Chapter 10 - The Changing of the Locks
While the Harrisons were panicking in Oak Park,
I was ensuring my own domain was secure.
A locksmith was currently working on the front door of my River North condo,
replacing the electronic smart lock with a high-security manual system.
Preston had a key card,
but after today,
that card would be nothing more than a piece of useless plastic.
My phone rang,
and this time it was a number I recognized—Richard Harrison’s office line.
I answered,
curious to see if the father had more sense than the son.
"Maya,"
Richard said,
his voice sounding tired and defeated.
"We need to talk about this situation calmly."
"There is nothing to talk about,
Richard,"
I replied,
watching the locksmith test the new keys.
"Your son assaulted me,
and your family cheered him on."
"Preston acted impulsively,"
Richard pleaded,
trying to minimize the damage.
"But destroying our family business and taking our home is excessive,
don't you think?"
"Your family business was built on lies,
Richard,"
I countered,
my voice cold as steel.
"You used my name to secure loans you could never repay."
"And as for the house,
my father is a businessman,
he doesn't tolerate bad investments."
"Maya,
please,"
he begged,
dropping all pretense of superiority.
"Think about the scandal,
think about your reputation."
"My reputation is intact,"
I said,
"I am a successful pharmacist and a woman who stands up for herself."
"It's your reputation that's currently bleeding out on LaSalle Street."
"Tell Preston I'll see him in court,"
I concluded,
hanging up before he could offer another empty apology.
The locksmith handed me the new set of heavy brass keys,
their weight reassuring in my palm.
My home was secure,
May you like
my life was mine,
and the parasites were finally locked outside.
