Eye of the Storm (Hudson 3)

Long ago, I decided that there were things more important to me than just making a lot of money. I suppose that was a consequence of all my rebellion and protest. Corporations, big successful businesses and businessmen and women were the enemy willing to sacrifice and destroy the smaller and weaker to

pursue the almighty dollar. -So you have the opportunity to be very wealth even wealthier if you defy. the family. Still what happiness will you gain after defeating them? I suppose that should be your guiding principle. Will Megan ever accept you fully? Will her husband? Will your aunt Victoria? Any of them?

Most likely they will resent you even more. You ask me to give you advice. I'll dare to do so. Compromise and come back. Pursue your interests here and give me the opportunity to become the father I never was. Leanna agrees. It will be strange for my children at first, but in time, I think they'll learn to accept you and understand.

You can always return to America and another life.

If you take this letter, crumble it up and throw it in the garbage, I'll understand. If I never hear from you again, I'll understand. As I said, I have no right to any expectations.

In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare wrote that the eye sees not itself but by reflection. Find a way to look into yourself Rain

. The answers are all there, waiting.

Just like me.

Love,

Your father

.

I didn't even feel the tears streaming down my cheeks. They surprised me when they reached my chin. I wiped them aside and sat back, thinking of my father. It was the first time in weeks that I had felt any hope. I decided to write back immediately and tell him I had decided, even before his letter had arrived, to return as quickly as I could. I had decided to turn my back on this family and take what some would rightfully call reparations, compensation and restitution for the pain and suffering I endured and still endured. Without shame. I would complete the negotiation for my money and I would leave. The only one I would truly miss was Jake and, of course. riding Rain.

While I waited for Aunt Victoria to get all the business papers in order with the family's attorney. I spent more time doing just that. Jake brought me to the stables earlier and I helped feed and care for Rain. I took longer rides, deciding to go off right and make our own paths through the woods and then through other meadows, nearly reaching my grandmother's property line before starting back.

Jake said I was doing wonderfully and Rain was getting stronger, leaner.

"You two are really a pair now," he told me. He brought Mick Nelsen, the trainer, around to watch us and once I joined Mick while he rode his horse. Rain seemed unhappy, maybe jealous. She twisted and turned her neck and seemed to pout, trotting with her head down and only occasionally stealing a glance of the other horse, who was indifferent.

When Rain and I parted from Mick and his horse before returning to the stables, a change came over Rain. She lifted her head proudly and regained her energy. Reluctant to end the ride now, she actually tried to get me to start again. Jake laughed later when I described her behavior.

"Just like a woman." he said. "She wants your undivided attention."

That night Aunt Victoria called to tell me she would be over late the next afternoon and she would bring their attorney along to explain every detail.

"We don't want you to think anything is being done surreptitiously," she said. 'No lawsuits five years down the road, if you please.'

"Fine," I told her. "I'll be here.'

I told Jake I had to be back by two. It was a day I shall never forget. I relive each detail like some meticulous detective searching for a clue, an answer, a reason. What could I have done differently? If I had lingered ten more minutes over my breakfast or not been so efficient when I had gotten to the stables, would the events of the day have been changed? Could I have prevented what happened?

Was I being punished for defying Fate or Grandmother Hudson's wishes? Who was I to dare to think I was master of my own destiny? I was forced into this world, into this body and soul, given this name and all these thoughts, and pulled out of the great body of God to be born unwanted. And now. I had the audacity to think I could make it all right?

And then of course, there was Brody. lingering in my mind like an extra shadow, a soul for whom I bore eternal responsibility, a soul that demanded satisfaction.

As soon as we drove up to the stables. Mick approached.

"Your horse Rain-- she's anxious today." he said. "Hyper as I've ever seen her. You're going to have to move in with her." he told me. jokingly. "She don't like you not being here when she wants you."

"Is she all right?" Jake asked suspiciously.

"Yeah. Just give her a little longer warm up. It might be the crisp air. Makes 'em impatient to get those muscles flexed, their blood movin'."

I walked Rain around the track. She snorted and whinnied and tugged at me moving her head toward her rear to say, get that saddle on and let's stop this nonsense. It made Mick laugh, but Jake kept his eyes small, his face full of concern.

"She is more rambunctious. Let Mick take her out today, Rain." he told me.

"What? Why?"