All she wanted was silence and to be left to her thoughts, but she didn't have the heart to tell her friends that. Raine gave them fake smiles as they all tried to cheer her up or talk about something other than the dramas of Spencer High. Though much negativity didn't fall in her garden, she still felt embarrassed by the video. The entire school witnessed her being rejected so callously while she stood there like an idiot as he spoke. She cringed, remembering how she reached out to help him of his past pain with words and end up being called a clueless slut in layman's terms. 

Curling up tighter under the thin blanket, she allowed her eyes to touch on each friend lazily, they were all bent on being there for her, but it was one person who thought differently. Erica caught her eye; she watched as the girl gave her a sympathetic smile then whispered in Elijah's ear. He immediately stopped talking to Alec and gave her his full attention. A soft giggle escaped Raine leaving a genuine smile on her lips as she witness their quiet friend take his marching orders from his girlfriend. 

"How about we move this to the Hector house? Tay and Stacia will love to have us. Raine, I'm sure you need some rest. Call us if you need anything, and we will only visit when you wish," Elijah stated in a firm yet friendly voice to the room. Everyone agreed with him immediately, as it always has been. Elijah was the unsaid leader of their ragtag group, Trey, the enforcer; he's the one who made sure whatever Elijah says is carried out. Mischa, Alec, and Harem are the protectors, always making sure the girls were happy and comfortable. 

"Bye, Raine."

"Make sure you get some rest and eat."

"We're here when you want to talk."

Their outgoing greetings brought tears to her eyes; they were real friends, friends who will always be there for her.
Trey was the second to last person to leave. He knelt beside her with a sad smile on his face. "I know you wished for that storybook romance our older siblings had, and some of us are currently living, but I don't want you to give up. There are men out there who will love to be called yours—our sweet-hearted Raine. Don't let this become a wall to others who will come your way," he said softly while tucking her hair behind her ear.

"I'll try," she said in a broken whisper.

"That's our brave sister," he continued. With a kiss on her head and one of his warmest hugs, Trey left her with Erica and Elijah.

"Thank you so much," Raine said, sitting up halfway. Getting used to hugs, Erica gave in to the hug Raine wanted to give her. Elijah grinned in amusement, knowing his girl's predicament. She confessed to being in their group, she received more hugs than she ever received in her growing-up years. Physical show of affection wasn't a thing in most households on the island. It usually stops when you enter primary school. 

"Doh worry bout it. It's jus' something dat you need to handle yuhself," Erica said with a smile.

"You're right. Thanks for everything."

Elijah leaned over and placed a kiss on her head, wishing her good luck in settling her mind, and left promptly with Erica. After a few minutes alone in the rec room, Raine gathered her blanket and phone and trudged up the stairs and back to her room. Lost in thought, she didn't notice her parents sitting at the kitchen table talking in low, worried tones over coffee. All Raine wanted to do was sleep away the tiredness, the embarrassment, and Travis' pleads for her to forgive him. She couldn't believe how strong she was in ignoring him. She hated the desperation and regret in his voice; she understood his distrust, but why couldn't he see that she was honest in everything she did? That she was genuine in all of her endeavors. 
Knowing that she will never understand him nor get over his rejection in ample time, she decided to take that rest her friends insisted she took. Turning off her phone and iPad, she settled under the covers of her bed. Try as she might, Travis' voice was still loud in her ear. Pulling the blanket over her head, she cried softly into her pillow until she fell into that deep sleep she wanted.

                                                                                  ******

On their way to the Hector house, Elijah and Erica found themselves chatting amicably, teasing each other, and finding themselves in the weirdest convo. She was extremely comfortable with him and found herself thinking about his past relationship. Elijah was practically every high school girl's dream. Funny, sweet, considerate, smart, extremely good looking, and all the way good guy. Erica loved the shy side of him. She still apologizes for being a bitch to him when they first met, in which he always gives her the sweetest kiss to get her to stop. Kisses that she used to daydream of having, herself and every girl on his fan page.

She was living a freaking dream. 

She was dating an Instagram star, a billionaire kid, and he genuinely wants to be with her.

"You're quiet," Elijah commented. His smile was even cute. Erica melted in the front seat of his SUV; everything he does was incredibly adorable to her. 

"Silently fangirling over you," she mumbled, hiding her burning cheeks. Not expecting him to hear her statement, the laughter that filled the van startled her, making her blushing cheeks even hotter. "It's sort of awesome that my girlfriend is still my fan. Is it weird for you to be with me?" he asked.

"It's a bit surreal but fine by now."

"Good. Ummm... I want you to meet my sister, officially. She knows about you from mom and dad but I haven't actually sat down and talked to her about my new relationship."

"Still figuring out stuff wid we?" Erica asked while sitting up.

"Yeah. How'd you know? Is it the same for you?"

"Somethin' like dat. You my first boyfriend and yuh rell popular, you just got out of a bad ting wid dah gyul so you will still be doubting things." 

They pulled up at the curb of the Hector house but didn't make any move to get out and join their friends. Shutting the van off, he pushed his seat back and silently invited her into his arms. He smiled at the easy way she crawled onto his lap and became comfortable without much moving. "Those things are minor now. You are your own person, and I know you truly care for me, the same way I care and adore you so much. I want this relationship with you to work. Do you want the same, baby?" he asked aloud.

"Yes."

No hesitation. She answered honestly with both her mind and heart agreeing. "Thank you," he whispered against her hair. 

"Feel more confident being with me?" Erica turned her head slightly so she can see his light brown eyes, she wasn't disappointed when she saw how soft they got. They always do whenever he looks her way. 
"Very much so." He couldn't help but place a soft kiss on her head before claiming those lips he grew addicted to. It was never this way with Bree. He can be himself with Erica and not wait for some snide remark falling from her lips. The girl in his arms cared for him, she had a heart of gold, standing up for people she barely knew and accepting him as Elijah Johnson and not the IG star most girls knew him as. Never once did she ever push him to tag her in his pictures for likes and recognition. She was content with their own little bubble.

Hearing her happy moans against his lips was a balm to his soul. She brought back his old self, and he was forever grateful. At that moment, he wanted to say those three words but held back knowing she wasn't ready for that next step. Come to think of it, he never mentioned those words to Bree nor thought about saying it. Here he was weeks going into a relationship with Erica and he already knew she was the one. 
Didn't his parents feel the same way? Weeks of meeting each other and haven't batted an eye to any other. They stuck to each other through it all and believed in their budding love. He wondered if it will be the same with Erica. Thinking of her and their future together, Elijah held her tighter and murmured her pet name against her hair. 

"My beautiful island flower."

He smiled when she burrowed deeper into his chest and let out a contented sigh. It was adorable to see her act this way. "Do we have to go inside?" she asked. Though muffled, he heard her question. 

"Don't want to socialize?"

"Nuh. A whole weekend without you will be bad," she replied.

"Don't remind me," he groaned.
He allowed her some silence before he asked the question that he wanted to ask for a while now. During their talks, she opened up slowly to him and he did the same. He had nothing to hide from the woman he wishes to spend his life with. 
"Are you nervous about meeting your new family?"

"New family. It really is that, inno. Since I came here yuh know my mudda ain't even call mih to see if I alive or not. Only daddy sisters and dem called to see how I was doing, asking if ah need anything, what I like, yuh know. They always sound so happy to talk to me. I even video chat with two of mih cousins. To meet dem face to face is making me so nervous. Ah keep thinking that it's all ah show. Ah, geez."

"Hey. Don't think like that. I'm sure they are excited and genuine to meet you. You're amazing, baby. I'm not only saying that because I'm crazy about you, but I'm also saying it because it's true. Everyone who gets to know you says the same. This weekend will be fine. A new beginning, remember. That's what you said this was—a new life with your dad. You'll be fine. I promise," he said, placing a comforting kiss on her cheek.

"Thanks, baby. I needed that." Erica did feel better; talking things out with him makes everything more straightforward. He listens to her even when it's silly things she can handle herself. She considered herself lucky to have him.

"You're my girl. I'll always be there for you."

                                                                                       *******

New York

"Do I have to be nice to the creep?" Katie groused. 

Bryan Winshall stood behind his wife and watched her subtly enhance her striking beauty. It was his routine always to watch her as she gets dressed, whether for a casual day out, a must-go event, or their night outs, he loved watching her getting dolled up. Tonight was no exception. 

Tonight was the night he chose to get rid of that police chief so their little sister, Taylor, can breathe easier. 
"Not too nice," he teased.

She quickly pinned with a glacial stare. Those silver-grey eyes held his admonishment, which he promptly gave her one of the smiles she loved. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I want to let his guard down. From the Commissioner's take on him, he's very egotistical, pompous, and has a lot of officers loyal to him. When I mentioned Taylor's mom and her, he got confused and curious. No one has seen or heard about the two for a while. I brushed it off as my little brother being friends with Taylor and losing touch with her. It brought up a lot of questions, which was perfect."

"Did you share with him the information you gathered on him?" Katie asked, moving away from her makeup station.

"Not everything. He placed two of his watchmen, the reports were questionable, he gave me a 'pardon' to do whatever I have to do to confirm the reports," he answered. His eyes tracked her seductive steps to the open doors of their closet. On one of her dress mannequins, the dress she chose for the charity ball was on display, waiting for her to don it. Already dressed in his dress pants and shirt, he followed her into the closet. Brushing past her, he purposely trailed his fingers down her back and along her hips. "The years only refined your beauty, kitty," he said softly.

She looked over her shoulder at him, blessing him with one of her sunshine smiles. The tattoo she added to her body moved with each turn. The cherry blossoms wrapping around the Japanese proverb along her spine beckoned him to touch her supple skin. Bryan knew with one touch; he will undo every pin curl in her hair, and her flawless makeup work on her gorgeous face. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he groaned as she bent over to fix her jeweled heels. The nude corseted lingerie she wore matched the theme she was aiming for; the back was low, allowing her to wear the form-fitted dress she chose. 
Reaching for the dress, he gently removed it from the mannequin under her gaze. Turning the dress, they both held each other's eyes as she stepped into the emerald green dress. The material glide against her skin, smoothly she placed her arms through the arm openings, shuddering when her husband's fingers brushed her bare shoulders. 

"Turn," he ordered hoarsely. Bryan groaned upon seeing just how far the dress exposed her curvy body. The ten-inch invisible zip to the dress stopped at her lower back. Unable to resist her, he placed a trail of kisses from the base of her spine to the back of her neck. 

"Katie Winshall, you vixen," he whispered against her neck. 

"I love hearing my name," she returned. A moan escaped her when he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his hard chest and throbbing cock. "Bryan."

"How can I resist my gorgeous wife? Just a little taste to keep me going until we get back home," he returned. He brushed his lips along her neck as his hand parted the split from her calf to mid-thigh. His other hand followed the curve of her hips before he moved to kneel before her. 

"We'll be late," she breathed out. Katie cupped his bearded cheek and slowly raised his head to look into those green eyes she loved. His neatly styled blonde hair was in a man bun, she can see his intricate tattoos peeking out of his shirt collar; his hands that were now under her dress were wreaking havoc to her senses. 

"It'll be worth it. Let's test your balance," he teased.

She giggled when he placed her leg over his shoulder and unhooked the corset from between her legs. One lick at her glistening folds had her moaning. The entry of his finger had her crying out in pleasure, doubling over her husband and clutching at his shoulder.

"Balance, my little dancer," Bryan reminded her before plunging his tongue into her heat. Taking a deep breath, Katie righted herself and prepared for his sweet torture. She can feel him hum in pleasure as he nipped and tugged at her clit, plunging his tongue over and over in her. Her leg began to tremble in the lone-standing heel; she couldn't give in. One sign of tumbling to the ground, they will never make it to the charity ball, plus he knew how to make her orgasm quickly. It was a talent of his and from years of owning her body. Using both tongue and fingers, he went at a fast and steady pace, not allowing her to breathe. 

"Baby. Please. I need to..."

He chuckled against her bare lips and pulled them into his mouth; one long stroke had her crying out his name. "That's my woman," he stated proudly. Holding onto her thighs, he buried his face deeper into her heat, loving the scent and taste of her juices; he loved it when she cums all over his face. Her hands were on his head, messing up his hair, she began to fuck his tongue, chasing her orgasm. His grip on her thighs will surely leave his prints, fuck it, he always marks her body. She was his and always will be his. His world. 

"Bryan. Fucking Hell. Baby."

Her screams were his favorite song.

One bite to her now swollen nub had her releasing all over his face. Greedily he drank her honey, licking her clean as he placed her leg next to the other. He didn't let up. Both hands on his shoulder, her body trembled as he licked every last drop of her release. "Mmmm, tasty as always," he murmured. Removing his head from between her legs, he licked his lips slowly, knowing her juices were like little droplets in his beard. Rising to his feet, he took in her flushed face and labored breathing; she was a beautiful sight. They went through tough times in their college years; being apart was torture, and his insecurities of her finding someone 'normal' always came into play. Katie was the one to keep him grounded though miles apart. They had their share of fights, heated breakups, and tearful makeup; in their end, they found their balance. He proposed to her over a shared vacation with their friends and got married days later. They both agreed to tie the knot before they lost their minds being apart.

His high school sweetheart. The only woman to claim the Joker as hers. 

"I love you, Kitty."

"I love you, B."

                                                                                                      ******

Attending the Police Men Annual Charity Ball wasn't on their schedule, but Katie knew how important it was for Bryan. He wanted to study the public side of his target before he decides on his course of action. Arriving at the venue as expected on either side were reporters for magazines and newspapers giving whichever donor their spot in the limelight. It was New York. Any gala, ball, or fundraising event ended up on the society pages giving every rich bloke a little recognition to either help their cause or to clean up their act. 
Katie and Bryan's appearance was a shocker to the media houses. Attention from other guests moved from them to the Winshall couple.

"Mr. Winshall. Mrs. Winshall. Over here." Katie turned to a familiar female voice, someone she dealt with repeatedly while making her way to the top with her dancing. Squeezing Bryan's arm, she gained his attention instantly and pulled them over to the young reporter. "Claire. This is a surprise. Made a move from entertainment to society?" Katie asked giving the girl a quick hug. Photographers were in their glee to have the couple so close to getting great shots of them both. Katie was more in the limelight than Bryan. Everyone knew he was a behind-the-scenes person for the number one tech company in the US. Interviews were given to security-cleared reporters and photos must be approved by him. 

"I did. I expected quieter interviews but not this. How are you? How was Italy? Thank you for the first viewing of the music video," Claire answered.

"You're welcome. I'm doing great, happy to be back home with my husband. Weeks apart was torture." Bryan placed a soft kiss on her temple which sent the media in a frenzy once more. Claire finally turned her attention to the tall man who looked more like a biker than the head of a Fortune 500 company. Her eyes widen in female appreciation and amazement. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Winshall. Can I get a few words from you two about tonight's charity ball and your attendance?"

"It's our first appearance in months as a couple, and we aim to help the local law enforcement. New York has been our home for a few years now, and we will like to do or help wherever we can to help make the city safer and much greater. Also, we are here as representatives for our extended family to support the fallen officers and the family they left behind. That tragedy touched home for us, and we're here in solidarity." Katie was the talker between the two; Bryan was content in listening to her talk and watching how she expresses herself and their relationship to strangers. 

"That's truly heartfelt, and I'm sure the families are all appreciative of your support and prayers. Are there any items sponsored by you, Mr. Winshall, or even you, Mrs. Winshall?"

"A few items were offered, and the proceeds will go straight to the charity, we pray the auction goes great tonight," Katie answered once more. With a few more words between her and the reporter, Bryan escorted her into the grand hotel where the ball was kept. By the doors, they were personally greeted by the Commissioner. The man wore a sharp black suit that did little to hide his little beer belly. To Katie, he looked like that one cool uncle who seems like a slacker but dependable. Tall with a sprinkling with grey and brown hair, Commissioner Dennis Hargrave greeted Katie with a hug and a fatherly kiss on her head; he began an amusing conversation with her and escorted her to the table he placed the couple at. This maneuver gave Bryan the opening to search out the police chief, he memorized the man's photo and had a very awkward family photo of him, Taylor, and her mother. He had a very innocent face, which probably fooled anyone who came in contact with him. Hargrave mentioned that he was a smooth talker which will be a bit of a problem if he decided the man should be dealt with by the law. 
Walking closely behind his wife and the Commissioner, he politely gave greetings to other guests who either knew him by business or word of mouth. Loud, obnoxious laughter reached his ears from his left; turning to that direction, he spotted his target immediately. Standing in the center of the group with a tumbler in his hand dressed sharply, Police Chief Ethan Bryson was holding court with all the charisma a slick con man can ever want. 
Two of his friends looked Bryan's way, their eyes widened in shock and quickly brought the man's attention to him. 
Bryson paused in speaking and eyed Bryan closely. In acknowledgment, a nod was given to the police chief, and was quickly distracted by Katie who rushed into his arms. He couldn't help but smile her way. "Yes, my love," he answered softly. 

"Did you do that?" she asked clutching his arm in excitement. He grinned and gave her a firm nod of yes. "Where are they?" 

Bryan kept her in his arms and looked around the large hall for his wife's surprise. He didn't miss Bryson's intent gaze near lecherous on Katie, one fact confirmed, he had a thing for blondes. Ignoring the man, for now, he spotted the couple he was looking for. Turning her in that direction, he prepared himself for the scream of excitement. On cue, the infamous best friend shriek escaped his wife's lips garnering attention from nearby people, but she didn't care. The person she was excited to see returned the same excited shriek. The two dodged the guests to reach each other, broad smiles on their faces, the joy to see each other again, it took Bryan back to their high school days. It was unbelievable that the two can move so quickly in thin five-inch heels. When they reached each other hugs and animated talking began, compliments, gushing, the two were talking over each other and still understood each word. He lazily walked over to the two with a wide grin on his face, a low laugh escaped him when his own best friend finally reached the two.

"Thanks for coming." Issac gladly accepted the hug his best friend offered, back pats of silent communication were shared before they parted. 

"Lu. Looking gorgeous as always," Bryan said pulling the feisty redhead in for a hug. 

"Gotta keep up with my uber gorgeous besties, ya know," she retorted, placing a kiss on his cheek. She had her arm around his waist and continued with their teasing conversation before going over to her husband. Everyone in their group was married, even the duo of Kade and Jerron. The two made good on their dream and opened up an all-inclusive garage in South Carolina. They moved their families to bigger homes and found their other halves in the state. It was a good feeling to know they all worked hard towards their dreams, found success, and are still close friends. 

"Thanks again for coming. Remember what I asked you to do."

Issac and Luanne nodded in understanding, keeping up with the happy smiles knowing they were being watched. Tonight Bryan was making his move, men under his adoptive father's chapter in New York were waiting patiently for their temporary boss' orders. All were briefed on the situation and couldn't wait to deal with the pig. 

"Which one is he?" Luanne asked placing her head on Issac's shoulder.

"Group behind us. The talkative one in the middle," Katie answered. The couple moved together and made their way to the Auction room where the items were on display. Under low tones, they discussed the next steps and returned to their reserved dinner table. Dinner was served, the Commissioner spoke, also the sponsors of the ball and the Mayor. During the interlude before the auction, Bryan stuck close to Hargrave as he introduced different police chiefs to him after the hushed background information on them. He patiently waited until a certain chief approached them.

"Commissioner. You gave a wonderful speech—your words of making a difference and keeping not only our streets but in our homes. My men and I aim to keep the stats low in our precinct. Ah, Mr. Winshall, I'm Chief Bryson, it's a pleasure seeing you here and I can say for every cop here, thank you for your attendance and donation to the selected precinct," Bryson said formally.

"It's the least I can do. My family and I lost a friend due to technical issues during a hazardous call. My company and I know how vital it is to have good tech on your hands. Inside a police precinct is no different," Bryan said in his CEO tone. Cold and dismissive was the description Katie gave it and found it amusing how he can easily switch from cold CEO to loving husband in 0.2 seconds. 

"Precisely. A friend, you say. Was he an officer or a civilian?"

"A sergeant. Sergeant Thomas Grandville. It was a blow to the family. He had a wife and a daughter; after his death, we lost both of them too. We tried to keep in contact with them, but they simply disappeared. An old friend of the couple mentioned in passing that she remarried. If she did that would have been a shocker."

"Why is that?" Bryson asked shifting uneasily on his feet.

"No man can hold a candle to Thomas for her. My father told me they were high school sweethearts and I know from marrying my girl from high school, that love never dies," Bryan answered pointedly. Though he many had years of policing below his belt and was older than Bryan, he can still sense and spot a man lying or getting angrier by the moment. They can never keep their cool. 

"Is that so?" he asked through clenched teeth.

"I can attest to that. It's that pure love that you grab hold of and nurture it so it grows with each passing year. You learn something new every time, even when you thought you knew everything. It's a great feeling. My Mary is my college sweetheart, I can never fathom the thought of losing her. I'll hate to think anyone taking advantage of that broken-hearted Grandville woman, not to mention her daughter. If she did marry it was probably for the sake of her daughter. Daughters do need a father figure in their lives." Hargrave held a sympathetic look on his face, though he didn't know Sargeant Grandville personally it was still a blow to his heart to have an officer killed in the line of duty.

Bryan kept a close eye on Chief Bryson. The Commissioner shook his head in sadness.

"I will hate to know that they are treated unkindly much less hurt in a way I wish not to say aloud," Bryan countered.

"Understandable. Bryson did you know the Winshalls are close to the Johnsons. They're more like family. They're the reason why most of our precincts are in top shape, some say they have the ear of the state senator but let's not go into gossip," the Commissioner said with an easy laugh. 
The chief probably found some sort of jab when a slight sneer took home on his face. Bryan was ready for him, his true colors will be shown tonight.

"The State Senate? I heard it was more of the snakes of the underworld. Their name has grown quite fast over the years, accumulating so much riches that one has to wonder where exactly it is coming from," the chief retorted.
Bryan slightly leaned his head to the left and gave the chief a cold smile. "I think talent and brains are what people mistake for illegal trades. When you can't do it yourself, you claim they cheated or stole. Is that what you're saying to one of the highest donors to the city. That he's scum, a thief. Can you imagine what Hiram Kertalis will say much less do if he hears an upstanding citizen like yourself, Chief Bryson, tarnishing his family's name and every high-profile name attached? Dennis, imagine the stain the police service will encounter." At the mention of the name Kertalis, Bryson paled instantly and nervously fidgeted with his tie at mention of Kertalis.

"I will never allow it. I surely won't condone such idiocy coming from my officers," Hargrave countered. 

"Apologies, sir, that was childish of me."

"I'll say," Bryan muttered with a smirk the chief's way.

 "You're married aren't you Bryson?" Hargrave continued motioning to the wedding band on his left hand.

"Uhhh... yes, yes. She's not really a social butterfly. I decided to go to dateless tonight. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Winshall. Commissioner Hargrave, good night." Without a word more, the police chief left the two and returned to his little group. 

"That was interesting," Hargrave said chuckling. He took a sip of his after-dinner drink and lazily returned to their dinner table with Bryan in tow.
"I have some of my men searching his home now, any...." He was interrupted by an alert on his phone. Hargrave stopped and patiently waited for what Bryan had to say. The younger man simply showed the Commissioner the contents of the message and rushed to his wife's side. 
Katie didn't have to ask, she knew by the emotionless eyes that her teasing husband wasn't present, Joker came out to play. She took a chance and searched for Bryson, spotting him talking fiercely to his friends, anyone can tell the man was rattled. The slow gliding of fingers against her cheek brought her back to the man before her. In her peripheral she can see Hargrave approaching the table in quick steps, face red with anger. He didn't stop, he gave Bryan his phone and exited the hall. 

"See you in a few hours. Work needs me. I'm sorry for ruining our date night," he said loud enough for their tablemates to hear. The older couple and a lone diner took a lot of interest in them throughout the night. 

"It's alright. Luanne and I have some catching up to do so I'm heading over to theirs. You make sure you tie up whatever loose ends they need you to do, okay?" 

A dark chuckle escaped him before he placed his cheek against hers, his playmate was surfacing. Years have taught her when he was upset, downright pissed, or out for blood. She knew what mood he was definitely in. From the contents of the message, he received, letting the law deal with Bryson was out of the plan completely. kissing the shell of her ear, he felt the slight shudder that ran through her body and smiled. It made him eager to get rid of the blemish he had to deal with.

"Of course, my love."

                                                                           ******

 It took a lot to rattle the seasoned cop but Winshall's cold, dead stare and the names he called that were so close to home put him out of balance. That annoying voice in the back of your head that only talks when something is wrong have been bothering him since the conversation began with Winshall. Something was off with the young man but he just couldn't put his finger on it. He may be paranoid, but he told his trusted officers to keep an eye out for the young CEO. Taking his advice to heart, he spent the rest of the night searching for the kid only to realize he left along with the Commissioner. 

Something was off.

On his way back home, he tried to remember if he left anything traceable when covering Taylor's escape and Miriam's body removal. Stupid bitch left quite a mess with her coward's way out. He has been playing the lonely husband and step-father card well. Nosy neighbors now think Taylor and her mother simply left him; he kept retelling the story of Miriam not wanting to risk her heart with a cop once more after hearing of his difficult cases. 

His grip tightened on the steering wheel of his car as he drove towards his house. Since the night he returned home to see his wife's pathetic self lying in a pool of blood and his angel missing, he wasted no time in putting some of his best detectives to work. For the past few weeks, there has been no word or false sightings of her, she simply vanished. But, how could she? He made sure her friendship with that Kertalis kid was cut, placed her in a school where he can easily find her, and even made her quit her job. The last part was by force and her mother's interference. Taylor has been his goal for a long time since he saw her at that shitty diner, to get to the little blonde angel he had to get her mother.
It was effortless to do so, he learned their every move even their friends. His obsession with Taylor caused jealousy to flare when he saw how boys her age flocked to her especially the Kertalis' disabled son. He had to nip that 'friendship' in the bud. 

Nearing his home, a sick grin came across his face when the memory of taking Taylor the first time, was pure heaven, her screams, the way she cried, she was a spitfire. He had to get her back. 
Thinking of the life he had planned for them, he pulled into the garage and quickly entered his home. Putting on the kitchen light, he swore he heard a faint knocking sound; ignoring it, he searched for the bottle of whiskey he always keeps on the top shelf. Looking in its designated spot, he found no aged whiskey nor his favorite tumbler, in its place was a photo. Confused, he picked up the unframed photo and took a good look at it. Bryson started in fright, dropping the photo of Miriam and her first husband, Thomas. It fluttered to the ground landing face-up, the couple mockingly smiling up at him. In anger, he stomped on the photo, grinding his dress shoes into it before going to the draw where his handgun was hidden.

Again. 

Instead of his gun, he found a photo of Taylor and her father at some birthday party. 

Someone was in his home, that's the only explanation for his missing things and those stupid photos popping up in his hiding places. Just how long have they been in his house, he mused quietly. Grabbing a kitchen knife which he thought odd that they left in the open if they wish to scare him, he made his way to the living room, listening closely for any sign of the intruder. Before he can get to the light switch, a gloved hand caught his wrist, twisting it painfully behind his back before being shoved roughly into a coffee table. 
Clutching to the knife, he stumbled on the broken pieces and tried to spot his attacker in the dark. Purposedly made footsteps were heard but it wasn't one, it was multiple. 

"You have five seconds to show yourselves. You chose the wrong house to rob, you fucking idiots." The only response he received was condescending laughter. Turning to the direction where he heard it loudest, he ran towards the person only to be stopped. The hand with the knife was captured, twisted painfully, his attacker took his only weapon against them and plunged it into his thigh. His painful scream pierced the darkroom but was responded by cold laughter from his attacker's friends. The knife was removed sharply only for it to be used once more on him, this time a deep slash into his upper arm. Forgetting his leg injury, he clutched at the wound on his arm to stop the bleeding but whoever it was, used enough force and precision to cut through his jacket and dress shirt.

"Feeling powerless, right?" A voice said in the dark.

"I will... have... every one of you jailed in seconds," Bryson shouted over the pain he was experiencing.

"Seconds went by, old man. Care to re-evaluate that time frame?"

They didn't give him a chance to speak, a kick was dealt to his injured leg while another punched him in the face. He fell to the ground only having a moment with the different bout of pains coursing through his body.

"The boss is eager to speak with you." They grabbed him by his hair and resumed pulling him down the hall to his study, the one room no one was allowed to enter. His screams and yells went unanswered, he can now tell just how much intruders were in his home by the crowded feel in the hallway. The man who had a hold on him roughly positioned him to be ahead of them, that's when he realized the light in his study was on. The light the streamed below the closed-door dimmed lightly by shadows passing by. Before he can comprehend the door was pulled open to reveal Bryan Winshall sitting behind his desk with a cold smile on his face.

"I thought you will never get here. Okay, let's get this started, shall we?" Bryan said standing to his full height. 

"What... shit... What are you doing here? Who are you really?" Bryson asked trying hard to keep his eyes open. He was bleeding out and about to blackout but he fought it. 

"Did you know you were partially right about the whole underworld thing? But. This is huge, but. Who I am isn't really attached to the Johnsons per se. I'm that one friend who will go hell and back for them. You hurt someone who I consider my little sister and ruin the life of one man's treasure."

"Grandville."

"Miriam and Taylor were his world. I never knew fathers and husbands like him existed until I became friends with the Johnsons. Imagine how I felt when I got the request to deal with your disgusting piece of shit. You broke them. You abused my little sister and made a mother suffer, seeing the man she trusted ruin her daughter's innocence. Is he that fucked up in the head, I asked myself, then my men found your little 'hobby'." Bryan took two large, overstuffed scrapbook from the desk and threw them at Bryson's feet. The men who were holding him kicked behind his knees to make him fall to the ground.

"For a cop, your hiding spots are not really creative, nor did you think of removing the chains and locks from Taylor's room not to mention your soiled clothes."

"She's mine. She has always been mine!" He yelled. Bryan didn't want to hear another word. The vicious kick to his head had him face down on the floor, he can feel the now open wound on his head from the blow. 

"We found her," Bryan said softly. Turning his back on Bryson, he motioned for his men to get the pathetic cop on his feet. "We found Miriam buried in your backyard, wrapped in a rug and buried four feet deep with flowers planted on top of her. Was that your brightest idea? Don't you think it will look out of place for a near-dead and overgrown backyard for only one spot to be tended to? God, you're really a waste of my energy. Answer this question quickly for me, my wife is waiting home for me."

Bryson thought the man crazy to be talking to him in such a condescending manner. He knew something was off with the man at the ball, but did he think he would get away with this vigilante shit. He was a prominent fixture in the community, if he goes missing it will be noticed. A chuckle bubbled in the back of his throat before he knew it, he was full-on laughing. Bryan wasn't affected, he turned to the bloodied yet weak man and smiled. 

"I know what you're thinking. You think this is a simple vigilante killing. No. I can assure you it isn't. This isn't only revenge but a little help for Dennis. Weeding out the decaying leaves in his garden. Oh. There it is. The big revelation." It was Bryan's turn to laugh at the pale dumbfounded look on the chief's face.

"So my question is, do you wish to kill yourself or be burned alive after I deal with you? Please note your life will be hanging by a thread before I set this house on fire."

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!"

"I'm sure those were my little sister's exact words." Grabbing him by the head, Bryan's men let go of the man just in time for their boss to knee him in the face then gut. Kicking him to the floor, Bryan brought his foot down on the knife wound while silently asking for his gun. Slowly he twisted his foot harshly on the bleeding wound, watching with satisfaction as the man bled out on the carpet. Aiming the gun at the man, Bryan smiled. "You still haven't answered me."

No answer.

A gunshot rang out in the confines of the office, again the chief's screams filled the air.

"We're not getting anywhere, Bryson. My wife will be annoyed that I stayed so late at the office. I'll decide for you. Boys."

Bryan watched on as his men placed the heavily wounded man in his chair and placed the whiskey he was looking for in front of him. A few left the room to gather whatever little things Taylor may want and rig the house to make it look like a gas leak, but he didn't care. The most important thing was completed. They removed Taylor's mother's body and was prepping her for transport to Spencer. She deserved a respectful burial and for her daughter to see her one last time. That's all that matters. 

"You... you... won't get away with this. They will..will never believe her," Bryson said over pained gasps.

"Don't worry, your bloody little head about that."

Slumped in the chair, he watched on as the office got emptier, leaving Bryan alone with him. He approached him, taking the knife that was placed on the desk earlier, and came to a stop behind him. "Take a look at the bottle."

That's when Bryson took note of the whiskey bottle carefully. They created a Molotov cocktail out of it, a lighter was beside the bottle, ready to be used. His eyes widen in fear, he tried to get out of the chair, but Bryan stabbed him once more, this time in the other leg. He couldn't move; even if he tried, he wouldn't get far. "You're ruining the fun," Bryan admonished, taking the knife out. 

"I'm sorry. I will do anything..."

"I don't negotiate with the dead."

Moving to the front of the desk, Bryan gathered the lighter in his hand and flipped the switch on it. Weakly Bryson watched on as he played with the lighter before placing the flame at the tip of the fuel soaked rag and slowly stepped away from the desk. The fire made his cold green eyes shine. The chief tried to move, but he was too weak. Bryan stood at the door and gave him a small wave before closing the door. All he could have done was watch the fire eat up the rag, feel the heat from it, and accept his death. 
Inch by inch, the fire made its way to the mouth of the bottle; the heat was too much. His eyes widened when the bottle exploded before him, creating a fireball in the office. The flames engulfed everything that it reached; his screams can be heard behind the closed door. The scent of burning flesh, smoke, and whiskey filled the room as Chief Bryson pleaded for his life, burning to death in the same place he first raped Taylor Grandville.

Out on the street, Bryan calmly watched on as the house engulfed in flames, neighbors came out of their homes to help somewhat but Bryan's men waylaid. They fed everyone one of the cock and bull stories of no one was inside and the Fire Department was called. Pulling out his phone, he quickly texted Commissioner Hargrave and made one phone call.

"Hey, B." The groggy voice of Harem made him check the time on his watch.

"She's safe now."

A heavy sigh of relief escaped the teen before he cleared his throat. "Thank you for this."

"What good are we if we can't protect you guys. Go back to sleep, I will email you some info tomorrow."

"Will do." 

Ending the call, he watched on as the fire burned everything. He grinned thinking over his previous words he said to Harem. 

What good are they if they can't protect their family.