Chapter 31: Chapter 31

It had been two weeks since the birth of Cameron. I had wanted to name him Cameroon but that was just the name of a country and that would only make me be like my father, naming children after countries. Cameron sounded better and was the name of a person.

It had taken a while for Cas to come to terms with the fact that she had absolutely nothing to do with Victoria's death. She would only eat if she was forced and kept on crying for a week.

Thankfully, Rita and the baby were there to cheer her up while I was at school. My 21st birthday had been a week ago and it had just gone by normally. We still weren't in the mood to celebrate considering the unfair way Victoria had died.

Victoria's parents had wanted to file a lawsuit against me but the police went through the hospital records which showed that Victoria had gotten to the hospital at the right time and had had a normal delivery, and neither the hospital staff nor myself were to be blamed for her sad demise.

I could understand the pain her parents felt because she was their only child and they probably regretted not being there for her but they wanted to place the blame of her death on someone which was wrong.

Victoria was already broken before her death and I sincerely hoped she found happiness up there. It was a sad experience for all of us and we'd never ever forget her.

I heard the sound of the baby crying.

"What's going on?" I yelled from the bathroom.

I had just had my bath and was shaving my beards in the bathroom in preparation for "The Good Citizen Award" I was gonna get from The Nigerian Police force. I felt honoured and pleased with myself.

It wasn't easy at all. For life, I'd be remembered in the history of Nigeria as a good and honourable citizen. It was all thanks to Ken whose trial had been set for February 14th, along with his band of drug peddlers.

Such a pity! On the day of love, they'd be hand cuffed and sent to jail where criminals like them belonged. They couldn't escape the wrath of the law; the police had concrete evidence against them.

I rinsed my face and tied my white towel around my waist and stepped out of the bathroom.

I was aware that Cas was in the bedroom ironing some clothes. She must've abandoned Cameron and that's why he was crying so loudly.

I got into the bedroom and saw Cas folding the clothes she had ironed and arranging them neatly in the wardrobe while the baby cried in his cot without getting attention.

I hurried up and took the baby from the cot and started patting him on the back.

"Cas, what's wrong with you?" I yelled at her.

"What do you mean by "what's wrong with me"?" She yelled back.

"How could you leave Cam to cry like that?" I retorted.

"Why did you call him Cam?" She questioned.

"Cause that's the pet name for Cameron," I replied.

"It sounds stupid. Stop calling my child that," She said.

"It doesn't. Now, why did you leave him to cry without attending to him?" I asked.

She looked frustrated, "I was going to attend to his needs as soon as I was done with these clothes."

"What? Are you trying to say clothes are more important than him?" I asked.

"I never said that," She responded.

"Well, that's what your actions speak of you," I said, my voice laced with disgust.

I mean, wasn't she a mother? Didn't she have feelings? How could she be so heartless as to let the poor child cry without paying him any attention?

"Amsey, I'm so stressed out. Do you think this is easy for me? I have a whole lot of things to do and you're never around. I'm done with ironing and was almost done with arranging the clothes when the baby started crying. It wasn't going to take up to 5 minutes. Was I wrong in deciding to quickly finish what I was doing before checking what's wrong with him?" She asked.

"Yes. Yes, you were wrong," I blurted out.

The baby had stopped crying now and was resting with his head on my chest.

"Whatever you say," She said, throwing her hands in the air.

"I can't even believe you're a mother, mothers aren't heartless like you are," I said.

She stood transfixed, looking at me in awe, "What did you say?" She asked.

"You heard me," I retorted.

"You just called me heartless."

"That's the honest truth."

"You're not apologising."

"You don't deserve an apology."

I dropped Cameron back in his cot and began to walk into my own share of the bedroom when I remembered something that made me turn around.

"Cas?" I called.

She didn't say a word. Her head was hung low and she was picking her fingernails. She was throwing a pity party which wasn't gonna work on me, at least, not today.

"Cas, I called your name," I yelled at her.

"Yes?" She responded in a husky voice.

"Did you iron the clothes I'd be putting on?" I asked.

"Yeah, they're on your bed," She responded.

I didn't utter even so much as "thanks" and walked away.

Imagine her looking unhappy and downcast when she was at fault. Had she been expecting to sing and clap for her after abandoning a little baby for clothes that were nothing to write home about? I've been so nice and gentle with her and that's why she always takes me for granted.

Now, she's acting all moody because she thinks I'd apologise to her as usual. I'm not going to be stupid forever.

I applied my moisturising cream on my hand, face and legs then examined the suit she had ironed, she had ironed it perfectly well. At least, she was good at something.

I slipped on the pair of Ash pant trousers and wore a Skye-blue coloured shirt and for the first time in years, I added a Ash coloured necktie to match. It was such a big day for me and I didn't want to look shabby, I wanted to look like a good and responsible citizen I actually was.

It hurt that Cas couldn't come with me because of the baby. Come to think of it, was she saddened over the inability of she going because of the child and that's why she poured out her anger on him by refusing to look after him?

"Cruel witch!" I muttered.

Gosh! Did I just call Cas a witch? I was so stressed out that I was overreacting to this whole thing. I understood where she was coming from by deciding to finish with the clothes first so why was I overreacting?

Should I apologise to her? No, no! I quickly dismissed that thought. She'd feel on top of the world if I said sorry to her. I did speak the truth so I wasn't gonna apologise, she should be the one to apologise.

I buckled my gold wristwatch and sprayed my perfume then wore my designer leather shoes.

I stared into the mirror and smiled on seeing that I actually looked really good. Well, I always looked good so it wasn't a new thing to me. Gosh! I was dashing. No wonder Cas loved me so much. I bet she'd fall sick if she didn't get to see my handsome face for a day.

The first time I had met her, she had fainted on seeing me. Only God knows the kind of ugly monsters she must've been surrounded with for her to have opened her mouth wide in shock on seeing me and to top it all, she had even collapsed. I grimaced wondering how her ex must have looked like,: a potbellied cow, I presumed.

It wasn't like I was even that much of a handsome fella. Just kidding, everyone is aware of my legendary cuteness. I'm blushing, aha!

I applied hair cream on my hair and combed it thoroughly then I grabbed my Ash coloured jacket, my phone and my wallet which I put into my trousers' back pocket then went back to Cas' side of the room.

She was painting her nails with nail polish and was humming a tune I didn't know.

"Cassssssss," I called. I knew she liked it when I drew out her name like that.

She didn't even look up before yelling at me, "What?"

I was surprised at how she had spoken to me angrily, "Are you fine? Why the sudden outburst?" I questioned.

She continued painting her nails.

"Cas, I'm talking to you."

"And so? What should I do? Do you want to insult me again? Please, let me be," She said, eyeing me fiercely.

Was she still annoyed over that small issue? I knew she wanted me to say sorry, I wouldn't today. She enjoyed getting her way but that won't be possible for her today.

"Well, I'm off," I said to her and started walking out of the room.

"Your collar," I heard her say.

Of course, I knew she'd talk to me. She couldn't be angry for too long.

"What did you say?" I asked, acting like I hadn't heard her the first time.

"You heard me," She retorted.

Ohh.... Payback!

"What happened to my collar?" I asked.

She motioned to the mirror.

So she couldn't tell me with her mouth, had I made her that angry? Women and their problems! Sighing, I went over to the mirror and saw that my collar wasn't properly placed on the necktie.

I adjusted it properly then left the room.

If she was going to stay angry, I might as well let her be. I wasn't wrong, she was.

I took a bottle of water from the fridge and gulped part of it then I received a phone call.

It was Sergeant Tobiloba who was calling. I was probably late and that's why he was calling. I decided against picking the call and to just go there immediately.

I left the house and shut the door behind me. Had I been too harsh on Cas? I needed to be at the Nigerian Police Area Command in Ikeja as soon as possible and I couldn't waste time in making sure she was alright.

Besides, I was feeling too proud to say sorry to her.

I unlocked my phone and sent her a text message:

"Cas, I'm sorry for what I said. I love you."

As soon as the message got delivered, I regretted sending it. She'd start feeling too big now, I hissed.

I was able to get an Uber in less than five minutes and we got to Ikeja under 40 minutes.

The driver dropped me right in front of the Area Command and I paid him his fare and went inside.

Sergeant Tobiloba was there to welcome me.

"It's been a while, Amsterdam," He said as we shook hands.

"It's Amsey and yes, it's been a while."

He grinned, "How have you been?"

"I've been well, and you?"

"I've been doing well. How is Cassandra?" He asked.

"She's doing well," I responded, with a smile.

"Why isn't she here with you?" He asked.

"We had our baby two weeks ago so she's at home taking care of him," I responded.

"Wow! That's great news, congratulations," Sergeant Tobiloba said.

"Thank you."

"You're late, our guest of honour has been here for a while and he's getting restless. Let's proceed into the.... Oh, here he comes," Sergeant Tobiloba said, looking in another direction.

I looked towards the direction his gaze rested upon and saw the one person I never expected to see.

I had spent five years hiding from the man even though I knew we'd meet in one way or the other.

Our eyes met. We were both really shocked on seeing each other.

"Amster.... Amsey, come over here," Sergeant Tobiloba motioned to me.

I walked like someone who was hypnotized to where he stood just four footsteps away from me.

"This is Mr Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye, he's a renowned politician. I'm sure you know him," He said.

I looked at the man who had treated me like a slave, together with the mistress he called a wife. He was supposed to be my father but he was just a monster.

"Amsey?" Sergeant Tobiloba called.

I nodded my head, "Yes, yes, I... I know him."

"Good."

"Shall we proceed then? It's a simple affair, let's move over to the office of the DCP and get it over and done with. I have to be back at my own police division as soon as possible," Sergeant Tobiloba explained.

I cleared my throat and simply nodded my head then we proceeded to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Immediately we stepped into his office, I was greeted by the cool air from the Air Conditioner and the nice ventilation of the office. It seemed like a great place to relax and think.

My father, Mr Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye immediately sat without even being offered a seat. What a mannerless man!

"Good day, sir," I said to the tall potbellied man in his fifties. He was sitting on his office chair and had been busy with his computer when we came in. He had looked up to see us and he wore a nice smile.

"Good day, my son, I'm Kayode Akande and you must be Amsterdam Ibitoye." The man said.

"Yes, I am. How do you do?" I asked.

"I'm fine, and you?"

"I'm well."

"Please, do have a seat. And you too, Sergeant Tobiloba."

"Thank you," Sergeant Tobiloba and I chorused and took our respective seats opposite him.

Mr Kayode Akande cleared his throat, "Amsterdam, it's youths like you we need in Nigeria. The youths in our country have been soiling our reputation by engaging in cyber fraud and extorting money from people unfairly. I'm glad we still have good people like you in this country," Mr Kayode praised me.

I simply smiled, "Thank you."

"How can you be so sure he's a good chap? Did you look into his background and see what he's doing for a living?" It was my old man who had spoken.

I had known he was going to say something stupid. I thought that he would have changed and be remorseful after all these years and I had almost been convinced by the act he put up on TV. He was the same ol' annoying bastard.

Mr Kayode Akande spoke up, "Of course. We checked every single detail of him. His neighbours affirmed that he's a good and generous person who minds his business. We even checked about him with his pastor. He's a good Christian and is always in church, doing the will of God. Even in his university, he stands out. He's a final year student and he's on a first class. He's really deserving of the award."

Sergeant Tobiloba cleared his throat, "It's not only that. Mr Amsterdam here has saved two little boys from a fire in the past but that act of his wasn't commended and he never even asked for a reward. Also, he is an orphan but isn't into anything illegal. He sold off his mother's precious jewelry and started a Cybercafe and has been the one training himself in school. Apart from that, he donates to the orphanage and prison homes. It's high time he was appreciated for being the good citizen he is," Sergeant Tobiloba said.

"How did you know so much about me?" I asked, really surprised.

"We have our ways. Also, Ken, Cassandra and Pastor James testified greatly about you," He replied.

Wow! I knew Ken must have been coerced to talk about me but I never knew Cas and Pastor James were even asked about me because they never informed me about it.

My father looked really annoyed, "Let's cut to the chase."

I grimaced. I'm sure he was expecting that I'd be a loser begging in the streets by now. He never knew things would work out for me.

"With the way you both possess the same last names and you do good things, one would think you're blood related," Mr Kayode said.

"Of course not," My father said immediately.

I scoffed. He was always in a hurry to protect his reputation. It wasn't the first time he denied me and even though I was used to it, it still hurt.

My father hadn't still accepted me after five whole years. It was true that a leopard never changes its spots.

"I'm sure your parents must be proud of you though," Mr Kayode said.

"Not everyone appreciates what they have," I said, looking at my father who sighed and looked away.

Some reputable people in the police force later joined us and also the personal secretary to the Lagos State governor was there.

We talked, had mild refreshments and discussed issues of great relevance to the country and they later left after shaking hands with me and congratulating me. I felt proud of myself, to be speaking with reputable people like them. I knew my mother would be proud of me.

When all the talk was done, I was presented with a cheque for the sum of #200,000 and an award for being a good citizen by my very own father.

He looked at me with disgust and hatred as he presented my prize and we took a photograph along with Sergeant Tobiloba and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Me Kayode Akande.

I hated being close to my father. I even hated the fact that he was my father. Every night while growing up, I prayed for him to acknowledge me as his legitimate son but he never did and he always made me feel small in the presence of his illegitimate kids and his mistress.

I couldn't wait to be out of there and not look at his annoying face again as soon as the ceremony was done and over with.

I saw Sergeant Tobiloba whisper something in Mr Kayode's ears and I wondered what it could be.

"You don't say!" Mr Kayode exclaimed with excitement.

I wondered what it could have been that could make him so happy.

Mr Kayode faced me, "Congratulations. I was just informed that you're now a father."

"What?" My father barked in shock.

"Thank you," I said to Mr Kayode, ignoring my father.

"Can we have a private discussion?" My father said to me.

I shook my head speculatively, "I don't think there is anything for us to discuss in private," I said.

"I just want to discuss matters of the public with you. There's a project working on and I'd love you to supervise it as the good youth that you are," My father said.

I knew he was lying. I knew what he wanted from me and I had been thinking of how to go home and try to escape his grasp.

"I'd also drop you off at home if you don't mind," He said.

"I do mind," I retorted.

"Come on, Amsey. You should go," Sergeant Tobiloba urged.

"Ummmm....."

"Just go," Sergeant Tobiloba said.

I sighed and left with my father after thanking Mr Kayode and Sergeant Tobiloba profusely for the warm reception and the honour they had bestowed on me.

Once we were outside the area command, my father stopped right in his tracks.

"Where are the documents?" He asked.

"It's good to see you again, father," I said through clenched teeth.

"Spare me the formalities, Amsterdam. We both know we do not share a father and son relationship. Now, where are my documents?" He asked, in a harsh tone I hadn't heard for years.

"You haven't changed at all, father. By the way, how is that harlot? What is her name again? Yeah, Mariam. How is she?" I asked, trying to get on his nerves.

"You'd address my wife with respect!" He yelled.

"Ohh, did you finally get legally married? That doesn't change the fact that that mistress of yours deserves no respect." I yelled back at him.

He raised his hand to give me a slap but paused in mid-air.

I guffawed, "Why did you stop? Go on, slap me," I shook my head, "You poor thing, you're afraid of the public watching you slap someone. You love acting like you have no flaws, you keep deceiving people that your life is perfect whereas it's not even close to being perfect."

He put his hand down and panted heavily as he ran his hand through his hair, feeling obviously frustrated.

"Amsterdam, for the last time, where are my documents?" He questioned.

"What documents?" I retorted.

"The one your useless hag of a mother gave to you," He responded.

I smirked, "Funny how a useless hag made you who you are."

He seemed pretty much offended at what I had just said, "I searched everywhere for you only for me to finally meet you here today. I had never wanted to come here but I just did so I look like the generous man I am."

"You looked for me?" I asked, hoping my father wasn't quite the monster I thought he was.

"Of course, I did. Your mother pretended to be mentally unstable but she was working with the lawyer in getting my property from me and transferred them all into your name. The lawyer had tricked me into signing some documents and I only realised what had happened after you left and the lawyer, that backstabber; told me everything, gloating that you'd someday return to claim everything I worked hard for," He hollered.

I smiled, "Good people like that lawyer are rare, he worked for my mother also so he knew what you were doing was wrong. Anyway, are you saying the only reason you searched for me was because of the documents? I always knew you were a monster, why did I think you may have changed overnight?"

"Say whatever you want, I don't care. Now, where are the documents?" He asked.

"They're of no use to you. One day, I'd return home with news reporters and lawyers who'll disgrace you and give me my rightful inheritance. You signed off all your properties at that time and all you'd ever own in this life to me and I'd come back for them when the time is right," I told him.

"You want me to be thrown out on the streets and start from square one?" He asked.

"Yes."

"You wouldn't do that."

I chuckled mockingly, "And why do you say that?"

"Because I'm your father and you still have that soft spot for me in your heart. You've always loved me, Amsterdam, and you still do. You've always wanted me to call you my son and give you the love of a father, and deep down, you still want that," my father said.

He was right. No matter how tough I acted, no matter how I tried to deny it, I still loved him and even though he never showed me love, I still called him my father because I just couldn't bring myself to hate him. I'd give up those documents in a heartbeat if my father called me his son and said he loved me. That's all I'd ever wanted in my life.

"Where did you look for me in all those years?" I asked.

"The streets, where else? I never knew you'd turn out far better than I had imagined. I really underestimated you," He said.

Tears welled up in my eyes, "That's why you started the "Street Project," isn't it?" I questioned.

"You're smart. I decided to start getting people off the streets and giving them a better life in hopes that I found you among them. I placed staff all over Nigeria and always checked the names of people they took off the streets and I never found a single soul bearing Amsterdam Ibitoye. I had started to relax figuring you may have died and so, I had nothing to worry about but here we are," He grimaced.

I snickered, "Wow! I'm glad I'm doing well and I proved you wrong," I said to him.

"It doesn't change the fact that you're nothing compared to my children. You'd never amount to anything nor be anything like them," He said through gritted teeth.

I clenched my fist, "Are you saying I'm not your son?"

"By blood, you are but, I'd never consider you a son. I didn't even love your mother, she had money and I was broke and that's why something happened between us. I've always loved Mariam. One more thing you need to know, I used to mix contraceptive pills in your mother's drink and that why she couldn't have a child because I didn't want a child from her then, I acted like her childlessness was the reason I got someone else but as the devil would have it, you just had to come along. I never wanted you," My father yelled.

It was a mystery as to how I managed to keep my cool.

"Keep your voice down, I'm sure you don't want the world to know that your perfect life is actually a lie," I said in a calm voice.

He looked around and maintained a calm composure then his phone beeped and he looked at it for a while, smiling slyly.

I straightened out and shook my head sadly, "For years, I kept on believing that you probably loved me and cared but today, I know I was so stupid to think that a heartless animal like you could actually be a good person. I hate you so much and from today, you are no longer my father. I didn't have any intention to come back for what I rightfully own but I will come back. Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye, mark my words. I'd ruin you, I'd rip you into shreds, I'd destroy your reputation, I'd throw you into the streets where you belong and I'd make sure the world detests simple-minded fools like you. I swear on my mother's grave, Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye, you'd regret ever treating my mother and I like trash." I threatened and began to walk off.

He laughed boisterously, "Amsterdam!" He called.

I stopped but didn't look back.

"You live with your girlfriend, Cassandra and she has a little son for you. You live along Iyana Ipaja road, you're studying psychology at the University of Lagos. The only people who ever visit you are Rita and Pastor James. My guards have already checked all your necessary details in such a short time. I'll be coming for you," He said and continued laughing.

It was as I had feared, I knew that on seeing me, he'd be able to trace me and know everything about me.

I didn't turn back to look at him, I only continued walking till I was out of his sight.

His voice rang in my head, "I'll be coming for you."

I knew he wasn't joking; he'd definitely come for me.