MENDING BRIDGES.

Michael's secretary is in an argument with a well kept middle-aged man who has been trying unsuccessfully to flirt his way into Michael's office. They have been at it for minutes and neither is willing to budge.

"I am telling you beauty, I need to see your boss. You are too pretty to have an attitude."

The man tries again.Funke, Michael's secretary holds her head in her hands in frustration.

"I have been telling you repeatedly since you got here that you can't see my boss without an appointment which you clearly don't have."

She was trying hard to keep her anger in check. What's with men always thinking every woman is going to be vulnerable to their charms?

"And I am telling you, angel, that if your boss doesn't get this file I'm holding, there's going to be hell to pay for both of us."

He gently taps the folder file he's holding for effect.

"You are keeping me from doing my work in peace. The only thing I can do is collect the file from you to give to him. He doesn't like people coming in to see him without an appointment. If you can't drop it, I suggest you make an appointment and come back later."

Running his hands through his black hair littered with streaks of white hair,  Kassim curses himself for forgetting his mobile phone at home. He would have just called Michael and save himself from trying to reason with the ice-cold bitch in front of him. What are the criteria for landing a secretarial job these days? Does it include being a bitch? He thought to himself while trying to come up with a solution to the issue without having to drop the file or come back.

"Okay darling, let's try to reach a compromise."

He says trying to reason with her again. He was getting frustrated, standing in front of her looking like a fool, especially since she doesn't seem like she's going to budge.

"What's the compromise?"

Funke asks eyeing him suspiciously. Undeterred by the look in her face he answers.

"How about you give him a call and tell him I am here? If he doesn't want to see me, I would leave. How about that?"

He grins at her.It seemed like a good idea, anything to get rid of the old flirt. She concedes to herself and nods. Stretching forward in her seat, she picks up the telephone and calls her boss.Michael picks up the call and asks somewhat irritated.

"What is the matter?"

He hated being disturbed this early in the morning. Morning is the best part of the day to get busy and accomplish something meaningful. He would have to speak with her later on knowing when to interrupt him.

*Sorry to disturb you, sir but there's a man here who insists on seeing you."

"What's his name?"

She covers the receiver with one hand and asks Kassim for his name mouthing the question. He replies in the same fashion and she tells her boss who directs her to let him in.

She drops the call and motions with her head.

"He says you can come in."

He grins triumphantly at her and swaggers straight into Michael's office.

"Thanks, angel."

He blows her a kiss and heads in. Kassim is about to knock on the door to Michael's office when the door is opened from the inside.

"Come in, Kassim, I have been expecting you since morning. What took you so long?"

Kassim was a former police detective in the Nigerian police force who resigned to work for the Akinseloyin family on a retainer. His major job description was getting information that no one else could and working contacts from his time as a police detective to get dirty secrets and profile people. He was so good at his job that senator Akinseloyin offered him 10 times the pittance he was earning as a detective to come work for him on a retainer, bonuses and paid vacations included. Who could say no to such? Though a little bit crooked, he was loyal to the family and could do just about anything for them even cover up a murder.

"I had to work some angles and double-check all the information I had before coming to you with it."

He replies handing over the folder file with him to Michael as they both take their seats. "Besides, I had an episode with your secretary outside, she didn't let me in until she called you."

Michael raises his head from the file he is now busy reading.

"Sorry about Funke. You understand that she doesn't recognize you? I would make corrections on that. She was only following the order I gave her."

"No problem. It's all good."

Michael returns his concentration to the file and soon pauses the reading.

"Can you just give me a brief summary of what's in the file? I can't read everything now."

Kassim clears his throat and begins a fluent summary of the file in front of Michael. 'The girl's family is squeaky clean. They are very comfortable as well. Her father owns two charity organizations and a lumber business operation that generates plenty of cash, he's also very religious and is an elder in the family church they attend. Her mother is a full-time housewife, religious as well, and very reserved. The girl in question is the only child of her parents but she's a bit of a rebel, not scandalous or anything though. She's hardworking and she owns a eatery.

She just graduated from medical school and is waiting for the results of the qualifying exams she wrote for her residency outside the country. No boyfriend currently and she's usually at her eatery  supervising the activities or going to the public library to read. As far as I can tell, she only parties on weekends. She has a strict routine that she sticks to. All other information about her family's net worth, friends, activities, extended family, social media accounts, phone numbers, and address are all in there."

He says pointing to the file.

"Enough said, take your time to read the file in front of you if you have any further questions."

Michael nods and closes the file.

"Impressive. How come I have never heard of this family?"

"They are what you call silent money. Her father makes all his donations anonymously and doesn't like to be noticed. Besides, you don't run in the same circles. I suppose you meeting the girl was by chance."

"Yeah, you could say that. Thank you very much, Kassim. I really appreciate it."

Michael stretches his hand to Kassim for a handshake in a form of subtle dismissal.Kassim takes the cue and stands up to shake Michael's outstretched hand.

"You are welcome. You know how to reach me whenever you need me."

Michael nods absently now preoccupied with his private thoughts.Kassim makes his exit quietly and closes the door after him.

The sound of Kassim closing the door jerks Michael back to the present. Seeing him gone, he stands up and begins to pace. After pacing for a while, he picks up his suit hanging at the top of his chair and puts the file Kassim gave him in his briefcase before clearing his table of work and heading out of the office carrying his briefcase.Leaving instructions for his secretary to inform the other staff to close up at the appropriate time and maintain the schedule for the day, he tells her he is leaving and won't be back for the day.

Giving him a puzzled look as he never closes from work early, she nods her head in understanding.

"Okay, sir. Enjoy the rest of your day."

"You too Funke. See you tomorrow."

He says before leaving the office and getting into his car to drive out of the premises.Driving slowly his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Camille, and what to say to her, he arrives at her restaurant in just a few minutes pondering over the information Kassim gave him on her and her family.He parks his car and gets out. Taking nervous breaths, he enters the restaurant to see it bubbling with activity. He takes a seat and calls to a waitress. She comes to take his order a pen and a writing pad in hand.

"Good afternoon, sir. What would you like to have?"

"Actually I am not ready to order yet."

Looking around nervously, he asks. "Is Camille here?"

"Camille? I am sorry I can't give you that information sir. I don't know who you are. Call me when you are ready to order otherwise leave."She turns as if to leave but Michael quickly stands up to stop her.

"It's not what you think. You see I have to see her for something very important."

Hurriedly taking out his wallet, he counts money and crumples the notes into her hand.

Protesting half-heartedly she tries to give him back the money.

"I don't take bribes. You can't bribe me to tell you anything.""No, it's not like that. I want you to see it as a gift. It's fine if you don't want to talk to me but I didn't give you the money to bribe you."

He smiles at her and takes his seat.Returning his smile, she takes the seat in front of him.

"Okay thank you. What do you want to know?"

Is Camille here? Can I see her?"

"She's here. In fact, you are in luck. She just got back from an outing a few minutes ago and is in her office at the back."

"Do you think you can take me to see her? There might be another gift in it for you." He says smiling at her again."

"Just so you know, I am not doing this for money. Stand up and follow me." She stands and leads the way with Michael following in tow like a sheep.They soon arrive at the door to Camille's office and she leaves him standing there after collecting more money.

"She's in there." She says pointing to the door. "You can go in to see her. Best of luck."

Michael swallows uncomfortably for a few seconds trying to summon the courage to knock. He raises his hand and knocks twice.

"Who's there?"

Camille's melodious voice calls out from the office.

"It's Michael. I am here to see you."

"Michael? Which Michael? Come in."

Saying a silent prayer, he turns the knob and opens the door entering the spacious office reeking of freshness and feminine touch.

"Hi, Camille."

He waves awkwardly.Seeing it's him, she springs up from her seat.

"What are you doing here? Who let you in? Get out before I scream."

"You have every right to be mad. Just please give me a few minutes to listen to what I have to say."

He pleads.

"What could you possibly have to say. I believe you said it all the last time we saw. You made it clear what you thought of me."

Approaching her cautiously, he pleads again.

"I know I acted like a jerk and there's absolutely no excuse for the way I treated you, but please just give me a chance to explain myself and throw me out after if you want."

Now visibly calm, she sits.

"Can I sit?"

He asks her humbly."You may have your seat."He takes the seat across from her and clears his throat.

"I know I treated you badly and I was wrong to. My parents raised me better and I shouldn't have said the things I said to you. If I could take it back, I would. I am sincerely sorry and I hope you would find it in your heart to forgive me. There's no excuse for my behavior and I am embarrassed at the things I said to you. Deep down from the bottom of my heart, I am extremely sorry. I would have brought flowers but I didn't know your preference."

Not in the least moved by his words, she regards him quietly.

"There are few girls that appreciate flowers in Nigeria, and unfortunately, I am not one of them."

Not knowing what to say and in distress, he smiles awkwardly at her.

Seeing the look of remorse on his face, she softens.

"Why do you want my forgiveness?"

"Honestly, I have felt guilty since our encounter. It's only right for me to want to make amends. I hope you forgive me."

"On one condition, why did you say the things you said to me?"

He shifts uncomfortably on his seat, not sure what to say.

"I don't know for real. I guess I was just being the asshole that I have always been. Maybe it's because you are the first girl to ever truly stand up to me regardless of my money. I just wanted to drag you down to make myself feel better.""I wasn't after your money. I have enough of mine."

I know that now."How do you know? Is it because of the eatery? I could have set it up through a loan."

I know you didn't set it up through a loan, and I know your parents are doing really well."

How do you know that?"

She asks sharply.

He smirks.

"Let's just say I have my sources. Don't you worry your pretty head about that."

"My slutty head you mean?"

"I told you I am sorry. I didn't mean all that."

"So you say but you looked like you meant it that day."

"I absolutely did not. I am sorry and would keep saying it for as long as you want."

"It's cool. I am way over that."

"So, am I forgiven?"

He asks with a gleam in his eyes.

"That remains to be seen. I have heard you and that's enough for now. I suppose we are done here?" She asks him with her eyebrows raised.

"Actually we are not. You asked me why I want your forgiveness. I didn't tell you the whole truth."

What's the whole truth?"

"I want your forgiveness because I want to see you again. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since our encounter, I really want to see you again to make up for the wrong I did you."

She laughs mirthlessly.

You must think I am stupid? Why would you think I would ever want to see you again? I have had enough of you to last a lifetime."

"Don't be so difficult. I really want to see you again, to see if we have common grounds we can explore together."

She huffs and rolls her eyes.

"Look, I am not willing to see if we have any common grounds. In fact, I am sure we have none. If it......."

She pauses midsentence to see he has stopped paying attention to her and is looking elsewhere. She follows his gaze to discover he has his eyes locked on her breasts.

As much as he was trying to concentrate on her speech, he couldn't. The sight of her perky breasts in her tight top looking as if they were struggling to be free was making him have a very painful erection. The memories of the night spent with her come slamming back to him all at once.

Without thinking of her reaction, he stands and takes quick strides to her side of the table.

She's still trying to decipher his action when he suddenly crushes his lips to hers hungrily. She makes a feeble protest but soon succumbs to his overpowering masculine appeal.

She returns his kisses just as hungrily drawing his head closer to her and pushing her tongue further into his mouth.

He lifts her up from her seat and sits her down on the table, dipping his hand into her top and cupping her left breast.

She moans and wraps her leg around his waist sending her common sense fleeing.All too soon, he steps back and ends the kiss to her disappointment.

"That answers my question."

"What question?"

She asks stepping off her table and trying to smoothen her already wrinkled top.

*You want me as much as I do you. I could bend you over on that table and take you right now, but I want our next time together to be special. I don't want to rush things in here and have someone walk in on us."

Cursing her emotions for betraying her so much, she mutters something under her breath.

"I didn't quite catch that."

He says smiling at her.

"Did I hear you say something along the lines of you wanting me badly too?"

She tries unsuccessfully to hide the answering smile breaking in the corners of her mouth.

"I did not say that."

He grins and takes two steps back to her. Standing in front of her, he takes her hands in his and whispers softly.

"I really want to see you again. I swear my intentions are pure. I just want to get to know you and work the rest from there. I won't rush you I promise to take it slow at your pace. Do we have an understanding?"

Nodding shyly, she responds in a small voice.

"Yeah, I guess."

Satisfied with her response, he nods.

"How about dinner tomorrow night?"

"No. I have stuff to do after work tomorrow. What about the night after?"

"It's okay with me. Whatever you say."

"Time and place?""You pick and text me the details."

"I don't have your number."

"I have yours. I would talk to you before then."

Seeing her surprised look, he chuckles.

"I told you I have my sources. It's a date then."

It is."

"I should be on my way now. Expect my call soon."

He bends down and softly places a kiss on her forehead.

"You can trust me, Camille."

"I hope so."

She replies uncertainty.

He turns around and breezes out of her office without looking back, leaving her to lick her lips and shiver from his effect on her.Wearing a smile on his face, Michael is humming a song in delight and not paying attention to where he's going.

Coming from the other side and pressing her phone is a chubby pretty girl making her way to Camille's office.

They bump into each other and are about to apologize to each other for their individual clumsiness when a look of recognition flickers over their faces simultaneously.  Michael recoils and steps out of her way as if he has seen a snake.

She regards him venomously and hisses before entering Camille's office without knocking.

He looks at her retreating form for a moment before shrugging and going on his way.

Camille looks up and beams when she sees the person in her office.

"Hey cuz, how are you doing?"

Lara, Camille's cousin closes the door and goes around the table to give her cousin a hug.

"I am doing good, how about you?"

"I am doing good too."

Camille responds.Lara steps back around to take the seat Michael vacated.

"Who was that I saw coming out of your office?"

Camille blushes and smiles. "No one you should concern yourself with."

Observing the frown on Lara's face, she cocks her head to a side.

"Why? Do you know him?"

Lara is about to say she does but instead shakes her head. "I don't. His face just looks familiar. How do you know him?"

She waves the question away.

"I would give you the full gist later. Have you had lunch?"

"I have. Who is he? Why don't you want to tell me now? Who is he to you?"

"What's with the thirty questions? I said I would give you the full gist later. Are you sure you don't know him?"

She asks suspiciously.

"I don't know him. I am just wondering that's all. He looks like a playboy."

"If you must know, he's just an acquaintance. I would tell you all about him later. Come on, let's go to the eatery for drinks so you can tell me all about your day."

She says standing and going over to drag Lara to her feet.

"Just be careful. I don't like the looks of him."

Standing up to allow herself to be dragged, she follows Camille out to the eatery.