Fake Daddy

Chapter 4 (We should I Escape to?)

"Stop it, please! I've told you the truth, please!" Roger cried, screaming in pain.

The man had just been beaten up by Joe's men after being found on the edge of the road cliff.

Joe, the blonde-haired man, stared fiercely. He arrogantly sat on a chair, while Roger knelt right before his feet.

"So, where did Neil take the little girl, Rog? He didn't kill her, so where did he take her? Tell me!"

Roger shook his head. "I don't know, Joe, I swear! We had a fight. When I was about to kill the little girl, he just hit me in the head. You see, I tried to do the job you gave me, but Neil ruined it. For God's sake, save me."

Joe really hated this situation. To him, Roger was stupid and negligent of his responsibilities.

"After I trusted you, Rog, you pissed me off!" Joe looked his men in the eye. "Punish him, at least remove a few of his fingers to make him realize, then after that kill him slowly. I can't accept Roger just dying after pissing me off this much."

Roger was shocked. How could a human be as evil as Joe in this world? To Roger, he was a crazy psychopath.

"No, forgive me, Joe! I-I promise you I'll find them soon and finish the job. But please save me," Roger pleaded. His hands were already shaking.

"How are you going to do it?"

"I ...." Roger thought, and he remembered something. "My cell phone! I left it in the car we took, maybe I can trace it."

In fact, Joe had run out of patience and wanted to kill Roger, but hearing that idea, he tried to give Roger a chance.

"All right. Let's prove it."

Roger could breathe a little easier; at least he had hope of living for now. He got up limply, then was carried by two of Joe's men.

Joe stared at Roger's departure with a vicious face. His hands were clenched tightly into fists.

"David, it's not over yet. Just wait."

***

Takoma Spring, 4 am.

Neil and Leah ended up at the hotel after stopping by the hospital to treat the wound on his stomach. For tonight, Neil decided to rest first while thinking of ways to get out of trouble.

Luckily, the stab wound in his stomach did not hit any vital organs. Despite the pain, at least Neil was better than before.

"Dad...." Leah's soft voice woke up Neil's reverie.

"You woke up? Why?" The man tried to smile and approached him.

"I was wondering when Mom and Grandma would come here and celebrate your return." Leah yawned after saying that.

Neil was very frustrated. What else could he lie about to get her to stop asking about her dead mother? And how would Neil explain that he wasn't her father?

"Leah, I'm sorry." Neil stood up, facing the window. He couldn't bear to even look Leah in the eye.

"Why do you always apologize? Is it because you left me and Mom for too long? Are you sorry?"

"Oh, God... no, Leah, it's like you don't understand the situation. And I don't know how to explain either."

The girl was six years old, but she was a bright child just like David, her father.

Long ago, in a West Virginia town, three childhood friends once dreamed of a life of luxury together. They were Neil, David, and Roger. However, it was only David who was able to realize that dream.

At a young age, David worked hard to get out of West Virginia. He convinced his conservative parents, raised as much money as he could, and somehow ended up getting a chance to study abroad.

David hasn't been heard from since. Only once did Neil learn that David had returned to West Virginia, right when his mother died.

Neil didn't get to see David because he had to work that day. Only Roger was able to see him. And he told him that David had become a successful man and was married. Roger also added that David's wife was very beautiful.

That was it. The rest, Neil didn't know. And foolishly, he didn't find out more about David because he felt that he was far behind.

"Dad, did you hear me?" Leah broke into Neil's thoughts.

"Oh, sorry, Leah. You'd better go back to rest, it's too late. If you don't sleep, there will be black circles around your eyes."

The little girl just stared strangely.

"What?" asked Neil curiously.

"You and Uncle Roger fight? Mom said it's not good to fight with friends."

Neil smiled. "That's right, Leah. But-" Before he could finish speaking, Neil caught a glimpse of someone familiar in the parking lot through the window.

His eyes began to narrow, then he realized it was Roger.

"No, how did he know I was here?" He turned to Leah, who was staring at him. "And who is he with? Is he here to find Leah? To kill her? No!"

Realizing that, Neil did not think any longer. He quickly closed the curtains of the hotel room and headed towards Leah.

"Leah, listen to me, we need to get out of here right now." The man put his arm around both of Leah's shoulders. The girl's tired face was obvious, but Neil had no other option but to save her.

"Where else to go?"

"We don't have time, Leah. I have to take you away. Come on." Without waiting for a reply, Neil quickly picked Leah up.

Meanwhile, outside, Roger and some people in black suits had managed to find the jeep. Roger was very excited. They entered the lobby and questioned Neil's whereabouts.

It wasn't easy for Roger to get the information, but Joe appeared with his police identification.

"Don't trouble us, he's a wanted criminal."

Roger was surprised that Joe the psychopath was a policeman. Roger said in his heart, "It turns out that this crazy bastard is a policeman." Roger started to worry.

However, the hotel receptionist provided information regarding which room Neil was staying in. One of the hotel staff was required to come along to help Joe open the access door. According to the regulations, only staff are allowed to open the door for their guests, and that too for emergency needs.

Unfortunately, when Joe arrived with his subordinates, Neil and Leah were no longer there. Joe looked at the window, and the jeep that Neil was driving was moving. The man realized that his movements had been noticed by Neil.

"s**t! He's running away! Whoever stopped him! Don't let that guy get away!" Joe contacted his subordinate on guard outside and told him to stop Neil, who was carrying Leah.

Neil put his foot on the pedal, escaping with Leah as much as he could. Even though he knew the little girl was exhausted from the long night. But it was all for her safety.