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Chapter 160 - Wayne Family's Secrets
"Alive?" Sophia could not believe her ears. "Are you sure? Where is he?"
"In a safe place where no one would look for him. But what made you think that he's dead? Who told you that?"
"Nobody." Sophia shook her head, feeling painful flares of hope building up into her inside. "I just thought so because I found out that our house was empty for many years. I tried to looking for my father. Even hired the private detective, but no use. My father just disappeared. I thought he would have been tried to contact me if he was alive."
"He thought you were dead", Theda said. "In fact I guess that he thinks this even now."
"Unlikely," Mason said. "If he's aware that Sophia was presumed dead so he was aware that she's married to my father. And he hardly could miss her triumphant return. This blew all media. Unless, of course, he does not live in such a remote place where are no television, radio and newspapers".
Theda just looked at him, without confirming or denying his words.
"Mom, did you see Mr. Wayne? Did you meet him?" Mary suddenly asked.
"I did. One week ago."
There's silence for a moment.
"How often do you meet?" Mason asked.
"Seldom. Although seems more often than he's approved this. But I'm... but being alone makes him feel sad."
"Are you aware that a man came to Capwell's house posing himself as Mr. Wayne around the same year when you visited Wayne's house?"
"No, I'm don't but I'm not surprised", Theda shivered. "As I already said, my mistake almost cost Bernie's life. And your life too, Phia."
"Why do they want me?" Sophia asked, barely reacted to her short name. It sounded strange, but oddly enough felt acceptable.
"To get Bernie. What else?"
"But I do not know... and never did where he is."
"That would not stop them".
"Mom, how you would put Mr. Wayne in the danger?" Mary asked intensely, putting her palms together. Mason embraced her shoulders with his hand.
"I lead them to him. Somehow. I do not know how I did. But they were able to find him after my visit."
"How do you aware?"
"Bernie told me later when we became to communicate again. They tried to kill him four times before he was able to ensure his security. And it's my entire fault," Theda sighed.
"I do not think so," Mason shook his head. "If you really brought them to Mr. Wayne so they would get to know about you and had the constant surveillance after you. You would not able to hide, let alone have secret meetings with the person who they'd look for."
"I do not know who they followed. Hardly it's me otherwise they really would not leave me alone. But maybe they bugged the house or something."
"Do you think that they're aware about his house?" Mason wondered.
"The house was empty when I came here to look for my father." Sophia said. "I thought that he's not lived there for long ago."
"Indeed, he did not. He left out just after your departure", Theda said.
"But he was there when we arrived," Mary was surprised.
"A happy coincidence," Theda sighed. "He missed his family and returned home for several times. I accidentally found him here. As it turned out we had great chances to face the closed door."
"Why did not you call him?"
"I did not want to risk anymore."
"No, it doesn't make sense," Mason said. "Sophia redrafted the house to herself. It even could lead these people to our family."
"May be it did but too late. Phia was presumed dead so Capwells were nothing to them. I do not know, Mason. But there is clearly a link between Phia's being and attacks on Bernie."
"I was declared alive for a few years ago but nobody tried to kill me".
"Probably it's because the newspapers wrote about your amnesia, remember?" Sophia looked up Mason. He added: "Or may be whatever a danger no longer exists. That journey was more than twenty years ago."
"Anyway I have to see my father," Sophia pressed her lips together. "Give me his address, Theda. I have to see him."
"No," Theda replied shortly.
Sophia turned pale.
"Do you want to kill yourself and him? They knew about you and probably watching you over now."
"Our family has money and connections. I am able to protect my father."
"Willing to risk, Phia? Do you want to see his grave as soon as possible?"
"Enough!" Mason caught Sophia's hand. "Come on, ladies, calm down."
"I have to see him, Mason! I thought he's dead."
"I know", Mason's voice sounded somehow soothing. "Theda, I offer the compromise deal. Sophia goes to meet her father being dressed and posing as you. This way gives the properly protection for Mr. Wayne and allow Sophia to see him."
Theda was silent.
"Mom, maybe it's their only chance. Would you miss the opportunity to see my dad again?"
"Your father is dead, Mary, but Bernie is alive and not going to die. The last thing he is need now is the visit of his daughter who want to say goodbye. I really can't... I do reproach myself for my past weakness for many years."
"Then maybe you let Mr. Wayne to decide?"
A hush fall over the room.
"I know that he would say", Theda said wearily after a pause. "He's even trying to keep me away. He'll say "no". But we need to talk, Phia. Alone."
"Are you sure? I do not want anybody get hurt." Mason looked at both of them.
"We are adults," Sophia said, somehow calmed down suddenly. "And I assure you that we'll talk in a civilized way. Thank you, Mason." She smiled faintly. "Take Mary home, please?"
"I can stay..." Mary argued but Mason squeezed her hand. "Let's go. Let them talk in private."
Sophia and Theda were leaved alone. Theda gestured Sophia to sit down on the chair and poured more one cup of tea for herself. She offered another cup to Sophia, but she refused.
"Yes, quite a story." Theda finally said. "I never would have imaged something like that."
"We know each other as children?" Sophia asked. She still could not believe that words of this woman are a truth. Because then all she knew about herself was a lie.
"Only very children. I had lived with your parents when my father was needed to leave. And he did often."
"I do not remember that. Absolutely."
"Of course. You were a tiny toddler". Theda made a gesture, showing how she's about high. "I even do not remember much though I was older then you."
Sophia said nothing.
"Why my father did tell me nothing?" She said at last. "I had the right to know."
"About what? Our family?"
"About everything. About the danger, and yes, about our relatives too."
"It is obvious. For the same reason I did tell Mary and Christy nothing. He wanted a better life for you. The living in fear is not the best destiny."
"My father apparently got to know your husband Kenneth. How he was able if you did not see each other since your childhood?"
"How do you know?" Theda surprised, and after she heard the brief explanation about the recording on the reel, she's angry frown. "My God, when did she have a time for?"
"So how?"
"Is it so important? I and Kenny were neighbors. Uncle Bernie knew Kenny since he's a little boy."
"But he's aware that you married him. You still kept in touch with him after all".
"It's Kenny". Theda sighed. "He used his job to convey the news sometimes."
"So there's no coincidence that they both were traveling salesmen?"
"Partly. Kenny took a cue from Uncle Bernie."
Again silence.
"I still have a lot of questions," Sophia spoke again. "But right now it's my father that I'm worrying the most."
"How much? Enough to take care of his safety?"
"Of course." Sophia very surprised. "Why these questions?"
"I can arrange the meeting for you and Bernie. But I must be sure that he will not be left without protection. I do not know you, Phia. I know Mason and I like him, but I'm not sure I trust his father. What if he would mind? The whole city has been taken over completely by his family".
"I will not leave my father and I'll do everything I can to make him safe. I'm sure CC will understand me. He knows how long I tried to find my father."
"And if he'll not?"
"I have enough my own money and connections to take care of my father."
"Even by the cost of danger to your family? Your children?"
"He's my father."
"You left him when you're gone out for Hollywood."
"I was a stupid stubborn girl. I was very eager to get on stage. And I was good in the acting. I was not aware that the reasons of his father about keeping me home were different from showing of his paternal authority. Even then he did tell me nothing."
Theda slowly nodded.
"He's very stubborn too. Phia... you said that you have a lot of pictures of your parents."
"Yes, it's the whole album. I took it along when I came to see my father but found the empty house only."
"Can you bring it to me? I want to see them".
"Of course, I can. So you agree? Will you help me to meet my father and take care of his safety? I beg you!"
"My reasons tell me not to do but my stupid sentimental heart... I never could resist it. Yes. I will do".
"Thank you!" Sophia quickly came over and squeezed Theda's hand. "When?"
"After a few days. I think Mason got a good plan. But we're needed to properly prepare it."
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