REDEEMED (A SERIES) – EPISODE 3

(WRITTEN BY JOY A. ADEWUMI)

As I walked into the Palace the next day, I braced myself for the battle ahead.

‘He’s waiting for you, sir.’ A young and beautiful, brown-skinned lady informed me as I got to the entrance to Otunba’s office. P.A number one billion and one. I simply nodded at her and I opened the door, just as she was about to knock. She gasped quietly but her surprise couldn’t be more audible, and it took an effort to tamp down my smile. I loved shocking the new staff members like that. I liked how my disrespect resonated on Otunba’s image.

As I entered, she followed suit. I leaned casually against the door as I gave my nails some love. I knew Otunba would not raise an eyebrow at my attitude and I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of thinking I did that to get a raise out of him.

After what felt like hours, but was actually a few minutes, with the P.A. stiffening in my peripheral vision as time passed in the uncomfortable silence, Otunba spoke. ‘You know, in more civilized climes, people announce themselves before walking into other people’s space. And last I checked, the Yoruba culture dictates that a younger man pay some measure of respect to an older one at a meeting, talk less of when that older one is the father.’

I smiled and looked up, ‘Oh! I wasn’t given the memo. The boundaries of our interactions were never defined, so I wasn’t aware we were in that kind of relationship. Last I checked, I was just an occasional visitor at the Palace, who came when bidden.’ Otunba swallowed hard. I could see his Adam’s apple doing overtime as he ground his teeth.

Oh my! I was having the time of my life! This started as way more fun than I anticipated. After a while of schooling his features, fisting and un-fisting his hands on his table, Otunba smiled. ‘You know, for a son, you’re awfully disrespectful!’

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I reveled in the sweet laugh that escaped through my throat and danced on my lips, ‘Like I said, I didn’t get the adoption papers.’

Otunba’s features tightened but his toxic smile remained. I jabbed a finger towards the girl beside me as she whimpered quietly for the umpteenth time since the fun started. ‘By the way, what’s she doing here?’

‘It’s a meeting and she’s the P.A, I supposed she’d take the minutes.’ Otunba replied as he smiled rather lewdly at the girl, with his erstwhile tight features relaxing. I cringed. She looked way younger than me, not to talk of Rowan. Had this man, no shame?

‘Never seen this one, but then, there’s a new face every fortnight. I thought however that you would have spared the poor girl the gory details of your business. Just let her stick to the office and za oza room duties. You know, maybe have your secretary- who by the way never does anything secretarial-‘ I said, making quote signs in the air as I mentioned secretary, ‘take the minutes for a change. Or did he lose his fingers on the last job?’

The girl whimpered again, more audibly this time and Otunba’s features tightened. ‘Out!’ He growled and the girl scampered out of the room. The veins in Otunba’s head were popping now and I allowed a chuckle to escape my lips. It was Kaka’s turn to ground his teeth. My joy knew no bounds.

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It was easy to get a rise out of Otunba but Kaka was a different story all together. I felt over the moon to see his composure slip for the first time since I’d known him.

‘You must think you’re a saint, son!’ Otunba growled.

I smiled again and replied, ‘No, the thought never even crossed my mind and that’s why I am a better man than you are. I don’t pretend to be a saint, when in fact I am the devil.’

Kaka’s fingers twitched and I smiled. I enjoyed watching him itch to punch something but unable to do so. It gave me a better thrill than I’d ever fantasized about.

‘But you forget that the apple never falls far from the tree. Usually, fathers hand over their legacies to their children.’ He smiled.

I stared at him for a short while and then replied when I could sense his patience beginning to slip – he never was a patient man. I wonder how he got this far with that temper of his.

‘Then let’s hope for your sake that you have a bastard stashed somewhere. Because last I checked, there were no apples lying anywhere near your tree.’ He leaned back at that and laced his fingers on his protruding belly. Whoever lied that I was this man’s son?!

‘Why are we here by the way?’ I asked.

Otunba paused for a while and said simply as he leaned forward again. ‘Your attitude from two nights ago was uncalled for.’

I laughed and doubled over while at it. This was no show, I was truly amused. I truly didn’t see that coming. ‘Wait! You called me here to say that? You never thought the other nights I partied were important enough to invite me to the Palace on their accounts. So, what’s special about two nights ago? Don’t tell me you were worried I passed out, because if you do so, I’m liable to pass out again, right here.’ I broke into another fit of laughter, by the time I stood upright again, Otunba was still staring at me. I asked again, ‘Otunba, really, you have to tell me. What’s up?’

I was wearing my smuggest smile and I could tell the minute he realized that I knew exactly what was up. Of course, my research from last night paid off.

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As his features changed ever so slightly, I chuckled. ‘Don’t tell me you suddenly want me to start acting the saint? Wait, you’re not thinking of going into politics, are you? Oh, my days! Nigerians are doomed! I’m sure none of them will see this one coming! Or… does some Chinese investor who’s big on family virtues suddenly want you to show proof of your beautiful family life?’ His features tightened and went still as those words came out and I felt pumped at his reaction.

Kaka’s hand went to the bulge at his hip. I rolled my eyes as I continued, ‘Otunba, listen carefully. I, Roland Oluwatomiwa Kalejaiye, will make sure, even if it’s the last thing I do, that you don’t get that investment.’ I said with a mirthless smirk and turned to leave.

A hard rough hand stopped me on my tracks and I smiled as I turned to face Otunba, not sparing Kaka a glance. ‘I guess I’m no more untouchable. I always wondered when you’d get to the end of your rope. Okay, I’m curious to know, what now? You’ll blackmail me? But, with what? We both know I’ve got nothing to lose. No mother, no girlfriend, no sister.’ I snarled, emphasizing the “sister” part. He flinched. ‘Or are you thinking of doing something to make me indisposed? But then, what would that profit you? You know, no matter how I try, I just can’t figure out your action plan this time. I will however find out and will be ready.’

I fixed my gaze on Otunba’s and both of us stayed that way for a few seconds. He gave up on our staring battle first as he nodded almost imperceptibly and Kaka stepped away. I shook my head with a tsk at the bulky mass and opened the door to leave.

‘Tomiwa?’ Otunba called.

I stopped but didn’t turn back.

He continued, ‘May the best Kalejaiye win!’

I turned this time. I just couldn’t help it. ‘That saying does not fit this scenario, because you are not even a good man to start with.’ And without checking for his reaction, I walked out and slammed the door with all the force I could muster.

Yea, juvenile, but I couldn’t care less.

I needed something strong. And fast!

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Dear reader,

How has the series been? Do you relate? Who do you think Rowan is? And why did Roland emphasize the ‘sister’ part? Why do you think Otunba and Roland are so estranged? Let me know your thoughts in the comment box below.

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Yours truly,
The Girl with the Winning Smile,
Spirit Pen!