Growing Wings Episode 18

"Which guy are you talking about na? I tell you say nobody dey here before na", Kunle insisted.
Wole was going to press further but the lawyer chose to walk in at that very moment.
"I'm sorry for the delay guys; the traffic jam was hectic."
"No problem; thank God you're here", Wole responded.
Kunle introduced them. "Wole, meet Barrister Adebayo Adebajo. Bayo, meet Engineer Oluwole Akingbade"
They exchanged pleasantries and shook hands.
"So, what exactly do you need?" Bayo asked Wole
"Actually I'm married to a witch with a witch mother. Her dad is cool but I have not made any meaningful progress since I met her. The only bright spot in the marriage is our darling 3 year old son. I want to take my son and let the witch mother and daughter have their privacy. Her mother is an influential judge. I'll appreciate ideas from you. Thanks"
Wole felt proud that he was able to summarize his 7 year old misery in a few words.
"Ideally, I should charge you for consultation but because of my relationship with Gbenro, erm erm Kunle, I'll ..."
Wole didn't hear much of what else Bayo had to say. He quickly looked at Kunle and he could have sworn that all the blood in Kunle's face was drained. It couldn't be a coincidence that Kunle had vehemently denied the presence of someone who looked like Gbenro and Bayo here had accidentally mentioned Gbenro. This was too weird for comfort.
************************************************
Kunle's head was working overtime. He needed to divert attention from the sticky Gbenro coincidences. They were really close to achieving their aim; Wole's suspicion would not help the cause at all. He decided to give it his best shot.
"So what are the options available? Olamide is Wole's closest living relative. Typically, the mother gets custody of the child. Is there anything we can do to turn the tides in our favour?"
Bayo sensed that the fact that he mentioned Gbenro's name was making Kunle uncomfortable. He didn't know why but he didn't want to lose the good money Kunle was talking about paying him. The sum Kunle was offering was hefty but he definitely wasn't turning it down. He needed the money to offset some debts. His salary at the Law firm could no longer take him to the Bus Stop. Nkem's bombshell also needed to be attended to...
"Frankly, the mother is more likely to get custody of the child or children in the event of a divorce because the factors used in determining a child's best interests are usually favour the woman. The judge will be looking at factors such as who the primary care giver has been/who has been caring for the child, the parent-child bond, your relationship with your wife"
"Please can you explain the last one?" Wole interrupted
"Erm, the court will try to decide which of you will try to foster a healthy relationship with the other parent. A parent who has tried to poison the child(ren) against the other parent or refused to allow contact with the other parent will have issues gaining custody, except there has been child abuse or domestic violence", Bayo explained patiently.
"Oh okay. Please continue"
Bayo was pleased to see that the skepticism on Wole's face and changed to rapt attention. Wow!
"Your chances of gaining custody will be greatly enhanced if you can stay civil and respectful to your wife. Getting a good lawyer also improves your chances."
"Thanks"
"Is it possible to explore the child abuse angle?" Kunle asked. "I've seen Yeside spank Olamide hard the few times I've visited them. I could be a witness?"
"Erm, Kunle, I don't think we need to get to that level yet. Let's keep that as a joker for now. Guys, I need to leave now. I have a 7pm appointment on the Island"
"Thanks a lot, Bayo. It was so nice that you could come with such short notice"
"How much do I owe you?" Wole asked
"Anytime, Kunle. Wole, let's just say I'm paying it forward. See you around, guys", Bayo winked.
****************************************************
"Whew, that was close", Gbenro soliloquized.
He couldn't let Wole and Yeside live in peace. They had made a fool of him. He had had to grovel before the Anti-Christ he called his father. The price for all his father handed over to him was destroying his soul. He couldn't look Motunrayo in the face.
Wole and Yeside could not live happily ever after while he was wasting away. They had to pay for the deep wound in his soul. He couldn't just 'forgive and forget'.
Motunrayo looked up to him as her protector. He had shielded her up until that first time when the monster had made his evil request...
Please leave comments with suggestions on how you believe the story should unfold. Please credit ‘The Women Stories’ if you choose to share. Thank you.