Chapter 53 Shattered Safety
"I think he has a gun. He is trying to break in. I have locked the children in the store. It is only a matter of time before he breaks in. I don't think the police can make it.
Amanda's heart raced as her mother's words echoed through the phone. Her mother's voice trembling with fear sent chills down her spine. She quickly answered, "I'm on my way, Mother."
Rowan stared at Amanda, concern washed over him. "Amanda," he called out softly.
"We need to go now," Amanda said without hesitation.
"What is the problem? Rowan asked, worried and confused.
"I will tell you on the way," Amanda responded and hopped into the car immediately. Rowan followed.
"What is our destination?" The driver asked. "My house. My mother is in danger.
"What!" Rowan exclaimed. The driver did not hesitate, he sped off immediately.
"What exactly is going on, Amanda," Rowan asked.
Amanda turned to him, her eyes filled with worry. "My mother says there's someone at our house who won't leave. She said he has a gun and he is trying to break in. I need to get there immediately."
"I get it now, has she called 911?" Rowan asked, reaching for his phone.
"The police will not get there in time," Amanda responded, restless.
"Does not mean the police should not be informed," Rowan answered. He was calling his security men. "Go to Amanda's house now. As fast as you can. There is an intruder. Ensure you get him." Rowan gave the instructions to the head of security.
Amanda also dialed Detective Wills's contact. "I need you now. My mother is in trouble."
"Shit!" Wills responded and dropped the call, saying nothing further.
Rowan and Amanda's arrival at her house was met with a chaotic scene. Rowan's security team was already there. They had surrounded the premises.
"Did you get him?" Rowan asked when they drilled from the car.
"He fled sir. He had broken the door by the time we got here." Hearing that, Amanda did not wait for the head of security to finish the statement.
"Where is my mother?" She exclaimed, obviously distressed.
The team head was going to answer her but she ran into the house without waiting for his response.
"Mother! Mother!" She called out. She rushed into the living room, her heart pounding with fear. Mrs. Roberts heard her voice and quickly came out of her hiding place. Amanda was immediately embraced by her mother.
"Mother, are you okay?" Amanda asked with concern, checking her body before hugging her tightly.
Mrs. Roberts nodded, her face still pale from the recent fright. "I'm okay, thanks to the men outside. They came at the right time.
"And the kids? Amanda asked, trying to gain her composure.
"They are safe. I told them to hide in the store" Mrs. Roberts answered. They heard the police siren. "That's the police." Amanda said.
"Alright. Stay here. I will attend to them. " Amanda said before moving outside. Rowan approached Amanda, his worry etched on his face. "Is she alright?" he asked softly.
Detective Wills and the local police were already at the scene, analyzing the situation. "Hey, I got here as soon as I could. The police had earlier received a call about an intruder" Detective Wills explained, his voice grim. "Are they all okay?" He asked.
"They?" Rowan asked, confused.
Amanda and Wills looked at each other. They realized what they had done. Amanda quickly rephrased the statement. "Yeah, My mother and the neighbors.
"I see," Rowan responded. Amanda gave Wills the signal that they are all fine.
"Can I talk to her for a moment?" Wills asked.
"She is still in shock but I think she should be able to handle a discussion with you." Amanda responded and Wills went into the house.
The security men that went after the man came back. "Please tell me you caught him," Rowan said. Although he knew they didn't as they came alone but he still asked anyway.
"He got away but he is severely hurt. He took to his heels the moment he heard the sound of our vehicles. We shot him while chasing him. The police can have a blood sample from the blood stains. We will surely get him" the man responded.
"Okay. That's hopeful." Rowan responded. He turned to Amanda, "We will get him and whosoever is involved in this."
Amanda nodded. She was calm knowing that her mother and kids were safe. Rowan held her shoulders.
"You should move in with me. Your mother can come too. I will have men watch over you.
"Thank you, Rowan." Amanda said. She tried to smile. "I will talk to my mother about it."
Rowan nodded before he hugged her. Detective Wills came out of the house and met them in that position. He felt uncomfortable and Rowan noticed.
"He likes her. I was right." He said to himself.
"So, for tonight, I will leave my men here to keep you safe." Wills said, interrupting their embrace.
"It's alright. My men will be staying." Rowan assured.
"That's good. But your men do not report to me, they report to you." Wills said. Amanda looked at him, detecting the anger in his tone.
Amanda wanted to interfere but Detective Wills interjected, "I'll also make sure we increase police patrols in this area for added security."
"Thank you," Amanda said, her gaze focused on Detective Wills. "Why is he angry?" Amanda thought.
"That being said, I should get busy." Wills said. He turned to Amanda. "Be safe. I will call you if there is anything else."
Amanda nodded. She didn't shift her gaze from him as he walked away until Rowan spoke. "This is totally unrelated but is there something about Detective Wills you think I should know about? Did he show any sign that you considered out of place?"