Secret Desire of the Beast

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Daniel

When my father asked me to come to the office today, it sent my mind into overdrive. He didn't usually do this, so it had to be something important. The most likely issue was his health. I know my father well; he likes to be on top of things and rarely visited me unless it was important. I always did my best to try and help him in any way possible. My father has three sons and since I am the oldest, it falls to me to take care of the issue when he is unable to.

He has been getting up there in years and I have been worrying about his health. His heart isn't as strong as it used to be, and we have had a few scares with it in the last year. While I fear it, there are other issues at hand. I walk to the front doors of the building and see that my father is sitting in the lobby waiting for me, to me he doesn't look so good, and it brings a pit of worry into my stomach.

I look him over and it's clear to me his health is one of the issues that we will be talking about. If not by him then I would be bringing it up. I walk closer to him as he stands up and an instant smile forms on his face. He looks very happy to see me as I'm standing in front of him. His hands are shaking a bit, they have been more lately. I tried to make myself believe it was just his nerves, but even it sounded bad in my head. He slowly stands up and smiles as he sees me and holds his hands out.

"Father, are you alright?"

I ask as I walk up to him. Concern in my voice, and on my face as I take his hands in my in our usual greeting. I can feel his age in them now more than ever.

"Yes, I'm doing ok but I wanted to talk to you about something in private."

He says and let's go. While he still smiled at me, some of the warmth was gone. He didn't like being cared for or worried about. He was stubborn, a trait I took after. Though that wasn't all I felt. Something really was going on. He turns and walks to an empty conference room and sits in a chair, I walk to a chair that is directly across from him and sit down slowly. I stay quiet so he can take his time to get his words out. It's hard for him to find the words to say sometimes but I am patient and know how to give him time. Several minutes have passed and he still hasn't said anything to me yet but I'm trying to not push it and let him say what's on his mind. I just want to know that this isn't anything bad and we don't have to worry anytime soon.

"Dad, what is going on?"

"Son, I brought you here because it's time for me to pass the business down to you."

I was caught off guard. I mean, I had figured it was a matter of time. I always expected to take over after his passing, not be given it. His health must be even worse than I suspected. Yet, I couldn't figure out why he wanted to talk here in private. I figured he would give it to me to run. I was the only one who finished college, who worked with him and for him for years learning and watching. I know this company inside and out and could manage it well.

"Are you ok? Should I be worried?"

"Not at the moment, just taking precautions to keep my health in check before things take a turn for the worse. My last checkup has made my heart even worse; doc suggests I take it easy. So, I decided to finally retire, before life forces me" he says with a chuckle.

I frowned at him. As excited as I was to take over, it was overshadowed by my fear for his health. Yes, he basically trained me for this position my whole life. I had worked my way up also doing the different positions, earning my way up. Yet, this felt wrong, less of me earning and more of a gift. Like a hand me down that I liked.

"Ok father, just..."

I sigh heavily at a loss for words. What do you say to a man who is giving away something he has worked on, and worked for his whole life?