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The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 22
Liam's POVThe papers on my desk looked blurry under the bright office lights. Carter Enterprises. My family’s company. A business built with secrets of its own and now connected to the Blackwoods. I ran my hand through my hair while trying to understand the confusing money reports. Each page showed how complicated my father’s life had been. I was still trying to figure it all out.I was still new to the world of figures and reports and wealth but I was doing my best to catch up.Ring! Ring!My phone broke the silence. I looked at the screen and my excitement was aroused immediately. It was Hans Hoffman. I answered while at the same time feeling a little nervous. “Hans, what’s going on?”“Liam, I need to talk to you. It’s about Blackwood,” he said seriously.“What is it? Can’t you just tell me now?”“No. It’s something private. Too risky over the phone. Can we meet? At the amusement Park near Crestwood, near the big old oak tree. As soon as you can.”“Crestwood Park? Why there?”“
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 23
Liam's POV My heart was pounding as I ended the call. Mom. Her voice had sounded scarier than I'd heard in years. What happened? What could make her ask to see me now all of a sudden?I stared hard across the park through the rain and only one name came to mind. The Blackwoods. I was sure they had something to do with this. I clenched my fists and pushed myself forward. I had to get to her.I rushed to my car with my heart racing. The two-hour drive felt like forever. I stepped on the gas and the Mazda sped down the road. Rain continued to fall making the sky even darker. I weaved through traffic while driving faster than I usually would. I just needed to get to her. I needed to make sure she was okay.I had to be careful. I couldn't afford to get pulled over now. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the panic in her voice.At last I saw the old 'Welcome to Oakhaven' sign. I was just minutes from my childhood home. My hands tightened around the steering wheel.I hit the brakes hard
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 24
Ryan's POVI sat alone slowly sipping a drink I didn’t even want. The glass shook with every beat. Below me the regulars at my father’s club danced like they didn’t care about anything. They had no idea about the real games being played in this city. I didn’t enjoy any of it. I just sat there tired of the life I was born into.The door to my booth opened. The noise hit my ears for a second before the door closed again. Dexter stepped in. His face showed how annoyed he was.“How did it go?” I asked while speaking just loud enough to be heard.He ran a hand through his short hair. I knew that move. It meant he was holding back his anger.“Those two idiots you call friends—” he started with his voice tight.I cut him off. I didn’t have time for this. “Dexter. Just tell me it’s done.”He sighed long and heavy. “Yes Ryan. It’s done. We delivered the message. Liam Carter’s mom’s house… let’s just say it won’t be on any home design shows anytime soon.”I leaned back while finally feeling
The Rightful Heir Chapter 25
Liam's POVThe drive to the address Hans gave was quiet and tense. My mom sat beside me staring out the window. But I knew she wasn’t really looking at anything. The rain from Oakhaven had followed us falling lightly and making the windshield blurry. Each time the wipers moved it felt like my heart beating faster from stress.“Are you sure about this, Liam?” Mom finally asked in a soft voice.“It’s safer than staying back there.” I said while holding the wheel tighter. “We talked about this.”She didn’t say anything and the silence returned. We were both thinking things we weren’t saying. Suddenly the GPS said, “You have arrived at your destination.” I stopped the car in front of a two-story house. It wasn’t fancy, but it looked strong. The street was quiet with lots of trees. The area felt calm.. maybe too calm.As I turned off the engine, I saw him. Hans was standing on the porch with the light behind him. When he saw my mom get out of the car he walked forward and smiled.“Mrs. C
The Rightful Heir Chapter 26
Liam's POVI drove up to Melissa’s house as fast as I could. We hadn’t hung out in weeks… weeks full of problems and betrayals. But tonight felt different. Maybe we could reconnect. Maybe even go back to how things used to be? Who knows..?She was already on the porch waiting. She looked relaxed, but still beautiful. She wore a simple dress and her hair was tied down, and she smiled at me for real. For a second, I forgot about Ryan, the Blackwoods and all the trouble.Her eyes widened when she saw the Mazda 6. “Wow, Liam! A new car? Last I saw, you still had that… uh… Pontiac right?”I laughed, but still felt nervous. “Yeah, well you were right. It was time for something better. I listened to you.”She walked around the car while running her hand over the body. “Really? Where did you get the money for this?” She frowned a bit, clearly suspicious.I took a deep breath ready to lie. “I, uh… used all my savings. Seven years’ worth.”Her eyes went wide again, but this time with surpr
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 27
Liam's POVThe red wine was still dripping and making a mess on my shirt, and running sticky down my face. I stood still, frozen and feeling all the eyes in the room staring at me. I felt ashamed. Completely and deeply ashamed. But not because of Melissa. Never because of her. I got it. I really did. I had just messed everything up. Again.A waiter who looked like he didn’t want to be there walked over slowly and gave me some thin napkins. “Sir, are you okay? Here, maybe these will help.”“Thanks,” I said quietly while taking the napkins. I wiped my face, but the wine didn’t hide the sting of feeling embarrassed. I reached for my wallet and pulled out some money and left it on the table, way more than needed for the meal I hadn’t even finished.“Keep the change,” I muttered while walking to the door.I felt a little better when I stepped out. No one was staring anymore, but I still felt like I had failed. I walked slowly to my car. The Mazda which was honestly a show off to Melissa
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 28
Liam's POVI looked at my watch and my heart suddenly froze. 9:57 AM…Only three minutes left. Three minutes before the Judicial Board decided what would happen to me. Three minutes before they might kick me out of Crestwood.“Oh, this is great,” Ryan said behind me with his voice full of sarcasm. I turned and saw him leaning on the wall with arms crossed and a nasty smile on his face. A couple of his friends laughed nervously.“Running late, Carter? I thought you’d be busy preparing your… defense?” He said “defense” like it was a joke. “Looks like you finally realized how much trouble you're in. This is the end for you. Say goodbye to your dreams. Graduation, Melissa, Crestwood—gone.” He laughed. “Good luck wherever you end up.”My rage was roused, but I held it in. I wouldn't give him that satisfaction. “Save your breath, Ryan. You’ll need it to explain to your dad why his plan didn’t work.”His smile disappeared. “Don’t flatter yourself. This isn’t about him. This is about you
The Rightful Heir CHAPTER 29
Liam's POVThe hit knocked the air out of me. I stumbled and caught myself on the lockers.“Watch it, man!” I said while gasping as I turned to see who had hit me.It was Joel McHale, another student in our last year. His eyes were full of fear as he looked behind him. He had slowed down after hitting me and that gave Cole and Zane time to catch up. I then saw them, Ryan Blackwood’s loyal goons chasing him. They grabbed Joel and pulled him into a nearby room which looked much like a storage cupboard.Joel looked terrified. As usual everyone in the hallway kept walking and pretending not to notice. No one wanted trouble with Ryan Blackwood. I frowned. Even the hallways of Crestwood weren’t safe from his fear. It made me feel sick.I moved toward the cupboard. The door was slightly open and light was shining through the gap. I didn’t think twice. Anger pushed me forward. Whatever was happening inside I couldn’t let it go on.I stopped just outside and listened.Joel’s voice came throug
Latest Chapter
CHAPTER 39
Liam's POVThe room was the definition of technology. Computer screens flashed with strange codes I had never seen with circuit boards were spread all over a table. It didn’t feel like a bedroom. It felt more like a control room or a tech fortress of some kind.“Wow.” I said as I looked around. “So this is your hideout.”Sarah smiled proudly. “I call it my command center. But ‘lair’ sounds kind of cool too.”“Cool is an understatement.” I said while still looking. “Are you like… a secret agent? Do you have hidden gadgets like a rope gun or a quiet pistol?” I joked.She laughed loudly in a weird manner. “If I were a secret agent Liam you wouldn’t even know. That’s the whole point.”“Good point.” I was impressed. “Still, this is… a lot. Where did you get all this stuff?”She shrugged and stepped deeper into the room like she wanted me to look more. “Most of it is old stuff from others or things I fixed. My dad was a computer guy. He really knew his stuff.” Her voice broke a little i
CHAPTER 38
Liam's POV The doors of Carter Enterprises opened as I pushed myself out onto the sidewalk. Another day and another few hours spent trying to figure out the Blackwood mystery. I fished for my car keys from my pocket as I walked toward my Mazda 6.“Liam,m wait up!”I turned and saw Charles coming toward me. His tie was askew loose and he looked worried.“Going home Charles.” I said while trying not to show much emotion. God I was too tired for a long talk.He soon caught up to me. “How’s the Blackwood case going? Found anything important?” He asked.I shrugged and unlocked my car. “Not really. Just a few wrong turns and guesses.” The less he knew the better. I couldn’t trust anyone, not even him.Charles narrowed his eyes a little. “You’re not telling me everything. I can tell.” He said.I leaned against my car pretending to be relaxed. “Maybe. Why do you care so much?”“Care? I’m involved Liam. I care about you and.. finding the truth.” He paused and looked at me closely. “So w
CHAPTER 37
Liam's POVThe group of students moved aside as I walked through with my curiosity mounting higher and huge with each passing minute. What I saw didn’t surprise me. Cole was holding a pair of glasses high up. A small girl with her hair in a tight bun was jumping and trying to grab them. The other students as usual were laughing.This was like everyone's favourite game at Crestwood, to watch Ryan or his goons bully the lesser students.“Come on four-eyes get them if you can!” Cole teased while throwing the glasses to another smiling kid. The girl reached for them with her fingers touching the frame but they were taken away again before she could take proper hold of her glasses.My stomach felt sick. It was always the same. Ryan’s sidekicks picking on someone weaker, someone who wouldn’t fight back and making their life horrible.“Hey!” I shouted with my voice loud over the laughter. “Give her glasses back to Cole.”The laughing stopped and was quickly replaced by quiet whispers. Eve
CHAPTER 36
Liam's POV I turned away from Ryan pretending to be a sad classmate. Every word he said and every fake look of care felt like an insult. He was making fun of Joel and of me who knew what really happened. I clenched my fists trying not to punch the proud look off his face. “Excuse me?”I turned quickly. A young police officer with a notepad was walking toward me. “Liam Carter right? One of your mates pointed you out. We need to ask you some questions about Joel McHale.”I made my voice calm not to show what I felt inside. “Sure Officer. What do you want to know?” I said.He opened his notepad. “You are in Joel’s class right? How well did you know him?”“We had some lessons together. But we weren’t close. More like classmates who spoke sometimes.” I had to be careful. I couldn’t let them know I was looking into things myself.“When did you last see him?” the officer asked.“I… I don’t really remember. Maybe a few days ago in the hall or cafeteria. I honestly don’t know the exact t
CHAPTER 35
LIAM'S POVHans and I looked at each other. I suddenly felt sick with the urge to throw up. What had she done?“She… she turned on us.” Hans whispered in disbelief.I shook my head slowly. “I didn’t think… I didn’t believe she would.” I stuttered.I thought back to all my talks with Melissa trying to remember if she ever gave me a sign. But I had been blind. By what? Hope? Maybe the feelings I still had for her?Hans snapped. He kicked over a pile of magazines sending them flying in his rage. “Damn it! You said she was on our side! You said she wouldn’t do this! Now Ryan knows everything! All our plans!”He walked back and forth with his fists tight. “We’re done Liam! Really done! How are we supposed to know what happened at that meeting now? We had one shot and she ruined it for Blackwood!”He kicked a small table, sending it across the room. I didn’t say anything. I was too lost in my own thoughts. Melissa had chosen Ryan. She had chosen the Blackwoods, the money, and the fame in
CHAPTER 34
Ryan's POV“Excuse me?” I couldn’t believe what I just heard.Melissa moved uncomfortably in the car seat while looking away from me. “Liam talked to me a few days ago, Ryan. He asked me to... to put a bug on you.”I suddenly held the steering wheel tighter. I forgot the meeting I was driving to. I forgot everything. This was more important. I turned the wheel sharply and the tires squealed as I pulled the car to the side of the road. I hit the brake hard and Melissa jerked forward a little.“What are you doing Ryan?” she asked in surprise and a little fear.I didn’t answer. I was only thinking about Liam’s proposal. “Tell me everything Melissa. Every word. What did Liam Carter say to you?” My voice was low but the anger it conveyed wasn't unnoticed.She waited while biting her lip. “He... he said you were involved in illegal activities Ryan. He said you were breaking the law. He told me that if I cared I should help him... stop you.”My mouth twitched. I let out a short and bitte
CHAPTER 33
Liam's POV“That's enough! Stop it!” the guard finally intervened. He looked at Ryan nervously then looked at me. “Carter, you're done for today. Go home. Now.”He then turned to Ryan. “Ryan, are you okay? Did he hurt you?”Ryan, always trying to act cool, smiled and brushed off his jacket. “I'm fine. Just a little mix-up. Liam was just… happy to see me.” He smirked sarcastically.I wanted to wipe that smile off his face. But I got what I wanted. The bug was hidden in his jacket ready to send out everything. I just had to leave before Ryan got suspicious.I nodded to the guard. .“Alright, I'm going.”“Make sure you do.” the guard said in relief. He was scared of Ryan Blackwood and even more scared of what William Blackwood might do if anyone hurt his son. I didn’t blame him. Everyone feared the Blackwoods.I turned and walked away without looking back. I could feel Ryan watching me. He probably thought he’d won, that he scared me. He was wrong. This was just the beginning.As I le
CHAPTER 32
Liam's POVAt last the man nodded with a sighed. “Fine. But I’m coming with you. If the other guard sees us I’ll be in trouble.”I nodded. “Thank you. I really mean it.”We walked the halls with our footsteps echoing in the dark hallways. He led me to the main building and unlocked the door.“Where first?” he asked.“His locker. And classrooms he was in.” I replied.We searched carefully but Joel wasn’t there. His locker was empty and his things gone! Classrooms were dark and still.“Maybe we should check the gym?” I asked hopefully.“The gym’s locked. No one goes in after hours.”I was starting to panic. Where could he be?“One more person might know.” the guard said. “Mr. Grimsby. The janitor. He’s always here late.”We found Mr. Grimsby in the cafeteria where he was mopping the floor. He was an older man bur kind and gentle.“Mr. Grimsby.” the guard said. “This young man’s looking for a Joel McHale. Have you seen him?”Mr. Grimsby stopped. “Joel? Joel? Little boy who bumped into
CHAPTER 31
Liam's POV“911, what’s your emergency?” The dispatcher’s voice crackled from the phone speaker when Mrs McHale called.Mrs. McHale spoke with trembling hands and a shaky voice. “My son Joel McHale didn’t come home. He was supposed to be back hours ago.”I stood close listening with my stomach twisting in horror. I could feel her fear and that was reason enough to make me feel sick.“And what time was he supposed to be home, ma’am?” the dispatcher asked in a calm but serious and professional tone.“Six o’clock. He’s always home by six. He’s never, not once, been this late without calling.” Her voice shook.“Okay, and has he contacted you? Any texts, calls...?” The dispatcher asked carefully.“No, nothing. I’ve called him, but it goes straight to voicemail.”“Alright, ma’am. We’ll connect you with an officer to file a report. Please stay on the line.”There was a short wait with static and the sound of Mrs. McHale's laboured breathing. Then a new voice came on. “This is Officer Davie
