It was cold outside, exactly what one would expect on a North Carolina night the eve before Thanksgiving. But Nathan sat on the back porch. There he could be alone. Alone with his thoughts, away from the prying reporters, and his relentless family and friends. It didn't matter that he wasn't wearing a jacket. He didn't care that he was freezing. He only wanted what little bits of peace he could salvage.

"Beautiful night, eh, son?"

Nathan rolled his eyes, avoiding his father's intense gaze.

"What do you want, man?"

"Here", he tossed him his coat. "It's pneumonia weather out here, jackass. Put that on."

"I'm not a little kid, Dad. I don't need to be looked after."

"You could have fooled me", Dan scoffed.

Nathan sighed out of sheer exasperation.

"Dad, what is it? Huh? Why did you come out here to bug me? What do you want?"

"Would you believe me if I said to spend quality time with my son?"

"Uh, let me think about that one…hell no!"

Dan laughed.

"Okay. I actually came here just to hear you say 'thank you' but with your stubbornness, that obviously won't happen so I'll settle for some good old fashioned quality time."

"What the hell am I thanking you for?"

"Oh for lots of things. Let's see. Tomorrow is after all Thanksgiving. A special holiday where we give thanks."

"What the hell do I have to be thankful for?"

"You're alive…you're rich…you're talented…you're good looking. And you're my son. What more could anyone ask for?"

"That last one is not by choice, trust me", the younger Scott muttered.

"What is it now, Nate? Why are you pissed off at the world this time?"

"Dad, I just want to be left alone, okay? Is that too much to ask? I'm in a mood and I just want to be by myself. You of all people should understand that. Besides, I know why you really came out here."

"And why is that, Nathan?"

"To flip out on me and give me a big lecture about getting suspended from the team."

Dan shrugged innocently.

"And why would I do that?"

"Save the act, Dad. I know you."

Dan smirked.

"Well, if you know me like you say you do, then you'd know that this suspension deal won't be lasting for long."

"What?"

"You heard me. I am going to fix it."

"How?"

"Does it matter?"

Nathan slammed his fists down and rose to his feet.

"Yes, it matters! Look, man, I don't need you fixing stuff for me. You've done enough."

"You don't need me, huh?" he laughed. "Excuse me while I regain my composure. That's just too funny. After all these years and everything that has happened, I can't believe you and Lucas still have that mentality. Of course you need me."

"No, we don't. You can bet on that."

"Really? Think about it, son. Where would you be without me?"

"Probably a lot better off."

"You think? Well, I beg to differ. Where would you be if I hadn't gotten you out of that incident when you and Tim and Jake and the other clowns decided to steal a school bus? Or the time after Ms. James did her infamous disappearing act and I pulled some strings and got you into High Fliers? And who do you think paid for college after you lost your academic scholarships because your grades sank faster than the Titanic? And the latest incident when you decided to get plastered and kill your mother and some poor schmuck on a bike? Who the hell do you think kept your ass out of jail? Who got rid of the beer bottles you left behind, Boozy II?"

Nathan scowled.

"I didn't ask for that, Dad. I never asked for any of it."

"Fine. You're absolutely right. So how about this? I'll stay out of the NBA matter and let you get fired and lose your endorsements and source of income. Then in the spirit of all that is right and fair, I will call the police and tell them the truth about the night of the accident. And to really square our karma, let me go inside and tell your wife what really happened in the Dominican Republic with your little Britney Spears wannabe. When she finally comes to her senses and kicks you out on your pathetic ass, I'll stand idly by as she takes you to the cleaners and gets what's left of your meager bank account. How about that, son? Is that what you want?"

Nathan didn't answer. He couldn't.

"Like I thought", Dan said in victory.

"Whatever."

"It's a simple life, my boy. You make things much harder than they have to be. You're just like your mother in that aspect. Why can't you let me make this easier on you? On all of us?"

"How are you gonna do that?"

"I have my ways", he laughed evilly.

"Yeah, I just bet you do. Sorry but I'm not shaking hands with the Devil."

"You already did", the father told him. "Now, I've done a lot for you and I will continue to do so. After all, you are my son. But I can't be the only one doing all the giving in this relationship. There are going to be a few changes around here, Nathan."

"What are you talking about?"

"Let me enlighten you, son…"

"What? You're blackmailing me now?"

Dan pretended to be hurt.

"Such a harsh word. Nathan, I'm shocked and deeply saddened. Of course not. Don't think of it that way."

"How should I think of it, then?"

Dan smiled as he thought for a moment.

"Let's think of it as a system. We're partners…equals, buddies even. I scratch your back…you scratch mine. What do you think?"

Nathan shook his head and rolled his eyes. Like he had a choice in the matter. His father had him by the balls and they both knew it.

"What do I have to do?" he grumbled.

"Now we're talking. The rules of the game are simple. I only need you to do three things for me."

"I'm listening…"

"Number one…straighten up with the basketball. No more piss poor playing, no more ejections, no more mouthing off to the coaches, no more missing practice or showing up for work late or intoxicated. Got it?"

"What else?"

"Two…work things out with Megan. She's your wife for God's sakes. Get your act together and make it work. Do whatever you have to do to make her happy. I want you to be a good husband…and a good father."

"And three?"

"Last but certainly not least. The third thing is the most important…Nathan, you are never, ever under any circumstances to have any contact with Haley James whatsoever."

"Dad…"

"No! No if, ands or buts about it. She is what started this whole mess. That girl has been nothing but trouble ever since you met her and you know it. Now I'm putting my foot down and trying to stop this mess and save you from yourself before the ghost of this woman destroys you and everything we've worked for."

"Dad…"

"Do I make myself clear?"

Nathan hung his head.

"Oh yeah", he finally said in a sarcastic tone. "Crystal clear, Dad."

"Good. Then this little matter is resolved. We understand each other, I take it."

"I guess we do. I understand you alright, Dad. I just don't understand how I let myself get caught up in your game and fall at your mercy."

"Tough position but you'll survive", Dan smiled.

Nathan just shook his head, amazed that he and Lucas had been spawned from the human personification of Satan that stood arrogantly before him.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into?"

"I just saved you from yourself, son", Dan nodded as he went back into the house. "It's a little chilly so I'm going to have a cocktail by the fire, then rouse my wife to see if I can score a little. I suggest you do the same."

Nathan was disgusted. Maybe Dan had saved him from himself but there was a bigger question at hand. Who would save him from Dan?