The Dark Truth

I stood in front of my body length mirror and assessed myself once more. Dad expected perfection always and this was no exception. My emerald green sleeveless ball gown shimmered beautifully and my hair was made in an elaborate style. The emerald necklace Dad had given me on my birthday laid on the crook of my neck and complimented my earrings. Hearing the soft classical music playing downstairs, I decided it was time I head down. As I reached the top of the stairs, lights blinded me and introductions were made.

Walking down, I spotted Dad with Mum by his side, both staring at me with pride in their eyes. It made my heart swell. I made my way to them.

"Honey, you look stunning as ever." Mum beamed while engaging me in a one sided hug. She looked pale but beautiful nonetheless.

"Of course, she gets her looks and charm from me." Dad said and sipped from the champagne he held. "Cara," he said with a serious tone. I knew exactly what he wanted to say next. "Bellingham has been wanting to have a word with you since your birthday party last month. Now will be the perfect chance. Ah speak of the devil," I turned around to see Jerry Bellingham I'm a precise forest green suit making his way towards us.

Dad strode off making light conversion with his business partners. He organised the party to announce the launching of a successful partnership between Gregory Ltd and Bellingham Mills. They were both successful companies in their own rights and the party aimed at building a relationship between Dad's shareholders and Bellingham's.

"You look beautiful as ever, Cara. Twenty looks good on you." Jerry appraised. Pharrell, my brother who was standing not too far from us snorted. He'd never liked Jerry for some reason.

"As do you Jerry."

"May I have this dance, fairest one?" Jerry asked with a wild glint in his eyes. Taking his hand, he led me to the dance floor and we swirled with the rhythm of the music. Dad ascended the podium twenty minutes into the dance and the music was stopped.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to have you at my humble abode," Dad began as most of the guests chuckled. There was nothing humble about the imposing Gregory mansion that stood at the center of the city.

"This party is to commemorate the partnership between the Gregory's and the Bellingham's. We're excited because we have seen the exploits performed by these two giant companies and we're rest assured that our unification is going to achieve even greater exploits. Ladies and gentlemen, let's raise a toast to the beginning of a wonderful union between Jared Gregory and his associates" Dad said looking at Jared with his glass of champagne raised, "and myself with my associates. We look forward to doing business together. To Greginham" Dad said as everyone chuckled and raised the toast. "Ladies and Gentlemen, have a blissful evening" Dad finished as everyone turned to one another in a merry chatter.

Dad was making his way to Jared when he hit the ground. I faltered, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. I immediately knew something was wrong when some CIA agents disguised as waiters started leading Mum away, who was staring wide-eyed in shock at Dad's slumped figure. I started running towards Dad who was already surrounded by some agents but was intercepted by Jerry. Everywhere became chaotic. The guests were all trying to duck for cover. Darrell was being held from touching Dad as medics burst into our home. I pushed Jerry and struggled through the crowd that surrounded Dad and saw him in a pool of blood. He'd been shot. In a matter of seconds, sirens wailed through the mansion and Dad was carefully laid in the ambulance with Darrell by his side and taken away. Pharrell tried to reassure me with tears in his eyes that Dad was going to be alright when my vision blurred and I fell into Pharrell's arms.

I woke up with my head throbbing. Two maids were fussing over me as I lay on the sofa in my room. A wet towel was draped over my forehead. Despite the headache I felt, I struggled to regain myself. Fuelling myself with the need to know how Dad was doing, I hurriedly threw the towel on the floor and ran towards the stairs ignoring the maids who called after me. I was met with Flynn, an FBI agent I knew who was very familiar with Dad. He had on a look of concern and pity as he saw me. I didn't want his sympathy or anyone else's. I just wanted to see Dad.