Little reminder: Jack Mason still holds Daisy captive and finally called Alec to make his requests...

Also, there is some swearing in this chapter that I wasn't really comfortable with but I felt it was necessary given the situation...

Chapter 5:

"Mason." growled Alec while clutching his phone to his ear. Fear miraculously evaporated and all that was left upon hearing that damned chillingly smooth voice was anger. He still clearly remembered the last time he heard it.

When Mason had threatened Jenna with a knife.

Alec took a brief glance at her now. Jenna stood absolutely frozen. Terror in her eyes.

"You didn't answer my question, copper. Can Jenna hear me, too?" Mason repeated.

Jenna blinked, looking as if she was working up the courage to answer, but Alec held up a hand, keeping her silent. "I'm not answering any questions if you don't let me speak to my daughter."

"Very well…" The phone was assumingly passed along. Alec and everyone else who was listening around him strained their ears, but all they could make out were muffled whimpers and sobbing noises. Mason spoke again. "I'm afraid that's all I can give you right now. Your girl has been naughty. She can't talk at the moment."

Alec's voice exploded. "What have you done to her! I swear if you touched one hair on her head I will end you, bastard!"

"There's really no reason to shout. You brought this on yourself." Mason hissed. "I told you what would happen, remember? Before your lot locked me up. Did you think I'd simply forget? Did you think I would look over the fact that you have something of mine?"

"Jenna does not belong to you! She doesn't belong to anybody but herself. Don't even put her name into your mouth again!"

"Oh, how protective you are." Mason mocked viciously. "Look, we both know what I want… and we know what you want-"

"Release my daughter!" Alec interrupted sharply. He didn't want to hear the request Mason was about to make.

"Gladly." he said. "You can have your little brat back; nothing but trouble that one." And there it came. Mason's voice noticeably changed; it darkened like sharp shadows in black night. "But I want Jenna! And this time you'll leave us alone. You'll never see her again."

Alec's heart pounded. He didn't know what to say. Jenna pressed one hand to her mouth, crying silent tears and shivering in Ellie's arms.

"That's the deal." Mason continued. "That's always been the deal. But this time I won't be tricked, copper. If you want to have your daughter back then you'll meet me, alone, no police. Just you with Jenna. If I notice any coppers around or if you try to trick me again, you will regret it. Just remember what's at stake…"

Again, he could hear Daisy. She was crying. Alec could hear it clearly through the phone. His throat was closing up, his voice sounding shaky and pressed as he made a futile attempt to calm her. "It's okay, darling. Shh, it's okay. I'll get you back, don't worry."

He was roughly interrupted before he could make out any kind of reply. "The caravan park by the beach." Mason said. "Walk eastwards up along the cliffs for a mile. You'll find us there tonight in exactly twelve hours."

"Daisy." Alec called out just before Mason was able to end the call. He was desperate; he didn't know what else to say to keep the conversation going, to try and buy time until he'd come up with something clever that would safe both, Jenna and Daisy. "H-How can I be sure my daughter's safe until then?"

"She'll be fine." answered Mason gruffly. "But break one of my rules… and she won't."

It clicked. He was gone.

Daisy was gone.

Alec's shoulders sank in defeat; the heavy weight was back. He couldn't decide if he should scream to the sky or crumble to the ground.

His lost brown eyes found Jenna's and she entangled from Ellie to throw herself into his arms, face buried deeply into his chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, finding strength to stand in her warm presence. Alec closed his eyes, resting his lips upon her head. When he opened them again he saw DI McGraven speaking to someone on the phone. Ellie was with him, so he decided to ignore whatever plans were made for now and focus solely on the one he loved.

"I'm sorry, Alec. I'm so sorry." Jenna was sobbing. "I never wanted to pull you into this. Let alone Daisy."

"Don't apologize. It's not your fault."

"I've ruined both your lives."

"No, never say that again." Alec whispered against her hair, cradling her close. "You saved me. You made my life so much better than it was before and I won't ever regret that I met you. Not ever, you hear me?"

"But if you hadn't, Daisy wouldn't be in danger." Jenna protested meekly.

"Don't even think about it!" he said decisively, holding her by her shoulders to meet her eyes. "We're in this together and I will get us out of this mess." Alec pulled her close again, tighter than before. "I won't lose you to him."

"But you have to." whispered Jenna, her voice choked with fear but determined. "I won't let Daisy get hurt because of me. I won't!"

"Shh, I'll get her back. I won't lose either of you!" Alec decided, speaking hushed into her ear.

"How?"

"I'll think of something."

"Alec—"

"It's alright, Jenna, I will. I promise. I won't give you up. We'll be together; you, me and Daisy. I promise."

She didn't answer this time. But he felt her hands on his back, fingers desperately clutching into the fabric of his jacket, holding on as if her life depended on it.

And it did.

"Hardy…" McGraven carefully stepped closer. Alec didn't want to let go of Jenna yet, so he just raised his head to look at him. "I've been on the phone with CS Jenkinson. DS Miller put me through." he explained. "I hear this caravan park belongs to Broadchurch; that's your turf not mine. I left it to the Chief to make a decision and it seems that you have her trust. She puts you and DS Miller in charge, if you're up for it. Apparently, you're quite the team. But if Exeter Police can support you in any way, I'll be glad to help out."

Alec nodded. "Thank you." he said sincerely. "I let you know." The older DI nodded back and retreated.

Ellie took his place. Hands stuffed tensely into her orange jacket, face frowned with worry and compassion. She waited for him; she didn't push.

"We should head back." Alec said, his voice rough and dry. Jenna nuzzled close to him and then raised her head from his chest. "Make a plan."

Ellie nodded. "Right. I'll drive."

On the way back to Broadchurch Alec sat in the back with Jenna. Her tears have dried but she refused to let go of him. He heard her whisper under her breath that she didn't want to leave him. He held her hands tighter and promised that she won't have to, but Jenna didn't seem convinced.

CS Jenkinson was there when they arrived at the station. She probably wanted to make sure that Alec could actually handle this situation despite its personal nature. He did everything to prove to her that he could.

A taskforce was created and a map was drawn, depicting where exactly in a mile radius from the caravan park the meeting with Jack Mason would take place. The cliffs eastwards from the park and away from Broadchurch went on for miles until they came down at a small village that was almost solely used for touristic vacation homes.

Nothing but wide-stretching green landscape inwards the land. Nothing to hide behind. No chance to intersect the meeting place and surprise Mason.

Officers were sent out to scout the area in hopes to find the obsessive lunatic and Daisy before the exchange was due to happen. But Mason was like a phantom. Just like all the times before he couldn't be found.

Alec, Ellie and Jenna were in his office, coordinating the search and awaiting good news from the teams looking for Mason, knowing that time was running out. Of course, Alec was very firm on the decision not to risk Daisy's well-being in any way. So when the time of the meeting would come the colleagues were ordered to draw back. Then he would take over and do whatever it takes to save the women he loved.

Alec sank into his office chair with a deep sigh. It was late in the afternoon and still no one has seen Mason or Daisy. In an hour's time he would have to make the call and withdraw the forces. There was nothing left to do. He was rubbing his tired, dry eyes.

"The nearest we can get with a team without being seen will be the caravan park. So we're definitely going to be stationed there. What do you think?" Ellie was standing in front of his desk, pacing and pondering for more ideas. She exchanged a look with Jenna, who was perched at the edge of the desk when Alec didn't respond. "Alec?"

He was still lost in thoughts, so Jenna reached out a hand, carefully touching his shoulder to make him look at her. "You should close your eyes." Jenna said. "Try to sleep, just for a little while. You've been awake for over thirty hours." Her hand gently caressed his rough, unshaven cheek, smoothing her thumb along the doubtlessly dark circles beneath his eyes. "You need to rest." she urged him worriedly.

Alec took her hand. He pressed a fleeting kiss to it and in his mind, unbeknownst to her, he came to a decision. His last resort. The idea had been there for the last few hours, actually.

"I can't sleep." he told her. "I can't find it in me to rest. But… I… I would love a cup of tea if the offer still stands." He tried a smile but Jenna furrowed her brows. "Make one for yourself, too. There ought to be some biscuits somewhere."

"Come on, I'll go with you." Ellie offered, but Alec stopped her.

"No. I need you here, Miller. Jenna knows where to find everything, right?"

Jenna's frown deepened suspiciously. There was a little bit of hurt in her eyes, too. "What are you going to talk about that I'm not supposed to hear?" she asked.

Alec stood, came over to her and squeezed her hands in his. "It's nothing. Just need to decide who's gonna be in charge now that time is running out. Official protocol and procedure, nothing extraordinary." Jenna's hazel eyes narrowed as she looked between Alec and Ellie. "Please, Jenna. You know you can trust me, right?"

She looked back at him; she looked into his soul and whatever she saw there, it made her grant him his wish. "Alright. I'll make us tea." she said warily. "Leave you to discuss your official police business."

Alec looked after her when she closed the door on her way to the kitchen. Almost longingly; as if he expected to never see her return.

"We're not discussing official police business, are we?" Ellie noted observantly.

He turned to her, recognizing her dark look of apprehension and he knew that she knew what he was about to say. "I have to prepare for the worst case." Alec started to explain. "If we won't find Daisy before the meeting, I'll have to face Mason and face him alone. You said it yourself, we can't get close enough to intervene quickly. But there's no way I'm sending Jenna back into this hell."

He paused, taking a deep breath. He was bracing himself for the protest but it didn't come. "Mason is angry with me. He's trying to hurt me by taking Daisy and forcing to have Jenna back, so… I'm going to trade myself for Daisy. Try to convince him that it's me he wants to break and you will let him, Miller. That's the only way, so no one innocent is going to be harmed."

"Except you." mumbled Ellie, stubborn tears were glistening in her eyes.

He was looking at her imploringly. "It's the only way. You can't tell Jenna about this. Please? She will try and stop me but this is how it has to be. I'll be fine, I have a chance. Jenna and Daisy will get hurt if I don't do something. I can't let that happen."

"It's too dangerous! You don't know how he'll react. The Super will not agree with this!" she argued.

"I have to try. Please... you know I have to try and stop him." Alec held vehemently.

Ellie pressed her lips together, wiping quickly over the corner of her eye. "I knew you were thinking about something stupid like this!" she complained angrily. "I knew you would! You have no idea what he would do to you, Alec!" she reminded him.

Briefly, Alec touched his partner's shoulder, smiling strained, before becoming serious again. "I'll be fine. I can handle him. Please, Ellie… you have to keep them save. Jenna and… and my Daisy. You have to keep them save, promise me."

"For god's sake!" she cursed, not quite stomping her feet on the ground but she definitely would've wanted to. "I can't talk you out of this, can I?"

"No. Not a chance."

"Fuck." Ellie cursed under her breath. She sniffled, nodding reluctantly. "Of course, I'll keep them save." she promised, trying to compose herself. "But let us also hide a back-up team in the tourist village. He must try to escape through there. We can follow him, catch him and keep you safe, too."

"Alright." Alec agreed.

No sooner than he had finished talking, the door to his office opened again and Jenna came back in, balancing a tray with tea and biscuits. She put it down on his desk, sensing the tension. "So… what have you decided then?" Jenna asked haltingly. She looked at Ellie who quickly looked back at Alec.

"We're going to put a team in the village." he said, not missing a beat. "We can hide there unseen and surprise him on his way back."

"Okay…" Jenna pondered. "That seems reasonable."

No one moved for the tea.

"It's almost time… I-I ought to check in with my boys." Ellie said suddenly and left the office in a rush. Alec watched her go.

Jenna stepped closer. "Anything else you discussed?" she questioned innocently.

Alec took her hands again, squeezing them to his chest before letting them go and stroking up and down her arms. "Nothing else, love." he promised. Jenna didn't seem fully convinced, but before she could ask more questions, Alec cupped her cheek and tilted her face upwards for a kiss. Quite a passionate kiss for them being in his glass-walled office at the station.

He hugged her close immediately after their lips parted, breathing in the unmistakeable scent of her. "Whatever happens, Jenna, you know I love you, right?"

She squeezed him closer as a response. "I love you, too." was all she could utter.

Night fell.

The wind had calmed down for the moment, but the crispness of the upcoming winter was already in the air.

The caravan park was lit. Not only by the people living there, but also by the police cruisers that blocked the footpath up to the cliffs. A few onlookers were kept in check by the PC's on scene. A little further up, a technician fitted Alec with a small, nearly invisible microphone. Ellie was standing in the door of a police car, looking worried. Jenna next to her was trying not to show how much she was shivering.

"Check." said the technician. "Microphone check. Can you hear me?"

Ellie leaned into the car where the voice of the technician came from a speaker. She nodded grimly. "It's working. Thanks." She stepped towards Alec. "Are you alright? Sure you wanna do this?"

In her gaze Alec could see that she was asking about the unspeakable plan that only they knew about. He glanced at her long and unwavering, then he nodded. A silent thank you.

"Please, be careful. Don't risk anything." Ellie told him. "Remember, we're here for you. If anything goes wrong I'll be there in a jiffy, I promise." She moved in to hug him, but he resisted with a quick look at Jenna.

"Don't get sentimental, Miller. I'll be fine." he said evenly. An exchanged glance made sure that Ellie knew he was doing this so Jenna wouldn't get suspicious. She understood but her shoulders sank, nonetheless.

"Right." Ellie mumbled and stepped away to give the lovers a little privacy.

Jenna wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed him tightly. "Are you sure you want to go alone? Shouldn't we just do as he said and go together?"

He looked into her eyes, stroking some stray hair behind her ear. "No. I won't do anything he says before I haven't made sure that Daisy is okay. Stay here with Ellie. I'll be fine."

Jenna's lips quivered. "You keep saying that." she whispered, looking downwards.

Alec cupped her cheek, making her look at him again. "It will be alright. I'll break him just like last time. You won't be harmed. And Daisy will be safe, too."

"And what about you?" she asked, her eyes shining.

He stroked his thumb over her cheek and leaned down to kiss her. "Don't worry about me." he said then. "We'll figure this out once and for all. I won't let him get away. He won't hurt anyone ever again."

Jenna fought hard to suppress tears. "Just… come back to me. I don't want to lose you."

Alec's heart skipped nervously. Was there something in Jenna's voice revealing that she knew what he was planning?

"Alec… you should go." Ellie spoke up next to them, preventing him from making false promises. "You'll need some time to get to the top."

"Right." he said. Reluctantly, he and Jenna entangled. He squeezed her hands for the last time before letting go. "It's gonna be fine." he told her, voice constricted.

She wasn't crying. She nodded firmly.

Alec turned away and started his ascent of the cliffs. He couldn't look back. Looking back would weaken him. He had a job to do. He had to save lives. No matter the cost. He clenched his jaw and tried to focus solely on the mission ahead, trying to get his head free.

Negotiating with a raving lunatic will demand everything of him. Convincing him to see things the way Alec wanted him to see it had been fairly easy the last time. Mason was blind of false love for Jenna. But three years have passed since then. He'd spent time in prison… with other crazy wankers. Alec couldn't be entirely sure if Mason's frame of mind hadn't shifted his focus from love to hate.

Should he have planned this more thoroughly? Had he an answer for every eventuality? Maybe he actually should've rested more before making a grave decision like this.

Alec shook himself, clenching his fists and stomping his feet decisively into the damp ground.

There was no time for doubts. Mason wanted to shake him, he wanted Alec to question himself. But he won't let that bloody bastard get the upper hand. Not with Daisy's life on the line. He needed to keep his head straight. Mason wasn't going to win this. He won't get Jenna!

Alec was reaching the top of the cliff. From now on it was only one way straight-ahead. It was dark up here without any artificial light. But the night wasn't completely black yet. He could see what was in front of him.

Still a good 300 feet away there was a shadow. Actually, there were two but they were standing so close together that they seemed as one. The smaller shadow stood in front of the bigger one. Like a shield.

Alec's blood boiled. This was Daisy.

He had to force himself not to run. Not to seem too threatening. He felt safer with the microphone on him. When he'd trade himself for his daughter, he wouldn't be alone. Even though he couldn't hear them, Ellie would be able to hear everything that occurred now. Alec never needed to be worried. Those were just the nerves. He was in control.

Alec was moving closer and closer towards the shadows who stood there, unmoving. Not very far at all to the right was the sheer drop of the cliff. Soon he was close enough that he could make out faces and it was exactly then that all his methods, all his carefully compiled composure, already threatened to crumble into vain nothingness as he saw Daisy.

His daughter, delicate, small and shivering compared to Mason, had been crying. No, actually, she still was. Silent tears fell from her cheeks. Her hands were bound together in front of her and at her throat…

Fiery rage reared up explosively inside Alec. That bastard was threatening her with a knife!

Pictures from three years ago flashed briefly before his eyes. Jenna in that alleyway, in the same dangerous grasp. Alec strode forward.

"Dad!" he heard Daisy whimper but she got pulled in tighter at the same moment.

"That's far enough!" Jack Mason snarled.

The knife's point was digging into Daisy's skin. She sobbed, frozen in fear, and Alec was forced to stand still although every muscle in his body wanted to push him forward. "What have you done to her?!" Alec roared furiously. "Daisy, are you okay? Has he hurt you?"

Daisy opened her mouth, but the knife prevented her from talking. "She's fine." hissed Mason. "She gets to talk when you fulfill your side of the bargain. Where. Is. Jenna?!"

He did not yell, but his voice rumbled and growled most dangerously.

"She is close, but she doesn't want to be with you anymore, Jack." Alec announced firmly.

"I realized that." Mason sneered. "She found herself a bloody copper to protect her. But I don't care. I don't even want to be with her anymore. But that slut betrayed me-"

Alec took an angry step forward. "Careful-"

"For that she must be punished!" Mason yelled over Alec's protest and warningly pulled Daisy's head back to expose her soft neck. She whimpered again and it kept Alec in place. "I see you care surprisingly little for your own flesh and blood. Didn't I tell you what would happen if you don't follow my rules? Do you think I wouldn't do it?!" Roughly, Mason fisted Daisy's hair, setting the knife higher and pressing the smooth blade down. Daisy couldn't even swallow her sobs.

"Please…" Alec upheld his hands in a soothing manner. His voice wobbled just slightly. "Don't hurt her."

"That's up to you." said Mason.

"She'd done nothing to you!" he exclaimed more forcefully.

"But you did! You stole my baby away from me and you made her hate me. We were happy before you. You ruined everything!"

"I understand why you're angry, okay? You're blaming me, you want to hurt me… then go on and do it!" Alec challenged. "Leave my family alone. My daughter has nothing to do with this. Let her go and take me instead. Do whatever you want with me."

Alec saw how Daisy began to struggle, ever so slightly shaking her head while widening her eyes in panic.

"Do you really think I'd fall for that again?!" Mason hissed, tightening his grip on Daisy. "You really think I'm this stupid!?"

"I think you're only angry with me and no one else. You said so yourself. You don't even want Jenna anymore, so what's the point? Let's settle this between us. No one else has to get hurt."

This was it. Alec's plea. He played all his cards. Mason was silent for a moment. His steely eyes fixed upon Alec, but he couldn't really tell if Mason was considering his plea or not.

Then, all of a sudden, the madman's frown darkened radically.

"You're still doing it! You're trying to trick me!" Mason's voice rose rapidly. "I won't fall for it! You hear me, copper, I won't fall for it again! You bring Jenna to me now or I swear to god I slit your little brat's throat!"

Alec's heart hammered. "Calm down!" he bellowed desperately, trying to keep control. "We can't talk if you're this agitated!"

"There's nothing left to talk!" Mason shouted unhinged. "I won't wait any longer! Where's Jenna!?"

"Don't tell him, Dad." A breathless voice could be heard. Daisy's lips trembled, but she managed to speak up loud enough between her tears.

It cost her dearly.

"You shut up!" Mason snarled wildly. He yanked her head around and, suddenly, the knife was deep enough to break skin.

Daisy cried out as the sharp edge sank in. Blood immediately trickled down her neck.

"DAISY!" Her name ripped from Alec's throat in a scream.

"Don't move! Don't you fucking move!" Mason yelled back. The knife had dragged a line of red blood, but it was small yet and had stopped short in front of her artery. "One more step and it's over!"

Alec's brain stopped functioning. With eyes widened in horror, he stared at the blood. His daughter's blood. His blood. No plan mattered. If there had ever been one, he couldn't remember anymore. The fear, the terror, ran ice cold through his veins. He couldn't move. Couldn't speak.

"Give me Jenna! Now, copper!"

"Please, please don't hurt her." Alec's voice was frail. His mind unthinking. His ears unhearing. He only saw the blood.

"Now, I said! And I'll release the girl!"

"P-Please…" Alec couldn't breathe. His throat was closing up in panic. His chest constricting painfully. He had lost. Why had he even gambled in the first place? What else was there to do but obey? What could he possibly do now!?

Suddenly, something changed. Mason slowly started to grin. "Never mind." he said. "My Jenna's a good girl who does what she's told to."

"W-What?" Alec gasped. The world wasn't making sense to him. His eyes were fixed on Daisy who had squeezed her eyes shut to keep out the pain. Her cheeks were red and drenched in tears.

And then, unexpectedly, a hand was carefully reaching for Alec.

Startled, he whirled around. Jenna was looking at him. As calm and brave as no one but her could possibly look in this situation. "Jenna, no…"

She held his hand tighter. "It's okay, Alec. It's okay."

"No, no, no, you're not supposed to be here. I can't lose you." he sputtered.

"Shh, Alec, listen. Listen to me…" Jenna had turned him towards her, gripping his arms and shaking him a little. "I am not afraid. This is how it's meant to be-"

"No." he protested and as a testimony of how little he was actually in charge of this whole wreck of an operation, Alec was the one crying pathetically.

"Did you really believe I didn't know what you were planning?" Jenna asked softly. "It wasn't Ellie's fault, don't blame her. I think I actually had to kick someone's bollocks to get here."

"I-I thought I could… y-you shouldn't get hurt, you and Daisy." Alec stuttered. "Now you're both in danger. It's my fault, I'm sorry. I've been stupid. I thought-"

"Shh, don't get upset. It's alright." Jenna soothed. "You were scared for Daisy; it clouded your judgement, but you and her will be safe now. You did all you can. Now let me help you."

Alec felt like his heart was ripped in two. The imminent threat of losing Daisy felt like dying, but to lose Jenna meant that he would never be happy again. Still, he knew what he had to do. Even though it filled him with searing pain. It wasn't the first time that he'd sacrificed his happiness for his daughter. "Jenna… I-I…"

She squeezed his hands once more. "I know." she whispered with a little brave smile. "Me, too."

"Enough of this!" Mason interrupted coldly. "She knows where she belongs. Just accept it, copper."

Jenna turned towards her crazy ex. Her eyes narrowed. Alec was amazed; there really seemed to be no fear in her. Just anger. "Put the knife down and I will come over to you." she called out.

Mason grinned viciously. "You have changed. I rather like it." he sneered and, at last, he lowered the knife from Daisy's throat. Her breathing picked up immediately and the build-up sobs finally bubbled. Mason grabbed her hair to keep her still. "Come over, baby." he demanded.

"You'll let Daisy go, right?" Jenna made sure.

"That was the deal. I keep my word. I want only you to play with." he added in a sinister tone.

Alec felt bile rising up. He grabbed Jenna's hand, pulling her back but she refused.

"It's okay. I'll be fine." she repeated his words from earlier.

"Now, Jenna!" Mason called impatiently.

Slowly, she started to walk. Her uneasiness slightly visible in her trembling knees after all. When her hand slipped from his, Alec felt like he was falling. Sinking. Drowning. A little deeper with every step she took away from him.

Jenna was greeted by the knife but she made no move to resist or to fight.

"I'm sorry, Jenna." Daisy whimpered heartbroken. Her hair got pulled and she fell silent.

By now, Alec's heart was racing so fast that it started to hurt, despite his pacemaker. The two most important people in his life were in control of a knife-wielding maniac. And all he could do was watch and hope. He felt alone. Helpless. Sick. His legs wobbled in an effort to carry him.

This horrible moment of being completely out of control went on for what felt like an eternity. Mason was visibly enjoying the power he had over him. With Alec's daughter fixed with one hand and an arm around Alec's love, Mason was grinning.

Alec couldn't breathe.

Then Daisy was abruptly pushed away. She stumbled but stayed on her feet and kept running forward. Alec immediately reacted and opened his arms for her. She crashed into his body with a desperate wail of relief; tears and blood instantly smudged his shirt.

Alec held his daughter tight, lips quivering violently. The relief was tremendous as he hugged her to him, burying his face in her hair. "It's alright, darling. I got you. It's over. Shh."

Daisy couldn't talk. She cried ceaselessly.

Through squeezed shut eyes and trembling bodies, a voice came harshly. "I know you've got coppers in the village. I've seen them. You lot really ought to learn how to be more inconspicuous." Mason taunted. Then his voice changed again and got darker. "Get them out of there!"

Alec opened his eyes. He glanced at Mason over the head of his daughter, not lifting his nose from her hair. Jenna was there, looking defiant and strong, but Alec still felt a piercing stab in his heart. The moment of reflection already took too long for Mason's liking.

He moved suddenly, dragging Jenna with him, who couldn't conceal the startled widening of her eyes this time. Alec straightened up in alert, tightening his grip on Daisy, as Mason and Jenna stood much closer to the edge of the cliff.

"Give the order or Jenna's gonna take a dive!"

He felt Daisy pressing her face into his chest, seemingly attempting to vanish and Alec cleared his throat with angry reluctance. "All units, retreat from the tourist village. Stand back." he spoke flatly into the air.

"I knew you were wired!" hissed Mason. "I should chug her off the edge just for your disobedience!" He made one more abrupt step to the right, watching Alec flinch. "But I won't." he said then. "At least as long as you're not trying to stop us from leaving. This is over, copper. Say goodbye. You won't see her again." Mason retreated backwards. "Follow me and I'll kill her for sure."

A cry of pain and frustration made its way up Alec's throat, but he didn't allow the scream to release into the breezy night air. Jenna's eyes weren't leaving his, but her look was soft. Lovingly. It made his heart ache all the more.

He was watching her until he couldn't see her no more and emptiness filled his soul.

Please leave a review! :)