Arthur jumped into his car. Brian had replaced the seats too, no more cracks. The car was entirely different from the outside and inside. The steering felt new and smooth. Arthur turned the key, the engine revved, the sound vibrated the road. Arthur pushed the car to its limit, the town did not have much traffic in the morning. Arthur reached the publication house within a couple of minutes.
Arthur parked the car in the parking lot. But he did not immediately leave the car. He handed the manuscript to Brian, "You want to read?" Brian took the copy, "Sure!" Brian read the first few pages and Arthur waited patiently he kept looking at Brian, while he read. Brian gave back the manuscript to Arthur, "It's good. Give them. They will love it."
Arthur realized how long way they had come. Only a month ago Brian had spared Arthur's life because he had liked his first novel and nowhere, they were, Arthur, giving Brian the first peek into his second novel and asking for his opinion. And his opinion did matter. After all the novel was only had been possible because Brain had spared Arthur's life and had made him his apprentice. Arthur too had saved Brian from the cops. And He had been rewarded well by Brian for that.
Arthur looked for a minute at the big Eagle publication logo and then went into the building. The last time he was here he had run away without making any eye contact. But today, he walked with confidence. He wore a black suit. Shiny and smart-looking Arthur knocked at the editor's door.
"Come in," said Mr. Richard in his squeaky voice. Today he wore a bright pink suit. "I was not hoping to see you again Arthur," said Mr. Richard. "But here I am," replied Arthur. "And the more surprising part is today I see you have a manuscript with you," said a surprised Mr. Richard.
Arthur passed the manuscript to him. Mr. Richard started to read quickly. As he turned pages, he kept giving a commentary in short bursts, "Oh nice, aha ah! This is good, I can't believe it."
"Arthur my boy you have done it!" yelled Mr. Richard, "This is incredible. I don't know how you did it, but this is amazing. So, minute details, the readers will go crazy and with the ongoing serial killings in the town. This already looks like a bestseller to me. We will advertise your book next to each news article about the autopsy killer. Your career is going to be only going up from now on!" Mr. Richard was beyond excited.
Arthur just smiled; he did not show any sign of discomfort when Mr. Richard mention the autopsy killer. but instead, he faintly smiled, that his book will be advertised with the news of where it all began, from where he learned the nuances.
Mr. Richard gave Arthur a big fat check and also made him sign sequel deals. Mr. Richard was very confident that this novel has the power to run for many series and then one day turned into a Hollywood movie franchise.
Today Arthur came out of Richard's office with beaming confidence. The news had already spread, everyone congratulated him as he walked out of the office. A guy even opened a champagne bottle and Arthur did stop to enjoy a glass. This is what Arthur had been craving all his life. The success, the respect the pleasure of happiness.
The Arthur who came out of Eagle Publication was a different man now. He showed the check to Brian and hugged him. Without Brian's help, this all could not have been possible.
Arthur dropped Brian at the pharmacy and went home. He had been craving to drive into his neighborhood for so many days now. It was afternoon when he reached the house. The house looked the same. As if Arthur had never been away and Arthur liked this feeling of belonging.
Nobody was home, Arthur tried the keys he had in his wallet. Arthur was not sure if they would work. But the lock was not changed. Arthur opened the door and the house was just like it had been the day he had left. Arthur called out, "Nadia! Daniel! I guess nobody is home.
Nadia and Daniel were not at home. So, Arthur settled in and then decide to cook for the family. He made pasta and lasagna Daniel's favorite food. Arthur would later order pizza for Nadia as she didn't like Arthur's cooking skills much but Daniel loved it.
He left the stuff in the oven and went out to buy a soccer kit for Daniel. He bought everything Daniel's favorite team jersey, shoes, and a new ball.
When he came back Nadia was home. Arthur was scared that Nadia will not welcome him. Arthur stood at the door and said, "Nadia! I am sorry for everything. But things have changed now, the book is done and my therapist said we can all leave together and…"
Before Arthur could finish Nadia came running and hugged him, "I missed you so much, Arthur! Why didn't you come soon?"
Arthur hugged her back, "I am back now!"
Daniel came back from the park too. The family had a together and Nadia did not order pizza today. She ate what Arthur had prepared. Daniel was so happy dad was back with them.
Arthur promised Daniel to enroll in a professional coaching center soon and gave him the gifts. Daniel jumped all over the house carrying his gifts.
All the problems in Arthur's life were now solved. Arthur and Nadia were watching a movie together, Daniel had gone to his room. Arthur kissed Nadia, "I missed you, Nadia, I never want to go away from you…" and then the phone rang.
Arthur checked it was Brian.