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The morning address saw Mr Dumebi introduce her as the new manager of the sales department. The people gave her a resounding applause to which she gave a hearty smile and a wave as a response. He also introduced Curtis as a friend to their late employee. He also made it clear to everyone that he was a sibling to their new manager. Tasmine was forced to smile but she was boiling with rage within her. The address ended with Mr Dumebi informing them that a review was in the works and that those who weren’t performing up to expectation had a short time to buckle up.

Tasmine found it difficult piecing herself together. Mr Dumebi hadn’t mentioned what Curtis was there to do. She hoped it was just a casual visitation. *Why would he even allow a non-employee to be present at a briefing?* She wondered if that was the way business was done in Nigeria as she had not worked here before. She was a shadow of her usual self as one after another employee came to submit reports. She didn’t want to come off as the boss who was sadistic but she couldn’t just help carrying a gloomy expression. 
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The lunch break did well to calm her nerves. She did what she was supposed to have done earlier in the morning which was summoning all the workers in her department for a brief introduction. She apologized that she wasn’t feeling too well in the morning and they all seemed to accept her. At least they pretended to. One name seemed to strike her though. It was like she had heard it mentioned before. *Enechie Desmond*.  It was a name she came across not too long ago. She made up her mind she was going to go through his file very critically. She told them she was ready to work with them and that they should give her the same reception they gave her father. She noticed Desmond squirm but pretended not to notice. He was behind and so thought she hadn’t seen him but she had actually been watching for his reaction. She wondered if she had actually used the right words. *Did they actually work well with her father?* 

She dismissed them hurriedly and went back to her office. She quickly went through the file cabinet and filtered out Desmond’s. She went through his profile. He was quite good and had graduated from one of the best universities in the country with top grades. He was also good with his work. He had been working with the company for four years and had been promoted once. She still couldn’t place her mind on why his name had stood out in the introduction but she knew it had to mean something. She kept the file aside and as a call came through from Mrs Dorcas. She wanted her in her office.

Tasmine found her way to the office and met the ever cheerful lady. She offered Tasmine a seat which she took. Mrs Dorcas asked her how her first day had been and she told her it had been good. 
“Your father was until his death an asset to our company. Many of the existing deals we have are the result of his effort.”  Tasmine let out a weak smile. She had no doubt about her father’s capabilities when it came to making people do what he wished. She wondered though why he hadn’t been able to charm his way out of the problems that faced him. *Well, not every problem comes with the chance to impress.*

She contemplated asking Mrs Dorcas if her dad had had issues with any member of staff but she didn’t quite know at the moment if Mrs Dorcas was as trustworthy as she seemed. She would have to give it time.

Mrs Dorcas filled her in on the requirements of the job; the people she had to check up on, the deals that they were expecting, contracts to be fought for and all. She was overwhelmed when she got back from work but it wasn’t anything she wasn’t used to. She met her mother frying *dodo* when she returned.

“Good afternoon mummy.”
“Good afternoon Tassy. How was your first day at work?”
“Well, it wasn’t all that bad! It was as I expected.” Her mum gave her a worried look but she quickly brushed it off. She took a slice from the saucer containing the already fried plantain and tossed it in her mouth.
“Remember your manners Tas. Your hands may be filled with germs.”
“Alright, mum. I’m going upstairs now to refresh myself. I’m coming right back down.” She turned to pick her bag that she had slid to the floor at the doorway. She had begun taking the stairs when she remembered Curtis.
“Is Curtis in mom?”
Her mother didn’t reply immediately. She turned back and slowly came down the stairs. She got back to the kitchen.
“Where’s Curtis mom?” The look on Mrs Taribo’s face was that of sadness. “He’s moved out with Cherry to his own apartment!”
Tasmine didn’t know what to say. She just stared at her mom. When she gained herself, she moved to her mom’s side slowly. “Did he say why?”
“Yes, he said Cherry wasn’t comfortable staying here with us.”
Tasmine heaved her hand in silent protest. This definitely wasn’t the Cherry she met and had taken as a best friend.
<hr>
<b>-to be continued-</b>

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@penauthor is a proud member of the Euronation community headed by @eurogee. 
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