Sins of the father

How to Cope

Chapter 2 – How to Cope

10.17 am – Harry’s Office

Harry entered his office again and warily closed the door behind him. He knew this would be difficult. Alec’s temper was just like Lucas’. “Who was he?” Alec asked right away. Harry sat down. “His name is Lucas North. He is one of my senior officers.” He offered as an explanation. Alec snorted. “Not what I asked…” he said. “I am not stupid, okay. So don’t try to treat me as if I am. This guy, he looks like me. just old. So who is he?” Alec demanded.

Harry sighed. He’d much rather Alec inherited his mother’s character and not Lucas’. “He… he’s your father.” Harry replied carefully. Alec jumped to his feet. “What? I don’t have a father!” he said. “Alec, sit down and let me explain.” Harry said. Alec shook his head. “Why? The guy is not my father! I have just seen him for the very first time in my life!” Harry nodded. “He never cared! Not even for my mum! So don’t tell me he is my father! He might be the guy who got my mum pregnant, but that’s it!” Alec yelled.

Harry stood up to, looking at Alec. “Don’t talk about things you know nothing about. Lucas never knew about you, your mother did not want him to. They split up before she even knew she was pregnant. Lucas could not know.” Harry said. “Yeah…” Alec snorted. “And the money? Who pumped all that money into me and mum then? Who made it possible for me to attend the best schools in this country, made me go on all the trips, do whatever I wanted?” Harry sighed.

“The money was not Lucas’. It was mine, the Government’s. Lucas had no idea.” Alec rolled his eyes. “He works for MI5… bloody good spy then…” he remarked. Harry pursed his lips. “Lucas is one of my best officers, he has done more for this country than anyone ever asked him to do. You don’t know Lucas, Alec, so don’t judge him.” Harry said with a vehemence that made Alec say nothing more though he glared on.

10.17am – Men’s room

“Lucas?” Jo asked carefully as she entered the bathroom. There was no reply, only a strangled cry like someone tried desperately to stifle their sobs. Jo looked around. The room was a mess. The tiled floor was all wet and water was still spraying from a damaged pipe, a sink was more or less broken and there, against the wall was Lucas. His shirt was a little wet, his hair tousled and he was sitting on the floor with his knees drawn up and his head in his hands. He looked awful. He was crying, even if he tried not to, sobs racked his body.

Jo had never seen Lucas like this. He was always strong and controlled. He must have experienced horrible things in Russia, but no one knew what exactly. Except for Harry maybe. No, Lucas needed mere weeks to get back into everything on the Grid, to catch up on 8 years. He never showed a weakness in front of his colleagues. No, Lucas was just as good as before Russia, or even better. And Jo admired him for this strength. It had been so much harder for her to overcome her own terrors.

“Lucas, are you alright?” Jo asked as she kneeled down beside him. Lucas only nodded but didn’t look up as he took a shuddering breath.

Lucas’ mind was swirling with images. Sandra, the few glimpses he had had of Alec. Elizaveta. Russia. Everything mixed together in a horrible daydream. The night Sandra had sent him away, the next day when she told him on the phone that this would not work and she didn’t want to see him again. Lucas had felt like the bottom dropped out underneath him. His marriage with Vyeta two years later. His messed up operation in Russia. Lushanka. 8 years of hell. Harry, telling him about his son. His son. Alec.