Chapter 20: Carter Family

In the morning, Martin returned from his usual workout and continued his routine of having dinner at Carter's house. As he approached the courtyard door, he overheard a heated argument coming from inside, where the door was left open.

"I'm your deadbeat father!" Scott Carter's booming voice resounded like a truck horn. "When I'm strapped for cash, who else am I supposed to turn to but you deadbeats?Should I go begging to your damn mother? Harris, don't act like a coward. You borrowed my cassette last time and still owe me $20."

Harris retorted, "I didn't borrow your cassette, and I'm absolutely sure I don't owe you anything."

"Here's $10!" Elena slapped a $10 bill onto the table, her expression icy. "Take it and leave!"

Scott picked up the money, turned on his heel, and spotted Martin on his way out. His momentum, momentarily stifled by Elena, surged once again. "Hey, Martin, I heard you've made some money? Bought yourself a car? When are you gonna pay back what you owe me?"

Martin looked bewildered. "Are you out of your mind?"

Elena emerged from the house, slamming the door behind her.

Scott hurried away, hurling insults as he retreated. "How did I end up raising a bunch of good-for-nothings like you?"

Elena turned and went back inside, pretending not to hear.

Martin, undeterred by the confrontation, joined them for breakfast.

Hall chimed in, suggesting, "You should've punched him in the nose."

Sitting at the dining table, Martin replied, "He's your father. If I were to hit him, he'd probably contact child services and send you and Lily to foster care. What do you think would happen then?"

Hall fell silent.

Lily chimed in, "We'd never see you again."

"Enough!" Elena snapped. "Come on, have your breakfast."

After breakfast, Lily and Hall, the two siblings, headed to school, while Harris retreated to his room to study.

Elena tidied up the table and pointed at Martin's neck. "Got hurt?"

Martin shrugged. "Just a scratch." He pulled out a check and handed it over. "Here's your reward."

Elena's eyebrows shot up when she saw the amount. "800 dollars! That's quite a sum!"

Martin handed over another check to Elena. "Pass on $200 to Monica, but don't mention the exact amount you received. Oh, and by the way, I'm hosting a backyard party this Wednesday afternoon to celebrate. I've invited a few friends and colleagues, so feel free to invite some of your friends as well."

Elena agreed. "Sure thing, I'll make sure to bring a lively crowd."

She gathered her things, slung her bag over her shoulder, and asked, "Is it okay if I make a quick supermarket run before you drop me off?"

Martin handed her the car keys. "Of course, take your time."

As they left the neighborhood, Elena spotted a lottery shop and suggested, "Want me to grab a lottery ticket for you?"

Martin took out some money and handed it to her. "Choose whatever you like"

Elena swiftly purchased a lottery ticket and returned to Martin, handing him the ticket stub. She remarked with a hint of irony, "I sincerely wish you terrible luck."

Martin tucked the ticket away and inquired, "You keep buying these? Even though the odds are slim?"

Elena responded, her tone serious, "Given the Carter family's situation, the only glimmer of hope we have is winning the lottery."

Fatigue seemed to wash over her suddenly. "I want Harris, the numbskull, to attend a good university. I want Lily, the simpleton, to attend a good university. I went to a private school with Hall, but what's the point? I don't know anything!"

Martin steered the car, contemplating for a moment before offering a suggestion, "Learn a practical skill that can secure a stable job. If you're interested, I can teach you how to bartend."

Elena, lacking self-assurance, mumbled, "I'm not very smart."

Martin offered encouragement, "I'm not a genius either."

Elena grasped his point, saying, "Exactly! If someone like you can do it, then I'm sure I can too."

After dropping Elena off, Martin considered what he needed for the upcoming party and made a trip to the supermarket. Later, at the Marietta Library, he utilized a public computer to search for information online.

He came across Gray Films and Television's official website, learning that Kelly Gray, at 31 years old, hailed from a well-off family. While her production company wasn't exceptionally large, it had partnerships with various cable TV stations. Furthermore, Kelly Gray had spent four years working in Hollywood following her graduation from the University of Southern California.

In Martin's experience, connections were often the key to success. Establishing a connection with Kelly Gray, who was in a position of influence, was a promising first step.

Upon returning home, Martin concocted a plausible excuse, contemplated the matter further, and decided to call Kelly Gray. He introduced himself and extended an invitation for her to visit the club whenever she had the opportunity.