The Coffin Maker Episode 99

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Oga smiles and takes leave from Opana, Opana on the other hand, did a cross sign on his forehand and smiled. He whispered to himself;

“In three nights from today I will execute my plans tactically and no one will ever suspect me.”

Opana leaves the place after looking left and right and ensuring that the coast was clear and nobody was around.

Meanwhile, the person who eavesdropped on Opana’s illegal business did well to hide himself from Opana as he watched him depart.

Also at the airport, Julia and Maame Dufie had landed safely and Mike and Quincy were already at the airport waiting for them with the hearse. The body of Julia’s mom was then conveyed to Transition Funeral Home to be preserved at their morgue.

Julia:

Mickey thank you very much for everything. I don’t know what I would have done without you.

Michael Ansah:

No need to thank me, my dear, this was the least I could do to assist you in these difficult moments of your life.

Quincy:

Julia darling, accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Even though I haven’t lost any of my parents yet, I understand how big a blow the unfortunate news is to you. All the same, God in His infinite wisdom knows why he decided to call your mother at this time. You loved her, but God loved her most.

Maame Dufie:

You have spoken well Mr man, this has been exactly what I have been telling her and I’m glad we have company now with you guys. We have to start urgent preparations towards the burial of my aunt since we don’t have any elderly relatives to fall upon. Also, the doctor has advised us not to keep the body of my aunt at the morgue for long because of how much she suffered before releasing her last breath.

Michael Ansah:

That won’t be a problem, my dear, we can do everything at the funeral home where we have deposited the remains of your aunt. I will speak with the manager so we book the place and make the necessary arrangements that will lead to the befitting burial your aunt deserves. I think it will be good for you ladies to go and rest, for now, I and my brother here will do everything over here and give you feedback so you can instruct us on what to do next.

Maame Dufie:

Thanks very much, Mickey, you are indeed a real gentleman. We will be waiting for your call earnestly so we know what to do next.

Michael Ansah:

I owe that obligation to Julia. She would equally do the same thing for me if I was the one in her shoes. I have already spoken to the manager to get one of their drivers to take you home. I will call you and later pass by the house to check up on you ladies.

Quincy:

Julia please take heart and accept my condolence again, I have been quiet all this while because I was trying to put myself in your shoes and imagine the trauma you are going through. All the same, like was said before, God knows best so let’s leave everything to Him.

Maame Dufie:

Thank you very much guys, I will text my house address to you when we settle down in the car. Please keep us abreast with any development that takes place.

Julia:

(wipes her face before talking) Mickey and Quincy, thanks so much for your support and love. I am very grateful and at the right time I will reciprocate the kind gesture. Please do everything possible to see to it that everything about my mother’s funeral and burial is of top class. Money is not a problem here and my mother must get the best of things money can do before her remains are finally lowered into the grave.

Please send us any updates through WhatsApp or call through Dufie’s phone so we know what is going on. I will transfer money into your account when we sit in the car and also try and get a new sim card on the way to buy. (hugs both guys)

Michael Ansah:

I think your car is ready so please get home, find something to eat and leave the rest in our capable hands. We won’t disappoint you in anyway and please be strong for me. (both ladies sit in the car and the driver zooms off)

On phone:

Karl Simpson:

Alberto where are you right now?

The Boss:

I’m home. I told you I don’t want to step out of the house today. Why are you sounding so nervous, is everything alright?

Karl Simpson:

Everything is fine but we need to meet as soon as possible, one of my boys just called me that he saw Julia a while ago at the airport and he followed them to a funeral home. Come over so we draw a plan now that we know Julia is in town. You know some things are better discussed in person since you don’t know who might have tapped into your phone. I am driving to the clubhouse so please meet me there right away.

The Boss:

I am leaving the house right this moment. I can’t wait to lay my hands on that double-crossing bitch, please tell your boy to follow her to wherever she goes. I will personally reward him when I lay my hands on that bitch.

Karl Simpson:

No need to worry your head because I already gave him those instructions and I know he will comply with the letter. Please don’t keep me waiting for long at the clubhouse since I am just 5minutes away from that place.

The Boss:

My boys and I are about to hop into the car so don’t worry about me keeping you waiting for long. (call ends)

At the Funeral Home

Manager’ Office:

Michael Ansah:

Sir I would like to book this place for a funeral service this weekend.

Manager:

Guys, unfortunately, this place has already been booked by someone just this morning and the person is set to make payment any moment from now.

Michael Ansah:

(looks and Quincy and smiles) Boss, the person has booked this place but has not paid yet. We are here and are very ready to pay any amount just for us to get this place this weekend.

Manager:

I know and can see the readiness in you guys but we don’t do business like that over here, for this place we have always used the first-come, first-served principle and I gave those people my word that I will reserve this place for them.

If you were very observant, you would have noticed that some of my workers were working on the compound trying to get this place fixed before the event.

Michael Ansah:

Boss, to every rule there is an exception. We airlifted the corpse all the way from the Northern region to this place because of a higher recommendation someone gave us about this place. I was the one who called to book a hearse to convey a corpse from the airport to this place earlier on. We are expecting dignitaries from every part of the world and having your place as the funeral grounds will project your name up high to the world even though your brand has made a name for itself already. We are patronising everything and every service you provide here so think about it and consider the good offer I’m proposing.

Manager:

Hmmmm, you are putting me in a tight corner right now, I gave my word to the other people and disappointing them will be a big blow for them.

Quincy:

Boss, you are a businessman and you know the rule that says when “the needed is not there, you definitely go with the available”. What if the other people also don’t come to redeem themselves later? You would have lost two instead of one. You can tell them that when you checked in your database you realised this place has already been booked in advance and the people had already made a payment so you are sorry for the inconvenience. By so doing you can do business with us with no setbacks or disappointment, as you see us now, we are ready to settle any financial bills we have to.

Manager:

You guys are very cunning and you have succeeded in convincing me to turn my back on a potential client. Since you say you are ready to settle every bill, I will disappoint those people and do business with you. Now let’s go down to business and tell me the services you want my outfit to render to you?

Michael Ansah:

I love how you are sounding now, we would like to patronize everything you do here. I heard you sell casket, gown, flowers, you do decoration, have good undertakers, provide catering service and play live band.

Manager:

That is very right, we do everything funeral. Just give us the money and explain how you want the funeral to be organised and leave the rest to us for us to handle. Just like the saying, ‘you dream it and we make it a reality.’

Michael Ansah:

I love what you just said. Do you have a catalogue here for us to see the caskets and things you have in your showroom now?

Manager:

Oh yes but unfortunately my server is down so I will go to the reception and get you some of our catalogues and flyers, please give me a minute.

Quincy:

(whispers to Mike) Guy why didn’t you let us go for some of your father’s coffin and you want us to buy a casket from this place rather?

Michael Ansah:

You are mad, we are talking caskets and you are there talking about coffins. We want already made thing and not something you have to order for days or probably weeks before you get it. Don’t forget we only have just some days for this funeral to take place so please don’t bring any corrupt idea into my head. Julia has already sent thirty five thousand cedis (35000) into my account and the best I can do is to make the best out ot it, you know to whom much is given, much is expected in return. If there is any better way for me to show appreciation to Julia for the machines she bought for us, please let me do that without any bad ideas finding its way into my mind.

Manager:

(walks back in) Sorry for keeping you guys waiting for long, here are some of the products we have at the moment. We are even expecting a new consignment that should be in either in the evening or tomorrow morning.

Michael Ansah:

Well, that won’t be a problem for us, I will leave my number behind so you call or WhatsApp any new thing or things you find befitting for our funeral. Please how do you like your payment to be done? Is it through cheques, visa/master card, Ebanking, mobile money or cash?

Manager:

Any of the options you brought up is okay by me but cash or Ebanking makes it easier for this company since we are doing business for the very first time.

Michael Ansah:

Please which bank do you save with?

Manager:

We have accounts in GCB Bank, Ecobank, Access bank and Fidelity bank.

Michael Ansah:

Oh, that is good, please write down your account details so I transfer money into your account. I will start with any amount of twenty thousand cedis (20000) as a deposit. Please print for us every cost we will incur over here and what is ahead of us.

Manager:

That won’t be a problem, here you go and on this paper is our account details.

Michael Ansah:

Oh nice, since we save at the same bank, transferring the money will be easy and swift. Hope you have received a confirmation message for the transaction.

Manager:

Not yet but let me please check my account balance, oh yes it’s in. I love doing business with clients who walk their talk by making things happen within a twinkle of an eye. Consider this venue booked on your behalf for the weekend and for those people I will find something to tell them when they come back here. Please take your receipt for the payment you have made.

Michael Ansah:

Boss thanks very much and it was nice doing business with you. ( they leave the funeral home)

At the Club House:

Karl Simpson:

Ah you are right on time, seated over here is my boy and chief spy who called to give me the information about Julia.

The Boss:

Oh nice, so tell me, young man, what do you have for us and how did you get information about that lady?

Chief Spy:

Sir as to how I gather my facts, I can’t tell you but I can say with authority that the lady in question is in Accra and from the look of things she is bereaved. I spotted them at the airport conveying a dead boy to the morgue leaving to the place I believe she lives for now.

The Boss:

Mmmm, very interesting. Barman come over and take our order so you serve us with something, I have just received good news.

Karl Simpson:

Now that we have this important information, I will hire some people to monitor Julia’s movement and possibly will try and hack into the phones of every single person living in that house. Meanwhile, you must try and remain calm in case Julia comes your way because if you give her any clue that you are angry she might keep her distance far from our reach. We must lure her back into our arms.

The Boss:

I know what you can do Karl and trust me I will not give her any reason to stay far from us. Trust me on that my brother, you know the viper never misses his target when it attacks because he always accesses critically before he attacks his prey.

Chief Spy:

Chairman I will like to take leave now.

The Boss:

Oh so soon? Why don’t you wait for a little so you share a glass of whiskey with us or better still a bottle of beer?

Chief Spy:

Sorry sir but I don’t mix business with pleasure, I will share some drinks with you later when I have completed the task that has been assigned to me. Have a blissful day. (walks away)

The Boss:

Karl where did you get this pro from? I like that guy, I swear I like him and I wished he were part of my guards. He acts with great professionalism and having him on my team will boost my confidence. I will offer to pay him twice what he is taking now so he joins my team.

Karl Simpson:

Funny enough he works for no one, he is a lone ranger who only takes contracts from credible people like us. He is an ex-marine from the U.S Seal who retired with no reason, I knew him before he left the marine some years ago, I met him about two months ago at the mall and ever since then, I have tried to convince him to join us but he always turns my offer down and claims he can only do my spy jobs for me. I will try my luck again and see if he will accept my offer. Here are some of the pictures he took when he was tracking Julia.

The Boss:

(takes the envelope which contained Julia’s photos) Ah there she is, a golden fish has no hiding place in the pond. Young lady your days on earth are numbered. I hate people who try to double-cross me. Karl let me be on my way now since I already feel victory in my spirit. I will never carry last on this earth.

Karl Simpson:

Have you forgotten you ordered for some drinks?

The Boss:

I’m okay with the pictures I have in my hand. We will celebrate soon.

At Quincy’s Compound:

Michael Ansah:

See who we have here this beautiful afternoon Quincy.

Henrietta Barnor:

Since Mohammed has decided not to go to the mountain, the mountain has decided to come to Mohammed. You guys have decided not to check up on me so I came to surprise you. I have been here close to an hour now.

Michael Ansah:

(hugs Henrietta) An hour? Why didn’t you call me when you came to meet our absence.

Henrietta Barnor:

When was the last time you checked your phone? I have called your phone uncountable times but you chose not to answer my calls.

Michael Ansah:

(dips his hand in his pocket to get the phone and screams as he sees the screen) Ah! I have 72 missed calls and 5 text messages. I forgot to switch the phone from silent mode when we came out from the Immigration office. Julia has called me 12 times and sent 2 text messages, Henrietta has also called 38 times and a message, 15 missed calls from a foreign number that I suspect to be my mum and 7 missed calls from a landline which I believe came from the funeral home because I have seen their confirmation message which is an indication that we have the place booked for the funeral, the last message is from the bank.

Henrietta Barnor:

Yes since you were not answering my calls, I sent you a message to inform you that I passed by your house and waited for you for some time but since you were not answering my calls I’m leaving. (an armed police officer walks in)

Police Officer:

Ma’am please we are back.

Quincy:

Is everything okay with you Henrietta? What does the police officer want?

Henrietta Barnor:

Oh don’t worry Quincy, he is with me. Gabby please wait for me in the car, the person I came to look for just came in. If he came earlier I wouldn’t have called you but since you guys are here I will plead with you to hang around for some time, I will settle you when we leave here.

Police Officer:

No problem ma’am. You know I’m always at your humble service. The guys and I will be waiting outside for you.

Michael Ansah:

Herty do you mind telling me what is going on because I’m lost over here. What are you doing here with an armed police officer? Are we safe?

Henrietta Barnor:

You are as safe as the money in the central bank. I’m sorry I didn’t inform you earlier on, my dad is the current regional police commander. Someone told him about my predicament with Albert the night you first saw me and ever since then, he has detailed three of his men to bodyguard me anywhere I go but sometimes I bribe them so they give me some privacy.

Quincy:

Hehehehe every day I see and hear new things. Daughter of the regional police commander please come in before someone reports to your father that I made you stand in the sun for several minutes. Henceforth if I’m talking to you I have to place my hands behind my back before I get a serious problem, Mike you have to treat your woman well ooo or else I will come and visit you behind bars at the regional police headquarters cell.

Henrietta Barnor:

Hahaha you guys won’t kill me with your jokes.

Michael Ansah:

Trying to have an idea to kill you will lead us to jail even before we execute our plan.

Henrietta Barnor:

(enters the room and sees the laptop screen) My goodness, when and where did this incident happen?

Quincy:

Oh, that ugly incident happened some months ago somewhere down the street, your lover boy got the opportunity to witness the whole encounter that night in the bush.

Michael Ansah:

(frowns and screams) Quincy!!!!! Why this early betrayer? You have gone against your words in less than 5hours, gosh I feel so betrayed and stabbed in the back. Guy am really disappointed in you.

Quincy:

Why are you using harsh words on me. Is Herty a stranger to you or me?

Michael Ansah:

Herty, isn’t a stranger to me but I didn’t want to put her in harm’s way and that is why I didn’t show the pictures and videos to her. Why did I say to you that never on earth must a third party hear what I opened up to you?

Quincy:

Dude, please forgive me, I never meant to betray your trust so please find a place in your heart to forgive me. Something like this will never happen again between the two of us.

Michael Ansah:

I bear you no grudges but trust me that there will never be the next time. If you wish go live on air and broadcast whatever I told you to the world, you can go ahead but trust me on this, to every ear that hears this story he or she is as good as dead. I’m highly disappointed in you and I won’t………

Henrietta Barnor:

(cuts in) Really? Are you guys doing this in front of me? C’mon guys, I’m no stranger to you and I want you to know that I’m very good at keeping secrets and if by chance anyone of you gets the opportunity to go through my head you will know that I am a walking warehouse filled with oceans of secrets. I’m sorry if I intruded in your privacy, I promise it won’t happen again and whatever I have seen here will remain in this very room.

Julia’s Cousin’s Place:

Julia:

Maame Dufie, I’m very grateful for everything you have done for me all this while, I don’t know what I could have done on my own without you by my side. I owe you big time.

Maame Dufie:

Don’t be ridiculous Julia, when I lost my husband and mother, weren’t you the one who played a major role financially? See, I am highly indebted to you in many ways so this is the least I can do to reciprocate the good things you have been doing for me all this while. Let me go to the kitchen and prepare something for you to eat, you need to eat and get enough strength to face the task ahead, Keep in mind that everybody will die some day. My aunt, your mother fought a good fight and victory has been her portion even till now.

Julia:

Its okay madam preacher, please lend me your phone so I call my boss. He might be wondering why I haven’t called him since I came to town.

Maame Dufie:

The phone is in my red purse. Do you still like your food with much pepper or you have changed now?

Julia:

I’m okay with anything you serve me Dufie. (dials the number of the boss)

The Boss:

(on phone) Hello who is on the line?

Julia:

Hello good afternoon boss, please this is Julia talking.

The Boss:

(keeps calm so that he doesn’t blow the plan up) Julia why have you kept me worried like that? I have been worried sick since I wasn’t hearing from you, all your phone numbers that I know wasn’t connecting all the times I called. Hope you are safe wherever you are?

Julia:

I’m fine sir, but unfortunately for me, my mother was very sick when I flew in and she passed away right in front of me early this morning.

The Boss:

(pretending to be concerned) Awwwww so sorry to hear that, please accept my sincere condolences. Bear in mind that the Lord gives and takes when He wants, we can’t understand His ways at times, but everything happens for a reason.

Julia:

Thanks for sympathizing with me sir, I am grateful.

The Boss:

Oh never mind, so now what is the way forward my dear? Have you deposited the body at the morgue?

Julia:

Yes please, we did that some hours ago, the doctor advised that we shouldn’t keep the body of my mom in the morgue for long because of how she was sick for long so I intend to give my mom a befitting burial on Friday.

The Boss:

(smiles before talking) Hmmmmm then it means we have to double our steps concerning preparations. Which morgue did you deposit the remains of your mother?

Julia:

Mmmmm its this new funeral home inside Haatso, what even is the name of the place. (Calls out to Dufie)

Dufie where did we deposit the body of my mother this afternoon?

The Boss:

Is it Transition Funeral Home you are talking about?

Maame Dufie:

(screams from the kitchen) Transition

Julia:

Exactly sir, that is the place and we intend to do the funeral and everything at their funeral home come this Friday.

The Boss:

That is certainly good. Where are you at the moment? I will like to send my boys over so they bring money and drinks to you to serve your guests who come to pay homage to your mum.

Julia:

Am at my cousin’s place somewhere in Spintex but the drinks won’t be necessary because I have already ordered a truck full of drinks and it is on its way here by now.

The Boss:

(frowns with Julia’s response) So what about the printable things that you will need? I can get some of my boys who do my printing for me to come over and start work on the brochures and banners through a phone call.

Julia:

That is so kind of you sir but I have already contracted a media firm to start work on that, thanks so much for everything sir, I am very grateful for your kind gesture towards me.

The Boss:

(throws a fist in the air with anger written all over his face) Well then don’t hesitate to call on me when you need anything, I will call Karl right now to break the bad news to him. Trust me we are solidly behind you in anything you want to do.

Julia:

Okay sir, I will stay in touch with anything that pops up.

The Boss:

Very well my dear, also bear in mind that I am just a call away from you. Please don’t cry too much. I will come over with Karl to your place before Friday to come and greet you as custom demands.

Julia:

I have heard you, sir, have a nice day (cuts the call)

The Boss:

(talks to himself) I have gotten you at the right place that I want you Julia, nobody steps on the tail of the viper and goes unbitten. You will join your mother come this Friday during her funeral service, swine.

Julia:

(talking to herself also) Ah something is not right somewhere. I spoke to this man and he never bothered to ask me about the consignment I brought. He should have at least stressed on it and let me know if he was okay with it or not, I have to get in touch with Mike right now.

Meanwhile, as Mike, Henrietta and Quincy were in the room trying to settle their differences the person behind the door barged in on them.