Isabella's POV

"What secret is he talking about?" I thought as I re-read the text.

He can't take Mom down with him as an act of vengeance. If she gets hurt, I'll know that it's my fault. No one can live with guilt for the rest of their life. It consumes them, feeding upon the people or things closest to you. I thought John would be locked up forever and I'd never have to deal with the situation again. My only regret wouldn't wait in the shadows for years to come. I feel like I'm watching the patrol car from my bedroom window, but this time, it doesn't drive away. He took his first opportunity to run away and resurface at the most unexpected time. Today is the day that dreams meet reality.

I turned my head towards Bridgeside's entrance then at the buildings beyond it. Miranda gave up on me and everyone else was convinced that Hellion's reign of terror had disappeared. No, he was still around. I could prove that he was up to no good. Going into the unknown isn't easy. It's time to play by the rules if I want any answers.

After calling a cab, I made my way to Moonshire Milkshakes' front entrance.
The driver gave me a concerned glance in the side mirror before driving away. I ignored him, taking in the factory's deteriorating appearance. A high-rising building with multiple windows laid to the far left while the center was occupied by a small, rectangular structure. The rusted front door possessed a keypad opposite to it, lighting up as I approached. Muffled voices spoke behind the metal barrier.

I strained my ear to listen until the words became clear, "Isabella will be here soon. I made sure the text looked real."

"If she doesn't show, this could backfire on all of us."

"Have a little faith in me," the first one stated impatiently.

That voice sounded familiar. Suddenly, the keypad blinked green and the front door burst open. I fell through to the other side. Before having time to react, someone forced me off the ground by the neck.

"Well, if it isn't Isabella. Nice of you to join us." Steven's face turned into a wicked grin as he threw me aside.

"You're working for Hellion?" I choked, gasping desperately for air.

"I was right, some people are too trusting for their own good."

"How did you find out about my family?"

"I think I can answer that question."

A figure stepped out from behind him. His tall stature and chestnut brown hair made me slowly retreat towards the door.

"Dad?"

"Under these circumstances, I wish things were different."

He advanced forward, grabbing my arms and dragging me to the back of the room. In the corner was a pipe attached seven feet above the ground. Resistance proved futile. John produced a medium-sized chain from his jacket pocket and wrapped my right wrist to the pipe.

Rage overcame me as I struggled to break free, "This must be some sick game to you. It's impossible to reverse destiny."

"The world was not meant to be protected by your little group of saviors. Everyone involved has suffered more pain than I can possibly give. In the end, no person is innocent."

With those last words, a sharp pain went through my entire body. Right before my vision blurred, I stared down to see a syringe stuck out from my hip.

Dad was still alive. After all this time, many things had changed between us that I couldn't begin to comprehend. His actions were no longer those of care, only revenge. Much like Seth, Hellion used evidence and weakness to gain the upper hand. If Dad was blackmailed into betrayal, then what did he have against Steven? We all possess secrets. He picked each pawn in his plan for a reason. I just didn't see the purpose until later on.