Chapter Forty-Three:

Zacky’s POV

I could tell by the way Lydia and Dad were talking, that something was wrong. I know that he keeps me in the loop with a lot of things, but I’m not sure if this is something that I should stay out of. I tried to hear more, but they’re speaking in hushed tones. I heard something crash and decided I should probably see what’s going on. It takes a lot for Dad to lose his cool. Something must be really wrong.

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Lydia’s POV

I jumped when Doug threw a glass off of his desk at the wall. He made a quick phone call to some of his associates and he stormed to the other side of his office. He moved a picture to the side and I saw a safe. He entered some numbers and pulled out two guns and ammunition. I got chills down my spine. I trust Doug – I do... But, he’s outnumbered. There are two of them and one of them.

“Sweetheart, go upstairs.” He told me. I shook my head frantically, ignoring the headache I was giving myself. He sighed, but didn’t look surprised. He pulled out a smaller handgun from the safe and handed it to me. “Do you know how to use this?” He asked me. I nodded, hesitantly.

“I-I’ve shot one before, but it’s been awhile.” I told him. He nodded.

“Good, if they get inside, I want you to shoot them. Don’t ask questions – don’t hesitate. Just shoot them. Do you understand?” He insisted.

“Yes.” I whispered. Relief washed over his face.

“Good girl,” he muttered, before kissing my temple. “Zachary!” He yelled, only to have Zacky show up out of nowhere. He stepped into the office and eyed our new accessories. His face is guarded and hard to read. I don’t think this is Zacky’s first time handling a firearm or a situation like this.

“What’s going on?” He asked, seriously. Doug nodded to the safe. Zack retrieved a weapon for himself. They both put on bulletproof vests and handed me one.

“Is this really necessary?” I asked, getting all kinds of nervous. Doug just nodded.

“I won’t have the two of you getting hurt because of their fucking carelessness. I won’t risk your health.” Doug said firmly. I didn’t say anything else. “You’re sure it was just two of them?” He asked. I nodded. “Good. The others should be here any minute. I won’t go out there without them. We don’t know if they’re alone for sure. Zachary, call the police. Dial Sgt. Daniels’ number. He’ll get someone out here discreetly. He won’t ask too many questions. Am I understood?” He asked. We both nodded, again. Zacky pulled out his phone and kept the conversation brief. He put an arm over my shoulders and held me to his side. “I doubt that you’ll have to use those, but it never hurts to be cautious.” Doug added, before leaving the room. “Stay put!” He hollered as he walked away. I don’t think I could move if I wanted to.

“I doubt they’ll actually do anything. They probably just want to scare me. They want to prove that they aren’t scared to come here and face Doug. Oh, God. What if they hurt him?” I whispered. I clutched Zacky’s hand in my own.

“Hey, Dad can take care of himself. He wouldn’t be going out there if he couldn’t handle it. It’s not like he’s alone. He said he’d wait for back-up. And I called the cops. They’ll be here soon enough. It’ll be fine.” He tried to assure me. I sighed. I can feel my pulse sky-rocket. My heart feels like it’s taking a jack-hammer to my chest. When will this be over?

Notes

Sorry all, I know it's a short one. Tomorrow's chapter should be longer! Thank you, thank you, for all the amazing comments!:)

If you haven't already seen, I've added another character. Hayden's mother will be making an appearance in a little while. Brace yourself - she'll be just as awesome as he is.

Thoughts? Comments?

Much love,
Katie