41

BRANDON

Athens, Greece

Twelve months earlier

“So, you have returned,” my grandfather stated, and his once powerful voice turned rough, almost inaudible. His blond hair had turned gray. He might be old, but his eyesight and his memory were clear as crystal.

“My grandson,” he called as he looked upon me. He was sitting on his favorite padded wooden chair. I stood in front of him.

“Yes, I have, Grandfather.” My respect for him did not change. He was the only person who favored me in the family.

“Yes, yes.” He forced a smile. “You know that I’ve been waiting for you to accept what’s rightfully yours, finally.”

“I did not come here for that,” I said. “I came here to regain my old self.” I wasn’t interested in his fortune. I returned to make everyone pay and to bring myself back to who I really was. I was my mother’s son and a brother to my sisters. “But I do have one request to make.”

“What is it? I’ll be happy to do anything to make up for my failure to you and your mother.”

“I need your