My eyes were closed but I can clearly hear footsteps of people walking or rather running back and forth. A couple of cars were parking on either sides of our vehicle and doors were opening and shutting. I can hear the loud shouts of team leaders giving out instructions and their groups responding with as much vigor. There was intensity in the atmosphere.
I can hear my lungs filling up with air and then letting it go. Against my ribcage, my heart was howling as if a prisoner asking to be freed. I can feel the pulsations of my peripheries being overworked to the mad demand of my body for blood. There was a constant ringing in my ear that I couldn't really shake off.
Despite all the internal and external noise flying all over my head, I was solely focused on one thing, the news. The car's radio was quieted down minutes ago in a desperate attempt to give me a little bit of peace before I go into war but it was still all clear to me.
"...the end of Grayson Communications?" Said the newscaster. "It will be recalled that on the recent news, whilst battling through their Tax and drugs cases which plummeted their stocks, a mass resignation was observed within the company. To top all of this, a series of videos surfaced online from 23 individuals claiming that they were hired by Anthony Grayson to commit several murders including the attempt to kill the famous model Gabriella Conner. These individuals are also coming out with evidences to support their claims. The decision to testify emerged from their fear that Grayson had been hunting them down. Despite remaining anonymous, these people exclaimed that they will stand in court against Grayson."
"Turn it off" That was Gray's voice. The radio was turned off almost immediately.
I opened my eyes. From my peripheral vision, I can still see the police officers awaiting for their signals. Gray was inside the car with me.
"I was enjoying that" I remarked.
Slowly by slowly, it was happening. I don't know how long I have waited to hear that Anthony Grayson was slowly falling down. The only thing left was to watch him actually fall on his knees.
"Focus, Gabriella" Gray said. "You will have all the time in the world to savor it all after this. For now, focus"
I didn't need to, all I have to do was stand in front of Anthony Grayson and try to make him confess. What everyone was worried about is that he might hurt me and even then, Gray and Alec will still be there with me.
The door to the van opened. I turned to see Alec. He looked a bit exhausted but I can still see the excitement in his eyes. He and I both worked so hard for this, for both of our freedom, for our peace and quiet.
"Gabby, someone is here to see you" he said. Behind him I saw a man peek for a second before moving on to stand by Alec's side. He gave way.
The man was wearing a black shirt under a black denim jacket. He had a little mustache that seemed unkept and little white hairs sticking around it. A dark hat was covering what seems to be an almost bald head. He had a very apologetic smile on his face. I looked right into his eyes and I felt a loud thump in my heart. The familiarity was uncanny. The blood rush was overwhelming.
"Dad?" I almost couldn't let out the word. I didn't even stop the tears anymore. This must be what other people say that no matter how long it is, no matter what the circumstances, you will always know family.
Looking into his eyes, I feel like I was warped back to being a little girl. I remember all those moments where it was just me and him against the world. My knowledge-obssessed father who showed me how amazing it is to discover about life has grown old.
All those years, I had so many frustrations against him. At one point when I was at my worst, I even thought I hated him. But now, even after more than 2 decades, I can still feel all the love I have felt for him when I was still a little girl. Now I realize, I never hated him, I just missed him so much.
