Tyler's Battle

Chapter 24 - Mission Accomplished

They rushed out and down the front drive. A couple of minutes later they were boarding the bus. It took ages winding it's way through residential streets, then passed the town centre and at last it stopped outside a row of big glass office buildings. They jumped off and gazed around.
Tyler marched up to the offices and was about to press the buzzer.
Tyler what are you doing? We can't go in? They'll ask too many questions and anyway you dad might be angry to be interrupted at work.
What, then what are we gonna do?
Come here said Jody and dragged him to a bench down the road with a view of the office entrance. Now we watch and wait for you dad to come out.

Every time the automatic doors slid open and someone stepped outside, Tyler's heart was in his mouth, as he strained his eyes to see if the person matched the scrunched up picture he held in his hand. He kept wiping his sweating palms on his trousers and he felt physically sick. What if Jody was right, what if his dad didn't want to know him. As the minutes turned into hours Tyler grew more and more anxious. Jody bought sandwiches at a shop down the street but Tyler was too anxious to eat. Tyler glanced nervously at his watch as the minutes ticked by, soon it was 3 o'clock, then four o'clock, then five.

It's no good, we're gonna have to go or we'll get in so much trouble if we're late for dinner said jody grimly glancing at her watch

Just five more minutes. I know he'll come out replied Tyler stubbornly

Tyler, come on, or we'll miss the bus

Fine

They climbed onto the bus and sat down towards the back of the bus. Tyler leaned against the window and closed his eyes, fed up after spending so long hoping to see his dad.

Tyler, look exclaimed Jody suddenly

What replied Tyler glumly

Look over there said Jody nodding towards the front of the bus. A man had just boarded and was now walking down the aisle towards them. He stopped and stood by the exit doors as the bus lurched into life and began moving.
What is it Jody?
Give me that picture said Jody grabbing at the scrunched up paper that Tyler pulled from his pocket. She smoothed out the paper and held it up in front of them to compare the picture with the man by the door. It was definitely the same person.

Tyler was silent, he took the piece of paper and spent several minutes looking from the man to the picture and to the man again. There was no doubt it was the same person.
Quick hissed Jody pulling at his arm. Tyler glanced up and realised his dad had got off the bus. Jody and Tyler ran off the bus just in time as the doors shut behind them and the bus moved off.

Tyler's dad was ahead of them turning down a side road. They followed him down a quiet residential street, and eventually saw him enter a large house with a well kept front garden.

What are you waiting for asked Jody as Tyler hung around by the gate staring at the house.