Abe

Janine and I got in a car with Mikhail and Pavel, despite the objections of the detective who eventually gave up and got in his own, driving off first so we could follow him. I called Eric to let him know what was happening and asked him to talk to Olena. They could both meet us at the hospital, no doubt that's where they'll take Rose and Dimitri even if everything was okay.

Rose. A beautiful woman, growing and maturing each day. Intelligent, kind hearted and generous. In some ways, I was grateful for Janine leaving and keeping her from me, if she didn't, would she be the women she is now? Would she still have been kinds? Gracious? Humble? Helpful? Or would my world have corrupted her? Would it have spoiled her and made her into another rich snob? I know for a fact I would still loe her all the same but if Janine didn't leave, would she be different? Would it have been safe?

But Janine left and that's why Rose was missing. I didn't blame her necessarily, I knew she wouldn't have caused harm to Rose, she never would have, but she brought Tony into Rose's life where he was able to beat her, torture her, make her sick all because he wanted to be with Janine and she left. She left him so she could protect Rose, yes, I get that but he did hurt her still. Janine came back for the injuries that landed her in hospital and she still left after, sometimes leaving before Rose woke up in the hospital.

"I know what you're thinking." I was brought out of thoughts. I took my hand from my chin and turned away from the window, looking into her eyes.

"What?"

"You're thinking it's my fault." I was going to defend myself, to deny the truth but she cut me off before I could even try. "And you're right, but I'm never going to make this mistake again."

"We may not have the chance to make mistakes with her again." I whispered. Janine looked away but grabbed my hand in hers before she looked back after a few minutes.

"We will." She looked over at me. "I still haven't vetted this boyfriend of her." I gave her a small smile.

"He's alright. He's a good kid-"

"I'm not saying he isn't, but I haven't had the chance to scare him, have I?" I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "I really am sorry for not telling you about her."

"You did what was right. I don't know how I would have protected you both."

"You would have done it." I cupped her face and stroked her cheek. She kissed me palm. "We'll get her back." I nodded.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

We stepped out of the car for the third time. Smith stood with his vest as his team all surrounded an aerial photograph of the property we were standing in. Janine, Pavel, Mikhail and I walked up to him.

"We're going in too." I stated breaking up a conversation that was happening between the officers. Smith turned around slowly.

"Not a chance. You can stay out here."

"The last time I checked, I lone Pavel and Mikhail out to the FBI for training purposes, Janine here is the most skilled person with a weapon and it's my daughter in there. I wasn't asking." I could hear Pavel and Mikhail grunt in disaprovement. I know they agree with Smith but I wasn't having any of it. They tried to convince me to sit in the car and let them and Janine handle things, but I wasn't going to sit there and wait anxiously while my daughter is inside.

"Alright, but you're going in as one team." I nodded and looked over at Mikhail and Pavel.

"Don't even think about asking me to stay behind." I warned Pavel as he started to open his mouth. He closed it and rolled his eyes. "You've never met Rose, but you know what she looks like? And you remember Dimitri too?"

"Evet, patron." He nodded as Mikhail shoved his shoulder. He handed me a gun. I nodded and turned back to Smith.

"We'll take inside, you take the ground." Janine nodded and pulled my arm to stop me from speaking and she took a vest Smith was handing to her. She slipped it over her head and secured it tightly. Pavel and Mikhail did the same and I followed suit. I allowed Janine to take the lead as Smith and his men went into the house.

I haven't done this in a while, I haven't had to for years but my heart was beating fast and my hand rested on the cool metal of the gun as if it belonged. Janine caught my eye quickly and I nodded, letting her know was behind her ad ready to fight for her and our daughter. She nodded slowly before turning around and starting to walk towards the house, her gun at raised and at the read as she slowly took each step forward. I followed behind her as Pavel and Mikhail took up the sides. We walked as one until, ignoring what Smith said about staying outside as we stepped into the house. Janine gesturing at Pavel to go one way and Mikhail go the other as she mentioned for me to follow her. We slowly cleared the ground floor area, meeting back up in the kitchen.

"We'll start down in the basement first. Tony has to be here someone." That was more a statement of desperation than fact. I nodded away, letting Janine lead this mission since she was the one with the most experience. We were heading towards the stairs when my eyes caught something moving outside. As Mikhail, Pavel and Janine were quickly talking strategy, I slipped away towards the back door.

Tony stood there outside, running out onto the grass, holding a gun at arm length. I glanced at where he was pointing and my eyes widened, my hands started to shake as I raised my gun and took a breath, pushing down on the trigger. I could hear Janine yell and the sound of heavy footsteps as they race down the stairs. I ignored them all and ran out the door.

I ran towards Dimitri, towards Rose.

I was numb, I don't remember calling him but I must have because he turned. My blood ran cold when I saw Rose laying limply in his arms. I ran towards him my heart racing, vaguely aware that Janine was running up behind me. Everything else was a blur.

Everything was cold.

Everything was numb.