Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
The attachments were of various photos of Reeves. Some while he was in prison, trapped like an animal behind bars. Some were of him in the hospital, seemingly unconscious. A video clip revealed Reeves learning how to pronounce certain syllables again with what appeared to be a speech therapist. Oh, how he fought to make a simple sentence.
Normally such a thing would have brought Grandpa joy, seeing his prey struggle. His free hand twisted nervously in his jacket pocket.
Nevertheless, Reeves appeared determined. Leaning towards the instructor, he strained to speak, to allow the unspoken words to break free. Only grunts, but strong attempts, nevertheless. Perhaps in some strange way, Reeves was still the boy on the tape that Roman had played over and over in the wilderness. Maybe after their time together, he’d lost his way. Lost his voice then, too?
Grandpa scratched the back of his head as he stood there under the awning of the restaurant, no longer quite himself. He hadn’t fully recovered from what had happened. Roman had surprised him. Taken him completely off guard. He’d chosen love over currency. He’d changed from the firecracker young man he used to know, always cracking jokes and laughing at others’ misfortunes. A true-blue smooth conman when the mood struck him. He was more in control of himself—a deep thinker. The silliness and smart mouth seemed more like a façade now, a mask of sorts, not indicative of his true personality. Grandpa felt hoodwinked, but on some strange level, he admired the boy.
Roman had the world by the balls. People liked him immediately, gravitating towards him like a bee to honey. Why? The reason for this was the one ingredient he’d always been missing. What did Roman have that he did not? How was he able, with such little effort, to get people to think and do whatever he wished them to? Hell, the kid had even managed to get a big roller at G & S go to bat for him, taking a major risk should such information get into the wrong hands. Eric and Roman had plotted against him… some twisted game.
Roman had walked to the dragon, and somehow made it extinguish its flame! That within itself was magic. Roman, you put spells on people. I don’t know how you do it, but you do it, boy. After reflecting for another moment, he crafted a response to his son…
Reeves,
This is more than likely the last time we will ever correspond. Due to that, I am going to say all that I feel is necessary and then walk away from this. This email appears secure, as our prior ones have been as well. Regardless, I will be careful. I believe you sent me this email because somewhere inside of you, you still care about what I think of you. To show me that you’re strong, and you’ll persevere. I know that you’re strong. I don’t need proof. Believe it or not, I’m glad about that. My intention was never to have you killed. It was to teach you a lesson in respect, and teach your son the same lesson, too. Both of you had gone too far.
Roman assaulted me in front of my subordinates, took their weapons in one of his many silly sleight of hand tricks, and made a public spectacle. You threatened to end my life if I didn’t cease my recruitment of my grandson into the family business. The family business is more than just a business. It’s a way of life. Blood was poured into it; blood keeps it running. I made a pact with God. I promised Him that if he should grant my prayers and give me the desires of my heart, I would reward my bloodline. Surely, that motivation can be respected.
Respect is something you lacked most of your life. Speaking of life, your son is beginning a new chapter of his own. Roman, as I’m sure you’re aware of, is getting married soon. Naturally, due to the circumstances, I wasn’t invited to his wedding, but I am always in the know of such things. Honestly, there shouldn’t even be a wedding. The reason being is because the groom should have met a different fate. Please believe that I contemplated “removing” Roman from the family tree, after the experience we shared in the woods. It was theatrical and unnecessary. The only reason he is still breathing is because of the provisions he put in place to make it not to my advantage to do so. To add insult to injury, Jasper was wounded, his entire knee shattered, but is recovering well.
I’m assuming that Roman filled you in on the occurrence that led to the injury. Nevertheless, it became quite clear that he was no longer a good candidate to work in the family business. Roman presented some footage during our nature-walk meeting, if you will. I’m not sure if he somehow obtained it from my home on his own or got it from you. Regardless, I heard and saw it. Just like you wanted me to, no doubt.