Prey

“I wondered how many people there were in the world who suffered, and continued to suffer, because they could not break out from their own web of shyness and reserve, and in their blindness and folly built up a great distorted wall in front of them that hid the truth.”

-Daphne du Maurier

“So, have you gotten anywhere with this one?”

“Yeah, mate… it’s going pretty good.”

“Keep it up and bleed ‘er dry.”

“Will do.”

XxXxX

“Goodbye, Sweetheart, and have a wonderful day at school.” Fred Erickson ruffled his daughter’s hair before grabbing his briefcase.

It was Monday again. The respite from the daily grind had come to an end, meaning that he could look forward to another five days of incompetent workers, assistants breaking down, stocks on rollercoaster rides, and coffee by the bucketful.

Thinking of the distance to the end of the week was like standing at the beginning of a dark and dank tunnel and being unable to see the light at the end.

But such was the life of Fred Erickson, the renowned millionaire business mogul, and CEO of a large company.

Despite the mundaneness of it all, Fred loved the cutthroat industry he was a part of. Survival of the fittest was a prevalent notion in business, and Fred was nothing if not fit. Sealing a good deal brought forth a feeling of exhilaration like no other.     

From the beginning, Fred knew this path was the one for him. He wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

And yet…

“Alright, Dad. See you for dinner, then?” Her eyes were guarded, but the lilt of hopefulness in her voice was betraying.

Pausing in his tracks, Fred winced. “I’m afraid not. I’ve got a meeting in New York tomorrow morning, so I’m flying out tonight…” He hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry, Pumpkin, I know we had plans tonight. I promise I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”

She laughed lightly. “It’s okay, Dad. I understand.” Her tone was gentle, but her eyes were downcast.

Fred sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry, dear, I really am. Your ol’ Pa is a real flake, isn’t he?”

She hugged her father and kissed his cheek. “Yes… but he’s the only one I’ve got, so he’ll do. Now go and do what you’ve got to do!”

He chuckled and held his daughter close. “Thank you, dear.” He pulled away from her and nodded slightly.

“I suppose I’ll be off now. You should get going soon, as well. Are you sure you don’t need a ride?”

She shook her head. “No, Dad, I’ll be fine. You should get moving if you don’t want to be late.”

The last thing she needed to add to her recluse status was pulling up to school in a fancy car.

He smiled at her. “Alright.”

She walked him to the door, a thin strand of hope still tied tightly around her heart. But he said nothing.

At the last moment, she spoke up. “Make sure you aren’t forgetting anything, Dad!”

Fred quickly looked himself over. “I… I don’t believe I am.”

The strand loosened, but her smile never faltered. “Okay… bye, Dad, love you.”