𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎̀ 𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎 | Call of Duty | John Price

Chapter 16

Evening comes quickly, the sun setting behind the clouds in a display of fiery oranges and reds that seem to mirror the anger in John's heart. He's been waiting for this moment all day, his mind racing with thoughts of Alex and what he's going to do when he finds him. Daisy's safety is all that matters now. He can't let this monster get away with what he's done to her. He's going to make sure Alex can never hurt anyone again.

Melody and Daisy are getting takeout before coming home, and John knows he needs to be quick if he wants to get the job done without question. He's already got Ghost on speed dial, ready to call in a favor from the Lieutenant.

His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. He quickly hides his tools under the kitchen sink and heads to the living room to greet them, his expression neutral.

"I can't believe you punched that guy in the face!" Melody laughs in shock and disbelief as she and Daisy carry bags of takeout into the living room.

"He called me a bitch. What was I supposed to do?" Daisy giggles, the first real laugh since the assault.

John leans against the archway between the kitchen and living room, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm sorry, did you just say you assaulted someone for calling you a bitch?" He teases, trying to keep the conversation light.

Daisy rolls her eyes. "It's not funny, Captain." But she can't help the small smile that tugs at her lips. It's the first time she's felt anything close to humor in days.

"It is, sweetheart. It's actually very funny," John says, chuckling to himself.

"You should've seen it, dad. That guy was twice Daisy's size, yet she wiped him out with one hit." Melody's grin is contagious, and even Daisy lets out a small laugh.

"What can I say? He pissed me off."

John nods in approval. "Good girl. Don't let anyone push you around." She blushes at the praise, feeling a warmth spread through her that she hadn't felt since before the attack.

As they sit down to eat, John's phone buzzes with a message from Ghost. He reads it quickly before putting it in his pocket. "I've got to go out for a bit, but I'll be back soon. Lock the doors and don't answer to anyone, okay?" Melody nods, her eyes on her father, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Daisy looks up at him in confusion. "Where are you going?"

John's gaze softens as he looks at her. "Just taking care of some things, Daisy. Don't worry, I won't be long. Stay safe, alright?" He leans down and kisses Melody's forehead before gently brushing Daisy's cheek with his thumb. "You too, sweetheart." With that, he's out the door, leaving the two young women in the warm glow of the living room.

"He's totally in love with you," Melody snorts, breaking the silence.

Daisy's eyes widen. "What? No, he's not! He's just being protective!" But even as she says it, she can't shake the feeling that there's something more in his gaze, something that makes her heart flutter.

"I obviously know my own father, Dais, and I'm telling you right now, that man is in love with you."

"You shouldn't be okay with this."

"Meh."

They spend the evening watching movies, their laughter a balm to the bruises on Daisy's soul. But every time the door creaks or a car passes by outside, she can't help but jump, her mind conjuring up images of Alex sneaking in to finish what he started.

Melody notices her jitters and pulls her into a tight hug. "You're safe here, Daisy. He's not going to get to you again, I promise."

Daisy nods, trying to convince herself that she believes it. But as the night wears on, the shadows in the room seem to grow longer, the sounds outside more menacing. "I don't get why your dad had to leave. Something doesn't feel right."