We were greeted by the receptionist, a perky brunette, who stood and greeted us like we were some fairytale legend that had come to life.
“It is such an honor to meet you,” she told me. “Please have a seat. Can I get you anything, water, coffee, soda?”
“No, thank you. We’re fine,” I said, speaking for my husband as well.
“Okay, it will be just a minute,” she said with a smile before darting off.
As Malcolm and I sat in the waiting room, I couldn’t help but take in the masculine décor. The place reminded me of leather, tobacco, and liquor.
Malcolm took my hand and squeezed it, instantly calming my nerves. We sat in silence for five minutes, though it actually felt like thirty.
The receptionist reappeared. “You can come back.”
We walked down a long hallway, adorned with awards, certificates, and photos of what I assumed were dignitaries. As soon as we entered the room that the receptionist had guided us to, Major stood and greeted us.
“Jill, thank you so much for coming on such short notice.” He leaned in and hugged me. “And Malcolm, so good to see you again.”
“Hello, Mr. Logan,” Malcolm said, shaking his hand.
“None of that Mr. Logan stuff,” Major said, waving away his words. “I’m Major . . .” he looked over to me, “and hopefully, one day, Dad.”
I wanted to tell him that he was moving way too fast, but I didn’t get a chance to, because before I knew it, Elaine was up and throwing her arms around me.
“Alicia, my love!” she sang as she, too, pulled me into her arms. I wanted to ask her not to call me by a name that I didn’t know. I also wanted to remind them that they’d just seen me a couple of days ago, since they were acting like I’d just returned from the war.
As I pulled from her embrace, I noticed Phillip sitting over on the sofa up against the wall, his lips pursed together. He didn’t bother to speak, so neither did I.
“Please, have a seat.” Major motioned toward two wood-backed chairs that were positioned next to him. The door opened and the man that was with him that day in Starbucks walked in.
“Hello, let me formally introduce myself. I’m Vincent Thompson, Attorney-at-Law.” He shook my hand, then turned and shook Malcolm’s.
“Vince here has been our family attorney for as long as we have needed an attorney.” Major smiled.
“Yes, I consider the Logans family, not just clients,” he said, taking a seat behind his desk. “I was there when you disappeared and I can tell you they were absolutely heartbroken.”
The jovial tone that Elaine had just had disappeared as a thin mist covered her eyes.
“But we aren’t going to dwell on the past,” Major said. “We have our daughter home now.”
I nodded because I didn’t know what else to do. “So, what did you want to see us about?” I asked.
Phillip coughed loudly in the background. Major and the attorney ignored him.
“Well, you know, since the test came back positive,” Major began, “we have been thinking about how we can build a legacy. And we have so much to give, not just financially, but in love. So we’d love to start by meeting Destiny, our granddaughter.”
“We’d love nothing more,” Elaine added with a smile.
“That can be arranged.” I nodded, looking at Malcolm. He nodded as well. “Maybe we can bring her by this weekend.”
“Perfect,” Elaine said, the bright smile returning to her eyes. “I can’t wait to get to know her. I have so many things I want to do with her. Things that I didn’t get to do with you.”
I instantly tensed. I hoped that she didn’t think that she was going to commandeer our child and duplicate my childhood.
Major must’ve been reading my body language because he added, “Of course our goal is to get to know all of you, our granddaughter, and our son-in-law, better.”
I nodded again. “We’d like that as well.”
“Yes, sir, we would,” Malcolm echoed.
Major clapped his hands, signaling a shift in the conversation. “Well, as you might have heard, my business is very lucrative. And one of the things that we have been big on is keeping that business in the family,” Major continued.
I raised an eyebrow, wondering where he was going with this conversation. Surely, he wasn’t turning his businesses over to a perfect stranger and, blood or not, that’s what I was.
“So, I’d like to find a place for you there,” he continued.
“I, umm, I work in the healthcare industry,” I said.
He smiled. “You actually work at Starbucks.”
“And no daughter of ours needs to work at Starbucks,” Elaine interjected.
“I’m sure we can find something that you’d like to do,” Major said.
I shrugged. “I guess so.”
He turned to Malcolm. My husband’s eyes were dancing in anticipation. “And I’ve been doing my homework on you, young man. Seems you’re pretty skilled. I’d love for you to join us in our facilities department. I hear you have quite the knack for fixing things. Ideally, I’d love for you to start there and work your way up and learn all aspects of our business.”
Malcolm’s eyes lit up.
“Of course, it’s a good salary,” Major said.
“More than we pay anyone that works in facilities,” Phillip added from the back.
Again, Major ignored him.
“Yes, sir,” Malcolm exclaimed. “I mean, I can give you my ré-sumé.” He paused. “But, sir, I’m so much more than a facilities manager. In fact, I’m working on developing a location app to allow people to see things going on wherever they are, and put them with like-minded individuals. It’s a combination of FourSquare and Bumble, but safer and more tailored to a person’s likes.”
“Don’t worry. We’ve done all of our homework. I wouldn’t be offering this if I didn’t think you were capable,” Major said. “And I’d love to hear more about this app. Logan Investments is always looking for ways to diversify our portfolio.”
“Wow.” Malcolm stood and shook his hand. “I’m honored and yes, yes I’d love to. I can be there tomorrow.”
Major laughed. “See, this is why I know you’ll do well. Not necessary. You can start next Monday.” He handed Malcolm a business card. “This is Barbara Martin, our HR Director, please speak with her. She’ll know to expect you and help you get settled.” He turned back to me. “I know that you may want to take some more time with Destiny. So whenever you’re ready, just let me know.”
“Well, thank you,” I said, wondering why he couldn’t tell us this over the phone.
“Another matter at hand,” the attorney interrupted, “is Mr. Logan’s distribution of wealth.”
That made both me and Malcolm turn our attention back to the front and Phillip grunted his displeasure.
“Mr. Logan would like to make sure you and your family want for nothing,” Vincent began. “We are in the process of revamping his will but in the meantime, he’d like to give you and your family this check.” Vincent slid a check across the desk to us. Malcolm reached out and grabbed it before I could.
“Now in no way do I want to insult your ability to provide for your family,” Major said. “But I worked hard so that my family could live a good life. And you’re family.”
Malcolm gasped as he looked at the check. “Oh my God,” he said, handing it to me.
My eyes zoomed in on the zeroes. All five of them. “Five hundred thousand dollars?” I replied, in shock. Surely, this had to be some kind of mistake.
“That’s just seed money for now,” Major said, a big grin spread across his face.
“Yes,” Vincent added. “Once we get the will taken care of and get some other things worked out, Mr. Logan has said that he would like a large amount of his four hundred million dollar estate to go to you.”
“Wh—what?” Both Malcolm and I said at the same time.
“Four hundred? I read that you were worth like five million,” Malcol
m said.
Major laughed. “You can’t believe everything you read on the internet.”
“So, you have been researching your meal ticket?” Phillip mumbled from the back.
Malcolm cocked his head, refusing to be intimidated by Phillip’s disparaging attitude. “No, I call it doing my homework,” he replied.
Major laughed. “I like him. I like him a lot.” He shifted his gaze directly at me. “Sweetheart, you’re a Logan. Life as you know it is about to change.”
I don’t know why, but a sickening feeling filled my gut.
Chapter 21
My husband reached over and squeezed my hand again. But this time, I thought it was to calm his own nerves, not mine. The Logans and their attorney had stepped into the conference room next door. I didn’t know why, but they asked us to hang on for a second after Phillip muttered something in Major’s ear. Malcolm could barely contain his excitement.
“Can you believe this?” Malcolm whispered.
I shook my head simply because I couldn’t. How had my life changed so drastically in the span of a week?
“Do you know what we can do with this money?” he said. “Thank you, Jesus.” He clutched the check to his chest.
“I don’t feel right about this,” I said.
“What’s not to feel right about? I mean, I understand you’re conflicted with all of it but you deserve this.” He glanced around the room, then leaned in and lowered his voice. “And at four hundred million, you deserve a whole lot more.”
“I know,” I sighed.
He sat back upright. “And what I like most of all, and yes, I really appreciate the money, but he’s giving me a chance to earn my keep. I want to be able to prove that I’m worthy of being your husband,” Malcolm said.
I kissed his hand. “I know you’re worthy of being my husband, sweetie. It’s just . . .” My words trailed off as the door opened back up and the Logans stepped back in. The jovial disposition had disappeared, replaced by an uneasy aura.
“Thank you both for being so patient,” Vincent said. “Before we sign the documents, there is one other small matter that must be addressed.” He glanced at the Logans. “Mr. Logan?”
Major looked at me but couldn’t open his mouth. He turned to his wife and she pressed her lips together.
“Oh, good grief,” Phillip said, stepping in front of them. “As you can imagine, this has all been a shock for my family,” Phillip began. “And your kidnapping altered the course of their lives.”
I nodded in understanding. I knew if my life had been turned upside down by this revelation, I could only imagine what they were feeling.
“But at least you found her now,” Malcolm said as if he was fearful that they were about to change their mind and rip the check from his pocket.
“Yes, we’re very glad of that.” Elaine finally spoke up. “However, this is a large sum of money that we are giving to you.”
“I didn’t ask you for this,” I felt inclined to say. The last thing I ever wanted was them feeling like they could buy me. Malcolm squeezed my hand and Phillip held up his hand to stop me from talking.
“We know that you did not ask for anything,” Major said. “We know that you did not seek us out.”
“However,” Phillip added, “as you can imagine, as grateful as my aunt and uncle are to have found you, they are not happy about the situation and how it unfolded, and how they have been denied a lifetime of knowing you.”
I really didn’t know what they expected me to say at this point. So, I just found comfort in my husband’s touch.
“So, here’s the deal,” Phillip said as he began pacing back and forth in front of Vincent’s desk. “You are welcome to that money,” he said motioning toward Malcolm’s jacket, “I’m sure it is burning a hole in your pocket there.” I wanted to say something about his dig, but he continued talking. “And my uncle is adamant about the estate and,” Phillip seemed like he was taking a deep breath and swallowing a lump in his throat, “and the adjustment to his will. However, there is one stipulation to both the money and the will.”
That wiped the smile off of Malcolm’s face and caused my ears to perk up.
Phillip seemed to take great pleasure in delivering his next words. “You are to have no more contact with Connie Harrison, the woman who kidnapped you.”
The room grew silent until I said, “What?”
Major spoke up. “Our first inclination is to have your kidnapper thrown under the jail, but we understand that she is sickly, and for you—and only for you—we won’t press charges.”
Phillip handed me another piece of paper. “This document states that upon the cashing of that check and signing of the revised terms of the will, my aunt and uncle would like to begin building a relationship with you. They cannot do that with a constant reminder of the woman who ripped you from their lives.”
“This is crazy,” I said, my attention directly on Elaine and Major. “You want me to abandon my mother?”
“I am your mother,” Elaine said. Gone were all traces of a smile.
Major put his arm around her and squeezed her tight, and she appeared to relax just a bit.
“I am sorry,” I said, standing to face them. “I don’t mean any disrespect as I know this is hard on all of us. And you very well might have given birth to me but,” I choked back my tears, “Connie Harrison is my mother.”
“Connie Harrison stole you from me,” Elaine shouted, before taking a deep breath and stepping back.
Phillip stepped up. “This is exactly why we need to erase all references to that woman from your life. My aunt is fragile and does not need this stress.” I couldn’t help but note how he seemed to take great pride in all of this.
“Did you suggest this?” I asked him. “Is this your way of trying to make sure only you can benefit from their wealth?”
He didn’t seem fazed by my outburst. Just kept standing there with that stupid smirk on his face.
“Look,” he replied, moving in front of Major as if he wanted to send a message about who was really in charge. “All I know is that if you would like the money, then you are to have no more contact with your mother, excuse me, your kidnapper. You’re lucky that is the only thing we are doing and not choosing to have your mother arrested.”
“Arrested?” I gasped.
“Yes. Thrown under the jail,” he said. “Kidnapping is a felony.”
My heart sank into my chest. I knew that was a possibility, but I guess I refused to believe that it could actually happen. “My mother is very sick,” I said, my voice low.
“Which is why we’re having mercy on her, though she had no mercy on my aunt or my uncle,” Phillip said, unmoved.
“I can’t abandon my mother.” The very thought made me sick to my stomach.
“Well, it is the only way this can work,” Phillip said, motioning between me and Elaine.
“You know what you can do with your check?” I said, stretching my hand out toward my husband. “Babe, give it here.” I was prepared to tear the check up in their faces and tell them to go to hell on my way out the door.
Instead of reaching in his pocket, pulling the check out, and placing it in my hand, my husband took my palm and squeezed it.
“Okay, everyone, this is emotional for us all.” Malcolm gently pulled me to him. “Can you give us some time to discuss this?”
“Discuss all you want,” Phillip said. The way his smirk crept across his face, I could tell this had all been his idea. “If that check is cashed and you do not cease contact with Connie Harrison, we will have her arrested.”
I felt tears well up as I moved toward the door, “Malcolm, let’s go.”
“Alicia, please understand,” Elaine said.
I spun toward her, my sudden movement startling her. “My name is Jill,” I snapped. “Jillian Jaye Harrison.” My tone caused her to take a step back.
“Okay, I understand that this is difficult,” Major said, finally stepping from behind Phillip. “
Yes, take all the time you need. It took us this long to find you, we’re not going anywhere.”
“Jill,” Elaine muttered as I headed toward the door. “Please don’t be upset. Please understand this from our point of view.”
I ignored her and cursed the day that any of them had come into my life.
Chapter 22
I couldn’t fight back the tears. I’d been crying all the way home. These people had bogarted their way into my past and now wanted to dictate my future. And they were out of their minds if they thought that my future would be without my mother—no matter what she’d done.
Malcolm was conflicted. I could tell he’d already started spending the money in his head, but at the same time, he wanted to comfort me because he knew I was livid.
“You okay?” he asked once we finally pulled back into our complex.
“No,” I said, gazing out at my town home, taking in the stark contrast from the Logan’s home. “Those people have a lot of nerve.”
Malcolm pulled into a parking space, stopped, and turned to face me. “Sweetheart, I understand that you are angry about their request, but I’m going to play devil’s advocate here.”
I cut my eyes at him, pursed my lips to let him know I didn’t care for him to continue. He didn’t care that I didn’t care and continued to talk.
“What I want you to do is put yourself in Mrs. Logan’s shoes. If someone came along and took Destiny from you, robbed you of watching her take her first step, took away everything. Her first words, kiss, date, prom, graduation, all of that, would you be able to forgive her?”
Of course, the answer to that was a resounding “no,” but I couldn’t bring myself to utter those words. “I’m not saying that I don’t understand their anger,” I replied. “But this isn’t some hypothetical situation. This is real life. My life.”
“And if you one day found Destiny, who had been kidnapped from you,” Malcolm continued, “how would you feel if she wanted to continue a relationship with the woman who stole her?”
The Stolen Daughter Page 11