Page 8 of Uproot

Charlie scowls at me, obviously unhappy at me taking a jab at the love of his life. The only thing he has ever seemed to care about in this world besides getting high was Maria. God only knows why, considering I have yet to find one redeeming quality she possesses.

I stare at him wondering once more how we possibly came from the same father.

Daniel clears his throat as he tries to intercept the obvious argument that is brewing. "Mr. Kade, in the case that you can't locate Ms. Alton for whatever reason, it would be in Edison's best interest that he at least stays here in Upwood until he finishes out the school year."

I cut my eyes at him, "Are you trying to tell me that I'd have to stay here for what, anothermonth? Couldn't I just get him a private tutor to finish out the last few weeks in New York? I mean what the fuck is he learning, Trigonometry?"

Daniel adjusts the collar of his dress shirt, looking uneasy, "Well, Mr. Kade, it's what Child Services is recommending for the best interest of the child. For stability, that is what the social workers will recommend. If you aren't able to stay here for that duration it may complicate things."

I scrub a hand down my face, pushing back my seat and getting up. I put my hands on my waist, and glare over at Charlie, "You really know how to screw everyone's life up, don't you? How can you expect me to live here? How am I going to run a multimillion-dollar company out of a fucking rental cabin in the mountains for amonth?! Do you people even have decent Wi-Fi here?"

Daniel looks at Charlie, who gives him no help, before addressing me again, "Mr. Kade, I can assure you that we do..um..have substantial Wi-Fi. And again, you not locating Maria is unlikely. I'm sure you will find her and be able to get back to your regular life."

I pace the room slowly, trying to get my anger under control, "Fine," I grit out, walking to the door. "Are we done here?"

Daniel stands up and hurries over to me, "Yes, Mr. Kade. Thank you for coming in and helping out," he says as I open the door.

My mind is already out of this room and creating a backup plan, for my backup plan in case things don't go well and Maria doesn't resurface. I haven't been away from my business for longer than a few days since I took over the company when I was twenty-four. I can maybe spare two weeks, but I'm not staying here beyond that.

"Beckett."

Charlie's voice takes me out of the constant strategizing in my mind. I turn around to face him, and I can see in his eyes he knows this will be the last time we are face-to-face for at least another few years.

"I know you've done me enough favors. But please, if you find Maria, can you please tell her that I love her, and if she waits for me, I'll make shit right again for the two of us when I get out."

I narrow my eyes at him, "That'swhat you're concerned about? Not your damn son?"

He frowns, looking down at the table, "I never have been good at being a dad. I'm not our father, Beckett."

"Well that's one damn thing we can agree on," I mutter, opening the door and leaving.

"Sir, we're here."

I lift up my head from my phone, not realizing that Helen has parked the SUV we are in. I close out the email I was sending to one of my employees, and look out of the window.

We are parked on a nice street in front of a small brick house with a nicely manicured front yard. There are flowers planted all over the perimeter, and a metal pink flamingo is standing close to the front porch.

I open the car door and get out with Helen. I'm tired from a day of traveling, working, and dealing with everything I needed to do to come and get Edison tonight. I could use a double espressolike a drowning man could use a life raft, but I have to rally and keep it together for another few hours.

Helen follows behind me up a small walkway to the front door. She presses the doorbell and I keep my distance, hoping that we can do a quick greeting and get back on the road.

But no one answers.

I frown looking down at my watch. "You told his teacher five o'clock, didn't you?" I ask Helen, feeling my patience hanging on by a thread.

She nods, looking around the front porch, "Of course, Sir! Maybe she's cooking? It does smell very nice out here."

I inhale and realize that 1. I've barely eaten today, and 2. Something does smell really damn good.

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a good home cooked meal. I don't make Dragana cook for me much anymore since she's gotten older. Really, she doesn't do any work for me despite still being salaried. She does some light cleaning, and gets us groceries, but she spends most of her day how she chooses to. She's been working most of her life, and more than deserves a rest.

Just as Helen takes out her phone to call, the door swings open as the last of my patience is about to shrivel up and die.

"I'm so sorry! I was cooking and then I lost track of time, and Edi was showing me the picture he made and I.."

I step closer to the door as I take in the woman on the other side of it, my exhaustion vanishing.

My gaze moves over her jet-black curls, rich brown skin, and mesmerizing brown eyes, before coasting over the pink apron she's wearing over a white dress.

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