Hey guys, here's the next chapter for you. Hope you enjoy :)
Never before had the angels worked so hard to reach the same goal. Each angel was either on the phone, or looking through Leilani's diaries, trying to find something or someone who knew where she could be. Kris' contact had made as many phone calls as they could, and now the majority of the LAPD and SFPD were looking for Leilani and the twins. Jill had many contacts within the racing scene, and they were on the lookout, along with the Boston PD, and Kelly and Sabrina's contacts. It was surprising though, that no one had any information on her whereabouts. Short of crossing the Mexican border, the angels really didn't know where else to look. Each angel had come to the same conclusion the day before. Leilani was good at keeping herself hidden, but she wasn't that good; she must be getting help from someone. The list of possibilities was endless, especially with Leilani's knowledge in French, but the young girl had never left the state, and so, knowing Leilani how they did, they realised that she was still in California, somewhere. Peter had tried to be very reassuring, but Kris failed to be reassured. As long as her child and grandchildren were out there, somewhere, it was her job to worry about them, especially as the twins were so young, and Leilani hadn't really looked after them by herself.
"Kris, honey" Peter said, walking towards his pacing wife. The look on his face was laced with more than just worry, but impending pain, and not of the physical kind. She turned, to face him, hearing something in his voce, the tone in which he addressed her. "I know that this isn't the best of times, but there's something I need to tell you" He said, taking her hands in his and guiding her towards the vacant sofa. She stared into his eyes for a moment, before deciding that she didn't like what she saw.
"No… whatever it is, you can't do it" She told him, for any normal person, that would have left no room for discussion, but Peter felt particularly brave, and passionate about what he was about to commit to.
"Honey… Kris, I need to. They need a medic, and I'm the only person with enough field experience to do it" He told her. She pulled her hands out of his grasp and stood up, sharply, attracting Jill's and Kelly's attention.
"You're not seriously telling me that now, of all times, you're going to Iraq" She said, positively fuming. Peter stood up in front of her and put his hands on her shoulders. She shook it off and moved away from him. He followed.
"Kris, come on honey, you know if I could I'd stay I would, but they need me. What am I supposed to do, say no just because your perfectly capable 19 year old daughter has decided that she needs some time to think, alone. She'll be back, I know it, you know it. God Kris, we've only been married for about 4 months, but there's only so much I can take of this. You need to stop worrying about her and get on with your life, she'll be back when she's ready. I'm going home to pack, my flight leaves at 7 tonight, I'll call you everyday" He told her, before walking out, leaving her stunned. Jill put a comforting hand on her shoulder, but she shook that off too, and walked to the other side of the office, away from everyone. Peter was so right, Leilani was perfectly capable of looking after herself, and her children. Why had she spent so much time worried about them when there really was no need. She stopped a tear from trickling all of the way down her face, before standing up and facing the team.
"He's wrong" She said, looking mainly at Jill, but addressing the whole team "While she's still out there I'm going to keep looking. She may be capable, but she's never done this before. I know my daughter and she should have called… she would have called. Something's not right, and I'm not stopping until I find her. You guys don't have to help me" She said, not breaking eye contact with her sister.
"Yes we do" Jill said, stepping towards her " Because she is our family too" She told her little sister, before pulling her into a hug, holding her as she wept, uncontrollably. If it weren't for Jill's strong arms encasing her, the younger Munroe would have surely fallen by now.
The angels left the office at 5, Kris wanted to be at home when Peter left. No matter how wrong he was, he was still her husband, and she needed to be there, to reassure him that when he came back, and that he definitely had to come back, she would be there for him, hopefully along with Leilani and the twins. Jill understood that Kris and Peter needed time alone, so she dropped her sister off at home, before driving around, seeing if she could see her niece's car in any parking lots, or outside any hotels. The beauty of Leilani having her car was that, even if she took the tracker out, she had a very distinctive car. The angels themselves had been to every hotel in California, handing out photo's of both Leilani and the twins, and numbers to contact each angel on in case they showed up, so Jill decided to check out the very many motels in California.
"Come on Leilani, where are you?" She asked, more to herself than anyone else, as she was encased totally in her car. She frowned to herself, knowing that she couldn't possibly receive an answer. She knew she was in for a long night, she hoped to check out a fair few hotels before she was too tired to drive. She pulled into the parking lot of the first Motel she came to, withdrew Leilani's and the twin's photos out of her glove box and exited her vehicle, making her way towards the reception.
Kris sat on her sofa, watching as Peter rushed around packing anything and everything into his suitcase, totally unsure of what he needed to take, but not wanting to be caught without something he really should have thought to take. He knew Kris was there, but he wanted to get packed before he faced her wrath, knowing that it could go on for a long time. He had already started packing before Jill had dropped Kris off home, so he was now placing the last few items into his suitcase, before pulling up the zipper, sealing his items inside. He looked around, making sure he had everything, before walking over to the occupied sofa, and sat down next to his wife, placing a loving hand on her knee, willing her to start the barrage of curses and violence he was so sure she was going to unleash. He was pleasantly surprised, however, when the only words that came out of her mouth were:
"You're right"
He looked, not sure whether or not he had imagined his wife's confession. She looked up at him, emotion filled ocean eyes rested on his, before she dared continue.
"I know that I've been so concentrated on finding Leilani that I haven't really been fair to you. I know that she can look after herself, and it's not that I don't trust her, but this isn't like her. I know my daughter, and that's why I'm being like this, because I know that she wouldn't just leave" She told him, placing her hand on top of his. He smiled at her, happy that she was finally opening up to him about Leilani being gone.
"I know honey, and I want to find her too, but you have to believe that she is doing this for all of the right reasons instead of for the wrong ones. I know Leilani too, maybe not as much as you or Jill, but I know her, and I know that she'd do anything to keep you guys safe, even if it meant hurting you like this" Peter told her, noticing how she nodded her head in agreement.
"I know Peter, and that's what's making me worry even more. Also the fact that she took the twins with her, when she knew that there was danger lurking makes me more than a bit uncomfortable. I just need to know that she's safe, I need her home" She told him, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Peter placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, before responding.
"I know honey, but I have absolute faith in your ability to find her, safe and sound. I'm sorry that I have to go, I wish that I could stay, but they need me"
"I know, what kind of a wife would I be if I kept you from doing something that you really wanted to do, just be safe" She told him. She looked down at her watch, and noticed that it was only 5:40. He wasn't being picked up until 7, so she was a bit confused as to why their conversation was finishing, but a mischievous look in his eye told her all that she needed to know.
"Just one more time before I go?" He half asked, half encouraged. Knowing exactly what he was talking about, and knowing that Jill wasn't going to be back from her escapades for a while yet, she sat on her husband's lap, and kissed him passionately, allowing his hands to roam, before articles of clothing were removed, and extra curricular activities began.
Jill drove from motel to motel, only managing to visit about 10 before the light began diminishing, and her energy levels began dwindling. She decided to head home, but not before picking up her and Kris' favourite meal. She glanced at her watch, taking note of the time, before proceeding towards her destination. She had a feeling that Peter would be leaving by the time she got home, so she sped up just a little, hoping to catch him before it was too late. She pulled up outside the beach house, and the first thing she saw was a black Hummer, surrounded by 3 army personnel. Kris was standing at the front door, one step above Peter, so that they were eye level. Tears were streaming down her face, as she looked over the face of her husband, taking it in, storing it to memory in case the worst happens.
"Kris, honey, I have to go now" He told her, placing a hand on the side of her face. She nodded, before moving forwards and capturing his lips in a desperate kiss. Peter withdrew after a few seconds and proceeded down the steps, to the car waiting at the bottom. He saw Jill standing next to her car, and waved at her, receiving a small wave in return. He turned to face Kris again, smiling at her with tears in his eyes.
"You make sure you come home" She told him, wiping furiously at her face, effectively drying her tears.
"Yes ma'am" He told her, giving her a mock salute "I love you" He told her, before getting into the car. The army personnel got in after him, and the black Hummer, holding her husband drove off into the distance.
"Love you too" She whispered at the retreating vehicle. Jill walked up the steps and led her sister inside.
"Are you ok?" She asked the younger Munroe, knowing how stupid the question sounded, but needing to ask it anyways. Kris nodded, before resting her eyes on the brown bag that Jill held in her hand.
"Food?" Kris asked, Jill nodded at her. Kris took the bag off her and led her sister to the sofa "How did the search go?" She asked, wanting to take her mind off her husbands departure.
"I managed to get about 10 motels out of the way. As soon as I wake up I'm going to head out again" Jill told her, taking a box out of the bag and opening it on the table.
"Good, I think I'll join you" Kris told her, handing her a pair of chopsticks out of the bag. Jill smiled in appreciation before the two sisters ate in silence. Jill cleared up as Kris made some drinks, before they both sat back on the couch. It wasn't too late, but both angels were exhausted, their inability to stop yawning proved that.
"Are you going to be ok tonight, or do you want me to keep you company?" Jill asked Kris, knowing that she was struggling with everything that happened.
"Do you mind?" Kris asked her older sister, answering the question without actually answering it.
"Of course I don't honey. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind a bit of company myself" Jill smiled to her little sister. Kris smiled back, before getting up and dragging Jill towards her bedroom. Jill lay on the bed, Kris' head was on her chest, running her hand through her sister's blonde hair, sending them both to a surprisingly peaceful sleep.
Kris awoke to an otherwise empty bed. She blinked back a few tears, remembering that Peter had gone, but she knew that he would fight to come home to her and Leilani, feeling some comfort from that fact, she got out of bed, and headed towards the kitchen to make herself some coffee. When she got to the kitchen, however, there was already one waiting for her. She smiled, knowing how thoughtful Jill was, before picking up the mug and sipping her highly caffeinated drink. Jill emerged from the bathroom fully dressed, and smiled at her sister.
"Morning sunshine, how are you this morning?" She asked, walking over and kissing Kris on the head.
"I'm ok, a bit excited about going out with you today to find Leilani" She told Jill. Jill nodded.
"Well, in that case, hurry up little lady, I want to get out as soon as possible" Jill told her, smiling, as Kris placed her now empty mug in the sink and walked into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. She emerged 10 minutes later, fully dressed, before brushing her teeth, and following Jill out to the car.
"I figure we'll take the motels on the east side this morning, then make our way back round. There are more motels on the east side, and as it's only 8 in the morning, I'm hoping that there aren't going to be too many cars around. What do you think?" Jill asked Kris.
"Sounds good, lets go" She told Jill, who nodded before setting off. They engaged in small talk, between each motel, trying to keep their spirits high as they continued to come up with nothing. Leilani really was good at hiding herself. They were only about half an hour drive from the beach house, but they had covered, between them, quite a few motels, and in only an hour. Had they been deep in conversation, they probably would have missed one of the things they were looking for; a white 1976 Ford Mustang cobra II with a blue racing stripe down the middle. It was definitely Leilani's car. Jill pulled in the car lot next to it, and got out, grabbing the photos as she did. Both she and Kris walked to reception and showed the man behind the counter. He nodded and gave them a room key, after seeing that Kris really wasn't going anywhere until she was given that key.
"This is it, are you ready?" Jill asked her, as they came to the room where Leilani was.
"As ready as I'll ever be" Kris told her, as she put the key in the door, and turned it. She looked up at Jill before opening the door and walking inside, Jill right behind her. The twins were fast asleep in identical cribs next to the door. They looked perfectly healthy, which was something the older Munroes were worried about. They looked further into the room and saw Leilani asleep on the bed, a man was asleep next to her, his arm placed precariously across her chest. Kris looked up at Jill, before clearing her throat, making her presence known. Leilani shot up in bed, pulling a gun from beneath her pillow, aiming it at the 'intruders'
"Easy Lani, it's only us" Jill said, holding her hands up in surrender. Leilani sighed, before putting her gun away. She climbed slowly out of bed, careful not to wake her partner, before checking on the twins.
"What are y'all doing here?" She asked them. The older Munroes looked surprised for a moment, before Leilani continued "Didn't you read the letters?"
"Yeah we read them" Kris said, annoyed at her daughter's excuse "But I don't understand why you left"
"I told you, I needed time" Leilani told them, picking Charlie up, who had just woken up. She saw Jill looking at him, so she decided to pass him to her, making her smile.
"I know you Leilani, and that wasn't you. Do you realise how worried we have been? we haven't stopped looking since you left" Kris told her, making her annoyance known.
" I did it for you. Do you think I wanted to leave, I was happy at home with all of you, but something happened and I had to leave, for your safety as well as for Farrah's and Charlie's" Leilani told her, making her own annoyance known. Farrah whimpered at her mother's tone, before letting out a loud wail. Leilani picked her up straight away, and rocked her, soothing her almost immediately. Kris couldn't help but smile as Leilani lifted up Farrah's top and traced gentle circles on Farrah's exposed stomach. Farrah smiled up at her mom, who smiled lovingly back at her daughter.
"We can help you" Jill told her "Whatever trouble you're in, we can help"
"I'm not in any trouble, it's nothing like that, but I can't tell you, because if I do they'll kill you" Leilani told them. She looked between her aunt and mom, watching their reactions.
"Honey, we've faced death threats before, and look, we're still here. What makes you think we can't face this?" Kris asked her daughter. Leilani handed Farrah to her eager grandmother before answering.
"Because we have seen this person kill someone else and not even flinch. Mom, this guy is dangerous, and I don't know if we will all survive" She told her mom truthfully.
"You can't deal with this alone, come home and we'll face this together" Kris told her, pleading. Leilani looked unsure, and both older Munroes saw this.
"There isn't anything we can't do when we're together" Jill told her "We're Munroes, we can do anything if we put our minds to it" Leilani looked at her sleeping friend, then her twins before looking back at her parents, Kris and Jill, before nodding, gently.
"Who was it?" Kris asked, placing Farrah back into her crib, before moving round the room, packing Leilani's and the twins clothing up into a suitcase she saw at the foot of the bed.
"The French guy, his name is Pierre Moreaux, he sent me a letter, the same day you got back off your honeymoon, telling me that because of us he is wanted by the police. His warehouses have been closed, his businesses shut down and his drugs confiscated. He told me that if I carried on living with you he was going to kill you, and dad and Jill. I just couldn't risk it, I had to leave" Leilani told her, helping her pack everything into the suicase.
"Ok then, now we know his name we'll get Charlie to run it, hopefully we'll be able to find him before he gets to us" Kris told her.
"Erm, Leilani, who's your friend?" Jill asked referring to the man still sleeping in the bed. Leilani blushed for a second looking at the sleeping man on the bed.
"He's my erm… his name is Cameron Matenopoulos" Leilani told them, busying herself, trying to avoid the looks she was getting from Kris and Jill.
"I'll go put the twins in the car" Jill told them. Leilani and Kris nodded. Jill put the twins in Leilani's car because the car seats were already there. Kris followed a few moments after with two suitcases, which she put in Jill's car.
"She's just collecting her boy… Cameron, then she'll be right out" Kris told her. Jill smiled at Kris' cover up " I'm just going to give back the key, I'll be back in a second" She said before walking towards reception.
"Cameron" Leilani said, shaking her friend. He didn't move so she shook him harder. He woke with a start.
"Leila, what's going on?" He asked her, rubbing his sleep filled eyes.
"We're going home" She told him. He looked at her, a sad expression on his face. She understood what it was about.
"Are you coming?" She asked him, holding her hand out to him. He smiled, nodding at her before getting out of bed, getting dressed and packing his clothes into a big bag. He grabbed her hand, gave her a peck on the cheek and walked out with her. They locked the door behind them and gave reception their key before meeting up with Kris and Jill at the cars.
"Mom, Jill, this is Cameron" Leilani told them. Cameron extended his arm and shook either of their hands before holding Leilani's again.
"Pleasure to meet you both, Leilani has told me a lot about you, you sound like incredible people" He told them. They both smiled at him.
"So Cameron, what exactly are you… to Leilani I mean?" Jill asked, wanting to hear him say what she and Kris already knew. He looked down at Leilani, receiving a nod before answering.
"I'm Leila's boyfriend" He said smiling "Don't worry, I've been taking good care of her"
"That's good to hear" Kris told him, smiling at her daughter, who was blushing slightly.
"So, how long have you two been going out?" Jill asked, attempting to at least catch up a little bit before they got home.
"3 months" Cameron replied " I saw her at the store struggling to carry the babies and some diapers and formula at the same time, so I offered to help her, and it just went from there" He said, smiling proudly.
"Ok, enough interrogating for now" Leilani said dragging Cameron to her car "I'm pretty sure the angels will have many questions for him later"
"Yep, definitely" Kris told them, before retreating into Jill's car. Everyone else followed her example.
They pulled up outside the beach house half an hour later, Jill and Kris carried the suitcases in while Leilani and Cameron carried the twins in.
"Home sweet home" Leilani said, hugging Kris and Jill " Hey mom, where's dad?" She asked, hoping that he'd be there when she got home. Kris looked at Jill for a moment, hoping to draw confidence from her sister.
"Lani, honey, why don't you sit down" Jill told her. Leilani looked at her for a moment, before sitting down on the sofa. Cameron sat next to her, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulder.
"Lani, honey, Peter has gone to Iraq" Kris told her. Leilani looked at her for a few moments, trying to take in what she had just said " They needed a medic, and he was the only field trained medic willing to go" Leilani blinked rapidly, trying to keep the impending tears at bay. She leant into Cameron, needing comfort, and as he was the closest to her, he happily provided the comfort that she needed.
