The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 3

For the first time in Taiwo's life, she was deliriously happy. Within a week, her life started changing. Her boss, Malcolm, true to his word, relocated the family to a fully furnished apartment that was simply, heavenly. A three bedroom abode with a lovely garden overlooking the well planned neighbourhood street. He gave her a wardrobe allowance
' We can't have you coming to work in rags, you know' he had said matter of factly. Taiwo took no offence as the few clothes she had actually belonged to the trash can.
She resumed to work in a smart skirt suit, with a matching classy handbag plus designer shoes to match. The PA had resigned without notice and she had to be put through the ropes by her boss, himself. She was a fast learner and caught on quickly. Within a month she was already on top of her job.
One evening, Malcolm called her to her office
'Taiwo or should I call you, Miss Olatunji?' He asked
Taiwo smiled and replied 'Taiwo is just fine sir'
'Okay. I want to make you an offer, an offer, no one in their right mind will refuse' Malcolm said.
'I'm all ears sir' said Taiwo
'I promised to take care of you. I have relocated you and your family to a nice neighbourhood. I promised to ensure your mom has the best possible treatment, which I am presently working on, by next week, she will be seeing some specialists in my own hospital' he continued
Taiwo interrupted him by kneeling down as she expressed her gratitude.
'Thank you so much sir. I cannot thank you enough. I worry so much about my mother's health condition, sir. Only God will reward you'
Malcolm smiled enigmatically.
He continued 'Let's leave God out of this matter shall we? I have a reason why I'm doing what I'm doing. I assure you, I'm no knight in shinning armor. I'm a business man, I expect returns on any investment I make'
He looked at her and smiled gently.
Taiwo smiled back looking very earnest
'I will work very hard. I will give you my best, sir.' She said.
Malcolm hid a smile.
'I don't expect anything less, but my dear, I'm not talking about the office work. You're intelligent. How many employers of labour bend over backwards like I have done to make an employee and the family happy?' He paused, looking at her.
'What I'm saying in essence my dear Taiwo is, there is a price to pay for my... ah.... largesse. If you play ball, I will increase your take home from a hundred thousand to three hundred thousand naira monthly. Your mother's treatment also hangs on your agreement for I'll ensure she sees only the best of specialists. I'll give you a brand new car and see that you have an all expense paid vacation to any country in the world,once a year'.
Taiwo was obviously very excited, she said eagerly 'I'll agree sir. My family and I need the money badly. I want my brothers back in school. And i absolutely will love to have a car, my own car!'
Malcolm smiled briefly and then his eyes became as cold as the Arctic.
'Are you very sure? There's a price to pay, but the reward far outweighs.....whatever risk or revulsion you may feel'


To be continued

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