Page 65 of British Daddy to Go

Sean

The location of Maggie’s apartment is ingrained in my brain. It takes me ten minutes to run there from Havisham’s, and when I arrive, I’m drenched in sweat. I wish I’d worn something lighter. Had I known I would be running a mile, I would have dressed appropriately.

The entire way here, people stared at me like I was crazy. It’s not like you don’t see people running through the city streets on a daily basis! I’m way too anxious about that text to worry about what these people think, though.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know Ishouldbe worried about the meeting I’m about to miss, but I can’t bring myself to care. For the first time in my life, I’ve found something more important to me than work. I can’t wait to tell Maggie! That is, if she’ll ever speak to me again. Hopefully, coming to rescue her will help me plead my case.

I’m pretty sure Maggie’s parents are at their dry cleaners. According to Maggie, they spend every day from nine to five there. Sometimes, they end up staying later, depending on how many orders they receive. My watch reads just before three. I have two hours before there’s even a chance that Maggie’s parents will arrive home. Even so, I have to work fast. If something really is wrong, I bet it has to do with her parents. That means they might decide to check up on her throughout the day.

I know in my heart that Maggie is up in her apartment. I can’t explain it, but it’s like I can feel her calling out to me.

There’s a directory outside the door. I search until I find Maggie’s last name and hit the button, but no one answers. Good, that means my assumption is right; Maggie’s parents aren’t up there.

Unluckily for me, the door to the building is locked. I can’t wait for someone to come and let me in. I don’t have that kind of time!

The building is flanked by another tall apartment complex and an alleyway. I jog down the alley and spot the fire escape. This is perfect! Maggie’s apartment is seven floors up. I’m making an educated guess that the fourth window down belongs to 7D, Maggie’s apartment.

I drag down the fire escape ladder and climb it as quickly as possible. At least after that first one, the rest are steep staircases rather than ladders. I break into a run, taking the stairs two at a time. What are six flights of stairs after running ten miles? My personal trainer will be thrilled. He’s constantly telling me to add more cardio into my daily life.

By the time I get to Maggie’s floor, my shirt is completely soaked through. I’d tossed off my suit jacket by the third flight of stairs and let it float down to the pavement, hoping it would make my ascent easier. It didn’t work, and that jacket is expensive. I’ll have to go back for it when this is all said and done. Hopefully, it doesn’t get taken by a homeless person or some rowdy teens before I make it back.

Finally, I run into some luck because the window to what I’m really hoping is Maggie’s apartment is already open a couple of inches. I take a quick glance around to make sure no one sees me. I don’t need the cops showing up and arresting me for breaking and entering. Once I’m sure the coast is clear, I open the window all of the way and break through the screen, climbing into the eclectic apartment.

A photo hanging on the wall lets me know I’m in the right place. Maggie described her furniture to me that night in my apartment, so even without the photo, I would be able to recognize the place. Her parents really do like some crazy stuff. Where do you even find a couch that looks like it was made with fabric that’s been sewn together from other couches?

I can’t get distracted by the furniture right now, though. I have a damsel to save. “Maggie?” I call out. I wait, but there’s only silence in return.

There’s another set of stairs inside the apartment. Seriously, didn’t I already hike up, like, a million stairs? How can there be more?

I sprint up to the second floor of Maggie’s apartment. There are only three doors up here, and one is wide open. Inside that room, there’s a cheap desk, two filing cabinets, and a plush office chair. That chair probably cost more than the rest of the furniture in the entire apartment combined. Unless, of course, Maggie’s parents found it on the side of the road. A lot of offices throw out furniture, so the second option wouldn’t surprise me much.

“Maggie?” I try again. The first door I try to open is locked. I drop to the floor and peek underneath. There’s only darkness behind this door.

Finally, I head for the last door up here. If Maggie isn’t in there, I don’t know what to do!

“Maggie,” I yell through the thick wood. “Maggie? Are you in there?”

I try the knob, but it’s locked too. This time, when I check under the door, I’m greeted by a stream of artificial light.

“Maggie! Open the door!” I practically scream. I add a few hard bangs to get my message across.

“Who is it?” a tiny voice responds. “Sean? Is that you?”

I lower my tone. “Maggie, it’s me. Open the door, please.”

A soft sob echoes down the hall. “I can’t; it’s locked. I can’t leave this room.”

Oh my God, the text wasn’t lying. Maggie really does need my help!

“Step back from the door,” I tell her.

“Okay. I’m as far away as I can get.”

I do the same, my back hitting the other side of the hallway. With all of the energy I have left, I lunge forward with a kick to the weakest part of the door. The lock doesn’t hold, and the door crashes onto the dreary carpet.

“Sean!” Maggie screams. “You’re here! Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here!”

She runs and jumps into my arms. Maggie’s figure is just as gorgeous as it was when we slept together a week ago. Feeling her curves up against my chest, and knowing that she’s safe and okay, almost undoes me completely. I have my girl back in my arms! Today is a great day.