Post by matt on Dec 21, 2022 9:33:37 GMT -6
==========
January 1st, 2022
Southampton, England
Off Camera
==========
Christmas was life altering and life changing for the Van Stanton family, thanks in large part to former Van Stanton client Clyde Sutter. The Assassin had dumped his former manager, Mason Van Stanton, and started working for The Page Family. He didn’t leave the Van Stanton family without first letting them in on a bombshell that he learned while under the employ of Tiffany and Danielle Page; Autumn Van Stanton, the wife of Henry Van Stanton and sister-in-law of Mason Van Stanton, is the mother of Clyde Sutter. It must have been a difficult pill for the entire family to swallow but especially Henry. Autumn and Mason knew but had kept the secret from him. They weren’t sure he could handle the news, especially after Henry and Autumn’s only son, Archie Van Stanton, was murdered a few months ago in a home invasion. Now thanks to Sutter, Autumn and Henry has lost one son but gained another one all in one holiday season. Is that a very thoughtful Christmas gift? It’s hard to tell. Sutter meant well. He truly wanted to just offer an olive branch to the Van Stanton family and maybe, just maybe, give them a glimmer of hope in this dark time in their lives.
It seems as if they weren’t ready for the news. Perhaps Sutter just chose the wrong time to spring this revelation upon them? You can’t hardly blame The Assassin. He isn’t exactly known for his good social skills. He is known for being blunt and straightforward. He just wanted to tell them what he knew. He wanted the chance to reconnect with the mother he never knew and perhaps create a familial bond with the Van Stanton clan. Mason had already treated him like a nephew, for it was Mason who used his considerable influence to get him started in the wrestling business. It was Mason who provided Sutter with fancy places to live and all sorts of luxury. Sutter thought it was just to piss off Mason’s arch rival, the woman who had tried to blackball Sutter from the wrestling industry. As it turns out, Mason did it because he knew Sutter was his nephew.
A week has passed since the startling revelation and Sutter feels himself more isolated than ever. He has yet to hear from the family he had hoped to form with the Van Stantons. He is still alone and now finds himself moping in a bar on the streets of Southampton. It is the same bar he used to frequent as a teenager when he was homeless and living off the streets. He would often come here for drugs, booze, and women. A part of him wants to break down and go back to his old habits. In fact, that is what brings him here this evening. He failed to win over the Van Stanton family, he tried to do things the right way. Maybe he misread the room? Maybe he took the wrong approach? But he had the best of intentions and it blew up in his face. Sutter now questions whether he should keep trying at all; shouldn’t he just go back to being a drug enforcer in England like he used to be? That was such an easier life. It is the life he knew for the longest time.
Yet there is a small voice in his head telling him not to give in. That voice is telling him that everything he has done to make a better life for himself has worked and that he can do better, that he can be better. Perhaps that is why he hasn’t fully succumbed to the pressure yet? Still, it may be only a matter of time. The Assassin is staring at an empty glass of beer at the bar. He notices the bartender making her way over. Sutter grunts loudly to get her attention. The brunette turns and looks. She sees him tapping the empty glass.
“You want more, mate?”
“Keep it coming.” Sutter states firmly. The bartender nods and takes his glass from him to fill the order. Meanwhile The Assassin cannot help but notice that he is no longer alone. He turns his head and notices that he has just been joined by a man about his age, though nowhere near as tall; in fact, this man is quite short and has curly brown hair. He sits down next to Sutter at the bar and waves to the bartender.
“Gimme what my old pal Clyde is having!”
“John.” Sutter says calmly as he stares coldly into the man’s eyes. The man, John, nods his head and slaps Sutter on the back.
“I knew ya wouldn’t forget your best mate! I knew that wrestling success wouldn’t go to yer head and keep ya away from your one true home.”
“I’m not here for long. I need to be back in Chicago in about week.”
“For what? For a match or are just watching some rich bitch’s back?” John says snickering to himself. These remarks from his old friend are stirring up angry thoughts and passions within Sutter, but The Assassin refrains from acting upon them. Thankfully the bartender returns with their drinks.
“Thanks.” Sutter says to the bartender as he begins to drink. John nods his head and drinks as well.
“Look, Clyde, I know it sounds like I’m busting your balls, but believe me when I say I’m glad to see ya back in the old neighborhood. I mean, I was happy for ya to get your big opportunity in wrestling. That’s what ya wanted, right? You went to that Braddock Wrestling School for your training. You got kicked out and ya thought your dreams were over. But look at you! You got a chance in Supreme Championship Wrestling. When that didn’t turn out the way ya hoped you got a shot at Millennium Wrestling Enterprise. But c’mon, mate, be honest with yerself. Look at what you’re doing. You’re that Page bitch’s muscle.”
“So?”
“Well that’s basically the same shit ya did back here in Southampton. You were an enforcer. You were enforcer for drug pushers. Now you’re an enforcer for a barbie doll.”
“She pays better.” Sutter grunts as he takes another drink of his beer.
“Maybe she does, but you’re still the same person you always have been. Nothing has changed and neither have you. Why carry the bitch on your shoulders when you could do the same shit, maybe for less profit, but at least you could have fun with your old pal Johnny like the old days.”
The Assassin slams his glass back down. Frustration is etched across his face. “Look…I admit, what you’re saying sounds nice. But I am a changed man. Things are turning around for me. In fact, Ms. Page’s sister is going to convince GCW to sign me to a contract.”
“GCW? The place that Braddock owns? The same Braddock who has tried to blackball you from every wrestling organization she has any influence over?” John smirks. “I bet Braddock got you fired from SCW. But you’re gonna go work for her in GCW?” John shakes his head. “C’mon, Clyde. I know ya better than this.”
“I am a changed man, John.” Sutter insists. “My clients paid for me to undergo anger management. I am not the uncontrollable monster I once was.”
“Anger management my ass…” John scoffs and rolls his eyes “...I don’t care how many therapy sessions or loony bin docs ya go to, you are still the same Clyde Sutter who beat people up for drug money. And I can prove it.”
“Oh really?” Sutter arches his brow. “Is this a test, John?”
“You know it. Remember what you and me would do on nights like tonight?”
“Drugs. Booze. Women.” Sutter answers coldly. John nods his head.
“That’s right. Now we don’t have the drugs, but we have the drinks, and I think we can take care of the lady problems too if yer interested.”
“I don’t know…” Sutter sighs. He really wants to be a different person. But John has a good point. It would be much easier to just give up his dreams of being a wrestler and just return to his old life. But he has now had a taste of his wrestling dream, even if it hasn’t exactly been perfect. Part of him doesn’t want to give up on it just yet. Sutter is undecided. Maybe if he had just one little taste of his old life it would help him make up his mind? Finally Clyde nods his head. “...alright, let’s go.”
“That’s my man!” He pats Sutter on the back. John swigs the rest of his beer, as does Sutter. John and Clyde then get up off of their bar stools. John walks off and motions for Sutter to follow. “Come on, mate. You’re gonna love this!”
Clyde isn’t quite sure if he really will love this or not. He remembers his friend John being very unpredictable; even more unpredictable than Sutter himself and that is saying something. But nevertheless it is something to do so Clyde follows John through the mass of people in the bar and towards the exit. John and Clyde exit the bar and head towards what Sutter immediately recognizes as John’s car.
“You still drive that old piece of shit?”
“Of course.” John snickers. “But it’s what I got in the back that should interest ya…” Sutter follows John towards the vehicle. John opens the back passenger side door and stands like Vanna White of Wheel of Fortune fame motioning to what is inside…
..the near unconscious form of Clyde’s ex-girlfriend, the oldest daughter of Glory Braddock, Melinda Braddock.
“Voila! I was gonna keep her for myself but when I saw you I decided, why the hell not? Happy Belated Christmas, mate!”
“Mel…” Sutter’s voice trails off. John snickers nastily.
“Who the fuck is Mel?” John asks, clearly oblivious to who he just picked up. Clyde turns and glares daggers right through John’s heart and soul.
“Where did you find her?!”
“I found her just outside the bar here.” John shrugs his shoulders. “She’s been a regular lately. Heavy drinker. Druggy. That’s how I found her. She overdosed on drugs.” John motions to Melinda’s fallen form. “Go ahead, Clyde my boy. She’s unconscious. No one will know.”
That last line sent Sutter over the edge. He can no longer contain his anger. He grabs John by the neck and pushes him hard against the side of the building. He growls a beastial, guttural growl before lifting John off his feet and slamming him on the hood of the car. Sutter releases his grip and lets John roll off the hood of the car and roll to the ground. John pushes himself up to his hands and knees but then Sutter kicks him square in the head with a punt kick, thus knocking John out cold.
Sutter stares coldly down at John’s fallen form for a few moments before walking back to the passenger’s side back door. He notices Melinda, while still woozy, is trying to drag herself out of the car. The Assassin immediately goes to her side and helps her to her feet, propping her up by placing her arm around his shoulders.
“Easy, Mel. Easy.” He says quietly. “I need to get you out of here.”
“Who…what…”
“Just follow me.”
==========
January 2nd, 2022
Southampton, England
Off Camera
==========
It has been several hours since the events of last night. Sunlight breaks through the window and shines down upon the face of Melinda Braddock. She blinks several times and groans in pain. She tries to sit up but finds it difficult.
“Take it easy.” Comes a familiar voice, a voice that she recognizes almost immediately.
“Clyde?”
“Yes.”
Melinda groans again as she finally opens her eyes. She manages with some difficult to sit up and look around at her surroundings. She finds herself in what appears to be a motel room. She looks around to find where her ex-boyfriend is. She finds Clyde Sutter sitting down near the door.
“What am I doing here? How did I get here?”
“According to John you passed out from a drug overdose. Is that true?”
“Who the fuck is John?”
“An ex-friend of mine who will no longer bother you again.” Sutter answers stoically. “Now answer my question, Melinda. Is it true? Did you pass out from a drug overdose?”
Melinda rubs her forehead. “Yeah…it’s true. What happened though? The last time I remember I was about to go into that stupid bar…”
“All I know is that I found you in the back of John’s car. He was going to take advantage of you. But you had obviously been there awhile. You should probably have yourself checked out. He may have sexually assaulted you before I got there.” Sutter shakes his head. “I did all I could.”
“I suppose I should be grateful.” Melinda contorts her face in anger and points an accusatory finger at her ex. “But you are to blame for this! You are to blame for everything!”
“What did I do exactly?”
“Everything! You…” she tries to get up but cannot, she is still experiencing the effects of last night. Sutter walks over and gently helps her back onto the bed. But once back on the bed she slaps him across his face. “Take your hands off me!”
“I apologize.”
“You should be sorry. When we first dated, you introduced to me all the bad stuff…crack, cocaine, all of it. You got me hooked on drugs.”
“I know and I apologize for the part I played.” Sutter tilts his head to one side and studies her. “I thought you were clean?”
“I was. Everything was great. I got my wrestling career started off on the right foot, I was undefeated on the European indie circuit just like my grandfather, I was European Champion just like my grandfather. And just like my grandfather I lost everything, including my championship, without being pinned. Except my grandfather was stripped of the title because of a career ending injury he suffered. I was stripped of the title because I failed a drug test.” Tears form in her eyes. “The indies here in Europe won’t book me anymore.”
“Does any of your family know?”
“My aunt Julia but that’s it.” Melinda says. “I told her because she can at least sympathize with me, having dealt with similar drug related issues. Mom would never understand, though.”
“Mel…I am deeply sorry for the part I played in ruining your career. I never intended to hurt you the first time, and it pains me to see that I have had a long term negative impact upon your life. If there is anything I can do to help…”
“You can’t help me, Clyde.” She sighs. “But thank you for saving me from that asshole last night.”
“Perhaps there is a way I can help. Mason Van Stanton wanted me to sign with Midwest Championship Wrestling. It is a small independent promotion operating in Missouri. I still have contacts with the promotion. I can put you in touch with them.”
“But I’m not sure I can pass a drug test.”
“They won’t ask questions about drugs. They are not that kind of promotion.”
“I don’t know.” Melinda shakes her head. “None of this makes sense. NONE OF IT!” She exclaims loudly. “You hate my mother. You and I didn’t exactly end on the greatest of terms. Why would you help me?!”
“Because I wronged you. We broke up because I lost my temper one time and hit you. You are a thing of beauty, a gorgeous goddess meant for worship, not abuse. I was wrong then. I was wrong for harming you long term by introducing you to the very drugs that have nearly ended your career. If I can help you in any way, if I can do anything to save you and make up for the wrongs that I have done, then I want to do that.”
“And what do you get out of it?”
“Nothing.” He says. “I’m offering this because it is the right thing to do.” He places a hand on her cheek. “I still love you, Melinda.”
January 1st, 2022
Southampton, England
Off Camera
==========
Christmas was life altering and life changing for the Van Stanton family, thanks in large part to former Van Stanton client Clyde Sutter. The Assassin had dumped his former manager, Mason Van Stanton, and started working for The Page Family. He didn’t leave the Van Stanton family without first letting them in on a bombshell that he learned while under the employ of Tiffany and Danielle Page; Autumn Van Stanton, the wife of Henry Van Stanton and sister-in-law of Mason Van Stanton, is the mother of Clyde Sutter. It must have been a difficult pill for the entire family to swallow but especially Henry. Autumn and Mason knew but had kept the secret from him. They weren’t sure he could handle the news, especially after Henry and Autumn’s only son, Archie Van Stanton, was murdered a few months ago in a home invasion. Now thanks to Sutter, Autumn and Henry has lost one son but gained another one all in one holiday season. Is that a very thoughtful Christmas gift? It’s hard to tell. Sutter meant well. He truly wanted to just offer an olive branch to the Van Stanton family and maybe, just maybe, give them a glimmer of hope in this dark time in their lives.
It seems as if they weren’t ready for the news. Perhaps Sutter just chose the wrong time to spring this revelation upon them? You can’t hardly blame The Assassin. He isn’t exactly known for his good social skills. He is known for being blunt and straightforward. He just wanted to tell them what he knew. He wanted the chance to reconnect with the mother he never knew and perhaps create a familial bond with the Van Stanton clan. Mason had already treated him like a nephew, for it was Mason who used his considerable influence to get him started in the wrestling business. It was Mason who provided Sutter with fancy places to live and all sorts of luxury. Sutter thought it was just to piss off Mason’s arch rival, the woman who had tried to blackball Sutter from the wrestling industry. As it turns out, Mason did it because he knew Sutter was his nephew.
A week has passed since the startling revelation and Sutter feels himself more isolated than ever. He has yet to hear from the family he had hoped to form with the Van Stantons. He is still alone and now finds himself moping in a bar on the streets of Southampton. It is the same bar he used to frequent as a teenager when he was homeless and living off the streets. He would often come here for drugs, booze, and women. A part of him wants to break down and go back to his old habits. In fact, that is what brings him here this evening. He failed to win over the Van Stanton family, he tried to do things the right way. Maybe he misread the room? Maybe he took the wrong approach? But he had the best of intentions and it blew up in his face. Sutter now questions whether he should keep trying at all; shouldn’t he just go back to being a drug enforcer in England like he used to be? That was such an easier life. It is the life he knew for the longest time.
Yet there is a small voice in his head telling him not to give in. That voice is telling him that everything he has done to make a better life for himself has worked and that he can do better, that he can be better. Perhaps that is why he hasn’t fully succumbed to the pressure yet? Still, it may be only a matter of time. The Assassin is staring at an empty glass of beer at the bar. He notices the bartender making her way over. Sutter grunts loudly to get her attention. The brunette turns and looks. She sees him tapping the empty glass.
“You want more, mate?”
“Keep it coming.” Sutter states firmly. The bartender nods and takes his glass from him to fill the order. Meanwhile The Assassin cannot help but notice that he is no longer alone. He turns his head and notices that he has just been joined by a man about his age, though nowhere near as tall; in fact, this man is quite short and has curly brown hair. He sits down next to Sutter at the bar and waves to the bartender.
“Gimme what my old pal Clyde is having!”
“John.” Sutter says calmly as he stares coldly into the man’s eyes. The man, John, nods his head and slaps Sutter on the back.
“I knew ya wouldn’t forget your best mate! I knew that wrestling success wouldn’t go to yer head and keep ya away from your one true home.”
“I’m not here for long. I need to be back in Chicago in about week.”
“For what? For a match or are just watching some rich bitch’s back?” John says snickering to himself. These remarks from his old friend are stirring up angry thoughts and passions within Sutter, but The Assassin refrains from acting upon them. Thankfully the bartender returns with their drinks.
“Thanks.” Sutter says to the bartender as he begins to drink. John nods his head and drinks as well.
“Look, Clyde, I know it sounds like I’m busting your balls, but believe me when I say I’m glad to see ya back in the old neighborhood. I mean, I was happy for ya to get your big opportunity in wrestling. That’s what ya wanted, right? You went to that Braddock Wrestling School for your training. You got kicked out and ya thought your dreams were over. But look at you! You got a chance in Supreme Championship Wrestling. When that didn’t turn out the way ya hoped you got a shot at Millennium Wrestling Enterprise. But c’mon, mate, be honest with yerself. Look at what you’re doing. You’re that Page bitch’s muscle.”
“So?”
“Well that’s basically the same shit ya did back here in Southampton. You were an enforcer. You were enforcer for drug pushers. Now you’re an enforcer for a barbie doll.”
“She pays better.” Sutter grunts as he takes another drink of his beer.
“Maybe she does, but you’re still the same person you always have been. Nothing has changed and neither have you. Why carry the bitch on your shoulders when you could do the same shit, maybe for less profit, but at least you could have fun with your old pal Johnny like the old days.”
The Assassin slams his glass back down. Frustration is etched across his face. “Look…I admit, what you’re saying sounds nice. But I am a changed man. Things are turning around for me. In fact, Ms. Page’s sister is going to convince GCW to sign me to a contract.”
“GCW? The place that Braddock owns? The same Braddock who has tried to blackball you from every wrestling organization she has any influence over?” John smirks. “I bet Braddock got you fired from SCW. But you’re gonna go work for her in GCW?” John shakes his head. “C’mon, Clyde. I know ya better than this.”
“I am a changed man, John.” Sutter insists. “My clients paid for me to undergo anger management. I am not the uncontrollable monster I once was.”
“Anger management my ass…” John scoffs and rolls his eyes “...I don’t care how many therapy sessions or loony bin docs ya go to, you are still the same Clyde Sutter who beat people up for drug money. And I can prove it.”
“Oh really?” Sutter arches his brow. “Is this a test, John?”
“You know it. Remember what you and me would do on nights like tonight?”
“Drugs. Booze. Women.” Sutter answers coldly. John nods his head.
“That’s right. Now we don’t have the drugs, but we have the drinks, and I think we can take care of the lady problems too if yer interested.”
“I don’t know…” Sutter sighs. He really wants to be a different person. But John has a good point. It would be much easier to just give up his dreams of being a wrestler and just return to his old life. But he has now had a taste of his wrestling dream, even if it hasn’t exactly been perfect. Part of him doesn’t want to give up on it just yet. Sutter is undecided. Maybe if he had just one little taste of his old life it would help him make up his mind? Finally Clyde nods his head. “...alright, let’s go.”
“That’s my man!” He pats Sutter on the back. John swigs the rest of his beer, as does Sutter. John and Clyde then get up off of their bar stools. John walks off and motions for Sutter to follow. “Come on, mate. You’re gonna love this!”
Clyde isn’t quite sure if he really will love this or not. He remembers his friend John being very unpredictable; even more unpredictable than Sutter himself and that is saying something. But nevertheless it is something to do so Clyde follows John through the mass of people in the bar and towards the exit. John and Clyde exit the bar and head towards what Sutter immediately recognizes as John’s car.
“You still drive that old piece of shit?”
“Of course.” John snickers. “But it’s what I got in the back that should interest ya…” Sutter follows John towards the vehicle. John opens the back passenger side door and stands like Vanna White of Wheel of Fortune fame motioning to what is inside…
..the near unconscious form of Clyde’s ex-girlfriend, the oldest daughter of Glory Braddock, Melinda Braddock.
“Voila! I was gonna keep her for myself but when I saw you I decided, why the hell not? Happy Belated Christmas, mate!”
“Mel…” Sutter’s voice trails off. John snickers nastily.
“Who the fuck is Mel?” John asks, clearly oblivious to who he just picked up. Clyde turns and glares daggers right through John’s heart and soul.
“Where did you find her?!”
“I found her just outside the bar here.” John shrugs his shoulders. “She’s been a regular lately. Heavy drinker. Druggy. That’s how I found her. She overdosed on drugs.” John motions to Melinda’s fallen form. “Go ahead, Clyde my boy. She’s unconscious. No one will know.”
That last line sent Sutter over the edge. He can no longer contain his anger. He grabs John by the neck and pushes him hard against the side of the building. He growls a beastial, guttural growl before lifting John off his feet and slamming him on the hood of the car. Sutter releases his grip and lets John roll off the hood of the car and roll to the ground. John pushes himself up to his hands and knees but then Sutter kicks him square in the head with a punt kick, thus knocking John out cold.
Sutter stares coldly down at John’s fallen form for a few moments before walking back to the passenger’s side back door. He notices Melinda, while still woozy, is trying to drag herself out of the car. The Assassin immediately goes to her side and helps her to her feet, propping her up by placing her arm around his shoulders.
“Easy, Mel. Easy.” He says quietly. “I need to get you out of here.”
“Who…what…”
“Just follow me.”
==========
January 2nd, 2022
Southampton, England
Off Camera
==========
It has been several hours since the events of last night. Sunlight breaks through the window and shines down upon the face of Melinda Braddock. She blinks several times and groans in pain. She tries to sit up but finds it difficult.
“Take it easy.” Comes a familiar voice, a voice that she recognizes almost immediately.
“Clyde?”
“Yes.”
Melinda groans again as she finally opens her eyes. She manages with some difficult to sit up and look around at her surroundings. She finds herself in what appears to be a motel room. She looks around to find where her ex-boyfriend is. She finds Clyde Sutter sitting down near the door.
“What am I doing here? How did I get here?”
“According to John you passed out from a drug overdose. Is that true?”
“Who the fuck is John?”
“An ex-friend of mine who will no longer bother you again.” Sutter answers stoically. “Now answer my question, Melinda. Is it true? Did you pass out from a drug overdose?”
Melinda rubs her forehead. “Yeah…it’s true. What happened though? The last time I remember I was about to go into that stupid bar…”
“All I know is that I found you in the back of John’s car. He was going to take advantage of you. But you had obviously been there awhile. You should probably have yourself checked out. He may have sexually assaulted you before I got there.” Sutter shakes his head. “I did all I could.”
“I suppose I should be grateful.” Melinda contorts her face in anger and points an accusatory finger at her ex. “But you are to blame for this! You are to blame for everything!”
“What did I do exactly?”
“Everything! You…” she tries to get up but cannot, she is still experiencing the effects of last night. Sutter walks over and gently helps her back onto the bed. But once back on the bed she slaps him across his face. “Take your hands off me!”
“I apologize.”
“You should be sorry. When we first dated, you introduced to me all the bad stuff…crack, cocaine, all of it. You got me hooked on drugs.”
“I know and I apologize for the part I played.” Sutter tilts his head to one side and studies her. “I thought you were clean?”
“I was. Everything was great. I got my wrestling career started off on the right foot, I was undefeated on the European indie circuit just like my grandfather, I was European Champion just like my grandfather. And just like my grandfather I lost everything, including my championship, without being pinned. Except my grandfather was stripped of the title because of a career ending injury he suffered. I was stripped of the title because I failed a drug test.” Tears form in her eyes. “The indies here in Europe won’t book me anymore.”
“Does any of your family know?”
“My aunt Julia but that’s it.” Melinda says. “I told her because she can at least sympathize with me, having dealt with similar drug related issues. Mom would never understand, though.”
“Mel…I am deeply sorry for the part I played in ruining your career. I never intended to hurt you the first time, and it pains me to see that I have had a long term negative impact upon your life. If there is anything I can do to help…”
“You can’t help me, Clyde.” She sighs. “But thank you for saving me from that asshole last night.”
“Perhaps there is a way I can help. Mason Van Stanton wanted me to sign with Midwest Championship Wrestling. It is a small independent promotion operating in Missouri. I still have contacts with the promotion. I can put you in touch with them.”
“But I’m not sure I can pass a drug test.”
“They won’t ask questions about drugs. They are not that kind of promotion.”
“I don’t know.” Melinda shakes her head. “None of this makes sense. NONE OF IT!” She exclaims loudly. “You hate my mother. You and I didn’t exactly end on the greatest of terms. Why would you help me?!”
“Because I wronged you. We broke up because I lost my temper one time and hit you. You are a thing of beauty, a gorgeous goddess meant for worship, not abuse. I was wrong then. I was wrong for harming you long term by introducing you to the very drugs that have nearly ended your career. If I can help you in any way, if I can do anything to save you and make up for the wrongs that I have done, then I want to do that.”
“And what do you get out of it?”
“Nothing.” He says. “I’m offering this because it is the right thing to do.” He places a hand on her cheek. “I still love you, Melinda.”