For a hot second, Tiffany thought she was a goner. But the lights didn’t go out. Instead of feeling the big ouch, she heard a sharp ping, like two swords crossing.
Tiffany’s eyes flew open to find an arrow and an iron ball right at her feet. When she glanced back, she couldn’t miss the gaping hole smack in the middle of the big window.
That fancy floor-to-ceiling window, meant for guests to soak up the view, had just become some sniper’s golden opportunity.
Tiffany didn’t even want to think about where she’d be if Richard hadn’t come through with that arrow. It gave her the creeps.
“We’re out of here,” Richard said, picking up the bow and arrow and taking Tiffany’s hand. He was all set to make tracks.
Tiffany’s palm was damp with sweat; she was still freaked out by his earlier move. But there hadn’t been time to explain in the rush of the moment. To reassure her, he gently tightened his grip on her hand.
Tiffany’s heart was still pounding. Anyone would be shaken up after that wild ride. She’d even thought Richard was really trying to do her in.
Luckily, it was just a mix-up. But that iron ball had done a number on the thick glass. ‘Was it meant for me, or was Richard the one in the crosshairs?” she thought.
Tiffany asked, “Richard, is someone after you?”
“Since when are you so chummy with my name? he asked, raising an eyebrow, his voice still smooth as honey.
Tiffany rubbed her nose, feeling a bit sheepish. “Well, we’re in the same boat now, right? So maybe we can loosen up a bit?”
She’d play cute when she was trying to butter him up, but usually, she was all formal with his name.
The corners of Richard’s mouth turned up. “Sure thing,” he said. Her voice was easy on the ears, no matter what she called him.
“You’re dodging the question,” Tiffany pressed.
“There are always troublemakers.” Richard shrugged. He’d been dodging bullets for years, after all.
He then gave Tiffany a once-over, his eyes narrowing. “Are you scared?”
Tiffany was caught off guard, sensing there was more to his question. But she just raised the Galaxy bow, putting on the same confident face he always wore. “Scared? Please. They’re just a bunch of losers,” she scoffed.
If anyone tried to mess with her, she’d handle them one at a time.
Richard’s mouth turned up at the corners, his eyes showing a hint of amusement. “Pretty good.”
Her boldness hit the spot with him.
But Tiffany kept mum about her plan to pay him back if she ever got the chance or if he needed her to step up to the plate.
As they left Velvet & Vine, the cold wind made Tiffany realize Richard hadn’t let go of her hand the whole time.
His large, rough hand completely enveloped her small one. Looking down, she noticed his fingers were long and slender, hinting at a life of luxury. But she could feel a thin layer of calluses there, probably from years of practice.
Everyone only saw Richard’s big-shot status, not knowing about all the threats he had to deal with constantly.
Tiffany thought about pulling her hand away but decided against it. He was just trying to keep her safe. In the end, Richard made sure she got home okay himself.
“Hurry inside and get some sleep,” he said.
“Okay.” Tiffany leaned in through the car window before leaving. “Be careful.” She looked at him with genuine concern.
Richard suppressed a smile. This girl seemed to underestimate what he could handle. He nodded anyway. “Don’t worry about it.”
Tiffany then headed inside.
After she left, Richard sat in the car, deep in thought. His expression was a mix of resignation and damusement, especially when he recalled her words: “We’re in the same boat now.”
A faint smile spread across his face. He had to admit that her words had struck a chord with
As for the gutsy troublemaker who nearly took out Tiffany… Richard’s face turned grim as he made a call, his tone now dead serious. “Have you got him? Keep him just this side of alive.”
Then his car quickly disappeared into the night.
Back in her room, Tiffany freshened up and flopped on the bed, but her mind was racing. Everything that went down today felt unreal.
She sat up and gently touched the bow and arrow. This gift is something else, but what could I possibly give in return?’ she sighed silently.
Given Richard’s status and background, he had it all. She’d have to think about that one later. As she carefully put away the bow and arrow, Tiffany happened to spot a necklace in another box. It was pretty simple – a black cord with a small silver crescent moon charm.
This was the necklace she’d worn since she was a kid, which she’d quietly taken off after Kenneth called it tacky.
Now, Tiffany put the necklace back on. She’d always wondered about the little T-shaped mark under the moon, but her parents had been vague, saying it was her mom Thalia’s initial. She had never really bought that explanation.
No point in overthinking it. Tiffany closed her eyes and drifted off.
The next morning, Tiffany had to go to school. Before leaving, she asked Stan, “Hey Uncle Stan, what’s the deal with my bag? Did you forget to buy it?”
“Oh, right! I was tied up yesterday and it slipped my mind. Don’t worry, I’ll grab it today!” Stan laughed nervously.
Tiffany brushed it off. “Never mind. Just give me my money back!”
“Come on, Tiffany, I can’t take your cash. Let’s call it à loan, and I’ll pay you back soon, okay?” Stan tried to negotiate.
“Seriously? Some uncle you are. Just keep the money, if you’re not too ashamed.” Tiffany scoffed, turning and getting in the car.
In a hot minute, she nailed the act of a spoiled little princess.
Yesterday’s move was all part of her plan. She knew Stan would take the money but not follow through on buying the bag.
She was setting Stan up to mess up again. After losing big and getting fired, with his wife always on his case and his daughter only caring about status, Tiffany wondered what Stan might do next in his desperate state.
“Would he try to off us himself? Or hire someone to do the dirty work?’ Tiffany thought with a smirk.
She figured Stan’s next move would be to kidnap her and try to squeeze her dad for ransom.