Chapter 24
CHAPTER 24
A fter several days of anxiety and apprehension, Kristin could feel Nick’s presence even though she hadn’t seen him yet. More than once, she felt his eyes on her, but she couldn’t prove he was near. She had lunch with Linda one day and visited her sister on another, but her thoughts were only on the impending confrontation.
When he finally showed his face, she felt relief, not because she wanted to see him, but because she felt the effort to put him back in jail was finally underway.
Looking into his eyes, she remembered what agent Austin Young told her to do. His instructions clear, she smiled.
“Hello Nick, this is a surprise.”
“Hello Kristin, you look as beautiful as ever.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. How are you? I heard you were out.”
He nodded. “I was a model prisoner, I guess.”
He looked around the store and then back at her.
“Looks like you’re doing pretty good yourself. You, a business owner. Imagine that,” he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Kristin maintained her smile, though she could feel the familiar unease creeping in. “Yeah, I’ve been working hard. It’s not easy, but it’s fulfilling.”
Nick took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. “You always were a hard worker, Kristin. Always keeping busy. You know, I’ve missed our talks. You were always a good listener.”
Kristin nodded, feeling the pressure of the situation. “It’s been a long time, Nick. People change, you know?”
“Do they?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not so sure about that. Some things stay the same.”
There was an uncomfortable silence between them, and Kristin struggled to find the right words. “So, what brings you here?”
Nick glanced around the store again, taking in the brightly colored clothes and tourist trinkets. “Just wanted to see how my girl is doing. Maybe catch up a bit.”
“I’m not your girl anymore, Nick,” she said as calmly as possible.
He leaned in again. “You’ll always be my girl Kristin, no divorce could ever change that.”
Afraid she was sounding combative, she needed to lighten her body language. She forced a casual tone.
“Well, it’s good to see you’re out and about. I hope you’re staying out of trouble.”
Nick laughed, a low, unsettling sound. “Trouble? Who, me? Nah, I’m just trying to get back on my feet. Speaking of which…” He paused, his expression turning serious. “I was hoping you could help me.”
Her heart raced. This was the moment she had been dreading. “Help you out? How?”
“I could use some cash, just a little, to get me by until I find work,” he said.
Kristin shook her head. “I’m sorry, Nick. I can’t do that. Money’s tight right now with the business and all.”
Nick’s expression hardened for a moment, then softened into a smile. “I understand. Had to try, right? You can’t blame a guy for asking.”
She nodded, relieved that he wasn’t pressing the issue further. “I hope things turn around for you soon.”
Nick smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Thanks, Kristin. I appreciate that.”
They stood there for a moment, the awkward silence stretching between them. Finally, Nick broke it. “Well, I should get going. Maybe we can talk again sometime.”
Kristin nodded, forcing another smile. “Sure, Nick. Take care of yourself.”
She thought more about the agent’s warning. If they didn’t get Nick back in prison soon, she’d never be free of him.
“Nick, it’s near Christmas, so I usually make a little more money this time of year. I’ll see what I can do.”
He smiled. “Great. I’ll be back.”
As Nick turned to leave, Kristin felt a mix of emotion swirling inside her. Relieved the encounter was over, anxiety about what might come next, and a gnawing fear of what Nick might do if he found out about the Federal agents’ plans.
Kristin waited until Nick was gone before she picked up her phone and dialed Agent Austin Young’s number. He answered on the second ring.
“Austin, it’s Kristin. Nick was just here.”
"I know. We’ve been watching,” he said. “How did it go?” he asked, his voice calm and steady.
Kristin took a deep breath. “It was tense, but I did what you told me. I was nice, didn’t give him any money, but then I realized we needed him to come back, so I told him I’d see what I could do. I’m not sure when he’ll return, but I’m sure it won’t be long.”
“Good job, Kristin. You’re doing great. Just keep it up. We’re going to get a wire on you, so we’ll need to make sure he’s not following you before we meet. I’ll let you know. Hang in there. I don’t expect you to be in his life for long. We’ve got people working on other leads as well. We’ll get the guy we want and get Nick at the same time.”
“I don’t understand, how are you going to do that?”
“Nick is broke. Whatever money you give him, make sure it’s a small amount, a few hundred at most. He’ll be dealing again soon.”
“I hope you’re right, because I want him out of my life for good.”
“Understood. I’ll be in touch.”
She hung up the phone and went to the door of the store. She was sure Nick left the island, but she still couldn’t shake his eyes on her, watching her. She knew she had to keep going, to stay strong. This was only the beginning, and she had a long road ahead of her.
Trevor was ready to move forward with Thompson Green Developments. He’d already accepted the job, and Sarah seemed pleased with his decision. The only thing left to do was tell his father. Since he’d already quit, he had no obligation to tell his father anything, but Devon was still his father, and to Trevor, family was more important than anything else.
The day was bright, with a clear blue sky that seemed to mock the storm brewing inside Trevor. He parked his car outside his father’s building and took a deep breath. This wasn’t going to be easy, but it was necessary. Running his hand through his hair he squared his shoulders and walked into the building.
As he entered the reception area, the receptionist gave him a sympathetic smile.
“Good morning, Trevor. He’s expecting you.”
“Thanks,” Trevor replied, trying to muster a smile in return. He knocked on the door and waited for his father’s gruff invitation to enter.
“Come in,” Devon’s voice boomed from inside.
Trevor opened the door and stepped into the spacious office. Devon Hutchins was sitting behind his massive mahogany desk, poring over some documents. He looked up, his eyes narrowing as they met Trevor’s.
“Trevor, sit down,” Devon said, motioning to the chair opposite his desk.
Trevor took a seat, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him. “Dad, we need to talk.”
Devon leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. “Have you rethought your actions and changed your mind? There’s still a place for you here.”
Trevor shook his head. “No, I haven’t changed my mind.”
“What’s this about?” Devon asked
Trevor took a deep breath. “I’ve accepted a job offer from Steven Ellis Thompson. I’m going to work at Thompson Green Developments.”
The room seemed to grow colder as Devon’s expression hardened.
“So, you’re abandoning the family business for some...green dream?”
Trevor felt a surge of frustration. “Dad, this isn’t about abandoning anything. It’s about following a vision that aligns with my values. Thompson Green Developments focuses on eco- friendly urban renewal and sustainable living structures. That’s where my passion lies.”
Devon’s eyes flashed with anger. “Your passion? What about your responsibility to this family and this business? We’ve built this company together!”
Trevor clenched his fists, struggling to keep his voice steady. “Dad, I’ve tried to make my vision work here, but every time I bring up affordable housing or sustainable projects, you shoot me down. It’s always about profit with you.”
“And what’s wrong with profit?” Devon shot back. “Profit is what keeps this company running, what puts food on the table and ensures a future for your children.”
Trevor shook his head. “It’s not just about the money, Dad. It’s about making a difference, creating something that lasts. Thompson Green Developments gives me that opportunity.”
Devon leaned forward, his eyes boring into Trevor’s. “And what if this doesn’t work out? What if you’re making a huge mistake?”
Trevor met his father’s gaze, unflinching. “Then I’ll deal with the consequences. But I have to try. This is my chance to build something meaningful.”
Devon’s face darkened. “Meaningful? And what we’ve built here isn’t meaningful to you? Is that what you’re saying?”
Trevor shook his head, frustration bubbling to the surface. “No, Dad. That’s not what I’m saying. I respect everything you’ve done here. But I need to follow my own path. This is about my vision, my values.”
“Your values,” Devon repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“And what are my values, Trevor? Just money and profit, right? Is that all you think I care about?”
Trevor took a deep breath, trying to keep his temper in check. “I didn’t say that. But you’ve made it clear that profit is your priority. And that’s fine. It’s just not mine.”
“So you’re willing to throw everything away because of some idealistic nonsense?” Devon’s voice was rising, his face reddening with anger. “Do you have any idea how many sacrifices I’ve made for this company? For you?”
Trevor’s patience snapped. “And do you know how many times I’ve tried to talk to you about this? How many times have I been shut down, ignored? This isn’t just some whim, Dad. This is my future.”
“Your future? What about the future of this family, this business? You’re walking away from everything we’ve built!” Devon slammed his fist on the desk, the sound echoing in the room.
Trevor stood his ground, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “I’m not walking away from the family. I’m walking toward something I believe in. And I’m doing it for my family. For my kids. I want them to see that it’s possible to follow your dreams, to build something that matters.”
Devon stared at him, his anger slowly giving way to a deeper, more painful emotion. “And what about me, Trevor? What am I supposed to do?”
Trevor’s voice softened, the tension in the room palpable. “You’re supposed to keep doing what you’re great at, Dad. Running this company, making it successful. But I can’t be a part of it anymore. Not in the way you want.”
The silence stretched between them, thick with unresolved feelings and unspoken words. Finally, Devon sighed, leaning back in his chair. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am,” Trevor replied firmly, his resolve unwavering.
Devon stared at him for a long moment, the anger slowly draining from his face, replaced by a weary resignation.
“All right. I don’t like it, but I understand.”
Trevor felt a wave of relief wash over him, though the tension still lingered. “Thank you, Dad.”
Devon’s expression softened slightly, though the pain was still evident in his eyes.
“You’re still my son, Trevor. And you’re still welcome here anytime. If things don’t work out, if you…”
Trevor interrupted him. “I understand, Dad.” Feeling a lump in his throat, he said, “I appreciate that. Just because I’m leaving the company doesn’t mean I want you out of my life. You’re still my father, and you’re an important part of my children’s lives. They love their grandpa.”
Devon’s eyes glistened with emotion, and he cleared his throat, struggling to maintain his composure.
“I love them too, and I want to be there for them, for you and Sarah.”
Trevor stood up, extending his hand across the desk. “Then let’s make sure that doesn’t change.”
Devon looked at his son’s outstretched hand for a moment, then stood and grasped it firmly.
“Agreed. I wish you well, Trevor. I do. I suppose I should get Clayton in here and explain what’s going on. He told me you wouldn’t return. I didn’t believe him.”
“Aside from all the sarcasm, Clayton can be a smart guy. If any of your children took after you, it’s him,” Trevor added.
Devon nodded. “You may be right about that.”
As they walked to the elevators, Trevor felt a sense of closure and a glimmer of hope. This wasn’t the end; it was a new beginning. For the entire family.