In Her Sleep

A Broken Man

"We probably don't have a right to ask any more of you, but my father would like a word."

Caleb curls an eyebrow at the older version of his girl. He had offered to drop off Layla's aunt at their family home. He was going to let his men drop her, but the worried look in Layla's eyes prompted him to take up the responsibility. Despite what had happened, Caleb was sure he read her clearly after her tears eased up. She may not have embraced her newfound family yet, but those eyes betrayed her. After all she had heard from her aunt, she was worried for her aunt's safety.

"Please?"

"I don't think that's such a good idea." He has or had every intention to see the man at the helm of Jones Industries. If all else had failed to get Layla, her grandfather was going to be his wildcard. But since that plan was a bit extreme and would probably more than ruffle their family feathers, he had hoped his primary plan would be enough.
And now that it's all over, and having an idea why the old man wants to see him, Caleb is not so sure today is the day to make it happen.

"Please. My father may be many things and sometimes has the worst way of showing his love, but when it comes to family he does what he can to keep it together. Well, since learning of my sister's passing."

"I highly doubt that." Caleb almost rolls his eyes. Clearly not even Layla's aunt knows the lengths to which her own father can go to get things done. Family has nothing to do with any of it.
He isn't about to educate her on that, though. Instead he switches off the car's engine and follows the woman's lead down a cobbled path.
The door to a mansion greets them and Caleb is ushered in silently.

The inside of the mansion is beautiful. Something definitely fit for a family and Caleb can't help but imagine Layla here when she was much younger.
Perhaps the long winding staircase would have made a good place to slide for her. Or maybe the wide spaces would have given her plenty of places to hide during a hide and seek game.
What he doesn't understand however, is why a man with as much influence and money as Layla's grandfather, would let his granddaughter raise herself. Why would he let his own daughter suffer, when he was in a position to help her out, regardless of her bad decisions.

"Right this way."

Caleb follows hesitantly, wondering why he is truly here.

"Thank you, again." That grateful smile brightens the woman's face and he just nods, knowing mentioning that she doesn't need to keep on thanking him will fall on deaf ears. "Layla is lucky and I probably don't have a right to say this, but please do take care of her."

"Don't you care that I might just be another Simon?"

The woman's hand freezes on the door knob she was about to turn. Expecting her to be bothered by what he is insinuating, Caleb is however treated to the widest smile he has seen on the woman yet.

"Forgive me, but I don't see Simon walking into a gunfight for anyone. And while it would be flattering to think that it was all about me, this woman knows you did this for Layla. You have done more for her in the little time you've known her than any of us have her entire life. So, no, I do not care because there is no way you are another Simon." The woman's lips curve upwards, reminding him of Layla.

"Why don't we do that together then. Taking care of her, that is." The offer leaves his mouth before he can stop himself. Layla might be upset right now, but if there is something he knows about her, it is that family is everything. And no amount of dysfunction in her family would keep her from this woman.

"I don't think she would like that very much."

"You are not going to give up now, are you?"

"Well, no, but–"