Page 18 of Second Chance At Love

“I’m sorry to hear that,” replied Henry.

Gerrit had a short and unamused laugh. “Somehow I doubt that.”

Henry paused, not quite certain how to proceed. He knew Gerrit was in pain and while Henry had been sincere, Gerrit was obviously annoyed with him for having orchestrated Gerrit’s intake into rehab. “I really am sorry. I only want what’s best for you.”

“And just who determines that?” Gerrit tipped his head to the side, regarding Henry shrewdly. “Apparently a judge, some lawyers, and my brother. Do I have the right to make my own decisions anymore?”

“You agreed to this, Gerrit,” Henry slowly reminded him. “It may make a difference in the court case and was a strategic decision as well as a health decision. You agreed that it would be best if you were sober and off the painkillers.”

“That was a bad decision,” grunted Gerrit as he leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes a moment before regarding Henry. “Why are you really here?”

“There have been some developments that I think you should be aware of. First, the lawyers believe that the FBI might welcome a plea deal. One person from each company agrees to plead guilty and the other can go free,” explained Henry.

“Which doesn’t work in my case unless you or Addison face charges,” grimly stated Gerrit. “I made sure Addison wasn’t involved. Nate wanted to move the money through her paychecks too, but I didn’t let him. You were overseas so you can’t be involved. I guess I’m on my own.”

“They won’t offer you the deal,” agreed Henry.

Gerrit gave a short nod. “What else is going on?”

“The board and I have removed you from RameslyHotels. You are no longer a board member, share member, or employee. Your shares were liquidated at fair market value and the money put into your account,” Henry informed him. He didn’t like that it had been done, but he didn’t see any alternative. It was a necessary step to protect the company.

Gerrit stared at him. “Fair market value? When the stocks have tanked due to the FBI investigation. You son of a - “

“It wasn’t what I wanted,” interrupted Henry with some steel to his voice. “It was what was necessary. If our positions were reversed, you would do the same.”

“We’re family,” bit out Gerrit. “You don’t turn on family.”

“Again, there was no choice,” reiterated Henry. “If I could have done anything different, I would have.”

“You could have defended me,” ground out Gerrit.

“How? How can I defend your laundering drug money through the company and profiteering off it? How do I defend illegal activities? How?” harshly questioned Henry. He glared at his brother. “That’s not all. Now I hear you may have stolen a drug from RameslyHospital and Medical Corporation. Gabe said they know you took a drug from the hospital. What do you have to say about that?”

Gerrit snorted. “Gabe and his big mouth.”

“Gerrit, you stole a drug!” exclaimed Henry in frustration. “You took a drug that stops people’s hearts. Uncle David died of a heart issue. He may have been murdered. Now the same thing has happened with Nate. He may have been murdered and his heart was stopped. How am I supposed to defend you when you won’t take any responsibility for your own actions?What happened with the drug, Gerrit?”

“Nate died of a heart attack,” shot back Gerrit. “He was my brother and I loved him. I had nothing to do with his death. Why don’t you talk to Cora? Maybe she killed him. She was going to leave him. She was having an affair. Nate didn't even think the baby she’s carrying was his.”

Henry’s stomach turned sour from Gerrit’s accusations. He frowned at Gerrit. “What did you do with the drug you took from the hospital dispensary?”

“Nothing. I gave it to a nurse. She said it was the wrong one and she would bring it back,” he ground out. “I already told Parker all of this. Why don’t you go talk to him? I had nothing to do with it.”

“I don’t know whether or not to believe you anymore,” admitted Henry.

“Well then, if you can’t trust me, then I don’t know why you bothered to come,” said Gerrit as he stared at Henry. “Parker said he has it all on video surveillance. Go look for yourself.”

“I will,” decided Henry.

“Good. Now get out,” demanded Gerrit, his face set in determination.

Henry was surprised by the vehemence in Gerrit’s voice. “Gerrit - “

“Get out,” repeated Gerrit. “I’m done with you.”

“Gerrit, I’m not just going to leave like this. We need to come to some sort of resolution,” tried Henry.

Gerrit abruptly got up from his chair. He grabbed the arm of Henry’s seat, leaning over him. “I don’t care about Uncle David. Certainly not enough to kill him or even make the effort to. I loved Nate. He was my brother and he was the only one who understood my pain. I would never have hurt him. Yes, I have a drug problem. You have your back broken in tiny pieces and multiple surgeries then tell me how I’m supposed to live in agony all the time without any relief.The doctors got me hooked on painkillers then suddenly they grew consciencesand refused refills.So I took some of Uncle David’s drug money to buy from dealers when the doctors wouldn’t prescribe anymore.Well, Nate was the only one who supported me. He looked after me and I would never betray him.