An Unfinished Life Read Online Free

your threat or anyone else’s. Find another scapegoat to do your dirty work.”
    “Paulson, this is not a request. This is an order. You don’t seem to understand what’s going on here. You don’t negotiate the terms. I do, and I am telling you that you will be the lead agent on this case—our case—against Jack Vanelle. Michael St. Clair savagely raped your sister-in-law. On the books, justice may have been served, but in the world of a wise guy like Jack, that act of brutality only gets avenged with an equal one. I’m telling you, son, Jack Vanelle avenged his niece by seeking out his own brand of justice with one single stab wound to the heart of her rapist. So, you tell me, Paulson…was justice avenged? Go ask Nicolette. See what she thinks. I’m sure she’s heard the troubling news by now.”
    I practically shouted at Wade, “This is my family we are talking about! You can’t expect me to just bring back all the pain my brother and his wife endured just so you can add another win to your list of accomplishments. I won’t hurt them like this.”
    He remained steadfast while I aired my grievances about this case. He never even flinched.
    “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do for you, son. You get settled in and take the night to think about what we’ve discussed here today. Sleep on it if you have to, but I expect to see you here in my office at nine with your full intent and cooperation. Is that understood?”
    As he waited for my answer, he retrieved a glass from his hidden bar and poured himself a drink of amber liquid. I stood and fastened my suit jacket, making my way to the door.
    “Are we clear, son, on the matters discussed?” Wade asked.
    “We are, sir. Crystal clear. And don’t ever call me ‘son’ again. That honor is for my father, and my father only. Are we clear?”
    My hands were in my pockets with my fists balled up in fury.
    “Crystal,” he replied with a satisfied look in his eyes.
    Wade won this round with me easily showing him my hand. I couldn’t make that mistake again with Wade or Marino, not with the threat looming over my family.
    As for my father…so much for surprising my family with a long overdue visit. I needed him more than ever. I only hoped he could help me. Hurting Nicolette and Simon was the last thing I wanted to do, and going after her uncle would do just that.
    Getting in to see my father was no easy task without alerting his staff of my presence. I could have just called him, but I wasn’t ready for anyone else knowing I was in town, especially my mother or Simon.
    The only thing my father has changed through the years I’ve been away is the location of his office, which is now in downtown Los Angeles. Without traffic, I could be there in about twenty-five minutes. I hadn’t had time to rent a car yet, so I had a taxi drive me over.
    Gee, dad! It doesn’t get any more grandiose than the Aon Center , I said to myself as I took in the huge skyscraper before me.
    Since two of my brothers shared my face, keeping my anonymity was difficult at times. The only distinguishing factor that separated us was our hair. Andrew had a beard, and Cameron wore his hair very short. He had taken a fall a few years ago and needed stitches. Once his wound was healed, he never grew his hair out, preferring the shorter look. I miss those guys so much, but I’ve also kept them at a safe distance. And although I’m not playing football anymore, I’ve managed to remain in athletic ready shape and still look exactly like them.
    My NFL career ended going into my second season playing for the Denver Broncos, my team from my home state. I was in my glory. How many players can say they get to be part of their dream team, play in their first Super Bowl, and actually win leaving with a ring? Not too many, but I can.
    This was my moment, a dream of mine and my twin brothers, who were also playing in the NFL. Our father couldn’t have been more proud of us. This was the dream we