Patricians: Power Politics (2 of 9)

Chapter 10: Sins of the Father

Amber hues sparkled from the setting sun in its last few moments of light before vanishing behind the horizon. Robert stood on the deck, looking across the Cross Manor Estate. Ranch hands attended to the chores at the day's end. Horses were being put into the barn for the night. Barrett was out in the fields with some of the workers, hunting down pests that had been attacking the livestock. Sunset in Texas was unlike anything else in the world, Robert thought, feeling a bit nostalgic.

Not too long ago, the young man remembered playing with his brother in the fields and barns. Sometimes, the two would sneak out at night and go for a midnight ride on horseback. Everything seemed so far away to Robert now. Memories of Julia's abduction haunted the man's thoughts, preventing sleep. When Robert returned to school, he had found the hallways reminded him of that fateful night. Teachers and the Dean had called Colt in to inform him of his son's plummeting grades and sports performances.

Robert hadn't told his father the source was Julia. Instead, he had blamed it on a desire to leave school and enter the real world. Colt had mustered some bribes and the Dean had agreed to fudge some facts, allowing the young Robert Cross to graduate early. Returning home, Robert seemed to lose his way. Colt and Priscilla had noticed, and they were inside discussing what should be done. Robert, standing on the porch, watched the last rays of the sun disappearing behind the horizon until only an afterglow remained.

Every night, Robert watched the sunset from the porch, wondering where Julia was, and if she was okay. Each night, when the sun disappeared, it reminded the young man of the night spent with Julia. One kiss had changed Robert's entire life, it seemed. For years, the two young adults had concealed their feelings for one another, and, in one moment, all those hidden feelings had burst out. Fate interceded, and the moment was gone, Julia had been abducted, and the warm light of love had flicked out for Robert.

"Look, the boy can't sit around here, feeling sorry for himself. It's not healthy." From inside the house, Colt's voice echoed. Robert hated causing his parents to fight, but he couldn't pull himself from how he felt. Every night for the last week, both Colt and Priscilla argued over what to do for their son. Robert tried to contain his anger over the fact that neither parent ever seemed to care what he want, but it was the duty of a good son to obey his parents.

"Honey, you could just hire him to work for the company. You're always praising Barrett for what a fine job he has done handling contracts and deals. Why not have both of your boys with you?" Priscilla loved both of her children and wanted only what was best for them. There were certain realities that Colt was aware of interfering with that course of action. Everyone at Crossfire believed Barrett would be the next CEO when his father retired. Having both sons at the company would divide the employees on which side to support. Colt needed an heir, and tradition demanded the eldest son take the honour. Tradition was the Cross family's way of life.

"You don't understand the politics of a corporation. All we would be doing is forcing Robert to compete with Barrett to the disadvantage of both."

"Well, our boy needs a future, and I think that's what has him on edge. You think Robert isn't bothered by the fact that you put all your support behind Barrett and leave him the scraps?"

Colt fumed over the audacity of being told he didn't treat his boys fairly. Both sons had their own special gifts, and that required each one to be treated like an individual. Colt refused to accept the idea that he loved one of his boys more than the other.

"Priscilla, how dare you accuse me of favouritism? I have given both our boys the best I can. Barrett is the heir to the company, but that doesn't mean I won't ensure Robert's dreams don't fall to the wayside. Our boys deserve the best, and I try my hardest to give them both what they need."