Dear Cade,
We know that, unlike our fathers, Mr. Robertson will let nothing slip off his hands. He is keen on your actions. You are in a lion's den. Therefore, as your loyal comrades, we bring good news to you. Our parents allowed us to sleepover at your house tonight. We'll join your other personalities in debating about your lofty issues.
Sincerely,
Handsome Burton
Stan and Theo greeted Cade with a warm hug as they entered the mansion like they had never seen one another for decades.
"So, how did it go with your father?" Stan asked.
They squatted on the floor. The tiles in Cade's room were chessboards.
"I told him I wanted to study at Mchalmmond High School. He was giddy about it at first, but when I elaborated on the reason behind my decision, he changed his mind."
"What did you tell him?" Theo asked.
"I Like the school. It's not famous without grounds. Besides, it's for the elites. No poor could step in it."
Stan and Theo glanced at each other.
"That's the problem, man. You are too transparent. Why don't you pretend a little? For the sake of getting what you want," Theo said.
"But I can't stop myself from hating them."
"Alright. This is what you are going to do," Stan began, "go to a marginalized area and do some charity work. Kiss poverty if you must."
"That's gross!" Cade rasped.
"It's a figure of speech, Cade. What I mean is to be passionate about helping them. Be affectionate. Be more respectful. That would touch your father's heart. He is soft more than he is rigid."
"Can you hear yourself, Stan? Me? Being compassionate about the poor? Should I laugh now?" Cade said in a sarcastic tone.
"What's so difficult about it, dude? It doesn't have to be real. Put on an act. We'll be there to take some photos and videos. I'll create a documentary, then Stan will initiate the plan."
Cade exhaled. "Fine."
Stan wore a green turtle-neck sweatshirt underneath his black trench coat. Theo wore a renegade leather jacket paired with a plaid flannel beneath it and topped with a red wool scarf. Cade wore a brown trench coat layered with his suit and tie. Mr. Robertson was reading a book about peace and order when the boys came down.
"Going on a trip?" Mr. Robertson asked.
"Yes, Uncle. Summer always reminds me of the unprivileged. Our professor is an advocate for helping the poor. As a matter of fact, he inspires me to become one," Stan resounded.
"What a bright child you are." Mr. Robertson was quite impressed as he put down the book on his lap.
"Thank you. This trip is all about charity. I'm bringing my brothers with me." Stan wrapped his arms around Theo and Cade's shoulders. "We're all in this together."
"Really?" Mr. Robertson removed his glasses. "Interesting."
Cade flashed an awkward smile. "Antoine is coming with us too, Dad."
"Sure, take him."
Cade called Antoine a few times. Antoine hurried on the third call with a basket in his hand.
"What took you so long?" Cade asked.
"My apologies, Young Master. I was taking care of something important."
"More important than me?"
"It's neutral, Young Master."
"What? Someone has reached my level of significance in your eyes? That can't be. Reveal him to me."
Antoine opened the basket and showed a British longhair cat with a dominant color of bronze and some white fur on its neck down to its tummy like a beard. Its emerald eyes looked at Cade.
"A cat? Are you serious?" Cade said.
"Don't address her like that, Young Master. She has a name. Its Lady Marmalade," Antoine said.
"I cannot believe this."
"She's coming with us," Antoine added.
Stan caressed the head of Lady Marmalade. "She's gorgeous. You have the same eyes, Cade."
"Do not compare me to a cat."
Stan covered Lady Marmalade's ears. "Don't listen to him. He's possessed."
"Did you buy it?" Theo asked.
"It's a stray cat. I picked her up from a garbage can. She's clean now."
"Antoine, you can't just bring animals inside the mansion. It must have some kind of disease or rabies," Cade ranted.
"I'll make sure she will harm none of us, Young Master. After all, your health is the top priority."
"Good to hear that."
After a few minutes, the boys were already inside the train. They were quiet while drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the view of the city until the train crossed the woods. Antoine was brushing Lady Marmalade's fur as Cade stared at them with an odd expression.
'What makes her more valuable than I am?' he thought and narrowed his eyes.
Lady Marmalade was loving the tender stroke of Antoine's fingers on her head.
"Get a room you two," Cade blurted.
Antoine looked at him with uncertainty. "What is the matter, Young Master?"
"I don't enjoy seeing her happier than I am."
"It's just a cat, Cade," Theo said.
"Don't say that, Burton. She might get hurt," Stan replied.
In 2 hours, the train arrived on the Northeast side of London where the alleys were packed with homeless people. The street gleamed with brilliance after the rain left the area. The sun struck its magnificent radiance and seeped the water in an instant. Though the sun had illuminated, darkness still lived. There was no hope on the faces of the street children.
Cade observed their appearance. They have gotten no showers for weeks. Their clothes were dirty and their body was covered with dust and grease. Even the food they eat came from garbage. Cade looked away. He couldn't stand the sight of them. It made him want to vomit.
"Are you okay?" Theo asked him.
"Let's make this fast," Cade replied.
Stan handed him some delicious food wrapped in plastic. "Give that to each one of them."
Theo prepared his camera and followed him.
Cade held his breath as he walked closer to them. "This... this is for you."
The old man smiled and accepted the food. When their fingers almost touched, Cade immediately pulled away. They went to an old woman who was sleeping on a piece of cardboard. Her hair had turned white, and some flies landed on her skin.
"Excuse me. I have something for you," Cade said.
The old woman did not respond. A little girl in a ponytail came running with a teddy bear in her hand. The stuffed toy was filthy, with some stitches and no eyes.
"Grandma has been asleep for 3 days. Don't disturb her," she said in a sweet voice. "She bought me this bear and tied my hair before she fell asleep. Grandma said she loves me very much. She said she's sorry for not taking good care of me."
Stan stepped forward and put his finger underneath the old woman's nose.
"Life has left her," Stan whispered.
Cade froze. His hands trembled, and his eyes marked a horrifying vision. It brought back the past that had been chasing him. He remembered his mother on the verge of death.
Theo tapped his shoulder. "Get it together, man."
Stan shifted his attention to the little girl.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"I'm Anne."
"What a cute name you have, Anne. You are such a strong girl. Your grandmother is so proud of you."
"Thank you! You are so handsome, sir. Will you marry me?"
Stan's dimples showed up. "What?"
"Grandmother wished to marry me off to a kindhearted, handsome man."
"Oh. Only time can tell. Because of that, I have a gift for you." Stan gave her an expensive pink teddy bear. "Your grandmother will have a vacation for a while. This bear will be by your side. So, keep that smile on your face."
Cade got his grip back and gave the plastic bag to Anne.
"Thank you!" she said and hugged him.
Cade was disgusted, but he didn't push her. Instead, he caressed her back. "Anne, always remember that you are beautiful. No matter what happens, do not hate yourself."
Anne gazed at him. "Be my husband."
"I'm not a good person, Anne. You'll meet someone amazing."
Antoine called someone to get the dead body out of the area and to give her a proper burial. The Department of Social Welfare and Development arrived to provide shelter for the street children. Lady Marmalade spent some time with the kids. Antoine let them pet her and play with them. She painted joy and laughter in the gloomy street that was hidden and neglected.
Cade stared at them. A fit of creeping jealousy beat the shit out of him. The kids were jolly with the simplicity of their life, not minding the foul odor and the mess of their environment. Yet there he was, never tasted contentment in his profligacies.
Cade was worn out after a long day. While inside the shower, his mind was clouded with the thought of her mother. The only person who cherished him dearly. He was in her arms the last time he felt happy. He pounded his head on the wall as the saddest epiphany hit him.
'I am not worthy of love.'
When he came out of the bathroom, he found Theo and Stan playing some cards. Theo glanced at him and said, "Oh la la, what a hottie."
"Retard," Cade said as he proceeded to his walk-in closet.
They were about to go to bed when someone knocked at the door.
"Hi, boys," Mr. Robertson greeted.
"Good evening, Uncle," they said in unison.
"I hope you had a great day."
"Indeed." Theo placed his hand on his chest. "Helping people feels so good. I think it is my calling. I am now a changed man."
Stan nudged him. "Shut up."
"Where's Cade?"
Cade came, wiping his hair with a towel. "What is it, Dad?"
"I made up my mind. I'll let you study at Mchalmmond High School."
Cade's eyes brightened. "Are you sure?"
"Definitely. But in one condition."
The boys caught a glimpse of one another.
"I want you to go undercover."
"What? I don't understand," Cade asked.
Mr. Robertson stood in front of them. "I'm giving you a special mission."
"Like a secret agent?" Theo said.
"I heard the news. My best friend was killed. It was a massacre. His entire family died. He was the biggest Mafia Boss in London. His rival killed him. Second on the rank." Sorrow was evident in Mr. Robertson's voice.
"What do I have to do with it?"
"He has a daughter, the only survivor. But all she knew was she was an orphan. She does not know about her real identity. If the rival group finds out, she's good as dead."
"So? What's in it for me?"
"Cade, I want you to protect her until she's ready to protect herself."
Theo clapped his hands in slow motion. "That's the real deal, brother."
"How will I go undercover?"
"You'll be called Curtis Fleming, a nerd."
The last word echoed in Cade's ears. "A what?"
"Man, that's tough," Theo said.
Stan finally got a ticker tape to cover Theo's mouth.
"You must not act as Cade Robertson. Stay low-key and invisible. Do not be the center of attraction. No one can discover that you are a son of a billionaire. Stay as low as possible."
"But–"
"Cade, if you want to be there, you got to accept this challenge."
"Fine. My childhood dream is to become a secret agent. This might be the right time to be living that dream," Cade said in a confident tone.
Cade hated the idea of being a nerd, but he couldn't give up the elite school and the perks of being among the elite students. He convinced himself that pretending to be low was as easy as a pie. Stan was right. If he wants something, he must put on a show and deceive everyone. After getting what he wants, he could go back to his old, arrogant self.
"Who's the girl?" Cade asked.
"Elsie Lynch."