Run, Girl (If You Can)

Aaron decided it would be best to be honest. Gray always seemed to appreciate forthrightness, which was ironic considering how fake he was.

"I don't want a murderer near my children but my children aren't here, are they? I don't have a problem with what you did. I'm glad that woman is gone."

This time Gray's smile was definitely sincere. "And that's all that matters. I did it entirely for you, after all. It's simply an annoyance that I got caught. Apparently someone waited until Brann Knighton's reward went up to give the tip that nailed me. Some people can be so greedy."

He seemed utterly unsuspicious about Aaron's involvement in the matter. What a relief! Everything had gone exactly according to plan. Aaron would have to let Aiden know what a good job he did later.

"I'm surprised you didn't act a little more cautiously."

Gray sighed dramatically. "That wretched woman surprised me, that's all. I did have a foolproof plan in place and she ruined everything. No matter. I'm determined to get out early on good behavior. I might have lost my business but I still have my fortune. I can rebuild easily."

That was far too casual an attitude to have about a murder sentence. Aaron felt like there was more to this matter than met the eye but what could he do? He didn't have any control over what went on inside the prison.

"That's a good attitude to have about it," was all he could say.

"Being in here really isn't too bad. The food could be a lot better though. I would ask you to bring me some from the outside if it wasn't against the rules. I do hope you'll continue to visit in the future."

Aaron knew he was trapped. If he came this week, he would have to come again. This particular prison allowed each visitor to come once a week. He couldn't miss that much work though.

"I will but be aware that it might be kind of random. I can promise once a month but can't guarantee anything beyond that. Visiting hours are during the work day after all. A CEO never rests; you should know that."

For a split second Gray's smile turned bitter before going back to his usual debonair look. "Yes, I do. I would be happy for any time you can give me. So. Tell me what else you've been up to since I've been away."

Aaron spent the remainder of the hour telling various stories about things the children had done. He didn't want to talk about work in case Gray got any bright ideas about taking over Hale Investments when he got out.

What was worrying was that he definitely had the capability before but lacked interest. Now that he had lost his own empire, would he be interested in coming after Aaron's later on? It was better to be safe than sorry.

Gray seemed politely amused by the twins' antics. Aaron couldn't tell if he actually cared about his niece and nephew or if he was only interested in them because of their connection to him. He was banking on the latter. Gray didn't seem like the type to enjoy children; he hadn't even held the twins once.

When the guard came to take Aaron away, Gray's polished demeanor remained. He bid his brother farewell as if they had enjoyed a casual chat over drinks at a bar.

"See you next month, baby brother! Thank you for coming."

"Bye, Gray. Take care of yourself," Aaron replied as he left.

That had been absolutely exhausting. And he still had a mountain of paperwork waiting for him on his desk. He sighed. This was turning out to be a very long day.

===

Gray smiled to himself as he watched his brother leave. When he originally sent the letter, he wasn't sure if Aaron would actually come. He was usually so self-righteous; why would he stoop so low as to visit a convicted murderer?

Getting him here felt like a victory. Aaron wouldn't have come if he wasn't grateful. He had to appreciate the sacrifice his brother had made for his sake.

Yes, he was in prison, but he had finally earned the trust of the most paranoid person he had ever met. Gray was on his way up.

He was confident he could get out early on good behavior. He had carefully crafted his image as the model prisoner. A few of the guards had whispered about how they felt sorry for him; he was clearly only in here because he lost his head in the moment.

Good. That was how he wanted people to see him. No one had to know how willing he was to commit murder again if the situation called for it. He didn't feel an ounce of regret for what he did.

Of course, being caught had been terribly inconvenient. If he ever found out who had ratted him out for the sake of money he would make them wish they were dead.

Gray may have lost most of his contact with the outside world but that wasn't too much of a problem. Prison provided a whole new world of networking opportunities. There were now seven people in his cell block with unique talents that were at his beck and call.

When he got out—and he would get out—he could start a new empire from the shadows. He may be a tech developer but business was in his blood, just like his brother. It was the Hale way.

He hadn't grown up with Alistair Hale but he and Aaron still shared the urge to build, expand, and conquer. He would leave Hale Investments alone. Let Aaron live in the light where he wanted. Gray had always been more comfortable in the dark anyway.

There was a whole lot more to the business world than one Fortune 15 company. It might be fun to compete with his brother a bit.

He could create an empire in a different sector so it wouldn't threaten Hale Investments but Aaron would still know what Gray was capable of. Perhaps he could even find it within himself to be proud of his disgraced big brother.