Veil Of Vengeance (Seven's Revenge)

“You weren't the only one who lost someone mom,I lost him too. He was my brother” Seven screamed at her mother who was sitting down on one of the restaurant seats with a scotch in front of her. She was almost done with the scotch. “Listen to yourself. He was your brother? Brother? He was my own son. Don't you get it? I birthed him,fed him,raised him and someone just walks in through that door and tells me he's no more” Suzanne said with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I also need time to grief,let me be Seven” “Grief? You call this grief? You drink now and you've gambled away almost all the money we have and you tell me you're grieving? Mom,please,get a hold of yourself. This isn't you” Seven continued “Oh,this is me, Seven dear. Without my son this is what I am” “Then what am I? He was your son,agreed. But I am your daughter too mum,I can help you” “ You can't do nothing. Just leave me! Get out! Get out of my sight! I don't want to see you!” Suzanne said as she flung her cup across the room. It's been two months since Seven's brother, Six's death. It was on a cold evening,and she and her parents were just closing up the restaurant when two police officers came in. They had pretended at first that Six was in their custody not wanting to raise any alarm but when her mother,Suzanne wasn't having it. They had to give in and break the news of his death to them. Six had been in an accident where he lost his life immediately. His boss' car collided with his and even though Six died immediately, his boss Nathan Brown survived and was in coma. The other passenger, Jaime Schneider, Nathan's best friend, was the only one who wasn't really hurt from the accident. And ever since his death things had taken a downturn in their family. It was as if Six was the only one holding them together and with him gone,the family's happiness was also gone. Seven watched as her mother drowned another glass of Scotch down her throat. She wasn't asking for anything else,she just wanted her mother back. “Mum,please” Seven said, sobbing. “Let her be” She heard Elijah's voice from behind her. “Dad,how could you say that? She's ruining everything you built for us” “She's just grieving” “I know,and I understand that but I just want her back. It's been two months” “He was our son,two months isn't enough time to grieve. If we want to take forever to grief we are allowed to Seven” Elijah said, already getting angry. “But dad_” “Enough,I've had it with you. Leave us” Elijah said. Seven stood up to leave them,she was tired of it already. She was just trying to bring back her family and their restaurant,The Koch, and they obviously weren't interested in it anymore. As she got to the staircase leading to their home at the top floor,she heard the entry chime ring. She looked back to see who it was. But she couldn't because it was quite dark in the restaurant. She wondered what kind of bad news it was again. “Who is it?” Elijah asked. When he didn't get any reply, he turned to Seven. “Turn on all the lights.” Seven rushed to the switch and turned on the lights.As the room got filled with brightness, her eyes adjusted to the person standing before them. The man looked like he was in his early eighties, exuding wealth and power. His silver hair was impeccably styled, and his tailored designer suit, crisp white shirt, and gold watch screamed old money. “Who are you?” Elijah asked. The man’s deep voice was calm. “Can we sit?” “No, we can’t. You don’t just walk in here and tell us what to do,” Elijah snapped,sounding very rude. Seven, confused by her father’s reaction, decided to interfere. “Sir, we’re closed for the day. If you’re not here for the food, please tell us why you’re here.” “I’m James Brown.” Seven stood surprised. That name. Brown. The man responsible for Six’s accident had the same last name. The resemblance was unmistakable. Her heart pounded. Was he related to the man who killed her brother? And if so, what was he doing here? “That doesn’t answer our question,” Suzanne said,drunk. “I am Nathaniel Brown’s grandfather.” He let out. Elijah’s expression darkened and Suzanne scoffed. “Why are you here?” Elijah asked, his voice cold. “I’m sorry about what happened to your son.” “Why? Are. You. Here?” Elijah asked again. “I want us to come to an agreement,” James said. “An agreement?” Suzanne asked, getting interested in the conversation. “Nathaniel was at fault for the accident, and I apologize. As you know I’ve already done so publicly.” “Yes, but you only now have time to say it to us directly?” Elijah scoffed. “I’m a busy man,” James replied. “Your grandson killed my brother, and this is all you have to say?” Seven said, already getting angry. “Get out!” Elijah yelled. “Let’s come to a settlement.” James Said not moving an inch. “A settlement?” Suzanne’s interest grew. “I know you want justice, but Nathaniel is in a coma. He may never wake up. You can’t put a comatose person in prison.” “I hope he never wakes up” Elijah spat. “I’m offering twenty thousand dollars. The money can be deposited into your account immediately.” James continued. Suzanne’s eyes widened. “Twenty thousand?” “This is ridiculous,” Elijah scoffed. “Mr. Brown, you need to leave now,” Seven insisted. Before he could respond, Suzanne stood up. “Why such a large amount?” James remained blunt. “If Nathaniel wakes up, I won’t let him go to prison. Your best option is to take the money.” “Thirty thousand,” Suzanne countered. “Mum, what are you doing?” Seven asked, surprised “We can’t win against them,” Suzanne argued. “At least this way, we get something.” “I won’t take it,” Elijah said. “Neither will I,” Seven agreed. “No one cares what you think,” Suzanne snapped at Seven before turning to James. “We’ll take it.” James handed her a contract. “It’s a non-disclosure agreement.” Suzanne signed quickly. Her phone dinged with the payment confirmation. She smiled. “Amazing.” James turned to leave but hesitated. His sharp brown eyes studied Seven. “You look familiar,” he mused. “Have we met before?”