Thank you for the reviews and pms, and also to those of you who read :), here is the next instalment, I'm actually a little nervous about this chapter so please be honest in telling me what you think of it.
Shutting the door behind her Charlie raced towards her car eager to get down to the station, turning on the ignition she speed down the road failing to notice the car that lurked not far from her house.
...
Grant sat and watched as Brax was ushered towards the cop car, he smiled to himself as Watson soon got into the car and drove off. He waited a little longer but gritted his teeth when Charlie came out of the house and her car followed the direction the cops had just taken Brax. He hit hid palm against the steering wheel harshly as his anger got the better of him. Taking a minute he looked back at the house and his signature sickly grin made its way back upon his face as he thought back to what Heath had said earlier that day
"If I see you anywhere near anyone of them or Ruby I swear you will regret it" Grant had completely dismissed the last part of Heaths sentence till that moment, he hadn't known who the girl was when he arrived the previous day but having followed Brax when he was dropping them off he didn't take him long to put two and two together as Charlie and Ruby went into the house. Thinking back to her face, he could see the ways in which she resembled him but never had he thought Charlie had kept the baby. Sitting for a while longer he pondered on what to do, his target had been Charlie but if she wasn't there he would simply take the next best thing... her daughter. He sat for almost twenty minutes trying to figure out what it was he was actually going to do
Carefully stepping out of the car he scanned his surroundings making sure no one was about before walking over to the house. Looking for a way to get in without knocking on the door he cursed under his breath as he realised all possible entrances had been locked. Desperate to follow up on his plans he walked to the front door hoping Ruby would open up before she realised who it was
*Knock Knock*
...
Racing into the station Charlie stopped as she looked on at Jack and Heath who were sat outside the interview room. At the sound of her rushed footsteps both Jack and Heath looked up to see Charlie gawking at them
"Are you guys ok?" she walked over to the two of them trying to catch her breath as they stood up
Jack and Heath looked at each other unsure if they should tell her the reason they had all been called for questioning, noticing the quick glances they passed to one another, Charlie spoke quietly
"Watson told me... I'm so sorry this is my entire fault"
Heath shook his head "No its not... this is all Grant and he's not going to get away with it"
"Where's Brax?" she asked
Jack nodded towards the interview room
Looking back at the interview room she saw as Watson walked out before closing the door behind her, she turned back to Jack and Heath
"What did they say to the both of you?" She looked at them expectantly
Jack sighed before replying "he wants to press charges" Charlie looked at him wide eyed
"He can't do that... you were only protecting me"
"But they don't know that" said Heath.
Nor him or Jack had mentioned anything about Charlie during their interviews and they were sure Brax wasn't going to give them much either
"This can't be happening... what about your job?" Charlie looked at Jack
"I've been put on desk work until all this is sorted" Charlie looked at him with remorseful eyes
"I didn't mean for any of you to get caught up in my mess..."
"Charlie you didn't cause any of this" Jack tried to reassure her
But it's your word against his right?... he hasn't got any prove" Charlie kept her voice as low as possible not wanting the other officers to overhear their conversation
"Not according to these" Heath outstretched his hands exposing the cuts and light bruising on his knuckle
Charlie ran her hand through her hair "I can't believe this is happening"
Sighing in frustration Charlie turned around and rapidly walked over to Watson but stopped as Brax walked out of the interview room, she changed her course of direction and walked straight over to him
"Charlie what are you doing here?" asked Brax
"I couldn't stay at home" she walked closer to him "I can't believe he is doing this"
"Charlie he's not going to win this" Brax looked down at her
"What did they say was going to happen now?" asked Charlie
"They just said not to make any plans to go away" Brax gently rubbed her arm "Its gonna be ok" Charlie nodded as Brax looked over at Heath
"I'm gonna go back with Charlie, Casey is still over there" Heath nodded
"I best call Bianca" as Heath pulled his phone out of his pocket he looked over at Brax as he questioned Jack
"Mate what's wrong" Brax studied the puzzled look on Jacks face as he looked up at all three of them
"Something's not right" said Jack
"What do you mean?" asked Charlie
"You were at Charlie's when Watson and Jones turned up?" Brax nodded in confirmation to Jack's Statement
"How did they know you were at Charlie's?" it seemed like Jack was talking to himself trying to figure something out
"I figured Heath told them" answered Brax as he looked at Jack confused
Heath looked at Brax with denying eyes "I didn't tell them where you were, they never asked"
"When Grant left I heard them asking Jones to go find Heath and Watson to go over to Charlie's... how did they know you were at Charlie's?"
All their heads turned simultaneously towards Watson
"Who told you where Brax was?" asked a panicked Charlie
Watson looked at all four eyes that laid on her unsure of why this was such an important detail
"Mr Bledcoe said he had seen Brax going into your house on his way to the station" she watched as all the faces before her turned crimson
Charlie stumbled back as she remembered running out of her house, she could see herself running towards the door and although she had paid it no attention her eye had caught a quick glimpse of the unfamiliar car parked not too far from her front house
"Ruby" Charlie turned on her heels as she darted out of the station with Brax and Heath right behind her
Jumping into the car with Heath and Charlie Brax dug his phone out of his pocket, looking down at the screen he cursed out loud
"S**t" he had missed three calls from Casey. Quickly dialling Casey's number Brax groaned in fear as it rang out until it had gone to voice mail, he kept trying hoping to soon get through to his brother
Pulling his phone out of his pocket Jack quickly dialled Miles number knowing he would be able to get to Charlie's quicker than the rest of them
"Mate get to Charlie's place now as quick as you can"
"Why... what's going on?"
"It's Grant...just get Leah to take you there... you have to be quick" Jack dropped the phone as he ran into his office and picked up his keys
"Jack what the hell's going on?"
"HE'S AT HER HOUSE" he shouted before speeding out the front door with Watson hot on his trail as the other officers watched on in confusion
Jumping in besides Jack Watson pulled on her seat belt as he pressed hard against the gas pedal, she had no idea what was going on but by the looks on their faces she knew it was going to be a rough end to the day
...
Standing he watched as the door swung open
"Hello Ruby" even Grant had noticed the slyness laced in his own voice
"Grant" the fear in her voice came at a tremble
Edging forward immediately he wasn't surprised when the door went to shut in his face, quickly pushing his foot through he was taken aback as she called another's name
"Ruby wait I just want to talk" Grant pushed his weight against the door as he tried to convince Ruby
"CASEY" she struggled to fight against Grants strength, instantly running out of the kitchen Casey's eyes widened as he saw Grant pushing the door against a shaken Ruby, picking up pace he now stood beside her and immediately kicked at Grants foot that was in the door, as soon as his foot retracted he pushed hard against the door slamming it against Grant's body. Ruby slumped to the floor as she kept her weight against the door, he tears were making their way down her face as Grant began banging against the door
Casey pulled Ruby into him but kept his weight against the door
"It's ok... he can't get in here" Casey dug into his pocket trying to stop his trembling hands as he frantically tried to find his phone. Immediately dialling Brax's number he hoped his brother would have been done at the station but he phone just kept ringing.
"Ruby" called Grant he was beginning to get impatient "I just want to talk to you kid... just hear me out"
"JUST GO AWAY...I DONT WANT TO TALK TO YOU" Shouted Ruby as she stayed close to Casey
Casey pulled Ruby closer into him
"You best leave, Brax and Charlie will be here any minute" lied Casey as he desperately tried to get rid of Grant
Grant suddenly banged aggressively against the door
"What is it with you Braxton's" there was no doubt that he was angry
Casey dialled Brax's number two more times but he still didn't pick up, knowing Heath was also at the station he decided to dial Bianca's number
"Bianca he's here" Casey leaned his weight against the door as Grant had now started hitting his whole body against it
Immediately acknowledging the noise that was coming from the other side of the phone Bianca stood up in her living room frantically
"Casey what's going on... who's there?"
"Grant... he's at Charlie's he's trying to get in Bianca" Casey jolted forward as another thud hit hard against the front door
"Casey Casey are you ok?
"I don't know how much longer I can keep him out for"
"Ok Casey you and Ruby stay where you are ok... I'm gonna get help"
Bianca quickly dialled the police station letting them know what was going on, before trying to get hold of Heath
"Bianca"
"Oh thank God... Heath Grants at the house" Heath looked at Brax
"Is he in the house?" at his question Brax head jolted in his direction and Charlie let out a little whimper
"Not yet... Heath you guys have to get back there fast. Casey can't hold him off for long"
"We're on our way" Heath put the phone down knowing he would have to tell Brax and Charlie what Bianca had just told him
"He's at the house... I think he's trying to force his way in" not thinking it was possible Charlie pressed harder against the gas pedal, Brax clenched his fist together as he felt himself lose control of his building anger
...
Ruby and Casey looked up at one another as Grants consistent attempt to get through the door came to a halt. Unsure if he had given up the sat firmly against the door.
After a few more moments of silence Ruby and Casey looked at one another
"I think he's gone" said Ruby
An unexpected loud thud from the kitchen caused Ruby to scream, as it continued Casey instantly jumped to his feet as he realised Grant was now trying to get in through the back door. Reaching the kitchen Casey backed away as Grant stood at the foot of the door which now hung loosely off the hinges. Running back into the living room Casey quickly picked Ruby up as he flung the front door open, but before either he or Ruby could escape Grant had grabbed him by the shirt pulling him back against the floor and slamming the door shut. Casey's grip on Ruby hadn't cease,d he clung onto her as he tried to back away from Grant
"Braxton's always trying to be the heroes" he snarled down at Casey before looking down at Ruby's trembling body. He slowly bent down to their level before attempting to touch Ruby but Casey flung his hand away as she too moved closer to Casey
"Don't touch me" she growled at him
"Why do you have to go make trying to make me angry, all I wanted to do was have a nice civilised conversation, you know a father daughter conversation" he smiled slyly at her
"I'm not your daughter" Ruby shook her head vigorously
"Ouch that hurts" he mocked her before his head suddenly jolted up at the knocking on the door
" Charlie, Ruby" Grant instantly recognised the voice as Miles
"Leah I don't think their home" said Miles
"Miles help" Casey quickly shouted out
"Leah..." Ruby called out her name
"Ruby..." Leah called out frantically as she heard her voice
"Shut up" Grant growled loudly as he pulled both Casey and Ruby to their feet "if you say one more word you will regret it"
"Ruby... Ruby" Leah and Miles banged against the door
It suddenly became clear to both Leah and Miles what Jack had meant "Grant if you lay a hand on either one of them..."
Grant let out a merciless laugh "You'll do what Copeland?" hearing the fading footsteps Grant quickly pulled Casey and Ruby along with him as he made his way into the kitchen. Shoving them into the corner before he picking up a stair and stuck it under the handle just before Miles reached the door
"Not as smart as you think" Grant gave him a quick wink
Miles banged against the window on the door
"Grant let them go" ignoring him Grant turned to Casey and Ruby "You" he pointed at Casey "help me move this " he pointed towards the table but Casey refused to budge
"It's either you help or your precious Ruby will pay for your mistake" Casey immediately edged forward releasing Ruby from his grip. Picking up one side of the table he and Grant pushed it against the door as a barrier
"See that wasn't too hard was it" the smile on his face soon disappeared at the added voices that came from outside the house
"RUBY" he heard Charlie shout out Ruby's name but as Ruby opened her mouth to respond he shot her a deadly look
"Speak and you will regret it" Grabbing hold of Casey who gripped firmly onto Ruby he pulled them both back into the living room. Pushing them both to the ground he stunned them as he pulled out a gun from inside his coat pocket
Casey and Ruby's eyes widened as the gun came into view
"Get up" he pointed at Ruby
"No" Casey latched onto her "No" he repeated
Grant sighed in frustration "Either she comes here or I shot her right now"
Ruby turned to Casey "it's ok" she pulled out of his grip and stood to her feet slowly making her way over to Grant
"That's a good girl, now open up the curtains and the top window" Looking up at him Ruby did as she was told and pulled the curtains apart. Standing outside the window was Charlie and Leah
"Ruby" Charlie instantly screamed her name as her daughter came into view, but she felt her legs leave her as Grant suddenly pulled her away from the window and closer to him. She felt the beating of her heart stop as she watched him raise the gun in his hand
"NO" Charlie flung forward as Heath, Brax and Miles came running from all sides of the house. They had been trying to find a way to get in but as Charlie screamed they all darted back to the front of the house
Brax felt the air leave his lungs at the sight before him, he watched as Grant slid the tip of the gun against Ruby's temple
"NO PLEASE DONT PLEASE" Charlie stood begging as she tried to squirm out of Leah hands, finally succeeding she plunged forward only to be stopped by Brax who held onto her firmly
"He has my baby... I have to stop him" she fought to escape his grip but he was too strong for her, she broke down in his arms "He's got my baby" Brax felt his own tear fall from his face, he looked at Ruby as her own tears cascaded down her face, the fear on her face was heartbreaking, he noticed Casey looking on panicked as he sat in view of Grant. He then settled his gaze on Grant looking him dead on
"Not so tough now are you Braxton" Grants grin widened as he spoke
"If you so much as hurt her... either of them... I promise you I will make you wish you were dead" His words seemed to have no effect on Grant who stood with a smug grin plastered on his face.
Jack and Watson flew out of the car racing to the scene before them, both of them stopped in their tracks as Grant came into view
"Oh no" Jack darted towards Brax and Charlie and Watson quickly pulled out her radio asking for backup
Spotting Jack Grants smirk widened the more, this isn't how he had imagined the day would end. Deciding to fast track his game he stepped closer to the open window
"Give me Charlie and I will let them both go" Subconsciously Brax's grip tightened fiercely around Charlie "I promise I won't hurt her, I just want to talk" his bitter grin had yet to leave his face
"No no way" Brax shook his head
"Grant you're backed into a corner... just let them go" Jack tried to get through to him but it seemed Grant was paying no attention
"Give me Charlie or I swear I will pull the trigger and then I'll move onto Casey"
"Grant..." Jack tried to calm him down but it seemed he had run out of patients
"I said give me Charlie" he pushed the gun closer to Ruby's face who whimpered as the gun pressed firmly against her temple
"OK" Brax looked down at Charlie as she spoke, he shook his head vexation
"I'll come... just don't hurt them"
"Charlie you can't go in there, there's no guarantee he's gonna let them go" pleaded Leah
"Jack I have no choice" Charlie tried to release herself from Brax but found his grip on her only tightened the more she resisted. Looking up at him she was met by his pleading eyes; she knew what he was asking of her but she had no choice
"Please Brax I have to" with one final struggle she escaped his grasp and quickly made her way towards the door
"Casey unlock it...Only Charlie" Grant warned as he saw Brax and Heath edging towards the door
Watson ran up to Jack "What the hell is she doing?" she peered into the living room to see Charlie was now making her way over to Grant.
"Lock it NOW" Grant watched as Casey reluctantly turned to locks on the door before ushering him back to the spot he had been sat in before
Seeing that she was now close enough Grant swung Ruby toward Casey as he grabbed hold of Charlie positioning her where Ruby had been
"Mum" Ruby and Casey looked on in horror
Charlie felt her body tremble at his touch, she whimpered as he brought the gun up to her face
"You said you would let them go" Charlie's voice shook with fear
"And I never break a promise... but if anyone tries to get in I swear it will be the end of you" he turned to the watching eyes, he had no use for neither Ruby or Casey, he now had the person he had come for
"No I'm not leaving you" cried Ruby
"Baby please just go... please"
"NO I'm not going anywhere"
"RUBY GO...Case get her out of here" Standing to his feet Casey latched onto Ruby but had yet to advance towards the door
"CASEY GO" shouted Charlie, Casey could see the desperation in her eyes. He quickly pulled a screaming Ruby along
"No" Ruby cried as Casey pulled her through the front door "We can't leave her there... please"
Grant kept his eyes firmly on those outside making sure no one tried to make their way into the house. Hearing the door shut he smirked as he lowered Charlie onto the couch backing the window before shutting the open window and shutting the curtains
"Charlie" Brax leapt forward frantically banging against the window
"How about you and I catch up" without taking his eyes off her he pulled a chair towards her and sat before her "So where should we start" Charlie could feel her chest raising dangerously but she kept replying Brax's words in her mind as she tried to steady herself "You are Charlie... you are stronger than anyone I have ever known" she had to be strong she couldn't let him win.
...
"Please do something" Ruby pleaded as she looked up at Jack and Watson, they all turned the heads as police sirens wailed into the air. Jack and Watson quickly made their way over to fill them in on what had happened
Watching Brax pacing over to her and Casey, Ruby struggled to her feet as she throw herself into his arms, he wrapped his arms tightly around her before placing his hands on Casey shoulder and pulling him closer. Heath wasn't far behind he now stood beside them as he placed his hand on Casey's free shoulder
"Why are you guys just standing there?" Heath turned as he barked at the cops as they surrounded the front of the house and tried to usher them further away fro the scene, but had yet to make an efficient effort to get Charlie out of the house
"Mr Braxton we have to be careful... he is armed her life is on the line"
Jack walked over to the guys
"I'm going to have to tell them about Charlie and Ruby... they need all the information in order to deal with this properly" Jack looked on awaiting their response
"Just get her out of there" dried Ruby
"I don't care what you have to do... get her out"spoke Brax, Jack nodded before moving over to his boss and explaining Charlie's past with Grant
Brax, Heath, Casey and Ruby turned to the window praying that Grant had not harmed Charlie as both Miles and Leah stood in each others embrace praying the same prayer
...
"Looks like your friends are here" Grant spoke referring to the police sirens he could hear
"What do you want?" Charlie tried to hide the fear in her voice
"You look just as amazing as you did all those years ago" he lifted his hand to stroke her face but she instantly edged back into the couch
"W-what do you want" she repeated again
Grant smirked over at her "Just for you to tell them you were lying... well that's what I wanted"
"Wanted?" asked Charlie the look in his eyes as he peered at her made her blood go cold, she felt her body stiffen as he stood up from his seat and sat next to her and his hot breathe hit against her neck
"I have a feeling I'm gonna have a hard time getting out of this one... if I'm gonna go down why not go down with a BANG" Charlie jumped as Grant bellowed the last if his words
...
Everyone had by now been moved further away from the house as the police surrounded the place "What is going on, why aren't they doing anything?" Brax Barked at Jack and Watson
"Brax we're trying to find a way to get into the house without alerting Grant... I promise we will get her out of there" Jack quickly walked over to the officers to see if they had found a way in yet
"Heath" Brax called to his brother
"Just stay here with them ok" he placed Ruby into Heaths arms
"Brax what are you doing?" Heath, Casey and Ruby looked up at him desperately
"I need to get her out of there"
"Brax he has a gun" exclaimed Heath
"Yh and he has Charlie... look just stay here"
"Brax please be careful" Ruby looked up at him
"Always am" trying not to alert the cops Brax quickly made his way around the house. Stopping at Charlie's window he tried to get it opened but to no avail, moving round he peered into Ruby's room. Bending down he tried to jolt the window open, he was about to give in when it jolted up slightly. He immediately put all his strength into it as he pushed it up. Sighing in relief he climbed into her room making sure he made no sudden noises.
...
Walking back over to Heath, Ruby and Casey, Jack scanned their surroundings he had a feeling he didn't want to know the answer to the question he was about to ask
"Where's Brax?... Heath" he looked up at his friend and immediately knew where he had gone by the look on his face
"We couldn't stop him" said Heath knowing too well that Jack knew where he had disappeared to
"Which way?" Neither of the three answered him
"Guys he is about to walk in on Grant who is armed and has Charlie hostage... Brax can't do this on his own"
"He went round that way" Ruby replied him instantly as she thought of what could happen to both Charlie and Brax. Jack quickly nodded before racing back up to the house. Ruby and Casey watched as Jack, Watson and another officer followed Brax's tracks.
...
Charlie edged away from him again but this time he roughly latched onto her hand enabling her from moving any further
"You're hurting my feelings Charlie... I'm just trying to be nice and give you what you've always wanted"
"All I want is for you to disappear"
"Ouch...you and that daughter of yours really know how to bruise a man's ego or should I say our daughter"
Charlie looked at him in disgust "She is not your daughter" she spat her words at him
He smiled over at her "How about we have a little fun" he slid his hand against her face
Charlie let out a cry "Please I'm begging you... please don't" She tried to move away from him but this only caused him to tighten his grip
"Don't you want to relive that night as much as I do?" Charlie was jolted back unexpectedly as Grant aggressively pushed her down against the couch as he floated above her
Unsure of where her strength came from Charlie brought her leg up forcefully kneeing him in the groan. As he doubled over in pain she pounced out of his grasp as she tried to make her way to the back door, but as he latched onto her leg she feel flat against the floor. She kicked and screamed but he had a firm grip on her
"Your gonna pay for that" he growled at her as he pulled her against the carpet
...
Brax immediately speed towards the door as her heard her screaming, he froze as he heard Grants voice
"You're gonna pay for that" he wanted to rush in there and beat the life out of Grant but he knew if he went about this wrong it could cost him Charlie. He slowly edged out of the room till he came to the end of the hallway. Slowly peering round the wall and into the living room, his stomach dropped as Grant towered over Charlie
"NO" cried Charlie as Grant started unbuckling his belt, he had her pressed against the ground stopping her from running
Unable to control the enmity and rage that had built up in him Brax flung forward at Grant
"I'm gonna kill you" he pushed Grant against the ground, Charlie quickly shuffled from the floor as she backed away
"Charlie go" Brax shouted over at her as he and Grant fought it out, she looked on desperately at Brax and Grant until her eyes feel upon the gun that had by now flown out of Grants hand. Scrambling against the floor she made a dart for it but was too last as Grant pushed away from Brax and grabbed the gun. Brax stood making a dash for him but stopped as he noticed the object in his hand
Grant smirked at Brax as he wiped the flood from his face with his free hand, Brax refused to retract from the spot in which he stood
"Brax" Charlie called out as she looked on with panicked eyes
"Isn't this sweet" Brax shuddered at the sound of Grants laughter, he couldn't believe the person who stood before him was considered a friend of his, he edged forward but Grant shook his head as he pointed the gun at Charlie
"Come any closer I will kill her and make you watch" Brax stood still
"You can't get away with this" said Brax
"Then I guess we all go down together... who wants to go first" Brax retracted toward Charlie and stood in front of her
"How nice of you to volunteer" Shifting the direction of the gun slightly he pointed it at Brax
"Grant no" Charlie tried to move in front of Brax but he refused to let her past him
"Brax please no" cried Charlie
"Just let Charlie go... don't you think you've hurt her enough already she doesn't deserve any of this"
Grant shook his head "She deserved everything she got... if she hadn't been so stubborn I wouldn't have had to rape her"
Charlie's tears hit harshly against the ground beneath her, it was the first time she had ever heard him admit to what he had done to her
Brax's teeth clenched together at his words but before he could act a voice came from behind them
"Grant put the gun down" caught off guard Grant turned to see Jack, Watson and another officer stood at the foot of the living room
Watching as Grant lost focus for a moment Brax took the opportunity, he swung forward knocking the gun out of Grants hand as he tackled him to the ground. Without delay Brax secured the gun in his hand; standing up abruptly he pointed it towards Grant who had realised the tables had now turned on him
Jack Promptly pulled Charlie towards himself and Watson "Brax we've got it from here" Brax shook his head aggressively as he kept the gun aimed in Grant's direction
Grant looked on in fear realising what Brax wanted to do, he now bared no smirk nor grin. Nothing remained in his expression but fear
Thoughts? In the last few chapters I have changed a few of my original ideas for this story around a bit (including this chapter) mostly speeding some parts of the story up. I know Grant seems a lot more twisted than he did on home and away but this is how I have always seen him (Hated him with a passion). I wanted to end this chapter showing just how weak and pathetic Grant really was... I hope that came across ok. I know this whole Grant thing seems rushed (was going to pull it out a bit)but I wanted to get him out of the way. Hope you enjoyed :)