《ENDS》 Hello Again Book three of BULLIED series here!! Hey everyone, I¡¯m here again after a short while with another story. ENDS is the third book in the bullied series and I¡¯m happy to say I feel aplished. ? Thanks for stopping by.. But I¡¯ll advice those who are reading this book as their first in this series, to read up BULLIED and LOVED to really understand everything going on.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. I¡¯m still a newbie.. Everyone learns every day¡­ So please be kind and make corrections and suggestions where necessary.. I¡¯ll really appreciate. This book would contain some mature content.. so be warned. The awesome covers for this series was made by a lovely friend rubamaheen1 ( don¡¯t they look amazing ?). So feel free to hit her up for yours ?? (Thanks again hun?) Constructive criticism highly required.. no hatements allowed. Also don¡¯t steal or copy my work in any form or manner and anywhere you see such giarism or infiltration please do endeavor to inform me. Please encourage me by voting andmenting.. That¡¯s what keeps me going. I love you all¡­ I hope you enjoy as you read. #bed_of_roses Pray Hunters p. o. v. Soldo!! How the hell is he here!?? And why the hell is he going after Iris? Where the hell is she going to anyway!? That girl just knows how to get herself into unnecessary trouble, if she had just had her seat like every other person did.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. How did that man even get the damn invitation!? Jesus, of all damn days to find him! Of all fucking damn days!! ¡± Dude, face your wife¡± Dn¡¯s voice came with a little amusement behind me as he pulled back my attention. With the silence in the hall, I wondered how it was entirely possible for him to even whisper and only be heard by me. Slowly, I turned back to Michelle before me and noticed she had also seen my wavering mind but I sent her a smile and she smiled back. The priest sent me a temporary nce to ensure he had my attention before speaking up. ¡± Do you, Master Hunter McConnell, take this woman to be yourwfully wedded wife? Would you be to her a faithful, loving and devoted husband? Will you honor, obey and love her and remain with her in sickness and in health, in prosperity and in adversity; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?¡± He calls out and I literally heard a lot of aww¡¯s from the audience. Girl¡¯s honestly find anything cute. ¡± I do¡± I boldly say with my smile growing as I watched Michelle flush a little pink. Anticipation and glee were evident in the hall if the sounds of murmurs were anything to go by. The man turns to Michelle and makes her repeat the exact same words to which she whole fully replies a bold yes that got almost everyone pping. ¡± Okay, you¡¯re about to exchange rings, so you can still back out now and happily join me in bachelorhood till we hit thirty five¡± Dn whispers quickly into my ear and as tempting as his offer sounds, I simply chuckled and ignored it. ¡± Miss Michelle, can you hold up your ring?¡± The priest states and Michelle obeys by lifting up a golden ring from the parcel before her. ¡± Good, now repeat after me¡± he continued. ¡± This ring¡± he calls ¡± This ring¡± her sultry voice responded with a smile. ¡± Is our symbol¡± ¡± Is our symbol¡± ¡± That you are my lover¡± ¡± That you are my lover¡± ¡± And you are my best friend¡± ¡± And you are my best friend¡± ¡°In all times¡± ¡± In all times¡± ¡± In all ces¡± ¡± In all ces¡± ¡± And in all ways¡± ¡± And in all ways¡± ¡± Forever¡± ¡± Forever¡± she said thest word and lifted her eyes to me. ¡± You may now ce your vow in the symbol of a ring, onto him¡± The priest says again and with shaking hands, she slipped the ring unto my second to thest finger. ¡± Master Hunter, now can you hold up your-¡± the officiating priest was about toplete his sentence when the sound of two gunshots resonated around the room. God no! The screams from the audience was enough to send everyone running. The media even left a lot faster than I expected. Another gunshot was heard and this time around it came from outside the hall. Confusion wasdden in the air as each person took to their heels. ¡°Michelle!!¡± I yelled out in the rowdy environment but didn¡¯t get any reply. ¡± Michelle!!¡± I call again and search around me for any traces of her wedding gown. Rather I met with Louie¡¯s confused eyes crying whilst she searched amongst the confusion for a familiar face. ¡± Daddy!! Mommy!¡± Her tear streaked face broke my heart and on reflex, I ran towards her. ¡± Come here baby, I got you¡± I cooed into her ear as I picked her up. ¡± Daddy, where¡¯s-where¡¯s mommy?¡± She sobbed and that was a question I personally was so scared to answer. ¡± Mommy is okay. Let¡¯s get out of here okay?¡± She nodded and I followed the crowd in running out to wherever. The area has already been flooded by the police and some armed military personnel, who are marching in a scanning the entire venue. ¡± Are you okay?¡± Someone asked as soon as I had stepped out of the building and I turned to see it was my Dad. ¡± Yes, where¡¯s Iris?¡± Her absence in this situation isn¡¯t helpful. ¡± I¡¯d assume that the appropriate question should be where is Michelle, but she¡¯s okay by the way. Dn took her out as soon as themotion began¡± dad scolded. Even at hours like this he still found a need to correct me. I only nodded to him before he spoke again. ¡± They demanded we evacuate the premises for security reasons¡± ¡± Thanks. Please take Louisa home, I need to go find someone¡± I requested as I handed him the little girl. ¡± Dad-dy?¡± She muttered once she was out of my arms. ¡± I¡¯ll be back baby¡± Iforted her and ced a kiss on her forehead. Voluntarily ignoring the wry look my father was giving me. Almost too soon, I took off in the opposite direction. As if on queue, I bumped into Dn¡¯s step sister. Megan was it? ¡± Hunter, I¡¯m so sorry about today-¡± she started but I needed no apologies. ¡± It¡¯s alright. I bet it¡¯s a rivalpany or something. Do you have any idea where Iris would be?¡± ¡± Why are you looking for her?¡± She responded, almost venomously. ¡± She¡¯s missing. And someone missing at hours like this isn¡¯t healthy¡± I exined even though it wasn¡¯t necessary. She gave me a once out look before responding. ¡± I have no idea. Immediately after she quit her job with your father she walked out of the wedding¡± She what!? ¡± Did you just say quit her job?¡± ¡± Yes and I¡¯m sure you¡¯d find out more about itter on but now let me join you in searching for her¡± she suggested but I declined her offer. ¡± No. Go home and be safe. I¡¯ll find her alone¡± ¡± But-¡± ¡± No Megan! Get inside one of those vehicles and go somewhere that isn¡¯t here. Please¡± With a convinced nod, she walked away and I pressed forward. Silently praying she¡¯s okay. Lose Iris¡¯s p. o. v. Two hourster and I expect the wedding to already be over, possibly they¡¯re all jubting at the reception that was to hold right outside the hall. And here I am, staring at my reflection in the littleke before me as I sat on the bench nearest to the edge. ¡± I¡¯m meant to be happy now right? I mean I¡¯m finally free?¡± I actually just asked myself that question because deep down, I feel like I may have taken a rash decision. I puffed out some air as the sun beat down on my slightly exposed skin in my dress, causing it to prickle just a bit. Looking off into a distance and saw some birds take flight from a tree like they had been disturbed. Forming curving lines against the clear blue sky as they flew. I had to squint my eyes to watch them as the heat of the sun wasn¡¯t entirely friendly. I was done thinking though. After a deep sigh, I stood to my feet. ¡± I should probably get back¡± I muttered to myself as I turned around and came to a screeching halt. Just a few feet away, Hunter stood there with his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed possibly due to the rays of the sun. ¡± To what wedding exactly?¡± He asked as he took some steps closer to where I stood. ¡± Aren¡¯t you supposed to be getting married?¡± I asked back with confusion edged all over my face. ¡± I would have been, if not for temporary inconveniences¡± he replies and drops his hands to hang limply by his sides. He had taken off his suit jacket and inner vest. All he had left on were his dress shirt which had been unbottened a little and removed from it¡¯s tucked in position earlier and pants. Even at this moment, he was still a sight to behold. I hate having hormones. ¡± What inconveniences?¡± ¡± Why¡¯d you quit?¡± He averted my question and my surprise came from how sudden he got to find out. ¡± I asked you a question¡± ¡± I¡¯m asking you too¡± he said as he walked around the bench to stand just a feet away from me. ¡± I¡¯m not gonna answer¡± I say as I look away from him and nce at the first cloud I¡¯m seeing in the sky since I got here. ¡± Well I will. The wedding got interrupted. Soldo¡± he answers and I saw myself whipping around so fast to scan him for any injuries. ¡± Did he-¡± I started but he eventually cut me off. ¡± No one was hurt. Just threat gunshots¡± he says and I nod ¡± What about Louisa?¡± I ask again. ¡± With my dad¡± another response from him and another nod from me. I looked back to the sky and slowly sit back down on the chair. Since Louie is safe and no wedding is going on, I can chill a little longer. And I can¡¯t deny the tiny bit of happiness bubbling in me. For seconds we just stayed like that, saying nothing to each other. He just stood there watching me while I in turn watched the horizon. The silence was definitely notfortable so I had to speak up. ¡± Any reason why you¡¯re still here?¡± I asked him as I spared him a nce. ¡± Yes actually. To know why you¡¯re so blind¡± That wasn¡¯t the response I was expecting but when have I been one to expect anything from Hunter. ¡± If you¡¯re here to insult me, I suggest you go back to wherever you¡¯reing from¡± I said to him and I took notice of the golden ring on his finger glinting against the sunlight. ¡± I spent almost an hour looking for you, believe me when I say insulting you is myst reason¡± he replies and gently takes a seat by my side, causing me to scoot over. ¡± Why were you looking for me? Shouldn¡¯t you be making sure that your bride is somece safe?¡± I didn¡¯t intend for that toe out as bitter as it did. But it did and Hunter in turn smirked as he watched the horizon too. ¡± If my ears hear correctly, I¡¯d say you sound jealous.¡± ¡± And if my brain remembers correctly, I¡¯d say thest time we spoke, you hated me¡± I retort only to distract his mind from his statement. His reaction to my statement wasughter. His eyes squinting as his chest vibrated with his chuckle. The sound once again reminding me of one of the reasons I had fallen for him. Then I internally smacked myself and it created a reminder that he¡¯s already technically married and there¡¯s a ring to prove it. ¡± If I hated you, did you think I¡¯d bother following you after seeing Soldo go after you?¡± What!? ¡± What do you mean by Soldo going after me?¡± I asked as he kept looking forward. His eyes were scanning the other end of the park. ¡± When you left. He followed you almost too soon. I don¡¯t even know how he got in, but that was how I knew he had a hand in the disruption¡± So that¡¯s the reason he hade searching for me in the first ce, not because he noticed my absence. ¡± I can¡¯t believe he followed me and I had no idea. Where is he now?¡± ¡± Possibly gone back to hiding right under our noses. I just knew this wouldn¡¯t work¡± he released a sigh and finally looked at me.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. A dry wind kicked in and blew a few strands of my hair out of it¡¯s ce but I was able to use my index and adjust it back in ce. ¡± But it did work. I mean, you¡¯ve got the ring now¡± I used my chin to gesture before looking him back in the eye. ¡± Michelle had only made a vow to me before the shots were fired. And I¡¯m pretty sure Soldo had a n in mind when he waited for my turn¡± ¡± So what I¡¯m hearing is, you aren¡¯tpletely married.¡± He chuckled again before replying. ¡± You sound happy.¡± ¡± Meh..¡± I shrugged before I continued ¡± never really liked the bride anyway¡± That caused him tough out loud once again. Then he took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. Funny enough, I actually chuckled along with his contagiousughter. ¡± That¡¯s my wife you¡¯re talking about¡± ¡± Well then I¡¯m sorry for you¡± ¡± You know, that¡¯s the most transparent you¡¯ve been regarding someone¡± he smiled as he looked forward once more. ¡± Sometimes it¡¯s best if you just get out with it. It¡¯s not like I said anything mean¡± That caused him to smirk and silence befell us once again. This time around, it was a lot morefortable. But it didn¡¯tst long before he cut in. ¡± You never answered my question on why you quit¡± I never did, because I didn¡¯t want to, but I can¡¯t avoid the question forever can I? ¡± I just wanted to. I thought it might be a little awkward for you, you know. Especially with Louie and all¡± My voice dimmed at thest words but I¡¯m very sure he had heard me. He turned to me once again. ¡± So you¡¯d be working for my dad?¡± I shook my head to project my negative response and he lifted a brow then sighed. ¡± Iris tell me the truth. You regret that night, don¡¯t you?¡± That¡¯s a question I doubt if I¡¯d ever answer but deep down I knew the truth. I regret that night more than anything. If maybe, I hadn¡¯t kissed him or gone to his bedroom at all. Just maybe. I wanted to ask if he did. I wanted to ask if that night had meant anything to him at all. Maybe I was that bad that he didn¡¯t want to evene near me anymore. Not that I mind. ¡± I¡¯m sorry about that night but the truth is, you can¡¯t quit. I need you.¡± He says it like he doesn¡¯t have millions of options out there. Who wouldn¡¯t love to work with Brooks and Shields? I scoffed ¡± need me for what?¡± ¡± My previous secretary, she didn¡¯t go on a maternity leave or honeymoon. I fired her¡± I knew her holidays were taking a while. ¡± Why? ¡± ¡± Why? Well for starters, she was clumsy. Highly inefficient. Very and I mean very, forgetful. Plus, something didn¡¯t just feel right about her. But you, yeah you¡¯ve got your ws. Like pissing me off, disobeying, speaking back to your boss, intentionally not listening to me, getting into trouble, getting me into trouble, be-¡± ¡± Jeez, I get it. I¡¯ve got a couple of ws¡±. I chuckled and he smiled at me. ¡± Nah, you¡¯ve got a lot of ws, but working with you¡­¡± He paused for a moment then continued ¡± honestly, these past months have been the most interesting in my life in a very long time. And I¡¯m not ready to lose that¡± I didn¡¯t know when my smile had increased, but I swear I could feel my cheeks hurt. Disappointed Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. Seeing her smile reminded me of times when we were literally on best of terms. Not like there was much of that, but the few times were actually worth the memory. I honestly don¡¯t think I can hold much anger against her. She not telling me about Louisa wasn¡¯t entirely her fault. I¡¯m partly to be med for that. Heck.. I¡¯m to be fully med for it, if she had told me about Louie earlier than when I had found out I may have called her a liar. But then again, she didn¡¯t fully lie. I did lose a child. Louisa¡¯s brother. As I watched her smile, I imagined the little baby had looked like her. With her bold brown eyes and almost ivory skin. He would have been perfect. But he¡¯s no more. That ice of reality poured down my spine. ¡± Let¡¯s get going. I¡¯m beginning to think that they¡¯d be getting worried¡± I said as I stood to my feet and stretched out my arm to aid her. She willingly avoided my hand and stood by herself. ¡± What did Mr Reid say about the disturbance?¡± She asked as she dusted off her clothing. Truthfully, I hadn¡¯t thought about it yet. But it should definitely fall along the lines of ¡® I told you so ¡®. ¡± I don¡¯t know yet. Haven¡¯t seen him since the threats. I¡¯m gonna get an earful¡± I replied with a smile even though deep down I was silently panicking. ¡± It¡¯s going to be okay¡± she consoled and suddenly turned around to walk away in the other direction. ¡± Where are you going?¡± I asked, clearly surprised at her actions. ¡± Home¡± a simple response she gave with a half shrug. Not even sparing me a glimpse. ¡± Let¡¯s go this way, I¡¯ll take you. ¡± I suggested as I took two steps forward in her direction. ¡± I know my way around¡± she retorted and kept walking away. ¡± What are you doing?¡± She¡¯s still confusing me. My question may have seemed funny to her cause it caused her to giggle and turn around for a bit. ¡± Just because you apologized doesn¡¯t mean I forgive you¡± And after that, she headed back in her direction. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª I had gotten home and dad informed me that Iris had arrived few minutes earlier. And yes, Dad, Mom and Love are staying over possibly till tomorrow morning. Releasing a deep breath and did quick scan around the living room. I walked up to the mini bar and was about to pour myself a ss of whiskey before dad¡¯s voice came through. ¡± Drop that bottle or you¡¯d find your entire cab filled with fruit juice by daylight¡± And I grudgingly obeyed.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. It¡¯s not like I had a choice to actually go against him. I¡¯d literally find my cab filled with fruit punches if I did. ¡± Have you spoken to the Reid¡¯s? You know, the family you were marrying from?¡± I turned around to see him strolling into the living room with his two hands in his pockets. After a sigh, I ced my ss back on the shelf and toyed with the unopened bottle before me. ¡± I¡¯m scared of what Mr Reid may have to say¡± He regarded me for a few seconds then drew out a seat to stay next to me. ¡± It wasn¡¯t your fault you know, or was it?¡± The question and his tone made me feel like dad had a hunch that something isn¡¯t going right. ¡± It wasn¡¯t, but it¡¯s his daughter we¡¯re talking about here¡± ¡± The daughter who¡¯s still alive?¡± ¡± Dad¡­ I endangered her life. It¡¯s not gonna be so easy to brush that off¡± ¡± It¡¯s a rivalpany isn¡¯t it? He¡¯d definitely understand¡± ¡± I doubt he would¡± it came out as a mutter but dad being interested in this conversation heard it all. ¡± Son there is something you aren¡¯t telling me¡± even through his sses, I could see his suspicion. But what exactly should I say? It¡¯s not like I can just be all ¡± yeah, you know that man you destroyed his packages some years ago? Uhun.. he¡¯s after me¡± Actually, that sounds a lot better than I thought. ¡± I don¡¯t particrly have anything hidden Dad. You know it all¡± ¡± I don¡¯t think I do and where exactly did go? Miss Jules showed up earlier than you did. As someone who went looking for her I expected you two to return together¡± ¡± I did go looking for her but she refused to return with me. I¡¯m not to be med for that¡± I shrugged and dropped the bottle back on the table. ¡± Did she mention that she had quit her job?¡± ¡± No. She didn¡¯t but I¡¯m aware.¡± Exhaling and standing to my feet almost abruptly. ¡± Is there a reason in particr why she may be resigning?¡± He piped up again but still remainedfortably seated. ¡± Like I said, she didn¡¯t mention it to me. You should have asked her that when she quit¡± my response came out a bit curt and official but I was too tired to discuss this at the moment. All I need is a good shower, some rest and a few hours to think of how to approach Mr Reid. ¡± Goodnight Dad. I¡¯d see you tomorrow¡± then I began heading for the stairs but he spoke again. ¡± But you¡¯ve found out, haven¡¯t you?¡± I turned slowly and raised a brow at his question. I¡¯m not even sure I know what he¡¯s referring to. ¡± I don¡¯t get it¡± ¡± You¡¯ve figured out that Louisa is your daughter haven¡¯t you?¡± He asked a bit more clearly this time and I felt my world drop. Wait a minute!! ¡± You knew?¡± My question came with a gush of air. Was there literally anyone who didn¡¯t know about her? Was I practically the only one ignorant? ¡± Of course I knew! Why else did you think I¡¯d send my best secretary to work for you and still live under your roof?¡± ¡± Jesus! Dad!.. that exins¡­ But you.. I.. how?¡± No coherent words could be formed in my head. Dad knew Louisa is my daughter!? ¡± How did I get to know? Well as a staff under my business, you have to fill out a bio which she did and I recognized the name of her parents. The same name of two of my employees who had quit their jobs without specific reason. During that same period, your school records state that she had withdrawn from school. A girl known as Iris Shawn. The same girl Dn hadined about that you usually hit¡± he exined and without doubt, I could see his anger rolling off his shoulders. His narrowed eyes are enough expression. ¡± Dad I-¡± I began but he cut me short. ¡± I¡¯m not done.¡± He stands to his feet and makes his way towards me. ¡± So I put two and two together and felt that you may have a hand in her drop out. That¡¯s why I gave her the job at my office. Her qualifications didn¡¯t meet the standard but I wouldn¡¯t let you strip that bright girl of her future. So even though she was the most tattered and unorganized person at the interview, I gave her the job. Thenes a day when her daughter follows her to work cause she was too ill to go to school and when I set eyes on the girl, I was reminded of you¡± I remained unblinking as he continued. ¡± I didn¡¯t want to make assumptions, so I did something. I told her that I¡¯d get someone trusted to take Louisa for a test so they¡¯d figure out what¡¯s wrong with her and when they did, I gave an underground cheque to run a DNA test and it appears positive. Interesting little story, right son?¡± ¡± Dad let me-¡± he cuts me again. ¡± Let you what? Exin? Dnined that you hit her but I didn¡¯t believe him. I was so stupid to see that my son was being an idiot in public. Then you get her pregnant too? Have you no heart!?¡± ¡± Dad I¡¯m-¡± ¡± You could have ended that girl¡¯s future if she wasn¡¯t smart enough or if I wasn¡¯t merciful enough. The day she drops by, you call me to say that you can¡¯t work with her? Are you really that shameless!?¡± He was technically shouting now and I¡¯m silently praying that everyone else is asleep. ¡± Dad-¡± ¡± I¡¯ve stayed quiet, watching you, waiting for you toe up to me and tell me the truth. But you¡¯d rather hide it. For how long did you think it¡¯llst?¡± ¡± Dad I personally found out some days ago¡± ¡± Then I must inform you that youck observance¡± ¡± Dad please-¡± ¡± Don¡¯t Dad me. Your mom and I are both highly disappointed in you¡± And with that he walked past me and up the stairs. Time Iris¡¯s p. o. v. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Exhausted? Yes, you got that right. It took a total of thirty minutes to get washed up and tucked into bed. Louie was already asleep by the time I got home, so that made the job of resting a whole lot easier. I had just turned out the lights in the room and tried to getfortable when I had an itchy feeling in my throat and realized that I was thirsty. Trust your body to bring up needs at the wrong moment. I tried to ignore the feeling for a while, thinking I could sleep. But after a few minutes, the itching grew worse. With an annoyed groan, I switched on the lights and dragged myself off my bed before heading for the door. Making sure to turn around and check on Louisa once again, I opened the door a tad bit too slowly to avoid waking anyone who was already asleep or alerting someone who isn¡¯t. After the knob was turned and the door pulled inwards, I peered down the hallway to make sure the coast was clear and to my luck, it was. A silent sigh escaped me and with a careful mind, I found my way out of the room to the living area. As usual, the lights were all dimmed and the only sounds you could hear was the tick tocking of the clock. Well that was the only sound I was hearing but I¡¯m pretty sure I could detect something else beneath it. I used my eyes to scan the ce but nothing looked or seemed out of the ordinary, so I began thinking the foreign sounds was all in my head. Getting into the kitchen, I firstly found my way to the cab to get myself a ss before stepping to the refrigerator for some water. As I opened it, the cool breeze of the metallic cooler hit my face so hard that I felt the goosebumps growing on my forearms and my hairs stand erect. I swallowed a gulp of my own saliva in anticipation of the chill I¡¯d face from drinking such a cold liquid afterwards. Then again, I was having an awkward feeling. The foreign sounds I had been hearing had gotten louder and this time all to real to be called imagination. Right now, it is a lot clearer and easier to hear. It was a beeping sound, carefully beeping to a steady rhythm. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. And it was continuous. I stood still and waited for it to end, rather it didn¡¯t. If anything, I felt it was bing faster. My blood pressure was slowly rising but I didn¡¯t want to give myself a panic attack by over reacting, so I decided to go put on the lights. And right there beneath the switch, I saw the source of the sound. In the prominent darkness, the figures were counting down in red. 3:55:08 It was a timer. A beeping timer. And I bloody know beeping timers are always attached to one thing. It was a bomb!! ¡± Jesus!! Everyone!! Wake up! It¡¯s a bomb!! There¡¯s a bomb! Everyone!!!!¡± I screamed at the top of my voice as I ran out of the kitchen. My heartbeat was faster than any normal rate as it was beating franctically. ¡± Wake up!! Wa-¡± I continued to yell when Mr McConnell and Hunter came running down the stairs. ¡± What¡¯s going on?¡± Mr McConnell asked when he got down with a fearsome look on his face. ¡± Bomb.. kitchen.. light switch.. oh my God Louisa!!¡± I tried forming a coherent sentence but Hunter had run into the kitchen before I was done as Mrs McConnell, Love, Edward and Cheryn appeared from various directions. ¡± Excuse me!! I need to grab Louie!!¡± I pushed past all of them and ran down the hallway but that didn¡¯t stop me from hearing Hunter shout behind me. ¡± Everyone out!! We¡¯ve got less than two minutes!¡± My pace increased as I barged into Guillermo and Jenny. ¡± Less than two minutes!? What¡¯s happening!!?¡± Jenny asked as her face was sculpted with a mask and her cotton night dress definitely oversize. ¡± Bomb!! Leave!! Now!¡± That was the only exnation I could give before I left them to continue my race. I mmed my door open to find Louisa only to be met by an empty bed. ¡± Louie!? Louisa where are you!!? Louie!!?¡± I felt my heart drop and my eyes ran round the four corners of the room definitely over a million times. ¡± Louisa!!¡± I shouted once again as I ran to the bathroom and mmed the door open. ¡± Louisa!!!¡± I pulled the nkets off the bed in case she was underneath. ¡± Louisa!!¡± Behind the curtains. Nothing!! ¡± Iris where the bloody hell are you!!?¡± Hunter¡¯s voice boomed from outside the room but I didn¡¯t care. My eyes were pouring out a fountain of tears right now as I continued to search. ¡± Louisa!!¡± I checked the closet. Still nothing. ¡± Louisa!!!!!!¡± ¡± Iris we need to l-¡± Hunter started as soon as he ran into the room. ¡± I can¡¯t find Louisa!!¡± I sobbed as I checked out the window just to make sure she hadn¡¯t fallen. I swear I left her here asleep. ¡± What!?¡± He asked and without looking at him, I could hear and feel his shock. ¡± I can¡¯t- I can¡¯t find her¡± my son¡¯s increasing as I went to check the bathroom once again. ¡± Are you sure she isn¡¯t with someone?¡± He asked as he assisted in the search by checking behind the curtains again. ¡± I¡¯ve seen everyone, except udette. Have you seen her?¡± A tiny glint of hope growing in me as I turned to him. Please tell me something. ¡± I have and I¡¯m sorry but she was alone¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. That was it. I dropped to the floor and began to panic as I ran my hands through my hair in a crouched position. My breaths became incredibly short and my vision blurring too quickly. ¡± Iris look, we have to leave. We don¡¯t got much time¡± Hunter says as he also crouches and tries to lift me up by my arms. ¡± I¡¯m not-¡± I began but he cut me off. ¡± Everyone else is gone¡± ¡± What about Louie? What if¡­ What if she¡¯s still here?¡± I managed to sob out. ¡± I don¡¯t think she is¡± ¡± But what-¡± ¡± Iris please¡± he begged as he used his thumb to wipe away my tears and proceeded to lift my eyes to his. ¡± If we don¡¯t leave this building right now, we¡¯re gonna die¡± he continued as he looked into my eyes. I couldn¡¯t leave. Louisa could be anywhere here. I can¡¯t just leave. ¡± What makes you think she isn¡¯t here?¡± The question came as a result of his previous statement. I don¡¯t think she is. ¡± I¡¯d exinter, but for now let¡¯s leave¡± he said as he dragged me to my feet as I nodded and rose up. In a matter of seconds we were running out the building to his car that was parked right outside the door. Quickly, we jumped in and he started the engine. With a death threatening speed, we fled off. Just in time to hear the impact of an explosion. Escape Third person p. o. v. ¡± Arrrgh, you stepped on me mother fucker!¡± ¡± Shhhh.. you¡¯d wake them up¡± He released a sigh and nced at his watch. ¡± How much longer do we have to wait? My back is killing me for bending too long¡± ¡± Stop whining and be a man. We¡¯d just wait for that Iris girl to go to bed and we move¡± ¡± Hmmmph.. fine¡± The two stayed crouched behind the flower beds as they watched her window, following her every movement. Infact, at some point they didn¡¯t mind watching her a little longer when she took off her dress to take a shower. They admired her slender body from afar even though all they could see was her outline from her head to her thighs. ¡± Damn.. are you sure we can¡¯t hit another target after this?¡± The one with the spiky tinum blonde hair said, as his eyes were slowly dting whilst he watched her. ¡± No!. We¡¯ve gotta concentrate¡± says the one with the deep brown hair and mostly referred to as the brains of any operation. ¡± No wonder that guy likes her, she¡¯s hot¡± the blonde continued as he watched her till she disappeared from their sight. ¡± Yeah, he likes her and almost got married today. Genuine like indeed¡± The blonde man chuckled a bit at the memory and ruffled his partners hair. ¡± Nice act today Chez, who knew that gunpowder could give the exact same sound effect of an actual gun?¡± ¡± Everyone does Santiago, now shut up¡± ¡± You¡¯re all cranky¡± ¡± I¡¯m not¡± ¡± You are¡± ¡°I¡¯m not¡± ¡± You are Chez¡± ¡°I¡¯m not Santiago¡± ¡± But you are¡± Santiago says, attracting a sigh from Chez before he speaks again. ¡± Fine I am cranky¡± Chez admits, still not taking his eyes off the window. Santiago smiles at his victory and talks again. ¡± We need a break you know? I¡¯m exhausted¡± ¡± Tell that to the boss when we get back but for now, we move¡± Chez says as soon as the lights in her room went off. Standing tall to his feet and gently stretching out his stouted muscles till he heard a crack.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Now that¡¯s better¡± he continues with a sigh of relief and began slowly walking to the back door. Chez had always been on the good looking side. With his slightly crooked nose, really tall physique of a six¡¯five, daring stormy grey eyes and lean muscr build. Infact if he was ever sent on a mission, it was to either luredies or in some extreme cases. Men. So when he was chosen as a spy and nter, least to say, he was surprised. But he had to do it anyway. Santiago on the other hand, had always been a spy, nter and the curt of deceit. Always sent into circles or groups to gain their trust, then sabotage. He was never really the best at looking good but he was not a sore for eyesight. He was an average in everything, including his height. Chez and Santiago were inducted into the circle on the same day and so we¡¯re ssed in the same level, just of different categories. Both had been sessful ever since in their various fields. Never have they had to work together. Until now. And Chez was definitely not enjoying it. ¡± Hey, calm down bro.¡± Santiago says as he rushed to meet up with his partner. ¡± No¡± came Chez¡¯s curt reply as he pulled out the back door key which they had stolen from the house twelve hours earlier and slipped it into the keyhole. In no time, they were in the building and made their way for the kitchen after locking the door once again. ¡± I¡¯ll keep watch, set up the stuff¡± Chez says to which Santiago had no argument against as he began pulling out the apparatus from the small satchel in his hold. The two were both being careful and cautious with what they were doing and less than a minute was enough for Santiago to have nted the bomb as instructed. All that¡¯s left is to set the timer. Chez on the other hand, noticed the lights in the room they had been monitoringe on as little rays escaped from the spaces surrounding the door. At first he watched the door to know if she¡¯d turn it off again but when he paid close attention, he heard shufflinging closer. With hasty but silent steps, he got back to the kitchen and dragged out Santiago who was still setting the timer. ¡± Dude, I ain¡¯t finished yet¡± Santiagoined when he was yanked away. ¡± Shhhh.. she¡¯s awake again. We¡¯ve gotta hide¡± ¡± But my timing stopped at five minutes, it¡¯s gonna begin beeping anytime-¡± Beep. Beep. Beep. Santiago couldn¡¯t finish his statement cause what he feared was already happening. ¡± Shit. Look, we¡¯ve got no time to make it to the back door and I think that girl¡¯s gonnae out soon. So we¡¯ll hide under the stairs till She¡¯s out and we¡¯ll use her window¡± Santiago nodded in approval and they headed for the stairs and stood back against the wall, then a click was heard and light illuminated the area but their position was still shrouded in darkness. They listened closely till they heard footsteps retreat and Chez peeped to be sure she was gone. When the coast was clear, he motioned for Santiago to follow his footsteps and he did. Swiftly they got into the room but as Santiago was heading for the window, Chez seemed a little distracted. ¡± Dude, in case you¡¯ve forgotten, we¡¯ve got a five minute timer against us¡± he reminded his partner. ¡± I know, I¡¯m only contemting how much of a devil I am if this little angel dies¡± Chez says with a hint of regret in his voice. ¡± What?¡± Santiago¡¯s confused voice came out but it¡¯s only when he turned around did he notice the sleeping baby all wrapped up. He actually seemed dumbfounded as he watched her snore. He wasn¡¯t actually expecting a baby to be in the house when he nted the bomb. ¡± She¡¯s beautiful isn¡¯t she?¡± Chez asked as he noticed Santiago¡¯s expression. ¡± Let¡¯s take her¡± Santiago suggests as he leaves the window and approaches the two. ¡± Do you still have that knock out gas? I don¡¯t want her waking up and yelling¡± Santiago pulls out the little bottle from his satchel and hands it over to Chez, who in turn opened it up and set it near the baby girls nose. Slowly, they began to notice her body limping and realized the effects had kicked in. ¡± Jesus!! Everyone!! Wake up! It¡¯s a bomb!! There¡¯s a bomb! Everyone!!!!¡± They heard the scream from the living room and knew it was a signal to leave. Very quickly, Chez picked up the sleeping girl and followed Santiago directly behind as they used the window to escape. Bell Hunter¡¯s p. o. v ¡± And yesterday can be ssified as a bad Friday for the McConnell family as hours after the wedding disruption, the personal residence of the very own son of The Mr McConnell was brought down to the ground in ashes, sometime between eleven pm to twelve AM. ording to the phone calls gotten by the police from Mr McConnell himself, he says everyone is safe and doing well except for a missing child who goes by the name Louisa Shawn. Five years of age. The police have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, but if anyone spots this little girl anywhere kindly keep her safe and or report to the nearest security body¡± The newscaster keeps on speaking as an image of Louisa that was emailed to the police this morning appears on the screen. No one needed to be told of how cold the atmosphere is. If our faces didn¡¯t give it away, the silent sobs from Iris on the opposite couch with my mom and Megan trying to console her would. I swear to God that I don¡¯t know how else to feel broken by this. He would really go to such extent of taking a little girl? Soldo is a demon and that¡¯s for sure. ¡± What are we gonna do now?¡± Dn¡¯s dad¡¯s voice cuts through the heavyden silence that had befallen us for the past few minutes. After the explosion, we all moved down to Uncle Matt¡¯s home. That¡¯s Dn¡¯s dad. Uncle Tucker and his wife were currently staying with them as the only home they have in New York is almost all the way across the city. So yeah, it¡¯s a full house. All that¡¯s left is Aunt Laurel and she had called earlier this morning promising to be here. Aunt Laurel is the only sister my dad¡¯s got. ¡± I would have loved to say something but first I need to understand what is happening¡± my dad responded to Uncle Matt¡¯s question without failing to send me a re. ¡± I honestly don¡¯t get it either. Do you think the Reid¡¯s have a hand in this? I mean, seriously Hunter.. did they really want you marrying their daughter?¡± That was Uncle Tucker¡¯s question and I wouldn¡¯t me him for such a thought. Anyone else would think the same thing. ¡± Yes they did. He asked me to marry her in the first ce before I disclosed my intentions¡± I replied and used the remote control to put off the television. ¡± I for one know that the Reid¡¯s are innocent in this¡± dad continued. ¡± Have they called since yesterday¡¯s wedding mishap?¡± Aunt Annabelle, Uncle Tucker¡¯s wife pipes in. ¡± To me that¡¯s too suspicious. How can all these events be happening and you couldn¡¯t even call your inw to be to make sure he¡¯s okay. They¡¯re on to something¡± udette says and the venom in her voice was a bit shrouded but still clear. ¡± I suggest we call them¡± Edward speaks with a tone of disbelief. ¡± And say what exactly? Hello, we¡¯re still alive? Yeah, we ain¡¯t doing that¡± Dn retorts and it¡¯s obvious that the Reid¡¯s aren¡¯t on his good side anymore. ¡± We could be here doing all theins, but how sure are we that they are also safe? We haven¡¯t gotten in contact with them too¡± Guillermo adds in as he takes a seat on one of the chairs by the dining table.N?velDrama.Org (C) content. ¡± I called themst night to be sure everyone was okay¡± mom answers. ¡± And so did I¡± ¡± Me too¡± Uncle Tucker and Dn say simultaneously. Thus nullifying Guillermo¡¯s argument. ¡± That can¡¯t stop us from calling them. You can¡¯t be so sure. Everyone was safe after the wedding but we were lucky to discover the bomb in time¡± Jenny admits and in honest truth, I agree with her. ¡± We¡¯d call themter on but that isn¡¯t my problem¡± I began to say and took a momentary pause before releasing a sigh. ¡± My major concern is about the missing kid¡± ¡± The missing kid? Or your missing kid?¡± Cheryn bites back at my words before I could even have a chance to take it back. ¡± You know?¡± ¡± Your kid?¡± Dad and uncle Tucker say respectively at Cheryn¡¯s statement. Guillermo released a slight chuckle cause he seemed to find the moment amusing, meanwhile I swear my blood levels just doubled. ¡± Who didn¡¯t? It¡¯s not so easy to hide¡± Jenny says with a smirk towards me. ¡± I¡¯m still confused¡± uncle Matt chips in and the confusion was very evident on his features. ¡± Simple biology states that, a man and a woman have to meet to form a baby. So in this case, My brother over there and Miss Jules over here made miss Louisa that¡¯s out there somewhere¡± Love says with a little glee in her eyes. ¡± You sound like you¡¯ve known this a long time¡± Megan finally looks up from Iris she¡¯s been trying to console and says something. ¡± Nope, but Mrs Cheryn¡¯s statement is enough exnation¡± love replies with a shrug. ¡± You have a child with your secretary and you nned on getting married?¡± Uncle Matt asked with a re in his eyes. ¡± That¡¯s not even it, your daughter was your flower girl? Are you that mean Hunter?¡± Megan¡¯s mom says something for the first time this morning. ¡± I was wondering the same thing¡± Megan muttered under her breath but I heard her perfectly. ¡± So you¡¯ve had a child all this while and you kept it from us?¡± Aunt Annabelle says. ¡± A week to the wedding I was pretty sure that she was gonna carry his baby number two¡± udette whispers to Guillermo from where she stood and Guillermo couldn¡¯t help the bark ofughter that escaped his lips. ¡± What was that?¡± Dad asked, referring to the exchange between Guillermo and udette. ¡± Nothing sir¡± the both say at the same time but their smiles are bloody liars. ¡± Hunter? Aren¡¯t you going to say anything?¡± Uncle Tucker asks as hees to stand directly behind my dad. ¡± This isn¡¯t the right time to talk about this¡± I try to avoid this conversation but they weren¡¯t having it. At the moment, I¡¯m silently praying that Dad or Dn wouldn¡¯t talk too much. ¡± Well we¡¯re having it son, so spill¡± Uncle Matt bites, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. I looked to Iris to confirm if she wanted me to spill about it, but surprisingly she was already looking at me before I caught her eyes. I lifted a brow to silently ask her the question and with her tear streaked face and red nose, she shook her head in a no response. My mom was the only one who caught our little exchange and she couldn¡¯t help but send me a re before returning her attention back to Iris. ¡± It was a highschool fling¡± I simply say, to answer all hanging questions but Megan being Megan released a loud cough causing Dn to send her a secret smirk. I¡¯m beginning to detest family. ¡± High school? So your kid is really five?¡± Aunt Annabelle asks as she looks to Iris who only nods in reply. ¡± Wow¡± was all she said after iris¡¯s reaction, clearly surprised at the truth maybe. ¡± Look, miss Jules, I assure you that Louisa would be brought back to you safely, okay?¡± Uncle Matt tries to boost her confidence but she didn¡¯t even give a reply, she only nodded again. ¡± I¡¯d call in the office and ask everyone to take a one week break. We need to settle this first¡± Dad says as he rises from his seated position and begins to head up the stairs. Seems like the family interrogation is over. ¡± Sounds like a good idea, don¡¯t you think?¡± Uncle Tucker says to me and I mutter an airy yeah. Then he walks up to me and gives me a pat on the shoulder before following my dad¡¯s direction. Every other person remained still for a brief while before Cheryn speaks again. ¡± I guess I¡¯d go start off with breakfast¡± she rises to her feet and makes way for the kitchen. ¡± We¡¯d love to help¡± Aunt Annabelle says as she touches Megan¡¯s mom for confirmation. The two exchange a few nods and follow into the kitchen too. ¡± I¡¯d go see what I can help with¡± says love as she trailed behind them. The rest of us maintained a little silence in the room till the doorbell rings. Noticing Third person p. o. v. The little girl blinked at least twice to be sure she was awake and not still dreaming, but the environment still looked the same. An old creaked sofa directly opposite her line of sight, a few wooden stools scattered here and there, torn curtains and dusty shelves. Louisa could swear that this was a set for a movie, and the shadow cast nature of the room wasn¡¯t helping matters. She used her hands to elevate herself from the cushion she was ced upon, and she may have used a little too much force because the moment her tiny hands came in contact with the plushy surface, she raised a blinding array of dust. And she couldn¡¯t help but sneeze. Twice actually. That was when she began to hear shuffling from the other side of the four cornered enclosure. ¡°I think she¡¯s awake¡± a voice whispered ever so loudly like it was shushing something. ¡± Why you telling me? You¡¯re the one who¡¯s good with kids¡± another distinct voice managed to whisper too. Needless to say, Louisa was already scared to her bones but she had no intentions of lying there while two ghosts contemted on who should eat her first. To her, she was braver than that. So as they kept arguing, she got down from where she wasid. Using the thing sheter realized was a bed as a support whilst she tried getting down from it¡¯s height. ¡± You suggested we bring her!¡± ¡± I suggested no such thing. I just couldn¡¯t stand letting her get killed!¡± ¡± So I was having an auditory malfunctionst night?¡± ¡± Possibly!¡­ I mean when do you not?¡± The two kept on debating meanwhile Louisa hadnded safely on the ground. Without hesitation, she began heading in the direction of the voices. Even though her feet were trembling, she had the urge to just do it. So she did. Walking slowly yet swiftly so they wouldn¡¯t hear her soft tter of steps approaching. In a tiny way, she was eager to see what ghosts looked like. ¡± Dude, I can¡¯t let that girl see me¡± ¡± Why can¡¯t you?¡± ¡± Have you forgotten!?? Seriously??¡± ¡± Oh!.. shit! Now I get you.. leave. I¡¯ll go check up on her¡± he shushed his partner who in turn didn¡¯t waste a second to run out of the room. But before the man who was left could step out of his hiding ce, a tiny girl dressed in a blue night gown appeared before him and almost gave him a fright. ¡± I can see you¡± Louie said, fully confused on why she could see a ghost in polychrome and why he has feet. Definitely different from the floating white sheet she had expected to see. ¡± Yes. Errr¡­ Yes you can¡± the young man responded, like he had been caught. ¡± You have feet¡± shemented again. Now having doubts that she¡¯s really awake. ¡± Yes.. I do¡± now the man was confused, the girl was scaring him a bit. ording to him, just a bit. ¡± Can you fly?¡± If his facial expressions could spell out words, it would be utmost shock. ¡°No. I can¡¯t fly¡± he replied, using his side view to confirm if his partner had really left him alone with a strange child. He could have at least given him a warning. ¡± What type of ghosts can¡¯t fly? Am I still dreaming?¡± She questions and then uses the back of her palms to rub her eyes properly. Now he understood her current behavior. She had assumed he was a ghost. But that doesn¡¯t make her any less strange, I mean what kind of a kid hears ghosts and begins tomunicate with them. ¡± I¡¯m not a ghost hun¡± he responded to her previous question and took a step forward in her direction. ¡± Then why were you whispering?¡± ¡± Honestly, I don¡¯t know¡± he replied again with a smile on his face that the baby girl didn¡¯t fail to reciprocate. ¡± Okay, Mr not ghost. My name is Louisa. What¡¯s yours?¡± She asked as she finally closed the huge gap between them with seven steps and extended her little right hand for a shake. He didn¡¯t even know when a chuckle had escaped his lips at her words, all he knew was he saw himself returning her handshake with an intent of replying her question. ¡°I¡¯m Santiago¡± ¡°I know a ce called Santiago too!¡± Louisa said with glee and a very bright smile on her face. ¡± I think you¡¯re talking about San Diego¡± ¡± San ..?¡± Santiago shook his head in disbelief that he was actually going to be a babysitter for the meantime. At least till they decide what to do with her. But first there are other things to be taken care of. ¡± Are you hungry?¡± He asked but it was only to be formal, he knew she¡¯d definitely say yes. He¡¯s being formal with a three year old.. today couldn¡¯t get any funnier. Just as expected, she nodded to his question and he was d to leave the room for a while. ¡± I¡¯ll be right back, go sit over there¡± he said to her as he pointed out the only chair in the area that wasn¡¯t coveredpletely in dust. ¡± You¡¯re gonna leave me?¡± She quietly asked with confusion and somewhat fear in her eyes. She didn¡¯t want to be left alone in such a scary atmosphere. ¡± I¡¯ll be right back okay? Here¡± Santiago says as his hands run against the wall to switch on the lights. Immediately, the florescent bulb illuminates the entire room and it didn¡¯t feel so scary to Louie anymore. Santiago inserts his hands into his back pockets and fishes out aser pointer he had carried along with him for the mission of yesterday.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. At least it was harmless, the most it could do was to show a red light. So he handed it over to the girl, to serve as a little distraction and also keep her busy while he gets her breakfast. And it worked, as soon as she pressed the button and the red light came shining through, her fascination got the better over her fear and she slowly walked towards the directed chair. That gave him the opportunity to slip out without her noticing. Kitchen Iris¡¯s p. o. v. ¡± I¡¯ll get it¡± Megan says as she rises from her sitting position by my side to answer the door. I briefly wiped my tears and rose to my feet also. Megan¡¯s mom tried to hold me down a bit but I passed her a weak smile and stood. ¡± My goodness Bonita.. how are you!? Where¡¯s your brother and Brooks junior?¡± A sopranic voice rang through out the living room and I suspected it had to be their aunt Laurel. Soon, there was a tter of voices. The exchange of pleasantries created a buzz of excitement through out the room as everyone here was familiar with her, including Edward, Cheryn, udette, Guillermo and Jenny. Perks of living with Hunter. The rest of the family appeared jovially, with bright smiles on their faces out of their various locations toe wee their sister/aunt. I think she came with her husband cause there was a bellow of barritones, filling the atmosphere. Feeling left out of the reunion, I sidestepped out of the living room into the kitchen to get myself some water to drink and moisten my dry throat. It didn¡¯t help that I had suddenly caught a cold after all the crying I¡¯ve done. I literally had to sniff every ten seconds. I had to search for the refrigerator cause I hadn¡¯t been into any room asides from the living room sincest night or should I say early this morning. None of us had even shut our eyes to sleep since then, meaning we couldn¡¯t even locate the bedrooms. Everyone literally had to be exhausted. I know I am. I let out a voluntary cough to clear up my throat as I began walking towards the refrigerator. Opening it, I was thankful that the water was in cans as I took one out and finished it at a go. I cleared up my throat again and disposed the bottle. Having nothing else to do, I leaned against the counter and shut my eyes to take deep breaths and see if I could think my way out of this situation. Only God knows what they¡¯re doing to my baby girl right now. What if she¡¯s crying? I pray they don¡¯t hit her, she¡¯s just recuperating from an illness. What if they really don¡¯t care about that and hit her? God please she¡¯s so small.. they¡¯d kill her¡­ I didn¡¯t know when another array of tears began flowing down my face.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I need Louisa here and now. But I also need to be strong for this. If I¡¯m crying what do I expect Louie to be doing? Wiping away my tears with my shirtsleeves wasn¡¯t doing much because as soon as I clean them, they got reced quickly. Soon enough I gave up on trying to dry up my face and allowed myself to cry it all out. Slowly, my cries turned into sobs that I couldn¡¯t control. I became a mess. ¡± Iris your-¡± Megan¡¯s voice invaded my thoughts and I lifted my face to acknowledge her presence. She held her phone in her right hand and her face morphed into a crestfallen image when her eyes met with mine. From the way she was looking at me, I¡¯m pretty sure I knew the words that we¡¯re running through her head. Iris it¡¯s okay. Her face couldn¡¯t hide how bad she wanted to make that statement but she couldn¡¯t because she knew the truth. The truth is, it¡¯s not okay. The truth is I wouldn¡¯t stop crying till I have Louisa by my side once again. We just stayed there, staring at each other but then I made an effort to wipe my face once again. At least to prove to her that I¡¯m trying. Immediately, she broke out of her trance andpleted her previous statement. ¡± Your parents want to speak with you¡± she says as she hands me the phone with a sorry expression in her eyes. After handing over the device, she walked out of the kitchen to give me some privacy. I put the phone on my ear and finally said something. ¡°Hello?¡± It came out too airy and damn cracked. ¡± Iris?¡± ¡°M-mom?¡± I stuttered as I felt another ocean of tearsing. ¡± Baby Louisa is gonna be alright. Take it easy on yourself okay?¡± ¡± Ok-kay¡± I whispered and sniffed once again. But that didn¡¯t stop the silent tears from dropping. ¡± I¡¯ve been calling your number. You haven¡¯t been reachable¡± mom questions as her voice lowers by an octave. ¡± I lost it with the building¡± my voice came out too hollow. ¡± Huh? I didn¡¯t hear you¡± I knew it¡¯d be too quiet to hear. ¡± I lost it, my phone, with the building¡± I repeated, a bit louder than before. ¡± Oh, honey should we send another?¡± ¡± If you can. Thank you¡± ¡± You¡¯re wee baby. Your father wants to speak to you¡± ¡± Okay¡± A few seconds go by and I hear some ruffling and movement taking ce on the other end of the line before I heard my mom¡¯s voice in a distance like she¡¯d held the phone far from her ear, telling my dad that I was on the line. More seconds of adjustments and then it all went silent. ¡± My baby?¡± ¡± Yes daddy¡± ¡± Please don¡¯t cry okay? I don¡¯t want to see you cry anymore. You¡¯ve shed enough tears in this life¡± Sadly, that was very true. ¡± I¡¯m trying¡± ¡± And I know you can do it. You¡¯re strong baby, okay?¡± ¡± Okay¡± ¡± We¡¯d keep in touch to know how everything is going. Your mom and I might catch a flight toe see you. If everything is bing overwhelming you can alwayse home¡± ¡± There¡¯s no need toe down here. I¡¯m fine. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d being home yet but that¡¯s a good suggestion¡± ¡± Always keep it in mind yeah?¡± ¡± Yeah¡± ¡± What about Hunter and his family? I hope everyone is doing well?¡± ¡± Yeah, they¡¯re all together in the living room right now. His dad¡¯s sister came in¡± ¡± Must be a full house¡± I sniffed up another tear and nodded, then realized that he couldn¡¯t see me so I spoke up. ¡± Yeah it is¡± ¡± Take care of yourself hun. We¡¯d keep contact through Megan for now¡± ¡± Thank you¡±. ¡± We love you baby¡± I heard mom shout in the background and it caused me to giggle a bit. ¡± I love you too¡± I replied with a small smile before the line went dead. ¡± It¡¯s finally nice to see you smile again¡± I looked to the source of the voice and met Hunter leaning against a distant wall. Surprisingly, even with my distressed mind my brain couldn¡¯t deny the fact that he still looked appealing to the eyes. Despite being deprived hours of sleep. Sadly, my angry ass is more dominant than my brain. I only shunned him and ced Megan¡¯s phone slowly on the counter, then taking a deep breath. ¡± Are you really gonna keep mute with me?¡± He speaks up again but I didn¡¯t dignify it with a response. ¡± It¡¯s not my fault you know¡± he says and I turn to see him strolling towards me. I on the other hand walked towards the sink so I can wash up my face. I feel like I look so horrible. Hunter released a sigh, clearly tired of my reaction. ¡± Aunt Laurel found a letter on the frontwn. It was addressed to me from Soldo¡± That perked my interest but I wasn¡¯t going to show it so easily, so I continued washing my face. ¡± It says they¡¯ve got her¡± Now felt like the best time to respond. ¡± Who? You mean the kid?¡± I spat as I turned off the tap and reached for a paper towel. ¡± Is that what this is about?¡± I didn¡¯t answer that again and he released a second sigh. ¡± I¡¯m sorry okay? I just panicked and that was the first thing that slipped out of my mouth. I¡¯m really sorry¡± ¡± I don¡¯t need your apology¡± I said curtly and walked out of the kitchen. Go Iris¡¯s p. o. v. Nine pm. It¡¯s almost a whole day since Louisa went missing. A whole day is more than enough to do a lot of things to a little person. Trust me, I do not want to think of the possibilities. We had been designated to various rooms shortly before dinner, for everyone to finally get some rest after eating. I couldn¡¯t even eat a thing at the dining table, so I left them all there and headed for my room. Uncle Tucker and his wife were to follow Aunt Laurel home right after dinner. And yeah I was right, she dide with her husband and her son Cody. At least Cody was another light to my day, but his age grade reminded me too much of Louisa so I had to cut our little conversations short. As to why Aunt Laurel had a child as young as Cody. Mrs Laurel had been in two marriages before her current husband but all marriages crashed due to her inability to give birth. Till she met Kennedy who loved her for who she was and had no issues with her barrenness. So to help fill the void, they adopted a new born baby five years ago who we presently know as Cody. So, yeah. That¡¯s the story. Everything seems to be choking and pressing down on my lungs. Not that the environment was too packed up or hot. But simply because, I¡¯m in no mood to be around people who are happy. I needed to leave. Now I was alone in a room I was supposed to share with Megan but she hadn¡¯te up yet. So I just sat quietly, thinking of things that I could have done to prevent this entire situation. Clearly most of my thoughts were filled with had I known questions. Like, had I known, I would have never left Louie alone in the bedroom. But then no one would discover the bomb. Or, had I known, I would have gotten home a little earlier. But that would mean meeting Hunter a lot earlier than I wanted. Or had I known, I would have never attended the wedding. But Louisa was the flower girl, so I couldn¡¯t ditch. Everyone would suspect something¡¯s up. Heck, had I known, I would never have epted Mr McConnell¡¯s transfer. I would never have epted his employment. God!! I was too deep in my thoughts that I hadn¡¯t realized someone had walked into the room and provided mepany till she took a seat beside me on the bed. ¡± Jules. Finally nice to put a face to such lovely reputation. To be honest, pictures didn¡¯t do you much justice¡± Their Aunt Laurel said as she just stared me in the face like she was trying to read my soul. Ufortable. Very ufortable. ¡± I know this is really hard for you¡± she continues, then ces a hand on my shoulder. Her words were like a question-statement. It was a statement that required an answer. So I nodded and unwantingly, tears began leaking from my eyes. Her expressions suddenly changes from questioning to one of utmostpassion, quickly as she pulled me into a hug. I didn¡¯t fight it, I needed it. I needed someone to hold me tonight or I¡¯d do things I¡¯ll regret. ¡± It¡¯s okay baby, she¡¯s gonna be okay. I know heavens are gonna keep her safe from any harm¡± ¡± I hope so¡± I said in between sobs.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. We maintained the position for a while, with me crying and aunt Laurel holding me tight as her fingers brushed through my hair. The entire room was silent, the only sounds you could hear were the crickets somewhere in the corners of the room and the tick tocking of the clock on the nearest wall. I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s been up to ten minutes. ¡± Thank you so much Mrs Laurel, I can¡¯t exin how much I needed that¡± I said as i pulled away, wiped my streaked faced and drew in air with my nose. ¡± I know sweetheart. It¡¯s not everyday a mother loses her child to kidnappers¡± she replied with a sad smile that I had no problem reciprocating. I nced over to the clock and the time read a few minutes to ten pm. ¡± I¡¯m so sorry for keeping you here sote. Oh my God you need to get home¡± on reflex I stood up and began searching for anything she may have carried along into the room whilst she came looking for me. It¡¯s not safe for a McConnell family member to be driving out thiste. But while I was panicking, she beganughing. ¡± It¡¯s okay Jules. We¡¯ll be fine¡± she said with a smile, still seated. ¡± But it¡¯ste¡± ¡± I know¡± A little silence and she starts to read my face again as she did before. I had to speak to stop my nerves from building. ¡± I¡¯m sorry for keeping you here sote¡± I really meant it, if I hadn¡¯t been a cry baby she may have gotten home by now. ¡± If you think I¡¯m gonna regret consoling you then you¡¯re wrong. I can remain here till three am if I feel you need it and you can¡¯t chase me away¡± In a strange way, I felt the depth of her words. She meant it. But why would she mean it? We¡¯re just meeting for the first time. ¡± Thank you so much. But why?¡± I had to ask? I mean.. shouldn¡¯t I? ¡± Because I know you munchkin, or heard of you rather. And from what I¡¯ve heard, you¡¯re a specialdy who deserves it¡± In this sad hour, that statement didn¡¯t fail to put a smile on my face. ¡°Plus¡± she continues as she joins me to stand ¡± you¡¯re the mother to my only grand niece. What other answers do you need?¡± And she gave a shrug that was utterly graceful for her age. ¡± Thank you.¡± I responded with a smile but that doesn¡¯t mean my suspicions are numbed. ¡°How did you hear about me?¡± I continued. With a forming smile, she patted on my left shoulder ¡± let¡¯s just say, Brooks and I are the closest siblings¡± she added a wink and began heading for the door. ¡± Goodnight sweet Jules, and don¡¯t forget to take a shower. All that crying can really wear you out, have your bath so you¡¯d sleep perfectly and don¡¯t forget to eat something¡± were herst words as she walked out and shut the door. I didn¡¯t let her know that I didn¡¯t want to have a perfect sleep. At least not with Louisa missing. But I let it go. Ringing Third person p. o. v. He stood by the door and watched his Aunts¡¯ and Uncles¡¯ drive away in the cold, starry night. If asked, he¡¯s actually against them leaving thiste because of recent events. But then he said nothing, since he wasn¡¯t asked. In fact, he had said nothing at all through out the day except he was asked a question. Oh, and when he wanted to talk to Iris. He didn¡¯t me her for not wanting to speak to him, he didn¡¯t even want to speak with himself. Right now he felt like the most stupid jerk Earth had ever created. And his Dad had no problems with treating him that way. Mr McConnell was the first toe off the porch and step inside the house while the rest stood outside, exchanging tiny chitchats. He really disproved of their choice of location to engage in a conversation but still, he wasn¡¯t asked. His Dad stepped in and ignored his presence like he¡¯s the world¡¯s smallest atomic mass. Fact remains, he doesn¡¯t me his Dad. Heck, he¡¯s surprised that the rest are still talking to him. But he needed to speak with his father, if there¡¯s anyone who can talk to him right now, it¡¯s his Dad. His Mom has been really helpful about it though, but he just needed his Dad to say something to him other than an usatory sentence. So, silently, he followed his dad inside and up the stairs. Keeping a reasonable distance with hopes of him not noticing he was being followed. But as soon as Mr McConnell stepped into his bedroom, he left the door ajar like he was expecting someone to follow through. Unusual of him, except in this case, he may have noticed Hunter on his tail. Then, Hunter walked through as fast as he could and shut the door behind him. Since he had been caught already, there¡¯s no use being slow about it. ¡± You of all people should know that I do not want to speak to you¡± Mr McConnell said, not hiding the harshness in his voice. The weight of his words sent Hunter stepping a few feet back. ¡± I know Dad. I just need to talk to you¡± Mr McConnell eyed his son waringly, from head to toe before taking a seat on the nearest chair that was set to a dressing table. Hunter assumed the room belonged to Uncle Matt¡¯s wife, Also known as Megan¡¯s mom. Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. ¡± I¡¯m listening¡± Dad says, pulling my attention back to himself. I leaned against the nearest wall and braced myself with a deep breath. ¡± Was that why you employed her?¡± I asked at first, the aim was to be vague even though I knew he¡¯d get my point. Being vague made the conversation less intense. ¡± What reason do you have in mind?¡± He asked and that was when I realized that I actually had no idea on the specific reason he had employed Iris. Could be cause of what I¡¯d done to her in the past. Or could be cause she¡¯s the mother of his granddaughter so he wanted to keep an eye on them. Or could be cause he wanted to have mercy. ¡± I don¡¯t know, that¡¯s why I¡¯m asking¡± I finally said. Dad released a sigh and ran his palm down his face. ¡± The day of my interview for a new secretary. Miss Jules had shown upte, heck! we were done with the interview already. I was about leaving the office when ady burst through the elevators, soaking wet and holding an envelope in her hands. Our receptionist came up right behind her yelling and apologising that she had tried to send her away but she refused¡± Dad began and he stood to his feet. Taking little strides around the room as he continued. ¡± The interview started exactly eleven am and ended four pm prompt. So someone barging into my office at four thirty five was not only annoying and calling for attention, but I was silently praying she wasn¡¯t here for the interview if not I knew I was going to be pissed. I halted them both and looked at the soakingdy. Yes, it had been raining the moment she came in but her rapid breaths made it obvious that she had run quite a distance to be there. Her make up had smudged and was smeared all over her face. Her hair was sticking out in so many directions and her clothes looked like she had fallen into mud at some point. But that wasn¡¯t what got me. What got me was the fact that she was crying. I know she was just out of the rain and dripping wet on my carpet but it was obvious to anyone who tried to notice that she had been crying. That was when I decided that I was going to grant her the interview, if not for anything, at least for the effort she put into being here. I had asked if she was here for the interview and she only gave a weak nod, so I led us both into my office to begin¡± he paused and smiled a bit before carrying on. ¡± She refused to sit down, apologising that she¡¯d stain my seats so she stood through out. Her reasons for beingte were genuine, living at the other end of town with no personal vehicle for transport and the poor weather. I wouldn¡¯t lie that I wasn¡¯t impressed at her performance, she stuttered and kept on sneezing at intervals. Shecked a certain confidence I was seeking in my employees, but something did impress me about her. Her determination. The odds weren¡¯t in her favor but she didn¡¯t back down. When we were done with the interview, I had asked for her name. It rang a solemn bell and I told her toe back another day for another interview, when she¡¯s more coordinated. Which she did, so there you have it.¡± He pped his hands once and returned to his seat. ¡± The fact that I had done a little investigation on her life in between that period gave me a more reason to employ her. Not cause you clearly almost ended her future and she wouldn¡¯t get employed anywhere else. I knew she¡¯d get a job somewhere but I also knew the job wouldn¡¯t be worth the woman in her. Plus, letting her work for me got me the chance to know that she¡¯s not only the girl you used to hurt, but also the mother of your child¡± ¡± Dad I didn¡¯t know¡± ¡± You didn¡¯t know what?¡± I swallowed enough air to motivate me to continue speaking. ¡± I didn¡¯t know I still had a kid¡± ¡± What do you mean by still?¡± ¡± I wasn¡¯t aware of the day she gave birth, yeah that¡¯s my fault but I waster informed the kid was dead. Dn told me himself. He only failed to mention that there were two kids¡± ¡± So, you assumed your child was dead¡± ¡± Yes, and I only found out that I was the father few days ago¡± ¡± You¡¯re clearly too blind¡± ¡± Not so. Would you go testing on every child you found Iris with when she¡¯s told you that your kid is dead? I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d have let Louisa live under my roof if she was my daughter, but she did. Giving me a more reason why I couldn¡¯t believe Louisa was mine. It¡¯s been years since I saw herst, she could have been with someone else¡± Dad ran his index finger through his beards and watched me closely. ¡± So if you¡¯d known all these years that you had a kid with Iris, what would you have done?¡± Huh? This was not at all a question I was expecting. What would I have done? I don¡¯t even know. ¡± I may have gone looking for them¡± I shrugged. ¡± You lie Hunter. Up until the moment she had stepped into your office as a recement secretary, you still disliked her. You wouldn¡¯t have cared. I don¡¯t me her for keeping it away from you¡± ¡± Dad I have apologized to her¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± What more can sorry do to a shattered ss?¡± His question was brief, but it cut deep. He¡¯s right. Sorry is just a word and not a balm or glue. It¡¯s only said but it doesn¡¯t certify that all is okay. ¡± If I were you, I¡¯d spend the rest of my days apologising and making it up to that youngdy Hunter. She¡¯s seen a side to life that even at my age, I couldn¡¯t bear¡± I was about to say something when Mom walked in through the door. She spared dad and I a one off look before focusing her attention back on me. ¡± Jules hasn¡¯t had anything to eat throughout today. Try making her eat something okay?¡± She requested as she ced her right hand on my cheek with a sad smile. I nodded in obedience and got off the wall. After sending them both a goodnight, I headed down for the kitchen. With my dad¡¯s words ringing in my head. Closest Third person p. o. v. Hunter had microwaved some Spanish rice left in the pot and he¡¯d carried a ss of water along with him as he proceeded up the stairs to iris¡¯s room. He stood at her door and took a deep breath to calm himself down. After speaking with his Dad, he didn¡¯t expect to feel so guilty, he¡¯d expected to feel less responsible but it turned the other way around.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Now he¡¯d have to face the new music ying in his head. The one of pure guilt. He knocked thrice on the door and waited for a response, which came not long after as a muffled ¡®yes?¡¯. Slowly bncing the tray and it¡¯s contents on one hand and using the other to open the door, he stepped in only to find Iris faced down on a pillow. And alone. At first he was scared shitless that something had happened to her, but after watching closely, he noticed her almost rapid torso movements and heard almost silent noises. She was crying. And that got him frozen to the door. He didn¡¯t know what to do. He¡¯s been trying with every damned nerve cell in him not to cry since morning, but now seeing Iris all helpless is making that effort seem useless. He wanted to go wipe her tears and promise her that everything was going to be fine, but he couldn¡¯t. He¡¯s been taught not to make promises be couldn¡¯t keep. Years ago, all he wanted to do was see those tears running down her face. Years ago that was his only source of happiness. Now, all he wants is to make sure those tears never grace her innocent face again. His dad was right, Iris had seen a side to life that most people would have never survived. But she went through it, just because of him. At this point, he began wondering if he¡¯d ever forgive himself. Right now he was afraid of approaching her. He was scared that she¡¯d tell him to get out and it¡¯ll dawn on him how much she hated him. How much he¡¯d been a stupid to think that just a ¡®sorry¡¯ would cover old scars. After at least, five deep breaths, he braced himself for the worst and called out to her. ¡°Iris?¡± Almost instantly, she froze. Like that hadn¡¯t been the voice she was expecting. Funny thing is, she¡¯d never expect him though. Slowly, she rose from her pillow and wiped her tear stained face. Even if she tried to hide it, her eyes were swollen red. That was enough to betray her efforts. Iris sat up straight to give attention to the man before her who was asking for it. And to be honest, she didn¡¯t want to. ¡± What exactly do you want?¡± She tried to make her voice sound neutral to his presence, but her anger took the best of her. Why she was angry? Well, you could guess. But she¡¯s kinda used to Hunter¡¯s stupidity. Yuppp.. you heard right. Stupidity. ¡± You haven¡¯t had anything to eat since we got here, I guessed you¡¯d be hungry¡± he said as he lifted the tray in his hands for emphasis. It was then that she even noticed it. Surprisingly, she thought the action was sweet. Then again, there was this little thought that sprang up in her mind that he may not have been the one to suggest it. ¡± Did it ur to you that I may not be hungry?¡± She pushed on stylishly, cause one thing she knew for sure was that if the n was beginning to look stupid, Hunter would most likely confess whose idea it was. ¡± It did. Then again it also urred to me that humans need food to survive¡± he answered as he ced the tray of food by her side, directly on the bed and he took two steps back. Iris could feel her stomach rumble but she wasn¡¯t going to eat something given to her by Hunter. He¡¯s gotten too much eptance from her. Plus, her stomach was really tight due to what was going on so she had no appetite. Iris¡¯s p. o. v. ¡± Thank you for the gesture but it¡¯s not necessary¡± I say as I stand to my feet and began making way for the bathroom. ¡± If it¡¯s because I brought the food over here, then assume it¡¯s from my Mom cause she¡¯s the one who suggested it¡± I knew it. His statement did nothing less than irritate me, he¡¯s obviously not even concerned if I¡¯m alive right now or not. ¡± Thanks for the info, now get out¡± I spat His face morphed into confusion for a while before he speaks up again. ¡± I would have done that also, but I guessed that you might not want to see me¡± ¡± Aww, since when did you be so caring? Cody bit you tonight?¡± To say he looked shocked was an understatement. He looked terrified and I was genuinely happy with his reaction. ¡± Iris why are you acting so bitter? Louisa is my child too and I¡¯m-¡± he started but I needed to cut him short. ¡± Yeah.. the kid you couldn¡¯t care less about¡± ¡± For heaven¡¯s sake, I did what I did for a reason! I always do what I do for a reason¡± he groaned. ¡± Oh really? And what reason could that be?¡± Crossing my arms and taking a seat back on the bed. ¡± Iris, Louisa has been living under my roof for practically three months. I had no idea that she was my daughter even when everyone else did¡± ¡± Where are you heading with this?¡± ¡± The moment I realize she¡¯s mine, the next day she goes missing¡± ¡± Uhun¡± ¡± Everyone in the house practically heard us argue the day I found out. Not only that but every threat letter was delivered directly to my doorstep and except if Soldo has employed Ninjas on my behalf, it could only mean one thing¡± ¡± Which is?¡± Why can¡¯t I grasp the concept of this? ¡± Iris you¡¯re smarter than this, put two and two together. It simply means that someone under this roof is working for Soldo¡± What? ¡± How can?.. I mean, who would?.. like, it¡¯s not possible!¡± It couldn¡¯t be, his analysis is hundred percent wrong. ¡± Think about it. The bomb in the house, the letters, Soldo knowing everything going on between us and now Louisa. He¡¯s that evil to use someone directly under our noses so we won¡¯t suspect a thing¡± Hunter runs his hand through his hair and let¡¯s out a shallow breath. But I was still in shock. Who would be the spy? It just doesn¡¯t seem right. ¡± I can¡¯t think of anyone¡± I admit with a little weight on my heart. I can¡¯t believe one of them would do this to me. ¡± Neither can I, but the truth is the more I show care about Louisa, the more they can use her as a leverage. And Soldo wouldn¡¯t have a problem sending us the fingers of a five year old child¡± ¡± He wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± My voice came out choked from the information. ¡± Now you see the reason I can¡¯t act concerned? Till we know who, I can¡¯t show how much Louisa gets to me. Hopefully if he sees that she¡¯s got no effect on me he¡¯d return her safe¡± I nodded, not like he asked me a question. But cause I finally understood and I couldn¡¯t stop myself from crying once again. I leaned into my hands and the sobs began to shamelessly escape my lips. I don¡¯t know what to do. I can¡¯t even do anything. My baby is in the midst of lions. A hand took hold of mine and retracted them from my face. Suddenly I was looking into Hunter¡¯s blue eyes. The exact blue eyes Louisa inherited. He was crouched before me so we could be on the same level as he held my hands. His eyes were ssy like he was holding back his own tears but they were also trying to console me. ¡± I know my words are meaningless and stupid right now but Iris I¡¯m so sorry for everything I¡¯m putting you through¡± I wanted to say it¡¯s okay but my voice and words betrayed me. Instead the tears came rolling on. Hunter leaned in and ced a soft lingering kiss on my forehead before pulling me into a hug. No matter how angry I was at him, I actually need this. Because to face the reality, he¡¯s the closest I¡¯ve got to Louisa right now. Marched Third person p. o. v.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. Louisay on the bed across the man who identified himself as Santiago, slowly eyeing the ceiling and counting numbers in the back of her mind. Santiago on the other hand was sitting patiently as the time went by, they exined that they¡¯ll be here an hour ago. What exactly is taking them so long is what he couldn¡¯t tell. A few moments of silence had passed between them before Louisa sighed and sat up straight, looking Santiago in the eye. ¡± You said my mommy is gonna be here¡± Oh no, Santiago internally eximed. Before Louisa agreed to have her meal three hours ago, she had demanded to know where her mother was. Long story cut short, Santiago lied about her whereabouts. ¡± Yes she is and she¡¯s on her way¡± he says again, hoping it¡¯ll shush her once more. ¡± Mommy is neverte, I want to talk to her¡± ¡± But she¡¯s not here¡± ¡± Mommy has a phone¡± ¡± I don¡¯t have a phone¡± ¡± I want to see her¡± ¡± Well tough luck kid, you won¡¯t¡± Santiago spat out, clearly tired of the conversation. But his words took only a matter of seconds to register in the little girl¡¯s mind and the moment it did, she began to feel the fear she was supposed to. ¡± P-please can I see my m-mommy?¡± Louisa¡¯s voice came out croaky and soft as the tears began gathering in her eyes. Her mommy¡¯s not here. That realization struck with a concept of she¡¯s alone. With a stranger. ¡± No¡± Santiago abruptly said as he stood to his feet. Not up to a few seconds go by and the door to their room swung open. Louisa jumped slightly in hopes of it being her mother but when she caught sight of two men, the tears began rolling down her eyes. The taller of the two men looked scarier and with the way he was hunched, Louisa could sense nothing but danger. Her silent cries turned into sobs as she scrambled into a nearby corner to hide. Santiago let a breath of relief escape his lips at the sight of the two men. They were here finally. ¡± Where is she?¡± The first and shorter man asks on behalf of his boss and Santiago pointed to the corner which he saw her running into some seconds ago. The bigger man released a grunt as he began heading for the direction indicated. On approaching, he caught sight of her tiny figure craddled up in the corner as she tried muffling her tears but failing woefully. That alone caused him to smile. The first thing he couldn¡¯t help but notice is her incredibly small size. Very little for a five year old. He extended an arm and harshly tugged the girl out from her spot causing her to scream in fright. ¡± Please leave me¡­ I-I¡¯m s-sorry¡± she whimpered and the man thought that if he at least had a heart, he may have let her go. Sad news is that he doesn¡¯t have one. ¡± My my, aren¡¯t you the spitting image of your father¡± he says as he passes a smirk to the trembling child. By now Louisa couldn¡¯t stop the loud crashing of her heart. Oh how she wished her father was actually here too. The man eyed her tiny frail figure from head to toe before slowly throwing her onto the nearest bed. Shended with an ¡®oomph¡¯ sound. Hitting her head painfully on the not so soft mattress. Even as a child, she knew fully well that the impact was gonna leave her with a headache. So she held her head tight and continued crying quietly. Maybe if she shut her eyes a little tighter, they will all go away. It wasn¡¯t hidden that Santiago didn¡¯t find how she was tossed appealing, but he¡¯s practically thrown people off bridges before so he ignored her cry. ¡± Send me a little message to Hunter¡± the man said as he watched Louie¡¯s little figure look terrified. It was a low-key joy to his cruel mind. The shorter of the two men pulled out a paper with a pen from his long trenchcoat and waited for instructions on what to write. The three watched as Louisa cried helplessly and without doubt, knew that it¡¯s going to be a real issue handling her. ¡± How would he feel having his little daughter¡¯s blood repaint my car? I could send him an image if he¡¯s interested¡± their boss grinned and turned back to his Co workers. ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t forget. Signed Soldo¡± And with that, he marched out of the room. Distraction Iris¡¯s p. o. v. ¡± I¡¯m gonna get some groceries, you wannae?¡± Megan asks as she throws on a baby blue tank top. I slowly shake my head as I stayed rooted in the spot I had beenying sincest night. Megan¡¯s eye¡¯s clearly turn into one of sadness as she watched me. I didn¡¯t want that pity but sometimes in life you don¡¯t get what you want. ¡± Iris, I really don¡¯t know what to do. I¡¯m confused and really broken at this, I don¡¯t even know if I¡¯m trying well enough but I know we¡¯ll get through this¡± she says as she leans in to give me aforting hug. I don¡¯t reply her words, but I¡¯m only believing them. ¡± I¡¯ll be back soon, okay?¡± She says again and walks out the door, shutting it behind her. I finally feel the dawn of loneliness on me and unknowingly, my tears began to escape once again. I couldn¡¯t help it, I¡¯ve tried but I just couldn¡¯t. I can¡¯t stomach the feeling that my baby is out there. My tiny, fragile baby is somewhere out there. Using my pillow to quieten my cries before a knock sounded on the door. As usual, I wipe my face quickly and inhale sharp breath before responding. ¡± Come in¡± A little shufflinges from behind the door before it was slowly opened and Dn walks in, holding his phone by his ear with a semi amused look on his face. ¡°She¡¯s right here¡± he says and pauses for a while like he¡¯s listening to the receiver. That was when he spared me a nce and realized that I had been crying, if the way his features copsed when he saw me was anything to go by. ¡°Alright ¡± came his next response as he hands me the phone. Out of confusion I collect it and he whispers Meredith, that was when I figured out who¡¯s on the other end. ¡°Hello?¡± I start as Dn takes a seat by my side and ces a silent kiss to my temple. ¡°Sugar plum how are you?¡± Meredith called into cellphone as I recall how much I¡¯ve actually missed her voice. ¡± I¡¯m fine I guess, what about you?¡± ¡± I am so not fine in any way. I¡¯ve been trying to get through to you since I saw the news but your number has been out of service, so I called Dn and he said you lost your phone in the house. I¡¯ve been scared shitless !¡± Her reaction on the phone got me imagining an over dramatic Meredith gasping for air while using her right five fingers to impersonate a fan. And believe it or not¡­ it got meughing. From my side view, I could see that Dn was satisfied seeing Meredith make me smile. I was actually d too. ¡± I¡¯m alive Mer.. it¡¯s okay ¡± ¡± oh please spare me all the ¡® I¡¯m fine but not totally fine but I¡¯ll lie to you that I¡¯m fine so you wouldn¡¯t pity me even though I love you so much¡¯ talk.. I¡¯m heading down to New York first thing tomorrow morning, I¡¯ve already booked my flight so don¡¯t even think about convincing me that there¡¯s no need to show up, understand?¡± With a slight smile, I responded ¡± I can¡¯t wait to see you then¡± and I meant it. ¡± that¡¯s the spirit. Tell Dn he¡¯s a nut head for me. Take care of yourself okay hun? It¡¯s gonna be alright ¡± ¡± I will. Thanks Mer¡± ¡± Always at your service love. Goodbye ¡± ¡± Bye¡± afterwards I heard the beep. ¡°It¡¯s a relief to see that you can still smile ¡± Dn speaks up with a little smile on his lips. ¡± Mer says you¡¯re a nut head¡± and I dly delivered the message. So, he was virtually shocked at the message but why should he be? It¡¯s Meredith we¡¯re talking about here. ¡± what exactly is my offense?¡± ¡± when she arrives tomorrow morning you¡¯d ask her then¡± after sending him a brief shrug, I leaned into him to rest my head on his shoulder. ¡± Remind me to stay outdoors till she¡¯s gone ¡± he groans and it causes me to chuckle a little. ¡± That sounds like a code for ¡®I can¡¯t wait to see her¡¯ ¡± I teased and craned my neck to look at his face just to see his expression but he was already looking at me. Then softly, heughed and spoke again. ¡± I actually can¡¯t wait but Meredith is a pest. I love her but I could also kill her¡± His statement sent two of us into a temporary trance ofughter as my mind ys all the times I¡¯ve heard Meredith say she¡¯s gonna kill Dn over the phone. Then a little thought came to me. ¡± Why didn¡¯t you and Meredith ever date? I mean you¡¯ve gone on a date once before, if I recall properly ¡± At first he was silent, but I patiently waited for his reply. He exhaled a deep breath before responding. ¡± It didn¡¯t just work out I guess¡± ¡± that¡¯s not an exnation ¡± ¡± I don¡¯t know.. we went on the date but realized that we¡¯re better off as friends. I literally told this to Megan before she set up the date. I don¡¯t like Meredith that way and I¡¯m sure she feels the same way too¡± And that was when his statement went wrong. Meredith liked Dn. She had always had a crush on him even while we dated but cause we¡¯re friends she hid it pretty well. That was the reason Megan and I had set them up on a date, to see if something would spark up. But when we called Mer after the date she imed it went like a casual dinner would. He didn¡¯t even kiss her or anything. Megan was definitely pissed off that her efforts didn¡¯t work. She even promised to castrate him on our behalf but I guess our pleas were helpful. Now that I think of it, Dn hadn¡¯t dated any girl after we did. He¡¯d always say he wasn¡¯t interested or she wasn¡¯t his type or worse, she likes ssical music. At a point I had thought he was gay but he actually isn¡¯t. And he doesn¡¯t even act like he¡¯s searching for apanion or something. ¡± Dn?¡± I called out, breaking our momentarily period of silence whilst he stroked my hair.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡± hmm?¡± ¡± can I ask you a question?¡± ¡± shoot¡± he says and adjusts his sitting position a bit, so that I could lean onto himpletely. ¡± After you and I dated, did you date anyone else?¡± I really don¡¯t know what he found amusing in my question but he actually chuckled. A soft, light and utterly strange chuckle. Despite his distractingughter, I could feel his body tense and go rigid. ¡± what¡¯s so funny?¡± I asked with a hint of confusion and curiosity in my voice. ¡± why did you ask that?¡± He replied my question with a question. Dn only does that when he¡¯s trying to avoid the topic. ¡± Because I wanna know. You shouldn¡¯t really be single, I think that¡¯s illegal somewhere in thew¡± even though I was pretty serious about what I had said, re-running it through my mind made it sort of amusing. ¡± Well¡­ you really wanna know why?¡± He jests and I feel him ease off from his alertedposure. ¡± I wouldn¡¯t ask if I really didn¡¯t ¡± He took a deep breath for the second time this evening and sighed while releasing it. ¡± let¡¯s put it like this. I actually do like someone. Like really really like her¡± I couldn¡¯t stop the smile that found its way to my lips. He actually does like someone that¡¯s why he¡¯s not interested in others. But then why isn¡¯t he dating her? Is he hiding her from us or??? ¡± okay¡­ are you guys dating?¡± ¡± Nah.. we¡¯re not¡± ¡± why!? She could slip from your hands if you don¡¯t do something quick ¡± Heughed once again and I rose up from my halfid position to look him square in the eye and know why he¡¯s avoiding this talk. It¡¯s unusual of him. If he didn¡¯t want to talk about it he¡¯d say it from the beginning. ¡± why aren¡¯t you being serious about this?¡± I asked in regards to his non chant behavior. ¡± How can she slip from my hands if she was never there in the first ce?¡± Then it clicked in. He liked a girl whom he couldn¡¯t have. ¡± why? What happened?¡± I didn¡¯t need to exin my question because he understood fully what I meant and he gave me an answer. ¡± probably because she¡¯s the mother to my cousins child. And I¡¯m not going to be proud engaging in incest¡± I felt a weight rest on my shoulders as I watched him. It had been the same reason we had broken up. He imed that it didn¡¯t feel right. Dn had always had issues being intimate with me back then. I never knew why, we never had sex, shared only a few kisses and he avoided make outs. I felt like it was cause he just saw me as a friend and wasn¡¯t okay with going ahead. Now I realize it¡¯s cause Hunter is his cousin and sadly the closest one at that. Hunter always has a way of ruining things for me doesn¡¯t he? ¡± Dn we-¡± I began to speak but a knock on the door interrupted our discussion. After softly clearing my throat, I replied with a subtlee in. The door opened, revealing a perfectly dressed Hunter in a suit. He looked between Dn and I for a few seconds before saying a good morning. I think Dn saw that as his cue to leave cause he stood to his feet and left us alone, not without leaving a kiss on my temple and a pat on Hunters back. The two of us watched Dn walk out till he shut the door and awkwardly, we stayed in a moment of silence before Hunter began to talk. ¡± Mr Reid called this morning. Scheduled a meeting for him and I tomorrow, hopefully he can give us a clue on Louisa ¡± I only nodded and watched him. If he had nothing else to add then he can actually leave. ¡± Aunt Phoebe called some minutes ago. Said she tried Dn but the line was busy.¡± ¡± did she leave any message for me?¡± ¡± she wants to speak with youter in the day, says sheing down tomorrow to see you ¡± At least he delivered some good news. I really do miss Aunt Phoebe. ¡± okay. Thanks ¡± ¡± I¡¯m heading to the office, is there anything of yours over there that you¡¯d want me to bring back for you? Since¡­ you know¡­ you don¡¯t work there anymore ¡± he almost seemed ufortable bringing it up but the earlier he faces the fact, the better. ¡± none that I remember but I¡¯ll inform you if I do recall¡± ¡± oh?¡± He responded like he wasn¡¯t expecting that as my answer ¡± uhmm¡­ I¡¯ll get going then. You want anything on my way back?¡± He asks again and I¡¯m beginning to feel a lot wary of his good gesture. ¡± No. thanks ¡± He nods and begins heading for the door, but abruptly turns around and speaks again. ¡± My mom said you should trying out. That she¡¯d love to take a walk with you to help clear your head¡± ¡± Tell her I¡¯d love to. I need just a few minutes to freshen up¡± I say and stand to my feet, preparing to head for the bathroom because a long walk seems like a very good idea. ¡± okay ¡± were hisstments but I had already walked over to the closet to skim for the outfit I¡¯d put on when I heard the door shut. Only after he left did I notice that there was uneasiness in the atmosphere but it walked out the exact moment he did. But even that wasn¡¯t enough distraction from my conversation with Dn. Then again.. Dn being who he is would never have this conversation again. Missed Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. I stepped into the office with practical everyone in there greeting their good mornings and giving me eyes of pity. Not surprised that they had heard the news too, the media didn¡¯t really give enough options to hide it. Yeah, my dad had forgotten to call in telling everyone to take the week off. So I had to do it personally today. Even after I was seated, some employees walked up to my office to practically pay their condolences. I wouldn¡¯t have liked it on a normal day but seeing it was just to show how much they cared, I actually thanked them for it. Most had shown concern for the whereabouts of Iris, I easily told them that she was alright. Although hiding the part where she had quit her job. Today, I really didn¡¯t know what to do. I didn¡¯t have a secretary and seeing as the rest weren¡¯t aware, a schedule wasn¡¯t prepared for me. So all I did was go through my nner, hopefully to know what I¡¯d be doing in the office for next week till I found another secretary. So as I was sorting out whether to have a meeting with Harley and Porters next week, I heard the sound of my door swing open. And there are practically only two people in this life who¡¯d do that. Firstly, there¡¯s Iris. Who undoubtedly had resigned so she couldn¡¯t be the one. Hence that could only mean¡­ ¡± Dude, aren¡¯t you supposed to be like, dead or something?¡± Chance¡¯s voice made it¡¯s way to my ear, clearly meaning my second guess was totally correct. ¡± Unfortunately I¡¯m not ¡± I replied with a grin as he walked up to me and we exchanged a Bro handshake before we both took our seats. ¡± How¡¯s you holding up? You know.. with Louisa gone and all?¡± He asks carefully like he¡¯s afraid that he¡¯s touching a soft spot. Surprisingly he is. ¡± First of all, she isn¡¯t gone. She¡¯s temporarily been kidnapped¡± I corrected. ¡± That¡¯s the same thing ¡± Chance shrugged as he lifted a brow and leaned into his chair. ¡± No. Gone makes it sound like she¡¯s dead which she definitely isn¡¯t ¡± I sigh and run a hand through my hair. There was a few seconds of silence before he spoke up again.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Are we still dealing with Soldo? Or there¡¯s a money starved individual trying to ask for a ransom?¡± I thought about that too and funny how I actually wished that was the situation, but this smells too clean not to be Soldo¡¯s doing. Plus if it was a civilian seeking for ransom, we should have gotten a call by now. ¡± I strongly believe it¡¯s Soldo, I mean¡­ Louisa got abducted right under my roof at the exact moment of the bomb scare¡± ¡± Funny how this happened as soon as you realized she¡¯s your daughter. It looks like he knew and was just patiently waiting for the right time to strike ¡± Chance said with a chuckle but hisughter came to an abrupt pause as soon as a look of analysis crossed his face. And trust me, it¡¯s not often that look crosses his face. ¡± I¡¯m sorry if I may be heightening your tension but I think you¡¯ve got a spy living with you ¡± he says with wide eyes like he¡¯s expecting me to retort and prove him wrong but when I didn¡¯t he jumped to his feet. ¡± Hunter you have got to be kidding me!¡± ¡± I figured it out too, I¡¯m still silently praying for it to be false but if not¡­¡± ¡± You¡¯re practically living with a killer ¡± hepleted ¡± And I don¡¯t even have a clue to which one of them is¡± The two of us went silent and Chance began pacing the room like he¡¯s thinking. ¡± Have you thought of cing them under a spy?¡± He suggested ¡± Those things cost a lot. I¡¯m not ready to exin to my Dad why millions are leaving the family ount ¡± ¡± Tell him it¡¯s to hire spies to watch his employees ¡± ¡± And why would I want to spy on his employees?¡± ¡± Because one of them is a snitch¡± ¡± A snitch to who if I may ask?¡± And at that question, Chance realized the impossibility of his n. There¡¯s no way to tell Dad the reason for hiring spies without mentioning Soldo. And thenes the big question ¡®Who¡¯s Soldo?¡¯ After releasing a sigh, he puts his hands in his pockets and stares at the ceiling for a moment. ¡± This is messed up ¡± he groans and I actually found his reaction funny that Iughed at him. What are friends for anyway? ¡± Really messed up ¡± I add and watch as he smiles. ¡± What about the Reid¡¯s?¡± He asked, still standing. ¡± I believe Michelle is okay and Mr Reid¡¯s scheduled a meeting tomorrow ¡± ¡± just the two of you?¡± ¡± Yeah¡± ¡± I have a positive feeling about that¡± ¡± Me too¡± I honestly had a hopeful positive feeling. ¡± Alrighty then mate. I¡¯d leave you to it, I¡¯ll stop by your uncles ce tomorrow to check on everyone ¡± ¡± Hopefully I¡¯d be home by then so you wouldn¡¯t try anything stupid ¡± ¡± boo-hoo.. you¡¯ve got work¡± ¡± Nah, I¡¯m off till next week ¡± ¡± Then what are you doing here?¡± ¡± came to clear out a few things ¡± ¡± Ohh¡­ idiot¡± Chance muttered thest part but that didn¡¯t stop me from hearing it. I smiled at my meaningless victory and was actually happy that I had a stupid yet a bit helpful friend like Chance. At least I¡¯ve got one person I can lean on in hours of my idiocy. But Iris has got my entire family.. definitely not fair. Speaking of Iris and family¡­ ¡± Chance, I wanna ask. Did you know Louisa was my kid?¡± He actually smiled like I had told him he¡¯s not an idiot. ¡± From the very first time I set my eyes on her, and I saw her from halfway across in a restaurant where she was with her mom and Mason¡± He had also known . Had I literally been that blind?? ¡± And you didn¡¯t find it important to tell me?¡± ¡± It¡¯s not my ce to tell, but I honestly thought you¡¯d be more observant. I mean how can you not? That girl looks like she was cloned from you ¡± ¡± I thought she was dead!¡± I defended. ¡± So did I, but I could tell from the beginning. And I believe that you could too but you didn¡¯t want to believe that she¡¯s yours¡± ¡± What exactly are you getting at?¡± ¡± What I¡¯m getting at, is you had a faintest sense that Louisa maybe your child but you deliberately chose to not believe it. Though I wouldn¡¯t me you, I couldn¡¯t believe she¡¯d let Louisa live under the same roof as you after everything ¡± ¡± I couldn¡¯t believe she even bore my child, she hated me well enough to have aborted¡± ¡± Oh Hunter punter¡­ Hated is a past tense. She still hates you ¡± he finished off with a grin ¡± peace out Bro ¡± and like that, he walked out of my office. Hisst statement still resonating in my mind¡­ She still hates you. No doubt that I may believe his words for once. As I try to return back to my previous activity before Chance had arrived, a knock interrupted me. The fact that I wasn¡¯t able to finish this schedule for the past three hours is beginning to irk me. ¡±e in¡± I replied and waited for whoever it was to do so. But when she did, I could literally feel myself pale and develop cold feet. ¡± Hunny¡­ long time no see¡± she said in her usual exotic yet sultry voice that was alwaysced with an Italian ent. She took slow strides towards my table in her incredibly sharp heels before speaking again. ¡± Missed me?¡± Clearly Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. ¡± You seem scared to see me, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Her voice came out mockingly as she took the same position Chance had before he left. ¡± Diane what do you want?¡± I gritted out and prayed she had ns of leaving soon. Who¡¯s Diane? Well, how exactly am I going to exin this? Diane is Soldo¡¯s first and only child. And apparently my first girlfriend too. Back then we always went on deliveries together, giving us enough room for anything other than delivery. She was my first everything.. from kisses to first sex. And apparently it was vice versa. How Diane and I lost contact with each other?Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. When I was in ninth grade , Diane had to go for a delivery alone cause I had a test to prepare for. Sadly the operation got intercepted by the police and soon enough she was dered wanted after a narrow escape. Soldo had hidden her under radar such that no one could tell her whereabouts except him. So seeing Diane after nine years of her technically vanishing from the surface of the earth at a time like this is enough to cause difort in ones soul. ¡± That¡¯s not at all how I expected you to react to my presence seeing how much I¡¯ve missed you ¡± she hissed and stealthily took a seat across me. ¡± Now is not a good time ¡± ¡± Then when is?, let¡¯s go talk this over a cup of coffee. Or possibly dinner. I¡¯m game for pasta¡± she said reclining into her seat as a Cheshire grin made its way to her lips like she was already victorious with whatever she came to do. ¡± I¡¯m busy Diane, so I suggest you speak up now or leave ¡± ¡± Someone¡¯s in a haste to get rid of me¡± ¡± Does it bother you?¡± I scoffed ¡± Kinda.. it¡¯s new¡± ¡± There¡¯s always a first time for everything ¡± ¡± I don¡¯t like this new change¡± ¡± Neither do I, but what choice do we have ¡± ¡± You could be nicer¡± ¡± I have enough on my te, niceness can find its way in the freezer¡± ¡± You used to love me ¡± ¡± I think we both know we were being childish ¡± ¡± So now I¡¯m no longer important?¡± ¡± And I repeat, I have too many things on my te to think of Diane. A lot more trivial than this¡± ¡± So whatever I have to say concerning us is irrelevant? ¡± ¡± Your words not mine¡± ¡± So anything I have to say about my dad is also irrelevant ?¡± I was about to retort when her statement finally sank in. And she figured she had my attention because a smirk made its way to her face. ¡± Dinner at El Diablo restaurant. Nine o¡¯clock, don¡¯t bete¡± she curtly says with a sly smile knowing fully well that she had gotten me right where she wanted. Diane stood to her feet, still smiling and began taking her steps slowly back to the door. ¡± oh, and you grew into a delicious specimen¡± were herst words as she blew me a kiss and walked out. ..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-..-.. Iris¡¯s p. o. v. ¡± oh.. I was beginning to get scared that you wouldn¡¯t want to go. I was already nning how I¡¯d have breakfast alone ¡± Hunter¡¯s mom said with a hint of relief in her voice. It seemed like she was just done with the dishes as she casually patted her moist but not so wet hands on her pleated skirt. ¡± I¡¯m sorry for the dy. I hadn¡¯t freshened up when I was informed ¡± I exined actually feeling very sorry for the dy. ¡± Oh, no worries. The major thing is that you¡¯re here. Are you ready to go?¡± She asked, picking her bag from the nearest stool in the kitchen and adjusting her grip from the shoulder. ¡± yes please ¡± partially releasing a sigh. ¡± Alright then, shall we¡± she grinned and began leading the way to the door. I followed her directly, almost trailing by her tail. Her pleated skirt swooshed both sides each time she took a step, gracing her movements with elegance. The moment we stepped out of the house, the sharp sun rays hit my eyes that I had to squint them a bit and I could see her do the exact same thing except she used her hand to block out a lot more of the light. ¡± Love, we¡¯ll be back soon¡± Mrs McConnell called out but no response came from within, but I do believe she was loud enough. After she shut the door, we walked down the two flight of stairs and began walking on the pathway. The neighborhood was virtually a quiet one, single detached houses that if not for some children ying on a fewwns, you¡¯d assume it¡¯s empty. Soft howling of the wind could easily be heard as it was apanied by some birds chirping and the flight of a few fallen leaves like it would be in the autumn. Although our footsteps on the pavement was the most prominent sound, a few cars passing by and a bike had dulled that for a few seconds. Some seconds had passed and not a word had been said between us. I was still slowly trailing behind her to avoid bumping into her fragile frame in case she decided to stop abruptly. ¡± You know, this is a stroll and you are indirectly a daughter to me. So I wouldn¡¯t mind you walking by my side ¡± she said and quit walking for a few seconds just to turn around and send me a reassuring smile. I smiled back and then fell into step with her as we continued our journey. ¡± So is there anything you want to ask me?¡± She continued but kept her head looking straight ahead. I believe our chitchat has started then. I paused for a few seconds to think of anything at all that I may want to ask her and figured out that there¡¯s none. ¡± Not really. No¡± I replied with a sheepish smile that caused her to look at me and released a graceful chuckle. ¡± Really? Not even ¡®why are we having this walk?''¡± She asked still smiling and I found it hard not to reciprocate. ¡± Okay, that seems like a good question ¡± She chuckles again before responding ¡± well, you are the mother of my first grandchild clearly making you a daughter inw to me. So what¡¯s the harm in getting to know you better ¡± ¡± Oh¡± I really don¡¯t know why, but her statement brought a little blush up my neck. ¡± Now I¡¯ve got my own question ¡± she started ¡± but I think I¡¯ll like us to talk about it over a cup of coffee, are you okay with that?¡± ¡± Sure¡± I looked ahead and saw the coffee shop just a couple of feet away and we made our way into it. Once we were out of the sun and in the building , my eyes took a while to adjust to the contrasting darkness of the room. But when it did, I found the interior decor unique and simple but yet amazing. We took our seats opposite each other by the window and the moment we gotfortable, a waitress came to take our orders. ¡± I¡¯ll have a ck coffee, no sugar. What about you hun?¡± Mrs McConnell asks as the waitress nces to me to write my down too on the visibly small notepad she had in her hand. ¡± I¡¯ll just have a ss of water please ¡± I say and thedy passes me a nod as she writes it down and walks away. ¡± Poor appetite?¡± ¡± yeah¡± I reply to her question and return my gaze to admiring the room. But I remembered she had her question yet unasked. ¡± You said you wanted to ask me something ma¡¯am?¡± I say but a disproving look crosses her face at the signatory I had given her. ¡± please call me mum or Rose. I¡¯d prefer that. And yes I did have a question ¡± she started and as if on cue, the both of us adjusted our sitting positions like we could get any morefortable. ¡± You and my son went to the same school at some point right? Back in St. mos¡± ¡± yeah we did¡± ¡± Were you art or science inclined?¡± ¡± I was actually business. Wanted to be an entrepreneur ¡± ¡± Oh¡­ you can still make that happen you know? Seeing as you no longer work with us¡± ¡± I¡¯ll think about it¡± it came out with a smile but I wasn¡¯t totally lying. ¡± That¡¯ll be great¡± Shemented, also smiling and right on time our orders came in. ¡± thank you ¡± the both of us passed unto the waitress at the same time and instantly, I began to drink my ss of water. ¡± So how did you get pregnant with Louisa?¡± Her question came out without wavering, like she had it nned all along and I wouldn¡¯t lie that it shocked me so much that I choked. ¡± I¡¯m sorry?¡± Still coughing ¡± How did you get pregnant for him? You two never dated¡± ¡± He mentioned that it was a high school fling ¡± bringing back the cringe worthy exnation Hunter had given yesterday. ¡± Yeah.. he did. But can I ask something else?¡± She softly says like she was scared I¡¯d withdraw from the conversation. I nodded and that was the approval she needed. ¡± I don¡¯t mean to make you seem like a liar but Hunter is my son. I just¡­ I just want to know the truth. Did he really bully you?¡± I still couldn¡¯t say a word. I was literally dumbfounded. What is she expecting me to tell her? ¡± I don¡¯t like where this conversation is going ¡± I audibly state how ufortable I am with the present situation. ¡± Iris please. I¡¯m not only talking about my son here. I really care about you too. But I¡¯m a mother, a mother who has spent twenty three years of her life raising two children, thinking I knew their capabilities and possibilities. I¡¯m speaking to you like you¡¯re my own child. I want to know the truth. I want to know what exactly happened between my children. I just want to know. I¡¯m tired of hearing it off sources when the people in question are my own children. Iris please help me calm my quavering soul and answer my question. Please? I ask again¡­ Did he bully you?¡± I didn¡¯t know how much her words had affected me till I saw myself nodding at her question. Her face morphed into so many expressions at once. From anger, to disappointment, to pain, to heartbroken. But she still tried to put up a smile. ¡± Then how did you get pregnant for him?¡± I still wasn¡¯t ready to answer this question, but I had to. ¡± through sex I guess?¡± ¡± You willingly had sex with your bully?¡± I shrugged and she sighed. ¡± Except if the world has evolved, no one willingly has sex with their bully. Please talk to me ¡± No words could find its way to my mouth. I literally opened up my lips but closed them back. ¡± Iris did he threaten you?¡± I shook my head to indicate a negative response. ¡± Did he drug you?¡± Still a no. ¡± Iris please tell me ¡± I took a deep breath and looked her back in the eye like she had been doing to me, my ss of water is still surprisingly within my grasp. I had suspected that it should have fallen out some minutes ago. ¡± He raped me ¡± merely above a whisper. My voice was merely above a whisper but I¡¯m certain she heard every word cause her graceful features and aura had be crestfallen. ¡± I-I¡¯m sorry ¡± she apologized like she was the one guilty in the case. ¡± it¡¯s okay ¡± I said even when it¡¯s clearly not. Anaemia Third person p. o. v. Louie sat in the corner of the room, softly crying as she had been since yesterday. Her eyes were already puffy and reddened and her frail figure if possible, looked a lot more tinier than she had been two nights ago. She had deliberately refused to eat anything and it was slowly riling Santiago up. If she died of hunger in his arms not only would Soldo have his head but he would never forgive himself. ¡± You know¡­ if you had a little something to eat, you might just fall asleep ¡± He tried another tactic in wooing her into feeding. Santiago had sat on the floor a few feet from where Louisa had crouched herself and he watched her. He had assumed that leveling his height with hers would make himself seem a lot less intimidating, probably assuming that it was his size that frightens her. But it didn¡¯t work. She hadn¡¯t put anything into her stomach since yesterday and considering her size, Santiago was definitely afraid of the oue. Louie only stared at him the exact same way she had stared at her mothers wardrobe when she heard that the bogeyman existed. With wide eyes and a lot of suspicion. The young man released a sigh, growing wearily tired of the girls stuck up attitude. Honestly, at her age she¡¯s already ying hard to get. He silently had mercy on the poor man who¡¯s going to fall in love with her. He stood to his feet and walked towards the opposite window before reaching into his pocket to grab his phone ce a brief call. He was calling the crews nurse. Maybe, just maybe, she might have a dose or trick to get the little girl to feed. A few secondster he was done with the call and the nurse had promised to be there in a few minutes. Why do they have a personal nurse? Well.. due to the kind of businesses and activities they get themselves into, there¡¯s a very high chance of a lot of blood and injuries and when you don¡¯t want the government in your business, you hide from them. Simply meaning, the hospital is against the rules. ¡± You can still try eating something before she arrives so I don¡¯t have to invite another stranger¡± Santiago tried once again to woo the little girl into eating but the girl was still proving to be as stubborn as he. He groaned and took at least two deep breaths before walking towards where she had crouched herself. Her eyes widened even more as she saw hime closer and she made herself appear even tinier. Santiago slowly approached her and crouched next to her, causing Louisa to flinch away and he sincerely felt bad for keeping such a little girl hostage over the sins of her father. They may be brutal men, but if Soldo did do something to this child he would never forgive himself. ¡± Louisa I¡¯m not a bad guy ¡± he softly said and that caused Louie¡¯s wide eyes to narrow a bit. Deep down Santiago was only d that he had finally gotten her attention and not just a wary look. ¡± You have to eat something. Okay?¡± He went on. Only to receive a negative gesture from her by the way she shook her head. ¡± Please¡­ it¡¯s delicious. I promise ¡± Well, he wasn¡¯t giving up just yet. ¡± My m-mommy told me n-not to collect things from s-strangers¡± came out Louisa¡¯s silvery but tiny voice. It was only when she spoke that he realized she wasn¡¯t only trembling in fear. The little girl was also shivering. Before replying, Santiago took off his leather jacket and wore it over the girls shoulders and on reflex, Louisa squeezed the cloth tighter onto her frame. An unknowing smile made its way to his lips as he watched her.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Can we be friends then?¡± He finally responded to her statement and managed to grab the little girls attention again. But rather than be interested in him, Louie was fascinated by the tattoo on his left arm. The image of a howling little wolf on a cliff. ¡± My d-daddy has a-a wolf p-picture on his body t-too¡± the little girlmented and Santiago was beyond happy that they were finally having a conversation. ¡± I know. Do you wanna touch it?¡± The question caught Louie off guard and he noticed the way she internally battled with herself if she should or shouldn¡¯t go ahead with it, but Santiago didn¡¯t give her much room to think about her decision before he picked up her tiny hand and ced it on the tattoo. As soon as Louie¡¯s cold handnded on his bicep, she began tracing the drawing with her index finger. ¡± I miss my daddy ¡± she gently whispered as she kept following the outlines of the image. The sincerity in her voice when she made thatment almost broke Santiago and when he looked into her eyes, he saw she was at the brink of tears. Sadly, he was thinking of what to do when a knock came on their door. ¡± I¡¯ll be right back okay?¡± He said and stood to go confirm who¡¯s at the door. Once he saw it was the doctor who had masked her face before arriving, he stepped aside and let her in. The doctor had already been briefed about the girl as she had always been briefed about all their missions, so an introduction to who the girl is was unnecessary. Thedy marched into the room with her kit in her right hand and scanned the ce for the patient, when she caught sight of Louisa at the edge of the wall, she took her strides towards her. Louisa on the other hand had panicked because of another strange face and stood to her feet to begin running, but sadly she wasn¡¯t quick enough and thedy caught her with her free arm. The little girl began screaming and thrashing at the hold they had at her a little violently. Santiago had toe in to keep her stable. ¡± it¡¯s okay. We¡¯re friends right? I wouldn¡¯t hurt you ¡± Santiago cooed into her ear as he held her still. His words had calmed her down but it didn¡¯t stop the tears from rolling down her eyes. The doctor set up a needle dosage and injected it into Louie¡¯s neck. In a few seconds, the baby girl fell unconscious like she was in a deep slumber. Whilst Santiago carried her in his arms, thedy set up an apparatus she imed contained multivitamins that they were going to insert through a drip into Louisa¡¯s body so she could feel a little more hungry and not resist eating. After they had settled every issue at hand, the doctor ran a few tests and found out that Louisa was actually still suffering symptoms of a recently untreated anaemia. Okay Iris¡¯s p. o. v. After my conversation with Hunter¡¯s mom, her mood was severely dulled and soon enough our little hangout became awkward and we were already packing up to get home. On our silent walk back, Hunters mom¡¯s phone began buzzing and the moment she pulled it out of her purse, a smile fell on her lips. ¡± Been a really long time hun¡± she spoke into the receiver as we kept on going. I for one held my unfinished coffee in my hand and was slowly sipping on it. Her conversation was simply going on with a lot of ¡®oh¡¯ ¡®yeah¡¯ ¡®uhun¡¯ I think I heard some other sentences in between but I wasn¡¯t really paying attention. ¡± She¡¯s here with me¡± she said and I had no doubt that she was referring to me, so her conversation suddenly piqued my interest. ¡± Here, it¡¯s Phoebe ¡± she turns to me and hands me her phone, meanwhile the name of the caller managed to put a smile on my lips also. ¡± Hello ¡± I said into the phone ¡± Iris, how are you?¡± Mrs Phoebe¡¯s soft voice replied. ¡± I¡¯m okay. Good morning.¡± ¡± Bless you sweetheart. Did Hunter deliver my message earlier?¡± Now that she asked, was when I recalled she said she was supposed to fly in to New York. ¡± Yes he did. I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been able to call you, I lost my p-¡± ¡± oh please stop it. It¡¯s fine okay?¡± She cut me short and another smile crossed my lips. ¡± okay. When is your flight leaving?¡± ¡± It¡¯s already left, I¡¯m currently in New York. Surprisingly I met Meredith on my flight ¡± and at the mention of Merediths name I heard her shout in the background ¡®Yo Iris !¡¯ I couldn¡¯t help the chuckle that escaped. ¡± I¡¯d soon be there, just give me a while ¡± ¡± You sure you wannae? I can get Dn toe get us¡± Dn ¡± it¡¯s fine.. I¡¯d be there¡± ¡± okay, we¡¯re waiting for you hun. Take care. Love you ¡± ¡± love you too¡± ¡± I love you most!¡± Meredith¡¯s voice came through again and I couldn¡¯t help the second chuckle that escaped. At the sound of the dial tone, I retracted the phone from my ear and handed it back to hunters mom while mouthing her a thank you. She only nodded briefly with a smile before we resumed our silent short trek. Though the silence didn¡¯tst long as she asked a question. ¡± I never knew you were acquainted with Phoebe ¡± ¡± oh, we¡¯ve known for a really long time now¡± ¡± You guys met through Dn?¡± ¡± yeah¡± ¡± hmm¡± she started but gave a brief pause before continuing ¡± She knows about Louisa?¡± Her question officially caught me off guard but I didn¡¯t want to assume too much. ¡± Yeah.. I think she saw it on the news ¡± ¡± I¡¯m talking about Louisa as my granddaughter. Does she know?¡± ¡± uhmm..¡± I began and took a second to clear my throat ¡± yeah she did¡± ¡± Funny she didn¡¯t tell me ¡± She said with a slight tone of disbelief in her voice. ¡± wasn¡¯t really her fault, she would have told you but I didn¡¯t want people knowing ¡± ¡± Not even your child¡¯s paternal family? Aside from Phoebe that is¡± ¡± Yeah.. Hunter didn¡¯t actually want the babies at first ¡± my mind slowly casting back to the day he told me to get rid of the pregnancy. ¡± babies?¡± ¡± Yeah.. Louisa was a twin. Lost her brother a month after birth ¡± Mrs McConnell came to a screeching halt and her breathing became shallow.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Shorty after, she took a deep breath and sighed ¡± Can I ask why you never reported him?¡± ¡± I did¡± it was a whisper. I didn¡¯t like where this conversation was going one bit, it was bringing back memories that I personally wished weren¡¯t existing. ¡± huh?¡± ¡± I did. They either didn¡¯t believe me or told me to keep quiet about it ¡± Her facial expression was livid, like she couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing. ¡± who on earth would tell you keep shut about this kind of a thing? I wouldn¡¯t really me those who didn¡¯t believe because I can¡¯t still believe it myself, but to know the truth and tell you to keep quiet about it?¡± A painfulughter escaped my lips as I replied her question ¡± You people were like the main holders of our school. No matter how many times I had reported to the authorities, they¡¯d im I was lying. Sometimes I¡¯d show them the scars or bruises and all they¡¯d do is call Hunter into the office and asked if he¡¯s responsible. Once he denies it, I¡¯m officially a liar. I stopped reporting and hoping that something would be done at some point ¡± Her looks were painted with guilt and by the way she was looking flushed, I¡¯d say she was having a rise in temperature too. ¡± I swear no one ever brought this to me¡± she defended ¡± it¡¯s okay ¡± It¡¯s not.. the more I think of things I had been through the more I just want to find Louisa and flee. ¡± Your parents used to work for us, you could haveined to them so they¡¯d convey the message to us¡± Yeah, I could have. And I did. ¡± I know ¡± it came out soft. Too soft for my liking. And that was because the memories were causing tears to brim in my eyes. ¡± You¡­ you didin. They were the ones who told you to¡­ to be quiet ¡± ¡± They never really said it¡± ¡± But that was what you felt from their reaction ¡± I didn¡¯t reply because it waspletely true. Sure they never said it but I felt it. I felt it so hard. ¡± How in the world would my childe home from school with bruises and I¡¯d tell her to keep shut about it!?¡± Now she sounded actually angry. ¡± When I used to tell them what was going on, it was just scratches and broken arms that was caused by falls. I had stopped telling them before it had gotten serious, rather I began hiding from them¡± ¡± Stop defending them! An ordinary tear drop should be enough reason to pick the case up¡± ¡± They were working for you. Before you guys employed them into different sectors we had nothing. You gave us a house and I attended school for free because of their services. I understand where they wereing from and that¡¯s why I don¡¯t me them ¡± ¡± Are you hearing yourself? They were risking your life to make you happy? It doesn¡¯t make sense¡± ¡± They were trying to make life easy for me¡± ¡± And how did that turn out¡± ¡± It wasn¡¯t their fault that Hunter was bullying me¡± ¡± but it was their fault that it continued ¡± ¡± I stopped telling them¡± ¡± So you mean they never saw the injuries ¡± ¡± I don¡¯t know ¡± ¡± They let him hurt you because they wanted to provide for you ¡± ¡± I know ¡± ¡± They pretended like everything was okay just because they wanted to feed you ¡± ¡± I know but-¡± ¡± They were among those who silenced you, all-¡± ¡± I know and they¡¯ve apologized, they quit their job, they¡¯ve changed! They¡¯re trying to make things right! Please stop making me remember these things¡­ please ¡± A tear drop escaped from my eye and I hurriedly used my arm to wipe it off. ¡± All these because of my own son¡± she ended the argument and the area became too quiet as we had stopped walking along the lines. The silence between us was thick but when I looked to Mrs McConnell, I saw she was crying too. ¡± you¡¯ve suffered too much for your age. I¡¯m so sorry ¡°she said softly as she walked closer to me to pull me into a hug. I couldn¡¯t help the tears that managed to escape then. ?????????????????????????????????????????????? After Hunters mom and I had gotten home from our long walk, she had given me the keys to her car so I could go get Meredith and Mrs Phoebe. So it was a hot afternoon and I was silently feeling bad that I had kept them out for quite some time. After I had arrived at the airport, I didn¡¯t even need to ce a phone call ( not that I even had a phone) as they were the first people I had seen at the checkpoint. As soon as they spotted me, Meredith ran towards me and engulfed me in a bear hug whilst screaming. Mrs Phoebe on the other hand, took it upon herself to drag both hers and Meredith¡¯s boxes along. As soon as Meredith had released me, I ran into Mrs Phoebes arms and embraced her. I honestly needed a mother figure to hold tight right now. ¡± hey hun¡± ¡± I¡¯m not fine, at all¡± I mumbled into her chest as tears began rolling down my eyes again with bits of my conversation with Hunters moming into my mind. ¡± I know, but you¡¯re gonna be fine hun. Okay?¡± ¡± okay ¡° Protect An exnation to Hunter¡¯s mom¡¯s behavior in the previous chapter: Mrs McConnell was a woman who spent virtually almost half of her life training her son(Hunter), only to wake up one morning to hear that he was a bully and a rapist. No normal parent would believe such information immediately. Iris¡¯s parents worked for her, she had a part ownership with the school Iris had attended, yet not once did the news of her son bullying Irise to her hearing. She wasn¡¯t trying to call Iris a liar but she¡¯s trying to get reasons why she should lose confidence in her own son ( typical reason why she was so questionable about Iris¡¯s own parents. No parent would have done what they did if Iris was truly going through pain) This exnation may not be enough to some of you but I¡¯m simply trying to clear out any air of Mrs McConnell looking like she¡¯s tryna me someone else for her sons behavior. Now that it¡¯s been said.. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª- Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. I parked in front on El Diablo restaurant, internally wishing that I had another option than to be here. After staring at the building with its neon lights illuminating the entire block, I shut my eyes and rested my head on the steering wheel. Taking deep breaths and making a silent prayer that I wasn¡¯t walking into a murder mission. My phone chimes in my pocket, distracting me from the few seconds of silence that I was slowly beginning to enjoy. Table reservation number 12 I didn¡¯t need to unlock my phone to know who the message was from. Unknowingly, a groan escapes my lips and I hop out of the car. Moving with a rigid stance till I reached the entrance. It¡¯s now or never I stepped in and passed a smile to the attractive waitress at my left, which she returned easily before speaking up. ¡± Wee to El Diablo, let me show you to a table ¡± she greeted and gestured with her arms ¡± I have a reservation, number twelve ¡± ¡± oh¡± her features fell like she was a bit disappointed. Probably she knew I had ady waiting ¡± right this was way then¡± She began walking farther into the room till we got to a stair, leading to the second floor. We climbed awfully too fast for my liking but I was a bit d. The faster things went, the earlier I could leave. The moment we got to the top of the stairs, the waitress walked a few feet forward and pointed out the table. But she didn¡¯t need to because I caught a glimpse of Diane, already seated in a silver sequence gown sipping on a ss of wine. I mouthed a thank you to the escort and walked towards the table, and as if sensing my presence, Diane turned her head to my direction and a wry smile fell on her lips. No doubt, a scowl found its way to my face but I needed to hear what she had to say before getting pissed off at least. ¡± I really don¡¯t have much time-¡± I began but she cut me off ¡± I was beginning to think that you wouldn¡¯t show up. And shame on you Hunter, you can¡¯t even please a girl by freshening up after work beforeing for a date?¡± She said mockingly, clearly pointing out the fact that I had an evidently frustrating day. ¡± Who says I¡¯m looking to please you? And secondly this is not a date okay? It¡¯s an official business meeting, so go ahead with the business ¡± I fired and waited for her to speak. She was actually silent for a few seconds, taken aback by my behavior but it didn¡¯t take her long to regain herposure. ¡± oh don¡¯t be such a sour puss. Waiter!¡± She replied and called out to the waiter who stood just a few feet away. The young man came towards us with quick strides before offering a bow ¡± please get us a bottle of Venisse Champagne, extra sparkle and a ss for my date here¡± she instructs the man who hurriedly rushes to get her order ¡± Diane I¡¯m getting a little impatient ¡± ¡± Well you better put on your patience because you¡¯re gonna be here a while ¡± Diane retorts and I took a deep sigh. ¡± Look, I¡¯m sorry for not being in the best moods but you¡¯re practicallying into my life at a very very wrong time ¡± I run my hand through my hair and squeezed my eyes shut for a second before opening them again to see Diane watching me with keen interest. ¡± so much has happened in like, I don¡¯t know ten, eleven years?¡± She moved slowly, almost like a predatory cat, cing one hand on the table and the other hoisted her chin. ¡± Yeah. It¡¯s been a while, don¡¯t you think?¡± I wasn¡¯t in the mood for a conversation, but I had no other options. If this was the only way to get her to speak then so be it. ¡± uhun.. a pretty long while-¡± she started but the waiter arrived with the order thus distracting her from her words. I took the few seconds the waiter used to set up the drinks, to admire the scenery of this restaurant once again. I had been here a few times but I could never get ustomed to the blue lighting of the ce. It made to room look more erotic than it should. ¡± oh yes.. where were we?¡± Diane distracts me from my thoughts, then did I notice that the waiter was gone. ¡± catching up I suppose ¡± the uninterested nature of my voice wasn¡¯t hidden but if she caught on it, I wasn¡¯t sure because she kept on speaking. ¡± Yeah.. I mean, you¡¯re done with school, Apparently you¡¯ve grown to be a handsome personnel, you¡¯re practically one of the richest people in New York and what else? ¡± she began but I remained reclined in my seat, watching her every movement. ¡± oh yes¡­ the most impossible so far. You left the n?¡± She continued ¡± Are we here to discuss about me or are we here to discuss about your father?¡± ¡± Neither. We¡¯re here to discuss why my father is after you.¡± ¡± That¡¯s none of your business ¡± I honestly have no energy to delve into that. ¡± Wrong, it is. The moment I step foot on New York and I asked to be briefed about what¡¯s been going on in the n in the past ten years, two things stood out. Hunter left the n and Matthias is dead. Care to exin?¡± She folds her arms across her chest and lifts a brow ¡± Is this the reason you brought me here?¡± ¡± Stop avoiding the question. Hunter you used to be in the n, you know what happens when someone tries to leave the n. In case you¡¯ve forgotten let me remind you, my father sends Matthias after them to kill ¡¯em and bring their heads as evidence. But then Matthias is dead, one of the best murder evidence erasers in the world is dead and his supposed victim is alive. Did you kill Matthias?¡± She asked, clearly hoping to get an answer from me but I knew better than to tell her the truth. Yes I had killed Matthias but it was only mere suspicion they had against me, no full proof from the n that I was responsible for his death. ¡± you¡¯re not gonna respond, are you?¡± She speaks up again and I still justify that question with silence. They can¡¯t use against you the words you didn¡¯t say. Diane released a sigh and reached into her purse, after searching it for a few seconds she pulled out a tube that contained a red liquid and a paper underneath. ¡± Well my dad thinks you did. And you see this?¡± She lifts up the little container which I¡¯m silently praying isn¡¯t what I think it is ¡± is your daughters blood. I heard you got a kid? Congrattions by the way but my dad is going to drain her dry, syringe by syringe till you submit yourself. The paper beneath is a test result so you¡¯d know it¡¯s your kid and you¡¯re free to run another test if you choose ¡± My face evidently pales and I swear my feet became ice cold. All I could think of was Louisa. He¡¯s gonna drain her!! ¡± Where is he!? I¡¯d submit myself in the next two seconds just.. fuck! Please tell me where he is. He can¡¯t do that to her!¡± I don¡¯t care what he¡¯s gonna do to me, I just want my daughter out of this. ¡± Believe me he can, and I don¡¯t know his whereabouts either trust me. My own father had sent me to Garey Indiana and for technically eleven years I never saw nor heard from him till yesterday when he sent some men toe put me on a flight to New York. I got in the ne, got off, was briefed the n and i came straight into your office. I don¡¯t know a thing about where my dad is¡± she exins and I don¡¯t know why I can detect the honesty in her voice. ¡± How can you not know where your own father is? You must have asked or have a clue!?¡± I almost shouted but I maintained myposure by a thread. ¡± My father doesn¡¯t trust no man, so he can¡¯t trust anyone as much to know of his whereabouts enough to tell me¡± ¡± I saw him live at my wedding ¡± remembering how he had followed Iris out of the building. ¡± You of all people should be pretty aware that he could be in mars by now¡± ¡°Then how does he want me to submit myself for christs sake!?¡± I was still eyeing the blood warily like it was my soul in a bottle. ¡± That¡¯s the game, he knows you can¡¯t find him, he knows he¡¯s gonna drain that girl dry and he knows he¡¯s gonna kill you afterwards but he¡¯s gonna do this so long as he thinks you killed Matthias. So I ask you again, are you responsible for his death?¡± ¡± Of course I am, how could I possibly let him kill me? I fought back and he got killed instead ¡± I didn¡¯t know when the truth came rushing from my mouth, all I just want is a solution to this. Diane looked livid and honestly scared at most. ¡± So he knows you killed Matthias, I¡¯m surprised that he let you live this long ¡± she stated taking a deep breath. ¡± I¡¯m surprised too. Only a month ago I survived two gunshots but that was a vengeance that took too long even for Soldo¡± ¡± He¡¯s been following you, possibly just waiting for when you¡¯d be at your weakest to strike. But I don¡¯t get why he waited for your kid to grow a bit. I mean, he usually kidnaps them from the hospital bed¡± ¡± I found out she¡¯s my kid few days ago ¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡± How-¡± ¡°Long story ¡± I stop her questioning and run my hand down my face. ¡± I¡¯m having a bloody migraine ¡± I added. ¡± I heard you¡¯re in debt from yourst delivery?¡± She asks again and I nod affirmatively. No use keeping anything from her anymore. ¡± So you¡¯re in debt and you murdered my dads favorite man¡­¡± she paused for a moment ¡± this is bad¡± ¡± I know ¡± I sighed and used my eyes to scan the room once again. I have no idea why but my instincts wasn¡¯t trusting one of the customers in the room. I used my eyes to search the entire room and I sight a familiar body structure at the far end of the room. Not only did I sight him but he was also looking at me. The man was dressed in a three piece suit and he wore sunshades whilst he smoked on a cigarette. Immediately my eyesnded on him, I hurriedly looked away before he realizes that I recognized him. It was Booz. Another member of the n who had lost his left eye on a mission some years before I left. If his bodice wasn¡¯t unique enough to detect him, his sses in this dimly lit indoors gave him away. ¡± Did youe here with anyone?¡± I whispered to Diane who caught on my words quickly. ¡± yes, the two men who had escorted me to New York¡± ¡± was Booz among them?¡± ¡± Booz? Who the fuck is Booz? I came in here with Rafael and D¡¯angelo¡± Then it hit me that she had already been sent away before we recruited Booz into the circle. And I knew the two men she imed to havee in here with. ¡± Far down to your right. I recognize him¡± I said without taking my eyes of her so I wouldn¡¯t look suspicious to any ploiter. ¡°Your dad sent men to watch us¡± I groaned so quietly as we were still whispering to avoid getting heard. Everything was making me feel dizzy with the way it was all happening at once. I discovered it was a good time to actually take a sip from the drink Diane had brought in. ¡± Don¡¯t drink that¡± Diane said as soon as I brought the ss to my lips. ¡± why?¡± ¡± just trust me on this one¡± she ces her hand over mine ¡± waiter¡± she continues The young man who had been standing at a distance came to our table once again and Diane made her order. ¡± we¡¯d like two sses of coke please ¡± What? The man nods and walks away again. Pretty strange how a waiter doesn¡¯t deem it fit to pass a paying customer a simple ¡®good evening¡¯ As soon as the man was far enough I withdrew my hand from beneath hers ¡± They don¡¯t serve coke in this restaurant ¡± ¡± You know that, I know that, but the waiter doesn¡¯t ¡± Then I understood her point. ¡± he¡¯s another ploiter¡± ¡± Exactly. I saw him at a distance when Inded at the airport, what you just said confirmed my suspicion¡± I leaned back in my chair, already tired from all that¡¯s happening. ¡± So you¡¯re saying that my drink was poisoned ¡± ¡± There¡¯s a very high chance that that¡¯s true¡± ¡± I need to find your father ¡± ¡± And I want to help. I want out of this n, I¡¯m tired of hiding ¡± ¡± You¡¯re still wanted by the police ¡± ¡± it¡¯s been years, I wasn¡¯t able to nt the evidence against the politician so I¡¯m innocent. Plus I never said I was gonna go into the spotlight ¡± ¡± I don¡¯t still trust you¡± ¡± Look, my number is on the back of the test results. Don¡¯t look now, but give me a call when you change your mind ¡± I was still staring at her when she spoke up again. ¡± And I was also sent to deliver a message ¡± ¡± Which is?¡± Today can¡¯t get any worse, can it? ¡± Protect her, or hide her or something ¡± ¡± hide who?¡± ¡± that¡¯s all I was told to say. But my guess is, I heard you were about to get married before all these started right?¡± The gears in my head already knew the answer to expect. ¡± Yeah¡± ¡± Then protect her¡± Eyes Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. ¡® you have reached The Reid¡¯s voicemail, please leave a message after the b-¡® I put off the call before I was given the chance to record the message. Don¡¯t get me wrong, sure the message I¡¯ve got to deliver is important but the problem with voicemails is that it¡¯s a hundred percent traceable to its source. And with mytest discovery on how my tails being watched, I can¡¯t risk it. Heavens know that the moment Iy my hands on whosoever is the snitch in our home, I¡¯m gonna personally behead them. I dial Mr Reid¡¯s number one more time and I listened to it ring.. ¡±e on¡­e onnnn¡­¡± the words came out like a mantra as I used my left hand to control the steering wheel while the other held the phone to my ear. ¡® you have reached The Reid¡¯s voicemail, pl-¡®Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Arrghhh!!¡± I tossed my phone to the passenger seat and used both hands to now control the wheels as I increased my speed to get home a lot quicker than intended. My mind whirling around the conversation that Diane and I had. Honestly, trusting Soldos daughter can either be the biggest mistake of my life or the best thing I have ever done. But that looks like a risk too big to take. If it was only my life I wouldn¡¯t bother listening to her. But Louisa¡­ She was helplessly dragged into this all because of me. For pete¡¯s sake, must I always have a way of hurting Iris even when I don¡¯t want to!? My eyes temporarily nced to the passengers seat once again andnded on the tiny tube bottle containing Louisa¡¯s blood. ¡®He¡¯s gonna drain her, syringe by syringe¡¯ I wish Diane had put those words a lot lighter than she did, but of course she knows who her dad is. She ain¡¯t gonna sugarcoat a thing for me so I could face the reality. How in the world am I gonna tell Iris that they¡¯re taking her daughters blood till she¡¯s dead? Fuck! What is wrong with the world!!?? I mmed my hand on the steering wheel out of anger and it mistakenly presses the horn, causing a few cars to swerve far away from me and attracting a few odd looks from people who were going by foot. I didn¡¯t care how they looked at me, with the way I was driving I¡¯m pretty sure they all think I¡¯m drunk. And that ain¡¯t no lie though. I¡¯m drunk in troubles! I look to the passengers seat again and see the test results. Just as she had said, her phone number was scribbled behind it. I had checked as soon as I got into my car after our ¡®date¡¯ I didn¡¯t even eat a thing as we were in there. Everyone looked too suspicious. The waiter who was sent to get the non existent coke never returned, possibly realizing that we were on to him. My eyes have been all three hundred and sixty degrees all evening, I can¡¯t get myself killed. If I do no one¡¯s gonna bail Louisa out for me. ¡® Hunter my dads got eyes everywhere on you ¡® ¡® I know, I¡¯m just too fucking scared. What if I get murdered before I even have a chance to find Soldo?¡¯ ¡® I don¡¯t know.. I honestly have no idea what my dads got nned, but you should know fully well that you cannot go to the police ¡® ¡® That¡¯s something I shouldn¡¯t even be reminded of, I know ¡® ¡® Good and counting based on how much he knows of you, I¡¯d say you¡¯ve got an inside sly¡¯ ¡® I kinda realized that prettyte¡¯ ¡® it¡¯s not toote though, you can be a step ahead of them. From now henceforth, no one should know about a thing you do¡¯ ¡® it ain¡¯t that easy¡¯ ¡® when you¡¯ve gone into hiding for over eleven years, you¡¯d figure out how easy keeping secrets are¡¯ My mind reying myst conversation with Diane. But how can I fucking trust a spawn of Soldo!!?? I was still having an internal argument with myself when I discovered that I had almost missed ourwn. I took a right turn and parked the car before taking a sigh and resting my head on the steering wheel. I just need a break. Not even a few secondster, my phone began vibrating, causing me to groan a bit before checking out the caller. Mr Reid. ¡± We have a scheduled meeting for tomorrow, you calling me by eleven fifty five pm should have a valid reason ¡± Those were Mr Reid¡¯s words the moment I had picked up the phone. ¡± I had a meeting with Soldos daughter ¡± ¡± You what?¡± ¡± Had a meeting with soldos daughter. He asked her to deliver a message.¡± ¡± Which is?¡± He asks, suddenly sounding annoyed at the mere mention of Soldo. ¡± I¡¯ll tell you tomorrow but for now all you need to know is you have to protect Michelle¡± There was silence on the phone for a while before he spoke again. ¡± I can¡¯t wait for our meeting tomorrow Hunter, Soldo is beginning to get on my nerves ¡± ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª- After I had gotten in and freshened up for the night, I decided to go pay my parents a visit in their room. Funny enough, when I got in it felt like no one was home. It waster that I learned Iris was spending the night with Mrs Phoebe and Meredith. Approaching my dad these days felt like walking into judgment from God, but I had to face it either way. I ced three knocks on the door and heard a little muffling from the other side before I heard my dads voice utter a e in¡¯ At first I stood out for a few more seconds, wouldn¡¯t want to walk into anything that could make my day more horrifying. The first sight I caught was my mom standing a few feet from me with a re on her face and red puffy eyes like she¡¯d been crying. I took a few steps towards her actually feeling very concerned because my mom doesn¡¯t cry just for any reason. ¡± Mom are you o-¡± I wasn¡¯t able to finish my statement because my mother struck me on the face. It took me literally three seconds to realize that she had pped me. My mom just pped me. What did I do wrong?? ¡± You owe that girl the world and everything that wille after it for what you¡¯ve done to her¡± she half yelled and stormed past me, definitely making sure to brush my shoulders as she made her way out. I looked to my dad and his expression was definitely clear that he knew what my mom was talking about. For some seconds we just remained in silence, the two of us watching each other. I was slowly trying to numb the pain I was already feeling in my chest. My dad looked at me like he couldn¡¯t even recognize me and that hit me hard. The one person I didn¡¯t want to disappoint was beyond aggravated with me. ¡± I¡¯m going to try and talk to your mother¡± he stated, breaking the silence that had engulfed us. Slowly, he stood to his feet and began heading towards me, probably to head out the door. ¡± please don¡¯t hate me ¡± I whisper but I know he heard it. Rather he didn¡¯t respond. He only walked through the door and left me alone. I just couldn¡¯t hold it anymore, a tear drop escaped from my eyes. Life Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. Mr Reid was taking a lot more time than he had said he would. He was already here earlier when he had collected the tube containing Louisa¡¯s blood and left the room. It was already fifteen minutes past nine am but our meeting was scheduled for eight thirty. Apparently, he¡¯s forty five minuteste. So you can guess, forty five minutes of my mind wandering and making impossible guesses on what exactly was going on with Louisa. None of the images were pretty. I couldn¡¯t even have a seat, the rate of my blood pressure can cause a pop of my aorta if cause even the slightest obstruction of blood flow. No one had said a word to me this morning before I had stepped out, except udette who had offered that I at least have breakfast. Every other person looked at me like I was in possession of the devils trident. So I suspect they may have all gotten to know that my parents had found out the true story behind Louie¡¯s conception. ¡± You can¡¯t expect them to not be disappointed, I was disappointed too. Still am ¡± Dn¡¯s words fromst night resonated in my head and as the seconds ticked by, I had lost track of the number of people that I had actually let down. Including Iris. Oh God, especially Iris. I need to find Louisa even if its thest thing I do. ¡± I¡¯m sorry I¡¯mte, needed to collect a few materials necessary for our meeting ¡± Mr Reid steps in with a bunch of papers in his hold as he walks to his desk and takes a seat. ¡°If its necessary for our meeting then its fine¡± Not really but we have no choice. ¡± I thought so. Have a seat, we¡¯ve got a lot to discuss ¡± he drops the papers on the table before him and gestures to the nearest avable seat opposite him. ¡± I¡¯m good. Any leads ? ¡± Forgive my impatience, no time to chit chat over my daughters life. ¡± Yes, I had some internal forensics run a production check on the tube. Itsbel was A-79ead, clearly meaning it was produced this year and also most likely produced by three pharmaceuticalpanies ¡± he began and picked up the first paper from the pile ¡± Tech and Ed pharmaceuticals, HealthyPharm and JoyLife Pharmaceuticals¡± he stopped to look at me like he had just solved the mystery case. ¡± Okay, but Mr Reid I honestly have no idea how three tube and drug producingpanies is a lead¡± ¡± It is. All threepanies have a location you know? HealthyPharm is located at Dat in Vietnam, while the rest are located in Rapid city, South Dakota¡± ¡± So you mean, Soldo could either be in Vietnam or in the United States of America? ¡± ¡± No, I mean the person after your life is in Vietnam ¡± At first I stilled, I¡¯m pretty sure that was for ten seconds before I caught myself again. ¡± The person after my life? And how certain are we that its Vietnam? ¡± ¡± Information from an Intel who looked into thepanies says the payment was madete March, by a Visa card. The same Visa card had made online payments in ra, Buenos Aires, Carolina. Baghdad, Czech, Djibouti. Cbar, Das and Eastbourne. Do you notice anything? ¡± I shook my head in a negative response, all I got from that was Soldo¡¯s been traveling round the world. ¡± Hunter you need to rx and analyze this, so please take a seat first¡± After a few seconds of contemting, I swallowed a breath and sat down on the gestured seat. ¡± Good, now go through this papers carefully. Particrly the one containing the list of cities he¡¯s been to. ¡± he stretches out his hand containing the papers to me. I collected them and began to focus on each city. All of them sounding familiar but nothing linking them together. Not an election, not a robbery, not a natural disaster. Nothing.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. They were just random cities that look like its being taught to a toddler in alphabetical order. Wait!! ra. Buenos Aires. Carolina. Baghdad. Czech. Djibouti. Cbar. Das. Eastbourne. ¡± There¡¯s a sequence. A, B, C. B, C, D. C, D, E. The next city should begin with a D. That¡¯s Dat. ¡± ¡°Exactly.. So the person we¡¯re desperately searching for, is in Vietnam ¡± ¡± What do you mean by the person? We¡¯re after soldo aren¡¯t we? ¡± Mr Reid released a sigh before speaking ¡± Hunter, you¡¯ve been in a n before. You of all people should know that if there¡¯s a king, there should always be a king of all kings¡± ¡± you¡¯re referring to Soldo¡¯s boss¡± ¡± Yes, there¡¯s always a bigger boss son. And he¡¯s gonna make sure no other n helps you because you¡¯ve defied him¡± ¡± but you¡¯re helping me¡± ¡± Which I didn¡¯t want to in the beginning, but you¡¯ve be family. I wanted to protect my family. Ever wondered why I left? ¡± ¡± A lot¡± My answer seemed to amuse him because Mr Reid actually beganughing. ¡± You¡¯ve never asked me why I had sent Meredith away. I¡¯m fully aware you know we have a rtionship ¡± ¡± I didn¡¯t ask because its not my business what happened between You and your daughter ¡± ¡°Wrong. Meredith is not my daughter. if anything she¡¯s my niece. She¡¯s my wife¡¯s niece to be more precise. ¡± ¡°I dont get it¡± Mr Reid stood to his feet and walked a few steps away from his table till he approached the cab nearby. Putting his hand into his side pocket and pulls out a little key, before inserting it into the top most shelf¡¯s keyhole. He pulls open the drawer, which responds with a deep screech like the wooden architecture hadn¡¯t been open in a very long time. After withdrawing a hefty file that was indeed slightly covered in dust thus confirming my suspicion on the use of the cab, he returns back to the table and flops the documents on the desk. ¡± Hunter, I¡¯m about to tell you about Meredith Sa¡¯adia Gonzalez and her Father, Pedro. The man who¡¯s after your life¡± Again Third person P. O. V The weather outside was a little too dull and mostly cloudy. Louie sat by the window and stared at the endless array of trees that surrounded the house she had found herself in, slowly and silently crying to herself again. She was all alone in the room as Santiago had stepped out a few minutes ago to get who¡¯d shower her and at least buy her lunch. To him soldo was behaving a little too rash by leaving a frail looking five year old hungry for over six hours. But Louisa neverined. All she¡¯d do is cry. Well she¡¯s been crying, what exactly do you expect a kidnapped child to do? As Santiago walked down the hallway to get her something from the kitchen, he mistakenly bumped into Ferreti. ¡± Someone looks depressed¡± Her native Italian ent crawled into his ears. Santiago only let out a smirk as he stood to reply her statement. Ferreti was an attractivedy, with the height and figures that could keep her tied with a modeling career. It never failed to amaze him how such a vibrant youngdy would rather live for a n. Two faced. That was her code name. Not to be insultive but it was literally true. Thisdy could take on the personality of anyone and everyone. From an Indian native in Srinka to a Hausa speakingdy from Nigeria and her Italian ent would remain absolutely hidden. And she was a perfectionist at it. Honestly it amazed him too. Ferreti was rarely present at the den so her presence was actually one that needed questioning before anything. She was actually on a mission currently and leaving a mission toe into the den was actually frowned upon as it makes it easier to trace. But as the sister to the boss.. Sometimes such offenses pass by unnoticed. ¡± What are you doing here Fer? And no, I¡¯m not depressed. Just a little too tired¡± Santiago replied and unknowingly released a sigh. ¡± Taking care of the kid of any mission can be hard. Trust me, I know ¡± her tone was technically referring to current mission and heughed actually feeling sorry for her. This was her longest mission yet and apparently seems like the toughest. None of them even had an idea that she was gonna stay that long. But she wasn¡¯tining so they all kept their lips sealed till it was over and of course sessful as usual. ¡± I¡¯m famished.. Just wanted to grab a thing or two to eat. And find someone to shower the little girl¡± Santiago ryed his problem and Ferreti looked at him like he¡¯s trying to crack a joke or something. ¡± Hope you aren¡¯t trying to ask me¡± her words were almost sounding threatening. The young man before herughed ever so heartily at her reaction. ¡± I wouldn¡¯t. You won¡¯t even do it if your life depended on it¡± he said with remnant traces of hisughter on his lips. ¡°Good¡± she huffed and whipped away in the other direction, swaying her hips intentionally to grasp his attention. It was no new fact that Ferreti was deeply interested in Santiago. But as the sister to his boss, Santiago knew better than toe close. That didn¡¯t stop her from teasing him anyways. He shook his head amusingly and walked towards the kitchen. The house was oddly empty at that hour and Santiago believed they had dispatched another spy team again. Possibly they¡¯ve got a new mission. The thought of iing missions already got him feeling weak as he cannot tell how much more mind stress he can handle. Once he gets his pay from this job he¡¯s gonna go on a vacation, he thought to himself. ¡°I pray its that easy¡± he muttered under his breath knowing all the procedures he had to go through to earn the much needed vacation. But he decided to push the thought aside till further notice and stepped into the kitchen. The opened cereal box on the counter looked interesting enough. So all he did was to get two bowls, spoons and a few cubes of sugar before heading back to the room. The image of Louisa sitting by the window with tears in her eyes popped into his head and lord knows the sight brought a huge difort to his chest. After making his way back to the room, he slowly opened the door and met Louie sleeping with her head resting in the window seal. Her breaths were incredibly deep so it waspletely obvious she had cried her hungry self to sleep. He gently ced the contents of his hand down on the nearest table and decided to prepare it first before waking her up. Once he was done, he tapped the little girl softly at first. She only stirred and he tapped her again. ¡°M-mommy? ¡± were her first words immediately she opened her eyes, but her features fell and her eyes began glistening from the disappointment once she recognized who it was. ¡± You need to eat okay? ¡± Santiago cooed to her and although she was a little girl with a stubborn heart, she knew he was right. So she nodded in affirmation and he took a seat close to her to begin spoon feeding her. One by one she ate the cereal and even demanded for a little more as the first bowl wasn¡¯t satisfactory. Although she was shy to ask, Santiago read it off her bodynguage when the first bowl was running empty. Halfway into the second bowl a knock came on the door and Santiago politely excused himself to go answer it. On opening the door, his heart ached for Louie already but he had no other option than to step aside and let Soldo¡¯s will be done.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. The nurse stepped into the room and Louisa raised her head from the food she was focused on eating. The moment the baby girl set eyes on the visitor, she began shedding silent tears again. So Santiago could only ept that the little girl recognized who it was. As the crew doctor began to pull out her apparatus from her little mobile purse Santiago only whispered to himself. ¡°Hunter please search a little faster ¡± Because it was time to drain Louisa by a syringe again. Pedro Hunter¡¯s P. O. V. ¡°Wait. What do you mean by Pedro is the man after my life and how in the world is he Meredith¡¯s father, it doesn¡¯t make any sense! ¡± I eximed, trying to keep my cool was failing woefully because with my heart rate, I should be suffering from a cardiac arrest in T minus five. ¡± Deep breaths Hunter, I¡¯m gonna exin it all to you but you need to take a deep breath. We can¡¯t have you dying before You even get the chance to save Louisa¡± Mr Reid stated ever so calmly with his eyes focused on me. But I adhered to his instruction. A deep breath could be the only solution to my state of mind. After inhaling and obviously exhaling, Mr Reid took it as a sign to carry on. ¡°Pedro Ha¡¯adith Gonzalez. A man of Brazilian, Arabian and Spanish origin. I think his roots are enough to trace how deadly he can be. Most young people join the n today without knowing what they¡¯re going into, you all see it as an opportunity for drug peddling and money intake. ¡± Mr Reid reaches to the file before him and pulls out a very old newspaper, before tossing it in my direction. ¡°Read the headline¡± he continued. With slightly shaking hands, I pick the newspaper and unfolded it. 27th May 1995 Suspected terrorist group, The n, bombs Yekshire state building. I had to re-read the headline at least twice before looking up to Mr Reid again. ¡°Hunter, the n is a terrorist group. Like the Isis of the Arabs and Boko Haram of west Africa. The n is an international terrorist group, they kill, they steal, they nt false evidences. I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re aware of thest duty as I¡¯ve heard youve been on a quite sessful few¡± If that was meant to be appraisal or indictment, I wasn¡¯t sure. ¡± You used to be a part of the n¡± I stated, fully remembering why I needed his help in the first ce. ¡°That was before it became a terrorist group. Pedro, Matthias and I began this circle called the n. Why? Pedro¡¯s father was a renowned political personality back in the Arab emirates. His father was falsely used and fake evidence was nted against him for the murder of a senator, Duraj Khalifa. Hence he was sentenced to death. ¡± Mr Reid reaches for another newspaper in the file and hands it to me. I didn¡¯t need to be told before I opened it to read the headline. 13th November 1982 Senator Duraj Khalifaes out to prove death rumors wrong. ¡± He was never murdered ¡± I say, looking at the image of the Duraj Khalifa stepping out of a building with both hands waving to the crowd. ¡± It was a set up to get rid of Pedro senior, that is Pedro¡¯s dad. The senator was going up against Mr Gonzalez in an election seven months after the prosecution. So nopetition -¡± ¡°Duraj was assured of winning ¡± ¡°Exactly. Especially after all the controversies, he¡¯d gathered enough poprity to set his winning streak. Any one with a rational thinking would know there¡¯s a set up behind this, why couldn¡¯t hee out to null all the death rumors before Pedro¡¯s father was killed?. Pedro was an only child. Well, asides from his adopted brother. Funny enough he was the product of a one night stand with a gold digger who dumped him to his father for a good sum of money. Ever since, he was raised and nurtured by one man who cared for him effortlessly, only for him to get killed over some peoples selfish quest for himself.¡± he pulls out another paper from the file and reads out the headline to my hearing. ¡± April twenty fifth, Neen eighty three. Senator Duraj Khalifa found and confirmed dead in his apartment¡± he flips open the paper and continues reading. ¡°Roughly a month after Mr Khalifa¡¯s election, he was found dead in his apartment with a drink containing chloroform and two gunshot wounds to the head. The investigation team suspect it to be a suicide due to the evidences gathered and no sign of external presences ¡± Mr Reid raises his eyes from the paper to send me a nce. ¡± That was the first and sessful mission of the n. We murdered Duraj Khalifa. Pedro nned it all, I was his closest and most likely only friend, where as Matthias was his adopted brother. Together we took revenge on every party that had coborated to kill his father ¡± ¡± How was it so easy for you? I mean.. You technically nned a murder¡± I asked, not wanting to point out how he did it under his parents nose. His soft chuckle almost lightened the mood till he spoke. ¡± Children without guardians find it so easy to walk into mes and not give a damn. I was an orphan, like fate had its way of doing things. Pedro and I came across each other some time when we were a lot younger. I used to sit at the corner of the road opposite a coffee shop begging for food or at least money to buy the food. Pedro came one day and dropped a cup of coffee and a garlic bread. Did that for a week till he came with his father. The good man put me in an orphanage home and sponsored my education in the same school as Pedro. So during the period of his fathers death, I could simply say I was going to spend the night at his ce to cheer him up and I¡¯d be let out. They were all fully aware of our friendship ¡± ¡°Wow¡± that was all my mind could think of. There¡¯s practically too much in a back story. ¡± Wow indeed. Left to me, I wouldn¡¯t have supported that revenge murder but in a way I felt indebted to him. So I did¡± ¡± what happened afterwards ¡± ¡± Pedro lost it. It took us years to terminate everyone involved in his fathers murder but when we were done, I wanted to call quits. I was ready to settle with a job and a family and Matthias was just a teenager with all of his life before him. Pedro said he¡¯d wanted to settle too, so everyone called quits. We sent Matthias to another country toplete his college and secure a future for himself. I had gotten married and had kids, three at that moment. Pedro had gotten married too, coincidentally to my wife¡¯s sister. But we all attended the weddings and were happy for each other¡± he paused to look at the file again before us, so i assumed he was gonna pull out another paper but he didn¡¯t. He just continued speaking. ¡± I thought we all had moved on to a better life, till I turned on the television and I see the news. A boat carrying the grand son to Duraj Khalifa across Indian waters capsizes due to an unknown explosion. At first I wanted to call it coincidental till a video surfaced on the inte, of a terrorist group known as The n iming responsibility. Then I knew it was Pedro. More attacks here and there until the bombing at Yerkshire state building. I had to go to Pedro myself to stop him. The event at the state building had been a children¡¯s day celebration, meaning over hundreds of children got killed because the grand niece to another aplice in his fathers death was in the same building. Pedro wasn¡¯t listening to me, so I took it to the police. I had to confess everything. But before I did, I told my wife. I had submitted myself and Pedro to the authorities. I pleaded for a quiet prosecution and judgment but I was given a lot less striking penalty than Pedro was, I had no idea where Matthias was on earth so I let the kid fend for his life. Nine years imprisonment with hardbor son. It was only imprisonment because I came clean and helped capture another terrorist, Pedro was to be given a death penalty¡± ¡°So if Pedro served a death sentence, how is he my worry? ¡± its no longer making any sense.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Pedro never served the penalty. He was to spend ten years in jail before facing his sentence but he escaped in the ninth year, no one knows how. When I was done with my sentence, I returned home to meet myst child as my wife was pregnant before I left and another girl. The girl we know as Meredith. Pedro¡¯s wife was also pregnant and after giving birth to Sa¡¯adia as she had named her, she fled because she had realized who her husband was. Till today we can only guess her whereabouts ¡± I took a few seconds to digest this information before I thought of uttering a word. ¡± But why is Pedro after me? I¡¯ve done nothing wrong to him¡± ¡± Hunter you¡¯ve done everything wrong. After we dispatched thinking we had gotten new lives, Pedro recruited a new team to help carry out his acts. Soldo happens to be a part of this team. For protection, Pedro ced Matthias under Soldo ¡± The name finally hit a chord in my senses. ¡± The s-same Matthias? ¡± ¡± Yes Hunter, the same Matthias you had killed. You murdered Pedro¡¯s remaining family. Well, with exception of Meredith ¡± A shiver passed through my spine at the realization and another dawn of how much trouble I¡¯m in fell upon me. ¡± And if you¡¯re interested, I think you should know more about Meredith. She¡¯s the only direct link you¡¯ve got to Pedro ¡° Rejection Hunter¡¯s P. O. V. You know that feeling you get when it seems like you¡¯ve acquired too much information in such little time space?Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Yeah, that one with the extreme headache and epiphanic stomach upset? Exactly.. I¡¯m experiencing its worse case scenario at the moment. ¡± Before we go further into any information, I want to know. Is Meredith spying for him? ¡°I asked with a grip of fear around my throat. ¡± If Pedro could get his hands on his daughter, I think his first n would be to ce her under his protection based on the number of enemies he¡¯d created¡± Mr Reid contradicted my opinion and no doubt¡¯s, I felt relieved. ¡± So what about Meredith? ¡± better to know it now than never. ¡± Ah.. Sa¡¯adia¡± Mr Reid sighed and a small smile graced his lips as he took his seat. ¡± After nine years of being trained and taught as my daughter, Pedro escaped from prison and decided to make my life a living hell¡± ¡± how? ¡± ¡± Well son, Pedro came for revenge. Actually, the truth is¡­ From the beginning, I had no idea that he had escaped from jail. My family and I had been living normal lives, moved to Jackson town, got normal daily jobs and our kids were schooling at the state institution. Everything seemed to be going well.. Actually, a little too well for someone who had definitely offended Pedro but it didnt take long for my worst fears toe into reality ¡± I really didn¡¯t need to ask him what were his worst fears, with Pedro anything is possible. ¡± Michael would never be able to use his legs again all because of him. Ate night walk with Meredith and he was beaten beyond recognition. At first I couldn¡¯t link it to Pedro, in fact I had no idea it could be him but things kept happening ¡± To be honest, how Michael ended up in a wheel chair was a question I had always wanted to ask but felt out of ce to do so. ¡± Mason had gotten attacked once.. Survived knife stabs to his gut. Meredith had been terribly sick and was ced under admission in the hospital. Mason was practically the only person who spent most of his time there, he decided toe home as usual by eight pm every night since he began visiting Mer there and he was attacked out of no where and stabbed twice in the stomach. Luckily for us some hospital staffs who were on their way home saw him a few feet from the hospital,ying half conscious and in a pool of his own blood. We were called in as soon as he was rushed for an emergency treatment. Funny enough, I still couldn¡¯t link it to Pedro ¡± ¡± You couldn¡¯t link another attack on your kids to Pedro. How exactly did you link it then? ¡± that was my major curiosity, how was he able to tell Pedro was responsible? ¡± A lot more things happened. Mary was kidnapped and while in the custody of her kidnappers she was injected with a substance that affected her speech. If you¡¯ve noticed, Mary doesn¡¯t really talk, although she can say a line or two but she¡¯d sound like a slurring child so she prefers her silence. But I assure you, her brain is the greatest man calctor and analyst you can find¡± Mr Reid said with a smile seemingly proud of his daughter no matter the defect. ¡± And Michelle.. She was gang raped at the age of twelve. Three men. Most traumatic experience of her life and the way I figured out Pedro was responsible. When asked to describe the men all she could remember was a simr tattoo the three men had inmon. A veryrge letter P and a skull to go with it. Nothing was more epiphanic than that. I believe by then, he had realized that I knew he was responsible. Hence I started getting threat letters from him to return his daughter to him and that is thest thing I¡¯d ever do to Meredith ¡± Mr Reid sighed and rubbed a hand across his forehead like he was recalling a memory he deeply wanted to forget. My cold feet doubled from hearing Michelle had been raped. Howe she had never told me about it? Do you think Iris would have easily told someone else that you had raped her too? That thought was enough to silence me. ¡± One night¡± Mr Reid continued ¡± I had gone out with my wife to make ns on how to let Meredith gopletely. We couldn¡¯t silently or secretly hand her over to someone because Pedro would still think we¡¯ve got a hold on her and are trying to hide her away from him, he¡¯d stille after my family and at that point we had been through a lot. So I made ns with my cousin, who was a cop at Saint mos. We wanted to openly reject Meredith so Pedro could easily find out that she was no longer under my custody but the only way to assure Meredith¡¯s safety was to make sure she was under thew.. ¡± ¡± That was where your cousin came in¡± I chipped in. ¡± Exactly.. And Pedro had rules, you don¡¯t meddle with thew and they shouldn¡¯t meddle with you¡± ¡± How did you openly reject her? ¡± ¡± It would be a very suspicious incident if we just started shouting and a passing officer decides to take her home. So we took a while to make ns, bit by bit we saved all our necessary documents and decided on what to do. On the night of our wedding anniversary, The actual n was to leave all out kids at home, Meredith had been talking about making a surprise cake to Mason which he subtly told us about. So when Meredith goes into the kitchen to start the cake, we¡¯d set the attic on fire. The person hired to do it was to ensure everyone was downstairs before starting the fire and alerting them about it, just to make sure no one gets hurt. But all the kids had gone out that evening while we waited for the n to be executed. Only Meredith stayed behind to make the cake and after it had been carried out, we arrived home, pretended to be surprised but a little shocked to realize Meredith was the only one home.. ¡± ¡± But that made the n more believable ¡± ¡± Yes, a lot more believable but also extremely painful. A small crowd had gathered and so had our kids. We began ming her for the ident and openly rejected her.. ¡± Mr Reid paused for a while to catch his breath. By the way his eyes were glistening, it was obvious the memory hit him as hard as it did on the same day. ¡± I¡¯d never forget the pain in her eyes while she cried and looked at me. Silently begging me, silently apologizing for what had happened, Silently wishing that I hadn¡¯t just rejected her. But I did and it broke my heart too much to watch her any longer, so i walked away with all my kids except Mer. My wife couldn¡¯t leave the scene, she was in full tears but I had to drag her away for our safety. And that was when my cousin took Meredith in. ¡± ¡± So Meredith came under custody of thew..¡± I continued ¡°By paternal rejection ¡° Right Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. ¡± Wow¡± that was all I could say. Heck, that was all I could think of. ¡± A day I¡¯d prefer to delete from my memory ¡± Mr Reid said with a sigh in his voice ¡± but I don¡¯t get it, how didn¡¯t this make the news? ¡± With a personality as popr as his, trolls could have dug this up a long time ago. ¡± We thought our n through. Jackson town was a really small town, we chose the night of our wedding anniversary because we wedded on thanksgiving day. Most families in the area were always out during that period plus with a little back up connection here and there, we were advertly secured¡± Well to be fair, Mr Reid has enough links to begin the third world war if need be. ¡± Have you guys reached out to Meredith ever since? ¡± No matter how cold hearted I may seem, I definitely felt hurt for the poor girl. ¡± My son keeps in touch with a secured line once in a while. And I make sure to send enough money to my cousin through some hidden channel best known to me for her upkeep. But heavens know I¡¯d rather have her back with me again ¡± And I felt the exact same way in my own scenario. I want my daughter back. ¡± A secured line? He knows? And which of your sons? ¡± ¡°Mason. Yes he¡¯s aware and that¡¯s enough back story I suppose. The truth is, Pedro can only surface when be desperately wants his daughter back and I think he¡¯s using you as a bait¡± ¡± how? ¡± ¡± You bring him Meredith on time, he gives you your daughter alive. Though Louisa being alive isn¡¯t a guarantee that he¡¯d let you live. You killed his brother ¡± ¡± Was I supposed to let him kill me?! Why is everyone so judgmental? ¡± ¡± well, in actual sense. Yes. You were supposed to let him kill you. That¡¯s what you get for joining a n you know nothing about ¡± This sounded a lot like a father scolding his son for rebellion. ¡± But I¡¯m not dead and all I want is louisa Please ¡± ¡± I know.¡± Mr Reid pulled open another drawer and brought out a sealed file ¡± Everything you¡¯re gonna use to travel is here. Once you get to your destination, call the three numbers you see on the third slip. Those are my spies and guides, they¡¯re gonna help watch your back and track Soldo¡± ¡± Travel? ¡± ¡± Yes son. You¡¯re going to go get Soldo yourself to prove how serious you are¡± ¡± Alone? They¡¯d skin me¡± ¡± No. Not alone. You¡¯d be working with my crew¡± a knock came on the door and I was a little frightened. ¡°Come in¡± he replied to the knock and shortly after, Mary strode in wearing an all ck attire from head to toe. Mr Reid had a brilliant smile on his face as she walked towards us. ¡± Hunter, meet the head of my crew¡± he said and gestured his hand towards his daughter who in turn acknowledged me with a nod. I nodded back but then a thought hit me. ¡°What about Diane? ¡± ¡± I think we shouldn¡¯t trust her, but make her feel we do¡± Mr Reid suggested and his words left me a lot more confused ¡± I don¡¯t understand ¡± ¡± Work with her, get information from her but never divulge the one you know¡± ¡± She¡¯d pick on it¡± ¡± If she really wants to help, she wouldn¡¯t mind¡±Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± what if she¡¯s working for him¡± ¡± I think we¡¯d figure that out with time, for now be wary¡± I nodded in affirmation because his n seemed like the best. ¡± I haven¡¯t heard from Michelle in a while, is she okay? She isn¡¯t answering my calls¡± ¡± She really isn¡¯t in the best of moods. Her wedding was trashed and her supposed husband ran away with the daughter of his secretary that kept calling him daddy ¡± Mr Reid said with a smirk as he watched me. ¡± uhm.. ¡± no viable exnation was surfacing. I¡¯m pretty sure I looked like a deer caught in headlights. If at all he had to find out I had a daughter, it shouldn¡¯t be this way. But he didn¡¯t seem quite offended. If anything, Mr Reid actually found my reaction amusing. ¡± I had a guess that she was yours the moment I set my eyes on her in that flower girl outfit. The resemnce is really spitting, though I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d use your own daughter for another wedding ¡± ¡± it¡¯s a really long story I guess¡± I scratched the back of my head out of nervousness but Mary who was seated silently by my side let out a cough that seemed like she was trying to cover up augh. ¡± I¡¯m guessing she¡¯s from your secretary ¡± Mr Reid said with a wider smirk this time. ¡± its not exactly what you think, I swear. Its a really long story¡± ¡± Stop being so defensive son. There¡¯s always time to hear the storyter. But for now, I¡¯d like tovish in my thoughts ¡± He¡¯s still smirking!! I groaned and stood to my feet. ¡± I think I should get going ¡± ¡± Yeah, you should. Mary would be traveling with you but through another means. She¡¯d reach out to you once she¡¯s there ¡± he said and Mary nodded. ¡± that¡¯s fine¡± ¡± oh and hunter.. Two more things¡± ¡± oh God.. Please tell me it isn¡¯t something else that would give me a heart attack, I¡¯ve learnt a little too much today¡± I was silently crying in my heart, this is enough fear a man can hold. Mr Reid found my reaction amusing once again. Apparently, my distress has be a source of entertainment. ¡± No kid. No harsh news. I was about to tell you to inform your father about everything and your travels. Then the second thing, call Diane.. Meet up with her, let¡¯s see how things go from there¡± ¡± this is equivalent to sending me into a lions den¡± I narrowed my eyes as my heartbeat increased in anticipation of the drama ahead. ¡± Diane is a girl, I think you can take her on. You killed Matthias anyway ¡± he added a shrug ¡± I was referring to my father¡± ¡± In that case, you have all my blessings. Go well son¡± With a groan I turned around and walked out to face my fate. It was now or never. But that determination didn¡¯t stop me from hearing Mr Reidugh softly at my fear. As soon as I shut his door behind me, I picked up my phone and dialed a number I dreaded calling at this hour After three rings, he answered the call. ¡± Hello? ¡± ¡± Hello dad? Are you at home? ¡± ¡± well yes, where else would I be? ¡± ¡± okay. I¡¯m on my way home now, I just met with Mr Reid and I have a lot to tell you¡± There was a brief silence on the phone before he replied my sentence. ¡± why do I feel like what you¡¯re about to tell me is going to be really scary? ¡± I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle a little. ¡± You may be right ¡° Ride Iris¡¯s P. O. V. It was alreadyte evening when Mrs Phoebe, Meredith and I arrived back at the McConnell household. My eyes had been swollen and red from all the tears I had been shedding despite Mrs Phoebe¡¯s words and merediths efforts to console me. A smile didn¡¯t just feel right, I needed my baby back. We climbed up the porch and I did the honors of knocking. It was only a few seconds before Megan came peeping through the eye hole and threw the door open as soon as she could. ¡± Thank goodness you¡¯re okay ¡± she said as she looked me in the eye knowing fully well that I had been crying but I guess she doesn¡¯t want to mention it. I gave a very brief smile before by stepping her and walking into the house, leaving her to exchange pleasantries with the guests I had brought over. ¡± My lord.. I was so worried. I¡¯m so sorry if I said something wrong yesterday, I just.. I kinda overstepped my b-¡± Hunter¡¯s mom was seated in the living room and the moment she set her eyes on me she jumped to her feet tried to apologize but I had to cut her short. ¡± No.. Its nothing. He¡¯s your son and one way or the other you deserved to know, so you did nothing wrong. I just wanted to get away for a while ¡± I replied and managed to give another brief smile before heading towards the stairs. I could still hear the tter of discussions going on downstairs, and from the sound of it, it seems like everyone had all gathered in the sitting room to meet the guests. It was an opportunity to hop into the shower and take a really long bath. While in the bathroom, little shes of Louie kept going through my mind. I easily remembered the day she had said her first word. Megan¡¯s grandma and I had gone shopping and I definitely carried her along. We went looking for a new set of pyjamas for Louisa, so when we got to the store we had seen so many outfits which we liked but didn¡¯t know which to select. Mrs Holly had made a joke of how she wished Louisa was old enough to choose for herself and I yfully decided to give it a try. We watched her scan the outfits as possible as she could and after a small cute smile, she uttered the word ¡°buu¡± even though she was looking at the color ck. And that was how Louisa got her blue-ck onesie. She loved that outfit so much that when she got bigger than it, she wore it on her favorite teddy. Jiggles was the sexiest teddy bear to have ever walked the surface of the earth, ording to Megan. I smiled but a tear rolled down my face once again. So many little thoughts were causing quakes in my head. I think I¡¯m more bothered about if she had eaten breakfast or if she isn¡¯t being sexually molested than she being brought home. Not that I don¡¯t want her home with me but I just want her safety wherever she is. I wasn¡¯t so sure how long, but I¡¯m certain it could pass for an hour on how long I had been in the bathroom. Crying really helps whilst away time. It was time toe out and most certainly ask about the progress to the case. So far no one had told me anything about bringing Louie back and it was particrly disturbing. Hunter said he had a meeting with Mr Reid today, even if it wasn¡¯t sessful the least he can do is to tell me how far ns have gone. After cleaning up and putting on a in blue T-shirt with ck joggers, I left my bedroom to go find Hunter, or at least anyone who could help me out with what¡¯s going on. Descending the stairs felt a lot morefortable than ascending. Why? I also have no idea, but it just felt easier. I got to the ground floor and everyone was seated in the living room asides Hunter and his Dad. ¡± Darling let me get you something to eat¡± Mrs McConnell says to me as she stands to her feet and weakly, I smile at her. ¡± Thank you but I¡¯m okay ¡± She looked crestfallen at my reply and I¡¯m sincerely hoping she doesn¡¯t think myck of appetite has anything to do with her. ¡± I just need to find Hunter first I guess ¡± I continued, hoping it will make her see reasons not to feel disappointed. ¡± oh.. Yes. He said he had to be somewhere, although he didn¡¯t mention where ¡± ¡± Can I see Mr McConnell? ¡± I don¡¯t know why but I have a feeling I don¡¯t like what I¡¯m about to find out. ¡± He¡¯s in the bedroom dear ¡± She replied with a smile and I only nodded and went to find Mr McConnell. Suddenly the hallway felt too short because in no time I was in front of Mr McConnell¡¯s door and saw myself bracing up for whatever I was about to hear. Two taps on the door and it took seconds but I was able to hear a e in¡¯ soon enough. Deep breaths.. Deep breaths. For fucks sakes why am I so scared? I hate that my guts are yelling out something¡¯s wrong. Please let Louisa be okay. After pushing open the door, I walked into the room and saw Mr McConnell seated at the edge of his bed while going through some papers in his hands, looking somewhat frustrated. I watched as he flipped through the first file in his hand and nced through another like he was either searching for something or trying to makeparison between the two. Next he stood to his feet and walked towards his mini shelf at the side of the room to withdraw another file. Then he walked back to the edge of the bed once again and repeated his initial actions. His movements only helped to heighten my anxiety. ¡°Sir? ¡± I called out to his attention and his body jerk alone was enough to indicate that he had forgotten that he invited someone in. ¡± Miss Jules. I¡¯m so sorry, please have a seat¡± he said as he acknowledged me but didn¡¯t bother to send me a smile as he normally would. That is to say something serious was up. ¡± Mr McConnell is everything okay? ¡± the need to know what is going on was itching at my spine. ¡± Yes. Yes my dear everything¡¯s fine ¡± he started and looked at me for a while before continuing ¡± No Jules, everything is not fine. In times like this, there¡¯s no use lying to you¡± His use of words caused my heart to drop into my stomach. ¡°Please tell me Louisa is okay ¡± I quietly said but it was loud enough to fill in the conversation. ¡± So far as I know, Louisa should be okay. Nothing¡¯s happened to her. I¡¯m just very concerned about what my own son had said to me. Funnily he mentioned you being aware of it ¡± ¡°Me? ¡± I moved from scared to shocked at whatever I was about to be used of. ¡± Hunter is indebted to a drug lord and that is why all these are happening ¡± I really didn¡¯t know what to reply to his statement or question? I wasnt sure. ¡± So you were aware? ¡± I think my silence was enough answers to his supposed questions and he released a breath. ¡± I sent you here because I trusted you and I expected things like this to be brought to my knowledge but yet you knew and you kept it away from me as well. I¡¯m not penalizing you or using you that this is all your fault but I¡¯m saying informations like these shouldn¡¯t be kept secret. Look at how such a secret has put your life and that of your daughter and my grand daughter at stake. If anything I¡¯m not disappointed. I¡¯m scared, because this is worse than I thought ¡± And I could see it in his eyes. For the first time ever since I had met a strong man such as he. Mr McConnell was scared. ¡± Hunter didn¡¯t want you to know ¡± I chipped in, hoping it would help clear why I couldn¡¯t tell him. ¡± And where has that gotten us? This was a wasted secret because now he had to tell me himself ¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t want to disappoint you. At least that was his n¡± I whispered thest part out because I needed to soothsayer to tell me how Mr McConnell feels right now. He took another deep breath and murmured something to himself. As low as it was, I was able to hear it. ¡®Well he failed woefully at that¡¯ A minute of silence passed between us before he spoke again. ¡± And now I¡¯ve got to assimte the fact that we¡¯ve got a spy under our roofs¡± at this statement he released a chuckle. No one had to tell you that he didn¡¯t find any of these amusing. ¡± Now I¡¯ve got to dig up files that may have most likely gotten burnt with my entire house, just to get information about all the staffs I had recruited in the past ten years. If someone can give me one reason to not get angry, the odds would forever be in their favor¡± What can I say? If I were him I think I¡¯d have broken down long ago, but here he is trying to control his temper and raging emotions. ¡± where did I go wrong with Hunter? Just where? I gave him the right education, perfect allowance, secured job, time, affection, attention.. Yet, yet this is all I get paid back with. From what he did to you to this. He isn¡¯t even giving me time to breathe. I¡¯ve honestly failed as a parent ¡± ¡± No you haven¡¯t ¡± ¡± Show me my works and disprove me Jules. Just take a look at what you¡¯re going through all because of my son ¡± ¡± You have a daughter too. A lovely one at that ¡± no pun intended. ¡± And one I love so much, but after discovering all these with hunter, who knows what¡¯s going on in Love¡¯s life that I¡¯m also blinded to. I¡¯m terrified of my own children ¡± ¡± Hunter brought all these upon himself with his own two hands. He chose this life and it wasn¡¯t your fault because you did your best¡± ¡± But not we¡¯re all paying consequences of his sins. I doubt I¡¯d be able to see my sesses amidst this shadows¡± I wanted to counter him once again but I believe it would be difficult to make him acknowledge that all this is not from his parenting, its from the choices of an immature mind. But there was little time to chitchat. Time was ticking and with the way Mr McConnell was speaking, something tells me that Hunter isn¡¯t close by. ¡± Please where¡¯s Hunter? ¡± He was the only person who could give me urate updates about what¡¯s going on. ¡± He¡¯s at a ce. Said he needed to do something important ¡± ¡± important? Did he mention? ¡±Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡± No.. But I¡¯m aware its about that Solcus guy¡± ¡°Soldo? ¡± ¡± Yeah.. Whatever his name is¡± ¡± Can you take me there? Maybe I can help him out¡± He stopped and stared at me for a few seconds, most likely deciding if or if not to listen to me. ¡± I¡¯m not sure Jules, at the moment you¡¯re already in too much danger¡± ¡± And I¡¯ll willingly keep getting myself involved so far as it brings Louisa back to me¡± ¡± we all want Louisa back and at the same time we want you safe¡± ¡± Mr McConnell, I can¡¯t sit back and wait for someone else to go bring my own daughter back. Please I need to see hunter¡± I pleaded ¡± Okay. Get a sweater, its a half hour ride¡± Bananas Third person P. O. V. She blinked her eye twice to adjust to the ray of moonlight that was basking the pale looking skin of her face through the window. ¡± Hey.. She¡¯s up¡± Santiago said with a smile as he stood from his crouched position where he was seated all through the day as he watched the little girl. He hated this. He hated that he had to suffer an innocent child over the sins of her father. He wished he was dealing with hunter instead, his conscience would have let him handle this a lot easier. After she had been drained, she just walked to the couch where the squeezed and cried herself to sleep while saying ¡®daddy or mommy ¡®. It honestly broke a hardened man such as he to see such a small girl endure so much pain. It was pretty obvious to anyone who saw her that this event would definitely scar her for the rest of her life. But he had to admit something. Louisa was strong. She was too calm for a child in this situation. He expected her to keep throwing tantrums till they had to sedate her every single day. Instead sheplied. Its like she knew the gravity of the situation she was in and decided to obey all instructions given as possibly as a five year old could. ¡± you hungry? ¡± Santiago asked her as she sat down on the bed with her two legs crouched under her, like she was scared of the floors. He approached her slowly and sat by her side. Louie didn¡¯t even move, from the glint in her eyes, it appeared that Santiago was the only person she apparently trusted in the building. He lifted his right hand to reveal an apple that she hadn¡¯t seen until this moment and lifted a brow to ask a silent question if she was interested. The girl sat quietly with no words as she watched him disy the apple. In the dim of the night her puffy red eyes and pale malnourished skin were the most evident about her. Louisa released her two legs from underneath her and hugged them to her body. Still watching him. Santiago wondered how else to get her to feed and a thought crossed his mind.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. He took a bite from the apple and disyed it to her once again. This time taking it closer to her mouth. She bit the apple slowly and began chewing. It was only a matter of seconds before she collected the apple from him and began feeding on it. Watching her eat brought a smile to his face. Despite being her captors aid, he had fallen in love with the little girl and he would hate himself if she got hurt. But he was just the captors aide. He had no rights to release her without getting killed. And in as much as he loved the little girl like a child, he loved his life too. As Louie nibbled on the fruit, he decided to engage her in a conversation. ¡± What¡¯s your favorite fruit young one? ¡± She was silent for a while and a little skeptical if she should answer him. If her looks were anything to judge by. ¡± Mines mango. Mangoes that are very juicy¡± Santiago says with a smile. ¡°Mangoes are messy¡± she uttered very quietly, like she wasn¡¯t sure if she still had the freedom of speech. ¡± wow ¡± he said out of amazement and chuckled ¡± so what fruit is not messy? ¡± he asked ahead ¡± Apples, grapes, bananas¡± came her short reply. ¡± That¡¯s true, so you don¡¯t like mangoes? ¡± ¡± I do¡± ¡± But they mess up your clothes¡± She nodded to his statement. ¡± That means you like them but also don¡¯t like them¡± She nodded again. ¡± so what¡¯s your favorite fruit then? Apples? ¡± A three second silence before her reply came. ¡± no¡± ¡°Grapes? ¡°. ¡°Bananas ¡± And with her answer, Santiago smiled once more and their conversation continued all through the night. Don鈥檛 Iris¡¯s P. O. V. The night was windy. Far from being cold, but very windy.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. And as Mr McConnell had predicted, it was exactly thirty minutes drive from the house. Including the traffic jams and checkpoints. We pulled up in front of a neighborhood that seemed almost too empty to be called a neighborhood. All the lights in the houses were out and the only form of life I had seen in the area was a stray dog. Hunter¡¯s reasons for being here? I don¡¯t even wanna think about it. ¡± He said house number twenty seven. Can you see the numbers on the houses? ¡± Mr McConnell asked, breaking the silence. Proving he hadn¡¯t been here before too. ¡± Yes, we¡¯re on fifteen¡± I replied and watched him nod to my response before forging ahead but at a slower rate this time. But it was only a matter of seconds and we saw ourselves parked in front of house number seven. ¡± This is the ce? ¡± I asked, because even though this seemed to be the only house on the street with its indoor lights on, it looked¡­ Unlike hunter. ¡± I believe so, he told me Caravan street, boardman avenue. House number 27 or so I recall. His phone lines arent reachable to reconfirm the information ¡± He said as he stepped out of the car and I followed suit. I was actually terrified of the area but also in a haste to see hunter and ask him a lot of questions. So I walked faster than Mr McConnell and got to the door first just to knock quickly and get this over with. After four frivolous taps on the door, it was opened by ady. Need I mention a scantily dressed one? ¡± You. Your face seems like one I¡¯m supposed to know¡± the woman in an almost see through gown said as my initial fear began turning into rage. I don¡¯t even want to ess the situation right now cause I have a hundred percent chances of explosion. ¡°Diane who¡¯s at the door? Shut it quick for fucks sake¡± Hunter¡¯s voice called from inside the house and I don¡¯t know why the urge to p him fumed in me. Shut the door!? Shut the damn door!!? ¡± I had no idea I was interrupting something¡± I couldn¡¯t help it, I had to say something or my actions would beat me to it. ¡°Jules, calm-¡± Mr McConnell started but I responded in between. ¡°I am calm, I only asked-¡± and I got interrupted too when Hunter rushed to the door looking aghast. We all stared at each other for a few seconds. A few seconds was all I needed to calm down a bit. The scantily ddy walked out on us and went back into the room, muttering ¡®I don¡¯t have time for this¡¯ between the lines. That left us three and a windy night. Hunter began scratching behind his head like he was confused on what to say. The wind blew so heavily that its whistling sounds almost muffled Mr McConnell¡¯s voice when he cleared his throat to call our attention. ¡± She demanded to be here to help, I thought it was best if she stayed back but she insisted¡± he continued and Hunter still kept mute. This nitwit is getting on my nerves. ¡± This is the important thing you had to do?¡± I asked and patiently waited for him to reply. ¡± Thanks Dad but Iris, I think its best you go home¡± Did I just hear right? I should leave?? ¡± What did you say?¡± This came in a lower tune from me because I give myself a minimum of seconds to raise my voice. ¡± Look-¡± ¡± Look at what!? Look at what Hunter!!?. Your daughter is missing. My daughter. Then you end up here with a partly naked woman and ask for me to go home?? No Hunter, I¡¯d rather choke on saliva¡± I yelled and pushed passed him to enter the building. The half nakeddy was seated on a sofa and drinking water from a ss. ¡± So you¡¯re the baby mama¡± She said in between two sips. ¡± I am the baby¡¯s mother and who are you?¡± I crossed my arms and waited for a reply. ¡± That¡¯s Diane, Soldo¡¯s daughter¡± Hunter said from behind me as I heard the door click shut. ¡± wait Soldo!?¡± Am I hearing right?? ¡± Yes, and also Hunter¡¯s first love. Am I right hunny?¡± The Diane said with a smirk. ¡°Can it Diane¡± He replied her and walked towards a table at the far edge of the little house. I don¡¯t get it. The daughter of the man who allegedly kidnapped my daughter is happily sipping water and exposing her love life with hunter to me. And hunter was acting so normal. ¡± can someone exin what¡¯s going on to me?¡± My question was directed to hunter but i give every other person in the room the liberty to answer. ¡°Iris to be honest you shouldn¡¯t even be here¡± hunter said again and this time with all seriousness. ¡± So I was interrupting something¡± ¡± No. Im just trying to keep you away from danger. You¡¯re a lot safer at the family home than with Diane and I¡± ¡± So when did you intend oning back home?¡± Silence¡­ All i got was silence. ¡± He wasn¡¯t gonnae back until your kid was back too¡± Diane said as she stood up and walked to where hunter stood. I was still standing near the door and it was only when she moved that i remembered that I could move too. Didn¡¯t move though. ¡± So you were gonna disappear till louie got home. The least you could¡¯ve done was to tell me¡± ¡± I told him not to cause if he did you¡¯d want to follow¡± diane stated matter of factly. ¡± Is there anything wrong in helping to search for my daughter?¡± ¡± No Iris, the problem is where we¡¯re going to search for her¡± Hunter sighed and ran a hand down his face. Its only now that I¡¯m realizing he actually nned to disappear without telling me. ¡± So you were gonna just leave? Really?¡± ¡± I don¡¯t know Iris. I don¡¯t¡± Weakpoint Iris¡¯s pov He doesn¡¯t know? He doesn¡¯t know if he was gonna just disappear? ¡± But you were gonna find louie on your own. You didn¡¯t even deem it fit to tell me? Or even provide a feedback on your meeting with Mr Reid? Nothing??¡± He couldn¡¯t give me an answer because the room was dead silent and all i could hear was the sound of Diane¡¯s footsteps walking into another room that looks to me like the kitchen. Hunter wasn¡¯t even looking me in the eye. His both hands gripped the table before him and he looked at whatever paper was spread out on it. ¡± Hunter I asked a question¡± ¡± Calm it down Pillis, you sound like an over possessive wife¡± Diane said as she sauntered out of the kitchen to stand by Hunter¡¯s side. ¡± Her name¡¯s Iris and she has every reason to be angry¡± He started and then looked to me ¡± I¡¯m sorry for not giving you feedback, I just got overwhelmed by everything I found out that I really didn¡¯t know how to tell anyone except dad¡± ¡± So the mother of the child shouldn¡¯t have known about the new developments?¡± If speech was visible, developments in my question would¡¯ve been an image of Diane. ¡± Iris its a lot okay? If i had told you everything, your chances of believing Louisa would somedaye home could be zero to none¡± Zero to none. That was all I heard. It resonated in my ear with a hundred echoes and suddenly the room became two times smaller and colder. I could literally feel the goosebumps on my body rising and a quick drowsiness caught me. I don¡¯t know if it was the fear orption of stress. ¡± I need to sit down¡± I whispered to myself and walked towards the nearest chair I could find and tried to rx by shutting my eyes. Then everywhere was dead silent again. Asides from the tension, there was also a slight awkwardness in the atmosphere. Hunter¡¯s behaviour seemed uncanny. Like not only did he n to disappear without telling me. But he hoped to be sessful at it. The ceiling fan was the only sound anyone could easily hear, besides my thumping heart which could actually be due to my lightheadedness. I think I may being down with something. ¡± What did Mr Reid tell you?¡± I asked but still kept my eyes shut. I was feeling incredibly dizzy too. No one answered my question. If anything, it seemed like I hadn¡¯t asked anything at all.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. That was when I opened my eyes and looked towards the direction Hunter and Diane were standing hoping to get an answer or even an exnation to why I couldn¡¯t get an answer. ¡± Hunter I asked a question¡± ¡°You¡¯re annoying¡± Diane uttered with a look of irritation on her face. ¡± Excuse you, but I asked someone else my question¡± ¡°And can¡¯t you see he¡¯s actually too busy to deal with your petty questions at the moment¡± That was when I looked at him and noticed how he was only observing the both of us. Noments. ¡± Then he should have said something to exin himself no matter how brief¡± ¡± No wonder he didn¡¯t want you toe along. You¡¯re annoying¡± ¡± I¡¯m annoying?? I¡¯m annoying because I don¡¯t want to be left out of the loop?¡± I started but now Hunter deemed it right to speak up. ¡± Diane I am going to stab you sixteen times if you don¡¯t can it¡± Hunter roared but that wasn¡¯t enough for me. ¡± You¡¯re gonna stab me but she¡¯s got a running mouth. She needs to can it too or I¡¯d teach it to her¡± Diane rattled and crossed her arms. ¡± You honestly can¡¯t teach what you don¡¯t know¡± I retaliated and that looked like the straw to her patience. ¡± okay, that¡¯s it¡± Hunter began and walked to where I was seated ¡± Iris,e with me¡± he said and stretched out his right hand to me. Reluctantly, I epted his arm and finally turned to send a re to Diane as Hunter led me into another room. ¡± Next time, you shouldn¡¯t respond to her¡± he started after we walked into a smaller room with a little bed set down at the corner next to a single framed window. ¡± She started it¡± ¡± I know. I¡¯m sorry about that¡± ¡°I am still angry with you for not having the courtesy of telling me what you discussed with Mr Reid or even deciding to go find Louisa on your own without informing me. What the hell is wrong with you Hunter!?¡± ¡± I didn¡¯t know how to. Plus I didn¡¯t want you toe along¡± ¡± You didn¡¯t want me toe along?? So you expected me to sit back and watch someone else watch my daughter?¡± ¡± Our daughter. And I didn¡¯t want you toe because I¡¯m traveling far.¡± ¡± Where are we traveling to?¡± Hunter actually released a chuckle after my statement. What was funny? Even I have no idea. ¡°You said we. You aren¡¯t even certain if I¡¯d still allow you tag along¡± ¡± I wasn¡¯t actually seeking your opinion on that¡± ¡± Duly noted¡± he smirked ¡± We¡­ Are taking a trip to Dat, Vietnam¡± ¡± Vietnam?? Why so far?¡± ¡± Cause that¡¯s where our problem is¡± ¡°H-¡± I started but he didn¡¯t allow me finish. ¡°I¡¯d tell you all about it on our journey tomorrow but for now you¡¯ve gotta sleep. You don¡¯t look so good either¡± Hunter said as he ced a hand on my forehead. ¡± You¡¯re burning up¡± his brows scrunched up while he looked me in the eye. ¡± I don¡¯t feel so good¡± I actually didn¡¯t. ¡± Have you had anything to eat today? I could microwave the pizza Diane and I left over¡± At the mention of Diane I virtually got irritated again which caused him tough. ¡± We¡¯d talk more about this tomorrow, for now you need to get some rest¡± ¡± I didn¡¯te with anything for the journey¡± ¡± You don¡¯t need anything, Just yourself¡± ¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á Hunter¡¯s pov ¡± You need to sleep. The journey¡¯s long¡± Diane said as she drank on a ss of wine. She was always fond of that, Diane hated silence. It always seemed to her like a vice against her sanity. Its like Soldo knew about thisspecial talent cause whenever he wanted to carry out a mission in a party, Diane was his agent. Then he¡¯d tell me ¡± You¡¯re the only one who can control her, I¡¯d like you on this too¡± The memory brought a little smile on my lips. Diane wasnt always controble by me. She¡¯d always insist on getting at least three sses of alcohol before carrying out the mission in every party. And I¡¯d have to stand by and watch those three sses turn to eleven. Sometimes the amount of liquid thisdy takes into her system surprises me. If I were her, I¡¯d have popped. Cause till today she still got the habit. ¡°I can¡¯t sleep¡± I replied as Iid on the couch and stared at the ceiling, purposely taking deep breaths to know if I could at least fall into a light slumber. ¡± what¡¯s funny?¡± She asked, obviously noticing my smile. I only shrugged in response and another brief silence befell us ¡± You¡¯d be fine. Just don¡¯t give out yourself¡± How easy was that? Hiding from someone you have no idea where he¡¯s looking from. I¡¯ve never been more perturbed in my entire life. ¡± I know¡± ¡± Well you seem disturbed¡± ¡± I¡¯m supposed to be¡± ¡± Yeah.. But you weren¡¯t as troubled till Milis came along¡± ¡°Diane you know her actual name is Iris, stop trying to get on my nerves¡± She actually startedughing. I don¡¯t know how, but it got meughing too. ¡± I like her¡± ¡± why are you telling me?¡± I asked and turned my head in her direction. ¡°I feel like¡± ¡± Okay. Good for you¡± returning back to my original position. ¡± You¡¯re worried cause of her¡± ¡± Diane I think you¡¯re the one who should do the sleeping, you¡¯re talking bullshit¡± ¡± Am I?¡± ¡± Yes you are. Goodnight¡± ¡± You know how dangerous this is, what if. Just what if¡­¡± ¡± What if what?¡± ¡± What if she doesn¡¯t make it out alive?¡± ¡± I¡¯m gonna save Louisa and she¡¯s going to be alive and well when I do¡± ¡± I¡¯m talking about Iris. What if something happens to her and she doesn¡¯t make it out alive¡± ¡°Nothing would happen to Iris¡± ¡± You better make sure. Cause she seems like your obvious weakpoint¡± Men Iris¡¯s pov ¡°Have you got the gun? I can¡¯t find it anywhere¡± I heard Diane from my slumber and the object she was looking for basically rang an rm in my senses. They were in the living room, and with how dark outside still looked through thr window at the other side of the room I can swear I had slept for only two minutes. And I had a terrible headache ¡± I¡¯m with mine, haven¡¯t set eyes on yours since you arrived¡± Hunter replied so casually like they were talking about a day old casserole that had gone missing. ¡± I swear to God, I know I had it on me few hours ago¡± ¡± It could be in your luggage or something, I¡¯m gonna wake Iris up. We should be heading out now¡± I heard his footsteps approach the room before he pushed the door open softly like he was trying not to jolt me from my sleep. ¡± Iris?¡± ¡± I¡¯m up. What time is it?¡± I asked as I slowly stood to my feet and walked towards the window. ¡°Should be a few after three¡± he replied and paused for a while before speaking again. ¡± We¡¯re ready to go, you okay?¡± I only nodded in response and he gestured for the door with his head. Knowing what the instruction meant, I followed suit. He walked faster to get ahead of me and we got to the living room. ¡± Diane, we set?¡± She whipped around and met my eyes before looking to Hunter. ¡± Yeah we are. Morning Iris¡± The fact she got my name correctly seemed like a red g to me. ¡°Lets go¡± She nudged Hunter and we began heading out. Just like yesterday, the night was purely windy and I found myself wishing I had brought at least a hoodie or a sweater or something of sort. The weather wasn¡¯t friendly. A car was parked out front and to say I was surprised was an understatement, no cars were parked around the neighbourhood yesterday so where did thise from? Diane and Hunter seemed entirely calm about the whole thing so I guessed I should be calm too. Keyword, guess. For all I know I could be hallucinating, I¡¯m sure as hell still sleepy. ¡± Iris, you ride shotgun¡± Diane says as she hops into the backseat of the car. ¡± Errr-no. I¡¯ll be at the back. You can take my seat¡± There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll peacefully ride in the front seat with the spawn of soldo happily chilling behind me. She could strangle me for all I know. ¡± Is there a problem riding with Hunter?¡± She asked and I looked to Hunter to find him looking at me too. ¡± If she wants the backseat then Diane, youe forward¡± Hunter finally says while entering the drivers seat ¡± we don¡¯t have much time¡± he continued. ¡± We can stay together then¡± she said, scooting away and tapping the space which she had created. ¡± Only if I¡¯m holding a knife¡± I muttered under my voice but I think Hunter heard it clearly because he startedughing. ¡± Diane pleasee to the front¡± he said through a partly managed smile. ¡± whatever¡± she grumbled and got out of the car from the opposite door. I quickly hopped in and she got in the front. ¡°We ready?¡± Hunter asked, but didn¡¯t really give us the chance to reply as he revved the engine and began driving away. I still wish I had taken my hoodie. **************************** The sun was beating my face through the car windows, only then did I realize that I had fallen asleep. I couldn¡¯t me myself though, Icked that a lot. Last I remember was we had been driving for hours and I had no idea where we were. All I could see then was the rising sun from the east and nature took over me. Restoring myself to a sitting position, I saw Diane typing off something on aptop and Hunterpletely focused on the road. No one had even noticed I had woken up. I think I¡¯m a lot happier that Diane hadn¡¯t tried to shoot me in my sleep. ¡± Shutterville¡± She said all of a sudden and Hunter only nodded in response. Was this some pact codenguage? ¡± Sorry what¡¯s shutterville?¡± I asked with a croaked voice that I only realised how embarrasing it sounded after I had spoken. ¡°She¡¯s awake¡± Hunter said as he looked at me through the rearview mirror. ¡°You okay?¡± ¡°We¡¯re on our way to find my daughter, so you can guess¡± I didn¡¯t mean for it toe out harshly but probably cause I was awakened by the scorching sun basking my face, I wasn¡¯t in my best mood. And Hunter kinda looked affected by my tone, but since he didn¡¯t mention it¡­ I wouldn¡¯t either. Diane looked at Hunter somewhat surprised and a little curious before returning her concentration back to theptop. ¡± Its where we¡¯re headed¡± she replied my question. I didn¡¯t really expect an answer to my question let alone from her. ¡°Thanks¡± I was grateful at least ¡± sure¡± . And the silence fell among us again. I looked outside the window and noticed how serene the environment looked. A straight road said by trees that looked like they were witnessing autumn two months earlier. Almost like a forest on both sides but development had created a road in the middle.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. It reminded me of wanderers, who¡¯d walk into one of these tree thick environment just to find a waterfall or a lonely open area oddly perfect for stargazing. I honestly began wondering if people knew this route by any means. Telling by its loneliness for the past few hours, I think its yet to be discovered. A lot more time went by and I decided to keep myself busy by observing the clouds. So far I had discovered a ¡®winnie the poo bear¡¯, ¡®a bouquet of sunflowers¡¯, ¡®The flinstone family¡¯ and even ¡®lil wayne¡¯ Yup, I was sure the best at knowing your clouds. ¡°There they are¡± Hunter said as he began slowing down. My curiosity had the best of me so I peered to know who ¡®they¡¯ were. All I saw were a barricade of suited men blocking the road like they were set to arrest an oing vehicle. That kinda had me panicking internally but Hunter and Diane were calm, so I had to be. Right? I was still curious though. ¡°Who are they?¡± I silently asked but at least hoping to get a response. ¡°Mr Reid¡¯s men¡± They both replied as the car came to a halt in front of them. Simple Hunter got down from the car and so did Diane. Then I followed next. No one¡¯s leaving me alone. The men hade with cars, all tinted ck by the way, that either blocked the road or nked by the edges ¡± We were asked to give you this¡± one of the men with a weirdly orange skin hue said as he handed an envelope to Hunter. Diane just walked straight to one of the other men and showed her whatever she had on herptop. He keenly read or inspected whatever it was she was showing him and gave a sign for another of his colleague toe over. There had to be at least fifteen men present. If this wasn¡¯t enough for a bystander to alert authorities, I don¡¯t know what was.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I quick reminder to how lonely this path was again. And how you could get murdered and no one, not a single soul would be able to find you. The thought was a lot more frightening as you keep reminding yourself. Hunter opened the envelope and retrieved a letter which took him at least a minute to read, unless he read it twice and he looked up to the man in front of him who nodded in response. I don¡¯t know if that was a sign for something, but the man began leading Hunter away and he followed diligently to one of the cars. I wanted toe along but one of the men stood directly in my front to halt my movement and began introducing himself. ¡°Miss Jules, it¡¯s finally a pleasure to meet you. I¡¯m Damien.¡± He said with a pure smile. He looked well into his fourties and had touches of white hair all over his beards, which is odd for his age. It actually felt nice to see such smile after a while, I returned the smile happily. ¡± Its nice to meet you too Damien.¡± I replied and tried to peep Hunter with squinted eyes, as the sun had be scorching and was making me grateful that I had actually forgotten to carry a cardigan. ¡°Is everything alright?¡± I asked as I managed to see the man who had led hunter away show him a little tube containing a red liquid and Hunter¡¯s face looked a bit pale. Damien turned to look in the direction I was facing. At least he¡¯s part of the team, maybe he could brief me a lot more than anyone has. Not like anyone actually has. Damien turned back to me and gave me a sad smile. ¡± I can only hope so¡± I released a short snort before speaking up again. ¡± hope? You¡¯re on the team. At least you can tell me how my daughter is, I promise I won¡¯t scream¡± Damien actuallyughed and it reflected a youthful presence in him that I foundforting. Im really d to be around someone who isn¡¯t so uptight. ¡± Of course you won¡¯t scream. Louisa is well¡± ¡± Should I be bothered that you know my name and my daughter¡¯s?¡± I asked with a little smile. ¡± You¡¯re really a light Miss Jules. It¡¯s only part of my mission, you should be a lot bothered if I didn¡¯t¡± he responded with a smile. ¡± please call me Iris¡± He was about to say something when Hunter came back to our midst. ¡± we¡¯re leaving now¡± he said to me as he acknowledged Damien with a brief nod and a curt smile before walking away. ¡± Next time dear¡± Damien said as he turned around. ¡°Wait¡± I gently called out and got him spinning around. ¡± Can you at least tell me what¡¯s going on? Or at least what has happened so far¡± He thought for a while before releasing a sigh. ¡± It¡¯s not in my ce to tell. You might do as well and ask Brooks junior, he may provide the answers you need¡± I understood and nodded as an indication and he reacted with a smile before heading away. I stood rooted in my spot waiting for Hunter toe back so we could head back into the car, but he didn¡¯t. Rather the horn of a Jeep blew a few feet from me and the drivers window was lowered. ¡°Come on¡± it was Hunter and he gestured for me toe along. Although confused, I did as told and walked to the back seat of the car. ¡± Come sit here, Diane isn¡¯t driving with us anymore¡± he said and only heightened my confusion the more. I entered beside him and he started the vehicle immediately and hit reverse. ¡± why isn¡¯t she driving with us?¡± I asked, even if I was a teeny weeny d. He chuckled briefly before saying anything. ¡± I thought you¡¯d be happy she isn¡¯t¡± ¡± I am, but at least I should know why¡± ¡± Its part of the n. At least you wouldn¡¯t be bothered about anyone strangling you¡± I don¡¯t know why a smirk was on his face, but it was. ¡± Well you¡¯re still here¡± The statement was meant to be funny, or at least I thought it was. It sounded funny in my head. But not to Hunter. His demeanour changed again, this time to an ufortable one and he gripped the steering wheel a lot tighter as we continued heading down the straight, lonely road. A few seconds passed between us and it wasden with silence, but I had to break it cause I wanted to ask questions. ¡± why did we change cars?¡± He stayed silent for a few seconds more before deciding to grace me with a reply. ¡± To clear off our trace if anyone is following us¡± ¡± we¡¯re practically the only people in this road, anyone following us would surely know it¡¯s the same people.¡± ¡± People ply this route too, you just haven¡¯t seen anyone yet. It¡¯s a longer road connecting New york to East Indiana¡± I ¡®ohh-ed¡¯ quietly and realized that he¡¯s in the mood to take questions, so I let them out. ¡± Why isn¡¯t Diane riding with us?¡± ¡± I told you its part of the n¡± ¡± A n I knowpletely nothing about¡± ¡± Im sorry about that, I should¡¯ve found an opportunity to brief you¡± ¡± Yeah, you should have¡± More moments of silence passed between us and this time, he broke it. ¡± I would never do that though¡± ¡± Do what?¡± ¡± strangle you¡± Ohhh¡­ That. I looked out of the window and thought of a good yet simple reply to give to him. ¡± Good to know¡± Simple enough I guess. Amen ¡± little bo peep, has lost her sheep and doesn¡¯t know where to find them¡± That¡¯s all she had been doing all day, singing rhymes and short songs that popped into her head as she scrunched up her body by the window and peered outside. ¡± leave them alone and they¡¯lle home, bringing their tails behind them¡± She was lonely. As little as she was, an emptiness sat in the core of her stomach and burned deep to her heart. Silent tears were still dripping from her cerulean blue eyes and from time to time, she slowly wiped them away. She looked white, very pale and sickly. Her skin could pass off as a piece of white sandpaper or even cardboard. As the only man she had gotten used to sat across the room from her and watched her frail figure tremble. From cold or fear, he wasn¡¯t sure. But one thing he was sure of was if Soldo didn¡¯t kill this girl first, the anaemia was sure to. And it broke his heart. He didn¡¯t want to think in that direction, so he only watched as the brave little child fought hard to be strong. ¡± I see the sun, the sun sees me¡± To her it was a rhyme, to him it felt like her goodbye melody. He had called in the nurse toe in with some vitamins and a blood bank, but she was taking longer than expected. Too long. After their conversationst night, the girl had be silent towards him. Like they had taken three steps forward and seven steps back. He didn¡¯t want to admit it, but the fact Louisa hadn¡¯t spoken to him all day affected him a bit. He had suddenly gotten attached to his prisoner in a soft manner that he would have his own child. But at this moment, he couldn¡¯t help wondering if he had pushed his limitsst night. He knew the girl was still scared, so he was taking baby steps to try and get herfortable with him. That clearly meant if she didn¡¯t want to talk, he had no right to initiate it. And while he waited for the nurse, he couldn¡¯t help but just watch her diligently as she made her every move, said her every word, sang her every song. ¡± God bless the sun and God bless me¡± Amen. He silently said.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org. Can鈥檛 More roads. We just kept taking curves and bends that felt like theysted an infinity. For the past few hours I just continued cloud watching and had seen every figure I could. Yup¡­ That was definitely a lego toy. I was honestly tired of staring out my window and there was an eery silence between us. Not like Hunter was shunning me, but he looked deep in thought and I honestly wasn¡¯t in the mood to ask him anything at the moment. But I was bored so I did. ¡± Hunter?¡± He didn¡¯t even hear me, just staring into a distance with only God knows what running through his mind. ¡°Hunter?¡± I called out a little louder and he responded with a hum. ¡± Can I turn on the radio?¡± ¡± Yeah, sure¡± his answer came quick and short. Not like I needed more words anyway. I turned on the radio and the presenter sounded full of glee. ¡® Seventeen minutes past eleven and we have our guest back on the show after a five minute break. Say hello once again Sonia.¡¯ He had a southern surfer ent, I actually pictured him to be a sandy blonde with perfectly tanned skin, a hawaiin shirt and a pair of shorts. ¡®Hellooo everyone and thanks for staying tuned with us¡¯ a female voice cooed from the sound system. ¡® Yeah yeah! Now back to our topic of discussion. This week had been a week full of surprises for New york hasn¡¯t it?¡¯ ¡® Very surprising indeed, from the gunshots at the Reid and McConnell union, to the bomb at their homes, to their kidnapped daughter and niece, the police are beginning to see this as a rival attack than a-¡® silence had never felt more preferrable. I think I can do without the radio and I think Hunter would prefer that too. Now the silence was ufortable and I regret asking for the radio to be turned on in the first ce. ¡°Sorry about that¡± I muttered actually feeling remorse. ¡± Its fine¡± A few more seconds of silence passed before I spoke again. Seems like I have a thing for breaking silence. ¡± I hope Michelle¡¯s okay¡± He lifted a brow at first before looking at me from the corner of his eye. ¡± Yeah. We spokest night¡± Last night? Probably after I had slept. ¡± That¡¯s good¡± ¡± Yeah¡± Another moment of awkward silence passed by between us and I don¡¯t think there was a better opportunity to ask Brooks junior questions that I needed answers to. ¡± Hunter is Louisa okay?¡± He cringed a bit and I took it as a bad sign. ¡± She¡¯s alive¡± Alive? That was a lot scarier than saying she wasn¡¯t. ¡± Alive. I asked if she was okay¡± A sigh escaped his lips before saying anything again. ¡± She is¡± ¡± How sure are you?¡± He was hesitant to answer me but giving the fact that it was just us two, the only other option he had was to shun me. Which I doubt he¡¯d do. ¡± I¡¯m not¡± He¡¯s not. The awfully hot weather suddenly began to chill by nano seconds and was enough to cause goosebumps all over my exposed arm. I don¡¯t know why I expected him to lie. At least tofort me. Even though I was grateful for the truth. I don¡¯t think I was ready for it. ¡± w-what about t-that red t-thing¡± the words stuttered out of my mouth. ¡°What red thing?¡± Even he was confused. ¡°The red b-bottle. That t-tiny one they showed y-you. Over with Mr Reid¡¯s men¡± His grip tightened on the steering wheel and he pped in his upper and lower lips. I on the other hand just patiently watched him, hoping for an answer that wasn¡¯t heart wrenching. ¡± Please, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to tell you that yet¡± Okay. That was the reply I gave, not that I voiced it out. I needed to be informed on what was going on, but by the look of things I think it¡¯s best I¡¯m left out of the loop. None of the answers I was getting seemed positive. ******************************* Something beeped in my back pocket and it shocked me from my wandering thoughts. Only then did I remember that I was with my cellphone all along. Maybe because of the loneliness of the area,work connection had been poor because there was a sudden influx of messages and the vibration kept going non stop. ¡± You¡¯re with a cellphone?¡± Hunter asked as I retrieved my phone from where it had been hidden. ¡± Yeah. I can¡¯t believe I forgot¡± ¡± We have to get rid of it. It could give off traces to where we are¡± ¡± Oh.. Okay. Can I at least read the messages first?¡± He nodded in affirmation and I quickly unlocked my code. They were from Megan. Where are you!? Iris please answer me I¡¯m worried.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. Dn and I have been trying your cell. Where tf are you!? Don¡¯t y games with me! Its not funny. Iris please pick up! Everything¡¯s going wrong. Mrs Phoebe and Meredith had an ident on their way back. Meredith is missing. Iris Mrs Phoebe was confirmed dead two minutes ago. I¡¯m fucking crying. Dn is not okay. Please call me when you get this. ¡°No no no no no no no!!!! Noooooooo!!¡± ¡°Iris what¡¯s wrong !?¡± Hunter¡¯s voice entered my head with concern but it didn¡¯t make sense to me. Nothing makes sense to me right now. A flood of tears began rolling from my eyes and all I can remember chanting to myself is ¡®its not true. It can¡¯t be true¡¯ Through a cloud of tears, I re-read thest messages again. Meredith is missing. Mrs Phoebe is dead. Just Noooooo. My silent tears turned into a full sob and Hunter hurriedly pulled up at the side of the road and snatched the phone from my hands. I was too busy shedding tears to address how rude that was. ¡°No¡± his reaction came like a sigh as he stared at the phone like a bottle of atrocities. ¡± Hunter we have to go back. Please we have to go back. I need to go back¡± He didn¡¯t react to my words. He only kept staring at the phone. In a matter of seconds, he tossed it far away into the nearby bushes and started the engine. ¡± What are you doing!?¡± ¡± we can¡¯t go back¡± That was all he said. You Iris p. o. v. The ride became too quiet. I know there was silence before but now its just deathly. And I didn¡¯t know how to react anymore. I just want to go home. Not home to New York. Home to Saint mos. Home to my parents. Just Home, I need that break. I fucking need it. Hunter noticed the drift between us. It was obvious and it was heavy. There was an unknown elephant in the car and neither of us knew what it was to talk about addressing it. Mrs Phoebe is dead. That can¡¯t sink in.. It just cannot sink in. All I did was leave to find my daughter and Mrs Phoebe is dead. Meredith is missing. For heaven sakes where do I start with the heart ache. I don¡¯t even know if my daughter is alive! The entire universe is spinning. Its spinning in every direction. My mind wasn¡¯t aware of my environment but I jerked to reality when I heard the radioe on. Hunter had actually slipped in a CD and the humm of the intro had began ying. __? Firstly I gotta say the truth Everything seems impossible Yes it is actually impossible But I hope to be happy that¡¯s true? __ The song was highly unfamiliar, I couldn¡¯t even pin the voice to someone. So I was gullibly listening to whatever mantra thedy behind the scene was chanting. __? Secondly I cannot believe in you You¡¯ve hurt me not one not two I¡¯m still gonna y it like its cool But I hope to be happy that¡¯s true? __ The music brought a lull to the car, like we were both intently listening to the lyrics with full concentration. The sun was full out and a little bit found its way to garnish my skin through the windscreen. I watched as it disappeared if we passed under arge tree and reappeared when nothing was obstructing. Funnily it was a temporary distraction till reality came back. We were on our way to figure out if my baby was alive. Speaking of life.. Mrs Phoebe was dead. An ident, they said. Why? Of all days just why?? __? If you need meee.. Call meee, call mee. I¡¯ll be waiting. If you want meee.. Shout ittt, shout ittt. I¡¯ll be listening for youuuuu? __ Then went the instrumentals. The violin and guitar in perfect symphony with the drums. Each beat expressing the emotions of the singer better. Her emotion of pain. ¡°Who sang this?¡± I saw myself asking as I got lost in the emotion. I was curious. ¡°Her name¡¯s Dina Holiesh¡± he replied like he was actually waiting for me to ask in the first ce. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of her¡± not even once ¡°A lot of people haven¡¯t. She released only five songs in her lifetime, before shemitted suicide¡± Suicide. I can remember who tried that once. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Why what? Did she release only five songs?¡± He lifted a brow at this. ¡± No. Why did shemit suicide?¡± It was then that he turned to me since our conversation began. ¡°Uhm.. She was depressed¡± he replied curtly and turned back to the wheel. ¡°Oh¡± seems like the conversation was over then. The song came on repeat again as a minute of silence passed between us before Hunter reopened the conversation. ¡°She had three failed marriages, all were abusive. One was even a murderer. Killed her only son¡± The expression of ¡®oh my God¡¯ was totally evident on my face, but Hunter wasn¡¯t done just yet. ¡± But she was always trying to love again. No matter how many failed marriages, she always had an open mind for a new rtionship. She went into music tofort herself. She didn¡¯t know it was what made her realize how broken she was¡± ¡°Some months after, she thought she was in a happy rtionship atst till she found out he was cheating on her. That was the end. She took her life¡± I have so many questions. How did Hunter discover her? Ady with such a sad story would¡¯ve disappeared from history over the years but here her song was ying on repeat with the most enchanting melody I had ever heard and could rte to And maybe He could rte to it too, that¡¯s why he chose it at such a time. Dina Holeish. ¡°How old was she? She sounds so young¡± forgive my inquisitive nature but I¡¯m engrossed. Not only in the story, but the fact that Hunter and I were actually having an unusual conversation that made sense to me. ¡°23¡± So young, yet life had its way to show her the rough side. I guess it¡¯s just like that for some people. To not know what actual happiness feels like.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. Just from one bowl of pain to another. I could rte on so many levels more than one. But my questions weren¡¯t done yet, I have just one more. ¡°How do you know so much about her?¡± I think i shouldn¡¯t have asked that because his reaction wasn¡¯t eager. It was on a scale ten of reluctant. And by the time ten seconds had passed without a reply from him, I returned to my reality and nced out the windows once again. The entire turnaround of my life shing before my eyes. ¡°She¡¯s my mom¡¯s youngest sister¡± I had to look at him to know if he was serious with what he just said. The fact he spared me no eye contact was enough ground to show that he was downright serious. Those words hit heavy on my chest as the chorus of her song yed once more. __? If you need meee. Call meee, call mee. I¡¯ll be waiting. If you want meee¡­ Shout ittt, shout ittt. I¡¯ll be listening for youuu? __ Out We had turned off the music yer some minutes ago and continued driving in silence. A reallyfortable silence this time around. The news just sat so ufortably at the bottom of my belly. Mrs. Phoebe. What exactly did she do to deserve this? Just what? She never hurt anyone, if anything she stayed in herne. She kept minding her business. Only gave contributions when asked. Never said a bad word to anyone regardless. But now she¡¯s dead and it¡¯s all because I put her in this mess. If I hadn¡¯t gone to her in my pregnancy, she may have never gotten involved with me. She may have been alive. The guilt is killing me, no doubt. My cold feet if possible, just produced ice on my soles. I was getting hungry again and I think the rumble of my stomach gave it away. To be fair, it¡¯s been a while since myst meal. Of recent whenever I get scared, I just get really hungry and it¡¯s beginning to surface once again. I looked to Hunter and his focus on the road is making me curious to how he¡¯s aware of such a strange path. Asides Mr. Reid¡¯s men, we hadn¡¯te across any other vehicle. Not even one that had broken down by chance. I hadn¡¯t realized I was staring until he called my attention to it. ¡± Uhm¡­. Iris? Is there something you wanna ask?¡± To say I was slightly embarrassed was a minimal way to express it, but I didn¡¯t have time to ponder on that. I ignored his question and simply looked away, I was fighting so hard not to pour the entire me on him. Because in clear analysis, This is all his fault. If he hadn¡¯t raped me, maybe I¡¯d be out of this entire loop. If he hadn¡¯t joined a drug circle, maybe we¡¯d all be out of this loop. Maybe I¡¯d have been on a vacation in Georgia with my friends. But no, I¡¯m on a blind race to find my daughter while Meredith was being kidnapped and Dn is mourning the death of his mother. Give me a blood knife and I would¡¯ve sworn that my life can never get thisplicated within a year. I repeat, within a year. I should¡¯ve declined that job transfer, it has done me more harm than. Moreover, I do not have a job anymore do I? I¡¯m going crazy and I really do not have anyone to tell me. Not one soul. ¡± Iris are you okay?¡± Hunter¡¯s voice reaches out into my thoughts again and I tried to avoid sending him a re. Reluctantly, I responded. ¡± Yes, I am¡± ¡± You¡¯ve been carrying a frown for the past few minutes¡± he said again and the urge tough sarcastically befell me. But once again, I held it. ¡± Pardon me for not finding any reason to wear a smile, I mean¡­. It¡¯s not like a woman who¡¯s like a mother to me just died and one of my friends kidnapped while I am on a hunt for my daughter who was kidnapped also. Where are my manners¡± He flinched a bit at my words but still kept his eyes on the road. ¡± I¡¯ll fix everything. I promise¡± he said almost so lowly that I slightly thought he hadn¡¯t said a word.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. ¡°She¡¯s dead Hunter and unless you¡¯re God or a mysterious force of nature, you can¡¯t fix life. I just hope my daughter is alive because I cannot take another hit right now¡± I really pray because that would be thest straw for me. ¡± She is¡± he said with a sigh. ¡± How do you know?¡± A brief silence passed between us before he said something. ¡± I get the proof of that everyday¡± Though his words were for reassurance, he didn¡¯t sound so confident in what he said. With a little crack in his tone towards the end of his statement, I got a bit more scared. ¡± Hunter please¡­.¡± ¡± She¡¯s fine¡± he cut me halfway into my sentence like he knew exactly what I was going to say. I swallowed my remaining words and fell back into my seat. Once more, my stomach rumbled and I angrily ignored it. ¡± We could stop at the next gas station if you¡¯re really hungry¡± huntermented at the roaring of my stomach. ¡± Next? Has there been a previous one?¡± ¡± No actually, but there¡¯s a first one at our next turn¡± ¡± Okay¡± I said as I patiently waited for our next turn. And true to his directions, in less than ten minutes we were approaching a gas station with only two individuals present and a single gas pump. Hunter drove into the marked out area for parking and immediately turned off the ignition . It didn¡¯t take a minute and I hopped out of the car to the nearest vending machine I saw, but only when I approached did I remember that I hadn¡¯te out with any money and all my hopes for a snack were dashed against the wind. Hunter walked straight to one of the workers here and they began talking. I stood by the vending machine and watched them for a while. Honestly, the way he behaved, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he ims to thread this path everyday because his knowledge of this area and people around is enough proof to the kind of links and connections he possesses. More minutes go by and quickly, he begins to approach me with haste that got me worried. I haven¡¯t even gotten what to eat, I was busy waiting for him. ¡± We have to leave¡± he said and began dragging me by the hand. ¡± but I haven¡¯t eaten anything yet¡± I whined but followed as he dragged me back to the car. ¡± Where we¡¯re going, there¡¯s plenty to eat¡± ¡± I can¡¯t wait that long¡± ¡± Iris we made a mistake, these are Soldo¡¯s men. They are supposed to be Mr. Reid¡¯s men¡± ¡± I don¡¯t understand. What happened to Mr. Reid¡¯s men?¡± I asked as I got back into the car with him and he hastily started the engine. ¡± That¡¯s why we need to get out of here¡± Ends With chaste, we hopped into the car and zoomed off. Hunter was driving at a speed of 102km per hour and I have never been happier that no cars were on the road. Note, loneliness is beneficial sometimes.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Tell your kids. ¡± Hunter slow down¡­ we need to be alive to save Louie¡± I managed to say as my body swerved when we took a turn at a sharp bend. Seat belt.. where is my seatbelt? Before any other action, I made sure I buckled my seatbelt and held my body firmly. ¡± Hunter please slow down¡± I yelled out again as we climbed a bump that I hadn¡¯t gotten the chance to see. At the rate he¡¯s going.. I won¡¯t be able to see anything in life if we mistakenly crash into something. And I mean instant death. ¡± what would happen to us if I slow down would be a lot worse than the speed I¡¯m going. Just buckle up and¡­¡­¡± He didn¡¯tplete his statement when a gunshot rang through the air and shattered the rear screen ss. The shock rattled the both of us that Hunter lost control temporarily of the wheels and the car began drifting in both directions. We weren¡¯t even given enough time to recover from the first shot when another hit my side mirror. ¡± Dear God¡± those were my only words. My heart was thumping so loudly against my chest that I could hear the reverberation in my ears. I could swear that the dtion of my pupils have limited all I could see to only ten percent. I didn¡¯t believe it was possible, but Hunter started going faster. I didn¡¯t even have enough courage to tell him to slow down. Just speed and let¡¯s get out of here. ¡± Iris I¡¯m going to need your help¡± Immediately the words left his mouth¡­ a finely blended mixture of shock, fear and adrenaline grazed my tongue. It tasted like beer and what the fuck!? ¡± Me?? For what? How?¡± Just how? He was the experienced one in all the runs and getaways. All I knew was how to bake a cake. God please. ¡± I need you to tune the radio to forty four point six and increase the volume to seven¡± ¡± Huh?¡± Huh? ¡± YOU HEARD ME DIDN¡¯T YOU!?¡± he yelled as he sent me a re thatsted only half a second before he returned his eyes to the road. ¡± Hunter I¡­¡± Another shot rocked the air and within seconds I assimted his instructions quickly. ¡± Do it now!¡± Hunter instructed with a firm voice as two more shots hit his side mirror and knocked it off. Hunter was currently driving in a zigzag motion to dodge the bullets that wereing in more frequently now but I had to stable my hands and tune to the radio station. ¡± Volume number?¡± I asked to proceed with the directions. ¡± Seven¡± I increased the volume to seven and expected to hear a sirens cry for help or instructions for an emergency escape. But I got nothing. ¡± Then?¡± I curiously asked as I turned around to find the source of the bullets and there they were. Two cars hot on our tail with their guns poking out of their windows. ¡± Never look back unless you want to get shot in the head. Understand?¡± No time for dys, I looked forward and shook my head in affirmation. ¡°Now press the FM button twice and wait for it¡± ¡± Okay¡± I scooted forward once again even though that was difficult with a seatbelt strapped across my chest. FM button twice and wait for it. A man¡¯s voice came on. He sounded really jovial like he was broadcasting news about a beach on a very warm summer with an electric guitar background music, you¡¯d think he¡¯s advertising for a rock band. ¡± I think the direction of the sun is in the opposite direction because this heat wave is entirely something different. If you can rte to this send me your dispatch location¡± ¡± Aj77s3. Maroon¡± Hunter said like the man in the radio could hear him. I looked at him so awkwardly but who was I to question, he was the experienced one. A few seconds passed by and the man on the radio replied. ¡± Hunter drive into the woods on the right and crash it. Help is on the way¡± What just happened? Crash what? ¡± Hunter I don¡¯t understand. Crash what?¡± He didn¡¯t waste a second as he sharply turned the vehicle right ways into the thick of trees that sidelined the road. ¡± The car. Hold on tight¡± The Car!? Sweet God!! The car jumped and rattled against the stones and broken branches but that wasn¡¯t enough to stop him. He drove with a much stronger speed and avoided the tall trees like it was nothing as we kept going deeper and deeper into the woods. I was so tempted to look back but after Hunter¡¯s warnings, I decided to check it out through the rearview mirror. I couldn¡¯t see any cars but the gunshots were still a loud enough implication that they were close by. ¡± Iris hold on, we¡¯re crashing. They¡¯re up ahead¡± We¡¯re crashing. I don¡¯t think I was given enough time to prepare for the impact when he bashed into a tree. The windscreen shattered into a million pieces but the force of impact threw my head downwards to avoid the shards of ss. My head bashed against the dashboard before the airbag inted and I felt a dull ache on my forehead. A warm liquid began trickling down my face as my before blurry vision became clouded with a lot of ck spots. I hadn¡¯t noticed when Hunter had gotten down and raced over to my side until my door opened and I heard his voice. ¡± JESUS! Iris stay with me, help is on the way¡± he put his hands into the car to help me out. I epted his hands and slowly came down from the car. With the little sounds I could hear, there was a battle of bullet exchange not too far from us. I couldn¡¯t stand for long on my two feet and Hunter noticed as he gripped me against his chest and began yelling. ¡± HELP! SHIT¡­ HELP!!!¡± Slowly I was losing consciousness as I fought to stay awake. Before everything became ck thest thing I heard was. ¡± Iris please don¡¯t leave me¡± Or ¡­. I¡¯m not so sure. So I guess that¡¯s how it ends? Midnight Third person p. o. v. ¡± Has she been fed today?¡± The tall almost albino man asked from outside the room as he handed a file in his hand over to ady they referred to as Jeanie. She was like the crew¡¯s magician; Jeanie could make any traces of evidence whatsoever disappear, from a piece of paper to an entire shipwreck and to add she only needed a matter of seconds to get it done. Jeanie was found by Matthias seventeen years ago. She was a street rat as described by Soldo, learned how to hustle and survive from the age of six. She crossed paths with Matthias when she tried to rob him of his wallet when he went for a technology innovation conference in Bujumbura, Burundi. Little did she know that an experienced one could tell another from movement, bodynguage and steps. ¡°You can hand over my wallet now¡± were his first words to the nine year old girl after she ran past him, making sure to act like she had dropped the basket of fruits she was carrying in her hand and left with an apology.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. He followed her from a distance till she got to where she hid in between a terrain of houses blocked by abandoned vehicles. He assumed she had been sleeping in one as a bed. He caught her trying to count the contents of the purse and her shock could be tasted if it was a vor. Shock, not fear. The purse in question was nowhere in sight, and so was the basket of fruits. And that enticed Matthias, her confidence in her skills had eliminated any iota of fear that could be found. ¡± Where are the fruits you¡¯re selling?¡± he asked once she handed him back his money and coupon for a meal at a restaurant downtown. ¡± I don¡¯t sell fruits¡± Her response made him understand that basket was also stolen. He admired her courage and stretched out his hand to her. ¡± Let me take you for a meal¡± he said and waited till she epted his offer. The little girl nced down at the sacs she had managed to weave into a gown and looked back at him, when she realized he wasn¡¯t backing down¡­. She took his hand and that was how Matthias adopted Jeanie as his daughter. Till this day, she missed her father but life had to go on. After collecting the file, she nodded and the man looked satisfied with the answer. ¡± There¡¯s a cleanup needed at maroon route, they got away¡± were his final words to her as he walked away. She released a sigh and knew there¡¯ll be a lot more cleanup¡¯s simr to this because of the current chase they were on. She didn¡¯t want to be part of this mission. For one, She actually liked Hunter even if she was a lot older than she was and that was why she never acted on it. Secondly, definitely she wanted him to pay for killing her father in any form; be it torture or jail term but not to the point of killing his daughter. That was their n. Bait him with the little girl but kill her in the end. Hurt him, that¡¯s okay by her. But the child knows nothing. She knew this was going too far, anyone with a sane mind knew this was going too far. But no one had the guts to say so. Deep down, she was tired of the circle but she had no idea how to call it quits. In as much as she loved her father, she hated the fact that he had brought her into a world of drugs, deceit and murder. Jeanie opened the door to the room open to check on the little girl. And there she was, snuggled so weakly against Santiago¡¯s body. She looked so white and frail, almost like she was a ghost. She looked so dry that her lips were chapped and she was breathing in heaves. Santiago looked at the verge of tears as he held the girl so close to his body wrapped with some sheets. The sight was heartbreaking to see, anyone who had a conscience couldn¡¯t stand to watch. Jeanie never knew how muchpassion she had in her until she saw Louisa¡¯s state. A tad bit longer and she might shed tears. ¡± Please help me¡­ one more night and she¡¯ll die¡± Santiago pleaded to her. Jeanie feared Pedro more than anything and helping Louisa escape would be defying a lot ofws punishable by him. But was that enough to stop her? ¡± Pack up, we leave at midnight¡± Meant Third person p. o. v. ¡± You can¡¯t just leave her here, she asked toe with you and you epted¡± the doctor who was invited to tender to Iris¡¯s wounds said as Hunter made his intentions in. ¡± I didn¡¯t want her toe along, she forced her way through and see the end point¡± Even though Hunter was right, the doctor didn¡¯t find it nice that he¡¯ll want to leave the poordy out here with the rest of the crew when all she wanted to do was to go find her own daughter. The tall woman looked to where Irisy, the injuries weren¡¯t fatal which they were thankful for; a concussion and few bruises. Even though she was perfectly stable, she was definitely going to be in a lot of pains and the best option was to sedate her for now. She understood where Hunter wasing from and released a sigh. Knowing how stubborn Hunter was, she felt it was best to drop the argument. ¡± But you knew the risks involved in bringing her along, yet you did. Doc, left to me he should finish what he¡¯s started¡± Diane said as she hoisted herself up from the chair beside Iris¡¯s bed, where she watched her. ¡± God forbid that I finish what I started and she loses her life¡± And he meant it. The guilt was killing him, he¡¯s the reason they¡¯re all in this mess in the first ce and he was wondering what exactly was wrong with him when he allowed her tag along. He could¡¯ve just dropped her off at home before continuing his journey. ¡°Consider the fact that she¡¯d wake up and realize you left without her. Aftering this far, this is by far the worst decision you¡¯re about to make¡± Diane said so curtly, that you¡¯d think she wasmanding him. ¡± She¡¯s even out; After this, what makes y¡¯all think she¡¯d wanna continue the journey¡± He tried to convince them once again but only got him an eye roll from the doctor and a scoff from Diane. ¡± Mrs. Adams, you still got some of that sedative? I think Hunter is going nuts¡± Diane teased as she ced the back of her palm against his forehead in a faux attempt to check his temperature. The action sent Mrs. Adams reeling inughter but Hunter didn¡¯t find it quite amusing as he pped off her hand from his face. ¡± Touch me again and you¡¯d miss that limb¡± he growled. But once again, the both found it funny and this time around it really got on his nerves. So he excused himself and left the little room for the both of them. They didn¡¯t understand where he wasing from and it was a lot more annoying than he expected. He walked out through the door and entered another little room where six of Mr. Reid¡¯s men were seated ying a game of chess. They apparently acknowledged each other with some eye contact and he passed through the room to get out the second door which was the exit to the building. As soon as he was out, it felt like he had been relieved of one out of the five weights he carried on his shoulders. He needed space alone and some time to think. When help came earlier today, they had discovered their car was bugged and that was why he was instructed to crash it. Then they were driven deeper into the woods where this cabin was discovered, just by the shore of a reallyrge pond. He walked till he got to the bank of the water, and slowly he took a seat on one of the big stones that he had found there. His heart was heavy and so was his head. Only one song filled his mind at this moment, it was a luby of regret. Multiple regrets if he was asked. But no one cared enough to ask him anyway. He heard the door to the cabin open and he turned around to see why, then he spotted Diane stepping out and searching the area for a while till her eyes fell on him and she began approaching. To be honest, he didn¡¯t wantpany. He wanted to be alone. Actually, he needed to be alone. Everyone was crowding his thoughts of recent with their opinion that he hardly even got the chance to think of his own decisions. Not like the decisions he made in the past were the right ones anyway. A quick sh of how Iris fell unconscious in his arms earlier today crossed his mind. And uncontrobly, he felt himself shiver and a sudden weight sat at the bottom of his stomach. He could still feel how her body warmth was gradually taking a colder temperature. He was scared was undermining the situation. He had never been more terrified in his life. Suddenly Soldo or Pedro trying to kill him didn¡¯t sound as bad anymore. The worst hit he¡¯d have to take this year is if Iris or Louisa dies. He¡¯s the reason they¡¯re in this fucked up situation in the first ce and it scares him that the more he tries to fix things up, it¡¯s like the worse it gets. ¡± You don¡¯t really n on leaving her behind, do you?¡± He had actually forgotten Diane had joined him outside until her words invaded his thoughts. ¡± No¡± He knew it was impossible. He wasn¡¯t going to even try stepping out of the area until she wakes up and he¡¯s convinced that she¡¯s okay. Anything other than that, he¡¯s grounded here. He doesn¡¯t know why, but Diane found his response funny and this time around, he looked warily at her till she was done chuckling and exined what she found funny. She didn¡¯t even spare him a gaze after that, she just kept her eyes staring into space but could definitely feel the weight of his silent question on her. ¡± The more I see, the more I realize that every human can have a weakness and who would¡¯ve believed that the weakness of Hunter Brooks McConnell, thedies man.. would be a little quietdy from Saint mos¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡± Iris is far from quiet¡± he scoffed and returned his concentration to the water body in front of him. This extracted another chuckle from Diane. ¡± Cheers to the fact he didn¡¯t deny that she¡¯s his weakness¡±. ¡± If you¡¯re done, you can go back in now¡± ¡± Hunter, they know¡± He wanted to feign ignorance and ask who¡¯s they but he knew exactly what she was talking about. Soldo knew. Now the message he got days ago made a lot more sense. Protect her didn¡¯t mean Michelle. They meant Iris. Die Third person p. o. v. Three taps on the door in a particr code and Santiago knew it was Jeanie. He checked the clock and saw it was exactly fifteen minutes past midnight. He opened the door and she walked in all dressed in ck like she was leaving for a mission. ¡± Are you ready?¡± she asked as she looked behind him and saw a Louisa looking so pale and scared. ¡± Always¡± he replied and turned to the little girl who was shivering and he couldn¡¯t tell if it was from fear or excessive cold due to the blood shecked. ¡± Lu¡­ we want to take you away from here okay? We want to take you to see mummy¡± Santiago cooed at her and the little girls face lit up in the best way it could. ¡± I would see my m-mummy?¡± she said softly and slightly cracked up ¡± Yes hun, you¡¯d even get to see daddy too¡± She let out a sad smile and a very tiny ¡®yay¡¯ that if you weren¡¯t quiet enough, you might have never heard it. Jeanie was hurt by the little girl¡¯s pain, she was too young for what she was going through. As soon as they were outside these walls, she was getting her medical attention anyway possible. ¡± lets leave¡± Jeanie said and Santiago took it as his cue. ¡± Enter inside her Lu, so those big men wouldn¡¯t see you¡± She obeyed his instruction withoutin, like she had epted that he was her only hope out of there. Her maturity in this situation was admirable by anyone who put her age into consideration. Very slowly and with slight struggle with energy, she got into the box and Santiago zipped it up. One he was sure that it was sealed, he adjusted his own hoodie well enough to cover his face and nodded at the master of the operation. Immediately, she walked out the room and he followed behind her hastily. Not without checking the corridors to be sure no one was there. Its not like they would be sessful with the escape either way. Once they realized the two were gone, they would go to the camera¡¯s and they¡¯ll be caught soon enough. So the problem wasn¡¯t even escaping. It was the hide after the escape. That was how it always was with Soldo. Leaving was easy, hiding wasn¡¯t. The two walked out of the building so easily that you¡¯d think they were going for a stroll with a trolley. Jeanie was given a key to one of the vehicles, because of the nature of her job¡­ she had to be mobile at all times. Santiago hopped into the back seat with the box while Jeanie entered the front and started the ignition. And off they went. The guards at the gate knew the vehicle wherever they saw it, so all that could hinder their passage was if thepany in the back seat was spotted. Santiago ducked a low as he found room to and Jeanie sped past the men at the gate like she was on an emergency mission. Within seconds they had left the environment and a breath of fresh air pped their faces. The box was unzipped and to his shock, he saw Louisa sleeping. Santiago released a tiny chuckle and nudged her with his palm ¡± Wake up princess¡± ¡± She fell asleep?¡± Jeanie asked as she drove down the dark, lonely highway. ¡± Yeah¡± he replied queerly because she hadn¡¯t responded to his wake up call the first time.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡± That¡¯s fast¡± Jeanie continued ¡°I thought so too¡± very quickly, he jacked her out of the box and hugged her to his torso. That was when he realized she wasn¡¯t breathing. She had passed out. ¡± Jean we need a hospital now! She¡¯s not asleep¡± he cried out in fear and ced two fingers to her neck to find a pulse. ¡± fuck!¡± Jeanie eximed as she stepped harder on the elerator. They both knew that they were far away from town and the nearest hospital. All they were silently praying is that she doesn¡¯t die before they get there. Too Third person p. o. v. The two sat down on a nearby table not so far from where shey. By the two, Diane and Mrs. Adams. It had been a long day and to say they deserved a meal was right enough. A bowl of rice and tomato sauce was used to sate their hunger, Diane felt the hunger a lot more than anyone else. To her it seemed like she hadn¡¯t eaten in months. While the two were eating, Iris was slowly drifting somewhere between consciousness and unconsciousness. A very dull headache struck the back of her head and she resisted the urge to sit up from her position. Though it didn¡¯t stop her from opening her eyes and hearing the sounds of spoons scraping against ceramics. A shback of what happened before she passed out crossed her mind, and the sudden jerk of memory with how she collided with the dashboard mmed into her again and she squinted her eyes like she was reliving the experience. An experience she never wants to feel again. Her eyes roamed the room she found herself in, the wooden cabin looked like it nned on enclosing in with a slight shift in nature or a haste force. The rumble her stomach produced indicated that she too was starving, but she had no idea who was in the room so she didn¡¯t know who to call for help. The fact she woke up to no one by her side was quite disappointing, but she didn¡¯t want to dwell on it. ¡± how did you meet Hunter? You guys seem quite fond of each other¡± It was only then that Iris realized a conversation was taking ce in the room and she picked interest in it. A strange voice she couldn¡¯t pin point asked the question and she wondered if the question was directed at her. Because if it was, she wasn¡¯t sure she was going to reply. ¡± A mission¡± a familiar voice replied, Diane. The second voiceughed at her response but from where Irisy, she didn¡¯t quite understand what was amusing. Possibly a facial expression she couldn¡¯t see. ¡± You guys met on a mission, that¡¯s it?¡± Now it was Diane¡¯s turn tough. ¡± We dated too¡± Diane continued and it definitely sparked everyone¡¯s and by everyone¡¯s, I mean everyone¡¯s attention in the room. Diane didn¡¯t need to be asked to go ahead, she continued by freewill. ¡± I was actually head over heels for him¡± she said and released a light chuckle ¡± but I couldn¡¯t say same for him¡± Mrs. Adams noticed the change in her mood and immediately sensed a sad tale behind her question. She regretted asking already. ¡°Hunter took away my virginity you know? Yeah I was in a gang and all but I actually nned to save myself till the day I wore that white gown. Then came along this guy who I fell for before then and shattered my ns¡± ¡± He convinced you toying with him?¡± Mrs. Adams asked with full concern. ¡± No, but he made me want to. I wouldn¡¯t say he tricked me to it because it was mutual but I would say he deceived me to thinking it was more than just sex¡±Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Why would you say so?¡± the doctor in the room asked and Iris too was interested in the reply. ¡± I was gone and he didn¡¯t even bother looking for me or even reaching out and then Ie back to a news of his marriage and kidnapped child. Yeah, he moved on really quick¡± There was a moment of brief silence between all of them, like everyone was taking their time to absorb the new piece of information they had all just acquired. ¡± How long has this been?¡± Mrs. Adams questioned again and Iris was silently praying she¡¯ll stop asking questions before she discovers an information she doesn¡¯t desire to know. ¡± ten, eleven years¡­ I can¡¯t really tell anymore¡± ¡± That¡¯s been a lot of years¡± the conversation between the two continued with Iris as the eavesdropper. ¡± Not long enough¡± Diane said as a whisper but it was loud enough and clear enough too. There was a tter of tes, Diane was packing up the tes as they were both done eating and she headed towards a tiny sink located at the far corner of the room. ¡± When do you assume Iris would wake up? She should be starving, its been three days.¡± She questioned as she tossed the leftovers into the bin and proceeded to begin washing. ¡± Soon¡± the doctor said as she spared a nce to Iris and Iris hoped it wasn¡¯t obvious she¡¯d been awake a while. ¡± Do you still have feelings for Hunter?¡± The question took the both by surprise, especially Iris. A deep feeling stirred at the pit of her stomach and she knew she didn¡¯t want to have the slightest idea on what the answer was. She feigned a cough and attracted the attention of the other twodies in the room and they both rushed to her side. ¡± I was beginning to wonder when you¡¯ll get up. That was a really long break you took there¡± Diane said as she took a seat beside Iris who was still struggling to get up and granted her assistance. ¡± How are you feeling dear? Any pains? Aches? Itches? You should feel those though, it ought to happen after such a scratch¡± the doctor asked as she approached her. Mrs. Adams wore ab coat that covered almost her entire outfit. She pulled out a stethoscope and ced directly atop Iris¡¯s breast to check her heartbeat. ¡± Just a little headache, asides that I think I¡¯m good¡± Iris says as she turns her view to Diane and the both exchange a brief awkward look before Diane decided to speak up again. ¡± Are you hungry? You should be¡± At first Iris thought of saying no to the question but her stomach betrayed her. The mention of having a meal alone had sent her stomach in a frenzy and it produced a rumble so loud the other two couldn¡¯t help but smile at. ¡± Yeah, I am¡± she finally said and Diane stood to her feet to fix up something for her to eat. ¡± Hunter would be d with the improvements so far, don¡¯t you think?¡± Mrs. Adams said to Diane who was already setting a fire to the stove. ¡± Yeah¡± that was all she said. It may have been an answer to the doctor¡¯s question. But it also seemed like the answer to the Doctor¡¯s question too. Dialo Third person p. o. v. ¡± You really didn¡¯t need to blindfold me, even if I see your entire lineage I wouldn¡¯t be able to describe you if my life depended on it¡± she said while she was seated on the cold marble floor and both hands tied in front of her. ¡°You¡¯re actually too aggressive for a girl you know¡± the man whom had been ordered to hold her hostage said with a tinge of amusement. ¡± Well I¡¯m hungry, you don¡¯t really get to see the best sides of me when I¡¯m being deprived my rights¡± Meredith was actually tired of sitting in that position for days, not being able to see or touch anything. Only once in a while was she spoon fed meals. ¡°if I were you I¡¯d stay calm, those things aren¡¯ting off you soon¡± the young man continued as he pulled out his phone to y a few games and keep himself busy. ¡± I hate you¡± she grunted ¡± you weren¡¯t supposed to like me sis, who am I? your boyfriend?¡± ¡± how many more minutes till y¡¯all are done ying this little hide and seek game? Its getting boring¡± ¡± Are you aware that you¡¯re actually kidnapped¡± the guy said, just to be sure.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡± well now I am¡± ¡± Then why did you call it hide and seek?¡± ¡± Oh sorry, tic tac toe sounds more appropriate¡± she said with a scoff and lowkey, it pissed her guard off. ¡± at this pace, you might as well get killed before we find a use of you¡± ¡± excuse you, I am a living breathing human¡­ if you can be used like an object, I interject on my behalf¡± ¡± You¡¯re annoying¡± ¡± No, you are and I am hungry¡­ can I at least get something to eat? Trying to ignore the tinge of fear pounding in the core of her heart and a headache brewing at the back of her head, she couldn¡¯t ignore the worry that filled her thoughts. Or the million questions that she wanted to ask, oh how many questions she wanted answers to. She needed answers to¡­. Why was she kidnapped? Where was Mrs. Phoebe? Who were these people? What do they want from her? And a lot more interrogatory questions that even thinking of them worsened the tiny headache she knew was cooking up. She released a sigh and was met with an echo, that left her wondering how empty the room was and howrge. She assumed probably the man watching over her had left because there was a deathly silence in the atmosphere. Her hands were tied in the most ufortable position and she could literally feel them going numb and cool beyond normal. The night she was taken away did a quick sh back before her eyes and she squinted under the blindfold. The way their vehicle was shot at and Mrs. Phoebe lost control of steering. ¡± stay down and pray. Its gonna be okay¡± Mrs. Phoebe chanted to her as she tried to bnce the wheels on the highway. Deep down, Meredith felt all this was her fault. Everyone else had insisted on them staying the night but despite howte into the evening it was, she was keen on going home. Of recent, she found it quite ufortable being in the same room as Dn. Now her little anxiety has led her into a pool of questions and a fate of bondage. The car came to a halt after their rear tyres had both been shot at and a group of men ran towards the vehicle and began dragging them both out of the car. Thest she could remember was a handkerchief been ced to her nose and the sound of a gunshot ringing in the atmosphere before unconsciousness kicked in. Then she wakes up with her both hands tied and a blindfold. If only she could turn back the clock, maybe things could have turned out different. The sound of someone coughing brought her back from her third world and that was when she realized se was never left alone in the first ce. ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± she said quietly but she knew whoever was present had heard her. ¡°huh?¡± her watchman said out of surprise. His name? ¡± what¡¯s your name? I¡¯m Meredith¡± ¡± I know who you are¡± he said gruffly as he watched her in suspicion. ¡± well I don¡¯t know who you are¡± ¡± You¡¯re not supposed to¡± came his blunt and slightly harsh reply. A heavy and brief silence ensued between them till she spoke again. ¡± What¡¯s your name?¡± Now he was just confused, if he should give up his real name or just pretend like he didn¡¯t hear the question. What difference did it make anyway. ¡± Dialo¡± ¡± Nice to meet you Dialo¡± she said. Confused Dn p. o. v. There was a knock on the door and everyone stood still. I personally wasn¡¯t in the mood to entertain any visitors at the moment. Everyone was seated in the living room brooding silently as we had just gotten back from the hospital and a deathly silence engulfed us all. I was hoping they¡¯d say aa or brief unconsciousness till she was stable enough to wake up again. But no, my mom had died. ¡®You brought her inte¡¯ Those were the words of the doctors when we arrived. Late. If only Meredith had just listened and stayed behind. I wonder what pursued her in the first ce.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Now she¡¯s missing. These past few days have just been like a movie. A fucking freak show! Because I have no idea how they expect me to be okay with my mom gone. Just how? The knock came again and Uncle Brooks stood to figure out who it was. Everyone else stared at the door to know who woulde in. Silently, we all prayed it would either be Iris and Hunter¡­.. or the doctoring to tell us my mother was alive. But the door opened and it revealed Mr. Reid in a maroon suit¡­. And he wasn¡¯t alone. He was nked by Mason and Michelle. A lot of eye contact and signnguages were made in the room but no one dared to say a word. The atmosphere was already cold enough, but Mr. Reid had a purpose ofing over and I doubt he¡¯s going to let the silence wash it down. ¡± My due condolence to the McConnell family for everything you all are passing through. This is indeed the toughest times and I am here to proffer solutions in any way I can.¡± He started and nced round the room to be sure we¡¯re all with him, he continued. ¡± Mr. Brooks, if I may speak with you in private¡± turning to hunters dad to get an affirmation. Uncle Brooks looked to my dad for a go ahead, but my father only shrugged in response. Everyone was literally worn out today. ¡± Let¡¯s take the meeting upstairs¡± he replied Mr. Reid and the both hastily left the room. Michelle and Mason were both standing so awkwardly at the edge of the room that udette noticed and had to walk up to them. ¡± would you like some tea or something to eat? I can get you some cake if that¡¯s fine by you¡± she said to the two while I took it as my cue to walk away. I went into to the backyard because I was a hundred percent sure no one woulde here at the moment. It was a perfect time to think. Everything is happening way too fast. Too fast that it feels I haven¡¯t even had a chance to catch my breath since it all began. Each moment more choking than the previous. There was a little pond quite a distance from the house, taking slow steps I approached the shallow water and sat down just by its banks. Funny how we found out about the incident from the news. Megan wanted to watch the news to know if there was anything going on that we were yet to hear of. And indeed there was. Megan screamed so loudly that everyone came running to the living room and my heart fell right into my stomach. I would never forget the headline¡­ Ambush on a Toyota camry on New Forte highway with its driver found dead at the site. This was less than an hour after they left We rushed to the scene and they didn¡¯t allow me see my mom¡¯s body, but it was no use. I could see the blood that stained her clothes and her lifeless face. I stood still at a distance as we watched the paramedics put her into an ambnce and zoomed off to the hospital. We entered our vehicles too and followed suit while Hunters dad and Megan stayed behind to inform the police that someone else was in that vehicle and she was missing. I was speechless¡­ I still am. I was up by 3am in the morning watching my mom¡¯s dead body get rushed to the hospital. My mother I saw just an hour before. If I had known that would be thest, I would¡¯ve hugged her tighter when she hugged me before leaving¡­ I would have said ¡®I love you too¡¯ a million times when she said it to me. I would¡¯ve stopped her from leaving. Her vani body mist rubbed off on me when she embraced me in a hug and I could still smell its faint fragrance. That brought a tear to my eyes and I willingly let it fall this time. At least there was no one to tell me to be strong this time around. I let myself be the baby she always saw me as. I really need someone to hold me like she does and tell me everything is gonna be okay because right now it feels like everything is falling apart. Every single thing. ¡± Can I join you?¡± came a soft voice from behind me and I turned to see Michelle standing with a ss of what I presumed to be wine and a serviette. ¡± yeah¡± I answered and turned back to the pond. She walked so silently that if she hadn¡¯t made me aware of her presence, I wouldn¡¯t have noticed someone was with me. ¡± I saw you walk out and I felt, maybe¡­. I ¡­ you uhm..¡± she stuttered and I found it quite amusing. ¡± how long have you been standing there?¡± I needed to know because I doubt she had just arrived. ¡± Five minutes.. or more, I wasn¡¯t counting¡± she said and I could tell she could sense the awkwardness behind her action. Silence brewed between us and not like it was ufortable. It was just silence. Michelle and I had never actually had the opportunity to speak to each other directly since I had heard of her, I was just quite familiar with her face. ¡± I¡¯m sorry if I am bothering you¡± her voice came out cracked and hoarse That was when I noticed she was crying. She stared down at her hands and the tear drops came rolling down like a stream in a single streak. She didn¡¯t turn her head or make any body movements. She just spoke up again ¡± I just need someone to t-talk to¡± still staring down. It was in that moment that I realized, we may be as good as strangers who may never have said a word to each other. Right now we both shared something inmon. We are both scared and confused. Luck Third person p. o. v. Santiago paced up and down the waiting area while Jeanie sat cross legged on the empty bench as they both waited for the doctor toe give them a feedback on Louisa¡¯s health condition. The fear in their hearts would akin to that of the parents and they couldn¡¯t hide it. Asides the both of them, there was a boy who looked to be in histe teens seated at the other end of the room. Apparently, he had rushed in his mother on a wheelchair over an hour ago. The gruesome site of how she was stained all over with blood and still dripping had ebbed itself in everyone¡¯s memories, it is only by luck would she survive whatever had happened to her. Deep down the boy knew, but when asked by the doctors he had denied. He had been abandoned by his father years ago after his mother was involved in a car ident that affected her lumbar spine and left her crippled, sadly he had to live and witness all these from a very tender age. The two struggled in every way they can to make ends meet and fortunately, things¡­. No matter how hard they seemed¡­ fell into ce at the right time. They had raised enough to see him through high school and now it was time to send him off to college. As time went by between him and his mom, things got better but their rtionship kept growing sour like there was an inexplicable grudge between the two. This had gone on for so many years till tonight, when he had pushed his mother¡¯s wheelchair down the staircase and saw how so many of her aged bones had tore through her fragile skin in various areas of her body. He didn¡¯t know what hade over him, up till this moment¡­. He can¡¯t grant an answer to the question ¡®why did you do it?¡¯ if he was asked. He couldn¡¯t believe how he let his anger get the best of him in the most monstrous way. Now he¡¯s seated in the waiting area of the hospital with some strangers, silently praying that his mother would survive it and promises to change. He won¡¯t deny, he had been a rebel and many times gave his mother a headache. Many a time, his mother would yell about how she saw his father in him and was certain that a time woulde, no matter how much she had done for him, he was going to get up someday and leave. Just like his father. And he would have but because he wanted to prove her wrong, that¡¯s the major reason he was still around. They both despised his father and he wanted to prove to her that he was nothing like him and would never be anything like him.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. But today, it dawned on him how exactly he was like his father¡­. Unfortunately, how far worse he was. His father had neverid a hand on his mom, but here he was living in guilt that he had pushed her down the stairs knowing how vulnerable and defenseless she was. He still did it. If anyone hears about this he¡¯d bebeled a monster, even though that¡¯s exactly what he is. Shuffling was hearding from the backroom and everyone in the waiting room stood to their feet in anticipation of whoever was shutting the door in the back. The hospital was a small in-town building with a single floor. It could even be mistaken for a clinic. With limited staff and little space area, they actually did a great job with emergency situations. A male nurse emerged with a file in his hand. ¡± Mr. Santiago Gomez?¡± he called and looked around the room. Santiago and Jeanie moved forward with so much haste that the nurse had to step at least two feet back to be sure they don¡¯t m into him. ¡± yes?¡± Santiago responded with his fingers crossed that nothing had happened to the little girl. ¡± she¡¯s awake and under intensive care, you can see her if you wish. Follow me¡± the nurse said and began walking back towards the direction he came from. Santiago and Jeanie couldn¡¯t express their happiness enough, their smiles were so wide that their cheeks could explode. But not only were they happy, they were relieved. The sooner she got better, the sooner they could leave before Soldo gets to find them. They followed the nurse to the backroom and that left Colby in the waiting area. He hadn¡¯t realized he was still standing since the nurse walked in till he was the only one left in the room. He released a sigh and went to have his seat once again. This time, he changed his prayer point to that of Santiago and Jeanie. He wishes to have the kind of blessing they just did, for someone to walk in here and tell him his mother is alive. He hadn¡¯t realized he had been crying while he spoke silently to God till he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He jerked to reality and wiped his face and met with a pretty petite nurse who looked sad at is appearance. ¡°Are you Mr. Colby Thomas?¡± she asked but deep down wished he wasn¡¯t. ¡± Yes¡± he said and stood to his feet, his figure towering over the little nurse ¡± yes, I am¡± he continued. A few seconds passed and the nurse finally had to ry what she intended to tell him. ¡± I¡¯m sorry, we lost her¡± Colby felt like his entire world was caving in, but as said before¡­ It was only by luck would she survive whatever had happened to her. Choice THIRD PERSON P. O. V. Jeanie walked into the ward and met Santiago spoon feeding Louisa on the bed. It was Two A. M. in the morning, they needed to leave as soon as they could. Judging from the time they had left; the rm would¡¯ve gone off at the base by now that the three were missing. It was going to take several incantations to not be seen as they furthered their journey. ¡°We need to take that food to go, the doctor is out for a while and this is the only opportunity we have to leave¡± Jeanie said and her partner understood exactly why. ¡°Hey girl, we need to leave now okay?¡± he muttered to Louisa and she nodded in understanding. It seemed like she was well aware that they were on the run to save her life. Jeanie walked up to Louisa and detached the catheter attached at the back of her wrist and picked her up while Santiago rushed out ahead of her probably to use the restroom first. From her back pocket, she dumped a wad of cash on the bed and started a little race for the vehicle outside. They had been outside too long; the tracking of the vehicle should¡¯ve started by now. The ns they had in mind were to drive to a reasonable extent, abandon the car and rent a new one. Then find their way to Da Lat. If Hunter was looking for Soldo and he was smart enough, that¡¯s exactly where they¡¯ll find him and give him his baby. When she was outside and the cold wind brushed upon her face, she couldn¡¯t help but shiver a little and so did Louisa in her hands. ¡°Don¡¯t worry baby, we¡¯ll soon be in the car¡± she told her and held her tighter so she could at least catch some warmth from her body.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. The car was close by, she entered into the back seat and now patiently waited for Santiago to exit the building. But in the meantime, she thought it was necessary to continue feeding the girl she was carrying. ¡°Louisa?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Louie murmured into her sweater like she was already falling asleep. She could understand why she was so tired, anyone who went through what she had been through would be drained. Literally! ¡°Would you like to finish your meal?¡± Jeanie asked her and she shook her head in a ¡®no¡¯ response. Jeanie was confused because a few minutes ago she was just eating Or would she only ept food from Santiago? ¡°Do you want Santiago to feed you?¡± ¡°No¡± she said again and Jeanie was relieved that it wasn¡¯t because of her that she was rejecting the meal. ¡°Do you want some water?¡± The little girl had a few moments of thoughts before whispering a little ¡®yes¡¯ and Jeanie stretched into the front seat to retrieve a bottle she had left there, thanking God that there was still a little left. A few secondster the driver¡¯s door was yanked open and Santiago hopped in. ¡°Are we ready?¡± he says as he buckles his seatbelt and starts the engine. The question was more of rhetoric because he didn¡¯t need anyone¡¯s answer before moving. Jeanie was d for the speed he had chosen, it seemed to her that he also realized the grave danger they were in. But on their way, they saw a familiar outfit walking down the road. It was the teenage boy they had seen at the waiting area; he was walking all alone to who knows where. Santiago looked back to Jeanie who was cradling Louisa like he was asking her if they should help him out. She only looked back to him speechless because she wasn¡¯t so sure if that was a good idea, either way he stopped beside the boy who jumped away a bit out of fright. He hadn¡¯t heard theming while he was wallowing in his own thoughts. His face held a myriad of sorrow and tears streaked all over. ¡°where are you headed?¡± Santiago asked the youngd because he felt really sorry for him. No one should be left all alone on the night they lose their mother. ¡®where were his family?¡¯ That was the question he wanted to ask but decided against it. A boy lonely at this hour without a family member would definitely have an exnation to it. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± he managed to blurt out in between tears and two hups. ¡°Care to join us?¡± Asked Jeanie from the back. Seemed like she had agreed to San¡¯s n. The boy nodded and decided to ride shotgun. After all, he thought to himself¡­ What other choice did he have? Therapist Third person pov A knock resounded on the door and the entire upants knew who they were expecting. Mr. McConnell went personally to answer the doorbell, it was a vital discussion that was long overdue. ¡°You are a bitte, we agreed nine o¡¯ clock¡± said Mr. McConnell the moment he came face to face with the invited visitor. ¡°The streets aren¡¯t safe and you know that. Also, I needed to see the therapist as nned.¡± Mr. Reid replied with a bit of annoyance in his voice, he wasn¡¯t familiar with being questioned and being in such situation triggered his nerves. ¡°May I step in or would you rather me killed by your doorway.¡± He continued and that made Mr. McConnell grudgingly give way for him toe in alongside two heavily built body guards. Stepping aside for Mr. Reid toe in, he also scanned the outdoors like he was expecting someone else¡­ which he actually was. ¡°Where are they? I thought you were bringing them in or even the therapist that had you dyed.¡± ¡°I would appreciate it if you watch your tone with me McConnell. I dropped them off at her office, she needed to speak with them too to carry out her job urately¡± Mr. Reid responded and turned around to everyone else in the living room. ¡°Good morning to the rest of us, I hope you at least were able to catch an eye rest as I couldn¡¯t¡± he added and took a seat not too far from the entrance and Mr. McConnell closed the door behind him and also proceeded to have his own seat. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you expect us to even consider batting our eyelids at this hour Reid, if you think this is some sort of joke then I suggest you desist from such mindset.¡± Mrs. McConnell almost barks at him with a re in her eyes. ¡°Brooks, your wife is still as rude I see.¡± ¡°You know¡­ there was a reason I always avoided you, I guess Hunter was too oblivious to your aura.¡± He replied Reid¡¯s offment.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Before we begin this tussle, where are the other upants of this home?¡± Reid asks just to be cautious of whatever he says under their roof. Mr. Reid has always been a careful man of few words to the right people hence why he avoided public asions, he also had a low tolerance to stupidity. ¡°Edward and Guillermo took the cars to the mechanic for a check out, Cheryn and udette were sent to the mart, Megan, Matt and his wife went to stay with Dn¡­ he¡¯s been visiting the park ever since the passing of his mother.¡± Laurel saysing out of the kitchen with a tray of drinks in her hands. ¡°Laurel love, didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± Reid smiles as she approaches where they were all seated. ¡°Never nned to see you till I passed on to glory.¡± Shements under her breath but loud enough for him to hear. ¡°Same here, sadly we couldn¡¯t convince Brooks to delete you from the equation¡± Tucker added also stepping out behind Laurel. And for some reason Mr. Reid found theirments amusing. ¡°Tucker, how is your lovely wife? Been years since I heard from her¡± ¡°I still don¡¯t like you Reid, don¡¯t act like I do.¡± Steadily taking his seat and taking a ss from Laurel¡¯s tray. Laurel handed over a ss to Brooks and Rose and proceeded back into the kitchen with an empty tray. ¡°Don¡¯t bother getting some for me Laurel, the feelings I¡¯m getting in here could get me poisoned¡± Reid shouted as he watched her leave the room. ¡°I never had you in mind Arthur¡± she shouted back. ¡®oh¡¯ said Reid quite lowly. He knew they never liked him from the beginning but he never knew the hate was this deep. Maybe yes, he deserved it after what he pulled years ago but he had apologized and given them the space and assumed that it would have been enough to repair his damage. Well, it seems nothing has changed between the family and him. He was still the Lucifer who had betrayed God in their sight. There was a cold silence in the room as everyone waited for the return of Laurel, this gave the air conditioner at the far end of the room enough peace to y its humms. Mr. Reid¡¯s heartbeat could¡¯ve been heard by the person seated next to him which were his guards, a fearless man only knew fear in the presence of the McConnell family¡­ a ssic disy of authority without mention. Laurel returned from the kitchen and was the first to speak up and start the conversation. ¡°Brooks has briefed us on the saddest news of the year, my question is why.¡± Reid looked to Brooks to be sure when she said briefed, that meant she was well aware of everything before he could speak and Mr. McConnell¡¯s facial expression was enough to say yes to his internal question. ¡°You were asked something Reid¡± Rose reinstated just in case he hadn¡¯t heard it the first time. ¡°Because why not?¡± came his reply as he looked each and everyone of them directly in the eye. ¡°He came to me for help, who am I to refuse?¡± ¡°You are a grown ass man who shouldn¡¯t be encouraging kids to get themselves into this mess.¡± said Laurel. ¡°I didn¡¯t get hunter into this mess Laurel¡­¡± ¡°Then who did?¡± Tucker interrupted his statement. ¡°I am not well aware but you all can ask Hunter when and where he got himself into this problem because I had no hand in him getting into it, I only came in to get him out of it¡± Reid exined and leaned into his seat a bit more confident now that he could answer every questionable argument thrown at him. ¡°Well he is about to get killed¡± Laurel said again ¡°If not for me he would¡¯ve gotten killed long ago, are you certain you were briefed on this issue?¡± There was a moment of silence after the question was thrown and Reid took it as another opportunity to speak up again. ¡°Hunter is not a child, he made actions and actions deserve consequences especially if they were drastic and dangerous actions¡­ if there¡¯s anyone to allocate mes to his head it should be Hunter. Not me, not you Rose, not Laurel but Hunter and until we¡¯re ready to ept that, only then would the guilt of what we are about to do lessen. Oddly you were the ones who brought up the idea, not me¡­ I would have never considered it knowing my past and yet here I am and you all are still trying to find a way to put mes on me? Quite a shame on all of you¡± Mr. McConnell cleared his throat as he had been silent throughout the entire exchange, now was the time he felt was right to speak. ¡°This is something we would have done long ago but Rose insisted she wanted to speak with Miss. Jules first before her conscience could be clear on her decision and our dy has only led to more problems¡± he paused in between to be sure everyone concurred with all he was saying. The face of his wife was sober and he knew the reason, he also was sober but he knew this was the right thing and it needed to be done. ¡°We are a family that believe in justice and exempting our son from it would only make us and our previous judgments¡¯ biased and two faced. My son was a bully, a rapist and was involved in illegalities and it is only vital that he is brought before thew. I do not know how to do that with a murderer hot on his tail and that is why I got you involved. You were into all this, so we want to join forces with you to make sure all this is brought to an end. Whatever man power you need we are here to back it up with all we have and get our innocent baby and Jules safely home and Hunter behind bars¡± he ended. Mr. Reid was silent after the McConnell¡¯s speech but he knew he was right and only wanted to do what¡¯s right. But before he could reply they heard the doorbell. ¡°That should be the therapist and Jules parents¡± one of Reid¡¯s bodyguards said and stood to answer the door. Blindfold ¡°How can you remain so calm? Aren¡¯t you bothered you might not make it out alive?¡± Dialo said to Meredith as she sat at the far corner of the room with her eyes still closed and her hands and feet still in a knot. Meredith scuffed at his statement, so loud that the young man found it quite annoying and insulted. ¡°Speak for yourself¡± she started with a tone that sounded like she and Dialo had been in an argument for quite a number of years ¡°you are going to release me and I am going to call the cops and you¡¯ll be ending up in jail with whoever that sent you as a roommate.¡± Her confidence was slightly rming to him; he had never seen a woman so stubborn. He silently thanked God for not allowing him to judge her book by her looks cause if he had listened to what his mind had initially told him about her, he wouldn¡¯t have bothered tying her up. And he was very certain that if he didn¡¯t, one of them would have been dead by now. ¡°You¡¯re quite funny¡± he said ¡°and also too bold for a woman¡± Even though she was blindfolded, the irritation on her face was so prominent that if expressions could transform into energy¡­ hers would have been heat. ¡°Fuck you for such a stupid statement¡± she muttered but the echoes of the room made her sound three times more amplified than it actually is. Another deathly silence dragged on between them. It¡¯s not like there is nothing to be said, both of them had millions of questions they wanted to ask the other but for Meredith at this point everything she¡¯s going through is a lot to take in. But for Dialo, he didn¡¯t want to seem like he was prying for information. Especially for the fact that his boss had never ordered him to. In the midst of the silence, Meredith¡¯s stomach made a low growl that got her feeling a little embarrassed. They had brought her a meal earlier in the day but she rejected it and refused to eat unless her blindfold was removed, which was an impossible request. So she starved herself. Deep down, her heart was beating erratically and she felt her fa?ade of boldness was fading. When Dialo had left the room to go get her meal, unwillingly she saw herself crying. A temporary breakdown to express how scared and tired she was of whatever was going on. She wished there was a button somewhere that she could get a hold of and just turn off every single thing that was happening until she had a grip of herself. The moment she heard his feet shuffling towards the door, she made a conscious and straining effort to wipe her tears away because in her words ¡®no way that son of a b**** is gonna see me cry¡¯ But now she¡¯s regretting why she rejected the only meal she would be given for the day. Meanwhile Dialo on the other hand was enjoying the show, he smirked when he heard her stomach rumble.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Silently he wanted to know how long her stubbornness would carry her and how far. But to be honest, he admired her being. She wasn¡¯t one to give up so easily no matter how bad it seems they have been condemned to fate. She was truly the daughter of her father Pedro. Her father was supposed toe pick her up today, but he wasn¡¯t quite sure if he still had that n in mind because there had been no calls nor instructions so far. And just like they had read his mind, one of his partners came knocking on the door. ¡°I¡¯m here to pick her up, her father would be here soon.¡± Thedy said and Meredith¡¯s ears peaked at the statement. ¡°M-my fat-ther?¡± she stuttered, wondering what her father had on connection with the people who had her kidnapped. ¡°Yes, now let¡¯s get you cleaned up¡± said thedy as she walked up to where Meredith was seated at the edge of the room. ¡°looks like the blindfold is finallying off¡± Dialo said with a tinge of amusement. Vomit Iris¡¯s p. o. v. ¡°Start up the car, we¡¯ll be leaving soon¡± I heard Hunter¡¯s voice from the outside of the cabin. The sound of his voice in a little way settled my worry that he had gone without me. Even though deep down, I prayed that I would wake up to my little girl staring at my face or wrapped up in a warm nket fast asleep because at this point everything is already a lot. But then it came to my realization that Hunter has no idea that I have woken up yet¡­ so he¡¯s leaving soon without me? ¡°What about Miss Jules?¡± a casual baritone voice asked and I¡¯m d that he voiced my mind before I could. What about me? ¡°Dougy I cannot keep waiting for Iris to get up¡­ in as much as I can¡¯t wait for her to wake up, Louisa is out there and only God knows what they¡¯re doing to her each second that goes by¡± Hunter replied his question and I¡¯m certain that Dougy¡­ whoever Dougy is, agrees with him cause all I heard next was a sigh and the sound of two footsteps in a parallel manner. Within a few seconds, the door was opened and in walked Hunter. His stubble was extremely prominent and I wasn¡¯t even surprised¡­ where exactly in this wooden shed would one store a shaving cream and some des. Asides that, his eyes look so tired like he hadn¡¯t had a good night¡¯s rest in days. Come to think of it, everyone had a simr appearance. I guess that¡¯s what staying in the woods on the run from some men with guns can do to you. ¡°Diane I would need those files your father gave to you as soon as possible, Mrs. Adams have you checked in the blood sample Dougy brought in yesterday?¡± he started and walked straight into another room adjacent to the entrance and jammed the door shut behind him. ¡°The files are in the underground cab¡­ along with the biography of the two men who picked me from the airport¡± Diane replied as she walked towards the room he went into. Within a few seconds the sound of running water filled the room and Hunter had to increase the tone of his voice to respond. ¡°Did we find out who they were?¡± ¡°Yes, Sergio and Duncan¡­ Ex aides of the Chief Adviser to the former President of Togo, retired seven and three years ago respectively. There was a brief five seconds of silence in the room and Mrs. Adams looked to me like she was about to say something but at the same time she didn¡¯t want to say it. ¡°With their pictures?¡± Hunter shouted again from the room and I believe he was still questioning Diane. ¡°Yes, everything you need except extended family rtions is present in the files. Dougy and I would work on that as soon as we can and send the papers to you.¡± With the little energy I had left in me, I sat up from myying position and Mrs. Adams came running to my side to assist me. ¡°That was too fast, you could¡¯ve copsed¡± she said as she ced one of her hands behind me to help keep me steady. ¡°I know but you¡¯ve been down for quite some time, ever heard of postural hypertension?¡± She was actually right; I had learnt about that during my years of studying physiotherapy. How easy it was to actually learn something and totally forget to apply it. Suddenly the sound of the running water in the bathroom came to a stop and we all heard hunter speak again. ¡°Mrs. Adams what about the blood sample?¡± he said, now a bit lower than before. ¡°It¡¯s been tested. Positive.¡± She replied curtly while still trying to help me maintain bnce. I do not know why, but that statement made Hunter bash against something in the bathroom as he eximed ¡®fuck¡¯. ¡°What blood sample?¡± I asked the two women who were in the room with me and both looked to each other briefly before returning their eyes in any other direction that wasn¡¯t me. At first I was confused because I asked a question and while I was expecting an answer, all I got was a weird exchange of looks before being ignored. So I asked again. ¡°What blood sample?¡± ¡°Iris I think its best you ignore that information for now till when you¡¯re a lot stronger¡± Diane finally replied but in actual honesty that only made me more curious. Was it mine? Some secondster Hunter emerged from the bathroom and I took it as the best opportunity to ask. ¡°What blood sample?¡± At first he was either shocked to hear my voice or he was confused that I was asking such a question. ¡°You¡¯re awake¡± it came more of a statement than of a question from him. ¡°Yes I am, what blood sample?¡± Why was everyone avoiding the question? Their reactions brewed and uncanny feeling in my stomach and I swear I didn¡¯t want to believe it was whatever it is I was thinking. Now all three of them exchanged looks and it was beginning to piss me off. ¡°Can someone answer me?¡± ¡°Louisa¡± Mrs. Adam said silently to my hearing and I could swear I felt a cord cut in my chest.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. ¡°Louisa?¡± I asked looking at Hunter to confirm if this statement was true or not, indepthly wishing it was not. ¡°I swear she¡¯s okay Iris, please calm down¡± Calm down? He¡¯s telling me to calm down? ¡°That red liquid in the bottle¡­ it was her blood?¡± He didn¡¯t answer, no one did but the reactions on their faces gave the answer away. It was. ¡°She¡¯s okay??? How the fuck do they get blood from someone who is okay???¡± ¡°Iris please calm down; I know this is a lot to take in but if you keep up like this your blood pressure might not be friendly in a few minutes.¡± Mrs. Adams said while gently rubbing circles on my back to help calm me down. ¡°How long?¡± I asked Hunter again expecting he would at least say something this time around. But instead, it was Diane who spoke. ¡°Since she was kidnapped¡± I couldn¡¯t help the vomit that hurled out of my guts immediately. Truth THIRD PERSON P. O. V. Her mother stood at door and watched everyone in the room with wide eyes. ¡®This has to be a scam or a scheme in process¡¯ she thought to herself when she met with the faces in the room. Definitely whom she least expected. All of them. ¡°You cane in, you¡¯re safe I promise you¡± Mr. Reid says as he stands to his feet to allow her see him fully. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you indicate the people we¡¯re getting to meet are the McConnell¡¯s?¡± Mr. Shawn, Iris¡¯s dad asked after seeing Mr. Reid act calm in the same situation his wife is finding extremely disturbing. ¡°I figured if I mentioned it that you guys wouldn¡¯t want to get involved¡± Mr. Reid exined. ¡°We had already mentioned that we didn¡¯t want to get involved with this family, you promised us Iris and my granddaughter¡­ not a jamboree with his family¡± Mrs. Shawn spat and you could almost taste the bitterness in her words. ¡°I know we are not the best people in your books right now but if you can¡­¡± Mr. McConnell started but he was interrupted by her again. ¡°If I can what!?¡± ¡°If you can just have a seat and let us discuss this¡± Brooks tried again ¡°How many discussions have I ever had with you that proved positive? Give me a damn good reason why I should try now!¡± it was obvious that Iris¡¯s mom was angry¡­ fuming could be the right word. Her husband who stood beside hernded soft pats on her shoulder and mouthed a few ¡®calm down¡¯ to her hearing in hushed tones while the youngdy on a white t-shirt, below the knee fitted denim skirt and blue rimmed sses stood behind them both with really wide eyes. Deep in her heart all she was saying to herself was how much work she had to do here. ¡°You¡¯ve never had a discussion with me that ended up futile have you?¡± Mr. Reid asked Mrs. Shawn but she didn¡¯t give an answer because she and everyone else in the room knew he was right and that gave him an opportunity to continue his statement. ¡°I promised you that I¡¯ll bring your daughter and granddaughter home but I cannot do that if you do not have a seat. So please The Shawn¡¯s, can we have a seat? Time is really against us.¡± Mrs. Shawn eyed everyone skeptically in the room but proceeded to have a seat as asked, in all honesty she was here because of Mr. Reid and no one else. Her husband followed suit and took the chair nearest to her. ¡°I hope you had a lovely night yesterday miss. Doherty?¡± Mr. Reid asked the youngdy that had been behind them and silent all through the exchange. ¡°Mac, please get her a seat¡± he added and gestured for one of his guards to get thedy a seat as all in the living room were currently upied. ¡°There¡¯s a few in the kitchen¡± Laurel said and the guard nodded. In no time the guard was back with a seat for Doherty and immediately she flipped open her notebook. ¡°Good morning everyone¡± she started and adjusted her sses ¡°I have had a conversation with The Shawn¡¯s and now I¡¯d like to have one with the McConnell¡¯s in rtion to what I have heard from them previously¡± she looked up to be sure they were all following and indeed they were. She was a therapist, one of the best in town and she was perfect with her job¡­ so she was right when she felt the ufortable tension in the room like a can of bottled truths was about to be spilled open.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. She wasn¡¯t sure what this therapy session was going to lead to but by the looks of things she was only certain of two points. One, this family needed the therapy Two, this therapy had a high chance of either strengthening or destroying the bonds which they have. And based on parts of the story she had heard earlier¡­ thetter seemed most likely. ¡°Now to ensure uracy and to get what you want, I would need the truth and nothing but the truth; and I hope that¡¯s all I¡¯ll get¡± she said. Body Third person p. o. v. Iris sat in the back seat of the car in fresh new clothes and a slightly wet hair. She had managed to have her bath some minutes ago and now they were preparing to leave. While Hunter and a few of the others were having some discussions not so far from the vehicle, she satpletely quiet and zoned out of earth. Her thoughts, very far away that from her face she looked like someone who was lost from reality. What she had heard earlier still gave her cold feet, it felt like as each second passed the reality of realities dawned on her and all that kept pounding at the back of her mind was Louisa¡¯s health. She knew Louisa as still recovering from anemia and blood is being drawn from her? Iris had never in her life thought that she could evere across someone so wicked in her entire lifetime¡­ and she had met Hunter. That little girl never did anything to those cruel men, not even to swat a fly in their presence yet she was the one suffering the most. Her only offense was being rted to Hunter. Being his daughter. She couldn¡¯t help the tiny anger brewing in her chest towards the McConnell family. If only, just maybe, they had put more interest into their son¡¯s life, maybe he wouldn¡¯t be a wild fire that destroys anything or anyone that manages toe into contact with him. She was still lost in her thoughts when the doors of the car were opened and Hunter alongside someone else hopped into the front seats, it was only when the car jerked forward in movement that she realized that they had begun moving. Where they were headed she didn¡¯t know, she hadn¡¯t spoken to Hunter since she was told the actual thing in the tubes. She didn¡¯t even want to speak with him, all that she was currently concerned about as getting Louisa out of the shackles of those evil men. The ride was a bit silent with the driver¡¯s interest on the road and Hunter going through a file he had brought with him. They were the files Diane had gotten ready for him before he prepped to leave. Diane and Mrs. Adams were to return back to town to meet his family and if possible, to meet the Reid¡¯s also to at least give them an update and feedback on their journey so far. The rest of the men were to follow different routes and meet them at Da Lat, it would¡¯ve been very dangerous for all of them to get into the same vehicle so they decided it was best to split up. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Hunter said to Iris and broke the silence. Iris wasn¡¯t expecting to be spoken to. In fact, she didn¡¯t even want to be spoken to, she was looking out the window and was unknowingly crying really silent tears. The moment he saw her face, he knew he picked the wrong time to ask her about food especially counting the fact that she had emptied her stomach some minutes ago but he had already made the mistake and there was no going back. But instead, Iris ignored his question and looked back at the trees she had managed to find sce in when the journey began. Hunter knew better than to repeat his question so he turned forward and the silence in the ride continued, not without the guy behind the wheels sparing him a sad nce.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. They drove on for another hour till they came out to a public highway which was almost crowded. Neither of them needed to say it, but it felt awesome to actually be out in the main roads with people who aren¡¯t after your life. Iris wanted to ask where they were headed, the fact they were out in public disturbed her a bit. But the two seemed like they were on the right track so who was she toin. And for another hour, they were in the traffic swerving their way through. She wondered if anyone had caught a glimpse of the guy whose home was bombed minutes after his wedding was disrupted by gunshots. Then again, it urred to her that the sses may be heavily tinted. All these seemed like excess frivolities to her, she needed Louisa back and this car ride was taking much longer than she expected. Practically calcting how long they had wasted already, she didn¡¯t notice that they were now all alone and had left the main way. And the moment she did, a feeling of unease sat in her stomach. Only then did she realize the safety one feels when being surrounded by people. The car came to a stop in an open area and she only hopped out of the car when the other two men had stepped out and sessfully took at least ten steps without hearing the st of a gun. She¡¯s been too traumatized these past few days to trust anything without reason. ¡°Hey, are youing?¡± Hunter asked when he realized that she wasn¡¯t following them behind. ¡°Yes¡± she replied and mmed the door behind her causing both Hunter and the second guy who had driven them both to flinch a bit. And she was unapologetic about it. When she noticed there was a jet and some other men asides Hunter and his cohort in front of her, she was taken aback but tried as much as she could not to make it obvious. She spared only a look towards Hunter and began walking towards the ne as she guessed they¡¯ll be taking it to their next stop. He watched as she stormed passed him and marched her way to the other men ahead and he couldn¡¯t help but release a sigh before following her almost immediately. ¡°You could¡¯ve avoided mming the door that hard, it¡¯s not even my car.¡± He said as he was hot on her heels and they walked so briskly like there was a mini pad race. His statement actually brought her to a halt and she fought a mental debate to reply his words. She really didn¡¯t have any time to waste with him anymore. Leaving hisin hanging in the air, she continued walking ahead; this time bringing Hunter to a halt. He didn¡¯t expect her reaction at all, and at this point he believes he has had enough of it. ¡°Iris I spent three fucking days worried sick about your health and seven worried about Louisa¡¯s, I haven¡¯t had a decent meal in a week or a proper bath in days, I¡¯m on my freaking toes twenty-four seven watching not just my back but yours because we could be attacked any time, I haven¡¯t had a shut eye for fifteen minutes at a go for the past month, my eyes hurt like a motherfucker from reading tiny prints on papers andptops for at least seventy percent of my day for over ten days. Right now I¡¯m on my top most adrenaline rush and highest grades of fear hormone endocrine secretion and if you¡¯re going to keep up with this attitude just to add to my already existing problems then I think its best that you get back in that car and freaking return home because as much as she is your daughter, she is also mine!¡± Hunter yelled and everyone around the area stood still. Not just from the fear of being caught but for the fact they hadn¡¯t heard him burst out this way in a long time. But for Iris, it was his audacity that struck her the most. She spun around so swiftly on her toes and sent him a re before she retorted. ¡°You see that?¡± she started pointing as him as she approached him with mes in her eyes. ¡°That is the reason we¡¯re all in this fucking mess!!¡± The rest of the crowd maintained their distance as they felt it was best that they didn¡¯t interfere. And they were wise enough with their decision. ¡°She¡¯s your daughter and that¡¯s why she was kidnapped, you had to freaking have your way with me and that¡¯s why my life is in danger, Dn had to be rted to such an idiot like you and that¡¯s why he lost his mother, your mother had to give birth to such an unfortunate kid as you and that¡¯s why your dad is in distress, Michelle had to develop feelings for you and that¡¯s why her dream marriage was wrecked¡­ where does the damn list even end Hunter McConnell? Hasn¡¯t it urred to you that you might just be the bad luck and that¡¯s why you keep dragging innocent people into your mess?¡± ¡°Some of these men might not make it out alive because they are helping your stupid ass and you have the guts to fuckingin about my attitude? That should even be the least of your godforsaken worries, you should be bothered about the kind of life you have where you always have to endanger others to be redeemed. I am fucking done with anything that has a resemnce to you or your belongings, I want to get my daughter out and get back home to bloody Bridgewaters before they kill her and if you think that I¡¯ll ever turn back before I¡¯ve done that then I must inform you that it would be over my dead body!¡± Then she turned back and stomped her way into the jet. Hope Third person p. o. v. They had been driving for some hours now, only hitting a stop to refill their gas tank with the extra gallon of fuel that Soldo always demanded be left at the back seat of every vehicle ever used on a mission. Jeanie and Santiago had swapped positions an hour ago so he could take a nap because he was exhausted. Everyone else in the car were fast asleep and Jeanie was the only one wide awake, she had taken a brief nap at some point. The radio stations were shuffling between songs and there weren¡¯t really any news headlines during the wee hours, so she had to stick with random mix of songs including those she knew well enough and those she was hearing for the first time. The day was getting brighter quite slowly and she believed the time was between five to six am. She didn¡¯t go around with a wristwatch so she wasn¡¯t so sure of the time but she was certain her guess was right, it was part of their trainings with Soldo to be able to tell the time from the intensity of the sun and how shadows were cast. It always came in handy in a lot of missions. But she was tired of being useful in the death of others, she wanted to have a meaningful life that didn¡¯t include bloodstains or guns. As much she loved the family she had made there, she felt she would love her freedom a lot more. Sometimes she wished she had been left in the streets to rot, probably might have discovered a better life. Maybe go to school and get a degree, with this job she wasn¡¯t able to achieve that. The only degree she has been awarded in her life is best in deletion from the crew at the age of twelve. She learnt how to clear up traces of even the most gruesome murders from the age of eight. The shes of scenes crossed her mind at intervals and she couldn¡¯t help but cringe countless number of times at the way she once derived joy from such a horrible act. She knew she wasn¡¯t the only one who wanted out of that demon hole, Santiago was obviously tired too for him to agree to escaping with the innocent girl. And there were a lot more people who wanted out, from their sad faces to the sces they found from cannabis and marijuana. She only hoped they could find their way out someday. Even though they all knew the penalty of such sin is death. Deep down in her thoughts, it was only a matter of time before they hunted her down and ended her but she only prayed that she had at least a year of fresh air. She needed it.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. While lost in her wandering mind she hadn¡¯t noticed the boy in the passenger seat was already awake. ¡°Good morning¡± he said as he stared at her with his dull brown eyes. She jerked out of fear and lost control of the steering for a second before regainingposure. ¡°sorry¡­¡± he whispered realizing she wasn¡¯t expecting his greetings. ¡°It¡¯s fine¡± she replied and maintained her focus on the road once again. She had no idea where she was headed, but so long as there was a road, there was definitely a city or town somewhere. It was getting a lot brighter and it disturbed her because it was a sign to prove they were out of time to escape and slowly panic creeped into her mind. She wished she was still lost in her mind somehow, so she began thinking of what could distract her. She turned to the guy who had just greeted her and noticed he was a little sad, from her reaction to him or from the hospital, she wasn¡¯t sure but she decided it was best to strike a conversation now as she also needed it. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± she asked and the boy looked to her to he sure he was the one been spoken to. After confirming that he was the only one awake asides her, he replied her question. ¡°Colby¡± Jeanie nodded and pursed her lips to show she was listening but he didn¡¯t say anything else. She didn¡¯t know how to hold a conversation with someone who didn¡¯t need her services, so this felt a lot more awkward than it actually seemed in her head. ¡°I¡¯m Jeanie¡± she said hoping it would make him say something. ¡°Nice to meet you Jeanie¡± he said ¡°Nice to meet you too Colby.¡± She replied and exhaled before continuing. ¡°Where¡¯s your family?¡± She didn¡¯t know if that was a wrong question to ask at the moment but his facial expression afterwards made her wish she had chosen another topic to discuss. ¡°Dead.¡± That was all he said and maintained his silence. From his voice, you could tell he was fighting back tears and she felt that in her soul because she could rte to him in so many levels. ¡°Me too¡± she added to make him know that he was not alone in this. ¡°All of them¡± Colby turned to look at her just to be sure she wasn¡¯t lying to make him feel better but when he saw how serious she was he couldn¡¯t hold back the tears that had been threatening to fall ever since he woke up to reality. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He blurted out in between each tear drop that he had managed to wipe off but the streams kept flowing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry too¡± she consoled and found herself also fighting back tears she didn¡¯t know were there. To these two, the world was cruel. Putting them in situations they had to fight tooth and nail to get themselves out of. They didn¡¯t ask to be here, years ago they wouldn¡¯t have wished to be here but life had a twisted way of making things happen And everyone concludes ¡®it all happens for a reason¡¯ Maybe there was a reason it actually all did happen. Maybe life had a n for Colby and Jeanie But until they discovered what fate they were built for, right now they were two people who had silently lost hope. Answer Third person p. o. v.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. She was directed towards a jeep with masked men guiding her Or making sure she doesn¡¯t run away, she wasn¡¯t quite sure what their aim of surrounding her was but she was well aware they didn¡¯t want her leaving their sight. The windows of the vehicle were tinted to the point that its exterior made perfect mirrors if anyone ever needed one out of home. And that made her to worry because no one would be able to see her if she was being stabbed in the vehicle. ¡°I¡¯m not getting in there if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking¡± she rattled and refused to move further. ¡°He won¡¯t harm you if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about¡± one of the tens of men around her said and the silence that followed seemed like it was undebated But it wasn¡¯t enough reason for her to believe them. ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± she asked and looked at each of them to know if they would actually grant her question an answer. ¡°If we wanted to kill you we would have done that while you were blindfolded¡± the same guy who responded before said again and she saw a point in his exnation. ¡°He wants you alive and healthy so without dy, go in¡­ he¡¯s waiting¡± another person added but she couldn¡¯t figure out who it was that spoke amongst them. Grudgingly, she listened but not like she was willing to. She took a deep breath and ced a hand on her erratically beating heart, mentally preparing herself for whatever it is she would be faced with. Not giving her enough time, one of the escorts opened the door widely and turned to her indicating it was time for her to get inside. She wanted to cuss at him for rushing her mental preparation but the deed was done anyway, slowly she counted her steps till she stood directly in front of the open door and turned to see a man with white hairs and a huge build. And that was all she saw because he was also masked. ¡°If you are going to kill me just say it so I can say myst prayers.¡± Meredith said as she could no longer hide the fear creeping underneath her skin with a lot of red signals tingling. The man in the carughed so hard at her statement that he had to take a while to clear up his throat afterward and collect a bottle of water from the driver of the jeep in front. ¡°You grew with wits I see¡± he said and even without seeing his face she could hear the smile in his words. ¡®good to know he finds this amusing¡¯ she thought sarcastically to herself. ¡°Come in Sa¡¯adia, daddy is not going to hurt you.¡± The man continued and his statement reminded her that she was told her father was here to get her. But this man in front of her looked a lot bigger than she had imagined her father to be even after all these years. ¡°My name isn¡¯t Sasuke or whatever it is you just said¡± she retorted and had the manughing again But only briefly this time. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,e in Meredith.¡± He corrected himself. ¡°How do you know my name?¡± ¡°If you get in I promise to answer any question you ask¡± She had already dyed long enough and she knew, finally¡­ she got into the car and shut the door behind her. Virtually Third person p. o. v The two of them hadn¡¯t said a word throughout the entire flight to each other but it didn¡¯t seem like they wanted to either. It was a brief flight actually, shorter than Iris had expected it to be. She had nned for at least seven hours in the air but eventually in an hour one of the men hade to notify Hunter that they would soon bending. She wasn¡¯tining, if anything she was grateful for the duration. She didn¡¯t know how she would have contained her fumes towards Hunter if the ride took much longer. The moment the aircraft touched the hangar and the doors were opened; Iris was the first to get off the ne. Every other person who had been on the flight exchanged looks between themselves and Hunter who had a crestfallen appearance. ¡°Mr. McConnell, the jet would be returned back as soon as possible based off Mr. Reid¡¯s orders¡± said the pilot the moment he stepped out of the control room. ¡°Send my gratitude¡± came Hunter¡¯s brief reply and he alighted from the ne. Iris stood at the far end of the area talking with one of thedies she had met in the jet. Frantically asking her a few questions like ¡®where they were¡¯ and ¡®where they¡¯re headed from here¡¯ While she was stuck in her conversation a vehicle pulled up into the area and parked slightly close to where Hunter stood. It was a vehicle he was expecting so no one flinched in surprise, asides Iris that is. She¡¯s seen a lot happen from cars these days to think idly of any one she saw. The driver¡¯s door of the car opened and ady stepped out feet first from the car. She had a mask on but her figure and curves were enough to identify. She and Hunter had a conversation for a while alongside two other men while she watched and tried to pick up what they were saying even though she failed woefully at that. A few more words were exchanged before thedy took off her mask and handed over the car keys to hunter who in turn took control of the steering as he revved the engine to life.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Thedy took long elegant strides to where Iris stood and extended her right arm for a handshake. ¡°I¡¯m L, nice to meet you. You should be joining Mr. Hunter in the vehicle, he¡¯d leave soon¡± she said whilst they shook hands and immediately began making her way to the jet once she was done. And as told, Iris walked hastily to the car but made sure she took the back seat. Hunter only viewed her from his rear-view mirror and began driving. Deep down she wanted him to say something because she was in the mood for a backsh. But luckily for him, he didn¡¯t. The journey went on as quiet as expected. Meanwhile, somewhere across the other side of the town. Santiago, Jeanie, Louisa and Colby had also made their way into Da Lat sessfully and abandoned the vehicle long before they arrived. Louisa was seated in an upright position and extremely drained from the past few days but at least she had eaten a meal so far and was engaged in a conversation with Colby. They all had no ce to stay but Jeanie made ns to lodge them in a hotel while she and Santiago disguise as a couple with their daughter Louisa, they¡¯ll sneak in Colbyter at night just in case they¡¯re tracked down to the hotel room the number of upants wouldn¡¯t be suspicious. It was alreadyte in the evening, everyone and by everyone, I mean everyone was already exhausted. A lot has been going on. But it seems like this is virtually only the beginning. Mother Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. I looked at the paper which ire dropped at the front seat to picture the map once again.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I was supposed to look out for a street named cottois, that¡¯s where I¡¯ll take my next turn. Driving through the market was a bit satisfying as the noisy environment was a little therapeutic to my mental health. It was obvious that Iris didn¡¯t want to talk to me and I wasn¡¯t going to force neither would I me her. After her outburst earlier, I discovered that she had every reason to be angry at me. Everyone involved in this had every reason to be pissed at my being. But it only took an outburst for me to realize. Lol¡­ I really do deserve an award for the way I effortlessly mess up people¡¯s lives. Or make some lose theirs. Mrs. Phoebe really didn¡¯t deserve this for any reason, her only crime was knowing me. I really need to disappear from everyone, they¡¯d definitely be happier. They usually are till Ie along with my bullshit. I was a little too lost in my thoughts that I hadn¡¯t noticed a woman trying to cross the road with her son and I had to bring the car to a screeching halt. ¡°xem ban dang di dau thua ong!¡± thedy shouted as she red at me whilst she dragged her son who didn¡¯t look to be more than five years old with one hand and lifted the end of her ao dai with the other to prevent herself from tripping over. ¡°Sorry!¡± I yelled apologetically at her through the window. ¡°di xuong dia nguc voi loi xin loi cua ban!!¡± she shouted back with an eye roll and I¡¯m certain it wasn¡¯t ¡®it¡¯s okay¡¯ But I turned back to also apologize to Iris for the rash car movements but it seems like she¡¯s quite deep in her nap. She really needed it, its been a very rough past few days. Immediately I looked back to the road, I saw the road sign I had been looking for. Cottois 5km ahead. And I picked up my pace just to get there as fast as I could. I had other things to do once I got to the designated home. The weather was quite hot, too hot if I were to be asked. I think it¡¯s time to turn on the air conditioning. While the windows rolled up, I quickly turned on the A/C to the highest intensity and sped off. Luckily this time, I didn¡¯t almost hit anyone. It took only a few minutes and we were taking the turn I was looking forward to. They described the environment to be a neighborhood hidden between tamed forest trees. But all I was seeing for now were just trees that were shedding all their red, orange and yellow leaves to the autumn. I kept going anyway, ire did mention I would see at least two coffee shops before seeing homes and she was right. I had actually started seeing homes after the first coffee shop but they looked deep into the woody area. And after the second coffee shop I picked up the map again. ¡®they would be at the second coffee shop waiting. Abandon the vehicle there and take the bush path few feet away from the store. Your home is the only cabin within that vicinity, don¡¯t forget to leave this note on the back seat so the men would be certain it¡¯s your car.¡¯ I guess the message was as clear as day. I turned off the engine and got down from the car to go wake Iris¡­ after getting our bags from the trunk that is. The fact she was still sleeping kinda had me bothered, she¡¯s usually a light sleeper. All these noises ought to have woken her up. But I didn¡¯t want to raise panic just yet. So, I tapped her softly a few times and called her name and luckily for me she muffled to the sounds I made. At least she¡¯s not dead. I say to myself and tap her once again. Angrily she opened her eyes and looked to me with a scowl like she was a few seconds away from grasping at my neck. And I had to step back a few feet just to be safe. ¡°We¡¯re here. We need to leave the car.¡± After I mentioned that she took a few seconds to wipe her eyes and stretch out her hands before jumping out of the car and jamming the door behind her shut. She stood for a few seconds and at first, I thought she wanted to help me out with the bags. But then I realized that she was only waiting for me to lead the way to wherever we were headed. And as usual, not a word was said when we began walking. ording to the instructions our cabin was supposed to be the only home in the area and that was true. Not so far from the coffee shop was a little house and also the only house in sight. Carrying the bags along we took hasty steps to the building. As soon as we got to the door, I dropped all the luggage¡¯s and pulled out a key from my back pocket. ¡°You own here?¡± came Iris voice and I swear it caused me to jerk a little because I wasn¡¯t expecting it. ¡°I think Mr. Reid does.¡± I replied and that was the end of the conversation. Immediately I dropped the bags in the room I walked around to orient myself with the environment a bit. I think I heard the sound of running water somewhere so I assumed Iris got her way into the bathroom. Not spending any more time, I decided to leave and carry on my activities I had for the day. First stop¡­ The Duong coffee shop. Tired couldn¡¯t even describe me at the moment, but I just need to get everything fixed and my life on. The weather was warm, a bit. And my hasty footsteps made me trickle some sweat down my back. As I got to the door of the coffee shop, I took a deep breath and braced myself ahead of whatever. After pushing the door open and its chimes resonated across the entire room, I took quick steps towards the counter. They had a busy day, cause everywhere was bustling and the entire room filled with noise but there was an elderlydy who stood behind the cashier with a paper in her hand yelling at some other people in theirnguage. ¡°Good afternoon.¡± I greeted and she turned to me with a smile. ¡°My what a handsome young man, how may I help you son? What would you like?¡± she replies and gives me her full attention. ¡°I would like to speak with Mrs. Hao, Meredith¡¯s mother.¡± Bless Third person p. o. v. The ride was quiet enough, Meredith was done with the mind games. She needed to know if she was in danger or not but the man beside her seemed less bothered about her presence than actually having thoughts to kill her. At a point she was beginning to wonder if it was all a prank from someone or something because nothing seemed to be adding up. Or making sense. So, she decided to start the conversation. ¡°They said my father was looking for me.¡± She started. The masked man beside her may have not heard her, or he pretended not to have. But he definitely did not gratify her with a response. ¡®he seemed so chatty earlier, what exactly would she have caused with her silence.¡¯ She thought to herself but decided she should try againter. She was feeling quite sleepy, but she would mentally strike herself in the head if she even thought of closing her eyes in the midst of these strangers. So instead, she hummed songs in her head to keep herself busy since no one found it necessary tomunicate with one another in the vehicle. She was on her second song when the masked man spoke. ¡°who taught you that melody?¡± Initially, she wanted to ignore him like he had ignored her earlier. Then she realized no one here was on her side, so she could get murdered and everyone in this car would hide every single evidence. So, she knew it was a bad idea. ¡°My mom used to sing it to me back then¡± she replied to his question. He chuckled a little bit as he found her response a little amusing. And she wondered why. ¡°I don¡¯t think you remember your mother Sa¡¯adia.¡± ¡°Why do you keep calling me Sa¡¯adia? And yeah I know its been a while but I can still remember the little things she did for me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m calling you Sa¡¯adia because Sa¡¯adia is your name but if you do not like it then I will call you Meredith, that is going to take me time to adjust to.¡± Meredith had more questions to ask regarding this revtion but she thinks finding out about the man would be more helpful to her than finding out about herself. Just in case she needs to report him at any point. ¡°You sound Arabian, are you?¡± There was another brief moment of silence and she thought he was back to ignoring her until she heard his voice again. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re supposed to remember your mother. Even I have a faint image of her after these years.¡± Now she was getting confused. ¡°You know my mother?¡± ¡°Yes. Your real and adopted mothers.¡± Her facial expression wasn¡¯t measuring up to what was going on in her mind and at this point she had no idea on which questions were the right ones to ask. Real and adopted? While still wallowing in what she had just heard, the jeep pulled into apound located in the middle of the woods. And right in the middle of thatpound sat the biggest mansion she had ever seen. With people bustling left and right like there were trying to clean up right in time for an event. The car came to a stop just in front of the stairway that led to the insides and two people rushed up to open both their doors from the opposite sides. When Meredith stepped her foot on the ground and fully caught a view of the surroundings, she was in awe. It was so much to take in that she almost retreated back into the vehicle. The guard at her door was also confused, he had never seen someone so terrified of him. Or was it the water fountain behind him? He wasn¡¯t so sure. ¡°Sa-Meredith¡­ we¡¯re waiting.¡± Pedro said as he stood at the base of the staircase awaiting her arrival. ¡°Where am I? just take me back please. I swear not to tell anyone.¡± She cried out as she tried to jam herself back into the car. Pedro released a sigh and decided to go bring her himself. He excused the guard and gently opened her side of the door once again. It was evident on her face that she was more terrified at the moment. She had actually assumed they were taking her home to meet her parents but this is not the home she remembered. So, what she was doing here was something she didn¡¯t want to think about. Pedro slowly took off his mask to reveal his face to her before stretching out his hand for her to hold on to. ¡°This is my home and I promise I did not bring you here to kill you.¡± He started and watched her gestures to know if she was epting of him. It pained him to an extent that she was scared of him when all he was trying to do was reconnect. ¡°If you can juste in and clean up, change into some new clothes and get something to eat, I promise to exin why you¡¯re here.¡± She still didn¡¯t trust him. But it was either she took his hands and followed him where he went, or she sat in the car and did nothing, Didn¡¯t seem like she had much of a choice.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. So, she softly took his hand as he led her out of the car and up the staircase into the building. Not knowing what to expect, but an exnation to everything is a good way to start MEANWHILE¡­ Later that night when everyone had retired to bed, the driver snatched his wristwatch from the bedside table and snuck into the toilet to make a call. After two rings the receiver answered. It was around two am in the morning but he wasn¡¯t surprised that Mr. Reid hadn¡¯t slept, the man was known for his Nocturnal behavior. ¡°Any news Othniel?¡± he asked the young man who had called him. ¡°Yes, this afternoon was quite sunny.¡± Mr. Reid immediately understood what the code meant. Meredith was there. ¡°Bless you, we¡¯ll be there.¡± Is that? Hunter knew he had struck a nerve from her reaction when he stated his request all he wanted was her response. And assistance. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about¡± she whispered with a tight smile, most likely trying not to make it obvious to any onlookers that she was in an ufortable conversation.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I was sent by Mr. Reid; I need your help.¡± He whispered back to her. She stared at him for a few seconds with narrow eyes and tight lips as she was trying to decipher if she should believe him or not. ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked. Hunter remembered when Mr. Reid had informed him that this question was almost inevitable from her, and each party she worked with had a code answer to the question. ¡°I am blue.¡± She eyes moved frantically around the caf¨¦ to be sure no one was observing nor approaching. ¡°Ahh, Mr. Huong. The regr?¡± The greeting confused Hunter a bit until he realized the man was standing just right behind him and she couldn¡¯t continue the conversation. ¡°Yes Hao¡± he replied with a smile before passing Hunter a gestural head nod in greeting ¡°A very busy day I see.¡± ¡°Khong co ngay nao chung ta khong Hyuong.¡± She replied and her response extracted a chuckle from the man. She wrote down something on two different papers and handed one over to Hunter and Mr. Huong. ¡°You two have your seats, you¡¯ll be attended to in a minute¡± she said and sent the both of them a smile before retiring to the back. Hunter opened his paper and the message inside read ¡®be back at seven¡¯ And so, he left. It was seven pm and He was getting ready to return to the caf¨¦ when Iris walked into the living room in an outfit that didn¡¯t indicate she was going to bed. ¡°I want to go outside¡± she said to him. Obviously, his confusion was evident across his face, asides from the fact that this was the second sentence she had said to him since the journey¡­ he didn¡¯t support of her request. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea¡± ¡°Yeah, your good ideas have never been good either.¡± Her response actually hurt but he¡¯s well aware that he deserves it. Regardless of his initial statement, she began heading for the door but he wouldn¡¯t just let her go out alone in a ce he wasn¡¯t familiar with. ¡°At least wait for me so we¡¯d go together, I¡¯m about to head out too.¡± He said trying to get her to hold on a little bit. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go with you, ill just take a stroll down and be back in ten minutes. I need a break from you.¡± But you haven¡¯t even spoken to me That was what he wanted to say ¡°okay¡­¡± but this was all that came out from his lips. And as soon as she heard them, she was out the room and the door jammed behind her. He couldn¡¯t describe what it was he was feeling in his chest, but it had a burning sensation that caused an acidic unease in his belly. If he didn¡¯t know better, he¡¯d say he was slightly tearing up. But he didn¡¯t want to dwell on it, he needed to meet with Mrs. Hao. It took him a few minutes to freshen up and leave the house, he didn¡¯t know if he should lock the door behind him in case Iris got back earlier than he did. Deciding it¡¯ll be risky to leave the doors opened when no one was home, he locked up the house and left with the key. And left for the caf¨¦. The doors were locked and he was wondering if he came inte and they had all gone home. He tried knocking and someone turned on the lights on the inside. Soon enough someone came to open the door and it was a girl who looked to be in herte teens with an uncanny resemnce to Meredith. He guessed it was Mrs. Hao¡¯s second daughter. ¡°I was just about to leave¡± Mrs. Hao¡¯s voice came from the other end of the room where she stood. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t know you close by seven¡± he apologized and went to meet her where she was. ¡°We don¡¯t, we did today because of you.¡± The girl who opened the door said and Hunter nodded in understanding. ¡°What exactly do you need me for?¡± the elderlydy questioned and Hunter began the entire story. ¡­.. On the other hand, Iris was on her walk and took a mental note not to stay too far from the way home. She was grateful that the roads weren¡¯t so empty as she was scared, they would be. She maintained herne on the side walk not saying a word to anyone who passed her by or even sent her a little greeting as a prettydy being on the road. In pure truth, she wasn¡¯t even hearing nor seeing them. Her mind was far away from anyone who was around her, she didn¡¯t even notice she had started crying on her walk until a young man approached her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I know you want to be alone at this moment but I couldn¡¯t just walk away.¡± He said as he reached into his pocket to pull out a handkerchief and handed over to her. Iris chuckled a bit in embarrassment that she had been walking in the road with tears all over her face and thousands of people had seen her. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± she said with a little amusement in her words as she collected the little clothing and wiped her face clean. ¡°I¡¯m Lin, and you are?¡± he said trying to spark up a conversation. ¡°I¡¯m Iris.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t seem like you¡¯re from around here.¡± Sheughed again because she wasn¡¯t quite sure if she should engage in a conversation about herself with him and he noticed. So instead he began talking about himself. For the next few minutes, she actually enjoyed hearing about his day and how his boss hates blue ties so he wears patterns just to upset him. It was a bit relieving to hear the part of the world that didn¡¯t have much sorrow and horror attached to it. She decided to turn around and walk back home, she actually took longer than she expected. Lin offered to buy her some warm milk from the caf¨¦ and she followed, moreover it was close by to the house but he didn¡¯t need to know that just yet. The moment they walked into the caf¨¦; she saw that Hunter was there with two other women hence it was a cue to wait behind a little longer with Lin till, he was ready to leave. Hunter and Lin made a few eye contacts before Tai, Mrs. Hao¡¯s daughter went to take their orders. ¡°Is that the Iris?¡± Mrs. Hao asked as soon as her daughter left. ¡°Yes.¡± Replied Hunter. Replied He folded the nkets with his sleepy eyes and an unusual ache in his back. The ache didn¡¯t surprise him, what else was he to expect from sleeping on a solid not-sofortable couch all night. Iris took the room and he decided to sleep in the living room. It was either that or the floor of the room anyways so he really didn¡¯t have much of a choice. He had a meeting with Mrs. Hao this morning. What he needed was a shower and a little breakfast which he presumed he can get at the caf¨¦ also. He arched his back a bit to know if he could get a crack that might release the ache but it was to no avail, so he just went ahead with his daily schedule. The door to the room was closed and he tried knocking to know if she was already up but not properly dressed or if she was sleeping. After the third knock, he heard her say ¡®its open¡¯ from the inside. Only then did he open the door. As he guessed earlier, she was still sleeping because the look on her face was obviously that of someone who had been woken up from her sleep. ¡°Good morning.¡± He said to her first, but she only rolled to the other side of the bed and continued sleeping. He wasn¡¯t sure if the action was still part of ignoring him or she was just extremely exhausted. Either which way it was, he needed to be out as soon as possible. Hethered some soap on his body and washed himself down as quickly as he could. The moment he was done, he wiped himself down with the shirt he took off and put his joggers back on. His clothes were in his bags and he forgot to bring them with him to the bathroom because of his haste. When he was out of the bathroom, Iris had already gotten up and was straightening out her sheets. He thought about saying something to her or asking her how her night went but he wasn¡¯t quite sure if they were on speaking terms yet. So, he decided to try his luck. ¡°Good morning.¡± He repeated hoping that she heard and probably would respond this time. ¡°Morning.¡± She said quickly while she fluffed her pillows back to shape. To be honest he was not expecting a response even though he was the one who initiated the speech. But he was happy he got one. ¡°If you¡¯re down for breakfast maybe I can wait for you so we¡¯d go down to the caf¨¦ together?¡± he tried his luck again. And almost immediately she muttered an ¡®okay¡¯. He wasn¡¯t aware when he let out a smile. In fact, he wasn¡¯t aware how much her words affected him, he didn¡¯t realize how much he needed to hear her voice just to brighten up his day. At least they were out of the ignoring phase and he was happy about that. ¡°Alright, ill be waiting in the living room¡± he said and gave her some privacy to clean up and get dressed. While she was getting ready, he pulled out one file out of the bunch that was sprawled across the table in the center of the living room. The major file that was designated for their present location. He looked across the list of names on the paper over and over again, trying to know if maybe he could get a sign or possibly a hint of who it could be. With each name he pictured the face, with a smile and an ever-warm embrace anytime he needed one. He couldn¡¯t help the feeling of hurt and betrayal that coursed so heavily through his veins that it caused his eyes to sting and his mouth to develop a metallic taste. At a point he tried to make them forget about this part of the n, but Mr. Reid was keen on it being the first step to any answers he needed.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Either way this particr chapter went, he was only certain he was going to get his heart broken. The sound of the room door being jammed closed pushed him back to his surroundings. He quickly slid the document back into its envelope and held it firmly, he didn¡¯t want to leave it behind by mistake. Hurriedly, he walked up to the front door and held it open so Iris could see it as a cue that he was ready to leave too. She slowly walked out the door while trying to get her hair into a ponytail. And Hunter didn¡¯t mean to notice it, but he caught a glimpse of her roots and realized how much it skipped his mind that her hair was never ck in color but brown. But he knew that wouldn¡¯t be such a nice thing to point out so he just waited for her to step outside and he locked the door behind him. She walked faster and ahead of him which caused him to elerate his steps to meet up with her. ¡°I saw you made a new friendst night.¡± He said trying his luck again with another conversation And maybe more details about the boy she was with. Only this time, she ignored him because he was certain she had heard him. Probably she changed her mind in the shower¡­ he thought to himself. They got to the caf¨¦ and he ushered her to a seat which she took and was d she at least didn¡¯t sit elsewhere. He also sat for a while opposite her before asking what she¡¯d like to get ordered. ¡°in.¡± She responded and he hopped up as fast as he could to get her coffee delivered to her. ¡°Morning Tai¡­ I¡¯d like two in please.¡± Hunter said to Mrs. Hao¡¯s daughter who was writing something away in a notepad by the counter. ¡°oh, my mom said to call her when you¡¯re here. Be right back she¡¯s in the kitchen¡± Tai said and disappeared to the back. She emerged a few secondster with her mother who was holding an extra apron in her right hand. ¡°Here.¡± Her mom says and tosses the apron into Hunter¡¯s hands. He was clearly confused and she could see it so she decided to exin her actions. ¡°I can¡¯t just let a stranger go into the back; it¡¯ll be suspicious. Today you serve and work to get eyes off people wondering who you might be.¡± He saw a reasoning to her statement but it doesn¡¯t mean he was okay with it. He didn¡¯t have much of a choice anyway. ¡°Here, take this tray. Use it to deliver the coffee and bring the files.¡± Mrs. Hao added and disappeared into the back again. Hunter rolled his eyes but went straight to do exactly as asked by wearing the apron on top his clothes and going to give Iris her order. When he got to the table, he dropped her coffee and slid the file into the tray. ¡°I might be working today so we may be here a while¡± he said to her when he saw her looking at him weird. She only nodded and returned her gaze to outside the window. Hunter felt bad for leaving her all alone since he was the one who suggested theye out together. ¡°I can give you the keys so you¡¯d go home once you¡¯re done with your drink.¡± He suggested hoping it¡¯ll cheer her up. ¡°Oh¡­ no, my friend would be here in a minute.¡± And not up to a second after she said this, the bells above the doors chimed and the guy she walked with into the restaurantst night walked in. ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s why you wanted toe to the caf¨¦.¡± He said a bit disappointed that its not because of him. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why.¡± She replied. Exist Mrs. Hao watched as anger rolled off his shoulders and she couldn¡¯t help butugh a little bit at his reactions. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be in the back with the rest of the team.¡± She says to him with a smile on her lips as he jerks his head in her direction. ¡°Yeah¡­ I decided to give them some space to work on it.¡± There was a team of trackers that Mrs. Hao had brought in during the wee hours of the morning to help out with Hunter¡¯s request. And so far, he had seen, they were amazing. ¡°Or you decided to watch your girlfriend, which?¡± she said again with her smile growing wider. Hunter couldn¡¯t help the grunt that escaped his lips when she made that statement. ¡°She¡¯s not my girlfriend.¡± He retorted and pretended to be wiping the table while stealing nces at Iris and her new friend. ¡°I suspected; you guys have barely said a word to each other in my presence.¡± She started and watched his demeanor before adding the final part of her statement ¡°But she¡¯s the mother of your daughter.¡± ¡°It¡¯splicated.¡± ¡°You obviously feel something for her and you both have a child together, why not just woo her?¡± Hunterughed at her words in a mocking way and make sure to exaggerate the shrugging of his shoulders ¡°I wish it was that easy.¡± ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s never that easy to woo anyone but you can make it so¡± she said and noticed he was keenly listening to her to know how. ¡°Women usually do not have a particr type of person they fall in love with, yes there are preferences but preferences waver with characteristics like good looks, wealth, humor and charm and you check out all four all that¡¯s needed is for you to woo her rightly.¡± This time around he scoffed at her statement and threw his face away which made her wonder what she said that was derogatory of his shot. ¡°You don¡¯t feel like you can woo her rightly?¡± Mrs. Hao asked and looked intently at him as she anticipated his response. ¡°Trust me, if it were to woo her alone, I would¡¯ve started putting in efforts long ago but like I said itsplicated.¡± ¡°Those were the same words Tai¡¯s father said to me after Tai was born, turns out its just because he wanted to avoid the responsibility of being a father.¡± ¡°if I wanted to avoid the responsibility of being a father, I won¡¯t be here in the first ce looking for how to get her home.¡± ¡°You could only be doing this because of what the people would say¡­¡± ¡°Well I¡¯m not.¡±Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Mrs. Hao took a bite out of a honeybun bread she had pulled out of the oven pantry and enjoyed the reaction she was getting from him. She knew he cared, all she wanted was to provoke him to go into the details about their rtionship. ¡°So, what¡¯s your excuse for being a man who doesn¡¯t want tomit?¡± ¡°Mrs. Hao I¡¯m married and I didn¡¯t find out she was my daughter till a night before my wedding.¡± ¡°And why didn¡¯t you call off the wedding?¡± ¡°Because I¡¯m a jerk¡± ¡°I¡¯m d we¡¯re back to my initial statement.¡± Hunter sighed out of a little frustration that she wasn¡¯t getting his point. But she was right. He didn¡¯t call off the wedding because he didn¡¯t know what to do. After being mean to her for all these years she had every reason not to tell him that he had a child with her. And if he did call off the wedding¡­ what next? Be a part of their lives like he was ever needed in the first ce? Suddenly im his daughter that was born out of rape? He wasn¡¯t even sure if she wanted him a part of Louisa¡¯s life and if she declined the offer, she was right. If there¡¯s one thing he¡¯s certain of is Iris wants her way out of his life and he was going to give her that. That¡¯s the best thing anyone can get her at this point. Peace. ¡°Yeah, because I¡¯m a jerk and she deserves better.¡± He said with much gloom and gently took off his apron. ¡°I¡¯ll be back at night¡­ I need to go shower¡± then hands over the clothing to her. ¡°How about we go in and see what they¡¯ve got so far then youe in tomorrow for the finalization.¡± Mrs. Hao suggested and he nodded in agreement because it sounded like a much better idea. They both went into the hidden room in the back where half a dozen men were working on variousputers and pulling up past records of everyone on the list Hunter had presented to them. ¡°Any news?¡± Mrs. Hao asked and Tai walked up to the both of them with a crease between her brows like she had news they weren¡¯t expecting. ¡°We need you to confirm the spelling of a name.¡± Tao said handing over a paper with the list of ticked names they had been able to go through except one. ¡°The spelling is correct.¡± Hunter said with his heart in his stomach because the news he had been dreading all day would finally be delivered. ¡°There¡¯s no records bearing the name that matched with the profile you had given us. In other words, udette Henrique from a small town in Columbia does not exist.¡± The words struck Hunter as bad as he suspected it would. ¡°But she¡¯s got a birth certificate and all¡± He said trying to defend that maybe there was a mistake in their search. ¡°All forged and if her age is true, the hospital she imed she was born in was built ten years after her date of birth.¡± Tao added ¡°I need to call my dad.¡± ¡°I suspected you did, here¡¯s the phone¡± she says whilst giving him a phone that had been unnoticed in her hand since they began talking. He took the phone and went to another end of the room to dial his fathers¡¯ number which he had memorized. After few rings the receiver answered the call. ¡°Hello?¡± his father said. Hunter didn¡¯t know how much he missed his dads voice until he heard it, but he needed to convey his message as fast as possible. ¡°Dad?¡± ¡°Hunter? How are you? What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Where¡¯s udette?¡± he asked immediately, pleasantries cer. ¡°udette? I sent all the staff home. What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°We need to find her¡­ she¡¯s the one.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll get to her ce as soon as possible.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think we can locate a ce that might not exist.¡± Black This was Santiago¡¯s second day of following them and he feels now is the best time to bring in their daughter back to her parents but he wanted to stay a bit longer to know when they would be leaving the shop. The noon sunlight was a bit harsh to his skin and it prickled at his hair follicles but he bore it in good fate because inside the caf¨¦ was always cool so the difort was only temporary. Yesterday he wasn¡¯t sure if it was disguise or adjustment to suit the n but he never understood why Hunter served at the restaurant. It confused him. Hunter might not recognize who he was, after all he was recruited a year or two after Hunter had left¡­ he wasn¡¯t so sure. But he definitely knew who Hunter was, there wasn¡¯t a person on the team who didn¡¯t. One of Soldo¡¯s favorite recruits that backstabbed him. That¡¯s what they were all told that suited his description. They were all warned not to be like Hunter, unfortunately Hunter became the motivation for those who wanted to leave. He doubts Hunter is aware of how many people he¡¯s inspired with his actions that depict a better life outside the camp. Sometimes he wished that Soldo would let the matter go and allow the young man to have some rest, but he knew more than enough to also be certain that Soldo was going to have his pound of flesh whether they all wished it or not. Santiago finally arrived at the caf¨¦ and pushed the doors opened. He hated the way that chiming of the bell drew attention to him. Wasn¡¯t the bell aware that he just wanted to spy and leave? The deed had been done anyway, he just had to get to the counter with every eye on him, get his coffee and leave. ¡°Good morning, what can I help you with¡± the teenage girl who he always met behind the counter said with a smile. ¡°extra creamy with sugar.¡± He requested and dropped his money on the table before turning back to have his seat. He wasn¡¯t really the social type, at least people who knew him knew he wasn¡¯t. A lot of other people got offended by his behavior sometimes. Take Tai for instance, she could pass off for someone who hates him as a customer. But he didn¡¯t know that and even if he did, I¡¯m not sure he cared. All he needed was his coffee anyway and not opinions. He took his seat and waited for his target audience to arrive the restaurant, it took him a while before they showed up but the moment they did he felt relief that he was finally going to be able to finalize anything that had a corrtion to he and Soldo and be gone for good. For a better good. Hunter showed up some minutes before Iris did and like yesterday put on an apron just the way he did yesterday that surprised Santiago slightly, but what could he do about it without blowing his cover. He had already finished his cup of coffee and wanted to waste away a little more time so he waited till it was Hunter behind the counter and went to make another order. ¡°Do you have any croissants left?¡± he asked an already frowning Hunter. He could guess why he was in a bad mood though; Iris was with her new friend again. And he wasn¡¯t sure if he was frowning out of jealousy or a gut feeling that something was off with the new guy. Because he felt his bad energy and he knew whoever that guy was would definitely be bad news but he had no idea how to tell them so he just minded his business. ¡°Yes, we do, what table?¡± ¡°I¡¯lle pick it up by the counter, it¡¯s to go.¡± Santiago replied and finally got to ask the number one question on his mind. ¡°What time do you guys close? For the day¡­ I was thinking of bringing someone here for a date¡± the lie slipped out so easily he was a bit proud of himself. ¡°Ten pm.¡± Said Hunter as he went to pull out the croissants that were ced in the microwave not too long ago. Immediately Hunter was gone he pulled out a paper and scribbled something across as fast as he could, pushed it in between some dong notes then waited for his order and the waiter to return. That didn¡¯t take quite long because within a matter of seconds Hunter was back with his croissant in a stic bag and handed it over to him. ¡°Keep the change.¡± Santiago said when he paid and turned around within a second. With brisk steps he was out the door and made Hunter confirm the fact Tai had called him weird to be true. Hunter was about to put the money into the cash register when he found the note in it. ¡®reservation for table 14 by 9:50pm¡¯ ¡°if we aren¡¯t closed already¡± He muttered in response to his letter.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Take care of yourself okay?¡± Jeanie said to Louisa with her hands cupping her little face. They were outside the hotel room saying their final goodbyes to each other in the windy night. The baby girl nodded affirmatively and had a bright smile on her face. All Jeanie could think of was ¡®such a strong girl¡¯. The rate which she bounced back was so fast and her health also picked up positively. Though not totally strong But they were proud of her¡­ so proud. Colby walked up to her and gave her a fist bump, ¡°goodbye tiger.¡± For some reason this made her a bit sad. Colby had been her ymate in these past few days, hi saying goodbye didn¡¯t sound like a good thing to her. ¡°will youe back?¡± she asked with a little tear in her eyes. Colby had to look to Jeanie and so did Santiago, its like they all had the question in mind but she only had the answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± she said Jeanie wanted to start a new life, as soon as Louisa was going back to her parents, she knew this was the best time to get away And she was doing so with Colby, the two of them felt alike in so many ways. He was also a kid, leaving him on the streets to fend for himself wouldnd him in the wrong hands like she did. She didn¡¯t want him ending up like she did, so she took him under her wing. ¡°who¡¯s gonna call me tiger?¡± Louisa asked when she realized the meaning of Jeanie¡¯s reply. ¡°I will.¡± Colbyforted and crouched down to get her into an embrace. He knew he was going to miss her¡­ a lot, but he didn¡¯t really have much choices. ¡°You guys should take care of yourselves.¡± Santiago said as he picked up the little girl from the floor indicating he was ready to leave. ¡°You too¡± replied Jeanie. The both of them began heading in opposite directions before they both waved down taxies to get them to their locations. It was a littleter than 9:50pm, a few minutester. He only hoped the table was still avable or the store was still open. Louisa sat quietly and yed a bit with her fingertips; they had told her that shell be meeting her parents today. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was because she didn¡¯t believe him or she was anxious. He found it hard to read her emotions sometimes. ¡°Are you happy?¡± he asked her during the ride. ¡°uhunn¡± she said with a bright smile and he couldn¡¯t resist the urge to smile back. He was going to miss her that¡¯s for sure. The cab came to a stop in front of the caf¨¦ and the moment they had been waiting for finally came through. Santiago paid off the driver who immediately sped off and he took Louisa by the hand. Slowly they walked into the restaurant and as usual the bell chimed, this time around he was happy it did because none of the waiters were by the counter. Luckily for them the table was empty, he took her to have a seat and whispered to her ¡°Let me go get your daddy.¡± Then he walked out of the restaurant and stood across the road slightly near the bushes to disguise himself in case Hunter ran out looking for him, and also to be sure she was safe till her father came out. Watching from the big windows, it sems sounds of the doorbell when he walked in and walked out brought Hunter out from the back and the expression on his face when he looked to table fourteen was priceless. He didn¡¯t have enough time to pride himself for making this happen when someone walked up behind him and covered his mouth whilst pointing a gun to his head. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you thought you could get away¡± the voice said and he immediately recognized it was Soldo. He had known he had little time before he was caught, he only hoped Jeanie and Colby were able to escape sessfully. While muttering hisst prayers in his heart, thest he heard was the pulling of a trigger before all went ck. Quickly Hunter¡¯s p. o. v. ¡°Go check, it might be your reservation customer.¡± Mrs. Hao said as she looked to Hunter with and eye signal that read, I got this.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. They were currently trying to discover if they could fish out udette¡¯s rtives with her pictures, details or anything else. They just wanted to discover if she could be tracked by any means. ¡°The weirdo?¡± Tai asked, sipping a bottle of water to refresh herself as she had also had a long day in the caf¨¦. ¡°Yeah.¡± He replied her with a disturbed look on his face. This was far more important to him than serving a customer coffee for a date but he had to obey instructions. He picked up his apron from the side stool where he had abandoned it some minutes ago and went back into the restaurant. The fact the entire room looked slightly empty brought a relief to his mind. ¡®we¡¯ll be closing soon¡¯ he thought to himself. Remembering the table of reservation was number fourteen and quickly looked there to see if it was truly the man, he was expecting But who he saw wasn¡¯t whom he was expecting? He didn¡¯t realize when he jumped over the counter, surprising the two other men who were in the restaurant and ran to where she was. Louisa¡¯s face lit up with so much glee in her eyes that it made him shed a few tears when he grabbed her in a hug. She was feeble, so feeble But she was alive, that was all that mattered. He pulled back just to look at her face once more to be sure he wasn¡¯t hallucinating, but she wasn¡¯t ready for that break yet She jumped back into his arms and that little action brought more tears to his eyes as he squeezed her a little tighter but not too tight. ¡°Daddy missed you.¡± He whispered into her ear as his tears stained her blue dress. Now she was ready to pull back, and when she did a little expression of confusion etched itself across her face. She didn¡¯t understand why he was crying, or maybe he wasn¡¯t happy to see her. So slowly she used her tiny hands and wiped underneath his eyes as she muttered to him ¡°don¡¯t cry.¡± And it made himugh¡­ the entire scenario, made him chuckle a bit. He leaned forward and nted a kiss on her forehead to which she smiled so widely to. They were still having their moment when Tai came out to call him to the back room once again. ¡°Hunter?¡± she said, obviously wondering what was going on until she saw the face of the baby he was embracing and realized it was his daughter. Her eyes opened so widely that she had almost forgotten what she hade outside to say to him. He picked Louisa up and carried her on his chest to meet Tai and hear what she wanted to tell him. Louisa wasn¡¯t leaving his side and sight ever again. ¡°He brought Louisa¡± he said to the girl, hoping that maybe they could link the story someway or somehow. ¡°I think you need to see something¡± she said and the three of them went to the back. They met Mrs. Hao at the door and she pulled them in ¡°Mr. Reid just called, they¡¯re on their way here¡± The statement shocked both Hunter and her daughter and possibly it may have shocked Louisa if she understood what was going on. ¡°Why?¡± Hunter asked But it was only in this moment Mrs. Hao noticed he had someone in his arms. ¡°Hunter where did shee from!?¡± she yelled and caused even the little girl to get frightened. ¡°That customer, she was on his reserved table¡± ¡°Did you see him?¡± she asked again Before he could answer one of the men came out of the room with a paper in his hand and he caught all their attention. ¡°We found someone, her brother.¡± He said and hands the paper to Mrs. Hao. ¡°Why does he look familiar?¡± she asked and gives the paper over to the other two. ¡°Isn¡¯t this your girlfriends¡¯ new friend?¡± Tai almost shouted and she could clearly see on his face that he knew who she was talking about. ¡°I need to find Iris¡± ¡°Let me hold her for you¡± Tai suggested and stretched out her hands to get Louisa from him. He had second thoughts about letting his daughter out of his sight again, he just got her back. What if she got missing again? ¡°Hunter, we need you to check in on Iris, she¡¯s safe with us just go¡± Mrs. Hao encouraged and that seemed like the boost he needed. He handed over his daughter to Tai and immediately bolted out of the caf¨¦ and raced towards their house, the first thing that caught his attention from afar was how wide the door was left open. He didn¡¯t want to assume the worst had already taken ce so he waited till he got in. ¡°Iris!?¡± he yelled and got not reply. The house was trashed and in disarray like a tremendous struggle had taken ce in the living room. ¡°Iris!?¡± he called out again as he ransacked the entire cottage trying to find any traces of her. After five minutes of futile search, he ran back to the caf¨¦ with tears in his eyes once again and this time out of fear. He pushed in the doors so hastily that the bells chimed louder than they ever had before. The restaurant was void of customers, Mrs. Hao and the other crew were all gathered in the room when Hunter ran in. The moment they noticed he was alone they realized Iris wasn¡¯t home. ¡°Your phone¡­ I need to call my dad.¡± He blurted out with tears running down his face and frantic efforts in trying to wipe them away with the back of his palm. One of the men handed over a cellphone to him and he quickly dialed his father¡¯s number. Before the ring his dad had answered. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Dad, they¡¯ve got¡­¡± ¡°Iris, we know. Reid¡¯s intel gave us the information a bitte.¡± His father interrupted him ¡°We¡¯re already on our way, twenty minutes tops. Pedro gave an instruction to Soldo that Iris be ughtered in their popr location.¡± The moment these words left his lips Hunters heart fell into his stomach and a cold shiver came over him along with a million goosebumps. ¡°What we need you to do is, get Meredith an¡­¡± his father continued but Hunter cut in ¡°How?? I don¡¯t even have the slightest idea where¡­¡± ¡°I am not finished Hunter, calm down and listen to me. Meredith is in Da Lat, she is currently at a shopping store with a guy named Othniel, that¡¯s Reid¡¯s intel. She¡¯s there because he doesn¡¯t want her seeing or hearing of what he¡¯s about to do. We need you to get her, Othniel would signal Pedro that she¡¯s missing. It might not evade their ns but it¡¯ll definitely dy it. There¡¯s a route from the clothing store to an abandoned park called Hiu, that¡¯s where they are taking her to be killed. An address would be sent to you immediately, we¡¯re on our way with the police. Go with the men present and go quickly.¡± Described There was a gunshot in the air and soon enough everyone ran in haphazard directions to cover for safety. ¡°Othniel!? Othniell!?¡± Meredith yelled out as she tried to take cover also. She crouched behind a shelf and was muttering silent prayers for the sake of her life and her safety. It wasn¡¯t quite long before she felt a hand on her left shoulder and she jumped in fright but calmed her nerves after she saw it was the driver she had been looking for. ¡°What¡¯s going on? How do we get out of here???¡± she asked as her lips and arms were trembling. Othniel ced a finger on his lips and whispered a little shhh ¡°follow me¡± At first, she wondered where he thought he was headed but she wasn¡¯t given enough time to wonder as he pulled her to her feet and ran into one of the dressing rooms. The moment they were in, he jammed the door shut behind them and began searching the entire room for something. ¡°What are you looking for?¡± she asked in confusion. ¡°Something strong enough to break a wall¡± ¡°Why would you want to break a wa¡­¡± she wasn¡¯t able toplete the statement when another gunshot sound resonated through the air. Othniel decided to try ramming one of the mobile hangers into the wall repeatedly to see if it would work. And it actually did. He realized the walls were made of wood and not actual concrete so it was easier to break through. Once a small hole was made, he lifted the chair in the room and threw it at the wall. It brought the brittle walls to pieces and he was d of the oue. ¡°There¡¯s a jeep outside waiting for you. RUN!¡± hemanded her and she didn¡¯t dy in obedience. As fast as she could hafer she ran out the broken wall and did see a jeep just down the store, she picked up her pace to get to it faster like they were going to leave her behind if she didn¡¯t. The moment the car doors opened she jumped in and the vehicle sped off as soon as she did. It was then she caught her breath and realized who was in the car with her. ¡°Hunter? You¡¯re organizing continental shooting parades now?¡± ¡°Meredith did you by chance overhear what your father¡¯s ns tonight were?¡± Hunter asked her, hoping that maybe there might be a misinformation and they weren¡¯t actually going to kill Iris. ¡°You know he¡¯s my father?¡± she asked with a slight hurt to it. She reminisced briefly on the night he had told her. She still remembered how the crackles of the firece resonated around the room, how the mug oftte she held in her hands was a bit thaw, how the room was filled with picture frames of so many people he called his family. And also, her family. The way he looked at her when he narrated the tale. Like he was reciting African tales by moonlight to the little girl who was eager to hear. ¡®I wouldn¡¯t lie to you, believe me¡¯ He repeated this to her over and over, she wasn¡¯t sure if it was so he could sessfully deceive her, or if he truly wanted her to believe the truth. But somehow, she fell for thetter. She spent the entire night crying, and spent the days fighting back tears. Being lied to all your life and made feel like an outcast isn¡¯t something one can find a reason to jubte in. She had justpleted a series of tears in the bathroom before being told her father wanted organized a surprise shopping trip at eleven pm to make her happy. And she put her fake face on to pretend it did make her happy. Now here she is realizing that someone else knew she wasn¡¯t a Reid. ¡°Yes, I did but¡­¡± he tried to exin to her that that wasn¡¯t the trivial matter at hand. ¡°And you didn¡¯t tell me? Does Iris know?¡± ¡°Meredith your father is going to have Iris killed in a matter of minutes if you do not chill and get things¡­¡± Hunter was once again cut in by the driver of the vehicle. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± The dark man in a suit said. As much as he knew this moment was going toe, it still sends shivers into his spine because no matter how much he prepared for this¡­ he was never ready. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Meredith but I got to do this¡± he says and pulls out a gun. ¡°HUNTER WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!?? HELP!! HELPPP!!¡± Meredith shouted and began banging on the door to escape. ¡°I won¡¯t shoot you, just do as I say and we¡¯ll be out of here.¡± Then someone hands him two pieces of clothes from the back and the fear in Meredith¡¯s heart grew because she hadn¡¯t seen the men there till now. Hunter takes one of the clothes and requests for her hands which she voluntarily gave so long as he promised to keep her alive. Why she was trusting him? She had no idea. He ties her both hands at her back and proceeds to use the second one to seal her mouth shut. ¡°Come with me¡± hemands and gently tugs her to follow him out his door with his gun in his right hand. The moment both of them set foot on the ground, he points the gun to her head and begins walking forward to search the area. As said earlier, the park was really abandoned, not a single structure in sight. Just trees and grasses. As the wind blew their hairs across their faces, the cool temperature didn¡¯t stop sweat beads from forming on their foreheads. The bustling of the trees made it slightly hard to decipher noises in the area, but hunter believes Meredith¡¯s sobs were part of the things masking sounds in his ear. ¡°shhh¡± hemanded her and once again she was cooperative with instructions. Her silence made it easier for him to hear other sounds like the frogs croaking a melody somewhere he couldn¡¯t point and the cries of someone else. Sadly, he knew who that someone else was. He gulped and held his gun tighter out of fear. Meredith did assume it was to pull the trigger and flinched a bit. ¡°I won¡¯t pull the trigger on you okay? I promise.¡± He reassured her as the both of them slowly tried to navigate their way around the nts to follow the direction of the cries. The closer they got, the louder the cries and the more they heard another voice speaking. A masculine voice. Unfortunately, Hunter also knew who that was but he decided against making his presence known. Finally, he was able to find the exact location Iris¡¯s voice wasing from and he saw herying on the bare ground in nothing but her underwear whilst Soldo spoke on a call with someone. ¡°Be quick.¡± Soldo said into the cellphone and ended the call after which the slid the phone into his back pocket. He had a lit cigarette in his mouth which he puffed out some smoke into the air and stared intently at a weeping Iris. ¡°You could¡¯ve at least covered her up¡± Hunter grunted angrily at the way he stared at her. He wasn¡¯t quite pleased. The voice caused Soldo to turn with his gun first before he lowered the gun when he realized he was with someone else. ¡°Nothing you haven¡¯t seen before, am I right?¡± He tried to make a joke out of Hunter¡¯sin and that only infuriated him the more. Which was exactly Soldo¡¯s n. ¡°Was that supposed to be funny?¡± ¡°yes, actually but I see you¡¯ve lost your sense of humor¡­ or just your senses in general Hunter¡± ¡°Quit the games Soldo, you want me then here I am¡­ leave her out of this.¡± His statement caused Soldo to find amusement as heughed like he had just heard a dad joke. ¡°Now what¡¯s the fun in having you surrender?¡± he started and crouched in front of Iris, blowing a ball of smoke into her face ¡°when I can actually hurt something worthwhile to you before killing you.¡± ¡°I swear to God if you touch her, I¡¯ll shoot¡± Hunter growled and pressed the gun on Meredith¡¯s temple causing her to shed involuntary tears. ¡°Be my guest dumbo, pull the trigger¡± Soldo stood tall to his feet ¡°Pedro would make sure your little girlfriend here, your kid and the rest of your entire family would kiss the earth. So be my guest¡­ shoot¡± There was a moment of silence between the two of them and only crickets of the night could be visibly heard. ¡°Go ahead Hunter, shoot¡­ I thought that¡¯s what you wanted?¡± Hunter couldn¡¯t reply, he knew Soldo was right¡­ anything he did to Meredith Pedro was sure to revenge. After all its Pedro¡¯s revenge that led them all here tonight. ¡°You know, I really thought you¡¯d protect her more seeing how much you cared about her. If I had known about her years ago, I would have shot her the first chance I got with her¡± ¡°First Chance?¡± ¡°She dated one of my men, got intimate. turns out the whimp let his emotions get in the way and he couldn¡¯t carry on the n to find out who she was to you. Shot him on the spot. A real waste of my time.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying¡± Hunter said with confusion and expected a response. This only caused Soldo to chuckle again ¡°Shoot.¡± Hemanded Hunter in regards to his original n. ¡°This is a bait Soldo and you know me better than to fall for it¡± Soldo turned to where Irisy and forcefully kicked against her stomach that caused her to moan from pains and the impact of the trauma. ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!? SHE DIDN¡¯T EVEN DO ANYTHING TO YOU!¡± Hunter yelled at the top of his voice with tears gathering in his eyes. ¡°That was for the hit she gave me back at your home, she really does put on a fight.¡± Only when he said this did Hunter notice the bruises on Iris¡¯s face and arms. ¡°Stop!¡± he yelled out hoping Soldo would actually listen. ¡°fulfill your words or I strike her again¡± Soldo threatened and he threw his finished cigarette butt on the floor and pulled out a pack from the front of his jeans. ¡°Did I miss the show?¡± another voice came into the conversation and Hunter didn¡¯t recognize who it was but he could guess. ¡°Ah, Pedro¡­ hunter was just about to shoot your daughter¡± Soldo said oh so casually as he lit another cigarette stick. ¡°Oh really?¡­ let¡¯s hasten the business, shall we?¡± Pedro says like they were two marketers trying to sell their gold. He pulled out a gun from his coat and cocked it in Iris¡¯s direction, ready to pull the trigger. ¡°NOOO!!!¡± hunter yelled but he was a bit toote before the sound of a gunshot rang in the night silence. But it wasn¡¯t Pedro¡¯s gun. Secondster Soldo falls to the ground with his hand grasping his knee and yells of pain. ¡°I hate unnecessary drama¡± Mr. Reid says and fires one more bullet at Soldo, this time actually taking his life. Hunter had never been happier at the sound of someone¡¯s gun, Iris and Meredith on the other hand were terrified. ¡°I never expected to see you after all you¡¯ve done¡± Pedro says to him with a fiery look in his eyes. ¡°Prisons never taught you anything and its very obvious.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. ¡°If it taught me you aren¡¯t my friend then I learnt more than enough.¡± ¡°I cut off my life from evil and if you decide to remain in the wrong, you¡¯d be part of those cut off¡± Mr. Reid lowered his gun and looked to where Hunter and Meredith stood. Meredith looked at him with eyes full of tears and he wasn¡¯t sure if it was out of fear with all that¡¯s happening or actual hurt towards him. ¡°With less boring conversations I am more concerned about what you told her?¡± Reid continued using his gun to point in Meredith¡¯s direction. ¡°What else but the truth she needed to know?¡± ¡°I can bet with my balls Gonzalez that ny percent of your story is a lie¡± ¡°Then your balls might be missing at the moment, do well to check.¡± ¡°So, you did well to inform her that every ident that took ce in my home were of your attacks or that part is a lie?¡± Meredith¡¯s eyes slowly moved to the man who imed to be her father and waited for his response. ¡°That part of this story was a bit unnecessary¡± he defended and clutched his gun tighter in his palms. Reid chuckled ever so lightly then lifted his wrist to check the time on his watch ¡°I could turn this to a death fight, but I know you well enough to have men hidden behind you so I¡¯ll tell you this; You have approximately thirty seconds until an explosive behind you goes off and takes out every man you came out with and forty before the police gets here¡± he started ¡°You should know by now that I make no hesitations in giving you to the authorities.¡± Pedro¡¯s eyes widened and he looked behind him to be sure his men had heard the information he just did. ¡°How do I know you¡¯re not lying?¡± ¡°You have approximately twenty seconds to find out¡­ so you can stand and watch, or you can follow the route behind me and save yourself.¡± ¡°I am not leaving here without my daughter.¡± ¡°fifteen¡­¡± ¡°Another number and I¡¯ll shoot¡± Pedro roared in the dark night and pointed his gun at Iris. The action made Hunter try to run forward a bit but Reid lifted a hand to stop him. ¡°If you shoot her, its very obvious that my boy over here would release his own trigger and we both lose or you can walk away and get to see her on days she pleases¡± Right now, Reid was only trying to while away time till the cops came in, the time of agreement had been attained. ¡°You know she wouldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°That¡¯s left for her to decide and for you to pick a cell in a well-ventted area¡± ¡°A ce¡­¡± Pedro started but was interrupted by the loud sirens of vehicles all around the area. ¡°Yeah you were right, I lied about the bombs¡± ¡°You son of a¡­¡± he eximed and was about to pull the trigger on Iris but Reid was two steps ahead of him and shot him directly on his thigh to destabilize him. Pedro fell to the floor with a loud thud and groans as his weapon fell out of his grip on impact with the ground. ¡°And next time, if there would be anyway¡­ try to recruit smarter men. Your crew re-strategizing only because I said there was a bomb is like falling for the oldest trick in the book. You don¡¯t think I came here alone did you¡± Put your hands where I can see them Yelled the policemen as they invaded where they had gathered. Reid¡¯s men began exiting the bushes with some men either with their hands tied behind their backs or with guns pointed to their heads. Hunter released Meredith from his hold and ran to where Irisy, weeping profusely despite being gagged. ¡°Its okay, it¡¯s okay¡­ I got you¡± he said as he stretched his hands behind her to loosen the knots that held her captive and remove the clothing that had restricted her mouth. After which he took off his shirt and immediately wore it over her before the police could get closer to where they were. ¡°you¡¯re okay¡± he cooed into her ear as he pulled her in for a hug and she grabbed him tighter with each shedding tear. She had never been so terrified in her life. While she was still crying, Hunter caught sight of Mrs. Hao and Tai walking into the scene with his daughter and his heart jumped for joy knowing she was okay. It almost felt like this was all over. ¡°I¡¯m with Louisa¡± he said, hoping it¡¯ll cheer her up and the statement caught her attention. She lifted her head from his chest and looked at his face to be sure he wasn¡¯t messing with her; it didn¡¯t take long before Louisa spotted her mother and yelled out. ¡°mummy!¡± and raced to where her mom was seated on the floor. She jumped into her mother¡¯s arms and unintentionally, Iris began crying more heavily than she did before. Hunter decided to give the both of them some space because he felt like he was intruding. He turned around and saw Mrs. Hao staring at Meredith from a distance as the police asked her questions. He walked up to her and ced a hand on her shoulder that caused her to jump due to how unexpected it was. ¡°Do you want to meet her?¡± Hunter asked her and Mrs. Hao didn¡¯t know what to respond to that question or how to. She was a terrible mother who had abandoned her child in the face of danger. Even if she wanted to meet her daughter, she wasn¡¯t sure her daughter wanted to meet her. This and many more thoughts were flying through her head that she hadn¡¯t realized Hunter had left her side and walked over to where Meredith stood until she heard the sound of a p that caused everyone to stare in their direction. ¡°That was for kidnapping me and pointing a gun to my head!¡± Meredith screamed at a Hunter who was rubbing at his cheek to numb the pain. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hunter apologized and he truly meant it. ¡°To hell with you.¡± She retorted and was in no way willing to let the incidence go. ¡°I wanted to introduce you to your mother.¡± Hunter says to her and that caused her to lower her stance. Mrs. Hao had also heard the statement and developed a cold foot of double intensity than she had felt earlier. ¡°My mom?¡± Meredith asked unsure of what Hunter was saying. Her father had supposedly told her that her mother had disappeared and no one knew of her whereabouts. ¡°Mrs. Hao?¡± He called out to the woman who stood only a few feet away, staring at the both of them while they had their little toggle. Meanwhile, somewhere in the garden¡­ Hunter¡¯s dad stood and watched the entire scenery with pain in his heart because he knew what wasing next after this. It was inevitable. ¡°Sir?¡± one of the policemen called out to him as he seemed a little distracted. ¡°Yes, officer Bent?¡± he replied, ready to focus again. ¡°Miss udette has been intercepted at the airport alongside another man known as the Mr. Lin you had described.¡± Deserved To End Iris p. o. v. nkness¡­ That was all I could use to describe what I was feeling at this point. Cause no nouns, no adjectives nor verb could describe what was going on with me. Not just with me, but with everyone else. The entire room was silent while the Judge prepared his verdict in the back room, the only voices you could hear was the muttering of a policewoman to Dn trying to congratte him with her words. ¡°You did the right thing.¡± Her words sounded more like a constion than an appraisal. Everyone knew it was the right thing, so why did it feel so wrong to me? Its been years and I never thought a day like this would actually evere. shbacks from nights before kept re-urring in my head, like possibly it was all a dream and someone woulde wake me to ask ¡°Are you okay?¡± But it seemed like everyone was also lost in the dream, in desperate need of someone to wake them up too. ¡°there¡¯s someone who wants to talk to you.¡± My mom said as she stops me in front of a door and passes me a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll be right down the hallway if you need me¡± then she pats me on the back and walks away. After a few seconds I open the door and a woman smiles at me. ¡°You must be Iris,e in¡­ have a seat¡± she said still grinning and gestures to the chair opposite her table. The room was a dimly lit small area with a lot of curtains and shelves filled with books. I gently walked into the space and took the seat she had requested me to. She spent a few seconds tapping away on herptop before shutting it close and looking at me. Staring at me for a few seconds with a smile that made me wonder why exactly I was brought in here. ¡°It¡¯s been a rough few years, hasn¡¯t it?¡± her fingers intertwining like she was finally about to focus on what mattered more. ¡°Yeahh¡­¡± that was all I could say, what else would she expect from me anyways. ¡°And how do you feel?¡± Me? I feel relieved. I feel overwhelmed. If words permitted me, I feel overjoyed. At the same time, I feel so torn. I have lost so much within such a short period that I wasn¡¯t so sure I was myself anymore. ¡°Conflicted.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. It seemed like my answer wasn¡¯t one she was expected because it made her left brow raise a little. ¡°If you were asked, what do you want to happen right now¡­ what would be your request?¡± she asked again. ¡°I¡¯ll take back the clock to the day Louisa went missing, maybe this time I would take her along with me to the kitchen.¡± Thedy released a sigh, licked her lips like she was bracing herself up. ¡°Ma¡¯am, have you ever heard of Stockholm syndrome?¡± ¡°Stockholm s-syndrome?¡± I asked back with a little confusion. I was familiar with the word; I think we also yed around with it quite a few times as teenagers but I never took out the time to figure out what it actually means. ¡°No¡­ uhm, yes. I¡¯ve just heard about it in a context¡± I continued and watched her adjust her sses and stand to her feet. ¡°Two years ago, a girl who was sexually assaulted by her father as a child after her mother¡¯s death, was about to get married to her father.¡± She started and took slow paces towards the only window of the room. she looked outside like she was drawing her memories from the sunlight. ¡°Her younger sister ran to the police station because if not for anything, she knew whatever was going on was wrong. The victim in question here was only seventeen and her younger sister thirteen. Their father? Fifty-two.¡± I couldn¡¯t help the little gasp that escaped from my lips when she continued the story. Maybe it was inaudible but it looked like she still had more to tell. ¡°We nned with little Jessica. It was supposed to be a small wedding, with only Jessica and their dog in attendance and big uncle joe to be the makeshift priest. It really took them by surprise when the police barged in on their supposed to be brief ceremony.¡± Now she looked to me like I was supposed to continue the rest of the story and I was sure the confusion etched on my face was evident enough as she carried on while making slow circles with her hand on the desk before her. ¡°Turns out, the victim was already five months pregnant for her father and when asked if she wanted her father behind bars, can you guess her reply?¡± ¡°No¡­? what did she say?¡± I asked silently getting curious to where this was headed. ¡°She pleaded we shouldn¡¯t and she could swear that he was a changed man if we gave her the chance to prove it¡± Thedy now folded her arms and wore a serious look. ¡°She was pretty convinced that her father was the love of her life and she was certain that¡¯s the only reason God took her mother away, so they could be together. Till today she¡¯s currently in therapy to unlearn that¡± There was a brief silence between the two of us as we absorbed the weight of the story she just told. ¡°Miss. Iris, do you believe she has a point?¡± she asked and returned to her seat once again. ¡°I don¡¯t think so, her father and uncle deserve to go to jail.¡± My answer extracted a smile from her like she was proud of my response. ¡°My name is Christine; I am a renowned medico-legal psychotherapist. Been in the business for over twenty years and that is what a case of Stockholm syndrome looks like. In my years of experience, we see situations simr to this but its our job to help the victims realize¡± ¡°Wow¡­¡± I started, really amazed at what she had said and what her work entails. I was only concerned why they locked me in a room with a psychotherapist ¡°it must be difficult at times¡± I added. ¡°yeah, its difficult every time¡± sheughed ¡°but today isn¡¯t about me, I have a question for you.¡± There was a brief pause in between before she carried on ¡°Does Hunter deserve to go to jail?¡± At first, I was taken aback by the question but I think I tried my best not to let it show. ¡°For all the lives he¡¯s taken, yes¡± She smiled and pulled out a book and a pen ¡°Let¡¯s say he nevermitted those murders; does he deserve to go to jail?¡± I wasn¡¯t sure if it was a trick question or a rhetorical one but Christine adjusted the base of her sses once again and wrote down whatever it is, she found noteworthy. ¡°Can I ask another question?¡± she says smugly and I whisper a ¡®sure¡¯ loud enough for her to hear. ¡°Who is Hunter to you?¡± ¡°All rise¡­¡± the registrar shouted. I hadn¡¯t noticed how lost I was in my memories until the shuffling of feet were loud enough. The Judge was back in his full regalia and a grimmer look than he left. I looked to the dock where Hunter and his father stood in cuffs and somber looks. ¡®guilty¡¯ They both pleaded guilty to the crime. I don¡¯t know why I didn¡¯t expect them to do that. I had already been convinced that they were guilty whichever way it went in the court. I don¡¯t know what happened while Hunter and I were away, but I definitely did not expect toe back to a court where Dn testifies against his own cousin and everyone were in on it. It still baffles me. ¡°you may sit¡± the registrar announced after the judge had taken his seat. More silence brewed in the court and the atmosphere was suddenly suffocating. Till we heard the man speak. ¡°After much deliberation, with the evidence before me¡­ I hereby find Mr. Hunter McConnell guilty of second-degree murder, rape, abuse, harassment and possession of illegal weapons and substances and he is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment¡± His voice echoed all through, but he continued ¡°I also hereby find Mr. Brooks McConnell guilty of covering up a crime and he is hereby sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment. This is my judgment.¡± And he struck his gavel against the board. ¡°All Rise!¡± came again the registrar. The judge walked out of the court through the back door and the policemen present immediately take Hunter and his Dad along with them as they also leave the premises. The media reporters ran into the room and some after them with their camera¡¯s and microphones. I think I was also being asked a few questions by them, I don¡¯t know. I really don¡¯t know what was going on. All I recall hearing was Louisa tugging at my gown and softly asking. ¡°Mummy, where are they taking daddy?¡± I didn¡¯t reply but Christine did on my behalf. ¡°To where he deserves to end.¡± To where he deserved to end. I guess in the end all truly is fair in love and war. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!