BEHIND THE SMILE
Episode 3.
By AMAH’S HEART.
As she was dressing up to leave that morning she suddenly held her stomach in pain but within few seconds the pain subsided.
“Are you okay…? Benny asked as he rushed to her
“It was just a little cramps… nothing serious.
Benny heaped a sigh of relief as he left her alone and said
“You insist that you want to help this client of yours knowing well that you should be at home resting and following all prescribed medication to avoid loopholes. Maybe this is a sign that you probably shouldn’t go. Let another handle the case for the sake of your health honey…”
“I try to direct her to a different lawyer but she is head bent on me. Beside, she is just a young girl who needs a legal advice. Is nothing stressful darlin. She believes I can take care of her situation far better than any other person and let me satisfy that wish for her. I asked her to come back by 12noon today. Ever since last week she visited and I postponed the appointment for today she have not stop calling me. You know how much I hate to disappoint my client… young, old and new clients, I treat them all alike. I will be back before you know it. I’m happy that you are spending this week at home with me. I know how much this baby means to us… I’m almost passed the dangerr month. In two weeks time I will be 10weeks which is usually the danger period. God came through for us this time and he will take us to the very end when we will meet our little bundle of joy…”
Benny kissed his wife and asked her to be home early and she should cancel any other appointments because she won’t be attending to any other case again untill she gives birth.
Dorcas nodded with a smile and assured him that she will do exactly that.
She picked up her car keys to leave. Benny asked if he can go and drop her in the office.
“Relax honey, I’m very alright and I can drive by myself.
Dorcas drove to her office and got there few minutes late.
Bianca was already waiting for her.
“My apologies for coming a bit late. Hope you haven’t been waiting for long”?
Dorcas asked and Bianca replied “actually, I have been here almost an hour. You’re not a “bit” late you’re actually late. Maybe you didn’t see my case serious enough to keep to time…I totally understand…” Bianca fumes ângrily
“No…no..no Bianca, I treat all my clients the same and I’m sorry for arriving late. You know I told you that I was on leave and I suppose to be away from work but I’m here now because of you. If you aren’t special enough I won’t be in the office today I could have redirect your case to another…”
Bianca smile, exposing her fine dentals.
Dorcas saw that she was not only beautiful she had one of the sweetest smile that she had ever seen and although her kind of job has thought her that people are not always what they seem and never to conclude on a case just by mare appearance
She has learnt a lot concerning people in her line of calling but there is nothing to suspect. Bianca is just an innocent, pretty lady needing a legal advice.
“… I’m here to help you Bianca. Let’s start by introduction and every other thing that follows…”
“Thanks ma’am. I appreciate you agreeing to listen and handle my case personally. I’m Bianca Tom and a student of the highway University, department of art. My parents separated when I was a little girl. I stayed with my Dad while growing up and he was a wealthy business man. He travels alot and because of that he employed housekeepers and nannies that will look after me. Growing up, I asked my Dad to dismiss some of this domestic staff..”
“… the nannies especially because they were of no use to me. He did exactly that but let one of the women stay back. He said it was for my own good but along the line, this lady got pregnant and said it was my dad’s…he agreed and she became part of the family. She gave birth to a girl and after a year passed she became pregnant for the second child and that was the period when my dad was involved in a car acc1dent and dïéd…”
“… It was difficult moment yet I was able to carry on. So, the reason why I’m seeking for legal advice is because my father did not draft out any Will. And my father’s “baby mama” I call her that because she was not legally married to my Dad and I can’t tell if the children belong to my Dad or not but since is not medically proven otherwise, I can only flow with the situation. This other woman is conniving with some legal practitioner to take over my father’s empire. His house and some other things that by right belongs to me. Since there was no Will drafted, how do I go about this. What do you propose that I do in this case…?
Dorcas heaped a sigh. She was quiet and did not speak immediately
“Miss Tom, your case is a very sensitive one and need to be handled with care. First of all, I’m sorry about your Dad. I will need to ask you few questions which will help in my legal advice. Tell me, did your Dad lawfully wedded your Mom? what is the name of your dad’s mistress? When exactly did your Dad had accident and was it immediate death or he died after sometime. What made you feel that the woman in question is taking legal action to have full access to the properties…”?
“Jessica…her name is Jessica ma’am…” Bianca replied, gave a long sad sigh before she continued
“…yes, my parents were legally married but later sperated because my Mom couldn’t stand my dad’s chéâting scandal. My Dad did not d!e immediately, he d¡éd after few days in the hospital and before then he sent for me and apologies. He said if there’s any way he hurrt me that I should please forgive him and yes, Jessica’s lawyer have been in the house few occasions. I’m not a kid ma’am and I have overheard them discussing the worth of my father’s properties. I left the house and I’m presently squatting with a friend because Jessica is desperate and may hurt me one day if i remain in that house. That’s why I have decided to get legal backing… but first I needed advice on how to start. I can’t forfeit my right for some desperate baby mama…”
Bianca’s phone beeped and she picked it and checked.
After reading something there she exclaimed sadly.
“…Oh no, my friend… the one accommodating me mistakingly went out with the house key and she is not returning tonight until tomorrow. I will need a place to stay. Oh mine…if not for all of this going on, I supposed to get my own place. I don’t even have full access yet to my dad’s money. Jessica is taking over everything. I will need to either lodge in a hotel tonight but the issue is that I left my cash and card back at home. I’m sorry, I really need to look for away out tonight. Feeding and where to sleep tonight…”
“….Although I need this legal guiding on my next step of action before my late father’s mistress takes over everything. All this load is too much for me and distracting me from my studies. I need to get it done with so that I can concentrate with my life. And if you can guide me through it I’m ready to pay your charges…. can you be my lawyer, I know that’s too much to ask but I will pay…”
Dorcas curved a smile and said
“Is fine Miss, I really do want to help you with this case despite how sensitive it maybe but I’m totally off duty. The only help I can render is advice. I can also offer you some money to get a place this night and maybe food until tomorrow. Maybe I will continue this advice on phone because I won’t be seeing clients again after today…”
Bianca appears sad as she stood with her bag.
“Thanks alot. I really appreciate but I want to ask for a very huge favor and I will be so happy if you can agree to help me this way… please..”
Dorcas asked her to go ahead
Bianca nodded quietly with a smile as she continued.
“I don’t know if is possible to pass the night at your house please, just for tonight and secondly you can continue with the legal advice from there. Is better off than phone call or chat. You said you won’t be seeing clients again and my chances with you after now is slim. That’s why I’m asking for this one favor and by tomorrow I will return back to school. Is it okay if I stay with you just for tonight… please?
Dorcas shakes her head and replied
“There is one thing that I don’t do and it’s getting too involve with clients to the extent of inviting them over to my house and another thing is that I don’t live alone, my husband is home. I wish to help but in other ways…”
Bianca pleaded, saying she will be gone by morning before anyone even know.
Dorcas looked at her, the young lady before her looks all harmlesss and innocent.
Maybe she should just help her since is just for tonight but first she will have to call her husband if that’s okay with him.
