The stasis magic that was placed on Kristoph remained steady until Uriel returned to retrieve his child ten years ago. It was also after his return to the human realm that he showed Synder and Kayne the ability to take on another person’s appearance, which they incorporated into the company, only offering it to certain clientele.
“Third boss, are you all right?” Rinehold gently pressed Uriel's left shoulder, peering into his face with concern.
Uriel’s mouth curved in a slight smile. “Yeah, I’m just wool-gathering.”
“Oh,” Rinehold said.
A tug on his jacket sleeve caused him to look down beside him, reminding Uriel that Kristoph was with him.
“What's up?” Uriel asked him.
Kristoph nodded. “Can I walk around for a bit?”
“I thought you wanted to see your uncles?”
“I’ll see them when I get back.”
Uriel sighed, then nodded, looking at the two bodyguards. “One of you go with him.”
“Dad, come on, I don’t need a babysitter,” Kristoph protested. “I’m not a kid. You know I can walk around by myself.”
“You’re ten years old, what do you mean you’re not a kid,” Shepard said, shaking his head.
Uriel grunted, stopping Kristoph from making a snarky comment. Although he was ten in number and body, Kristoph should've actually been in his thirties, the same age as Donald.
Uriel took on the guilt for not letting his son grow up the way Kristoph should have. Uriel hoped he could make up for it by giving Kristoph certain liberties to act as he pleased. But there were times he needed to keep Kristoph in check so that he didn’t go overboard.
“Come on, little cub,” Shepard said. “I’ll walk around with you. Let’s go to the cafeteria and see what flavor of jello they have left.”
Kristoph smiled, and his eyes brightened at the sound of jello.
“All right, but don’t call me little.” He started walking and complaining like an old man with the weight of the universe on his shoulders.
“Okay, I’ll just call you cub,” Shepard said, playing along, not seeming to be bothered by Kristoph’s griping.
Uriel and Rinehold chuckled, listening to the two of them banter.
“He’s a good kid,” Rinehold said.
“Yeah, he is.” All the employees enjoyed having the bosses’ kids and grandkids visit the company and were protective of them whenever they saw them out in public. “Okay, I’ve kept them waiting long enough, so let’s get this over with.”
“Still don’t enjoy meeting clients,” Rinehold commented.
“Nope, but I’ll get used to it, eventually.”
Rinehold nodded and opened the door, letting him in. When Uriel entered the VIP suite, he saw two familiar faces and one he didn’t recognize. The suites at Valleywood General Hospital were luxurious, and the higher ten floors were reserved for people who had a shit ton of money.
Each VIP guest room had separate sitting areas for visiting family members who wanted to stay overnight without disturbing the patients. Depending on the room guest, patients had a fantastic view of either downtown or Lake Erie. It seemed their new client was one of the people who could afford such luxuries, including a kitchenette.
“You finally made it.” Synder got up and met him at the door.
“You told me to get cleaned up,” Uriel griped.
Synder looked him up and down, then nodded his head in approval. “Not bad. Come on, let’s meet one of our new clients.”
“One?” Uriel asked in confusion.
“The other is why we’re here.”
