“Tell them Ill be there soon. I arranged to pay off your debt for you. I dont understand why you didnt come to me first, Deidre, but this isnt the time to discuss that.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Richard ended the call and signed the paperwork. He didnt want to give up the home where he had created memories with his family, but it was the only way to help Deidre.
A few hours later, he pulled into the clubs parking lot in a rented car and headed toward the entrance.
Dad, wait!” Richard looked back as Deidre ran toward him.
I wont let you face those thugs alone, she said. I still dont understand how you found out about this mess or how you got the money to repay them, but the least I can do is stand by you while you save me.”
Richard studied the determined look in Deidres eyes and knew he couldnt convince her to leave. As they entered the club, the thugs herded him and Deidre toward the table.
Richard placed his duffel bag, which contained the cash hed withdrawn after the mortgage went through, and put it on the table.
Heres the $80,000 Deidre owed you plus another $15,000 to cover the cost of your car. I, uh, got into some trouble, and the car ended up in a river.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Mr. Marcos mouth twisted angrily, and he thumped his fist against the table.
“You have the audacity to offer me a measly $15,000? After you come in here and tell me you sank the $100,000 shipment hidden in that car? That doesnt even BEGIN to cover what you now owe me.”
The gangster grabbed the duffel bag and threw it to one of his thugs.
You know, Deidre, I really believed in you, but sometimes, in business, youve got to know when to cut your losses.”
He removed a gun from his suit jacket and pointed it straight at Deidres forehead.
Richard pulled Deidre behind him. “No, please! This is all my fault! Dont punish her!”
Well, you made a good point.” The gangster shrugged, and the next moment, Richard was staring down the gun barrel.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
But suddenly, they heard police sirens outside.
Mr. Marco turned and ran toward the back of the club as loud gunfire boomed and shook the place.
Father and daughter crawled under the table. There was chaos in the club, and as Richard looked into his daughters fear-filled eyes, he knew he had to get her to safety, no matter what.
Richard and Deidre pulled one of the tables over and barricaded themselves in a corner. They hid there until the police escorted them to safety. Thankfully, Mr. Marco was apprehended.
Are you certain you dont have any heart-related health issues?” Richard shook his head at the paramedic while in the ambulance.
Richard swallowed hard when the police detective approached the ambulance.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
“Sir, what were you and your daughter doing in this club today?” the detective asked sternly.
Richard explained about Deidres loan and how theyd come to the club that day to repay it. He hoped he might get away with not mentioning the car he sank in the river.
The detective glanced at Deidre. “If we hadnt found a car full of contraband in the river, we wouldnt have been here to rescue you. You shouldnt be taking loans from such disreputable people, miss.”
“A car in the river?” Richard asked nervously.
“It was registered to Mr. Marcos cousin, which was exactly the lede we needed to take this gang down,” replied the officer.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Richard sighed in relief. He was in the clear.
The cops let him and Deidre go once they provided their statements.
I owe you a huge apology, Dad. I dragged you into this whole mess,” Deidre apologized as they walked to the front, where Richards car was parked.
Tears filled her eyes. “I didnt know how to tell you. How does anyone tell their father that theyre a huge failure?”
“You are not a failure!” Richard put his hands on Deidres shoulders. Maybe your business idea didnt work out as well as youd hoped, but you tried, Deidre. I wish youd felt comfortable enough to tell me what was really going on in your life. Heck, I just wish you felt you could be as close with me as you were with your mother,” he continued. I dont think youve been fine for quite a while now.”
Deidre burst into tears, and Richard put an arm around her. “Its okay, honey,” he whispered soothingly. “Everythings going to be okay.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who spots her husband taking his wedding ring off before leaving for work. She decides to follow him, only to discover something shocking.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someones life. If you would like to share your story,
