Chapter 4 JUNE , THE 17TH

I was busy reading some documents when I checked the calendar. It's 17th of June. That was the day I lost my parents. It was my 17th birthday and they decided to celebrate my birthday at the beach. Dad bought a yatch. Which we entered.

"Noah I'm sure you'll be surprised at the present mom and dad have kept for you" Mom said as we entered the yatch.

"I can't wait to see it mom" I chuckled as I entered the yatch. The yatch was full of food the weather favoured us the sun shining bright giving the water a glistening effect. The calm water aided our sail as the sailor started the engine. Cool breeze and nice view indeed today is perfect for sailing. I thought. The yatch was full of laughter, happiness, foods and drinks. If grandma and grandpa were here but grandma has phobia for water so grandpa decided to stay at the lodge with her. I and dad were playing card games while mom was preparing the food. Days like this are few because I get to spend time with my parents which hardly happens due to their busy schedule. Son let's go and fish.

"Sure dad that would be nice as I haven't fished before." I said as I followed him to a room where he got the tackle box and opened it.

" here." he said as he handed me the fishing rod. "Go and get me that jar" dad said as he pointed at a corner I quickly rushed to get the jar and I opened the jar it was full of worms.

" Ewww!" I exclaimed in disgust as I made to throw the jar away.

"No son don't do that. It aid us in catching the fishes." dad explained as I brought the Most jar closer to him.

"Here put it on." he said handing me a pair of hand gloves.

"Thanks dad." I said as I wore the gloves.

"The worms I asked you to bring are bait and are used to lure the fishes to the hook." dad explained as he picked a worm which I followed simultaneously and together we placed the worm on the hook.

"Now cast your fishing rod into the sea. Once you've done this. Imagine the fish as your target enemy. And the worms as bait to lure your target to you. The fishing rod is a trap. Son, in the course of business the knowledge of fishing helped me a lot. Traps are being set. And for your enemy to fall for the trap you have to camouflage the trap with their weakness. Something that is irresistible to them. That is your worm. The fishes won't go to the hook because they know of they do they die. But placing their weakness gives them the urge to go ahead they only realize their mistake after they get entangled." Dad explained as I suddenly exclaimed.

" Whoa. I think I got something." I said surprisingly.

"Ok calm down and pull." dad said as I pulled out my catch successfully and placed it o a cooler. "Nice one your first catch is a tilapia I'm proud of you son"

"Thanks dad for the lecture." I said happily as I hugged him.

"You're most welcome son." dad said as he hugged me in return.

"Sir the boat seems to malfunction." the sailor yelled as I and my dad quickly disentangled from the hug.

"The boat can't malfunction now not when we're in the middle of nowhere." Dad yelled as he brought out his mobile phone from his pocket and tried to dial his engineer but the connection seemed to be lost.

"What the hell." dad yelled as he walked to the sailor.

"Your phone?" he asked but the sailor's reply surprised us the more.

"I'm sorry sir but I don't have connection either." he said bowing his head.

"What are we going to do dad" I asked confused.

"Remember what I told you about fishing" dad asked me as he cupped my face.

"Yes dad" I said as I nodded my head

"Seems like someone used out trip as a bait and is planning something huge but we are going to outsmart them" he said as he cupped my face and I nodded this isn't what I expected as my 17th birthday present. Suddenly a loud shriek was heard from the kitchen.

"Mom!"

"Clara!" I and dad yelled simultaneously. "Son behind me and face backwards tap me twice if you see something suspicious" dad said as I nodded my head I followed him closely as we tiptoed to the kitchen.

"No!! Clara!!" Dad yelled as we got to the kitchen. My heart dropped as he yelled I quickly turned only to see mom lying on the floor clutching her chest. She was shot in her chest.

"Call the doctor." she said softly as she nudged dad.

"Darling I'm sorry, there's no connection here and the boat is stuck." dad said as I tapped him twice.

"Dad a strange boat seems to be approaching us." I said as he turned at me.

"Son, You're the best swimmer in your school. Coming out first two consecutive times so I'm not scared to do this because I know you'll survive. Take this flash and come with me." dad said as he pulled me to the bow.

"What are you doing dad?" I asked him trying to free myself from his grip.

"I'm doing what every business man would do. If you see I and your mom be grateful but run, your life is more precious than ours. You have a great future son always remember that mom and dad loved you." dad said as a loud gunshot was heard and the sailor yelled in pain.

"Dad please come with me and why would you use loved instead of loves. I'm scared." I begged as I held his shirt afraid of my fate. "Yes I came out first but I swam in a water without wild creatures how would I survive I'll rather die with you and mom than die alone in the cold"

"No one dies alone in the Hart family. Our fathers would protect you. Go" dad said as he pushed me out of the yatch and I landed in the water.

" No" I yelled as I swam along with the water tides. Turning back only to witness the shock of my life. An explosion in the yatch with my parents inside. Tears fell from my eyes. Is this my 17th birthday. It's the worst day of my life and ever since that day I despised the number 17.