Chapter 30

Late at night, the streets were nearly empty, just a few cars occasionally rolling past. James lit a cigarette and took a long drag, blowing out a ring of smoke. His face was barely visible through the haze. "Lucas, what do you think?" he asked. James usually had things under control. He only asked for his assistant's opinion when his mind was truly a mess. Standing behind him, Lucas thought for a moment before replying, "Mr. Carter, if you can really let go, that would be for the best." James didn't say anything. He just started smoking faster. Sophie had just asked him to give Ethan a proper family. His first reaction had been to say no without thinking. He already had a wife, a home. He owed Sophie and Ethan, no doubt. That was why he had always protected them. But then Sophie had also pleaded with him to let Emily off the hook. That hit him right where it hurt the most. His hand trembled slightly, the cigarette falling to the ground, embers fading into the darkness. He got in the c