Richard, approaching his 80th birthday, set out to visit his daughter Deidre, who had stopped visiting after his wife’s death. Now, their contact was limited to weekly phone calls.
Excited, Richard approached Deidre’s house and called out, “Surprise!” as she answered the door. Deidre, with tears in her eyes, looked startled. “Dad? What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I came to celebrate my birthday with you,” Richard replied, his cheer fading. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
Deidre quickly wiped her tears. “It’s nothing. I wasn’t expecting you, and it’s not a good time. I need to focus on work. I’ll call you later, okay? Sorry.” She shut the door, leaving Richard outside, bewildered and worried.
Something was amiss. Richard hesitated but decided to check through the windows. Inside, he saw two rough men with Deidre. They discussed her overdue loan, and one brandished a gun, threatening her. The situation was dire. They ransacked her home, taking valuable items, while Deidre wept on the floor.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels
Confused but determined, Richard followed the men as they left with Deidre’s belongings. They stopped at a bar, and Richard, desperate to help his daughter, followed them inside. He learned that Deidre owed $80,000 and was being coerced into dealing with smuggled cars.
Mr. Marco, the gangster in charge, offered Richard a chance to settle the debt by transporting a car across the border. Richard reluctantly agreed. However, during the smuggling attempt, he was chased by police after the service dog alerted them. Richard fled into the forest but ended up wrecking the car in a river.
Determined to save Deidre, Richard mortgaged his house for $20,000 to cover part of the debt. He then headed back to confront the gang, only to be joined by Deidre, who insisted on supporting him.
At the club, Richard handed over the money, but Mr. Marco was enraged, threatening both Richard and Deidre. Just as things seemed grim, police sirens blared, and chaos erupted. Richard and Deidre found safety behind a barricade until the police arrived and arrested Mr. Marco.
After providing statements, Richard and Deidre were released. Deidre apologized for hiding her troubles and dragging her father into danger. Richard comforted her, expressing his hurt and concern, and reaffirming his support.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” Richard assured his daughter, his heart heavy but relieved, as they left the club together.
