It’s been two weeks since Tyler met Brooke at the bar. Within those fourteen days, he’d been caught hacking into town security and was then trialed in court. His defense attorney was Rachel McKenzie, a wealthy good-doer, who’s spent her life breeding altruism though a community others had completely given up on. With her husband originally from the south side, she knew better than to paint every individual the same. They weren’t all hardened criminals and gangsters. Some of them, like Tyler, were good people with a rough past.
Graciously, and by the hand of God, Rachel was able to keep Tyler out of prison just as long as he honors his plea deal. Which is, to re-enroll in high school and get a job. A real job, not stealing cars and/or racing.
On probation, Tyler agreed to help with the new community being built on the north side. Knowing it was better than adult prison, he packed his things and moved into the McKenzie’s guesthouse. He was afforded his own privacy but, not too much of it. The adjacent house sat only a few feet away from the main house and was under constant supervision; including cameras and gate security.
After three days of getting situated in his new home, Tyler was told there would be a social outing in which he would have to attend with the family. The gathering were to take place at the River Banks Country Club, owned by the island’s most prominent family, the Jacobs. Tyler may have looked good in a suit but, he hated wearing one and was warned to be on his best behavior because they were having dinner with the mayor and his daughter. GREAT, Tyler rolled his eyes dramatically at the thought. Prison might have been the better option, after all.
Punctual as always, Tyler followed the McKenzie’s to their shared table with the Maddox’s. They were told by a waiter that the mayor would be with them shortly. Feeling anxious, Tyler attempted to steal a drink from the server’s tray but was immediately scolded by Rachel. “I’m just nervous. There’s so many important people here and this place, I don’t belong in it.” That was nonsense, which Rachel wouldn’t accept. “You do belong here, Tyler. You’re a smart boy, who’s been dealt incredibly bad hands. You’re not the problem, its society. Or at least the one you were born into. Here, you have a real fighting’s chance. Don’t blow it.”
