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E I G H T E E N

My eyes were swollen from crying as I sat on the bench outside the operating room. Emily was ok now and she gained consciousness sometimes back. I was relieved for that but Aiden was still unconscious and lose a lot of blood. He was making me worried now as he wasn't gaining consciousness even after a few hours. His mother and father sat at some distance from me along with my parents. Everyone looked worried. No one was in the state to comment anything so Mr Moore refrained himself from asking any questions which were one thing I was thankful for.

I saw Emily in the corridor while walking towards me. I gave her a worried gaze when she sat beside me on the bench.

"Take a rest. Why are you out?" I asked with a frown. She chuckled.

"Look who is asking," She said and rolled her eyes as she continued, "You are hurt more than me and I know you are in deep pain physically as well as mentally." I sighed. What she said was true. I was drained completely. I was tired and I just hope that someone finds Evans and lock him up so he won't come out ever.

"I have told Dad about Evans which he didn't believe much at first but have said that he will look into the same," Emily said again, "He tried to get in touch with him but he is nowhere to be found." A fear crept across me. Did he go to the woods again? I don't want to go back home.

"I don't know where he vanished," Emily said sighing a little. I looked to the side at Edmund who was in shock as he sat alone looking at the door and anticipation when will it open.

"How is Aiden?" Emily asked me. I moved my gaze to meet her. She looked worried as her eyes moved between me and Edmund.

"Still unconscious," I said feeling some deep pain inside me. Just wake the fuck up, Aiden! Please. A tear rolled down my eyes and I was quick to wipe it.

"Did he actually stabbed him?" Emily asked carefully. I could sense the sadness in her voice. I nodded looking down as the flashes from the evening came in front of me.

Aiden, Evans, that dragger, and loads of blood. I shivered when the last look Aiden gave me came in front of me again. I sniffed as a sob left my mouth. I wiped my face and felt Emily's hand over my shoulder.

"Yes, there was blood. A lot of it," I said and sniffed hard again, "I thought I might faint."

"God! I should have hit that bastard before," Emily said clenching her fist tight. I sniffed again.

"Don't worry. Our boy is a fighter and he will be back standing on his feets tomorrow," Emily said but I know she is equally worried and scared. I can feel her.

"I really hope so. I am scared. I can't lose him now," I said shaking my head rapidly.

"You won't. Relax," Emily said when the door got opened and the doctor came out along with a nurse.

We all got up and looked at him holding our breaths. Mr Wright ran towards him and asked the only question we all were having in our minds right now. Doctor sighed.

"There are a few stitches across his face and on the stomach but we are glad that his organs are fine and nothing was triggered in there," Doctor said putting a small smile.

"Then why is he not waking up?" Mrs Wright asked through her tears.

"Ma'am, I understand your concern but he has lost a lot of blood..." The doctor was saying but Mrs Wright didn't let him complete.

"When will he wake up?" She asked.

"I am not sure but we have kept him under observation. Hopefully, he will soon enough," he said with a nod and excused himself. I sighed looking at his helpless parents. I am holding on my sorrow but what about them?

It's all my fault. I shouldn't have dragged him there or I should have been quick to grab that rod and hit Evans. What did I do? I am responsible that Aiden ended up in this state. A few more tears flew from my eyes. I sniffed again and made my way towards his parents. I was nervous to face them but I have to.

I gripped my dress into fists and looked down at the ground.

"It's my fault," I said in a low voice.

"No, it isn't. You have been the victim as well, Faith. Don't blame yourself. I know how much you love Aiden," Mrs Moore held me by my shoulders. I sniffed again.

"But..." I was saying but she pulled me in her embrace. It felt warm and I didn't even know how much I needed that hug.

"It's that Evans. Where is Moore now?" I heard Mr Wright say. I pulled away from the hug much to my disappointment.

"I'm here, Sir," Mr Moore came right away.

"You were too excited when you would come to our house and ask me those humiliating questions because of what? Your colleagues found some piece of same rope inside my house? Why are you not searching for him when he stabbed my son and we have not one but four witnesses?" Mr Wright asked. I sighed and looked at Mr Moore who held his gaze low. It wasn't his fault, to be honest, but he just trusted the wrong people and believed what he saw.

"Sorry, Sir. I was wrong but I was doing my work. And I promise I will clear your image and find that bastard," Mr Moore said gritting his teeth.

"You better," Mr Wright said and looked at me.

"Faith, you should get some rest too," He said changing the tone of his voice and making it softer. He gave me slight smile. I shook my head.

"No, I won't be going anywhere until Aiden wakes up," I said.

"But," he was saying but I was determined.

"No," I said. I know I will be reckless and will keep on looking at the telephone rather than sleeping or doing anything else.

"We will look after her. You both can head home as it's pretty late," Mr Wright said looking at my parents who were shaken as well with whatever happened.

"I am here with them so don't worry," Mr Moore said with assurance.

"I and Edmund are here as well," Emily said. Edmund nodded his head slightly. His parents and Emily's mom left the hospital sometime back when Emily got back on her feet. Her mom seemed a bit reluctant but Emily made her understand and sent her home.

"I will stay too," Mom said.

"No mom. Dad is in trauma too so it's better that you two get home," I said looking at dad with worry. He looked shaken from head to toe as he remained in his own thoughts looking blankly around.

"Mr and Mrs Wright, you two should too," I said further looking at them. They have been through a lot and staying up throughout the night won't be any good for their health as well. I looked at Mr Moore as I spoke further, "We will be here along with Sheriff." Mr Moore nodded.

"No, I'm fine," Mr Wright said shaking his head.

"Faith is right. Besides I heard Dylan is coming too and he will reach pretty soon," Mr Moore said. Dylan is coming? I didn't know. I felt nervousness inside of me. He is short-tempered yet sweet but he is quite protective of Aiden.

I moved my gaze to meet Emily who gestured me that it will be fine. Edmund was watching the door blankly. I sighed and moved to his side as I held his arm. He looked at me through his broken glasses.

"I am scared. Why isn't he getting up?" Edmund asked looking scared. I tried to put a small smile on my face to look assured.

"It's nothing, Edmund. You are worrying for no reason. The doctor said that he has lost blood and that's what is making him unconscious," I said trying to convince him. He shook his head rapidly.

"I should have fought better. He was saving me and..." He was saying but I cut him in middle.

"You were really brave, Edmund. You fought with him and I'm sure Aiden is proud of you," I said with a small smile.

"Dylan? He will kill all of us," He said with worry. I sighed. I have no doubt that he might let it out on us but he won't kill for sure. I shook my head at my own thoughts.

"He won't. I was the one who froze there. You two fought bravely," I said genuinely.

"You did too. Don't blame yourself you two. Aiden will wake up soon," Emily said.

"Let's grab something hot till then. We are on duty once he is up so we need to stay sane," She said again and we were not convinced. I don't want to move anywhere. I saw Mr Moore approaching us.

"Kiddo, I am here with Aiden so you guys can go and eat something. You need energy," He said giving us a smile.

"Umm... Mr Moore," I asked grabbing the attention of all three. I sighed and went ahead, "How are we going to catch him?" Mr Moore sighed.

"He will come back for Aiden I feel so," He said. I felt chills over my body.

"What?" Edmund asked.

"Sometimes we need to get into the water to attract the bloody sharks," He said. I threw a confused look at him.

"We already did, isn't it?" I asked further not getting what he exactly meant but we have been to there both dens and have attracted enough bloody sharks in the water.

"Yes, but he left," Mr Moore said again.

"How did you come there?" Emily asked. Right, that got out of my mind.

"Jake informed us that Evans is going to kill you four," Mr Moore said. The boy actually did something good in his life after all.

"Jake?" Emily asked making a face.

"The boy did something right finally," Mr Moore said echoing my thoughts.

"I am glad that he was of some use," I said with a sigh.

"Dad, about the shark theory, you mean putting Aiden in danger again?" Emily asked again. I and Edmund looked at Mr Moore with a frown. He has already gone through enough. Putting him in danger again?

"No, I won't let anything happen to that boy. Trust me but I need to look it as we have left him on his own. Evans will come to kill him," Mr Moore said. I gave him a confusing look.

"Why would he want to kill him?" I asked. There no reason for him to do. I mean we have all seen him doing that shit and have already told everything to Mr Moore then what is left now?

"I don't know. But I just feel it," Mr Moore said, "Aiden has challenged his ego. He might have gotten on his nerves. You never know," Mr Moore said again making me worry. A killer can think anything. We can't say anything about him for sure.

"Elijah doesn't know the reason as to why he killed George or Thomas but he did it for money. While Wittnakar did it to save her child," Mr Moore said again. We all nodded.

"There was a number missing I suppose," Mr Moore spoke.

"Nine," I said. Mr Moore nodded.

"That's right. We searched around but recovered nothing," He said with a sigh shaking his head, "I am not sure what did they do with that body."

"Evans can answer these questions," Edmund said.

"He will," Mr Moore nodded, "Now we just wait."

"Dylan. When he is coming?" I asked.

"He has already left Oxford some time back so it won't take that long," Mr Moore said. I sighed.

"You guys get something to eat. I will stay here," He said again. We nodded again.

"Okay," we said and turned around to leave.

"Faith," Mr Moore called making me stop in tracks. I looked at him.

"Yes?" He smiled gently and came forward.

"You have been really brave lately and I am really proud of you," he said with a wide smile. I smiled back at him. I don't know if I am worthy enough to hear this.

"You all made us worry but I guess you are the people who actually solved this case," He said again looking at us three, "Because you were innocently trying to save someone or something that was precious to you."

"I am just glad that all of you are fine," he said again.

"Aiden isn't," Edmund said. I sighed again.

"He will be soon enough," Mr Moore with assurance and ruffled Edmund's hairs. He gestured us to walk away, "Now go."

We all nodded again and made out way towards the mess.

**************

I barely ate anything so did the two people with me. It was just a mere formality so we will get the strength we needed at the time. My mind kept moving to the room Aiden was lying in and it made me feel uneasy thinking that he is there lying because of me while I am here eating peacefully. It didn't feel right. Rather than that, I was worried that if Mr Moore loses his sight even for a second then Evans might show up and try to kill Aiden. I got up in the middle suddenly. Edmund and Emily gave me a confused look. I looked down at them blankly.

"I need to go. Aiden might be needing us," I said out of nowhere. I don't know what gotten into me but I felt reckless at the moment. I just wanted to see him more than anything. I rushed to his room taking a few rapid steps. I didn't care about the people coming in between and shoved them away as I made my way to that one door.

But suddenly when I was making my way I got tripped over my own leg and lost my balance. I closed my eyes feeling the floor literally but I never touched it. Some strong arms were holding me tight. I opened my eyes with confusion to see the same ocean blue eyes looking at me. Only the difference was that the emotion in them was different. I gasped and straighten up my posture. I adjusted my dress and hair looking around as Dylan kept looking down at me. There were no other expressions on his face than anger and worry. Edmund and Emily came running behind me and got frozen seeing him in front as well.

He didn't change much to be very honest. He was still the same boy with short light brown locks and ocean blue eyes. His body seemed tougher now while his usual warmth was missing. The reason being obvious. Dylan was some three and a half year older to Aiden to be more precise. I looked up at him again when he refused to start any conversation and gave him a gentle smile. He thought for a moment before returning it back to me.

"Are you okay, Faith?" he asked with slight concern as he studies my wounds. I nodded at him.

"I am doing alright. How have you been?" I asked. He sighed and stuffed his hands into his pockets as he looked back at Aiden's room and back at me.

"I am doing well. Heard so much from parent and Aiden," he said, "I am sorry for whatever happened with you." I shook my head rapidly.

"It's okay. I am good but just worried about Aiden," I said. He nodded.

"He will get back soon. Don't worry about him," he said further and to be very honest it made me feel better to think that he is going to be with Aiden from now on until this mess gets over at least.

"I am relieved to see you here. Aiden will be safer now," I said truthfully. He smiled a little showing his dimples and sighed.

"I hope so," he said further with a nod and looked to the side at Edmund, "Edmund, you doing fine?"

"I am ok," Edmund said looking nervous. I don't know why he always gets nervous with Dylan around. He is warm on most of the days at least with me.

"Good," Dylan said nodding when a nurse came to us. We looked at her with anticipation when she broke the news of Aiden being conscious. I let out a deep sigh as a few tears clouded my eyes out of happiness. I haven't been this happy lately.

"Come on," Dylan said looking at us three. We nodded at him and followed him behind to the room.

Aiden was resting his head on the bed rest while his hand rested on his stomach on the wounded area. His face was a mess with two big wounds and stitches around them. I felt tearing up looking at him like that. He moved his head with great difficulty when he felt us getting near and his eyes widened seeing his brother. He tried to get up but hurt himself in the process as he winced badly. I felt the pain as my mouth got twisted looking at him in that state. Dylan rushed to his side and asked him not to move from his state. Aiden took a few deep breaths.

"Why... Why are you..." He managed to say with some difficulty as the wound was hurting with the movement of his stomach.

"Why do you think? You keep worrying me, Aiden. Do you know what mom and dad are going through because of your stupid decisions?" Dylan asked making his voice a bit stricter. Aiden sighed.

"I... did for them... They were..." he was saying but Dylan cut him off. I looked away not able to take the pain Aiden was going through.

"Well, this made them worry even more. Have you ever thought what would have they gone through if something might have happened to you?" Dylan asked with so much frustration.

"I am fine," Aiden said with a frown and looked away.

"I can see that," Dylan said shaking his head slightly. "You know we care for you," He said further in a caring voice. Aiden looked at him again and moved his gaze to us at the side.

"You..." he said suddenly and stopped making a pained face. He took a few deep breaths again and recovered as he spoke again, "Are you all fine?"

"Of course, what would have happened to us when you were there, Aid," Emily said making the environment a bit relaxed.

"I am glad," Aiden said and looked at me, "Faith... You need to rest." I frowned hearing him. This asshole is lying on bed and asking me to take rest. Wow! What an irony.

"You need rest more than anyone at the moment," I said making my voice a bit louder, "So shut your freaking mouth and keep lying down." Dylan, Edmund and Emily chuckled shaking their heads. Aiden frowned hearing me.

"Wh..." Aiden was saying but Dylan didn't let him.

"You heard her. Now shut that mouth and lie down," he said, "I need to meet the doctor."

"Faith, just stay here for a few minutes before I come back," Dylan said. I nodded but then suddenly remembered what Mr Moore said. I need to inform Dylan about the same.

"Dylan..." I called him when he was about to turn. He looked at me again.

"Yes?"

"Can we talk for a moment?" I asked. He looked confused as he looked at Aiden and back at me.

"Sure," he said. I looked at Aiden who had the same confusion written. I assured him that I will be back soon.

"Edmund, stay here," Dylan said.

"Yes," Edmund said with a nod. Dylan looked at me and gestured to follow outside. I nodded and walked behind him.

I closed the door and walked to were Dylan stood a little away from the room.

"What is it?" he asked when I got near. I sighed and looked around to see if anyone is closer but thankfully there was none.

"Mr Moore..." I said looking at confused Dylan again.

"Sheriff?" he asked. I nodded.

"Yes. He said Evans would come back to kill Aiden," I said fiddling my fingers with nervousness, "I don't know why he thinks that..." Dylan sighed cutting me off.

"It's a psychotic mind. That's why he said that?" he said. I frowned.

"What?" I asked not getting what he meant.

"I have studied them before so all I can explain to you is..." he said and stopped thinking for a moment, "Hmm... How to put it," he said further and moved his hands in the air.

"Evans might have tried to kill Aiden when something in his got triggered. He pulled his trigger at the last when he was done fighting with him," he said explaining me. I was nodding at him as he spoke again, "So Aiden pulled some strings inside his head which made him mad and pushed him to take this drastic step." He stopped and looked at me waiting to see my reaction. I nodded understanding what he said.

"You mean he hurt his ego by staying alive so he will be back to kill him to satisfy himself?" I asked. He nodded with a smile.

"Exactly. You got my point," he said with a smile.

"That's crazy. I mean..." I said shaking my head. What kind of mentality is this?

"The killers are just like that. No sane person would try to kill," he said with a sigh, "You were there. Did you think of killing Evans?" he asked raising his eyebrows. Killing? I didn't even give it a thought. I just wanted to save my friends by any means.

"I was just thinking of stopping hi. I didn't think of killing," I said truthfully.

"Exactly. That's the difference. Our mindset and theirs are different," he said. I nodded.

"I am sorry," I sighed.

"For what? It was not your fault. Nothing is," he said further, "It's Evans, Davis and Wittanakar all together."

"It's their doings which pulled you, people, in," he said again and sighed shaking his head, "I should have come before."

"But I am here now," he said, "And I won't go until everything is settled."

"Mr Wright said he will send Aiden along," I asked remembering what he said with frustration some time back. It made me feel sad knowing Aiden might go away from me. The long-distance will be too much for me. Dylan chuckled looking at my sad face. I frowned.

"Yes, he did talk but don't worry," he said and made a face before speaking again, "Oxford is not that far." I smiled slightly.

"I guess," I said with a nod.

"Alright, go back. Later I will drop you three at your home and will take Aiden along too. Need to talk with the doctor about it. I don't feel he is safe here," he said. I agree with him. He will be better in his home along with his people.

"That's better," I said with a nod. Dylan nodded and looked to the side.

"I will be back," he said to which I nodded and made my way back to the Aiden's room.

**********************

It's been two days already since Aiden came back home and it was surprisingly silent around. Mr Moore has been on a searching spree and has been doing everything to find Evans. He has issued warrants against him and has circulated his photographs in the neighbouring towns. All people were on alert and asked to inform police if they see Evans anywhere. The patrolling was on full swing as well with multiple cars roaming around the town every now and then. There was a small team in the forest to keep the eye inside the woods so basically there was no need to worry. I pulled up my stockings and a black skirt above it and white full-sleeved sweatshirt. I got into my red sandals and took the side bag. I was going to meet Aiden after two freaking days. Yes, no one allowed me to go see him as I was in pain myself. I rebelled against it but no one listened to me. Finally, today after so much conviction I get to see him but on condition that mom will come along. I didn't mind as I just want to see his face and nothing more. Anyway, the truth is out so there is no need for me to go on my adventures as well. Police will find Evans sooner or later.

What I don't understand is where would he hide in this small town? It's been two days already. I sighed and combed my hair straight. I moved my gaze out of the window at the woods. They looked pleasant today. I hope Evans is found soon enough. I got up from my seat and walked outside. Mom was already waiting for me in the living room. I asked her about Dad and she said that he is in his studies. I sighed and followed her out to the car. Dad has been traumatized by the whole incident more than anyone else. I wouldn't have left him alone but people are around the area to keep an eye on him. Besides, it won't take long. I really and badly want to see Aiden.

The driver made his way through the town. The rush was lesser than the usual. People were on the road selling their vegetables and bakery products but there was some kind of terror surpassed through them. The wandering eyes were searching for that one figure which was roaming amongst them in disguise maybe. I shivered with a mere thought. The faceless figure finally got a face and sadly it was one of the trusted and reputed body in the town. I don't know who should people believe now for their safety. I sighed when the driver pulled a break and mom and I got out of the car. We walked inside through the porch and were gritted by Dylan and Mr Wright in the living room as they sat discussing something. They gave us a welcoming smile and made their way to us to convey their greetings. I asked about Aiden and Dylan said he is resting in his room along with mother by his side. I felt relieved and made my way upwards.

I knocked on the door and waited for a few moments until it got opened and I was greeted by a smiling face of Mrs Wright. She asked me to stay with Aiden and walked away saying she will prepare some dish for me. I gave her a nod and grateful smile and closed the door behind. Aiden was lying on the bed holding his stomach but he looked much better than before. He straightened up with some difficulty and smiled at me. I frowned and rushed towards him.

"I so badly wanted to see you. I am sorry but they didn't let me..." I was saying in a rush but stopped when Aiden chuckled.

"Relax. I asked them not to allow you here as you need rest, Faith. You have been through so much as well and I didn't want you to worry anymore," he said with a sigh. I frowned at him.

"You are such a jerk. I was so worried," I said.

"So was I but it's settled now," he said with a nod. I moved closer to him on the bed and moved my hand on that one scar on his face. It was deep and I know it will stay with him for the rest of his life. I studied his face for a few moments and bent down to kiss his scar. A tear left my eye as I pulled back and looked at him. He moved his hand and wiped my face.

"I just hope that they find Evans soon," I said in a low voice holding his hand in mine.

"They will. Don't worry and it will be over for good," he said with assurance. I smiled and nodded. I looked down taking his hand in mine and stared at it for a few seconds.

"I am sorry for putting you through so much," I said genuinely. Aiden sighed.

"More than me, you have gone through a lot, Faith," He said pulling me closer.

"That's bullshit," I said shaking my head and sniffed as I looked at him with teary eyes, "I missed you." Aiden chuckled.

"It's just two days," he said making me frown.

"I love you," he said and kissed my nose tip. I giggled.

"I love you too," I said with a smile. He looked at me for a few seconds before he pulled me and pressed his lips against mine.

The past few days were really rough but we made through it and conquered them. People know about who the culprit is now and I have a hope that they will find him soon. After going through so much together, sharing this moment here feel truly special. Aiden pulled me even closer and deepened the kiss. I was careful enough not to hurt his wounds. I moved my hands through his hair and pulled him closer. For this moment I wish to stay just like this with him forever.

Just when there was a sound from across the room. We broke the kiss as we looked towards the direction of the sound panting hard. I heard some footsteps approaching the room and the door got opened as Dylan came into view.

"He is here," He shouted making me widen my eyes. Why would he be here when there are so many people. I got up from the bed and stood closely looking at the direction where I heard the sound. Aiden tried to get up.

"We heard something there," he said pointing at one corner close to the window and we were right he was standing there behind the curtains.

"Come out, Evans. The game is over," Dylan said gritting his teeth. Soon after Aiden's parents and my mom rushed to the room widening their eyes. Evans walked forward with a grin on his face.

"The gave was over sometime back, Wright... Senior I suppose," he said showing his smile to Dylan who was ready to break his neck at any moment. The expressions on Evan's face changed suddenly to disgust as he spoke ahead, "What did he think? That he will live his life and I will run away hiding from everyone around?"

"People has made my life hell," he said further when the sheriff came running to the room. Evans looked at him and smiled, "Moore, you are here."

"I plan to surrender. I scare that someone might kill me the same way," he said showing his hands to him, "No not someone but that psycho," he said further making a disgusted face again. I crooked my eyebrows with confusion.

"Evans," Aiden said glaring him. Is it the think Aiden talked about? That he knows something more? Evans gave Aiden a look and laughed.

"Oh, Aiden, you know everything don't you?" he asked. All eyes moved to Aiden now as Evans spoke further, "Didn't you tell her? You still kept her in that house after knowing everything? What kind of boyfriend are you?" I looked at him with utter confusion.

"What?" I asked not knowing what were they talking about. Aiden looked at me and the guilty look in his eyes was something that made me fear.

"Faith, I wasn't sure and I didn't think you would believe me," he said explaining himself, "It was something too big and I didn't want to take any chances so I waited until Sheriff found him because I wanted him to admit for his deeds." he finished looking at Evans. I was still confused.

"What are you talking about?" Dylan asked the question I had on my mind, "What did you know?"

"Who was handling everything in reality. We were just toys dancing on his tunes," Evans said with a shrug.

"Who? I want the name," Moore said taking a few steps towards Evans and pulled him up by grabbing his collar. Evans let out an ugly and wicked laugh and looked at me with a smile. He moved his tongue across the low lip.

"Callum Anderson," he finally said. My breaths got hitched in my throat and I felt like someone hit me with a hammer on my head. I looked around blankly but couldn't understand a thing. I felt an arm around me wrapping my body which was on the verge on collapsing. I looked at Aiden who was looking down at me with concern. I heard loud laughter of Evans the next moment and looked at him. He licked his lower lip again wickedly and spoke ahead, "All the time you were trying to disclose your own father, Faith." Evans said again and laughter filled the room.

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