Hi, everybody. Thank you for your reviews. Sorry it took so long for the new chapter to be uploaded. I tried to make it as good as possible and had to rewrite it few times. Anyway...

Disclamier: Stella and Mac belongs to CBS, Synn (and her replies) belongs to Jenna and Haydee belongs to me. Please let me know what you think about the new chapter :)

Chapter 4

"I already waited for you. What the fuck took you so long?" Ethan Brant shouted at Ralph Herald when he went through the front door of Brant's "office". Brant rushed to him and pushed him against the door holding his gun under Heralds chin.

"I couldn't come any faster," Herald replied quietly. "I'm sorry."

"Who's the girl?"

"What girl?" Herald asked in confusion.

"Do you think I'm an idiot?" When he didn't get any response he pushed the safety off and shouted, "the girl who called you father today."

"She's nobody. Honestly." Herald answered quickly with trembling voice.

"It didn't sound that way. She sounded pretty upset about that. Is she your daughter or not?" Herald stood in silence, fear in his eyes and heart pounding. "Answer!"

"She is but she's not going to be any problem… I swear… I'm pretty sure after what I told her she doesn't want to know me or hear my name."

"You better hope it would be so or you're gonna regret the day you were born." Brant hissed at him. "What about the aunt of hers? Who is she?"

"I… I… don't know…" Herald stuttered. "She doesn't have an aunt... I don't know who she was talking about."

"You find it out! And if you pull any tricks with me you're gonna end up in the bottom of East River. Is that clear?"

"Yes."

"Get the fuck out of my sight now."

Brant released him and turned to walk by the couch, Herald got up from the floor where he had slipped after becoming free of his grip and rushed out. He got into his car and fastened his seatbelt. He was so sure Brant would kill him but he didn't. He probably has some kind of plan with him… or even worse, with Haydee. Herald was startled to see her in his office after almost 23 years. He wanted to get up and give her a hug and kiss but he knew Brant is watching him so he had to stay cold and uncaring. It broke his heart to hurt her like that but so it be if it keeps her safe. That's what he was thinking then but Brant had found out anyway.

"Oh dear god…" he muttered to himself. "Please, don't let him hurt her." He pulled off from the side walk and drove away not realizing Samson watching his moves from inside of the house.

"Keep an eye on him!" Brant hissed again. "I don't trust him. I wanna know every single move he makes. And keep an eye on the girl too, we can't let her go to the cops. Go now!"

"Yes, boss."

xxxxxxxx

Ryan was right. The next morning Haydee felt much better and the sun did come out too. She was happy that Ryan had the weekend off and they could spend it together. They took the dogs and had a walk in Central Park, had an ice-cream from Cold Stone, went to see the Strawberry Fields, the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, The Alice in Wonderland sculpture and had a picnic on Cedar Hill. The weather was incredibly nice and everybody including the dogs enjoyed their time outside and running around. Haydee and Ryan didn't talk about what had happened last night and they both tried to forget it. Instead Ryan suggested they should head out of down on next weekend if the weather is nice enough. Haydee loved the idea. Now when the spring had finally arrived she couldn't wait to get a ride on Ryan's bike. She loved it: all the adrenaline rushing through her veins and feeling of freedom. She had once thought about getting motorcycle license for herself but changed her mind soon after because she wouldn't go for ride alone anyway; she loved to do that with Ryan. The hours passed fast and they got home by dinner time. They agreed to order take-out instead of making something on their own. The evening was spent just laying on couch watching TV and enjoying their time together. Haydee felt safe at home being alone with Ryan. If she would've been alone she surely would've thought about the incident day before but Ryan kept her thoughts away from that. He even suggested playing some board games and she agreed eagerly. They hadn't done that who knows how long and truth to be told they both enjoyed it.

Monday was just like every other Monday. Haydee rushed to school by ten and Ryan to work. She did some shopping after school and looked for a present for Ryan. He had a birthday next day and she wanted to get him something special. It was also their first time celebrating it together and she wanted to make it memorable. But what could she get for him? He's into bikes but she doesn't know anything about bikes except they are fun to ride on. He also likes photography. Maybe she should get him new lens for his camera. She remembered once going to some photo store on 5th Avenue with Ryan and he was like a kid in candy store. He had asked to see a lens but didn't buy it because it was quite expensive. She knew they could afford it and Ryan's skills were improving. It wouldn't be waste of money. She found the store and they guy who had explained all the great features the lens have. Although it cost almost as much as their rent she decided to buy it. Ryan takes very good care of his stuff and it's something you don't buy everyday. She got it nicely wrapped and was ready to leave. On her way back home it had seemed to her like she had seen her father or so called father but she brushed that thought away and figured it might have been whoever resembling to him and he had "seen" him only because the subject was still too fresh and too tender for her.

She hid the present, got changed and went to pick up Admiral. The weather was nice and she decided to go for a jog in the park with him. He was getting bigger and stronger every day and loved to play and run around. She passed an advertisement with puppy pictures. It was training school for dogs. Haydee stopped and saved the number on her phone. She should get him in that program. It's in evenings and would fit in her schedule perfectly. Besides Admiral is German shepherd and should be able to protect his family if needed. Right now he was like a kid who trusts everyone and even if the bad guys would cross his path he would wag his tail and think they want to play. One more hour playing and running around with Admiral and both were exhausted and ready to go back home. Haydee started the dinner and Admiral laid down on his bed to take a nap.

Next two weeks went like flying. Ryan's birthday went well. He was very happy he got the lens for his camera and the dinner Haydee made was delicious. His birthday cake was also very good. Although he's not big fan of chocolate he enjoyed it a lot just because Haydee loves it. On their weekend out of down he had revealed the secret finally and Haydee bought another cake for him. The one he liked and had chosen. It had been fun trip. Spring had finally arrived and they used his motorcycle instead of his car. The weather had treated them well. It was sunny and little chilly but still Haydee and Ryan had great time. Both had quite lousy week and this little trip gave more energy.

Haydee hadn't mentioned that she had seen her father few times in the city. She had seen him when she was on her way to school, went to shopping with Synn, had her every day work out routine with Admiral in the park. Haydee thought she may worry him and maybe, just maybe, she had imagined it. And besides, Ryan was extremely protective when it comes to her.

Maybe she should've told Stella about her doubts right away but she didn't, she wanted to be sure in herself. It couldn't be coincidence when he kept appearing in places she was used to spend time alone. It was getting more and more suspicious and scary. Why is he following her? What does he want? Should she be worried about it? She couldn't take it any more and had to talk to Stella. Don't go to talk to him alone, Stella had said. Take Synn or someone else with you. Haydee hadn't thought about going alone but she surely gave a thought about taking Synn with. Synn's really though just like her mom and Haydee felt safe around her. She may look like a model but physically she's extremely strong and capable to do stuff even some guys won't be able to do. It's probably because of her rough childhood and teen-age years before Stella had managed to get her custody. That child had been through lot and Haydee admired her strength and positivity. Stella had managed to bring back all the cheerfulness that was locked away for many years. So yeah, Synn was definitely one option. If she sees him again, Haydee promised herself she'll talk to Synn and they'll confront him.

But the days passed and nothing had happened. Haydee had though it was her imagination and dropped the idea. She continued her days as usual. School, lunch on Times Square, her little work out with Admiral and spending the evenings with Ryan or Synn, whoever was available. She loved to be alone too but felt better with someone else around. All that time she hadn't noticed someone else keeping an eye on her too. It was the huge white tattooed guy sent by Ethan Brant. Even Haydee's father hadn't noticed Samson following him or Haydee.

"What have you found out?" Brant asked two weeks later. "Did she go to cops? Or did you find out anything about her aunt?"

"I'm not sure, I don't think so," Sam said taking seat by the table to eat his lunch.

"You think?" Brant hissed getting angrier with every second.

"I didn't see anybody who would wear a badge or look like a cop near her."

"What did she do? Is there anything we should be worried about?"

"She didn't do much of anything. She went to school in the morning, had lunch on Broadway, went for a jog around 4pm, went shopping with some girl. Well… that girl was hot…"

"I don't care about that girl," Brant yelled suddenly. "Did she go to cops?"

"No. She didn't."

"What about her aunt?"

"There was this one lady she met few times but I didn't see any badge or gun so I doubt she was a cop."

"What about the doctor of ours?"

"He was following the girl as well. He didn't see me and I doubt he found out anything new about the girl either. He didn't approach her or call her so…"

"He's useless… Anything else?"

"She has a boyfriend and two dogs. He usually leave around 8am with one dog and gets back after 8pm. I don't know what he does, didn't follow him but there was something suspicious about the guy."

"Like what?"

"Not sure."

"Get me the girl and Herald. I wanna know exactly how much she knows and who she has talked about it."

"If she doesn't know anything, we can get ourselves more trouble. There is a big possibility she has no clue."

"Well, we can't take the risk and wait till cops get to us. We better use her for getting what we want."

"If you say so, boss." Samson replied quietly. He thought Brant has lost his mind. He hadn't seen the girl talking to anybody from police and Herald was doing what he was told anyway. Why to put themselves in danger by kidnapping the girl? He stood up and threw the wrapping paper in garbage.

"Are you going today or waiting for the eclipse?" Brant yelled across the room pointing his gun at him.

"I'm going already. Put the gun down."

Brant lowered his gun and hissed. "I hate when I don't know what's going on and it makes me nervous. It almost makes me losing my mind." Samson agreed on that but stayed quiet. "Get out now!!!"

Xxxxxxxx

"Synn!"

"Synn, Synn. I got my exam results back," Haydee cheered on the phone so loudly that Synn had to move it away from her ear. "I got 98% correct and I got my scholarship."

"Oh my god! That's fantastic. Congrats!"

"I know. I'm so excited and I'm telling you it calls for a celebration."

"You're absolutely right about that. You know, we should get everyone together at Sullivan's tonight."

"Wicked!!! I'm so in. Nothing can bring me down anymore. That was the greatest news ever."

"I'm so excited for you. You worked so hard and totally deserve it."

"Thanks."

"I'll tell Stell and Mac to meet us and you can tell them the good news yourself."

"Yes, please." Haydee answered eagerly. She wasn't big fan of parties and celebrations but she was ready to make an exception for once and enjoy the evening with her loved ones.

"Alright, consider it done. See you later."

"Yeah, thanks again."

"Hey…" Synn called when Haydee was ready to hang up already.

"Yeah?"

"What time do you want us to meet there?"

"Ohh, right. What time will Stella and Mac get off?"

"Around 7 or 7:30 I think."

"Ok then… Uhm… How about 8pm?"

"Perfect! See you there, bye."

"Bye!"

Haydee hung up and went to change for her two hour workout session with Admiral. She grabbed the leash and put it on his collar. She noticed it was new and had little button on it.

"What is that, Admiral? Did Ryan get you new collar?" She pushed the button but nothing happened. "I better not touch it 'cause I have no idea what the button does. Remind me to ask about it when he gets home, ok?" Admiral wagged his tail and rushed for the door.

"Ok. Let's go."

She has at least two hours for her usual routine before she should head home and get ready for the get-togethering at Sullivan's. Haydee decided to take her usual path and jogged towards the park by her house.

"Excuse me, miss?" black sedan pulled over and Haydee turned her attention to it.

"Yes? Can I help you."

"I sure hope so," answered the guy in it. Haydee took few steps closer and bent down to look through the passenger window.

"Get in the car!"

"Whaa-aat?" The guy was pointing a gun at her. This is not happening, it can't be!

"Get in the car, NOW!!" The guy hissed again. "Or I'm gonna shoot the dog's brains out right here."

"Ok, I will. Please don't hurt him."

"Leave the dog. Tie him around the streetlamp." Haydee did has she was told. Oh my god! This can't be happening. Her breathing got unstable and tears started to fall. She kneeled down and tied Admiral to the streetlamp by his leash at the same time whispering to him. "Black sedan, white guy, scar on his left cheek, about 250 pounds…" What am I doing? Admiral won't be able to tell anybody what has happened.

"Hurry up," the guy yelled from the car. "I don't have a whole day to wait for you."

"I love you buddy," Haydee whispered and hugged the dog. She pushed herself up and sat in the car.

tbc...

What did you think? Should I continue?