The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 14

The sight that met my eyes was almost enough to make me pass out.

Daniel was pressing Anna up against the far wall. Tears were streaming down her face and a large, purple bruise was beginning to form just below her right eye. Robert was sat up against the other wall, crimson blood was streaming from his nose and mouth and his eyelids were drooping. There was a slash right down the middle of his right arm, and blood was pouring from that, too.

"Daniel. I suggest you put her down right now, unless your face wants to meet my fist." Tom growled, sounding much more menacing than he actually was.

Daniel shoved Anna's shoulders and she smacked down onto the floor in a heap. She groaned and rolled onto her side, and began weeping quietly.

"Shut the hell up." Daniel yelled at her. She abruptly stopped crying and ended up violently shaking as she held back sobs. Then Daniel turned to Tom and I, smirking.

"I'd like to see you try."

"Don't. Push. Me." Tom warned.

Robert staggered up, using the wall as support. "Tom-"

"Robert. Sit down." Daniel growled at him.

When Robert did nothing, Tom said, "Dad. Do what he says."

Robert slowly sat back down, glaring at Daniel.

Daniel laughed a cruel, mocking laugh and said, "Nice try, Tom. Coming here with your little girlfriend to save daddy and daddy's girlfriend and be the hero," He took a step towards him and I felt Tom stiffen beside me and place a protecting arm in front of me. "Well guess what. That's not going to happen."

Robert jumped up and reached for Tom, but it was too late. Daniel jumped forward and smacked Tom right across the face, leaving a bright red hand print on his cheek. I screamed and Daniel laughed a cold, bitter laugh.

Tom straightened up, covering his cheek. He glared at Daniel who was stood there, smirking. Then he suddenly lunged forward, and pummelled Daniel's jaw. Hard. There was a sickening snap and Daniel staggered back, clutching his jaw and moaning.

What happened next went by in a blur, and time seemed to stand still.

Daniel looked at Tom and from out of his back pocket slid a gun. With one fluid motion, he brought his arm up, aimed, and fired.

There was a soft thud as bullet met flesh, and Robert collapsed.

Shot down.

Dead.

And that's when it all went black.