Chapter 345: Not Precinct, Market....
On Thursday, I had an exam, this one dealing with a lot of mathematical calculations.
Since getting into LA, my problems had not stopped, but I still found time to open my books and go through several pages.
In the hall, I had both my brain and that of Sade to leech off.
On Friday, I thankfully had no exam, the one that should have been given being moved due to a conflict arising from the changes happening throughout the university sector.
I got a call from Sade very early in the morning, the cocks not yet out to crow.
After personally delivering to me news that she would some hours later give to the rest of the class, Sade went on to suggest we meet.
"Just because the exams have been shifted doesn't mean we should slack off.
Come to my place, let's study some. Besides, my parents miss you."
"Your parents miss me?"
Sure, the last meal before I departed the unique inverted mansion saw me sent off with smiles, but Lola had caught me and Sade on the edge of bonding.
Perhaps her daughter told her such a situation would not repeat itself, but from what I knew about Lola, I failed to see a way she would still take the risk.
Then there was also Gale to worry about. They might seem carefree and laid-back, but I did not forget the things I saw in the lower floors of the mansion.
"Sorry, Sade, but not today.
I've got work to do."
"What do you mean by work to do?
The only thing you had planned for today was our exams, and I just cancelled that.
You should be free."
"I wish it were so, but I have pending work which had been put on hold.
Now that my schedule has been cleared, it would be irresponsible of me not to attend to them."
"..."
I blinked in disbelief as my phone beeped, indicating to me that my call with Sade had been ended; the woman had ended the call.
Unhappy, I smacked my lips but quickly moved away from the thought of the pretty flower.
Swinging my legs off the bed, I called Nadia, informing her of our latest plans for the day, and then called Denise next.
.....
It hadn't exactly been rainy the past days, but the sun which hung up above when it was not even noon spelt a good omen for many.
It had been three days since the confusing fiasco that hit LA.
Both local and national television carried the news, some international stations making it a debate point.
At this point in the city, one could be assured that all vulnerable positions saw an increase in security, and for offices, especially those that had to do with security in the city, traffic was at an all-time high.
Calls, mails, and deployments were happening all around; the city police were on the lookout for those behind the terrorist attack and, most importantly, the two women responsible for killing and abducting a group of children.
Martha giving up three children did in no way diminish the heat she had on her person. Her making away with one of the kids made her pursuers more aggressive, and proof of that was the all-time low record of crime within the city.
Hospital staff and patients dead??
The public was in a mad outcry, and no power in LA was looking to test the wrath of the majority.
Within the Los Angeles police headquarters, not only were people in suits and uniforms rapidly marching all around, but at the entrances, fully armed teams with assault rifles openly stood.
With the mystery in the air, no chance was being taken. Just as workers and civilians were being checked, so were VIPs.
The Rolls-Royce logo on the approaching vehicle failed to intimidate the staunch men on guard.
On both sides of the vehicle, men with dogs and detectors walked by, a tall man with an arm not far from his holstered firearms stopping by the driver's door and knocking on the tinted window.
Sure, the car before him cost over $200,000, but his orders were clear and precise.
Words were exchanged with the driver of the luxurious vehicle, the tall police officer not charmed by the female at the front and moving, asking for the back window to be taken down.
The man's eyes narrowed when he saw the youth of the individual at the back, and putting two fingers at his back to indicate to his colleagues to be on the ready, he spoke into the microphone on his collar.
Despite the thoughts in his mind, the man had his expression under control, looking at the dark-haired young man with vigilance till instructions came over the earpiece in his ear.
"He's clear."
Taking a step back, the tall officer waved the Rolls-Royce past his checkpoints, and for the other checkpoints ahead, getting the word, they let the exclusive car through.
The drive was not too long. Within 5 minutes, the car came to a stop before the main building of the precinct, and from it, the driver stepped out and opened the car door for her boss.
"Sir!!"
Seeing her boss with a contemplative expression, Nadia could not help but call his attention, and then the smile he turned and gave to her alerted her that he was very much aware of his surroundings.
"Silly woman," I thought as I came out of the Rolls-Royce.
That I had been totally aware of my surroundings might have been an extra stretch, considering I had also been fighting the battle of keeping my hands to myself.
I mean, this was my first time in a Rolls-Royce.
Sure, the Ferrari was more luxurious, but this was Rolls-Royce, the peak of comfort in land movement.
From the seats to the air.....
Even as I came out of the vehicle, I was reminiscing the experience. But as I began walking away from the car, climbing up the stairs, my mind went to the information Echo had fed me.
'Annie was checking up on cameras and recorders in her office as she was informed of my arrival.'