Chapter 5- Fulton

Chapter 5- Fulton’s POV

          The moment I looked into the eyes of the man in the rain, I knew who he was and why he was here. I could feel Talvin tense up next to me, and I knew he had dealings with this man in the past. This man wasn’t here for him this time, nor was he here for Merrick. Merrick had dabbled a little more into reading than he thought. He was on the verge of finding out about the hidden side when he finally gave up. I could feel his uncertainty of the man through his stance and how the air changed around us.

          I, on the other hand, knew it all. For the past six months, I had been eavesdropping on my father’s late-night phone calls. He would wait until Mom was asleep before slipping from bed and making his way out onto the porch. I, on the other hand, would hear him and took to my computer. I would pull up the surveillance cameras and listen in on his conversations. It may have seemed rude, but for once, I did the right thing. I had the chance to save my mother and brothers, and I knew I would make sure they knew the truth behind what had happened.

          The first night I noticed my father make his way to the front porch, I followed and hid under the window in the living room. I could sense his turmoil on his side of the conversation. He was making hushed deals that I couldn’t quite make out. After almost getting caught, I made sure to use my computer the next time. The next night I heard the floor croak and the door click shut behind him. That was the most interesting of conversations. “You have summoned me. Why?” A tall man dressed in a slicker and cowboy hat asked. “I need help with Money.” “It always comes down to money. What do you have to offer?” “What do you want? I will give you anything.” My father’s voice was desperate in his pleading. “What do you need the money for?” The gentlemen asked as he made small circles around my father. “My mistress is pregnant with another child.” I heard him croak out. “Another child? What?” I ask my screen in disbelief. My eyes were glued to the conversation at hand. “You impregnated your mistress. Interesting. How many children do you have with her?” “This will be my second child with her.” “Does your wife know?” “No, she has no idea. But my Mistress needs the money for doctor appointments, and that amount of money cannot go missing from our account. Can you help me?” His voice is pleading. My stomach was in knots thinking about what this man would require for payment and what it would mean for our family. “I will think about what the payment will be. I will see you tomorrow night with my final answer.” In a flash, he was gone. I cried myself to sleep that night, knowing that we were not enough for my father. He needed a whole second family to be happy. I decided that my life will not include him in those tear-filled hours, and I would never disappoint my future partner the way he is disappointing my mom.

          The next night I stayed up late waiting on the man to return. The man showed up and peaked into my parent’s bedroom window before stepping onto the porch as if on cue. I waited to hear my father leave his bedroom, but he never woke up. “Come on, Dad,” I murmured to my door before my eyes returned to my screen. I jumped in shock as I looked at my screen. The man was staring directly into the surveillance camera. “Come to the door, young man. Stay inside, do not invite me in, but come to the door so we can speak.” Cold sweat appeared on my skin as he continued to look at me. “I give you my word that I will not hurt you or make any deals with you. I know you heard what your father stated last night, now I want to know how you feel and what you think I should do. Please assist me, and I will owe you a favor.”

          Taking a deep breath, I threw back my covers and headed for the door. I figured that I would know what the shit end of the spoon tasted like from this man one way or another. Maybe I can help sweeten the taste.

          “What do you want?” I asked through the cracked door. “A little further if you please. It is hard to hear you through such a small crack, and if you speak much louder, you will wake your mother.” I knew instantly he was right. My Mom knows when we are up to no good.

Pulling the door open further, I waited for him to speak again. “How do you feel about what your father had to say?” “Horrible” “Do you think he deserves to make a deal with me?” “I don’t know you or what kind of deals you make. I do know my dad doesn’t deserve anything anymore for doing this to our family.” “What about the child he already has with his mistress? Or the child that she is currently carrying. Do they deserve to suffer because of his infidelity?” “No, they don’t deserve to suffer. But why does my family have to because of my dad?” “Do you have an inkling of what I do?” “I have an inkling, yes.”

My stomach is threatening to upheave at the thought of what words may come next out of his mouth. “So, you know what I am capable of.” “I think so.” My fear is starting to bubble to the surface. Is it me that he wants? I begin to question myself. “Not you, young man. I do not want you.” “What would you want in return?” “I would like to try something new this time. Normally I am ruthless and receive high payments for my deals. This time, I think I would like to do something different. Would you be willing to assist me in coming up with a proper solution for this deal?” “What would you want from me in return for helping you?” “I am asking for your help in exchange for me owing you a favor. I am also giving you the lead on how your father should return his dept.” I watch as his eyes sparkle when they dance upon my face. “I don’t want anything to happen to my family, excluding my dad. You can do whatever is needed for him.” “Would you like to put the safety of you and your siblings into this promise?” “Yes” “How about the happiness of your mother?” “As long as it brings her no pain.” “I can not give that. What your father has done will most definitely be painful to your mother. I can lessen the blow of the feelings, though, if you so wish.” “That would be good. But she will have all her memories, right? She will not be stripped of anything that you could take of her from this deal?” “I will not take anything from her, and I will give her strength to do what is needed in the future. Like, kick your father out of the house for good.” “I need you to promise me one thing, that we will all be safe from you and all of your kind?” I need to be sure that this man will, in fact, keep his word. He will not be able to hurt us if he promises me, we will all be safe. “Young man, I can give you my sworn word. The only way to protect you and your family is by shaking your hand and giving my word to you. You must accept or decline my offer once I am finished speaking, and my word will be set. It is up to you.” I consider my options very carefully. “You won’t hurt me?” “I will not. You have my word.”

          I had two options. Step outside and shake his hand or let whatever my father concludes take place.