The Devil's Fate Read Free Page B

was no message from his answering service telling him his office was looking for him. He dialed Julia’s number again but it was the same reply as before. The church clock showed he was late for work. He was surprised to discover that he didn’t give a damn. He was busy wondering how the person he cared for most in his life could betray him like that. He spotted an internet café on the other side of the road and made straight for it. He decided that the office was a place to avoid that morning. He was a man with a mission. He sat at the bar, ordered a chocolate milk shake and asked if he could use a computer to access the web.
    “There you go. You can use number two. The password is 229958. It’s three dollars an hour.”
    Norman took out a ten dollar bill and laid it on the bar.
    “Thanks. Keep the change.”
    He went over to the computer, inserted the password and the most famous and powerful research engine in the world bade him welcome. He typed in the words he was looking for: “Instructions for Living – limited edition”. Numerous replies popped up and he scrolled quickly down until his eye was drawn to the one with the date of issue number 100. He clicked the mouse on the icon and the page opened. He began to read: ‘Shanghai, 22 nd January 2009. The Ryan A. O’Neal Corporation, owners of the rights to the most popular bestseller on earth, announce that no more than five hundred thousand copies will be printed and distributed throughout the world. Its enormous success proves that the manuscript is by far the most extraordinary means of communication ever created in the history of mankind. One single person has been able to glean the emotions of the whole of humanity and transform them into a message of hope and love...’
    Norman turned to co-related articles, and one in particular: ‘Seoul, 8 th October 2004. A murder disrupted the launch of the book that has sold more copies than any other over the last year. The chairman of the Korean publishing house was found dead at his home. The Police have stated that it may have been a crime of passion, probably committed by the victim’s mistress. Allegations that the chairman had financial problems and was involved in illegal money laundering for the Mafia have not yet been confirmed’.
    He clicked the mouse onto another article: ‘The largest publishing house in the world is bankrupt. Thanks to a political agreement, it will be taken over by the international, best-selling author, Mr. Ryan A. O’Neal’.
    “Fucking bastard! You’ve stolen my glory and my money!”
    His fury was outweighed by his desire to find more information. Norman searched for details of the company’s Hollywood office. The swiftness of the reply came as no surprise and as he got up and left the bar, he memorized the number on his mobile and called it.
    “Mr. O’Neal Corporation, good morning,” replied a friendly female voice.
    “Good morning. I’d like to speak to the President immediately!”
    “Mr. O’Neal is out of the office at the moment. Who is speaking, please?”
    “My name is Norman Lae. I insist on having his mobile number!”
    “I’m afraid I can’t give you that information. If you leave your number and your reason for calling, I’ll put you through to a consultant who can give you all the information and help you need.”
    “I don’t need any help! I only want to speak to the bastard who’s robbed me!”
    “Please moderate your language, sir, this call is being monitored. If you carry on like this, I’ll be forced to notify the authorities.”
    “I couldn’t give a shit about what you’ll be forced to do! Put me through to your boss right now!”
    From the dial tone in his ear, it was clear that threats would not obtain the intimidating effect desired. He hung up in annoyance and cursed the woman, comparing her with someone who changes her colors at will. He noticed people watching him with raised eyebrows, but he ignored their curious stares. The