Page 4 of Seventeen Years Ago

“That’s a long story,” Cayden replied.

“Funny, but I believe you said we have a long flight ahead of us. I’d like to hear it,” I stated.

“Go ahead and tell him. It’s a wonderful story,” Allyson urged.

Cayden reached over and lifted Allyson’s hand to his lips. Kissing it briefly, he said, “I don’t believe Steven is going to see it the same way.”

“There’s only one way to find out,” I prodded.

I could tell that Cayden would prefer not to share the details with me, but I had no issue with using Allyson to get my way.

“How about the short version?” he asked.

Better than nothing.

“Fine,” I replied. Then turning to Allyson, I added, “But feel free to chime in if he starts to leave out any of the good parts.”

“Don’t worry. I will,” she grinned. “Cayden said I’m never at a loss for words.”

I’d already figured that out myself after just meeting her an hour ago.

“As you know I had been.... angry with the Henderson family for a very long time,” he started.

“You mean hated them,” I corrected.

He glared at me but nodded. “That might be … accurate. Things have changed. I have come to understand that the facts I had built my...anger on, had been wrong. They were not who I thought they were. And neither was I.”

“Please don’t tell me that you’re not the shrewd businessman that I know because I’m not buying it,” I stated.

“Not at all. But I learned that sometimes things aren’t as they appear, and you must accept the fact that you’re wrong. Doing so has changed my life in more ways than you could imagine.”

“You’re right there. I never thought I’d see the day you would be flying in a jet that belonged to the Henderson family. Why do they allow you to use it anyway? Do you work for them now?” I questioned.

“Hardly.” He paused for a moment and looked at Allyson who nodded. Only then did he continue. “I’m related to them.”

He was right. I never imagined that. “You’re what?!” I couldn’t hide my surprise.

“We are half-brothers,” he added.

“Please tell me you share the same mother and not that asshole, James Henderson.” Even as I spoke the words, I could see the answer in his eyes.Shit. “Sorry. I shouldn’t talk like that about your father.”

“Trust me, I have said much worse. I detest the fact that I’m his offspring, but it’s not something I can deny,” he said, his tone filled with disgust. “Not something any of my siblings can.”

“And you’re okay with saying they are your brothers?” I asked.

“And sisters. Yes, I am. I’ve learned so much about what they have gone through, and suffered, at the hands of James. The man was a sick, twisted, bastard. I’m glad he died before I learned the truth because I don’t think I could’ve controlled my temper if we’d met face-to-face,” he snarled.

Allyson said, “You’re nothing like him, Cayden.”

He looked at her and said, “All I know is that I’m a better man because of you in my life.” He kissed her briefly.

Come on. Stay focused.

I didn’t need to hear how much they loved each other. That’s the conversation I’d already listened to during the first part of the flight. I wanted more facts.

“If you’re related to the Henderson family, why the hell are you asking me to join you on a business endeavor? Why not ask one of them?”Or is it something they wouldn’t approve of?I wasn’t worried about making an enemy out of them, but I also didn’t want to get involved in something illegal or high risk either.

“I think it would be a good idea for someone other than a Henderson to be involved in this. They already have built a resort, updated the hospital, schools and so much more. This manufacturing plant is another step in the right direction, but they need backing.”

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