Daisy’s heart pounded as rough hands yanked her out of the truck. The air smelled of dust and gasoline as she stared into the eyes of four thugs, mean as hell. A black Chevy Tahoe with tinted windows had cut them off on County Road 12, just past the old mill, blocking their way back to Maple Creek. The backroad was deserted, not a soul around.
- “Fork it over, pops, and make it quick!” one thug barked, his voice pure venom.
- “What cash? I ain’t got nothing,” Nick said, trying to stay calm, though his hands shook.
- “Don’t play dumb. We saw you at the bank, sniffing around. Cough it up, or you’re toast,” another growled, grabbing Nick by the collar and shaking him so hard he nearly fell.
Nick wasn’t one to scare easy. As a kid, he’d faced a black bear in the Adirondack woods while picking blueberries and lived to tell the tale. Nothing spooked him after that—except the thought of losing Daisy. For her, he’d give up everything.
A chilling voice cut through.
- “Keep stalling, and your pretty granddaughter’s gonna pay,” a thug sneered, lunging at Daisy.
She fought hard, kicking and screaming, but he pinned her, trying to shove her to the ground.
- “I’ll give you the money! Take it!” Nick shouted, his voice breaking as he ran to the truck and grabbed the bank pouch stuffed with $20,000.
- “That’s more like it. Too bad you dragged your feet, pops. And your granddaughter? She’s too cute to let go,” the leader said, his voice cold, leaning over Daisy.
He reached for her blouse, popping a button, then froze. A silver bat-shaped pendant gleamed on her neck.
- “Where’d you get that?” he demanded, eyes wide. The same pendant hung around his own neck.
Daisy stared, too shocked to speak. Nick seized the moment.
- “Help! Somebody, help us!” he yelled, bolting to the middle of the road as a car appeared. He waved his arms like a madman, and the car slowed.
- “No witnesses! Let’s move!” the leader shouted. The thugs piled into their Tahoe and peeled out, tires screeching.
Daisy stumbled to her feet, shaking, and staggered back to the truck. Nick returned, out of breath, thanking the driver who’d stopped.
- “Daisy, you okay? You hurt?” he asked, his voice trembling.
- “I’m okay, just freaked out, Grandpa. You saved us,” Daisy said, hugging him tight, fighting tears.
- “Saved us? I got us robbed, Daisy. Lost all that money. But you’re safe, thank God. I should’ve listened about that cash. Never thought creeps like that would show up around here,” Nick said, guilt heavy in his voice.
That pendant was about to turn their world upside down.