"Enter the Darkness"

Christians POV:

"Your parents are trying to contact you. Hughes also just made contact. It appears that Miss Phoebe Grey is missing." Panic hits me, and I go into control mode.

"Since when?"

"She and Ava went to bed at eleven o'clock. They fell asleep quickly and when Ava woke up this morning, Phoebe was gone. No one has seen her since then. We tried tracing Phoebe's cell phone, but it has been found on the outer boundary of Bellevue." Taylor updates me.

"Laurence! We need to talk to him. He should be in his apartment or close by!" I order.

"That is the other issue. Laurence is also missing!" Fuck! Both of them? This could mean several things. Some of which could end up being the last thing Laurence will do.

"Christian, what is going on?" Ana queries. I have the bedroom door slightly ajar so I can talk to Taylor but ensuring he doesn't get an eye full of what is mine. Yes twenty-one years later and I still won't allow anyone to see what is mine.

"Ana, you need to get dressed," I instruct her.

"Taylor, send Sawyer and Ryan to Bellevue. I want Hughes to drive my children home as soon as they arrive, Ryan is to follow them home. Tell him he is not to let the car out of his sight. Sawyer is to go review all CCTV around my parent's property and email us any relevant footage. Commence tracing Laurence's cell phone and their bank accounts and credit cards. Ted, will obviously know something has happened, as will Joshua." Fuck! There is no way that Joshua won't be able to piece together that something has happened. "I don't want Lily to suspect or learn anything, especially not until she is home with Anastasia and I. I will phone my parents and Ted. They can tell her that Phoebe had to go back to Yale due to an unfinished course. That will buy us some time. Once Hughes arrives at the sound, I want a full report." Taylor nods in acknowledgement. He probably was already planning to do exactly what I have just said.

"I will be downstairs in five minutes." I re-enter our bedroom and fill Ana in. I explain what little I know and my instructions to Taylor.

"Oh, Christian what if something has happened to her? Or what are she and Laurence have..." I grab hold of Ana and comfort her. I am so glad she can't see the worry on my face that is also mixed with anger. Ana didn't say it, but I am thinking the same thing. Has Phoebe's ever growing adoration and protests of love clouded her once good judgement? Have they taken off to act on these feelings? Heaven helps them if they have eloped.

"We will find her. I promise." I kiss Ana's forehead and offer her the best smile I can manage. "The kids will be home soon. Why don't you have a shower then join us downstairs? I need to coordinate the operations with Taylor. I promise I will fill you in." Ana reluctantly agrees. I struggle to maintain my composure. I enter CEO, my usual method of maintaining control but it was never going to work. This is one of my children, not a hostile takeover or difficult business meeting. I muster enough focus to put on a pair of jeans, a pair of sock and shoes and throw on a V-neck shirt. Focus Grey, one step at a time. I need to look calm and casual... I don't want to generate any more worry for my children.

Taylor's attention is solely focused on his laptop as I enter my study. Shit, he is scowling. He is usually straight-faced when it comes to his work. I pick up my pace to view what is playing on Taylor's screen; wanting to know if his expression is due to some undesirable footage from my parents CCTV or for his affection for Phoebe. He was there the day she was born and has watched her grow up. It is more than obvious to me that he will want to get her back as much as Ana and I will. Taylor doesn't utter a word, rather points to the corner of the screen. I replay the footage twice times before I regain my ability to speak.

"I want you, Welch and Barney to see determine if Phoebe has boarded any domestic flights. Her passport is here locked in our family safe so she wouldn't couldn't have gone on international flight, but double check…" Fuck, we need to check the safe. She might have gotten access to it. We only keep our passports and important documents in this safe, to ensure that they aren't stolen or misplaced.

"I have already checked. Phoebe's passport is still here and i have spoken to a contact of mine at the state department and he has confirmed that no other passport has been issued. She couldn't have left the country." I nod gratefully at Taylor. Again he proves he can read my mind. "I will get hold of Welch and Barney. We will monitor Phoebe's bank accounts and credit cards also. We also have a trace of Laurence's accounts. I have Reynolds going through Laurence's apartment with a fine tooth comb. Is there anything else sir?"

"Not at the moment. Just help me find my daughter before she makes a mistake!" Taylor nods. I sense he wants to say something but refrains. Nothing right now could amend my inner turmoil. I should have sent Laurence away the second he turned up.

The second as Taylor exists my study, leaving me alone, I commence to pace, but it only agitates my emotions future. I log into my laptop and review the security footage that was also been emailed to me. I run both my hands through my hair so vigorously that the fact that it doesn't fall in spades surprises me. Right now my hair is the least of my worries. I am only broken out of this havoc when I hear the voices of my three other children. I walk out, needing to see for myself that at least they are safe and here.

"It's not fair! Phoebe was supposed to stay in Seattle for another ten days. She told me last night and promised to take me to the movies to see the Disney princess movie before she left." Lily exclaims pouting. I have always reprimanded my children when they have pouted, but there is something so sweet when Lily does. Maybe because she is our youngest and smallest child.

"Phoebe had to go back to college. She didn't have a choice, and besides I am still here. I will take you as will Josh." Ted has bent down so he is at Lily's height and is trying to comfort her. He is the perfect brother and so caring. He might look like and sound like me but there is a fair portion of Ana in him.

"Really? Josh, you will love it! This new Disney movie has twin princesses!" Lily exclaims so excitedly that I can't help but smile. Even though it is short lived, it is the first honest smile that I have been able to muster since Taylor informed me about Phoebe's disappearance.

"Yeah sure… hang on what?" Josh looks repulsed at Lily's statement. Uncharacteristically, he wasn't paying attention to those and the events around him. I know this look… Josh is trying to work out whats happened to Phoebe. Damn this needs to get resolved quickly…. I won't allow my family to be harmed by this.

"You and I, are taking our little sister to the movies, to watch the newest Princess movie, because Phoebe had to go back East. We both want to take Lily because we want to spend time with her and we love her. Right, Josh?" I raise my eyebrows at Ted's tone. It emulates mine.

"Yeah, that's right." Josh grumbles but at least putts his hand on Lily's shoulder.

"Yes. Yes. Yes" Ana walks down the stairs to witness Lily jumping up and down happily. Gosh, I love her innocence. It's such a precious gift that we are privileged to share with her. What I wouldn't do to preserve it, but I am more than aware that to survive the world, it has to be sacrificed, eventually.

"Mommy! Ted and Josh are taking me to the movies!"

"Yes, I heard… you are a very lucky girl!" Ana wraps her arms around Lily, holding her tighter and longer than ever, unbeknownst to our youngest daughter exactly why. "Kids, why don't you all go to the kitchen and grab a snack from Mrs Jones. Your father and I need to deal with something." Lily, the most compliant of our children, runs off first.

"Ted and Josh, we will talk to you both soon."

"No. I need to help. I can help." Ted argues.

"Me too" Josh adds.

"We both know that Phoebe is missing. There is no way that she has had to go back to college. It was obvious to us both and Ava." Josh announces.

"The most help you both can be right now is to keep Lily company. She doesn't need to learn about today's events. At least not in the short term." I instruct my sons. Rather than complying with our wishes, both of them talk quietly to each other. Shit, I hate it when they both do this! They rarely behave like this, but when they do, I realize how close they are.

"Okay Mom and Dad, we have a deal for you," Josh announces.

"Which is?" Ana inquires.

"I will go and play with Lily. I even promise to play tea parties without complaining, but Ted is to be allowed to help you both, Taylor, and whoever else you are engaging to find Phoebe. I promise I won't let Lily catch on what is going on. However, I don't want to be left in the dark. I want Ted to tell me what he learns." I narrow my eyes at my son's proposition.

"No" I state, simply and without doubt.

"I know Phoebe better than anyone. Mom, I know that she talks to you about everything, but I grew up with her. She told me her secrets before anyone else. I am her older brother and I am supposed to protect her. Let me help" It isn't so much his words but the tone in his voice and expression that gets to me. I glance over to Ana, who nods.

"Alright, boys we agree." Josh swiftly heads off towards the kitchen to join Lily, while the three of us enter my study.

"Mom and Dad, while I know that you just agreed to that deal of sorts, you should both know that I understand that certain information, depending on the nature should be kept from Josh." I nod gratefully. I don't care how bright my third child is, or how old and mature he believes he is, Josh is still only twelve.

"You both should watch this." I press play on the computer, allowing them to watch the CCTV footage from my parents' home. This is why I haven't called the authorities. I look away. I don't need to see it again. I can replay it in my mind already.

On the screen appears Phoebe. She is dressed in a pair of jeans, her black Vans shoes, and her long white winter jacket. First she exits my parents' house from the side and walks through the rose garden. She then goes out of the range of camera four and is captured by camera six. Phoebe is still alone until she reaches the end of my parent's driveway. She enters the password at the gate, walks through and we get our first view of a blue car. Laurence's car. Before Phoebe approaches the car, she takes something out of her pocket and discards it. Her cell phone, which was found by security and are currently trying to unlock. The last we see of Phoebe is her briefly talking to Laurence who has climbed out of the car and then taking his hand. He helps her into the car before getting in and driving off.

"This doesn't make sense. This is so out of character…. What are they doing?" Ana verbalizes her confusion. My wife and I both look at each other, the same answer runs through our minds.

"Mr Grey, Ana… we have gained access to Phoebe's phone." Sawyer announces, entering the room with Taylor. There is no record of Phoebe and Laurence calling each other last night, but there are a series of text messages. You both need to read these"

I read message after message that was sent in the early hours of the morning.. Ana stands beside me, but Ted is unable to see the screen.

Laurence: I miss you tonight. I love you.

Phoebe: Love you too. You should have come to Bellevue with me.

Laurence: Your grandparent's house.

Phoebe: Yes... of course... where else would I be when I refer to Bellevue? I bought some new lingerie in Aspen… for me to wear and for you to remove. We could have recreated the early hours of New Year's Eve.

Laurence: Well bought up and privileged Phoebe Grace Grey… who would have thought? This I like.

Phoebe: You're very…. Playful?

Laurence's: Meet me tonight.

Phoebe: What?

Laurence: Are you in bed? Who is around?

Phoebe: Wes in bed, sharing room with Ava, as usual. You already know that!

Laurence: Just getting a clear picture. Get up and get dressed. Meet me at the front of your grandparent's house in twenty minutes. Don't get caught. I think you know what I want to do.

Phoebe: My family will find out.

Laurence: Don't you want to go through with it?

Phoebe: Yes... but my family… I hate even imagine my family's reaction!

Laurence: Who cares? This is what we want. A promised is a promise regardless of when it was made. Your parents will find out, but we are eighteen.

Phoebe: Why now?

Laurence: I have organized everything. It has to be now!

Phoebe: Vegas?

Laurence: maybe… twenty minutes at the gate of Bellevue. Be there!

Phoebe: Okay...

Fuck! If they are getting married, then I will get it annulled! The next message is recorded almost twenty minutes later.

Laurence: Throw your phone away.

"Well, that sheds some light into what they are planning on doing!" My emotions boil over. If Ted hadn't taken the phone off me to read the messages himself, I would have crushed it with my own hands. The only thing I am sure of right now is that I am going to kill Laurence and lock my daughter in her room until she regains her common-sense.

"Christian, we need to find them."

"All attempts to trace Laurence's cell phone have failed. It is likely that he disposed of it, but we will continue all attempts. Welch has just emailed me, he has found records of two tickets purchased in Laurence's and Phoebe's name early this morning but cant confirm if they boarded yet. He is working on it. I have called in some people and they're searching Vegas. If they are there we will find them "Taylor updates us. It isn't enough... I need to go after them.

"Taylor, contact Stephen and have the GEH jet ready to leave to Vegas as soon as a flight plan can be approved. You and I are going to bring them back."

"Yes Sir"

"Hang on Stop dad! Something here isn't right" Ted calls out. He has quickly read the text messages and now reviewing the CCTV footage. "Taylor can you get hold of Welch for me... I need his expertise right now" I nod, approving my son's request.

"Ted what you are thinking?" Ana questions.

"Just a hunch… I know that Phoebe has been a little erratic since Laurence returned, but something was off in those messages…. This is too out of character."

Taylor hands his cell phone to Ted. Shit, it isn't on the loud speaker.

"Welch, can you access my father's laptop?... Yes, we are at home…. Good. First I need you to zoom into the footage recorded at Bellevue that I am paused at. I want to look at my sisters hands. Then I want you to get a better picture of inside the car, once Laurence has gotten inside the car… Yes, I know that the camera didn't get a much of a shot, but it's a gut feeling… no, I will wait. I will stay on the line. Just do you best, but if I am right, then I am going to need you to put that multi-million dollar brain into action." Ted finally puts the phone on loud speaker as he rests it down on the desk. If the situation we are in right now weren't so tenuous, I would marvel on how much potential Ted has.

"Theodore…?" I call upon him to explain himself.

"Look I don't know for sure, but I get a feeling that Phoebe and Laurence haven't run off to get married. If you look at the text messages, there are a couple of times where it doesn't even sound like Laurence."

"Though it came from his cell phone and he met your sister at Bellevue!" Ana rebuffs.

"I know which is why I am not one hundred percent. But I also don't think Phoebe would go and elope, at least not without telling me. She knows that I wouldn't be happy but would still confide in me. Phoebe has told me everything since she learnt to talk. If she were serious about getting married, as the text messages suggest, then I would know."

"Phoebe might have been concerned you would have spoken to us and we would have stopped them." Ana argues. Damn right we would have stopped them.

"I concede that point, but this is Phoebe we are talking about. Remember when Aunt Mia got married and how excited she was? Phoebe wouldn't want to get married in some tacky Vegas chapel and if she wanted to marry Laurence then she would just do it… but here in Seattle with her family and friends. There is no way she would give up her dream of the most perfect wedding, regardless of her age and even if you both didn't agree." Before I can consider Laurence's argument, Welch comes back to the line.

"Ted, I am emailing you the screen shot. I have zoomed into the picture and cleaned it up as much as possible. I will get on to the second shot now."

"Welch its Grey. Email it to my email account" I respond.

"Just did sir!"

I open up my email account and the enlarged still picture. Welch has done an amazing job cleaning it up.

"There. That's it! Phoebe is in trouble. She hasn't eloped." Ted points to the screen, showing us all that we have missed. Sure enough there it is. Phoebes hand is behind him back and she is holding up four fingers. A signal system that was made up for Ted and Phoebe. Four fingers means that immediate intervention by security is needed.

There is a knock on the study door and the door opens. Reynolds enters holding a book. "I found this on the table. There was a piece of paper inside."

'I tried to warn Phoebe, and though she listened, she is too stubborn. Revenge.

Just in case she never gets to tell you again, she loves you all!'

I look at the front page of the book. Wuthering Heights. This is the book that Phoebe has been reading throughout this holiday break.

"Christian… this..." Ana tries to verbalize her thoughts but struggles to form a sentence. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. I need her as much as she need me.

"Mr Grey, I have just zoomed into the second shot that Ted requested…" I had almost forgotten that Welch was still on the line. ".. You need to look at this. I am emailing it right now." I open up my email account, it the situation becomes worse.

"Welch, confirm for me that there is a third person in the car."

"Yes. It's difficult to see, due to the poor quality of the image and that they are partially by the front chair, but yes someone else is in the car. I ran an image recognition software on the portion of the face that is visible. It's Carson… Laurence Carson's father." Fuck! I didn't need him to confirm this, I recognized him, that look in his eye when he was removed from his home and arrested. We have just gone to death-con. Tears spring to Ana's eyes as horror fills her.

"I want all resources devoted to finding my daughter. Anything goes!" I mandate.

"Understood. Barney and I are on to it."

"Update me the second you get any information." I will call in the even connection that I have if need be. "Taylor calling in the authorities. Phoebe is one of the richest heiress in America there is likely to be some sort of ransom I suspect... Sawyer tighten security around the sound and around every family member. I will contact my parents and siblings. I will tell them what is happening."

Security scatters to carry out my instructions while Ted goes to help Josh entertain Lily. Before exiting the room, he informed us that he wouldn't divulge any of these new findings to Josh just yet. I wrap my arms around Ana and close my eyes. I bury my nose in her hair and breathe her in. I am desperate for the comfort that Ana brings bring me.

"Christian… I … want Phoebe…. back home." Ana states between sobs.

"Me too… We will." I try to sound confident but fail.

"There's another problem that we haven't discussed" I look into Anastasia's eyes, unsure what else there could be. How could there be another issue? "Phoebe didn't have her bag with her. That means she doesn't have her medication with her. If she doesn't sleep, or if there are flashing lights…" I wrap my arms around her tighter, preventing her from falling to the ground.

"Sssshhh Anastasia… Stay strong" I will her, but right now I only feel darkness.

Thanks for reading. I know a lot of you have read my previous story "REUNION' I wrote a bonus chapter for it. I have just uploaded it.