Retribution

Chapter 23 - Seeing the Reality of Fantasy

Marco and Jonny ran inside, brandishing their guns. Marco yelled at me to move and immediately stepped in front of me, blocking me from any view except that of his broad back. Jonny stalked up and down the aisle, peering into every stable with the muzzle of his gun. As shocked and shaken as I was, I couldn't help but stifle a giggle. He looked like the love-child of Hulk Hogan and James Bond.

Finally satisfied it was clear, Jonny nodded to Marco. I was marched out to the car and shut inside with strict orders not to move. Jonny spoke with Charlie, who then proceeded to call Tyson to heel. Marco pulled out his phone and headed back inside the barn. Several minutes later, he emerged with the gory toy in a transparent plastic bag. After putting it in the boot, he settled in the driver's seat and brought me up to speed.

"Jonny is happy to remain here with Mrs Moreton if you require."

I nodded, unblinking. I couldn't believe this was happening. It had been such a perfect day.

"We need to collect Master Simmons from school and then head to the movie set to await Mr Murphy's finish for the day. Jonny will collect your car later this evening so he and Mrs Moreton have acceptable transport."

Thinking of Charlie's ancient Land Rover, I could barely muster a smile as I watched her fuss over the horses. Guilt gnawed away at my insides. Clearly nervous, she dropped the sweat scraper several times, cursing louder each time. I glanced at Marco, but he shook his head.

"I understand this is difficult for you, Miss Simmons. Please understand both Jonny and I have experience of these types of people. Unfortunately, they are unpredictable. He could still be close by, watching, and he may have a gun for all we know. It is safer for you to stay in the car."

Sighing, I nodded. "I understand, Marco. Thank you though, for the explanation."

Jonny then eased my guilt somewhat. He took the hosepipe from Charlie and poured the water over Doc's sweat-marked back. Charlie looked at me and gave me a huge grin before turning to the job in hand. At least she seemed happy given the circumstances.

Marco started the car and raced us over to Harvey's school. Finishing at three-thirty left us roughly twelve minutes to travel ten miles. I rang the school, informing them I may be late, only to be told they were also running late due to an afternoon of religious activities with the local vicar.

As was always the case, cars were strewn everywhere down the narrow country lane. It looked like a tornado had picked up a city and dumped it here. Having been so short on time, we were one of the last to reach the school. Expecting to have to park a fair distance away, I was horrified when Marco parked outside the school gate—right across the yellow zig zag lines marked 'KEEP CLEAR.'

"You can't park here. People will freak out."

Unclipping his seat belt and turning the car off, he continued staring straight ahead. "Quite frankly, Miss Simmons, keeping you and Master Simmons safe are my priority, not the ridiculous opinions of people with nothing better to do."

I spluttered with laughter. The local PCSO telling parents off for parking there now seemed like nothing at all. It wasn't illegal or enforceable. A new level of confidence rose inside me, making me understand that after what had just happened, I had every damn right to park here.

I jumped out of the car and headed to my usual spot to stand and wait. Hanging back from the crowd of parents, I gasped when Marco took me by the elbow and marched us towards the closed gate. Like a bulldozer, he walked straight into people, not caring if they moved willingly or not.

"What are you doing?" I said, trying to keep my voice low.

It was difficult to ignore the hush that had fallen over everyone. Heads turned, people pointed, whispers floated through the air.