The Nightam Family

Chapter 3: Mortimer Nightam

Author's note: Because many people asked for a family tree, I have included one under the external link. It does not have the spouses, but it's an exact copy of the one I used. I'll also put a link to the file on my bio.

Mortimer watched his family come in. One by one, each taking place on their seats. The long table, used only for family meetings such as this one, was slowly filling up. Not to his surprise, his three beloved sons had arrived first. All three expected this meeting to be about his retirement. One of those three would become his successor as the head of the family. An honour, indeed, but only for those capable. They sat down on his left hand side, in order of age.

Next to Mortimer sat Jules. He was the oldest of Mortimer's three sons and that was his claim to taking over after his father. That would be fine in any other case, Mortimer himself had become head of the family for being the oldest son of the previous head, but Jules was weak. He was kind to other people, and while that should be a good trait, it was not for him. A good head, Mortimer thought, always put his own desires in front of others'.

The youngest one and furthest away from Mortimer was Jonathan. Despite being the youngest, he was well into his sixties. He lacked Jules's kindness and would make a fine head of the family, Mortimer thought. However, Jonathan had slight issues with keeping money. He'd wasted a few hundred thousands on his hobbies in only the last five years. That would be fine, if he would actually do something with his hobbies. Instead, he bought the latest and most expensive gear for his hobby and then bore of it quite quickly. Mortimer feared that leaving the family fortune in his hands would make it disappear within months.

And in between them sat Jacob, the middle brother. Mortimer was not yet sure about his capabilities to become a head. However, Jacob only had daughters and his only grandchild was also a girl. That alone was enough to rule him out. Mortimer knew from his son's childhood that he was always eager to learn more and that he was quite ruthless when it came to money. Indeed, he could be a capable leader, if not for the heritage problem after him.

More of the family entered the hall and took their place. Mortimer Jr. with his son. Mortimer Jr. was Jules's oldest son. He had gained his name in a blatant attempt from Jules to get his father's grace. Mortimer knew this, but he still could not help but feel a fondness for his oldest grandchild. In him Mortimer recognised many of his traits. He loved games and had a sadistic streak. And he knew what was needed for this family. Indeed, Mortimer felt like Mortimer Jr. should become the head of the family after him. Mortimer Jr.'s wife, daughter and grandchild had not appeared. The children were still too young to come to family meetings, so his wife was taking care of them. And, he knew, she was also taking care of the young Lucas, since he was the same age as Bella and they got along so well. Indeed, Mortimer suspected that one day those two might make a great couple.

And then there were William and his wife. Mortimer knew that he had chosen the perfect wife for his grandchild. William too descended from Jules, as the middle son. And his wife was a young Chinese woman, who was obedient and beautiful. One of the finer spouses Mortimer had chosen for his family.

The youngest child of Jules was Mary. Seeing her always made Mortimer frown a little because she looked so much like her twin brother, David. David had been exiled from the family several years ago, so his absence was natural. But Mary was a beautiful woman, although her husband had sadly died a few years to soon. Perhaps that was why Mary's daughter, Jessica, had reached puberty on such a young age. It hadn't been too bad at first, she’d simply decided she'd prefer to be called "Jess". But now she had even dyed her hair a bright pink. Mortimer wondered how she'd gotten the dye and then realised it was probably the spray paint she'd requested. She loved painting, so he had paid it no mind. Perhaps that was a mistake. Still, Mortimer already had a plan for Jess.