Chapter 1

London, England

Lifetime natives of London, Luis is the son of Jim and Caroline Mortensen. Married in 1983, Jim, at age fifty-two, is a philosophy professor at Imperial University. While Caroline, at age fifty-one, is a notable emissary to the English government. Over the years, Imperial gained prestige by graduating gifted scholars.

This is why Luis aimed to pursue a law degree, while furthering a passion for ecological issues. On a related note, Jim and Caroline felt most elated when graduation arrived. Although, despite his enthusiasm, Luis' thoughts dwelt on Karen. Since childhood, they'd been in love, but as one might expect, acted naive and defiant.

For this reason, Karen's mother, Jessica, thought it better if the family moved away. A decision that ultimately left Luis heartbroken and distraught. On top of that, many of he and Karen's friends began attending an occultist church of the Wicca doctrine: the Lady of Victories.

Among them were Sienna Quinn, Lesley Ashton, and Dena Pierce. Sisters of enchantment Karen had bonded with and considered family. Though, nowadays, her mother remains assertive, and with the aid of Arch Bishop Leon Luen, stifles these relationships.

In fairness, Karen wasn't like other girls, and suffered from a mysterious affliction. For that cause, Jessica sheltered her daughter, amid continuous treatment. Nevertheless, three years had passed, and Luis stood determined to find her again. For this reason, Caroline organized a banquet at London's lavish Clove Club, figuring it'd be the ideal setting to relax and forget. After which, she hoped to remain secretive, expecting to hide the surprise.

“How do you feel?” Jim asked as his son drew close.

Oddly enough, he didn't answer immediately, but based on their expressions, he'd made them proud. And for him, such feelings of fulfillment were agreeable.

“I don't know...” he replied. “It's been a long journey.”

Lovingly, his mother cuddled.

“We're so proud of you.”

True to form, everything felt routine, so Luis wanted to get away and ready for a lengthy and calming summer.

“I need space.” he announced eagerly as his father seized the cap and gown.

“You deserve it...” Jim proclaimed. “Though, there's one more thing.”

Accordingly, Luis chuckled.

“Why am I not surprised?”

In the interest of time, Caroline hurried everyone along, hoping to make their reservation. While doing so, Luis again recalled his mother's fondness for the extravagant. And though he lacked her vitality, it was something he expected.

“Where are we going?” he questioned, basing in the back seat.

Wavering, Caroline peered over the headrest.

“That's for us to know and you to wonder about.”

Slowly, but surely, the sun was waning, and the evening had turned muggy. In which case, Luis savored the sites despite the neighborhood's deteriorating conditions. Sad to say, disease and poverty were major concerns, so he aimed to broaden his involvement with the environment.

Meanwhile, the route to the Clove Club was often impeded by recurring traffic delays. Thus, Caroline also reserved a suite at an elaborate hotel within London's economic sector: the Four Seasons at Park Lane. A costly expense, Luis believed, but one she presumed was worth the peace of mind.

“This is madness.” Jim bellowed, brooding.

Right away, Caroline giggled and caressed his hand.

“Relax, I've taken the liberties.”

Needless to say, Jim did everything by the book, and punctuality remained atypical for someone of his stature and rearing. Whatever the case, Luis continually remained the voice of reason.

“Don't worry...” he expressed. “They'll honor the reservation.”

Gradually, Jim glanced into the rear-view mirror.

“I hope so.”

In short order, they'd arrive at the parking garage, where his father unveiled an access card.

“Good evening...” an attendant greeted. “Surprising you overcame the traffic.”

On that note, Jim gestured.

“You know how it is.”

At that time, the attendant scanned the card and returned it.

“Will there be anything else?”

“Nothing, thank you.” he answered.

For awhile now, Luis seemed reserved, with a stout and well-defined expression, so his mother twisted and sniggered.

“When we arrive, circumstances will be different, I promise.”

In no time, they were surrounded by a vast crowd of hotel employees. As guaranteed, the Four Seasons stood infamous for its service, so as patrons arrived, efforts proved satisfactory. From there, Jim and Caroline occupied a nearby curb while Luis surveyed the surroundings. Throughout their lives, his parents yielded luxuries, but he felt reserving such a domicile was extreme. Just the same, he remained vigilant while crews arranged suitcases.

“It's been some time.” An attendant asserted, welcoming the group.

In kind, Jim grinned and shook hands.

“It has indeed, but you'll see to the bags?”

Promptly, the bellhop twinkled and accepted a tip of one hundred pounds.

“Right away.”

Like always, Luis made light of the gesture and centered on the other patrons. Granted, he wasn't acquainted with them, but recognized what they embodied. Lest we forget, the Four Seasons also catered to an exclusive clientele.
And though Luis echoed the lifestyle, it never signified to him what it did to others. Along the same line, economic status held everyone under a whimsical spell. Ergo, he grew weary of the ever-present stereotype, and wished to ease the anxiety.

“Luis and I are going to the suite.” Caroline proclaimed to Jim, gesturing upstairs.

“An excellent idea...” he rebutted. “I'll tend to things here.”

Agreeably, she nodded and motioned to her son.

“Come on.”

Tenderly, he took a hand, and together, they'd enter the vestibule, heedful of only each other.

“We know this is breathtaking...” she explained. “However, I hope you can share in our excitement.”

Once more, Luis embraced his mother.

“I do, but I feel overwhelmed.”

Leisurely, Caroline worked through his dark hair.

“You miss Karen.”

Solemnly, he looked into her eyes.

“I wish she could've been here.”

Initially, she struggled to think of a clever retort, but instead said nothing, since Luis was right. From the outset, Karen's absence had created an immense void he was still struggling to manage. Regardless of circumstances, his mother appeared prideful, no matter who noticed. On a related note, hundreds of parents were in attendance, but none were more spirited than Caroline.

“Everything in order?” she contested as Jim returned.

Happily, he nodded.

“It is, and our bags will be waiting.”

A while later, Luis escorted his parents into the suite, drew the draperies, and surveyed the English countryside. As envisaged, the room was lavish, with striking resemblances to home. Another welcome surprise following such a tumultuous day. In which case, Jim relaxed and took liberties with a bottle of champagne.

“A cocktail before we go?”

“No, thank you.” Luis denied, recoiling.

Advancing, Caroline regarded.

“I tried to reach Jessica; sorry.”

In short, his parents felt sympathetic, but Karen's exodus had also taken an emotional toll. Too, with graduation, he'd renounced several long-standing friendships. As a result, life was going through notable changes, with upheavals of emotion. Independent of that, Jim wanted to see his son happy.

“Take this...” His father insisted, once again, offering a cocktail. “It'll take your mind off of things.”

Grasping the glass, Luis sulked.

“I hope so.”

In due course, everyone entered an elegant conference suite, often reserved for the most elaborate guests: the Continental Room. From the inception, Luis was to be the focal point of attention, though beforehand, Jim found his son seated alone.

“Is it that bad?”

Sluggishly, his eyes lifted.

“I miss her.”

From every side, Jim despised his son's heartbreak, but there wasn't anything he could say or do to ease Luis's transition. Even still, he tried to choose the right words.

“I know Karen wanted to be here.”

“Then, why'd she leave?”

“You'll have to ask her one day...” Jim told. “Not the worse, I suspect Jessica had something to do with it.”

On that score, he accompanied his father inside.

“Karen's different...” Luis clarified. “Though, still a loving and compassionate woman.”

Jim lamented, but agreed.

“Perhaps...” he replied. “Although, never assume anything.”

Later on, Luis petitioned his mother as she chatted, and though eager, he didn't interrupt. After all, the dialogue sounded repetitive and consisted of stories about old times. Thankfully, by chance, a distinct timbre enticed attention.

“Are you going to ignore me?” A youthful damsel stated.

With ones own eyes, he gawked with instant recognition. And despite not seeing Heather in years, they'd embrace, wondering why they hadn't reunited sooner. It's no secret that she always favored Luis, even despite Karen's pursuits. Otherwise, Heather was the sort of woman who sparked interest; an attractive redhead with a well-pronounced silhouette, accentuated by an inviting smile.

“You're going off to college?” she inquired, wide eyed.

“Yes -- Imperial.”

“Impressive...” she indicated. “Then, you'll be taking prelaw?”

Eagerly, Luis nodded.

“That's phenomenal...” she declared, caressing his hand. “Plus, your father being a professor helps.”

Directly, he seemed irritated, but let the comment pass as friends Trina Sinclair and Jasmine Lloyd arrived. They were his age, but acted older than their 18 years dictated. Be it what it would, they'd become friends despite Karen's objections. To schedule, everyone adjourned inside, and though Luis appeared happy, thoughts often dwelt on the past.

With this in mind, Jim wanted to convey his feelings without distressing his son, so he'd grasp a champagne glass and stand. Observing this, Luis tittered, sensing his father was about to squander his integrity. But, Jim never spoke in public, so he settled back and listened.

“On behalf of your family and friends, congratulations.”

On that note, Luis felt elated, but his father needed to elaborate. At first, he had no idea what Jim intended to say, or at least, judged so in the beginning. Nevertheless, as they stared into the Four Seasons, the intent appeared urgent.

“Your mother and I stand delighted that you chose Imperial...” he professed. “Plus, having you close is a blessing.”

Gradually, Luis lamented despite the discreet candor.

“What's on your mind?”

At a slow pace, Jim withdrew and rubbed his chin.

“Don't worry about an opportunity.”

Instantly, Luis stood baffled, knowing his father held influence in many areas of commerce. Given this, it seemed he'd arranged favor and opened doors.

“What do you mean?”

“You'll intern for Smith-Wellington & Davis in Wales."

It's well known, they're a prestigious firm, so it presented a chance to learn from several esteemed attorneys. Favorably, Luis was also understanding how the business world worked - along with the benefits of wealth and power.

"What can I say?"

"Two simple words will do." Jim joked, gazing.

Luis chuckled and embraced his father.

"Thank you."