INTROSPECTIVE

Chapter 15

The memorial of his father’s life and death would be in a few days and Louis was getting more and more apprehensive of what was to come. It didn’t help that Anthony, the family lawyer had called him to his office. He had a bad feeling about this meeting that he just couldn’t shake off.

By the time he got into Anthony’s office his nerves were all over the place, even though he had waited for no more than two minutes for Anthony’s secretary to signal him in.

Anthony’s office was everything that a lawyer’s office was supposed to be, extravagant and intimidating. The interior décor would do the work for the lawyer even before he opened his mouth to speak. Dark shades with a mix of mellow colours. Plush leather seats that looked anything but  comfortable because they were rarely ever used. And lastly, that damn painting hanging right off the wall behind Anthony.

It was an eye-catching painting to say the least.The mighty and powerful paws of the dark maned lion were resting on the zebra’s snout, its claws extended so that it could suffocate the poor zebra, its poor prey. The fear of the zebra was perfectly portrayed as it looked up with its diluted pupils towards the cold and emotionless eyes of the well-seasoned predator before it as it took its last breath. The painting was a gift from Louis’ father, the pride and joy of Anthony’s office and was clearly meant to be intimidating.

“Damn lawyer tactics,” Louis muttered to himself.

Well two can play that game, he thought as he settled himself across the desk from Anthony. Anthony had been eyeing him since he entered the office, his head resting atop his intertwined fingers as if he was watching a fascinating documentary about the predatory nature of lions.

A smirk formed on Anthony’s face as Louis sat down, a position of power. Louis mentally smirked. Anthony often liked to play these silly mind games.

The lawyer,having taken note of Louis’ actions, howled out in laughter as he stood up to engulf Louis in a manly hug.

“You’re just like your father,” he said as another guttural laugh rumbled out of him.

Louis faked a smile in response, he hoped that would be enough to fool the ever observant lawyer. But Anthony was more than just the family lawyer. He was the man that Louis’ father had established this law firm, Madoka and Mulwa with. His life long best friend and the uncle that Louis always had to stand by him even though they didn’t share any blood.

“How is she?”he asked.

Louis immediately knew that he was speaking about his mother. He thought of the recent discovery he had made of the ultrasound photo. His unborn little brother who his mom had already nicknamed Kit after another one of her deceased brothers. He had died in the womb never getting a chance to see the light of day.

“Some days are good and some days are not,” he answered. That was the understatement of the year.

“Why did you call me here?”Louis swiftly changed the subject.

 “Would you like some tea, maybe coffee?”Anthony stalled.Louis politely declined.

“Straight to the point I see.”Anthony remarked. He sighed and sat back in his chair.

“Your aunt is demanding to come to your father’s memorial ceremony.”

Louis swore under his breath. He knew he was right to have a bad feeling about this meeting.

“And we can’t take care of this the same way we took care of her whole issue when she demanded to come to my father’s funeral,” he concluded.

Anthony confirmed this with a slight nod.

“There’s more.”Anthony quietly announced.

It was Louis’ turn to sit back on his chair. He’d need to get comfortable for this.