Page 15 of Bleeding Hearts

“And what is that, exactly?” With a sigh, I fold my arms and lean back in my chair, feeling the tension in my muscles. “And don’t lie to me.”

Before he can answer, the doorbell rings again. Jodi jumps up to answer it while I stare at all three boys, watching, waiting for one to cave.

My chance is gone when Jodi returns with three men trailing her—two wearing very expensive suits. She mouths, “Holy shit.”

“Boys, take your plates into the other room.” There’s no way I want them around while the adults talk. “Now.”

Being smart enough not to argue, the three teenagers grab their plates and make a swift exit, knowing they narrowly escaped trouble. Once they’re gone and out of earshot, it’s time to find out who these men are. I have an idea, but I’m too worked up to make assumptions.

“And what brings you to my humble abode, gentlemen? I’m assuming it has something to do with the unwanted SUV parked out front. The one I rejected.” Having lost my appetite, I push my plate aside.

The man, with a mane of thick, black hair that seems to weigh him down, extends his hand. “I’m Oscar Polkowski. And these are my clients, Teddy and Theo Stewart. We’d like a moment of your time to discuss how we can resolve this issue without bringing the press into it. I’m sure you understand why that could be detrimental to the Stewarts. Once you review our terms and discover the financial benefits awaiting you and your sons, we’re confident you’ll see things more clearly. May we take a seat?”

Press? Oh, Christ on a cracker, what has Felix done?

I motion to the empty chairs the boys vacated. “I trust you’re fine with my friend Jodi, joining us as a witness. Seems only fair, since I’m a little outnumbered here.”

The men sit. It’s clear to me that Teddy and Theo are father and son. I’m not so sure why they’re here, but Mr. Polkowski wastes no time getting right into the nitty gritty of the situation as soon as everyone is seated.

“That’s fine. I’m not sure exactly how you found out about Theo’s unsavory record, but let’s not worry so much about that. Let’s talk about how we can resolve this quietly.”

Sounds like Felix disclosed his discoveries to the Stewarts and then threatened to expose the truth. His heart is in the right place, but the way he went about it is all wrong. I’ll be addressing that with him later.

“Message has been received, and we see the error of our ways. So, let’s cut to the chase.” With a mischievous smile resembling that of a deceitful lawyer, he slides a sealed manila envelope in my direction. “Go ahead, open it. I think once you’ve looked it over, you’ll reconsider.”

“Will I?” I don’t bother opening it. Deep down I know if I do, I’ll be swayed to consider what’s inside, and I want no part of that. Better to remain ignorant in this case. “Tell me, Mr. Polkowski.” I pat the envelope to draw his eyes to it, before resting my arms on top of it. “Is this how you’ve gotten the others to back off and look the other way?”

He only smiles and keeps glancing down at the envelope, refusing to admit anything.

Instead of trying to make him fold, I bypass him completely and go directly to the man responsible for this mess. I never saw him that day, only his flashy car as he honked his horn and flipped my car because of his aggressive driving. His outfit is a mix of luxury and boldness—an overpriced polo with vibrant Bermuda shorts, complemented by white boat shoes and trendy Ray-Ban sunglasses. The look of a rich little brat who has never been made to face the consequences of his actions. I see young men like him every day in my classroom. The ones who expect that easy A because their daddy donates the big bucks to the school, and they feel entitled.

Buckle up, kid. You’re about to meet the one person who can’t be intimidated by all that. I see so many students just like you. They have to learn that actions have consequences, and so do you.

“Tell me something Theo, what did you learn from what happened that day?”

He looks bored. Slouching in his seat, arms crossed, a frown on his face as he cocks one eyebrow. “What did I learn?”

I nod.

“My son?—”

The professor in me can’t be held back. To prevent him from interrupting, I put up my hand. “I’ll address you in a second, Mr. Stewart. Right now, I’d like to talk to your son. He’s an adult. Twenty, isn’t it? I’m sure you’re aware I’m a professor at a university. I’ve been dealing with young men like Theo since grad school. Let him talk.”

The younger man lifts his shoulders in a dismissive shrug. “I don’t know. I guess to slow down. To not pass someone before they’ve switched lanes.”

“You guess?”

“Look, lady. I didn’t mean to hit you, but fucking hell, you were moving like a snail, and I was in a hurry. Maybe you need to learn to drive faster.” He moves to stand like he’s done with this whole horse and pony show.

“Sit down.” His father’s voice is loud with a distinct edge of power.

Theo drops back into his seat. Not because he wants to, but because he must hear something in his father’s tone that warns him he’s on thin ice.

They exchange a look, and I decide it’s time to push back. “How many car accidents have you fixed for your son, Mr. Stewart?”

The lawyer pipes in. “Don’t answer that, Teddy.”

“Too many.” Mr. Stewart leans forward, his eyes narrowing in concentration. “Maybe it’s time to stop that.”

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