It is late afternoon before my mother surfaces again. Still no word from Cat. I wonder if she reconsidered. If Cat thought it best not to reach out to me, or maybe she can't because things aren't resolved with Liam. Either way, I am stuck here without a way to talk to her and it is killing me.

My mom joins me on the sofa. "I need to go to your father's office, the lawyers need to discuss something with me. I would appreciate it greatly if you would accompany me."

I can hear the question in her voice as if she expects me to say no. "That is what I'm here for, Mom. Isn't it?"

She shrugs slightly. "We have had little opportunity to discuss it. I thought perhaps you may wish to limit yourself to the funeral arrangements, but if you are willing, I could use the support. These men... intimidate me."

I didn't like that sound of that. Not one bit. "What do you mean?" She has my full attention and I don't think she expected it. She shies away from me. Again she is playing with the hem of her skirt.

"I know little about your father's business. He built it, expecting one of his sons to take it over. When he knew that would no longer occur, it's not like he told me everything. He kept business, business and didn't bring business home. Perhaps, he didn't think me capable."

"So these men... they are talking over your head. Trying to pressure you into deciding things, without giving you the proper knowledge on how to make the right decisions?"

My mother nodded. "Yes, and I want to do what is right by the people that worked so many years for your father. They are pressuring me to sell but that may cause massive layoffs or firings, depending on the company that takes over the business."

I understood immediately what I need to do. "I need a suit."

"I only have your father's. They may fit you."

I immediately refused. "I'll get something on my own. Do you still have a driver?"

"Yes."

"Call him. I'm going to take a shower. When is the meeting?"

"In an hour."

"I'll be ready to go out in 5 minutes and then I'll come back to pick you up."

I take a shower. The driver is waiting to take me to the high-end store I requested. I knew where my father liked to purchase his suits and figured it is my best chance of getting the look I am going for. They are all too happy to take care of the son of Cillian Bragin. I place the purchases on the family tab. There was no way I can afford such luxuries with my funds.

"We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was a good man."

I heard this sentiment echoed repeatedly in each department store I had to enter. I didn't disagree with them. I figure what is the harm in them thinking well of my father. Just because my experience is different doesn't mean I have to tarnish theirs.

I came back home in search of my mother. I found her in her room. She is sitting at her vanity. She jumped when she caught sight of me in the mirror.

"Mom! Are you okay? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." I admonish myself for not knocking, but the door was open.

"N...no, it's fine. I'm fine," she tells me. She holds her hand still over her heart. "Just seeing you. Standing there. You look just like..."

She didn't finish her sentence and turns back around to finish her makeup. She was going to say my father. I look just like my father. I know I did. I thought it several times as they dressed me up for the part I was about to play: cufflink shirt, silk tie, leather dress shoes, and a 3 piece suit complete with pleated pants. I looked like a digital copy of him from his younger years.

I watch my mother try to apply her eyeliner. Her hand shakes so badly. She sighs and in her frustration threw the pencil onto the table. I walk over to her, dragging a chair from the corner of the room, I turn her chair around and picked up the pencil.

"Close your eyes," I instruct.

"What are you..." she looks at me dumbfounded.

"Close them," I demand.

She did as she was told. I knew she would. So well trained, she was. I cradle her chin in my palm and turning her face one way then the other as I lined her upper lids. Once pleased with my handiwork, I told her to open her eyes.

She opens them and they widen in amazement as she takes in at her appearance in the mirror. "How did you learn to do that?"

I've perfectly lined her eyes. I didn't answer her, but turn her back towards me. I pick up the bronzer and add a hint of color to her pale face. I look for a soft shade of lipstick and with a brush apply it to her lips and upon my orders; she closes her eyes again so I can add just a touch of color to her lids to make her eyes pop and look less tired.

"There," I say and turn her back towards her mirror.

"I look..."

"beautiful," I finish for her, resting my hands on her shoulders as I look at her through the mirror.

"How did you...? Where would you...?"

"How would I know how to apply makeup?" I smile at her sadly. "Your son," I tell her and turn away, not wanting to think about Aiden anymore. I walk to the door of her room. "The car is waiting."

My mother just stares at herself, transfixed, and then when I mention the car she came back to reality. "Yes, of course." She grabs her clutch purse, her wrap, and met me at the door. I gave her my arm and lead her outside.

Once in the car, I ask, "Did they tell you, the lawyers, did they mention what they wanted to talk to you about precisely?"

"No," my mother tells me. "They never do. I'm guessing they don't see why since I wouldn't understand the topic, so what would be the point."

"Research," I tell her. "They don't tell you because they don't want you to prepare for the meetings. They are fighting dirty, Mom, but all that changes today."

There is no way in hell I will let my mother be intimidated by anyone. It is bad enough that she had years of such abuse at the hands of my father. I sure as hell wouldn't let some mouthpiece force her into making a decision that would be bad for her.

We drive into the city and are now in front of my father's building. The driver lets us out and I take my mother's arm again, leading her to my father's offices. I didn't need to ask for directions. My father brought me here many times over the years while trying to groom me to take over the business.

We reach the elevators and I hit the button for the top floor. The receptionist stood when she saw us together. "Mrs. Bragin?! I didn't know you had a meeting today?"

"It's alright, Tina. I didn't call you because my son has accompanied me, but I would appreciate you taking notes of the meeting."

"Yes, of course," Tina scrambles to get her notepad and pens before joining us on the other side of her desk.

"Tina Worthington, this is my son, Alexander Bragin."

"Mr. Bragin," Tina nods. I hold my hand out to her and she smiles as she shakes it. Her smile turns sad before she says, "Your father was a good man. I'm so sorry for your loss."

I pull my hand away and just nod, not saying a word. There goes that phrase again. Again I wonder, how is it possible so many think so highly of him?

"Follow me," Tina walks down the hall to the conference room and opens the door. "Would you care for some refreshments?" Tina asks, ushering us in.

"Coffee, please," I tell her. "A seltzer water for me, Tina, thank you," my mother adds and Tina nods, leaving to fulfill our requests.

"Has Tina been keeping minutes of all your meeting with the lawyers?" I ask as I pull out a chair for my mother to be seated.

"No, usually I just ask her to take notes of what the lawyers or management teams are asking me to do, so I don't forget," she tells me.

I don't join her at the table, I just stare out at the skyline. It's nearly dusk, and the way the setting sun reflects off the buildings brings a beauty that you wouldn't expect to find among all this glass and steel.

The door opens and I hear, "Mrs. Bragin, so glad you could join us this evening. We just have a few things we need to go over with you."

I turn from the window and both men go pale. They look like they've seen a ghost. "The meeting will begin once Tina has returned," I inform them.

"Tina, the receptionist?"

"I wish her to take the minutes of this meeting. So if you gentlemen would be so kind as to have a seat. What exactly is it we will discuss tonight?"

Each man takes a chair, but I remain standing. Something I had seen my father do many times in his dealing with people who believed themselves to be all-important. I stand behind my mother but just slightly to her left to remain in her sight, with my hands a parade rest at my back.

"I'm sorry, and you are?" One lawyer asks.

"Alexander Bragin, eldest son of Cillian Bragin, and you are?" I say, not offering my hand.

"We are your father's business lawyers. I am Mr. Morston and this is Mr. Sullivan."

"I see, and what business do you have with my mother at this hour?"

"Well, we wish to discuss the probation of the will. The estate owns your father's shares, but we need to establish who the new owner of the business is if we are to consider the offers we have received for a buyout."

"Is there a reason we could not do this at a more decent hour of the day? As you may understand, gentleman my mother has much to deal with, many stresses in her life. We handle this now? My father's body is not even in its grave."

Both men look at one another, not sure how to answer this.

So I explain what I demand. "All future meeting are to be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon hours. After such, I do not expect my mother or I to be contacted until the following day."

"But Alexander..."

I stepped forward, placing a hand on my mother's shoulder. "Mr. Bragin, if you please."

Mr. Morston stumbled over his words, "Uh... um... yes, of course. Mr. Bragin, sometimes because of the nature of business such allowance cannot be made."

"If that is the truth, which I highly doubt Mr. Morston, then I suggest you take down this number," I rattle off my cell phone number to them and they jot it down.

"That number will reach me directly, and I suggest you make use of it."

"Yes, of course... Al... Mr. Bragin."

Tina arrives with coffee and seltzer water and offers to get something for the lawyers. They look just about to answer when I speak up. "That won't be necessary, Tina. Let the meeting begin."

I take great enjoyment at watching both men shut their mouths, as they now have to get down to business. After about an hour, I get all the minor details ironed out. As for the major ones, I inform them I will put together a plan and get back to them in a couple of days.

"With all due respect, Mr. Bragin. The longer we sit on the will and wait, the fewer opportunities your mother may have for selling this business," Mr. Sullivan complains.

"Is there some reason you believe we are desperate to sell, Mr. Sullivan?" I ask.

Everyone in the room stares at me. "We uh... we thought, well we were under the impression that your mother was the only heir and therefore would need to sell," Mr. Sullivan stammered.

"I see. I'm not sure that is altogether true, gentlemen, and until we are certain I see no reason to entertain offers. Things are to continue as they always have unless you are telling me the company is not solvent, and can't afford to continue to do business?"

"No, the business financially is doing well," Mr. Sullivan informs me. 

"All the more reason we should probate the will and get a move on with a resolution," Mr. Morston adds.

"I fail to see the urgency in this matter, Mr. Morston. I expect the company's financials to be turned over to me. In the meantime, do make certain you make a note of my initial request, and I believe that concludes our meeting here."

"But Mr. Bragin..." Mr. Morston stands to face me. "Are you seriously considering, playing boss now after your father's death. You haven't been involved in this company for years. You'll just end up running it into the ground and leave your poor mother with nothing but clothes on her back. You can get top dollar if you sell now."

I take another step forward and I am pleased to see Mr. Morston take a physical step back, although there was a table between us. "I appreciate your sentiment towards my mother's welfare, Mr. Morston, and I will take your advice under consideration but until we know we can decide what is best for all those involved with my father's company, we will entertain no deals to sell. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Mr. Bragin," Mr. Moreston agrees through gritted teeth.

"Then that concludes our business, gentlemen. I expect our next meeting to be at a more decent hour of the day. I'll have Miss Worthington send you the minutes and I expect the financials to this company to be expressed to my father's home care of Mr. Alexander Bragin if you'd be so kind?"

"Yes, sir," Mr. Sullivan replied. "We'll be certain it's done."

"Thank you and good evening."

"Good evening, sir," Mr. Sullivan says, taking his stack of folders and placing them in his briefcase before he and Mr. Morston leave the room.

"Alex?!" My mother looks at me, astonished.

"Mr. Bragin! That was... that was brilliant!!!" Tina exclaims.

"Call me Alex," I tell Tina. "Despite what I told them, I really prefer not to be called, Mr. Bragin."

"Oh." The girl's cheeks flush pink. "I'm not sure that I should. It wouldn't be proper. I'm just so glad to see someone put them in their place. They've been bullying your poor mother since your father's passing. Are you staying on as boss here, Mr. Bragin?"

"It's not my intention, no."

Tina's smile falters. She looks away from me and to my mother. "Well, I'm glad he's here for you, Ma'am. I feel so much better knowing Alex is looking out for you." Tina reaches over and squeezes my mother's hand. 

"I'll get right on these notes, Mr. Bragin," she tells me. Still refusing to call me Alex, except to my mother.

"No rush, Ms. Worthington. Sometime tomorrow will do. It's late, do you have a ride home?"

"Uh, yes. I drove myself."

"Good. Take the rest of the evening off. You can fax me the notes sometime tomorrow."

"Yes, Mr. Bragin!" Tina nearly bounces from the room.

When she shut the door again, my mother turns to me.

"Alex, how did you do that?"

"Do what?" I ask, helping her to her feet.

"Take command like that. You had that man quaking in his shoes."

"I majored in Photo Journalism and Media Law, but I still minored in Business and Communication."

My mother looks at me with pride. "Well, I would say you communicated most effectively."

"I hope so. I won't let anyone bully you, Mom. Never again."

My mother looks like she wishes to say more but stops herself, caressing the side of my cheek she settles on saying, "Thank you."

I smile down at her. "You're welcome."