MY PERFECT BODYGUARD 2 CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE A TEMPORARY HAVEN

 

Gideon in the van heading out after the explosion, was approached by Tim, one of his generals.

"Boss, the headquarters is blown up. We need somewhere to lie low," Tim said, concern evident in his voice.

Gideon, still in a state of shock, sat down in the van with some of his men waiting for him to address the current situation.

"I can't believe that son of a bitch blew himself up in that place," Gideon said, his voice filled with disbelief.

"For all we know, he said he'd be coming for you, so maybe he had a plan to survive," Tim suggested.

Gideon shook his head. "We head to the company and lay low, get ready for war. If he somehow managed to survive the fire, it only means one thing: he's definitely coming for us. So, we use the company facilities as hostages and defense."

The internet was buzzing with news about the twenty-year-old Richard, who had forced Gideon Hopper, one of the country's most powerful men, on the run. Reports also mentioned that Richard's body wasn't found in the headquarters, bringing some relief to Linda, Emma, and Nina.

"Now we're sure his body wasn't in the fire, which means he's still out there," Nina said. "We need to find him as soon as we can," they agreed.

Richard, covered in smoke and dust, walked through the market, gazing around. He continued walking until he reached a riverbank where boats were loading for transportation. He noticed one with a signboard that read "Truto Village." Approaching the boat, he made his payment and headed to the village where he had kept his mother and sister safe. He had something particularly important to do there.

The journey was slow and steady. When Richard reached the other side of the island, he washed his face in the water to look more recognizable before heading into the woods. After a long walk, he arrived at Hana's place and noticed the buildings had been renovated.

"Wow, what a view," Richard said to himself.

As he admired the buildings, he heard a female voice call from behind, "RICHARD, IS THAT YOU?"

Turning around, Richard saw Cynthia, who was in tears as she raced toward him and jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly despite the smoke and dust covering him.

"Oh my God, I still can't believe you're alive," Cynthia said, holding onto him.

"Hey, it's gonna take a lot to kill me, you know," Richard replied.

"Where have you been? I mean, we lost contact with you and just heard on the news that you died in an explosion. You didn't even reach out," Cynthia said, her voice filled with concern.

"I didn't want Gideon to know where you guys are. I wanted to keep you as safe as I could," Richard explained. "Where's Mom?" he asked.

"They're inside," Cynthia replied.

As they headed inside, Doris saw Richard and immediately raced to him. Seeing him covered in smoke and dust, she paused. "Hey, you're back," Doris said, relief evident in her voice. "We thought we wouldn't see you again."

Richard, knowing how Doris felt about him, started to feel awkward but quickly brushed it aside as his mother and Hana emerged from the kitchen. His mother ran to him, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Bless the Lord," Maria said, holding Richard tightly.

Hana gazed at Richard, a playful smile on her face. "Hey dude, did you eat fertilizers or something? You're growing day by day," she joked as she approached him and gave him a soft hug.

"Well, take your bath and come out. Let's eat," she said as Cynthia directed him to the bathroom.

As they were having supper, the three started throwing questions at Richard, who ate hungrily.

"We heard news that the city is kind of hot, that the Falcons are waging war with some teens, and according to some sources, your name was mentioned," Hana asked.

"Well, war? That can't be. Do I look like a soldier or what? Believe me, all we do is run, run, and run," Richard said between bites.

"This Gideon guy isn't really giving up. I mean, no matter how I look at the situation and his history, he always wins. I don't think you'll be able to go back to that place. Stay here with us and lie low until he forgets," Maria said.

"Mum, you know that's impossible, right? I mean, why would I leave my friends to that psychopath?" Richard replied.

"Yes, that's right. He's a psychopath, that's why you shouldn't go back there," Maria insisted.

"Don't worry, Mum, I have this under control," Richard reassured her.

"No, you don't. You're definitely not leaving here again," Maria said angrily.

"Well, stop me," Richard challenged as he stormed out of the dining room. After a few seconds, he returned to grab his food and finish it elsewhere.

Richard stood outside, lost in thought, gazing up at the stars. He was deep in contemplation, strategizing how to rescue his friends and defeat Gideon. Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Cynthia approaching. "Hey, you scared me!" Richard exclaimed. "Haven't you passed your bedtime?" Cynthia retorted, "I'm 16 now, I'm not a child anymore." Richard turned back to the stars, a mix of emotions on his face. "I guess it's my fault for running away from my family and not knowing anything about you all, especially you, my little sis."

"I'm not going to lie, I'm mad that you're not around, but seeing you help others fight for love... it's unimaginable. I only learn about Dad from others, but when I look at you, I realize how cool he must have been. Mom always said you're like him, inside and out. I know you're not doing this to stay away from us, but because you're a good person and can't help it," Cynthia said, her words filled with a mix of emotions.

Richard turned to her, amazed by her maturity. "Look at you, just 16, and you're saying words that could sink a ship!" He smiled, and Cynthia raced into his arms, hugging him tightly.

As they broke apart, Cynthia asked, "If you liked Linda so much, why ignore her letters?" Richard's expression turned contemplative. "I didn't know why then, but now I realize I was scared. I didn't think I was good enough for her." Cynthia teased, "Well, make sure you get her, and mom and I can get some shares in Prime Tech!" Richard laughed and hugged her again, feeling a deep connection with his little sister.

The next morning, Richard was ready to depart. As he entered the sitting room, he saw his mom and Cynthia sitting together. They looked up at him, and his mom stood up, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and concern. "Hey, mom, you're not going to stop me from leaving, are you? My friends are in the city, and they need me. Linda needs me," Richard said, his voice firm but gentle.

His mom approached him, her arms opening wide. "Look at my kid now, on TV as a national hero, helping people! You're making your mom so proud!" She embraced him tightly, her tears of joy evident. As she pulled back, she adjusted his clothes, her hands trembling with emotion. "Thanks for coming to see us. Make sure you don't spend too much time there. End this and come back to us," she said, her voice cracking as she hugged him again.

As Richard prepared to leave, Doris accompanied him to the riverbank, and they chatted casually. Richard noticed a hint of unease in Doris's demeanor and asked, "You've been acting weird around me, Doris. Is everything okay?" Doris hesitated, "Nothing's wrong." Richard's instincts told him otherwise. "I know something's bothering you, and I'll find out once I'm back," he said, his eyes locked on hers. Doris smiled wryly, "Good luck with that." With a wave, Richard boarded the boat, leaving Doris standing on the riverbank, her expression a mix of concern and secrecy.