The Gold Hard Truth

Chapter Two

08:30 Tuesday 7th July 2018 Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. 

'I have to leave, Susan,' Byron Lucev told his daughter urgently. 

'I don't understand, Father.' 

Byron was busily packing an overnight bag, clothes frantically rammed and stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey. He was running through his list of things required in his head. 

'I don't understand!' Susan now becoming upset, fighting the tears that were forcefully pushing through. 'Please, Father, talk to me. You don't need to go, we can talk?' 

'Susan, sweetheart. I am in a lot of trouble and it would be easier for me to go.' 

'You are running away, Father. You are running away,' Susan's voice now raised but broken with the tears that were becoming ever more rapid. 

'It would be far more dangerous if I stayed. I have friends who will help me. I need you to do something for me.' 

Susan was sitting on her father's bed looking at the floor, she knew that she would never convince her father to stay. This was the first time she had seen him genuinely scared, not the pretend scared he would do when they watch a horror movie together. 

Byron had pulled a tissue from its box on his bedside table and sitting next to his daughter he passed it in one hand while wrapping his other around her shoulder. 

'Susan, please listen to me carefully. I must go. I can't stay. I will be fine; my friends will take good care of me and I know you will be fine too.' 

'How long will you be away?' 

'I don't know for sure, but I don't want you to be on your own. I have written to my old friend, Lucas Higgins.' 

Susan pondered the name for a moment, she recognised it but couldn't remember where she knew it from. 

'You were only a little girl the last time you saw him. You were four when we emigrated from England and he was at the airport to wave me, you, and your mum off. I haven't seen him in years, but he is the only one I trust to take care of you.' 

Susan raised her head slightly and looked up at Byron, 'Father, I am twenty-six. I don't need a babysitter!' 

'I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself usually, but this is not a normal situation.' 

'Father! What is going on? You haven't told me anything.' 

'It's important you don't know anything, that's why. When the police arrive, tell them I went to work as I do every day. I kissed you on the forehead and gave you a cuddle, the same as every day.' 

Susan looked confused, 'Father, I-' 

'-Susan, my darling daughter. I love you more than anything in this world and I will do anything to protect you. Do you trust me?' 

Susan looked deep into her father's eyes and saw pain and sadness cascading in large storm clouds, covering the happiness and joy she had grown very familiar with. She did trust him, admire him, and love him, but she was not sure if she could lie to the police, it was wrong. 

'Of course, Father. I will tell them.'