Is this destiny?

After breakfast, they got ready and headed to the compound of Heinelurgy where the factory is.

Mr. Heine personally gave a tour of several storage facilities and manufacturing areas. He introduced Ron, Zula, Allen, and Julius to various managers.

Some of the people recognized Ron but they didn't say anything. Mr. Heine warned them on the previous day that important people from Los Angeles will come and that any questions should be left for after those people leave.

After visiting the factory, they headed to a family restaurant on the main street for lunch.

As Mr. Heine promised, by this time, Ron received information related to all the employees of the Heinelurgy.

During lunch, the topic of the conversation was focused on the current state of Heinelurgy, so it was not awkward.

Mr. Heine observed Ron who was discussing with Zula, Allen, and Julius, products and people and profit margins and he sighed internally. Ah, how glorious it would be if he and Ron didn��t have a fallout. He would be extremely proud to have a meal with Ron and to tell everyone, 'Yes, this is my son…'. But now he does not dare even to look into Ron's eyes. He wondered, what would Eileen say if she sees them now? Would she scold him for being a horrible father? Or would she scold Ron because he does not want to forgive his father? She was a wonderful wife, but a much better mother. She would probably side with Ron.

When they were halfway through the meal, Ron ordered one lunch portion to carry out and it was brought to him in a box just as they finished with their lunch.

Mr. Heine was taking care of the bill when Ron told him that he can find them outside.

Ron saw that the owners of the restaurant are peeking from behind the counter and burning with curiosity. He will give them a chance to ask Mr. Heine all the questions while he goes to visit an old friend, the only person who made him feel accepted when everyone else shunned him.

Zula, Allen, and Julius followed after Ron without a word. They crossed the street and Ron stopped in front of the old man who is sitting on the ground, with his back next to the wall of the store which is selling everything from books to clothes and various gadgets.

The man is not so old, he is in his late fifties. But his unkempt appearance, overgrown beard, messy hair, and torn and dirty clothes make him look much older than he is. Ron noticed a hole on the sole of the old man's right shoe.

"Did you have lunch?" Ron asked the old man.

The old man shook his head and looked at Ron in surprise when he handed him the box with a meal and a plastic bag with utensils and napkins. And there was a bottle of water as well.

"Thank you. You are not from here." The old man said while eyeing the four youngsters in sharp business suits.

"I was." Ron responded. "I see that you are still on your old spot."

"Eh… The good old Marge is the only one who is not chasing me away…" He responded while gesturing toward the store on whose wall his back is leaning.

The old man paused. He narrowed his eyes at Ron, and for a few seconds various expressions shifted over his face before he spoke. "Ron…"

Ron broke into a smile. "I'm glad you remember me. Have you been well?"

"Same old… same old… I thought you left for a better place. Or died. Why did you return here?"

"I came to see how things changed and to give you a meal. I remember that you protected me when those people were scolding me, and at that time you said that a meal will suffice as a thank you, when I can afford one. So… I can afford one."

The old man shook his head and his whole face crinkled when he smiled. "Rascal… You want to see how things changed? Nothing changed. Other than you."

Ron reached into his pocket and got a one hundred dollar bill. "Here, this will feed you for some time. You can go home and rest, no need to sit here."

Ron saw that the man is not willing to take the money, and he stuffed the bill in the man's chest pocket.

The man sighed. "Even with this money, I have nowhere to go…"

Ron's brows furrowed in concern. The old man stayed in a small house at the edge of the town. Ron knows because he slept there more than once. The old man was kind to let him stay overnight when things were particularly bad for Ron, so that he does not wander the streets.

"What happened to your place?"

"A few months ago, there was a big storm which took the roof away. But I'm not complaining. I sleep at the bus station when it's raining. It keeps me dry."

Ron frowned. The bus station has a bench and a metallic roof, but it's open. How is this old man going to survive winter when temperatures dip and the snow comes? Even now the nights are chilly. Ron took a mental note to arrange a place for this man to stay. There are no apartments in this town, but he can get him a house. The real estate here is not expensive. Or maybe he can fix up the man's old house. He will email Sarah and Aiden about it. Maybe they can give him a loan and he can repay them later, or maybe they have some other solution.

"Old Stan, are you disturbing our guests?" A loud voice came from the left.

Ron, Zula, Allen, and Julius turned to see the sheriff approaching them.

Ron frowned while unpleasant memories related to the sheriff resurfaced into his mind.

The sheriff saw them from the distance, and he can see that these newcomers are wearing fancy suits. It must be someone important. "I apologize in his name. Old Stan is senile, so we let him be…"

"Who is senile?" The old man grumbled.

"Don't you talk back to me." The sheriff warned him. "Do you want me to lock you up again?"

"He is not disturbing us." Ron said before the old man spoke.

The sheriff eyed Allen, Julius, and Zula before his sight settled on Ron and he broke into a mocking smile when he recognized him.

"I thought that it's someone important. But it turns out it's only Ron." The sheriff looked up and down, obviously checking out the suit. "I see that even a troublemaker can look decent when he dresses up."

"And I see that no amount of clothes can cover up your corruption." Ron retorted.

The sheriff's face contorted in anger. "You…" He moved toward Ron and froze when Allen and Julius blocked his way.

The sheriff looked at Allen and Julius and he can see that they are only youngsters. However, their cold looks told him that he needs to be careful.

"You are standing in the way of law." The sheriff said while reaching for the holster where his gun is.

Allen and Julius moved in unison, opening up their suit jackets and revealing that each of them has a handgun under it.

Ron tapped the shoulders of Allen and Julius, gesturing for them to move to the side.

The sheriff frowned when he saw how Allen and Julius obeyed Ron's non-verbal command. And their postures and movements told him that they are not easy to handle. Are they bodyguards? Since when is Ronald Heine so important to have bodyguards? Even his father does not have any. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Ron speak…

"Law? You showed me that law and justice don't exist here. The one who has more power determines what is right."

The sheriff snorted. "What makes you think that you have more power?"

Ron's lips curved up. "I can tell you that things are changing, but you are too stupid to notice."

The sheriff gritted his teeth. How dares he call him stupid!? He reached for his gun and froze when he felt a cold sensation on his temple. He didn't see when Zula moved to his side… and she is holding a gun on his head!

The sheriff slowly moved his hands away from his body, with fingers spread as far as they go, to indicate that he has no intention to retaliate. "Easy there, young lady… easy… you don't want to press the trigger by accident…"

"I never press the trigger by accident." Zula responded icily.

The sheriff swallowed hard. "Ron? Can you tell her to remove the gun?"

---

If you are not reading this at 'W e b n o v e l .. c o m', then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!