Chapter 16 - PRESTON SEES HIS SON
Preston learned about the birth from a news alert.
He stood outside the courthouse when his phone vibrated.
SAINT CLAIRE HEIRESS GIVES BIRTH EARLY AMID FAMILY LEGAL BATTLE.
For several seconds, he could not move.
Then he called Emily.
No answer.
Again.
No answer.
He drove to the hospital.
His access badge failed at the underground entrance.
He tried the main lobby.
Security stopped him.
“My son was born.”
The officer remained polite.
“Mr. Whitmore, you are on the restricted-access list.”
“That is my child.”
“You’ll need authorization.”
“From whom?”
The officer looked toward him.
“Mrs. Saint Claire.”
The name hit Preston harder than he expected.
Not Mrs. Whitmore.
Mrs. Saint Claire.
Raymond eventually came downstairs.
Preston stood when he saw him.
“I need to see Emily.”
“No.”
“My son.”
Raymond studied him.
“He is in neonatal care.”
“Is he okay?”
“Yes.”
Preston exhaled.
“Thank God.”
Raymond’s face softened by half a degree.
Preston looked toward the elevators.
“Please.”
Raymond remained silent.
“Whatever happens between Emily and me, I am his father.”
“That will be handled legally.”
“I don’t want to handle my son legally.”
Raymond looked at him.
“You handled your wife financially.”
Preston flinched.
Raymond continued.
“You handled her medically.”
“Stop.”
“You handled her emotionally.”
“I said stop.”
“And when violence arrived, you handled her by doing nothing.”
Preston’s face twisted.
“I know.”
The words surprised both men.
Raymond stopped.
Preston looked down.
“I know.”
His voice was quieter.
“I see it every night.”
Raymond said nothing.
“The kick.”
Preston’s eyes filled.
“She looked at me afterward.”
His voice cracked.
“And I still chose myself.”
Raymond watched him.
“I thought if I admitted Vanessa was wrong, everything would unravel.”
“It did anyway.”
“Yes.”
Preston wiped his face.
“Please tell Emily I’m sorry.”
Raymond shook his head.
“No.”
Preston looked up.
“You tell her.”
“How?”
“When she is ready to hear you.”
Raymond turned.
Preston called after him.
“Can I see a picture?”
Raymond stopped.
For several seconds, he considered refusing.
Then he took out his phone.
He showed Preston one photograph.
Elliot sleeping beneath a small knitted cap.
Preston covered his mouth.
His knees nearly gave out.
Raymond let him look for five seconds.
Then he put the phone away.
“That is the child you almost helped turn into leverage.”
Preston closed his eyes.
May you like
Raymond stepped toward the elevator.
“Remember that before you ask anyone for forgiveness.”
