Chapter Four-Hundred-Forty-Five
By the time Nick had found Dakota and Sarah, gone upstairs with them so they could put their shoes and hoodies on and he could get the baby sling and had come back down Drew and Raul were there in the lobby getting filled in on the plans.
“Where will we put the kids if this should happen?” Drew wanted to know.
“Our safe bet would be in the auditorium,” Brooke answered. “There aren’t any windows in there and it’s the biggest room in the building that would fit everyone.”
“What’s going on?” Dakota immediately wanted to know. “Why would we all need to goes in the auditorium?”
“Well, for a giant slumber party of course” Nick answered casually and he gathered his daughter in his arms while Angel has Bella now. “Wouldn’t that be fun?” Dakota smiled at him in response though something inside her told her that something bigger was going on around here and she was once again being lied to for her own good. Nick kissed her cheek affectionately and reached down and gathered Sarah into his arms as well before looking at Q and Drew.
“Can we go now? We need to hurry and get everything before the Slumber Party gets here.”
“Mhm,” Q answered and Nick turned his attention on Laney.
“I told Aaron you would be keeping an eye on him until Q got back is that okay?”
“Yup,” Laney nodded and Nick began to follow Q and Drew toward the door with Angel at his side carrying Bella.
“Where is my Ashee?” They heard Dakota ask and everybody exchanged glances when they heard the worry dripping off the edge of her voice.
“She’s a bright kid, we aren’t going to get her to fully believe the Slumber Party story” AJ warned when Nick was all the way outside and the door was closed.
“Yeah, none of the kids are going to believe it for long especially when the storm starts up. Which is why we really need to work on making it less scary for them…Howie why don’t you and Lindsey go round up other caregivers and let them know what’s going on? And everybody else, you know what your jobs are. I’m going to go track down Jaime and Peyton from wherever they are and drag their butts down here.”
“I’ll give you a hint – Peyton and Brandon locked themselves in Brandon’s art room about an hour ago,” Doctor Johnson spoke up and Brooke shuddered.
“Yeah…I’ll just go get Jaime first,” she replied, and then grinned mischievously. “I have a feeling I know where he might be and I want to catch him in the act,” She announced and then walked off to find her brother. Brian pulled his cell phone from his pocket and he walked off too before turning it on and calling Riley and telling her about the situation so that she will bring the boys and gang. They’re in the worst possible place right now when it comes to hurricanes. Kevin took Kristin’s hand and went to the playroom so they can lend Kori and Scott a few extra hands with all of the kids they left them with. When they got in there, Ellie who had been arguing with Kori about something whipped her head around to look and relief washed over her face upon seeing her daddy and Kristin walk through the door.
“What’s going on?” Kevin asked suspiciously when he realized he’d just walked in on something and Ellie darted for him.
“Daddy!” She exclaimed before throwing her arms about him and hugging him with all her might. Kevin returned her hug while gently rubbing his hand over her back and he looked at Kori curiously.
“She got a bit worried when she noticed yours and Kristin’s absence. She wanted to go looking for you but I wouldn’t let her. I told her that you would be right back and it would be best if she stayed here and she wasn’t too happy about that.” Kevin pulled back from Ellie’s hug slightly and gently took her hands into his before looking into her eyes.
“Princess the rest of the grownups and I are working on something very important right now so I may have to leave you with Kori or some other adult that you know again so that I can help out in any way that I can. I need you to cooperate for me all right? It’s very important.”
“What’s going on?” Ellie wanted to know immediately when she picked up on the stress in Kevin’s eyes. Kevin looked at her for a couple of moments as he struggled for something to tell her. He doesn’t want to lie to her, but he doesn’t want to frighten her either. When Kristin realized that he wasn’t coming up with anything, she knelt down beside him.
“Your daddy, the rest of the grownups and I, are organizing a giant slumber party for the whole Orphanage in the auditorium” she told her, making sure to emphasize how exciting this is. Ellie picked up on her excitement and Kevin felt the fear slip away from her as she loosened her hold on him slightly.
“Really?” she asked her whole face lighting up with excitement.
“Really. We’re going to bring pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags in there Nick, Dakota, and Sarah are all out buying food and other things that we will need for two days, and us grownups are all putting our heads together to come up with some fun games for all of you to play. It will be fun – almost like camping, but in doors.” Ellie gaped in excitement at hearing all of this and Kristin gently rubbed her hand over her arm. “So you need to cooperate and stick to whatever grownup is watching you at the time so that we grownups can do all that we need to do to make this happen okay?” Ellie nodded eagerly and then turned her gaze on Kevin who sat there quietly looking grateful that Kristin had come to his rescue.
“Daddy I want Uncle Jerry he is missing out on all of the fun. Where is he?”
“He’s out with Hope,” Kevin answered gently and he managed to hide the fear for his brother in his eyes as he has no idea exactly where he’d gone off to since he kind of just left without so much as a goodbye. “But I’m about to call him up and tell him to get his butt back here because his niece demands it. Okay?”
“Kay,” Ellie nodded. “Daddy takes care of it” She agreed and with one look into her eyes he can see that she really does believe that. Kevin leaned forward and kissed her cheek affectionately. “Go on over and play okay? Daddy will be right here – I’ll tell you if otherwise.” Ellie nodded and then ran over and joined the big game of Duck, Duck Goose that Scott was conducting with all of the kids in the playroom. Kevin turned his attention on Kristin then as the two of them were still in the squatting position and he slid his arms around her waist before gently pushing her backward and falling onto her making her squeal and giggle as she wound her arms around his neck. He rested his forehead against hers and smiled at her playfully before brushing his lips lightly over hers.
“Thank you,” he told her between kisses.
“For what?”
“For being you,” he answered simply and she smiled up at him as her insides melt. “If you stick around I have a feeling you and I would make a pretty great team.”
“Me too,” Kristin told him softly and she brought her hand up and tangled it gently in his hair before pushing his lips down on hers and claiming them for her very own. They heard a tiny squeal of excitement over by the kids and Kevin smiled against Kristin’s lips but otherwise didn’t pull back from them knowing full well that it’s Ellie, watching them.
~*~*~*~*~
“So you promise me you will read each and every one of those books Ryan?” Ashley wanted to know as she sat in the passenger’s seat of Marcus’s car with Ryan in the back and Marcus was driving them to Baskin Robins.
“I promise,” Ryan confirmed. “I’m anxious to read The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin first.”
“I thought you might be,” Ashley smiled. “I want you to tell me what you think of them afterward all right?”
“Kay,” Ryan replied happily and while he sat there looking at the pile of books in his lap yearning to just curl up somewhere and dive right in Ashley allowed herself to gaze out the window at the trees that were beginning to blow very hard. She glanced at Marcus who just happened to be watching her every move with a careful look on his face and he reached over and gently took her hand into his in attempt to reassure her. He hadn’t told her about the weather report but he’s sure she’s figured it out on her own anyway.
“So Ryan,” he began when he saw that they were just about coming up to the turn to the Baskin Robins 31 Flavors parking lot.
“It’s completely up to you buddy since it’s your night, but I was thinking we could just go in and get our ice cream and eat it on our way back to the Orphanage…what do you think?”
“We had a really nice dinner buddy,” Ashley added. “And a very lengthy conversation over books and other things and I don’t know about you but I enjoyed myself. I think ice cream on the way home will be perfect and then end a perfect date with a board game or something…what do you think?”
“Okay,” Ryan agreed with a small smile on his face. Nothing could ruin his good mood.
“Okay cool,” Ashley replied and she squeezed Marcus’s hand as she still held onto it. It’s calming her nerves right now and she has no intention of letting it go unless necessary. Marcus pulled into the parking lot and the three of them got out of the car and went into Baskin Robins, Ashley taking hold of Ryan’s hand again just because she enjoys how much it makes him smile.
~*~*~*~*~
“Daddy,” Dakota spoke up as Nick carried her and Bella around the store.
“Yeah honey?” Nick asked while glancing back to check on Angel who was right behind him pushing the cart that held the items he’s already grabbed and put in, and Sarah who lay outstretched in the back quite comfortably. Q and Drew were right behind her keeping a protective watch on everybody.
“May I get’s gummy bears, please?”
“Yes you may,” Nick answered right off knowing he’s going to regret giving her sugar but she has a scary couple of days ahead of her so she deserves to have a treat of some sort.
“Sarah, what kind of candy would you like sweetheart?” he asked while turning into the candy isle and he glanced back at his daughter and sister.
“Peanut Butter Cups,” She answered and Nick grabbed a couple of bags of gummy bears – one for Dakota and another for Ashley, a bag of Peanut Butter Cups, and he dropped them in the cart before getting a few different varieties of stuff that the whole Orphanage might enjoy.
“Don’t forget Ellie’s Kit-Kat’s daddy,” Dakota reminded softly. Nick grabbed those and Laila’s M&M’s too. When he was well stalked up on Candy he continued on his way after making sure his sister is following him. After a few moments Nick gently put Dakota in the cart with Sarah.
“Here baby, why don’t you sit in the cart for a bit okay? Daddy needs to make a phone call. Take your sister too,” he added unthinkingly and he lifted Bella out of her sling and handed her to Dakota who was looking up at him with surprise. Nick opened his cell phone and hit the number 2 Speed Dial and he turned and walked off as Angel followed with the cart. Dakota looked at Q with an arched eyebrow and he chuckled softly.
“I don’t think he even realizes he said it honey,” he told her quietly.
“Why did he say it though?” Dakota asked while gazing down at the baby who she was cradling very carefully in her arms and Q shrugged his shoulders and looked at the four year old he loves very carefully.
“He has a lot on his mind honey. What with this…Slumber Party we’re planning for the lot of you, the whole Sean situation, and, well, maybe he’s starting to think of Bella as his…are you okay with that?” Dakota gazed down at the baby in her arms just thinking about that. She has gotten pretty used to having a crazy sister to share everything with…and well, she would be lying if she said she didn’t think of Bella as one too. Just…a lot smaller, cuter, and not as annoying as the other. Except for when she gets in her tantrum mode. But that only ever really happens when Ashley leaves.
“Yeah, she’ll do” She answered in what she hoped was a nonchalant tone of voice but everybody could hear the hidden adoration in it.
“I already picked Ashee as my mommy it only makes sense right?” She asked, but then leaned down and kissed Bella’s forehead softly. Sarah rolled her eyes playfully.
“Well I am glad that Bella is going to get the warm welcome that I wasn’t fortunate enough to have” She teased.
“Hey I gave you a warm welcome…eventually.”
“Oh yeah,” Sarah laughed. “After puzzles were thrown at me, being left out of everything, harsh words being said, and many crayon fights later.” Dakota gazed at her guiltily for a moment and then gently sat Bella down so she was sitting up playing with her toys. Dakota got up on her knees then and leaned forward and hugged Sarah before giving her a slobbery kiss on her cheek. Sarah grimaced but hugged her back nonetheless.
“I was an only child when you came along give me a break.”
“Well, still” Sarah replied. “I’m glad Bella doesn’t have to go through what I did.” Everybody followed Nick through the store as he talked quietly to Marcus and then Ashley on the phone. After a few moments, Q spoke up.
“Hey Drew…why don’t we get a couple of magazines to read? We’ve read all the ones we have.” When the security guard didn’t reply Q spoke again. “Drew?” He turned and looked at him to see what he is up to and when he did he found his partner and friend standing there with a look of sheer pain on his face and he was frozen where he stood a little ways back.
“Drew what the hell?” He asked and he really looked him over and suddenly saw a red stain in his white shirt – he’d been shot in the shoulder. His eyes bulged. “DREW!!!!” he shouted and dove toward his best friend, catching him just as he collapsed in his arms. Just then while Q was distracted by Drew they heard screaming and Q whipped his head around to see Sean had grabbed Angel. Nick dropped the phone in his hand sending it clattering to the ground and whirled around at the sound of his baby sister’s screams just on time to see her in the arms of the one man he’d been trying to protect her from.
“LET HER GO!” he demanded and started toward him but Sean was quick to place a gun to her head.
“Come any closer and I’ll kill her!” Nick stopped short in his steps as did Q who had gently laid Drew down after pulling off his shirt and telling him to apply pressure to his shoulder before getting up to get Angel. They both stared at Angel helplessly as she stared back at Nick pleadingly. They know one wrong move could be the cause of her death but god they want to help – they so desperately want to help her that it hurts.
“Nick help me!” she sobbed.
“Shut up!” Sean ordered and he whacked her upside the head with his gun making her cry harder and Nick jerked forward causing Sean to place the gun to her head once again threateningly causing him to stop again as tears flooded his eyes.
“Please let her go! She didn’t do anything to you!” He pleaded.
“Shut up!” Sean said again but directed at Nick this time. “I’m leaving with her now big brother, and you aren’t going to do a single thing about it but watch otherwise I’ll blow her brains out” he explained simply. “Do you understand?” Nick said nothing as he stood there frozen in his spot and feared for Angel’s life and while Sean turned with her and ran out of the store with her shrieking and crying for Nick to help her, Trevor who had been the one to shoot Drew and distract Q in the process stood there holding their guns on them if they should run after his lover. When Sean had made it completely out of the store, Trevor ran after him. Nick started to run after them but Q grabbed onto him.
“Nick no stop!”
“I have to go after him!!! I have to!!! He has my baby sister Q!!!”
“And he has a gun to her head on top of that! You could make it worse for her by going after her!”
“I could make it worse for her by NOT going after her!!!” Nick demanded while struggling to break free from Q’s grasp.
“We’ll find her okay? We’ll get her back I promise you! Even if I have to hunt that bastard down myself but right now we need to get Drew to Ramsey to be taken care of and we need to take care of the kids!” Q insisted becoming aware of Dakota and Bella crying and Sarah sitting there watching the whole thing with a fearful look in her eyes but trying to stay brave for the younger ones. Nick went limp in Q’s arms and sobbed and Drew got to his feet the best he could while keeping his shirt pressed to his arm. Q looked at him startled as he stood there holding Nick.
“Drew! What are you doing you shouldn’t be up! We’ll call an ambulance!”
“I’m fine,” Drew insisted. “It’s just my shoulder I can handle it.”
“Yes but you could make it worse by moving,” Q insisted and with one arm around Nick he took his other hand and grabbed Drew and helped him sit back down on the ground. “Lie back – don’t move! Will somebody help me please?” He asked looking around at all of the other shoppers and store employees who stood frozen in their spot and stared at the scene before them worriedly. “I’m going to need an ambulance.”
“One is on its way I called it” another man spoke up.
“Thank you,” Q replied gratefully. “We have kids to comfort, a man who just lost his sister, and groceries to bag and pay for. I can’t do it all on my own here.”
“I’ll take care of your groceries another woman replied and she approached them and Nick gently took Dakota out of the cart and hugged her close to him while Q got the other two and he watched as the woman pushed their cart toward a check out desk and a store employee began to help her bag them. While that was being taken care of Q concentrated on getting Bella to stop crying and making sure Sarah is okay while Nick who had stopped crying for the most part just clung to Dakota who was bawling. It had been her aunt that she just watched get kidnapped – by the one man who haunts her night terrors. While this was going on, with one hand Drew miraculously pulled out his cell phone and called Detective Stabler.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Here's the next chapter
Enjoy =)
Enjoy =)
