20

“What do you think we can do? We don’t even know the mess that Casita is into. Who knows if they are actually torturing her at the moment. What should we do, Rose? Should we damn all consequences and go to the police?” Olive said as Rose shushed her.

“There may be bugs here. Let’s keep quiet for now.” She motioned with sign movement as Olive understood and kept quiet. Just then, they heard a phone ringing. It seemed to be coming from a drawer. Olive looked at Rose and pointed at the drawer and Rose whispered it belonged to Casita. They both hurried to the drawer and pulled the phone out as they saw the name Angela on it.

Rose cleared her throat and picked the call.

“Hello Casita. I will be coming for the laundry today. I hope there is nothing….”

“Actually Madam, I am Rose and I am afraid that I have some bad news about Casita.”

******************

Mikey refused to talk to Black, he just stood up and walked out of the office, leaving Black confused about what was happening. He watched him from his office as he got in his car he had come with Michael and drove off in that direction to the hospital. He decided to let it slide, something had to be wrong somewhere. Mikey was the most loyal person he knew, there was no way that he would do something like this without either forced to, or worse hypnotized. He sighed. Today was a pretty peculiar day. He decided to head home.

Minutes later, he saw a park that was filled up with kids and he stopped his car. He smiled at this. This was the park that hos dad would take him and his little sister Casita when they were kids. It Was nice to see that it hadn’t changed. He decided to take a stroll and just refresh his memory as he switched off the ignition and entered the pack. He soon found a bench and sat down on it, smiling as he recalled things that happened. Just then, the cry of a child interrupted his favorite indulgences, as he was brought back to reality.

The child was crying, and it seemed that the mother wasn’t around, because no mother had carried the child. The cries were getting unbearable, as other women tried to calm him, down, but couldn’t so he decided to intervene. He didn’t know where this instinct was coming from. All he wanted to do, was to get to the child, and just pacify his cries.

A little crowd, had surrounded the crying child, who refused to be consoled, but immediately quietened down, when Black carried him, from the present woman, who was carrying him.

Oh, thank goodness, I was wondering when the parent would show up, I was beginning to think, that he was abandoned. The lady said as the child smiled at Black and giggled.

Actually, he is not, my… Black wanted to say, but was stopped, as the child sneezed on him, as his tears, and spit sprayed all over his suit, also landing on his face.

If it was before, he would have been very mad, and sued the parents, for this, but rather, he just took a handkerchief, and cleaned his face, before cleaning the child’s face too, before the crowd, began to disperse.

Sorry, you were saying something? The lady asked again, after he has focused back his attention, on her again.

Yes, as I was saying, the child isn’t mine, I just wanted to help pacify him, and wait for the parents to come get him. he said as the lady looked back in shock.

I can’t believe that you are not the father, or a relative to this baby, yet the baby didn’t resist you, wow, seems you have a thing, with babies. I am guessing, you have kids? The lady asked as Black chuckled, before shaking his head.

“Actually I just got married yesterday. My honey moon will start from tomorrow. I guess I had never really thought about kids before but I guess I am all in now, if my wife would want kids too.”

Wow, so you are getting prepared already. Well, I guess fatherhood will suit you perfectly. It is going to be a breeze, for you. the lady said as she caressed the head of the child.


Wow, that is actually impressive, you know. How were you able to deduce that? Black asked looking shocked as he juggled the baby, a bit to keep him lively.

Well, let us just say I am speaking from experience. Like they say, experience is the best teacher. The lady said as Black nodded his head.

“If you say so.” He said.

Yeah, I know so. The lady said as the baby started babbling,

Mama, mama. The child stretched his hands, in a direction, as the adults both turned and saw a lady running towards them helter shelter, as she reached them, and carried her child, checking if he had sustained any injuries, before turning to face them.

Oh, thank you two so much for looking after my child, the line was too much and it was urgent that I had to…

Don’t bother explaining, we understand, something big had to happen, the child was crying, so that is what attracted him to us. Black said as the lady nodded her head.

Still, I insist, thank you so much, you two are a wonderful couple. The mother replied, as Black exchanged glances, with the lady, before shaking their head simultaneously.

We are not together, or anything. Actually we just met. He took the baby from me and calmed him down. He is the one that you really should be thanking. The lady said pointing at Black.

Oh, sorry for my assumption and well thank again for all your help. I hope we see again soon. I have to get going now. The lady said as she exchanged handshakes with the both of them, before leaving with her child, as Black and the lady were left behind.

Well, I guess that is a job well done. The lady said as she extended her hand for another handshake, as Black shook her hand tightly, as he said,

You know, I never got your name.

Oh, sorry, my bad. My name is Lilianna Johnson, nice to meet you. Lilianna said as they disentangled.

Well, I am Mr Black. The pleasure is all mine. He said as she nodded before she gasped.

Oh, my God, you are him…The CEO, of The biggest Industries. I can’t believe that I just shook hands with you, I couldn’t recognize you at all. According to the tabloids that I heard months ago, you were said to be a very hard and difficult man, while you are actually sweet and nice.

Oh, I guess, I changed, a bit. But please do not let my title deceive you, I am a human being like the rest of you all. He said as the lady shook her head, saying,

No, I don’t agree, we are homo sapiens, you on the other hand is a homo superior. She said winking at him, as they both shared a laugh.

****************

Minutes later, Black was driving back to the mansion, after having a wonderful time with Lilianna. She seemed like good company, she really helped him, with his feelings, and advised him, thoroughly like a mother, before she had to go, to pick up, her children from day care. But during the conversation,Black was discreet enough to slip, a cheque of five million naira, into her purse, without her knowing.

He always carried written and signed checks, in case a situation came up, and he felt inclined to do something good for her, for helping him, brighten up his mood. Now he felt livelier in person, the only regret he had, was not getting her number, so that he could do enough good things to her, but he consoled himself, with the fact that he was able to give her a check, that would do for some time.

His phone rang, as he picked it up, and connected it via Bluetooth, as he needed both hands on the wheel. It was Angela, Casita’s nanny.

Good evening, sir, sorry to disturb you. she greeted over the phone, as he took a u turn.

What? No, you are not disturbing me at all. It has been long, over a month now, or so, how are things over there, is anything wrong?

Yeah, sir, there is actually a problem. Angela said hesitantly as Black nodded his head, and said,

Actually, it is about Casita, the company is safe, for all, we are all safe, but I am afraid, that Casita is…

Ahh, always a flare for the dramatics, aren’t you? okay so tell me, what the hell is wrong with Casita is she refusing to eat? Is she throwing tantrums? Get her vanilla ice cream, and thank me later. Black asked chuckling a bit, as he imagined Casita, acting all moody and childish. He always got back on her good side, with vanilla ice cream. It worked like a charm.