by C. C. Monö
He tore the leaf in half and dropped the pieces on the floor. He was just exhaling his frustration when Nicole, elegant as always, appeared around a corner with an air of graceful sophistication.
“Ah, good afternoon gentlemen,” she chirped and gave them a little bow.
“Hi,” Thabo replied without much interest. He was about to continue down the hall when Axel grabbed him by the sleeve and forced him to stop.
“Wait.”
“Why? Our class starts in ten minutes.”
“All right, go. I’ll catch up with you in a second.”
Thabo muttered something inaudible before sauntering off towards the elevators. Axel and Nicole looked at each other. A moment of embarrassed silence appeared like an unwanted visitor. Axel popped his knuckles and shuffled his feet.
“So I haven’t seen you in a while,” he said.
Nicole smiled.
“I’ve been away on business for a few days.”
“Ah ha.” Another moment of silence. Axel shoved his hands in his pants pocket. “Where’d you go?”
“I’m sorry, Mr Hallman, that’s classified information, I’m afraid.”
“I see.” Axel shrugged as if he couldn’t care less, but inside he worried. Nicole wasn’t at all her usual, happy self. Was she upset with him? Or stressed? He pulled away from her gorgeous eyes. “Well…I’ve got to go.”
Nicole stepped aside.
“Of course, Mr Hallman.”
Axel hesitated. He was struggling to leave, but when he finally turned away from her, he felt her hand upon his arm.
“Good luck with your F.F.T.,” she whispered. “I believe in you.”
Axel felt his cheeks redden. He watched her leave in long strides and felt his heart sink to his ankles. No wonder she was acting strange; she thought he was weak.
CHAPTER 88
Despite the psychological pressure of not having jumped, Axel had little choice but to accept the fact that life within the Academy continued regardless of his troubles. The mid-term exams were approaching with gruesome speed and the teachers were quick to encourage what they called “a little friendly competition”.
“Who’ll get the highest score and who’ll come in last?” they asked. “Who’ll be the lead wolf and who’ll be the black sheep?”
“I’m afraid Paul will come in last,” Izabella whispered one evening when she and Axel swirled, or rather tried to swirl, on the dance floor, practising their Vienna waltz under the watchful eye of Mr Bell. “He hasn’t been himself these past few days, and he’s not studying enough. He says he’s worried about his brother but won’t say why.”
Axel had to admit that he hadn’t noticed anything, but considering the amount of problems that were stacking up behind him, he had little time to care about anyone else. Nevertheless, the following day during lunch he observed a slight change in Paul’s demeanour.
“These ‘Case Crackers’ suck,” Paul whined with a pessimism that was uncharacteristic. “No wonder companies are willing to sponsor the Academy. They get to send us their crappy problems so we can work our butts off to solve them.”
The dreaded “Case Crackers” were business problems, sent in by Academy sponsors every second week. The students had twenty-four hours to develop and present their solutions to Professor Jackson.
“Having a difficult case?” Izabella snickered.
“It’s a bloody nightmare.”
“What is it?” Axel inquired.
Paul exchanged looks with the others and poured himself another glass of beer.
“Never mind,” he said.
“You know Professor Jackson wants us to solve these cases on our own,” Thabo said with a low voice. “We must prove we can make decisions on our own.”
“I’m not saying we should solve it for him,” Axel objected. “I just thought he might want to bounce off some ideas with us. There’s a difference, you know.”
“Well, I don’t want your help,” Paul growled.
Axel shrugged. He didn’t care. Putting on his most leader-like smile, he stood up and threw his used napkin on the table.
“If you don’t want help, I’m not going to force you.” He grabbed his suit jacket, ignoring the confused faces around the table. “Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to take a quick stroll before next class. I need to solve my own case. It’s a real killer.”
He walked away, wondering what the others were saying about him behind his back.
CHAPTER 89
TWELVE YEARS EARLIER
They were all staring at Principal Cunningham as he took off his small, round spectacles and rubbed his tired eyes.
Mr Garner watched him with concern. He had great respect for the man. The principal was more than ten years his junior, but displayed a knowledge and wisdom that was well beyond his years. They had known each other for seven years, yet Mr Garner had never seen the man so visibly exhausted. Perhaps the principal’s life of relentless traveling, constant interviews, and endless seminars was beginning to take its toll?
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” the principal began, looking out at the little gathering. In addition to Mr Garner, Professor Jackson was there, along with Mr Nakata and Dr Young, the chief analyst. “We have a situation,” the principal continued, returning the glasses to their comfortable position on his prominent nose. “Ms Sarah Wangai has informed me that she wants to quit.”
Mr Garner closed his eyes and felt his head drop forth until his chin touched his chest. You silly, silly girl, he thought. What have you done?
“I presume you’ve tried to convince her otherwise,” Professor Jackson mumbled.
“It’ll be useless,” Dr Young said, wringing his hands in an anxious manner that made Mr Garner nervous. “If Ms Wangai has made up her mind, then we can’t change it. We’ve failed.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, man,” Professor Jackson snorted, “we never fail.”
“Is there any way we can change her mind,” Principal Cunningham asked. “Any way at all?”
The chief analyst ran a hand through his wild, disordered hair and shook his head.
“I’m afraid not, sir. We knew her integrity could become problematic. After all, she’s a wild-card.”
“We can’t fail!” Professor Jackson exclaimed.
“I’ve done my best, but Ms Wangai is quite determined.” Principal Cunningham sighed. “She wants to leave now, and we can’t force her to graduate, you know that.”
Professor Jackson got out of his chair and began pacing back and forth.
“The Seven will never accept it.”
“I’ve spoken to the Seven,” Principal Cunningham declared, “and we’ve come to an agreement.” He turned to the chief analyst. “Dr Young, I want you to draft me a report, stating what you’ve just told me; that Ms Wangai is a woman of great integrity, whose mind can’t be changed.” The chief analyst bobbed his head in an anxious nod. “I also want you and your team to begin the process of finding us a psychiatrist.”
“What?” Professor Jackson grimaced. “A shrink?”
“Yes. I’ve come to the decision that we need to evaluate our student’s mental welfare during their training.”
“Sir? We are supposed to evaluate our students before we accept them. Perhaps Ms Wangai wasn’t meant to be a ruler.”
Principal Cunningham’s eyes hardened.
“Oh, I’m certain that if we’d reacted sooner, Ms Wangai’s decision to leave us could’ve been avoided.”
A tense silence fell over the room. Professor Jackson glared at the principal and Dr Young began fiddling with his pencil. Mr Garner dropped his eyes, wishing he was anywhere but here.
From outside the window came the faint sound of laughter, interrupting the quiet hum of the air-conditioner. The students were on break.
Principal Cunningham cleared his throat.
“Dr Young. Do you understand your task?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good, then you may leave. Let me
know when your report is completed and you’ve found me some suitable candidates for the job as our new E.K.A. psychiatrist.”
“I will, sir.”
The chief analyst got to his feet and left.
“We can’t let her leave,” Professor Jackson growled. “We’re the Academy! We never fail!”
“Sit down, Professor,” Principal Cunningham commanded. “What will you have me do? Force her to graduate? No. It’s over.”
Something died in Mr Garner’s old heart when he heard those final words. Beside him, Professor Jackson stood stock-still for a few seconds.
“Sir?”
“Sit down!”
With a croaky groan, Professor Jackson slumped into his chair.
“This can’t be happening,” he growled. “There must be a way.”
“We have our orders,” the principal explained with diminishing patience, “and we’ll obey them.”
“But have you explained…”
“That’s enough!” Principal Cunningham roared. “Now, Mr Garner, I understand that Ms Wangai trusts you.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. It’s time to discuss our options.”
What options, Mr Garner thought with despair.
CHAPTER 90
PRESENT MOMENT
Axel took off his jacket, rolled up his shirtsleeves and began strolling down the busy street. It was a beautiful May afternoon. The sun’s rays tickled his pale skin, giving warmth to both his body and soul.
Hoping to escape some of the city noise and commotion, he turned his steps towards Bois de la Cambre. As he observed the people around him, his mind began to drift. These people had no idea who he was, but once he graduated…well, if he graduated, they’d all know and admire him. The idea tickled his ego. If he played his cards right, he’d be remembered long after he was dead. Hell, they might even name a street after him…
“Hello, Mr Hallman.”
The receptionist, Miss Davis, approached with tentative steps and gave him a little bow. As always, she was dressed in her grey uniform, with the matching gold-coloured scarf. To Axel’s astonishment, he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him, as if caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Thoughts about fame and power were inappropriate. He was still a long way from graduating, especially since he had to pass his bloody F.F.T.!
Axel’s reaction must have shone through, for Ms Davis eyes widened and she paled.
“Oh, I’m sorry if I startled you, sir,” she blurted. “I thought perhaps…I didn’t mean to…” She took a step back as if to leave and almost bumped into a passing couple. “I’m just getting Mr Milton a pack of cigarettes. I won’t bother you anymore.”
Axel guessed that Miss Davis, similar to himself, didn’t get out very often and so he did something he’d later regret.
“I’m heading for the park,” he said with his best, reassuring voice. “Do you want to join me?”
Miss Davis’ eyes widened to the size of tennis balls. She glanced over her shoulder and then at her watch.
“Well…I don’t think…” she stammered. “I mean…”
“Come on, I’d like a little company. If Mr Milton gets upset, just blame me.”
Despite the discomfort in her eyes, Axel knew she wouldn’t dare reject him, and as expected, she soon nodded.
“As you wish, sir.”
They walked in silence towards the park. The young receptionist kept staring at her feet the whole time until Axel felt he was out walking a dog rather than strolling down the street with another human being.
“So, do you get out much?” he asked, desperate to find something to talk about.
“I’m afraid not, sir.”
She fiddled with her scarf and then, just when he thought she’d say something else, she looked down at her feet again. Great. Axel sighed, very much regretting that he’d brought her along. Moving the suit jacket to his left hand, he began focusing on his case instead. The client was one of the most successful marketing companies in Europe. Until about six months ago, they’d never had any problems with their staff. Now all of a sudden, there were conflicts and disengaged staff. No one knew why. Axel had done a leadership audit but still couldn’t figure out what was wrong. There were no new leaders and no change in leadership style. It was very odd.
“Are you all right, sir?”
Miss Davis’s quiet voice pulled him back to reality.
“What? Oh…yes. I was just thinking about this case I’m working on.” He noted her curious expression and it pleased him. “A company is experiencing a lot of conflict and misconduct among its employees, and I’m trying to resolve it.”
“Sounds difficult.”
Axel pulled back his shoulders and gave her a satisfied grin.
“Nah, most of the time these cases are simple. I just confirm there’s a problem with failed leadership, give the client some advice and that’s it; problem solved.” He paused, realising he’d sounded a bit arrogant, and, for the second time today, he felt embarrassed. He wasn’t the kind of guy who bragged. “This time, however, I’m a little confused. I can’t figure out what the problem is.”
Miss Davis’s eyebrows dipped a little.
“So the company has a problem with their employees and not their managers?”
Axel couldn’t help but laugh.
“I guess one could say that. But the managers are supposed to motivate and guide their employees, so it’s still their problem.”
Realising she’d said too much, Miss Davis’s cheeks reddened.
“Naturally. I wasn’t thinking,” she murmured and stopped. “I better return to Mr Milton with his cigarettes. He’ll be very upset if I don’t return soon. Thank you for inviting me to join you, Mr Hallman.”
She left with short, quick steps. Whatever, Axel thought, as he watched her leave. He turned and continued down the empty, dappled path. Strolling through the woods, Axel raised his gaze to the canopy. His mind began to drift again until, all of a sudden, a strong hand fell upon his shoulder.
“Keep walking,” a hushed voice ordered him.
CHAPTER 91
TWELVE YEARS EARLIER
It was a nice and starlit night. The smell of grilled meat, wine, and exotic spices hung over the garden like an invisible fog. On a bench near a little pond, where swan-shaped lanterns drifted aimlessly around the black water, Sarah sat and moved her shoulders to a joyful tune. For the first time in months, she felt happy. She was going home.
Over at the stone patio, lit up by hundreds of small lanterns, the party was at its peak. The other students were dancing, drinking and laughing, unaware that she was leaving them. With the exception of Lorena, who remained a loyal friend, they wouldn’t care. These days they didn’t even speak to her unless they had to or wanted to scorn her.
Sarah turned her eyes to the pink ballgown she was wearing. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. It must have cost a fortune and she’d been overwhelmed when Mr Garner came to deliver it earlier that day. A gift from Principal Cunningham, he’d told her.
The principal was a kind man, not at all as stern as Professor Jackson. He’d spent weeks trying to convince her to stay; to do her F.F.T. and complete her studies. When Sarah finally convinced him of her feelings, he’d given her his blessing to leave. It would be the first in the history of the Eagle King’s Academy. Tomorrow the teachers and students would be informed, and on Sunday she’d begin her journey back to Tanzania and her orphanage.
“So this is where you’ve been hiding.” Sarah flinched at the sudden voice and found Lorena standing next to her, holding out a glass of wine. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Sarah accepted her glass.
“And now you’ve found me.”
Lorena sat down and took a deep gulp from her own glass.
“Ahh. Nectar of the gods.” She sighed and smacked her lips. Sarah swirled the red liquid as Mr Bell had taught her and caught a scent of honey. Lorena considered her as she took a small sip. “Well? Wh
at do you think?”
“It’s very nice.”
“I told you.” Lorena flashed Sarah a tiny smile. “Tell you what; let me grab us a bottle of this heaven in liquid form, and we’ll spend the rest of the night getting pissed right here.” Before Sarah could reply, Lorena was on her feet. “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back!”
Twenty minutes later, Lorena had still not returned. Sarah sat with her now-empty glass beside her, gazing at the students on the patio. The women swirled back and forth in their fabulous dresses, while the men gave them their full attention. Sarah blinked. Maybe it was the combination of fatigue, wine and the warm night, but she was feeling a little light-headed. Leaning back, she took notice of a lantern above her head. Was it spinning?
The minutes passed and the dizziness worsened. Her eyes began to itch and she was feeling sick. Where in the world was Lorena?
More minutes passed. Sarah now sat holding her head between her hands. God, she felt ill. A moment later, she decided to lie down on the bench, hoping it would help.
“Ms Wangai?” A kind voice came through a haze. Sarah blinked, and through blurry eyes, she saw Mr Garner lean over her. She felt his hand on her shoulder. “My dear, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t…” She paused. Her lips and tongue were growing numb, and she was finding it difficult to speak. “Don’t feel too good,” she managed.
“Now, now,” Mr Garner hushed. “Have you been drinking?”
“I…uhh…”
“Come, let me help you.”
She felt the man’s bony fingers gently grab her arm and pull her up into a sitting position. Then somehow she was on her feet. Leaning her weight on the old man, she stumbled through a narrow pathway leading around the patio.
“I...need doctor,” Sarah moaned.
“Shhh,” Mr Garner whispered. “Let’s get you out of here before anyone sees you. It’s not decent for a leader to be drunk.”
“I’m…not...”
Sarah was struggling to think. It was as if her thoughts were pushing through syrup.
They reached one of the back entrances to the Academy. The door was unguarded. How odd. Where were the guards? She caught a glimpse of Mr Garner as he reached for the door. He was sweating profusely, and she could tell by his eyes that he was worried. Sarah felt herself slip out of his grip as he struggled to open the door.