FORTY-NINE.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE - Luther.


When Tommy had informed me on the phone about David, who was my business partner, it felt like a pack of ice was being dumped on my body. I warned that man never to come near Reese . He was going to get the worst from me. Dave had helped in watching over my daughter. I had instructed him over the phone to inform Reese 's parents that I would be back soon.

I was going to meet Tommy for us to discuss it more in person, I felt things were better that way. I met with Tommy at our usual café and we were sitting to discuss matters.

“David Wilson? He did this?” I questioned.

“He planned alongside Petra, he's getting back at you.”

“Do you perhaps know the connection between them?” I questioned. I needed all the information Tommy knew.

“They might actually have had a deal,” he suggested. “The two people involved have Reese as an enemy, so if one wants her down, it's a win-win situation.” He made a lot of sense.

“Which means he has been watching even when I told him never to come close to her. He did this because I did not give him the business deal also.” I acknowledged.

“You have to be careful with that man, he's willing to wipe off anybody who comes his way,” Tommy warned.

“Any evidence to hold against him and Petra?”

“Sadly not. They both did a clean job. Petra is the one working for him.” Tommy gave a sardonic smile.

I should have dealt with Petra the very time I found out that she planned the scandal. Now there was nothing I could use to hold against them. I needed to inform Reese 's parents about this. Enough was enough. I thanked Tommy and left to drive back to the hospital. I was grateful it wasn't far from the café at least. I walked into the hospital to meet with Reese 's mother sitting beside her daughter and crying. A shadow of guilt darkened my eyes, I let this happen. If I had not proposed any contract, Reese would still be very much alive. All these wouldn't have happened.

“Mrs Quinn,” I called slowly, she turned to me and gave me a cold glare in return.

“What do you want? Are you happy now? Now that you see my daughter hurt?” She snapped at me.

“I am sorry—”

“There's nothing to be sorry about. You are the one who wanted her this way! You hurt my daughter so much.” She rocked back and forth, tears coursing down her cheeks unchecked.

“Whatever makes you think this way Mrs Quinn, I understand but I did not do this to Reese .”

“Who did?” She asked in a sarcastic tone.

“Your brother did. David Wilson.” Just when I said that she looked amused and that look she had on her face came out from shame and guilt.

“It's my fault. I couldn't protect my daughter. I couldn't,” for a moment, she began to weep bitterly. “How could I have doubted my daughter? How?”

“We will have to gather proof Mrs Quinn, I know this might come out harsh but now is not the time for us to wallow in guilt. David needs to pay for this. He has destroyed enough.”

“I just can't believe I didn't protect my daughter from him. I blamed her. I caused this upon myself.” She covered her mouth and wept.

“We will see what might be our next step. I will have my private investigator work on the proof. For now, Reese and the baby need to be protected. My bodyguard will remain here.” I said to her and she nodded her head slowly in response.

I left the wardroom and went to the restroom. I leaned on the restroom wall and stared at the mirror. The dark circles beneath my eyes were pretty obvious. In the past few days I had missed some important meetings, I had some on zoom also. After coming out, I headed to the waiting room and felt this instant pity for the woman. I did not know what relationship Reese had with her parents, at least I knew but I did not know the cause of it. I was sure Reese 's mother would blame herself more for not doing anything she could to protect her daughter. Everything was messed up and I wished there was a way faster step to handle it.

I couldn't leave Reese 's side for once, not even our daughter who was lying in the incubator—hopeless. Our daughter was hopeless, she was fighting for her life amidst all of the wires and plasters plugged into her tiny body. Thinking of this made me realize I would do anything and everything to ensure protection for my daughter and Reese . I did not know why but this strong bond I had with my daughter—was at first sight. If my daughter made it, I would make sure to be that parent she could rely on. I did not want to like Reese 's story for our daughter, ever!

My child. Everything still felt like a dream, I am now a father. I couldn't seem to process the thought of having shouldered another human's responsibility. Lennie, was going to grow up and look up to me for guidance, help and support. To hold and to cherish, to advice and to love.

I broke out of my thoughts as the ringing tone of my phone brought me out of my world. I checked to see the caller ID, it was my mum. I didn't know what to say to her, I had no words left in me but I went ahead to pick up the call anyway.

“Mother. . .” I let out.

“. . . Samuel?”

“Yes, mum, how are you doing?”

“I am doing fine but where have you been? Your father and I have been worried.”

“I. . . I am fine.”

“Haastrup junior, what is going on?” I knew my mum. She was the type who could sense when I was having a bad day.

“It's. . . it's nothing. . . really. . .” I stuttered, hoping she wouldn't be persistent about it.

“You are stuttering, Samuel. I know when you stutter.”

With what she had said, I sobbed like a toddler whose toy was deprived of him. I have never felt this way before, I was used to sucking all my emotions in. I couldn't believe I was crying now, here I was crying. “It's Reese , she's in a coma.”

“What? How? What happened?” Mum asked with concern in her voice.

“Her brake got tampered with, she had an accident from it. She gave birth to twins prematurely but our first child couldn't make it.” I explained.

“I. . . I have a grandchild? Grandchildren?” I could notice the surprise laced in her voice. I knew she had so many questions to ask.

“Yes mother, she gave birth. It's a girl and a boy.”

She sounded like she was about to shed tears. “Where are you now?”

“Mum, you don't have to come. I will do fine.” I tried convincing but I knew she wouldn't take no for an answer.

“Not when Reese and my grandchildren are involved. Your father and I are coming, so where are you?”

“Chicago, mum. In the hospital,” I told her the name of the hospital and waited for her to respond. She sighed heavily instead. “Mum?”

“Your father and I are taking the flight to Chicago later today. We will talk more about this.”

“Alright, mum.” I nodded, we said goodbye and disconnected the call. I dipped my fingers into my hair as a sign of frustration.

I was frustrated by everything, I did not know where to start.

“She moved!” I heard a familiar voice, I gazed up to be sure of where that voice came from. I rushed into Reese 's wardroom quickly.


•


•