Monday, September 8th, 2025

9:00 am

Austin's POV

While sitting in my office, I couldn't concentrate at all on work. Do I even still have a friendship with either Ryan or Layla? I know she hates me. And, deservedly so.

I heard a knock on my door. I looked up and saw Kim. She had a sad expression on her face and seemed out of breath.

"Braelyn's school is on lockdown, Austin. It seemed like the whole Miami police force was surrounding the building. Several criminals ran into the building. It's a breaking news story now."

"You stay here. I know I won't be able to get in the building, but I'm going."

"I'll turn your computer off and lock the office. Call me, please. I want to know if the kids are okay. Ryan's in there with Natasha for her first day."

I sure did set a track record for running out of the office.

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Layla's POV

Jason and Valerie came to visit with the twins. Both boys are sitting on the bed with me, eating my breakfast. Suddenly, the television had a breaking news report.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a serious situation going on at the moment. Lakewood Grammar School is currently on lockdown. Several criminals involved in a police chase stopped their vehicles and entered the school. The police have the school surrounded. Let's all hope for a swift arrest and for everyone in the school to remain safe."

"Layla, everyone will be safe. Don't worry, sweetie."

"How can I not, Valerie? My whole life is in that school. And I can't do anything about it. I'm here in the hospital with a broken leg. If anything happens to them, I will be heartbroken."

Please, oh please, let my family be safe.

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Kam's POV

Noeli, the kids, and I were about to watch a movie when Cris barged into the movie room. He waved for me to come to him, so I did.

"The kid's school is on lockdown."

"It's on what?!"

"Several criminals involved in a police chase ran into the school. Marco, Kalani, and I are going to the school. I know you are worried. They will be fine as long as they listen to the bodyguards. I'll call you when we get there."

"Darn right, I am worried. Oh no! Poor Layla. Ryan went with Natasha today. He's locked in the building as well. You better not forget to call me. Please be safe yourself. And, tell my dad and Marco too."

"I will." Cris then ran out of the house. I waved Noeli over to where I was standing.

"Cris said the kids' school is on lockdown. Some criminals entered the building."

"Oh no!"

"Cris, Marco, and my dad are going to Lakewood. I'm worried about my kids, Noeli."

"Kam, try not to worry. The kids have their bodyguards with them. They will protect them."

Bodyguards or not, I'm still worried about my kids.

I had my phone in my pocket and felt it ring. It was Bliss.

"Hey, Kam, where should me and the kids come? To your house? I can help with the daycare kids."

"That would be great. Thanks, sis."

"You're welcome."

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Bliss' POV

I texted Shane about what happened at the school and that I would be at Kam's house. He texted me back that he was going straight to the school to support the guys. Poor Layla. It's bad enough she is still in the hospital from her accident. Now, this happens?

I started packing bags for each kid. "Shemar and Gianni, can you help me pack up the kids? There is a bad situation at the school where my friends' children go. I'm going to my sis Kam's house."

"Sure. We'll take Raquel and Raeni with us." Shemar and Gianni grabbed a bag with Raquel and Raeni.

"Shane and Pilar?" They looked up. "Let's go bye-bye." I grabbed their bags. Then, they followed me to get my bag in the foyer. The twins were already strapped in their car seats with Shemar.

Gianni then placed Shane and Pilar in my Navigator. I got in, and we drove off to Kam's house.

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Ryan's POV

The classroom was hysterical. Natasha ran over to me in tears.

"Daddy, I'm scared."

"Hold on to me tight. We will be okay, princess. Everyone, get down on the floor. Pretend as if you are taking a nap. And, please be still. I used to be a bodyguard. I know what to do in this type of situation. If those thugs see movement in a room, they just may be tempted to shoot."

Natasha was shaking the whole time I held her. I kissed her on her forehead. "It's okay, Natasha. I love you and won't let anyone hurt you. That's a promise."

I am worried about Logan and Braelyn. Please let them be okay.

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Braelyn's POV

Dia and I are in the same class. We held each other's hands as we lay on the ground. We both had tears falling.

We heard running up and down the hallway. We even heard shots going off.

I whispered to Dia, "I'm scared."

"Me too, Braelyn. I'm scared for Rocco, Devin, Isabella, Kekoa, Gabby, Angelo, Natasha, Noah, and Logan. I hope they are okay."

"I hope so too."

Suddenly, someone twisted the doorknob to our classroom. When they noticed it was locked, the glass was shot! It was hard to control my scream, but I did.

"This is the classroom. Now, where is the kid we are looking for?!"

They started walking around the classroom. Who would do this?! I tried to hide my face because they were walking this way.

"You! stand up now, or I won't hesitate to shoot everyone in this class!"

I wish daddy or mommy were here. I had to stand up because I didn't want my classmates to die.

"Don't anyone move!! You, start walking out of the room!!!" I had to do what the man said. He had a mask on his face. I have never been more afraid than I am now.

The masked man poked something in my back as we walked down the hallway.

"Freeze!!" Two police officers appeared before us. Whatever was poking in my back was now at the side of my head.

"One move, and this kid is a goner!! Now, I suggest you move out of my way!!!" the masked man yelled.

He had a gun pointed at my head. I want my mommy and daddy!

Austin's POV

Cris, Marco, Kalani, Shane, and I were standing together, frightened for each kid in the building.

Out of the building came one of the criminals with a gun to a child's face.

"Austin, that looks like Braelyn!" Cris screamed.

I know exactly who did this - Julia. My heart sank.

The masked creep shot a bullet in the air. "Don't anyone move, or this little brat will die in front of everyone here!!!!"

"Daddy, help me!!!" Braelyn screamed.

It hurts like heck, but I can't make a move to get her. With the gun pointed at her head, the creep yanked Braelyn over to a spot in the parking lot. Some SUVs then suddenly sped to the area that Braelyn was standing in. Braelyn was rushed into the middle SUV. As they sped off, several gunmen in the third SUV shot the tires of every police car in the vicinity. The window to the front passenger door was rolled down. Sure enough, it was Julia. She made a smug grin my way, then the caravan of SUVs pulled off.

I just took off for my Denali. "Austin, wait!! I'll come with you!!" I don't know who it was, but they got in my truck with me. I need to get my daughter and fast!!!

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Layla's POV

I think I squeezed the life out of my twins, watching in horror that thug was pointing a gun at Braelyn's head. My ribs hurt like crazy, and so did my eyes from the amount of tears falling, but I didn't care.

"That crazy chick Julia is behind this. Someone has to get my daughter!!"

"Oh my gosh. I feel sick. Those creeps didn't have to point that gun at Braelyn's head. Layla, I have no doubt Austin was there. He is going to do all he can to get Braelyn."

"This hurts, Jason. Every kid in the school may be scarred for life after this. What if Julia had Ryan, Natasha, or Logan shot? I can't lose any of them."

"Dalton and Dakota, come to grandpa and grandma. Layla, honey, you are beginning to hyperventilate. Calm down, honey. Your blood pressure is really high. I called Olivia and William. They just landed in New York. They are looking for a flight back to Miami. Josh and Katie are coming too. He told me they got a flight for this evening to Miami. Katie was distraught that someone wanted to hurt Braelyn. Those thugs deserve what is coming their way for doing this."

A nurse came into the room. "Mrs. Meyers, your blood pressure is sky-high. I need you to relax. Just know that everyone in the hospital is on your side. I'll be right back with some water for you."

I need more than water and support. I want my daughter safely returned to me.

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10:00 am

Ryan's POV

We were held in the school for about an hour until it was okay to leave. "Natasha, princess, grab your bag. We are getting out of here."

She ran to get her bag. Then, she jumped in my arms, and I held onto her extra tight. I hope Logan and Braelyn are okay. Everyone was taking the stairs out of the building. Logan and his bodyguard were near my Denali, but I didn't see Braelyn. "Thank you for taking care of my son."

"You're welcome, Mr. Meyers. It's my duty and responsibility. He was initially scared, but I promised him that no one would hurt him. It sounded like the commotion was coming from the floor above us."

"Good job, Logan." I gave him a high five. The second floor is Braelyn's floor. I feel horrible. "Have you seen Braelyn? Her classroom is on the second floor."

"No, daddy."

"Let's go talk to Uncle Cris."

I did see Cris, Shane, and Marco with the kids. But, still no Braelyn. Isabella was in Shane's arms, and Dia held tightly to Cris.

"Cris, where is Braelyn?"

"Dia told us that a masked man took Braelyn from her class. With a gun pointed at her head, Braelyn was taken away from the school by no other than Julia. Austin and Kalani are chasing after them."

"They threatened to shoot everyone in the classroom if Braelyn didn't go with them, Uncle Ryan," Dia said while crying her eyes out.

"Oh no. Not her. She is grossly sick for getting revenge on a 12-year-old child for accidentally bumping into her."

"Are you okay?" Cris asked.

"I'm fine physically, but I was scared for all of the children in the school. Natasha is terrified. She held on to me tight since leaving the school building."

"Excuse me, your daughter is in the same class as my son. I'm Justin Ross' mom, Brittany. I want to say thank you. The calm in your voice helped me to remain calm, so I could help the children that were near me. How is your daughter?"

"You're welcome, Mrs. Ross. At that moment, I thought of the kids as my own. I couldn't let anything happen to them. Natasha is pretty shaken from what happened. I hope she will not think school is bad because of this. She was having so much fun, along with the other kids."

"I agree with you. Most of the kids are pretty shaken. I see my husband has arrived. Thanks again."

"Daddy, I miss Braelyn."

"Me too, Logan. I do too. I'm going to call mommy and tell her we are okay. Natasha, princess, will you go to Uncle Marco so I can call mommy?" She was not budging.

"I'll call Layla, Ryan."

I handed Marco my phone. He dialed Layla's number, and she picked up on the first ring. Marco handed me the phone back.

"I have Natasha and Logan with me, Layla. We are okay. Natasha is pretty shaken, but Logan appears to be okay. Layla, I'm sorry about Braelyn. Austin and Kalani are going to get her, okay?"

"What if they don't? Or what if Julia gets them too? I'm ecstatic you are okay, but I want my daughter. How can I get better when my firstborn is out there, scared to death with a crazy woman?! The creep had a gun to Braelyn's head. I hate Julia. I really do."

"Layla, we'll be there shortly. I promise you, Austin and Kalani will reach her. See you soon."

"Logan, can you turn off daddy's phone? We are going to the hospital. I'll see you guys later."

"You're welcome to come by the house, Ryan. Kamea, Bliss, Noeli, my parents, Adrian, Brently, Lesia, and everyone are there. We are going now. The kids are going to need all of the support."

"Thanks, Cris."

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Shane's POV

"Isabella, princess, let's get you home. Would you like to ride with me?"

She shook her head to say yes. She had a tight grip around my neck. "Hang on tight, princess."

I had to come after Bliss sent me that text. While driving to the school, the thought crossed my mind - what if this happens to my kids? I really hope Austin and Kalani get Braelyn.

Isabella's bodyguard rode with me as well. We all then followed Cris to the house.

It didn't take us long to reach the house. Kam, Bliss, my mum, Salomé, and Noeli waited for us outside as Cris, Marco, and I parked our vehicles.

Isabella immediately held on tight as I helped her out of my SUV. The bodyguard went to talk with Kami and Cris. My mum and Bliss came over to where I was standing.

"I'm glad you guys are okay. We saw on the news what happened to Braelyn. How can someone so evil do that to an innocent child?!"

"Remember the one that Braelyn apologized to at Layla and Ryan's wedding?"

"It was her?! I want to punch her in the face again!! She is sick!!!"

"She really is. My heart broke, standing there helplessly watching that creep pointing a gun at Braelyn's head. I thought about our kids. Shane and Pilar are going to school in two years. What if something like this happens to them?"

"That is something to think about. We made food for everyone. And all four kids are playing nicely with Mason Jr and Rihanna in the backyard. My parents and Brently are back there with them. If you want something to eat, I'll get it for you and feed you. Isabella is glued to you, and I don't blame her. She has been through a lot today."

"That'll be great."

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Kalani's POV

My heart goes out to Layla and Austin. The police are now involved in the chase. Austin is keeping up with them. I know Layla is miserable in the hospital, knowing she can't help find Braelyn. Once this is over, we all need to be a support shoulder for them, as well as Kami, Cris, and the kids, to lean on.

"We'll get Braelyn, Austin. I promise."

I saw a helicopter that was also involved in the chase. We almost got stopped at a traffic light, but the SUV went through it. Austin followed right behind the police.

Once through the light, the chase continued. It seemed never-ending. That was until we got cut off from the pursuit by a blocked street.

"Dang! We are never going to catch up with them. I have to get Braelyn. I won't let Julia hurt my daughter."

"Austin, make a right! I can follow the direction of the helicopter. It looks like they are going towards the pier or an airport!"

"Keep straight!"

"Make a left!" I hear the police sirens, which means we are on the right track.

"Make a sharp right!"

"Make another right!! I see the SUV but not the police. Austin was able to pull next to the SUV.

Austin's POV

"Give me my daughter, Julia!! She is only 12 years old! You're scaring her!"

Braelyn rolled her window down. "Daddy, please help me!!! I'm scared, and my arm hurts!!!"

"No, Austin!! Because of your brat, I went to jail!!"

"You got what you deserved!!! Julia, I will get my daughter, even if it means your life!!!"

Someone tried to shoot my tires, so I had to swerve my truck. Good thing I filled my gas tank last night. They tried again, but this time I had to pull back. Dang!!!

Once again, several police cars joined the chase and shot the SUV's tires. The SUV stopped in the middle of an intersection. I stopped my truck. Both Kalani and I got out.

Julia had the gunman place a gun to Braelyn's head again. "Austin, take one move, and I will take your daughter's life!!! I'm going to take it anyway, right before you!!!"

The police restrained Kalani and me from making a move. "That's my daughter!!!"

"Drop your weapon!! The police force surrounds you!! Give us the young lady," one of the officers screamed. "Sir, what is your daughter's name?"

"Her name is Braelyn."

"Okay. Here is what we are going to do. Several officers will sneak up from behind to distract the gunman, and you said her name is Julia, correct?"

"Yes."

"Okay, one will distract the gunman. And another will distract Julia. They have been extensively trained for these situations. Once they are distracted, I will instruct your daughter to drop to the ground. A different officer will swoop in and get your daughter to safety. Mr. uh,"

"Mitchell. Austin Mitchell."

"Right. We have to do this quickly because that guy seems trigger-happy. Mr. Mitchell, we have had to do this in the past. And they have all been successful. We will get your daughter."

Please do because she is terrified. So am I.

Sure enough, two police officers positioned themselves to get behind Julia and her trigger-happy friend. My heart feels like it is about to jump out. I couldn't take it if Braelyn got shot.

The officers moved closer and closer.

"Say goodbye to your daughter, Austin!!!"

As soon as Julia said that, the officers made their move. The one officer knocked the gun out of the masked man's hand!

"Braelyn, drop to the ground!!" The officer yelled, and she did. She crawled away to a safe spot as Julia, and her thug fought with the police officers. A separate officer waved Braelyn over to where he was standing. He quickly swooped her up and ran away from the scene.

In the meantime, we heard several shots fired. Julia stupidly fought with the officer. Her trigger-happy friend must have been the one who was shot.

"Daddy!!!" I turned in the opposite direction and saw Braelyn running to me. I ran to meet her.

I held onto her as tightly as I could. "You're safe now, baby doll. Julia will never bother us again."

We heard several shots again. I looked over and saw Julia lying motionless on the ground. Good riddance.

"Mr. Mitchell, we have an ambulance ready to take your daughter to the hospital."

"What hospital are you taking her to?"

"Paradise Grove is the closest one."

"Thanks."

"Austin, give me your keys. I'll drive your Denali to the hospital." I threw my keys to Kalani, then Braelyn and I walked over to the waiting ambulance.

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Kam's POV

Everyone is in the backyard, Isabella is still glued to Shane, and Dia is glued to Cris. The boys seem okay, but Cris and I will talk to the kids about what happened. We need to reassure them about going to school. Gabby is attached to Salomé. Angelo is playing with Shane Junior and Mason Jr.

"I am so happy Austin and dad rescued Braelyn. Dad texted he was going to drive Austin's truck to the hospital. I'm going to pick him up and spend some time with Layla. Dia, princess, would you like to come with me? Braelyn would like that.

"I'll come with you too, Kam. Shane, let's go bye-bye. I'll have to sneak away, Kam. I'll meet you out front."

Cris wiped Día's eyes. "Braelyn's okay?"

"Yes, sweetheart, she is. She could really use her best friend right now. And, you too." I walked over to where Cris was sitting. I held my hand out for Dia to grab.

"Okay. I would like to see her." Dia grabbed my hand. I hugged her first, and then we got my license, phone, and keys. I sent a quick text to Ryan that we were coming.

Once I had what I was carrying, we went to my Range Rover. Dia sat in the front. Bliss had Shane Jr and Pilar. Marco put the kids in their seats. Then, Bliss got into her SUV. I pulled away from the house first. Bliss was right behind. And away we go.

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Layla's POV

"Breaking new into the studio, the child taken from Lakewood Grammar School has been safely rescued. For her safety, we will not release her name. As for two of the thugs, they were pronounced dead at the scene."

Natasha and Logan were lying on each side of me. Natasha had been shaking, so the nurse brought in a blanket.

"Layla, Austin sent a text. Braelyn is safe, and Julia is gone. They are bringing Braelyn here to make sure she is okay. Austin is coming with her. And Kam, along with Bliss, Dia, Shane Jr, and Pilar, are on the way."

Tears of joy streamed down my eyes after Ryan said that. I mean, I already had tears, but those were out of fear.

"I know at least the girls may need it; maybe we all do. We need a therapist because rough times are ahead. I want Braelyn in my room if she is admitted, if that is possible. I want to hold my daughter. I don't care for Austin right now, but I owe him a thank you for getting my child."

"Layla, if they bring Braelyn into your room, Austin is coming. So will Kimmie."

"That is why the curtain is there. I'm not talking to them. You have no idea how upsetting that is. I cursed the whole time while driving, and you know I never do that. That is why I left the kids home. You say you want me out of the hospital, then keep Austin and Kim away from me. The only words I have to say is thank you."

"Fine, Layla."

My nurse came into the room. "Mrs. Meyers, the paramedics just brought your daughter into the emergency room. If she needs to be admitted, the approval has been given to bring her to your room. I'm going to change the bedsheets and get it ready for her. Would your twins like a snack or something to drink? Are the twins allergic to anything?"

"Thank you so much, Debbie. They are not allergic to anything. A snack sounds good. And, just water for them."

"You're welcome." Ryan helped Dakota and Dalton off the bed so Debbie could change the bed. Braelyn better not have a scratch on her.

Once Debbie was done, she left the room. About 15 minutes later, she came back. "I have some water and some cheese crackers for toddlers. Oh, and a station nurse told me your daughter is being admitted. She will be brought up to your room. Your daughter went into shock in the ambulance. She lost consciousness due to dehydration and the trauma of what she went through. Several nurses will bring her up shortly."

"Thank you, Debbie."

"Layla, Dalton, and Dakota are getting sleepy. I'll take them home. Kam just sent me a text. Kam and Bliss are downstairs and on their way up. Natasha, princess, come to daddy. Logan, let's go home. We'll come back to see mommy."

"We'll go with Ryan. And we'll see you tomorrow. Tell Braelyn we are so happy to have her back and love her."

"Thanks. I sure will, Valerie and Jason." The seven of them left the room. About 10 minutes later, Kam, Bliss, Dia, Pilar, and Shane Junior entered the room.

"Dia, sweetie, come give auntie a hug." She sat on the bed, and then I gave her a big hug. "I'm so glad you and the kids are okay. They are about to bring Braelyn up. Hi, Kam and Bliss. Shane and Pilar, how are you?"

"I okay," little Shane says. His British accent is adorable.

"Layla, I'm not going to ask if you are okay. I know you and Kam are relieved that it's over. We brought flowers for you and Braelyn from me, Shane, and the kids." Bliss helped the kids put the flowers on the stand in the room.

"Thank you, Landes crew. Bliss, add overjoyed, ecstatic, etc. Julia will never harm anyone again."

A few minutes later, the door opened. Several nurses wheeled Braelyn in. She had a bandage on her arm and an IV attached to her. Braelyn appeared to be in and out of trying to fall asleep.

"Mrs. Meyers, your daughter, had a bruise on her arm, hence the bandage. Someone squeezed her arm tight. We had a time trying to calm her down, which was understandable after what she went through. We allowed Mr. Mitchell in the exam room to calm her down. She was also dehydrated, so we are giving her fluids. Physically, she will be okay. Mr. Mitchell said he would come back later."

"Thank you, Doctor. Her father and I will work on the therapy part."

Kam, Bliss, Dia, and I all had tears streaming down our cheeks.

"Mummy, why sad?" Shane Jr. asked Bliss.

Bliss replied, "Shane, baby, some horrible lady took Braelyn away from auntie. Her daddy saved her. We are happy she is back."

Dia walked over to Braelyn's bed. "Braelyn, I'm so happy you are safe." Día's voice is what woke Braelyn out of her daze.

"Dia!!" Braelyn sat up, and both girls hugged each other for a long time.

"Braelyn honey, be careful. You have an IV attached to you."

"Mommy!" After her hug with Dia, Braelyn came over to me. "I couldn't wait to hold you, Lollipop. I'm so glad you are safe."

"I'm scared, mommy."

"I am, too, sugar. But we never have to worry about that evil Julia again. I got you, Braelyn. Sweetheart, me, your dad, Ryan, Aunt Bliss, Aunt Kam, Dia, and so many others will help you and the kids through this. And, look who Aunt Bliss brought with her. And the pretty flowers are for us. They are from Aunt Bliss, Uncle Shane, and the kids."

"Little Shane and Pilar."

"Shane? Pilar? Go hug Braelyn." Shane and Pilar walked over to Braelyn. She leaned down and hugged them both. Braelyn then walked with her IV pole over to Bliss.

"Thank you, Aunt Bliss."

"You're welcome, Lollipop. Jordan is happy that you are safe too. He's bouncing around in my belly."

Then, she walked over to Kam. " Thank you, Aunt Kam."

"You're welcome, sweetie. Of course, Aunt Bliss and I had to come. We love you, Braelyn. Always remember that."

"I've got an idea. How about once my leg is better, you and I go on a trip to wherever you would like to go?"

Braelyn came back over to my bed, sat down, and laid down next to me. I wrapped my arm around her.

"Okay, mommy."

Thank goodness this is over. But now, Kam and I both have something to think about - what if the kids do not want to return to school?

And, with Braelyn in the same room, how will I remain silent when Austin comes?

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