Chapter 24 #2
“You became an FBI agent because he promised you a trust fund when he retired. There was no way you knew he had a plan to make you do things that are out of character for you.”
Aiden’s expression grows pained. “I could’ve—should’ve—refused.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because it started out with small favors. They weren’t even illegal. Jami’s even asked me for favors like Dad has.”
“Then explain how it got twisted, and you didn’t tell Dad to go to hell.”
Aiden brushes by me and paces the floor. “When he asked me to pay people to lose tips or to get rid of them, I was already in over my head. I didn’t see a way out.”
“I don’t understand why, and I probably never will, but I wasn’t put in that situation, so I have no way of knowing what I would’ve done. But you can make it right now.”
He stops and gapes at me, his brows creased together. “How?”
“Do you still want to be a private investigator? One that works toward helping people, not hurting them?”
“I want it more than I’ve wanted anything in my life. Fuck, Dori. I’d do anything to change what I’ve done.”
“That’s good to hear.” I walk back to the table. “Sit down. I have a proposal for you.”
“Okay, but what’s this about?” He joins me.
We get seated, and I open my purse. I pull out the folded paperwork Jami had his legal team draw up .
My pulse races. My future relationship with Aiden rides on this moment.
I steady my shaky hands. “When I was let go from Efron Worldwide, I was given a settlement. I’ve been trying to give the money back, but Hunter won’t let me. Not until now, but I need your support before he will.”
“How?”
“If you agree to the terms in this document, Hunter will take the money back and put it into a trust for you. It’s enough for you to start your business and live the life you’ve always wanted to live.”
He glances at the papers and nods. “Can I read them now?”
I slide the document across the table. “The terms are pretty cut and dry, but go over them and ask me any questions you have.”
He takes them from me, unfolds them, and spends a minute studying the agreement. His eyes flit to mine from time to time like he’s making sure this is a legitimate offer.
Once he’s gone over everything, he places the papers down and rests against the back of his chair. His chest rises and falls rapidly as he seems to consider his options.
I motion to the papers. “Do you have any questions before you give me an answer?”
“Why are you arranging this? You believe I’m a terrible person because of what I did.”
“I don’t think that way at all. You’re a good person deep down, but you’ve let Dad carve a portion of your good heart out and do things I don’t think you would’ve done. He never let you live your life the way you wanted, so you let the money become your driving force.”
“ You were my driving force. I only ever wanted you to be safe and out of his sights. I thought the money was my way out, and I could use it to protect you better while doing work I wanted to do. ”
“I’ve thought about it a lot, and I want to believe that’s true. If you accept my offer, it will help me see you’re trying to be the good man I know you are.”
“Okay. Let’s get to that. Let me summarize and see if I understand the proposal.”
“I’m listening.” I clasp my hands together on top of the table, waiting patiently for him to wrap his head around my offer.
“You’re going to give me fifty million dollars. All I have to do is become a private investigator, living on the straight and narrow.” Aiden raises his brows in question.
“Hunter’s giving you the money. Not me. I don’t want to be indebted to him.” I motion to the papers. “What about the other three stipulations? Can you agree to those?”
“You want me to help the FBI put Dad and our uncle in prison. I’ve already given them all I know. I don’t know how to give you more.”
“You told Hunter you want to go after the people involved in what happened to me. All I ask is you go after Dad and our uncle with as much determination as you are with going after the crime organizations.”
Aiden nods. “Consider it done, but what about Mom?”
I fake a laugh. “She’ll fall back on one of her many rich boyfriends she’s had over the years. We both know she’ll be remarried within six months of Dad going away. I’m not worried about her. Not in the least bit.”
“You’re probably right.”
“I am and you know it, but what about the last two stipulations? Can you do those?” My head grows light. In my eyes, these two things are the most important part of the agreement.
He leans forward, placing his hands over mine. “When I find Sasha and her mother, I’ll make sure they get the ten million you want them to have. ”
“That will come out of the fifty million that’s in the trust for you. You know that, right?”
“I understand.” He squeezes my hands and sits back. “Why is it so important you find her and make sure she gets that kind of money?”
My chest tightens, and my eyes sting. “Because Sasha is only sixteen and was going to be sold to sick people. Her life was almost taken from her, all because her dad died and her mother has to work three jobs to make ends meet. They deserve a break and some time to bond and heal.”
“I’ll make it my top priority.”
“Thank you.”
He nods, but then his brows pinch together. “You don’t want to be the one to give them the money?”
“No. She’s a minor and should keep her anonymity so she feels safe. Seeing me could trigger her, and I don’t want to cause her any more pain.”
“That makes sense.”
I study him. “There’s still one more thing to address.”
He sucks in a jagged breath. “I’ve never worked with a therapist. I wouldn’t know how to…”
“A therapist will help you with your issues. You can work through the abuse, the brainwashing, and manipulation you’ve been forced to deal with alone. If you don’t, I’m afraid you’ll stay stuck in your pattern of being just like Dad.” I don’t blink as I hold his stare and let that sink in.
Aiden’s behaviors may not be the core of who he is, but he’s becoming my dad. Just like I see myself becoming my mom. Therapy is our only hope of changing the cycle.
His eyes swirl with fear and pain. He’s clearly conflicted. “What if I go, and it doesn’t work?”
“Make it work. Not for me but for yourself.”
He hangs his head and gazes at his coffee mug. “Okay, I’ll go to therapy, but you know it might take a long time to fix me. ”
I grab my purse and push out of my chair. “I love you, Aiden, and I want our relationship to get back to where it once was. In order for that to happen, you need to prove to me it’s in my best interest to repair the strain between us.”
He rises to his feet. “How do I do that?”
“Follow through with your promise to me and do what you say you will in regard to that contract.”
“And when I do, will we be good?”
“Only if you can accept the fact that Jami is going to be my husband and will be in my life for good.”
Aiden’s jaw clenches but he remains silent.
I continue. “He’s a wonderful man, and you know that. Work through the abuse and brainwashing Dad put you through and find it in yourself to see Jami for who he really is. If you can do that, we have a chance.”
“I’ll work on it. That’s the best I can do.”
“That’s fine, but you know where I stand, and I’m not going to back down or change my mind.” I turn and hold my head high as I stride to the door.
Then I remember something else I need from Aiden.
He’s following me, so I twist to face him.
“There’s more.”
He stops walking. “What would that be?”
“Start treating me as your equal. Honor my boundaries and my decisions. And finally, stop hiding things from me. I don’t need you shielding me to protect me. What I need is the truth.”
“Dori, you have no idea what you?—”
“Stop, Aiden. I’m a strong woman who can handle difficult situations, and I’m more than capable of making choices in my life without you weighing in on those.”
“I was protecting you so Dad would leave you alone. You’re my baby sister. I only want the best for you.”
“If that’s true, you’ll have no problem complying with my terms. I’d like you at my wedding, but if you can’t get where I need you to be, it won’t stop me from going forward with marrying Jami.”
There’s a moment of silence before Aiden takes a step and sweeps me up in a hug.
“Give me time, Dori. Until then, know I love you.”
“I love you too. I’ll have Hunter get all the paperwork and money set up for you. He should have it ready for you by Tuesday at the latest.”
“Thank you, Dori.” Aiden places me on my feet, giving me a dip of his chin in acknowledgement.
“Don’t thank me with words. Show me.” I open the door and leave.
We may not have a resolution right now, but at least there’s hope. I pray he won’t let me down.
I’m getting into my car when he hollers, “When’s the wedding?”