's coming, he whispered to me. She's right behind me" he winked.

She appeared a couple minutes later, looking around the area. I stepped out of Beauty and ruffled my clothes.
"Jayden? She sighed and shook her head. "What are you doing here?
*****************
He gave a deep and hurried sigh, like he was being forced to speak. He looked me from head to toe and said blandly,

"well, I was in the area, you know and I was hungry so I was just passing by, I'm telling you I was just passing for real!

"Did I say anything? I countered.
He cleared his throat. " Anyway like I said I was passing by and I heard a really ugly girl works here, I just wanted to see who it was, turns out it's you! He threw his head back and laughed.
I kept my expression stoic. " And now that you've seen the ugly girl who works here, won't you leave?