Bound To Ransom

Prologue

Mummy, when are you coming home? Gloria Rawlins asked in a breaking voice as she held tight onto her mother’s hand. Her shoulders drooped and the back of her throat hurt.

The skinny woman with the sallow skin and limp hair lying on the hospital bed in front of her seemed less and less like the beautiful, youthful mummy she’d known.

Gloria’s mother, Petra, usually had beautiful, golden tanned Caucasian skin acquired from her years of living in Nigeria. She’d been born in Germany where she’d met and fallen in love with Gerald Rawlins while they’d both been at University.

Gloria’s dad had often said he’d fallen in love with his wife the moment he’d seen her hair of spun honey and sparkling emerald-green eyes one autumn evening many years ago. When Gerald had completed the Engineering program he’d gone to study for, Petra had returned to Nigeria with him. They’d married, having Gloria as their only child.

Now, Petra’s sunken eyes drifted in the direction of Gerald, who stood beside his daughter. Something flickered in her mother’s gaze that Gloria couldn’t decipher as her parents communicated silently. They did that a lot when they didn’t want her to know what was going on.

Gloria tilted her head to the side to look up at her father. His bottom lip trembled, and his eyes glassed over as he gave a slight shake of his head. She’d never seen her father distressed before. He’d always been strong and protective, larger than life. As far as she was concerned, he was untouchable. Invincible.

Honey, her mum said in a gentle voice, drawing her attention again. I’m very sick. The doctors want to try a new treatment as the old one isn’t working. I don’t know when I’ll be home.

Tears clogged Gloria’s eyes and rolled down her face. Oh, Mummy, I’ve been very good, and I’ve been praying for you to get better and come home, so we can all be together again.

Crying, she buried her face against her mother’s body. She’d missed Mummy’s soft and warm cuddles. Although the skin beneath the white bed linen felt bony and cool, she wanted to crawl into the bed and lie beside her mother.

Outside the window, the sun shone brightly in the blue sky and birds nestling in the trees within the hospital grounds tweeted merrily. But Gloria couldn't shake the dark cloud that hovered over her family in this room.

Her father lifted her up into his arms like he always did whenever she hurt herself playing outside. She lowered her head onto his shoulder and sniffled. The hardness and strength of her father’s embrace always made her feel safe. Like she could come to no harm and whatever problem existed would go away.

Princess, he said in a deep, soothing voice that cracked a little. Your mummy is being taken care of here. She needs to rest. I’m going to take you home now.

Gloria held on tight to her father for a moment before turning back to look at her mother. We’ll be back to see you soon, Mummy.

Okay, honey. Her mum’s thin lips curled in a smile without its usual radiance. Daddy will take care of you. Promise to be a good girl for him.

I promise, Mummy, she said as her dad lowered her so she could kiss her mother on the cheek.

She left the hospital holding onto her father’s hand. The ride in the car back home was silent. Her father seemed lost in his thoughts, his expression troubled. She reached out and placed her hand over his large one on the steering wheel.

Mummy is going to be alright, she said to cheer him up.

Distractedly, he glanced at her, and his Adam’s apple bobbed before he nodded. How about we stop by for some ice cream?

She loved ice cream and would eat it every day if allowed. Her father took her to the ice cream parlour as a treat sometimes, so she knew he was trying to cheer her up even if she didn’t particularly feel like having ice cream today.

Okay, Daddy, she replied.

He parked in front of the shop and came round to help her down from the SUV. She held onto his hand as they walked in. He sat her at a small table before heading to the counter to order. He returned with two small round tubs of strawberry ice cream and tiny wooden spoons.

Her melancholy disappeared as soon as she took her first spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. The taste of sugar, strawberries, and cream on her tongue transformed into bubbles in her veins and lifted her spirit. She broke out into a huge smile.

Daddy smiled back at her. I knew this would cheer you up.

It does. I love strawberry ice cream, she said with a moan of delight.

Daddy chuckled. I know.

One of the waitresses brought a paper bag with something in it. Sir, here’s your to-go bag.

Thank you, he said and took it.

What’s in it, Daddy? Gloria asked.

What else? More ice cream. He grinned at her. I thought maybe you could go and visit your friend tomorrow and take some ice cream.

She screeched and jumped up to hug him. You’re the best.

She skipped to the car. When they got home, her dad called her friend Christy’s mother and scheduled for her to go over.

The next day, she could barely contain her excitement as her dad drove her over to Christy’s house. She’d been friends with Christy since they met in nursery school. They were now in the same primary school.

She enjoyed the day playing with Christy. She didn’t get to think about her mummy in the hospital as much as she would normally if she were at home by herself.

Later that evening, Christy’s mum drove her home. There were a lot of people at her house, and everyone looked very sad.

Frightened, Gloria ran to her parents’ room where she found her father sitting in a chair, looking lost.

Daddy, why are you so sad? she asked as she hugged him.

He sat her on his lap. Princess, I’m sad because Mummy isn’t going to come home again. She died.

Gloria’s world fell apart. No! she cried and tried to get out of her father’s arms.

But he held her tight. She broke down into sobs, her body wracking almost violently.

How could Mummy die? She needed her mother to drive her to school. To help with her homework. To make costumes for her school play. To give her a cuddle when she felt sad. To take her shopping to buy pretty dresses. Who was she going to bake cakes and muffins with in future?

Had she done something bad to make Mummy die? Was Mummy’s death punishment for her being naughty?

Now all she had was Daddy. She gripped her father tight as they cried together.

She would be on her best behaviour from now on, so she didn’t lose the only family she had left.

From that day, it became just the two of them. She’d always been close to her father. Now, they became inseparable. She missed her mother, but the strong bond with Daddy made up for the sad moments.

He would drop her off at school in the mornings on his way out and pick her up afterwards. Sometimes, Christy’s mum would pick her, and she would stay with them if her father had to work late.

Although there was domestic staff in the house who did everything, her dad helped her with her homework. She ate with him in the evenings, and he put her into bed and kissed her good night.

About a year later, Gloria returned from a sleep-over at Christy’s house. She rushed into the house and left her small suitcase in the hallway, excited to see her father after more than a day away.

Daddy! She skipped into the living room and halted. One of Mummy’s old friends sat on the maroon upholstered sofa.

Hello, Aunty Hanifa, she greeted the woman in a cheerful voice. She hadn’t seen her in a long time.

Hi, Gloria. How are you? Hanifa said, giving her a warm smile.

I’m fine, she said as she went over to her father and gave him a hug before sitting beside him.

How are Christy and her parents? her dad asked.

They’re well. She curled up beside her father. She hadn’t seen him for more than twenty-four hours. Now, she wanted to spend the time with her daddy before she had to go to bed.

Usually, they spent the time together watching a movie. Instead, today, the TV was switched on to some Latin American soap opera with English subtitles.

She picked up the remote control. Daddy, can we watch a movie?

Of course, he said.

She jumped up and ran to the cupboard that stored all the VHS videos he’d bought on his numerous trips. She pulled out the case for Disney’s Beauty and The Beast and dropped on her knees in front of the video player to slide it in.

But I’m watching the soap, Hanifa said. Gloria can watch the movie any other time. Anyway, shouldn’t she be getting ready for bed?

Gloria turned with a frown on her face. Why would this woman come to her house and interrupt her ritual with her father?

Daddy? she asked. Her father knew how important their time together was.

Princess, your aunt is right. You can watch the movie anytime.

Daddy, but Sunday evenings is our movie time.

We have next Sunday to watch the movie, okay?

Okay, she said in a grudging voice as she put the case back into the cupboard. She returned to sit beside her father.

Go on upstairs and read a book. I’ll come up later and tuck you into bed.

Okay, Daddy.

She left the room with a frown and did what her daddy said. Although she wasn’t happy at not spending the time with her dad as normal, she had promised her mother she would always be good. And she didn’t want anything bad to happen to Daddy because she’d been naughty. As long as he came up and said good night, then everything would be all right.

She sat on her bed reading a book but fell asleep. When she woke up, the clock on her wall said it was nine o’clock. Her father hadn’t come to say good night as usual. She got out of bed and went downstairs. The lights were on, and the TV was on, but neither her Dad nor Hanifa was there.

She looked out of the window, and her father’s cars were still there, so he hadn’t gone out.

She went back upstairs and heard a sound coming from her parents’ room. Biting her lip, she hurried to the slightly open door as she worried something might be wrong with her father.

She got in to find her, Hanifa, lying on top of her father on the bed. He had his eyes closed. She didn’t know what was going on, but she knew they were in her parents’ room and bed, space her father had shared with her mother. This area had been their sanctuary. She hated that some other woman was in the same space sharing what seemed to be a close moment with her father.

The woman turned around and stared at Gloria, a self-satisfied smile on her face as if she was gloating.

Fury spiked through Gloria, and she screamed. Daddy!

Her father jumped up immediately and pushed the woman off him, his expression shocked. Princess!

Feeling hurt and disgusted by her father’s betrayal, she ran back to her room and slammed the door. She lay on her bed and cried because deep down, she realised that something had changed in her relationship with her dad. It wasn’t the two of them against the world anymore.

A third person who would ruin the special connection they had had entered.

The door to her room opened. She heard footsteps across the floor and turned her head. Her father stood by the bed.

The mattress depressed as he sat down beside her. Princess, are you okay?

No, Daddy. What is Aunty Hanifa doing in your room?

Her father grimaced. Do you remember how things were when your mum was here? It was great with the three of us. Well, I’m going to marry Hanifa.

No, Daddy. I don’t want her as my mother. I just want it to be the two of us.

I thought you liked her. He appeared concerned.

She thought she did, too. But not after what the woman had done today. She shook her head.

Her father sighed and scrubbed his face. It’s not been easy for me since your mother’s been gone. I can’t spend as much time with you as I used to. The business needs my attention. And I can’t leave the domestic staff to raise you. I like Hanifa, and she’ll make a good mother for you. And perhaps, you’ll have a younger sibling, too.

Tears clogged her eyes, and she clutched her father’s arm. Daddy, please don’t marry her.

Princess, you know I’ll give you anything. Will you not let me have this little happiness?

The back of her throat hurt, and she had difficulty swallowing as she stared at her father. How had things changed so quickly? One moment they’d been a happy family, Mummy and Daddy and her. Then her life was shattered when her mother died.

She’d thought that as long as she had her father, everything would be all right. Now, she knew it wasn't true. Everything wouldn’t be okay. She was losing her father, too. The moment he married Hanifa, he wouldn’t belong to her anymore. Hanifa would become the centre of his attention. He’d already proved it tonight when the woman had disrupted their normal routine.

Could she deny her father this if it made him happy? Wasn’t it better to have him alive and well while sharing him with Hanifa than to have him dead like her mother? Even if she was left being miserable.

To keep her father alive, she would accept misery for his happiness.

Okay, Daddy. You can marry her.

Her father didn’t seem to notice the anguish that flattened her voice and stooped her shoulders. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her.

Thank you, Princess.

The happy little girl died the day her father married Hanifa. Perhaps he noticed a change in his daughter. He spent less time with Gloria and compensated for his absence by showering her with gifts. There were no more movie nights. But she had all the best things a girl of eleven years could want.

Hanifa pulled the ace card up her sleeve by convincing Gerald to send Gloria to boarding school in Enugu, a town about five hundred kilometres from Lagos where they lived. Eight hours’ driving distance or over an hour's flight away.

Still, Gloria hated being so far apart from Daddy. She would only see him during visiting days and school holidays.

She confronted Hanifa and begged the woman not to send her away.

Hanifa’s dismissed her coldly with this response, You might be the little princess. But you have to realise that I’m now the queen of this house, and I control everything, including your father.

That was the last day Gloria cried as a child. Her heart turned to stone. She would never leave herself in a position where she would beg anyone for anything. She'd carve out a life where she would become queen and control everything in it.

Boarding school provided the environment and the people to aid her life mission. There were students and even teachers who were in awe of her because she had ‘white’ skin, hazel green eyes, and soft, curly hair. Added to the fact that her father was wealthy, and she had access to cash whenever she needed it, it proved easy for her to rise to the top of the food chain.

Of course, there were people who hated her for the same reasons others loved her. But she could control them by getting her sycophants to do the hard work of protecting her. Soon, anyone she couldn’t control by batting her long dark lashes, she could exploit by bribing with gifts.

Gloria Rawlins became the self-centred, manipulative queen of the playground. She had everything, but nothing that mattered to her. The little girl who’d wanted Mummy’s cuddles and to eat ice cream with Daddy had become lost forever.

Chapter One

Henry Coker stepped out of the chilly car as his chauffeur held the door open. The hot and humid air outside struck him as soon as the soles of his Italian-made, black leather brogues hit the concrete driveway.

All around him, the Lagos Island business district announced itself. Blaring car horns, animated conversations, spicy food aromas, and exhaust fumes—pedestrians and vehicles jostled in a kaleidoscope of scents, movements, and sounds.

In the distance, several construction cranes extended upwards like skinny arms. Some of them belonged to projects currently underway through his firm. This whole area stood under regeneration; old office blocks being renovated or new ones being built. Boom time had come for the Nigerian construction industry.

He glanced up at the overcast sky through his dark sunglasses. A storm brewed.

Just the way he liked it. He thrived on trouble. Challenges made him tick.

He shook out his shoulders and straightened his navy silk suit, pulling out his cuffs. He was a man in his prime—young, rich, and successful.

Unlike his best friend, Ike Thomas, his early years had been marked by trouble, his youth filled with hardship as the son of a single mother who had worked her bones off to provide for him and his younger sibling. He’d laboured from the bottom to the top, scraping and saving and learning and investing. Wisely. Ruthlessly.

Today, all his hard work would yield a major result.

He strode across to the entrance of the five-storey building that housed Rawlins Constructions, Ltd.

Good afternoon, sir. A security man in blue and black uniform held the glass door open for him.

Nodding in response, Henry crossed the threshold.

In the lobby, the blue fabric covering the padded chairs appeared faded, nicks and tears evident, too. The eggshell-coloured walls bore marks from scuffs and palm prints and needed a fresh coat of paint. Or two. The jaded furniture showed outward signs of a business in trouble. At least, the air conditioners still worked, banishing the humid heat after the door swung shut behind him.

The last time he’d been here, he’d worked for the company as an employee. A long time ago. How things had changed in only a matter of years.

The waiting area sat empty bar the pretty, dark-skinned receptionist currently distracted with her mobile phone. Raising her head, she stowed the item away and gave him a welcoming smile. He could’ve been the first person to walk in here all day, judging from her pleased expression.

Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you? she greeted, sitting up straight.

He leaned his arms on the high desk, returned the smile. My name is Henry Coker. I’m here for a meeting with Chief Rawlins.

Sure, Mr. Coker. Chief is expecting you. Please take the lift to the fifth floor. His secretary will meet you in the lobby.

He read the name on her white plastic employee ID card hanging on a blue sash around her neck. Thank you, Busola.

You’re welcome, sir. Her eyes sparkled with surprise and pleasure at the mention of her name and her lips widened.

He believed in treating everyone hospitably regardless of their station. One could never predict the future. His life stood as a prime example.

With a nod, he headed for the lift, pressed the button, and stepped into the empty box after it arrived. He took a quick, uninterrupted ride up to the top floor where a smartly dressed woman in a red top, black pencil skirt, and black high heels met him in the foyer. She looked to be in her early thirties.

Welcome, Mr. Coker. I’m Simi. Chief is waiting in his office. Her smiling lips matched the colour of her top.

It’s nice to meet you, Simi. Lead the way. He maintained the pleasant expression he’d given the receptionist.

She lowered her dark lashes coyly before sashaying down the corridor, her curvy hips swaying. He followed her as his body kicked to life and he suppressed his libido. He'd been celibate for too long.

The office building that used to be busy and full of employees now seemed deserted, the workspaces abandoned, and the amount of accumulating dust showed that no one had used the desks for weeks.

At a panel with the peeling plaque that read Managing Director, she knocked once and then turned the handle.

The door opened into an office covered in dark wood. It was dated and reminded him of an old movie set. Chief Rawlins sat behind a huge mahogany desk.

He strode towards the man.

Chief, it’s good to see you, he said in a light tone as he extended his hand.

Henry, thank you for coming to see me, Chief said as he took his hand in a firm shake.

Well, when the boss invites an ordinary barrow boy like me up to his office, I have no choice but to answer the request. His voice rang with humour.

Chief gave a laugh. We both know that you’re not a barrow boy anymore, and I’m not your boss. He waved at the chair. Sit down.

Henry lowered his body into the seat. Well, no matter. It’s always important to give respect where respect is due.

And I appreciate it, which is why I wanted us to have this chat as a one-on-one without anyone else’s involvement for now. Chief paused. Can I get you a drink?

No. I don’t drink when conducting business. But I’m happy to have one once we’ve concluded our discussion.

That’s a good idea. His gaze darted around the room and his hands fluttered before he leaned his elbows on the desk. I need your help.

Henry knew what was coming, but he wouldn’t save the old man the trouble. He’d been monitoring Rawlins Constructions for years. A business that had once been synonymous with construction at its height had started declining due to mismanagement, embezzlement, and corruption. Six months ago, one of its tower blocks had collapsed, killing residents and destroying homes and properties.

The building had been constructed on marsh land with a poor foundation, substandard materials, and in wrong quantities. Apparently, city planning officials had been bribed to obtain the appropriate license and certificates—an investigation had found that out after the accident. The insurance would’ve normally paid but due to the irregularities, the cover had been voided.

Now, the end was near for the business Chief Rawlins had set up, and the only reason he would call Henry to his office would be to ask for his help in rescuing the firm. Chief and the company were facing both criminal and civil lawsuits. The shares had dropped so much that the whole thing was worth nothing to any investor.

Henry leaned forward, mirroring Chief’s pose.

Tell me how I can help, he said, pretending he had no clue what the man wanted.

I presume you know the situation already with the collapse of Greco Mansions. Because of the legal action in place, all my assets have been frozen, as well as the company assets. The business is running with shell staff. I’ve had to send people home until further notice. My lawyers assure me that we’ll win the lawsuit, but in the meantime, investors are getting rid of their stock, which has made the value plummet.

He pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed his sweaty forehead. I have to think about the families of the men and women who have worked here for years. I have to think about my family.

How would you like me to help? Henry asked in a grave voice.

You’ve worked for Rawlins. You know this is a good company. Unfortunately, there were a few managers who have been embezzling funds. I found out who they are and dealt with them. I don’t want this company to go down the drain. This is where you come in. I need you to buy Rawlins Construction.

Henry puffed out a heavy sigh. He pulled his brows together and tapped the table with his fingertips.

This is a bad time to think about selling the business, Chief. Your stocks are worth nothing in the open market, he said quietly.

The corners of Chief’s mouth tightened. I know that, which is why I’m talking to you privately. You know that this company is worth a lot more than what anyone else would value it. Our reputation and contacts alone are worth a lot.

I’m sorry to say, Chief, but the reputation of Rawlins collapsed along with Greco Mansions. And your contacts won’t want to be linked with a company being sued for fraud as well as criminal negligence and corporate manslaughter. He deliberately kept his tone matter of fact, but his words were the nails in the coffin.

Chief’s eyes narrowed before he forced a smile. Fine. Perhaps our worth is down the drain, but I was hoping to appeal to your sense of loyalty. I picked you up from the gutter and gave you a job. You wouldn’t be the man you are today if I didn’t give you a chance.

Henry’s hands clenched around the arms of the chair. He sucked in a shallow breath and released it, holding himself back from saying that he would’ve made it even if the man in front of him hadn’t offered him a labourer’s job many years ago.

But he didn’t want to rile the man. He still had an ace up his sleeve that he would play when he was ready.

Yes, sir. I appreciate the opportunities you offered me. I learned the tools of the construction business from Rawlins.

He’d worked damn hard and gone from labourer to foreman in a short space of time. It had taken his sweat and determination and sometimes his blood, considering some of the injuries he’d incurred.

After his degree program, he’d worked even harder setting up his firm. He’d found suppliers happy to give him the materials without the inflated prices. He’d found dedicated workers—young men like him struggling to survive in Nigeria hit by the aftermath of successive unstable governments and a rough economy. Gradually, he’d built up a thriving business and workforce, undercutting Rawlins Constructions for the contracts and winning more and more bids.

And the key to their success was that they delivered, which made the clients recommend them again and again.

So, will you help me? Chief asked, his desperation now evident in his feverish eyes and twitchy fingers.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Henry sighed. Such a shame to see a man of Chief's calibre brought to his knees. For sure, he would insure himself from making the same mistakes the old man had made.

Still, it didn't stop his heart from pounding with anticipation at the opportunity presented to him. One of the things that drove his successes constituted of his ability to capitalise on openings like this one.

I’m happy to help your business. I will take on your creditors and pay off your debt. The business itself, I will buy for a token sum, and absorb your operations into mine.

Chief slumped into his chair and closed his eyes. For a moment, Henry worried he had fallen ill until he saw the steady rise and fall of his chest. A slow smile appeared on the old man’s face as he opened his eyes.

Thank you, Chief said.

Henry held himself steady, but he didn’t smile in return. Don’t thank me yet. I want something in return for helping you.

The old man shrugged. Sure. I realise nothing goes for nothing. So if it’s something I can give you, then sure, you can have it.

It was Henry’s turn to smile. It’s definitely something you can give me. The question is if she’ll come to me willingly.

She? Chief scratched his cheek before rubbing his chin. I don’t understand.

Henry sat back in the chair, ready to show his ace card. He’d waited years for this. He placed his elbows on the arms of the chair and brought the tips of his fingers together to form a steeple. He held the man’s gaze, making sure he wouldn’t mistake his words.

I want your daughter, Gloria, in return for me helping you.

The man still appeared confused.

Gloria? Then a smile returned to his face. Oh, I get it. You want to marry my daughter.

He shrugged. Marriage wasn’t exactly the thing he had in mind. Revenge was top of his list. Especially since the woman in question had once told him he wasn’t good enough for her.

No, Chief. I don’t want to marry your daughter. A happily ever after will never work between the two of us as your daughter seems to dislike me so very much. She once said to me that she wouldn’t marry me if I were the last man on Earth. And you didn’t exactly approve of her being in a relationship with me, either.

The man’s head reared back as if Henry had struck him. His mouth opened and closed like a fish, but he said nothing.

"So