The Overpowered Son-in-law

The pickup

Nicholas wasn't entirely convinced everything Edgar told him was the truth. He was determined to find out for himself. 

It wouldn't be funny if he returns back home and this whole thing winds up being a prank. 

It could mean his death. As an outsider, returning home from exile without a formal announcement, is a taboo. 

The punishment is certain death. 

Although he trusted Edgar because Edgar wasn't the type to make jokes. To make fun of Lord Fitzpatrick name is punishable by death. 

Edgar wouldn't take that risk over a prank or joke. 

However, to be on the safe side, if he must return back to his family, he must first be sure to confirm. 

That night, while everyone was fast asleep, Nicholas sneaked out into the cold night and placed a call to Edgar. 

Edgar answered the call as if he had been waiting by the telephone all these while. 

"Hello, Edgar," Nicholas said, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

"My lord, please, please tell me where you are," Edgar begged on the other end of the line. "Your family is worried sick about you. They've been searching for you for weeks."

Nicholas let out a sigh. The thought of returning to his wealthy family, of being their new Lord, filled him with dread.

"I can't go back, Edgar," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't face them after what's happened. How I'm I sure this isn't some prank?"

"This is no prank, young master," Edgar said urgently. "I can assure you. A search party has been sent to scout for you as we speak."

Nicholas was still doubtful. "It just sounds too good to be true. Why are they even desperate?"

"Young master, please, you must understand, they just want to make sure you're safe," Edgar pleaded. 

He went on. "Your name's been cleared. Please, just let me come and get you. Let me bring you home."

Nicholas was silent for a moment, torn between his thoughts to run and hide and his longing for the safety and security of his family's wealth and power.

Finally, he let out a deep breath.

"Fine," he said, giving in. "But, Edgar, you have to promise me that you won't tell my family where I am until I'm ready to face them."

"Of course, young master," Edgar said, relief evident in his voice. "Where are you now?"

"I'm in the capital city of North Hills. I'll be outside  the Sunset Motel on the outskirts of town," Nicholas replied. 

"I'll be there as soon as I can, tomorrow," Edgar said. "I'll be meeting with the Phoenix household now."

Nicholas hung up the phone and ran his hands through his hair, letting out a sigh of resignation. 

He knew he couldn't avoid his responsibilities forever, but he wasn't sure he was ready to face his family tomorrow.

On that note, he sneaked back into his little room and laid down on the hard cold floor and slept with his blanket. 

                          * * * *

The next morning, Nicholas knocked on the door of lady's Clara's bedroom and called out, "Can I come in?"

Lady Clara was yawning and stretching her legs on her bed. She had woken up five minutes ago and had rang her bell for her daily hot coffee. 

Nicholas had made her breakfast alongside with her coffee on a tray. The moment she saw him, her mood changed.

"Stop asking me stupid questions and bring me my coffee," she scoffed. "Useless man."

Nicholas entered the room and set down the tray at the edge of the bed. 

As he served her her coffee, he said, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" Lady Clara asked, her eyes glaring daggers at him. 

"I was hoping to go on a short trip with some friends next weekend. We're planning to go hiking and spend a few days in the mountains. But I wanted to ask for your permission first."

Lady Clara raised an eyebrow. "I never thought a loser like you had any friends."

"I have a few," Nicholas responded. "Can I ask for your permission?"

"And why do you need my permission?" She demanded curtly. 

"Well, I just wanted to make sure it was okay with you. You know, since I'm living in your house and all," Nicholas replied, shifting nervously.

Lady Carla crossed her arms and gave him a stern look. "I see. And what makes you think you can just go gallivanting off on a trip without any responsibilities here at home?"

Nicholas swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to suggest that. I just thought it would be a nice break and a chance to spend some time with my friends."

"I see," lady Carla said, still frowning. "Well, I'll make you a deal. If you complete all of the household chores, you have my permission to go."

"But if any of the chores are left unfinished, then the answer is no."

Nicholas nodded eagerly. "Thank you, I'll make sure everything is done before I go. You won't have to worry about a thing."

"Shut up, loser," she snapped. "I'm not yet finished. As you're leaving, bear in mind you're never coming back as Kimberly's husband."

Nicholas didn't know what to reply her. All he could say was, "I understand."

"Good," lady Carla replied, satisfied. "I'm glad to see that you understand. Now, you'd better get started on those chores and get lost."

"Yes, ma'am," Nicholas said, giving her a respectful nod before leaving the room to begin his tasks.

                             * * * * 

It was a cold and rainy afternoon. 

Nicholas stood huddled under the awning of the cheap motel, trying to stay out of the rain. 

He was shabby and unkempt, and the motel had refused to let him take shelter inside for that very fact. 

His clothes were drenched from the heavy downpour, making him shiver in cold. 

The manager of sunset motel came out of his office and hurled insults at him. 

"You worthless piece of shit," he yelled. "Get away from my motel or else I'll make you rue the very day you're born."

The manager knew whom Nicholas was. He knew him as the trashy son-in-law of the Goldstein's family. 

The motel looks small but it had class. A man like Nicholas, dressed in rags have no place here. 

"Please, I'm expecting someone," Nicholas pleaded. "Give me five extra more minutes. You can see how bad the rain is."

The manager lost his temper and pounced on Nicholas. He kicked and punched him out of the shed into the storm. 

"Stay out of my zone before you infect us with your bad luck," he spat at Nicholas and stormed back to his office. 

The rain beat Nicholas that he had no other choice than to remain under the rainstorm. 

There wasn't any other shed he could wait under. He stood under the streets light and waited, shivering like a rabbit. 

Just as he was about to give up and brave the storm home, he heard the sound of a convoy approaching. 

A line of expensive cars and trucks pulled up to the curb, and a group of burly bodyguards jumped out with black umbrellas. 

One of the bodyguards approached the young man and spoke in a gruff voice. "Are you the one we're looking for?"

Nicholas nodded, not daring to speak.

The bodyguard saluted and motioned for Nicholas to follow him. "Come this way, my Lord, let's get you out of this rain."

Nicholas followed the bodyguard to the lead car, a gleaming black limousine.

The back door opened, and a well-dressed man in his mid-fifties emerged.

It was Nicholas Butler, Edgar. 

"Young master," Edgar said, bowing slightly before him. "I'm sorry for the delay. We had a little trouble finding this place."

Nicholas was still shivering. "Th-thank you," he shivered. "I'm cold. Do you have a blanket?"

Edgar hurriedly ushered him into the car. "Don't worry about it. Let's get you somewhere dry and warm."

Nicholas gratefully climbed into the back of the limo, followed by the bodyguards.

As the convoy pulled away from the motel, Nicholas pointed at it. 

"The manger of that motel was mean to me. He kicked me under the rain despite all my pleas. I want that motel closed in the name of the Phoenix family."

Edgar nodded. "So it shall be done. However, you're still an outsider, young master. Once you become our Lord, I shall execute your orders with immediate effect."