Protecting James

The Police Commissioner was standing beside Oliver nervously, he couldn't understand why Oliver Knight suddenly requested to come to the surveillance room but he didn't dare to ask. Oliver was born with a King's arrogance, people usually feared him and would hesitate to approach him because of his temper and unpredictable nature. So he just stood there like a statue.

"Why is this man here?" Oliver asked lightly even though he already knew.

The commissioner already watched Oliver looking at the video of a particular prisoner, although he was confused as to why the mighty king was suddenly interested in an ordinary man but he didn't ask any questions. He simply answered, "He was arrested for fraudulence. It was said that he had stolen a lot of money from people. The case is still under investigation but so far all the evidence is against him."

Oliver didn't say anything he was still staring at the paused video on the screen, where Ava was crying her heart out and James was taken away. "Did he fight with someone, why does he have bruises on his face?"

This time the commissioner swallowed uncomfortably as he said in a low voice, "Yes, Mr. Knight. You know how violent the prisoners could be sometimes, they see someone new and bully them."

"Put him under protection, I don't want anyone to touch him," Oliver said indifferently as he stood up to leave.

Uncle Joe who was standing behind Oliver, raised one of his eyebrows confused and wondered whether Oliver was trying to protect James for Ava's sake. Was he trying to punish her or trying to save her from the pain? Sure enough, Oliver always had a complicated mind, no one really knew what he was thinking.

The commissioner was taken aback but didn't dare to ask anything. He simply nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Knight."

Ava came out of the detention center lifelessly. The wind outside was very strong, it was almost the end of February so the chilly air pierced through Ava's bones, she shivered and tightened her clothes around her body. Tears were still falling freely, she didn't bother to wipe them as she started to walk aimlessly. God must be joking with her, no matter how much she tries, everything still seems to be falling apart. First, she spent a night with a stranger, then Jacob betrayed her and her father and even put him in the prison. How she was going to put everything back together?

More than 20 years ago, James started Green Enterprise from scratch. He has always been hardworking and devoted all his energy to his business. Under his leadership, the company developed well over the years. It wasn't until recently, the Green enterprise faced some financial crises. Now its existence was shaken to the point of bankruptcy. Was there no way of saving her father and all his hard work? No! She refuses to accept it, she can't give up that easily, she has to find a way to save her father first, then the company. But how?

Back to Ava's apartment

It was half-past ten when Ava was back home. She opened the door as quietly as she could, afraid of waking her mother. However, she froze at the door when heard her mother's weak voice.

"Ava, are you back?"

"Mom, why are you still awake? It's so late." Ava turned on the light and saw Lily sitting on the sofa.

"I was waiting for your father, but why did you come back so late, I was worried about you," Lily said lightly rubbing her temple.

Ava felt heartache hearing her mother and her nose felt sour as tears threatened to break out. It was a sad sentence, Lily and James always had a very good relationship. Since they got married, they have been very affectionate and never parted even for a day. She hardly saw her father take out extra time to go on a date with her mother or go to a movie but they still loved each other unconditionally. She thought she understood love but seeing her parents she realized love was not doing anything special but it's ordinary company and doing ordinary things. As long as the person you love is around every day, it didn't matter where you are or what you do, life would still be peaceful and complete.

Ava hugged her mother and said in a broken voice, "Mom, please go inside and have a rest. Dad won't be able to come out for a while but don't worry I will find a way to get him out."

Lilly sighed and said sadly, "Ava do you know, I called your father's friends today to ask for help. But some of them didn't even answer the call, while others said they weren't there to avoid my call. I was mostly shocked when your father's closest friends and acquaintances refused to help. What people say is true, you will see your friend's true face when you are in trouble. What's the point of having such friends around."

Ava already tried to talk to her father's friends and acquaintances after he was arrested, so she knew they won't help. "Mom, it's normal, this is the way society works. Since they don't want to help, don't call them again, we will find a way." Ava said lightly.

"Ava, I was thinking of visiting your father tomorrow, do you want to come with me?" Lily has been home these few days, she still couldn't believe all these happened in just a few days. Many times she wanted to go to the detention center to visit James but she never could muster enough courage. She was afraid that James would be heartbroken to see her.

Ava panicked hearing her mom, if she saw her dad all beaten up then it will not only break her mom's heart but also she might lose her mind in agony. Ava quickly said, "Mom, actually I have already talked to the people from the center today and they told me that we are not allowed to see dad for the time being as they are still investigating the case. Maybe we can see him in a week."

"A week? But I can't go that long without seeing your dad!" Lilly said unhappily.

"It's ok mom, it's just a few days. Dad will be fine. I'll find a lawyer to get him out soon."

"OK!" Lilly rubbed her temples and stood up to go to her room.

Ava stared at her mother's tired back and let the tears fall again, how she was going to tell her mom? What she was going to do? How she was going to get her father out? It all happened because of Jacob, he not only betrayed her but also destroyed their business and sent her father to jail, she will never forgive him.