Page 65 of Charlie
“How are you doing?” Conor sat on the corner of his desk while I was in a chair. It made me have to look up at him.
“I’m fine. No, better than fine.”
“These last days I’ve seen a different side of you. You don’t seem as interested in my teachings as usual; yesterday, you wouldn’t give me your phone when I tried to help you; and you’ve ignored my advice several times. It worries me.”
Crossing my arms, I defended myself, “I know you feel that I’m not ready to be in a relationship with Liv, but you don’t know how strong our feelings are for each other.”
“Oh, I never doubted that you had strong feelings. What I doubted was your skills in the area of love. And believe me, it takes skills to successfully navigate a serious relationship with a woman. It worries me that a bit of estrogen in the air will make you disregard my concern for you. As you know, I’m very picky and selective about whom I let into my circle. People would pay large sums to have me coach and mentor them, but I’m not interested in being the next self-help guru or tour the world doing get-better seminars. I believe the universe brings me the people who need my help the most. Haven’t you felt better after I took you under my wing?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“If this was about money, I’d open up my house to as many as possible, but it’s not and that means there are limited spots in the group. I consider everyone here a part of my tribe. My family. That’s why I give you everything in a symbiosis of mutual trust and loyalty.”
I looked down. “Thank you.”
“You can understand how disappointing and hurtful it is to me, when a member is no longer willing to reciprocate with the same level of trust and loyalty.”
I nodded.
“I’m not sensing the same interest or dedication from you. There’s been a shift after Liv came into the picture.”
“I’m still very loyal to the family. You mean a lot to me. You know that.”
Conor tapped his chin and looked up. “Words are easy, Charles. I need to see action to be certain that you mean it.”
“What kind of action?”
“Members do different things to show loyalty. Some get a tattoo with the Red Manor crest, others donate large sums to our foundation, some offer to clean or cook to be of service. It’s up to you really.”
“I can pay for a few schools like Sara did. Would that be enough?”
Conor shrugged. “If you want. It’s important that you understand that you’re not doing it for me. I’ll miss our friendship if you leave, but where are you going to find a community with people who love you like we do? We want you here, but only if you’re as committed as the rest of us.”
“How about five schools then?”
He tilted his head. “That would be a good start, but mostly, I’d like to see you be involved again. I share everything with you. Are you willing to do the same?”
I threw my hands up. “Sure, what do you need?”
Conor gave me a long look. “I’m not talking about material things. Those are easy to share. I’m talking about what matters the most to you.”
I tapped my foot on the floor, unsure what he was on about.
“What about Liv? She seems to be the most important person in your life now. Are you willing to let her be part of our group and share her with the rest of us?”
“Of course. She’s already sleeping in the children’s room. I was counting on all of you to accept her the way you’ve accepted me.”
“Good.” Conor leaned forward and patted my shoulder. “Good.”
A knock on the door was followed by Ciara walking in with a red-haired woman and a tall gray-haired man who looked winded after walking up the stairs.
Ciara introduced them to us, “This is Kit and David O’Rourke from O’Rourke Investigation. They’re detectives and have come to ask you some questions about Sandra.”
“Sandra who?” Conor asked.
Both of the detectives were tall people and I guessed them to be father and daughter. She had a pad and pen in her hand and walked over to shake Conor’s hand. “Sandra, your wife.”
Ciara shook her head. “You got that wrong. Conor isn’t married.”
