When Shadows Rise | I

Ch. 16 | The Message

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Seth was the epitome of a father desperately looking for his child when Talia and April returned to the apartment. He wasted no time cradling his daughter's face while scolding her in Hebrew. April gave them their space.

"What is that the youth say these days?" Seth hugged his daughter one last time. "What is the point of having a phone if you are not going to answer it?"

"I am sorry, Abba," Talia breathed. And she really did mean it. "I did not mean to scare you like that."

Seth clawed a hand through his dark wavy locks. Talia even caught him muttering swear words in Hebrew. "Do you know what I was thinking when I went up to the apartment and saw that it was a mess? And that you were not there? Talia, I even tried calling and texting you! I was seconds away from calling Captain 'O' Neil! Where were you?"

Talia's brows wrinkled. She looked over at her best friend. April paid attention to the pavement. "I was out."

Another exclamation in Hebrew. "Out? Where? How did the apartment become trashed?"

Those were all very good questions, but Talia did not know how to answer any of them.

"Um-" Talia bit her lip. She begged April with her eyes to help her out here.

"The neighbor's dog broke in." April used her last brain cells to come up with that lie. Talia stared at her in utter dismay. "And. . . it was chasing a cat! You know how they get— creating a mess here and there. . ."

Judging from the look on Seth's face, he was not buying a single word.

"I don't even know why I said that." April gave up. "The apartment complex doesn't allow pets."

Talia shook her head. She pulled her father's hand and took him aside.

"For the record, please tell your friend to never pursue a career in acting," Seth frowned.

On that, I agree. "Look, Abba." Talia crossed her arms. "I really am sorry for almost giving you a heart attack, but there is a reason for everything."

Seth stuck his hands in his pockets. "Alright. I am listening."

Talia exhaled. Where should she start? "Do you remember when the news covered Imma's murder? That they said she had connections to a criminal organization?"

Seth appeared to be confused, not understanding why his daughter was bringing this up. "Yes? But I do not see what that has to do with this."

"Actually, it has everything to do with this," Talia corrected. "The organization Imma was working with, well, they sent a few people to eliminate me. April and I were in the apartment when they attacked."

Talia lifted her chin up so she could see her father at eye-level. "We are no longer safe, Abba. We can't stay here."

Seth was speechless. What could he possibly say after hearing his daughter and her friend were almost killed? It was unbelievable. Genesis, what have you gotten yourself into?

"I know a place where we can stay in the meantime. We'll be safe there."

"Talia, I don't-"