The Following:

Peace, Love, and Happiness

Episode 7:

Crimson Tides

Cruz lit the cigarette as he watched Michael flip through the news channels. Three of them were talking about the kidnapping of an NYPD officer's daughter. They were discussing what happened to Officer William and his daughter, as well as the lack of knowledge of the kidnappers. Their whereabouts and motives were unknown and there were no leads at the moment.

"That's good news," Cruz said looking at Michael who was extremely fidgety at the moment. "They don't know anything."

"I doubt that," Michael said switching to another news channel. "They know it and are just holding back information."

"You worry too much," Cruz shook his head. "Relax man." He paused and shifted in his spot on the bed. "I got us a six pack, come on man it is time to drink."

Michael looked at him uncertain. He was worried that they would be caught. Every fiber in him wanted to protest to him about what they had just done. By kidnapping the daughter of an NYPD officer, it opened a Pandora box. Tim already died by the hands of an officer, he didn't want either him or Cruz to become another victim.

"I could use a beer," He said ignoring his gut feeling. "Thanks," He said when Cruz tossed him a cold one. He opened it and took a sip.

Michael looked at the TV and watched as another news channel began to talk about the kidnapping. He groaned and switched the channel to a Celtics game. They were playing the Raptors and were up by three points, with minutes to go before half time.

"So what is the next step then?" Michael asked his eyes glued to the TV.

Cruz watched the Raptors shoot a three pointer, tying the game. The crowd went wild. He was a Lakers fan and a huge Kobe fan as well. He owned around three jerseys from him and usually goes to at least four to five games a year if he can. Someday, he would love to get season tickets.

"We could always go talk to our friend downstairs," Cruz gave him a twisted smile. He took another drag on the cigarette. "I bet she has a lot to say."

"That sounds better than watching this game," Michael said with a pleased nod. "Not a fan of both teams."

"Same here," Cruz said standing up. ""Let the fun begin."

Cruz and Michael left the den and walked through the host's living room. They entered the kitchen and as Cruz opened the door that led to the basement, Michael eyed the husband and wife tied by their waist and wrists to their kitchen chairs. Their throats were slit, with blood still dripping on to the floor. A large puddle had already formed below them.

Cruz opened the door and made his way downstairs to Tanya who was on the floor with her hands bound behind her. There was a large strip of duck-tape over her mouth preventing her from making any noise. When she saw them, she began to thrash around frightened. She backed into the basement wall, unable to move further.

"My friend and I have some questions to ask you," Cruz said with a devilish smile. He kneeled in front of her. ""I bet you have a lot of questions to ask us, so why don't we do question for question." He paused for a few moments. "I am going to remove the tape and I am going to need you to stay quiet." He paused again waiting for her to agree with him.

Tanya couldn't believe these guys. They didn't know who they were messing with. By kidnapping her, they just signed their death wish. Her dad was not only a well-trained NYPD officer, he had friends that would help him out. Not to mention, she had friends that would die for her safety. In the end, she was curious to find out what they wanted. She decided to abide by their wishes, at least for the time being.

"I am glad we could do this civilized," Cruz said as he slowly removed the tape. He tossed it aside and then smiled at her as if that would calm everyone's nerves.

Tanya rolled her eyes at him. "Who are you guys?" She asked as she licked her lips tasting the tape. It was gross. She could smell it too.

"The name is Ian, Cruz lied pointing to himself, "And this is Dave."

Tanya knew better to believe them. He could be lying to her and he could be telling her the truth about their names. She didn't know. Now they were playing games, but once either her father her father's friends came, or her friends came, they would be screaming their real names to her. They would wish that they never got involved with her.

"Nice to meet you guys," She lied.

Tanya shifted in her spot trying to get a little more comfortable, although it did little help. The floor was made of a rough tile and with her wrists handcuffed behind her, nothing seemed to help. Her left leg was tingling and her arms were already partly asleep. Even flexing her hands and arms didn't help. It just made them feel weird.

"Now it is our turn," Cruz said with a playful wink. "So do you know a Deputy Marshal Turner?"

"Can't say I do," Tanya shrugged her shoulders. She knew of the man, but nothing more. "So, why did you kidnap me?"

"We know that you have information," Cruz said as he scratched the back of his neck. There was a bug bite there that was bothering him. "Plus your dad intrigues us."

"I am sorry to tell you that there is nothing that I can tell you," She shrugged her shoulders emphasizing the matter.

Cruz ran a hand through his hair. He leaned close to her and stared at her trying to give his most piercing glance. It caused her to bite her lower lip nervously. These guys did creep her out, but she couldn't move away from them anymore. She was backed up into the wall far enough already.

"You see Tanya," Cruz pointed out. "I am good at telling people when people are lying to me. It is a family trait." He paused and scratched the bug bite again. He laughed at her like an insane person. "I grew up with a family of liars, so I had to train myself."

"He's right," Michael said lowering his burly arms. He looked at her impatiently. "So it would be in your best interest to just tell him the truth."

Tanya sighed and shook her head. "Tell me what you want to know," She said hoping that if she stalled them long enough, then help would come. "And I will tell you what you think I know."

Cruz saw Michael stiffen He raised his hand trying to relax him. Michael was a short fuse, but one of the best guys to have around. He was the guy who seemed to have the ability to weasel himself out of any situation, no matter how perilous.

"Do you know a Deputy Marshall Turner?" Cruz repeated his question.

"As I had mentioned before," Tanya answered impatiently. "I have never met him."

Cruz began to stroke his small goatee. "I see," He said not really believing her. She was hiding something and he would get it out of her.

"What is your interest with that Marshall guy?" She asked glancing at Michael who was pacing around like an animal trapped in a cage. It made her nervous.

"We have a few questions for him," Cruz answered with a playful smile.

"Well I am sorry. I have no information for you," She said with a small shrug. "So are you one of Joe's followers?'

Cruz began to laugh loudly. "That is one interesting question." He said mocking her. "But no, I am not part of Joe's infamous clan." He paused and glanced at Michael who had a dangerous look on his face. "But we are part of an extremely loving and caring family."

At that moment, Cruz felt his cell vibrate in his pocket. He stood up and walked away from Tanya. "Hey dad," He said watching Tanya who was eying him and Michael anxiously.

"Where are you guys?" Amable asked.

"We are at a house on Church Avenue on the corner of East 18th," Cruz said asked, "Why what's going on?"

"I saw that your package has made headline news," Amable said while he was watching a news report on it at that very moment. "It is time you bring her here for questioning?"

"Are you certain of that?" Cruz asked confused.

"Yes I am," Amable said confidently. He turned away from the TV and poured himself a shot of scotch. "I want to personally question her. The search for Marshall Turner will be continued after we get the correct information from her."

"Okay dad," Cruz said, "See you soon."

Cruz closed his phone and approached Michael. He looked at Tanya who was watching him curiously. "It is time to take this party elsewhere," He said.

"Are you serious?" Michael asked looking at him perplexed.

"Yeah," Cruz said with a dangerous smile. "Dad wants to question her."

Cruz motioned for Michael to grab Tanya while he taped her mouth again. She tried to move away, but Michael was too strong. He had her pinned within seconds as Cruz placed a bag over her head. Michael then tossed her over his shoulder effortlessly as they made their way to their car.

"Toss her in the trunk," Cruz ordered as he exited the house.

Michael opened the trunk and tossed her in. He ignored her whimpers as he slammed the trunk shut. He took a seat next to Cruz as they drove away from the house. "Do you really think dad is making the right decision?" He asked looking at Cruz who pulled on the Church Avenue.

"I believe he is," Cruz said looking at him. "But I am definitely curious what his plan is with this whole thing."

For the next ten minutes neither of them spoke. Michael had the Celtics, Raptors game on the radio. The game was minutes into the fourth quarter and the Raptors were up by eight. The Raptors had the ball after blocking a dunk. The Raptors scoured a three and the crowd cheered loudly.

Cruz made a face unhappily. He didn't really care for both teams, but didn't want the Celtics to lose. They were not his favorite team, but he owned a signed Rondo jersey. It was one of his prized possessions and hoped that one day it would be worth money. He got it at a Lakers, Celtics game, when he bumped into Rondo after the game. To his surprise, Rondo was more than happy to sign the Jersey.

"They are going to lose," Cruz said breaking the silence.

"I know," Michael said with a shrug.

Cruz turned the street corner and sped up. From the corner of his eye he saw a white van speeding in their direction. He had no time to move when it struck the side of their car. The force of the van sent the car into fire hydrant, spraying water high into the air. The car continued to move until it stopped halfway on the sidewalk and front lawn of a TD bank.

Cruz's head hurt and there was blood dripping from a small cut on his nose. He saw through blurred vision that two figures exited the van. They pried open the trunk with a crowbar and grabbed Tanya. They tossed her in the back of the van and then drove away with a screech. He cursed and blacked out.

Inside the van, Tanya felt someone pull the bag off her head. She looked and saw Molly sitting a few feet away with a concerned look on her face. She leaned forward and pulled off the tape a bit. "Took you guys long enough," Tanya said cracking her sore neck which was from the force of the accident.

"Well than there is nothing left to worry about," She said with a smile. "I am here and you are safe." She reached out caressing her cheek affectionately for a few seconds. "There is nothing left to worry about."

Mike stepped out of the shower and dried himself off while he hummed Alice in Chains. He wrapped the towel around his waist and was about to step out of the bathroom when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He touched the scar on his neck that was about four inches in length and a dark red. It was still healing and sort of raw to the touch.

He reached out and touched it for a few moments while he replayed the night he was shot. It was mainly a blank slate, but before he passed out, he could recall the sound of the gunshot. The sudden hot pain mixed with the warm blood that oozed down his neck. Moments later, things grew blurry before he blacked out.

He turned away from the mirror and left the bathroom. He made his way into the kitchen and grabbed two cups for coffee. While the coffee was brewing he turned on the TV watching the history channel. There was a program talking about WWI. He was a history buff and really enjoyed the history channel. It was something that very few people knew about him.

"Hey there," He heard Max said as she entered the kitchen.

Mike looked at her and smiled. "Good morning," He said smiling at her. He hugged and kissed her briefly.

"Morning, not so much anymore," She said looking into his eyes affectionately. "It is nearly afternoon. I haven't slept this late since high school."

"It is good to do that once in a while," He said kissing her again. "We work hard, so it pays to be lazy every now and then."

"I couldn't agree anymore," She said reaching out and ruffling his hair.

The coffee machine gave out a small ring, indicating that it was finished brewing. Mike let go of Max and made two cups of coffee, one for him and the other for her. He handed her the cup and watched as she sniffed its deep and relaxing aroma. She smiled at him. "Thanks," She said taking a sip.

"My pleasure," He said taking a sip. "So what would you like for breakfast?"

Max looked at the towel around Mike's waist. She gave him a twisted and brief sensual look. "We could always reheat the coffee," She said licking her lips. She took a step toward him.

"Who needs coffee?" He asked reaching out to her. He kissed her deeply.

At that moment, his doorbell rang interrupting them. Max bit her lip looking disappointed and Mike mumbled a small curse word as he let go of Max. "I wasn't aware I'd be getting any visitors," Mike said with a small shrug.

"Before you greet anyone," Max said glancing at his towel again. "I think you should put some clothes on."

"I'll be right back," Mike said.

Moments later, Mike stood in front of his door. He opened it, to see Claire standing there looking worried and impatient. She didn't even let him say anything before she said, "I need your help."

Mike gave her an odd look as she stepped into the apartment, slightly pushing him out of the way. She glanced at Max who was looking at her with a small amount of disgust. It was no secret that she didn't like her, mainly for what she did to her uncle.

"Why are you here?" Mike asked crossing his arms over his chest.

"I need your help," Claire said looking at Mike. She wanted to avoid Max as much as possible. She trusted Mike much more then she trusted her.

"Yes, you have mentioned that," Mike said looking at her with distrust and dislike. "But why are here in my apartment?"

"Who else could I have gone to for help?" Claire asked looking at him desperately. "Anyways, I got something pretty sickening in the mail and you're the only one that I can show it too." She reached into her purse with a shaky hand and pulled the airtight bag of the eyes from a shopping bag.

"Claire," Mike said reaching out to her halting her. "I can't do this," He said trying to control his curiosity. "I can't help you."

"You can't or won't?" She asked looking at him annoyed and shocked.

Mike ignored the look of astonishment that Max was giving him. "Ryan needs to know that you are here," He said taking a step toward her.

"You want me to call Ryan?" She asked pulling out the air tight bag of the eyes she had received in the mail the other day. "You know I can't do that." She paused and handed him the bag. "I can't call Ryan."

"I will not help you talk to Ryan," Mike said firmly. He wasn't sure whether he was making the correct decision or not. He just didn't want to leave Ryan out of this. No more secrets.

Claire couldn't believe what she was hearing. This wasn't the Mike she knew. The Mike she knew wouldn't hesitate to help a friend out, regardless of the situation. He was the nice guy in the story. Yet now, he seemed to have changed. He seemed to have a chip on his shoulder.

"What happened to you mike?" She asked surprised at his reluctance. She saw the scar on his throat and wondered if that had anything to do with it. She knew what happened to him and how he received it.

Mike glanced at Max who was still eyeing her with distrust. He didn't blame her. Ryan's love for Claire was pure, but came with a price. Claire had serious commitment issues. She claimed that she loved Ryan and didn't want to hurt him, but every time she came back into his life, she would do just that.

"Are you sure about that?" Claire asked hoping that if she pressured him, that he would change his mind.

"Yes, only if you contact Ryan," Mike said firmly.

Claire groaned inwardly and took a step toward Mike. She handed him the airtight bag, but he refused to take it. He glanced at it and took a step away from her. He shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Fine," Claire said placing it back in the bag and then into her purse. "If I contact Ryan, will you help me?"

"Of course," Mike said.

Claire glanced at Max who was eyeing her with dislike. She just wanted her out of the apartment. "Fine," Claire said turning away from Mike. Before she left, she looked at him and said harshly, "I hope in the future that you will be a little more helpful."

With that she left leaving Mike standing there wondering if he made the right decision. Max closed and locked the door. She turned to him and then said, "I am surprised and proud of you."

"You are?" He asked looking at her confused.

"Yes," She said with a small shrug, "I am glad you didn't help her out." She cleared her throat. "The fact now is that we can assume that Molly sent her that package. The question remains, why did she do it?"

"Agreed," Mike said thinking the same thing.

Mark sat on the couch in the living room keeping a close eye on both Amable and Annabelle. They sat on the couch opposite of him. Amable stared into fireplace that was empty at the moment deep in thought. Annabelle was watching him with sudden distrust. If he was once considered part of the family, he didn't feel like one now. He felt like an outsider and that was something he was quit used to.

Growing up, he hardly had any friends. In fact other than his immediate family, who knew him well, he had no one else. His condition of having to give people permission to show physical affection made it difficult to maintain any type of friendship. If someone did come along, he's either back away from them or have a panic attack. This always caused them to run away from him in fear.

In the beginning of the years it was tough for him. He felt alone and wanted nothing more than to not have this problem. It was horrible for him. Yet, if it weren't for his family, especially his mother and Luke, he would have been a lost cause.

"Mark," Amable began in low tone. He looked at him and smiled briefly. "I guess we have to come clean now."

"I guess so," Mark said which caused Annabelle to glare at him. He ignored it.

"You are probably wondering how I got into this whole mess," He said leaning back in his spot. He cleared his throat and looked at Annabelle briefly before looking at Mark once again. "I have known Joe for quite some time now. I was there when he was arrested the first time. I was there when he escaped."

"Can we trust him?" Annabelle asked softly looking at her father.

"I doubt Mark is deaf," Amable scolded her. He looked at her disapprovingly. "And yes we can. With his history, where can he turn to?" He paused and looked at Mark. "Plus we know all about him, it is only fair if he learns more about us."

Mark swallowed nervously. He wasn't sure what that meant. How much did he know about him? Yes he was his father, as far as he knew. But he was never there for him. That is why it gave him the slight chills to hear that. He didn't like that he didn't know too much about Amable and his family, while he knew so much about him.

"It is true," Mark said with a smile very much like his brother's.

Annabelle gave him a moody face, but said nothing else. This gave him a small laugh.

"I was always standing by Joe like a brother," Amable continued, "And it broke my heart to see him arrested again." He paused and leaned forward. He looked at Mark toughly. "I vowed that day, to continue Joe's legacy. But not only in the minor spectrums that he had," He paused and cleared his throat again. "I am going to make everyone think of Joe as the snowflake that brought on the blizzard. I am going to cause chaos."

"You know you sound pretty insane," Mark pointed out. As soon as he said that, he wished he hadn't.

Amable began to laugh. "You are pretty ballsy and I like that," He said shaking his head. "I enjoy boldness and that is why I have you here. That bomb in Penn Station, was just the beginning. I am going beyond the religious fanaticism that Joe clung to. I am going far beyond that and I want you by my side along the way."

"And what I found downstairs?" He asked looking at him curiously. This man was nuts, but intriguing just the same.

"It was no different from the rooms Joe had over the years meant his, oh how would you say it, art," Amable shrugged his shoulders. "I have that as well."

"So what is the plan then?" Mark asked glancing at Anabelle who was looking at him with uncertainty. He wondered what her deal was with him.

"I can't tell you," Amable said quietly, "But what I can tell you is that you could be very much a part of it and whatever you need, I will do my best to supply you with them." He paused and ran a hand through his hair. "What is the one thing you want more than anything?"

"That is obvious," Mark quickly answered, "I want my family back together."

"I assumed that," Amable said smiling weakly, "But since I am no genie, or sorcerer, I am unable to help in that department, but if it is revenge on their deaths, I am the guy you want backing you up."

"Revenge is good," Mark said nodding his head. "I want to kill all those who were involved with my family's death, especially that Ryan Hardy." He held back telling him he wanted to kill Joe as well.

"That's perfect," Amable said with a dangerous smile, "Because Ryan is the focal point of my plan as well. So it works out well."

"Good," Mark said smiling. "Then I am in."

"Welcome to the family," Amable said once again with a smile back at him, while Annabelle continued to stare at him with even more dislike than she already was giving him.

Ryan pulled up beside William's house and then shut off his car. He looked at his friend know what he was thinking, while he peered at his house with a solemn look. For William, part of him wanted to go into his house, while a part of him didn't. He knew he had to though. If not now, eventually. Since he was here now, he might as well.

There was yellow caution tape surrounding the yard as well as hung on the front door blocking anyone from entering. A squad car was parked across the street guarding the house from any inquisitive visitors. In fact, one of the officers exited the car and slowly approached Ryan's car.

He leaned forward and peered inside. He saw Ryan and William watching him and felt himself relax. "I'm sorry to bother you guys," He said with an embarrassed smile. "Had to see who it was." He looked at William. "Glad to see you are moving around and I am sorry about what happened."

"Thank you," William said looking at the officer. He recognized him, but didn't know him personally.

Ryan watched the officer return to his car. He turned to William who was once again eyeing his house again. "So William," Ryan asked, "What's the plan here?"

"Well we go inside and search for answers," William said as he opened his door.

"But this is what I am kind of confused about," Ryan said as he stepped out of his car. He leaned against the car door and peered at the house. "This is your house, what are you going to find that may give you answers?"

"Nothing that belongs to me," William said as he approached his house. "But my daughter left her purse in the house and I intend to search through it for clues." He was about to open his front door when he heard someone call out to him. He turned to see his ex-wife approaching. He groaned and put on a fake smile when he saw her.

"William," She simply said with a worried look. She took a step toward him. "You're out of the hospital." She looked at Ryan who was watching her curiously. "I know you." She said without a care and then looked back at her ex-husband.

"I am," He said opening the door and entering his house. "Why are you here Amy?" He looked at her wishing that she wasn't here.

"I am here because our daughter has been kidnapped," Amy said stepping up to him. "And I want to know what you are going to do about it?"

"What do you think?" He asked looking at her dumbfounded. "I am going to find her."

"Is that why he is here?" Amy looked at Ryan with a slight amount of disgust.

"Yes that is why he is here," William said stepping beside Ryan. "He is here to help me find our daughter."

Amy stepped up to him and looked at him seriously. "I want you to find her." She said sternly. "I want you to do whatever it takes to get to her back." She took another step toward. "I want our baby back."

"You know I will," William said taking a step away from her.

Amy stepped away from him and then turned to Ryan. "Ryan," She simply said with a look as if he were the enemy.

Ryan watched her walk away. When she was gone, he turned to William who had stepped away and was in the kitchen looking around. "Interesting woman," He said watching him.

"She's a bitch," William said looking below the table. He cursed under his breath.

"What are you looking for?" He asked confused.

"Tanya's purse," William said annoyed. "I know it was here, because she had it with her right before the attack." He looked at Ryan. "I am certain of it."

"Are you sure about that?" Ryan asked taking a step toward him.

"A hundred percent sure about it," William said with a sigh. "It is missing and that was the only lead I had at the moment." He looked at Ryan unsure what to do next.

Hope you enjoyed! More to come very soon!

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