Forgotten Truth (The Forgotten Series Book 1) by Virginia Wine Read Free Book Online

tomorrow?”
    “That’s great! I know you work at East Side Gym. There’s a coffee house around the corner. Meet there at noon?”
    Interesting. He knows where I work and the area. “Okay. I’ll see you then.” My curiosity just turned up several notches.
     
    ***
     
    THE NEXT DAY, I arrive early for our meeting, and I feel severely unhinged. I order a black coffee and take a seat in the back booth watching the flow of people move swiftly in and out.
    Coffee is a poor choice to calm my nerves. I get out my phone and check for any new messages, finding none. Ten minutes slowly tick by as I tap my fingers on the table.
    Then I see him. Before he notices me, I take a moment to evaluate my uncle. He’s aged, of course, but he looks thinner, too. His hair is grayer and the lines on his face are deep. He looks like my father, but also like me. When I raise my hand, he notices and walks toward me wearing a huge smile. Once he’s close enough, he opens his arms.
    “Nathan, my boy. How the hell are you? You look remarkable.”
    We go in for a man hug and I pat his back. “You look the same, Uncle Mac. I’d have recognized you anywhere. Have a seat. Oh, do you want a coffee?” I stumble over my words.
    “No, but a water would be great.”
    “I’ll get it. Sit tight.” As I wait in line to pay for the bottle of water, I have an uneasy feeling, combined with an overwhelming desire to know this man.
    “Here you go. I’ve been thinking how long it’s been since we saw each other.”
    “I know exactly how long it’s been.” Mac looks me in the eyes. “You’ve grown into yourself, Nathan. The fact you chose your career based on what you love shows your true character and the kind of man you’ve become.” he says with pride.
    I let the words sink in. They feel emotional, I feel emotional.
    “I’m sure you are wondering why now?” He seems to read my thoughts. “And, most importantly, why not before?” I nod but say nothing, letting him continue. “Many reasons, Nathan. I had to come and see you before...” He looks down, then speaks after a deep breath. “My Company, M&M Global Research, our primary focus is in the medical field. Product Research, Consulting, and most importantly several charities, I’ve owned it for many years, but I’ve been slowly delegating the day-to-day responsibilities to a handful of trusted employees. I basically just sign on the dotted line when needed.” He looks up at me and sighs.
    “Nathan, I’ve never married. Since you’re my only family, I want you to inherit my company.” He looks into my eyes, waiting for my response.
    “Uncle Mac, that’s extremely generous, but I don’t know the first thing about running a medical company, and why now? You have a lifetime to figure out these details.”
    “That’s where you’re wrong.” He takes a minute, swallows hard, then takes a deep breath. “The only way to do this, my boy, is to come right out with it. I was recently diagnosed with cancer. I’m going through treatment, but I know this is a swift illness with no cure, so I wanted to see you, but also put things in order while I’m still capable.”
    I’m stunned into silence. He’s sick, dying, and he wants to give me his company. Fuck. “Uncle Mac, I don’t know what to say. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. It’s a tragedy.” I’m just going through the motions, attempting to process all of this. “I’m so sorry. What’s the prognosis, if I may ask?” Though we barely know each other, I feel a sense of loss.
    “It’s not good. Three months, maybe more.”
    “How can I help? What can I do?”
    “This isn’t something that can be fixed. It’s about managing the details, before my body won’t allow me to do it any longer.” He gives me no time to process this news before he continues. “So, can I count on you? I want this in the family, and with your business degree, you’ll get by fine making decisions.”
    “What about my