Nobody's Son by Zaria Garrison Page B

changed his name, and he never knew his mother’s married name or your name. That’s why he’s looked for you so long. I had inside family information that helped him out.”
    Wayne sighed. “Gwen, you told him some things, and he filled in the blanks with his own lies. It’s that simple.”
    Trying to shake off the effects of the alcohol, Gwen sat thinking for several moments before speaking again. “I still don’t get it,” she finally said. “I mean, what could he possibly gain by pretending to be your son? Semaj is a celebrity.”
    â€œI’m one of the richest men in the entertainment industry. This guy is a nightly news anchor on a local television station. He could gain everything by being my son. Things like fame, notoriety, and money mean a lot to people. He could even use my name to advance his own career.”
    â€œWow, I never thought of that. When his cousin asked me to speak to him, I honestly believed that he was being sincere.”
    â€œHis cousin sent you to him? Gwen, that information should convince you that the whole thing was a setup. Somehow they found out we were related, and unfortunately, they used you to get to me.” Wayne turned around and pulled out his briefcase that was sitting on the dressing-room floor. He pulled out a worn newspaper clipping and handed it to Gwen. “During your research, did you happen to find this article?”
    Tentatively, Gwen took the paper and read it. Her mouth fell open in surprise when she read the headline. “Y OUNG WOMAN AND INFANT SON KILLED IN HOUSE FIRE” She stared at Wayne as she searched for the right words to say. “Wayne, I am so sorry. I was wrong. I was completely wrong. Can you ever forgive me?”
    Wayne smile broadly. “Of course, I can, but I need you to do something for me.”
    â€œAnything, you just name it,” Gwen said. She handed him back the newspaper clipping.
    â€œLet’s keep this conversation and our visit with Mr. Matthews between us. I would prefer that none of the rest of the family or anyone knew anything about it.”
    â€œI don’t understand. Why do we need to keep it a secret?”
    Wayne dug down deep and managed to bring up a few more crocodile tears. He reached into his pocket for his handkerchief and wiped them away slowly. “It’s really been painful for me to have to bring up the memories of my wife and son. If everyone in the family knew the truth, I’m afraid that I’d have to keep reliving it over and over every time I saw them. Gwen, please don’t make me go through that,” he pleaded.
    Gwen reached out and hugged him tightly. “I’m so sorry. I promise I will not breathe a word of this to anybody. I won’t even tell Momma. It will be our secret.”
    When they broke the embrace Wayne smiled with relief. “If this guy contacts you again, just let me know. I don’t think he will bother you, but just in case he tries, I want to know about it.”
    â€œI don’t think that he will either, but if he does, I promise you that I will handle it. You don’t ever have to worry about hearing from him again.”
    Wayne decided to treat Gwen to lunch, just to make sure that he had cemented her complete trust and loyalty. He told her he’d take her to any restaurant in the city that she picked. He was slightly amused but not at all surprised when she requested to go to Red Lobster. Without making her feel bad about her choice, Wayne convinced her that due to his celebrity status he’d like to take her to the restaurant of one of his personal friends. Her face lit up when he suggested they go to Justin’s and perhaps get a chance to see Sean “Puffy” Combs.
    As they ate, Wayne reveled in her colorful stories of life in Sand Poole Manor and catching up on all of the latest family gossip. Unlike many celebrities, Wayne did not look down on the members of his