The tall man stepped into the porch light.
Mr. Lewis froze.
The sharp jawline was older. The shoulders were broader. But the eyes were the same.
“Marcus?” he whispered.
The man’s face softened. “It’s been a long time, Mr. Lewis.”
Mr. Lewis covered his mouth as tears filled his eyes.
“You used to hide behind the bleachers during lunch.”
Marcus nodded. “Because I was starving.”
“I gave you the yellow tickets.”
He stepped closer. “You gave me a reason to keep going.”
Mr. Lewis looked at the others, his breath catching.
“David?”
The second man smiled. “Yes, sir.”
“Thomas? Leo?”
“We’re here,” Thomas said, his voice thick with emotion.
The fifth man removed his glasses and smiled. “I hope you haven’t forgotten about me?”
Mr. Lewis let out a broken laugh. “Ah. Little Benny. You cried when you dropped your lunch tray.”
Ben nodded. “And you bought me another one.”
Mr. Lewis looked at all five men, tears running freely down his face. “Look at you. You all grew up.”
“We did more than that,” Marcus said. “We built a company together.”
Mr. Lewis glanced at the SUVs, then at their suits.
“Why are you here?”
David’s expression hardened. “Because we heard what Vance was doing.”
Mr. Lewis lowered his eyes. “There’s nothing to be done. He sold the land. I’ve been fired. I have to leave.”
Marcus looked toward the trailer, then back at him.
“Vance thinks he sold the land to strangers.”
Before Mr. Lewis could answer, a silver car sped down the road and stopped beside the SUVs.
Principal Vance stepped out, clutching a leather briefcase.
“What is going on here?” he demanded. “This property is closed to visitors.”
Then he noticed the men in suits. His face changed instantly.
“Oh,” Vance said, forcing a smile. “You must be the buyers.”
Marcus turned to him. “We are.”
Vance hurried forward with his hand out. “Principal Vance. I didn’t expect your development group to come out here personally.”
Marcus ignored the handshake.
“We wanted to see the land. And the people living on it.”
Vance glanced at Mr. Lewis with disgust. “Don’t worry about him. I fired him today. He’ll be gone by morning.”
Marcus’ jaw tightened. “Where is he supposed to go?”
CONTINUE READING…>>
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