Gary Cooper didn't linger.
As he explained, he still had to head to Trinity High in Manhattan that afternoon to review another student applying for a scholarship.
Mrs. Snow personally walked him to the door, warmth written across her face.
Hawk followed, though his thoughts were elsewhere—still turning over Gary's parting words.
"Don't thank me. Thank my colleague Anna…"
He recalled the woman's words at the cemetery: "I prepared a gift for you. I hope you'll like it."
"So this… was the gift?" Hawk wondered.
Back in her office, Mrs. Snow could hardly hide her excitement.
"This is incredible, Hawk! I thought they'd take the file back and discuss before deciding, but he's already given you a spot for next fall."
Hawk smiled faintly, setting Anna aside for now.
"I didn't expect it either."
"This is huge," Mrs. Snow continued, relief softening her voice. "You know how many strong candidates applied for NYU's law school this year. I pushed you to prepare because I thought they'd deliberate. For him to decide on the spot means you really impressed him."
She calmed herself, then reminded gently, "But don't relax just yet. Gary will file the paperwork when he gets back. Only when the invitation letter arrives can we truly celebrate."
Hawk nodded, though he knew from the certainty in her tone that such promises were rarely revoked. University admissions and high school counselors built reputations on trust. For a recruiter to go back on his word would be to burn bridges with every counselor in the city.
No—Anna had ensured this.
And she would want something in return.
He didn't feel threatened. He wasn't some teenager raging against the unfairness of the world anymore. People with influence could steer admissions—that was life.
He saw it for what it was: a transaction.
Parents bought recommendation letters all the time, trading money or favors to secure their children's futures. This was no different.
And every transaction was about consent.
So Hawk would listen to what Anna wanted, then decide.
Pocketing his phone after briefly glancing at her number, he stepped out of the building. Gwen was waiting.
She had already heard the news. Her smile blossomed as she rushed forward, wrapping him in a warm hug.
"Wow, this is amazing, Hawk. Congratulations!"
"Thanks."
He hugged her back, then pulled away.
"Yours should be coming soon too, Gwen."
She beamed.
"Berkeley already called. I had my online interview yesterday. The letter should arrive in a few days."
Hawk blinked.
"And you didn't tell me?"
"You weren't at school today," she teased. Then her expression softened. "But yours happened today, right after you went to see Anya. Clearly, she's watching over you."
Hawk hesitated. Gwen's words struck something deep.
"That's my little sister," he said quietly.
Later, with the weight of a suitcase full of cash in the trunk, Hawk rode home with Gwen instead of the school bus.
On the drive, she asked curiously, "So… you've got a million dollars now. What will you do with it?"
"Get my license. Buy a car. And when prom comes, I'll get a suit and take you," Hawk said without hesitation.
She blinked at how naturally he'd said it.
"And after that?"
"I only sold them because I wanted to make sure you had the prom you deserved. I didn't want it ruined by… money problems." He chuckled. "Call it old-fashioned if you want."
Her eyes shimmered.
"Hawk… aren't you worried? Selling weapons like that—dangerous ones?"
"People kill, Gwen. Not weapons. And those were my spoils. I have the right to do what I want with them."
Her serious tone made him laugh softly.
When they reached his building, he waved as Gwen drove off in her yellow Corolla. He was about to head inside when a voice called out.
"Mr. Hawk, wait!"
Across the street, a young man in a courier's uniform was rushing toward him.
…
(End of Chapter)
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