7: Ch 7: Ashley and the truth Pt.
1 7: Ch 7: Ashley and the truth Pt.
1 The estate guards scramble for some reason and after about 10 minutes, we finally get through.
We make the drive up to the estate and we are greeted by Ashley’s parents at the door.
We played it safe and make sure we were wearing military gear when we got to the estate.
“Erik, Derric, why so heavily armed.
This is a peaceful place.
No one would harm you here.” Ashley’s mom looks worried My brother and I give each other looks before Derricc opens up.
“A couple days ago we got shot at with rockets at our own villa.
We’re taking no chances.
“Also, I add, I’ve come her to warn you to allow your daughter to be free.
I’ve been gone for 15 years for reasons I can’t express at this time and you’ve keep her shackled here unable to let her experience life, afraid she find someone else, leave me and potentially put a stain on your reputation.” “That’s unacceptable, she deserves to live her life.
You understand right.” Both of the parents start nodding their heads like chickens.
With that, both of us relax and ask to see her directly.
We get to her room and immediately I get anxious, hands on my guns, sweat coming down my face.
Derricc gives me a nod of assurance as we knock on the door.
We hear a voice that makes me more nervous “who’s is it?” For some reason I’m a nervous wreck as I prepare to speak up.
Last time I saw her she was prepared to kill me so I’m definitely anxious.
“It’s me, Erik” I say nervously.
“I’m here too, don’t forget about me” Derricc snips back like troublemaker.
I’m about to chastise him for trying to get me shot at again when I hear a bunch of furniture breaking and a couple voices sounds like they’re in pain and heavy things falling.
Derricc gives me a worried nod and I give him a go ahead nod and turn around to kick the down the door when it finally opens to a maid who looks like a mess.
She looks up and see a giant man about to kick and another slightly smaller man looking shocked.
“Well this is awkward” Derricc says as I put my leg down.
“Are you ok” I say as I walk up to the maid who takes a step back, pats herself down and tries to look as presentable as she can.
“I’m fine master Erik, nothing important.
“Master Erik eh”, Derricc teases as he give me light elbow jabs.
The maid blushes as I glare at him to be quiet.
“Fine fine bro, you are not living this down.” He jabs to me as I look away.
Next thing I know I’m being launched towards the ground…..again.
“Seriously, this is twice in 3 days.
Is someone playing a let’s tackle the giant game with me right now.” I gripe out loud before I realize that I have a woman in my arms holding me and crying.
To my and Derricc’s surprise, we see Ashley is the one who is currently laying on me.
I give Derricc a look as he takes the maid into the room and helps her clean up the room.
I choose not to say anything and just let her get it all out of her system.
It’s the least i could do after basically vanishing from her life.
A few minutes later, she gathers her composure and helps me up and leads me to her room where Derricc and the maid have finished picking up the room.
Ashley looks toward Derricc and bows towards him.
“I apologize for being so unsightly, I panicked when hearing Erik was here and tripped over everything.
“You don’t need to bow to me, or be so formal.
We’re all family here and honestly, Erik doesn’t know how to handle formal very well.” Derricc quips “You aren’t much better yourself.” I quip back with a smile on my face.
I look towards Ashley and I see that not much has changed.
In a tank top and cargo shorts with her hair in a ponytail.
She screams practicality while also comfortable.
“Still clean and shine them boots?” Derricc asks while chuckling.
“Derricc!” “What” “Not now” “Fine” “Yes I do, exactly the same way Erik taught me all those years ago.” Derricc and I give each other a look of surprise at the very unexpected answer.
“Sorry I was gone for so long, it was never my intention for this to happen.
I know you must’ve felt upset and hate me for being gone for so long but I hoped the letters I wrote helped.” “What letters, you mean the three I have here that actually made me angrier.” I’m so stunned by that statement that I don’t even react.
Derricc is the one who is genuinely upset with that statement.
“What are you even saying, Erik wrote you at least 1 letter a month if not more.
Everytime we had a new mission, everytime he got injured, everytime we went somewhere beautiful, this man wrote to you, sometimes even put photos and money as well.
There’s absolutely no way you only have 3 letters.” “I’m serious” Ashley says as tears start coming down again.
“15 years and these 3 letters are all I have.” “That’s impossible, I made sure my dad delivered the letters to you.
He should’ve had them sent to your parents.
This isn’t right.” I’m genuinely frustrated as I reach into my pocket for a cigar and feeling something like a letter.
I pull it out and see it’s the last letter I wrote before the Florida mission we went on a couple days ago that could t be delivered due to a post carrier issue.
“Here Ashley, this should’ve been the types of letters you would’ve received.
Derricc stands next to me as she reads the letter.
At the end she drops to her knees holding the letter to her chest.
I decide to sit next to her and hold her in my arms as she lets it out again.
“Erik, I know our family doesn’t like us but this screams like something they’d do.” “Whoever did this dared to make my wife suffer.
I will get my revenge.” “I’m right behind you Erik.”