Page 12 of Lilly

"No. It was just a typical meeting. I didn't get the feeling anyone was out to get me."

"Then maybe you're just ill. You have been working too much. I know when I was working all those hours, it took a toll on me."

"I'd like to cut back, but as I'm sure you know, those extra hours are not spent on activities having to do with Sinclair Pharmaceuticals. If that were my only job, I'd be home at a reasonable hour and be working far fewer weekends."

I lower my voice. "You can't give up your position. You know how hard we worked to get you there."

"Yes, but if that's truly what's causing this, I may have no choice but to step down."

I sigh. "And who would be your replacement?"

He stares at me and I realize what he's implying.

"No." I step back, my hands raised. "Absolutely not."

"Pearce, I'm only asking you to consider it."

"I'm not doing it. I'm out of that life and there's not a chance in hell I'm going back."

"You're still part of it. You're still a member."

"I don't even attend the meetings, other than the one in December, which I'm forced to attend. Even if I were willing to do this, which I am most definitely not, there is no way they would offer me your position."

"You're a leader, Pearce. Many of them look up to you. You could get support from at least half of them, maybe more."

"No." I shake my head. "I am not discussing this. Or considering it. I finally have peace in my life and feel as though my family is at least somewhat safe. I'm not throwing all that away and going back to the hell that was my past."

"But Pearce, if you just—"

"Those bastards took my wife!" I yell, then lower my voice. "They tried to kill Rachel. They forced her into hiding for fifteen years. You think I've forgiven them for that?"

"That was your father's idea."

"Yes, but the other members went along with it. Because that's who they are. Killers. Murderers. They don't give a damn who they hurt. Even one of their own." I take a breath. "I'm sorry, William, but there is no way I would even consider this. You have to understand that."

"I do." He looks down. "I'm sorry I asked."

"I'm not saying I won't help you. We just need to find a different way."

"Pearce?" I turn back and see Logan at the door. "We need to run some tests on him and then he needs to rest."

"Yes, I'm going." I turn back to William. "We'll talk later."

"You're not leaving, are you? I mean, you're not going home right away, are you?" His voice is desperate.

"Of course not. I'll stay as long as you'd like."

He nods, still gazing down.

"William." I put my hand on his shoulder. "I didn't mean to raise my voice earlier. I want to help you. I really do. You're like a brother to me and we've been friends for a very long time. We'll figure something out."

Logan comes into the room and stands beside me. "You don't follow orders very well, do you?" He smiles.

I smile back. "Never have. Never will. You should know that about me by now." I walk out of the room, joining up with everyone in the waiting area.

By late afternoon, we're able to see William again. He looks a little better with more color to his face, his eyes more alert. As we're talking to him, Logan appears and asks Grace and Meredith to come out in the hall.

"I'd like to listen in," I say to Meredith, "if that's okay."

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