Almost Forgotten (Contemporary Erotic Romance) (The Broken Men Chronicles Book 2)

by Carey Decevito

  He laid there, his mouth opening and closing, trying to get a word in edgewise with no success as his daughter kept speaking.

  “I will never trust you with my family again.” Although her voice had gone soft, it left little of her anger out. After a moment of silence, Danica appeared to be collecting her thoughts. “You need to tell me the truth, once and for all,” she said. I sensed that this was the calm before another storm if the old man didn’t deliver. “You owe me that much.”

  His nod was slight but it was there. “Okay, what would you like to know?”

  “What’s going on with Withers?” she asked and I came to stand beside her, one arm wrapped around her waist. “Did you sign anything that would give Bruce the right to take over the company?”

  “No,” he said.

  “So, you didn’t know that Bruce took over the company?” she queried again. The man’s jaw tightened and his eyes seemed to be everywhere but on his daughter. He shook his head to indicate the negative.

  My body grew tense. “He’s lying to you, Nica.”

  The man’s head snapped in my direction. “You,” he said, “mind your business. This is between me and my kids.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. Your daughter is mine and whatever concerns her, concerns my son and thus me because, unlike you, I protect what’s mine. You’re hiding something. I don’t know what it is but I suspect that Spalding’s got something on you that you’d rather sacrifice your kid’s livelihoods to protect yourself. So what is it?”

  “Landen...”

  “Let me tell you what I know to be facts, from our day in court.” I continued. “The judge’s ruling was sound. I’ve seen the documents. I’m not an idiot like you would prefer me to be and I can’t be walked all over like you’ve done and are trying to do with your daughter.” I took a deep breath to calm myself down. “Now, I’ll ask again, what does Bruce Spalding have on you?”

  “You wouldn’t understand.”

  “Try us, because from where I’m standing, aside from Mike, you’ve already lost what you had of your family,” I said. “What’s the harm in trying to salvage what you have left?”

  “If I’ve lost it all, what’s the point?” he asked. “I’m a dying man, Landen, my heart’s not good.”

  “Cut the woe is me bullshit, Withers,” I snapped.

  “Thanks to that deal, my son and daughter will be more than financially stable for the rest of their lives without having to work again.”

  Danica grumbled. “What deal? What did you do?”

  “I had papers drafted up,” he started. “I don’t know how Bruce pulled it off and got his hands on the drafts because this heart bullshit happened before I could get anything finalized.”

  Danica’s voice reverberated off of the room’s walls. “You can’t do that!”

  “It’s done,” he said.

  “Illegally?”

  “Doesn’t matter,” he said.

  “But Mike loves working for Withers’. Y-you… you can’t...”

  “It’s done, Danica!” the man said with a tone that brokered no argument. “Bruce’s lawyer came to see me yesterday morning with the final copies and I signed them.”

  “But it’s illegal,” Danica said again, her voice gone whisper soft.

  “It won’t appear that way to a judge,” her father said, “and I know you’ll never bring this to court.”

  “I’d beg to differ,” I said. “My name is on those papers, my signature, that of your son’s and daughter’s; those are forged documents.”

  “And you can prove it beyond giving your word?” He gave me a stern look and a confident smirk.

  “I have someone looking into what can be done as we speak.”

  The man recoiled in his bed, his eyes widening with surprise. “What have you done?”

  I hypothesized aloud. “I guess things aren’t as smooth as they could be.”

  “Dani,” the man reached out to her but she didn’t make a move toward him, “you need to make sure that this sticks.”

  “Why, Daddy?” she asked. “You worked so hard to make WI what it is. Mike and I suffered for it. Mom too! And for what… so you can give it up?”

  The man hesitated. “Yes.”

  “What’s he got on you?” I demanded.

  “Doesn’t matter,” he said.

  “What’s he got on you?” I growled.

  With a sigh, the man came clean — blowing my mind. Spalding had an ax to grind with old man Withers all right.

  From money disappearing, to Withers’ use of an external forensics accountant, he discovered that his former son-in-law was embezzling to keep his own business ventures afloat. This wasn’t news to me. I had discovered that for myself.

  “What else?” I urged him.

  “Withers International kept leaking funds even after we caught on to Spalding,” he said and Danica nodded. “Turns out the man is far smarter than I ever gave him credit for. I should have known.”

  Danica’s father proceeded to confess his gambling problems. “I was going to pay Spalding off so he would leave you alone in the divorce. I didn’t have the money, so I took it, shuffling things in the accounts so it didn’t look suspicious and buy me time to put it back.”

  “No!” Danica said.

  He nodded. “I did… and I lost it all. That’s when he came after the company. The divorce was supposed to be fool-proof. I would sign over my portion, he would win yours in the divorce and then because, Mike is Mike, he’d hand over his portion since he wouldn’t want to be part of an outfit with his sister’s ex. I knew he worked for me because it was a family operation. You both did because it brought you closer to me, I’m not blind.”

  “And then Jacob came into the picture,” Danica continued for her father.

  He nodded. “Bruce found himself a great lawyer. I was shocked when you walked into that courthouse, Landen.” He met my eyes. “What we didn’t predict was that you’d throw his case and the company would stay with us.” He snorted. “That was a gutsy move and because you made it, I knew that you had looked into Spalding and his workings. I have to say that I admired your stunt to keep WI in my family’s hands.”

  “What happened next?” Danica said.

  “Bruce didn’t get what was owed to him,” I said for her father.

  “Right,” he said.

  “So why didn’t you just leave it at that?” she asked.

  “Bruce was willing to do anything to get what he wanted. It’s why I hired the man in the first place. He’s ruthless, a go-getter and held promise for WI,” Withers said. “If I didn’t find a way to get him the company, he was going to leak everything. I couldn’t face Michael, you, the board which you know is filled with people who’ve been around since before you were born. They may not be blood but they’re family too. I couldn’t face that.”

  “Why not,” she began, “wouldn’t it be better for them to know than go to jail?”

  “I don’t care about a damn cell,” he said. “I rather lose the company to the man than go down and bringing you and your brother along with me. You don’t get it, sweetheart. What you’ve been seeing at our last two quarterly board meetings hasn’t been accurate.”

  “W-what do you mean?”

  “We’re going under,” he said. “You and Michael think we’re downsizing in Texas but in reality, I’m planning on pulling up shop. We’re not consolidating our offices, there won’t be a smaller, more familial feel, sweetheart. In fact, there won’t be a Withers International to speak of in the next few years because Spalding will dissolve the rest of the company now that he owns it outright.”

  Fuck! “So that’s why Mike’s talking about moving here,” I heard from my mouth. “There’s no job for him there anymore.”

  He nodded. “I reassigned him here,” he said.

  “I have one last question,” I said. “Why’d you pin the legal work on me?”

  “I didn’t. No one double-crosses Bruce, or so I found out the hard way
,” he said. “He knew you fucked him over in the divorce. He was pissed.”

  “Understandable,” I said.

  “He also found out that you were with his ex.”

  “Okay…” I said, urging him on.

  “That’s it.”

  “That’s it?” I felt like a parrot.

  “His name was dragged through the mud, Landen,” he said. “He might have been struggling to keep things afloat with his own businesses but he’s lost millions more after the divorce when some of his deals decided to pull out at the last minute.”

  “And that’s Jacob’s fault?” Danica said. She had been so calm and quiet that her outburst made me jump.

  “Princess...” he said.

  Her body tensed and the arm I had wrapped around her back tightened. “Don’t you dare call me that! I’m not your princess, your sweetie pie, your anything. You allowed Bruce to drag an honorable man’s name into this because of a personal vendetta. You took my son away from his father for ten years and now, you’ve taken away my father.” She shook her head saying, “That’s not what a father does to protect his kin.” Her voice ended on a quiver. I tried to gather her in my arms but she slipped from me and rushed from the room before I could stop her.

  I made to follow.

  “Landen,” Withers said. I turned to him, relieved to hear Mike’s muffled voice trying to console his sister out in the hall. “Do you lie?”

  “No, sir,” I said. “I left the firm that represented Spalding because I couldn’t work with people that do.”

  “Good.” He looked away before training his gaze on me again. “Take care of her will you, she’s got her mother’s soul.”

  “And her father’s temper.” I gave him a tight lipped smile. “Listen,” I began, approaching his bedside once more, “I need you to know a few things because I don’t know when or if we’ll see you again. I’m leaving that decision to your daughter and our son.

  “I know your daughter but despite all of the years that you’ve had with her, I don’t think you know her at all. She’s forgiving and gives so much of herself, to a fault, and you took advantage of that.

  “Before you upped your family and disappeared, I respected you, and had you not been that hard of a man, I doubt I would have strived as hard as I did to get to where I am today but I’d be here regardless. What I’m realizing now is that the man that I held in such esteem for so many years, a man I wanted approval from because I loved and looked to a future with his daughter, a man I saw as having so much determination, respect, and dedication to his family, was nothing but a sham.

  “As for me risking my career by throwing my case to the dogs, I did it because it was the right thing to do. You kept my son from me for ten years because of your issues, not to mention, your dislike of me. What does that say about you as a father — as a grandfather? I’m not trying to sound disrespectful here, but from where I’m standing, your daughter turned out amazingly well and it wasn’t much thanks to you. Your wife must have been a gem and I wish I’d had the chance to thank her for that beautiful woman out there that’s gifted me with so much already.”

  “Landen...”

  “By now, you’re realizing that I don’t care what you think of me and you’d be right. But being the man that I am, I believe you deserve to know that I plan on marrying your daughter. I will spend the rest of my days, making sure that her needs are met, that her dreams come true, that she’s happy. The same goes for Jordan.” I paused to let my words sink in some. “Get well, Withers. I’ll be in touch but I can’t say the same for your daughter or my son.”

  I walked out of the room to find Danica sitting on one of the hallway chairs. Mike stood to greet me.

  “We have answers,” I said.

  He gave me a curt nod. “We’ll talk later, she needs you right now.”

  I sat and wrapped an arm around her shoulders and nodded towards the hospital room I had just exited and said, “I wouldn’t go in there right now if I were you. Let him stew.”

  He nodded. “Go on and get her home.”

  “You coming to Jordan’s game tonight?” I asked.

  He grinned. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  Chapter 56

  Bronson-Smith High was a place where friendships were forged, relationships came and went, and memories to last a lifetime were created. I peered down the stands, excited that the bleachers were packed to the maximum and pleased that we had arrived in time to snag our seats.

  Danica’s emotions had run amok throughout the afternoon. Not once had I left her side, doing everything I could to console her. During a particular bout of tears, I promised her that Spalding wouldn’t keep WI. I wasn’t quite sure as to how I’d accomplish that feat only that I was determined to find a way.

  But now, waiting for the game to begin, she was smiling, excited and proud to be part of our son’s first game of the year. I shared in her sentiment, relieved that we could put the events of the day behind us for a while. I had more important things on my mind anyway.

  I saw an older couple walk by and yelled out to the familiar head of salt and pepper hair. The crowd parted and they climbed up the steps to join us.

  “Mom,” I kissed her on the cheek, “Dad.” He shook my hand.

  Mom sported a beaming smile, her gaze fused to the woman who sat at my side. “I’ll be!” She pressed a hand to her chest before opening her arms to the younger woman. “It’s so wonderful to see you, dear. How’ve you been?”

  “Good, thank you, Mrs. Landen.” She returned my mother’s hug and looked at me, winking when Mom pulled away.

  “I’m so glad to hear,” she said. “Did you know...”

  “Mom,” I shook my head, knowing all too well that she was about to launch into stories of my childhood antics, “some other time, please.”

  Danica sat in her seat and patted Mike’s thigh. “This is my brother, Michael.”

  When my mother moved to Mike, my dad took Danica’s hand and bent to kiss her cheek. “I’m so glad to see that you’re back in the picture. I never thought this guy would find another one like you.”

  Danica laughed and I gave him a warning look. “I’m glad he hasn’t found anyone else either,” she said which made Dad grin at me.

  Knowing I had somewhere to be since the game was about to start, I excused myself.

  The announcer was paid off, Jordan and the boys were anxious to get going, some of them a little green with nerves, and I was raring to go.

  The boom of a voice could be heard over the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please! We have something special to kick off the night, but first, in true Bronson-Smith High tradition, it’s time to announce our honorary coach!”

  In case you’re wondering, the payoff was for the announcer to call my name. It wasn’t a hard sell once I let him in on my plan.

  After being called out as the game’s honorary coach, the announcer introduced both teams as each mascot proceeded to taunt each other on the field.

  The crowd was rowdy. It didn’t matter what sporting team you were on at Bronson-Smith, the student body and their parents rallied together. BSH alumni stood behind their players. The euphoria of the crowd grew contagious and I fed off of it.

  Summoned to join the announcer on the sidelines he said, “Coach, the stage is yours.”

  I looked up at the stands to find Danica and my mother cheering and waving. I chuckled at the sight but it was Danica that held all my attention now.

  She was there every time I opened and closed my eyes, every time I dreamed, every time I looked into my past. She was there in my present and the only one I cared to see in my future along with Jordan.

  I beckoned the whole team forth with a wave of my arm as I accepted the announcer’s mic.

  “For those of you who remember me from high school, you know that I was known for some outrageous stunts. Well, it appears that I’ve lost my touch.” I paused to let the laughing crowd calm down. “My apologies, but an oldie wi
ll have to do, seeing as I can’t seem to find the right words at the moment,” I announced to the crowd gaining me a few more chuckles. “So boys, you know what to do on three,” I said and winked at Jordan who couldn’t stop laughing and shaking his head at my shenanigans.

  “Utterly mental,” he lipped.

  Surrounded by the boys, circled around me with their arms laced around each other in the way of typical team camaraderie, I took a knee and hid from the crowd. I counted to three with my fingers and watched each and every beaming face that was there to help. Holding the mic up to the boys, they yelled it to the top of their lungs. “Would you just marry him already, Nica?”

  An audible gasp from the crowd was followed by dead silence.

  If the crickets were out, they could have been heard.

  Within seconds, the crowd roared with cheers and the boys backed off, leaving me alone, front and center as they lined up behind me.

  On bended knee, the ring in hand, I looked up to where I knew she was. Everyone around her was standing yet she was frozen in place, sitting with her jaw dropped. My parents were hugging with my mother jumping up and down in her seat. Mike was trying to get my woman to her feet so he could escort her down the bleachers. I stood to watch.

  The mascot made his way toward the stands and collected her at the bottom step. She looked at the matted furry creature as if she’d contract a communicable disease if she touched him but gave in.

  The closer she got, past and future blurred into the present and a surge of emotion began to overwhelm me. I felt like a teenager at his homecoming game and this moment sure felt like my homecoming. It might have been fast but it was right. I felt it in my bones.

  A hand squeezed my shoulder and I turned to the side. My son stood there with a grin rivaling mine. The crowd chanted and cheered to the point that I couldn’t think. Then again, there was no need to think, I already knew what needed to be said.

  She came to a stop in front of me, shock still strewn over her face. She brushed off the mascot’s gloved hand and scrunched up her nose as she looked at him. “You stink!” she said. The team erupted in laughter along with the crowd who managed to pick up her words through the mic. She looked around and blushed.