06 — Noah Foster
"I don't mind
Go ahead and hurt me
I don't care if you hurt me
'Cause in a sky, a sky full of stars
I think I saw you”
A sky full of stars — Coldplay
? The days flew by and I'm almost certain that Norah wanted to keep me at work as much as possible, I say this based on the countless meetings I had during the week, something unusual since I took over as president, however, it wasn't all bad , so I didn't think too much about the information that my father gave me in relation to the man we are investigating and I was able to focus, in a more focused way, on business, after all, in addition to hotels and resorts, there are new projects in progress and these They take up almost all the time I have available, not to mention my own investments, which I make a point of monitoring.
? However, today is the day I should have been at home, enjoying my break with old Jack, but I decided to come to the company, in the middle of Saturday to check again the proposal they made to us, of course I could have accessed this information from my home, but that would ruin the day, because I wouldn't turn off my mind for even a minute, so being in my work environment makes this process easier. I don't want to let anything go unnoticed, in case I'm questioned by someone at the blessed dinner, at night. Erik and I need to discover as much information as possible, especially anything personal to that family. Often the resolution of a problem is in the smallest detail that goes unnoticed by everyone and that is exactly what we need to find.
I can't get this girl out of my head, imagining her going through something bad in her own house takes me to a past that I don't want to remember.
Focus on the contract, Noah. Leave the girl alone.
I reviewed it thoroughly, page by page and apparently there was nothing out of the ordinary, no loose ends, nothing that raised a single suspicion. I can say with conviction that I would possibly close the deal, aiming for the great benefits, however, as my father taught, not everything is what it seems to be and this “generosity” expressed in lines, could end up being a shot in the foot.
I drop the papers on the table, tired of not finding anything and think about life, especially how lucky I was to have Jackson Foster as a mentor. God knows what I would have become, or if I would still be alive if it weren't for him .
Since our paths crossed, on a random day, he taught me a lot of things, one of which was to always have one eye open and the other closed in any situation, however, that was nothing new to me, even though I was only eleven years, I had to learn the hard way. I certainly don't wish this on any child, even though I know that the reality for many is exactly the same or even worse than what I went through.
During the years by his side, old Jack made me a man of integrity, a great student and, above all, fighting for my dreams and goals. When I reached the age of fourteen, he began to include physical fighting training, self—defense, and handling firearms in my routine. Due to the Foster family's fortune, it was necessary for me to know how to protect myself if I ever found myself in danger. After all , we are targets of all types of people.
However, when my father asked me about my interest in enlisting in the American army, even though I thought his career was incredible, I refused, for the simple reason of not losing the only emotional connection I was having in my life. I was afraid of disappointing him with my choice, however, our connection strengthened even more after that day. And today, I'm here, following in his footsteps in the business sector, doing everything to make him continue to be proud of me. It may seem stupid, but disappointing him is the same as sticking a knife in my chest.
I can give up on many dreams, but causing hurt to the person who gave me back my faith in life and gave me a fresh start is out of the question. This is a silent promise that I made and that I will carry until my last breath.
? I hear my cell phone ring, I smile when I see old Jack on the device's display, probably to let me know that I'm late for our traditional Saturday barbecue.
— Speak, old man — I answer, good—naturedly.
— Old man is your ass, kid — he answers, pretending to be serious, but I love our way. — Is everything finished there?
— I didn't even start, I went for a fuck first. — I hold back laughing. — I haven't arrived at the company yet — I say in a serious tone so he can believe it.
— Ah, fuck off, Noah Foster, you have all week to fuck and choose today? — Now I've irritated the man, I can't resist and I start laughing. — Are you making fun of me, kid? Where is that quiet boy, who barely spoke? I created a clown, that's all. — He says in an indignant tone, but I'm sure he's trying not to laugh too.
— I think that boy doesn't exist anymore, you know, over time we catch on with the older people — I reply, laughing. — I'll get the keys and I'll be home soon.
— I'm waiting for you, we need to review the last details about today's party. Erik should already be arriving — newspaper.
My father really put together a big operation and it makes me think that he may have left the army, but the military will never leave him.
— Deal, general — I say, deliberately, knowing how much he hates being called that.
— General is the shit! But what a disgrace! I'm going to open a beer and I'll earn more. — He finishes, hanging up on me.
Congratulations, Noah, another ear tug for you when you get home — I think, smiling, there are things that don't change over the years and our complicity only increases.
I take my motorcycle key and leave the office. Yes, I'm a lover of speed and motorcycles are a constant part of that adrenaline rush, but as a precaution, I only use them on weekends. Being at the top of the corporate sector I can't afford to be without a security team nearby, or even facilitate a target that has been on my forehead since the day I acquired the last name Foster.
— Sir, the team is forming — J. warns, as soon as I meet him in the parking lot. — Unless you decide to go with them. — As always, he gives me another option, using as an argument the fact that the chances of saving me decrease the moment I'm on two wheels.
— It's a quiet day, my friend — I pick up the helmet, facing his inquisitive gaze. — And lately, I don't think we've bothered anyone to the point of pointing a gun at my head. — I joke with him.
— Okay, sir, team ready. — he answers without changing the serious expression on his face. — Your father asked you to be direct. I believe that Mr. Hickmann is already waiting for you — he informs.
— Okay, no stops, I promise. — I blink, climbing on my beauty.
I always like to stop near Central Park when I come to work on the weekends. I never told my father why, however, I still hope to find something again that I don't even know exactly what it is, except for the images that circulate in my memory.
The journey to my house takes around an hour, when New York's highways are not very busy, which for many people can be a hassle to make this journey every day, especially people like me, who have a busy schedule to follow, however, for me there is nothing better than a quiet and more remote place like an island to the east side of Manhattan, having the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean daily to renew energy, that is, Long Island [2] It's one of my favorite places in the world without a shadow of a doubt.
Both my father and I love our house, a legacy that was left by my grandparents, who, unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to meet, but from the first moment I entered it, I felt like I was part of it, because of the The first time I belonged to a place and that feeling was the best I could have in my life.
The feeling of a home.
A place where fighting and shouting do not predominate.
Even though it's huge, we have a common routine like any other normal family, after all, Jack doesn't have the habit of filling the house with guests and parties from high society, on the contrary, whenever he could he avoided commitments like that, besides we don't have a stratospheric number of employees, only the essential ones.
I watch the gates open and as soon as I pass through them, I park my motorcycle on the north side of the property, next to the garage. I take off my helmet and throw the keys to my security guard, thanking the team for their great work.
I smile to myself as I walk to the pool area, where we have the gourmet space. Being here always gives me a feeling of peace. As I get closer, the beats from my dad's playlist come on and he simply becomes a teenager to the sound of his favorite songs, especially if it's Roxette [3] .
And as expected, I also see my friend lying on one of the sun loungers, as if he were in his own home. Come to think of it, I think they all feel that way here.
— Did they start without me? — I ask as if I were offended, approaching my father, something I shouldn't have done.
—Are you going to repeat what you told me on the phone, kid? — He gives a reprimanding look as if I had messed up and immediately walks away.
— That you are the best father in the world? — I try to soften your heart with the face of a dog that fell from moving.
— He’s sure? — Analyze me and I can guarantee that you are thinking about something.
— Dude, I think you're in trouble — Erik says and starts laughing as if he knew something.
— Keep your mouth shut, Hickmann, I want Noah to answer me — he says, arching an eyebrow and opening a small smile.
— Of course I do, Dad — I reply. — Now, you can talk. What did you guys do while I wasn't here? — I question, grabbing a beer.
—See, Erik? It wasn't even that difficult. — Shrugs — You can pass the hundred here — my father says, extending his hand to him.
— Damn it, Noah! It could have been more difficult. — He continues mumbling, while taking a hundred dollars from his wallet.
— Are you seriously betting? — Gargalho.
— It's not our fault if you allowed that to happen — my friend replies, taking another sip of his beer.
These two always find some reason for a bet, they should definitely call Dominic and ask for some VIP tickets in one of their casinos. There must be a lack of things to do, because when they get together, they look like two teenagers, in fact when we all get together, we live as if the shit we went through didn't exist. I'll change the subject, before some other absurd reason comes up and I'm the one who ends up losing money.
— Dad, I checked the proposal they gave us and there are no irregularities. — I make an expression of disgust. — Now, I need you to tell me what, exactly, you have in mind for us at this party.
— Ok, let's eat and have a few more beers, the conversation will be long, guys.
And so, between a nice barbecue and a few beers, we spent the afternoon talking about each point of the plan drawn up by my father, knowing that it is necessary to obtain as much information as possible, including anything that appears irrelevant.
We even learned that there will be someone you trust at the place, but, as always, you didn't tell us who, however I have a slight suspicion that this person is Beni's father.
Lots of pieces fit into a huge puzzle.