Pastor Brown was looking at the picture of the boy he believed to be his son with Temi's husband that was on the wall up above the television set when she spoke. "Ade, I hold no grudge against you. Fine, I was very bitter when you came to make amends the first time, but I've had a lot of time to think since then. I've picked up the pieces and I've been healed overtime. I found Jesus," she held his hands. "Peter asked, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I shall forgive him, seven times? What was Jesus' reply?"
"Seventy times seven"
"Then who am I not to forgive you? I've totally forgiven you, Ade. By
God's grace I'm doing well. I've got a loving husband who is also a pastor and a cute kid. What more do I ask for? "She looked directly at him and smiled "Ade, I promise I'll not deprive you of your son. He is going to recognize you as his father, and anything you'd like to do for him is welcomed. Nonetheless, I'd like you to know that my husband takes good care of him."
The pastor was emotional and grateful. "Thank you, Temi, what's his name?"
"Ebun Ife – gift of love."
He nodded. "My regards to him. May the peace of the Lord be with your household."
"Amen," she replied. He stood up.
Back in his office, the pastor just sat and stared. He was happy with his encounter with Temi but deep down he knew he hadn't accomplished anything. Going to ask for her forgiveness the second time wasn't what was going to solve everything. He looked at his wristwatch now, it was 2:51pm on that day. Gradually, a day was running out! Come to think of it, he thought, nothing bad had happened at all so far. Maybe it was all a prank by some people with boring lives who felt making an innocent cleric panic was a source of amusement. But he knew more than that. Even if everything was doubtful, the demon's red eyes, the smoke from his nostrils, the sudden wind from nowhere, and his gasp for breath were very real. Therefore, this was no joke.
At this, he knew he had to think, and think hard. Unlike some other big pastors, he had no secretary. So, he picked up his cellphone to cancel all his appointments for the day. He had to be alone.