Heroic Evil - A Henry Drummond Story

Chapter 2 - A Hero

Henry had never run faster in his life. He cut through an alleyway, circled around the corner store and ended up there on Meadow Avenue. The apartment building stretched up 2 stories high. It was so strange, there was no one around. Everyone either must have ran off or no one noticed the obvious yelling coming from inside the building. Henry held his hat as he walked over. The June rain was coming down hard. The universe had no mercy today. For anyone.

The door was already opened. Henry slowly creeped in, peering around the enclosed space and tight corners of the old apartment. He listened close as he shut the door behind him. Has Brady called the police yet? They should be here by now. He walked into the left door, and slowly stepped in the living room of Mr. Brady and his girlfriend, Sarah Clarke. He listened close.

"Think about what you're doing!" He heard a familiar voice yell. It was Matthew's, coming from the kitchen. Henry stayed put and listened.

"Please. If you think that you're doing something you should, you AREN'T. The police are going to be here soon, and I swear to my good God above that you are IN FOR IT. If you let her go, then you will face less severe charges. Just.. Ple-ease.. Don't hurt my.. My Sar-rah." Henry heard Matthew sobbing now. Matt never cried. Not even when he stubbed his toe on the couch at Henry's house. (That was the first time he heard Matt swear.)

"Juz hand ovah deh case an' no one gets huyt." An oily, rough Jersey voice oozed. It made Henry's skin crawl just hearing it.

"I... I... I can't. It.. It was my great grandfather's." Matt said through his sobs.

"GOOD GOD MATTHEW HARRISON BRADY JUST GIVE IT TO HIM! I'LL BUY YOU A NEW SUITCASE." Sarah yelled, her voice full of anger and fear. Henry had to chuckle. He didn't know Sarah was that sassy.

"Quit talkin'!" The robber yelled again. "Yous better be quick. I'm losin my patience 'ere."

Henry thought that this was a good time to come in. He walked slowly, thinking of a million ways to solve the situation in those few seconds he had to prep. As he approached the kitchen, he saw Matthew first. He had his suitcase pressed to his chest, hugging it tightly. Henry noticed the huge gash on his shoulder, as if the hooligan tried stabbing him in the throat, but Matt dodged it and he caught his shoulder instead. It bled down his arm and his chest, the red contrasting with the bright pristine white color of his shirt. Henry couldn't blame the criminal. If he were being scolded and having scripture being tossed at him in King James Version, he would take a stab at the attacker too, honestly. Tears were stained on his usually smiling face, which was now twisted into an expression of fear- which was rare. Matt was one of the bravest men Henry knew.

Now he saw Sarah and the criminal. He had his arm around her neck, holding a knife to it. It was in just the right position so that he could slit her throat with one swift movement, killing her. Henry shuddered at the thought of Sarah being dead. He wouldn't let that happen on his watch, though. And neither would Matt, he was sure.

"Henry. Thank God you're here." Matt said in a relieved tone. His shoulders relaxed as he slowly turned his gaze towards him.

The criminal swiveled his head, immediately pointing the knife at Henry now. Henry raised his hands, signaling that he was unarmed. Which technically was a lie. He had his words.

"I'm not here to hurt you." Henry said to the criminal. "Just to talk."

The guy returned to pressing the knife to Sarah's neck. "I ain't got time fo this! Hand ovah the case!"

Now Drummond was in a pickle. An impatient robber/possible murderer. He had to get inside his head. Hmm. Why was he in such a hurry? Did he have a boss to report to? He looked at his attire. Black t-shirt. Fingerless black gloves. Black ski mask. Unidentifiable face. The usual per criminal. Henry wouldn't expect any more from him. But he had unusual eyes. One was green and the other gray. Henry had to remember that. The criminal had pearl white skin and little red freckles on his cheeks.