“He doesn’t work…” I begin to respond, but I’m interrupted by the bells on the door as it’s whipped open. Caden. My hand automatically feels for the taser we keep under the counter. “Caden, you aren’t supposed to be here,” I warn.

The visitor turns and looks at Caden, then back to me. I’ve backed up toward the gym, ready to scream if Caden takes one step toward me. Wisely, the visitor assesses my face and swiftly says, “Mr. Ralley, perhaps we should take our business elsewhere. Why don’t we go have some lunch?”

Caden glares at me for a moment and then turns his attention to his visitor. He nods and the two men disappear without another word.

Chapter 25

Jax

A serene feeling cloaks me as I make my way through the chaotic city. Overflowing traffic bustles through the streets, taxi’s honk and weave in and out, a barrage of people shuffle all around me, eager to get to their destination. Taking it all in as I walk leisurely to my hotel after my meeting, it dawns on me I was one of them not too long ago. Running in place, conducting my life on the go, yet never really knowing where I was heading. But something’s changed.

The doors open to my suite and I stop to look around. Really look around. It’s ornate and grand, and completely unnecessary. I smile thinking of Lily’s comment the first time she saw it, “Why does one person need three bathrooms?” I’ll be damned if I know. Just like so many other things in my life, I didn’t stop to consider what I was doing. Rather, I acted as I was taught. As I was expected to act. Even the ostentatious hotel room, I could afford the best, so why would I expect anything less? Totally my father, a man I loathe to find any comparisons to, yet each time I act without thinking I find my actions resemble his.

I call guest services and tell them I’ll be checking out of the suite today and checking into a regular room. It takes me five minutes to convince them nothing is wrong, it’s just unnecessary to occupy it anymore.

I make a few business calls and catch up with Brady again on the state of Knight Investments. The office has been busy the last day, a barrage of new clients. My mother’s birthday party likely a factor. The news ran a picture of her and I dancing that I didn’t even know was snapped. Forgiveness was the title of the story. A shot captured from a private moment in time, a trait of humanity that my father undoubtedly has plans to exploit.

Packing up the few things I’ve brought before heading to the gym, I look around one last time as I wait for the elevator. How can I have thought this life was normal…what I was cut out to be?

***

My newfound peace quickly dissipates, replaced by fury and tension the minute I walk through the door at Ralley’s Gym.

“What are you doing here?” I scowl, demanding through clenched teeth.

“Is that any way to greet your father?” Dressed in a three piece custom tailored suit, his perfectly poised consummate politician smile slithers over me like a snake coiling as it waits patiently to find the best place to sink its venomous teeth.

“What. Do. You. Want.” I grumble. Anger radiates from my every word. I’m not yelling, but heads turn to watch. These men can smell a fight brewing.

A minute later, Lily walks from the back office to the reception desk where we’re standing. At first, oblivious to the standoff, she approaches smiling. “Hey. How was your meeting?” She sees my face, notices the visitor, and turns to my father, her face faltering. “You’re back?”

“Yes. I just can’t seem to keep away,” he responds sarcastically.

“My father’s been here before?” I ask Lily.

“Your father?” Lily’s eyes go wide. She looks to him and then to me, perhaps searching for the resemblance. It’s not hard to find. “He was here earlier today.” She looks confused.

“What are you doing here?” I repeat through gritted teeth.

“I think I should be asking you the same thing, Jackson.”

“What I do is none of your business. I thought we cleared that up already.”

My father clears his throat and straightens his spine, standing taller. “I need to speak to you in private. You haven’t returned my calls.”

“Then you’ve wasted a trip. We have nothing to talk about…on the phone or in person.”

“Your business is dwindling. Clients need to be put at ease that you’re at the helm. Apparently, I’m not the only call you aren’t returning.”

“My business is just fine. And none of your business.”

“People talk. Let’s not forget that many of your biggest clients are my associates. Fellow Senators, Congressmen, wealthy supporters.”

“Yes. And those were the first ones to pull their business when the news broke you didn’t practice the good Christian values you preach.”

“Nonsense. You still have many clients from my blood, sweat and tears. Some of who are concerned you aren’t steering the ship back to calm waters. Every business goes through rocky times, you need to hang on tight and work through them, Jackson.”

“Is that why you came? To give me business help. I think you’ve done enough.”

My father smiles. He turns his head to Lily and then back to me as if to make a point. “We’re a lot more alike than you may care to admit, son.”

“We’re nothing alike,” I snarl vehemently.

“I know what you’re doing. I will not stand by idly as you destroy your life. While you destroy the family name by spending your days in a place like this.”

“Get out! And don’t come back.” Rage pours from my body, trembling to find an outlet for my anger.

My father leisurely buttons his jacket and smooths it down, “That’s okay, my business is done here.” He looks around the room with disdain. “I’ve raised you better than this. You’ll come around to your senses soon enough. You’ll bore of being surrounded by ignorance and vulgarity.”

The door opens to frantic clicks of the cameras from the few photographers that are still hanging around. Senator Knight puts on the smile of a trained actor and walks out.

After a moment, I turn to Lily. “I’m sorry about that.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

“I don’t know why he came here. What he was even trying to accomplish. We said everything we needed to say at the house, before my mother’s party.”

“Jax.” Lily’s face looks nervous and stressed. “He was here with Caden earlier.”