Descending the stairs, Traci spotted her brother, settling onto the couch, accompanied by a cup of coffee.
"Jack," Traci said.
"Hi," Jack said, "I would say good morning, but I can't see anything pleasant about it."
"Did you sleep?" Traci said.
"Off and on," Jack said, "I miss Kyle, and I spent the night worrying about what he must have gone through. With the evidence that was found, what did they do to him? Or maybe it was just one person, why was he made to suffer?"
"Jack, you can not torture yourself like this," Traci said, "The police are investigating and we will have answers."
"I want justice for my son," Jack said.
"We will have that too," Traci said, "Have you seen Rachel this morning?"
"No, she must be sleeping in," Jack said, "We should let her rest. She has been through a lot too."
"I checked her room and her bed does not look like it was slept in," Traci said.
"Maybe she went back to the house," Jack said.
"I went looking there too and she wasn't home," Traci said.
"She could have gone to the coffeehouse," Jack said.
"I've called her, but her phone goes straight to voicemail," Traci said, "I'm starting to get worried."
"I'm sure there's a logical explanation," Jack said, "Maybe she went to talk to her daughter."
"That has to be it," Traci said, "Through her grief, she has to tell her daughter the terrible news."
The sound of the front door opening, diverted Jack and Traci's attention. Their eyes met Billy, who knocked lightly on the door as he entered the house.
Detecting the sadness in their faces, Billy went to his brother. "Jack?" Billy said, "I just heard about Kyle. You must be worried sick."
"I'm past worry," Jack said, pausing before continuing, "I'm assuming you haven't heard the latest."
"I know he's missing," Billy said, "Has something happened? Did they find him?"
"Yes and no," Jack said.
"You lost me," Billy said.
Taking over, Traci said, "We know what happened to Kyle, we just don't know the circumstances."
"Then what happened? Where is he?" Billy said.
"He's gone," Jack said.
"You can't think that way," Billy said.
"It's too late," Jack said, "We lost him. The police are investigating Kyle's case as a homicide."
"A what?" Billy said, "Why do they think that?"
"Kyle was driving to Minneapolis on business and somehow he ended up near a cliff," Jack said, his voice breaking, "They say there is strong evidence he fell over the edge."
"No," Billy said, "How could that happen?"
"They say he was pushed," Jack said.
"By who?" Billy's tone turned to anger.
"We don't know," Jack said, "Someone took him from us."
Noticing the tears in his brother's eyes, Billy hugged him. "Jack, I'm so sorry," Billy said.
Seeing the tears on Traci's face, Billy gave her a comforting embrace.
A silent pause presented itself, until Billy said, "Where's Rachel this morning? Is she at her house?"
"Actually, we have not seen her today," Traci said, "We can't seem to locate her and were wondering where she could be."
"She must be devastated," Billy said, "Did you try calling her?"
"Voicemail," Traci said.
"Did you check her GPS?" Billy said.
"I'm not sure I know how," Traci said.
Billy pulled his phone out and said, "I should be able to…there it is." Looking up at the others, Billy said, "She's at Jabot."
"I wouldn't think she would go in to work today," Traci said.
"I don't think she did," Billy said. Dialing her number, Billy spoke into the phone. "Rachel, it's me. If you get this message, stay where you are. I'm coming to get you."
Tucking his phone into his back pocket, Billy said, "I'm going to bring her home."
Billy opened the front door to find a familiar face on the other side. "Theo," Billy said.
"Hi," Theo said, "I heard what happened. Is it okay if I come in?"
"Sure, but you will have to excuse me, I have to run," Billy said.
Theo stepped inside, while Billy rushed out, shutting the door behind him. Traci approached him. "It's good you're here," she said, hugging him.
"I heard Kyle is missing," Theo said.
"Oh," Traci sighed. Detecting the despondence in their faces, Theo said, "Has there been some news? Has something happened?"
Standing in his living room, Nick's eyes scanned the breaking news report, displayed on his tablet. After reading it over once, Nick took a second read to make sure this event had actually happened. He was staring at the headline "Jabot CEO, Kyle Abbott, Perishes In Fall", as news of Kyle's demise spread through the community.
Catching a glimpse of Summer entering the room, Nick looked up, as she gave him a small smile. Sensing the seriousness on Nick's face her smile faded. Summer inquired what was wrong, causing Nick to sit on the couch, turning his tablet face down. He motioned for Summer to sit next to him, the grim look on his face, encouraged her to sit by his side. Nick took her hands and began to explain the sad news about Kyle. Summer stared wide eyed, shaking her head, not wanting to believe it was true. Accusing Nick of lying, Summer leaped off the couch, and stood holding her arms close to herself, with her back to him. Nick walked up behind Summer, putting his hands on her shoulders, he assured her that while he was sorry, it was all true. Summer turned to her father, tears falling. She shook her head again, before she collapsed, sobbing, into Nick's arms.
Fen sat staring at the news report in front of him, while his mother sat next to him. Lauren could tell the news was upsetting her son, causing her to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Fen looked at his mother and shook his head in disbelief. Kyle was certainly not Fen's best friend, but Fen never wished this kind of harm on him. Knowing Kyle's family would never be close with him again, Fen felt the need to express love for his. Reaching out he shared a hug with Lauren.
Tears were on her face and a hand was over her mouth as Mariah learned about the loss of her friend. Tessa sat next to her on the couch, telling Mariah how sorry she was. Mariah looked at Tessa, the sadness in her eyes causing Tessa to put her arm around Mariah's shoulders. Realizing she would never see Kyle smile again, hear his laugh, or come up with a witty comment, was breaking Mariah's heart. To know someone had deliberately taken her good friend form her, was more that Mariah could bear. Unable to stop her tears, Mariah began to weep, bringing out Tessa's need to comfort her. Tessa reached out to hug her, Mariah falling into her arms. Despite their issues, or schemes against each other, none of it mattered. Mariah was exactly where she needed to be, in the arms of Tessa, the one who loved her.
While Jack was overcome with grief, it was left up to Traci to explain to Theo what had transpired. Astonishment came into his eyes, and seeing the sadness in Traci's, Theo hugged her. Although the news was shocking for Theo, he felt the need to console his family. Assuring Traci was okay, Theo turned to Jack. They shared a look, no words would provide comfort. Theo hugged Jack, the two sharing the heaviness of their hearts. Theo had issues with his cousin, but he never thought this disappearance would be the end for Kyle.
Crying in Kevin's arms, Susie was hit hard by the loss of Kyle. She had come to love him as her step father. Kevin soothed her, as she tried to come to terms with the thought she would never see him again.
Nikki sat next to Victor, as he read over the news brief. Surprise was in his face as he looked out at the room, before shifting his eyes to his wife. They shared a sympathetic gaze, merging Victor's arm around Nikki, who put her head on his shoulder.
A steady stream of tears, spilled down Abby's face, as Chance consoled her in a hug. Abby lamented 'how could this happen' and 'it's not fair', while Chance did his best to soothe her sorrow.
With the wedding photo, still snug in her arms, Rachel lay sleeping on the office couch. Next to her the door opened, as Billy stepped into the room, stopping when he saw her. Billy strolled towards her, when he saw the photo she was hugging. His heart filled with conflicting emotions of relief that she was okay and compassion for the overwhelming grief she was suffering.
Crouching down, Billy gently touched her shoulder. "Hey, sleepy," he said.
Rachel opened her eyes, the sight of Billy momentarily startling her. Noticing her jump, Billy said, "It's okay, it's just me."
"Billy?" Rachel said, as she sat up, "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you," Billy said, "The family was a little worried about you. Did you spend the night here?"
"I came by last night," Rachel said, "I was drawn to the office, as if somehow it would make me feel closer to Kyle. I felt like I had to check on things to make sure it was all still here. Then when I saw his name, his desk and all of his things, I realized he was never going to be in this room again. I would never walk in and see him smile, sneak a kiss in the office. I won't see him hard at work behind that desk. He worked very hard and was so good at his job."
"You're right," Billy said, sitting next to her.
Looking down at the wedding photo, in her hands, Rachel spoke through tear filled eyes, "Kyle said he kept this in the office, to remind him of the greatest day of his life. Look how handsome he is."
"There's a beautiful bride in there too," Billy said.
"We were so happy then," Rachel said, "Now it's all gone. I wish I could go back in time and tell him not to go on that business trip. Then he would have been safe at home. I miss him so much."
"I know," Billy said, putting his arm around her shoulders, Rachel dropping her head to his.
With a takeout bag in one hand, Lola unlocked the door to the room, where she was holding Kyle. Stepping in and seeing he was asleep she smiled. The sound of Lola shutting the door, caused Kyle to stir. Opening his eyes he saw Lola smile at him. "Good morning," Lola said.
"You came back," Kyle said.
"Of course I did," Lola said, "I brought you some breakfast."
Kyle began to pull himself to sit up, Lola going to assist, when she saw him wince. "Is something wrong?" Lola said.
"Maybe that you're holding me hostage?" Kyle said.
"You looked like something hurt…" Lola said, trailing off the when she saw the chaffing on his wrists. "Kyle…" she said astonished, "What have you done? I told you not to struggle too hard, now you have hurt yourself."
Lola rummaged around in her bag, producing a bottle of cream. "This will help," she said. Lola tried to reach alongside Kyle, to apply the lotion, but was having trouble, reaching the desired area. Sighing Lola, reaching into her pocket, her hand emerging with a key.
"I thought you didn't have the keys," Kyle said.
"I didn't before," Lola said, "Now I do."
Lola reached over to put the key into place, when she paused.
"Why did you stop?" Kyle said, "Please take these off."
"If I take one off, do you promise you will not try anything foolish?" Lola said.
"Where am I going to go?" Kyle said, gesturing to his other wrist remaining cuffed.
Lola removed the restraint from Kyle, as he sighed in relief at the opportunity to stretch out his arm. "Thank you," Kyle said, moving his limb back and forth in an attempt to alleviate the stiffness.
Lola sat next to Kyle on the edge of the mattress and took his hand, pulling it towards her. She applied the lotion to his wrist, the sensation making Kyle flinch.
"You have nearly rubbed your wrists raw," Lola said, "This will sting a little at first but feel better soon. I will have to bandage them to prevent further injury."
"Do you think maybe we could take the other cuff off too?" Kyle said.
"I will leave this arm free for a little while," Lola said, "But when I take the other one off, the cuff goes back on this arm."
"You think I'm going to run away on you?" Kyle said.
"It's the way things have to be for now," Lola said.
"Can I ask you something?" Kyle said.
"Of course," Lola said.
"Why is my leg bandaged up?" Kyle said, "It's pretty sore."
"It still hurts?" Lola said, "I'll check it and change the dressing."
"You didn't answer me," Kyle said, "What happened to it?"
"You incurred an injury when you were brought here," Lola said.
"What kind of injury?" Kyle said, "Because I see it's been bleeding a little."
"You have a cut on your leg," Lola said, "It will heal with time."
"Why are you doing this?" Kyle said.
"I told you why," Lola said, as she stood up, "You know there's a part of me that hates you. The way you tossed me aside, with no regard for my feelings."
"I'm sorry that I hurt you," Kyle said, "But I care about you and what happens to you. I want you to be happy."
"I realized there is a bigger part of me that still loves you and can forgive you," Lola said, "That hurt is always going to be there, but as long as you stay with me, everything will be alright."
"Lola, you have to understand, I don't love you the way you want me to," Kyle said.
"You will," Lola said, "The more time we are together, the sooner you will realize we are better off with each other."
"You say you love me," Kyle said, "If that were true, you wouldn't chain me up like an animal. I miss my family, my wife and you are hurting me by keeping me from them , not letting me live my life."
"Your life is with me now," Lola said, "And it will be wonderful, you'll see. Admit it, if you had never met that woman you call your wife, you would have married me."
"You don't know that," Kyle said.
"As for keeping you here, sometimes it takes tough love to make things right," Lola said.
"You call this love?" Kyle said, "Because I call it cruelty. How do you expect me to fall in love with you, when you are hurting me more and more each day that goes by."
Placing the takeout bag beside him, Lola said, "I made a you sandwich. You must be hungry."
"Are you even listening to me?" Kyle said.
Taking the sandwich out of the bag and unwrapping it, Lola said, "I know you can't see it now, but we have a wonderful future to share. I will always love you and I know you still love me. You have to stop fighting it."
"Okay," Kyle said.
"Okay?" Lola said.
"If you think we're a good match, then maybe we are," Kyle said.
"You're teasing me," Lola said.
"No," Kyle said, holding out his free hand, motioning for her to come closer.
Lola warily eyed Kyle, before accepting his hand. Sitting beside him, Lola saw compassion in Kyle's eyes.
"When I think about it, you and me together could be something really special," Kyle said, rubbing the side of her leg, inching closer to the inner pocket of her sweater.
"Yes," Lola smiled, "Our future it's going to be amazing."
"You just have to trust me, like I want to trust you," Kyle said, discreetly slipping his finger into her sweater pocket, where the handcuff key was nestled.
"Oh, Kyle I…" Lola stopped when she felt Kyle's hand in her pocket. Kyle snatched the key out, but Lola grabbed his hand. They wrestled a few seconds, when Lola slapped Kyle, taking the key out of his hand.
"You talk about trust!" Lola said, popping up from her seat, "You were trying to trick me!"
Rubbing the side of his jaw, Kyle said, "Lola, I'm sorry."
"How could you do that to me?" Lola said, "Now look what you've done. You made me hit you!"
Going to his side, Lola said, "I'm sorry, baby." She kissed his forehead, adding, "Don't ever do that again." Shoving his sandwich towards him, she said, "Eat this, before it's stale."
Kyle did as he was instructed and took a bite of his food. Concerned about Lola's state of mind and now her violence towards him, Kyle was becoming nervous.
"It took you long enough," Austin said, as Tessa stood in his doorway.
"I am not at your beck and call," Tessa said, "I have other things to do with my time."
"This is important," Austin said.
"And my time isn't?" Tessa said, walking inside. Looking around the small space, she said, "Fancy apartment." Peering into the next room she said, "That bathroom is barely big enough to turn around in. This place makes my apartment look like a mansion."
"Are you done?" Austin said.
"You don't even have a bed," Tessa said, "Where do you sleep?"
"I have the sofa bed," Austin said, gesturing to the couch.
Sitting on a cushion, Tessa said, "Not very comfy. How do you not get claustrophobic in here?"
"If you are finished belittling my living quarters," Austin started, "We need to talk."
"Yes, I do have something to tell you," Tessa said.
"I know, Abbott is missing," Austin said, "Believe it or not, Summer told me the news when she came over here accusing me of doing horrible things to her ex."
"Listen Austin, I think you should know…" Tessa started.
"I am under house arrest, but people still think I am this mastermind criminal," Austin said, "Somehow I magically eluded the police and snatched the guy."
"Austin, he's dead," Tessa said.
"Who is?" Austin said.
"Kyle," Tessa said.
Austin paused before he said, "You're putting me on."
"No, it's official," Tessa said, "It's in the news. They say he fell off a cliff."
"Now I know you're joking," Austin said.
Tessa pulled up the article on her phone and showed it to Austin. Tessa watched Austin as his eyes scanned the screen. "Huh," Austin said, "He really is gone for good."
"Your empathy is overwhelming," Tessa said.
"There's no love lost between him and me," Austin said.
"Mariah is really upset," Tessa said, "It was all I could do to console her."
"You know Mariah is playing you," Austin said, "She's suspicious."
"I'm not clueless," Tessa said, "I know she's watching me like a hawk."
"Where's Lola?" Austin said, "I texted her to come too."
"I don't know where she is," Tessa said, "She seems to have taken off for parts unknown."
"What does that mean?" Austin said, "Don't tell me she's missing too."
"No, she took a leave of absence from her job," Tessa said, "Something personal she had to take care of."
"You don't say," Austin said.
Tessa noticed Austin become silent, resting his chin on his fist he stared into space. "I can see the wheels turning," Tessa said, "What's going in that head of yours?"
"Do you find it interesting that Lola took her leave, at the same time Kyle went missing?" Austin said.
"So?" Tessa said.
"Lola was supposed to help us with our plan," Austin said, "What if she went rogue on us and snatched Kyle herself."
Tessa began laughing. "Really Austin," Tessa said, "Have you seen the size of her? Do you honestly think little Lola could overpower Kyle?"
"So you think it's just a coincidence," Austin said.
"Not everything that happens is life, is part of a devious plot," Tessa said.
"Maybe," Austin said, "You know this whole , he's dead thing, it benefits us."
"How's that?" Tessa said.
"Our plan to get what we wanted, by getting Abbott out of the way," Austin said, "Someone just did it for us, same end result."
"Come on," Tessa said, "You're weren't going to kill him."
"Perhaps not," Austin said, "But I was going to teach him a lesson he wouldn't soon forget."
"I do feel bad about what happened to him," Tessa said.
"We still can have what we wanted," Austin said, "I already had a chance to talk to Summer, trying to smooth the waters. I'm sure Rachel is devastated over the loss of her hubby, so here's your opportunity to offer your support. Now she's free so you can make her fall in love with you."
"I don't know," Tessa said, "I'd feel like I'm taking advantage."
"Suddenly you're developing a conscience?" Austin said, "You were all for this."
"Rachel loved Kyle so much," Tessa said, "I don't know if she would accept my comfort."
"You told me you were consoling Mariah," Austin said, "You just play the same part with Rachel."
"My sympathy for Mariah was real," Tessa said, "Maybe it's time her and I and you stop playing these games with people. We should be better than this."
"If you want to miss your opportunity for happiness that is up to you," Austin said, "I am not giving up on Summer."
"You know she's moving in with Fen," Tessa said.
"Seriously?" Austin said, "What does she see in that guy?"
"Not really sure," Tessa said, "He is kind of cute."
Still in the room with Kyle, he watched Lola as she sifted through items on her phone. Silence was between them until Kyle spoke. "Lola?"
Lola didn't answer, prompting Kyle to say, "Thank you for the sandwich. It was very good."
Lola nodded. Trying to get her talking Kyle said, "I'm really sorry about before."
"It's in the past," Lola said, not looking at him.
Another silent pause presented itself, when Lola sighed, putting her phone down. Standing up she said, "I should bandage that wrist."
Lola paused at Kyle's beside, hesitant to sit close to him again. "I won't try anything," Kyle said, "I promise."
Lola sat down and noted Kyle's expression resembled the look of a lost puppy. Her heart went out to him and she said, "I'm not angry with you anymore."
"I appreciate that," Kyle said.
"You know you have to stop pulling on those cuffs, then you won't hurt yourself," Lola said.
"Lola?" Kyle said.
"Yes," Lola said.
"What happened to you?" Kyle said.
"I beg your pardon?" Lola said.
"What happened to the strong, independent, principled woman I used to know?" Kyle said, "Who stuck to her convictions, stood up for herself and had dreams and accomplished them. Who never let anything stand in her way to reach her goals."
"I'm still that same person," Lola said.
"But you're not," Kyle said, "The Lola I used to know would never have held me captive like this. If you were confused about your feelings and wanted to talk to me about it, all you had to do was ask me."
"You think because I say I love you that I'm confused," Lola said, "You think I don't know my own mind?"
Kyle could see Lola was getting agitated again, so he tried to soothe her. "Not at all," Kyle said, "I only meant I think you've got yourself in this situation and don't know how to get out of it. I want to help you."
"How would propose to do that?" Lola said.
"There is no reason you and I can't be friends," Kyle said, "If you need someone to talk to or to share something with another person, you can come to me. I can be there for you for whatever you need as a friend."
"How do I know you are not just trying to sweet talk me again," Lola said.
"If you let me go, I will not press charges against you," Kyle said.
Lola looked up sharply, meeting Kyle's eyes. "Why not?" she said.
"Because I don't believe you want to hurt me," Kyle said, "I know you are working with someone else, just tell me who it is and I can get us out of this mess."
Lola looked at Kyle apprehensively, and he could see in her eyes, he was getting through. Taking her hand, Kyle said, "Look where we are, you know this isn't right. Just one more cuff to take off and we can get out of here. We can stop this."
"Oh Kyle, I…" Lola was cut off by the sound of the door opening and the sight of someone stepping inside.
Their visitor paused at the sight of them holding hands and appearing cozy together. "What in the heck is going on here?" he boomed.
"Rey," Lola said.
Relieved that he had been found, Kyle said, "Rey, it's never been so good to see you."
Ignoring Kyle, Rey said, "I asked you a question." Walking towards them Rey continued, "Why are those cuffs off?"
"His wrists were chaffed, I was applying first aid," Lola said.
Kyle met Rey's eyes, disappointment settling in for Kyle, that this was not a rescue. "You're not surprised to see me," Kyle said.
"Why should I be?" Rey said, "Since I'm the one who put you there."
"You?" Kyle said.
"Oh, you thought I was here to rescue you," Rey said, "Didn't Lola tell you?" Gesturing to himself and Lola, he continued, "Meet you kidnappers."
"So you're the person she's been working with," Kyle said.
Watching Lola finish fixing the bandage on Kyle's wrist, Rey said, "You shouldn't struggle so much. It won't do you any good."
"Why are you doing this?" Kyle said.
"You should know this one," Rey said, "It's called loyalty, integrity and family. You shattered my little sister's heart and damaged her sense of self worth. You lied to her, you cheated on her and then when you thought you found someone better you tossed her aside, to be forgotten. In my family we don't stand for that sort of treatment. You are paying the price for what you did. If you ask me you got off easy."
"You call this easy?" Kyle said, "Being held against my will?"
"It could have been a more permanent disappearance if you get my meaning," Rey said.
"Rey, stop scaring him," Lola said.
"You won't get away with this," Kyle said, "I've got family who will be worried about me and they will come looking for me. When they find me, you are the one who is going to pay."
"I hate to burst your bubble of hope," Rey said, "No one is looking for you."
"I know they are," Kyle said, "They won't stop until they find me."
"That's not accurate," Rey said, "You see the thing is, your dead."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kyle said, "Are you planning to kill me?"
"I'm not going to kill you," Rey said, "I already have."
"You're not making any sense," Kyle said.
"I keep forgetting, you are not up to speed," Rey said, "Let me highlight this for you. Let's start with the wound on your leg. Sorry about that, but I needed to make a small incision and borrow some of your blood."
"You what?" Kyle said, "You cut me?"
"Perfectly safe," Rey said, "You will heal fine."
"Why did you do that?" Kyle said.
"I needed to set the scene," Rey said, "The car, the blood, the dropped watch, the hidden cell phone, a bloody shoe and most tragic of all, Kyle Abbott fell off the cliff to his death."
"You tried to fake my death?" Kyle said "No one will believe it."
"They already do," Rey said, "The police are convinced and your loved ones have been notified. The police even found the piece of fabric from your clothing I placed at the scene. Sorry about the tear." Rey pulled on the torn fabric of Kyle's shorts.
Kyle was staring at Rey is disbelief. "I can see you need more convincing," Rey said. He pulled out a tablet and punched into the screen.
"That's my tablet," Kyle said, recognizing it.
"And it's a nice one," Rey said, "Don't worry you won't be needing it." Locating the news report about Kyle, Rey held it out to him. "See for yourself," Rey said.
Kyle read the headline, 'JABOT CEO, KYLE ABBOTT PERISHES IN FALL'. Wide eyed, Kyle went over the article, his heart beating faster with every line, his breathing becoming laboured.
"You mean to tell me, you convinced everyone one this was true?" Kyle said.
"That's right," Rey said, "Your wife was the icing on the cake. She tearfully identified your personal items. It was touching."
Kyle bristled at the idea of Rey causing Rachel any pain. "You put her and my family through all this grief for nothing?" Kyle growled. Anger had taken over his tone.
"Not for nothing," Rey said, "No one comes looking for a dead person. So you see, no one is coming to save you, no rescue is pending. You are stuck with us."
Kyle released a few angry breaths, before giving a sarcastic laugh.
"I'm glad you can see the humor the situation," Rey said, "What's so funny?"
"I used to think you were a good cop, a good person," Kyle said, "You're nothing but a dirty cop."
"I would watch your tone with me," Rey warned.
"I also didn't think you were this stupid," Kyle said.
"Keep up the insults," Rey said, "You don't want to see me lose my temper."
"You faked my death so no one would find me, is that right?" Kyle said, "That article says my case is now a homicide investigation. When they find out what happened to me, they find me."
Rey chuckled. "Then it will pain you to know, I am the lead investigator on this case. I can do whatever I want and lead the investigation into so many dead ends. Oh, no pun intended. I can send the authorities in any direction far away from you."
Kyle's heart was pounding at the realization he was trapped, with no way to escape his captors. Not only was Lola's state of mind in question, Kyle had never seen Rey act in such an off balance and aggressive manner. Kyle's predicament had just gotten worse than he could have imagined.