The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 37

Chess

He watches as Dor automatically takes the seat next to Eli at the dining table. Most of their meetings take place at Eli's apartment. It's their safe zone and hangouts of sorts. Eli is a good boss and pretty decent guy, he tells himself. What's bugging him is the guy's closeness to Dor. For some reason, Eli reminds him of the little guy Kas and the hold he used to have over Dor. The two seem to be completely in tune, understanding each other's moods and gestures like childhood sweethearts. As Dor is about to put some pizza on Eli's plate, he shoves his plate over Eli's like a disgruntled schoolboy. Dor flops the pizza on his plate, passing some remark on manners and behaving like a goon. He looks up to see Eli watching him with twinkling eyes, showing his clear amusement. Eli's face becomes sober as he opens a sheet before him, "Ok, so here is the report from the agency. Jackson's father is nowhere in the picture. He used to work for Bernard but has been away for many years. Bernard still financially supports the mother and the son. Jackson holds an important management post at Illusion, Bernard's jewelry boutiques. Interesting fact is he is seen at business meetings with Bernard more than Zander and he seems to Bernard's protégé." He folds the paper and looks at Dor and Chess. "Any views"?

Chess shrugs and adds, "I got some information from our sources at the big house too. Bernard ignores Zander most of the time and relies heavily on Jackson. He even talks and spends more time with Jackson then Zander. But there seems to be real friendship between the two guys, despite of Bernard's obvious preference for Jackson. Strange, isn't it"?.  Eli replies, "It's actually obvious. He's clearly showing his disapproval for Zander's sexual orientation. That's why the farce forced wedding and the child. He's using Jackson to humiliate his own son. That's Bernard for you. It's a good deal for Jackson". Chess nods, "I also remember, years back when I was actually snooping on these guys for little Kas. Jackson had told Kevin that he was in love with Alice. Maybe, that's why he is still around."

Eli and Dor give him an appreciative look simultaneously. He feels confused whether to be pleased with the approval or be annoyed at how similar they are in their gestures. He takes out his cell phone and shows them some images. "I don't know if this is useful, but here are some of Jackson's family photos". Dor and Eli peer at the images and then look up. Eli looks stunned. Dor looks appalled. Chess looks at them both worriedly. "Why? What's wrong"? Eli remains silent while Dor tells Chess softly "Did you notice how much Jackson's mother looks like Aunt Agnes "? 

Kas

"Well, I'll be damned", mutters Chess. Dor replies absentmindedly scrolling through the pictures on the laptop. "Just when you think you've got this man figured out, he shows you another completely unexpected side. Such a silver fox." Kas looks at her horrified. "Is that admiration for Ryan Bernard?". She laughs and shrugs. It has taken them a week of investigation, testing and checking details with Aunt May who is now living comfortably with her son to find out that Jackson is Ryan Bernard's bastard son. "So, what next?", Chess asks and both he and Dor turn and look at Kas enquiringly. "Let's keep this information with us for now. Let's ruffle Zander's feathers first. Let's get Alice to move out with the child." Kas watches Dor and Chess chat over food and he wonders at the depth of Ryan Bernard's obsession with Agnes Maris. He already knows that the man has still not given searching for his Ma. It's time to watch the big house come down.