Salvation

The meeting

Davis

"Dad!" Selene called and I looked up from the camera I was wiring
"Yes sweetie" I said and she had that puppy dog look before sitting on my leg.

She wants something

I left the camera and turned her to face me
"Sweetie what's the problem?" I asked and she hid her face in my neck
"Modupe invited me to hang out with her" she said and her voice was muffled

Definitely not happening

"You know the answer Selene" I said and turned to continue the wiring
"Come on Dad!" She pleaded and I shook my head
"No Selene. I'm here on a mission risking your life. I don't want to risk it further"

"Dad Modupe is a good person! Just give her a chance"

"Stop this Selene, I've told you my answer and its final. Now let me work" I said with a strict tone and the officers shook their heads at me

Losers, they don't understand what its like to take care of a child.

Selene stood up and turned to walk away before she turned back with teary eyes
"All these wouldn't be happening if mom was here!" She said with teary face and shaky voice.

God must she remind me

"Selene Martha Mahone, watch your tone with me" I said and stood up while she crossed her arms and stared at me

"Or what dad? You're gonna ground me? Stop communication between my friends and I?" She asked and laughed
"News flash dad you already did" with that she walked out of the hotel room and I sighed.

I wish her mother was still here, she'd have known the right thing to say.

I sat back down and continued wiring the camera when I felt a tap on my shoulder
"What?" I asked with an irritated voice and Brad flinched
"Don't you think you were a little harsh on Selene. She's still young Davis let her live a little" he said and I turned to him
"Thanks for the advice Brad" I said so that he could shut up and he rolled his eyes
"Are you almost done with the wiring?" He asked and as if on cue, I clamped the last wire and covered the camera up
"Done" I kept it with the others in my duffle bag and slung it across my shoulders.
"Who's coming with me today Brad?" I asked and he smiled
"We'll all sit this one out" he said and I rolled my eyes
"Alright suit yourself" I went out of the room and planted a camera directly on top our door before going to the stairs and planting one to.

I was about to turn to the library area when I saw the choir girl I spoke with the other day

Esther or what did she call herself

"Esther!" I called out and she turned to me
"Hey Davis" she said and I pulled her in for a hug
"Where are you off to?" I asked and she smiled
"Oh just here and there"
Shit she's smart

"Can I have the pleasure of following you here and there then?" I asked and she smiled
"Alright" she said and she led me to the lobby

"Good morning, I called for room service to serve the Lagos cathedral choir and they haven't shown up" she told she receptionist who replied with a gasp
"We are so sorry miss Esther we will deliver your order right away" the receptionist said and Esther smiled

"Let's go" she told me and we walked towards the pool area where I spotted Selene

"Do you mind if I spoke to my daughter for a moment?" I asked and she looked taken aback
"Daughter?" She asked and I smiled
"Yes"
"Let's go together" she said and we walked towards Selene.

"Selene" I called and she stared at me with a tear stained face

God how could I have done this to my daughter, her eyes are so red right now. I hope she doesn't get sick.

She pulled the shorts of her pyjamas down and stared at me
"Dad" she sobbed before running into my embrace
"I'm so sorry Selene" I said and stroked her hair
"I'm sorry I'm making you miss your mom so much, please forgive me" my voice was thick with emotion and it took all my will power not to sob there and then.

She nodded in reply and I Kissed her forehead. She looked up and Esther smiled
"Hello" Esther said and Selene turned to me
"Who is this dad?" She asked and I scratched my head
"Selene meet Esther, Esther Selene" I said and Esther stretched her hand towards Selene who's eyed it and turned to me

"What is this dad?" She asked and I sighed
"Esther I'm sorry, I'll talk to you later" I said and she smiled before I pulled her in for a hug.
"Bye Davis" she said and turned to Selene
"Bye Selene" she said and Selene rolled her eyes in response.

I waited for Esther to leave the pool area before turning to Selene
"Princess" I said and she stood up

"What are you doing dad!?" She asked while pacing back and forth and I pulled her towards me

"Its all for work sweetie, she doesn't mean anything to me at all" I said while staring into her eyes

"Selene please believe me" I pleaded with her and her eyes got teary again

"Are you trying to replace mom?" She asked and I shook my head

"No Selene" I said and I felt my eyes sting with tears as I tried to convince my daughter.

"Selene" I pulled Her towards me and she ripped her hands off mine

"I hate you dad" she said and ran out of the room.

God

I have never been this heart broken since her mom died.

I sat on one of the lunge chairs and for the first time in a long time I broke down.