Chapter 59: Chapter 8

CADEN

Jesus, Nate, Jessie, Tank, and I set out to fetch Mandy and Cami’s grandma. We find ourselves in a quaint senior mobile home park in town, following the address we were given. As we navigate the park, a dilapidated single wide trailer comes into view. It’s clearly seen better days, looking as if it’s been standing for at least three decades. Our arrival in suits, with a moving truck in tow, doesn’t go unnoticed.

A small crowd gathers as we begin to unload. Neighbors settle into their porch chairs, drinks in hand, to watch the spectacle unfold. We can’t help but chuckle at the attention as we approach the trailer and ring the doorbell. The door creaks open, revealing a petite, frail woman who barely reaches five feet. Her eyes widen as she takes us in.

“Well, I never! I didn’t expect such a handsome moving crew! I’ve packed my essentials, and there isn’t much else.”

“Hello, Grandma Peggy. I’m Caden. These are Nate, Jessie, Jesus, and Tank. Just point us to what you need moved, and we’ll handle the rest.”

She starts directing us, pulling Nate down to her level.

“You’re Mandy’s husband, aren’t you, Nate?”

“Yes, Grandma Peggy, I am.”

“You’re even more charming in person. You’re the spitting image of your father, Caden. I’m so glad Mandy found you!”

A wave of pride washes over me at her words. Nate has always been my son, paper or no paper. But hearing someone say he looks just like me fills my heart with joy. I’m proud of all my children and amazed at how far we’ve come since the day I first met Nate and his mom.

Looking around the trailer, I’m taken aback. It’s barely holding together. I notice a couple of active leaks, a musty, damp smell, and visible mold on the walls. As I walk around, the floor shifts under my feet, making my heart sink. It’s heartbreaking to think of seniors barely surviving in these conditions. We need to do something about it. I noticed similar trailers as we were pulling in, likely in the same state.

“Peggy, dear, where does the manager live?”

“They’re over in space fifteen.”

“All right, we’ll be right back.”

Nate and I head over to space fifteen. The manager’s home is another rundown mobile home. It’s hard to believe this is what they provide for the manager. It can’t be legal. As we approach, we notice several jugs of water stacked to the side. We exchange puzzled looks before knocking on the door. An elderly man answers, visibly frightened.

“Sir, there’s no need to be scared. We just have some questions about the property owner.”

“Hello, I’m Fred. The property is owned by Windham Properties. I can give you their number.”

“That would be great. And why all the water jugs?”

“If someone falls behind on their rent, they shut off their water until they pay. The jugs are a temporary solution until they can come up with the money.”

I’m seething at this point. I look out toward the street, trying to keep my emotions in check.

“Fred, may we come in and take a look at your apartment?”

“Well, I haven’t tidied up yet today, but sure.”

“That’s perfectly fine.”

As he opens the door, the familiar musty smell hits us. I see signs of water damage and the beginnings of black mold in the corners. Fred busies himself tidying up as I call our lawyer. I want to take Windham Properties down and seize all their properties. They own several senior properties and treat them all the same. After setting the wheels in motion with the lawyer, I arrange for photos to be taken of all the violations. I reassure Fred that things will change soon.

We leave Fred’s place and quickly load up Grandma Peggy’s belongings. Jesus and Tank stay behind to move the rest to the door, with more guards arriving soon to help. I help Peggy into the car and slide into the driver’s seat. As I start the engine, Nate nudges me, pointing ahead. A couple is watching us intently from a parked car.

“Peggy, dear, do you know those people at the end of the road?”

“Oh, God! It’s Nick and Toni! Mandy and Cami’s parents. If they get their hands on me, they’ll kill me. Please, don’t let that happen!”

I quickly call Frankie, asking where he is with the other guards. He tells me they’re about ten minutes away. We decide to wait for them before moving Peggy to safety. After a few minutes, the couple drives off.

Once Frankie arrives, we fill him in and head out to the estate. We cautiously exit the mobile home park, keeping an eye out for Nick and Toni’s car. We’re on the road when their car suddenly appears behind us. We hear a few pops, and our rear window shatters.

Nate throws himself over Peggy, pushing her down onto the seat. Jessie dives into the back, pulls out a gun, and starts firing at their car. In a flash, they veer off down a side street, their car smoking.

“I think I hit the mom in the shoulder. She was clutching it when they drove off.”

“Just keep an eye out for them. We’re getting on the highway.”

I quickly call Frankie to give him a heads up. I hear him directing the guards to secure the entrance in case they return. I hang up and speed toward the estate. I can’t let anything happen to Peggy. The girls would be devastated.

As we pull into the driveway, the gate is already open. We rush Peggy into the house as guards come running to check on us. I help Peggy out of the car as Jace opens the back for Jessie. Peggy walks with me to the back, her eyes widening at the sight of the guns strewn about.

“What kind of business are you guys in?”

We all share a laugh. “Well, Grandma Peggy, the mafia kind of business.”

“Whatever keeps me alive, I suppose.”

Laughter fills the room as the girls burst through the front door. They nearly knock over the frail old woman in their excitement. They quickly help her up and start leading her through the house, while we pick up her things. We guide her to a small house at the back of the property. When we open the door, she just stops and stares. The girls take her inside and show her around. That’s when I get a call from our lawyer.

He tells me everything is set and documented. I thank him and dial Windham Properties. A woman named Molly answers, and I ask to speak to the owner.

“I’m sorry, sir, but he’s busy.”

“Well, Molly, here’s how this is going to work. Tell him Caden Maxwell of Maxwell Industries is on the line. If he doesn’t want to spend tonight in jail, I suggest he pick up his damn phone!”

“Yes, sir. One moment, sir.”

After a moment, a man picks up.

“Mr. Maxwell. This is Larry. How can I assist you?”

“I’m calling about your senior properties. You don’t seem to care about them. I’m offering to take them off your hands so they can be managed properly.”

“Mr. Maxwell, I assure you, they’re fine.”

“Well, considering I just picked up a family member living in a shell of a house, I strongly disagree. My lawyer is at the police station, ready to file complaints with photos and documentation. He has a judge ready to sign a warrant for your arrest. So, either sign them over or go to jail. Your choice. You have one hour to sign the papers with my lawyer. And don’t even think about visiting the properties. I have guards at each one.”

I hang up just as another call comes in from the labs. Perfect timing. I answer the phone and walk away to take the call. When I return, the girls are finishing up their tour. They see my grin and stop in their tracks.

“Mandy, Cami, you two are sisters. The tests confirm it. You’re a 99.9 percent match.”

Tears fill their eyes as they hug Peggy. Nate and Jace join in the group hug. We’ll need to find out what happened to their parents. I have a feeling they’ll cause us problems until they’re out of the picture.

***

JACE

I’m relieved everything is confirmed. We knew it would be. The coincidences were too many for them not to be sisters. I see my mom step outside, signaling that the jeweler has arrived. I excuse myself and rush inside to meet him in the foyer. He greets me with a smile.

“Who would’ve thought I’d be around to see the last Maxwell find his goddess!”

“I know! I’m so glad you’re here for this moment!”

He opens his suitcase. Since I didn’t specify what I wanted, he brought a variety of necklaces and rings. I spot a bright yellow diamond necklace that’s perfect. Now for the ring. I see one that catches my eye—a red heart diamond surrounded by a diamond heart. I also see a small heart necklace that I want. I point to my selections, and he boxes them up. I hand him my card for payment and then rush the ring upstairs.

When I return downstairs, everyone is gathered around. I pull Cami aside into a separate room. I hand her the necklace case. She looks at me, confused, then back at the box. When she opens it, tears well up in her eyes.

“Cami, it’s tradition for the men to give their goddesses a necklace at the beginning. Each one is chosen for a specific reason. I chose this one because you are the light in my life.”

“Oh, Jace, it’s beautiful!”

“Look around at the women. They always wear the necklace that was given to them first. Except for my mom, Eva. Her first one was destroyed, so my dad had it remade.”

We leave the room together, and I walk over to Peggy. She stops talking to my parents as I approach.

“Peggy, I can’t thank you enough for everything you did to get Cami out. For giving her the strength to keep going. So, I got you something.”

I hand her a box, and she looks at me, wide-eyed. When she opens it, she quickly closes it and tries to hand it back.

“Jace, I can’t accept this! It was my job to keep her safe.”

“Peggy, please. Take it and wear it. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you’ve done for her.”

My dad pats my back, and my mom leans into him. I take the necklace and put it on Peggy. She lets her tears fall, and I give her a hug.

“You’re family now, Peggy. And we take care of our own.”