Realistic or Modern Anchored for Love

[Lexus]

Laughing at the young woman's warning, Amelia nodded. "I know, but it's going to be a long day," the journalist replied with a sense of dread, the lines on her forehead were evidence of her tension that paired concerningly with the dark heaviness that filled her eyes. Despite this, the twenty-seven-year-old woman tried to remain pleasantly optimistic, sipping her coffee carefully. For a moment the darkness in her eyes brightened at the mention of the man she loved. Naturally, Amelia was an altruistic individual who found comfort in caring for the ones she loved dearly. Intellectually she knew Rachel was just making an excuse for Amelia to stay within the safety of this local establishment but she played along, not really wanting to leave, but too full of her own pride and stubbornness to admit she was fearful. She hated vulnerability. It wasn't a flattering cloak she liked wearing. I wish he wasn't in so much pain. I hate seeing him so fragile. I wish he never sacrificed himself. Stop. You're being selfish. He did the right thing, Amelia. Those people could have died.... But so could he. "He's pulling through, he's a strong man but he definitely has a long road ahead of him before he gets back to where we both want him to be." Shrugging her shoulders, she scraped the edge of her paper lid with her cherry red painted fingernail. I have to finish this before he wakes up. I don't like him being alone. "Thanks for the coffee, Rachel, it's amazing and as much as I would love to stay and chat, I have to go. I have to finish something before he wakes up, actually, but I'll keep you posted. Maybe when he's up to it I'll bring him to say hello. I'll tell him you were thinking of him." Sliding a set of crisp bills into the tip jar Amelia said her usual farewell and headed for the exit. When the door opened, the wind swooshed through the door ringing the bell on the door vigorously before Amelia vanished past the window of the cafe and down the sidewalk to make the rest of the way to the office.

 

[isax]

When Amelia left the coffee shop, Jayden was woken up from the intense amount of pain he still felt. No position he laid in was comfortable enough for him so he sat up and sighed when he noticed Amelia had left. She's at the office again. You can't be irritated by it. She's the only one with a stable income for us right now. Sighing, he slowly stood up, walking to the bathroom very slowly to take a shower. He grabbed his phone, deciding to text the busy journalist and let her know he had woken up. "Good morning, love. Just wanted to say I'm awake. The pain is intolerable today but I'll get through it. Love you." Hitting send, he set his phone down only to fell Chloe put all her weight against him as she jumped on his back excitedly. Sucking in a deep breath, Jayden stood against the counter before walking to the kitchen where he found the dog food and gave Chloe some.

 

[Lexus]

By now the sun made it's way into the sky, illuminating the streets and casting a facade of safety over the many commuters who walked the streets. The hustle and bustle of the downtown area was once again present but through it all, an ominous presence lurked within the crowd. Something felt out of place, or maybe it was someone. Hours had passed since Amelia left the coffee shop for work. Hours of people running in and out of the same cafe, taking a few spare minutes out of their hectic lives to indulge in the same daily dosage of caffeine to keep going. Hours of reporters and staff coming in and out of the same building where Amelia worked, on the same mission to complete their stories for the public good. Hours since Amelia had sent in the final copy of her story and her editor made the seal of approval before he published it. Hours since Amelia left Jayden, hoping to make it back befor he woke. Hours since Jayden texted Amelia and still no response. Hours since anyone had seen or heard from Amelia Carson besides the words she wrote before her mysterious disappearance. The only question was, who would be the first to notice she had vanished and something terrible might have happened to her? A couple hours was far from a long time and she was a busy woman. The danger of going missing was, time was never on your side, and the more time it took people to realize Amelia was gone, the less of a chance of something terrible not happening to her.

 

[isax]

As everyone knew, both Jayden and Isabel began to notice the subtle disappearance of Amelia. Isabel began to worry back in Texas, staring at her phone as she sat in her new home office, courtesy of a lovely pilot named Dawson. Biting her lip, Isabel knew something was wrong when Jayden said Amelia never responded. Isabel couldn't do much from Texas and that was why she was looking at plane tickets, knowing it would be too late to do anything by the time she arrived. Sighing, Isabel told Jayden to contact Nick because that was their best bet in trying to find Amelia.

Jayden was panicking as he paced the living room of his and Amelia's house, slowly because of the pain. He couldn't sit here and do nothing. Calling Nick, Jayden was quick to tell him she never came home and he knew she would've tried to make it home before he woke up. "Nick you have to find her. The story she was covering isn't something to be messed around with. The man means business. You have to help me." Jayden said desperately as he walked to his room, getting dressed before he grabbed his keys and took a deep breath. The pain shot through his entire body but Amelia was the only thing on his mind right now. "I'm heading to the station. I'll be there in ten." He said quickly, petting Chloe goodbye before he left. "I'll be fine, Nick. I can drive. I need to be there. She's missing and I have to find her." Hanging up the phone, the officer quickly drove to the station, biting his lip the entire drive to distract himself from the pain. Where are you, Amelia? I can't lose you or our child. I won't lose my family.

 

[Lexus]

"Jayden, what the hell?!" Nick exclaimed as he went to go wrap his friend around his shoulder. "Are you a complete fucking idiot? You're not even supposed to be up and you thought it was a smart idea to operate a vechile? That's fucking great. Lauren's going to kill us all. How bad are you hurting?" Nick asked conceded going to sit his friend in a chair while everyone else just stared in bewilderment and began to speak in shocked hushed whispers. Jayden was here? Why? Sighing, Nick softened his voice into a concerned whisper. "Jayden you know the protocol. We can't do anything until 48 hours pass. It's only been a few hours, maybe she got busy at work. Did you call the office befor you shot over here like a manic?"

 

[isax]

"I'm fine. I'm in slight pain but it's bearable. The thought of her numbs any and all pain." Jayden said in response to Nick, sitting down in the chair he offered, sighing as he heard the shocked hushed whispers of everyone else in the office. "I know she didn't get busy at work because the story she was working on got published already. I also know she would've made it home right when she finished submitting it because she doesn't like to leave me by myself right now." He added, knowing well that nothing could be done about Amelia until 48 hours passed. "If we wait until protocol, there's no telling what could happen to her, Wells and it's not just her I'm worried about. I'm also worried about our child." Jayden meant business. He needed to know where Amelia was and ensure his family was safe.

Isabel sighed as she stared at her laptop, thinking about what could possibly have happened to Amelia. She usually would have responded to the two best friend's typical good morning text. Isabel always got worried whenever she didn't respond but something about this was uneasy. Isabel felt her stomach turning into knots as she opened the article Amelia had just submitted and was now published. Chills ran down the journalist's spin as she read every captivating word, doing her own quick research of the male. After finding the background she needed, Isabel didn't have to give leaving to DC a second thought. Standing up, she packed her laptop into her bag quickly, grabbing her phone and changing into better attire. Going to her car, she called Dawson, sighing in relief when he answered after the first ring. That meant work was slow and he could leave. "I know you're working but I need a giant favor, love. Amelia hasn't responded to Jayden nor I. This isn't normal of her and after reading her most recent story, I have a lead but I need to get to DC asap. Meet me at the airport, please. I'll be waiting at your plane. I love you." Isabel said rapidly, swerving in and out of lanes as fast and safe as she could. I'm coming, Amelia. I have a lead. I'll find you. Continuing to drive to the airport and doing her best at avoiding Dallas traffic, Isabel called Nick, smiling when he answered. "Good Afternoon, Wells. I assume Jayden has already ran over to the station in a panic. I have a lead and while I investigate I need you to keep Acciolli calm. He's no help when he's worried and anxious, and let's not forget still recovering from a major injury. I'll be in DC soon."

 

[Lexus]

"Jayden, you need to breathe," Nick replied with adamant concern. "Is there a possibility you're jumping to conclusions because of the past? Did you even try to call her desk before you rushed over here? She has a lot on her shoulders right now, you know how she is taking full responsibility for people when they need her. She's trying to be there for you and provide, that's a lot for anyone let alone an expecting mother. Maybe she's stressed and wants to be left alone for a little while." At all the suggestions, Nick watched Jayden's expressions sour into disdain. Sighing in defeat, Nick walked over to his desk pulling out a pen and paper for Jayden to write the typical general description so Nick could file it when and if he needed to. Handing it to Jayden, Nick picked up the phone and answered when he saw it was Isabel calling. It wasn't until he heard what she had to say that the season officer started to become concerned. Was there a chance something really did happen to Amelia? He didn't want to believe it but both Jayden and Isabel were beginning to convince him of the worst possibilities. Watching Jayden anxiously scribble the basic characteristics on the page, Nick but his lip, drawing an acute amount of blood, leaving the distasteful taste of metallic on the top of his tongue, soaking into his cheeks. "He's here, but I wish he wasn't," Nick replied hastily while he escorted himself out of the room and into the hall. "I thought he was jumping to conclusions but now I'm concerned. This is the last thing any of us need right now. They've already been through hell, Jayden's filing a general description but that's all we can do for now, unfortunately. When's the last you heard from her?"

 

[isax]

"Yesterday, which isn't normal for us as you may know." Isabel said with a sigh as she continued to drive to the airport, tapping the steering wheel anxiously as traffic seemed to increase, causing her to waste time that didn't need to be wasted in a time like this. "I wish he wasn't over at the office either, but there's no way to get him back home. You know that. I'll be in DC soon. Dawson is flying me over and when I get there I'll let you know. The man Amelia was covering isn't a good one, Nick. He's far from it and his criminal history really worries me." Biting her lip, Isabel released a deep breath she didn't know she was holding when a small amount of blood danced across her tongue. "Keep Jayden busy and I'll do the best I can. I'll keep you updated when I can but if you don't hear from me after a couple of hours, assume the worst." Hanging up the phone after her and Nick discussed what needed to be discussed, Isabel sped to the airport when she was able to do so, getting on a golf cart and boarded her boyfriend's plane, sighing in relief when he was already doing the usual checks. "Hi, love." She said softly, kissing him gently before she pulled away with a saddened expression. "I'm worried about her and so is Jayden. The idiot drove to the station."

 

[Lexus]

"Isabel, you can't just go looking for whoever you think has her--" She hung up. Shit. Should I tell Jayden's she's on her way. No don't tell him. He'll just go crazy. Walking back into the room, Nick offered a small, sympathetic grin going to sit next to his best friend. "We're going to do everything we can to find her, okay?" Nick knew Jayden must have had a swarm of fixed emotions pulsating the blood through his veins as the thought about where Amelia could be. "It's not your fault, Jayden."

Pulling Isabel into a tight embrace Dawson held her for a few long moments before he let go, kissing her cheek as a way of reassurance. "I'm sorry, my love, but you can't say you wouldn't have done the same. But let's go. I know time is of the essence. Is there anything else I can do to help? Are you sure she just didn't go somewhere to be by herself?"

 

[isax]

"I know it's not but it feels like it. I'm useless!" Jayden exclaimed, his hands balling up into fists as he stared at the general description he just wrote about Amelia. This wasn't fair. The couple never seemed to catch a break. He would never understand why it felt like the world was out to get them. "Just promise you'll find her. Please, Wells. I can't lose them." He whispered softly, showing nothing but vulnerability. He never did when he was at the station, but right now he felt like a waste. He couldn't help with anything. All he could do was sit in pain and wait for them to tell him something in regards to Amelia.

"I'm sure, Dawson. I just know something's wrong. The day feels off." Isabel said softly, sighing gently before she held his hands in her own and gave them a tight squeeze. "I'm going to do this alone when he get there. I can't risk anything happening to you. You have my location. If I don't give you and Nick an update assume the worst and come find me." She whispered gently, hugging the pilot close as she closed her eyes and took in his scent, relishing it for the little while that she could. "Also, just talk with Jayden. He needs someone right now."

 

[Lexus]

Shaking his head, Nick shushed his friend calmly. "You know I can't make you a promise like that, Jayden. It'll only lead to disappointment in the end. But I can promise you I'll do everything in my power to solve this. You're not useless, just breathe, I'll call Lauren to bring you home. You don't need to be here. You're not serving as an officer right now, you're a concerned loved one." Taking the general description from Jayden's lap, Nick patted his back gently. "After this I expect you to put s ring on her finger," Nick teased, "A real nice ring too. I'd think you'd. E lucky enough to get her to say yes after everything you've been through."

"Isabel, I can't just let you go after her!" Dawson protested in his own bewilderment. "That's crazy for you to even ponder the possibility that I would let you go alone. Did you honestly think when you told me this I would let you go through with it? I can't. I won't let you, it's not your job to find her yourself. It's too dangerous." Shaking hi head in disagreement Dawson adamantly stood by his protest for Isabel not to go searching for Amelia on her own. "You don't know what can happen or what you'll run into. It's too much of s liability. One missing journalist is enough, we don't need two."

 

[isax]

"What am I supposed to do at home? Worry?" Jayden said with a sigh, looking at his friend before he bit his lip, smiling at the thought of engaging Amelia. "I don't want to move too fast but the thought has crossed my mind. I just hope she's alright because if she isn't, I don't know what I will do." Sitting in the chair, Jayden waited to be taken away by Lauren back to his house. He wasn't looking forward to it. He just wanted Amelia to be found and in his arms where she belonged. After this they were leaving. DC wasn't safe anymore.

"Nobody can do anything until 48 hours pass, love. By then it'll be too late. I have to find her. I'm the only one that can." Isabel said softly, biting her lip when Dawson continued to stand firm in what he believed. "Dawson, please. I'll be okay." She whispered softly, tears threatening to leave her eyes as she thought of the harm that could come to her best friend. "It isn't just about Amelia anymore, love. It's also about that baby she is carrying."

 

[Lexus]

"I don't think the too fast rules applied anymore. The two of you have been through more in the last eight months than most people will have to experience in a lifetime. She's done more than prove she can change herself to be with you. After this, I doubt she'll ever pick up another crime story again. She wanted to avoid the possibility of something happening to her and the baby more than any of us wanted her to but she was trying to do the right thing for your family unit. I wouldn't make her waits too long if I was you, there are not very many women left in the world like her, that's for sure."

"Isabel, I know you want to help, but going out and trying to find Amelia is not your responsibility. She knew the risk and she was willing to take them. She knows just as much as you how risky her career is. I don't want you to go after her," the pilot said sternly again as he looked back into the woman he loved, the desperation clinging to his expression. We should go to be there for Jayden because that's all we can do in a time like this."

 

[isax]

Smiling at his best friend, Jayden nodded, knowing what he said in regards to Amelia was right. He did need to propose soon and he planed on it but he knew at this moment they just needed to find the woman he adored. "There isn't another her, I'll admit that. She's an amazing person that I dong want to lose. We have to find her Nick. I can't lose my family. They're my family. My responsibility and I let this happen again." Sighing, Jayden continued to insult himself. Calling himself stupid for letting this happen. He wanted everything to be normal again but it seemed as though normalcy wasn't a thing for the couple.

Rolling he tongue against her cheek, she glared at the pilot, knowing he wouldn't take her to DC if she continued to press the idea of her finding Amelia. "She did know the risks, Dawson, but that's what we face all the time. I can't just let her suffer because she knew the risks. I can't wait 48 hours for the police to do something either. Two lives are at stake here and if you won't take me to DC because of my decision, then I have no problem with buying a ticket." Sighing softly, she knew she hurt Dawson by the look in his eyes. She grew tense, angry with herself for what she just did. Holding his hands, she looked at the ground. "I'm sorry. I just feel so useless." She whispered softly, leaning her head against his chest as her body began to shiver. "And I can't lose her, love. I can't. I won't. She deserves so much in life and I can't deal with knowing she could lose the baby."

 

[Lexus]

"Jayden, you didn't let this happen, it was out of your control. Everyone knows if you could have stopped this, without a doubt you would have. Don't go blaming yourself because you know wherever Amelia is, if she's actually in danger, she's not blaming you. She's blaming herself because that's the type of person she is. She's not worried about herself, she's worried about you and wondering what you're going through. Don't put your energy in the wrong place, you don't have much of it to waste." As Nick continued to reassure his best friend that he wasn't to blame the chief came running out of his office, taking Jayden's hand in a sense of urgency, he's cracked hands, wrinkled with age. He smelled of old spice and slight sweat after spending the morning monitoring schools zones to make an appearance for the local press after some concerns were cast by the locals in the D.C. area with aggressive drivers, jeopardizing the safety of their children. While the chief hoisted Jayden to his feet his next sentence spewed off his lips and into one rapid syllable that still, somehow, was coherent. "There'samanonthephonedemadingtospeaktoyouandhesayshehasAmelia."

Wrapping a protective arm around Isabel, Dawson rubbed her back continuously to comfort her in her desperate time of need. "I'm sorry, my love. I'll get you there as soon as I can but I still am against you going alone. It's not safe if your lead turns into something. Releasing her from his arms once her breathing no longer vibrated in rapid breaths against his chest. Amelia is important to her. They are more than best friends.I have to respect that. But she could get hurt. It isn't worth it. You're being selfish, Dawson. But it's because you love her, but so does Amelia. Why does this have to be so complicated?"

Eight hours earlier....
​

As Amelia exited the coffee shop and vanished from the corner windows of the cafe, the brisk morning air blew feriously across the journalist's already rosey red cheeks that felt as though they had been rubbed raw. Wrapping her stringy scraf around her cheeks, Amelia picked up her pace, simply to get out of the unforgiving cold.

"Where are you headed, miss?" The same voice called to Amelia as she continued her stride. Giving the man a quick glance Amelia reconized it to be the same man who tried talking to her before she dillgently retreated into the cafe for both warmth and saftey.

"Uh, to work," Amelia replied, not offering up much information, being catious of this mysterious man who seemed to have a perculiar interest in her. It gave her a vibe of concering discomfort. To distract herself, she counted her footsteps in her head. One. Two. Three. Four. Fi--mid step Amelia's distraction proved to be a fail when she felt the man walk up behind her and take her into his painful grip. His bulky arm making a tight squeeze around her neck as he gipped int o a dimly lit street that intersected the corner. "Not today," he replied, his voice both husky and scratchy, giving Amelia the impression that her attacker was a chain smoker since he also wreeked the smell of cheap, off brand cigarettes and old beer. Reaching for his arm, Amelia let out a desperate gasp while she tried to free herself, but when she didm his grip only got tighter. He's going to kill me. Right here. You can't give in, Amelia. Fight harder. As she continued to struggle to get out of the mysterious man's grip, she felt herself loosing air and all she could think about was her daughter. I let this happen. I am never going to forgive myself if only I make it out of this. How could I have been so stupid?

"Anothy, what are you doing? Let her go! She'll be no use to us if we just leave her here dead on the street."

"She's better off that way, anyway."

In the next moment Amelia felt her lungs become replenished with air in a immense amount, causing her to gag and cough profusely while her body registered it was no longer in immediate danger. Before she could catch her balance Anthony pushed her onto the gravel-covered-ground, her jeans proved to be not enough protection as she felt the stinging of her her skin being scraped from her knees through the denim. She was now at the mercy of these men. She was being kinapped for being a journalist, that much she knew, but her daughter was still her main concern. As she remained on her hands and knees, Amelia turned to look up at the men helplessly, afraid if she made any sudden movemts the men would think she was trying to escape and no longer feel the need to use her as a bargining chip and just take her life as their source of satisfaction instead. Amelia reconized these men. Anthony was the man who was almost wrongly convicted at the trial Amelia was covering and the other man, whp's name she did not know was the susected accessory to Anthony's supposed crimes. "What do you want?" Amelia pleaded helpelessly. knowing by showing her vunerabilty she would appeal to these men eaily. They fed off a woman's weakness. "Please, whatever you're going to do, it's not worth it."

Both men laughed at Amelia's cries. "Funny you say that, your words almost got me killed, so why should I do you the favor and spare you yours? That wasn't very nice, Miss Journalist, you know? And I don't like people who aren't very nice to me." Leaning down next to her, Anothy grazed her cheek with his oil stained fingers as a fear tacticm the joy rising in his eyes when he saw just how terrifed Amelia became. This man was definatly a physcopath.

"You're going to regret it if you kill me, I'm worth more than you think."

"Awe, pretty lady, don't flatter yourself. I think the world will be just fine without you."

"Anthony, let her talk, how are you so valuable?"

"My husband is the highest ranked luetient in the city."

Laughing, Anthony shook his head. "You're lying, you're not married," he stated confidently pointing to the absent ring on her left hand.

"I am, I let my husband keep my ring when I go out of the country and I just got back this morning. I swear. If you call the police department they'll confirm your suspicions, please." After Amelia's last encounter with a criminal when her and Jayden got serious they agreed that the best way to keep her alive was to tell her captors he was her husband and that's how Jayden would know she was in danger. Holding out her wrist, she showed the men the charm pracelet Jayden gifted her, showing the charm with his badge number engraved on the back of it. "He'll give you whatever you want, if you just let me go," she steered away from telling the men she was carrying his child, too afraid that would give them too much of the upperhand but in hindsight she should have, because all she could remember next was losing her stream of conciousness and everything turning black.​

 

[isax]

Time stopped as Jayden felt his heart drop. Everything seemed like a movie in slow motion. The chief saying a man had Amelia. Nick looking at Jayden with a worried expression. Jayden knew something happened to Amelia. He just knew it. The day was off and now he was lost in his thoughts until the chief snapped him out of them. Amelia.. I'm sorry. I knew something happened. I promise we'll find you. You and the baby. I'm sorry. So so sorry. Taking the phone from his boss with trembling hands, Jayden held it against his ear as his mouth went dry. Finding the will to speak, Jayden did so without any hint of anxiousness. "This is Jayden." He said curtly, biting his lip in anger when he heard a male voice respond in return.

"Hello, Lieutenant Acciolli. We have your wonderful wife, Amelia with us, or so she claims to be your wife." Anthony responded in a dark and captivating tone. Jayden had to try his hardest to keep his composure.

"She is my wife. What do you want? I'll give you anything for her safety."

"I want my case dropped and erased. Along with ten thousand dollars. Bring it to us. I'll send you the location and time. If you're late, you'll regret it."

Hearing the line die, Jayden couldn't stop his hands from shaking in anger. Gripping the phone tightly, he sighed before looking at the chief and his best friend who were both looking at him in worry and curiosity. "He wants his case dropped and erased alone with ten thousand dollars. I have to be the one to hand him that money though." He said softly, passing quickly as the frustration inside continued to build. I'll save you, Amelia. I promise.

When Isabel and Dawson arrived in DC, she was quick to call Nick as she waited in the airport for Dawson to finish his final checks. "Wells, any information?" She asked him quickly, not wanting Dawson to hear their conversation. Anger bubbled within the photojournalist when she was told. Jayden and Amelia didn't deserve this but she released a deep breath before speaking. "I just landed in DC with Dawson. I'll handle this." She said quickly, hanging up her phone before logging into Amelia's cell phone carrier account. Her passwords weren't hard to get and looking at Jayden's messages, she got the last number to call him and tracked their location, quickly shutting her laptop when she saw Dawson behind her. "How much did you see?"

 

[Lexus]

Nick stood in the corner of the room with his arms folded across his chest, shaking his head in dissatisfaction at what he heard Jayden say. "He's just trying to bait you, he has an agenda of what he wants to do with her and he's feeding you a bogus plan to get your attention. Any professional criminal knows better than to call directly into the department because we'll track the number, so wherever he just called you from is a decoy. Anthony isn't dumb when it comes to capturing his victims. That's why it took us almost a year to connect him to all the cases he was on trial for before the defense destroyed the case. He's not an amateur, Jayden. He's serious. If he really wanted to use Amelia as a way to bargain he would have asked for more than just ten thousand dollars, he knows we can easily find that amount of cash to bait him, he would have requested an outrageous amount to make the chase for her more difficult. He just wants you to know he has her to get to you." The detective in training was skilled in understanding his suspects and Anthony was one he had been chasing for most of his beginning career. "He already knows what he wants to do with her, it's just a matter of finding her." The tension in Nick's forehead lines straining into the rest of his face. Everyone in the room knew what Nick meant when he said Anthony already decided what he was going to do with Amelia, he did the same thing to all the women he abducted. He beat, assaulted and killed them, Amelia, Nick knew would be no exception to Anthony's MO. Nick had a gut feeling, Anthony had it in for Amelia since she was the reporter following his case. This was matter of life and death for not just one person, but two and no promising leads on where Amelia could actually be.

"How much of it are you willing to admit to?" Dawson asked sternly, his fists turning a concerning shade of white while he gripped Isabel's bags. "I meant what I said, Isabel. let the detectives do their job, please. I know you care about Amelia and just want her to be safe, but so do the rest of us. You don't like it when people voluntarily do your job so how do you think the trained professionals feel about you trying to gallivant around their city looking for someone when they have been professionally trained to do so. Stop trying to find her. She is not your responsibility."


Thoughts. I must be alive since I'm having thoughts. Where am I? Too afraid to open my eyes to know. They want me dead, maybe if I play dead I'll have a chance? Maybe. It's worth the shot. Be still. Breathe slowly, don't take deep breaths, you'll draw attention to yourself. Who's presence is that? Hold your breath. Don't hold your breath, the baby! The baby. Panic.

Taking rapid breaths, Amelia began to hyperventilate when she realized there was something over her mouth to keep her from breathing. Something sticky that had a glue-like residue and tasted old and musky, like it had been sitting in a shed for awhile accumulating dust and dirt particles and God only knew what else, forcing her lips to be comfortably pressed tightly together. Duct tape.

"Ahhh, D.C. finest has woken up from her nap. I see," Anthony called walking over to enjoy her self-inflicted panic attack like it was the latest episode of a trending drama on night time television. Watching her squirm helplessly from the restraints he knew she would never be able to break free from. "Shhh, princess, breathe, I don't want you to have all the fun and slip away too fast."

Finally, Amelia forced herself to open her eyes to get a good look at her tormentor in case she needed to give a description. He was tall and bulky, his fingers still stained with oil, he must have been a mechanic. He still wreaked of cigarettes and beer, because he was so scrawny, his boney face contributed to his intimidation factor. His eyes were an ominous shade of brown, Amelia noticed in the trial, and even more so now, how their darkness gave away his sinister demeanor. Since she had seen him on safe side of a court room, his head was no longer shaved bare and was now had more than sprouts of brown hair. Anthony wasn't capable of looking like a friendly human being.

As his fingers reached for Amelia's mouth, she released a petrified scream and tried to turn her head away from his grip but he easily reached over and yanked the old duct tape from her lips, oddly enough Amelia was able to notice he had chunky fingers. Despite this thought, as she once again sucked in more air into her lungs than she needed to she let herself cry, She told herself she wouldn't because she didn't want to be seen as weak in her final moments, she wanted to go down with a fight but she had already begun to let herself grieve the loss of her child. She was convinced this man was going to kill her and she was going to use this time to grieve the child she just accepted as part of her future. As she thought about her life and all the things she now suddnly wanted, thinking her life was about to end she felt as though she deserved these moments of sorrow before she took her last breath. She would never get to hold her daughter. She would never get to name her and see Jayden beam excessively with pride when he laid his eyes on her for the first time. She would never get to see Jayden again. He would lose his family, again because of who Amelia was. Her family would have to grieve her tragic loss after expressing their concern for her the moment she decided this as her career. She would never get to conquer the world with Isabel like she promised. She broke the worst of promises. This was all her fault. She was inconsable. Her sobs making her gag to the point she regurgagted the acid in her stomach, the buring in her throat unbearble.

"I really didn't think a 'brave and couragous' journalist like you would give up so easily, princess."

"Stop," Amelia pleaded, "Pl-please stop."

"I don't listen to beggers sweetheart."

Anthony was just about to reach for something, Amelia wasn't sure what it was, both because she was too distraught to see clearly in front of her and because she didn't want to know how he was going to kill her. But right before Amelia could figure it out, she heard a woman's voice call down into the dark room. A voice Amelia never heard before. "Anthony, stop! We can use her."

"She's no use to us, babe. We have to get rid of her while there's still time."

"Well you'll have to make more time, I'm not letting you finish what you started until we can have that baby and make it ours." The woman said, stepping out of the shadows. She was a surprising primped woman, her blonde hair done up in an impressive bun and her nails freshly done, when she stepped closer Amelia noticed the overpowering scent of an expensive perfume she couldn't recollect right now, but it smelled of roses and sugar.

Looking down at Amelia, Anthony grinned when as he grazed the journalist's abdomen and found the child Amelia was trying to hide. "Looks like you just saved yourself, for now."

 

[isax]

Jayden continued to panic, not being able to process anything Nick was saying. As a high ranked officer, Jayden knew what just happened on the phone was a set up. He knew very well this could be Amelia's final moments and that's what scared him. He couldn't lose her. He couldn't lose his family. He would be a wreck and unfixable if he did. Biting his lip, Jayden looked up to his closest friend before he released a deep breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Find her, Nick. You need to find her! I can't lose her and you know that! I can't lose them!" He exclaimed, his fists turning into a pale white as he clenched the ends of his chair. "Find her! Get a lead somehow because I swear, if no one makes the initiative to find her, I will. Hurt or not and that's a promise." Moving his leg anxiously, Jayden couldn't sit still. Not when he knew Amelia was in trouble. When Lauren showed up, he refused to go home with her. He wasn't leaving his office until he knew someone was trying to find his girlfriend. No, wife. She was going to be his wife if she made it out of this alive. Jayden didn't care if it seemed to fast.

Sighing, Isabel quickly put away her laptop in her bag, standing up as the bag rested from her shoulder thanks to the strap. Looking at Dawson, it didn't take Isabel long to know he was beyond angry with her. He was livid in his own way deep down inside. She knew he didn't want her to do this but she had to. She trusted herself to know how to handle this situation and he needed to trust her as well. Grasping her bags that the pilot was still holding, she tried to take them out of his hands but sighed once more when the muscular hands refused to let go. "Dawson, let go of my bags. Now." Isabel said sternly, pulling them out of his hands quickly before looking up at him. "If you don't support the decision I have made then leave. Leave or stay with Jayden, your choice, but I am finding her whether you like it or not. I would do the same if you were in her spot. That's how much she means to me and if you can't respect that then just leave." She hissed, not having the time to continuing discussing this when Amelia was missing. "I know Anthony's MO. I know what I'm going up against. I can do this." She added, turning around before she took a deep breath. When Dawson said nothing in response, she knew what he was thinking in his head. "I love you, Dawson." Beginning to walk away at a brisk pace was when she heard it. Those words that penetrated so deep in her soul, causing her heart to shatter.

"If you loved me you wouldn't do this!" The silence in Isabel's mind what terrifying. She only ever felt this empty once in her life. One time and she never wanted to feel this again, but here she was, leaving Dawson behind with every step she took. Click-click, click-click. Right left, right left. The clicks of the journalist's high-heels was the only sound echoing against the marble floors of the airport. The only sound she heard in her head despite the airport being full of people and bustling with life. I do love you, Dawson. I'm sorry but I have to do this because nobody else will. Not in time at least. I'm sorry you feel like I don't love you.

Isabel wasn't brought back to the hustle and bustle of D.C. until she stood in front of a black granite counter. Hearing a faint voice of a female asking how she could help the journalist. Looking up and meeting the eyes of the red-haired female, Isabel realized where she was. She didn't remember walking here but now that she was here, she knew what she needed. Eyeing the enterprise badge worn by the worker named Sally, Isabel was able to push aside her demons, smiling a fake smile she knew no one else would question. She knew how to put up a façade well. "Yes you can, actually. I need a rental vehicle." Doing the usual procedures needed, Isabel went through the motions. In the end, she took the keys from Sally and thanked the young woman, eyeing how beautiful her rental car was. Isabel always had to ride in luxury, no matter what her circumstances were. Getting into the white 2017 Audi A7, she was quick to start the car, getting ready to leave until she heard a ringtone that made her stomach turn. It was Dawson. Closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose, she was quick to ignore the call, driving away from him and the airport. Amelia needed her and Isabel refused to let anything happen to her.

Arriving at her hotel, Isabel set her bags down before she pulled out her laptop again, looking over all the information she could get regarding Anthony. Every picture, every case, every accusation, she had it all. With so many tabs open, she became overwhelmed and did what she did best. Grabbing the sticky notes our of her bag, she set up a map. Soon, washi tape connected a post it to another post it. It was all coming along but the photojournalist stopped everything she did as she stared at a single picture. A picture of Anthony at a high society event. This caught Isabel's attention because the man was only a mechanic. Fixing cars was all he knew and him being around people of a higher class made no sense. Pulling up the picture on her laptop, she zoomed in, looking at the faces in the background. No face seemed to give any information but what did was the hand resting on Anthony's shoulder. It seemed fragile and well kept. It showed no signs of working hard and the tattoo was something Isabel remembered in an instant. Pulling up pictures of the female she believed had her hand resting against the murderer, Isabel became excited when she found a match. She knew it and set both pictures beside one another. The atmosphere and setting of the event all matched accordingly, along with where the picture was split. Alyssa Lowman was her suspect.

"I found a lead, at least I think. I faxed you two pictures. Put them side by side and you'll see what I did. I'll find Amelia." Hitting send, the text was sent to Nick, Isabel tore down her map quickly, grabbing her gun and concealing it. Walking out of her room, Isabel got into the Audi once more but this time driving to Alyssa's mansion. This didn't add up completely for the journalist. Why was Alyssa talking to a man like Anthony? When she arrived to Miss Lowman's mansion, she stepped out of her Audi, smiling as she knocked and was greeted by the same butler as last time. Isabel had written a couple of stories on the blonde and the two seemed to become acquainted with one another. What Alyssa didn't know, however, was the relationship Isabel held with Amelia. Sitting in the living room, Isabel smiled when she was greeted by Alyssa. "Hi Alyssa. How have you been? I was in the area and just wanted to stop by."

 

[Lexus]

"Jayden, I'm doing the best I can!" Nick exclaimed back, sighing deeply when he let go of the breath, looking back at his friend apologetically for snapping at him. "I didn't mean that." Rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably, Nick inched towards Jayden but stopped, feeling his phone vibrate in his uniform's pants pocket. Reading the text, he ran for the fax machine without an explanation for Jayden when he ran off, coming back with the two pictures Isabel delivered to him. "Shit!" Looking up to Jayden, Nick bit his lip. "Isabel went after Amelia I think she caught Anthony." Running out of the room, Nick didn't hesitate to call a unit into action, Nick couldn't risk Isabel's mortality now that she was in a serial killer's grasp. He had to get to her before it was too late for both the journalists. "Go now!" he demanded, with SWAT following. "You have to stay here," Nick said sternly to Jayden who tried to follow after. "You have to trust me. If I bring you with, if she's still alive, your presence might jeopardize it. Go with Lauren, please."

"Isabel? What are you doing here?" Alyssa asked perplexed by Isabel's presence. The journalist was based in Texas and had no reason to here. They weren't friends, they just knew each other. "It's nice to see you," she replied in fake sweetness, stepping out onto the front porch, closing the door behind her. "Can I do something for you?" Bringing her delicate to her earlobe as she did when she was nervous, revealing to Isabel another telling detail Alyssa wouldn't know was alarming to her. On the woman's wrist, she was wearing a sterling bracelet with a single charm hanging from it, an anchor. Something Isabel would easily recognize since she's the one who gave it to Amelia.

 

[isax]

I can't stay Nick. I can't when I know there's a chance Amelia is alive. I need to see her. I need to hold her. I need to know she's fine and safe in my arms. You understand that, don't you? Despite having that thought, Jayden wasn't able to utter a world as he looked at Nick, clenching his fists and unclenching them, trying to calm himself down. "You have to save her, Nick. Please. Please let me know the minute she's safe." Jayden was desperate. He was so weak in that moment and it showed as everyone watched the moment transpire. Jayden wasn't the fragile type, but he was when it came to the woman who changed his world. The woman who made him see the good in life. He needed her and without her there was no meaning to life. Jayden would fall back into old habits, habits that Nick knew about. The only bad thing is, they would gen times worse then when he was younger. Watching Nick run off with the unit he sent off, Jayden looked at Lauren who gave him the most sympathetic look possible. Letting her take him in her arms, he fought back his tears as he began to shake. His mind was so empty as they made the walk to her car and when he was back at the house, he sat in the couch, fidgeting his leg. Being still wasn't possible as minutes turned into seconds and seconds turned into milliseconds. Time seemed to go by so slow and it was agonizing for the hurt officer.

Keeping a calm and collected composure, Isabel smiled at the woman who she knew was involved with Amelia's kidnapping. She stood out on the porch with her, knowing fully well Alyssa was hiding something by how she acted. She seemed on edge and watching her tuck a strand of hair behind her ear showed Isabel she was nervous about something. Isabel cracked this case but she was so unprepared. She didn't have a fake reason to be here. Staying calm, she thought of something rapidly in her head until she felt something glisten on her cheek. Eyeing the sterling silver bracelet, Isabel had to contain her gasp by biting down on her lip. She couldn't let Alyssa know why she was here. She couldn't let her know she knew who Amelia was and that she was here to save her. "You can, actually. I need an interview with your parents. I was wondering if you knew if they were in the city right now. I'm only going to be here for another day or so since I'm covering a story here." She said sweetly, keeping her calm composure before she felt her phone vibrate. She ignored it but continued to feel the vibration. She knew it had to be two people. Nick or Dawson. She became irritated because Alyssa was picking up on her ignoring the calls. She shook it off well when she asked the journalist if she was going to answer the call. When asked what type of story she was covering right now, Isabel smiled as she rested her hands on her hip. "A story on Anthony Devile. I was able to dig deeper than the last journalist could. So I have a question for you, Alyssa. Where is Amelia?" Isabel couldn't keep it hidden anymore. She needed to know where she was and if she was okay. "Also, spare me the act of innocence. I investigate for a living. I know you and Anthony attended a high class event together. I also saw you tuck your hair behind your ear. You were nervous and that beautiful bracelet you're wearing matches this charm on mine." Holding out her arm to show the anchor, Isabel smiled, resting her hand back by the holster. "Where is she?"

 

[Lexus]

"I don't know what you're talking about," Alyssa replied curtly. What isabel didn't know, was Amelia was already long gone from here. Anthony decided because they wanted to keep her for now, he would have to move her to a more secluded area to ensure there was no chance of anyone finding her before he was ready to return her to the world, far from the same when he took her. "Whoever you're looking for, she isn't here and she never was, and our similar taste in jewelry just means we both have good tastes. Whatever you're trying to prove, it's not going to work, Isabel." Alyssa threatened before she watched a whole fleet of armed men run towards her from her driveway, busting through her door with a warrant in place and heavy armor. They were on the hunt for Amelia. Running up to Isabel, Nick laid a protective hand on her shoulder while she continued to stare down with Alyssa who was now being restrained by an armed SWAT member. "Did you see her?"Nick whispered hopeful, he knew if he didn't bring Amelia back to Jayden before the day was over, Jayden was going to have it out for anybody and everybody who led up to putting Amelia in such danger and he wasn't going to stop until someone paid for the destruction his family was suffering from.

"I told you, whoever you're looking for isn't here!"

 

[isax]

Isabel felt her palm twitch when Alyssa said her and Amelia just had really good taste. It was irritating and pissed Isabel off. She was so ready to lay a hand on the millionaire in front of her until the SWAT team showed up, along with Nick. Feeling his hand on her shoulder, Isabel was able to relax slightly, still very tense considering the blonde refused to tell her where Amelia was. "She's not here." Sighing, she watched Alyssa, get restrained, walking over Isabel was quick to take the bracelet from her. "She was here! Where did Anthony take her, Alyssa." By now, Isabel wasn't trying to be nice. She hissed the words at Alyssa, putting Amelia's bracelet in her wrist and when Alyssa began to make a scene over it, Isabel couldn't hold back. She slapped the girl before her and groaned when she felt Nick pull her arms back. "You bitch! You won't get away with this! You aren't clean in this case! I know you're apart of it and I will drag you and Anthony down for it!" She exclaimed, being dragged away by Nick. "Wells, let go of me!" Pulling to get out of the officer's grip, Isabel finally freed herself, eyeing the male who met her face to face. "I need to find her. I can't lose her. There has to be something in that mansion to give us a lead. There just has to be." Isabel was becoming weak. She felt sick knowing Amelia still hadn't been found.

 

[Lexus]

"She isn't here, and even if she was, what do you care? She's just another media parasite who leeches on other people's lives to make a living. It isn't noteworthy and she isn't anything special. Whoever took her, I don't blame them for it. She should stay out of business that isn't hers." Alyssa's tone held a bitter hint of malice but she was careful to stay generalized in her reply. "There's nothing here." Alyssa insisted, trying to break free of the officer's restraints. "Are you done being crazy? Can I have my bracelet back now? It doesn't belong to you! You're being delusional." Just then, an officer walking out of the door, picked up the rug and Nick spotted something that made his heart nearly leap from his chest. "Sanders, stop!" The detective called, making his way to the officer's feet, about an inch away from his boot, Nick picked up s tiny charm for a bracelet that seemed to have been swept under the rug, left for someone to find. The charm Nick knee belonged to Amelia, because it was the same charm Nick helped Jayden pick out in a set. It was a pink heart and in the center it read "Mom" in curivse lettering. Picking it up, he walked back over to where Alyssa was standing. "Do you have kids Alyssa?"

"Do I look like I have kids? What the hell kind of question is that?"

"So you don't then? Then why did I just find this underneath your doorstep. If it doesn't belong to you, then who does it belong to?"

 

[isax]

"And the bracelet doesn't belong to you either!" Isabel hissed, looking at Nick and noticed the same thing he did. Walking over to him she took the charm and smiled. "Oh Amelia. I knew something was in there somewhere." She said softly, looking at Alyssa who continued to put up with the innocent act. Walking over to her, Isabel eyed her, not backing down this time. "Tell me where she or so help me, Alyssa." She hissed through her teeth, knowing fully well her threat would become a reality. When she felt small fragile hands grab her hair, she gasped. The blonde managed to get her hand out of the handcuff. Grabbing her arms, Isabel threw the girl against the hood of Nick's car, punching the blonde in the nose before throwing her to the ground and off of her. "This bracelet isn't yours. It's Amelia's and I know it is because I gave it to her. You don't know me well enough but I always engrave my gifts. Behind this anchor is the number of miles Amelia and I are apart. I'm based in Texas and she's based here. Tell me where the hell she is because nothing is looking up for you right now. That charm the detective just found also belongs to Amelia because he helped Jayden pick it out. You're doing time, princess, so cut down your years and tell us where Amelia is." When the blonde continued to refuse, Isabel pushed her away, looking at the bracelet on her wrist before grabbing her keys to her rental, walking to the Audi before she saw a paper on the floor. The handwriting was familiar and Isabel knew who's it was. It was Anthony's and the address on the note was a clue. Getting in her car, the journalist took off before Nick could stop her. She wasn't worried about her life. She needed to save Amelia and the baby. The unit would view Alyssa's mansion as a dead end for now, but Isabel couldn't just sit around. I'm coming, Amelia. I will find you.

 

[Lexus]

The notecard was just another false lead and things were about to get distraughtly even more horrifying. With an impressive unit still searching allegiantly for Amelia, they found no other traces of her in Alyssa's home, leaving everyone at a loss on where to go next until a disturbing breakthrough made its way to the police department. After Jayden demanded a press release to be made on Amelia's kidnapping, a nurse in the Virginia area reported having Amelia in her care, being suspicious of the 'husband' and the story he gave to get her care. From the time they walked in, Amelia seemed to want nothing to do with him which was out of the normal for a woman who was in the condition she was, given how risky it was.

When Nick got the news, he catapulted into Jayden's living room and grabbed his arm."Let's go," he demanded shaking his head when Jayden asked if Nick found her. "We're getting on a plane and we're flying to Virginia." Nick replied hastily, knowing there wasn;t much time. When Jayden continued to persist in his questions. Looking to his friend apologetically Nick's expression turned soft before he spoke he didn't want to tell his friend what he knew but knew it needed to be said and hearing it from his best friend would be better than just anyone. "Jayden, I'm not going to lie, today is either going to be one of the worst or best days of your life. Your daughter is coming. A nurse reported to the police she has Amelia after she saw the news coverage and was suspicious of the man who brought Amelia in."

Again, Amelia lay helpless, this time in a sterilized hospital room, which she was thankful for after everything she endured today. Even though Anthony deliberately found someone to blackmail to induce her labor that was now sending a horrible surge of pain up her body, she still had the thought of how he was courteous enough to bring her her. As he hovered over her to pretend being considerate with nurses watching Amelia looked up at him with nothing but anger in her eyes when it was just the two of them, gritting her teeth, hitting his hand away when he tried to touch her. "Don't touch me," she scowled, catching her breath. This wasn;t supposed to be happening, not now. Only a sick man who literally rip a child away from her mother before she was ready.

"Be nice, princess, I'll take good care of her."

"You're not taking her!" Amelia screamed in anger and pure agony. Amelia knew there was little chance her daughter would make it through this traumatic experience given it was three months too soon. She had already heard the nurses talking about preparing for a still born. "I hate you," she scowled again through her breath, closing her eyes and gripping the bedside. Where was Jayden? She cried because she didn't want to go through this alone and she wished, just this once he would burst through and save her from this insanity, but it was too late, she was already told she would have to deliver now. Unaware that the nurse was watching from the nurse's station Amelia continued to push herself away from Anthony who said he was her husband. She was unaware that the nurse recognized her and the local authorities had already been in contact with Nick and were coming to detain Anthony right now and when they did, Amelia was too far gone in her own pain to pay attention to it. She had to focus on herself and her daughter, but as she did, she began to cry again too afraid that her life had been lost.

Once Anthony was removed, an officer stood guard at Amelia's door while the concerned nurse ran into the room and offered the journalist her hand, to comfort her. Sandy, the nurse couldn't believe what this woman was going through. "You're safe, no one's going to hurt you now, okay? Just breathe. You can do it, you're a strong mama.He's gone now. You can do it."

Shaking her head, Amelia continued to cry in desperation, she was too exhausted and worried to pull through this right now. She wished Jayden were here, or at least somebody she knew. She felt alone but she appreciated this nurse and her concern. Looking up at her Amelia murmured a thank you before she felt the pain overtake her again.

Sandy being so bewildered after only imagining what Amelia had been through today reached into her scrubs pocket and pulled out her phone while another nurse ran into try and ease Amelia's unbearable pain. Not only was she birthing a child but she had been put through the ringer today before Anthony decided to spare her. She had multiple cuts and bruises and her entire body ached from being thrown around like a rag doll all day. Turning to the other nurse, Sandy looked to her in compassionate urgency. "Find the number for husband who's looking for her and bring it back to me please, now." When the younger nurse nodded and walked off in a hurry to find Jayden's contact info, Sandy turned back to Amelia, rubbing her hand in reassurance, "We're going to call your husband, okay? He's been looking for you? What's his name?"

Sucking in a breath Amelia nodded in relief, the thought of talking to Jayden bringing her back to tears. "Jayden. His name... is.... Jayden."