Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“I need you to know I’ve been trying for years to tell you, to show you I made a mistake. I lost my way. You’re angry with me.
“I don’t blame you. I shouldn’t have cut you off, but I’m proud of what you’ve done with your life. You’re a good man and very smart. Smarter than I’ve been.
“I thought Atlas would help me right the wrongs I created years ago, but I didn’t see his anger and agenda until it was too late. I was young when I went to the other families. I didn’t know they would destroy anything in their way. I picked the wrong side in my greed and jealousy.
“I… I just didn’t want to believe your mother’s death was my fault. My actions set that in the moment. I’ve regretted that all my life. I loved your mother. I love you.
“I lost myself in grief. Grief, pride, jealousy, and greed cost me everything. Basil was right in how he handled you. I was too stubborn to listen.
“I just wanted to say… sorry. I brought all of this into your life. You’re a great man, Joshua. Continue to be who you want to be. I… I love you. Goodbye, my son,” the recording stops and I work my jaw.
Blake and Zoe told me last night that they suspected that Jeff had been lying about all the deals and things my father supposedly botched and blocked. Even buying the company shares was a farce. My father wasn’t in charge of that trust. It was one of the entities Atlas was given to accomplish their goals.
I pick up the recorder and throw it across the room. He was trying to tell me. He wanted me to know. My anger wouldn’t allow me to listen.
“I’ll handle it, Baba. I’ll make it all right again. Goodbye,” I murmur to myself.
* * *
“So this guy… did he say what all this was about?” Jeff asks after his harness is placed on him and we start for our skydiving flight.
“He didn’t get to say much. He had my wife at gunpoint,” I reply.
“How does your grandfather feel about this? I mean, you took a life, right? Are you back in? Can we celebrate in earnest?”
“I don’t know if he’s going to go back on his word. She’s my wife and my best friend’s cousin. I had to handle the situation.”
“Wow, your best friend? I remember that once used to be my title. Does your best friend know about your little family?
“Does she know you’re married to her cousin? Has she ever had your back when you needed it? Does she even know who you are?”
I whip around and glare at Jeff. Not wanting to jump the gun, I close the space between us but keep my cool. I’m barely holding on to my anger.
“I’d be very careful of what you say next. She knows what I need her to know. You all know what I want you to know.” I tilt my head to the side. “You’re getting familiar, Jeff. It’s starting to feel like disrespect. You wouldn’t be disrespecting me, would you?”
“No, I’m just saying I’ve done a whole lot more for you than these people. I was here first. I’ve been loyal to you all our lives.”
I dip to look him in the face as he hangs his head. “You sure about that? Everyone changes to suit their needs, have you?”
“No disrespect,” he says tightly. “I just don’t want to see you lose yourself.”
I take a step back and lift my head. I nod, pulling a hand down the corners of my mouth. “Then you don’t know me. Not like you think you do.”
He throws his hands in the air. “I’ll back off. You won’t hear a thing from me again.”
I snort and start for the plane.
“Josh, I’m not going to go. I’m going home. I have some shit to do.”
“Get on the plane, Jeff. I have my grandfather’s ear. I can get you what you want. That is if it’s still what you want.”
Just as I thought, he breaks his fucking neck to get on the plane. Pit, Ox, Achilles, Lex, and Skittles are already on the plane, seated on the straddle benches, Achilles on the floor. Jeff turns to look at me.
“I thought this was an Asshole trip. Where are the others?”
“Have a seat. Everyone who needs to be here is here,” I bite out.
He moves to take a seat on the floor, eyeing me as he buckles his seat belt. I take my seat and do the same. The door is closed and we take off. We all remain quiet for most of the ride.
It takes twenty minutes to get to altitude. With each second, my rage builds and bubbles to the surface. Five minutes out from the jump, I look at Jeff.