Prologue:

“You’re sure this is your final decision?” A shadow speaks from behind his monolithic desk. His voice is thick and gravelly, sounding like he wears a perpetually grouchy look. A cherry brightens as the man inhales on his cigar. There is a brief illumination of his stern features, but not enough to make out anything definitive. “Yes sir! I am missing too much of my son’s life. He is already having his 13th birthday and I’ve missed far too many.” Account Manager Cady responds. Standing at a respectable 6’2” with sandy blonde hair that’s starting to have a few stray greys mixed in and hazel eyes. Currently, Account Manager Cady is standing with professional precision in his boss’s office, attempting to hand in his retirement papers without being nervous. “That is a damn shame, a damn shame. You have been our best……our most efficient account manager. We will be hard pressed finding someone of your caliber to replace you. A damn shame……….” The shadow responds, voice drifting off in the end. The grandfather clock in the corner, cloaked in the shadows makes its presence known by ticking. “Sir, I have given this quite a bit of thought. I’ve given this company the best of myself; after all these years, it is time to put my family first.” Account Manager Cady responds with conviction. “Well, the company suits do not like the possibility of talent being absorbed by our competitors so unfortunately, here’s your severance package.” A flash, a loud bang, and a thud ring out in the large office. The grandfather clock in the corner continues to tick, a silent witness to today’s retirement ceremony. “A damn shame…a damn shame……Patricia!” “Sir.” A feminine and professional voice echoes from a box on his desk. “Get the boys downstairs to come handle our new retiree and bring me the file on Cady’s family, especially information on his son.” “Yes sir, will there be anything else you require?” “No, that will be all for now.” The shadow leans back in his chair while taking a puff of his cigar. “Hmmm….”