Hey sorry again for the delay first three bits jump between Charlie Hayley and Brax just so no one gets confused oh and just so you're prepared there's only two chapters left after this one…thanks again for sticking with me, hopefully I'll have my own laptop by September.
Hayley sat down with a cup of coffee and groaned as someone knocked at her door. She'd only just got in from the station, after she'd given her statement at the scene she was asked to come to the station and sign it only for it to turn into five hours of questioning and repeating herself about ten times. Sighing she placed her cup down and stood up "who is it?" she called as she walked to the door.
"It's me," Jack called from the other side.
Frowning she pulled the door open "hey," she said and walked back towards the sofa "what are you doing here so late?" she asked.
Jack followed and closed the door over "Charlie called Brax she sa-"
Hayley cut him off "is she okay? Do you know where she is?" she asked.
Jack sighed this was hard for them all "no, she called Brax to say she gave you something for him today."
Hayley nodded "she gave me an envelope she was acting weird she said when the time comes I'd know what to do with it."
Jack thought about it for a moment "do you think she knew this was going to happen?"
Hayley shrugged "I don't know she was acting very weird then that Benji guy came to see her-I saw him give her something."
"Do you know what it was?" he asked.
"No, when she came back to us she said she was helping him with something…do you think he has something to do with this?"
Jack sighed again "I hope not for his sake…anyway she called Brax and said this Douggie guy knew she'd given you something so I need you to come with me now-grab a few days clothes."
Hayley nodded she knew there was no point arguing and part of her was scared of what would happen if anyone came after her "what about Noah?" she asked as she walked to her room "he can't come back here what if someone is waiting for him-me?"
"I called him on the way over I told him to go straight to dads from work," Jack answered.
Hayley nodded again "I'll just grab a few things then we can go," she said and went into her room.
Jack walked to the front door and leaned against it his worry for his little sister growing by the second. Seeing a car creep down the street he quickly stepped back inside and turned off the porch light, locking the door he walked to the switches and turned off the living room and kitchen lights. Walking to the side window he looked out see the car stopped in front of his and two guys climb out "shit," he said and hurried to the tv, knocking it off he ran to Hayley's room and slipped into the room.
"I'll just be a sec," she said and turned back to her wardrobe.
"We gotta go now," Jack said and walked to her window "they're here," he said and pulled his gun from his waist.
Hayley's eyes widened in fear "what do we do?" she asked hurrying to him her overnight bag forgotten.
"Out the window," Jack said and pulled it open.
Hayley gripped him as he stuck his head out to have a look around "be careful," she whispered and tightened her hold on him.
Jack watched the two guys walk up her drive both carrying guns in their hands "when they knock we go…have you the envelope for Brax?" he asked pulling himself back in.
"Yeah, it's in my purse," she replied patting it.
Both looked towards the door as the buzzer went "go," Jack said nudging her towards the window.
Looking at him for a second she finally stuck her leg out the window she squealed and dived onto the ground as gunshots rang out.
She squealed again when Jack dived out on top of her "get up", he said and dragged her up, as they ran he looked for somewhere to hide them without drawing attention to them. "There," he said pulling her to a wall "get over that and get down and stay down," he said lifting her up.
Hayley scrambled over the wall and lay flat on the ground, as Jack jumped over and lay on top of her she held her breathe as they heard the two men talking "what the hell is Charlie mixed up in?" she asked as the men's voices became further and further away.
"We gotta move now," Jack said and pulled her to her feet-taking a look over the wall before they took off for Angelo's on foot.
….
Charlie paced the room thinking, all she could think about was Hayley and if Brax would still come looking for her.
Ruby watched her until she was dizzy "what are you doing?" she finally asked.
Charlie stopped and turned to her she had forgotten she was here "thinking," she replied and started to pace again.
"About what?" Ruby asked.
"My family and a way outta here for us," Charlie replied and sat beside her "your dad was supposed to leave something in here for me…guess he didn't get the chance," she sighed and sat back.
Ruby nodded and reached inside her dress clutching something around her neck she looked over at Charlie "daddy told me not to show you this until you mentioned it," she said and pulled out a chain "he said to make sure you got it."
Charlie looked down on what she held in her hand "what have you got there?" she asked leaning closer.
"A key," Ruby replied "don't know what it's for though dad didn't get that far," she said and reached around to the clasp "but he did say you'd get us out with it."
"You're a very smart girl for a five year old," Charlie smiled looking down at her.
Ruby rolled her eyes "dad always says that I'm actually seven next week…he never remembers how old I am."
Charlie chuckled "I thought you were too big to be five," at movement outside the door she shoved the chain back into Ruby's dress and flicked her hair over her shoulder to cover it "not a word," she mumbled as the door flew open.
Both looked over as Douggie stormed towards them "how did she know?" he yelled as soon as he was close enough.
"Who Know what?" Charlie asked pulling Ruby closer to her.
Douggie grabbed her and pulled her to her feet "don't play games with me!" he yelled "how the hell did she know?" he yelled again.
"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Charlie yelled back.
Douggie took a step back and dropped his hands "she almost got away with it to," he said and began to pace "looked like no one was home…only she wasn't smart enough to get rid of the coffee she left on the table," he said and stopped again. He took a step closer to her "what I want to know is how she knew we were coming?"
"How would I know the answer to that?" Charlie asked beginning to panic.
She yelped and grabbed her cheek when Douggie lashed out and slapped her "how did she know?" he screamed.
"I don't know!" Charlie yelled.
Douggie grabbed her by the hair "search her," he said without breaking eye contact.
"This is crazy!" Charlie yelled trying to distract them "I've been here since you put me here, you have my bag you have my phone!" she yelled.
Douggie let go of her hair and took a step back "what can I say I don't trust cops!" he hissed and walked back towards the door "you're lucky this time!" he called and slammed the door behind him.
Charlie watched the door slam she dropped to the floor her breathing began to speed up, that was way too close she had to get out of here-she had to get out of here now "Ruby give me the key," she said and pulled herself up.
"What are you going to do Charlie?" she asked as she pulled off her chain.
"I'm getting us outta her," she said and took the key from her.
….
As Brax sped towards the outskirts Heath pulled out his phone "it's Peter," he said and answered it "what have you got mate?" he asked.
"Jack just called," Peter said "he and Hayley have just escaped from her house two guys showed up with guns."
"You're kidding?" Heath said wide eyed and glanced at Brax "are they okay?"
"Yeah they didn't see them-they're at Angelo's, I'm calling because I want you to get Brax to turn around and come back to Angelo's Hayls has something for him from Charlie."
Heath looked over at Brax and sighed this wasn't going to be easy "I'll try."
"Meet us there," Peter said and hung up.
Heath looked in his mirror to see the other two cars turn around "he wants us to go back to Angelo's," he said looking at Brax.
Brax didn't even blink "not gonna happen," he said and sped up.
"Brax we have to…Charlie left a message there for you," Heath said.
At the mention of her name Brax started to slow down before the car rolled to a stop "did uh…did anyone read it?" he asked wiping his face.
"Not they're waiting for you," Heath replied, turning fully in his seat he placed his hand on Brax's knee "look mate I know you want nothing more than to go in there and rip his head off but you can't, too much is at stake here, and he'll be expecting that. Turn the car around, we'll go back to Angelo's and think this through properly."
Brax nodded and started up the car "once she's out safe we finish this my way."
Heath clapped him on the shoulder "you can do whatever you want mate."
By the time they got back to Angelo's everyone was already seated waiting on them, Brax walked to the empty seat beside Hayley and sat down without a word. He looked down as her trembling hands slid an envelope towards him, looking down at it for a few minutes he finally placed his hand on top of hers and squeezed it. Standing up he took up the envelope and walked to his office shutting the door behind him.
Sinking to the floor her fingered the envelope, turning it over he opened it and pulled out what was inside, unfolding it he read the first two words before his eyes filled with tears. As his eyes burned he read them again he felt the tears spill over followed by another and another until he was sobbing. Looking down at the words his heart ached 'hey baby' was all he could see.
Back in the warehouse Charlie clutched Ruby close to her as they crept to the door, pulling it open slowly she stuck her head out and looked each way down the dark hallways "okay it's clear," she whispered "I think the door is this way," she said and pulled Ruby out with her. "Stay close to me do not say a word and do not let go of my hand, I tell you to run you run okay?" she whispered as they walked slowly along the hallway.
"Okay," Ruby whispered back "what about daddy?" she asked.
"I'll come back for him once I get you somewhere safe," Charlie said as they came to a hallway that separated "what way now?" she asked herself.
"That way," Ruby said nodding to the left "…that guy brought me in this way when we got here, he parked outside," she said when Charlie raised an eyebrow.
"Right," she said slowly and started to walk again "so we're not far off the door?" she asked.
"Just around this corner," Ruby said and gripped her hand tighter.
"There it is," Charlie said as they rounded the corner "once we're outside we have to run really fast okay?" she said and started to walk faster-freezing when the door opened.
Grabbing Ruby she shoved her up against the wall and pinned herself to it, her breathing sped up as two guys walked towards them in conversation. She held her breathe as they got about a foot away from them. She felt Ruby tighten her grip on her so she squeezed letting her know it was okay.
She blew out a breath as they passed without noticing them "that was way too close," she whispered and checked to make sure they were gone "come on," she said and pulled her along.
Once outside they took off running "don't look back!" Charlie yelled as they ran.
Getting to a fence they stopped "how do we get over that?" Ruby panted beside her.
Charlie looked around spotting some crates she ran to them dragging two back she stacked them on top of one another, standing on it she checked the top of the fence" it's okay up here, I'm gonna lift you over okay?" she moved to the side "come on then."
Ruby climbed up beside her "how will we get home from here?"
Charlie lifted her up "let me worry about that," she said and dropped her over the other side.
…
Brax stood up from the floor in his office he couldn't bring himself to read the letter, taking a few shaky breaths he picked it up and walked to his desk and dropped into his seat. Wiping his eyes he focused on the letter hey baby, I asked Hayls to keep this safe for me so if you're reading this then something bad has happened (Like me getting kidnapped) I knew it was going to…Benji came to warn me he's in trouble Brax Douggie has his daughter so don't blame him for what he has to do to keep his daughter safe, please don't be mad I didn't tell you, it was better you didn't know and please please don't blame yourself for any of this. I just want you to know I'll be okay do not come for me DO NOT COME! I will be fine I promise…do you remember what you said to me just before we parted ways that summer? I love ya babe I WILL be home, Charlie xxx Brax placed the note down "Charlie," he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Shooting out of his seat he hurried to the door and pulled it open, he ignored everyone as he passed "where are you going Brax?" Dan asked.
Brax stopped and turned back to them "I'm going to check on the kids, I'll be back in half an hour," he said and turned back to the door.
"I'll come too…there's nothing I can do here," Hayley said and walked by him before he could argue.
Brax pulled out his keys and looked at Heath giving him a nod he followed Hayley out the door knowing there was no way he could get her to stay here, climbing into his car he started it up and pulled away without a word.
Along the drive Hayley kept shooting him glances sighing she turned to him "I know you weren't going to check on the kids," she said.
Brax looked over at her "I am," he said and looked back to the road.
"No you weren't you are now because I'm here…what were you going to do?" she asked "were you going to go to that warehouse by yourself?"
Brax sighed and pulled the car into the side of the road "I can't sit there and do nothing I'm not a cop like the rest of them Hayley but I do have my way of doing things."
Hayley nodded and placed her hand over her stomach "did she tell you about me?" she asked.
Brax nodded "yeah she did she's so excited for you and Noah."
"So you know I'm risking everything here," she said and turned back to the road "skip Tony's," she said.
"You're not coming with me," Brax said seriously.
"I am!" she yelled "she's my best friend I can't sit here waiting it's killing me thinking what she could be going through-her and that little innocent girl!" she cried.
Brax sighed heavily "Hayley you know she'd kill me and you if you turned up there it's too dangerous and I'm not letting you risk your baby."
"No Brax! I'm coming I need to know she's okay," Hayley sniffed.
Brax placed his hand over her stomach "think about what you've got here, what would Charlie say how would Charlie feel if anything happened to you or him?" he said softly.
Hayley sniffed and wiped her eyes she knew Charlie whatever state she might be in would flip if she saw her "fine," she sighed "bring me to Tony's."
Pulling up at Tony's house Hayley leaned over and hugged him "you bring her home Brax," she said and pulled back "be careful," she added and climbed out.
Brax watched her go and sighed he had no plan but to barge in, looking at the house for another minute or so he pulled away again.
…
Charlie and Ruby hurried along the road in the middle of nowhere "come on sweetie we have to keep going," she said when Ruby tugged on her arm.
"I'm tired Charlie I can't walk anymore," she panted.
Charlie looked down on her and felt bad she never thought what she'd been through "alright we'll stop for a few minutes then I'll carry you until you feel like you can walk again," she said and sat down on the ground.
A few minutes later Charlie jumped up and pulled her into the bushes as headlights approached "stay quiet and stay down," she whispered as a jeep got closer.
"Why don't you call someone on that phone you have?" Ruby suggested once the car was gone.
Charlie stared at her how the hell did she forget about the damn phone? Pulling it out she dialled the first number that came into her head "it's ringing," she said and grabbed Ruby's hand "Brax?" she said when someone answered.
"Babe?" He said back "where are you? Are you okay?" he asked quickly.
"I'm fine-we're fine where are you?"
"I'm coming to get you I'm not far away," he replied "are you really okay?" he asked.
"Yes I'm fine Brax I got us out were on a deserted street," she said "I can't pull any cars just in case," she added.
Brax felt his stomach do flips "can you see any signs or anything?"
Charlie looked around and saw a beat up sign, squinting she tilted her head "one, it's says Hogan's farm two Km."
Brax racked his brain "I know it!" he yelled "stay right there and do not come out until you see my car I'm coming babe," he said and stepped on the gas.
Charlie smiled widely she was going home this was all over "I'll see you when you get here," she said and hung up "did you hear that Ruby we're going home," she said happily.
Ruby smiled weakly "I'm happy to see my mum but…what about dad?" she asked.
Charlie sat down and pulled her onto her lap "I told you I was going to help him and I will, but first I want to get you home to your mum," she said.
Ruby cuddled into her "promise he'll be okay?" she asked "coz once that guy knows we're gone he might take it out on dad."
Charlie wrapped her arms around her "I promise he's gonna be just fine, I'll be back here tonight for him I'm not gonna leave him here."
…
Brax skidded to a halt on a deserted road and jumped out "Charlie!" he whispered loudly and looked towards the bushes she could be anywhere "babe?" he called and walked closer to them. "Charlie!" he called again as he walked along.
"Brax!" he heard her yell.
Snapping around he saw her stumbling out of the bushes holding a small girls hand "Charlie!" he yelled and raced back to her. Once he got to her he didn't stop, lifting her off the ground he swung her around and kissed her hard "I've missed you so much," he said and placed her on the ground "the thoughts that were going through my head, god I love you," he said and pulled her into a hug.
Charlie closed her eyes and held him tight taking in his scent she pulled him closer as her eyes watered she was so happy right now "I missed you too," she mumbled into him.
Brax stepped back and looked down on Ruby "do you remember me?" he asked crouching down in front of her.
Ruby nodded "Uncle Daryl….mummy showed me pictures," she said.
Brax chuckled and picked her up "that's right," he said and walked back to the car gripping Charlie's hand "how about we get you both checked out then I'll call your mum," he said and opened the back door of the car.
"Charlie said she'd help daddy she has to go back in…will you help her?" Ruby asked as he fixed her belt.
Brax looked out at Charlie who smiled sweetly as he glared at her "of course I will," he said and closed the door "you are not going back in there," he said and led her to the other side of the car "you're out of this now."
"I have to help him Brax he helped me," she said.
"He set you up is what he did you're not going back in there I'll get him," Brax said and closed her door.
Charlie didn't say anything as they drove home she glanced back at Ruby to see her asleep tucked up on the back seat "I promised her Brax," she said in a low tone.
"And I promised our kids I'd bring their mummy home safe," Brax replied.
Charlie sighed "Brax he didn't do anything to me he didn't touch me," she lied.
"He took you that's enough!" Brax hissed.
Charlie sighed and looked back out the window she knew there was nothing she could say now that'd he'd listen to.
"You should call your dad he's been climbing the walls," Brax said a while later.
"Who told him?" she sighed the last thing she wanted was her dad or any of her friends knowing about this her brothers were cops they could help.
Brax slammed on the breaks "you're kidding right?" he asked "do you really think we'd keep something like that from him?"
Charlie looked over at him "you should have he didn't need to know," she said and looked out the window "that means Beth knows and B and the rest of the girls."
Brax sighed heavily "yes they all know and they've been doing whatever they can to help, do you know Hayley ran after the van? Or that Ruby tried to fight them off you? Or that Leah's set up a search party or that Bianca has all her students sticking pictures of you and Ruby all over every internet page they can think of?"
Charlie dropped her gaze to the floor "I didn't want anyone to worry I knew it was going to happen I had a plan."
Brax rested his head back against the rest "well we were worried- he could have killed you Charlie," he said and slipped his hand into hers "I'd never forgive myself if anything had happened you."
Charlie squeezed his hand "nothing did happen to me...take me to my kids."
"You got it," Brax said and took the turn for Tony's street.
Brax had called ahead to let everyone know she was okay and on her way home "wow everyone's here," Charlie said as they passed all the cars crammed in and around the drive.
Brax shut off the engine and pulled off his belt "I called to see were they awake I had to tell your dad he sounded so cut up when he asked me had I heard anything."
Charlie nodded and looked back at Ruby "what do we do with her?" she asked.
Brax looked back at her "she stays here tonight," he said and climbed out "I'll call her mum now she'll probably come down straight away."
Charlie followed him "that's no problem," she said and opened the back door "hey sweetie," she whispered and shook her "hey hey it's okay," she said when Ruby jumped away from her "it's me, Charlie," she said softly.
"Where are we?" Ruby asked sleepily looking around.
Charlie sat in beside her "we're at my dad's sweetie we're going to stay here for a while then," she said looking at Brax "we're gonna go get your dad."
Ruby looked at the house "are there loads of people in here?" she asked nervously.
Charlie nodded "my brothers are cops too and so is my friend but don't worry everyone is nice and my daughter will look after you, you can share a bed with her she'll watch a movie with you."
"What's her name?" Ruby asked scooting closer to her.
Charlie chuckled "it's Ruby too."
A wide smile crossed Ruby's face "like me," she said and scooted closer to Charlie "does she like one direction?"
Charlie sighed dramatically "she only loves them."
Ruby clapped her hands "who's here favourite?" she asked
Charlie giggled "why don't you save the questions for her you'll have loads to talk about…are you ready to come in?" she asked.
Ruby nodded quickly and held out her hand "stay with for a while?"
Charlie smiled and slid her hand into hers "I'm not going anywhere," she said and helped her out.
Walking to the front door Charlie smiled down on her before she opened it, stepping in she stopped and locked eyes with her dad "hey daddy," she said and smiled.
Tony slowly walked to her like he was afraid if he moved to quickly she'd be gone, stopping in front of her he studied her face, slowly reaching out he stroked her cheek. Convinced she was really here he stepped closer and pulled her into a hug holding her tight against him.
"Dad I can't breathe," she wheezed after a few minutes.
"Sorry," Tony said and stepped back "I'm just happy to see you're okay," he said and smiled "you have no idea what I've been thinking," he said and led her to the sofa "you sit down I'll make you coffee."
"Dad I'm fine," she said and looked down on Ruby "I want you to meet someone," she said pulling her in front of her "this is Ruby she was with me in the room."
Tony smiled down on her "that's a pretty name, you know my granddaughter has the same name."
Ruby nodded "Charlie told me," she said shyly.
Charlie squeezed her shoulder "do you want to go meet her and my son?" she asked. Ruby nodded "let's go then," she said and started to lead her towards the room "dad where's everyone else?" She asked.
"Out back I'll let you see the kids first before they attack you," he smiled and walked into the kitchen "coffee Brax?" he asked.
Brax had stood by the door without a word just watching everything "yeah," he sighed and walked to Charlie kissing her quickly he walked by her and into the kitchen she needed to be alone with her kids.
Getting to bedroom door Charlie tipped it in and stuck her head in she smiled as she watched Ruby stare at the tv in a daze with Daryl cuddled into her "hey baby," she said quietly and walked into the room.
Ruby looked at her and gasped "mum!" she screeched and launched off the bed "you're okay! You're okay!" she cried and jumped on her.
"Mummy?" Daryl said and shot up "mummy! Mummy!" he squealed excitedly and jumped on the bed "mummy's home!" he yelled.
"I'm okay sweetie," she said to Ruby and led her to the bed "hey little man," she said and hugged him tight "mummy missed you guys so much," she said holding them both close.
Little Ruby stood by the door watching she wanted so much to get a hug like that from her mum but she barely looked at her as it was she didn't care about her.
Charlie looked up "guys this is Ruby," she said nodding to her "she's Benji's daughter, mum has to go do something so Rubes I'm counting on you to look after her for a while."
Ruby pulled away from Charlie and stood up "do you like legally blonde?" she asked.
Little Ruby nodded "Elle is funny," she said.
Ruby giggled "she is funny I was about to get some ice-cream do you like chocolate?" she asked.
Little Ruby nodded "it's my favorite," she replied.
"Well hop up beside Dar and get comfy I'll go get us all some," she looked back at Charlie "glad you're okay mum…go do what you gotta do," she said and walked out of the room.
Charlie smiled down at Daryl who was watching Ruby climb on beside him "how can she be Ruby too?" he frowned and scratched his head "I'm Daryl after my daddy so is Ruby her mummy?" he asked.
Charlie chuckled "no baby she's not, Ruby is a name for lots of people and so is Daryl," she said and stood up "you be good for granddad and Nan I'll be home soon," she said and walked to the door "Ruby everything will be okay alright this is all over now."
"Thanks Charlie," Ruby smiled and looked at Daryl as he started to speak to her.
…
A while later Charlie had seen everyone-and met Emma (before Brax had her sent back home) and was now seated out the back with the girls, she wasn't paying attention to what was going on around her all she could think about was Benji, she hadn't mentioned it to anyone else knowing the reaction she'd get.
Peter watched her from the door Brax had filled him in on what she'd said about going back for Benji. Sighing he looked back when Dan walked by him "this still off the record?" he asked.
Dan walked to him and looked out at her "why what's wrong now?" he asked.
Peter looked over at her again "she's going back for Benji look at her there she's thinking through a plan…don't you think it'll go better with us there with her?" he asked and looked at Dan "we both know there is no point trying to stop her."
Dan studied Charlie Peter was right he could practically see her brain working "I'm in," he said and walked into the kitchen.
Peter took one last look at her before following him "get her Brax Jack and Heath to meet us in the spare room," she said and walked into the living room.
Dan followed him "what about that cop?" he asked looking out at Lydia seated at a table alone going through paperwork.
"It's up to Charlie if she wants her in on this or not," Peter replied and walked into the spare room.
Dan sighed and walked to the door "Oi! Charlz!" he called and nodded his head for her to come inside.
"Back in a sec," Charlie said and walked into the house "Dan?" she called when she couldn't see him.
"In here!" he called back from the spare room.
Frowning she walked to the spare room pushing the door in she walked in "okay what's going on?" she asked as her brothers Brax and Heath looked back at her.
Peter closed the door over "we know you're gonna go back for Benji…we're coming too."
Charlie looked at Brax who was watching her closely, deciding she'd need all the help she could get she nodded and sat down "so what's the plan?" she asked.
"Why don't you tell us what you've come up with so far?" Dan asked.
Charlie shrugged she never was any good at planning out anything "go in come out," she said and stood up "didn't really have a plan I was gonna get in find him then get out."
Jack scoffed "and what about the guy that kidnapped you?" he asked "he's sure to know you're gone by now."
Charlie shrugged "I'm prepared this time I don't bring my gin swimming with my kids…when do we go?" she asked.
"Now," Brax said and stood up "let's end this once and for all," he said and pulled the door open "Charlie you're with me, Dan with Jack and Pete with Heath let's go."
"What about Lydia?" Charlie asked.
"Do you want her in?" Peter asked.
"Yeah and Georgie…if that's okay with you," she added.
Peter chuckled "she's already suited up to go," he said and walked by her.
"Where are you all going? Beth asked walking through the living room.
Peter looked at Charlie and turned back to her "pizza," he said and shoved Charlie out the door "won't be long!" he called and shut it behind them
"They must think we were born yesterday," Tony said from behind her.
Beth chuckled and walked into the kitchen "at least they're working together…don't worry they'll be fine…I better get the kids their popcorn," she said and walked to the cupboard.
…
Pulling up at the warehouse grounds Brax turned to Charlie "you sure you want to do this?"
Charlie nodded and smiled quickly "we're gonna end this then we're gonna move forward," she said and pulled off her belt as the other cars joined them.
Climbing out she walked to the back off the car as they all walked to her "this is my operation I have two cruisers on standby just up the road, we get Benji and get him out…leave Douggie to me and Brax."
She walked to the back of Peter's car and lay out a map "Brax and I will go in here," she said and pointed to the door she and Ruby had escaped through. "Pete and Heath you go through this one, Jack and Dan this one, and Georgie and Lydia the front-anyone gets into trouble they call for back up-channel three is secure for us," she said and pulled on her vest. "Check your guns we go on my call," she said and walked back to Brax, holding out a vest she looked up at him "do not use that gun unless you have to."
Brax sighed and took the vest from her "I won't but I will be using my fist," he said as he slipped it over his head.
Positioning themselves Charlie brought her radio to her mouth "in and out as quick as possible, we go on three, one, two, three-go!" she yelled bursting through the door "clear," she said and watched Brax pass her.
Ten minutes into the search Georgie's voice came over the radio "we got him he's pretty banged up-no one else about."
"Got it, we'll meet back at the cars," Charlie said into the radio "that was easy," she said "a little too easy," she said stopping when Douggie stepped out of nowhere with his hand behind his back "hands where I can see them!" Charlie yelled and aimed her gun at him.
Douggie chuckled and held up his hands with a gun dangling off his finger "nice to see you again Daryl."
"It's over Douggie you're going down," Brax replied.
"Don't move!" Charlie yelled as Douggie took a step forward.
He chuckled and looked at Charlie "you never did find out who is responsible for killing your mum did you?" he smirked.
Charlie raised an eyebrow and glanced at Brax quickly "how do you know that?"
"He's messing with you Charlie," Brax said no clue about what was about to come out.
Douggie chuckled and took another step closer "you have no idea Braxton do you?" he asked "well I'll fill you in shall I… that car I had you cut the breaks on?"
Charlie looked at Brax "Brax what is he talking about?"
"He's trying to get to you," Brax said and took a step closer to her "don't listen to him babe."
Douggie laughed "that cop that was after me- a one senior detective Natasha Holden," he smirked at the look on Charlie's face "that blue Volvo I had you and Jimmy snip at the station in Yabbie creek all those years ago, well Braxton…that was your girlfriends mummy-there you go sergeant all you had to do was look at who was lying beside you in bed, he killed your mum," he chuckled.
Charlie took a step back in shock "t-that's not true," she stuttered.
Brax's face paled he needed to throw up as memories came flooding back "tell her," Douggie said.
"Brax?" Charlie whimpered "please tell me it's not true- please," she sniffed.
Brax turned to her "babe I-" he stopped and looked at the floor.
Charlie just wanted to die her heart snapped in two she could not believe this was happening that he wasn't even denying it. Blowing out a few shaky breaths she pulled out her cuffs this wasn't about them or her mum right now "you are under arrest," she said and walked to Douggie "for two accounts of kidnapping assault and whatever else I can find on you- oh and you'll be going back to Bali too to face a rake of charges over there," she said and slapped them on.
Douggie chuckled "not nice knowing your life is just about over aye Braxton?" he snarled as Charlie led him back towards the door.
Brax stood watching them walk out the door one mistake he made when he was young and he'd lost everything, sighing he dropped onto a nearby crate and dropped his head into his hands.
Charlie led Douggie outside and stopped at Brax's car pulling her radio to her mouth she cleared her throat "this is sergeant Buckton I need a cruiser for transport to the station," she said and opened the back door "you'll wait here," she said and moved him to sit on the side of the seat.
Leaning against the side of the car she ran her hands over her face what did she do now?
After Douggie had been taken in a cruiser and an ambulance had left with Benji and Heath and the others headed back to the station Charlie walked back to the warehouse and went inside, finding Brax where she had left him she stopped in front of him "did you kill my mum?" she asked shakily.
Brax closed his eyes as a tear ran down his cheek, standing up he looked at her before looking at the floor and nodding.
"Why Brax?" she cried and threw her hands over her face.
"I didn't know it was her Charlie," Brax said taking a step to her "I didn't know who it was all we were told to do was cut the breaks of some cop that was hassling him."
"Who's this Jimmy he said went with you?" she asked.
Brax dropped his head again "the guy you met when we went for our date," he said and looked up at her "I'm so sorry Charlie if I'd known…" he trailed off.
Anger washed over her "my mum was killed for doing her job?" She cried and shoved him "you killed my mum! A woman that had five kids a husband and a granddaughter! A woman that never met her grandson YOUR SON!" she sobbed "A woman that meant everything to me!" she cried and slapped him over and over again "you took her away from me you ruined my life," she said and pulled away from him. "I can't believe this is happening!" she yelled" I feel sick," she said and bent over on her knees "how could you do this Brax? How could you take part in any of this?"
"It wasn't my choice babe please you gotta believe me we owed Douggie we had to do it," he said walking to her.
Charlie nodded and wiped her face "go back and see you your son-say goodbye, it's the last time you'll see him he'll never step foot inside that prison!" she hissed and walked off leaving Brax looking after her.
….
Arriving back at her dads house her breathing sped up she couldn't control the tears flying rapidly down her cheeks, bursting in she looked around the place was empty, all the boys apart from Peter were still down the station and the girls had left to go to Leah's taking Beth with them, leaving Tony alone with the kids "Pete!" she screamed and stumbled towards the kitchen "Peter where are you?" she yelled.
Peter hurried out of the room where the kids were "what's wrong Charlie?" he asked hurrying to her "geez look at you," he said and sat her down "tell me what happened?" he asked crouching down in front of her.
"Where's dad?" she asked in a daze.
"Went to get the kids pizza…what's going on, you're shaking," he said rubbing her arms.
"What I tell you is between me and you until know what I want to do okay?"
"Okay-what is it?" Peter asked.
"I know who killed mum," she said and looked up at him "and I know where he is right now."
Peter stood up and started to pace "and you're sure?" Charlie nodded Peter sighed heavily and leaned against the door "what do you wanna do now?" he asked looking over at her.
Charlie stood up and walked to him "me and you are gonna take a ride," she said and nodded for him to open the door.
"We can't leave the kids alone," just as he said that he was pushed in as the door opened "dad," he greeted and moved out of the way.
"Don't ever tell Beth you're gone to get something and not come back with it," he chuckled and placed the pizzas on the table "so you're done now?" he asked turning back to them.
"No," Charlie said quickly "we still need to sign our statements and formally charge him," she said looking to Peter "we should go do that now."
"We'll be back soon…save us some pizza," Peter said and opened the door.
Charlie hugged Tony "love ya dad," she said and followed Peter outside.
….
Pulling where she and Brax had the night of her date Charlie turned off the engine and stared ahead "it's through these bushes," she said and pulled off her belt.
Peter raised an eyebrow since she filled him in-minus Brax she'd barely said anything since they left the house "why do I get the feeling you're not telling me everything?"
Charlie opened the door "because I'm not, I just need to figure out my next move on that end of things, for now Jimmy Convoy will do," she said and climbed out.
Peter sighed and followed her "and what would that end of things be?"
"Look Pete this is so hard for me please trust me when I say I know what I'm doing,"
"It's another person isn't it?" he asked and jogged to catch up with her "Douggie told you someone else along with Convoy?"
Charlie whirled back to him "yes he did alright! And I have no clue what to do! Now please shut up and back me up!" she hissed and stormed off.
Peter followed her "after this you'll tell me who it is," he said and knocked at the door.
"Jimmy Convoy?" Charlie asked.
"Uh yeah," he asked looking at their badges "what can I do for you officers?" he asked.
"We need you to come down to the station with us and answer a few questions," Charlie said.
"About?" he asked.
"Screw protocol," she said and pulled her cuffs out "Jimmy Convoy you're under arrest for the murder of Detective Natasha Holden," she said and pulled him to her "you do not have to say anything but it will-" she stopped talking as he yelled over her.
"Douggie said we'd be cool if I did it, all me and Adam did was cut the breaks we didn't know she was about to take part in a high speed chase!" he yelled.
"Or you can keep talking," Peter said and took him from Charlie.
"Adam?" Charlie said snapping her head up "what about Daryl Collins?" she asked.
"He wasn't there," Jimmy replied "Douggie sent him off on another job."
Charlie sighed in relief…but then why did Brax think he did "right-let's go," she said and shoot a look at Peter who stood staring back at her "I'll explain later," she said and led him away.
As soon as he was in the car Peter pulled Charlie back "what has Brax got to do with this?" he asked angrily.
Charlie sighed and leaned against the door "Douggie told me he was responsible and he didn't even deny it…I told him to go say goodbye to Daryl before I came for him."
Peter sighed heavily "we better go stop him before he breaks Daryl's heart get in," he said and climbed into the car.
…..
Arriving at the house Charlie jumped out of a cruiser and ran to the door-stopping when Brax stood looking at the door "Brax," she said and stopped behind him.
Brax sniffed and wiped his eyes he'd been standing here for nearly an hour now failing to get the courage to knock "please Charlie," he said shakily "let me say goodbye to him-to Ruby?" he asked without turning around.
"You don't have to," Charlie said and took a step to him "it wasn't you Brax you weren't there."
Brax turned to face her "it was me I remember it clear as day, the car was in the lot I cut the brakes and left."
"Brax listen to me," she said stepping closer to him "you did not do this Jimmy confessed to him and Adam doing it, he told me himself you weren't there."
Brax looked up at her "he did?"
Charlie nodded "he said Douggie sent you off for another job."
Closing his eyes he tried to visualise the station, the lot, the car. As something flashed across his mind he opened his eyes "Reefton lakes," he said and looked at her "I cut brakes of a car in Reefton lakes."
Charlie smiled and stroked his cheek "yes baby yes you did," she said and took a step closer to him "Dan confirmed it for me…it was a dirty cop that was in with Douggie who screwed him over."
"I'm so sorry Charlie," he sighed ad rested his forehead against hers "you got hurt again because of me."
"No," she said and nudged him back "I found who killed my mum, you've closed a wound that has been open for seven years now if I hadn't met you I wouldn't have met Douggie and we'd still be looking."
"So we're good?" he asked.
"We've some talking to do but I think we'll be okay," she said sliding her arms around his neck "I love you, I'm not about to throw it away over a misunderstanding."
"So I can kiss you?" he asked wrapping his arms around her.
Charlie chuckled "I think you better."
Brax leaned in and kissed her slowly pulling her closer her deepened the kiss and held her against him "no matter where you go I will find you no matter how long it takes."
Charlie giggled "you read my note...the last thing you said to me before we went home," she said and kissed him again.
They broke apart as the front door opened and Georgie walked out with a sigh "what's up with you?" Charlie asked.
"Ah Pete asked me to track down Ruby's mum, I got the address from Benji when I got there the place was empty. The neighbours said she left last night as far as they know she's not coming back."
Charlie was gobsmacked "her daughter gets kidnapped and she takes off?" she asked in disbelief.
"Looks like, I tracked down her sister seems the boyfriend got a top job in Canada and she went with him…she doesn't want to take Ruby."
Charlie and Brax both looked at one another "so Benji gets her?" Brax asked.
Georgie shook her head "no, he's been charged with accessory to kidnapping…she'll be sent to Doc's until they can place her with a family"
"I'm not pressing charges against him," Charlie said and walked by her "she'll stay with us until it's all sorted out," she said and walked into the house.
"Great I can go home and sleep," Georgie yawned "see ya later Brax," she said and walked to her car.
Brax waved as she pulled away and walked into the house going to the room the kids were in he stuck his head in to see Charlie sitting on the side of the bed watching them "wanna sleep on the floor?" he asked.
Charlie looked over at him "nah," she said and stood up "we're sleeping on the bed with them," she said and snuggled in between Daryl and little Ruby.
Brax walked to the other side of the bed and lay back he looked down and smiled as Ruby snuggled into him and threw her arm over his waist.
"She wants her dad," Charlie smiled and looked down at little Ruby "let's hope things work out for her too," she said and stroked her hair.
Brax leaned over the kids and kissed her "they will, she'll stay with us as long as she needs to…get some sleep-love ya," he said and lay back down.
"Love ya too," Charlie yawned and closed her eyes she couldn't fight the sleep anymore she was drained, she had her kids she had her man everything else could wait until tomorrow.
A/N well that's all the drama out of the way, hope you enjoyed it happy Chax for the last two chapters- a few flash backs to clear up a few things too…and a little time jump.