The Change Effect

By Sean Novice, Jr

An ordinary billionaire full of ambition after having everything man can have. But it took just blink of an eye for everything to change for him and people around him. Some got opportunities to reach their are dreams and some took step of advantages to the situation. Change effect can come to anyone in different ways to be better or worse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean Novice, Jr
• Release date: Dec 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370839575

Sean Novice, Jr

I never thought i can become an author but when i wrote mu first book. I can and do anything i want.

Book preview

SEAN KHUMALO

THE CHANGE EFFECT

Published by Sean Khumalo at Smashwords

THE CHANGE EFFECT Copyright © 2016 Sean Khumalo

All rights reserved

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: Beginning

Chapter 2: Dark Dream

Chapter 3: Five Year Back

Chapter 4: Another Dark Dream

Chapter 5: Opening Up, But Alone

Chapter 6: Elizabeth

Chapter 7: Going Home

Chapter 8: Flash Back Again

Chapter 9: Spy

Chapter 10: Until We Meet Again

Chapter 11: Change

Chapter 12: Fear

Chapter 13: A Need

Chapter 14: Not Again

Chapter 15: Anger

Chapter 16: Emotional, Headache and Caught

Epilogue

Acknowledgment

About the Author

PROLOGUE

HE whistle as he drives his newly Porsche car on the edge of the hill, going to his mansion on the mountain. The wind blow his face, the roof top was down. He was on top of the world and would not have changed places with any man alive. As the gate of his mansion open he admired the house that he builds on top the mountain, he drive through the driveway to the ten car garage. He opens the car garage door and drive, and park the car. He had good taste in car; the garage filled with most expensive cars to date from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz, Mustang and the new Porsche he bought. When he looks at the cars brought a satisfaction on his face and smile.

He own computer Software Company and black, thirty five; single and billionaire. Most people know him as Mr. Billionaire than Jake Franklin Zulu. But mostly they know him by Jake Franklin, forgetting his surname.

It was his father who named the company after the American president Benjamin Franklin.

The house was quit and he knew that his house keeper Maria had gone home, he was alone, no one else. He went to the fridge and took out the dinner Maria made for him. He turns on the stereo and sits down on the table eating his dinner. He was a tall man, well built, his skin weathered by the wind on the hill. His grey eyes held more expression than his face, often betraying his feeling, though his words were rarely spoken them. After finishing his dinner, he washes the plate and went upstairs to his study.

On his study desk were papers all packed accordingly, a computer and picture that was framed of his parents that died years ago? He just sat there staring in space thinking. He has no one in his lives that he counts on or someone to hold his hand, the person who had done that left him years ago.

Maria unlocks the door for his employee house. She’s been working for Jake Franklin the billionaire or Mr. Billionaire as people label him for ten years before he became a billionaire, but she’s see him as Jake Franklin Zulu, the guy who doesn’t talk too much or braggart about his wealth. Maria, early fifties, few grey hairs and still looking good at her age.

She opens the door and got inside the house. Maria still remember ten years ago when she came to this house for the first time ask for a job. In those days she had problems that she can write a biography with her problem but Jake took time to listen to her and gave her the job instantly to take care of the house. She was overjoyed when she heard him say; she got the job, she jumped and hugs him, and thanks him.

Maria found Jake on the dining room table having breakfast and reading newspaper. It was his daily routine every morning.

Good morning, Jake. Maria said. On her first week of her employment, she was calling him Mr. Zulu but he said not to call him that because he felt old or Mr. Zulu was his father.

Morning, Maria.

Did you eat your dinner that I left? Maria asks.

Yes, I did. It was delicious and thanks. Jake replied.

You’re not going to work. Maria asks.

I was about to but I waited for you to arrive because I didn’t see you yesterday. Jake said.

I’ve to leave early yesterday for a check-up.

Are you sick? Jake asks.

No, I’m not. It’s just a check-up. Maria said.

You’ll tell me if something is wrong, right. He stood up from his chair and put his jacket on.

Yes, I will. Maria said.

Okay, bye. Jake said.

He took his briefcase and walk out from the house.

Franklin Inc. employees were going up and down making themselves busy because the boss had arrived. Jake was in his office talking to his personal assistance.

Lana, what’s for today? Jake asks.

Lana Davis, Jake’s assistance for two years; she was white, tall, blonde and beautiful. She pages through her dairy that she was holding looking for Jake’s meetings.

You have a meeting with Detox Software Company at twelve after that you can enjoy your day. Lana said.

Do you think its good idea to buy their company? Jake asks. She hesitates to talk. And give me an honest answer.

I saw their file their in trouble with finance, if we don’t rescue them they’ll file bankruptcy sooner than later. To answer your question; we should buy them and they’ll fall under our wing. Lana said.

He always asks for a second opinion when it comes on making big decisions like this one of buying Detox software.

You’re right they need to be rescued. Detox software’s ours. Jake said. Thanks for your opinion. That will be all, and call Jerry to come here. She nodded and walks out from Jake’s office.

He was climbing another lender to the software game, he smile to himself for another success. He hoped that Detox software will accept his help, if they don’t they’ll go down like standing on quick sand.

The door of his office open and Jerry peeks inside. Can I come in Jerry said.

You’re already in, just come inside. Jake said. Jerry come inside and closes the door behind him. He pulls out a chair and sits down, he tall man.

What’s up? Jerry said.

I want to let you know that we going to purchase Detox software. Jake said.

Jerry was shocked when heard he the news.

What? Are you nuts? Jerry shocked.

The company is going on the verge of bankruptcy and you want to buy it. That will be wrong move to do. Jake was shock on Jerry’s reaction.

I thought you’ll be happy about this take over. Jake said.

I’m not saying that. I think it’s a bad move to do that at this moment. Did you see their financial report last quarter? It’s down by twenty percent. Jerry said.

I saw their financial report but if we buy the company and upgrade their software. Now they’ll be under us and monitoring them every step of the way. What will happen? Jake said. He was trying to convince Jerry that was good move to buy the company before someone did.

We’re going to lose more money if we try to pick them up from their feet and for them to able to walk again. Jerry said.

Will you stop worrying? We’re not going to lose money, we going to make money from the takeover. Look at the small companies we bought over the years, now their making money for us and this one will do the same thing. Jake said.

I disagree but let’s give a shot. Jerry said. Jake was not sure what’s going with Jerry, he never reacted this way before. He’ll be the one happy by taking some body’s company.

Now I’m happy that we’re in the same page. We’ll be meeting them at twelve today. Jake said.

What are the plans for this company? Jerry asks.

I’ll tell you, when we clinch the deal. I have big plans with the company. You’ll see. Jake said. Now that Jerry was at his corner not the opposite sides like early, he was happy. Jake never shows emotions towards people, he just smile to them or shake their hands. Many people think that he’s emotionless but he has them, he just prefers to be like that.

I’ll see you at twelve. Jerry said.

Okay. Jerry pushes the chair back and walks out from the office.

Two executive personnel from Detox software were seated on the board room; Jerry and Jake walks in the boardroom.

Sorry for making you wait. Jake said.

We just arrived. Why are we here? One the executive said and his name Sean. Jake takes a seat next to Jerry.

I want to buy your company, He didn’t want to beat around the bushes but say it straight forward to them. The two look each other. I know that your company is on the verge of being bankrupt any time, so I want to help you not to go down like that. Jake said.

Who told you we’re selling? the other executive Sam asks.

I’ve done my research. You know that I’m the only one who can help you. Jake said.

Don’t be so sure about that. Sean said. Jake look at Jerry with a question look but he just shrug his shoulders.

What are you talking about? I’m the only one I know about your company being broke. Jake’s tone was going higher.

Only saying maybe you’re not the only one interested in this buyout. Sean said.

The offer that I’ll give you, other companies will not dare give you. Jake said. Sean glances at Jerry, who was quite on the seat.

How much are you talking about? Sean asks.

Reasonable price, Jake said. And your company doesn’t wealth more than it uses to be before. The two gentlemen look at each for moment.

I know that our company is not doing great at this moment but if I want to accept you proposal Jake, how much will you pay us? Sean said.

And, how are about our employees, how about them? Sam said.

I’m not going to fire your employees, I need them. To your answer Sean; I think ninety percent of your company worth will be fine and on top of that I’ll be paying your debts that your company owes. I know that you can’t afford to pay all the debts owe by yourself. Jake said.

That’s understandable. Okay Jake, you have a deal. Sean said. He stood up from his chair and Jake did the same thing, they shook hands like gentlemen.

To new beginning Sean and; may I say, your company will back on its feet again. Jake said.

It’s fine with you, if we discuss the transaction tomorrow our lawyer is out of town but he’ll be back tomorrow. Sean said.

Tomorrow it’s fine with me. As long we sign the dotted line together. Jake said, and he chuckle. Jerry still sat down with thoughts running. The two executive personnel walks out from the boardroom leaving Jake and Jerry behind, and Jake look at Jerry who was quit.

What’s bothering you, and don’t tell me it’s nothing? Jake said. Jerry stood up and composes himself.

It’s nothing for you to worry about, I’m happy that we go the deal. Jerry said. Jake can feel it that Jerry was hiding something from him but Jake decided to brush it away not to pressure him.

Okay, if you say so! We should celebrate tonight.

I don’t feel like celebrating but I’ll be there.

Okay, I’ll see you there. Jake said. He walk out, and Jerry breath out a relieve breath that he was holding for long time.

Jake was busy on his computer and suddenly he felt tied. He leans back from the leather chair and close his eye for moment to relax. He fell to sleep the moment he close his eyes.

Lana had been knocking at the door of Jake but no one was answering. She opens the door slowly and peek her head in, and she saw Jake slept on his chair. She was debating to herself to wake him up or not. She decided to wake him up, she walk in and close the door slowly not to make a noise and walk to him.

Jake, wake up. She shook him on the shoulder but he did move. Jake… Jake. Wake up! She said again. Jake opens his eyes slowly and fined Lana looking at him.

What happen? Jake said.

I think you fallen to sleep. She move away from him and stand in front of his desk.

I close my eyes for moment maybe I fallen to sleep. What time it is? Jake asks. Lana glances at her watch.

It’s four o’clock. Lana said. She can see that her boss was tied.

It means I over slept for two hours.

You should go home and get some rest. And when I say get some rest, I mean to sleep from six to seven in the morning, not to work when you get home. Lana said.

You know that it will not happen but I’ll try. He laughs on what he said.

Don’t try just doing it and I’ll call Maria later to check on you. Lana said.

Okay mum, I’ll do it. Why you came here? Jake said.

I wanted you to sign those files, she pointed them on the table. Did we get the Detox software? Lana asks. Jake sign the files each page.

You know me. We got it; I’ll be signing the papers tomorrow it will be ours. But something was happening during the talks. Jake said. He signs the final paper on the file.

Like what? Lana asks.

Jerry was opposing the take over from the beginning and still now he does oppose it. I don’t know why. He was quit during the talk with Sean the executive of the company. I’ve this feeling that he’s hiding something but he’s not telling me. Jake said. Do you know what it is?

I don’t know what it is. Why he’s opposing the deal? Lana was curious on Jerry opposing the deal. It was not making sense to her.

He said, we’re making a mistake by buying the company and will lose money on top of it. Jake said. If Jerry was hiding something from him, what is he hiding?

I saw the file myself, we’re not making mistake by buying the company. They went to bankruptcy because of their over spending and over paying their executive bonuses. Lana said. Jake always wonders why Lana had become assistance.

Why did you became assistance because you know everything about the company file and their over spending to their executives? He had to ask her.

I learn from the best. Lana reply.

Who? I hope it’s not me. Jake said.

Yes, it’s you. Since I came to work for you; you don’t do anything without looking at it and research it in depth. So every file that come here, I took the opportunity to read through and understand it from page one to the end. Lana said. She talks in confidence, that’s why he hired her for that reason only, confidence. If you believe and have a huge confidence to yourself, you can do anything.

We’ll need to do something with your position. You don’t belong on that desk, answering phones. Jake said.

She doesn’t belong behind that desk.

I’m fine with my position, Jake. Lana said.

What do you see yourself in five years? Jake asks. She was hesitating to speak but she talked.

Behind that desk! She didn’t want to beat around the bushes but to say it straight and pointed on my desk.

We going to do something about that, He thought of something that she can do and an idea come. You’re going to go six month mentor-ship with our country finest business school. Jake said.

I don’t like to see talent go to waste.

I don’t have money to do that. She was looking down her fingers not looking at him. It was the first time Jake saw her doing that.

That’s the first time I saw you doing that, looking down on your fingers since you work for me, She compose herself and look at me. That’s better and you’re going to school. The company will sponsor you and cover everything. But first you need to find me assistance and you know what I’m looking for in assistance. Jake said.

Now she was smiling and happy.

I don’t know what to say. Thank you. Lana said. He thought she was about to cry her happy tears but she hold them back. He stood up from my chair.

You said you want to see yourself behind that desk. Now it’s your opportunity to do that. Take a seat and feel the hot seat. Jake said. He move away go behind the desk. She walks slowly and stood in from the chair hesitating to seat.

It doesn’t feel right. Lana said.

Lana, don’t make me do it. Jake said used his command voice. After she heard that, she sat on the leathery chair. How does it feel? Jake asks.

I think I’m dreaming. She put her hands on the desk admiring it while closed her eyes. It feels good to seat on this chair, I never thought I’ll do that. Lana said.

That’s the hot seat, remember that. Everyone from the building is looking up to you not drive the company down or not them to lose their jobs. Jake said.

It’s not that scary, for three hundred people looking up to you. Lana asks

Not really if you have the confidence that you can do it. You’re the captain of the ship nothing goes wrong. Jake said.

I took my jacket from the pole Hangar next to the door and wear it. I look at Lana enjoying my pride rock. At the end of the week I want my new assistance reporting for duty and you’ve to go register on the course on Monday. I used my office voice so she can listen to me.

Thank you, Jake. I’ll not let you down. Lana said.

It’s not about me but you. You should say I’ll not let myself down. Jake said.

Okay, I’ll not let myself down. She chuckle after that. You’ll have your new assistance at the end of the week. Lana said.

And?

And I’ll go and register myself on the business school. Lana said.

I’ll see you tomorrow. Can you do me a favour? Jake asks.

Yes.

Get off my seat, it’s still mine. He said chuckle to himself when he said that. Jake turns and walks out from the office. He can hear her laughing in the office.

Lana was happy that she got the opportunity to fulfil her dream to be a business woman and she told herself not to let down Jake down. She’ll make sure she passes the mentor-ship.

Jake knew that him and Lana some unfinished business concerning both of them and he made sure the past years to control the issue. They have something you can call it special and if he had not told her to wait for moment. He will be married and father to his kids but he choose another path. He knew that he had hurt Lana feelings but it was not meant to be like that. He still likes her very much.

He chuckle on that thought.

Driving the new Porsche that he bought, going home and the wind was blowing on his face with the open sun roof. A four way stop coming up ahead and he slow down for the traffic light to turn green; Jake didn’t want to stop that’s why he slow down the speed.

He can see a woman crossing the road and followed by a girl behind. The traffic light turns green and he was close to the traffic light but the girl dropped something that’s look like a doll, she turn around and crouches down to picks it up. Jake hint the break, now he was on the middle of the four ways stop and when she heard breaks sound she panicked and look at me straight on the eyes but something was familiar with her or version of someone he know that is old.

The woman turns and screams calling her name. The girl was frozen on the middle of the road and she turns her head to look at Jake left side, her eye widen in horror. He follows her eyes but it was too late.

Bang!

It happens so quickly that if he had moved forward, he will have hit the girl who’s frozen on the middle of the road and kill her. He can hear the woman and the little girl screaming but their sounds were fading away little by little. That was the last sound Jake heard of the woman and the girl screaming.

And then there was only darkness.

CHAPTER 1

BEGINNING

When you make a decision in life, you must make sure that you make the correct one and not to regret it later. Everything changes all the time including life. Grace looks at herself on a full length mirror on her bedroom. She was thirty, raising a six year old girl and single. Her features were still perfectly like five years ago from black long hair, black eyebrows and her heart shape face. She was still beautiful. For her life changed the moment she made a decision that cost her everything to fall apart. Most of her friends are gone without a trace and some are not talking to her.

Someone told her that; if you put your friend first and yourself second you’ll fall badly and they’ll run away from you because you’re on the ground. The friends she called fake friends; they’ll bail you out from jail and tell you what you did was wrong but there so called real friends; they’ll be sitting next to you saying damn we fucked up but the shit was fun.

Her fake friend told her not to listen to the real friends because they’ll ruin her life but she didn’t hear them. She said to them; you’re jealous, she has real friends that care about her, a boyfriend that love her and what you all have. Nothing! That was then but today she can’t even say those words that she mention because now she alone. Grace lost everything and including the boyfriend that loved her.

She moves away from the mirror to her closet and open it. She pulls out a shoe box that was hidden behind her clothes and took it. She walks and sat down on her bed. She hesitated to open the box because it contains some painful memories. A tear drops on top of the box. Painful cry!

Grace open box, content of photo’s inside, of a men and her in happy time from vacation she took with him; and some hand written letters and birthday cards. She took one of the men photo and look at it; he was dressed in a business suit and a smile on his face. A thought comes to her mind. If she should have not listened to her fake friends suggestion to leave him and because she was still young at the age of twenty five, she’ll been standing next to him today raising a family and married too.

She still remembers that fateful day that she made a decision to leave him and join the young life but it didn’t happen as she planned. She shook her head quickly not to dwell on the past memories. Grace put the picture on the box and close, she put it back from the closet behind her clothes. A sound of a door being opened and close in her apartment, and some voices of two people talking to each other come through to her bedroom.

She walk out from the bedroom to the two voices are. The two voices were in the living room sitting on the couch. Grace walk in to them.

Guys, what took you so long? Grace said.

Elizabeth and Celine walk in. Elizabeth run to Grace crying and she hug her leg because she was shorter. Why’s she crying, mom? What happen?

She almost got hit by a car. Celine said.

What? She crouches down to be level with her daughter and gave hug. Are you okay, honey? Elizabeth nodded her head but tears were still running on her cheeks. Mom, what happen? Grace asks.

Elizabeth was following me behind and she drops her doll in the middle of the road and the car stop right in front of her. Celine said.

Why would you leave her behind? Grace was furious with her mother to leave her daughter behind.

I didn’t do it on purpose, Grace. Celine said. I thought she was behind me. It doesn’t justify what happen.

The man got hit by a truck in front of me. He avoided hitting me but he got hit. Elizabeth said. She was murmuring on Grace’s ear.

Everything is going to be fine. She insured her. Grace pull back from the hug and wipe the tears on her face. Don’t cry anymore. She nodded her head.

He saved my life, mommy. Elizabeth said. Indeed he saved my daughter’s life.

I know… I know. Go watch TV; I’ll make you a lunch. She nodded and walks out. The moment she disappears from to the living room.

Mom, can we talk. Grace said. They went to the kitchen.

Is the man dead? Grace asks.

No, he’s not dead. He was lifted by helicopter to hospital. Mom replies.

How do you know is not dead?

Because I asked the paramedics and they said he’s in consciousness. And I think he’s one those rich people,

Do you know him? Grace asks.

I didn’t get a chance to look at him properly but he looked familiar. He was covered with blood on his head, and you know that I don’t like blood. It scares me. She didn’t get why her mom always scared of blood. When she see blood she’ll freaks out.

I hope he is not dead. And she must not know if he dies. Grace said. She didn’t want her daughter be traumatizing further more.

Sure. Mom said. She prepare the lunch she promise Elizabeth.

At this moment she should been grieving for her daughter death. That made her heart to sink to her stomach. What will she do without my Elizabeth?

*****

Eve Jacobs, she’s been fond with dogs since the day she was born fifty years ago. She’s been running a Guide Dog Centre for thirty years since her parent left to her as a pet shop but she turns it around to be a Guide Dog Centre for the blind. She has a degree in veterinary science and head trainer at the Guide Dog Centre.

She’s one of rare people who dedicate their life training dog as a passion. She’s been an associate with Roger Dog Breeders because they breed good dogs. She takes the dogs from them and trains them as guide dog. Most blind people come to her to be trained on how to communicate with a guide dog.

The puppies had arrived, Eve. Lucia said. She peeks at the office door, and Eve was busy on the computer. She took off her eyes from the computer and look at Lucia at the door.

Come in, how many? Lucia come inside and closes the door behind.

Five of them and the pups are gorgeous. Lucia one of Eve employee who loves dogs so much. Since she graduated from university she went straight to work for Eve. If Eve’s not in the center she takes charge for everything. You know that Roger deliver the best puppies for us.

He is been pleading to go out with you for a while now. Roger has been asking Lucia out every chance he gets. She blushes. Where’s he by the way? Eve said.

He outside with the puppies and said he’ll come and see you. Lucia said. In that moment someone knock at the door. That will be him. She opens the door for Roger to come in. Roger come in and smile for Lucia.

Good afternoon, ladies. Roger said.

Afternoon, Roger. Eve said. Lucia said you bring other healthy puppies. She was playing with him.

You know me, I love healthy puppies. He look at Lucia.

"I think I should go and leave you too