Shot were fired

Charles's breath hitched, and his entire body froze. His grip on Penny's hand tightened without his knowledge, horrified at what he was seeing inside. 

Penny furrowed her brows as her father squeezed her hand. Looking up, Charles already turned around and faced her. 

"Penny." Charles squatted in front of her, his voice low. "How about you… you get back in the car, hmm?"

"Papa, what's going on?" 

His smile cracked, clearing his throat. "Nothing. Just… listen to dad, can you, hmm?"

Seeing Charles trying not to alarm her already alarmed her. Her heart thudded against her chest, wondering if Grace had already done the unimaginable. Or was her interference changed these people's lives and that cruel man hurt Grace and her mother?

Myriads of thoughts swirled in Penny's eyes, thinking if it was the latter, she would never forgive herself. 

"Penny." Charles squeezed her shoulders and smiled. "You can go back to the car on your own, right?"