Everything you need will come to you at the perfect time

LUCAS

Chief Maria, a woman in her 50's, tall, with wide shoulders like a man, which speaks of the power she holds. Black eyes that can look through you, making you compelled to reveal your darkest secrets, well known for her stubborn personality. A woman who doesn't take no for an answer. She has a name among the criminals, the black shadow. Most probably because of how intimidating she looks. Right now those looks are on me. But not to make me confess to crimes. She is kind of family. She is my mother's friend. And also like a mother figure to me. That is the reason she is here instead of her officers. She knows me, with the pains of the past, I can never commit such heinous acts.

But it's not her fault the doubt is on us. Jackson is a self-made businessman, whether it is by underhanded means or not, he still created his own fame. But I am nobody. I just inherited a family heirloom. No matter what awards I get, or whatever people say about my achievements, the legacy was never mine. I am just a sub-character of it. These are not my blood and sweat.

Where there is love there is hate.

In this world full of desires and needs, every day is a competition for who is the best. Be it academic, sports or business. Every day how I feel I am not worth it, I woke up wearing a mask to do something better. To carry on the legacy no matter if I feel it or not I have to be here and work for the legacy.

Mike must be on his way. Nathan must have informed him. Although I know I can handle this. But he will be here, just for me. I don't know why he does that. But no matter how big of a trouble it is he is there with me, like my support. If the world, one day, turns against me, I know I will find him with me. He is an idiot but my idiot.

"You know I can allow my officers to carry on this task if your grandfather were in this position instead of you. But I know you, Lukas, you shouldn't be here if you wish for. But this is a brutal murder. And on the grounds of your family-owned location. It doesn't matter if the place is closed but a heinous crime occurred there. Do you know what that means?"

"That, I am the culprit. I may have targeted Jackson because he got the project which was meant for Barnet."

"Yes, for the media, Jackson, and people. But not for me. For me, you are being targeted. You never saw the dead body. It was just not an act of revenge. It was just a sign, a message to make someone aware. And I think it is you."

"Yes, there might be people. Because the name itself can create thousands of enemies. But why murder people with no link to me? Why not attack me.?"

"Because they know they can't. Not because you are Barnet. You are much more important than just being Barnet's blood. You also have the blood of your mother's lineage. You are the son of a powerful woman, Celine."

"What are you saying, Aunt?" This is the first time I have heard my mother's name from her. After she was gone, she never talked about her. So I don't know what happened to her. But like others, she has always avoided the topic.

"Lukas, my child, don't trust anyone. Be cautious and safe. I will protect you, I will not allow them to harm you. I will keep you safe." She said in a panic. For the first time in my life, I was seeing fear in her eyes. The woman who faces death like a warrior is afraid, but of what. What is she talking about?

"Aunt, are you okay, what are you saying, I can't understand."

"Nothing. I am investigating this matter so you don't have to worry. I will handle it. Just like every other issue, this must be Jackson himself. I will deal with it. I have to go now. Take care."

And just like that everything just changed and the stubborn chief is here. Not that woman whose eyes were full of fear and the unknown. She changed just like a switch, like every other time I asked about my mother.

She walked out of the door, but before the door closed on her I saw her looking at me, the eyes that knew many things, but also the love she has for me. And then gone in a flick and the door shuts itself.

I collapsed on my seat. It seems like every other person around me is hiding something from me. They know something. They know about my mother's death, except me. And every time I have asked about it. Ignorance and avoidance are what I got. From the age of 5 to now, it was whispers and silence. No one talks about it. And the one person who could have explained it has been avoiding me since then. He praises me, he shows his love when he is very drunk. But when he is sober, I see him wandering into the depths of darkness. The distant looks he gave me, is enough to make me stop to ask him questions.

I am helpless. But still, I will look for it, Because if they can't give me those answers, I will find it myself.

I called a number I haven't called in years. But I know he is the one who will help me.

I will know what happened to my mother 25 years back.

Maria

The moment I saw the dead body, I knew who it was. It has been 25 years. I have never forgotten that night. The night when everything changed. He is back. He will harm them if he knew the truth. I will keep your promise, Celine. I will keep Lukas and Xander safe. I have to call them. They need to know. Or else Ana and Ayaan will be in danger. No one should know about them. She should never know.

I know all of you need answers but everything you need will come to you at the perfect time.

But before that, we have to stop the war.

I was fooled once not again. You destroyed everything about me. I will return it back to you with the same amount of pain. But this time, I will not allow you to harm the people close to me.

You will never win.

I will never allow you to win, Lazarus Barnet