Sinners and Saints

Chapter 45

Chuck walks into the room coming face to face with his father, the man he thought had died. 

His eyes widen in complete shock. 

Bart makes his way over to him saying "Charles." 

"How are you alive?" Chuck questions in wonder. 

"I faked my death but the car accident was real." Bart answers his son.

 "Alex was in critical condition for a month and was in a coma for a few months after that night!" Chuck raises his voice trying to understand how his father could have left him and his best friend like that.

 "I know. It pained me to see my best friend and my son in so much pain but I had been threatened and this was my way of remaining safe." Bart tries to explain. 

"From whom?" Chuck questions in curiosity.

 "A very powerful competitor of mine. You might know him, he now goes by Jeff Brookshiere. I had information on some transactions of his that could've put him away for a very long time. When my threats didn't work..." Bart begins but Chuck cuts him off.

 "Hold on, you mean to tell me that Jeff the man that is married to London's mom was behind all this. He had someone ram your limo with a truck? Why didn't you go to the police. You didn't have to fake your own death for all..." 

"Yes, I did." Bart this time is the one to cut off the conversation.

 "He made it quite clear that both you, Lily, and London were fair game." Bart explains pouring himself a cup of tea.

 "Why would London be a threat?" Chuck asks.

 "Well other than she's Alex's daughter she is also a part of the family that Jen lied to him for years about. When he found out Aiden wasn't his he wanted everyone in sight to pay. Jen is a gold digging, blood sucking, psychotic bitch who went along with whatever he wanted as long as checks kept coming her way." Bart continues. 

"What do you mean by that?" 

"She told London and Aiden she's dying of cancer. That's a lie. Jen and Jeff are using her for money so that they can hurt Alex and me as well as add some weight to their wallets. A win-win scenario for them." Bart further explains.

 "Oh my god, London." Chuck whispers worried about how the brutal reality of this would affect London. 

"So you just paid some doctor to switch off the machines and hope Lily was crying so much, she wouldn't notice you were actually still breathing? What did we bury in that coffin?" Chuck questions growing frustrated.

 "Chuck, I'm here trying to explain." Bart reasons. 

"Explain how you left me with no family! I mourned for you and did everything to honor your memory despite you being one of the worst fathers in the history of time!" Chuck finally unleashes years of pent up anger on his father. 

"Son, I'm proud of the work you've done since I've been gone. I did not plan this okay. I had to protect myself and my family. Jeff wanted me to shut up for good about his company secrets that I knew and London and Alex were in danger as well because of his petty jealousy. I needed help so I contacted an old friend." Bart states. 

"Diana Payne." Chuck voices. 

"In her line of work, she has a network of influential contacts throughout the world. She also kept me informed. I hope you can understand." Bart speaks.

 "Dad I-" Chuck struggles trying to find the words he wants to say. 

Bart moves closer to Chuck looking down at his watch.