Mr Crawford's POV
Once I excused William from the meeting at the restaurant, I instructed my men on what to do. First, I had them transfer Stuart's body from the Van to my SUV, after which I made the transfers to their various bank accounts.
When we left for our separate ways, each of the men was smiling because they had been overpaid.
I got into my car soon after, and headed towards MEDCORP, where my trusted team members were waiting patiently for me.
With their help, I placed Stuart's body in a prearranged tank, which automatically kick-started the mission. Just when I got outside the gigantic gates of MEDCORP, on my way home, Sofia's call came in. Listening to her panic-free voice, on an issue as serious as setting up a grave for Stuart to enhance the verisimilitude of Stuart's death, further proved how much of a cold-hearted person she is.
"Why won't you just take care of this, once and for all?" She suggested, over the phone.
"Hell no, Sofia. What is wrong with you?" I found myself berating her.
"Right. Suit yourself then." She sounded pissed, but I wasn't one to care.
I called William right after, and gave him a scare with empty threats. Once I hung up on William Johnson, I put a call across to my men, who, having been overpaid, were more than happy to carry out any assignment from me. I instructed them to dig up a grave at St Louis cemetery, and inscribe Stuart's name on it.
First, they voiced the difficulty of the assignment, stating that without a license, it would be impossible to set up a grave in the cemetery.
"Nonsense." I replied, breathing a sigh of relief. It is a good thing the senior doctor of St Louis hospital is a trusted member of my team.
"You just go to the third gate of the hospital, there, a lady will walk up to you. You are to follow her direction." I instructed them and hung up immediately. I called Sofia the next instant and listed her part of the deal to her.
Although I suspected her to be already in bed when I called, I knew she would be on her way to St Louis' third gate, the next moment. The mission is a top priority for her.
I drove afterwards to my house to observe a good night's rest, knowing well that the job was being handled by capable hands.
Dr Sofia's POV
Anderson left for home, claiming he had something important to attend to, leaving me alone in his office.
Suddenly feeling bored, I walked towards the direction of my office to get my stuff. Every part of my body ached at every step I took. My bones crackled with my every move, as though they were protesting against me for stressing them too much. It had been a long day, and the thought of a hot bath sent a pleasant sensation down my lower abdomen. I hastened my pace with impatience leading me on. I just couldn't wait to be in my comfy bed, I got prepared, and left for home immediately.
At about 10:15 PM, just when I was about to doze off, my phone rang. On seeing William displayed as the caller ID, I frowned. At first, I thought of ignoring the call, but when he called again, I decided against it and answered the call. It might be important, who knows?
"This better be worth disturbing me. " I said into the phone, just as I answered it.
"Kate is on her way to Stuart's grave." William said, overriding my comment . I bet he didn't hear a thing I said.
By now, every trace of apathy was gone, and so was every trace of slumber. With assuring words, I bidded him to remain calm, while I put a call across to Crawford.
With the way Crawford sounded, it was no big deal.
When Crawford called me moments later, I was half dressed. Somehow, I suspected I would be leaving the house tonight, if I remember correctly, it is impossible to set up a grave in St Louis cemetery without a license.
Once Crawford ended the call, I dashed to the garage where I parked my car, and made my way to the location, as directed by Crawford.
Just as Crawford had said, there was a blue colored van, waiting for me by the gate.
With caution, I approached the occupants of the van, whose looks depicted hostility and violence. Somehow, they knew I was the one they were waiting for, and the respect they accorded to me made me relax somewhat.
"This way. " I directed, once they collected every tool they would need from the back of the van. I led the men through a footpath, where I was sure we would not run into anyone. When we got there, I surveyed the whole surrounding to locate the spot that perfectly suits William's description, and to ensure we were not being watched, after which I signaled them to get to work.
"Hey, what do you think you are doing? " I asked the men who had begun to dig. They stopped immediately, while I wondered within myself why I hadn't paid closer attention to the implements earlier.
"We were instructed by the boss to set up a grave here." One of the men replied.
"Well, you are not burying anybody, and we don't have all the time in the world." I explained to the men, who looked confused still.
"Look gentlemen, You are only to set up a tombstone and an inscription, there's no need to dig up. " I explained again, and nodded in satisfaction when they put the digging implements away.
While they worked on the space I directed, I busied myself with filling out the paperwork.
"No, it's Stuart, as in S-T-U-A-R-T." I corrected it when I looked up from the paperwork and observed an error in the spelling of "Stuart" on the tombstone.
"Loving son and friend. " I added, when I saw that he made the correction.
I thought of his birth year but I couldn't come up with anything, so I decided to let it go.
"We are done ma. " One of the men announced after some time.
"We should head out of here then. " I directed, giving way for the men to go before me.
Just a few feet from the gate, an idea struck me.
"Have you any instructions from the boss, regarding one Mr William? " I asked.
"No ma'am. We do not know any Mr William." The man whom I suspected to be the leader replied.
"You will, soon. As for Mr William, he is the man who led you into the hospital earlier today. " I explained to them. From my position behind them, I could sense them nodding dumbly.
"Once the order is given by Mr Crawford, you are to take William down. Himself and his wife. " I instructed, bringing my voice down to the lowest, even though there was not a single person around.
They nodded again, this time in shock, but I was not bothered.
We got to the gate, soon after, and while all three men stepped into the van they had come with, and zoomed off, I entered my car and put a call across to Mr Crawford.
"Yes, Sofia. Is there news?" He said, once he answered the call.
"There is. First, the tombstone has been successfully set but I'm afraid William and his wife are threats to the entire mission." I informed, while I hoped he would take the bait.
"What, how?" He answered, although he did not sound like he was in a state of panic which was totally expected, he sounded angry which was a good lead.
"I suggest you order your men to keep an eye on them. " I replied, expertly avoiding his question.
" I don't think William is a threat. At least not one with any significance. " Mr Crawford replied, dismissively.
I did not relent in persuading him to keep an eye on both William and his wife since I knew persuading him to order their kill would be futile.
"Alright, Sofia. I will do that. Thanks for your commitment. " He said, and disconnected the call.
My guess is that he has called his men to give them the newest assignment.
I started my car soon after, grinning from ear to ear. Soon, William and his wife will be no more.
I headed for the hospital building, through the first gate. I needed to complete the paperwork, and document it tonight.
I walked into my office, and got down to work immediately. Even though I was now feeling sleepy, I needed to get the work done.
By the time I finished the documentation, it was already 01:15 AM. I stepped out of my office and headed home, after ensuring my office was properly locked.
All I could think of was sleep. Sleep. Sleep.