Chapter Two: The Intent(edited)

"Sir." Rushed a young man as he got inside the office after a series of knock with haggard breath

"Holding different folders in his hands," said the young man as he entered the office and stood in front of the mahogany desk.

"What is it?" came a deep voice from the back of a mahogany chair, the man's back away from view as he stared deeply out the window.

"We found them," replied the young man, panting slightly.

"What?" asked the voice as the man sharply turned, collecting the files from the young man, his eyes scanning them intently.

"Yes, sir, they are in Texas," continued the young man with a smile, finally expressing relief after months of research.

"Good job," the voice said, followed by a smile. "I'll make sure your salary is increased." He said as he turned away, his focus back on the files in his hands.

"Thank you, sir," muttered the young man as he quickly rushed toward the door, opened it, and shut it behind him, knowing he was dismissed. Back in the office, a deathly laughter could be heard as the voice mumbled, "Finally," with a smirk on his face.

********

"Wake up," yelled Lindsey as she repeatedly tapped Karen, who was currently sleeping in her bed.

"Ummm umm," moaned Karen as she turned to the other side, attempting to resume her sleep.

"Oh no, you didn't," yelled Lindsey, the shock evident on her face as she grabbed her pillow and playfully slammed it down on Karen.

Karen sprang up with a yelp.

"That serves you right," muttered Lindsey with a laugh as she got down from the bed.

"Oh no, you didn't," mumbled Karen in shock.

"I did! You were lucky you got up. I was getting ready for another one," Lindsey said with a mischievous smirk. Karen got up from the bed and playfully chased Lindsey around the room, both of them laughing and breathing sharply. "Surrender!" Karen jokingly shouted.

"Never," shouted Lindsey as she stopped to catch her breath.

"Well, you just missed your chance," muttered Karen as she gave chase. She finally caught up to Lindsey, pinning her down with both her hands on top of her head as she tickled her.

"No," Lindsey laughed. "I surrender," she mumbled as she giggled.

"Too late," Karen joked as she continued tickling her.

"Stop! I'm sorry," said Lindsey in between laughs.

"Is everything okay in there?" yelled Martha from outside the closed door.

"Yes, Mrs. A****n, everything is fine," replied Karen, with her hand on Lindsey's mouth.

"Okay dear, when you're ready come down for breakfast," Martha said, walking away.

"That was close," sighed Karen. "You're lucky your mum came," she continued, looking at Lindsey as she got up.

"You meanie," whispered Lindsey.

"There's nothing wrong with a little fun," Karen said with a mischievous grin, playfully nudging Lindsey before they both left the room.

"Before we go downstairs, won't you call your parents?" asked Lindsey.

"I will after breakfast, I'm famished," replied Karen as she wore a pink shirt with blue jeans.

"You really are hungry," snickered Lindsey. "Let's go before your stomach kills me," she said with a laugh, looking at the mirror before heading out.

"Fine," muttered Karen as she checked herself in front of the mirror before chasing Lindsey down the stairs.

"Good morning Mum, Dad," they greeted in unison, panting heavily as they landed on their seats with a thud.

"Morning," Martha said as she gave them both a kiss on their heads. "What have you girls been up to?" she asked as she stirred her eggs.

"Nothing Mum, just the usual fun," replied Lindsey, looking towards her dad who was very focused on his newspaper. "You know we have television for that."

"And that's what kills the eye, too much tele," he said.

"But the newspaper is outdated," argued Lindsey.

"Your generation and devices," scoffed Derek.

"Dad, these devices have saved a lot of lives," Lindsey continued, smirking as she looked at her dad.

"Can't argue with you there, but it has also taken a lot of lives," he retorted with a smirk as he looked at her, then back to his newspaper.

"Okay, enough of this argument, let's eat," Martha said as she set the toasted bread and scrambled eggs on the table.

"But Mum... I was about to win," whined Lindsey.

"No, you weren't," Martha laughed. "You should, in fact, thank me. I just saved you," she teased as she dished out the food.

"Thank you, Mum," mumbled Lindsey, slightly disappointed. Karen just sat watching the homely vibe with a smile on her face.

"Ouch, what was that for?" yelled Karen, rubbing her legs.

"That was for not supporting me," muttered Lindsey with a grin. "Dad, Mum, Karen and I will be going horse riding after this, and then to her parents' house," she said, looking between her parents, waiting for a reaction.

"No wonder you are all dressed up. Of course you can go, darling," Martha said with a smile. "Horse riding would do you good," she continued as she ate her bread.

"Really?" Lindsey asked, quite shocked. She was expecting a firm "No" about how horse riding would be dangerous for a sixteen-year-old.

"Yes, you are a grown girl," Derek said with a smile, looking at his daughter.

Karen sat quietly, surprised about the horse riding, but kept quiet.

Lindsey ran towards her parents, hugging them tightly, promising them that she would be home before nine. She went back to her seat, finishing up her food so as not to anger her mum. "Thanks Mum, thanks Dad," she said, then grabbed Karen.

"You never said anything about horse riding," Karen whispered softly to Lindsey.

"Well, now you know," Lindsey whispered back with a cheeky grin as they ran towards the door.

"Don't forget your boots," Martha yelled.

"And remember to secure the saddle," Derek yelled as they ran outside.

He then turned towards his wife. "Did we do the right thing?" he asked with a sigh.

"Yes, she is a grown girl, like you said, and can look after herself. She is stronger than you think," Martha said as she hugged her husband.

"Can't believe our baby girl is all grown up," Derek softly said with a pout on his face as he kissed his wife. "If I knew she would grow up this fast, I would have insisted we had another."

"Oh darling..." muttered Martha, blushing as she sat on his lap with her arms around his neck.

"You know what? It is still possible," he said and got up with his wife safely secured in his arms as he moved towards the stairs, taking one careful step at a time.

"Derek, noooo," Martha laughed, blushing furiously.

"Yes," Derek sang just as they reached their room.