Page 18 of Chasing Hope

There were so many questions clawing through her mind. Before she got a chance to fire them at him, a loud commotion broke out in the hallway.

The fog in his eyes cleared and Ethan sprang apart from Hope like someone had taken a hammer to his head. Ethan tore his gaze away from her and stared at the door that seconds later flew open.

‘What was the goof-up with today’s show?’ Brian asked in a tight voice, marching into the room. Wiping off the sweat at his brow he threw an accusing glare at Hope. Shame scrambled up her spine. Hurt, that her father knew with utmost certainty that she was the culprit.

Way to go, Hope.If she continued at this rate, she would never win her father’s trust. Furthermore, it was like she’d dumped a truckload of shit in the already muddied waters between them.

‘I’m sorry Brian. I made a couple of blunders tonight,’ Ethan responded without delay. Both Hope and Brian gaped at him. Brian shook his head knowing for a fact that Ethan could never be at fault. Hope forced her mouth closed and thrusted back her shoulders. She watched as Ethan fixed his gaze on Brain, wanting him to believe it was all his fault.

‘Good luck trying to prove to Dad that you are ever at fault,’ Hope said. ‘Even if Jesus came down and told Dad that you committed an error, he would still not believe it.’ She made no attempt to sugarcoat her words. ‘Thanks for your gallant efforts to take the fall for me. But I’m capable of fighting my own battles.’

Gone was all the softness in Ethan’s features, swiftly replaced with a look of strong disapproval. That’s more like it. This was the side to Ethan Hope could easily deal with. Hope didn’t understand this need within her to be constantly mean to him. Bitchy was a more appropriate term.

Brian sighed regretfully and slumped in a nearby chair. He lowered his eyes as if seeing his daughter caused him immense pain. Tears gathered at the back of her eyes. Brian hunched, looking tired and defeated. Remorseful, she swallowed hard, controlling the rush of emotions. ‘Hope, I don’t know what to say…’ His voice was a painful whisper. ‘Your personal vendetta against Ethan is proving to be dangerous for my company. I cannot have you pulling childish pranks at the expense of my prestige. We have worked really hard to earn this position. And I intend to keep it that way for as long as I can. You are selfishly disregarding the efforts of every individual who is giving their sweat and blood to this news channel. Our integrity is dependent on the way my team works in unison. Internal clashes are bound to affect the operations and the morale. There—’

‘Brian, I’m putting down my papers.’ Hope wheezed in a sharp breath and shot Ethan a stunned glance. Ethan jammed his hands in his front pockets, his gaze fixed on Brian. ‘This is your family business. I am clearly the outsider here. It makes the most sense if I step down and Hope takes over. Contrary to what she wants us to believe, I think she will do a swell job. Hope will have free rein to run the channel as she pleases. Once I’m out of the frame – literally.’ His dimples winked at her. Hope gaped at him. The jackass was trying to make a joke in a dead serious situation.

After today, what if he seriously resigned? All things considered; Hope did cross the line this time. Having said that, she did not anticipate her notoriety would prove to be this detrimental. Ethan pretended like his declaration wasn’t a big deal. But the tightness in his tone was a dead giveaway. He had the earmarks of a man whose soul was being ripped out from his body. The silence in the room was deafening.

Noting the colour drain out of Brian’s face, Hope jumped out of her state of shock. ‘This is ridiculous.’ She charged ahead and stood toe to toe with Ethan. Her dad would not be the sufferer for her latest misdemeanour. At any cost, she had to rectify the fucking mess she created. ‘There is no need for you to fly off the handle, Ethan.’ She ground her teeth and took several steps backwards. Seeing him eye to eye would be more effective than talking to his chest. Calm and composed, Ethan grinned, stroking his clean-shaven jaw.

‘I beg to differ. You’re the one who’s blowing a gasket,’ he stated, his voice a confident drawl.

Hope hissed and threw her hands up in the air. ‘As much as it pains me to say this, the fact of the matter is that the organisation will thrive with you calling the shots. You pay attention to the tiniest of details to get the work done perfectly. You have the skill set and the resilience to ensure smooth functioning. And most importantly, you are the goddamn face of First Up News. With this in mind, we all know the wisest choice would be for me to resign. Damn right, I’m good at what I do. And a good player always knows when to fold their cards.’ Hope tried to sound practical but she couldn’t help but feel emotional.

‘I agree to disagree. You—’

‘Stop bickering like small kids. You both are giving me a headache.’ Brian massaged his head before getting to his feet. He folded his arms and gave them both a stern look. ‘No one is quitting. Not on my watch at least.’

‘Brian, I—’

‘But, Dad—'

‘I have heard enough,’ Brian interjected. ‘Even after all these years, Ethan, it pains me that you think you are still an outsider. I have trusted you with everything I have…’ Brian shook his head ruefully.

Ethan strode forward. ‘I’m sorry Brian, it was insensitive of me to have said that. You are not only my mentor but also a father figure to me. I need a hundred lifetimes to repay you for what you have done for me.’ Brain smiled and tugged Ethan in a fatherly hug.

Hope’s heart squeezed as she watched the deep bond they shared. Brian thumped Ethan’s back and moved his attention to Hope.

‘Young lady, there is no one I love more than you in this world.’ Hope swallowed, fighting back tears. ‘Now come here and give your dad a hug.’ Hope met him halfway. Enveloped in a warm hug, she buried her face in his neck to hide her tears.

‘I’m sorry, Dad. I…’

‘Shh…’ Brian stroked her hair and Hope relaxed in his embrace. Even though she caused him so much grief, he’d forgiven her at the drop of a hat. By the time they drew apart, Hope felt a whole lot better. Brian kissed her on the cheek and tugged her to his side. Ethan stood awkwardly staring at his shoes.

‘Whatever the differences are that you two have, I need them to be sorted ASAP. As you are aware, I’m leaving for a holiday to the US in two days. In order for my trip to be pleasurable, I need you two to guarantee me that you will work hand in hand, and cordially might I add.’ After receiving their collective nods he proceeded. ‘Good. Now, you promised my audience an exclusive from the masked vigilante. And at First Up News we always live up to our promises. To be honest, that’s the breaking news I’m eagerly looking forward to.’

Hope smiled from ear to ear, excited about the prospect.

‘You and I both, Dad. You and I both.’

Chapter Eleven

Things would have been so much easier if he had been working alone. Having worked alone in the shadows all this time, Ethan was used to his sense of freedom. However now he felt responsible for Hope’s protection. What possessed him to agree to letting her tag along? Desire was the culprit. It started acting up every time he was around Hope. This inexplicable itch to touch her, to taste her, shoved him in the most ambiguous situation. Ethan sighed and watched in confoundment as Hope crouched down behind a gigantic blue storage container and scanned their surroundings through the lens of her camera. There was only one explanation. The universe was conspiring against him. A gust of sea breeze blew into his face but the only scent he caught was that of roses.

Ethan groaned and dropped his head on the side of the container with a loud thud.

‘Are you trying to get us killed?’ Hope hissed and threw him a glare over her shoulder.

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