Chapter 50: Bonding Behind Bars

Chad took out a key from his pocket and opened the door. Hank’s expression was completely neutral as he remained in the same position. Chad entered the cell and closed the door. What he did next surprised Hank. However, he was careful not to show it. Chad walked to the other corner and sat on the ground.

The scene was almost comical, two gang leaders who had been going at each other’s throats for years sat in the same cell in comfortable silence.

“She’s your daughter, isn’t it?” Chad broke the silence. Hank’s eyes raked over him with a calculating look while his expression remained carefully neutral. “You both look alike,” Chad continued, knowing that he wouldn’t get any response.

“”What are you implying?” Hank asked, a very subtle defensiveness in his tone. Chad smiled. “I won’t harm her,” he assured. “She’s an ally,” he added, making his claim more convincing. Interest showed in Hank’s eyes, this time undisguised.

“She’s a Reaper?” He asked. Chad shook his head. “She showed up out of nowhere one day. We had some.. misunderstandings,” Chad explained, “she was moving away from our territory when your men hurt her.”

He paused to watch his expression but as usual, he didn’t give away anything. “She stayed here at the clubhouse for some time. Helped us with lots of projects. Really smart. I was reluctant to let her go when she left,” he continued, watching as Hank’s lips twitched slightly into something he assumed as a proud smirk. It disappeared immediately but not before Chad caught it.

He folded his arms as he faced the elder man. A smirk formed on his face. “Didn’t know the old snake is such a caring father.”

“You’re not here to tell me that.” The statement came out flat, like he was saying ‘spit it out’. Chad chuckled. “Actually, I hope that you can help her.” His comment caught Hank by surprise. He looked up, his body straightened a little as he studied Chad. The young man appeared calm and steady under his gaze. His demeanor was neither meek nor arrogant. If anything, he was sincere.

“Me? What can this old man possibly do?” Hank chuckled. Anyone with eyes might think it was humor but deep under that was way more, something Chad was beginning to understand.

Chad smiled, finding the situation laughable. “I used to really hate you, you know,” he said with humor in his voice. Hank’s lips curled up as well. “You can say that again.”

“But I realized I don’t really hate you that much anymore.” Hank chuckled. “What changed?” Chad shook his head. “I’m still finding out.”

“Seriously. How’s she coping?” Hank dropped the gang leader’s act, sounding and looking more like a man he is; a father. The previous tension was gone, replaced by something warmer. Chad’s face dropped a little. “Not well.”

The space was quiet as his reply sank in. “There’s nothing I could do,” Chad’s voice fell into a whisper. Hank didn’t respond immediately. Chad could feel that five-year-old boy surfacing inside him. He tried pushing that version of himself back.

“Help me look after her, would you?” Hank said out of a sudden. Chad shook his head. “I’m afraid I don’t have the ability,” a pause, “but I’ll try my best.” He looked up at Hank. The determination behind his eyes showed.

Hank relaxed into his previous casual demeanor. His eyes stared far into the past as he sighed. “It was years ago,” he started. “I was turning eighteen, preparing to take over the family business. That was when I met her.” Chad stared, surprised that he was finally opening up

“It’s a harsh world, you know that,” his words carried the weight of years of fights and survival, something one wouldn’t understand unless they experienced it in person. “She’s like a light in the dark. Quite contrary to what I was programmed to be, she’s actually innocent, growing up in a family full of love, thinking that the world is beautiful and people are naturally kind,” his lips curled up as he reminisced about the older days. “Sounds like a lovely woman,” Chad commented.

“She is,” Hank agreed, “I fell for her. Hard. But I was young and dumb. I showed love in the only way that I knew. I wanted her to be mine.” His gaze landed on Chad. “Flowers are beautiful. I should’ve left it there, knowing that it will grow up well. Plucking it will only make it wither.”

“To possess isn’t love,” Chad stated, looking right into his soul, “but to protect.” Hank smiled. “You’re a bright one,” he commented. “I wouldn’t repeat that to my daughter.”

“But you sold her to a syndicate?” His tone came up sharp, accusing. Hank sighed, one that said he’d carried too much weight on his own. “She had to leave. The gang wasn’t really a safe place for her.”

“Nor is the syndicate,” Chad intercepted. “I knew,” Hank’s voice came out defeated. “And I was dumb to think that the men I sent could’ve protected her.” Chad felt something rise up in him. He wanted to be angry, he wanted to lash out at this irresponsible man but one look at him and all the intentions vanished. He didn’t know why. Might be the weight of true remorse he carried alone for years.

“What’s that look, young man?” He noticed. Of course he did. “You can say it.”

Chad simply stared back. He took a deep breath before saying, “I don’t have to. I believe you’ve said that to yourself more times than necessary. My comment won’t make a difference.”

His implication hung in the air. “We can’t change the past but we can control the direction of the future,” he continued, “she’s broke right now. Lost all direction. Lost herself. I need your help to pull her back before she’s gone.”

Hank chuckled. He stared down at his hands before looking up at Chad. He seemed to have seen him in a new light. “I’m glad I didn’t end you back then,” he said, seemingly proud of his right decision. “I knew a gem when I saw it. Thanks for living well and shining bright.”