Page 91 of Heart Thief

I doubt Ryker knows what will really happen during this meeting.

Zane’s eyes zone in on me immediately, like I am the thief of his gaze. It’s as if nothing else matters to him, as if no one else exists. His expression softens and turns tender. He always looks at me like that and I love it.

He gives me a brief nod, and the fleeting look of tenderness is gone in an instant as his poker face returns.

I know he wasn’t expecting me to be here. I wanted to be here for him, but he certainly doesn’t look like he needs me—or anyone. He’s his own man and can handle himself.

Do I know the real Zane? I’m not so sure. I’d like to think I know the real man, and the executive in the fancy suit is his façade, his work persona. I wish I knew for certain.

Then, from the same side door he came through, two armed security guards enter the room and stand on either side of Zane.

His expression doesn’t change or show any emotion whatsoever.

Something inside of me dies at the sight. Why are they here? Will Zane soon be under arrest? What’s going on?

An older man enters the room from the same door we entered. “Edward Hanover, Mr. James Martel’s attorney,” he says, introducing himself. “Shall we begin?” He motions with his hand toward Zane. “Please, Mr. Martel, have a seat.”

Zane sits at the head of the table. The security guards step forward and stand on either side of him.

I glance at Ryker. His lips curve into a half smile and he laughs quietly. Debra has a small evil smile on her face too. They’re enjoying this.

I scoot my chair toward the table. I can’t sneak out now. Whatever happens, I’m here for the duration.

Mr. Hanover says, “Mr. James Martel asked that the following video be shown upon his death, at the reading of his last will and testament. Without further ado, we shall begin.”

He picks up a remote and blinds slowly cover the windows. He presses another button on the remote and a screen lowers at the front of the room.

I peek at Zane and find him staring at my broken hand that’s resting on the table, a deep frown on his face. Yeah, I want to say, I feel exactly the same. It sucks. Big time.

And I’m drowning without you.

I can’t think about it now. I’ll fall to my knees and break down, sobbing like a baby.

The lights in the room lower. The lawyer presses another button on his remote and James Martel appears on the screen, stealing our attention. It’s a James I never knew, since I met him after his stroke. He’s sitting at a desk, a suit covering his slim frame.

“Hello, my beloved family. If you’re watching this, it means I’m gone. Believe me, I’m as sorry to hear that as you are.” He smiles into the camera.

Light laughter trickles around the room. When I glance at Zane, I notice he doesn’t find his father’s words amusing.

James is handsome, vibrant, and authoritative in all his mannerisms. He looks and acts like a man who is used to being in charge of his domain. I wish I had known him like this, when he was lucid and coherent.

He loved Zane, and I do too. We would’ve had a lot in common because of our feelings.

“The doctors tell me it’s time to slow down and that’s not something I’ve ever done. Not sure I know how to slow down, but I suppose I’ll learn. I thought I’d start with putting my affairs in order. My blood pressure seems to enjoy going as high as it possibly can, and my cholesterol must be best friends with my blood pressure, because they like to join each other.”

Again, a few people chuckle. Now I know where Zane gets his sense of humor.

“Regardless, I’m still here and I’m taking the proper precautions to get my health under control.” He pauses as he looks down at a few pieces of paper on his desk. “My lawyer can read you my will, which is in perfect order, I assure you. But it’s a whole lotta mumbo jumbo no one can understand, but him. So, I’m here to explain in layman’s terms exactly what will happen to my estate upon my death.”

James shifts in his chair, resting his forearms on the desktop. “Before I begin, there’s a few things I’d like to say to my family. Zane, I’ll start with you. The first year of your life was a rocky one for me. Even if I could do it over, I wouldn’t change my reaction to losing your mother. It devastated me and I was a lost soul if ever there was one. I loved her like I’ve never loved anyone in my life and that’s just the way it was. No regrets. Zane, as our son, you were my only comfort. I’m guilty of loving you too much, if that’s possible. To this day, every time I look at you, I remember her, and it comforts me. You’ve been the joy in my life. Zane, I love you, son. Know that I’m with your mother and we’re watching over you. Every second, we’re cheering you on. Never doubt it. Don’t spend all your time mourning me. Move forward with your life and be happy. That’s all I ask.”

If Zane’s not going to burst into tears after that, I am. But when I glance at him, he’s still stone-faced.

James continues. “At any rate, lucky for me I met someone new. A beautiful young lady named Debra. She charmed me from the get-go and saved me from the depths of despair. I’ll always be thankful to her for that. She’s stood by my side all these years and supported me every step of the way. We’ve had some strife here and there, but she’s always been my biggest champion. I love you, sweetheart.”

Debra flutters and wipes at her non-existent tears.

Strife? Yikes. I’ll never understand why James stayed with Debra. He was certainly loyal.

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