“Stephen, the colors used in each shroud are unique to each family or bloodline in our group. This is Waltz’s.” Alistair continued, although getting disapproving looks from the German brothers. “Waltz was the last of his bloodline. After today, the black-and-white crest on this shroud will be forever lost to our organization.”
“How often has that happened?” Stephen wanted desperately to know more.
“It has never happened before. In fact, our organization has been looking to this day with uncertainty. There will be all sorts of discussion, no doubt.”
“And what’s the name of the organization?”
“I think that is quite enough information from the young Scotsman.” Sam walked over to the two. “We are nearly ready to begin. Stephen, I understand he was like a father to you. For that, we have decided to allow you to participate. But we cannot divulge anything further. I’m sorry and hope you understand.”
“Sure, I guess.”
Bernie and the others took their places while Anastasia directed Stephen to stand at the head with Patty next to him.
“Patty, you technically aren’t a participant. But you will be here with Stephen. If you’d like to offer a blessing, you’ll do so just before him, before we present the shroud.”
“Thank you.”
“Patty, if you don’t mind, I’d like for you to give the final blessing for me. That’s not a problem, is it, Anastasia?” Stephen put his arm around Patty. “I want her to be as much a participant as me. We’ll share the spot.”
“I suppose we can do that. She will offer the blessing, and the shroud will be presented to you.”
They each took their places around the casket. Alistair began, the first to offer a blessing. As he began, the shield began to glow red. Stephen watched, astonished. He quickly noticed that Patty didn’t seem to notice. For the first time, he listened to her thoughts. She hadn’t noticed. She was unable to see the glow of the shroud. So he too had to act as though he didn’t see it.
The shield continued to glow even more brightly through all the others’ blessings. Adelmo was next, followed by Derrick. Bernie’s blessing was emotional but short. When Anastasia finished, she moved to one end of the casket, opposite Stephen and Patty. Sam offered his blessing for those Waltz left behind and asked God to watch out for them all, after which he stepped forward to the other end, next to Stephen. He and Anastasia picked up the corners of the shroud, then nodded to Patty, signaling her to begin.
As Patty began her blessing, the glowing slowly died down as she spoke.
“Lord, we thank you for the time you gave us with Waltz. To many, he was a friend . . .” She struggled with her words. “. . . a friend and mentor. But to us”—she squeezed Stephen’s hand—“he was more than that. Waltz was family. He showed us how to truly love others. He taught us compassion and charity, and that one person can make a difference. Now he has gone home to be with you. We ask that you not let us forget the good he taught us, nor the sacrifices he made in life for others. In this way, we will honor him. Amen.”
With Patty’s final word, the shield ceased glowing.
The two folded the shroud so that the emblem was centered on top. Sam approached Stephen, shroud in hand, and offered it to him.
“As the heir to this bloodline, we offer this shroud to you, to serve as a reminder of the honor this man brought to the family name. And although this bloodline has ceased, it will forever be recorded among our society as one of the greatest houses and Waltz as one of the most beloved and honored members to ever share our legacy.”
Stephen reached forward and took the shroud. The moment he touched it, the rock began to glow blue. Immediately he could feel excitement and confusion among the Mighty. He quickly searched for an answer, while concealing his excitement.
What’s wrong, Bernie?
It shouldn’t be glowing, Stephen. We thought it would only glow for a member of Waltz’s bloodline with the symbol for their gift. It’s giving you away!
No sooner had Bernie finished, Stephen noticed the members looking at him.
“What now, guys? Is the ceremony over?” Stephen tried to play it off, as though he had not noticed anything. Before anyone could respond, something else happened. The sword began to glow yellow. This immediately took everyone’s attention away from Stephen and back to the shroud—everyone except Patty, who stood still, waiting patiently.
What now? he asked Bernie.
I don’t know. This has never happened.
Then the shield began to glow red again. One at a time, the symbols all changed to purple before fading back to the original white outlines.
“Guys, you okay? What’s next?”
Sam answered. “Sorry, Stephen, it was a moment of silence. It is, after all, the end of a bloodline for us. We must be leaving now. As Alistair disclosed to you, we will need to meet to discuss what has happened.”
They each passed in front of Stephen and Patty, giving them hugs before departing. Stephen wanted to listen to their thoughts, to try to understand what had just happened and what they thought it might mean. He sensed confusion and uncertainty. However, he was afraid they would sense him using his ability if he tried probing their minds for answers.
Stephen watched as they walked away, leaving only Bernie, Patty, and him. It wasn’t long before they left as well. It had been a long few days, with many more to come, and no Waltz to help him get through.
Chapter 10
Stephen woke early the next morning, his body covered in sweat, his breathing labored. He sat for a moment, sorting through the dream he had just had. It was the first true nightmare in a couple of months. He had been surrounded by darkness with no way out. Now that Waltz was gone, he worried that the dreams might continue.
The clock next to his desk displayed 5:14 AM. He walked to the bathroom and splashed water on his face. The scars on his chest and back evidenced the rough times he’d had while he was away. The nightmare began to fade back into his mind, as most dreams do. He knew he had also dreamt about Tommy and Waltz. But the details had faded away already.
He showered, dressed, and headed out the door.
“Where are you off to this early?”
Stephen turned and saw Bernie standing in the kitchen doorway. “I’m going to see Vincent. He asked me to stop by this morning. He said he needed to discuss something important with me.”
“What about?”
“I don’t know, Uncle Bernie. It could be work related. Or it could be about Waltz. He’s a pretty quiet and private person. He didn’t say much at the funeral. I figure he wants to offer his condolences in private.”
“Yeah, probably. He’s a bit of an odd one, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, I guess he is. You know, I never understood why Waltz liked him so much. He spent his time around people he thought he could help. It took me while to figure that out. The last few days I’ve thought about that a lot. Me, you, Patty, all his homeless friends, I suspect even those Mighty that showed up. But Mr. Abbott, I don’t get. Maybe I will soon.”
“Well, if you figure it out, let me know.”
Stephen left and found his way to the office. As he walked down the hall toward Vincent’s office, he heard Patty from behind.
“Hey, good-lookin’. What are you doing here?” She walked up and kissed his cheek.
“I’m not sure. Vincent wants to talk to me. You wouldn’t have any idea what about, would you?”
“No. None. In fact, he was here before me this morning. He’s sat in there with his door closed and hasn’t said a word, other than to tell me to send you straight in.”
“Well, okay then. I better get in there.” Stephen kissed her on the lips—a quick kiss. “I love you. You know that, right?”
Patty blushed, only slightly. “I do. But it’s nice to hear you say it.”
Stephen walked down the hall, opened the door, and continued in. Vincent stood, looking out the window at the city. The sun had started rising, and red clouds lined t
he horizon.
Vincent turned and walked to stand behind his desk. “Please close the door behind you.”
Stephen closed the door and sat opposite Vincent.
“So, what’s this about?”
No sooner had Stephen completed the sentence than he realized that without Waltz around, he should be able to search Vincent’s mind. He focused in on Vincent’s thoughts with everything he had, searching for answers. But to Stephen’s amazement, he heard nothing. Vincent continued to flip through folders on his desk, completely unaffected and unaware of Stephen’s attempt. He tried again. Give me your thoughts! Show me what’s inside!
Still nothing.
“Stephen, I apologize for what must seem like secrecy to you. But this is a privileged conversation.”
Stephen had to focus back on the task in front of him, which wasn’t easy. “Privileged?”
“Yes, as in attorney-client privilege.”
“What? I haven’t . . .” Stephen paused. “Waltz?”
“Yes, I handled many things for Mr. Stockton over the course of our relationship. This is the last thing I will ever do for him. I am both saddened and happy to do it.” Vincent turned his monitor around so it faced Stephen and placed the mouse in front of him. “Before I continue, there is a video I have been instructed to show you. I have not seen it and was specifically asked to remove myself from the room while you view it. Once you have completed the video and had time to process it, please call Patty and let her know. I will be right back in.”
“I don’t understand.” Stephen sat puzzled, not sure which was more disconcerting—the video or the fact he couldn’t read Vincent.
“I believe the video will help to explain. If not, I will do my best when I return.”
Vincent left. Stephen watched as the door closed. He sat in silence, staring at the monitor. There he was, Waltz, just as he had seen him less than a week ago. In the image, he smiled, looking so happy. Waltz almost always smiled. Stephen wiped a tear from his cheek, grabbed the mouse, and clicked Play.
“Stephen, if you’re watching this, I’ve passed. I want you to know first and foremost that these past couple of months have been among the best in my life. I have been able to share a part of my life with you that I never thought I’d get to share with anyone ever again, let alone my son.” Waltz paused a moment. “Hmmm, son. That’s right. If you’re watching this, we probably didn’t get to have that conversation I so wanted to have with you. There is so much more you need to know. And I’m going to tell you as much of it as I can right now. But before I do, I must caution you. It’s unfortunate, but you can’t trust anyone right now. No one at all, except for Vincent. I can’t explain why. But please believe me when I tell you that he is your friend and can be trusted.
“My boy, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to tell you this in person, to be there for you. And I’m sorry I won’t be there to be a good father and help you through the difficult times ahead.” Waltz sighed. His expression saddened.
“Stephen, the story I told you about the woman I loved is also your story. I didn’t know it at the time, but the child she was pregnant with was my child—you. It was a few short years after my forced retirement from the Mighty. My head was not where it should have been or I might have wondered. As it was, I saw her with another man and figured it was the man’s child.”
Stephen couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Why had Waltz never said anything? The video continued.
“When your mother got sick, she drafted a letter to be delivered to me when she knew she didn’t have long. It took them a while to find me. I had left the country to do some traveling. By the time the letter got to me, she had passed and you had been placed in a home. I called the home and had all the legal documents sent, releasing you into my care. Your mom had also requested you be left in my care. She, too, did not tell anyone you were my child.
“Your mother was Mighty. You were raised outside the organization. Mixing bloodlines should cause you to have no powers. But somehow, you’re different. It is important that you tell no one about this—not now. There are things going on in the darkness that involve you somehow. If the Fallen learn about you, well, I’m afraid of the battle that would follow. I don’t think you’re ready for it.
“After spending these last months together, I’ve realized that you are more like me than I could ever have imagined. But you are kinder than I was at your age, which comes from your mother, Layla. You look just like her, except with my brown wavy hair and blue eyes. She was the only woman I ever truly loved. I wish I could tell you more. There is so much more for you to know. But now is not the right time. Eventually, you will uncover the full story on your own. As you already think of me as your dad, there was no harm in telling you that truth now. If the Fallen search your emotions, they won’t find anything different than they already have.
“I know all this a lot to absorb. But there is more. I have left you everything. Vincent will give you all the details. I’m certain you’ll do the right thing with it. After all, you’ve already shown yourself to be a very hard worker. Again, use Vincent’s help. I’ve found him to be a great asset and friend.
“I love you, son. And I’m so very proud of the man you’re becoming. Remember to love God first. Everything else will fall in line.”
The screen froze with the image of Waltz.
Stephen wiped the tears from his face. It had been odd enough to see Waltz talk to him from beyond the grave, as though knowing his own fate. But to find out that he had been raised by his dad all along . . . Does it change anything? He reached forward and touched the screen.
One moment he wished Waltz was there. The very next he became filled with anger. Confusion ran rampant in his mind as his thoughts and emotions made his head spin. After several minutes, he realized the worst part—he couldn’t tell Waltz how happy, mad, or confused he was about it all. He beat his hand against the desk. It hurt. Somehow the physical pain deadened the emotional pain. He hit it again and again. He sensed the concern coming from the others in the building. They must have been able to hear him.
There was a knock at the door. “Stephen?” Patty’s voice sounded soft and gentle. “Are you okay?”
He wiped away more tears. “Yeah, I’m good,” he said, trying not to sniffle. “Can you get Vincent now? I’m ready.”
“Yeah, I’ll get him.” Her footsteps faded.
In a moment, Vincent walked in, shutting the door behind him. “Well, to the matter at hand.” Vincent took a seat behind his desk. He removed the flash drive from his computer and handed it to Stephen. “This is yours. I no longer need it.”
Vincent adjusted his nameplate and a couple of other items on his desk that had shifted when Stephen hit the desk. Then he opened a folder and handed a stapled stack of papers to Stephen. “After we finish, I’ll need you to sign the last page. You’ll receive a copy for your records.”
“Okay.” Stephen tried to act composed. He had never considered that Waltz would have much of anything left to leave him.
“Vincent, Waltz told me he left most of his wealth behind, keeping only a small amount to live off of. I had assumed he gave it to charity. What is all this?”
“Waltz did leave his wealth behind. He left it in a trust for you, allotting himself a small annuity payment to live on. Now that he’s gone, there is no need for the trust. Everything is being turned over to you, as per his instructions. And it’s quite a lot.”
Stephen began thumbing through the pages of documents. He found a company with several different subsidiaries. The company, Stockton Family Holdings, LLC, even fully funded the nonprofit where Vincent’s office was. The building, the shelter, and many other buildings were all owned by his property management company. There were stocks, bonds, multiple investment accounts, and a small restaurant franchise.
Stephen pushed himself away from the desk and shook his head. It was all so much to wrap his head around. Waltz really was his biological father, and was very wealthy. He t
ried to process it all.
“Did you know?” He glared at Vincent. “This whole time, did you know Waltz was my dad?”
“Yes.” Vincent’s usually perfect and upright posture relaxed. “I learned years ago, when I started representing him.”
“Did he explain why he didn’t tell me?”
“He only ever told me that he felt guilty for not staying with your mom. He loved her and never forgave himself for leaving. When he learned of you, he did not believe he deserved to be your dad. That is as far as the conversation went.” Vincent paused, but appeared as though there was more.
“That’s all? Are you sure?”
“Yes. I know it hurts. But, he did love you, as much as any father could love a son.”
Stephen needed to sort this all out. But, he recognized that Vincent couldn’t help him anymore than he already had. He pulled himself back toward the desk to continue thumbing through the papers. “Wow, there’s a lot here. I guess I’ll need to meet with a board or something?” Stephen continued flipping through the pages.
“There is no board. You are the sole owner.”
Stephen stopped and looked up at Vincent. “What? I’m fully in charge? I don’t know how to run a company. Heck, I don’t know how to be rich. There’s just so much crap going on.” Stephen felt the tears welling up. “I just got back. I had settled in. Now, all this!” He wanted to break down and tell Vincent everything, about Mighty and Fallen.
“Waltz had faith in you, Stephen. He has good people at the heads of each of these companies. Not just good at what they do, but they’re truly decent people. Waltz wouldn’t have it any other way. I know they will help you, as will I. After all, you are the boss now.”
“You’ll take care of the introductions and informing them?”
“Yes.” Vincent smiled. “I will inform them. And when you’re ready, I will arrange a meeting with all the CEOs. I believe you will do fine. While there will certainly be business decisions for you to make, the biggest decisions will be about people—who to put where and doing what. Who will you trust? Who will you take a chance on? You will make some mistakes. But it will be okay.”
Chronicles of Stephen BoxSet Page 12
