Darkness E. 9

[Continue from E. 8]

Mercy was among the first to get to the venue of the Covid-19 Presidential task force press briefing. She still felt grumpy from her lack of adequate sleep. Her active mind had persistently replayed her discussion with Ben almost all night. Yet she failed to figure out what was going on with her man. Was he still her man? That was the question on her mind when she eventually fell asleep only for her blasted alarm to buzz her awake after three hours of sleep. 

Her body had refused to get out of the bed,  having gotten used to waking up late, thanks to the lockdown. It took several  minutes of mental motivation before she could drag herself up then head for the bathroom for a quick shower, dress up carefully and hurry off to work without a bite of breakfast while Ben was still fast asleep in his room where he had locked himself up before she could get off the call with her boss last night. We will have to talk when I get back. 

Mercy yawned and peered at the strange masked faces at the venue. Her stomach growled from lack of food and she pulled her mask down. The fresh air licked up the thin line of perspiration that had gathered on her upper lip so she pushed the mask further down below her jaw, oh how she hated wearing it; she made a mental note.

It was her first time at the briefing and she was not sure how she felt about it. She had been able to put off being on ground for three weeks due to her efficient team and amazing Assistant. She had pulled strings, called up favors, simply because she wanted to spend more time with her man. But what did that get her? Insults and no appreciation. 

So, the moment her assistant mentioned that a junior member of her team was being quarantined, she had hurriedly volunteered to replace him. Her assistant had, of course objected but Mercy was desperate. Living in the same house with Ben was turning into a nightmare. And we are not married yet. She sighed deeply.

"Mercy?"

Mercy's head snapped up. She had been leaning on a car while her handbag and folder perched ontop of the hood behind her. The voice was familiar unlike the masked face and glowing eyes beaming at her at that moment. As if sensing her confusion, the man pulled down his mask.

"Tunde!" 

"Mercy! Oh my luck!" 

He stepped over as if to enfold her in an embrace but paused; 

"We can't even hug because of this shitty social distancing and all..." 

Tunde stepped back and ran his eyes over her appreciatively. Mercy suddenly felt glad that she had taken her time to dress up that morning. She could not imagine running into an old friend looking like a hag. The V-neck berry green knee length belted wrap dress she had picked was perfect for her figure, though more fitted because she had gained more weight  during the lock down. 

"Wow! Just look at you looking all classy and sexy. Where have you been hiding your beautiful self?"

Mercy grinned back at the tall and gorgeous man, if she was allowed to think like that. The last time she ran into Tunde was close to three years ago. He was a director at the time with Global News Television a prominent broadcasting company. Before that he had dated Bola her girlfriend in their third year at the University while he was in his final year and was a totally great lover. Their relationship could not survive the distance when he graduated.

"It's been ages Tunde and you're still a terrible flirt. You're not looking bad either. GNT is obviously treating you well."

"Naah. I left them two years ago. Started up my own little publishing company and business has been great!"

"Really? Congratulations!" Mercy smiled up at him. She'd always known Tunde loved his independence.

"Thank you. It's the best decision I've ever taken. But I'm serious babe. What have you been feeding yourself? You look amazing in that dress."

Mercy giggled. Ben hated the dress. The day she wore it for one of their dates, he had complained all night about her zero fashion sense.

"Thank you Tunde. You've not changed at all." 

"Ahha! Before I forget, please accept my deepest condolences. I was devastated when I heard the news..."

"Condolences? What news?" Mercy gave him a blank look.

"Come on Mercy. News of Bola's death nah!"

"Bola's death? Which Bola?" She blinked

up at him confused.

"Our Bola. Your girl... Don't tell me you are not aware she was murdered at her home two nights ago?"

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