Knock Once, Knock Twice — The Sequel

In part I, Sarah’s night had been disturbed by a series of knocks on her door. When she opened the door, no one was there. The second time, there was a card left on the floor with the words “I’m sorry.”

It was her father, but what did he want?

You can read part I here if you missed it.

Sarah looked at the pathetic image of what used to be a man who was standing in her doorway. Her father was barely recognisable apart from his eyes.

His blue jeans and brown boots hung on him like a clothes rack. They were well-worn, and the hoodie and the raincoat had seen better days.

She searched for a smile on his lips and looked deep into his eyes. Those deep, soulful eyes that she had longed to see so many times. His strong hand and gentle heart meant that she had needed so many times to be there and comfort her. But it wasn’t. She had never forgiven him.

“What do you want? What are you doing here? How did you find me?” she shot the questions out like bullets from a Gatling gun. Tuffo, her faithful little companion, could always read her mood. He barked and growled as if to protect her. She picked him up and stroked him. “It’s O.K., baby. Shh! Shh!”

Deep inside, she wanted to slap her father. Hit him with all her might for neglecting her. For leaving her, but she couldn’t do it. She looked at him with pity. She looked at the man she had put on a pedestal and couldn’t help but cry at what she saw.

He managed a feeble smile. It still melted her heart, and she suddenly felt guilty for the greeting she had given him.

“Look, why don’t you come inside and we’ll have a coffee together. I have to be somewhere in a couple of hours,” providing an escape plan if required.

I don’t want to take up much of your time, Sarah, and I certainly don’t deserve it, but just a few moments, please? Just a glass of water for me.

Sarah made herself a cup of coffee and a glass of water for her father. When she returned to the sitting room, Tuffo was snuggled up to her father, getting pats. “I see you have made a friend,” she said.

“Yes, he is lovely,” her father replied.

“What do you need?” Sarah said without thinking. She had the feeling that, after all this time, he must want money or a place to stay, from the look on his face. She felt bad as soon as she said it.

“I don’t want anything. Well, no, that is not true,” he replied with hesitation in his voice.

“Let me explain; I have watched from afar as best I could. When your mother and I got divorced when she ran off with Bronson, she made me promise not to be involved in your life.”

“But, why?” interrupted Sarah, not understanding.

“One of the reasons your mother left me was that I got involved with some stupid people — dangerous people. She threatened to reveal it all if I did not go along with her.”

“I panicked. I regret it now, more than you will ever know. If I had known that your mother had also abandoned you, I would have taken a different path. I am sorry, Sarah,” he said with tears in his eyes.”

“I don’t have much time left.”

The words pierced a hole in Sarah’s heart. What was he talking about? Before he could ask, he continued.

“I have advanced lymphoma, which explains my looks,” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

“I came into some money several years ago. A lucky opportunity. I’ve spent the last year in and out of hospitals. When your mother found out, she wanted to take all the money, or she would get me in trouble with those guys looking for me.”

“That is why I was so hesitant to contact you. I need your details so I can deposit the money into your bank account, but you must promise never to try to find me. It is too dangerous for you,” he continued.

“That also goes for your mother. She will figure out what I am going to do, but she does not know about my situation, and I do not want her to know.”

Sarah’s head was spinning. Bad guys, money, never see him again, now that he has suddenly reappeared.

“How much …”

“How much money?” he interjected before she could finish.

“Around $8.6 million, and it’s all yours, Sarah, but there are some conditions.”

Sarah was speechless.

“Please let me do this for you. I need to die knowing that in some small way I made up for all the pain and suffering I caused you. Please,” he pleaded with her.

“I need another coffee and to get my head around this,” said Sarah, getting up to go to the kitchen. Tuffo leapt down and followed her into the kitchen, hopeful that a biscuit might be coming his way.

Till next time,

Calvin