Chapter 51: A Boy's Strength
Shaking the thought from her head, Rachel rolled onto her side. She didn't even know yet, after all she hasn't taken the test, and allowing her thoughts to wander would only result in more sleepless nights.
From across the room, Alexander's regular panting was somehow reassuring, bringing her back to the present.
All she could do at the moment was concentrate on her son and take things one step at a time, but she just wanted to know.
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Odegaard's giggle echoed around the kitchen as Rachel woke up the following morning.
When she came out, she saw him sitting on Alexander's shoulders with a broad smile on his face.
Odegaard grabbed Alexander, laughing uncontrollably as he acted like a horse and trotted about the room. "Whoa!" Rachel crossed her arms and laughed. "What are you buddies up to this time?"
"Mom!" Odegaard's face lit up as he yelled. "Daddy is a horse!"
In order to prevent Odegaard from falling, Alexander straightened up.
For a moment, a gentle, unsaid bond formed between them as his eyes locked with Rachel's. With a tinge of amusement in his voice, he said, "We were just getting the day off right."
When she saw the two most important individuals in her life forming such a natural bond, Rachel grinned and her heart grew.
"Well, breakfast is ready, Mr. Horse. Do you think you can persuade your rider to take a seat at the table?
Alexander laughed. "Come on, champ. Let's fuel up for the day.
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Later, the air was filled with Odegaard's conversation as they sat around the table.
He mentioned wanting to feed the ducks, go to the park, and possibly even check out the new swing set.
Alexander gave her a slight nod as Rachel looked at him. "It sounds like a great idea to take the family out," Alexander stated in a kind tone. Rachel paused.
Would they actually be able to spend the day like a real family? It seemed almost too good to be true after everything that had happened.
At last, she forced a smile and answered, "Okay." "Let's do this."
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Odegaard went ahead in the park, his small legs pushing him in the direction of the pond. Alexander and Rachel trailed behind, strolling in pleasant silence.
The rustle of leaves blended with the sound of youngsters laughing in the crisp spring air.
The silence was broken by Rachel's quiet words, "Thank you for this."
Alexander's face was unreadable as he looked at her. "For what?"
"For being here. She nodded at Odegaard, who was occupied with throwing food to the ducks, and said, "For him."
Alexander's expression grew softer. "He's my son, Rachel. I wouldn't do anything for him. And for you...........
Rachel turned to him and stopped moving. "Alexander, don't." Her eyes showed her inner struggle, yet her voice was steady. "We cannot continue roaming in circles."
With a groan, Alexander combed through his hair. “I know I’ve made mistakes, Rachel. But I’m trying. I want to fix this—for all of us.”
Odegaard stopped them with an eager cry before Rachel could reply. "Mom! Dad! Look! He was pointing at a butterfly that had fallen on his outstretched hand when they turned around.
For a moment, all of the tension between them vanished as his face was a picture of pure delight. Rachel's chest constricted.
Odegaard's innocence served as a reminder of what was important. Regardless of their arguments, they needed to figure out how to make this work—for him.
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They laughed more than they had in months, played games, and had snacks throughout the day.
The storm that loomed over them was nearly forgotten. Nearly.
However, when Rachel's phone rang with a notification, reality set in.
As she took it out and read the message, her smile dimmed.
Alexander said, "Rachel," observing her shift in attitude. "What's the matter?"
Her hands were shaking as she gave him the phone. Detective Harris had left the message. "We've found something." Meet me at the station, tonight. Victoria and the Sterling legacy are the center of it.
Alexander's mouth clenched. "Would you like me to come along with you?"
Rachel paused and looked at Odegaard, who was having a good time chasing a kite. She responded at last, "No." "Remain with him. I'll take care of this.
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The seriousness of Detective Harris's remarks hit home that night when Rachel sat across from him. "Victoria was not acting alone, but we have linked her to the sabotage of your business and the blackmail attempts," Harris stated. "There is a lot more to lose for the person pulling the strings."
Rachel's heart was racing. "Who?"
After a moment of hesitation, Harris moved a file across the table.
When Rachel opened it and saw the name, her eyes widened. She had trusted that person. She was reeling from the profound wounds of betrayal. Her voice trembled as she asked, "How could they?"
Harris admitted, "I don't have all the answers yet." However, Rachel, you must act with caution. This goes beyond business. It's personal".
Rachel nodded, her thoughts whirling. She had to keep Alexander and Odegaard safe. She would do whatever it takes to keep her family safe.
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The crisp night air hit her like a wake-up call as she left the station. She inhaled deeply, bracing herself for what was to come.
Alexander was waiting for her at home, his worried eyes wide. He inquired, "What did he say?"
Rachel paused, her eyes darting to the couch where Odegaard was sound asleep. "Not here," she muttered. "We'll talk outside."
The night was quiet when they entered the porch. With a shaky voice, Rachel said, "It's worse than I thought." “Someone close to us is involved.”
Alexander's face grew serious. "Who?"
Rachel was about to respond when she heard distant footsteps.
As they turned, they noticed a stranger coming toward them, the shadows hiding their face. Rachel's breath caught in her throat as the figure entered the light.
“Long time no see,” the person said, their tone mocking.
It was Caleb Monroe.
And he didn’t look happy.