‘B’ Is For Boyfriend.

Chapter One — ‘L’ Is For Laws.

Lawyer alert. I repeat.. Lawyer alert.

—

I squinted against the sun as the blue parakeet weaves through the thin chemtrail lines left and vanished from view. It had been days now since the poor bird showed up with an injured foot in Bob's orchid and rumoured to have a magical healing touch with animals, the young man had brought the bird over, tipped a nice amount which would be used in taking care of it and performed the duty of checking up on it every morning. His loyalty and love for birds astounded me. Where in Denver could a man who loved birds so effortlessly be found?

The bird gave me trouble initially by refusing to eat or take anything which became evident in its weight and posture. I provided it with the usual bird mix which it ate up rather reluctantly. Coming across a webpage which had tips on luring parrots out of their shy ways, I headed down to the market and bought a whole basket of apples which I had the bird eat from my fingertips. Slowly, it became accustomed to me and we struck up a great friendship which lasted up till this minute. So, therefore, I was a bit sad to let it go.

Denver, besides being a blooming metropolis had it's citizens still in the wrap of familiarity as no one was a stranger to the other. It was suitably known for its world-class cultural attractions, chef-driven dining and red-hot music scene. It was situated in the valley of the South Platte River, and drew in openness from the Great Plains to the east and featured a spectacular view of the highly acclaimed ‘Rocky Mountains’

The city was beautiful and lovely and hence once anyone found themselves in it, they were being welcomed wholly and gave up the idea of leaving. Families were roots deep and little movements. Generations sprouted, died and was buried and no one ever thought of discovering the amazing world out there.

No one but I.

My leaving hadn't been for much longer...seven years. I'd graduated with brilliant grades and in the nights that followed, I'd kept awake thinking hard about what I wanted to do with my future. There was no way I'd participate in running the family restaurant or assist my Dad with farming. I needed something different and completely foreign.. never been achieved before.

I wanted to chase my long-life dream of becoming a lawyer. Business here in Denver wasn't a rare activity as with civilisation came great challenges and there'd certainly been bad eggs I need to flush out. It was hard to get my appeal through to be posted here but at last, the Bar budged. I wanted peace in Denver, everyone living peacefully and not worried while sleeping at night that one or two of their possessions would be surely stolen before they woke up or their sister got r***d and the law couldn't defend her.

I was here to stay.

I stared back at the small office near the main house where I conducted all my appointments and worked far late into the night. Truly, it was small, but with success comes expansion and soon I hoped to gather enough money to be able to afford a more standard, suitable one befitting my status. A dream of mine I'd nurtured for months now.

My hard work would pay off eventually.

My parents weren't so pleased with my decision to leave but they had to support me one way or the other as I was their only son and child. My Dad had humbly agreed to let me use his study as an office and Mum was overjoyed as she helped me pack. Since it was a tow in life I'd chosen, they'd realized early enough that it'd be a waste of time trying to change my mind. And I'm glad they didn't. I was having fun playing attorney or representing thieves.

So, crouching back unto the building, I took a sharp glance at my schedule and swivelled back to my truck, the Sinclair mansion in mind. Recently, their grandfather passed away and while still alive, the old man bestowed on me much trust and love that he considered me only the one fit to read his will to his family. He had two wives who on the surface might look close but I sensed some grievous underscore when their pretences weren't at play. I guess the old man sensed that also, thereby having me prepare a very fair will so all would know what they owned and why they owned it and not fight over anything.

It seemed like a foolproof plan but a few meters up ahead, leading to the gigantic tall gates with a bold ‘S’ engraved into the steel, the large structure tall and imposing, standing in sharp contrast to the bustle coming from the West and the serene Greenlands from the that seemed to never end.

I honked as loud as I could, the gate drawing open as though an invisible force controlled it. It was only when it parted that my breath caught on at the familiar figure of Daniel Sinclair disappearing into the shadows, probably hurrying down the stairs to come to meet me at the door.

Some things never did change.

I gathered my stuff and barely made it to the door when the glass parted and a blob of dark hair being pushed back emerged first before his whole body. I went still, familiarity pulsating all over me as his eyes hardened, taking in my quivering presence.

He was more handsome than ever.

“You're trembling,” his husky voice with an arrogant undertone jolted me back to reality.

I am?

If moving back home to the love of family and the admiration of everyone made me think my decision to return was indeed fated, the single sight of Daniel Sinclair was enough to send me out of town. His scowl cut through my lungs and made the petty act of breathing difficult.

Nothing was ever easy when Daniel was involved.

The past few times I've been here since I got back, he'd burdened me with his presence, idly watching me as I self-consciously fumbled with the paperwork, slyly asking if I needed anything, coffee or his body. Yeah, the last part is very foolish but they were his words, not mine.

“Come inside. We're all waiting.”

He withdrew past the glass panelled doors leaving me still breathing in heat.

He was very reputable in Town, no teenage girl's fantasy didn't revolve around him. Dark, mysterious, hot sexy body...what else could I have wanted? What else could he have given to make me stay?

Everything. He never forgave me.

I won't be seeing him much longer after today. My primary intent right now was to wrap this all up and go home to a nice cup of coffee to clear my head on thoughts about him. It's been three months I've been a regular visitor so they'd be pleased to see me no more.

I'd move on with my life... strangely, I didn't want that.

I never knew what I wanted.

We sauntered down the familiar corridor and into the large living room with everything glass and shine. The family sat around a white granite table, all dressed in black with heads bowed. They seemed to be observing a minute of silence before I entered.

“Attorney,” Stella Sinclair, the first regal wife stretched a thin hand out to me. She was a thin, frail type of woman with shiny eyes that'd seen too much. Her hair were always up in a bob as was similar to Regina Sinclair but the latter was so much younger, and fierce too. “It's good that you're here as we all have to go out for the evening.”

“I intend to stay an hour, if you permit me,” I said, setting my briefcase down on the table.

“That can be arranged,” She smiled at me affectionately. “Please have a seat,”

I sank into the red plush sofa, ambling forward to pop open my briefcase. Pulling the files out, I took my precious time organising them with Daniel's eyes fixed on me. His choice to stay behind, close to the door was torture as I fumbled with the files nervously. Clearing my voice, I read out rather hoarsely. “This is my last will — ”

“Sorry! Sorry!!” A blonde girl is clumping down the stairs, her wedge heels click-clacking violently. She rushes to Daniel's side, but not without kissing him first as a general eye-roll goes round the rest of the family. I felt my chest tighten at this. “I'm so sorry for interrupting, please carry on.”

Pretend she's not existing.

“This is my last will. I, Richard Esteban Sinclair, aged seventy and currently residing in Denver, the capital city of Colorado in sound disposing mind and without any pressure from any person do hereby make this will as my last will and cancel all my previous wills or codicils to avoid any dispute or difference regarding my moveable and immovable properties after my death.

I'm blessed with Charlie, Daniel and Katie.

Legal heirs; Charlie and Daniel Sinclair.

Only my eldest son is married but they are all doing well in their respective lives and have looked after me well.

I'm the owner and in possession of three chains of companies, large acres off the plains and of course, my two mansions.

Life is uncertain and so therefore I do not know when I'd be called by God to return to the dust he made me from. Being alive and healthy, I want to make settlement of my movable and immovable properties to avoid dispute or difference when I'm gone among my legal heirs.

Therefore I'm making this present will. So long I'm still alive, I'll still be the sole owner of all my properties. However, at my death, it'd all be shared in ratio 3:2:1 in favour of my three children; Charlie, Daniel and Katie.

I bequeath all my moveable and immovable properties to my aforesaid heirs as per the ratio made above.

I appoint Attorney Ryan Revel and in case of his demise, Lady Stella Sinclair as the executioner of this will.

All my previous will are hereby annulled.

Signed on: 26th May 2006 in the presence of Attorney Ryan Revel.”

The room goes silent as I place the paper down and fix my glasses squarely only to catch Daniel and the blonde making out. My words caught on my throat as I stare at them, bewildered. “Daniel!” Stella chides. “Not here you two.”

“Oh sorry,” he smirked at me.

Fully aware of his motive of hurting me, I was prepared to tune out whatever it was which concerned him. “Given the above ratio, Charlie Sinclair from this moment henceforth own the Enterprise establishment down at New York while Daniel...” I trail off, drawn by the blonde girl's moan as he nuzzles her neck. I clear my throat to continue. “Daniel Sinclair owns the one at California and Katie gets the land off the plains. The two houses and the last Enterprise establishment shall remain under the custody of Stella and Regina Sinclair forthwith.”

I pulled off my glasses and began packing up. “Good day everyone.”

“Well, I suppose that's fair,” Regina said, looking thoughtful as she hugged Stella. “We could share the responsibilities and I trust everything to work out fine. Thanks, Attorney.”

“Thank you, Sir,” Katie chanted, enveloping me into a warm hug. She smells of vanilla and a bit of apple. It gets addicting after a while.

“It's no big deal really,” I gave a small smile, standing up.

“Finally done here, thank goodness,” Daniel pushed the girl towards the stairs. “See you later Attorney, I've got unfinished business.” I detect a hint of exhilaration as he ascends the stairs, barely looking back. Never turning to see the tears that rolled down my cheeks at his words.