Lucas walked into his office in determined strides nearly flipping his lid. If what James said was true, then they really had a big problem. Martin and James were already sat on the two upholstery chairs facing the huge mahogany desk in his office when he took his seat.

"Tell me that this is a joke," he demanded, accepting the file James handed to him. It was a green file, which meant top secret, and that very few people had access to it. That it was found in an employee's desk screamed sabotage.

"It's not, Lucas." James was quick to squash his doubts. "I got a complaint from the production manager roughly two weeks ago who said he was asking too many questions but I brushed it off as nothing. That was until he started staying late hours claiming he had to go over the product strengths and weaknesses again," he explained grimly.

"That sneaky bastard!" Lucas grated, clenching his fists. Looking at James, he asked. "How do we know he has a partner? He was part of the committee for the production process and might have been working alone. This could have all been a huge misunderstanding!" He refused to believe his employee would go this far or that his partner would stoop so low.

James sighed dismissively before handing him a blue file. He pulled it open and glanced through it. This was the approved prototype for the new lubricants CAPPEL was planning to unveil towards the end of the year. No one was supposed to know about this.

"He definitely gave someone a copy of the exo 100 lubricant that we still have under testing. It's not supposed to be a known fact that we have it approved and ready for prospective buyers but I overheard him talking to someone on the phone about meeting a Chinese buyer, Mr. Zing, for a partnership before the unveiling," James explained.

He clamped his eyes shut dejectedly. A partnership with another investor before the official unveiling of the product meant certified decline in demand. "It's probably my fault that he had access to my office. I went for lunch break without securing my files. And I'm sure my secretary left the office too. Damn it. I should have seen this but I've just been distracted recently."

Martin eyed him knowingly. Of course, if he was trying to get over his feelings for Sara, he was sure to be distracted.

He looked away, ignoring his gaze. "What do we have? I need definite proof that he's a saboteur so we can take him away for life. I also need to be sure he's working with Mr. Archibong. I don't want to make a mistake and set off suspicions," he stated, making a mental note to set a bait and watch that snitch take it hook, line and sinker.

Martin nodded, going all business mode immediately. "The issue with the product is evidence enough but we will probably nail him with the camera feed inside your office."

Lucas groaned when he realized how the saboteur could have brazenly walked into his office to steal a confidential file. "The cameras are not working. The short circuit that happened two days ago affected them and I've been so busy I forgot to call maintenance."

Martin was flabbergasted. "Lucas?!"

It was rhetorical and he flinched on hearing his name. "I'm sorry, OK. You know how invested I get when I'm working on a new project. I sometimes even forget to eat. Help me call for maintenance, James, alright," he explained, leaning back in his swivel chair completely tired.

James shook his head in negation. "No, I'll get maintenance. We don't need him to know the cameras have been repaired. If he still thinks they're not working, he'll attempt to come steal another important file..."

"And we'll be there to catch him red-handed," Lucas finished for him, smiling at the plan.

Martin who had been studying the idea critically spoke up. "Now, we just need to set up the bait that we have a new confidential project which he would definitely steal and lead us right to his source."

++++++++++++

Two weeks later and he had gotten enough evidence to nab the saboteur save a few details. They had managed to come up with a white elephant project that was supposed to worth roughly 500 million naira and went all secretive about it, except of course around their suspect. Lucas made sure to instruct his secretary in front of his executives to keep the file secured as it was confidential.

Two days later, Lucas and Martin went out purposely to a Chinese restaurant for lunch and his secretary was sent off to the human resources department at just the right time for the saboteur to sneak into his office and steal the file. He made copies of it and returned it just in time before the secretary returned to her desk. James who had stayed back in the office called Lucas to tell him their suspect had taken the bait. Then, they laid in wait for him to contact his source. It was not much of a guess, seeing as James's brother Eseoghene was eager to help them follow their suspect to the meeting point with his source.

Now, Lucas sat in the driver seat of Martin's Range Rover car and watched Mr. Archibong make his way out of the local restaurant and bar looking appalled at being invited to such a place for a meeting even if it was supposed to make him rich, or more accurately screw the silly billionaire. He walked to his car, with the file he had been given by his contact and got into the back seat of his Infiniti Jeep. The driver who had opened the door for him closed the door and went to enter the driver's seat too before starting the car and then drove off.

Lucas and Martin followed suit, making sure to maintain their distance. It was hard doing detective work in the ever busy Lagos traffic but they were desperate now. They even had with them a manilla envelope containing vital information they had gathered these past few days. If they didn't catch these two men red-handed, CAPPEL would continue to loose contracts and money.

However, they didn't need fear as the car drove into Mr. Archibong's residence in Lakeview estate Lekki. They waited until they were sure his gates were closed before honking at the gates. Being a business partner and friend, he and Martin were ushered into the luxurious house that was Mr. Archibong's house.

The living room had numerous white sofas with little gold throw pillows to match. They were arranged in a sort of hexagonal fashion circling the wide glass center table, the large LED TV, the home theatre sound system and a mini bar. A huge chandelier hung of the middle of the POP ceiling illuminating the house in its fluorescence. The decor spelt wealth.

"It's a surprise, Caspian-Asiegbu. I wasn't expecting you," Priye Archibong laughed, eyeing the visitors in his home surreptitiously. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough time to hide the files as he wasn't expecting company so soon and definitely not Lucas. It even seemed suspiciously like they were tailing him.

Once Lucas saw he still held the files, his countenance changed. "Trust me, we wouldn't be here if we had any choice."

Priye frowned, eyeing the two men who stood next to each other with steel looks. "Is anything the matter?" He sat down in one of the white leather sofas adorning his massive living room, gesturing for the pair to do so.

They obeyed, but declined his offer for drinks, however. The maid brought for him a glass of scotch mixed with ice and lime.

Lucas waited till he was comfortable to reply. They didn't want to spook him yet as he was important to their cause. "Yes, a lot of things are. Let's cut to the chase, shall we? Why don't you tell me your business with a top executive in my company or what deals you've made with him?" Lucas said, daring him to deny.

He did. "I have no idea what you're saying, Caspian-Asiegbu. You are just making assumptions."

Martin pulled out the documents and pictures he had in a Manila envelope and showed it to him. "These are security footage of Donald Donalds, aka your informant stealing confidential files from an office he has no authorization inside whatsoever."

"I have no idea who that man is. What does this have to do with me? What are you implying here, Caspian-Asiegbu?" He denied vehemently, appearing unruffled as he sipped his drink.

Lucas saw the man's eye narrow at the edges, signs of agitation present in them. "Those files he stole contain information about our recent venture, an alliance with Unilever Nigeria to produce solvents and detergents. It's been estimated to worth 200 million naira if they buy their raw produce from CAPPEL. And it's a done deal already," he lied, watching the man critically.

The old man's face scrunched up in confusion. "But he said they were worth 500 million! And that CAPPEL did not have the raw materials yet. He said I could benefit a lot if I partner with Forte Oil for this venture!" He cried indignantly, looking at the two men.

"He's right. You can benefit a lot but only if the venture exists," Lucas said drily.

"What are you talking about?!"

"CAPPEL does not have the raw materials to further such venture because it does not exist. Unilever Nigeria is only partnering with us on our ethylene production and has not set sights for another deal. Besides, that partnership has been on for over three years now," Martin explained in a nonchalant manner.

Mr. Archibong stared at the grim look on Lucas's features and his eyes grew wide like saucers. "You're a greedy bastard! You don't want me to make money. All you've done since you returned was close all the doors to wealth," he accused, completely belligerent.

Lucas sighed, rubbing his chin tiredly. "There are gains and loses in every business, Mr Archibong. I apologise if this seems personal but CAPPEL isn't a great company without its monopoly. We will take you down if we need to and you've just made it easier for us with this deal."

Mr. Archibong realised he could lose all if he let his pride get in the way. He knew swimming with the big fishes like CAPPEL meant the risk of being eaten by one but he never envisioned a young man like Lucas doing it. But he also knew he was being treated like this because of his greed, and because he let that maniac that was devious and cunning lure him into these shady deals. He would not go down alone, he reasoned.

"Tell me what you want. I can prove my innocence in this. Donald proposed a partnership for our banana island project and I agreed. I did not steal any files," he rattled off instantly.

"You've done very good, Mr. Archibong, but we have a condition," Lucas nodded, sitting up in his chair. "We need to catch Donald red-handed and we need your help."

+++++++++++++++

Donald was anxious, and as he scanned the dimly lit bar waiting for his partner to show up did he admit to himself that he was apprehensive. The potbellied old man was late which was unlike him. Yes, he'd admit that choosing where to meet at the last hour in order to avoid suspicions had been a bit unconventional but being caught when everything was beginning to fall into place was damn near ludicrous. He would laugh and spit at himself if that ever happened.

He took a swig of his beer, willing patience into his bones. Nervously, he glanced around for familiar faces and seeing no one he knew, he calmed down, which was the main reason he had chosen this run down bar in the slums of Surulere. He pulled out the file he had hidden in his jacket and proceeded to peruse through.

He had to give credit to the man for being extra careful with his money, not that he blamed him. They had almost sent him to bankruptcy once. The damn documents were ironclad. He even added clauses that ensured getting money from extorting his wife, well ex-wife, was deemed quite hard. But not unattainable, mused Donald thinking that as he was now friends with her and the trust had tripled, it was only a matter of time before he attained all his goals. Hell, he might even call her tonight to hasten the process. The sooner, the better as they say. With that thought in mind, he dialed her number and waited.

She answered on the second ring, sounding all worried about him and going all friendly to inquire about his plan. And that was his cue to step in.

"I need your help now more than ever, Sara. I have the right information to help you have leverage over your ex-husband. Will you meet me now so I can tell you something you need to know?"

That got her curiosity. "What is it? What did you find out about Lucas?"

He smiled mischievously. "I can't tell you the details over the phone except you should know that Lucas has been hiding some legal technicalities from you. You own a part of his company shares that he didn't tell you about because the money from those shares will help you easily get back your son. But also because it saves him a lot of money for when he'll fight you for custody." That was not entirely true but it was sure to confuse her. Poor, naive woman, he mused.

"What are you saying, Donald?"

"Like I said, Sara. I can't tell you over the phone. It's something we need to talk about in person. I know why Lucas accepted so easily to let you meet your son. He's being nice now so later he can have the bullet to use against you when he sues for permanent custody of your son."

He heard an audible sigh on the other end of the line before ending the call. It was a thought provoking call that would send her running to come see him.

Of course, she had voiced her doubts concerning stealing those files from Lucas being the Miss Goody two shoes that she was. She didn't think it was a good idea, citing a similar incident as reason but he quickly convinced her to let him dig into Lucas first and see what they could use to defame him. Stealing confidential files were to be a last resort.

So he had gone snooping and had found the contract for the 200 million naira which he gave to Mr. Archibong. It was let for that fat toad to use it well. He had also found these files which he hoped would help him get some money out of her. The document made her a benefiaciary to a lot of money from CAPPEL holdings, something Lucas had obviously kept from her knowledge to protect her interest against future threats like him, perhaps. Too bad he found it and he had plans to use it effectively. Once Sara sees these documents, she'll demand for her share in his company as she was in need of the money, and he would be right by her side to help her invest it wisely. The thought almost had him chuckling out loud.

The waitress who had served him earlier returned and placed a bottle of cold beer in front of him on the table while smiling seductively. He smiled back but then it faltered when he realized he hadn't made another order.

"I didn't order this... "

She nodded. "The gentleman at the bar did," she affirmed, while pointing to the man clad in a charcoal black business suit sitting at the bar.

Donald sucked in a breath and his features visibly paled. What was that saying again, something about speak of the devil and he shall appear?

The billionaire himself was backing the door and facing him, smiling smugly as he gulped down his whiskey shot.

~~~~~~~~

"Speak ye of the devil and he shall appear." 😈😅

This is getting good, Donald's schemes since the beginning of this book is finally catching up to him. 👏👍

Do you think he can get out of this easily?

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