The Prodigal Passenger

It wasn’t a cloudy day as such but at the same time you would expect the sun to freely shine through blue skies during the month of March but when I got down from the cab at Heathrow International Airport, a few cirrus clouds was covering the sun. The customary check-in procedure along with immigration and security check took me less than 45 minutes and I was soon seated at gate B-25 ready to board BA-0123 to Port Louis, Mauritius. With more than an hour left to board the Jumbo Jet, I strolled to Café Nero and stood in the queue wondering why none of my business trips so far had ever been to islands.

“One white Mocha, please,” I said to the blond cashier with green eyes and I handed in my Bank one visa card.

“Sorry sir, we accept only cash.”

While my both hands were busy trying to extract some change a third hand reached beyond me to the cashier with a 10 Euro bill and a voice boomed.

“Make it two please, and medium.”

I turned back to notice a trim nattily dressed, pleasant faced, red-mustached, and dark-haired gentleman whose receding hairline was barely noticeable under his Wilton black felt hat. I guessed his age somewhere in the late forties. When our eyes finally met, he gave me a broad smile and shook hands introducing himself as Charlie.

“I watched you at the gate and presume you’re traveling to Port Louis Mauritius which is where I am headed to Mr.?” His voice trailed momentarily indicating it was my turn.

I introduced and thanked him for the coffee and proposed we smoke a cigarette. He accepted and we strolled towards the smoking room where my new acquaintance opened what seemed like an antique cigarette casket and displayed an eclectic collection of branded cigarettes. I thanked him but politely refused and chose Dunhill lights from my pocket when he deftly clicked on his fancy gold-plated lighter and lit mine.

I exhaled and spoke, “So Charlie, what do you do?”

It wasn’t hard for me to guess that he was from an affluent background but at the same time I tried to figure if he was a businessman, politician, or a person with inherited ancestral fortune. He certainly didn’t appear like those lawyers or business degree holders who climbed their way to success sweating 100 hours a week. I frankly admit one of my bad habits is to envy the rich and money I feel is of paramount importance for one’s well-defined existence. Arguably, less than 5 % get rich and often you find the wise saying happiness lies in contentment but I disputed such an attitude and believed contentment breeds inaction and tedium. Eventually I was proud that it was such wise thinking that made me labor into getting a Business degree.

Charlie handed me his business card and indeed, he was a successful leather businessman, after all who hadn’t heard of the Stapletons. I presumed Ronald Stapleton was his father who made the company famous worldwide after his grandfather Graham founded the company on the garage of an old shoe factory in Sussex. I decided to use this fortuitous opportunity to glean as much as possible to the path to perfection – setting up a successful firm.

“I guess I am really privileged to be in your company today,” I spoke in open admiration. He doffed his hat and bowed back. “Are you by any chance Ronald Stapleton’s son?” I enquired.

“No actually he is my uncle. His sons and I along with a few other cousins are the ones who now run the company.”

“Seems like a busy day at Heathrow, as you can see quite a few transit passengers relieving themselves in the smoking lounge.”

“It is getting really hot in here, so why don’t we go and find a couple seats. Perhaps I could use your company.”

“Under normal circumstance, I would expect you to ask me to bugger off. Nevertheless, why would you fly economy?”

“Well, the day before I was overpowered by the thought of being beside the sea – swimming, fishing, jet skiing, or whatever one could possibly do there. I peered at the Atlas and spending a week in the blue waters of Mauritius didn’t seem like a bad idea. I realize from experience that satisfying such whims sometimes gives you longer peace. However though, I am ashamed to add that my secretary couldn’t assert the Stapleton influence in purchasing a business class ticket, let alone first class. Well, it is my observation that rarely when I fly economy, I bump into men who think different from the way I do and it is interesting that a strong sense of camaraderie develops. Strangely, I end up bestowing favors upon them, due to my esteemed occupation, and in that process I feel proud of my philanthropy.”

Once aboard, before I could stow away my hand luggage and take a seat Charlie had already charmed the young airhostess with purple eyelashes and had ensured himself a second round of complementary martini for later that night, not that such freebies mattered to him anymore than coupons to me for ordering pizzas – I never used them and they went straight to trash. Seated on 22B I was fiddling with the handset as it wouldn’t come off the plastic bag when a young dark-skinned kid, an African I presumed, with thick lips and a haircut similar to a Cameroon soccer player paused beside our row and we had to get up so that he could take the window seat.

I started, “Charlie, what is the nature of your business? Well, I am aware from the fame Stapletons hold that you trade with leather, but are you in the tanning industry or do you use leather to make processed goods like wallets and briefcases?”

“Oh! Actually both. Initially while the company was founded, we used to be Tanners. If you aren’t aware, tanning is procedure by which we process the raw hide we get from animals including cattle to remove hair and grime and add chemicals to form what is known as leather. The process is fairly complex and dates back to the dawn of the civilizations. As we began smelling success, my uncle desired to expand the business by incorporating certain finished or processed goods as you had remarked and started making shoes. Ironically, he bought the shoe factory that had leased out its garage to my grandfather who started this business.”

“What about you? You haven’t told me about what you do.”

“Well, I am actually the marketing manager for Precision Invasion, a biosensor start-up firm that makes a range of microfluidic devices that interface anywhere from orifices that are an inch wide in diameter to invisible micron skin pores into which we can infuse fluids through non-invasive schemes. Of course, active research is going on for development of interfaces at the cellular-level. And as you can see, you have a potential for huge commercial success in this realm”

He chuckled, “And I thought you said you were the marketing manager for what did you say? Precision Invasion? Boy! You do seem to have a technical background.”

“Well! I know the field is promising and it is my desire that someday I have my own firm, which is why I put a lot of effort in learning the technicalities and hey! You know, perhaps my grandson will reap the rewards like Charlie Stapleton,” I said smiling.

He quickly countered “Now, you’re making a mistake by thinking I am the son of a king who has money to squander at will. On the contrary, I wish I had inherited enough to retire in Maine and do fishing. Business by no way is easy as you’re probably aware being an expert in market trends and worse, how the behavior of our economy is more unpredictable than our English weather. Anyhow, so what finds you on a plane to Mauritius? Are you on vacation?”

I sighed, “On the contrary, a government agency in Port Louis has expressed desire to use our technology to study and understand the stings of Jelly fish. Of course, the information is classified and I can’t divulge more - I apologize. Anyhow, that doesn’t stop me from taking a break and go on a cruise or fish or bask in shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. Perhaps, I’ll visit the island of cloves – Madagascar.”

There was a momentary lull in our conversation and I realized the Boeing was airborne already and glancing through the window I discerned what looked like a trickle was actually river Thames. I was glad that our conversation happened over the previous few minutes as it acted as an anesthetic in making me forget to witness the plane take-off – during which I usually get dizzy and sick- and I was spared the ordeal of listening yet again to those safety announcements, knowing well my chances of dying in a car crash was much higher. No one advises me on taking precautions in the streets.

When the food cart swung by, we were ready to quench ourselves when Charlie chose Bloody Mary and I Martini. I was surprised to notice the kid onto my right ask a beer. The flight attended asked for his driver’s license and I found out he was 22. It didn’t take long to learn that the kid was doing a course in Tourism at the Essex University, Colchester United Kingdom and was returning home for a brief vacation. Charlie leaned across and shook hands with the kid. The kid introduced himself as Ahmed and spoke in clear and understandable English that had a pronounced French accent.

I have a way of reading people’s faces and over the years it grew to be a past time. Charlie was too quick to introduce himself and I felt slighted as he didn’t give me enough opportunity to understand him, especially his loquaciousness – it became apparent within 5 minutes of our first conversation. Of course, gauging his dressing style, one can easily predict his richness, vanity, and arrogance. On the other hand, Ahmed’s dour expression somehow implied that he led a tough life - poverty, hardship, misery, and deprivation. Of course, first, I must be honest in admitting that I came to this conclusion from the way he was eying Charlie. Secondly, he was from Africa and going by its indigent standards it was highly probable his family was in penury. Nonetheless, studying his grave countenance on the other hand I figured he was a very obedient kid and would lead his family out of misery some day.

I returned to Charlie and asked, “So, where all do you have offices? I presume world wide?”

“Right now, most of our tanning industries lay in England centered in London. While our traditional approach involved the use of natural skins, it is now slowly shifting to synthetic leather processed from resin, polyamides and other chemicals. But we have marketing offices in Moscow, Rome, and most big cities in Europe and of course in the Americas. We are slowly expanding into Asia – Singapore and Malaysia. Hey, it was my idea that we switch to synthetic leather. My cousins were envious when I proved the change worked successful.”

I was surprised to learn that they processed leather from kangaroos and ostrich too. Soon, he ranted on synthetic and natural leather and lectured me on ways of purifying them on tanneries. It was getting really boring and I tried piercing my concentration through his inanities to try and pick what is essential for aspiring business candidates. Nonetheless, the martini was least useful in helping me get through the harangue.

“Do you enjoy the luxurious life Charlie that we mortals don’t get to experience,” I asked immediately realizing that it was a rhetorical question.

“Money is power man, you will never understand the influence I can exert to achieve my likes in this world. Because I have offices all over the world, I have been to all the major continents, enjoyed their different cuisines, and experienced their different cultures. The people in third world countries treat you like demigods and literally worship you. Perhaps UK is not the place to enjoy the riches. Often you get invited to parties where you get a chance to meet celebrities.”

“Anybody in particular?” I asked stifling a yawn.

“Hugh Grant. I’ve known him pretty well. I know the queen personally and have met Prince Charles. I get free executive passes to view the Wimbledon every year or watch cricket at the Lords. Sadly the English cricket team ought to be revamped,” he said and sighed.

He paused and continued, “Well, to be honest, I hate to admit that I am not as opulent as you think I am. Even though Stapleton Associates is a public firm and our shares hold a good price in the market, there are billion dollar industries, especially many semiconductor and pharmaceutical firms. Even the car industries make huge money. In terms of contentment or rather do I get a chance to enjoy the riches? Not really I am far from it. I like challenges and there is a burning desire to expand the empire my grandfather built that uncle brought to fame.”

“Are there any tips you would like to offer me for establishing a sound business firm?”

“Son, be on all ears. Technology evolves and market changes. I learn a lot watching people, especially the Japanese. It can be very insightful. They consider business like wars and don’t expect any immediate results. Further, the ability to motivate oneself constantly and adapt to changing environment is the name of the game. Not that you aren’t aware of what I said.” He said and patted my back.

I could see that the Bloody Mary was being effective. The next half hour he told me different tales and anecdotes of situations he encountered in his travels, which he thought was funny, which I tried to listen graciously, of course most of which I felt were embellished and egotistic. His passions and desires were countless and I felt like a recluse upon hearing them. He extolled some of his best-laid plans, which he considered, “intelligent business decisions,” and how he was instrumental for increasing the turnover by more than twice during the year 2000. I began wondering if he was just all say and if it were his brothers or cousins who were the smart perspicacious ones.

I asked, “Did you ever have to employ devious schemes under any crunch situations? In others words cheat a little?”

Well, “You can’t expect to probity and morals to guide you into successful business. Even a street peddler can tell you that. A righteous businessman is an oxymoron but nonetheless tell me one human who is upright these days? All government officials in third world countries are venal and corrupt. Unfortunately, a fraction of our profits get swallowed by them, but hey! In the end I am happy. Politics is power man. It is far better to be in power in a third world country than a successful businessman in the west. Some of the benefits the people who rule them enjoy are indescribable. You ask me if I felt powerful. I hate to say no. Politics is power. They rule us – in the literal sense.”

He paused and continued, “While we complain our politicians as corrupt and dishonest, they don’t quite enjoy the power as the ones in other countries. Look at countries ruled by dictators, Cuba, Uganda. Those men were the most powerful and influential and knew to enjoy the riches. What happened in Rwanda? The U.N could do nothing. The king of Swaziland is about to marry his nth wife who is already pregnant.”

He gave a few more nonsensical analysis of what power meant to him and I was spared when we were served dinner. While I twirled my fork on the spaghetti, I partly agreed his views on dictators and politicians as they held the power. Why did I never think of this before? Perhaps only when one gets rich does one realize he still has more to climb, I felt.

Ahmed was patiently listening to our conversation and taking a break from Charlie, I asked him,

“So Ahmed, what triggered you to study in Europe and where do you live, in Essex? Do you have a scholarship?” I asked wondering how the poor kid supported himself in England.

“Actually, I live with my uncle. He is my brother’s dad and immigrated to England in the 60s and ever since lived there and my dad desired I study in England,” he answered with clarity. That explains how the kid could afford having originated in Mauritius.

“What interested you in tourism?” I questioned.

Ahmed said, “As you’re probably aware, tourism industry in Mauritius is very rewarding and I can make enough money as a tour guide which is enough for one to lead a very good life. The islands are a paradise and I could take you to lots of fantastic places invisible to other tourists. I can guide the catamaran quite well as I have been doing so since I was a child”

Charlie replied, “Well actually I am on vacation now. I visit Mauritius every other year and I love coming here over and over. In most part, I love the food; especially the biryani, native pork, and smoked Marlin. In most part, I just laze around in the beach and enjoy the climate and women. Hey, perhaps you can take me somewhere and show me places. Sometimes, from experience, I conclude knowing the guide beforehand benefits both the guide and the visitor,” he said and winked.

Ahmed’s in for some good money I thought feeling good for the kid.

Ahmed asked Charlie, “I guess I can show you around Mauritius. What would you like to see? I am sure catamaran cruises will be desirable to you and I know a lot of fantastic places regular tourists don’t get to see. You can also see Ile-aux-Cerfs and Gabriel islands. Of course we can also fish and do a variety of other activities.”

The conversation shifted and I asked, “Well Ahmed, do you like your courses?”

“Actually, I don’t quite like studying and I prefer playing soccer, as that is what I am best at. Africa has a lot of good countries that breed world famous soccer players. I was the best in my school but I failed to get a scholarship in college. My father said I must study something as education completes and gives shape to man. I can keep playing forever but I fear the wrath of my father and therefore decided to take up and studying tourism.”

I could recall a number of countries on the West African coast that qualified to world cup soccer finals including Cameroon and Nigeria. Wow! Playing for your country is something I thought.

I said, “What your dad says is correct, a good education is necessary for you to get a good job and you may not understand now but later in future it will certainly help you maintain your family and give you a good life.” And I ranted until I ate the poor guy’s head off. Another sentence and he would have perhaps broken open the window, jumped, and killed himself. I concluded my diatribe by telling him he must complete his degree and sow his seeds now for a bright future and also pointed to Charlie and told him how successful and a world famous businessman Charlie was.

Three of us had a good conversation during dinner and after that I closed my eyes and ruminated on the same question that kept haunting me for a long time - what determines a man’s destiny, was it providence or effort? On one hand you had rich schmucks, perhaps ruthless ones, like Charlie whom I couldn’t envision suffering. Well, if it at all he did then it was self-inflicted. He didn’t need to work at all and even if he did he could as a hobby and not in the form of some grueling drudgery. On the other hand, Ahmed, my heart went out to him. He had sacrificed living with his parents so that he could go to Europe and get a college degree and return to take care of them. His girlfriend probably misses him the most while Charlie I was sure had a mistress in every city he visited. I felt proud of giving him some pep talk even if it were privy. Sometimes you’re better off listening to strangers than near and dear ones.

I was asleep when the plane landed and despite clearing customs and immigration I was still drowsy at the carousel. We picked our baggage and shook hands. Ahmed left and I eyed Charlie and asked if he wanted to smoke.

“What do you say? Should I take him as my tour guide? He appears honest and straight and I feel assured the tour will be worth the money. I am pretty sure I won’t be deceived or least be stranded on some island. Imagine being marooned on some uninhabited island with just your trunks. And you know what, I feel like helping the kid, there is some radiance from his face that beckons you to lend him a helping hand. I’ll reward him handsomely and perhaps he can delight his girlfriend you know, buy her some presents so that she stays with him longer. Aside, would you mind joining me? I’ll find your company pleasurable,” said Charlie.

I felt my pride was letdown when Charlie had performed a similar character analysis and concluded the same on Ahmed. I guess I agreed to accompany Charlie considering Ahmed is getting benefited and if I could put up with Charlie’s egotistic trait, with Ahmed around I might end up watching some really good places in Mauritius.

We had taken down Ahmed's address and agreed on meeting him the following Friday. I bid farewell and walked out. We couldn’t wait to get on the catamarans and go fishing or simply just lay sprawled exposing ourselves to the sun. A few days passed. Friday finally came.

Ahmed’s house was more of a cottage so to speak but towards the rear we could see the mountain range and sloping eastwards was the grassy stretch that slowly gave away into sands, which ran for a hundred meters before ending at the calm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. There were about 6 coconut trees surrounding the cottage that weren’t lean and tall but arcing at different angles. It would be great to be on a private catamaran I concluded

Soon, we were inside sipping on “Blue Marlin,” the Mauritian native beer when we heard a convoy of cars screeching outside the window.

Oh! It is my father exclaimed Ahmed peering out of the window.

There were close to five cars outside and a man who appeared to be in his mid-fifties climbed down a dark blue Mercedes. He was surrounded by a swarm of bodyguards with rifles that I guessed were AK-47s. Sun glinted off his baldhead and he smiled at Ahmed pushing his gold-rimmed glasses up his nose when Charlie’s jaws dropped and I swallowed hard - we unmistakably discerned that we were staring at the face of the Prime Minister of Mauritius.