The Father's Reckoning

Chapter Five: A Dangerous Opportunity

Tyson barely slept that night.

He spent most of it sitting on the edge of his bed, staring at Dominic Swagger's business card.

The house felt unusually empty without Sandra.

Her slippers were still beside the couch. A half-finished bottle of water sat on the small table, and her favourite blanket was folded over the armrest.

Everything reminded him of her.

He picked up his phone and checked the time.

5:42 a.m.

He had another hospital visit to make, but first, he needed to find a way to get the money.

He looked at the card again.

Dominic Swagger.

Tyson had searched the name several times. The man appeared to be a successful businessman with investments in different industries. He owned expensive properties, attended high-profile events and seemed to have connections with influential people.

There was something about him that made Tyson curious.

Why would a man that wealthy be interested in helping someone like him?

Still, he had no other option.

He placed the card inside his wallet and got ready for the day.

At the hospital, Tyson went straight to the neonatal unit.

A nurse recognised him.

"Good morning, Mr Alan."

"Good morning. How is my son?"

"He's stable at the moment. The doctors are continuing to monitor him."

Tyson breathed out.

"Can I see him?"

"Of course. Just for a few minutes."

He entered the unit and approached Zeri's incubator.

"Good morning, little man."

He stood there quietly.

"Did you sleep well?"

He smiled faintly.

"I hope you did, because your father didn't sleep at all."

He watched his son for a while before stepping away.

As he left the unit, he passed Sandra's room.

She was awake.

"Tyson?"

He immediately entered.

"Hey, sweetheart."

"Where have you been?"

"I had a few things to take care of."

Sandra studied his face.

"You look tired."

"I'll be fine."

She reached for his hand.

"Have you eaten?"

Tyson smiled.

"You're the one in the hospital, and you're still asking whether I've eaten."

"Someone has to look after you."

He sat beside her.

"How are you feeling?"

"A little better."

"That's good."

She looked towards the door.

"Have you seen Zeri?"

"Yes. He's stable."

Sandra closed her eyes briefly.

"Thank God."

Tyson gently rubbed her hand.

"Don't worry. I'm working on everything."

She looked at him again.

"Did you find the money?"

He hesitated.

"I'm trying."

"Tyson..."

"I'll find it, Sandra. I promise."

She squeezed his hand.

"I know you will."

He stayed with her until the nurse reminded him that she needed to rest.

Before leaving, he kissed her forehead.

"I'll be back later."

"Please take care of yourself."

"I will."

By 9:30 a.m., Tyson was driving towards Dominic Swagger's office.

The address took him to one of the wealthier districts of Las Vegas.

He had driven through the area before, but never had a reason to enter any of the buildings.

Large offices stood behind landscaped gardens. Expensive vehicles were parked along the streets, and security personnel watched the entrances.

Tyson checked the address again.

He had arrived.

Dominic's office occupied the upper floors of a modern building with dark glass windows and a polished entrance.

Tyson parked his car and stepped out.

He adjusted his shirt, checked that he had the business card and walked towards the entrance.

A security guard stopped him.

"Good morning. Can I help you?"

"I'm here to see Mr Dominic Swagger."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No. But I was referred by someone."

"Who?"

"Collins. He manages a delivery company."

The guard examined him briefly.

"Wait here."

He spoke into his radio, then returned his attention to Tyson.

"What's your name?"

"Tyson Alan."

The guard made another call.

A few moments later, the glass doors opened.

"Go to the reception desk. They'll direct you."

"Thank you."

Tyson entered.

The reception area was impressive.

A large chandelier hung above the polished marble floor. Several employees moved between offices, while a receptionist sat behind a wide desk.

"Good morning, sir. How may I help you?"

"I'm here to see Mr Dominic Swagger."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No. I was referred by Collins."

She looked at her computer.

"May I have your name?"

"Tyson Alan."

She made a call and spoke quietly.

After a short wait, she smiled.

"Mr Swagger will see you. Please take the elevator to the twenty-second floor. Someone will meet you there."

Tyson nodded.

"Thank you."

He entered the elevator and pressed the button.

As the doors closed, he looked at his reflection.

His shirt was slightly wrinkled, and dark circles were visible beneath his eyes.

He looked nothing like the wealthy people he had seen entering the building.

But he wasn't there to impress anyone.

He was there for his son.

The elevator opened.

A man in a dark suit was waiting outside.

"Mr Alan?"

"Yes."

"Follow me, please."

They walked through a quiet corridor before stopping at a large wooden door.

The man knocked twice.

"Come in," a deep voice answered.

He opened the door.

"Mr Swagger, Mr Tyson Alan is here."

A man seated behind a large desk looked up.

"Thank you, James. You can leave us."

The assistant stepped out and closed the door.

Tyson stood near the entrance.

Dominic Swagger was a broad-shouldered man in his late forties. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, a gold watch and an expression that revealed very little.

His office was spacious, with large windows overlooking the city.

Dominic studied Tyson for a moment.

"Tyson Alan?"

"Yes, sir."

"Come in. Have a seat."

Tyson approached the desk and sat down.

Dominic leaned back.

"So, Collins sent you?"

"Yes, sir. He said you might be able to help me."

"Help you with what?"

Tyson took a breath.

"My newborn son is in the hospital. He was born prematurely, and the doctors say he needs an urgent bone marrow transplant."

Dominic listened without interrupting.

"How much?"

"Fifty thousand dollars."

Dominic raised his eyebrows slightly.

"That's quite a lot of money."

"I know, sir."

"And how much time do you have?"

"Four days."

Dominic tapped his fingers against the desk.

"That's not much time."

"No, sir. It isn't."

Tyson leaned forward.

"I'm willing to work for it. I can repay whatever you give me. I just need an opportunity."

Dominic stared at him.

For a few seconds, he said nothing.

Then he opened a drawer and removed a thin folder.

He placed it on the desk and pushed it towards Tyson.

"Tell me something, Tyson. How far are you willing to go to save your son?"

Tyson looked at the folder.

"Anything that doesn't put my family in danger."

Dominic smiled faintly.

"Interesting answer."

He leaned forward.

"Open it."

Tyson hesitated before reaching for the folder.

Inside were several documents.

He glanced through the first page, then looked up.

"What is this?"

Dominic rested his hands on the desk.

"An opportunity."

Tyson looked down at the documents again.

He still didn't understand what Dominic wanted from him.

But he had come there looking for a chance to save his son.

And Dominic Swagger seemed prepared to offer one.