Chapter 20: Apologies
The harsh downpour of rain hitting the windows became the morning alarm. My head immediately recalled all that was planned for today; the preparation of Lea’s party, as well as the set up of a more advanced security system, and a number of other things. Toby arrived in the dead of night yesterday after an apparent wild afternoon of letting loose with his friends. I informed him about the party that Amber and I were secretly throwing for little Lea and he happily agreed to help in any way he could.
With my little girl still sleeping soundly, I put forth the idea of starting early on our activities. The morning still held its ominous presence even after the clock struck 10:00 AM and the rain lessened its force. Amber felt it best to wait it out until it subsided completely, but Toby insisted on us going and “doing whatever we needed to do”. The both of us were wary; to say the least, on how Toby could take care of Lea while we were away. This was the whole point for him surprisingly enough, as he wanted to show his parenting skills off to Amber in hopes of impressing her. Toby once more assured us that he would take excellent care of Lea, so after a quick glance at one another, Amber and I explained to the giant lug where all the necessities for the day were located. He nodded confidently as we finished explaining everything.
“I promise Marsh; I’ll keep her safe from any bad guys!” Toby joked while flexing his muscles.
“Alright, call if you need anything.” I said as Amber and I closed the door behind us.
We calmly strolled into the elevator and waited the short time needed for it to transport us to the lobby floor. I had called our limousine ahead of time and like always, the driver patiently waited for us right out front. I suggested a breakfast since neither one of us had eaten anything beforehand.
“We have to find a decent place to eat first, though.” Amber inquired skeptically.
“We are in New York City of all places.” I chuckled. “I’m sure there’s something close by.”
The traffic was lighter than usual, probably because the rush hour had still not set it. After a few minutes of driving aimlessly around, I told the driver to slow down. My eyes darted to the giant StarBucks just a short walk away from where we parked.
“A little humble of you, don’t you think?” Amber joked as I pointed to the café we were heading to.
“Hey, even people on the wealthier side of things will always want to enjoy a frappuccino from time to time.” I countered.
I held the door open for Amber as we both entered. For some reason, I didn’t really feel like eating at that time, so I let Amber order first. I stuck with a small slice of lemon cake and water. We both directed ourselves to an open table nearby as we casually ate and chatted.
“It’s funny…” Amber started softly. “I think Lea arrived at the orphanage only about a month after I started working there. It’s been a little past five years since I first started, and… now Lea’s turning five as well.” She added with a smile.
“It’s been almost half a year since I met the two of you.” I replied softly. “What I find interesting is how I would be if I never met you guys.” My own words circulated in my mind; had I not met little Lea or Amber. Surely, Frank’s selfish drive for wealth would’ve consumed me as well and ended up turning me into a mere puppet for the public’s amusement. I allowed those negative thoughts to slip past me as Amber and I continued talking.
After a short while, the two of us finally finished our foods and stood to throw out our garbage. We returned to our limo and continued on our journey. During the drive, Amber commented on a number of stores and their interesting looking clothes. She pleaded for me to accompany her to see the clothes displayed until I gave in. We stopped sharply on a curve and Amber rushed to get a better look at the things inside the shops. With her hand’s firm grip, she dragged me into a variety of retail stores to look at anything from shoes to hats. She also somehow managed to get me to buy her even more clothes; as if she didn’t have enough already!
After some more time wasted from window shopping, I reminded Amber of our original reasons for leaving Lea in the hands of Toby for the day.
“You’re right; I’m sorry about taking us so far off track.” She smiled apologetically.
“Don’t worry about it. Now where could we find a decent hardware store that could help us on the security system around the condo…” I pondered softly.
My thoughts led us to a small electronic store that connected off the turning point of a street. I casually entered with Amber by my side.
The store was adorned with a multitude of gadgets and devices that seemed to have just come from some sort of spy movie. Hidden cameras were shown on display as well as inconspicuous recording machines for God-knows-what reason someone would purchase them! An employee dressed in formal black and white attire approach us.
“How’s it going; you guys need help with anything?” The young man asked.
“Actually, we were just wondering if you guys had anything toward electronic security systems.” I asked.
“Oh sure, come on back.” He replied excitedly.
The three of us spent the next hour or so reviewing countless electronic attachments all varying greatly in price. With each selection of a certain product, the employee would explain to us the positive and negative points of the item before finally putting it down and reviewing another one. Amber’s face after a while began to show painful boredom toward the subject, and I too was trying to find a way out of the situation I was in. In the end, I chose a system that had the highest quality and best rating, even though its expensive price tag made me unsure, I mainly just wanted to get out of there! He also explained to us that a worker from the store was going to be coming around in a couple of days to install it. I held my excitement toward leaving one more moment as I finally thanked him for the help and bolted out of the store.
“I can’t believe we went through all that just because you thought some guy was looking at us funny.” Amber said as we reentered the limousine.
“Come on, who hasn’t heard the old saying ‘better safe than sorry’?” I replied chuckling.
We continued driving around for several more minutes until my attention changed as I took notice of an ice cream store closing in on us.
“I think we deserve something sweet after all that.” I told Amber as I pointed to the giant ice cream cone sign to our right.
“Good idea.” Amber grinned widely.
The two of us pulled the doors open as the numerous choices of ice cream blinked softly at us above the cashiers.
Our cones took only a minute or two to make and Amber found two face-to-face seats across a small table as I paid for everything. We continued enjoying our company and laughing along at one another’s stories until I felt my phone begin to vibrate. I brought it from my pocket and was shocked to see the number calling was that of the apartment’s home phone.
“Who is it?” Amber asked, taking notice of my surprised expression.
“Hello?” I answered unsurely.
“Hello Mr. Soel, this is George Kit of the NYPD. Please, get over here as soon as possible. There’s something we need to explain to you; hurry.” The man’s voice on the other line replied.
“W-what is it?!” I shouted back, feeling the knot in my stomach grow.
“Please remain calm. We’ll fill you in as soon as you get here.” He said.
“I-I’ll be right there.” My phone slammed into my pocket as I went to throw my half eaten ice cream away.
“Marshall, what’s wrong?” Amber asked with fear looming over her eyes.
“We need to get home, now.” was all I said as I sprinted back into our ride.
Amber and I practically leaped onto the limo’s seats, which seemed to have shaken the driver slightly.
“You have to take us back home, please, hurry!” I begged him.
It seemed like he felt the desperation in my voice as almost immediately after, the tires began making a terrible screeching sound just before launching all of us at full speed down the street.
We came upon the building surrounded entirely by police and ambulance cars. Amber and I ran past all the cars that blocked my own and bolted into the elevator. Fortunately, it arrived at the lobby just as I pushed its button to go up. The ride up was silent and horrifically slow. Thoughts on what terrible act could’ve happened that needed to involve police formed in my head.
The elevator opened its door to my floor and I ran out with Amber as we headed straight into a horde of police and paramedics all surrounding my specific apartment door. There was shouting and screaming from all different directions by police to simple bystanders and to other officers as I struggled inside my home past the crowd of people blocking the hall. A man dressed in the standard cop’s uniform pulled me past the doorway. Things felt surreal and it was almost like time was slowing down. The officer’s voice rung in my ears as the one who made the call just minutes ago.
“Marshall, you have to stay strong for me!” He yelled as the noise of countless other people droned over him.
“Explain to me what is happening!” I shouted back. His response was a frustrated shaking of his head as he pulled me even closer.
“Stay strong! You don’t wanna get your little girlfriend over there all freaked out! I’m… I’m sorry Marshall…” His last words became inaudible, but the distinct movements of his lips were enough for me to know what he said.
The shouting continued as the wave of people moved back, forcing me to step back as well. No matter how much I struggled, my movements were being controlled by the majority of the people still in my condo. I noticed that the police were finally restoring order by removing all the unnecessary bystanders from the walkway to make room for the gurney. Amber took a hold of my arm as a police officer mistook her for another random civilian.
“She’s with me!” I shouted back at him.
“What’s going on?” Amber asked softly. The hints of fear in her voice were all too apparent, but I could do nothing to soothe them.
Suddenly Amber gasped as the gurney continued progressing out of the living room and finally began to identify just who was on it. A lump formed in my throat and it became difficult to swallow as the all too familiar wardrobe of the victim came into sight.
The two of us ran to the sides of the gurney, where Toby was laid on with heavy bruises all along the sides of his face and arms. Large slash marks also formed around his chest along with several bullet wounds around his legs and shoulder. His clothes were tattered and drenched in blood; if I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought he was dead.
“I-I’m sorry… Marsh…” He gasped through his labored breaths. His bloodied hand was swaying lazily off the gurney; I grabbed at it fiercely, attempting to not show any tears toward his condition.
“It’s alright Toby. Who did this man?! Who?!” I exclaimed as my hands shook.
“It’s not… alright… I couldn’t…. stop them…” He replied weakly. I felt a tear hit the hand that was still holding Toby’s. I remembered then about Lea.
“What do you mean?” My voice shook terribly.
“We need to get him to a hospital! Out of the way!” A paramedic shouted back at me.
The gurney was directed out into the hall by several other workers in white. After another moment of watching them push my battered friend out, I turned to the officer who stood in front of Amber and me.
I could feel Amber shaking as the man began talking.
“From the information gathered by your friend there, a team of five men all dressed in black, broke into your home approximately two hours ago and beat him until he was well… like that.” He explained slowly.
A pause broke over his sentence. “I’m sorry…” He added mournfully.
“They took your daughter with them Mr. Soel…”