Perpetual Threat

On the Road. Again

Tom was able to get everything done before schedule so he decided to get on the early flight home to surprise Angela. He felt bad for always having to leave because of work and could not wait to get home and make it up to her. He already had some romantic plans for today in his mind. Tom was smiling and humming as he practically skipped up the stairs of their home. The keys in his hands jingled as he unlocked the front door. After he opened the door he quietly crept up the stairs to scare his wife. It was midday and a Saturday which meant the girls were already out with their friends and Angela was asleep. Tom finally reached the bedroom door.

"Surprise!!!" He yelled as he threw open the bedroom door. Unfortunately, his wife was not asleep peacefully as he had expected. She was sprawled on the floor, unconscious with blood trailing down her forehead and from her nose.

"Honey! Oh no! No... no... no..." Was all Tom could say as he sat next to his wife and gently lifted her up onto the bed. He was relieved to see that she was still alive. He stroked the hair away from her face before walking over to the bathroom and wetting a cloth with cool water to wipe her wounds. She began to stir as the cuts began to sting.

"Angela, honey, you are awake!" Tom exclaimed excitedly. "Oh baby, I'm so sorry. I didn't know that this would happen." Tom was in the verge of tears.

"Sshhh. Baby, I'm okay. It's not your fault." Angela said weakly, trying to comfort her husband. "May I have some water, Tom?"

"Of course, Darling." Tom said, kissing her forehead. "I'll be right back." Tom left to get a cold glass of water. He tried to think of a reason why someone would break into his house and harm his wife. That's when it hit him.

Nearly spilling the newly filled glass of water, Tom ran back to their bedroom. He set the water on the bedside table and helped Angela sit up. He then helped her to gulp it down and made sure she was okay before making a quick dash to their huge walk-in closet. He shifted the clothes back revealing a stained brick wall, hoping to find the right brick to open the secret passage. Yes, their house had a secret passage. In fact, it had many secret passages. It was one of the many reasons Tom wanted to buy this house. An old Victorian had its advantages. There was even a secret passage in both Victoria and Sarah's rooms.

Yes! Tom thought as he finally found the brick. With a loud screech and a mini puff of dust the entrance revealed itself. Tom took a deep breath, prayed a silent prayer and stepped into the dark dank room. On a 'normal' day, there would only be one noticeable object in that room. This object would glimmer a bright scarlet red. It would be encased in a small glass case that would sit upon a pedestal. This object was a much cherished amulet. It was believed that this amulet had more than just protective and healing properties. If in the wrong hands this amulet could be used for evil. Luckily for Tom, this was of the 'normal' days. The amulet that the criminal had stolen was only a replica. Tom fell to his knees and thanked the Lord that his beloved amulet was still there.

"Tom what are you doing in there, baby?" Angela asked. She was starting to sound stronger.

"I'm coming, hon. Just give me a minute." Tom called back.

He took a quick glance around the room before gently picking up the amulet and placing it in its custom made briefcase. After he finished he walked back into the bedroom, tightly gripping the briefcase in his hand.

"Angela-." Tom began with a sad and slightly guilty look on his face.

"We have to leave again, don't we?" Angela interrupted with a sad look in her eyes.

"Yes..."

They stared into each other's eyes remembering their homeless past. They did have places to live, but never stayed in one place long enough to call it home. Every day they were running from those who threatened to end their lives and turn their world upside down. The past nineteen years were the longest the two had went without any serious danger following them. After the fall of 1996 they were able to settle down, have children and have a semi-normal life. Now they were on the road yet again. They were always on the run-the run from their perpetual threat.