Chapter 133: Chapter 133

While Jason was busy with the police and his own investigation, Alfred had gone to Rodney's office, asking to have a word with him concerning an important business venture that he wished to discuss with him. He brought out his phone as though just ending an important call but he just had a brain wave to record the conversation. The lawyer in him was already gathering evidence.

'I am sorry but Mr. Richmond' is not around at the moment. He is supposed to have reported this morning but we have heard no word from him but we are sure that whatever has kept him must be very serious.

We have other senior executives you could speak with?' The man addressing Alfred suggested.

'No, I'd rather speak to Mr. Richmond' alone. The person who directed me said he was the one I should speak with but if he is not around, I could take my business proposition else where'.

'Oh no, Mr. Simpson, you could wait for a bit,I am sure that he will soon be here'.

'Very well!' Alfred said like some important business tycoon.

He had worn his suit and specs and was really looking very distinguished.

'So, Richmond was not here, then Jason must be right that he had a hand in the abduction' of Nancy.

He waited for sometime and decided on his own to go to his house and see if he was there.

'Well, Mr.Peterson, since he is wasting this much time and seeing as I am a busy man, I do not have much time to waste. I could have called him before coming but I had wanted to surprise him with this. But since he isn't here, I'd better go to his house. He might be there. I wonder he is not answering his calls. And if he isn't there, then I'd speak to his wife'.

'But if you can speak to his wife, I could tell you some of the wife's brothers you could discuss this proposition of yours with'.

'Oh come on, Mr. Peterson, we know that it is not everything that a man tells his in laws, if you know what I mean. His wife, well that is a different matter. Give me the address to his house and we are done here, you will be surprised at how happy you will have made him if you try all you can to make sure he has this deal'.

By this time he had switched off the voice recorder.

Alfred hoped that he would fall for it.

Mr. Peterson thought of this. Who knows if his boss acquired the deal, if he would be promoted. God knew that he needed it, what with his wife and the additional mouth to feed in the house.

He gave Alfred the address, hoping that he was doing the right thing.

With the address given him, Alfred traced Rodney's house.

His house was indeed a mansion. Then he remembered that he had heard somewhere that his wife's family were Dons of wealth and understood.

If that was really the case, then he wouldn't want to antagonize them indeed. It would be foolish to kill or lose the goose that lay the golden eggs.

When he got there, the butler welcomed him and asked the purpose of his visit before excusing himself to announce his presence to the lady of the house.

Mrs. Richmond' did not know anyone by the name of Alfred Simpson. But since he was there to see her husband for a business proposition, she decided to see the person.

'Send him in', she asked the butler as she made herself presentable to go see the visitor. Appearance was everything to her.

He went into the drawing room where the butler had told him the mistress of the house was waiting for him.

He got there but did not see anyone and used the opportunity to look around appreciating all he saw. The owners of the house really had good taste.

Then he brought out his phone and made as though he was checking his messages.

His lawyer instinct told him he had to act sophisticated because he might be watched, he also stared pointedly at his expensive wristwatch.

Truely when Mrs. Richmond' came into the room, he did not know. She must be very lite on the feet. Or she was already in the room somewhere before he came in and wanted to use those few seconds to assess him. He hoped that whichever it was that he passed her assessment of him.

'Hello, Mr. Simpson'.

He whirled round and there standing elegantly a few feet behind him was an elegant woman. Very regal

He was impressed but schooled his features. It would not do to be seen openly staring showing interest.

It was just that he had expected Rodney's wife to be thick set and ugly. He felt that would be the reason he would want to go after younger and more attractive girls but his wife was young and pretty enough to keep any man entranced. But then some men were incurably lascivious.

'Oh, Mrs. Richmond, I didn't know when you stepped in. I must have been distracted by the numerous messages sent me by my clients. Good to meet you, Ma'am'.

'Same here. Please be seated'.

'I must admit that you look younger and more attractive and charming than I was expecting', he said hoping to charm her into revealing anything useful to him.

'I get that alot', she said in a matter of fact manner.

Alfred felt that she was not really the very friendly type. This was one thing that was not in her favour.

'So Mr. Simpson', you said you came here to see my husband? Whatever for?'

'Well I have a business proposition for him and it is really important that I speak with him'.

'But business should be discussed at the office not at home. You know where his office is, I am surprised that you came here instead of there!'

'I came directly from the office. I am a very busy man and had waited for a while for him to come in but he didn't and I felt he must be home, afterall, not all the companies have resumed normal operations but I do not like wasting time, so I felt the house is as good as the office provided I get to speak to the person I had been directed to see. His business prowess has really preceded him', Alfred said bringing out his cell phone again in the guise of checking for something but actually to put on the sound recorder.

'If he is not at the office, were there no other top officials you could have spoken to?'she asked shrewdly.

'I wanted to speak to him directly, I am sorry if that was a mistake. The person who referred him to me specifically asked me to speak to him but it is okay, I can always take my proposition elsewhere'.

The woman was a tough one and the conversation was not going the way Alfred wanted.

'He should be back soon. Though I must admit that I do not know why he is not back yet', she relented and seemed to remember being the ideal hostess.

'What would you have? Tea? Coffee? Scotch?'

'Nothing, thank you. But where did he go exactly? I was of the opinion that he left here this morning'.

'No, he traveled to Lake District some two days ago for some business and had promised to be back today. Maybe his flight was delayed or the deal has not yet been finalized and he has to wait for a day or so longer'.

'I have tried calling him but his phone isn't going through. Have you tried his line?'

'I do not need to do that. He is not a child. When he is through with what he went there for, he will certainly come back home!'

'That's right. But seeing as you do not know when he will be back, I'd better get going. I shall keep trying to get in touch with him but when he comes back, could you please tell him I called?'

'Certainly'

'Thanks for your time and have a great day, ma'am'.

'You too', she said and rang the bell for the butler.

'Please escort Mr. Simpson to the door', she instructed the butler when he appeared.

Alfred put the recorder off. He felt sure that he had got what he had come there for. He was going to call Jason next and tell him all he had accomplished and all he had found out and ask for further instructions.