In Deep Fudge

Chapter Four: A Serious Turn of Events

They had been driving awhile and were about 3 blocks from the factory, when it happened. The world ground to a screeching halt, as a deafening explosion rended the air followed immediately by a sharp cracking sound as something powerful slammed into the glass at the rear of the car. Instinctively, Willy grabbed Charlie and threw him into the floor board, covering him with his own body. The driver swerved in his panic, losing control of the car slightly and fishtailing for several seconds before slamming on the breaks.

The two police cars escorting them reacted quickly pulling their cars up to flank the limo. The officers radioed for backup and scanned the area with their weapons for the shooter.

Willy’s mind reeled, they had been shot at, and he was horrified. Charlie remained silent with fear, barely daring to move. But to Willy’s enormous relief, they were both unharmed. Willy shifted his body to give Charlie room to breath. Soon, the street was crawling with police, who carefully secured the area.

When the police finished searching the crime scene and decided the area was clear, they approached the limo knocking sharply on the glass. Willy eased himself back onto the seat. He gently pulled Charlie into sitting but motioned for him to stay down. Charlie, pale and shaken, did not protest. Willy rolled down the window and spoke briefly with the officers. Of course, no suspects were apprehended, and they felt it was safe for them to proceed back factory accompanied by the police..

Charlie crawled up into the seat next to Willy staring at the shattered glass behind his head. Willy turned his concern filled eyes to Charlie. He did not tell Charlie how terrified he was, he didn’t have to. “I’m so sorry Charlie. I promise you, I’ll do everything I can to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.” Charlie nodded to his benefactor and smiled reassuringly. Willy put his arm around Charlie’s shoulder, who leaned into him as the limo quickly returned them to the factory.

The next few hours were a blur as Willy called Charlie’s parents to his office, and Willy, Charlie and the driver gave statements to the police. The police left the factory, and Willy walked the Buckets back to their little house in the factory. He then began the difficult task of explaining the newest turn of events to the grandparents and comforting the Buckets. They were understandably concerned but continued to be supportive and determined to ride this thing out.

“Willy, you poor thing, you look even paler than usual. If that’s possible.” Mrs. Bucket sympathized. “I have a roast in the oven. You need to eat something and get some rest.”

“Thank you, dear lady, but I must decline. I need to speak with the Oompa Loompas. They will be most upset. You know they are quite excitable and very protective, and they adore Charlie. It will take some doing to calm them down. And I have a few other urgent matters to attend to immediately.” Willy explained.

“Don’t worry about me, Charlie.” Willy said responding to the look of concern on his heir’s face. “Spend the rest of the day relaxing with your family. We’ll talk later.” Willy winked at his heir, and with a quick wave, he grabbed his hat and headed back to his office.