Page 14 of Seven

It was always about control.

I knew that. Everyone who knew him knew that. It was one of the many reasons I had an uneasy feeling as I got closer to his office. That uneasy feeling grew even more intense when we pulled into the parking lot, and I saw that everyone had already gone for the day. I parked near the entrance, grabbed Ford’s hand, and hurried inside. The elevator ride up felt like it took forever, but when the doors finally opened, neither of us moved.

Knowing they were just going to close again, I nodded toward the hall and said, “Let’s get this over with.”

Ford sighed and followed as I stepped out of the elevator. As we neared Dad’s office, I heard his voice—sharp, angry, and louder than I’d ever heard before. “You don’t get to dictate terms tome!”

There was a response, but it was too muffled for me to hear.

“I don’t care what he said. I’m the one in control here,” he bellowed, the words echoing down the hallway.

Ford looked up at me with wide, curious eyes. I was tempted to just turn around and head back out to the car when the unmistakable crack of gunshots rang out, sharp and deafening.

I froze.

My heart slammed against my ribs as I tried to make sense of what I’d heard. Instinct kicked in, and I yanked Ford into the supply closet just a few feet away. I pressed him into the corner and crouched down in front of him, shielding him with my body. He sounded like he was on the brink of tears as he muttered, “Momma?”

“Shh, baby,” I whispered back, placing a finger to his lips.

My hands shook as I peeked through the slats of the door.

Two men burst out of Dad’s office. They were both dressed in dark suits, and their faces were cold and hard as they started down the hall. One still had his gun drawn while the other barked something I couldn’t make out. Seconds later, they were gone, leaving me and Ford completely panic-stricken.

I clung protectively to Ford as I strained to listen for any movement in the office. I didn’t know what to do. My mind screamed at me to stay put, but my heart pleaded for me to check on my dad.

Knowing I had to do something, I leaned down and brushed Ford’s dark curls back from his face. “I need you to do somethingfor me... I need you to stay here until I come for you. Can you do that?”

“No, Momma.” He shook his head fiercely as his little hands reached out for me. “I don’t want you to go.”

“I know, sweetie. But I need to go check on Grandpa.” I gave him a tight squeeze. “I’ll only be a minute. Be brave for me, okay?”

He didn’t let go at first, but eventually, he nodded.

“Stay right here,” I insisted. “No matter what.”

He nodded again, and I reached for the doorknob. I hesitated for a moment, then slipped out before I could lose my nerve. I quietly eased the door shut, then pulled out my phone and dialed 911. I didn’t press send immediately. Dad was a powerful businessman, and he was very conservative. He would be furious if I called the police for nothing. I needed to check first.

The hallway felt cold and hollow as I started down to my father’s office. The silence was heavy, and it grew heavier with each and every step.

When I reached the door, it was already ajar.

I pushed it open just enough to see inside, and my breath caught when I scanned the room and spotted a figure lying on the floor. I stepped closer, and as I feared, it was my father.

He was balled up in a crumpled heap, and blood was pooling beneath him, dark and sticky. It had already spread across the polished wood like ink spilled from a bottle. I quickly pressed the call button on my phone, and as I waited for the dispatcher, I tried to access what happened.

I knelt down beside Dad, and that’s when I saw that the gunshots had torn through his chest and shoulder. His shirt was soaked through, and he was barely breathing. Each wheezing gasp was a struggle. His face was pale and slick with sweat, and there was blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Hewas always so strong and commanding. I thought the man was invincible, and it broke me to discover that I was wrong.

My voice trembled as I told the dispatcher everything that had happened. She made me stay on the phone and wait as she sent help. As I stood there listening to her try to calm me down, I couldn’t help but think about my relationship with my father. We’d had our disagreements, and there were times I thought I would never speak to him again.

But I didn’t want him to die.

He was my father, and through it all, I loved him.

“Dad.” My hands hovered uselessly, unsure of where to touch or what to do. “Dad, please…”

His eyes fluttered open at the sound of my voice. There was just a sliver of the sharp, steely focus left in them. “Oh, Tallie…”

His words came out as a ragged cough. More blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I lost him.

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