Chapter Four

After the burial, Alan became increasingly isolated due to the devastating impact of Anthony's death. The news of his passing spread quickly through Patami Creek, and many came to pay their condolences at the rented apartment where Alan and his siblings lived. Among those who visited was Lady J, whose arrival was a surprise to Alan.

One day, while Alan was seated on an armless chair outside the compound, a car pulled up in front of the house. To his surprise, Lady J stepped out of the car with two other women. Alan welcomed them warmly and invited them into his apartment, where his younger siblings were watching a movie at the neighbor's flat. Despite Alan's offer to serve them drinks, Lady J got straight to the point.

"Alan, these are my dear friends Tina and Angela. They've heard so much about you from me, and that's why we're here," Lady J said, introducing her companions.

Alan welcomed the two ladies with gratitude and respect, expressing his honor to host them at his humble abode. "Although my house may not be much," he added, "I am grateful for your visit."

Upon seeing Alan, Angela found herself blushing and feeling a yearning for him. However, she quickly composed herself and responded warmly to his welcome.

"Thank you for having us, Alan," she said. "You are a very handsome man. Do you happen to live here with your girlfriend?"

Alan replied politely, "No, I am currently single. Right now, I am focused on taking care of my younger siblings and their welfare."

Angela couldn't help but blurt out, "Wow, the ladies in your neighborhood must have visual impairment if they haven't noticed you yet."

Lady J, noticing Alan's discomfort, quickly interjected, "Alan is a very responsible young man who is focused on his future and that of his siblings."

Tina then brought up the topic of Alan's plans following the death of his brother, mentioning that financial difficulties were reportedly a contributing factor. "I'm sorry to put it that way," she added.

"Well for now, I think I will just settle for job hunting and my usual hustle, that way, I should be able to provide for my younger ones. And Lady J here has been most helpful whenever I needed her, I don't know what I can do to show you how grateful I am." He said turning to Lady J

"Make love to her and turn her brains inside out!" Everyone turned to look at the person that made such statement, it was Angela

"What!" She asked "It wasn't as though she wouldn't want it, she will cherish every moment." Again she made such remarks at such a time.

Although the ladies knew that Angela was right in her assertions, it was the timing that was wrong. Lady J has lust over Alan ever since she saw him, and wishes to just have him all to herself.

She thought to herself, "Better late than never," grateful to Angela for being so blunt and finally revealing her feelings to him. The room fell silent for a moment, as if waiting for the record of any misdeeds to be taken by passing angels. After a few seconds of quiet, Lady J spoke up.

"We're headed to town for an important business meeting, and that's why we decided to swing by and invite you to join us," she said, looking up at Alan expectantly, anticipating either a refusal or an excuse, given the little information he had about their intentions towards him.

"If you don't mind, of course," she added.

Initially, Alan was unsure how to react. He had never been involved in anything like this before, and the idea of going out with women of such high class and discerning tastes, whose motives he was only beginning to understand, seemed foreign and strange.

"It'll be worthwhile and fruitful, especially for someone like you who desperately needs a job right now. Just give it a try, and you'll never regret it," Tina chimed in, helping to persuade the young man.

Alan was deep in thought, trying to weigh the potential benefits of accompanying these society ladies. He had never had any interesting male friends his age, and had always been a loner, with his late brother Anthony being his only friend. After thinking about it for a while, he began to wonder, "What's the worst that could happen?"

Lady J asked, "So, what's your answer?"

"Okay, I'll join you," he replied. "But first, let me go to my neighbor's apartment to inform my younger siblings not to wait up for me in case I come back late." He then left for the other apartment.

The women exchanged glances and their faces lit up with smiles. They were filled with happiness and excitement. Lady J was beyond thrilled and could hardly contain her excitement