It’s Too Late

Kira was dazed. She loosened her grip on his shoulders. She stared at him stupidly. ‘Dad’s fine?’ Austyn nodded, desperate for her to believe the lie. ‘He’s fine. He’s just resting. Come with me.’ He took her hand carefully. Kira didn’t struggle. She turned around and followed him obediently, her mind a complete blank. Maybe Austyn was telling the truth. Dad was fine. This was just a misunderstanding, a bad scare. Kira willed herself to believe him. Maybe he was really bringing her to see her dad. But Gideon didn’t give her the chance to indulge in self-delusion. He stepped up and blocked their path. ‘Kira, wake up! He’s lying to you!’ Austyn took one quick stride forward and delivered an uppercut to Gideon’s jaw. Gideon staggered backwards, lost his balance and fell. He scrambled to his feet and spat out a mouthful of blood. One of his front teeth was knocked loose. But he refused to give up. ‘Stop lying to her!’ Austyn shielded Kira from Gideon’s view. Gideon wiped his bloodied face.