The whirlwind of planning and preparation lasted a few days at the mansion. Rick and Laura moved into their ultra high end new home but beneath the surface this new home was churning, and a storm brewing. They strategized on how to do the Eldwolf family in with Charles’ help.A pile of documents was spread before Rick at the grand dining table. The windows were tall, allowing the sunlight through, but Rick wasn’t comfortable. Furrowing his brow he went through the papers, trying to outline possible business alliances or contacts who might be able to bolster their position against the Eldwolf family.“Rick, are you sure you’re doing this?” His concentration broke and he looked up to see Laura leaning against the doorway looking concerned and determined. “It’s like we are about to go into a battlefield.”Rick nodded, his jaw set. “I don’t mean to sound like we’re not ready, but we have to be. They’re gonna walk all over us, if we don’t give them a fight now.”Her arms crossed over her c

The atmosphere in the banquet hall had changed dramatically, because Melissa Eldwolf and the others had come. The rumblings in the air as static before a storm, the conversation dropped away, the new arrivals' eyes went from Rick to the new arrivals, back to Rick.He hardened his shoulders for what was to come. When she took in the room’s tense energy she smirked more. When it came to situations like these, she excelled at taking chance, making use of it.Melissa started off with a condescending tone, ‘Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome all, you’re here for Rick Eldwolf, a man with a famous past and big ideas. However, let not forget the facade behind the façade.”The heat rose in his chest. He could feel the changing loyalties in the room, some guests leaned in closer, curious, and some guests shifted uncomfortably, not knowing where to put their allegiances.“What do you want, Melissa?” Keeping his voice steady, Rick asked. “It’s our event, not yours.”Melissa had an exaggerated expressi

The attack boiled down to a blur of chaos, and as the fight happened around him, it became incomprehensible when it faded into darkness and into Rick's world. He had felt weightless, like his body was being pulled into an abyss, the wails of Laura fading into nothing.He was pulled back to consciousness, gasping for air, but just as swiftly. It burned through his side, and he struggled to sit up, confused. The room flickered with dim light and shadows and shapes danced in the corners of his vision.“Rick!” There was fear and urgency in Laura’s voice cutting through the fog.His voice was dry and scratchy, he croaked, “Laura?” He pushed himself up, but a wave of dizziness hit him and he collapsed back onto the floor.Her voice quaked, 'Stay down!'Rick blinked rapidly, trying to get his bearings as he tried to figure out what the hell was going on. He saw the shadows moving around him and knew that the intruders in the house were still there.His voice was hoarse, so he asked, “Did the

Rick’s thoughts raced and the cacophony of chaos simply drowned them out. Facing the intruders coming out of the shadows his heart pounded in his chest and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He’d been taught to fight, to survive, but nothing could ready him for the mix of desperation and rage that was his instinct now.He roared, charging at the closest intruder, “Get away from my family!” They collided and the man lunged at him, grappling for control.Rick took over and he quickly maneuvered his body to bring himself on level terms, delivering a punch which sent the man reeling backwards.More figures appeared, and Rick was out numbered. Another intruder swung a crowbar at his head and he ducked to avoid a potentially fatal blow. He sent his assailant sprawling to the ground with a kick of his own.He shouted again, ‘Laura!’ hoping for the best.He heard her voice, full of panic, in the distance. “Rick! I’m here!”He screamed, “Stay where you are!” He couldn’t afford to l

His heart raced as he twisted against the rubble that was pressing him to the ground. Every frantic movement reminded him of the gravity of his situation, the sharp pain in his arm pulsed. In a cloud of dust and debris the world around him creaked ominously, threatening to collapse further.Desperation clawed at his throat, “Laura!” he shouted again. Trying to shift the debris, it felt like you were trying to move a mountain. He felt panic and was absolutely helpless, trapped in some kind of nightmare to which he had no way out.The darkness grew darker, beginning to press in, when a voice pierced through. “Rick! Are you there?”His voice was hoarse. “I’m here! I’m stuck, but I’m okay! Where are you?”“I’m... I’m not far. Hold on!”He could hear her voice, shaky but determined.“Just stay there! I’ll find you!”Rick once more started pushing against the debris, using every ounce of strength he had left. His body screamed in protest, but the metal beams were heavy. Not now. He had to g