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“Have you thought about going back to therapy?”
I shake my head. “What’s the point? I’d rather go to the shooting range than have to talk about my feelings. It’s not like I can fuck them out of my system either. Even if I try Tinder, I would have to go out to meet whatever man or woman I match with.”
Dad flinches. “True, it’d be hard if you don’t leave the estate. I’m sorry, Son.”
“It’s okay. Someday, right?”
“Exactly.”
“So, I need a lawyer,” I continue with my list of requests.
Dad looks at me and shakes his head. “What did you do, Finn?”
I laugh. “Well, as I mentioned, I submitted the book. If they buy it, they’ll want to pay me. Since I don’t want a paper trail, I told them to donate the money. They want to know the name of my lawyer.”
His eyes open wide. “Paper trail?”
“What if someone finds me? Zamudio is still out there.”
“He thinks you’re dead, Finn. You shouldn’t live with fear.”
“It’s not about me, but you. I can look out for myself, but what if something happens to you? I… you’re all I have.”
Charles nods as if understanding. “If that makes you feel better, then we’ll contact my lawyers. I have a foundation where you can donate your royalties. I’ll pay you through my company.”
“I don’t need the money,” I argue.
“You do. One day, you’re going to stop living under my roof and start your life. I want you to be prepared for it. That includes being financially secure.”
“Why don’t we discuss that when I’m ready to become the CEO of your companies?” I offer. “That’s what the business degree and all the training I’m getting from your people is for, right?”
“Yes, but if you don’t want to do it, I’ll understand.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when it’s time, okay?”
He studies me while we continue eating. After a very long pause, he asks, “Have you contacted the physical therapist who helped you while living in Panama?”
“Derek?”
“Yes, that one. You mentioned he was a good friend. Why not reconnect with him?”
I rub my chin. It’s been over a year, but I’m still trying to get used to the beard. He said I should keep it to make sure no one recognized me. He helped me, but… “Sometimes I want to contact him, but what if he sells me to Zamudio?”
“You don’t help a kid get better and then sell him out.”
He’s right, but not everyone is like Charles Gil.
Should I reach out to Derek? It’s been a long time, but I still miss him. “Maybe I’ll do it soon.”
“By the way, a friend called me. He needs my expertise in Greece. I understand you want to stay hidden, but would you like to come with me?”
His offer is tempting. I’ve watched his documentaries, and the ones he filmed in Greece made me want to visit the country. “Can we explore while we’re there?”
“Yes. I know the right people who can get us to places not even tourists can visit.”
“Okay, when are we leaving?”
“In two weeks.”
