FORGOTTEN SON

FORGOTTEN ?? SON 6

Daniel tried bringing up topics about his brother, but his dad shut him down, his expression stern. "Let's not discuss Jones, Daniel. I've made it clear that he's no part of this family anymore."

Daniel felt a surge of frustration. "But, Dad, don't you care what's going on with him? He's still our family!"

His dad's voice was firm but laced with a hint of sadness. "I care, Daniel, but sometimes you have to let people learn from their own mistakes. Jones has made his, and we need to respect that."

Daniel couldn't accept it. "But what if he's in trouble? What if he needs our help?"

His dad's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained resolute. "We've tried helping him, Daniel. Stop worrying about him.We can't force him to fix his problems. We have to focus on our own lives now."

Daniel felt a pang of guilt and worry. He knew his dad was right, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was abandoning his brother in some way.

Daniel drove home silently, his mind raced with questions. As he drove back home from the airport, his phone rang. It was an unknown number with no caller ID.

"Hello?" He answered, his voice cautious.

"Daniel, it's Jones." His brother's voice was low and urgent. "I need your help. I'm in trouble. Meet me at the old oak tree in Riverview Park at midnight. Come alone."

The line went dead, leaving him with a sense of foreboding. He stepped on the brakes, his expression grim. "That was Jones. He needs my help, but I have a feeling this is bigger than I thought."

Daniel nodded, now knowing fully well that he couldn't face this alone. "I'll get to the bottom of this."

As he arrived home, Daniel's mind raced with scenarios, his heart heavy with concern for his brother. What had Jones gotten himself into? And what lay ahead for them all?

As they drove to Riverview Park, the darkness outside seemed to mirror the unease in Daniel's heart. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Jones was in grave danger. He was silent, lost in his own thoughts, as the only sound was the hum of the engine and the passing streetlights casting eerie shadows on the road.

When I arrived at the park, I got out, my eyes scanning the deserted park, and walked towards the old oak tree.

As I approached, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Jones, his eyes sunken and his face pale. "Dan, thanks for coming," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

My instincts screamed warning, but I tried to remain calm. "What's going on, Jones? What kind of trouble are you in?"

Jones glanced around nervously before focusing on me. "I got in with the wrong crowd, Dan. They promised me big money, but it's not just about the score anymore. They want me to do something...something bad."

My grip on my brother's arm tightened. "What is it? Tell me, Jones."

Jones hesitated before speaking, his voice barely audible. "They want me to hurt someone, Dan. Someone important. And if I don't...they'll hurt you and Mom."

My world stopped. I felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He couldn't let that happen. He had to protect his family!

My mind raced with thoughts of protection and rescue. I had to get Jones out of this situation, and fast. "We'll figure something out, Jones. We'll get you out of this together."

Jones nodded, a hint of hope in his eyes. "I knew I could count on you, Dan. But we have to be careful. They're watching me, and they won't hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in their way."

My grip on my brother's arm tightened. "We'll be careful, Jones. I promise. But first, we need to get out of here. Now."

As they turned to leave, a car engine roared to life in the distance. Headlights illuminated the dark park, and my heart sank. The men from the warehouse had found them.

"Run, Jones!" I yelled, pulling my brother towards the car.

As Dan and Jones reached the car, the pursuing vehicle screeched to a halt beside them. The men from the warehouse jumped out, their faces twisted with malice.

"Time's up, Jones," their leader sneered. "You're coming with us, and your brother here is going to make sure you cooperate."

I stood firm, my eyes locked on the men. "You're not taking him anywhere. Not while I'm here."

The leader snorted. "You think you can stop us? We'll show you what happens when you cross us."

With a flick of his wrist, he signaled his men to move in. I braced myself for a fight, knowing I had to protect Jones at all costs.

I stood firm, my eyes locked on the men. I knew I had to protect Jones at all costs. The leader sneered, but I didn't back down.

"You're not taking him anywhere," I repeated, my voice firm.

The men snickered, but I could see the hint of uncertainty in their eyes. They weren't used to someone standing up to them.

The men from the warehouse exchanged uneasy glances, clearly not expecting this level of resistance.

The leader snarled, but I could see the doubt in his eyes.

"Fine," the leader spat. "You want to play it that way? Let's play."

With a nod, he signaled his men to move in. I

braced myself for a fight, but just as the men charged, a loud whistle pierced the air.

The men froze, looking around in confusion. That's when I saw them - a group of police officers, emerging from the shadows, their guns drawn.

"Everyone, get down!" one of the officers yelled. "Now!"

The men from the warehouse hesitated, then dropped to the ground, their hands raised in surrender. I breathed a collective sigh of relief as the officers moved in to cuff the men.

As I watched the scene unfold, i turned to Jones. "You're safe now, bro. It's over."

Jones nodded, a mix of emotions on his face. "Thanks, Dan. I owe you one."

I smiled, clapping my brother on the back. "Anytime, Jones. That's what family is for."

As the police took the men away,I shared a moment of triumph with my brother. We had faced danger together and come out on top.

But as they turned to leave, Dan noticed a figure watching from the shadows. A figure he knew all too well...