Renegade Runaways :: Chapter Twenty Five
Bo and John supported Steve as they slowly made their way to the safe house door. All three of them were dirty, tired, and sore. They chose not to speak about the explosion. They were lucky to be alive. They'd lost contact with Shane, and had no idea he wasn't waiting for them on the other side of the safe house door. John looked over his shoulder before keying in the code to the massive door.
"How did you get that?" Bo questioned. He huffed. He supported Steve's full weight.
"Shane gave it to me," John replied, "He knew all communication was going down. He was going to be inside. Someone on the outside should have it too."
"Hurry up," Bo urged. Steve was getting heavy and he was desperate to see Hope. He had so much to say to her.
The giant, fireproof, bullet proof, explosion resistant, sliding door slid open to reveal an average front door. John turned the door handle and pushed it open it to find an empty living room.
"Doc?" John called out. Marlena appeared in no time, racing down the hallway to jump in his arms.
Bo was left dragging Steve to the couch alone. He grunted as he moved. He didn't miss the humor though. Steve had done the same thing for him the first night they arrived back in Salem.
"Steve!" Kayla screamed, "Oh my God. Bo what happened?"
"He's fine," Bo was breathless, "He's just taking a nap."
Kayla scowled at him and cupped Steve's face. Steve moaned as Kayla hovered over him. Relief washed over her. He was responsive. Bo looked around the room. The person he wanted to see wasn't there. His heart pounded. He raced down the hallway, checking each bedroom. He found Caroline. A small amount of relief washed over him after finding her safely tucked away, but he didn't find Hope. His gut flip flopped. Something was wrong.
He went back to the living room, eyeing the two women who were with her last, "Where is she?"
They both looked at each other, terrified to tell him. Tears of relief were streaming down both of their faces, but their faces were suddenly laced with regret.
"Kayla?" Bo demanded. His voice shook with anger, "Where is Hope?"
"She left," Kayla almost whispered. She closed her eyes. She couldn't look at him. She felt like a traitor.
"You're lying to me," Bo grabbed her wrist to force her to look at him, "Where is my wife?!"
"Shane told us there was an explosion. I think she thinks you're dead. Ciara's been kidnapped. They left. They're gone. I don't know," Kayla rambled. She shrugged and ripped her arm away from him to wipe more hot tears that were escaping from her worried eyes, "I don't know. It all happened so fast. I'm sorry."
Bo stared at her dumbfounded, "What?"
"Shane is with her," Marlena added, "We're not sure where they are, but they're not here. They left two days ago."
Bo's worst fears were coming to a head. His daughter was kidnapped and his wife was heading straight for the fire. He threw his fist into the wall, shattering a picture frame and sending it crashing to the floor. Kayla and Marlena jumped and swallowed their anxiety in one large gulp. John pressed his lips together. He was silent. He knew there was nothing he could say.
"What's the problem man?" Steve groaned from the couch.
Bo went on autopilot, heading straight for the door. His mind raced. He couldn't just sit around and wait for Hope to return.
"What are you doing?" John questioned, "You can't go alone."
"My wife and my daughter are in serious danger," Bo growled, "I'm going. Steve's clearly out. You in?"
"I'm in," Steve called weakly from the couch. His eyes were closed. He didn't make any effort to move.
"You're out Steve," Kayla growled at him. She was in control and he knew it. He didn't argue with her.
John looked regretfully at Marlena, "I'm sorry Doc.."
"John," Marlena gasped in protest, but she knew he was right. Tears welled up in her eyes. She covered her face to hide her tears.
"I'm sorry," John repeated. He went to her, pulling her gently to his chest. They held each other for a moment.
Marlena nodded. Her throat tightened, "Be careful."
Kayla's arms were crossed as she watched her brother leave again. She didn't even get the chance to see if he was injured. She stared at Steve as the safe house door closed. This was a never ending saga. Her heart ached. She couldn't decide if she was mad or sad. She had two injured patients under her care, and she was confident the count would increase.
She exchanged an understanding and empathetic look with Marlena. Marlena frustratedly wiped her tears and sighed, "I'll go check on Caroline."
Kayla nodded. Her chest was tight. She had plenty to keep her busy, but at this point all she could do to make her feel better was pray.