THE CO - WIVES

THE CO - WIVES

CHAPTER 12

JAMES'S Point Of View

I woke up in a hospital bed. Joyce and the kids were besides me. I was happy to see my kids. That were also happy to see that I had woken up from the coma. I couldn't even engage in a conversation with her because I didn't like her anymore.
She tried all her best to  win back my trust but I simply loathed her.
Joyce told me that my company was doing better an I casually thanked her for that.
We co - owned it anyway so it was her duty to run it in my absence.
Word had gotten to me that Jeff had snatched an officer's gun and shot himself severally at the chest. He deserved more than just a shot in this chest. Maybe a knife stab would have hurt most!
Days later, I was confirmed fit to go home. I was discharged and went home to recuperate there.

             *************
It has been weeks since I saw her. Since I heard from her. I searched for her mum's number but she was equally surprised that her daughter was missing. Poor woman! She had travelled to the city to look for her. What do I do? I have become an alcoholic. I rarely go home. Why should I go to a cheating wife? Would you? I have gotten to numerous fights only to be saved by my bodyguard. I wasn't myself especially when I heard that they had not located my love.
Alcohol became my companion. I would drink then go home, in my mansion where I would find comfort on my master bed. Atleast Jacky's cologne still lingered in the air. I would always sniff at the leather couch where she last sat before she walked out on me. I was helplessly in love.
The only person who would have led us to her had shot himself! Oh My God! I was helpless!
My wife on the other hand did something that shocked, no worried me. She sent me an SMS indicating that I should go home and that she wanted to speak to me urgently.
When I parked my car at the parking, all that went through my mind was wondering whether my children were okey. Whether there was a problem. I was welcomed by a sweet aroma coming from the kitchen. I went and leaned on the kitchen isle facing Joyce who never seemed to notice me.
"Hey. What's up?" I asked politely
She whirled around and almost fell because of shock. I never meant to scare her but well, I did scare her. Holding her heart, she said, "you frightened me there. How have you been?"
"I'm good. I came here as soon as I could and I am not here for pleasantries. What is happening or rather what is up? Are the kids okay? "
"Sit down first. You must be tired. Can I get you anything? Some wine or a glass of water maybe?"
However much efforts she put into winning me back, I was determined to push her away.
"No I am fine. Just get to the point. Where are my kids by the way? Shouldn't they be home from school?"
"They went to play with Serah's kids. In fact I just wanted to be with you when we talk about this."
"Well, I'm listening." I said as I walked towards the laid table for two.
"I'm willing to help look for Jacky. I know I wronged you and I'm pretty sure you will never forgive me. I have already started looking for her although it's a bit hard but I think I'll get somewhere by the end of the week. I love you so much that I'm willing to share you with her James. Plus the kids also need you. Whatever you're doing right now is affecting us negatively and this is not just about us. You have a company and hundreds of people under you and an image to protect. Please let me help you." She said as she played with the end of her blouse, something she did when she was anxious.
"Well, I don't have anything to say. I'm just grateful that you realized your mistakes. But do not think that I will easily forgive you. You have to work really hard for my trust Joyce. But for the sake of my children and everyone that needs me, I'm ready to give you the last chance. So what have you found out? I need to know."
"Jeff is not dead. You of all the people should know that." She said.
To say I was shocked would be  an understatement.... I was beyond words with shock!
How now?
I thought the officer told me that he shot himself and he died?
"Where is he now?"
I asked curiously.
"He is still in the ICU, heavily guarded by cops. If he recovers, he will be arraigned in court."
She told me.
"And how did you get know all about these? Why didn't they tell me personally?"
"Relax James, all this time I have been holding in for your in the office. You have been nowhere to be found. You haven't been reachable on phone. You left the company under my care. Well, am not complaining because it is our company. Everything have been reported to me directly."
I must say I was impressed by her aggressiveness
If it were not for her, the company would have been declared bankrupt but she stood in for me whenever I was indulging in alcohol.
But that doesn't mean I still love her. Hell no!
As we were chit chatting, I received a call from Jacky's mom.
She told me that the cops had arrested one of my workers who is connected to Jacky's disappearance and I was needed at the station.
Joyce wanted to accompany me but I toldso her to stay at home and promised to update her.
I couldn't trust her do easily therefore when she promised to help me find Jacky, I wasn't convinced that she had a good motive.....
I drove to the station and I was ushered into the OCS's office.
We exchanged pleasantries and we got down to business.