Chapter 11
I did not recognize Lorenzo as Founders’ Seat that day.
Not immediately.
That surprised everyone.
Especially him.
We spoke alone afterward.
“You’re angry.”
“Yes.”
“Fair.”
I almost smiled.
Progress.
“You don’t get to return because politics became inconvenient.”
He nodded.
“You don’t get to use being my father as an emergency credential.”
Another nod.
“And you don’t get Lucas yet.”
That hurt.
Good.
“Why?”
“Because he thinks you’re a man who lives inside walls.”
Lorenzo laughed despite himself.
I did too.
Briefly.
Then:
“He deserves the truth in pieces he can understand.”
“I agree.”
“And I need to know whether you stay.”
My father went still.
That was the real question.
Not whether he existed.
Whether he remained.
“I stay.”
“You said that twelve years ago without words.”
His face fell.
Exactly.
“I need more than intention.”
He nodded.
“What?”
“Rent a house.”
He blinked.
“Near the estate.”
Still confusion.
“Live somewhere.”
Understanding arrived.
A visible address.
Breakfast.
Routine.
Bills.
An ordinary life that could not vanish behind strategy.
“You want me domesticated.”
“I want you locatable.”
He laughed.
Fair.
Then I added:
“No secret travel.”
“Reasonable.”
“No disappearing because you think I’m better without you.”
His face tightened.
“Yes.”
“And no advising my captains unless invited.”
That hurt his pride more.
Good.
“I understand.”
“Do you?”
He looked at me.
“I am trying.”
Better answer.
I allowed him one supervised meeting with Lucas three days later.
Not grandfather.
Not yet.
Just Lorenzo.
Lucas stared at him.
“You wall man.”
My father closed his eyes.
I nearly laughed.
“Yes.”
“Are you Daddy’s dad?”
Lorenzo looked at me.
Good.
He asked permission with his eyes.
I nodded.
“Yes.”
Lucas thought.
“Then why Daddy not call you Grandpa?”
Silence.
Children go straight through adult complexity.
Lorenzo whispered:
“Because I have to earn that.”
My son nodded.
May you like
Apparently acceptable.
Meeting continued.
