Chapter 5 Tragedy 2

• “Hello. I want to believe that the five vacant slots needed to be replaced, name your price. I need a slot for my son.”
• Now, Mr. Thomas Lee could not believe that parents could be so corrupt with matters that involved their children’s future. He courteously replied.
• “We do not practice such here.”
• Meanwhile, the Eagles City University was not expecting what hit them that afternoon. After the Chief of the Security took the delinquent students to the dormitory to pick their belongings, his staff members accompanied them to their rooms to ensure that they do not leave any stone unturned.
• “Be fast about it, please.”
• The female security officer yelled at Phina Skye, the female student who impersonated the daughter of the mysterious boss. Now, she was sobbing profusely and would not wish to go home to face her parents, who had warned her to eschew flamboyancy.
• When they got to her room at the twentieth floor, the other students who were amazed with the presence of a security officer looked on.
• “I would rather die than face my parents.”
• She muttered while gathering her stuff. Now, she had gathered her stuff and she took a last look at her roommate of just a few days and the beautiful Cherry Fields Dormitory where she had spent just two nights. When she remembered that she was one of the privileged students who got a bed space in the dormitory, and she was going to leave in a most humiliating manner, she became upset.
• “This way, please.”
• The security officer ordered when she was certain that she was set. Then, she took a step forward, while the student followed behind. Then, Phina’s roommate, who was devastated too, walked behind her. She was not sure of her reason for following them, but she just tagged along. Now, they walked out of her room and began to head towards the elevator. When they got to the balcony of the twentieth floor of the thirty-story dormitory, just like a flash, Phina Skye left her trolley bag, grabbed the handrail that was thirty-six inches high and jumped down to the first floor. To the chagrin of the onlookers, she did not land on the floor.
• At the Canteen
• The three friends were chatting happily when the waiter served them with their order. Sidney Tremblay, who would never miss the opportunity of reminding them that they were foreigners, inquired.
• “How was your trip to your country during the break?”
• ‘What made him to think that we travelled out of Canada?’
• Leon murmured with discontent. Before Jeff could give a reply to his question, Leon responded bluntly.
• “We did not travel.”
• Jeff, who was shocked with Leon’s degree of dishonesty, ran his hand on his head and continued with his meal. Now, Sidney, who showed concern, continued.
• “Oh! I can understand. The exchange rate is high. If I had the idea that you were around, I would have invited you over to my place.”
• “That is thoughtful of you.”
• Leon appreciated at once to ensure that Jeff did not say a word. Sidney Tremblay had only a nodding acquaintance with them. He had not given them any reason to get intimate with him, and so they preferred to keep him away from their real identity. To Sidney, they were poor students, who were trying to survive because he judged them by their car, which he described as a rust bucket.
• While they were eating, Jeff saw a story from the canteen television, which caught his attention. He was familiar with the pictures on the news, so he focused on it to get the details. Then, the news headline popped up.
• (Twenty-Story Building Collapsed At an Island and Many Feared Dead.)
• Now, he was nervous because he knew that the internet would soon be buzzing with the news and that would put the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group in a bad light. Although, apart from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, no other person knew that the Island in question was theirs.
• “I need to be somewhere, now.”
• He announced as he attempted to finish his food. Now, Leon knew better. He searched his countenance and concluded that something must be wrong. Then, he rushed his meal too. Sidney Tremblay did the same as well, and he settled the bill.
• “Thank you for the treat, Sidney.”
• They said one after the other and walked out briskly.
• “You are welcome.”
• Sidney responded as he walked out with them. Now, the aids and security who saw him when he walked out of the canteen had summed up their meal too and walked out.
• “Go and settle the bill.”
• He ordered as he handed over some cash to one of the aids, who walked back to the canteen and did the necessary before he joined them.
• “It is all right, Sidney. We hope to see tomorrow.”
• Jeff announced as they took turn to have a handshake with him.
• “It is all right. Goodbye.”
• Sidney responded before they got into their cars. Then, Leon, inquired.
• “Big brother, what happened?”
• “The Island in the news is our Island.”
• “What! I am not familiar with the island.”
• “You are right.”
• Jeff said inaudibly. Then, Leon volunteered.
• “Do you mind if I drive.”
• “Please do. Thank you.”
• Jeff got into the car and sat on the passenger’s seat while Leon turned on the ignition and asked.
• “Where are we going?”
• “To the Industrial Area.”
• Leon drove off while Jeff kept track of the news on the internet, and to his surprise, it was not on the internet. They drove silently to the Industrial Area while Jeff gave his father, the International Vice Chairman, a call. By the difference in the Time Zone, it was 8.30 pm in Nigeria, and his father picked at once.
• “Hello, Jeff. How are you?”
• “I am fine, dad. How are you and how is mom?”
• “We are good. You sound low. I hope there is no issue?”
• “There was an accident at the island and according to the news, there are many casualties.”