Reveal (Love & Beyond #2)

by D. Griffith

  The fire-fighters have jumped out of there vans and rushing straight over to put the fire out and we are surrounded by the police and reporters. One police officer is putting a crime scene tape all around, to stop people getting through and that’s including the reporters. You can hear them saying.

  “Mr. Hall, what happened here? Is this connected to Miss Shaw’s disappearance?” I ignore them and I turn to my left to see detective Sam and Paige come our way. Oh shit, they were the ones who were at the hospital after Danni and I was shot. They stand straight in front of me, and the others.

  “Mr. Hall, it’s good to see you again. Do you fancy telling us what happened here?” I roll my eyes to the others and nod to them, hoping they understand to follow my lead. I take a quick look around at all the reporters, with their microphones and all their equipment ready to hear this. Once I say all of this, it’s going to be mayhem, but I need them to know it was Sabrina, so I can get her face out in the world and so she can see that they’re coming after her. I say loud and clear

  “It was my ex wife Sabrina.” You can hear everyone’s shock, I don’t let up, I continue to tell them. “Yes, she is my ex wife. When I returned home earlier, she was inside my house. I told her to leave, she then informed me that she had hold of Danni and she was working with Phillip. As you know, he was the one who killed Carl Freed. I went to call the police and she ran off. That’s when these guy’s turned up.” Detective Sam interrupts me.

  “What were they turning up for?”

  “We were going to see if we can find Danni, because none of us want to wait around for you lot because you’re getting nowhere fast!“

  “That’s not down to you though is it? Is that everything?”

  “No! It’s not! Sabrina was also the one who shot Danni and I.”

  “Oh my gosh.” I can hear everyone whisper with all of this information and then turning to their cameras to themselves to let the whole world know.”

  “So why did you and Miss Shaw lie back in the hospital? You both declared that you had no idea who shot you.”

  “Danni didn’t lie; she didn’t know who she was.”

  “But she was your fiancée, why would you keep information like that from her, especially when earlier on in the night, you proposed to her?”

  “That is my personal life, my relationships and what I choose to disclose in them is my business and not yours. “

  “It is if it’s to do with the case.”

  “Me having an ex wife has nothing to do with the case, I just told you who it was. Yes, it happens to be my ex wife who shot us.”

  “The question is then, why did you lie about it?”

  “I never lied, I just withheld information.”

  “Same thing Mr. Hall.” I shake my head at his smug actions.

  “I was ashamed, plus no one knew about her and she disappeared. That’s all.” He turns to Adam.

  “You’re Danni’s brother right? Did you know about any of this? And why are you searching for her, when you and your sister filed a missing persons report?” I glare at Adam to make sure he does not screw up.

  “I didn’t know he had a wife, this is just as shocking to me as it is for you, and I am looking for my sister because you guys are shit at your job.” He smirks at Adam,

  “You’ve got quite a rap Mr. Shaw; I’d watch what you say. You don’t want to end up back inside do you?”

  “You can’t threaten me with that, I’ve done nothing wrong, I said the truth, and what can you do about that?” He turns to Tyler,

  “Mr. Hooper, I’ve not seen you around here in years, your rap is just as bad as your friend here, what are you doing here?”

  “I was visiting my old friend, once I heard about Carl and then Danni disappearing, I came straight up to visit and see if they’re all ok and if they need any help. They’re like family and family need each other in these difficult times.” Detective Sam, takes one more look at all of us, I can tell he’s wary about everything we’ve just said.

  “Why do I get the feeling you’re all withholding information from me?”

  “We’re not detective; we’ve told you everything we know. Will that be it?” I ask,

  “For now, yes. I’ll be in touch and don’t be looking for Miss Shaw, leave it to the professionals.” He nods and walks of, but I can hear him telling his partner. “Something’s not right.”

  “You did well.” Adam says, “You told them near enough everything.”

  “I told you, I won’t put Danni in it. Now this should be all on the news now. Sabrina, and whomever she is working with, should be shitting themselves, which means they are more dangerous now than ever, they will want to hit back. Good news is, they won’t harm Danni any time soon, that’s if she’s alive, they’ll be thinking out the box to attack me. We’ve got some time, let’s get out of here and go somewhere quite to figure out what our next move is.”

  “How are we going to get out of here, it’s full of reporters and police.” Tyler asks,

  “Andrew will help us past the reporters, just don’t look at them or say anything. The police are done with us for now, so we should be alright to leave.”

  “We can’t go to Danni place, we’ll have to head to mine, come on.” As Adam offers his place, Andrew stands next to us all, trying to push us past the paparazzi. They’re all shouting.

  “Mr. Hall, who is your wife? Why has she kidnapped Danni? And why did she shoot you both? What is the secret behind all this? You can’t keep it a secret for long.” I keep my head down and ignore them all and I’m left feeling scared for Danni’s life, now more than ever, no more playing nice, they’ve took everything from me and now it’s my turn to find them and take everything they hold dear.

  *****

  Back at Adams house, were all sat around the lounge and Adam brings us all a glass of whisky in.

  “Whisky, this time?”

  “Dude, its like three and after what has just gone down, we all fucking deserve it.”

  “True! We all need to think about our next step.” I bring the glass to my mouth and take a sip of this fresh cold drink until its all gone. Once it hits my mouth, my taste buds awaken from the bitter taste, I swallow and the burning sensation feels amazing and makes me want more. “Another one please, Adam” I ask,

  “I thought you’d say that, so I brought the whole bottle in. Until we’ve found out what our next move is, we should drink.”

  “Amen to that.” We all say and hold our glasses up and take another swig.

  “So I’m guessing all we can do now is wait for them to put Tyler’s phone back on?” Adam asks,

  “I guess so, but if Sabrina is here, Danni can’t be far.” Tyler guesses.

  “Nah, Danni won’t be here, Sabrina is not that stupid. She must have known we were following her; she wanted us at my house to make a statement. They are playing games with us. They can’t be found. We’ve hit another dead end.” I huff in defeat.

  “Oh, I don’t think so; we’re not giving up on my sister. I’ll go find her myself if you’re out and if you’re out, then you’re just the horrible pathetic jerk, I’ve always known you are.” Adam snaps.

  “Adam!” Tyler snaps,

  “No, he’s right! If I give up now, I am a dickhead and Danni is counting on us all.” Before anyone else can say anything, there is a huge banging coming from the front door.

  “Alright already, I’m coming.” Adam snaps, as he gets to the door and opens it, Darla, Julie and Andi come rushing in.

  “What the fuck guys? You’re all over the fucking news. What happened to keeping this on the quiet? And you didn’t even tell your sister? She comes to visit and she’s clueless about all of this.”

  “She right Jared, why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Julie, I was meant to, I’ve just been wrapped up on it all, where are the kids?”

  “They’re at their dads.”

  “You took them to see that prick?”

  “Jared, he’s there dad, he
deserves to see them, yes he a cheating scumbag, but he still has every right to see them and don’t change the subject.”

  “You’ve left them in a different country from you, what the hell?”

  “Oh, ok, so I should have brought them here, when all this is going down? They had enough of this drama in New York; obviously it’s safer for them back home with their dad.”

  “I thought you were moving over here?”

  “I haven’t made my mind up yet, it’ll be taken them away from their farther, it’s a big decision. Plus, last time I heard, you were back in LA”

  “Do you two mind, can we get back to Danni.” Darla snaps, “You need to get Danni back no matter what it takes, I’ve already lost one of my best friends, I will not lose my last one. Please Jared, Adam and Tyler, you need to do this, I beg. I can’t lose Danni too.” Her eyes start to turn red and fill up with tears and she starts to burst out crying, Julie and Andi console her.”

  “Darla we’re trying everything, they’re always one step ahead of us. We’ll figure it out.” I say.

  “He’s right, Darla! We will find her, I promise. Plus, come on, its Danni, she’s a survivor, she’ll fight through this, that girl has been through hell and she has always come back on top and this is no different. She is and always will be a fighter. She could be in the face of death and she will still be giving them hell, with her quick sarcastic remarks and we all know it. You know where ever she is, she has an angel on her shoulder and that angel will be Carl. Yes, he has passed away, but you know he’s there with her, in sprit, looking over her shoulder. Come on, all gather around.”

  Adam rounds us all up in a circle and carries on making his speech. “Look, I know we’re all worried and feel they’re one step ahead of us, but we will do this. The one thing they don’t have, are the ties that bind us, the ties that makes us family. Yes, I know we are not all blood related, but it is not always blood ties that makes a family, loyalty, love and respect makes a family and the fact that we all come together when its needed, makes us family, just look how we’ve all come together now when Danni needs us. Tyler, my brother from another mother, we’ve not seen each other over in many years, yet here you are. Darla, you’re like my little sister, your sassy attitude towards life completes you. You sent me insane back in the day, with your little crush but that never stopped me from noticing that special spark you’ve always had, and you’ve always been there for Danni and that’s what will always make you one of us. Andi, my darling sister, you’re amazing in every way. You have always known when to rein me in and put me straight when I’ve needed it. Yes, I may have had to practically raise you guys but you where always my rock. I love you girl! And of course Alex, he’s an amazing lad, I’m glad he’s married into our family, as he has made you the happiest woman alive, And even though Alex can’t be here, I know he is behind us every step of the way. Julie, although your brother is a douche, you’re amazing and you also remind me of myself, you’re my girl now and that includes you into our family and your darling children. Jared, suppose you’re alright, my sister loves you, so I’ve got to put up with you, if I like it or not, you’re family. And Andrew, well I’ll say you’re family because I don’t fancy getting a right hook with the size of those arms.” We also have one very special person who is always with us, maybe not in body, but always in spirit, Carl , taken from us way too soon. So shall we all get or asses into gear and go bring Danni home, back where she belongs.” We all move together and form a great big circle of love, hugging each other tightly. As we all hold each other, Adam looks up and says, “Hang on peanut, we’re coming to find you, they chose the wrong family to mess with when they chose to take you, just hold on to the knowledge that where coming. We stay holding on to each other ready to take on anything that is coming our way and for the first time since Danni was taken from us, I believe and have faith that we will bring her home.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Danni

  I open my eyes, my sight is blurred and my head is spinning and fucking killing. What the hell has happened? Where the hell I’m I? I try to move my arms, but I can’t, there over my head and as I look up they’re handcuffed to a metal bed frame. I start to panic, oh no, what have they done to me? I start to wriggle and pull at my hands but it is useless, my breathing is rapid and my heart is pounding.

  “Help me!” I shout, but no one hears me. I’m trying to rattle my brain to see what I remember last, but it’s all scrambled. I remember Phillip and Sabrina and me trying to run, then some dude stopping me. What happened after then? It’s all a jumble. I shout again. “Someone help me.” I get nothing.

  “Please stop the shouting, no one can hear you.” I jump at someone’s voice. I look around the room its dark, so I cannot make out much. I’d have thought this place would smell of dirt, but it’s actually quite clean.

  “Who’s there?”

  “You’ve forgot already? You’re really not the brightest are you?” Just has he says, he switches the light on so I can see him clearer. Shockingly, this place looks decent, a dresser, wardrobe, bed a carpet. I’m confused, surely if someone kidnaps you, I should be in a dirty old basement or something?

  “Oh, you’re the dude who stopped me from running, if you wanted to handcuff me to the bed, all you had to do was ask.” I smirk.

  “Cute!” He starts walking towards and starts to unbutton his jacket, and flings it to the floor. Then he sits at the end of the bed, “You’re such a smart ass, I don’t get it, anyone else in this situation would be crying and begging to be set free and praying for their life, but you, you’re mouthy and seem to not give a flying fuck. It interests me. Why is that?” I roll my eyes his way.

  “I’m not most people and I don’t give a flying fuck, beat me, kill me, whatever, but I’ll never give you the satisfaction of witnessing my fear, why would I give you the pleasure of seeing any of that? I can hack getting beats, it wouldn’t be the first time, which obviously you already know and if you kill me, then I’ll be able to see Carl again, so either way I’m a happy chap. Now hurry up and get this over with whatever you have planned for me. You don’t scare me.” I say that hoping he believes everything I say, because deep down I am freaking out, my heart seems to be beating louder through the fear but I cannot show him this.

  “I don’t scare you?” I nod no and right before my eyes, he turns around, and jumps on top of me and grips my throat. He doesn’t take his eyes away from mine. He brings his face closer towards mine and with his free hand; he starts to stroll from my side, all the way to my hips, across my thigh and grips it tightly. He then presses his lips on my cheekbone. At this point, I am trying to struggle away but I can’t move and he whispers in my ear. “You should be scared; you have no idea what I am capable of and what I’m going to do to you.” I cringe at the many scenarios going through my head right now, of what he could to me and I stiffen my whole body. I try to speak but his grip is too tight. “Oh, sorry! You cannot speak can you? He then loosens his grip and I let out a sigh or relieved to be able to breathe. He still doesn’t get of me and uses his other hand and strokes his fingers between my cleavage that is on show. Why did I wear a dress?

  “You’re sick, get the fuck of me.” He suddenly slams his hands next to me on each side of my face. I jump not expecting it and the grin on his face shows the enjoyment he gets inflicting the fear on me. I stare him straight in the eyes. “Go on then, what are you waiting for?” He looks dumbfounded. Therefore, I say it again. “Come on, why wait, you’ve got me where you want me. You’ve done everything in your power to make my life fucking hell, you even killed my best mate, so whatever you’re going to do, fucking do it, you fucking piece of shit. Come on!” I shout, trying to keep my tears from flaring up. Still looking in his eyes and for that slight moment, I realize he’s not going to do anything; I see remorse spark from them. “If you’re not going to do anything, then why the hell am I here?” I repeat myself and the remorse I seen just a second ago, has disappeared and all I
see is a dark soul staring back at me, and randomly he forcers the back of his hand across my face. The impact of his smack sends my face flying to the side and my face starts to burn with the force of his hand. That stung but I manage to keep my tears at bay.

  “Don’t get to cocky love, in due time.” He gets up of me.

  “Is that all you’ve got? Dillon was more frightful then that, you amateur.”

  “Dillon was a worthless, idiotic prick, who was way over his head.”

  “And you’re not?”

  “Danni, you have no idea who I am, or what has gone on in my life. All you need to know is, your lover boy fucked me over big time and he needs to pay. Unfortunately, you’re in the crossfire and the key to his happiness is you, and your heartbreak and everything we’re going to do will crumble him. It’s just how it is.”

  “So you’re not going to beat me or rape me or anything?”

  “I’m not a rapist Danni, and I’m not going to beat you black and blue. Yes, a slap here and there is an attempt to frighten you.”

  “Dillon made out your where some bad ass bastard, are you trying to say you’re not?” He sits on the armchair and folds his arms.

  “I am! Anyone else would be on the floor right now.”

  “Then why aren’t I?”

  “I promised Phillip I wouldn’t and for some reason I just can’t and it’s pissing me off. Sabrina is the one with the problem with you, as she hates you, as much as she hates Jared. Mine, is mainly all about Jared and I will do anything to see him fall. So no, I’m not going to kill you or rape you, I just need to make him think that just until our plan falls in place.” Before he could say anything else, the door slams open and in storms Sabrina and she glares right at me.

  “Hello darling, how are you feeling? Never mind, I don’t really care.”

  “Fuck you, you crabby cow.” She winks at me and pouts her lips; I’m so going to kill her. She turns around to the guy, which I really want to know a name. I listen into their conversation.