I Never Left You

24. First impression matters

Ray's POV
I have a daughter , that's more than enough joy, what could go wrong today, when Azra first mentioned it, I thought maybe she was just hallucinating or not in her right mind but it felt like her last death wish. I couldn't hold back tears when she collapsed again, I couldn't bear to lose her when I had just rescued her.
We managed to safely lock away Black Eagle and his gang in a safe place where even the corrupt police officers and criminal investigators can't come looking for him. We shall deal with him our way. The kidnapped girls who were 30 in number were safely returned to their homes, some were already devastated and had to be admitted in the hospital. My Azra inclusive. Am glad we were on time or God knows where they would have been sold to, or the kind of fate that awaited them.
On waking up I tried to control the nostalgia going through my body, zooming in each and every direction. I promised myself I wouldn't leave her bed for two good reasons; first , I was eager to tell her how I feel, am tired of bottling up my feelings. Secondly, I needed confirmation from her about Christa. The beautiful name resounded in my head. If it was true I had a daughter, then that could be the reason for my nightmares.
Leah won't stop nagging me about going home to rest or shower despite my protests. In order I to shut her, I asked her about Christa and from the shock on her face, it was true but I needed a full story and since Leah couldn't let the cat out of the bag, I had to wait for this Sleeping Beauty.
Soon enough my doubts were cleared with a yes from Ra when she regained consciousness, I had to do the victory dance. Anyone passing by Azra's room would have seen a dude who just got great news from the girlfriend and couldn't help but jubilate. I pout my lips at Leah when she tells me to cool off. I ask for there phones right away to see how my little princess looks like. Sadly I have to beg Leah but it's a win win situation so I don't mind. She's the most beautiful girl I have seen. She has my hair and her mother's eyes. I can't wait to hold her. "Am so sorry Azra, I didn't mean to leave you and Christa alone, I promise to try to make up for the lost time" I inwardly say as I look away from the phone. She's closed her eyes ,but probably thinking about food cause she smiles a little rubbing her tummy.
I wanted to escort her home but she chased me away with a valid excuse claiming I can't see our daughter when I haven't I haven't showered in the past three days. I tried to convince her that am even stinking but she brushed me off claiming first impression matters. I gave in and waved her off and told her to take good care of herself.
This explains the puzzle and answers a lot of questions that have been running around in my mind. It's all Crystal clear now,  when I joined the military, I left her pregnant and alone. That's why I always had that nightmare of a woman with a baby telling me not to leave. The woman was Azra all along. She even had to take time off her studies and career and raise our baby alone. I never ever contacted her for once. No wonder she resented me this much. If I was in her shoes, I don't know how I would have reacted.
Am in the parking lot of the hospital lost in thought when Kevin honks me back to reality. "Hey man, you look so lost?, what happened?, Is Azra OK? " Kevin worriedly asks me. In the scuffle to rescue the girls, Kevin got an injury on the head, but it was minor and the plastor on his forehead is the only evidence portraying the bravery he fought with.
"No problem Kev. Actually I have the greatest news " I say to him leaning on the window of the car.
"Then why not hop in and tell me about it " a smile lights up Kevin's previously worried face. I narrate to him everything that transpired in the hospital and his conclusion is similar
"your nightmares man, you remember when you claimed you slept well at her place, all along they were the people you were dreaming about " Kevin reasons keeping his eyes on the road.
"Is that you stinking Ray", Kevin laughs."Don't judge me, it's been three days and I couldn't leave her" I say in defense." Tomorrow I get to go see Christa. "
"Am so jealous of you Ray, now your a dad and am left without even a girlfriend " Kevin pouts. "Before I forget, Captain called to let you know that he's been trying to reach you but in vain. He said you needed to meet him before the day ends". I pull out my phone from the pocket and indeed it's dead. I plug it into the car charger and continue bragging to Kevin on how am a father to a very lovely daughter.
***
Later in the evening
"You are a very lucky man Mr.  Fisher! " captain looks at me amused.
"Ummm Captain, I mean I have been lucky today but am not sure if we're talking about the same luck." I look at him trying to understand.
"Last weekend we managed to arrest the Steven cousins, Penelope your friend was caught at a party using a phrodisiac, a drug coupled with Incense that stimulates the body's carnal desires" he pauses to see my reaction. "When we interogatted her she claimed her father gave her the drug such that she could film you raping girls and have you rotting in jail. Those kids were blinded by the Black Eagle . But worry not Black Eagle and his minions are no longer a threat to you. But I have to remind you that Sivert managed to flee the country" he finishes off.
"I will be careful Captain and once again thanks for everything you did for me, am forever thankful to you and dad" I salute him and leave.
"Ooooh, and congratulations on becoming a father " I hear him say as I exit. Captain really has eyes on everyone. How did he manage to find out so soon.
Outside Captain's office, I feel more relieved with the news. God indeed has away of protecting his own.  With the information at hand I need to be extra careful and do anything possible to win over Azra back and be the best dad. I have a family to protect now.