Page 61 of Guarding Zuri
Tears fell from Daemon’s eyes.
“You just don’t know how much time you have,” Arthur whispered. “And then you lose it all.”
Daemon wiped away his tears, but thinking about how little time his father had left felt like a fifty-pound dumbbell caving into his chest.
Arthur returned his gaze to Daemon. “I don’t want you distracted by the time. We’ll do what’s necessary to get you set up, and then we can spend some time together.”
Daemon remembered what Zuri had said about her father. Five more minutes to tell him everything she didn’t get to say. His father had denied him that time. What was he thinking? “If I had known, I could’ve—”
Arthur held up a hand in defense. “Hate me when I’m gone. And I would’ve probably faded faster, let me tell you. Focusing on what you can’t control will make you go crazy. When we found out about your mother’s diagnosis, I nearly had to be committed. It was your mother that got me to focus on enjoying life.” He half-frowned. “Can’t say I’ve lived up to her standards since she’s been gone, but Lola has done a good job of keeping me busy. Now that you know my situation, I want our company secure so I can leave this world with some measure of peace. Your mother did make me promise not to work the rest of my life. If we can get you settled within the month, maybe I can get a few good weeks of retirement in.” He put his hand up again. “But only if you want it, Daemon. I’ll gladly spend the rest of my time just being with you, son.”
Daemon felt guilty. Although his contract with Zuri was effectively over, his father would have to spend most of his last weeks training him for the business instead of enjoying his time.
“I know you’re protecting Miss Msongo. How long do you think that’ll last?”
“As long as it takes for me to fly her back to Bendola. We leave in a few hours.”
His father’s head snapped back. “Isn’t that dictator still there? Why on earth would you take her back?”
“Because she fired me. I can’t legally keep her here, no matter how much I want to. She’ll never be in more danger.”
“This is my fault.”
Daemon shrugged. “I don’t think that’s really true, but you were the catalyst. She’s been firing me since we met. It’s time she return.”
Arthur studied him. “I know you’ll figure it out.”
“Figure what out?” Daemon asked, pretending he didn’t have a clue what his father was talking about. It was best he put a future of Zuri out of his mind, anyway. Self-preservation ranked high on his list of daily disciplines. And now that his father was dying, Daemon couldn’t leave his side.I can’t do it. We have so little time left. I have to stay with him.And how long would it take Daemon to get a real handle on the job? He figured at least a year, maybe more. A future with Zuri wasn’t possible.
“You know what,” his father challenged him.
Daemon cleared his throat and got back on track. “Like I said, it shouldn’t be more than forty-eight hours. David is taking care of things and he’ll be the lead on the ground when the dust settles.” And David wouldn’t mind taking over as Zuri’s head of security either.He would see it as honoring her father, Bayo. “We’ll touch down, and I’ll make sure she’s safely transferred into David’s protection. After that, I’ll be wheels up.”
“Good. While you’re away, I’ll prepare the board of directors. We’ll want to meet with them and start the transfer.”
“The board knows?”
His father hesitated. “Yes.”
“What about Madeline?”
“You’re not the last to know, if that’s what you’re thinking. But I had to let the board know to start the legal process.”
Daemon fell silent. His father had a point. Although Daemon could easily make decisions for Knight Shield, an entire conglomerate like Knight Industries required a lot more oversight.
Arthur slapped his desk. “Good, good. I’m glad we’ve worked that out. That’s a great weight lifted, you know.” He handed Daemon the portfolio. “Try to read through this on the plane. If you have any questions, let me know. We’ll get started as soon as you return.” He smiled and gripped Daemon’s shoulder.
Guilt returned, and Daemon quickly said, “I’m sorry, Dad. I’m sorry about putting you off this long. If I had known…”If hehadknown, nothing would’ve stood in the way of him reconnecting with his father. He would’ve refused all assignments.
And he never would’ve met Zuri.
Daemon’s heart splintered. None of this was fair. His father was dying, and Zuri wanted nothing more to do with him or Knight Industries.
“Son, when you’re not ready to face your mortality, you might make a few bad calls. Not telling you sooner was one of them. I’m sorry, son. I wish I could say and do more.”
Daemon accepted the apology with a nod. “What about Lola?”
Arthur’s mouth slanted down to one side.
