Black Stilettos

Shaira sat crossed legged on her king-sized bed that was much too big for a six year old child, clutching her teddy bear tight. It was past her bedtime but she refused to sleep although her nanny kept pleading with her to, she wanted her daddy to tuck her in first. Her parents were out to some function or the other, as a part of the elite, it was a necessity, a part of their daily lives. "Miss Shaira?" Her nanny called softly in a troubled voice, her greying hair was tied back in a tight bun, her maid dress crisply ironed even though it was well past 10 pm. "You can't make me go to bed, Lucy, not till I see my daddy." She said calmly. Lucy sighed long-sufferingly, knowing how determined the little girl could be. The Mistress would not be happy with this outcome, she could only hope that Shaira fell asleep soon or her parents chose to come back early. Her daily prayers must have come in handy because not long after, she heard the scurrying of servants through the silent house which could only mean one thing. The Boss and his wife were back. Shaira must have heard the commotion too because she perked up, her beautiful sea green eyes wide with wonder. She shared a quick glance with the six year old, anxious of what she would do next, she did not expect her to jump off the bed in her nightdress and dart out of the bedroom. Lucy hurried after her immediately, wondering how the little girl could move so fast while calling her name repeatedly. Shaira ignored her, her small legs carrying her down the stairs into the living room where her parents were just coming in. "Daddy! Mommy!" She called out happily, running across the room to throw herself in her father's arms. Nick Caddel picked up his daughter easily, twirling her around a bit to her happiness. "What's my precious gem still doing wide awake?" He asked her gently, kissing her forehead. "I wanted daddy to tuck me in." She pouted, her initial happiness fading away quickly. Fiona just watched the interaction between her only child and her husband with a soft smile. "Well daddy is here to tuck you in so will you go to bed now?" She asked lovingly. "Of course!" Shaira agreed without hesitation, reaching out for her mother. Lucy finally made her way down at this point, panting and out of breath. "I am so sorry about this Sir, Ma'am…" She apologised profusely, bowing her head. "The little Miss just wouldn't go to sleep…" "It's fine, Lucy." Fiona cut her off before the little old lady bit her tongue in her panic. "Her father and I will take her up ourselves, you're dismissed." Lucy bowed one last time before making herself scarce. Shaira was comfortable in her mom's arms, already dozing off. Fiona cooed at this, showing her off to her husband. "She must really be tired." Nick said softly, smiling at Shaira who struggled to remain awake. Even though they were exhausted from their outing, they took their daughter straight to bed, Nick making sure to tuck her in. "Love? You look so drained, you promised me you weren't going to overwork yourself." Fiona cupped her husband's face when they were alone in their ornate bedroom. "I'm not." He reassured her, placing both of his arms around her waist. "It's just a delicate deal that has taken far longer than I planned for to close it, I'll be fine, I promise." Fiona just sighed, knowing her husband, that would be the most she would get from him, she would just have to trust him to keep their promise. Nick leaned forward to kiss away the furrow in her brow. "You're just going to make me worry more if you're worried." He kissed her again to distract her, this time fully on the mouth. Fiona's cheeks grew warm at this, a tingling sensation starting low in her belly as she opened her mouth to let Nick kiss her deeper. She wasn't ready for another child but if that was what her husband wanted then she would give him one. *** Nick got out of bed when he was certain that his wife was fast asleep, he was dressed in silk pajama bottoms and an unbelted robe. He made his way to the cabinet at the far end of the room which held a selection of expensive brandy. He didn't make a habit of drinking but it helped him think. He had drained his second glass when a strange noise caught his attention, he paused, returning the bottle back to the cabinet. He settled down to listen carefully because the servants knew to remain in their wing of the mansion whenever it was night. The only servant who was nearby was Lucy, Shaira's nanny and it was unlike her to wander the halls at night. The sound came again, soft rustling that sounded distant yet so close by. Could it be an intruder? Why were the guards not alerted if that were so? Making up his mind, he picked up the phone to call the head guard for an explanation and to demand that they do a thorough search of the house. As the phone rang, Fiona woke up to the sound. She blinked blearily at her husband. "Nick? What's wrong?" "Nothing, baby, go back to sleep, I'll handle it." He reassured her, returning his attention back to the call. It was becoming evident that no one was going to pick up the phone and at the moment, the call dropped off.. He tried a couple more times, a frown growing on his face much to Fiona's panic. "Something is wrong." He finally admitted, belting up his robe. "We have to go get Aira." He said quickly, his thoughts immediately going to their only daughter. Fiona was a level-headed woman and she knew the kind of man she married, he was too rich and successful to not have enemies. She quickly got down from the bed and held tightly to her husband's hand. Thankfully, Shaira's bedroom wasn't far from theirs. They quickly made their way to their daughter's room, moving stealthily only to find Lucy held at gunpoint by dark clothed, masked men while a couple made their way over to Shaira's bed. They were about to kidnap his daughter! Luckily, Nick thought to carry a gun but they were greatly outnumbered. "Fiona, I'll distract the men while you grab Shaira and make a run for it, bring round any car you can get your hands on, I'll meet you then." He whispered quickly to her, kissing her forehead lightly before aiming for the goon nearest to him from the shadows. He was the only one with his weapon out and pointed at Lucy, the goon went down after the loud shot rang out and all hell broke loose. Fiona could barely see and she had no idea how she managed to not get shot, she held her daughter tightly as she ran blindly down the stairs, praying hard that somehow Nick would get out of that alive. Shaira woke up to the sound of muffled crying, tears dripping into her hair and down her face. She had a nightmare but she couldn't remember it anymore, just that there had been a lot of screaming. She opened her eyes to find herself tightly held by her mother, her teddy bear was still clutched in her arms. "Mommy?" She called in a sleepy voice. "What's wrong, mommy? Why are you crying? Where is daddy?" She started off rapid fire questions. "Shh." Her mother hushed her in a shaky voice. "You have to remain quiet okay, daddy is coming." Fiona's voice broke on the last sentence. She knew well that only a miracle would save her husband even though he promised. She had sat in the passenger seat though, although she knew he wasn't coming, that did not stop her from hoping but perhaps that wasn't such a great idea. Footsteps alerted her to someone coming and she experienced a mix of terror and unfiltered hope. It was neither of her expectations however, a bloody Lucy showing up instead. "We have to leave Ma'am." She said in her usual respectful tone, flinging open the door to the driver's side. Fiona deflated at this, the light fading from her eyes, her heart breaking even while it was still beating in her chest. Shaira was having none of it though, not one to easily give up. "No! Wait! We have to wait for daddy! He said he was coming!" She screamed, struggling with her mother who had to stop her from trying to throw herself out of the car. Gunshots rang out behind them and Lucy waited no further, putting the car into gear. Shaira struggled even harder, tears pouring out her eyes as she sobbed desperately even as her home slowly went out of view. "Daddy! He said he was coming!!!..."