The Agency

Daniel

I sat still at the dining table after Bella left because she did not trust mum food. I remember it like it was yesterday. It happened when we were thirteen I had seen mum spread a spice on Bella's food. I did not bother asking as I thought it was normal.

Until Bella started chocking halfway into breakfast and her face began to swell. I was worried and rushed to her. Mum sat down still like nothing was going on. I screamed and Gladness rush in and ran up to her room.

She comes back and gave her a shot of her syrup then Bella stop choking and Gladness took her upstairs. Someone needs to remind that girl of her place in this house Daniella said.

I looked at her and wonder how she does not get it. She has become so rude she commented.

Apparently mum did not teach her any better I muttered.

What did you just say? mum talked for the first time.

You heard me mum, I said looking at her and wondering how she could have been so wicked.

You are becoming rude too. don't forget I am your mother she shouted on top of her voice.

Yes and that's the only reason why I can still sit at the same table with you. You know I consider Bella very nice because God knows if I was in her shoes yesterday will be your last day here. and you Daniella there is nothing you can do to hurt her now. You know you have been telling everyone that cares to listen that you live in a wealth mansion. Imagine Bella ask you to leave or throw you out. I am sure you don't want that. So I will advise you to stay clear from her business. Because we are the ones who need to learn our new place in this house, I said then left the table I could not just believe what is going on.

The next morning mum Daniella and I were already having breakfast before Bella joined us. Good morning Dan she said with a smile. Good morning I replied with a smile. One of the maids who was serving us was still standing by but she did not attempt to serve Bella.

Why are you just standing there wouldn't you serve her? I asked.

The madam instructed that only Gladness was allowed to touch her food or anything that has to do with her, the maid replied. I smiled within myself, it crazy how even the maids has learned to talk nicely about Bella. They use to see her as an insignificant family member.

I thought mum or my sister would say something but they all concentrate on their food. Daniella seems to be trying not to look up. Maybe she was trying not to get on Bella's wrong side. Gladness came with a tray that contained her food. Bella open and started eating.

I never thought a day would come, when I will eat my food peacefully on this table without Dad's present, Bella said. It is a beautiful and new day she wisper but I was certain everyone sitting on the table heard her.

I looked at mum and my sister, they were feeling uncomfortable but they did not say anything. Daniel, she called and I looked at her. I will be going back to my apartment but I would come in here now and then she said.

Why? I asked.

Well, this place is full of bad energy trust me it unhealthy she said. I nod in agreement, I knew she could have told me about going back to the apartment anywhere else but she was informing me on the table. Maybe she was trying to get at mum and Ella but I was not sure since she acted as if only the both of us were presently sitting there.

Don't forget our appointment with the agency she said. Of course Monday by nine am I said and she nods in agreement.

Does Daniella need to come along? ask her.

No, I don't want her there you can represent her she answered.

But my shares are involved too Daniella said getting angry. If you don't like the arrangement, sell off your shares I will be happy to buy them Bella said and stood up.

Should I contact the family lawyer? I asked her. That will not be necessary. I have made plans. Have a good day she said then left.

At least there will be peace in her absence mum said. Mum the only reason why there is no peace in this house right now is because of what you did. And I can't believe you are not sorry. You are unbelieve able I said and left the table.

.....

On Monday I went to the agency. I was not so sure what the agency was all about and why the Wisdom family will have any link to them.

Bella came in a little late, so while I waited I decided to find out more about the agency and why Bella decided to take a leap of faith with them, instead of the family lawyers.

I worked into the first office insight and talked to the lady I meet. I was not sure of her position, so I just said Hello to get her attention.

She looked up from her computer with a questing gaze, Hello how may I help you? she asked almost sounding friendly. But the look on her face seems to be telling me, I don't have time to waste so say what brought you here and leave.

Sorry if I am causing any inconvenience it just that I was hoping to get some clarification on the Agency I said.

The lady sat up looking impatient, pointed to the chair in front of her asking me to sit so I did. Do you have any questions in mind that you want to ask? The lady asked.

My name is Daniel Wisdom, I figured if I wanted the lady to be a bit more friendly I should do an introduction. since I am like their client. She nodded her head and there was no improvement in her attitude.

The thing is my Dad die recently and I realize that my family will somehow have a connection with the Agency and this place is not a law firm, I just want to understand why a private investigation firm will have anything to do with the reading of a family will? I asked.

The lady finally put a smile on her lips. Mr. Wisdom The agency is indeed an investigation firm but we do have a department that deals with the reading of wills. What I am trying to say is that some of our clients who feel their will is not safe or have a clause in their will to protect their loved ones when they die just send a copy of their will here. so we can make sure the right person gets it.

So what you are saying is that you are like another law firm holding your client's will? I asked not entirely clear with her explanation.

Not really, most of our clients are scared that their love once may be killed after the will is read or some members of the family may try changing the will she said. Tell me the clause in your family will she ask after a pause.

I think it said that if there is death the inheritance of the dead should be given for charity if the said person has no children I answered.

That's it, we just make sure the clause is followed by the other members of the family, and since we are part of the process we investigate the death of everyone in the family to make sure it was natural. I am sure your DNA sample was collected before the reading of the will? she asked and I nodded in agreement.

Every client has the procedure they want to be follow in other to protect their family, which is not the work of a law firm. Got it? she asked.

I kept quiet for some time thinking about what I just heard. No wonder Mum was unable to change grandma's will. because I am sure with the way she treats Bella she will never allow her to have such inheritance transferred to her name.

She smiled at me, any other question? She asked.

I was going to nod my head but then I thought I should ask. can't the will or clause be tempered with by the agency? I asked.

The lady smiled again well that is near to impossible. A lawyer may change the content of a will for greed or maybe he gets blackmail to do it. But here at the agency no one agent is responsible for one client. So one agent can't get greedy and change the will. it almost impossible to blackmail the entire agents here in the agency don't you think? she asked looking at me.

I nod my head in agreement, then thanked her for her time and step out of the office and meet Bella who just arrived.

When we were done with the agency I decided to ask Bella how she comes to know about the agency. She smiled Dan the truth is I just have a feeling I could trust their representative at the reading of the will. so I decided to take a leap of faith she said. I smiled back at her it seems you made the right choice I said to her.