Her Hero (8 page)

             
Stacy knew they were desperate. They had tried everything and come up short. In their bid to be discreet they had failed. It was just a matter of time until they dispersed with subtlety to get the job done.

             
Stacy looked at the picture of her parents and decided there and then, that she was no longer afraid. That she would fight and risk it all because she simply couldn’t carry on without at least trying.

             
After phoning detective Johnson she tried to contact Horatius.

             
“I’m sorry he is not receiving calls right now.”

             
“You know me I work just down the hall!” Stacy couldn’t believe it, the leggy receptionist was giving her lip.

             
When all the life threatening stuff was over, Stacy was going to have words with her, but for now she had more important things to deal with.

Running, Stacy left without her purse, key’s or even a jacket. Stacy ignored her screaming muscles until she reached Harper and Son. She was no longer afraid, despite everything. With a new found purpose and determined anger she strode towards the newly fitted lift. 

             
The doors opened and detective Johnson burst out talking to Fielding. He stopped on the threshold.

             
“You!”

             
“Where is Horatius?” Stacy felt the fear rear its ugly head.

             
Ignoring her Johnson growled “Good. This saves me a trip. Fielding arrest her for wasting police time.”

             
Stacy held up her hands so abruptly that Fielding stopped momentarily. Just long enough for Stacy to turn on her heels and sprint for the side door.

             
With Fielding and Johnson hot on her tail she was just in time to see Horatius’s Bentley exit the underground car park.

             
Time slowed as Stacy watched horrified when she saw a jeep block their exit and a motorcyclist draw to the Bentley’s side, it’s rider pulling out a gun.

             
Without thinking Stacy grabbed Fielding's truncheon and ran towards the gunman just as the first shot broke the tinted back seat window. With years of rage, anguish and loss she lashed out at the unsuspecting gunman.

             
Everything that had been taken from her came lashing out on the gunman's back and head until she felt herself being prized of the limp, fallen body.

             
With tears of rage she swiveled to lash out but stopped when she met Horatius’s eyes.

             
“Horatius.” Kissing him frantically she wanted to express all the feelings she had suppressed throughout the years.

             
“I was just coming to see you. You beat me to it.”  Stacy looked at the empty back seat of the Bentley in confusion as Horatius spoke.

             
“Sorry we bugged your phone.” He pointed to some of the body guards who were exiting a 4x4, blocking the jeep.

             
Happiness lightened her heart and looking at Horatius she couldn’t resist touching him, so she wrapped her arms around his neck and he responded by enfolding her in his.

             
“I know about the energy fuel saving thingy.” He laughed at her description of what was arguably the most significant piece of technology this century.

             
“Yes my head of security was confused at my angry phone call this morning. As he was sure he had already spoken to me.” Horatius paused lifting her chin and looking though her eyes and into her heart. “I’m sorry. I never meant...”

             
“I know.”

Although surprised, he let the matter go at his good fortune.

              “I sold the technology. I was coming to get you back.”

             
“But it was...”

             
“Not as important as you. Let someone else worry about what to do with it.” Horatius left his security with the police and led Stacy back into Harper and Son.

             
“You didn’t sell it to Haramco?”

             
“No. Their competitor. They’ll probably shelf it.” He looked at her with sadness and guilt. The lift opened and he lead her in.

             
“Live today. Fight tomorrow. You can still make a difference.” For long moments they embraced savoring the connection.

             
Horatius broke first. Holding her face in his hands he said “My Hero.”

             
Stacy heard the door ping. Taking his hand she stepped forward with her hero.

THE END
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