by Suzanne Hart
“Okay, let’s get started with our meeting,” I stated.
I had no choice, I had to hold my feelings at a distance.
24
Julian
Lisa seemed upset, and I knew what I was about to tell her would upset her even more.
She had dressed back into her yellow dress and I’d put on my clothes too. After that, we went back up on deck where I poured her a glass of sparkling water. She stood at the edge of the yacht, her back against the railing while she drank her water. I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful she looked in the sun, with the blue of the water in the background. It was a picture perfect moment, and I was about to smash right through it.
I could have just not told her, let her live in blissful ignorance of who her father truly was. On the other hand, I was yet to play out my revenge on Alan Crowley. In that moment, my need for revenge outweighed my feelings for Lisa.
It was a mistake, but it was too late. I had already started the conversation.
“I looked at the finances,” I said.
Lisa drank her water and nodded.
“I know it’s bad,” she replied.
I had my hands stuck in the pockets of my linen pants while I stared at her. If I told Lisa the truth, I knew she would despise her father and my job was done. What better form of vengeance against Alan could I ask for?
“Yeah, things are pretty bad as far as the current position of the company is concerned. But I found something else I thought you should know about,” I continued.
Lisa squinted her eyes against the sun as she looked at me. I saw the way her hair fell over her face. I could still taste her in my mouth. How fragile and delicate she felt when she’d laid her head on my chest.
“Something else? Is it bad? What is it, Julian?” She asked. Her knuckles turned red as she gripped the glass tightly in her hand.
She had already been through so much… was the joy of ruining Alan’s reputation worth the pain it would bring to the woman I was falling for?
“Five years ago, your father was involved in something that I can best describe as money laundering,” I said.
Lisa’s eyes grew wide, then she smirked and rolled her eyes.
“Okay, what is it, really? We shouldn’t be kidding about such things,” she said.
I took a step towards her, peering into her eyes so she could see how genuine this was.
“I’m not kidding around, Lisa. I found evidence of money laundering in your finances. All that evidence points to the fact that your father knew about this. It was happening in the company under his watch,” I explained.
Lisa’s mouth fell open and then she shook her head.
“What? I don’t understand how this is possible. Daddy would never do something like that. He wouldn’t!” She squealed.
I reached for the glass in her hand and put it down on the deck. Then I placed both my hands on her arms, holding her tightly in my grip. She looked like she was about to fall.
“I don’t know what to tell you Lisa. I don’t know him like you do. All I see is the evidence in the documents. If this fell into the wrong hands… well, the right hands… like an auditor…”
Lisa whipped herself away from me.
“This cannot be possible. My father is a hard man, he’s a difficult man, but he’s a good man. This had to have happened behind his back. I’m sure he didn’t know anything about it. I’m sure of it!” She cried.
I stared at her, at the way her face contorted. There were tears glistening in her eyes and I knew that I’d made a mistake. Nothing was worth this. No revenge on Alan Crowley was worth her pain or her tears. But it was too late to take it back now.
While she stared at me, she knew that I wasn’t making this up.
She burst into tears, covering her face with her hands and I rushed to her. I wrapped my arms around her and knocked our foreheads together.
“I want to help you, Lisa. You should know that you are not alone in this,” I tried.
She shook her head, dragging herself away from me.
“How can you help us now? It would be stupid of you to buy our shares. How can you get yourself involved in a company like this? Knowing what you know!” She continued to cry.
“There are ways to hide the paper trail. Some of the best accountants and finance heads work with me. I can make this go away, and I will,” I said and stroked her hair.
Lisa looked up at me with bleary eyes, she was shaking her head with disgust.
“I don’t believe this. I can’t believe how stupid I’ve been. All these years… I thought I knew my father. I blindly looked up to him, thinking he was the greatest person on Earth. I blamed myself for the accident. I promised myself I would never go against him again… and all this while, he’s been thinking about nothing else except himself!”
I held her tightly to myself. I cursed myself for doing this to her. I shouldn’t have said anything. I should have kept the information to myself and quietly made the problem go away. I shouldn’t have allowed my grudge against Alan Crowley take over my life like this.
Lisa sobbed in my arms while I held her. She continued to murmur and cry.
“Lisa, hey, I’m going to make this go away. I promise. Nothing is going to happen to you or your father,” I said, forcing her to look into my eyes.
She sniffed loudly and shook her head.
“I don’t want you to make it go away. I want him to own up to what he’s been doing. I want him to pay for his crimes,” she hissed.
25
Lisa
Julian was trying to downplay what Daddy had done.
“It was five years ago, Lisa, and he stopped. It was a mistake, clearly he knew that too,” he said.
“He is a criminal!” I screamed.
I walked away from him but he followed me. I felt him place a hand on my shoulder and force me around to look at him.
“He is not a criminal. I’m sure he regrets it and we can make it go away. I just wanted you to know, but that was a mistake on my part. I shouldn’t have told you anything,” he said.
I threw myself at him, wrapping myself in his arms. My voice was muffled by his chest while I tried to speak.
“Why should you make it go away? Why should Daddy get away with this?” I looked up at him again. “If he’s done something wrong, then he should face the consequences of it.”
Julian pushed stray strands of hair off my face and tucked them behind my ears.
“I hear what you’re saying, and you’re probably right, but I don’t want you to suffer because of your father’s mistakes, Lisa,” he murmured.
“Why are you being this nice to me?” I asked him. I was amazed by his kindness, by his ability to calm me and make me feel safe. Julian clenched his jaws and shrugged.
“I don’t know. I can’t explain it either. All I know is I will do anything to keep you from crying,” he said. When he kissed me this time, I closed my eyes and allowed my senses to be surrounded by him. The strength in his arms was enough to stop me from falling.
When we pulled away, he touched my lips.
“I can see that you’re very upset, and I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t have brought this up,” he said.
I shook my head, slowly peeling myself from him.
“You did the right thing. I’m glad you told me. Finally, I see Daddy for who he is. All these years he’s made me chase after his version of success. He’s made me feel like I was never good enough. That his work and his business was way more superior than I could ever be,” I told him. Julian was watching me in silence, hanging on to my every word. For the first time, I felt like someone was really listening to me.
“Now I know that it was all a farce. Not only has he managed to run his company to the ground, but he’s been involved in illegal activities that makes him less of a man than I thought he was.”
Julian reached for my hand and squeezed it gently.
“I would like it if you didn’t beat yourself up over it, Lisa.
You know now, but it’s time to move on from it. Let me handle the situation,” he said.
I gulped, trying to think. How could I just let him handle it? How could I just allow Daddy’s bad deeds to just wash away? Was he never supposed to own up to it?
“Do you want to see your father in prison? Because that is what will happen if you allow these records to stay as they are,” he urged.
No, I didn’t want to see my father in prison, but I was still warring with myself over what the right thing to do was.
“As far as I could tell, it wasn’t much money. He only did it for a year or so and probably realized how dangerous and wrong it was. It hardly makes him a criminal, especially if he’s regretted it,” he continued.
I looked away from him, gulping down my tears.
“Okay, do what you have to do,” I said. “But I’m going to tell him I know. Once he wakes up… if he wakes up…” my voice cracked.
“That is up to you, Lisa. Tell him if you want, but we need to deal with the paper trail soon before the company gets audited,” he said.
I nodded, wiping the drying tears from my cheeks.
“Thank you, Julian,” I said and he smiled.
“It’s a pleasure to serve you, Madam,” he mocked and I couldn’t help but laugh at that.
“I don’t know… what I would do without you if I hadn’t met you when I did. Thank you for everything,” I whispered. Julian leaned in to kiss my forehead and we smiled at each other.
“I think we’re past keeping it professional at this stage, don’t you think?” He asked. His words were like music to my ears.
Then I heard my phone ringing in my purse. I rushed to it where it was lying on the deck and pulled my phone out. I didn’t recognize the number.
“Hello?” I said. From the corner of my eye I could see Julian smiling at me, watching me and it made my heart flutter… just like I was a teenager, giddy with love.
“Ms. Crowley? This is Nurse Romany,” the voice said on the other end.
“Nurse?” The sound of her voice made me panic. “Is my father okay?”
I looked at Julian who had his brows crossed.
“Yes, Ms. Crowley. Your father has just woken up,” she said.
“Oh my God!” I shrieked, letting the phone fall out of my hand.
Julian came rushing to me, enveloping me in his arms again.
“What’s going on?” He asked.
“Daddy! He’s awake! He’s fine!” I shrieked, smiling through the tears that were rolling down my cheeks again. Julian smiled and I saw that he looked relieved.
“Go to him. Go!” He said, picking up my phone and purse from the floor. I took them from him, smiling wide with relief and happiness.
“I’ll see you soon,” I told him, giving him a quick peck on his cheek.
“Okay, Lisa,” was all he said, in a suddenly quiet voice.
I ran off the yacht and to my car, looking over my shoulder to see him standing on the deck, watching me.
It felt like today was the best day of my life. Not only had Daddy woken up from his coma, but Julian and I had made legitimate progress in our relationship. I couldn’t have been happier if I tried.
When I arrived at the hospital, Rose was in Daddy’s room already and she looked up at me with a smile on her face.
“Just got here,” she said and turned her attention at him again. My eyes filled with tears when I saw him looking at me.
“Daddy,” I whispered, losing my voice.
“I’ll give you two some time together. I’ll be in the waiting room if you need me,” Rose told us, before she left.
I rushed towards him. I could see him trying to smile, and once again that overwhelming feeling of helplessness took over me.
“Daddy, I got here as quickly as I could. How are you feeling?” I asked him and crouched down beside his bed. He smiled at me, his eyes widening as I reached for his hand.
“Never felt better,” he joked and I laughed nervously through my tears.
“I’m sorry, Daddy, for leaving like that,” I said. I was feeling a mixture of guilt and relief. This is what I’d been praying for. All I wanted was for him to wake up again, because that would give me hope that things could possibly return to normal.
“We can forget about that, Lisa. The important thing is that you came back for me,” he said. His voice was strained and groggy and I squeezed his hand.
“Of course, I would, Daddy. I came as soon as Rose called me,” I told him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you while you were away. Did you get to enjoy your trip? The little bit that you experienced?” He asked.
I could sense a softening in him. For starters, he was actually showing some interest in my travels. Even though he had been dead against it previously.
“I did. I was in Dublin. It’s a beautiful charming place, full of friendly people,” I replied.
“Good, I’m glad. I shouldn’t ever have stood in your way. I had no right to dictate your life,” he said.
Hearing those words coming from him filled my heart with gratitude and happiness. He seemed like a changed man. Now everything that Julian had told me about him, seemed less relevant. He’d made a mistake, but once he realized he was doing something wrong, he stopped. I forgave my father for his past actions. I was just glad to have him back with me.
“We’re going to get the guy, Daddy. The other driver. I promise. As soon as you’re on your feet…” I said and clamped my mouth shut, realizing that I didn’t yet know if he could walk again.
He gulped as he stared at me.
“I’m sorry, Daddy, can you… are you able to…” I couldn’t get the words out in fear.
Then he smiled at me.
“I can wiggle my toes, see,” he said and I looked down at his feet. They were covered in sheets but I saw a distinct movement under them.
“Oh, thank God!” I squealed and threw my arms around him. Daddy placed an arm around my back and hugged me back. I couldn’t remember the last time we had embraced like this. Could it be possible that this gruesome accident would actually bring us closer?
“Rose and Doctor Sharma told me you made a split-second decision on whether I should get the surgery or not,” he continued. I pulled away from him so I could smile at him again.
“It was worth the risk. If you didn’t get the surgery, you might never have recovered from the coma. I knew you would have wanted me to take that chance,” I replied and he nodded.
“Thank you, Lisa, you saved my life,” he said. “I knew I could count on you to make the right decisions. I’ve always seen that spark in you, Lisa. You’re a hard worker and you’re smart. I know I haven’t told you this very often, but I’m proud of you. I couldn’t have asked for a better child.”
I stepped away from him and sat down on the chair beside his bed. What he was saying made me feel like the ground was shaking under my feet. I had spent so long trying to please him, trying to live up to his expectations—but I never thought I was good enough. And now he was telling me that I was, and it soothed my soul.
I had my hands clasped on my lap and I looked down at them.
“Thank you, Daddy,” I said, gratefully.
“And Rose tells me that you’ve been handling the storm that’s been brewing in the office very well,” he added.
The mention of the office reminded me of Julian, of what he had uncovered about Daddy’s finances. I could feel my cheeks flushing under his stare. Was this the right time to mention anything? Maybe it was too soon.
“I’ve been trying,” I replied, in a squeaky voice.
“Rose told me you’ve made progress with a new investment, that you have some good news. She said that you’ll tell me yourself. What is it, Lisa?” He asked.
I met his eyes, waited for a moment and then shook my head.
“We don’t have to talk about that right now, Daddy. It can wait,” I insisted, but he was still smiling. I could still see the pride in his eyes.
&nb
sp; “Tell me, Lisa. I want to find out what a star my daughter is,” he said, staring happily at me.
I sighed and then tried to keep my hands from shaking.
“I met with Julian Hunt. Rose had organized a meeting for you with him at the time of the accident. So I met with him instead,” I said.
Daddy’s eyes darkened. A sudden change overcame him. He had abruptly become hostile again.
“Julian Hunt? What were you doing talking to that man?” He growled.
I was surprised by Daddy’s tone of voice. The feeling that I got from Julian, was that they barely knew each other at all. Now I could see that my father genuinely disliked him.
“Why do you say that, Daddy?” I asked him.
He wriggled in the bed, trying to sit up.
“What’s wrong? Daddy, you shouldn’t try to get up. Please, just tell me what’s wrong,” I rushed to him again.
“What’s wrong is that Julian Hunt has it in for me. I had no idea that Rose would set up a meeting with him!” He was barking now.
“Has it in for you? What are you talking about? Rose and the rest of the board seemed to think that he was our last hope to be rescued,” I said.
“Anyone but him! I wouldn’t have allowed that man to step into our office if I was still there. This is ridiculous!” He continued to shout.
“Okay, Daddy, you need to calm down and tell me what’s going on between the two of you. Why don’t you want him involved?”
My heart was racing. I couldn’t believe that this was my father’s reaction to the man I was falling for. Just when things seemed to be working out between us!
Daddy forced his breathing to normalize, but his nostrils were still flared with anger. I could hear him muttering under his breath.
“What is going on?” I urged him again, standing over him with my eyes narrowed on his face. He refused to meet my eyes.
“Julian Hunt had come to me for a loan, twelve years ago. He wanted to flip his grandmother’s old house, but he had no money, no credit score. He was a loser,” Daddy replied.
