Chapter 2 - The Interception
Noah froze instantly as the cold steel barrel pointed directly at his chest.
The diner patrons screamed and scrambled to hide under their tables.
The man with the gun glared at the terrified teenager.
"Step away from the woman right now, kid," the man ordered.
Noah's entire body was shaking with fear.
But he looked at Margaret, who was still pretending to be unconscious in the bodyguard's arms.
Noah clenched his fists and took a step forward anyway.
"I am not letting you kidnap her," Noah said through gritted teeth.
Margaret cracked one eye open and felt a sudden wave of profound shock.
This boy was actually willing to die for a homeless stranger.
"Put the gun away, Vance," Margaret said sharply, her voice suddenly strong and commanding.
Noah blinked in confusion as the frail old beggar stood up completely straight.
She brushed the diner dirt off her torn coat with incredible elegance.
The giant bodyguard immediately lowered his weapon and bowed his head respectfully.
"I am sorry to scare you, Noah," Margaret said in a completely different tone.
Before Noah could ask what was happening, the diner door swung open again.
Claire Bennett and Ethan Caldwell rushed inside, looking completely out of breath.
Claire ran straight to her son and wrapped her arms around him.
Ethan stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the old woman in rags.
"Mother?" Ethan asked, his voice echoing loudly in the silent diner.
Noah looked from Ethan to the old woman in absolute disbelief.
"What exactly are you doing dressed like a beggar, Mother?" Ethan demanded furiously.
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Margaret stood tall and looked down at Claire.
"I was testing your new family, Ethan, and I have found them extremely interesting," Margaret replied coldly.
