The Father's Reckoning

Chapter Eight: The Price of Desperation

Dominic watched Tyson leave his office.

The young man had barely settled into his new arrangement, yet he was already asking for more work.

Dominic found that interesting.

Most people who came looking for money were quick to complain when the work became difficult. Tyson, however, seemed determined to keep going.

He turned towards James, who was still standing near the door.

"Find out everything you can about him."

James raised an eyebrow.

"Mr Alan?"

"Yes. His background, his family, where he lives and what he's been doing."

"Understood."

Dominic walked towards his desk.

"And James?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Give him another delivery tomorrow. I want to see how reliable he is."

James nodded and left.

Dominic settled into his chair with a faint smile.

"Let's see how desperate you really are, Tyson."

Meanwhile, Tyson was already thinking about his next assignment.

He entered the elevator and checked his phone.

There was a message from the hospital.

He opened it immediately.

Your son's treatment account has been updated. Please contact the financial department for your current balance.

Tyson called the hospital.

After confirming his details, the representative informed him that the two thousand dollars had been credited towards the required treatment.

"Thank you," Tyson said.

"You're welcome, Mr Alan. However, please remember that the full amount is still required before the procedure can begin."

"I understand. I'm working on it."

He ended the call and looked at the balance on his banking application.

The amount remaining was still enormous.

Two thousand dollars had barely made a difference.

Tyson sighed.

"At least it's something."

He placed his phone in his pocket and continued towards his car.

That evening, Tyson returned to the hospital.

Sandra was sitting slightly upright when he entered her room.

"Look who's finally here," she said weakly.

Tyson smiled.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better than yesterday."

"That's good."

He placed a small bag on the table beside her.

"I brought you something."

Sandra looked inside.

"Tyson! You bought me food?"

"Of course. You can't spend all day in here without eating properly."

She smiled.

"You didn't have to."

"I know. But I wanted to."

He pulled a chair closer to her bed.

For a few minutes, they talked about ordinary things. Sandra asked about his day, and Tyson told her that he had managed to secure some money.

"How much?" she asked.

"Two thousand dollars."

Sandra looked at him.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"From a delivery job."

She smiled with relief.

"That's wonderful."

"It's only the beginning, though."

"I know. But it's a beginning."

Tyson held her hand.

"I'm going to keep working until we get everything."

Sandra looked at him with concern.

"Please don't push yourself too hard."

"I'll be fine."

"You always say that."

"Because it's true."

She shook her head, smiling.

"Stubborn man."

Tyson laughed.

"And you married me anyway."

"Unfortunately."

They both laughed quietly.

For a moment, the hospital room felt like their home again.

Then Sandra's expression changed.

"Tyson?"

"Yes?"

"Have you seen Zeri today?"

"Not yet. But I'll visit him before I leave."

"Please tell him Mummy loves him."

Tyson squeezed her hand.

"I will."

The following morning, Tyson arrived at Dominic's office shortly after nine.

James was waiting for him.

"Good morning, Mr Alan."

"Good morning."

"Mr Swagger has another assignment for you."

Tyson nodded.

"Alright."

James handed him a sealed envelope containing the delivery information.

"Your destination is listed inside. The package is already prepared."

Tyson examined the envelope.

"How much is this one worth?"

"Mr Swagger will discuss that with you."

James led him to the private delivery room.

A black package was resting on the table.

Tyson picked it up.

"Is there anything different about this delivery?"

"Just make sure it reaches the recipient."

Tyson nodded.

He had learned that asking too many questions wasn't going to get him anywhere.

He collected the package and returned to his car.

The destination was a commercial area on the outskirts of the city.

Unlike the previous location, this building had several businesses nearby. People walked along the pavement, vehicles moved through the street and a few shops remained open.

Tyson parked near the entrance and checked the delivery instructions.

He was about to step out when he noticed a man standing beside a nearby vehicle.

The man had been watching him.

Tyson glanced away and picked up the package.

He walked towards the building.

"Hey!"

Tyson turned.

The stranger was approaching him.

"Are you the delivery guy?"

"Yes. Can I help you?"

The man glanced at the package.

"What's that?"

"A delivery."

"Where are you taking it?"

Tyson frowned.

"Do you need something?"

The man moved closer.

"Hand it over."

Tyson stared at him.

"What?"

"I said give me the package."

Tyson immediately understood that something was wrong.

"Look, I don't know you. Just leave me alone."

The stranger reached for the package.

Tyson pulled it away.

"Don't touch that!"

The man grabbed his arm.

A brief struggle followed. Tyson tried to pull away, but the stranger was determined to take the package.

"Let go!" Tyson shouted.

The man shoved him backwards.

Tyson stumbled against a parked vehicle, nearly losing his balance.

For a moment, he considered simply releasing the package.

But Dominic had made one thing clear: the delivery had to be completed.

More importantly, he couldn't afford to lose the payment.

He pushed the man's hand away and struggled to break free.

The stranger swung at him.

Tyson managed to avoid the worst of it, but the impact sent him stumbling.

People nearby began turning towards them.

"Somebody call the police!" a woman shouted.

The stranger looked around, apparently realising that he was attracting attention.

He made one final attempt to grab the package.

Tyson held on.

"Get off me!"

The man lost his balance during the struggle and fell against the side of the vehicle.

Tyson quickly stepped away.

The stranger stared at him angrily before running towards the other end of the street.

Tyson remained where he was, breathing heavily.

His shirt was untucked, and one sleeve had been torn.

He looked down at the package.

It was still intact.

He let out a long breath.

"What on earth was that?"

A woman approached him.

"Are you alright?"

Tyson nodded.

"I'm fine. Thank you."

"You should report that man."

"I will."

He looked towards the direction the stranger had disappeared.

Then he checked the package again.

He hadn't come all this way to lose it.

After taking a few minutes to recover, Tyson completed the delivery.

The recipient confirmed receipt, and Tyson returned to his car.

His phone vibrated.

It was a message from Dominic's office.

Delivery confirmed. Payment will be processed shortly.

Tyson smiled.

He had completed another assignment.

A few minutes later, his phone displayed a bank notification.

He checked the amount and nodded with satisfaction.

The money was growing.

Not quickly enough, but it was growing.

He started the engine and drove towards Dominic's office.

When Tyson arrived, Dominic was waiting for him.

"You're back."

"Yes, sir. The delivery was successful."

Dominic studied his appearance.

"What happened to your shirt?"

Tyson glanced down.

"There was a small problem on the way."

"What kind of problem?"

"Someone tried to take the package from me."

Dominic's expression changed slightly.

"Someone tried to steal it?"

"Yes. I managed to get away."

Dominic stared at him for a moment.

Then he smiled.

"Interesting."

Tyson frowned.

"What's interesting about it?"

"You completed the delivery despite the inconvenience."

Tyson shrugged.

"I needed the money."

Dominic laughed quietly.

"At least you're honest."

He walked around his desk.

"Tell me, Tyson. How much do you need altogether?"

"Fifty thousand dollars."

"And how much have you raised?"

Tyson calculated quickly.

"Two thousand from the first delivery, plus what I've managed to put together myself."

Dominic nodded.

"You're still far from your target."

"I know."

Dominic returned to his chair.

"Then perhaps we should give you more opportunities."

Tyson's face brightened.

"Thank you, sir."

Dominic smiled.

"Don't thank me yet. I haven't decided how much responsibility you're ready to handle."

Tyson nodded.

"Whatever you give me, I'll do my best."

Dominic looked at him thoughtfully.

"Good. I have a feeling you'll be useful to me."

Tyson smiled politely.

He had no idea what Dominic meant by that.

All he could think about was the hospital, Sandra and the little boy waiting for him.

He needed more money.

And Dominic Swagger was the only person who seemed willing to offer him a way to earn it.