Soon after Sam went off grid, I received a phone call from Rachel to inform us that we needed to get Josh and Lux away from the house and that’s where our involvement ended.”
“Josh, please continue,” Jackson said turning to his youngest son.
Josh made quick work of filling them in on what had taken place, from their confrontation on the path to their arrival home.
“Over the years and from time to time, as some of you know, Sam and I have helped each other out.” Josh was hopeful that his evasive response would satisfy his father.
“Joshua, it would seem that you are under the misapprehension that tonight is a good night to test my patience. I asked for, and I require a straight answer. Do I make myself entirely clear?”
Glancing over at his brothers, their looks of sympathy were obvious. Jackson was in patriarch mode, which the family knew meant he was more than capable of taking them all down as a collective. The only other man in the room unaware of this foolishly sniggered.
Jackson pinned Sam with his gaze. “By the impertinence of that sound, I can only surmise you find something I said amusing. As I have somehow missed the reason for your mirth, I insist that you share it with me.”
Jackson’s look was so devoid of emotion, Josh thought it best he step in to attempt a diffusion of the situation. His father wasn’t aware of it, but Sam was a dangerous man. Not that he was worried about him starting something he couldn’t finish; he just didn’t want it to come to that.
“I’m sure he didn’t mean–”
“I don’t believe I addressed you, Joshua!” Jackson cut in. “I’m waiting.”
There was a tension in the air that Josh didn’t like. It seemed as though his brothers were feeling the same way. From his peripheral vision he saw their wives place a restraining hand on both their arms.
“It’s amusing to hear a grown man being spoken to in that way, that’s all,” Sam finally said without steam and Josh, exhaled.
“I’m aware that your father is no longer with us, Samuel. However, I’m sure that if he were, he too would assure you that no matter the age of one’s child, their wellbeing remains paramount. I suspect you were probably a problem child, am I right?”
“I had my moments,” Sam mumbled under his breath.
“Well, this is not one of them,” Jackson fired back. “However, from your presence in my home at this late hour, you must have something significant to say. Therefore, I suggest you get on with it!”
Sam looked irritated at Jackson’s tone but he didn’t challenge the older man. Josh used the opportunity to jump in and hopefully defuse the situation.
“When we had our…troubles a few years back, it was Sam who gave us the information we needed.” Josh hoped his father would catch on to what he was saying without further explanation.
“I see, so you’re the mystery man,” Jackson said as he rose to his feet and approached Sam. Extending his hand, he waited for the other man to stand and do the same. “My family and I thank you.”
Sam’s response was a simple nod.
“If I understand matters correctly, Rachel is the woman who came to Aviva’s aid while she was in Europe. My question is how do you both know each other?” Jackson asked still holding on to Sam’s hand as he awaited a response.
“I first met Rachel when she came to this country and informed me of, how shall I put this delicately... the intentions of some unscrupulous men towards your family.”
“I see, well again, you have my appreciation.” With that, Jackson released his hand.
It was then Josh realized the night was going to be even longer than he’d anticipated.
Chapter 25
Lux didn’t have all the pieces of the puzzle, but she understood enough. She was pleased that her brother had been in a position to offer assistance to the Kingdom family. Yet, at the same time, it reinforced all her misgivings about him.
The world Sam inhabited was dark and treacherous and she wanted no part of it. After her husband’s admission and Jackson’s ready acceptance, she was at a loss. What truly disturbed her was the way not one other member of the Kingdom family showed any concern as to the type of people her brother and sister-in-law appeared to be.
By their lack of reaction, Lux realized she was probably the only person in the room who thought what, and who Sam was, was reprehensible.
Done with the whole situation, she decided to leave. It wasn’t her house so she couldn’t demand Sam and Rachel leave, but she didn’t have to stay in the room a moment longer.
“Why are you leaving, Lux?” Jackson’s question stopped her exit. If the question had come from anyone else, she would have ignored it and kept walking. Sick of holding her tongue, she decided to leave no one in any doubt as to her feelings.
“I’m getting out of here because I can’t stand to be in the same room as that man. Every piece of misfortune that’s come my way has directly or indirectly been attributed to him,” she spat out, giving Sam a scornful glance.