A Guardian Angel
Chapter 119
Twenty-four Hours
2 Months later
(Japan)
(8 months until tour ends)
Finn stared at the house in front of him. It was the exact one he'd seen online a few weeks ago. It was large, beautiful, and from the looks of it empty. The yard was a great green field of grass stretching behind it.
Once they'd arrived Feuer stepped out of the car and began walking around the property, Finn, and Ember doing this same.
"Papa, what are we doing here?" Ember asked doing a quick once around before leaning on the hood of the car with Finn.
"We're waiting for someone Darling." Feuer said simply.
Finn though had a feeling he knew what was going on, and this was not how he'd planned on getting this house for Ember. He'd wanted to do it honestly, with hard work and effort. He didn't want to build the foundation of their life on blood and lies.
A car pulled up the gravel driveway and a woman exited the car with a smile.
"Hi you must be the Flints." She said shaking Feuer's hand as she motioned for them to follow, leading them up the steps.
"Papa, what's going on?" Ember asked sternly now.
"Sweetheart, I thought it was obvious we were viewing a house."
"No, you know what I mean. Why are we viewing a house?"
"Finn was looking at it on the computer a few weeks ago, and I saw it in the paper again today. So I thought what's it hurt to look?" He asked walking from the room and into the kitchen.
"The house does need some updating which is why the sellers are dropping the price." The realtor said with a smile.
"I'm sorry for wasting your time, but no drop solely for updates is going to be large enough for us to afford this house and the property." Finn said shaking his head.
He hadn't so much as left the hall. This he knew was a nearly five hundred thousand dollar house, he'd only been approved for three hundred thousand. This was a sale that would never be approved, it was just far too much.
"Well Mr. Feaster was quite adamant about selling, and he did say you would be coming in to look at the property. If there was a number discussed or an offer decided I can tell him and see where he goes with it."
"That won't be necessary. Actually I've called you here as you're currently the only person with the keys to this home, and several other properties for him. Mr. Feaster and I have discussed this home and the others in our dealings recently. You'll be hearing from he personally in just a few moments."
Her phone began ringing, and Finn took in the look of surprise on her face before she answered. After a look to Feuer she walked from the room still on the phone.
Ember now re-enterred the hall heading upstairs.
The realtor returned putting her phone in her bag.
"Okay, Mr. Feaster said that these twenty properties are now yours. My partner just uploaded and scanned in the signed necessary documents." She said handing him the keys. "You can pick up all the other property keys at the office."
With that she smiled, bid them a good day and walked out the front door. She hadn't been gone long when Ember came down the staircase.
"This house is absolutely beautiful, but did I just watch the realtor leave?"
"Yes you did, because it's yours sweetheart. A gift to you and Finn for everything you've done for me." Ember could only stare in shock, but Finn was the first to speak up.
"Absolutely not."
"Oh, it's just a thank you." Feuer said trying to brush Finn off.
"No. This is not just a thank you." He said shaking his head now glancing at Ember who was looking back and forth between them.
"Can we speak outside?"
"Fine by me Finn."
Walking over he held the door open for Feuer and followed after him closing it tightly, leaving Ember alone in the house.
"So what's it you're worried about? Don't tell me it's pride thing kid."
"It's not a pride thing, it's a common sense thing." Finn said stopping just next to the car. "This house may be beautiful, and it may be free, but it was bought with blood. Emma might not understand why, but I will not stop fighting against this." He said shaking his head.
"You know Finn, I'd always had you pegged for a guy my granddaughter just for some reason couldn't shake off. I mean look at you. You have no real means of providing for her. A shit job. No real means of buying a house. Don't even get me started on children." He said with a scoff.
"Yet some how you pick up from the very second when things started changing gears. You're smarter than you look."
"You haven't gone out of your way to hide any of it." Finn said shaking his head. "But that's the thing, I'm perceptive to change. I've lived one hell of a crazy life so I've had to be. All I want is a solid and steady future with the woman I love, and Ember doesn't need this." Finn hissed.
"She still looks at you through the eyes of a child. If she finds out the crap you're up to these days, it'll destroy her."
"And here I come rocking the boat, changing everything." Feuer said now cutting Finn a look.
"To think a street rat from the Bloodhounds somehow ended up with the Granddaughter of The Flame King." Finn's eyes met his quickly.
"It's almost a bad joke. Did you think that I wouldn't figure out your affiliations if you had any?"
"It was never a secret, Ember knows exactly who I am. I've never lied to her about who I was, or who I am. Only one of the two of us can say that."
"You're smart boy, but you need to get smarter." The door opened and Ember walked out looking more than annoyed.
"I gave you both your time, now what's going on?" She asked looking back and forth between them.
"I told him the house is too far from your brother and my parents. That if anything there's a lot of work that needs to be done with renovating. We can fix it up and rent it out rather than move in, that way we get some extra income." Finn said watching as Ember made a face.
"That's what that whole 'Can we speak outside?' thing was about?"
"Yup."
"Oh my gosh. Why do you guys always have to be so dramatic?" She asked shaking her head as she laughed.
"Finn, I agree with your rental plan, because you're right. This place is beautiful, but I do want to live near Iggy and Marcy. Honestly there's a house right in the neighborhood I'd like to look at."
"We can do whatever you want Beautiful." Finn said with a smile now opening the car door for her.
"Thanks Love." Giving Finn a kiss Ember climbed into the car, everyone else following suit. She, Finn knew, was onto him. Ember knew something was up. She just didn't know what.
At this point Finn was wondering if it would be better or worse to fill her in on her Grandfather's misadventures, or at least the evidence he had of his continued criminality...that being said he didn't have much to begin with. Or maybe he could at least point out the possibility of the idea to Ember.
Either way, Finn wasn't happy. Something was going to happen because of this, it was only a matter of time. Finn already knew, in this world it was never an issue of if something was going to happen, but when. The world had only gotten worse since Feuer's incarceration. The only thing Finn was certain of as he watched the dark clouds roll in, was that he needed to keep Ember away from this, before she got burned.
o0o0o
The sky was a dark gray, and the rain was unrelenting as he stepped from under the awning, towards the old pub. Lightning flashed as he stepped inside. The place was as dingy as he remembered, and the faint scent of blood could be smelled, if one could recognize it. That alone made him smirk. Home sweet home.
"Holy shit the prodigal son returns from his voyage abroad. Welcome back Declan."
"Ricardio, I haven't been paid in damn near eight months. Get me Feaster, or I'll gut you here and now, and find him myself." He growled now staring the bartender down.
"Oh boy do I love being the one to break this to you, knowing you run with Lich and all. But Feaster's run dry. Apparently the money he'd come into had been The Flame King, Feuer Flint's." He said now leaning on the bar.
"I'm appalled Ric, Feaster stealing from a dead gangster? Wow." Declan said the sarcasm dripping in his words. Ric grinned.
"Turns out The King's alive." He said earning Declan's surprised look. "And Holy shit, did he come to collect." Now he poured out a beer sliding it down the bar.
"So, what's the penalty for robbing a dead king?" Declan asked now curious, bringing the glass to his lips.
"After cutting his fingers off, Flint took every cent he had, even property. I heard Feaster talking to his real estate gal last week."
"No shit? So who do I see about getting my money, Ric?" Declan asked as now he was passed a business card.
"I'd suggest pleading your case with The King. Feuer respects a man's man. He's right down your alley. Get with him and see if you can strike up the same deal you had going with Feaster. All he did was grease the wheels with the funds. Buyers are still in place, and the demand is still there. All that's missing is product."
"And if he doesn't want to play ball. What then?"
"You're a smart man. With your track record I'm sure you'll figure something out, but give him a call."
"What'd he go in for again?"
"Murder." Ric said simply earning Declan's sour look.
"No shit Sherlock. Who'd he kill, and why? He was a boss. He could have had any number of people take that guy out, but he didn't. Meaning it was personal. So what got under his skin so much that he willingly earned himself a life sentence?" Declan asked.
"The hell if I know." Ricardio continued cleaning the pub while Declan worked on his drink. He was on his second, when he grinned finally finding a news article on his phone.
"Well based on that look I'm betting you found what you were looking for?"
"Oh you bet your ass I found something." He said getting up, leaving the rest of his beer as he walked from the bar.
"Yo you have to pay for these drinks-
"You're the idiot who served a broke man. I told you I hadn't been paid in months when I walked in." He said pushing the door open, leaving the pub.
It was still pouring out as he walked through the streets. Declan's mind was working a mile a minute. This was a lead, this was something to go on. He paused zooming in on the photo from the 'Grandparent's Day at Camp' article. In the group photo plain as day was The Flame King, and kissing his cheek was a smokin' little redhead.
If the Flame King was willing to get arrested over some piece of jailbait more than a decade ago, what would he be willing to do to keep her out of harms way now?
More importantly now that he had her name, how was he going to find her? Then it came to him, and turning he walked in the direction of the police station. Declan was owed a favor, and today he was collecting.
o0o0o
Fionna woke feeling small hands on her face. Opening her eyes she jumped a block as she was eye to eye with Ari. It had taken everything in her not to freak out and push her away.
"Mornin Mama." She whispered loudly.
"Good morning baby." Fionna said softly feeling her racing heart begin to calm.
"I do pee."
"Okay Mamas, I'll change your bum." Fionna said pushing herself up taking in the fact that Ari was currently naked. Her pajamas she could see strewn on the bed, and her diaper thrown on the floor.
"No, I do."
The box of diapers next to the dresser had been pulled open, and the pack of wipes looked as if they'd exploded.
"Did you try and change your own bum?" Fionna asked watching as Ari nodded. Walking around the room Fionna struggled to pick up everything on the floor, tossing the dried wipes into the trash. Grabbing a new diaper and the wipes, she walked back to the bed.
"No I do!" Ari said reaching for them.
"Here." Fionna said pulling out wipe handing her the pack. Laying her down she wiped her from head to toe, diapered her, and began looking for clothes. Fionna pulled out a pink long sleeved onesie and a pair of leggings from Ari's section of the dresser.
"Hair!"
"You want me to do your hair too?" Fionna asked in mock shock as Ari bought her the brush giggling. "Alright baby girl, how to we want it? Do we want a pony tail like Jackie? Or pigtails like Charlie?"
"Pon tail."
"One pony tail coming right up mini me." Fionna said brushing her hair out and pulling it up. Lifting Ari into her arms Fionna smiled as Ari reached down and pat her belly.
"Hi baby."
They walked from the room, and descending the stairs Fionna was surprised to find Finn looking more than annoyed as he leaned against the kitchen island.
"Hey Finn."
"Unca Finn!" Ari reached for him practically flinging herself from her mother's arms. Fionna handed off her daughter, Finn smiling as he took her into his arms. Ari had begun animatedly speaking with her uncle, who carried her to the living room.
"Everything okay with Finn?" Fionna asked as Ellen shook her head.
"Honestly I'm not sure. There's a lot I'm sure going on with Ember's grandfather, but Finn's not really going into detail about it." She said shaking her head.
"How're you feeling honey? You look like you've barely slept."
"I slept, Mystery Bean did not." Hearing this Ellen laughed.
"Are you really going to call it that?"
"Yup." Fionna said rubbing her belly. "Mystery bean, that's all Marshall."
"Of course it is." Shaking her head Ellen smiled. "You hungry?"
"Not right now. I've got a bit of a headache this morning and Ari scaring the heck out of me didn't help at all."
"Oh gosh what'd she do?"
Now Fionna grabbed her mother's cheeks staring her down.
"She woke me up holding my cheeks just like this, and giving me direct eye contact the whole time, she goes 'Mornin Mama' in the loudest whisper ever." Fionna said now laughing with her mom.
"But I woke up and she was completely naked. She tried changing her own diaper and everything, so I'll probably need a shower and to wash the sheets."
"Sweetie maybe you should think about potty training Ari. She's showing a lot of signs of being ready. Obviously she doesn't like being in a dirty diaper, she does let you know when she's gone, and she hides when she does go. The last few diaper checks after her afternoon nap have been dry too."
"You're right, maybe I should. Jeeze Marsh really is missing everything." Fionna said her voice catching.
"No no, we're not going to get upset about this." Ellen said wiping her cheeks and giving her a hug. "We are going to have a girls day. You, Ari, and I are going to get her a big girl potty and some underwear." Ellen said now smiling at Fionna.
"We'll go out for a celebratory big girl potty breakfast."
o0o0o
With his dad at work, and his mom, Fionna, and Ari out on a girls day, Finn was left with nothing but his thoughts, and this was exactly what he didn't want to happen. Now he was thinking too much, now he was thinking far too much, because all he could think of right now was the puzzle that was Ember's father and grandfather.
Aiden and Feuer Flint were as similar as they could get for two people who couldn't stand each other. Both were stubborn and prideful to a fault. While Ember hadn't spoken to her father since the engagement party, he was mentioned every now and again along with her mother. When he was, Finn would often watch as her Papa made some face.
He'd always thought their beef had been about Ember and Ignitus and the way Aiden had treated them. It always seemed to revolve around those two, that family's issues. But once again Finn was wondering what had caused her father to act that way. Way back at the bar when he'd said 'He may be my progeny, but my father made that monster.' what had he meant by that? And Feuer had called himself The Flame King.
That Finn knew was his street name, it was more than obvious. But what he found weird was why Ignitus had chosen to be called Flame Prince. Finn knew for a fact neither of the twins were aware of their Papa's criminal history, at least not to the extent he was. So if neither were aware, then it was highly unlikely Ignitus had chosen it for himself in an idolizing fashion...which meant most likely it was given to him, but by who?
'My father made that monster.'
Suddenly a thought reared it's ugly head in the back of Finn's mind. What if the title of 'Flame Prince' was given to him by their Papa? What if he'd been setting up Ignitus to take his place running the 'Family Business' when he got old enough to because Aiden obviously wouldn't?
Surely that couldn't be it...Finn didn't want that to be it. Because if that was the case, then every single problem in Feuer's legal defense suddenly made a terribly perfect amount of sense.
What if these were not the actions of a jaded son, but the ones of a fearful father wanting to protect his children? Ember being sent away destroyed Feuer's defense. Telling them he'd died would allow Aiden to easily keep his children from his father's reach and influence. Something Blaise obviously agreed with, because why else would she play along knowing her husband was alive?
Grabbing his phone Finn swiped through the contacts and dialed the number he was looking for.
"Why is it out of the children I have, the only one that calls is the one who's not even married into the family yet?"
"You're not a very approachable man. Also you tried to plain out kill your son so there's that too. But I'm calling to ask you one question, then I'm hanging up."
"Well, out with it."
"Did you pay someone at the Prison to make it seem like your dad died in there?"
"You're a nosy shit aren't you?"
"I'd take that as a yes, but I'd rather hear it from you."
"Yes. I did."
Finn swore, and thanking Aiden before he had to listen to anything more from him, he hung up the phone. Now he called Ignitus, he needed to ask about that nickname, he needed to know if it had come from Feuer. If it had, Finn didn't know what he was going to do.
"Jeeze Em finally. What did your phone die?"
"It's Finn, and what do you mean you can't get a hold of Ember? She's home."
"Dude I called her five times in a row and I texted her. My twin telepathy is going off and I don't like it. Go find my sister. "
"I'll go home right now." Finn said jumping up from the couch.
o0o0o
Ember listened to the rumble of thunder and the pattering of the rain against the window as she sat on the couch. She was going through listings on her laptop.
Finn had been first to leave saying he had some errands to run, mentioning how he'd planned to stop by his parents place for a bit.
Her Papa followed shortly after with a similar excuse after receiving a phone call. Something was off with the two of them, and Ember wasn't sure how to feel about it. Her thoughts were distracted by Wolfie who hopped up on the couch curling up next to her.
"Hi my Sweetie." She said smiling and rubbing his ears. "Do you know what's going on with Papa and Finn?"
Wolfie let out a whining sigh and rested his head on her thigh.
"Yeah I know buddy, it's got me worried too."
The silence was broken by a knock to the door. Placing the laptop aside Ember stretched, pausing as her phone pinged. It was a text from her brother.
A second knock snapped her attention, and placing the phone aside she walked from the couch. Wolfie sprawled into her warm spot and Ember smiled at the sight.
Looking through the peephole she spotted a very wet sandy haired man who looked vaguely familiar. Where had she seen him before? Keeping the chain on the door she opened it.
"Can I help you?" He looked at her blinking for a moment before he'd started apologizing now looking away from her.
"I'm sorry. I'd thought of a million things to say to you, but now I'm drawing a blank." He said his voice catching.
"Let me start off first by apologizing and giving you my name. My name is Ricardio, and I was the head of security at the event stadium the night you and those other women were drugged." Ember blinked in shock at this.
"Why are you here?" She asked warily.
"I wanted to apologize to you personally. To you and to all those other women I failed. Had I done my job better that night- he said his voice breaking as his hand covered his mouth.
The door closed, and for the briefest moment Declan thought that maybe he'd over sold it. Moments later though, the door opened much wider as Ember stepped out looking at him in concern. She'd even offered him a box of tissues, and taking one he wiped his eyes. The rain was a godsend for faking tears.
"Please don't blame yourself, I'm more than sure you did everything you could. Please don't feel responsible for the actions of some monster." She said shaking her head. "Would you like a cup of tea or a bottle of water?"
"That would be lovely, thank you." He said staying in the hall.
Ember though waved him into the apartment walking into the kitchen. She motioned for him to sit, and handed him a bottle of water from the fridge. Turning she began bustling around making tea. Minutes later she was sitting across from him, each with a steaming mug.
"That should warm you up some. Thank you for your apology. I can tell this must have been wearing on you, especially if you're still this devastated."
"It has been. To be quite honest it's even gone to cause more trouble for me at work." He said looking away from her, taking in the sights in the apartment.
It was clean, orderly, and no sign of any animals that he could see. Something about this girl was bothering him though. Why did she look so familiar? She looked like Feuer yes, but that's not who he saw when he looked at her. Who did she look like?
"I hope nothing too bad?" Ember asked gently.
"I was actually let go last week. I was taking too long on my rounds because I was double and triple checking everything." Declan said shaking his head. Nothing he could see in the small Kitchen pointed to Feuer living here. He needed to check elsewhere.
"Oh you poor man. This will sound terribly selfish, but I never imagined how this would hurt even those who weren't directly part of the incident." Ember said softly "I'm so sorry you're going through this."
"I'm sorry, I'm a bit emotional myself. Do you have a restroom I could use?"
"Yes, just over there." Ember said pointing to the bathroom door near the fridge.
Declan walked off and closed the door behind him with a grin. This had been going exceptionally well. From how it looked she didn't suspect a thing. Now he began going through the medicine cabinet.
He'd been hoping to find something on his hunch that Feuer lived here, but scowled finding nothing. No prescription bottles with his name, two tooth brushes inside and two on the sink.
Spotting the foil packets of condoms Declan smirked, sliding them into his pocket. Those he would use in due time, unless of course a better opportunity came knocking.
A knock came to the door and his eyes flew towards it.
'Hello Opportunity.'
Ember's voice could be heard now.
"Is everything okay? You've been in there a while."
Reaching over Declan opened the door, his eyes landing briefly on the photo on the wall behind her. It was a photograph of she and a man, one he'd recognized instantly. Now he knew why she looked so familiar, honestly he was surprised he hadn't realized it sooner. They looked close enough to be twins. This was Ignitus' sister.
This development changed things. What better to add on to Lich's plate than an enraged Ignitus?
'And who the hell am I to say no, when opportunity has quite literally knocked on my door?'
Declan leaned against the door frame slowly looking her up and down, lingering on her curves.
'Jailbait's filled out nicely, and she's not even wearing a bra. She's making this way too easy.'
The lights flickered, and he grinned watching as she swallowed, taking a step back from him.
Her eyes flicked towards the sound and back, as a phone began ringing down the hall.
There it was, that slow creeping awareness that something was wrong. Declan loved watching the feeling of unease wash over people.
Lich had raged, and raged, how those two were off limits. But not once had he EVER mentioned this one.
This one, was a two for one combo. Right now, he was more interested in causing Lich problems than anything else. Even trying to win over a king. Not that that bullshit excuse of a meeting had gone well earlier.
But maybe this would be just the lesson to teach Feuer that he wasn't a God, nor a King, but a simple man. One who could be just as easily broken as the rest. Feuer should have taken his deal.
"I think it's time for you to leave." Her voice was firm, but Declan could hear the fear there. If he could hear it, he knew she could.
"Lead the way."
Ember did so, putting distance between them with quick steps. Taking no chances she'd practically run past the open bedroom door. The phone had stopped ringing and left Ember feeling the ominous silence as the lights flickered again. She kept him in her line of sight and pointed to the door.
"Leave." Ember watched as he walked to the door, when her ringing phone caught her attention. She leaned over to answer the call, and gasped as the lights went out.
'No, oh no.'
He grabbed her, knocking the phone from her hand. Turning he slammed Ember to the ground, the impact knocking the wind from her completely.
'No! Breathe, breathe!'
In the time it took Ember to take those desperate gasping breaths, he was on top of her, ripping her shirt down the middle.
'Move! Do something! Damn it body, do something!'
"You're a quiet one." Declan said chuckling, listening to her panicked whimpers as he began groping her chest.
'Do something, I have to do something, anything! Scream! SCREAM!'
"I didn't expect this from the Flame Princess, but why should I be-
The lights came back on as Ember screamed. The sound though was cut off as his hand clamped over her mouth.
A vicious snarling began, and instantly a large mass of reddish brown fur slammed into them just as the lights went out again.
Ember clenched her eyes shut curling up in defense, yelping in pain. She lay there listening to the snarls and screams as the two battled on top of her. With every pained sound she made the snarling intensified.
The lights began flickering. Ember cringed feeling something warm dripping on her face and chest as she screamed again.
After a sudden yelp she heard him scramble from the apartment, Wolfie chasing him out and down the hall.
Ember was quick to scramble to the door calling after him. She could hear the tinkling of his collar tags, and once he was back in the apartment Ember slammed the door shut locking it with trembling hands.
Ember sat on the floor for a moment her body trembling violently as she took shaking breaths. She could hear Wolfie whining as he nudged her with his nose, now licking her cheek.
Leaning forward Ember slipped her arms around Wolfie's neck burying her face in his fur, the lights flickering again.
"Good Boy." She said dissolving into tears as the power went out. "Good Boy."
0o0
Declan ran, the barking and snarling devil creature chasing him as he did. He HATED dogs, freaking hated them. He slipped into the stairwell kicking the door shut. Holding his bleeding arm as he did.
The dog slammed against the door barking and growling as Declan jumped. At this he screamed in frustration. Where the hell had that damn monstrosity even come from? There'd been no signs of any freeking dog.
He swore profusely now checking out his arm. He could see punctures up his forearm, and bites on his upper arm and shoulder too. Looking under his hand at the fresh wave of blood Declan knew immediately he'd be needing stitches, and a lot of them.
Pulling off his jacket and his shirt, Declan wrapped his dripping arm. Pulling the jacket back on he zipped it. Now was not the time to be the conspicuous guy with a bleeding arm. People would remember seeing such a thing. Making his way down the stairs he exited the apartment back out into the rain just as the power went out.
o0o0o
"Do you want the princess potty?" Ellen asked pointing to the bright pink glittery children's potty.
"No. Disaur."
"You want the dinosaur one?" Fionna asked sounding out the word, looking at the green one Ari pointed to.
"Mmhmm dinasaur."
"Do you know what color it is?" Fionna asked watching as Ari smiled.
"Geen."
"Oh my gosh I just love how she says that." Fionna gushed putting the potty into the cart.
"You'll probably want more than one."
"Yeah I texted Lady, she said the magic number is three. One for our room, one with easy access in the house, and one for the car for some reason."
"No, that actually makes sense. Think about it, if she's gotta go while you're putting away groceries or something she can."
"That's smart." Fionna said softly "That's really smart."
"They're a family of seven, Jake and Lady have the parenting small children thing down to a science by now." Ellen said smiling.
They continued walking around the store picking up the odds and ends while they were here.
"Honey are you sure you don't want a new crib for the baby?" Ellen asked looking at Fionna who was looking at the bassinet before her.
"I mean it would be helpful, Ari already sleeps in the bed with me. Honestly I was thinking maybe we'd bring her crib here for the little one, or maybe a new pack n play." Fionna said softly.
Now Ellen smiled placing the bassinet box into the cart.
"No extra work needed, we'll just buy this." She said simply now walking towards the newborn section.
"Mom you really don't have to-
"Fionna, just because Marshall isn't here doesn't mean you stop doing things because he'll miss it. You'll need fresh onesies, you'll need newborn diapers, socks, hats, gloves, and clothes. I mean my goodness sweetie you've even refused to have a baby shower."
"But we have stuff-
"You and I both know that's not the real reason you don't want one." Ellen said as she crossed her arms.
"Moooom-
"No. I'm buying you baby things, I'm buying you the bassinet, and I'm throwing you a baby shower because you're eight months pregnant and you deserve one. Your baby deserves to be celebrated whether Marshall's here or not."
Hearing this Fionna stormed off leaving both her mother and Ari in the cart.
Digging through her bag she pulled her phone out dialing Marshall. She didn't know what time it was there, but she knew they had a concert today.
Almost immediately the phone was put to voicemail. Now she tried a video call, and that too was rejected. Closing her eyes and willing the tears away Fionna took a breath. This rainy weather wasn't helping.
Making her way to the front of the store Fionna sat in one of the rockers sighing in relief. Sitting there she felt a sharp kick and rubbed her belly.
"What do you think? Is Nana right?" Fionna asked feeling another kick.
"Why'd I know you'd say that you traitor?" She asked softly, rubbing the spot she'd been kicked. Her phone pinged and Fionna read the message.
Marsh: Girlie it's Ig, having an emergency and using Marsh's phone sorry he'll call you soon. 1:20pm
Seeing this Fionna frowned, what was going on over there? Deciding to head back, Fionna tried, failing to push herself up from the chair. Her belly threw off her balance, and Fionna flopped back on the chair with a huff.
She tried again with the same result, and then again a third time. She felt like an upside down turtle. Quickly she sent her mom a text. It was official, she was stuck. Fionna waited for only a few moments before her mom appeared walking up the aisle.
"You've fallen and can't getup?"
"That's something dad would have said." Fionna said with a grin. "But the only thing that's fallen is my dignity."
"It's going to fall just a little bit more if you say yes. I want to take a picture and sent it to Marshall." Ellen said laughing. To her surprise Fionna agreed. And after several photos Ellen helped Fionna from the chair.
"Can I see them?" Ellen showed her and they both laughed, Fionna picking her favorites.
"So, I see a mood change, have we maybe changed our mind on that baby shower too?"
"Yes you can do the baby shower. You're right. I just- I feel bad that he's missing out on so much. But you're not wrong. This little one should be celebrated, it deserves to be celebrated." Fionna said softly rubbing her belly.
"Good, I'm glad with you being due next month. It's perfect timing to make sure you have what you need." Ellen said smiling as she hugged Fionna.
o0o0o
Finn raced up the stairs heading for the fourth floor. The power was out, and the back up generator had the lights in the stairwell lit in a dull red.
By the third floor he noticed shoe prints which Finn had thought was weird. Coming up to the fourth, Finn realized why as he slipped, almost falling on a dark colored liquid. Opening the door Finn cringed feeling something sticky on his hands. The barely lit hallway was empty as Finn headed for their apartment. On the tan carpet his eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the dark red drops, and rusty smears, that now stained the carpet at the stair well door.
Now he ran down the hall, his heart pounding as he got to their door.
The front was smeared with blood. The blood trail he could see had come from their apartment.
Finn unlocked it, and pushing the door open he heard a low deep growl and Ember's frightened gasp.
"Em? Wolfie?" Finn asked praying the dog wouldn't bite him by accident. Slowly he rounded the entrance way spotting Ember sitting in the arm chair.
Wolfie was laying protectively against her growling, his hackles up, and teeth bared.
Ember held tightly to him, and her face he could see was smeared with blood. They listened to a low thudding that began, and finally the lights flashed on.
Seeing Finn Wolfie began whining. His tail now wagging as he nudged Ember, licking her face as she burst into tears.
Finn was by her side and quickly he began checking her over. Pushing aside the worried dog as he began looking for the source of blood. He glanced down taking in her torn shirt, and the new scratches and bruises now littering her body.
"Em who did this? Are you hurt-
"No, the man, it was the man-
"What man? Who was here?"
"He said his name was Ricardio and that he was the head of security from that night at the concert. I thought- He said he wanted to apologize for that night, that he felt guilty. I should never have believed him." Ember said shaking her head. "I'm so stupid."
"Have you called the police?" Finn asked pulling out his phone watching Ember shake her head. "I don't know where my phone went."
"You stay there and don't touch anything okay? Don't move, I'll be right back." He said walking down the hall. Entering the kitchen he noticed the two mugs as he began speaking with the 911 dispatcher. He gave them their address and filled them in on every important thing he could think of before making his way back to Ember.
To his surprise the dispatcher informed him that someone had already called. Emergency services were on the way and had been in route for the last five minutes now, and should be arriving momentarily. The dispatcher had barely finished saying that when the sound of knocking came to the door.
Again Wolfie began growling. Finn walked to the door and seeing the police he let the dispatcher know and disconnected the call. Slowly he cracked the door open.
"Don't move, hands where we can see them!" Finn was quick to put his hand on the door frame showing them his prosthetic arm.
"Someone attacked my girlfriend, the dog is really on edge, and extremely protective of her right now. He's usually not aggressive, I just need a minute to put him away. Please."
"Open the door slowly and step out into the hall." Finn did as he was asked, and stepped out into the hallway as they requested. He was pushed against the wall as they began patting him down, one checking his ID and verifying the address.
"Finn?"
"I'm coming Em. Please let me put the dog away now?" He asked quietly, the officers sharing a look and nodding. Finn stepped back thanking them and walked back into the apartment. Grabbing Wolfie's collar Finn walked him past the door holding tightly to him as he began growling at the officers.
"Come on bud. You're a good boy but let's go to the room." Finn said pushing him through the open bedroom door and closing it, listening as Wolfie began scratching the door now howling.
Finn walked back to the door and saw that the officers had entered the apartment along with emergency medical. He was relieved to see that the EMT's were both women, this he knew would ease some of Ember's anxieties.
As Finn made his way back his phone began to ring, and seeing Marshall's name he answered it.
"Marsh, I'm really busy right now. Can I call you ba-
"Shut up. Is Emma okay?"
"She looks okay Ig, she and the dog are covered in blood and none of it's theirs."
"I heard everything. I kept calling her back and the line answered. It was quiet, the phone hit something then she just started screaming. I can still hear through the phone now. But I called 911 from Marsh's cell phone. I was afraid to hang up."
"I'll give her the phone now." Finn said walking back into the living room. In the time he'd been in the hall, they'd set Ember up on the gurney strapping her in.
"What's going on?" He asked quickly.
"Her attacker's blood got into her eye. She'll be brought to the hospital to be given medications to prevent the passing of any blood born diseases or illnesses he may have. We're mostly worried about the contraction of one of the Hepatitis's or HIV. They'll also be testing his blood as well." The EMT said covering her with a sheet. One of the officers spoke up.
"Bring an outfit for her to change into please, we'll be taking her clothing into evidence." Finn nodded, and handing the phone to Ember he walked to the laundry room knowing full well that if he even attempted to open the bedroom door, Wolfie would bowl them all over to get to Ember. He dug through the laundry pulling out a whole complete outfit down to her socks and packed it into his bag.
Ember he could see was having an absolute meltdown on the phone with her brother, but eventually handed the phone to one of the officers as they wheeled her out.
Finn watched as the room cleared out, The EMT's taking Ember from the room, and the officers staying waiting for their crime scene photographer.
Finn didn't know whether he should stay here or go with Ember. His problem was solved a few minutes later when Feuer walked in.
"What the hell happened here?"
Finn shot him the dirtiest look before looking to the two officers.
"He lives here, he'll stay until you're finished." The officer nodded, the one with his phone handing it back to him as Finn walked from the apartment. If Feuer was asking that then he'd missed Ember in transit. He could hear their voices fading as he walked down the hall pressing the button for the elevator.
"What happened?" Feuer asked again, this time the officer answering him.
Finn stepped on pressing the button for the ground floor as the officer began speaking.
"Assault, battery, criminal impersonation, assault with intent to commit rape..."
The doors closed and Finn heard no more.
o0o0o
Marshall stepped out of the bathroom staring in confusion at Ignitus who was sitting on his bed, talking on his phone, and drinking his alcohol. While none of these things were unusual, all of them happening at once was.
"No, I love you too. Let me know what they say, okay? Everything's gonna be alright. I know, I will. I promise. Bye Emma."
Marshall watched as Ignitus hung up the phone, taking a long drink from the bottle.
"You shouldn't be drinking that. You gonna tell me what's going on?" Marshall asked warily.
"I just- He stopped, looking at the bottle in his hands. This wasn't nearly strong enough to block this out. Closing his eyes he placed the bottle aside.
"I just listened to some asshole try and rape my sister." He said in a shaking voice as he looked at Marshall.
"Wait, what?!"
"She's been on my mind all week, so today I just kept calling. Then Finn called so I told him to go home and check on her and started calling again."
"The line picks up, all I hear is silence. Marsh I almost hung up. Then the next thing Emma just starts screaming." Ignitus said burying his face into his hands.
"I've never heard her make a sound like that. It's all I keep hearing in my head man. Her scream, the dog attacking the guy, his scream. Marshall I'm not okay." He said breaking down and reaching for the alcohol again, taking another drink.
Marshall quickly dressed, taking the bottle from him. Ignitus he knew had a dry room, so with that in mind Marshall ushered him to his feet, rubbing his shoulder as they walked to his room.
"Fionna tried calling." Ignitus said as he used his key card to let them in. Patting his pockets Marshall swore.
"I'll be right back. I just need to grab my phone, but I'm gonna spend the night okay?" Ignitus nodded entering the room as Marshall returned to his.
Making his way over to his bag Ignitus began pulling out clothes looking for pajamas. He paused frowning when he heard a bag crinkle. Pulling his things out he found a pharmacy bag dated a few weeks back.
Opening it Ignitus glanced at the label, his eyes widening. He'd forgotten about these. They were the pain killers from his surgery.
Again he heard the echos of Ember's scream in the back of his mind. Opening the bottle he poured out three and popped them into his mouth. He swallowed the first two, biting the last, grimacing at the bitterness as he swallowed.
Shoving the bottle back into the bag, Ignitus covered it with clothes before walking into the bathroom. Marshall entered just as he did, laughing at something on his phone.
The weight of what he'd done hit him as he was scrubbing the blue of the pills off his teeth. He'd just swallowed away nearly three years of sobriety.
This was not good. Everything already he felt as if he were moving in slow motion. Even his blinking felt slowed. Glancing at his reflection Ignitus looked away in shame. Marshall would know the second he looked at him that he was messed up.
Taking a breath and deciding to face the music, Ignitus opened the door. Marshall looked over at him the second he did.
"Damn dude that liquor hit you like a truck."
"Yeah..." He sniffed now looking away from him, making his way to the bed. "She doesn't know I heard everything. Marsh she spent I don't know how long crying that she wanted me to come home." He said burying his face into his hands.
"This never would have happened if I were home."
"She's safe now though right?" Marshall asked gently watching as Ignitus nodded.
"Ember's safe. She's okay, and you talked to her yourself, yeah?" Again he nodded.
"Okay, so we'll go to bed for a bit. I'm not saying we'll deal with it in the morning, but give Em some time to get home and settle in. She'll probably be exhausted and want a nap." Marshall said easily pushing Ignitus down on the bed, covering him with the blanket.
"So sleep some. We'll call Finn to check in on her when we get up okay? Good plan?"
"Yeah." Ignitus whispered as everything began fading into black. He could barely keep his eyes open now.
"Good, get some rest Ig. First one up will call." Marshall said climbing under the blankets on the other side.
He knew Ignitus would be up at first light in the next three or so hours to check on Ember. Marshall had decided that if he had to sleep in the same bed as his best friend, listening as he snored away oblivious to the world, just to be sure he was okay, then that's what he'd do.
o0o0o
FLASH, FLASH, FLASH
"Please take the shirt off. We need to take photos for evidence."
Ember was cold, and the flash of the camera as they photographed her back made her flinch.
"Turn to the left and raise your arms."
"Note bruising lower left side."
FLASH
"Turn to the right."
"Note the scratches on upper right."
FLASH
"Now the front."
That made Ember pause.
"Do I have to?" She asked in a small voice, her arms covering her chest.
"To properly document this case yes." The nurse said gently.
"Just look at me Em." Finn said softly reaching for her hand. He however was stopped by the officer.
"Not until we've swabbed her fingernails."
"Can I please have some damn compassion!?" Ember screamed making everyone in the room jump. She turned clinging to the hospital curtain taking a shaking breath.
"How many more until you're done?" Finn asked.
"One front facing, both sides of her hands, and any lower body markings found during and after swabbing."
"So like what, ten give or take?" He asked watching as they nodded. "Can you do that Em?"
After a moment Ember slowly nodded. She let go of the curtain and turned facing the crowded room. The police photographer, the female officer, the nurses, the social worker and Finn.
"Take the pictures."
FLASH,
"Note the multiple bruises on both breasts in a pattern consistent to that of fingerprints."
FLASH,
"Note the scratches and bruising on the right forearm, and right wrist. Also note the left upper arm.
FLASH, FLASH, FLASH, FLASH, FLASH
"I'm finished unless you find something else that needs to be documented."
Ember quickly covered herself back up and the two officers slipped behind the curtain. The nurse now approached.
"I'm going to be taking multiple swabs to collect his blood and traces of DNA."
Ember nodded and the nurse began. She'd started with her fingernails, working up her arms, and on her face.
The nurse turned her away from the others as she began swabbing the marks on her chest and the streams of blood. She placed each swab into it's own specimen bag allowing Ember to cover up.
"Come along hun I'll bring you to the shower." The nurse said wrapping Ember in the gown, and walking her from the room. "Knock twice when you're finished if more photos need to be taken, okay?"
The trip was just across the hall, and after being handed a bag for her clothing to go into, her bag of clean clothes, and a bag of hygiene supplies she closed the door. Ember checked behind the curtain and stripped, pulling the curtain shut and turning the water on.
She was quick to scrub the blood from her face, arms, and chest. She scrubbed until the mini bar of soap they'd given her was gone. Ember worked the shampoo through her hair and watched as it rinsed out pink. She scrubbed her hair until the water ran clear then rewashed it again for good measure.
Drying herself Ember quickly dressed. Finn, she was more than thankful, had packed everything she needed. She pulled on her bra and underwear, pausing taking note of the bruises on her thigh. Pulling her shirt and sweatshirt on she wrapped the towel around her waist and knocked on the door.
The nurse brought her across the hall and the photographer returned. This Ember didn't mind so much, she'd had bikini shoots before, and this just felt like an uncomfortable one.
FLASH, FLASH, FLASH.
Again the officers left, the hospital workers stepped from the room to allow her to get dressed.
"Funny how they all want to stare and photograph me practically naked, but heaven help them if they watch me put on pants." Ember said softly. Once she was dressed, she climbed into Finn's lap holding on to him tightly.
"How are you?"
"I pick fights with men for fun. I always thought I'd be one of those people who'd just immediately start fighting back...I never imagined I'd be so scared I'd freeze up like that. Finn I was so terrified, I felt fifteen again." Hearing this he squeezed her tighter.
"Squish?" At this Ember squeezed him tightly.
A knock came to the door and the nurse entered once again. She handed Ember a paper cup with pills, and a plastic cup of water.
"I also have to give you a shot." Ember took the medications and pulled her arm out of her sweatshirt, rolling up her sleeve. She took the shot without complaint, and after giving her a packet of paperwork, they discharged her.
0o0
The drive home was quiet, the windshield wipers squeaking as they moved back and forth. The rain had still not stopped.
Finn pulled into their space and shut the car off. He waited and a moment later Ember opened her door, Finn following.
Together they made their way into the apartment building, Finn hitting the elevator call button. They rode the elevator up, Ember slipping her hand into Finn's as she leaned against him.
The door slid open on their floor, and as they walked down the hall, Finn spotted the bloodstains on the carpet. Now he ushered Ember to his right side. He didn't want her to have to see it.
Getting to the door though he felt nothing but anger. The door was still covered in blood. The only excuse for this was if Feuer had been busy cleaning the blood from the carpet inside.
"Don't look at it." Finn said softly as he unlocked the door. The inside of the apartment was exactly as he'd left it when he'd gone to the hospital. They could hear Wolfie howling from the bedroom, and walking over Finn opened the door letting him out. Checking the apartment he felt nothing but fury. Feuer wasn't even here.
"Where's Papa, I though you said he was here?" Ember said looking over to Finn.
"He was here when I left." Finn said softly.
Ember walked past him and slipped into their bedroom, climbing onto the bed.
"I'm just gonna lay down for a bit." Ember said softly, Wolfie hopping on the bed and curling up next to her.
"Alright baby, if you need anything, you let me know okay? I'm gonna clean up out here." Finn said watching as Ember nodded. Closing her eyes she snuggled into the blanket.
Finn closed the door leaving it cracked and grabbed a bucket filling it with hot water and peroxide. He hooked the bucket onto his arm and grabbed a scrub brush and a cloth. He spot cleaned everything, and heading to the kitchen grabbed the baking soda.
Leaving the living room to soak, Finn worked his way down the entry way eventually making his way to the door. He wiped the blood away, cleaning the door, the sides and the handle too.
He'd contemplated it and began cleaning the multiple drips from the blood trail down the hall. If he put something on it now, he wouldn't have to worry about Ember having to keep seeing it whenever they did decide to steam clean the hall.
"What the hell are you doing? That's the apartment manger's job." Feuer said, looking down on Finn as he continued scrubbing the blood drops from the pale carpet.
"I don't want Em to have to see it." Finn said simply. "Where did you go?"
"I had some business to handle."
"Not while living with us. End this bullshit, or find a new place to live. I know that this, is because of something you did. I'm not having it in my house." Finn said now glaring at him. He was more than aware how much he sounded like his dad right now.
"I'm not playing with you any more. You've got dozens of properties now. If you can't get your shit together you can go live in any one of those."
"You really want to make an enemy of me don't you Finn?"
"That's not my goal, but if it's what I have to do to keep Ember safe then yes, I will." Finn said looking him in the eye as he stood.
"You have a week to get out." Making his way down to the stairwell door Finn began scrubbing. This conversation was over and Finn's mind was more than made up. Feuer had to go.
o0o0o
The thing Kate disliked most after the concerts, were the Green Room parties. Concert day was exhausting enough, but with the added task of entertaining the VIP's, it was beyond draining. They had fallen into a rhythm though, she and Mo.
They would dance and goof off usually, and when Kate wanted to call it a night, she would tell Mo. He used to be the one to walk her back to their room, but ever since his surgery, Ignitus would bring her back. The smell of alcohol was usually overwhelming to Kate by then, and at that point the smoke would usually be bothering FP's throat enough where he'd be ready to retire himself, usually to video chat with Marcy.
Marshall, Mo, and Ash usually stayed behind. They talked with fans, took photos, mingled, chatted up, and drank with 'important people'. They were basically the equivalence of a human zoo spending time with the highest bidder. At least that was how it felt to Kate while she was there. It was just people ogling them all nonstop.
She and FP had left more than an hour ago. Usually she went back to their hotel room and stayed awake for Mo, but tonight Kate was just too tired. She'd tried, but after her shower she'd fallen asleep curled up on the couch, book in hand, glasses askew waiting for him.
0o0
"Alright buddy we're almost there, you got your room key?" Ash asked.
"Yeah. Tonight, tonight was really fun Ash. Like we had fun, like fun fun." Mo said laughing as he stumbled, nearly taking Ash with him. "Like back in the day fun."
"We really did man. I'm glad you had fun but you've had one too many my friend, and I'm exhausted. It's time for bed, right?" He asked as Mo scanned the key card.
"But I'm not tired yet." Mo said as they stumbled into the hotel room, Ash sighing in annoyance.
"Then we'll just put your happy ass on the couch and turn on the TV." Ash said turning the volume low and setting the remote aside as Mochro started to fuss.
"For real dude, just go to bed. Kate's sleeping, you should too." Ash said walking from the room closing the door behind him.
Mo looked over at Kate and smiled. She was so beautiful, and so sweet. She'd fallen asleep waiting on him.
'She should be snug in bed, not curled up here waiting for me.'
Mochro wrapped his arm around her shoulders, feeling as Kate turned snuggling into his chest. His lips brushed against her hair, then her cheek. Gently he slid her glasses off resting them on the table along with her book.
"Ready for bed baby?" He murmured.
"Mmhmm."
"Come here."
Reaching over he slid his hand beneath her knees with the intention of pulling her across his lap. That way, he thought, would be easier to pick her up. What he hadn't expected, was for Kate to completely panic.
She'd become a frantic panicking mass of flailing limbs, and was desperately pushing his hands away from her.
Mo was quick to release her, watching as Kate scrambled away from him. He had to grab her again though, to stop her from falling off the couch. The moment he did she screamed, the sound sobering him. Still though he didn't let her go, Mo was afraid she'd fall and get hurt.
They sat there, the only sounds in the room were those of their panting breaths. Mo was afraid to move, afraid to make things worse. Slowly he relaxed his hold on her, but paused feeling Kate's grip tighten on his arm. Changing tactics he tightened his grip feeling as she slipped her arms around him.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't you ever apologize, don't you dare." Mo said, still holding Kate in his arms.
"I'm the one whose sorry. I'm so damn sorry Kate. I never meant for any of this to happen."
Kate held him tighter at these words, they were more than true and she knew it. She was focusing on her breathing, trying desperately not to cry.
"Please stop it. Stop pretending you're okay. Stop trying to hold this in and just let that hurt out. If you have to scream, and cry, then do it." Mo said feeling the tremble now in her body as her breathing picked up.
"I know you're trying to be strong by keeping it all in, but all it's doing is hurting you. You don't have to be strong all the time. Let it out. I'll be strong enough for the both of us until you're ready." Mo whispered.
Kate squeezed her eyes tightly shut, feeling as bit by bit the wall she'd built up these past months came crumbling down. The torrents of emotions coming with it. Kate clung to him as the sobs wracked her body. She felt as if every fiber of her being was collapsing in on itself.
There was just so much fear, hurt, and sadness and she just didn't know how she was going to start to process any of it. Even letting go like this, it was so hard. She just felt like everything was out of her control and she was grasping at straws to find something in this mess to hold on to.
Kate realized though, as Mo tightened his hold on her, bringing her to the bed, that he was that something.
He had been her rock during this whirlwind of fear and calamity. She could feel him rocking them back and forth as she took gasping, sobbing, breaths.
He was the only thing that she had been keeping it all together for. She wanted to be strong for him, but she didn't have to be, because she knew he would love her just as much even as a crying mess. This thought somehow served to make her cry harder. Her emotions felt so scattered. She felt everything in waves, each more devastating than the last.
Kate knew that this was going to be a process, she knew it wasn't going to be a quick, cry it out and it solves your problems thing. Yet still she was ashamed for feeling the way she did.
Ashamed that just the recollection of his voice made her body tremble in pure fear, and that bad dreams would send her anxiety skyrocketing. She hated that the smell of alcohol freaked her out now, and that the sound of shattering glass and slamming doors sent her heart racing. She hated it, she hated it.
"I hate it." She whispered sounding so close to sleep. "I hate it."
"I know baby, I hate it too." Mo said softly. "I hate seeing you so hurt. I hate what this has put you through, and I'm so sorry. I wish it had been me." Mo sat there listening to the silence. "Kate?"
She'd fallen asleep in his arms. Laying her on the bed Mo pulled the covers over her. Holding Kate close he gave her forehead a brief kiss. This he knew must have been so overwhelming to her. He remembered how exhausted he'd been the day after his breakdown at his Aunt Dessa's.
Mo was careful as he climbed from the bed. Grabbing pajamas, and his tooth brush, he walked to the bathroom returning after a quick shower.
The smell he knew had to have been a part of this. Slowly he'd been compiling a list of things that bothered her. Alcohol had been in the maybe/probably section, and was now firmly in the yes section along with loud sudden noises, and slammed doors. Pulling Kate close Mo closed his eyes allowing sleep to take him.
This chapter is a 2 part one because it was just so long.
I'd like to thank you guys who have been with me reading this story for the last 8 Years. I posted the first chapter 2/15/13 and I can't believe how time flies. Happy birthday my wonderful story!
Thanks for reading everyone!
XOXO H09