Chapter 78: The Confrontation
Frank hadn't gone far when he noticed Jimmy approaching. He was waiting by a nearby park, knowing that Jimmy would come after him.
"Should I call you Steve, or is Jimmy more appropriate?" Frank began as Jimmy ran up to him, setting the tone for their conversation.
"How did you find this place?" Jimmy asked.
"You can't keep secrets hidden forever. There's no real way to hide in this world," Frank replied.
"What do you want? Is it money? How much do you need?" Jimmy inquired, his voice steady.
Jimmy's perception of Frank was still shaped by the old "Frank." Although Frank had only been in this world for a few months, Jimmy's interactions with him had been limited, especially after their feud over Fiona. Despite Fiona mentioning Frank's recent changes, Jimmy's impression remained unchanged.
Unaware of how Frank had tracked him down or disguised himself as a repairman, Jimmy assumed Frank could be bought off. After all, the old "Frank" would have accepted money to keep quiet, but he was also a bottomless pit, always demanding more for his vices.
However, Jimmy's main concern was keeping Frank placated. If Frank revealed his true identity to Fiona, it would be a headache. If Frank exposed his deeds under the alias Steve to his family, it would be disastrous.
Jimmy felt he had to satisfy Frank, whatever the cost, to keep his secret safe.
"I'm not after your money. I just want to know why you're doing this," Frank said.
"You don't want money?" Jimmy frowned.
"I've uncovered your real identity. You're a medical student at the University of Michigan. So why the car thefts and false identity?" Frank pressed.
Jimmy stayed silent.
"Your family seems unaware of your actions. They think you're studying out of town," Frank continued.
"Just tell me what you want to keep this a secret," Jimmy said, avoiding explanations.
"If you won't explain, then do one thing for me, and I'll keep your secret," Frank offered.
"What is it?" Jimmy asked, preparing for the worst.
"Leave my daughter. Never go near Fiona again," Frank stated firmly.
Learning about Jimmy's true background—a medical family and a prestigious education—had softened Frank's view of him. But honesty with Fiona was paramount.
Without honesty, Jimmy was no different from any other playboy who'd eventually move on. Fiona was genuinely invested in their relationship, not because of Jimmy's money, but because she believed in him as Steve the car thief.
Jimmy's deceit was a betrayal of Fiona's feelings, more hurtful than financial deception.
Historically, affairs have led to dire consequences because emotional betrayal is often more provoking than financial loss.
If Jimmy wasn't planning to be honest with Fiona, Frank wouldn't allow them to be together, preferring a clean break over prolonged pain.
"Leave Fiona forever? No way!" Jimmy rejected the idea outright.
"Then I'll tell Mrs. Lishman everything," Frank said, turning toward the mansion.
"Wait!" Jimmy stopped him.
"I can't leave Fiona. Name another condition, anything but that," Jimmy pleaded.
"Then be honest with Fiona about who you really are," Frank offered.
"I can't do that either," Jimmy said, visibly torn.
"If you can't do either..." Frank's eyes narrowed.
"I'll give you the house," Jimmy interrupted, taking a deep breath.
"What?" Frank was taken aback.
"I bought a house next to yours for Fiona. It's fully paid, no mortgage. I'll transfer it to you," Jimmy explained.
"Looks like we have more to discuss," Frank said, his tone softening.
They drove back to the house, Jimmy's purchase adjacent to Frank's home.
The house had belonged to Harris, one of the old "Frank's" drinking buddies, who had died a couple of years back. Officially, it was lung cancer, but locals knew it was AIDS, and he had died inside the house.
Such properties, where deaths have occurred, are often deemed unlucky, a belief shared across cultures, causing the market value to plummet.
Combined with the neighborhood's poor safety reputation, property prices were low.
However, even at a low price, buying a house in the Southside wasn't easy for locals, as most were financially strapped, much like Frank's family and their neighbors, Kevin and Veronica.
As a result, the house had remained unsold until Jimmy bought it, which implied he had stolen many cars to afford it.
Buying a house next to Frank's showed Jimmy's intentions.
He had planned it as a surprise for Fiona, revealing his genuine affection for her.
Frank toured the house, and like many fathers, his attitude toward Jimmy improved considerably—if not a complete reversal, then at least a more favorable view.