Family Business

Chapter 38

The sun was setting and William started to get nervous. He kept adjusting his tie and staring at the mirror as though expecting to finally some something or someone different.

Captain Fields was behind him, watching the nervous man who was once a troubled boy looking for acceptance.

"You can do this, William." Captain Fields said. William sighed but did not reply.

"Stick to the plan and we will be fine." The captain continued.

William took a deep breath and then turned around, tearing his eyes away from the mirror. He nodded his head, unable to speak because of the lump in his throat.

"Where were you last night?" William asked.

"Preparing myself for tonight." Captain Fields replied. "I needed to calm my nerves too..."

"It's almost time." Captain Fields said, checking his watch again when William did not reply.

"What if Cristy turns up?" William asked nervously.

"I won't be surprised if she did." Captain Fields said calmly.

"She will see right through me and this plan." William said nervously twisting his tie.

"No she won't." The captain said firmly, pulling the tie out of Williams grip and straightening it out. "You stick to the plan, by the time she figures it out, Osborn will be in prison and you will be back in LA, under my protection."

William nodded.

"Come on, let's go." The captain said patting him on the back.

They drove to the Maxwell mansion even though it was only down the road. Captain Fields was dressed as a chauffeur.

As they drove through the high gates, William tried to calm himself. He had nothing to loose. If he got caught, he would either be killed or sent back to prison for the murders he did not commit.

"Good luck." The captain whispered as he opened the car door.

William entered the lobby, his eyes peeled, looking for Aaron and Cristy. They were the only two who would mess with his plan.

"William my boy!" John said walking towards William with his arms wide open and then they embraced.

"Punctual as usual." He said grinning. "Come inside, everyone is waiting to see you.

William entered the hall to a round of cheers and clapping. The room was filled with well dressed, rich people with a drink or cigarette in hand.

He felt like there was a time warp and he had just entered an old fashioned cocktail party.

Tonight he was a celebrity. People came forward to congratulate him and shook his hand. Some who were familiar with him as a boy, pulled him into long and uncomfortable hugs.

When the crowd parted, he finally saw the face he was waiting to see. The face that ruined his childhood. The face of Henry Osborn.

William was about 8 years old when his father first introduced him to Osborn.

He remembered waiting in his fathers study when Osborn came in with his father. He stopped in front of William and looked at him carefully.