Hairless Penguin vs. Owen Cruze

[Owen]

+++ Miami – 12th December 2022 +++

 

The overriding feeling that Owen had right now was one of confusion. Why, after everything would Charlotte take her own life. Yes, everything had spiraled out of control, and yes there was no question that she would have to ensure some prison time, but this had come totally out the blue. And Owen had to admit that has he was being asked question by the Police, he wasn’t really listening. Thankfully Charlotte’s sister Max had taken the lead on that, seemingly in her element. The officers, who had introduced themselves as Detectives Cooper and Starling, had been very thorough, getting as big a picture as they possibly could, and seemed more than adequate at their jobs. All Owen wanted to do however was get out there, and start looking for her, not believing that she would take such extreme measures.

 

Cooper: So, Mr. Cruze…

 

Owen doesn’t hear him at first, the Detective repeating himself.

 

Cooper: Mr. Cruze?

 

Owen snaps from his trance, turning back to the Detective addressing him.

 

Owen: Sorry, miles away.

 

Cooper: How would you describe Ms. Byers demeanor the last time you saw her… last night I believe?

 

Owen: She was struggling with it all… relieved that she wasn’t going to be charged with murder, but still understood that it was likely she was going to jail.

 

Cooper: And how did she feel about that?

 

Owen puffs out his cheeks, the questioning already starting to irritate him.

 

Owen: Well, she wasn’t happy about it obviously.

 

The detective, trained in matters such as this, immediately picks up on Owen’s annoyance.

 

Cooper: We are only trying to help Sir; we are not the enemy here.

 

Owen: Yeah, I know… sorry.

 

Starling: It’s OK, we know how difficult this is. Believe me, we’ve dealt with a lot worse.

 

Owen nods, glad of the understanding and feeling more than a little guilty with the way he had reacted. He takes a deep breath, to compose himself, Cooper, reiterating his question.

 

Cooper: So, how would you say she was feeling emotionally?

 

Owen: I thought she was doing ok. She knew that she had done wrong and was ready to face the music. I even had Scott’s Mother here and the two of them somehow hashed it out.

 

Cooper: Scott?

 

Owen: He was the bar manager at Charlotte’s… died a few days back from his injuries.

 

Cooper: Ah yes… so you don’t see any reason why she would try and escape ‘justice’?

 

Owen: No, not at all… it was like. It’s difficult to explain.

 

Starling: Take your time Owen.

 

Owen: It was like she wanted to be punished. Like she knew that she wouldn’t be able to move on unless she was. I just don’t get why she would…

 

Owen hesitates, seeing the look on Max’s face.

 

Cooper: Please, continue. Anything you can tell us could be of help.

 

Owen lowers his head, looking at the floor for a moment, then brings it up again and says the words that everyone else was thinking.

 

Owen: I just don’t understand why she would take her own life. It’s just not like her at all.

 

Starling writes something down, and then looks back towards Owen.

 

Starling: We are working with all options Mr. Cruze… including the possibility that Ms. Byers hasn’t taken her own life at all.

 

Owen had to admit, the thought had crossed his mind, but the situation seemed so cut and dry.

 

Max: You think she could still be alive?

 

Owen had forgotten that Max was still here, her voice contained hope for the first time, as if she’d never really considered the possibility.

 

Cooper: From what Mr. Cruze tells us, Ms. Byers didn’t seem like she was desperate to escape from it all. The profile we are building of her, she seems like a confident woman, who’s situation got so bad, setting fire to her bar was the only way she could get out of her financial difficulties. Of course, we know what that means in the eyes of the law, but a large proportion of the time, manslaughter is nothing more than a tragic accident, as is the case here.

 

Starling: We don’t want to give you false hope, that’s not our job. But until we locate a body…

 

Owen: Is that the next phase?

 

Starling: Divers will be setting up shortly… so yes. But until we find a body, there is every possibility that Ms. Byers changed her mind after meeting with the victim’s Mother and chose to escape from it all and try and start a new life. The longer it takes for us to find that body, the more possible that scenario is.

 

Max: I just don’t think she would leave me… we were so close.

 

Owen almost scoffs, knowing that statement was nothing like the case. In fact, only a few days before her disappearance, Charlotte had been ranting to him about her overbearing Sister. The way she felt, ‘getting away’ could have been just as much about Max as Scott’s tragic death. He doesn’t say anything however, not wanting to kick her whilst she was obviously down.

 

Cooper: Well, I think we have everything we need for now. We may need to ask more question’s later; can we assume that you will be available?

 

Max nods, she was always around Miami, Cooper then turning to Owen.

 

Owen: I’ll be out of state from Wednesday, I’m a pro-wrestler and have a show Thursday. I’ll be back Saturday, but if you need anything I’ve always got my cell phone with me.

 

Cooper: OK, thank you.

 

Starling: Try not to worry. And if we have any further information, we’ll be sure to let you know.

 

The Detectives get to their feet, Owen shaking both of their hands and then walking with them towards the front door.

 

Owen: And sorry… with the abruptness and all.

 

Cooper: Don’t think anything of its Sir, these kinds of situations play with the emotions. We are more than used to dealing with it, and we didn’t take any offence. You get a feeling about these kinds of things, and let’s just say I don’t believe everything is quite as it seems. We’ll be in touch once the Divers have done their thing, until then try to enjoy the rest of your day.

 

Owen: We’ll do our best.

 

The Detective nods, Owen closing the door behind them and then walking back into the kitchen where he had left Max. No sooner has he entered the room does Max engage him in conversation.

 

Max: So, what do you think?

 

Owen: I think we shouldn’t be tying ourselves in knots with the whys and wherefores. It’s not doing you any favors.

 

Max: But do you agree with the Police? Do you think she could be alive?

 

Owen shrugs his shoulders, still not sure what to think.

 

Owen: Honestly Max, I don’t know. It all seems a little elaborate to me, and why would she go through all that, knowing that you’d think she was dead.

 

Max looks away from him at this point, Owen sensing something was wrong.

 

Owen: Max, is there something you’re not telling me?

 

Max takes a seat, clearly troubled by something, Owen taking a seat of his own across from her.

 

Max: This morning… we had an argument.

 

Owen: About what?

 

Max: You.

 

Owen: Me? What about me?

 

Max: I told her that she was paying too much attention to you, instead of listening to her own Sister.

 

Owen: So, you were jealous?

 

Max hesitates, not wanting to part with the words but knowing she didn’t have any choice.

 

Max: Yes, I was… I was jealous that she obviously had a better relationship with you that she did her own Sister.

 

Owen: That wasn’t the case Max

 

Max: Wasn’t it? The way she hung on everything you said, it was pathetic.

 

Owen tries to divert the conversation away from him and tries to understand what was said.

 

Owen: OK, whatever… so what did you say to her?

 

Max: I told her the truth, a truth that no one was telling her. I told her that she wouldn’t survive in prison, even if it was for only a couple of years.

 

Owen: Why would you do that? She needed this.

 

Max: No, she didn’t… it would have killed her.

 

Owen: And now you think she’s killed herself, don’t you?

 

Max: I do… because I made her feel like she didn’t have any choice.

 

Owen knew what guilt was like, how it could eat you up inside. He knew that right now, Max was blaming herself, for giving Charlotte what she believed were home truths. Home truths that had potentially pushed her over the edge. After speaking with the cops, Owen had been filled with hope, that she could still be alive somewhere. Now, he wasn’t so sure, but he wasn’t going to give up hope. She deserved more than that.

 

Owen: You don’t know that Max… no one knows for sure.

 

Max: And if I’m right, and it was me.

 

Then she would have to deal with it, but Owen doesn’t say that. He didn’t have to because Max knew it full well. Owen didn’t want to be harsh, but Max wasn’t his problem, Charlotte was. And if she was still alive, Owen still wanted to help her. In any way he could.

 

+++ Miami – 13th December 2022 +++

 

Owen had spent most of yesterday standing back from the jetty, praying that nothing would be found, a sudden surge of commotion revealing the worst. At the end of the day, the team had packed up their stuff, no one anymore the wiser. Since yesterday after Owen hadn’t seen Max, and was thankful for that, her problems something Owen didn’t want to deal with on top of everything else. And as he woke and padded across the cold floor of his bedroom, straight into the cold shower to wake himself and then pull on his shorts, a tee-shirt and trainers, he was ready to once again pound the beach, in readiness for the Trios Tournament. He’d resolved that never again would his professional career and personal life merge to one. Something he had proven on December 8th, claiming the World Championship even with everything going on. And so, with a real feeling that today was a new day, he opens the front door, immediately confronted by none other than Bradley Comer, Pixie’s boyfriend, who had tried to get him to invest in a resort in Hawaii, and who since Owen had found was nothing like on the level.

 

Bradley: Sorry to bother you this early Owen, but as I was in Miami, thought I’d call on the off chance.

 

Owen’s defenses were already up, the time of day, and Bradley conveniently being in Miami a short-sighted attempt at covering up his real reasons to be here.

 

Owen: I was just heading out.

 

Bradley: This will just take a moment Owen; I just want to say something and then I’ll be gone.

 

With a sigh, Owen steps aside and motions for Bradley to come in. Part of Owen believed this wasn’t a good idea, but the other part was intrigued as to what Bradley could possibly have to say. Bradley makes his way into the kitchen, pulling out a chair and then checking with Owen that it is ok to sit. A nod from Owen and Bradley is seated, Owen choosing to stay stood.

 

Owen: Can I get you a drink?

 

Bradley: No, it’s fine… like I said, I won’t be staying long. I would just appreciate the opportunity to explain myself that’s all… and to apologize for my conduct.

 

Now Owen was even more intrigued, an apology being the last thing he had expected. Owen reaches to the refrigerator, and pulls out a bottle of water, unscrewing the top and taking a drink, never taking his eyes off Bradley.

 

Owen: So, what you got to say?

 

Bradley: First and foremost, I want to apologize. I had no right going off at you in New York, and certainly not in your place of business. Doing what I do, it can get kind of stressful, and although not an excuse, I do believe that the stresses were getting to me.

 

Owen shrugs, fact was he wasn’t even the slightest concerned what had happened in New York and had given it very little thought since.

 

Owen: It’s fine, wasn’t the first time I’ve been screamed at and certainly won’t be the last.

 

Bradley: Well, that’s very kind of you, but it isn’t the right way to conduct business and so therefore I apologize.

 

Owen: OK, apology accepted.

 

Owen knew that Bradley couldn’t have had the first clue what Chris Clay had uncovered, and as such, Owen was interested as to how he was going to pass it off. Owen knew he was some kind of ‘Golden Goose’ to Bradley, who had the means to make a real difference to his ‘investment’ even if that investment was nothing more than a scam.

 

Owen: So, is that it? Like I said, I was just headed out.

 

Bradley: No… no that isn’t it.

 

Knowing what he knew, Owen immediately recognized the beginning of a new sales pitch. Bradley obviously hadn’t given up the chase, and as such he was going to come at it with a new tact. Owen has to do his best to keep a straight face, him knowing what Bradley could not, not yet at least. That this was all going to be more lies and untruths to get money that he had literally no chance of receiving.

 

Owen: Look, I don’t want to be rude, but I am in a hurry.

 

Bradley: OK, so I’m going to level with you

 

‘That would be a first’ is the first thing to enter Owen’s head, but he bites his tongue.

 

Bradley: I’m in trouble… and I need this investment to happen. If I don’t get the funds, and this whole project goes under, then I’m going to be in real danger of going bankrupt. It’s the reason I lost it Owen, I’ve tried all the other investors, I’ve tried to get more money out of them to get this over the line, but you were my last hope.

 

Owen was enjoying this, seeing Bradley squirm his way, trying to somehow fool Owen into relinquishing his cash on what he knew was nothing more than a ‘work’.

 

Owen: Fact remains though Bradley, my money is tied up in the school and shelter.

 

Bradley: 10K Owen, that’s all that is needed to rescue this whole thing. To make sure that people don’t lose this amazing opportunity.

 

Owen: 10K?

 

Owen purposely says it as if to give him hope, a hope that Owen reads etched all over his face. Sensing this, Bradley swings for the bases, to deliver what he believed would be the killer blow.

 

Bradley: That’s all… and I know I don’t deserve it after how I acted before in New York. But if you won’t do it for me…, do it for Pixie. I’m not the only one here who stands to lose.

 

And there it was, the emotional blackmail that Owen had expected. Using someone who Owen cared about to squeeze out every dime of the scam that he possibly could. There was no question, his face looked genuine, but underneath was a man determined only to close out the deal, anyway he could.

 

Bradley: Don’t let your feelings for me cost you this opportunity Owen. This could make you a fortune, and you know it.

 

Enough was enough… and Owen pulls out his mobile phone, opening a browser and a webpage that he had in his favorites. He then slides it across the table, Bradley looking at the screen and his eyes widening.

 

Owen: You recognize that I assume.

 

Bradley doesn’t say a word and doesn’t look up towards Owen.

 

Owen: That Bradley, is the land that you’ve been trying to sell me and others, land that already has a state-of-the-art hotel, built just under two years ago. Did you really think I was that stupid, that I wouldn’t check the individual that I was about to do business with? Seems you have quite a reputation when it comes to ‘deals’ like this.

 

Bradley: Owen, I…

 

He finally looks up, knowing full well that he is bang to rights. Owen holds up his hand, stopping him in his tracks.

 

Owen: Nah, don’t want to hear it, Bradley. Don’t want to hear your excuses, I just want you out of my house. You just want to think yourself lucky that I’ve got more than enough going on in my life to contend with, and I don’t see reason to report you. I know a couple of detectives that would love to hear what you’ve been up to.

 

Bradley gets to his feet, and Owen truly believes that he is going to lose his temper again, so Owen stands too just in case. But instead, Bradley reveals a man who wasn’t lying when he said he was in trouble, and who had seen all his hopes and dreams unravel before him.

 

Owen: Oh, and if you think you’re still going to fleece Pixie, think again. Her ex-husband, my Uncle Shaun is having lunch with her today, and he’s going to tell him exactly what you’ve been up to. My advice to you, give her back her cash and then disappear.

 

Owen leans forwards, placing the palms of his hand on the table and leaning forwards.

 

Owen: Because believe me, they might not be together, but Shaun still cares a lot about Pixie. And if you don’t disappear, Shaun will have no problem grassing you up.

 

Bradley nods, looking more than a little sorry for himself. Heading to the door, but Owen placing a hand on his chest and stopping him in his tracks.

 

Owen: Disappear. Understand?

 

Another nods, and Bradley is gone, the door not even slamming behind him as he leaves. Owen grins, at least something good having happened, in amongst all the recent crap of late. Owen picks up his phone and dials a number, waiting for someone to answer

 

‘Hello’

 

The voice is instantly recognizable, it being that of his Uncle Shaun.

 

Owen: I’ve just had a visit Shaun… Guess who?

 

+++ Miami – 17th December 2022 +++

 

It may not have been the clean-cut victory that they were looking for, but Owen, Nicole and Ravyn had regardless advanced to the next round of Trios, and a step closer to a contract that may come in useful in 2023. As such, it was now time to focus only on the World Championship defense that would be occurring at the End of Year Special. A night which would once again either signify a giant step forward, or another failing to learn from. The last time he had held the world championship, he hadn’t even managed a single title defense. This time he was intent on going on step further, retaining the Championship to kick of the New Year. The fans had voted, and Hairless Penguin would be the person stepping up to the plate. Someone who no question was a legitimate threat to everything that Owen wanted, considering only a few weeks ago the two of them had one heck of a battle. As such, this Christmas wouldn’t be about excess, or enjoying his Christmas to the full. This New Year would be all about proving that he belonged, and he was far more capable of carrying the responsibility than when he had been nineteen years old. Only a victory would achieve that, an honorable defeat would change nothing. He wanted to show the world that he belonged, and that it wasn’t just a couple of one offs that had brought him to the show. He’d slayed the monster in Xander Valentine, but it would mean nothing if he relinquished the belt at the first hurdle. This his preparation HAD to be on the money, and so it would be. And preparation these days meant running down the beach and to the local gym, and then running back, not matter how his legs burned. Constantly working on his stamina that had ensured his victory over Valentine. He wasn’t a one trick pony anymore, but that didn’t mean that his greatest attribute had stopped being a potent weapon. And it always would be. As he enters the house and picks up the post from the floor, throwing them on the counter, he immediately makes his way to the freezer, pulling out a bottle of coke and popping the cap, taking a long swig, then he filters through the post, stopping at one that didn’t look like the usual circulars, postmarked ‘Toronto’. Still none the wiser, he rips open the envelope and pulls out a letter, only now realizing the significance of this correspondence. Recognizing the handwriting, he sits himself down, feeling the need to, his legs already heavy from the work out. He then starts to read to himself.

 

‘My Dearest Owen,

 

I hope this letter finds you well.

 

No, this isn’t a note from the afterlife, this isn’t proof that this is something else.

 

No, all this letter proves is that I am just a much the coward that I know you thought I was. That I couldn’t face up to the responsibilities of what I’d done.

 

Other than yourself, Scott was my best friend, a confidante. Someone who helped me build the business into what it became. I can’t expect you to understand, but what I did, the pain I felt was as if I had killed my own brother.

 

I thought I could take my punishment. I thought I could spend time in prison and come out a changed woman. But that wouldn’t have taken anything away. It doesn’t take anything away. And I couldn’t live with all the looks, even after I had done my time. The only closure I could give people was by making them believe that I was gone forever. That I’d taken my own life, having taken Scott. And Owen, that’s the way it has to stay.

 

Max was right, I couldn’t have spent time in prison. I’m right, I couldn’t come back to Miami after what I did. Scott’s Mum might have said the words, but I would have been a constant reminder to her of what I did. I didn’t want that for her, so here I am.

 

In time, I’ve not doubt that the case will be closed, and I will just be another statistic, another case that could never be solved. By the time this letter reaches you, I will no longer be in Toronto (I know you’re not stupid and you’ll have seen the postmark.) I won’t tell you where I’m going, and I’m not even going to try and pretend I’m happy. But this IS for the best. Not just for you, but for everyone. And that’s why even though I don’t deserve it, I ask one final favor from you. Keep my secret, take it to your grave. Destroy this letter, and don’t ever tell anyone that you read it. I know I’m asking a lot of you but know that this is the only way. The only way for everyone to move on.

 

Owen, I wish things could have turned out differently. There will always be a part of me that will wonder what could have happened if you weren’t so besotted with Jennifer, obviously the love of your life. I hope the wedding goes well, and the two of you get your happily ever after, because if there is anyone who deserves that, its you. Take care Owen, know that I’ll always be thinking of you, and more than anything, thank you.

 

Goodbye.

 

Love,

Charlotte.’

 

Owen places the letter on the table in front of him, relief his primary emotion, tinged with a hint of sadness. She was alive, and that was something. But Owen knew he’d never see her again, and that hurt. More than anyone would ever know.

 

+++ Miami – 17th December 2022. Later that day +++

 

To keep up the appearance, Owen had still walked the beach front, to find a clue or two that he now knew he never would. He’d even made his way to the jetty, the diving team no longer stationed there, seemingly having, and quite rightfully, given up hope. Max hadn’t been to the house since, a fact that Owen was glad about, but she had tried to call him on no less than three occasions just today, Owen ignoring the call every time. He wasn’t sure he could lie to her, knowing what he knew. He couldn’t however ignore the Detectives that appear on the back porch, staring through the patio doors directly at him. After getting over the shock of them being there, he gets to his feet and opens the door.

 

Cooper: So sorry Mr. Cruze, didn’t mean to startle you but no one answered round the front.

 

Owen: Sorry, didn’t hear you. In a world of my own...

 

Rather than invite them in, especially knowing that the letter was still sat on the side, he steps out onto the patio, and leans with his back against the fence that surrounds it.

 

Cooper: Understandable. You seem to have a lot going on right now and the time of year never helps.

 

Owen: Guess there isn’t ever really a great time for a friend to go missing.

 

Starling: No, I guess not.

 

There follows an awkward silence, they were obviously here for a reason and weren’t sure how to put it.

 

Owen: So, how can I help the both of you?

 

Cooper: And you know, we have been searching the bay for the last few days, with little to no success. Considering tides, currents etc., then it was an educated guess that if something was going to be found it would have been by now. So, we’ve pulled them away from the case.

 

Owen was trying to say as little as possible, not wanting to implicate himself. So he just nods.

 

Starling: You don’t seem very surprised by that.

 

There was no implication in his voice, but that didn’t stop Owen as taking it as such.

 

Owen: As I said… I can’t believe for one second, she would take her own life. She’s just not the type to just give up.

 

Cooper: We are inclined to agree with you Owen, there is something about this that isn’t really adding up.

 

Owen: What do you mean?

 

Starling: It’s just a theory now, but to your knowledge did Charlotte have any enemies that might want to hurt her?

 

Owen: Not at all, everyone loved her.

 

Cooper: And what about Scott’s family?

 

Owen: It was just Scott and his mom, and his mom loves Charlotte, she even forgave her. Do you think someone did this to her?

 

Owen was playing his part better than he thought possible, but at the same time understood this was the definition of wasting police time.

 

Cooper: Like we said Mr. Cruze, we have a few theories right now we are working through. But right now, suicide seems the least likely and anything that you could tell us to help would be more than appreciated.

 

Owen shrugs his shoulders, giving as much impression that he could of knowing nothing.

 

Owen: She’s kicked a few out the bar of course she has, but the next day they were always allowed back in when they had sobered up. Seriously, no one would have a motive to kill her.

 

Starling: We didn’t say kill her Mr. Cruze

 

Owen gulps, for the first time truly feeling like he was being put on the spot even though he probably wasn’t.

 

Owen: So, you think she may have been kidnapped?

 

The Detective smiles, and Owen says the sentence before he has chance, which also has the benefit of easing the tension in Owen’s shoulders.

 

Owen: It’s just a theory… I get it.

 

Cooper: Indeed.

 

Starling: If you think of anything though Owen, no matter how inconsequential you may think it is, get in contact. And if anyone contacts you, whether it be Charlotte, or anyone connected to all this, let us know.

 

Owen: Will do.

 

Cooper passes Owen a card with his name and number on, Starling making his way to the gate.

 

Cooper: Speak soon Mr. Cruze. Thank you for your time.

 

Cooper leaves, and the two Detectives leave down the side of the house, Owen immediately going inside and picking up the letter, folding it, and placing it in his back pocket. Owen had hoped they were going to drop it, but it seemed that unfortunately Charlotte has two of the more tenacious cops assigned to her case. As it stood however, all Owen had to do was stay quiet, and Charlotte stay elusive. Right now, however, Owen wasn’t confident of either.

 

+++ New York – 19th December 2022 +++

 

Although everything was happening in Miami, that didn’t mean that everything else was being put on hold, and Owen needed to check out ‘Level Up’ and ensure that everything was still running like clockwork. He knew it would be, Finch and Chloe had been doing an amazing job, and were working well together, when they weren’t flirting. But for Owen it was a part of his character… the ‘control freak’ within him when something was important. And although the police investigation was of course important, so was the school and shelter which had gone from strength to strength since opening, and which would expand in the New Year when the building next door was ready. It was an exciting time, and Owen wanted to show his gratitude… whilst also making sure everything was in order.

 

Finch: Are you sure, I mean this is quite extravagant?

 

Finch admires his Tag Heuer watch on his wrist, a Christmas gift from Owen.

 

Owen: Bro, I couldn’t have done any of this without you. You’ve taken this project and ran with it, and I couldn’t be any more grateful considering. You deserve it mate.

 

Chloe: I’ve only been here five minutes; you didn’t have to thank me.

 

For Chloe, it had been the latest iPhone as well as Smartwatch, something Owen knew she had her eye on for a while.

 

Owen: Dude, working with Finch for five seconds is more than enough for some people. No, in all seriousness without you guys, plus Jason and Willow, where are they by the way?

 

Finch: Lunch… shopping, I think.

 

Owen: OK, well their gifts are in the office, if I’m gone by the time, they get here…

 

Finch: Yeah, I’ll make sure they get them.

 

Owen: There’s stuff in there for the students… plus the residents as well. Don’t think I’ve missed anyone out. Just wanted to make it clear that it’s a team effort, all the way from top to bottom.

 

Finch: And I’m sure it’s appreciated… and talking of which, we had a new potential resident rock up this morning, someone who you might want to cast your eye over.

 

Owen: Oh? You don’t usually ask.

 

Finch: Yeah, well this guy is a little different.

 

Chloe: We weren’t sure what you would want us to do. Considering the circumstances.

 

Owen: Well, now you have me intrigued. What’s the story?

 

Finch: Kids name is Landon Morris, ring any bells?

 

Owen: No can’t say it does.

 

Finch: What about Eric Morris?

 

Owen: Nope, should I?

 

Chloe: Honestly, sometimes you are a proper embarrassment, how out of touch are you?

 

Finch: Eric Morris owns Zuuzoo… the current trending Social Media platform. Guys a Billionaire, one of the richest men in New York.

 

Owen: OK, so who’s Landon?

 

Chloe: Join the dots dude. Landon is Eric’s entitled sixteen-year-old son.

 

Chloe and Finch wait a moment, watching as the cogs whirr in Owen’s brain until the lightbulb goes off.

 

Owen: So why the heck is he turning up at a shelter for the homeless.

 

Finch: Exactly bro… exactly.

 

Owen motions towards the office, and Chloe and Finch follow him inside, all three of them taking a seat.

 

Owen: OK, so what’s the kids story?

 

Finch: Turns up late last night, almost kicking down the door to get in. Tells me his name, and me not being ignorant to the world realizes who he is. Says that he’s been kicked out of home, that his Father is abusive, the regular stuff and that he can’t go back home. Obviously, I’m a little cynical with the whole thing, but he seemed genuinely scared.

 

Owen: What about his Mom?

 

Finch: Estranged from Eric apparently, and currently going through a messy divorce in which she is trying to claim half of everything.

 

Owen: So, can’t he go live with his Mom for a while?

 

Finch: Asked that question as well… and apparently not. Good old Eric has frozen her bank accounts and so she is having to stay with friends and no room at the inn for poor old Landon.

 

Owen: OK, so what’s your gut feel?

 

Finch: Honestly?

 

Owen: Yeah, give it to me.

 

Finch: Give it a couple of days without his home comforts and he’ll go crawling back home. Sounds to me like a kid just acting out because he hasn’t gotten his way.

 

Owen: And the abuse part?

 

Finch: We can report it to social services, get them to check in and make sure all’s good. But I seriously don’t believe that this is a case for us to fill out all the paperwork required to get him a permanent place here.

 

Owen: So, what you thinking?

 

Finch: Give him shelter for a couple of days, give him chance to digest his options. Maybe let Andy have a session with him, see if he can pick up on anything. My guess, before the end of the week it will all have resolved itself and Landon will be back home on the PS5, VR set up and giant cinema screen.

 

Owen: Chloe?

 

Chloe: I agree. And if things do escalate, we can always reevaluate. I reckon he’ll be home for Christmas… can you imagine the presents a billionaires son gets?

 

Owen thinks on it for a few seconds, before nodding his head.

 

Owen: OK, give him a bed for a couple of nights, and we’ll see how the land lies then. But yeah, get Andy to book a session in as soon as possible, today if he can. I don’t want this to blow up in our faces when it turns out the kid really was in trouble.

 

Finch: Not a problem, I’ll call him once we are done.

 

Owen: Cool, anything else I should know about?

 

Finch: Not that I can think of. Oh, actually… the contractors came round the other day and said that they will start work on next door mid-January. Should complete for the end of March they reckon.

 

Owen: Brilliant

 

Finch: And then what will the next stage be?

 

Owen: Places like this all around the world… but for that I’m going to need investment.

 

Finch: Uncle Shaun?

 

Owen: Amongst others yes. But that’s for another time. Till then, you two just keep doing what you are doing. Cannot be prouder of what we are achieving, and it looks like next year is going to be even bigger.

 

Finch: Another step towards world domination huh?

 

Owen: Another step towards giving back…

 

Finch nods, Chloe smiling at Owen who returns the gesture. This year had been spectacular to Owen, and he was intent on making 2023 even bigger and better. At 22 years of age, he finally felt like his life was on the right track. But more importantly, he truly believed that his father would be proud of him. And that, to Owen, was more important than anything.