The Stallard's

He stood on the same stop as every monotonous day on the nameless street of Harlem. He was no longer an established tycoon with a brand name rather an ordinary, homeless vagabond who survived on the meagre earnings of the day through begging for alms. This tall, pale-skinned, frail man was often seen scavenging through the garbage bins. Who would have ever thought that Thyme Stallard was once a business tycoon who monopolized the Stallard Empire?

 

Once the name “Stallard” shone across the blue skyline on the tallest building in the city. Pioneered and founded by the late Seth Stallard, the company had escalated to the height of success and glory. Seth and Thyme had been working hand-in-hand to ensure the prolonging prosperity of their family business. Sibling rivalry was non-existent between them until the death of their mother, Stella Stallard.

 

Stella’s brother Hansen was an opportunist who had been eyeing the empire for a long time. He was waiting for the right moment to strike and stake a claim as the rightful heir. But he was no basic villain, he worked with honour and destruction. He started simple, like any ambitious businessman, manipulating Thyme into believing that he had Thymes’s best interests in mind. Thyme being gullible soon fell into the dark clutches of greed and animosity. 

 

“Dear Thyme, I have been thinking how much better you can do without poor little Seth. He drags down your ambition for the company. I think we could do fine just without him, don’t you?” said the mastermind, with his infamous trick of manipulation.

 

“No, I do not think so, he looks for the best in the company and we have worked for years together. Moreover, he is a partner in the shares, I can’t just get rid of him.” Replied Thyme takes the conversation as a mere joke.

 

“ Well, I beg to differ, my son. Recall upon yesterday, when he refused to sign the deal with the Frenchmen. And what was his explanation for that! I quote his exact words dear, ‘We will not be able to handle all the work’. Now now, is that something smart for a successful businessman to say. And I know this is not the correct thing to do, but when I asked him about the same he said he was sick of you. He is secretly working on another project and is trying to lower your business. He is waiting for the right time to leave you, Mark me. ” 

 

“ What, are you sure. I have done everything for him, we built this company together out of nothing but a few dollars. I always knew he was up to something but out of respect and honour, I never questioned it. If he wants to play dirty, I am ready. Mr Hasen are you ready to help me?” roared Thyme as anger burnt his entire body, making him glow red.

 

“ Meet me on the 15th of May at the roof of the Woolworth, which is opposite Seth’s lodging,” exclaim Masen with a menacing smile on his evil face. 

 

On the evening of the 15th of April, Thyme made his way up to the roof of the Woolworth building, to find Hasen eagerly awaiting him with a queer-looking device in his hands. 

“Ah, there you are. We have no time to waste. You see this button, It can end the life of the man who wants to ruin your dreams. Click it, that's all you need to do. I assure you that no one will know that we did it, there will be no evidence.” said Hasen in a haste.

Thyme closed his eyes, but no other thought could compete with the one that was longing for more, More business, More money, and his fury for the once partner who betrayed him prevailed. 

Without further thought, the button was pushed and there was a deafening explosion that rocked the street. Within minutes, the entire of Seth’s family perished by a bomb that exploded in their mansion. Thyme was overcome by selfishness and stabbed by avarice like a peach with a silver knife. He gloated in the excitement of his newfound victory. Little did he realize what was in store for him. 

 

The next day, He headed to the Stallard headquarters gleaming with a sinister smile. However, his joyful expression turned into that of horror when he was denied access to his own office. The security guards pinned him to the wall. Just then he caught a glimpse of his malicious uncle Hansen, chuckling away.

“Get off my property you vermin! Nothing here belongs to you! I am the sole heir now,” he said with a malevolent grin. Everything he had worked for had vanished in minutes. Moreover, he had no proof against the cruel act of his uncle.

 

20 years have passed since. The spear of fate had struck a vicious blow eliminating everything that once belonged to him. 

Now at 68, he lay on the rough pavement, waiting for the grim shadows of death to relieve him from his misery and remorse.