Chapter 32: Revelation
Edmund sat in the comfort of his study, the warm glow of the fireplace casting soft flickers of light on the walls. He held a glass of his favorite brandy, the amber liquid shimmering in the firelight. He was lost in thought, a deep furrow etched on his brow, his mind replaying the day’s events.
His old comrade and confidant, James Rudder, had visited him earlier in the day. They had spent some time reminiscing about the good old days, their shared past painting a picture of camaraderie, adventure, and, at times, chaos.
But it was the news James brought with him that left Edmund in deep thought. His hand trembled slightly as he brought the glass to his lips, the potent liquid doing little to calm his racing mind.
David Hall, the son of his dear friends and business partners, William and Bethany Hall, is alive. The news had hit him like a ton of bricks, leaving him speechless.
He remembered David as a bright and cheerful boy, full of curiosity and life. His parents’ sudden and tragic death had sent shockwaves through their close-knit circle. The reported loss of their son had only exacerbated Edmund’s grief.
He had mourned the loss of his friends and their son. The thought of their untimely demise often left him with a heavy heart. Many years ago, they had even discussed joining their empires and hoped that one day, David, the heir of the Hall family, and Nicole, the heir of the Jang family, would be married, solidifying the union of their empires.
To know now that David was alive, years after mourning his loss, was a revelation which left Edmund disconcerted. Relief, joy, guilt, and disbelief all disturbed his thoughts, making it difficult for him to focus.
Where has David been all these years? How did he survive? Is he safe? Did he grow up to be like his parents, or has he been gripped by greed and corruption like so many others in Dalton?
Edmund’s mind raced with questions, and he yearned for answers. He longed to reunite with the boy he had once hoped to be his son-in-law.
And yet, there was the reality that the Hall empire was no more. James had mentioned Ben Atlas, William and Bethany’s loyal bodyguard, was running what was left. Still, it is now only a shadow of what it once was. Edmund had his own family to think about. Sure, he would honor the memory of his dear friends by providing any information he could to help their successor, but who was David Hall now? What kind of man had he become? What did Edmund owe to him, to his parents?
The prospect of David and Nicole getting married had long since been abandoned. For years, a long line of suitors from various wealthy and powerful families had approached him, desiring to take Nicole’s hand in marriage and join the Jang family. In fact, there was one particularly eligible suitor whom Edmund had met last week to discuss the potential of their families joining.
Edmund downed the rest of his brandy, the liquid burning a fiery trail down his throat. He needed to know the truth. He needed to see David with his own eyes to discern what he should do and what would be best for the Jang family empire.
Setting his glass down, Edmund rose from his chair. His gaze fell upon a picture on the mantelpiece. It was a photo of him with William, Bethany, and a young David. They were all smiling, oblivious to the tragedy that would later befall them.
At the very least, he had to ensure David was well and living in a way befitting the heir to the Hall family empire. Thoughts of business and family arrangements could wait until later. Edmund needed to visit Dalton once more, only this time, he wouldn’t be mourning the lives of his fallen friends; he’d be celebrating the life of the son who survived.
There was much to do.
With a deep breath, Edmund beckoned to his assistant, who was waiting by the door.
“Let me know the instant that flight preparations are complete,” he instructed. “I want to depart as soon as possible.”
The assistant nodded, making a note on his tablet.
“And have a second flight ready for Emily,” Edmund continued. “But wait for my all clear before she departs.”
The assistant nodded again, understanding the importance of Edmund’s instructions. With a final nod, he exited the room, leaving Edmund alone with his thoughts.
Knowing his wife, she would want to see David too, perhaps even more than he did. She had a fond attachment to David, and the news of the Hall family’s deaths had deeply affected her all those years ago. Emily had always wanted a son. And at the time, it seemed that dream might have become a reality with David as the prospective son-in-law. Seeing him again would undoubtedly bring her a sense of joy and relief.
However, there were things that he and James had to attend to first. James had asked Edmund if there were any threats to the Jang family around the time William and Bethany were assassinated. Indeed, there were, but Edmund had never made the connection that their enemies might target the Hall family. It was quite the stretch, but then again, it was no secret that the Hall and Jang families had hoped to join empires. Destroying the Hall empire would have and certainly did weaken the Jang empire’s prospects.
Most notably, the previous head of the Amos family empire, Darius Amos, had been obsessed with Edmund’s wife, and threatened to destroy the Jang family empire if Edmund didn’t hand Emily over to him.
Emily had always been a radiant beauty, captivating and elegant. Men often cast envious glances Edmund’s way, awestruck by her allure. But Darius Amos was not like those men. His obsession with Emily was more than just admiration; it was a dangerous fixation that had led to threats and an unsettling hostility.
A long time ago, Darius had commanded the Amos family forces to storm the Jang family castle in an attempt to abduct Emily and Nicole. The Jang’s forces were ultimately able to withstand the siege. However, during the melee, James Rudder, unfortunately, took a bullet to the knee while protecting Nicole.
Although James was the only one to sustain considerable injuries, it was a harsh blow to Edmund and the family. James was one of his best guards; more than that, he was a pro at gathering intel. His injury not only meant a decrease in the Jang family’s strength but also a loss in their intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Edmund contemplated the possibility, a chilling thought passing through his mind. If the Amos family had been willing to go to such lengths as to storm the Jang family castle, then perhaps they really were behind the deaths of William and Bethany Hall. It was unlikely, but certainly not out of the question.
James entered the office, interrupting Edmund’s thoughts, suitcases in hand.
“Edmund, the jet is ready to go,” he announced, his voice steady and composed, but with a hint of urgency. “We can leave immediately.”
Edmund snapped out of his contemplation, his expression stern and resolute.
“Let’s go, James; we have a long night ahead.”
Copyright © 2024 by A. J. Knight
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