Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing. Only the story belongs to me.

Note: Okay, after reading Chapter 2 of taekwongirl360's story, "Safe Until Then" (which was fabulous), I decided to update my "Cat and Mouse" sequel, "Freedom isn't Free." Thank you so much for the reviews so far! You guys are awesome! No spoilers, just follow along.

Later...

Elena kept her eyes on the road as she drove toward the airport. Although Rebekah hadn't been specific as to when she was supposed to go, Elena thought that it was best to just go. Besides, Damon's life and freedom rested solely on her getting that briefcase filled with money. However, there was something not quite right about this whole thing, especially the briefcase in the locker in question.

Stefan noticed that she was quiet and said, "Elena, are you okay? You haven't said three words since we started."

"I'm fine, I'm just thinking," she replied. "Mainly about the briefcase I'm supposed to get at the airport."

"What about it?"

"Well, it just seems weird that Rebekah would have something like that stashed there," said Elena. "And have it contain unmarked bills? Something doesn't seem right. She didn't say what she wanted it for or why it was so special to her."

"Maybe she robbed a bank and that's where she hid the money," said Stefan. "Think about it, Elena, thousands of people pass through that airport every day, either catching a flight to somewhere or just returning from somewhere. No one would suspect someone stashing a briefcase with money in a locker. Unless, of course, Rebekan threatened the guard when she asked for the locker."

Elena nodded, but before she could say anything, she saw Stefan looking at the rear view mirror.

"Stefan, what's wrong?"

Stefan kept his eyes on the mirror and replied, "There's a white van behind us. It's been following us for the past several blocks. I didn't think much of it, since it would probably turn down the next block, but it's still following us."

Elena looked in the mirror and saw that Stefan was indeed telling the truth. A white van was indeed following them. "Shit! What are we going to do?"

Stefan didn't answer her, but reached into his pocket and pulled out a gun, a Glock 9mm, which made Elena's eyes go wide. What the hell?

"Stefan, what the hell are you going to do with that gun?"

"Simple. I'm going to shoot at the tires of the van, therefore slowing the bastard down," he replied, placing the mazagine into the chamber and rolled down the window. "Just keep driving."

Elena felt her heart hammer. "You mean you had a gun on you this whole time and you never told me?"

"I told you I was going to protect you, Elena, and damn it, that's what I'm going to do," said Stefan. "Like I said, just keep driving."

"I just hope you know what you're doing," said Elena. "I want to get my husband back, but I also don't want my brother-in-law to do something stupid."

Stefan nodded and climbed about half way out of the window, taking careful aim at the front and back tires of the van. As he readied the gun, Stefan hoped beyond hope that his aim was true, or they'd really be in deep shit.

Once he was sure he had a clear shot, Stefan opened fire and to his satisfaction, the first bullet punctured the front tire. He fired again and the second bullet hit its target as well, sending the van skidding to the side of the road. Stefan breathed a sigh of relief before climbing back into the car and rolling the window back up, placing the gun on the seat. Elena, who had been watching the road throughout the whole thing, but glanced into her side mirror occasionally to see what was going on, stole a glance at him.

"Well?"

"I think we lost them," he replied. "They're going to be stuck on the side of the road for a while, which gives us time to get to the airport."

"I still don't understand why you have that gun on you," said Elena. "Does your mother know you're packing heat?"

"Of course she does," said Stefan. "In fact, she's the one who insisted that I get a gun." He picked up the gun and looked at it. "Yeah, I got this baby last year, and I've gone to the firing range to learn how to shoot. You never know when something like this will come in handy."

"Well, it certainly did come in handy when you bought us time back there." Elena felt another kick, placing a hand on her belly. "Easy there, little one, it's okay."

"What's the matter?"

"It's the baby," said Elena. "I think he's mad at me."

Stefan blinked. "'He'?"

"Yeah, it's a boy."

"Wow, that's great," said Stefan. "Does Damon know about it?"

"No, not yet," said Elena. "In fact, I was going to tell him before he got kidnapped." She sighed. "God, Stefan, I just hope that nothing happens to him. Damon is the best thing that ever happened to me and if I lost him, I don't know what I'd do."

Stefan placed a gentle hand on hers. "Don't worry, Elena, we'll get him back."

Elena smiled at him and, speeding up a little, continued on toward the airport to get the briefcase.

Rebekah's Hideout – That Same Moment...

Damon struggled against his bonds, trying to get himself loose. He couldn't let Rebekah carry out her plan, no matter what. He also couldn't let Elena risk herself like this. True, he admired her courage and the fire within her, which was what attracted him to her in the first place, but she was pregnant and Damon didn't want to lose the family he had worked so hard to get.

The rope cut into his wrists as he struggled, the blood soaking the fibers. Thankfully, his screams of pain were muffled by the duct tape. Still, Damon had to break free and he didn't give a shit if he hurt himself in the process.

He was still struggling when the phone rang. Funny, who would be calling now? Rebekah picked it up after the second ring, apparently pissed that she was getting a call at an inopportune time.

"Yes?"

"Rebekah, it's Kol."

"This had better be important," said Rebekah. "Or I'll hang up on you right now."

"It is important," said Kol. "I was following Damon's wife and then, out of nowhere, some crazy bloke shoots my front and back tires, forcing me off the side of the road. That means that she's got someone protecting her."

"Really?" said Rebekah. "Who? One of her police friends?"

"I don't think so," said Kol. "Not unless you know of a cop by the name of Stefan."

"Damon's brother, I should've known," said Rebekah. "This seriously is going to ruin everything. That little bitch is better than I thought." She sighed. "No matter, get in touch with one of your men and tell them that Elena is on her way to the airport, and she has someone with her."

Damon felt relief going through him. He had a feeling that Stefan would protect Elena and the baby until they got him back, which was good. Even though he had no idea when his brother had gotten a gun, he still had a renewed sense of faith that Elena would be all right as long as Stefan was there.

He waited until Rebekah left the room before he resumed his efforts to free himself, hoping that if he'd break through the ropes in time.

Note: Here, for your reading pleasure, is Chapter 4 of "Freedom isn't Free." Bet you weren't expecting Stefan to have a gun on his person, huh? You know me, guys, I like to throw in a little plot twist to make the story interesting. Don't worry, guys, Damon will get free, I promise! Stay tuned!

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