The Day I Kissed An Older Man by Cher the Cherished

They gathered around Henry brazenly and made no effort to conceal their identities from him, which suggested that they did not intend to spare him. His apprehension grew deeper when he realized that. Henry found himself thrown into the room where Lucas and Claudia were held. His heart ached for his daughter's safety, and he ran toward her when he saw that she was alive and well.

"Claudie!" Initially still grappling with despair, Claudia sensed that she heard her father's voice and perked her ears as she sat up.

"Was that my dad's voice? Am I hearing stuff?" Claudia murmured.

Her thoughts were clouded with uncertainty, but Lucas reassured her that she heard correctly. "You heard it right. Your father's here."

"Claudia..." Henry's voice reached Claudia's ears once more, and she heard it crystal clear that time.

Her eyes welled with tears. "Where are you, Dad? Why are you here?! Did you come to rescue us?"

The other captors chuckled mockingly from the doorway as the father and daughter reunited. "Aww, look at that happy reunion. No one's getting rescued, though! Your father's here to keep you company, so just sit tight and enjoy your time in this musty old room!"

door was slammed shut, and silence

emotion. She was still blindfolded, hence the difficulty in confirming her father's presence except

not important right now. Are you both all right?

stopped them before

gaze flickered briefly over his daughter's untouched skin. Her words brought him relief, and she seemed

His

reassurance to the

tremendously.

Thank you for protecting my daughter. Your grandparents are working hard to secure your release. Have faith. They'll come rescue

classmates. She

me," Lucas said. with a guilt-ridden tone. He did not know how to face Henry after knowing that he was the reason why Claudia was dragged into the quagmire. Besides, his grandparents would be safe at home, too,

what you're thinking, but you're not to blame for this. You're also a victim," Henry comforted him