The Rats

04|A Favor

After being stuck in his office for three hours staring at the same document, Nathan finally decides that he's had enough for one day. Replacing the paper on top of the stack on the corner of his desk, all of which are still waiting to be read and signed, he pushes himself to his feet. 

Reaching out he turns off the lamp that's sitting on the corner of his desk, emerging the room in darkness. Nathan makes his way out by memory, stepping around the plush, faded green chairs and matching sofa to get through the doorway. His guard and assistant, Robert, is standing there waiting for him, falling two steps behind as Nathan walks down the hallway.

"What else do I have scheduled for the day?" Nathan asks, just barely turning his head over his shoulder to address him.

Clearing his throat, Robert responds "A couple of meetings, sir, and then dinner with local heads of government from San Francisco."

Halting his movements, Nathan spins on his heel to look at his guard puzzlingly. "What are representatives from San Francisco doing here in Portland?" he asks. Nathan's eyebrows pull together in the center of his forehead as he wonders to himself, but rather quickly pushes his thoughts aside. "No matter. Cancel everything, Robert."

Nathan spins back around, about to walk away, but slows when a voice sounds from behind him. "I don't think that would be wise, Mr. White." Robert says, letting his words out cautiously. He knows the dangers of stepping out of line, and has been very careful over the past three years to never overstep his bounds. While Nathan appreciates it, he has always had the itching desire to ask Robert what he really feels about his situation. Robert is a smart man, and he could have a new perspective on things around the city. "One of those meeting is with your father. And the representatives are only in town for the night as well. It simply cannot be postponed."

At the mention of his dad, Nathan pulls in a sharp breath. He can barely listen to what else Robert has to say with the loud ringing in his ears. "Very well," Nathan grits out, clenching and unclenching his fists at his sides. "Can you take me to my father, please?"

Robert doesn't move for a moment, eyeing his boss warily before taking the lead. Nathan trails behind quite a bit, taking in uneven breaths, knowing that with every step he takes he is bringing himself closer to the man he despises most in the world. He is so consumed with his hate that he barely notices Robert come to a stop in front of the largest guest rooms in the house, hovering by the doorway.

Catching up quickly, Nathan actually manages a quick thank you to Robert before he pushes the bedroom door open. Strolling in and slamming the door behind himself, Nathan is met with the sight of his father's back, standing at the foot of the king size bed. He turns around at the sound of the door slamming, raising his eyebrows at his son. Wyatt gives up on buttoning his shirt, letting it stay half open as he sighs, taking a seat on the perfectly made bed.

"Hello, Nathan." Wyatt greets, a twisted sort of smile forming on his face. Nathan has seen it so many times that he can't help but think it's the only kind his father is capable of making. Sly, and filled with malice. It sends a chill down his spine.

"I wasn't expecting you." Nathan says tersely, his words caught in his throat. "I don't remember scheduling a meeting with you."

Wyatt runs a hand over the light scruff on his jaw, shaking his head at his son. "Maybe if you listened to anything people say to you you'd remember," he says, his tone sharp and deadly. "Really, Nathan, it's like you're trying your best to screw this up for us."

"Maybe I am." The words escape his mouth before he's able to stop them, creating an unsettling silence. Not wanting to show any sign of weakness, Nathan holds the burning gaze of his father as he stands, taking two threatening strides towards him. They're so close Nathan can smell the mint on his breath, feeling the anger radiating off him in waves.