Chapter 20

Daniel struggles to undo the seatbelt and opening the door, his eyes always frantically drifting back to the passenger door where he can see shadows moving away. He can hear Alex scream "Let me go! What is the meaning of this?" Daniel is only able to hear the sounds of his struggles, while he can not see anything but silhouettes due to the poor lightning in the street. His mind conjures up images of Alex screaming in pain, of Alex bleeding, of Alex' face contorted in pain and finally, of Alex lying in a pool of blood on the ground.

He shakes his head to clear these images away. He has to focus.

Before finally getting out of the car, Daniel remembers to reach back inside and get the knife hidden in the glove compartment.

Before he manages to climb out of the car he sees movement at his side. A brown blur lets out a growl and jumps across the back seats to dash out of the passenger's door. Soon after he hears a scream, "Shit, you damn dog, let go of me or I will cut you open."

Without waiting for more sounds Daniel sprints over to take in the scene. The attacker still holds a knife to Alex' throat, but he is swaying considerably. Zero, the dog who played so peacefully for the whole day with his nephew had bitten down on the arm that threatens his owner.

The attacker now focused on the dog, trying to shake him off, moving the hand with the knife subconsciously away from his target's throat. Alex, feeling the grip holding him loosens, quickly struggles out of the hold and backs away.

This is Daniel's chance. He launches forward. Zero still has his teeth in the attacker's arm. The man, crying out in pain because of the dog bite, grabs the knife in his other hand and aims for Zero's throat.

"Zero!" Alex shouts panicking.

Daniel seizes the opportunity. With Alex out of danger and Zero occupying the opponent he darts forwards and grabs the other's wrist forcefully. He squeezes tighter and tighter. The opponent's cries grow more desperately by the second.

Then he finally lets go of the knife.

Daniel quickly kicks it out of reach. The danger is finally under control.

Alex, seeing that Daniel finally rendered the opponent defenceless, feels his tension drain out from him. He collapses on his knees, steadying himself with his hands on the ground. "Zero, stop. It is enough." Seeing that the dog shows no intention of obeying he adds in a soothing, yet commanding voice "Zero, it is okay. I am safe. Now stop and come here."

Letting out a last growl Zero releases his victim, who groans in pain and finally sinks to his knees. The inflicted wound was deep.

Zero, with his nuzzle still dripping with blood, turns towards his owner, only to position himself in a way so he can still watch the attacker. Alex, being in his close proximity, can still hear a faint, but nonetheless threatening growl from the dog.

Daniel, finally finding his voice again, after his throat was clamped shut because of panic, asks, not hiding his anger "Who the f*** are you? How dare you threaten us?" He is now standing next to the attacker, hovering over him and looking down with unmasked hate in his eyes.

But he is surprised to see the same hate mirrored in his defeated opponent's eyes. "I am Sheng Shao best friend and I am here to avenge him, you monster."

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Alex grabs in Zero's fur, trying to get his bearings. His whole body trembles. Now that the immediate danger is under control he finally realizes what just happened. Someone grabbed him, threatened him, pointed a freaking knife at his throat.

He pales.

If Zero hadn't reacted this fast, the situation could have gotten even worse. What did the guy say? Something about revenge for his best friend?

Alex looks over at Daniel. He is met with an unexpected picture. The hate, that just seconds ago, nearly screamed out of Daniel's eyes, was replaced by a tense expression that Alex can not really identify. Something about what the other guy said seems to have hit home.

"On that day we all suffered terrible losses. It is the way of our world and can not be undone." Daniel speaks with an angered, yet incredibly sad voice.

"He lost sight in his right eye! How can you just dismiss it like this? It is even permanent. Just a week ago they announced the final diagnosis!" The rage of the attacker left his voice. The last part was nearly inaudible, muffled by sadness.

"He lost his sight? How dare you! We also suffered losses, more permanent than that! My brother-in-law is dead because of your Shao Sheng's group!" Alex flinches, hearing Daniel scream like this.

"You know as well as I, that that bullet was not meant for him."

"Yes, you bastards aimed at my sister, another civilian!"

"Shao Sheng is the son of the group's leader! Of course retaliation was called for! It was ..." He couldn't finish. Daniel landed a straight punch to the side of his head, knocking the already weakened man unconscious.

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Daniel breathes in deep. Without looking at Alex he says "I will drop him off at the hospital while he is still unconscious."

"Okay."

Daniel looks up at this simple answer. He had expected Alex to scream at him, run away, but not this simple obedience. He was once again reminded of the scene earlier. Alex, with a knife to his throat.

"I am sorry for getting you involved. Come back in the car. After we drop him off, I will see you to your apartment."

Alex only nods. He feels incredibly tired. The wonderful scenes from the lake and the restaurant felt like distant dreams. All strength drew out of him. He sits in the back seat, Zero close to him. The dog lays his head in his owner's lap.

After they drop of the attacker at the hospital anonymously the last of the tension leaves Alex body and he sleeps with his head against the side window. Daniel continues driving until he stops at Alex' apartment.

Alex still would not wake up. "It was a long day." Daniel's quiet voice held a lot of sadness. He gently picks up Alex, holding him like a princess, resting his head against his shoulder. Without needing any command, Zero follows.

After fishing out Alex' keys, Daniel manages to open the door. He directly heads towards the bedroom. Laying Alex down gently, he starts undressing him. "Ah, I wish I would be doing this under different circumstances." He couldn't even enjoy the sight of Alex exposed body. He strips him down to his underwear (which was still the now dry swim wear from this morning) and gently lay him back on the bed, covering him with the blanket.

Without saying another word he looks down at the sleeping Alex, a sad smile on his face. "Good night, Alex." He gently caresses his cheek before exiting the bedroom.

When the touch left Alex' cheek he subconsciously shifts sleeping positions, turning on one side and curling up. It seemed like he curled around the lingering touch.

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The next morning Alex would only find a note on the kitchen table.

"Alex,

I am sorry for involving you. I was once again reminded why it is not wise to date civilians in my line of work. I won't bother you again.

Good bye,

Daniel"