Chapter 30
The morning sun shone brightly in the sky, as if celebrating Skylar’s happiness that she could finally take two days off from her work.
It was a time that she had been waiting for a long time to be able to spend with the people she loved the most—her twin sons, Noah and Nile, and Anthony, the man who had slowly but surely become an important part of their lives.
In three days, Anthony had to return to Australia to take care of his company. He was the owner of a big company and couldn’t be away from his place for too long
Skylar didn’t want to w
twant to waste the moment together with him, while he was still here with her
“Can you handle the business here for these two days, Wendy! 1 really hope I won’t be disturbed by work, Skylar said seriously, the day before
“Don’t worry, Ma’am, I won’t let anyone bother you while you’re on leave. Wendy said firmly
“Good,” Skylar replied with satisfaction. “But, you still have to be reachable at any time, and you can still contact me at any time, for emergencies”
“Yes, ma’am.” Wendy y nodded. “Have a nice holiday and send my regards to the twins.
Noah and Nile really couldn’t wait any longer. They had been restless since last night and this morning they had a hasty breakfast because they couldn’t wait
“Boys, come on, you have to eat properly,” Anthony said patiently. “Your stomachs will feel bad, if you eat in a hurry like that”
Noah and Nile looked embarrassed because of their attitude and nodded obediently. “Yes, uncle. We’re sorry.”
Skylar secretly smiled seeing the interaction between Anthony and the twins, which was really natural like a father with his two sons.
The four of them had agreed and chosen to go to a large playground that had just opened a few weeks ago on the outskins of the city.
The park was crowded, Elled with children’s laughter and the sweet smell of popcorn and the excrement of colorful balloons and various children’s toys that attracted attention.
The various rides, new and unique, amazed the twins. Their eyes were bright and filled with eager enthusiasm.
Noah and Nile Immediately dashed towards the glant slide as they entered, while Skylar and Anthony followed slowly, holding hands. The day felt perfect.
“Put on your har, Sky, Anthony said, handing Skylar the hat he had brought. “It’s going to be hotter and you don’t usually like to be hot.
Skylar pat on the hat Anthony had offered her with a big smile. Her heart felt warm at the little attention from Anthony.
They approached the playground where the twins were getting ready to play.
“Wow, look at Noah! He’s brave enough to play the flying fox now” Skylar exclaimed proudly.
Anthony smiled warmly. “Your kids are growing up fast, huh. It’s been a while.
“Our kids,” Skylar corrected softly, causing Anthony to turn to her and nod. His smile brought life to her eyes.
Anthony reached out and took Skylar’s hand and squeezed it gently.
“Yes, our kids,” Anthony whispered. He leaned closer to Skylar and kissed the side of her head gendly. “Thank you for that.”
As the afternoon approached, Skylar and Anthony took the twins for a lunch break.
They headed to a small restaurant not far from the center of the playground. But from the moment they entered the restaurant, Skylar began to feel something was wrong.
Anthony seemed quieter than usual, his gaze often wandering out the window, and he ate slowly, as if his mind was wandering somewhere else.
“What’s wrong with you, Anthony?” Skylar asked after they finished eating. “Why did you look so tensel
Anthony stared at Skylar for a moment, then took a deep breath. He approached Sklar and whispered. “There’s someone following us since we headed to the restaurant. I’m sure he’s been following us for a while.”
Skylar’s heart sank. “What? Who?”
Anthony shook his head and put his index finger to his lips, looking at the twins who were choosing various cakes in the restaurant’s display case
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Chapter 30
Skylar understood. Anthony didn’t want the twins to know about the person following them.
“I don’t know yet. But he’s always not far from us. A man, his face was unclear because of his hat and he was wearing a mask,” Anthony said quietly. “He came out in a hurry when I looked at him. He mast have realized that I already knew he was following us, but I’m sure he’s still around here.”
Skylar’s gaze immediately swept around the restaurant. She saw many parents watching their children, young couples relaxing and several young people busy taking pictures. But none of them looked suspicious to her.
“I don’t see anyone suspicious” she whispered.
“Leave it to me. But you watch the kids. Don’t leave them, Anthony said firmly, then stood up and pretended to walk towards the restroom
With her heart beating erratically, Skylar called Noah and Nile. “Let’s finish our lunch and then we’ll play somewhere less crowded”
“Yes, mom!” they both answered in unison.
They are the desserts they ordered and after Anthony returned from the bathroom, they walked out of the restaurant and headed for the trampoline arena.
“Suy here, Sky,” Anthony said quietly. “Watch the kids, I saw that guy behind the bushes on my way here, I’ll catch him and arrest him.”
Skylar held Anthony’s hand anxiously, “Just leave him alone, Anthony. I’m worried….”
Anthony rubbed Skylar’s hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon
Skylar watched Anthony’s back as he walked away from the play area and disappeared behind the fence separating the play areas. She walked toward the twins who were still busy playing and her eyes were focused on them.
Meanwhile, Anthony walked through the park area with alert eyes. He saw a man in a black jacket, wearing a hat and a mask, standing a little away while pretending to look at the park map-
Anthony recognized his pasture—it was the same as the man he saw at the restaurant earlier.
With quick but careful steps, Anthony circled the park, approaching the man from behind. But the man seemed to realize Anthony’s presence
Instantly he moved, trying to get away. Anthony quickened his pace, and when he almost reached him-
Srck
A flash of a sharp object flashed from behind the man’s jacket. A small, but sharp knife. Anthony didn’t have time to dodge. The knife stuck right in
his waist.
“Aaakh” Anthony screamed in pain, his body collapsed to the ground.
The man saw Anthony fall and he quickly put the knife back and walked away.
A woman who passed by not long after that, saw Anthony’s condition lying in a pool of blood.
The woman’s hysterical screams were heard loudly. The people around were confused and when they saw what made the woman scream, they also panicked. Some people chose to step back, but there were some others who tried to get closer to sec Anthony,
Skylar who was walking while leading the twins, heading to another play area, uw the crowd, felt’s had feeling and ran towards the crowd, her heart pounding. “Anthony”
Anthony’s body was lying on the ground with blood flowing from his waist, Skylar’s eyes widened, her body shaking.
Several people ran, a young man took out his cell phone and called an ambulance. Some others tried to provide first aid as best they could.
“Mom, it’s Uncle Ant. Noah waid in a trembling voice. “Uncle Ant! He’s bleeding, Mom!”
Skylar held the twins hands rightly on her right and left sides, approached Anthony and knelt beside him.
“Anthony, wake up.” Skylar whispered.
“Mam do you know this man?” a man asked Skylar
“Yes” Skylar answered in a hourse voice. “He’s… My fiance. Please, call an ambulance”
I’ve called the ma
manager of this park, ma’am,” the man said. “This playground has a special ambulance and they be here soon.”
Meanwhile, the man in the hat and mask stood calmly amidst the chaos and attention focused on Anthony. He had already walked away, but thought about coming back and seeing what happened next.
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Chapter 30
He took off his hat and mask and threw them in the trash, then slipped into the crowd, like an invisible wind
With a small, triumphant smile, he picked up his cell phone and made a call.
“I think y
you should increase my salary, boss,” he said quietly
On the other end of the line, a deep, flat, commanding voice came “Send me the details”
