“You're absolutely right! I’m fine. Thank you so much for the party. It was fun and unexpected. You were absolutely right. It was just what we needed.”He smiled at her words and pulled her into his arms. She didn’t know how she felt about the gesture. “Are you lying to me?” His tone was light, but she knew by the question it could turn dark... quick.“No darling. I’m not. I have had so much fun. It’s just…”“What?” He seemed like he was waiting for the shoe to drop.“The baby drains my energy and makes me so tired.”He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. 

They arrived at Nick’s home and she was impressed. She had never been here or even knew he could afford something like this. She thought he stayed in the cabin in the mountains. The sleek, minimalistic decor he had chose for his home was a contrasting difference from the cabin in the woods theme, they had shared, as well as the tents and yurts they had inhabited for the last few months. She found herself admiring the all glass pillars that sat on each side of the front door. She was impressed by his versatility and style, but all she wanted to do was be held by him and made love to until she forgot about her problems. Then she would tell him about the baby, but that didn’t happen. He gave her a quick little tour and showed her where his bedroom and the bathroom was. He promised her she was safe and then he left. It was dawn when he finally made it ba

He was running on very little sleep with her promise running thru his brain on repeat. She wanted an end to her husband’s control and abuse. He circled the property, then drove to the location  he had asked the detective to meet him at. He opened the console in the car to see his beretta gun on top of his papers. He always carried a weapon.  He could handle himself without one, but that was his preference. He took it out and put it in the black holster he wore situated on his lower back. He put his black leather jacket on carefully as well. Five minutes later he arrived at his destination. He utilized the back entrance of the abandoned construction site to make sure he hadn’t been ambushed. He was glad he hadn’t been. He saw the detective’s unmarked vehicle it was parked twenty feet in front of the old 1920’s style buil

“Why the hell not?” Nick asked. Who would stop him? “Because there are over a hundred guests and you would be compromising her safety as well as the safety of the guests. You have to wait until after this party.” There was a long pause. “I will help you. That is, if you let me.” The Detective promised.Nick was wary to say the least.“I  still need to see her.” He sounded defeated.“I think I can arrange that.” Pete agreed.“You know, I’ve been talking to a Detective and he said he could help us if we have evidence.”

That Night :11:15 p.m. The sun had gone down hours ago. Elayna was on her eighth news channel outlet but still, there was no word about her escape last night. Something was wrong. Whatever it was, she hoped she was strong enough to endure. She knew Nick would be there by her side protecting her and their baby. She put her hand to her abdomen and said a silent prayer of protection for her child. Just when she finished Nick came into the living room. He was dressed similarly to the night she had left her husband’s home. “Where are you going?” She asked. A slight smile on her face.“I’m going to go meet detective Lawrence. I shouldn’t be long, an hour tops.”She wrapped her arms around herself.