The Rise of Gabriel Whitewood

15

“Do you mind telling me what the hell is going on, Dad?” Gabriel asked his father, who only smiled faintly.

“You will not understand right now, son, but you will in a few months or years. No matter how long it takes,” his father said, gently patting him on the back.

Maureen slipped her hands into Gabriel’s arms just as he was about to speak.

“Ms. Astor,” Gabriel’s father said with a huge smile on his face.

The two shook hands, and Mr. Whitewood walked away, leaving Gabriel to stare at his father until he vanished into the crowd. He was lost in thought for a while as he walked toward the crowd with Maureen.

“Mr. Quiet, it is almost time for the charity, so please cheer up.”

Maureen’s words sliced through his thoughts.

Gabriel faced her, trying to maintain a cheerful expression, but all he could think about was Brittany’s sad expression and what his father had done. Lily’s words about his father rang in his ears, but he did not consider Brittany evil. He felt something was wrong with hi