Chapter 4

"Stop the worry Hailey, it's only a mere trip." Clair rolled her eyes. Dressed in mickey mouse T shirt and a flower patterned pyjamas slacks, She was seated on the chair in front of her vanity, painting her toe nails with nail varnish with the leg  she was currently painting on her chair.

Clair was on the phone with her best friend and foster sister Hailey Fisher. Clair met Hailey in the house of Mr Patrick Fisher. Clair has never known her biological parents and has spent her entire live moving from one foster home to the other. Most of the earliest foster homes she was in was not only crowded but also their foster parents didn't care as much for them as they cared for the money the state payed them to take care of the kids. Most days, the kids were only served a measly amount of food twice a day, there were even days when they went without food. Clair ran away more than twice from these homes but there weren't that many places a seven year old could run to so she was caught each time and transferred to another foster home. This countinued until she was brought to the beautiful home of Mr and Mrs Patrick Fisher. That was where she met Hailey, she had also just been adopted by them. At first, Clair thought that the Fisher's were also like her previous foster parents, so she withdrew to herself. That was when Hailey came to her and spoke to her. Young Hailey told Clair that she was also transferred there a few weeks before she came. She said that the Fisher's were the kindest people she knew and treated her as their own child. She promised that she'd be with her all through the years till they grew old because they were now sisters. Clair took steps to warm up to her new foster parents and found out they were everything Hailey spoke about and so much more. She and Hailey bonded and became like sisters since then. Hailey and Clair grew up together and when the time was right went to college. Clair to study mass communication and journalism and Hailey international relations. It was in this kind of time, while they were away that they got the heartbreaking news that Fisher House burnt down to the ground with their foster parents trapped in it. Hailey had it way worse than Clair and Clair really thought she had lost the only remaining family she had along with her foster parents, but after long weeks of intense depression and puffy eyes, they both decided to put the saddening event behind them and carry on with their lives. Although there still exist days when they still had nightmares about it.

Since Clair contacted Hailey about two days ago, the two didn't seem to go out of topics to discuss. And any little time they could spare, they did talk, about anything and everything. From serious interactions, to emotional recalls, to useless arguments to even the famous chitty chatty girly gossips. At the moment, Hailey was telling Clair that her travel didn't sit well with her. The phone was on the table and Hailey's voice sounded clearly over the loud speaker.

"I don't know Clair, I've just got this strong feeling that something bad is going to happen. I don't know why I'm feeling this way neither do I understand where the hunch is even coming from, but I do know what I'm saying Clair" Hailey insisted.

"Hailey, I think you just need to calm down and take a deep breath ok? You're overreacting."

"I'm not mad dumbass. Stop insinuating that I've lost it."

"Far be it from me to suggest such a thing. You're the most sane person I know... but are you a psychic now? I thought we told each other everything." Clair added, not hiding her sarcasm.

"Like I said silly, it's a hunch. But a very strong one."

"I know. It's just that this is like a golden opportunity for me, one that I wouldn't pass up for anything."

"I understand baby. I know how much you're looking forward to this meeting, I do. But I can't have this kind of feeling and not inform you about it. It's left to you to decide what you want to do with it. For all we know, it could just be me being jealous 'cos you're having all the fun."  Hailey teased making funny noises at the back of her throat.

Clair laughed out loud. "Come on girl, you and I know you don't have a single jealous bone in that skinny body of yours." Clair teased back.

"I think if you want to insult me, just insult me directly. What's with hiding snide lines in compliments. Don't tell me the public is wrong with their judgement about you."

This only made Clair laugh more. "There's no insult here honey. Just plain truth. You really need to work on adding more flesh. You look like the slightest wind could blow you away and you know I don't want to lose you."

"Now you're point blankly insulting me. You've not even seen me in over two years and your concluding I'm skinny as a rail?"

"Nope, you said you are skinny as a rail. I only said you are skinny. By the way, have you forgotten that we follow each other on i*******m. I see the pictures you post. But I have to confess, Hay. Even I have to confess, that slim body of yours is banging."

"Insult me One minute. Offer me compliments in the next. Which way Clair? Maintain a lane." Hailey said, letting out an exasperated 'ughhh'.

"It's a rollercoaster of emotions with me and you my sweet sister knows that. So try to catch up." Clair was grinning widely even though she was certain Hailey couldn't see her.

"Thank you. I'll pass. Aren't you supposed to be at work today? I thought you said you had a conference?"

"Yeah, I just submitted my articles. The conference is mainly a meeting for the bosses to decide if they're going to increase or reduce our salaries or just sack us. They are planning to cut some people off and this conference might just be a test."

The long awaited conference at Clair's office was today and it was a management only conference. So all the normal workers had a day off, provided they had rounded up their projects and submitted them. Ben told Clair she could attend but she used the excuse of packing for her travel to avoid attending.

"Clair, you're horrible."

"That's why you love me baby."

"Hmmm. I guess you're all packed for tomorrow? Big day eh?"

"You bet. I woke up early this morning and arranged everything. I don't want to be caught in a situation where I find out that I forgot something important."

"Uh-huh. I've got to go Clair. My boss just came in. Talk to you later."

"Ok. Bye. Say hi to him for me."

"Like hell I would." Hailey laughed and ended the call.

Hailey worked at a big tourist office in Hawaii. Clair knew well enough that Hailey's boss couldn't be more different than hers if he tried. He handles his employees strictly and doesn't allow them much free time. According to Hailey, the only reason why she was still there was because the pay was pretty impressive.

We both deserve to be our own bosses, making money for ourselves and not money mongering fellas feeding us peanuts and not appreciating our efforts. Hailey ruminated.

It was Clair's long dream to buy her own house and start blogging from home. She would publish news, tabloid, entertainment on it. It would be one of the biggest news and entertainment blogs in the world. That way, Clair can have a lot of time to herself to explore.

Not that the work she did presently didn't give her time or she didn't love it, it did and she did. She could always talk Ben into giving her some free time. But the tune of the dance changes when men like Mang appeared in the picture. They always feel like they own every second of your living and it should be spent in servitude to them. The only reason why she wasn't getting any angry calls from him today was because she had gone through the pain of blocking his number although she was sure that her email must be full by now.

Clair finished applying the nail varnish on the last pinkie toe, then got up from the chair. She yawned and stretched. Then she went to the kitchen and busied herself with fixing lunch while the paint on her digit's nails dried. She warmed up a leftover pasta from the night before in her microwave and added some chicken drumsticks, then poured herself a glass of cranberry juice.

When she was done eating, she went to her little study room to check her mails. There were at least a dozen from Mang, more from a few managers, one from even the Vicar of the cathedral downtown. But none from Siltek INC, Clair supposed that there was nothing more to discuss with her but somehow she yearned for even a single line from them.

No, not them. From him especially. Him, the blue-eyed mystery. Oh come off it Clair.

Clair couldn't understand why she felt the way she did towards someone she had never seen her whole life. But she didn't dwell too much on the thought. She had planned earlier today to visit the burial place, the place where the bodies of her foster parents were laid to rest. She's been planning to visit them for a long time and now couldn't put it off much longer.

She changed into sweat pants and a hoodie and although there was no sun outside, she wore her sun shades. She quickly packed her hair at the back of her head and used her hood to cover it. She wore her sneakers, grabbed her car keys and zoomed out her house.

The drive to the cemetery was heavy with gloom and the air thick. She turned the radio on and played Micheal Jackson's Heal the world.

Heal the world, make it a better place

For you and for me and the entire human race

There are people dying, if you care enough for the living

Make a better place for you and for me...

 Clair stopped the car at a florist's shop to get a flower for the graves.

"Hello, Clair. Going to see your parents again?" The over familiar attendant said with a wide grin.

Clair found nothing funny about going to mourn the dead and therefore did not return the smile. But she answered with a nod. "Yes Jean. Please arrange for me the kind of bouquet you'd take to your parents grave if they died in a fire accident. And please can you make it quick. I don't have much time to waste."

This wiped the stupid grin off Jean's face at least. He hurried down the narrow lane between the shelves where some flowers were kept. Within a few minutes, he came back with two flower arrangements. One of the flowers was mainly roses, daisies and a lilac wide petal flower Clair did not recognize. The other was majorly tulips, lilies and some carnation stalks.

Clair payed the man and left the shop.

Eight minutes later, Clair arrived the cemetery. The place was very quiet, only the chirping of birds in the tree branches overhead could be heard. Clair made her way to her parents burial place. The engraving on the tomb for her dad read:

Here lies Patrick George Fisher

1999-2061

He was  a father, husband and dear friend

He was a kind and diligent man.

And On her mom's, it read:

Here lies Patrick Anna Fisher

2004-2061

She was a mother, wife and sister.

She was caregiver and a virtuous woman.

Just reading the words on the stone made Clair's eyes water. It reminded them of when they were alive. The words on the stone did not do them an iota of justice.

Why do good people have to die? Why can't they live forever?

This only made more tears flow down her cheeks. She brought out her flannel, used it to wipe her face and blow her nose. She moved forward and dropped the flowers on their respective graves.

"I've been saving up some money to buy my own place you know," she stared. "I'm going to get it when the money is complete and then I'll start my own blog. When I've made enough money from it, I promise I'll build a well structured foster home in memory of you. Both of you. You just wait and see, I'll achieve it." She paused and sniffed.

"I got the opportunity to go for an interview I requested for. This is a huge deal for me because I'm the only one on this and once I can write a groundbreaking story about whatever I find, it will not only bring me money but also bigger contracts because they'll see me as capable. I'll be traveling to Alaska tomorrow for the meeting. I'll come to see you when I return and tell you how it went. Bye bye for now." She paused again sniffing hard. "Rest well. I love you both. Hailey misses and loves you both too."

She turned  and walked to where she parked. When she got to it, she entered the car and went back home. She didn't even bother turning on the music to lighten the mood in the car as she drove to her house. She didn't feel like it.

When she got home, the sun was already starting to set. She changed into her pyjamas. And just like she always does when she was feeling down, she turned to food, ocean cream and crappy films. Clair headed to the kitchen and grabbed a cup of greek yogurt from her fridge, she went into her parlor and turned on the flat screen android Tv. She searched her media folder until she found a movie she liked.

Because she can't enjoy a movie without her popcorn, she went back to the kitchen to pop herself some. With a big bowl full of popcorn, a big bottle of coke, one loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, ice cream and her greek yogurt in hand, she settled down on the couch to enjoy her movie. Sorrounded by food as she was, she found her mood considerably lighter and before long she was already laughing at the funny scenes she watched.

After four eye straining hours of looking at her screen, eating and laughing, she passed out on the couch, a happy girl.

Morning came fast and so did a running stomach. Clair awoke with a strong urge to use the toilet. She knew that if she wasted another minute, she could relieve herself there on the couch. She quickly rushed to the toilet, brought down her pants and let out a sigh of relief as she released the contents of her bowels.

What happened? Ugghh

She bent her head and placed her hands on both sides of her face.

What do you think? Of course you have to pay for all that gluttony.

She knew she couldn't be constipating today of all days. After she finished she cleaned up and opened her overhead shelf where she keeps her first aid kit, supplements and emergency medication. She brought out an over the counter drug she got a while back when she had a similar experience. The medication was in form of a powder, she went to the kitchen, fetched a cup and poured the drug inside. She added some amount of water to it till the glass was half filled and watched as bubble rose to the mixture's surface. She stirred it and drank it all in a few gulps. Clair rinsed the cup, sat down for a few minutes and then went to the room to change into her running gear. She tied her shoe lace, plugged her ear pods and out she went.

When she got back from her road walk, she brushed her teeth, washed her hair and had her bath.

She spent a lot of time on her hair, straightening it to look presentable. She opted for a bone straight style which she quite easily slithered into a tight low bun.

She always dressed stark and masculine for interviews. It discouraged all but the most stubborn of ass holes from making a pass at her. No matter how hard she tried for the stern, unfeeling school matron look, there was always some perv who was into that. Go figure. It also commanded a little respect especially from all those misogynistic men.

She does not abhor male attention, no. But when she attended official meetings like this one, she'd rather not be carried away by sentiments or her hormones. She dated here and there a good number of fine men, but they were all nothing serious. The thought of long commitments scared her for some unknown reasons and whenever she found that any of her partners at the time was beginning to develop feelings for her, she found a reason for them to break up. She preferred a no strings attached agreement but so far, emotions seems to creep in no matter how hard they tried. It's been almost six months since her last relationship and from the way things were looking, it might stretch into a whole year.

She wore a khaki green top and a black three quarter sleeve length blouse. She tucked it in and wore her belt. Going through her shoe rack, she went for black flats and a black purse too. She got her woolen coat with furs inside down from where it hung and then put it on because of the cold weather outside. The coat was black too.

Helps to keep the look dark. Just the way I want it.

She checked herself out in the mirror. Her ever present lucky red stone necklace was under her blouse so she brought it to the surface.

There, all set and ready to go. She slides her hands on her blouse and trouser as if to straighten it with them.

She grabbed her mini travelling bag and purse from the bedroom, her car keys from the dinning and headed out through the front door. She locked it and put the key into her purse.

"Ok, here goes nothing." Clair said out loud letting out a low whistle.

Clair walked to the Main road and waited for a cab. After a while, she finally saw one.

"The airport." She told the driver when she was inside.

At the airport, she went through all the normal routine check and boarded the flight. A very pretty flight attendant accompanied her to the first class section. Clair was marvelled by how exquisitely crafted everything was inside the first class compartment.

She has never flown this class before because her paycheck only afforded her the economy class. There was a mini bar by the side of the room. At the far end, she could see what looked to be a restroom from the placards that said 'male' and 'female'.

That would come in very handy. Oh Clair, why did you have to go and overeat.

Her stomach made weird noises every few minutes and she hoped to God that the air hostess in front of her did not hear it.

"You can seat anywhere you like. The plane will be taking off soon. I'll bring you some snack and a drink. Is that ok with you Ms Fisher?" The hostess asked Clair.

"Yes. Yes, that will be very fine. Thank you."

"Alright, what snack and drink would you prefer Ma'am?"

"A croissant and cold sprite, if you have it that is."

"I'll be right back with it Ma'am. In the meantime, make yourself comfortable and keep your seat belts fastened at all time." With that she left.

Clair appraised her sorroundings once again and finally settled in a seat near the window. She could feel the plane rising in the air. She brought out the magazine she wanted to read when she was onboard. It was a cosmopolitan tabloid that featured the mayor of the state. Clair Opened it and started to read.

She heard steps approaching behind her and saw the flight attendant advancing in her direction, a large stainless tray in her hand. When she got to Clair, she carefully dropped the tray on the table in front of Clair.

"Thank you." Clair greeted her.

"Not a problem at all Ms Fisher. If you need any other thing, just press the intercom button on the table and someone will attend to you."

"Ok, got that."

"Do have a wonderful time aboard the plane Ms Fisher."

"Don't worry about that. I have already made plans to enjoy myself very much. And I'll be starting with this sweet smelling croissant rolls in front of me."

"I'm glad to hear that." The hostess indulged her with a smile and left.

Clair glanced at the tray in front of her. There were two golden brown croissant rolls, one bottle of sprite and about three bars of chocolate.

She picked up one of the croissant and took a bite. "Hmmm. Tastes heavenly." She said with her mouth full. She finished the two rolls in a tiny record, drank her sprite and then opened her Magazine and continued reading.

After some minutes, she felt the urge to use the restroom and rushed to ease herself.

Better here than the research compound. How humiliating it would be if I get there and while we're discussing something important I feel pressed. Then i'll have to excuse myself to go take a shit. Embarrassing as fuck!

She finished and got back to her seat. Clair picked up the magazine again and continued  her reading till the enticing hands of sleep reeled her in. She woke up to the voice of the flight attendant announcing that they have landed in Alaska and passengers should kindly come down.

Clair put her Magazine back into her purse and made her way out of the plane. She collected her travelling bag and at the waiting room where a lot of people waited for their loved ones and what nots, Clair saw a tall big muscled man with a crew cut holding up a placard that had her name written boldly on it. She waved at the man and his head swivelled in her direction. He was dressed like a military man, from his crew cut to his army khaki clothes and bullet proof vest to his boots. He was wearing an earpiece like device with wires that went into his clothes.

"Ms. Fisher?"

"Yes."

"I am Jude. I work for Mr silver in his security team. He ordered me to escort you to a private air strip not so far from here. Mr Rick Silver himself Is waiting for you there."

"Alright then. Lead the way Jude"

"Let me help you with your bag." He took the travelling bag from her.

"Thank you."

She walked some steps behind him. They finally stopped in front of a black lamborghini.

"Wow! Such a nice ride you've got here." Clair exclaimed

"Wait until you see the inside." Jude told her with a wink.

And just as he promised, the interior of the car was a far greater marvel. Only years of self development and schooling her facial expressions stopped Clair's jaws from hitting the floor of the car. To say the car was exquisite would be a great understatement.

When the car started, Clair found herself being caught in another wave of awe. The revving of the engine set a low pulsating vibration throughout the whole car and when it moved, she wondered if the tires touched the ground because it felt as if they were flying. They overtook other vehicles on the road with so much ease and before Clair knew it, they were bending into what looked to be a wide open coal tarred space. She could see what looked like a private jet at the end of the field.

"Are we there yet?" She asked Jude just to be certain.

"Yes Ms Fisher, we're here." Jude replied opening the two doors with a button he pressed. She got out and waited for him while he collected her travelling bag from the hood.

They walked together towards the plane. The cold winter air blowing in the open space made them both quicken their steps. After some minutes of walking, Clair could see the stairs of the private jet unfolding. When it fully opened, the silhouette of a man perched at the top of the stairs. She assumed it was Rick Silver and she waved.

Then the dreaded took place.

It all happened so fast, one minute she was fine and thinking of what she would say to Rick Silver when she sees him, the next minute a bullet zapped past her narrowly missing her and hitting the car behind them. Luckily the car was bullet proof, so the bullet's impact on it was merely a spark. Clair was still confused as to what was going on.

"Jude, what is happening. Huh?" She turned to her companion to ask. Far in front of her, she saw some men dressed just like Jude only that they had helmets on coming down from the jets and shooting towards the left. Turning her eyes in the direction they were attacking, she saw two truck with guns attached to the roof. Another bullet wheezed past her. Jude tried to cover her.

"Get down Ms Fisher. Someone is shooting..." Before he could complete his sentence, a second bullet was shot. It hit in the shoulder. Jude fell on the tarmac floor, blood seeping out from his wounded shoulder. "Get down." Jude managed to say, his voice still audible. His face knotted in serious pain. Clair gasped as Jude fell to the ground.

By now Clair knew she was already in trouble. But getting down was not going to solve anything as they were in an an open space with nothing to hide behind. She looked at the private jet.

No. No. To far.

She looked back at the lamborghini and decided to make a run and hide behind it.

But her speed was nothing compared to that of a bullet. The third bullet hit her right between her chest. She fell to the ground, her empty eyes staring into space.

Clair Fisher lay there on the ground.

Dead.