Eliza knew the restaurant would be fancy, but she was still speechless at the glorious building. She nearly forgot why she was there, until a waiter ushered her and Silas to their table. Shere Khan waited for them folded arms and a cross face. His tall muscular frame outshined her shorter, skinnier father. Other customers went about their day without a care, but Shere Khan's presence drowned the sounds. At first, the only who spoke was the waiter, who nervously left to get the menus.

From the way the brothers stared, Eliza wondered how long until the place imploded from the tension. Finally, Silas stepped forward with hand extended. Shere awkwardly shook while they exchanged a pat on the back. Eliza wondered if that's what passed as a hug for them.

"Eliza," Silas placed his hand on his daughter's back. "Meet your uncle Shere." When the older tiger looked at her, Eliza felt like she had shrunk ten times smaller. Something about his eyes was enough to send her running if she had the chance.

Nevertheless, she muttered a weak "Hello" as Shere extended his hand.

"Eliza, I'm glad we could finally meet."

"Me too," she reluctantly accepted the handshake, which felt wooden.

After they made their orders, Silas explained the financial situation.

"So," said Shere, as the waiter came back with their food. "You've finally accepted defeat, and now you want to work for me?"

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Silas glared over his coffee mug. "I got a job offer at an airbase North of here."

"Then what do you need me for?"

Silas looked at Eliza, who poked at her filet mignon. Before the meeting, he told her to say the word if she changed her mind. His eyes seemed to say, "Are you sure?" Now that she saw Shere Khan in person, she finally understood why people were afraid of him. How could he be her father's brother? She had a chance to call it off, but then she thought of the late nights her father worked. How he slept half the time away, how he kept a smile even when he was worn out. He always had her wellbeing in mind, but now it was time someone had his wellbeing in mind. If he was brave enough to face his intimidating big brother, she could be too. Just one little nod, and the deal was set. Silas returned the nod and turned back to Shere.

"They don't have a place for Eliza, so I was wondering if she could stay with you." The table fell silent. Eliza glanced at her uncle, only to find him looking back at her, and she stared at her plate.

"Can we talk privately?" Shere asked Silas.

"Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of Eliza."

"I'd rather speak brother-to-brother."

Eliza stopped Silas when he opened his mouth again. "Dad, It's fine, really." He looked questioningly at her. The truth was she would feel better if she didn't have to hear whatever Shere had to say. At least not yet.

"You sure?" asked Silas.

"I'm sure."

Her father sighed, but he followed his brother to a private booth.

"She's well-behaved," said Shere. "I'm sure she doesn't get that from you."

"You pulled me aside just to tell me that?"

"No, I want to make sure I have the facts straight. You want me to atone for your mistakes?"

"My daughter isn't a mistake!" Silas pounded his fist on the table.

"No, every other choice you made was a mistake. If you had the motivation, perhaps you could have better provided for your family." Before he could retaliate Shere poked his chest. "And perhaps Rose would still be alive."

"Don't you bring her into this!" Several customers stared at the two tigers, but Silas ignored them. "If you're still hung up on that, it's too late. Don't lecture me on life choices when you have your own regrets."

"I offered Rose everything," Shere snarled.

"Everything except listening. You know you can't solve everything with money."

"And yet, you want to use my money for your daughter's sake."

"I want her to have a better life." Silas finally calmed down. He almost forgot why he was there. "I just want her safe while I work for that life."

"Do you honestly take me for the parental type? Business is my expertise, not children."

"Look, you don't have to do much. Just give her food, a home and have a someone drive her to school. Other than that, she can handle herself. You saw for yourself. She's a good kid."

"Yes, but who's paying for her school?" Shere raised an eyebrow. "You have thought this through, right?"

"Don't worry, the tuition will come out of my salary. I'm not as much of a slacker as you think." Silas sighed. "Please, Brother. If it weren't a problem, I wouldn't ask you."

"So," Shere folded his hands. "You want my help, even if you won't work for me?"

"Yes." The brothers looked at each other without saying a word.

"Very well." Shere unfolded his hands. "I'll do it. But not for your sake, or even Eliza's. I'm doing this to honor Rose's memory."

Silas glared, but he shrugged. "Fine, as long as I know she's in good hands."

"If she agrees to stay out of my way, yes."

"Then we have a deal." Silas extended his hand, and his brother shook it. Business talk is his best language.

Normally, Eliza would never pass up a chance to eat real food, especially the kind rich people ate. As she waited for her father and uncle, her appetite dwindled. Too many questions raced through her mind. Was this the right choice? Would Uncle Shere agree to it? What really set him at odds with her father? The last question weighed the heaviest after seeing their reactions in person. She could still feel the tension from where they left. She poked at her steak, pausing when the two older tigers returned and sat down.

"Well," Silas smiled. "It's settled." Eliza smiled back, but she was really watching Shere. He focused on his plate, cutting his steak in a sophisticated manner. He looked up once to catch her eye. This time, Eliza did not look away. If this was going to be a regular dinner for a while, she would have to get used to.

"I look forward to having you," said Shere. With that monotone, it was hard to tell if he meant it.

Eliza nodded and replied, "Me too." She wasn't sure if she meant it herself.