It was hours before Chanelle returned to the basement, but this time, she didn't come alone or empty-handed. Still handcuffed to the wooden beam growing weaker and weaker by the hour, Milinda silently watched as Noel walked back and forth, meticulously arranging chairs and a rickety wooden table into the spaces where Chanelle had instructed.

The dim light from the single overhead bulb flickered as Milinda shifted her position, the chain of the handcuffs rattling against the wooden beam she was bound to. Her wrists throbbed from the chafing metal, and her shoulders ached from being forced into an awkward position. Far above her, she could hear faint cries coming from whatever room they held Kylie in. Milinda had begged multiple times for them to bring her back, but each word seemed to fall on deaf ears.

"No, move that one more to the left," Chanelle snapped.

Noel silently obeyed, his broad shoulders hunched and his face a mixture of discomfort and something else that Milinda couldn't quite place. Was it guilt? Shame? Or was it something darker? After all, with him lying to her for so long, Milinda didn't know what to think of the man who she viewed as a friend only days ago. The coworker who helped her get her mind off of the horrors going on around her. Milinda shook her head. It was all a lie, a ruse. He was using her.

"Are you enjoying this, Noel?" Milinda spat, her voice hoarse but steady. She didn't care about provoking Chanelle anymore. She was beyond fear—she was furious. Furious that this man, someone she had considered a friend, had betrayed her in the most unthinkable way. "After everything I've been through, you're really going to stand there and help her? I thought you were my friend. How could you do this?"

Noel's jaw clenched, but he didn't respond. He didn't even look at her. Instead, he focused on the floor, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets as if he were trying to make himself smaller.

"Don't talk to him!" Chanelle snapped. "You don't deserve to speak to him, Milinda. After what you did to my son, you don't deserve to speak to anyone ever again. The world doesn't need women like you in it."

Milinda's breath caught at the mention of Grayson. It didn't matter how many times Chanelle brought him into the conversation it still hurt. Still felt like glass cutting deep within her soul. He was long dead, but that didn't mean the pain he brought about went away, not at least without leaving a little scar behind. Milinda's flesh still burned at the places he would strike. Her bones ached where his foot met her skin. Her insides still coiled in disgust at the memory of his hands on her, running through her hair, his lips pressed against hers, and everywhere else he wanted them. Grayson would never leave her.

"I did what I had to do," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "He tried to kill me, Chanelle. He would have killed me if I hadn't fought back. You know that."

"Enough!" Chanelle whirled around, her face contorted with rage. Her eyes burned with an intensity that made Milinda's blood run cold. "You're nothing but a liar and a murderer. Grayson was a good man—a good son. You destroyed him. And now... now you're going to pay for it."

"A good man... he was anything but. A good man doesn't look the mother of his child in the eyes, tell her he loves her and then hit her. He doesn't come home wreaking of booze and screaming like a madman. He doesn't look for the smallest of reasons to make someone feel small." She looked at Noel. His attention had turned to her, and some tears were brimming around his eyes. "Did she tell you the real reason why I left Grayson? Did she tell you why I had to take my daughter to a shelter in the middle of the night and flee from my home country?"

"Don't listen to anything that little whore is saying," Chanelle snapped.

"Noel, Grayson was drunk and abusive. The night I felt he got home from the bar and tried to rape me. I hit him over the head, and I ran away. Then he tracked me down like a psychopath, stalked me, killed people, kidnapped our daughter, and tried to kill me. I had to kill him." Milinda's hands balled into fists, her nails digging into her palms as tears of frustration and anger blurred her vision. "Chanelle, I'm sorry, but if you think this—" she gestured around the room with her chin, indicating the makeshift courtroom "—is going to bring him back, you're wrong. He's gone, Chanelle. And it's because of what he did, not me."

Noel shifted uncomfortably at Milinda's words, his gaze flickering to Chanelle as if seeking permission to speak. He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Chanelle cut him off.

"Noel, don't listen to her," she said, her tone softening as she walked over to him and placed a hand on his arm. "She's trying to manipulate you just like she manipulated my son. That's what she does. She twists things around and makes herself look like the victim."

"Is that what you think, Noel?" Milinda said. She could see the shift happening in Noel. She could see the battle he was fighting in his mind, and all she could hope for was that he would snap out of the delusion and help her. "Do you think I'm lying about what happened? I know we haven't known each other long, but do you honestly think I would lie about that?"

Noel shook his head. "This isn't about me," he muttered. "This is about Chanelle and what she needs to do to get closure."

"Closure?" Milinda repeated, her voice filled with disbelief. "You think this is going to give her closure? Kidnapping Kylie and me, setting up this circus? You're helping her ruin not just my life but Kylie's. She's a child, Noel! She doesn't deserve this!"

Noel flinched at the mention of Kylie, his hands twitching at his sides. But Chanelle was quick to interject, her voice icy and controlled.

"Don't you dare bring Kylie into this," she said, her eyes narrowing. "She's Grayson's daughter. She deserves to know the truth about her father. She deserves to know that her mother is a murderer."

"You brought her into this!" Milinda's chest tightened as rage bubbled up inside her. "She deserves to be safe," she shot back. "And she won't be safe as long as she's with you."

Chanelle's laugh was cold and hollow, sending shivers down Milinda's spine. "Safe? Do you think you can keep her safe? You couldn't even protect her from being taken. You're weak, Milinda. Always playing the victim, always expecting someone else to save you. Nobody is going to save you, Milinda, because nobody cares about you. Not your parents, your friends, Shawn... nobody."

Milinda bit back the tears that were threatening to spill over. She wasn't going to let Chanelle see her cry. "You're sick," she said quietly. "You're not doing this for Grayson. You're doing this because you can't accept the truth. Your son wasn't the man you thought he was. He was a monster, Chanelle. And you're just as bad for enabling him."

Chanelle's face darkened, and before Milinda could blink, she felt a cold hand connect with her cheek. She could feel the warmth on her lip and taste metal. She looked up at Chanelle. She was looking down at her with a smile so dark and twisted she was sure the boogeyman would have nightmares about it.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" Chanelle said, her voice dripping with venom. "Always trying to psychoanalyse everyone. But you have no idea what it's like to lose a child. You have no idea what it's like to watch your whole world fall apart because of someone like you."

Milinda didn't respond. There was no reasoning with Chanelle, no way to get through to her. All she could do was hope for an opportunity to escape—an opportunity to get Kylie and run as far away as possible.

Chanelle turned her attention back to the makeshift courtroom, humming to herself as she continued setting up. Noel lingered near the wall, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

"Why are you even here, Noel?" Milinda asked, her voice quieter now but no less firm. "What could she possibly have over you to make you do this?"

"Shut up," Noel said, his voice low and strained.

"Tell me," Milinda pressed, ignoring Chanelle's warning glare. "Did she threaten you? Your family? Your job? Or are you just that weak?"

"I said shut up!" Noel snapped, his voice rising as he took a step toward her.

Milinda flinched back, preparing herself for another hit, but it never came. She silently watched as Noel stalked away, his hands shaking.

"That's enough, both of you," Chanelle said. She shifted a chair and nodded. "Noel, go check on Kylie. Make sure she's comfortable."

Noel hesitated, glancing at Milinda before nodding and leaving the basement. The door creaked as it closed behind him, leaving Milinda alone with Chanelle once more.

"You can keep trying to get through to him, but it won't work. Noel knows where his loyalties lie. And soon, you'll see that it doesn't matter what you say or do. This will end the way it was meant to end."

Milinda didn't respond. She couldn't. Her mind was racing, trying to come up with a plan, a way to get out of this alive. But with every passing second, her hope dwindled, leaving her with nothing but the weight of her fear and the sound of Chanelle's laughter echoing in her ears.

* * * *

The trio sat in the conference room, reeling in the controlled chaos. Papers were spread across the table, maps pinned to the walls, and a digital clock displayed the countdown in bold red numbers: 10:04:17. The room felt like it was closing in, the tension thick enough to suffocate. Shawn stood at the head of the table, his jaw clenched and his bloodshot eyes scanning the mess of information in front of him. Neither of them had gone home since they watched the video, which also meant no showering, no changing of clothes, and one hundred per cent no sleep.

"All right, let's go over it again," he barked, slapping his hand on the table to get everyone's attention. "What do we know about Chanelle's movements since she entered the country?"

Camila stepped forward, holding a semi-thick folder. "She arrived here last month alongside Milinda's parents and is staying at a high-end hotel on the other side of town. She paid for the room and everything in cash. The people there described her as polite but distant. No one suspected anything. Fingerprints found at the scene of the murder of the weapons dealer have revealed that she is the one who killed him. We know that some weapons, mainly guns, were taken from that scene, so she is certainly armed. Security footage at a local mall shows her purchasing power tools, ropes, tarps, and handcuffs. She has also purchased chloroforms. All of these were bought with cash."

He nodded and looked at Averie. "She recently got divorced from her husband of twenty-eight years." She flipped through her notes. "He said Chanelle's obsession with revenge started right after Grayson's death. She blamed Milinda entirely. He tried to get her into therapy, but she refused. When they divorced, she vanished, and he hasn't heard from her since. He says this is all about avenging Grayson's 'legacy.'"

Shawn inhaled deeply, trying to control the rage boiling inside him. The thought of Chanelle—this unhinged woman—putting Milinda and Kylie through hell made his hands tremble. He couldn't afford to lose focus. Not now. Not ever again.

"We still don't know where she's keeping them," Shawn said. He looked up at the clock. "We're running out of time."

"We've got patrols checking abandoned properties close to the hotel she was staying in as well as the locations she frequented," Camila said. "But it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. She planned this too well."

Shawn nodded, his fists clenching at his sides. Every second they wasted felt like a dagger twisting in his gut. They needed a new lead, a smoking gun. Fuck, they needed a miracle. But maybe they already had one.

He turned to one of the junior officers standing near the door. "Get Mr. Moodly prepped for another interrogation," Shawn ordered. "I'll talk to him myself."

Camila frowned. "Are you sure about this? He's not exactly cooperative, and we don't have time for his games."

Shawn's jaw tightened. "He knows something. Chanelle's been working with him—feeding him information about Milinda. If anyone can give us a lead, it's him."

Reluctantly, Camila nodded. "Alright. But don't let him get in your head. That's what he wants."

Shawn didn't respond. He was already heading toward the interrogation room, his heart pounding with a mix of fury and desperation.

Joseph sat in the cold, sterile room, his hands cuffed to the metal table. He looked a mess, barely like a human being rough from lack of sleep, but that didn't stop his lips from curling into a cruel smirk when Shawn entered the room.

"Well, well," he drawled, leaning back in his chair. "Detective Conan. I was wondering when you'd come crawling back."

Shawn ignored the taunt, pulling out the chair across from him and sitting down. He stared at Casanova for a long moment, his gaze hard and unyielding.

"Don't flatter yourself. I'm here to help Milinda, not make you feel good about yourself." Shawn couldn't help but notice the gleam in the man's eyes when he mentioned Milinda. He was still so obsessed with her and probably would be until the day he died. "She and her daughter are still missing, and while we know the identity of the person holding them hostage, we need help trying to locate her. And since she was helping you, or using you, depending on how you read the texts on the burner phone we found at your house, I thought you might be able to help."

"She didn't use me," he snapped.

Shawn smiled. "You sure? Because, after all the conversations between you and her, you're sitting in this room with me, and she's out there with Milinda." Joseph's hands curled into fists, and Shawn knew he had hit a nerve. "Now, you're going to tell me everything you know about Chanelle Taylor," Shawn said. "Where she's keeping Milinda and Kylie. How are the two of you connected? Everything."

Casanova chuckled, shaking his head. "You seriously think I'm just going to hand you answers? You don't know me very well, do you?"

"I don't have time for your games," Shawn snapped. "Milinda's life is on the line. If you care about her at all—"

"Care about her?" Casanova interrupted. "You think I care about her? Don't make me laugh. You're the one who doesn't care. You're the one who shut her out. You're the one who abandoned her for your old fling. You're the one who left her vulnerable to this mess. You didn't deserve her then, and you certainly don't deserve her now. I don't care about Milinda, detective. I love her. I'm the only man in her life who has ever truly loved her."

Shawn clenched his fists under the table, but he forced himself to remain calm. He couldn't let Casanova get under his skin. His focus was on finding Milinda and Kylie, and it had to stay that way.

"You're deflecting," Shawn chirped. "You want me to lose my temper, but it's not going to work. Now start talking."

Casanova leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "You want to know how Chanelle found me? She came to me. She tracked me down like a bloodhound. She knew everything—my methods, my history. I'm not going to lie, but it was impressive. I mean, considering how long it's taken the city's best and brightest to catch me. I wasn't going to work with her, but then she made me an offer I just couldn't refuse. And you know what she offered me?"

Shawn stayed silent, his gaze locked on Casanova.

"She offered me Milinda," Casanova said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "She gave me all the little details—her schedule, her favourite places, even the best times to approach her to leave my little love letters. Chanelle wanted me to take Milinda. To make her pay for what she did to Grayson, even though I think the man deserved it. But I had my plans."

"And yet you didn't follow through," Shawn said. "You're just as much of a coward as she is."

Casanova's grin faltered for a moment before he recovered. "Good things come to those who wait. That's what my one foster father taught me he would say it before the beatings started." he looked down at the table as if caught in the past, but he came back quick the smile returning tenfold. "I was biding my time," he said. "It took me a while to go and check her out but when I did I was not disappointed. I worked on a construction site near the apartment, that's where I saw her."

Shawn remembered the construction that had taken place at the building near the apartment. He remembered him and Milinda talking about it and how it would keep Kylie awake during nap time. It unnerved him to think about this and being so close to them.

"She was even more beautiful in person, I can't blame you for falling for her. I watched her on my breaks and studied her. And when the job was done I kept going back. I couldn't get her out of my head. She's nothing like the others. She's... fascinating. I had everything planned for our big break away and then that bitch came in and ruined everything. Chanelle—she's the one who escalated things. She's unhinged, even by my standards."

"Where is she keeping them?" Shawn demanded, leaning forward.

Casanova's smirk returned. "I don't know," he said, his tone mocking. "She didn't exactly send me a map."

"So, this conversation was as useless as you are."

"Not really, at the end of the day, detective, you do need me," Casanova said simply. "I'm the only one who knows how she thinks. I'm our best chance of finding Milinda. But you're running out of time, detective. Tick tock."

Before Shawn could respond, the door to the interrogation room opened, and a junior officer stepped inside.

"Detective," the officer said, his expression tense. "Someone's here to see you. Says it's urgent."

Shawn hesitated, glancing back at Casanova. He wanted nothing more than to keep pressing the man for answers, but he couldn't ignore a potential lead.

"Stay here," he ordered the officer. "Don't let him out of your sight."

Shawn stepped into the chaotic lobby stopping near dead in his tracks when his eyes landed on one of the last people he wanted to see.

"Noel? What do I owe the pleasure?"

Noel turned to him. he looked nothing like the cocky young man Shawn met in the café. This man looked out of place—dishevelled, pale, and visibly shaking. His eyes darted around the room as if he were expecting someone to attack him at any moment.

"Noel," Shawn said again, approaching him quickly. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Noel stared blankly at him, his expression a mix of fear and desperation. "I need to talk to you alone."

Shawn shook his head. "Listen, I don't have time for whatever life crisis you've got going on. I have to find Milinda and her daughter and I've got a bit of a time limit here."

As Shawn started to turn on his heels to walk away Noel reached out and pulled him back. "That's why I'm here. I can help you find her."

"How do you suppose you're going to do that?"

"Because I've been helping Chanelle and I know where she's keeping Milinda and Kylie. Now we can stand here in this lobby or we can go somewhere quiet and I'll tell you everything, but only you. What do you say?"

* * * *

Shawn paced back and forth in the secluded corner of the station where he and Noel had chosen to talk. First, he had to find out that Milinda's real threat wasn't even the damn serial killer they were so focused on catching, and now her new 'friend' and the man Shawn thought was a threat to him was involved all along. How deep did Chanelle spin the web?

"Start talking, Noel," Shawn snapped. "You said you wanted to help. You said you wanted us to be alone, well, we're alone so tell me what you know or I'll drag you into an interrogation room."

Noel looked up at him. "She's completely lost it, Shawn. She's talking about... some kind of judgment day. She's convinced that Milinda needs to pay for Grayson's death, which is why she's doing all of this by the way. She wants revenge for"

"We already know that. We know she's upset over Grayson's death and that she hired the Casanova Stalker to hunt Milinda. Now, we have in custody and we have enough proof to put Chanelle in jail for the rest of her miserable life. What I don't have is her location. So, where is she keeping them?"

"I don't know the exact address," Noel admitted. "But I know the house was owned by Grayson when he came down here after Milinda. It's the house where he got killed last year."

Shawn's heart raced. Of course, that's where she took them. Why didn't he think about it?

"I know where that is. I'm going to get my partner and then we'll all go."

Noel grabbed him and pulled him back. "No, if you want to get Milinda out safe you need to go there with me alone. We can work together and surprise her."

"That's a stupid plan."

"If we go there with all your cop friends Chanelle will shoot Milinda and Kylie before you even have a chance to break the door down. She's come this far and I don't think she's scared of crossing another line. We have to go alone. Please, Shawn, you have to trust me on this."

Shawn shook his head. "You were lying to Milinda from the day you met her, so why the fuck should I trust you now?"

"Because I'm risking my fucking life to help you here. Do you know what the psycho will do to me if she found out I came here to help you? Now please we don't have much time."

Shawn looked around the space. Trusting Noel was the last thing he should do, but Milinda needed help, and he was going to be damned if he didn't help her.

"If you're lying to me—"

"I'm not," Noel interrupted, his voice filled with desperation. "I just want this to end. I didn't sign up for this, Shawn. I didn't know how far she'd go."

Shawn's jaw tightened. He didn't trust Noel—not entirely—but he couldn't afford to ignore the lead. Time was running out, and Milinda's life depended on him making the right call.

"Let's go."

As they headed toward the parking lot, Shawn couldn't shake the feeling that they were racing against an invisible clock, each second bringing them closer to an outcome he couldn't control. But one thing was certain: he wasn't going to let Chanelle win. Not this time.

Noel hesitated, his eyes darting nervously around the room as though he feared someone might overhear. "I didn't sign up for this," he muttered. "I thought it was just about messing with your relationship, you know? Not this...not murder."

Shawn's fists clenched at his sides. "What are you talking about? What exactly did Chanelle hire you to do?"

"She came to me a while back," Noel began, his voice shaky. "Said she'd pay me good money to... to create problems between you and Milinda. She fed me information, told me what to say to Milinda, and how to push her buttons. I thought it was just revenge for Grayson's death, you know? I didn't know she was planning to take things this far."

Shawn's jaw tightened. "And now?"

Noel took a deep breath. "She's lost it, Shawn. She's not just trying to hurt you anymore. She's going to kill Milinda and Kylie. I didn't sign up for that."

As they prepared to leave, Shawn made his way back to his desk under the guise of grabbing his keys. He scribbled a quick note on a scrap of paper: Following Noel to Chanelle. It's the house where Grayson died. If not back in two hours send backup right away. I'm sorry, partner. He slipped the note under his coffee mug, knowing Camila would find it if something went wrong.

Shawn's heart raced as they drove up to the house. Neither he nor Noel had said a word since they left the station creating this uneasy silence that clung to the air like a monster. They drove for about half an hour before Noel made a gesture from him to pull over. Shawn's eyes widened as he looked up at the house.

When he came here a year ago with Grayson it already looked like a mess, but now it was damn near collapsing. The garden was completely overgrown, and paint peeled off the walls as if running from them. Holes in the roof, a broken chimney. To think this place was once someone's home and now it was nothing more than a nightmare.

Shawn's instincts were on high alert as he parked the car by the broken boundary wall.

"This is it," Noel said quietly. "She's inside."

Shawn stepped out of the car, his senses heightened as he scanned the area. The house was eerily quiet, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the wind. He motioned for Noel to lead the way, his hand hovering near his weapon.

The moment they stepped inside, Shawn's suspicions were confirmed. Chanelle was waiting for them. She didn't look shocked to see them, if anything she seemed happy to see him. Shawn looked at Noel. Had the man led him into a trap on purpose? Brought him here on a silver platter. The final piece of the game.

"Well, well, well," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "Look who finally decided to join the party."

Noel froze, his face pale as Chanelle stepped out of the shadows, a gun in her hand. "Chanelle, listen—"

"Shut up," she snapped, her eyes blazing with fury. "I thought I could trust you, Noel. I was so convinced that you were on my side. I hate it when people prove the little voice in my head right. Really hate it."

"Chanelle, I'm sorry but you're taking this whole thing way too far."

She raised the gun at him. "You don't get to explain yourself. You lost that right the second you went to the police." She turned to Shawn. "Where is your partner?"

"Not here."

She smirked, "Very stupid of you to come here alone." She turned back to Noel and clocked the gun. "I liked you, kid, it's a shame it had to end this way."

Before Shawn could even upholster his gun the shot had been fired. Noel crumpled to the ground, a lifeless heap at her feet, a gaping hole right between his eyes.

"No!" Shawn shouted, his hand going to his weapon, but Chanelle was faster. She stepped back, keeping the gun trained on him.

"Drop it," she ordered.

Shawn hesitated for a moment, then slowly placed his weapon on the floor. Chanelle smirked, her triumph evident as she gestured for him to move.

"Downstairs," she said. "Move."

Shawn obeyed, his mind racing as she led him to the basement. The air grew colder as they descended, and Shawn's stomach churned as he saw Milinda. She was still handcuffed to the wooden beam from the video, a large purple bruise decorated her cheek and her lip was split in one corner.

"Shawn!" she cried, relief and fear mingling in her voice.

"Milinda," Shawn said, his heart breaking at the sight of her. "I'm here. I'll get us out of this."

Chanelle laughed, the sound chilling in the confined space. "You two are pathetic," she said. She handcuffed Shawn to the same pipe, stepping back to admire her work. "Enjoy your time together. It won't be long now."

With that, she turned and ascended the stairs, leaving them alone in the dimly lit basement. Shawn tugged at the cuffs, frustration and fear boiling within him.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I've been better," she replied, a weak smile breaking through her exhaustion. "But I'm glad you're here."

Shawn nodded, determination hardening his features. "We're getting out of this," he promised. "I'm not losing you."

* * * *

The sterile, white walls of the hospital room felt less oppressive as Akhona opened her eyes, blinking against the soft sunlight streaming through the blinds. She shifted slightly, wincing at the dull ache in her side but managing a weak smile as she saw Camila sitting by her bedside, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"You look terrible," Akhona teased, her voice raspy but laced with affection.

Camila's head snapped up, the relief flooding her features easily noticeable. "And you look amazing," she shot back, her voice breaking slightly. "Dammit, baby, you scared the hell out of me."

Akhona reached out weakly, and Camila immediately clasped her hand, holding it tightly as if afraid to let go. "The doctor said I'm okay," Akhona murmured. "I'll be okay. We'll blink and I'll be back home annoying the hell out of you with my stupid jokes and terrible cooking."

"I take it back I don't want you anymore."

Akhona laughed and shook her head. "Too late, you're stuck with me."

Camila's lips quirked into a shaky smile, but it wasn't long before her eyes betrayed the storm of emotions swirling within. "I..." she began, her voice faltering before she steadied herself. "I have to tell you something. Chanelle... she's the one who took Milinda and Kylie. She's behind all of this."

Akhona's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Chanelle?" she repeated. "Milinda's former whatever the hell she was? But... why? How?"

Camila's grip on Akhona's hand tightened. "Revenge. She's never forgiven Milinda for what happened to Grayson. She blames her for his death, even though we all know it was self-defence."

Akhona shook her head. "I can't believe it. I mean, I knew she was delusional you know with all that 'my son was the greatest man in the world' bullshit she tried spinning. But to go this far..." She trailed off, her gaze distant before it snapped back to Camila. "And Milinda? Kylie? Have you found them?"

Camila's face fell, guilt and worry etched into her features. "Not yet. But we're close. Shawn is doing everything he can, and so am I. We're not going to stop until we bring them home."

Akhona studied her for a long moment, her eyes softening. "You're carrying so much on your shoulders, my love. You always do."

Camila chuckled weakly, brushing a rogue strand of hair out of her face. "Comes with the territory. But, Akhona... I was so scared. I thought I was going to lose you."

Akhona's lips parted, but before she could speak, Camila leaned forward, her words spilling out in a rush. "I can't do this without you. I... you mean everything to me, Akhona. When I saw you lying there, hurt because you tried to stop that monster... I realized I couldn't waste another second."

Akhona's eyes widened slightly, her heart pounding as she watched Camila reach into her jacket pocket and pull out a small, black box. Her hands trembled as she opened it, revealing a delicate ring that seemed to catch every bit of light in the room.

"Akhona," Camila began, her voice steady despite the tears brimming in her eyes. "You are the love of my life. You make me stronger, braver, and better than I ever thought I could be. I had a much better location planned for this but if the last few hours of age taught me anything it's that life doesn't wait for you. I don't want to waste another moment without telling you how much you mean to me. So... will you marry me?"

Akhona's breath hitched, her eyes filling with tears as she looked between the ring and Camila's earnest, hopeful face. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible before it grew louder. "Yes, of course, I will!"

Camila's face broke into a radiant smile as she slipped the ring onto Akhona's finger, careful not to jostle her too much. They both laughed softly, tears streaming down their faces as they leaned into each other, their foreheads touching.

The moment was interrupted by the sharp trill of Camila's phone. She groaned, reluctantly pulling away to answer it. "Detective Martin," she said into the receiver.

Her expression darkened as she listened to the voice on the other end. "Shawn is missing?" she repeated, her voice laced with concern. "What do you mean he left something behind?"

Akhona watched her closely, her concern growing as Camila's face became more serious. When Camila ended the call, Akhona reached out, placing a hand on her arm. "What happened?"

"Do you remember Noel?"

Akhona nodded. "The man from Milinda's work who had a crush on her."

"Yeah, well, it probably wasn't a crush. He went to the police station earlier to talk to Shawn. Now Shawn is missing and there was a note laying at his desk saying that Noel was taking him to where Milinda was."

"Noel was working for Chanelle," Akhona whispered in disbelief.

"Looks like it. They're at the old house where Grayson took Milinda last year. I'm so sorry, but I have to go."

Akhona's grip on her arm tightened. "Go. Do what you need to do. Save the day. I'll be here waiting for you when it's over."

Camila hesitated for a moment, her heart torn between staying and going. But Akhona's encouraging smile gave her the strength she needed. She leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to Akhona's soft lips.

"I'll come back to you," she promised, her voice thick with emotion. "And when this is all over, we'll start the rest of our lives together."

Akhona nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "Go get them, baby."

Camila straightened, steeling herself as she walked toward the door. With one last glance at Akhona, she squared her shoulders and left, ready to follow the trail Shawn had left and bring Milinda and Kylie home.

* * * *

The basement felt colder now, the oppressive atmosphere thick with dread. The makeshift courtroom Chanelle had erected was as deranged as her intentions. A small wooden table served as the judge's bench, with a gavel she must have stolen from somewhere. The lighting flickered ominously, shadows dancing across the grim setting. A camera on a tripod stood pointed directly at Milinda and Shawn, its red recording light glaring like an unblinking eye.

Milinda and Shawn sat on the cold floor, their wrists handcuffed to iron rings bolted into the wooden beam behind them. Milinda's face was pale and every so often her body would shake, while Shawn's jaw clenched with rage and frustration. Across from them stood Chanelle, holding a thick notebook as if it were a legal tome. Her hair was dishevelled, and her eyes gleamed with manic energy.

"I've been dreaming about this moment for over a year now and it's finally here," Chanelle whispered to herself her voice carried by the still, thick air. She glared at Shawn and Milinda. "Welcome to my court," she announced. "Today, justice will finally be served for the murder of my son."

Shawn's voice cut through the tension. "Chanelle, you need to stop this madness. Grayson's death was self-defence. He tried to kill Milinda!"

Chanelle slammed the gavel onto the table, the sound echoing through the basement. "Silence! You will not speak out of turn in my court."

Milinda's eyes burned with tears, but her voice was steady. "Chanelle, please listen to me. Grayson was not the man you think he was. He abused me, stalked me, and tried to take my life. I had no choice."

Chanelle's face twisted with fury. "Lies! All lies! You turned him into a monster. You corrupted him and destroyed my family. Now, you'll pay."

She pointed an accusing finger at Shawn. "And you! You're just as guilty. You stole her away, filled her head with nonsense, and helped her murder my boy."

Shawn's patience snapped. "Grayson made his own choices. He was a grown man who couldn't handle rejection, so he lashed out. You can't put any of that on Milinda or me!"

Chanelle's hand shot out, grabbing a switchblade from her pocket. She pointed it at Shawn, her hand trembling with rage. "You don't get to talk to me like that. This is my court, and I decide what happens here."

Milinda leaned forward as far as her restraints allowed. "Chanelle, please! Think about Kylie. She needs her mother. She needs me. Don't take me away from her."

For a moment, something flickered in Chanelle's eyes. Doubt, maybe. Motherly instincts that must still be buried under all the madness that seeped through. But it was quickly snuffed out by her obsessive hatred. She waved the knife dismissively. "Kylie will be better off without you. I'll raise her the way Grayson would have wanted. She'll have a real family."

Shawn strained against his cuffs, his muscles taut with suppressed rage. "You're insane. Do you think Kylie would ever want to be with the woman who's trying to kill her mother? She'll grow up one day and learn about what happened here and guess what, she'll hate you forever."

Chanelle's laugh was cold and hollow. "You know what your problem is, detective."

"I've got quite a few so you'll have to be very specific."

"You think you know everything. You're assuming Kylie will grow to hate me because that's how you felt about your father after he killed your brother." Milinda could see Shawn stiffen beside her and she wanted nothing more than to reach out and comfort him. "What you're forgetting is that our situations are very different. Your brother was innocent while the two of you deserve nothing less than to die here at my hands. Kylie will understand in time. Children are resilient."

"You're right the situations are different. My father was a drunk; you're just batshit crazy."

"Humour won't get you out of this, detective."

Shawn shrugged, "I'm in a court, right? Just trying to keep up with the most important part of being in court. You know, to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

Chanelle's lips curled in disgust. "I can see why the two of you were so good together." She turned to the camera, her face taking on an eerie calm. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," she addressed the imaginary audience. "Today we will be discussing the murder of Grayson Taylor. Over a year ago in this very basement, Milinda Johnson shot and killed my son after claiming that he abused, stalked, and tried to kill her. She was helped by that man Shawn Conan, a detective with the SFPD." She turned to them, "How do you both plea?"

"Not guilty," Milinda weakly responded the lack of sleep, water and food getting to her more than ever before.

"Not guilty," Shawn said his eyes never leaving Milinda. He could see how weak she was, and it only fueled his rage.

"Well then, let's see if you can prove that. Milinda, we can start with you." Chanelle unchained her from the post and dragged Milinda by her hair to the makeshift witness box. Once she was sitting in the chair she clipped the chain back securing her to the spot. "Now, Milinda, you and my son have a child together, correct?"

Milinda looked up at her with most of the light drained from her emerald eyes. "Yes, you have her locked up in a room upstairs."

"Try and hold back the attitude."

"I'll consider it."

Chanelle scoffed. "What happened the night you left my son?"

"I've already told you what he did to me. Why do you want to hear again if you're just going to dismiss me?"

Chanelle stalked over to Milinda and pressed the switchblade to her throat. Milinda gasped, and Shawn tried to jump up but the chains only let him move so far before snapping and pulling him back to the ground with a thud.

"I told you to cut back the attitude. Now, I asked you a question and you are going to answer it or I'm going to go up those stairs and get Kylie and she can join us down here."

"You don't have to do that." Milinda nodded, "I'll answer all your questions, I swear."

Chanelle smiled and put the knife back in her pocket. "Good. Now, tell me what happened the night you left my son."

Milinda glanced at Shawn who nodded. All she could hope for was that he had backup coming at some point.

"Grayson and I were living in an apartment together by the beachfront. There was a bar close by he liked to go to after work because he said the drinking helped take away the pain and made him forget what a failure he had become and how miserable he was. The only thing is he was an abusive drunk who liked to hit me for every small thing I didn't wrong. If I loaded the dishwasher wrong he'd punch me. If I didn't vacuum the floor every day he'd kick me in the ribs. And God forbid I talked back to him or suggested that he cut back on the drinking for the sake of our child. The night that I left he came back drunk as always, but unlike the other nights, he wanted to have sex. He said that I had been holding out on him and that I was his girlfriend, and it was the least I could do for him since I had ruined his life. I told him no, but he didn't want to listen. He... dragged me to the bedroom and put me on the bed. I begged him to stop, I even tried to tell him that Kylie would hear us and get scared. When he went to take his pants off I grabbed a glass next to me and I smashed it in his face. He screamed, and I hit him again. I got out from under him, grabbed Kylie, and I ran. I kept running until I found a place that could help me, which took forever. I thought I was going to have to sleep on the street." Milinda looked up at Chanelle her eyes burning with rage. "Does that answer your question?"

"Yes, now after you got here to America when did you see my son again?"

"A few months later after. Someone had been stalking me and I woke up one morning to find that my daughter was missing. My stalker was the one who took her and he left a note. The note was written by Grayson. I saw him later that day when I went to meet him. He brought me here and beat me. He wanted the three of us to be a family again. Shawn came to rescue me and there was a fight. Grayson was going to kill Shawn, so I grabbed the gun and I shot him."

Chanelle flinched at the words, tears brimming around her eyes.

"I didn't have a choice, Chanelle. I know you don't believe me but it is the truth. Killing him wasn't an easy thing to do. There was a time when I did love your son and I did think we were going to be together forever."

"Then your crime is only so much worse," Chanelle spat. Her tears were gone and the anger was back in full swing. "Based on the testimony I've heard here and from what I know about the second defendant I hereby find the defendants guilty of murder in the first degree. Your sentence is death which will be carried out by me."

Milinda gasped, her eyes wide with terror. Shawn's face darkened, his mind racing for a way out of this nightmare. Chanelle had just moved Milinda back to the spot next to Shawn when a faint cry echoed from upstairs. Kylie's voice, filled with fear and desperation, pierced the air.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

Chanelle turned toward the stairs, her face a mask of frustration. "That child never stops crying. I'll deal with her." She turned back to Milinda and Shawn. "Don't go anywhere," she sneered, gesturing to their restraints as if they had a choice. "We'll resume this later."

As she ascended the stairs, her footsteps heavy with irritation, the basement fell silent except for the faint sound of Kylie's cries. Milinda's shoulders sagged with relief, but she knew their time was running out.

Shawn turned his head toward her, his voice low and urgent. "We need to figure out a way to get out of these cuffs."

Milinda's voice trembled. "I don't know how. She's completely unhinged, Shawn. I don't know how to stop her."

Shawn's gaze softened, and he reached out as far as his restraints would allow, his fingers brushing against hers. The touch sent spars through both of them. "We're going to get out of this. I promise you."

Milinda's tears spilled over. "I'm so sorry, Shawn. For everything. For doubting you, for pushing you away. I was scared. I didn't want to lose you."

Shawn's eyes glistened, his voice cracking with emotion. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I should have fought harder for us. I should have been there for you and Kylie. I let the things around me destroy the one good thing I had in my life. I let you down and I'll never forgive myself for it."

Milinda shook her head. "You didn't let me down. You're here now, and that's what matters."

Their moment was interrupted by the distant wail of sirens, growing louder with each passing second. Milinda's heart leapt with hope.

"The police," she whispered. "They're coming."

But their hope was short-lived. Chanelle came storming back into the basement, her face a mask of fury. In her hands was a crowbar, and her eyes were wild with desperation.

"You called the police?" she screamed. "You think they can save you?"

Shawn positioned himself as best he could between Chanelle and Milinda. "Chanelle, it's over. You can't win this. Just let us go."

Chanelle let out a guttural scream and lunged at Shawn. He twisted in his restraints, managing to deflect the first blow, but the second strike hit his shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through his body. Milinda screamed, straining against her cuffs, desperate to help him. Somewhere amongst the chaos Chanelle had pulled her gun back out and fired a shot. A shot that was soon followed by a scream.

Shawn looked behind him horrified as he saw Milinda on the round cradling her stomach. Blood poured out of the hole the bullet that ran through her.

"No!' Shawn screamed.

Moving far quicker than he ever thought he could Shawn got the gun away from Chanelle and fired two shots at her chest. The woman fell lifeless to the ground blood pooling around her. Her eyes were still open, manic and looking right up at him. Chanelle wanted to be with her son so badly, and now she was.

Officers burst into the basement, guns drawn. Camila was among them, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. She rushed to Shawn and unlocked the cuffs that were holding him. He instantly ran to Milinda and cradled her in his arms.

"Get an ambulance here right now!" he screamed at the officers around him.

He looked down at Milinda. Her eyes were wide filled with pain and fear. She felt so weak in his arms. "You're safe now. It's over."

Milinda's voice was barely a whisper. "Kylie... where's Kylie?"

Camila placed a hand on Milinda's shoulder, tears running down her face. "She's safe." she looked up at the officers around them, "Where the fuck is the ambulance?"

"They're two minutes out."

"Shawn... I... I love...." Milinda's voice slowly trailed off as her eyes fluttered shut.

Shawn choked back a sob his hand cupping her cheek gently. "Milinda! Come on open your eyes. Milinda, open your eyes right now! Come on! No, please not like this! Not here! Milinda! Milinda!"

* * * *

Shawn stood silently his all black suit staring at the ceiling in disbelief. Not once in his wildest dreams had he imagined he would be standing here. The soft melody of the piano drifted through the air as guests filled the garden. The space was alive with vibrant colours: flowers in full bloom, white chairs adorned with pastel ribbons, and the warm sun casting a golden glow over everything. Seven months had passed since the horrors of the basement, but today was a day for love, hope, and new beginnings.

Today was the day he was going to marry the love of his life.

Shawn stood at the altar, adjusting his tie for what felt like the tenth time. Camila smirked as she walked past, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Relax, Romeo. She's not going to run off."

He gave her a nervous chuckle. "I know, but I still feel like the luckiest man in the world. I just... I want everything to be perfect."

"It is perfect," Camila assured him. "Now stop fidgeting. You're marrying the love of your life in front of everyone who matters."

Across the garden, Milinda stood in a room inside the house, looking at herself in the mirror. Her dress was a stunning ivory lace gown that hugged her figure before flaring out into a dramatic train. Akhona, her maid of honour, adjusted the veil on her head. Her hand instinctively moved over the area where all that was left of the day in the basement was a scar. She had almost died that day the doctors told her it was a miracle she had pulled through. But in the end, it was all so that she could get to this day.

"You look breathtaking," Akhona said with a grin.

Milinda smiled softly, brushing her fingers over the pendant necklace Shawn had given her on their first anniversary. "I can't believe we're here. After everything..."

"You deserve this happiness," Akhona interrupted. "You, Shawn, and Kylie deserve all of it."

Speaking of Kylie, the little girl was twirling around the room in her flower girl dress, her laughter filling the space. "Mommy, do I look pwetty?"

Milinda crouched down to her daughter's level, pulling her into a gentle hug. "You look like the prettiest flower in the whole garden."

The sound of a knock at the door made everyone turn. Milinda's father poked his head in, a proud smile on his face. "It's time."

With a deep breath, Milinda stood, taking her father's arm. Akhona gave her a quick squeeze of encouragement before stepping out to take her place in the bridal party line.

The ceremony began, and as Milinda walked down the aisle, her eyes locked with Shawn's. His expression was a mix of awe and emotion, his love for her clear to anyone watching. Kylie proudly threw flower petals ahead of her mother, giggling as she ran out of petals halfway and simply skipped the rest of the way, to the pure awe of all the guests.

When Milinda reached the altar, Shawn took her hands in his. "You're so beautiful," he whispered.

The officiant began the ceremony, but for Shawn and Milinda, the world seemed to blur. This was their moment, the culmination of everything they'd been through. They almost laughed at the mention of till death do us part because it almost had. Death and a very crazy woman almost drove them apart forever.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Cheers erupted around them as they sealed their fate with a kiss. Husband and wife, the words almost didn't sound real. So much went into getting them to the moment and just like that it was over.

At the reception, laughter and joy filled the air as guests celebrated the newlyweds. Akhona and Camila were already plotting details for their wedding, their heads bent together as they whispered excitedly.

"I'm thinking of a beach wedding," Camila said, tapping her glass with her finger.

"A beach wedding? That sounds amazing," Akhona replied, a dreamy smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Milinda's parents sat at a nearby table, talking about their plans to move to America. "We want to be close to you three," her mother said, smiling at Kylie, who was happily devouring a slice of chocolate cake.

"Plus," her father added, "we'll get to see our granddaughter grow up. And perhaps future grandchildren."

"Are we going to give them future grandchildren?" Shawn whispered into Milinda's ear a small smile tugging at his lips.

Milinda leaned her head on Shawn's shoulder as they listened to her parents. "Perhaps, we have space in the new house. It'll be good to have my parents close," she murmured.

Shawn pressed a kiss to her temple. "Family's everything, Milinda. And this—" he gestured to the crowd of loved ones— "this is what it's all about."

As the night wound down, Milinda and Shawn shared their first dance as husband and wife under the stars. The music swelled it was the song they danced to the night they got together and that night Shawn popped the all-important question that landed them in this spot. As the tune played and they swayed along with it the rest of the world faded away, and for a moment, it was just the two of them.

"No regrets?" Shawn asked, his voice soft.

Milinda smiled, her eyes glistening with happy tears. Life always had a way of going in the opposite direction of her plans, but that didn't mean it was never great. Sure it gave her some pain, and a stalker or two but it also gave her a daughter, amazing friends and now a husband she would love until the end of her days.

"None. You?"

"Not a single one," he said, pulling her closer.

The End

I'm not going to lie to you it was emotional writing this last episode. Anyone who had ever written a book will know that when you get to the end there's this feeling that surfaces in your chest. It's as if you're saying goodbye to a small part of yourself.

I really enjoyed writing this book. Getting back with these characters was so much fun, and I hope you enjoyed having them again.