“Stop, you madman!” someone shrieked as the slap landed. The sound rang through the crowded pavement, and Poppys cheeks tingled with the sting. Phones whirred, shutters clickedshed just been smacked by a man whod apparently never owned a house, while her mothers fortune glittered in the headlines. Before she could collect herself, a gunshot cracked the air behind the car shed just stepped out of. Window glass exploded. A voice barked, Get down! The stranger yanked her behind a concrete wall. Im getting you out of here, he muttered.
Help can wear a strange coat. Dont dismiss it; sometimes its the only thing that keeps you breathing. Poppy stared into his eyesgrimy, exhausted, yet oddly steady. Her pulse quickened. Who are you? she asked. He only answered, Later. For now, move. She obeyed, even as another crack echoed down the street. She didnt know him, but something in her gut whispered, Trust him.
The car was now eerily silent, but Poppys heart thumped like a drum. Her fingers trembled on the steering wheel; her driver was gone, the security detail vanished. The homeless manSimonsat beside her, unshaken. You slapped me, she whispered. To save your life, he said. I saw the gun, had a split second to get you out. Sometimes you have to hurt someone first to protect them.
Dont miss the point, she added, glancing at him again. His face was rough, his eyes calm. You saved me, she said. He simply checked the rearview mirror and warned, Take the back streets. Theyre still on our tail. Two motorbikes trailed them, black helmets, no plates, riding like they were gliding on rails.
Theyre too steady, Simon noted. Poppys hands tightened on the wheel. What do I do? she whispered. Drive slowly, dont panic, he replied. Outside, London rushed by; inside, time seemed to stand still. Breathe, think, stay cool, Simons low voice guided her. Next left, then a right. Her mouth was as dry as a desert.
The bikes drew closer, their engines humming like angry bees. Poppys cheeks still burned, but she was alive and her trust in Simon grew. One rider surged forward. Simon leaned out, shouting, Dont stop! Just roll through! Their car barrelrolled past the halfopen gates, the first bike slipping in like a shadow. Simons voice dropped to a whisper, Doc He flinched as a pistol peeped from the bikers coat. Sometimes the answer isnt to run, but to push forward even when terrified. A siren wailed ahead, a blue flash lit the road. The biker glanced back, then a black van slammed into the lane, blocking the way.
Dont stop, Simon urged. Poppy floored the accelerator. The SUV nudged the wall, then surged through. The bike behind them crashed into the gate, the rider tumbling in dust. The second bike kept chasing. Simon cracked a window, flung his old knapsack at the pursuer. The bag hit the riders chest, the gun clattered to the ground, and the biker lost balance, toppling over.
Let go of what weighs you down if it lets you move forward even that last ragbag of despair. Police sirens roared, the danger faded behind them. Poppy pulled into a fullservice garage and parked, hands shaking. I should be dead, she muttered. But you saved me. Why? Simons eyes narrowed; hed heard voices under the Thames bridge, plotting something that involved her.
They hated how you walked like you owned the world, he said, voice low. No CEO, no speech, panic boardthey wanted to stop you. Hed felt alone, but someone was watching. Dont lose hope. Poppy couldnt find words. This man had no home, no job, yet risked his life. Thank you, she said, voice trembling. Youre not invisible to me. The DPO (Detective Police Officer) greeted them at the station, eyes wide at the sight of a billionaire with a homeless companion. He stays, Poppy declared. He saved me.
Inside a private interview room, Poppy sank into a chair. True help often arrives in quiet packages; when it does, protect it, speak for those who cant speak for themselves. Simon scanned the room, his gaze sharp. Sniper, one officer whispered. Thats why I ran. I knew it was real. Poppys eyes welled. You didnt even know me. He answered slowly, I used to work at a bank. Good job, loving wife, a daughter. One lie wiped it all out. Someone stole my login, I went to prison, my wife left, my daughter forgot my name. His voice cracked. I lost everything, but not who I am. Even when life shatters you, cling to your heartthats the real strength.
He continued, I thought no one would care again, but today I couldnt walk away. Poppy nodded, tears glistening. Then you wont walk alone any more. An officer burst in, announcing the man theyd seized was deadpoisoned. Its deeper than business, Simon muttered. Poppy whispered, Then I have to fight. She turned to the DPO. They threatened my son, too. Were not safe anywhere. When the fight reaches your family, stand tall. Fear isnt an option; love is stronger. Simon added, We must hide. They have eyes everywhere, maybe even inside your house.
Poppys heart dropped, thinking of David, her tenyearold son. Her fists clenched. We move now. That night her manor turned into a fortress; every gate guarded, every stair watched. Whos that? David asked, eyes wide. Just a friend who saved us, she replied, trying to smile. David clutched his dads hand, Thank you, sir. Simon finally relaxed, Youre welcome, lad. Kids see the truth faster than grownups. Trust their eyes.
Her phone buzzed. A cold voice warned, Back off the Seagate deal or your son will pay. Poppy dropped the handset. Simon stood, We have to leave. You cant trust even your guards. Gunshots cracked outside, the rear gate rattled. David screamed; Poppy lunged for him. Guards shouted, but Simon didnt flinch. Its a trapcome with me. They slipped through the servants door into the night, smoke curling around their heels, shadows lurking. Dont look back when the walls crumble, Simon urged. Run with courage, with those whod die for you.
He led them down a narrow alley, steps sure as a cat. Where are we going? Poppy asked. To the mainland, he answered. I know a place. They arrived at a tiny flat in Surbiton. Cracked walls, a flickering bulb, and David asleep in Poppys lap. Simon stood by the window, They want you dead because the Seagate deal is too big, too powerful. Someone doesnt want you to sign it. When truth hurts, dont hideuse it. Stand taller. Her phone rang again; it was Adrian, head of security. You okay? he asked. Simon snatched the handset, If you cared, why didnt you warn us? Click. Silence.
Poppy stared, You think they betrayed me? Simon nodded. I know. They fed them everything. I trusted you with my son. His jaw tightened. I sold you for money or fearor both. She closed her eyes, feeling the betrayal cut deeper than any bullet. The biggest wounds come from those close. Still, she vowed not to let the pain stop her purpose. Well fight, Simon said. Well trap them one last time. She agreed, Smart. No more chances. They want to erase me. Ill show them Im not going anywhere.
She announced a secret meeting to sign the Seagate deal. Simon warned, The world will leak. A day will take the bait. Plainclothes officers hid among the crowd. The venue: an abandoned warehouse by the Thames. Poppy waited inside a bulletproof SUV, Simon at her side. Theyre coming, he whispered. Sometimes the best weapon is courage wrapped in resolve. Black SUVs rolled in, armed men stepping out. At the centre stood a coldeyed adversary. Bring her out, he snarled. You should have stayed under that bridge, he added.
Suddenly, bright lights exploded. Police surged from the shadows, shouting to drop weapons. Gunfire crackled, men scattered. Poppys vehicle lurched forward. Simon lunged at the enemy, tackling him to the ground. The other henchmen were cuffed. Poppy stepped out, eyes scanning for Simon. He lay on the ground, bleeding but grinning. You did it again, she said. He managed a weak chuckle, Still breathing, love.
The next morning the headlines screamed: Gunmen Captured; Billionaire Survives Third Attempt. Poppy stood tall at the Seagate signing, cameras flashing, reporters shouting. Her gaze searched the crowdSimon was nowhere to be seen. Later she found him under the same London bridge, crosslegged, watching traffic. Dont forget who stood for you when the world turned, she said, handing him a brass key. Madame Anderson, he replied, surprised. Dont call me that. She smiled, Call me Poppy. The key opened a modest flat, a job, a fresh start. You gave me a future, Simon whispered, tears welling. I slapped you, and you gave me a future, she laughed softly. You slapped me back to life.
Weeks later, Simon wore a crisp suit, walking beside Poppy at a press conference. David ran up, hugging him. Uncle Simon! The crowd gaspedonce invisible, now a hero. A foundation for the homeless was launched, named after Simons late daughter, Amelia. Poppy announced, Were building homes, jobs, hope. Reporters asked, Why him? She answered, Because he never gave upon himself, on me. Lift others as you rise. Power means nothing without purpose. Simon looked out at the faces, once ignored, now smiling back.
Ready for your speech? Poppy whispered. He grinned, I dont need notes, just truth. His voice trembled at first, then steadied: I had nothing, but I had ears. I listened, I helped, and someone listened back. Thats all it takesa single person to see you. The room fell quiet. Poppy wiped a tear, David clapped the loudest. When you rise, speak. Your scars arent shame; theyre proof you survived. Let others know they can too. The governor thanked them, donations poured in, the story spread worldwide, yet Simon remained the samequiet, gentle, watchful. Im still me, he told Poppy, but now the world sees me too.
Months later, at Davids football match, Simon sat beside Poppy, laughing as David scored. The sun shone, fear was a distant echo, wounds were healing, lessons lingered. Poppy nudged him, What if you hadnt slapped me? He smiled, Then none of this would exist. The smallest act can change everything. Dont wait for perfectionjust be brave, just begin. The crowd cheered, David waved, Poppy and Simon waved back. A billionaire, a homeless man, strangers turned family.
