NOTE: The Henderson/Nadar family are kind of allies with the Stewart/Holden family.

CHAPTER TWO

Two Months Later

Martha skipped down the stairs; pulling her silk robe tightly around her body. She was in a happy mood this morning. It was the first morning in a long time that she had woken up happy. It had been two months since the death of her family and she was finally starting to come to grips with her loss. She was starting to move on.

"Just call me angel of morning, angel. Just touch my cheek before you leave me, oh baby," Martha sung out loud as she entered the dining area; four pairs of eyes watching her in amusement. "Good morning everyone," she grinned as she made her way towards her chair.

"Wow, someone is in a good mood today," Macca laughed.

"I feel as though today is going to be a good day," Martha shrugged. "Morning Blondie," she then said to Tasha as she leant down and quickly air-kissed her cheek.

"Well, it's great to see you with a smile on your face," Bruiser said as he took a bite of buttered toast.

"Mhmm," Martha mumbled as she made herself comfortable in her chair. "Oh croissants; yummy," she said happily as she reached out and took one from the plate.

Martha quickly buttered her croissant and took a bite. "These are good," she said with a mouthful as she filled her glass with juice. "Where did they come from? I thought all the staff had gone on holiday," she took a sip of her drink.

"I called the bakery and ordered them," Tasha answered.

"Thanks Hun," Martha smiled in appreciation. She took another bite of her breakfast before starting a conversation with Tasha and Kim. "You going to the prison to see your dad today?" she asked them.

"Yea," Kim nodded. "We should be heading off soon actually," he said as glanced at his watch.

"Just remember; I'll do everything I can to get him out of that place," Martha started. "My dad and Charles promised you that they would get him out; but they're gone now, so the boys and I are going to work on it instead," she explained.

"It means a lot to us," Tasha smiled at Martha.

Martha nodded in understanding whilst taking another bite of food. "Hey, where's Charlie?" she then asked; only just noticing that he wasn't there. "The six of us usually have breakfast together; so where is he?" she was curious.

"Take a wild guess," Bruiser laughed.

Martha needn't ask anymore questions. She knew the answer. "God, I thought we told him to stay away from her. She's the enemy for frack sake, and not to mention engaged to be married," she started to rant. "And to a cop mind you," she added.

"Talking about me, are we?" Charlie waltzed into the dining room.

"Yes, I am," Martha snapped. "If you wanna stick it somewhere; stick it somewhere. Just not in Amanda Vale," she frowned.

Charlie laughed at her. "I'm just having some fun sunshine," he grinned.

"She's Henderson's sister," Martha pointed out.

"And your point is?" Charlie started to gulp down some coffee.

Martha groaned. "Exactly what I just said; she's Henderson's sister. She works for the other side, and is probably using you for information. Besides, she's just gotten engaged to that pig. Stay away from her Charlie," she begged.

"And like I just said; I'm just tappin that ass. A few more rounds and I'll move onto the next woman," Charlie smirked.

"Whatever," Martha sighed. "Just stay away from the Hunter girls. My grandfather will kill you if you mess with any of the women from his side," she warned him as she stood up and headed out of the dining area.

"I'm going for a shower; I'll see you all later tonight at the meeting," she gave them a wave over her shoulder. "Try not to kill anyone before then".

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"Will you be okay here by yourself?" Macca called up the stairs.

"I'll be fine," Martha called out as she threw her robe on over her black underwear. She picked up her towel and started to rub at her wet hair. "I'll see you all later tonight," she said as she walked from her room and stood at the balcony; looking down at the front door towards Macca.

"I just don't like the idea of you being here alone; especially with all the staff gone for the weekend aswell," Macca said to her.

"I'll be fine," Martha told him again as she pranced down the stairs. "Now go; I'll lock the door behind you. And I'll even set the alarm," she reasoned.

"Okay, bye," Macca finally left.

Martha stood at the door; watching as Macca's limo left the premises. Once he was out of site she closed it; locking it behind her. As Martha made her way back up the winding stairs she felt an eerie presence come over her. She looked around the suddenly dark room and had to remind herself that her staff had the weekend off. She had granted that to them for the holiday weekend; the Easter weekend.

Martha took two stairs at a time to get to her bedroom faster. She walked in closing the door behind her and closed her eyes. There was nothing to be scared of; the house had been empty plenty of times before.

Suddenly Martha felt something grab her from behind. A hand covered her mouth and she could smell the putrid acid leaking into her lungs. Chlorophyll. Martha became frantic and tried to move away but her body went weak and limp and soon a sweet darkness took over her mind and body.

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Josh West felt her small body go weak and then lifted her petite frame; throwing her onto the bed. He tightened a rope around her wrists and then her ankles. He had to make sure that if she woke she would not escape. Feeling confident that she would not pry herself loose he removed his scarf from his pocket and wound it tight covering her mouth and knotting it behind her head as a gag. This would keep the screams from being heard by anyone near the car. Josh then picked up her light body and quickly exited the house through the back door. He made his way to the car which he had hidden on the premises. He threw her into the boot; slamming the trunk door shut. He then got in and drove away from the Macklin/Mackenzie Estates.

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Jack Holden walked down the somewhat quiet halls of the Henderson mansion. "Hello, anyone here?" he called out.

"If you're looking for Ash and Corey, they're in the garage at the back of the house," a female voice came from behind Jack.

Jack groaned inwardly; already knowing who the voice belonged to. "Sam," he exclaimed as he turned around to face her.

"Hi Jack," she purred as she sidled up next to him. "What are you doing here?" she ran her finger down his leather jacket.

"I'm just here to see your boss," Jack answered as he moved away from her and continued his way down the hall.

"Well, like I said; Corey's out in the garage with Ash," Sam called out after him.

Jack carried on silence as he made his way towards the back. He came to the door and stopped before pushing it open. Along with Ash and Corey; he could hear another voice. They obviously weren't alone. He quickly rapped on the door before pushing it open.

"Jack, my man; you're finally here," Corey practically beamed as he shook hands with Jack. "What took you so long?" he asked as he took a drag of a cigarette.

"Just had to do a few things for the boss," Jack answered.

"God, is old man Stewart ever gonna cark it?" Corey laughed.

Jack didn't laugh. He didn't find it funny.

"Just kidding man. Just kidding," Corey smirked as pounded Jack on the back.

Jack cracked a smile, even though in the back of his mind, all he wanted to do was crack Corey's face. The guy was such a scumbag. "So, what's so important? Why am I here?" Jack then asked.

"We got an unconscious girl in the boot of the car," Ash revealed to Jack.

Jack looked up in surprise. "Who?" he was curious.

"You'll find out soon brother," Corey started. "But first; I need to tell you my plan. Oh sorry, you've met Josh haven't you?" he pointed to Josh who was sitting on the boot of the car.

"A few times," Jack nodded. "So what's this plan? And who's in the boot?" he asked again.

"You'll find out who she is soon enough," Ash laughed. "But the plan; I'll let Corey explain," he said as he lit up his own cigarette.

Corey started pacing the room; waving his hands around excitedly. "So this girl; she means a lot to this bunch of blokes. Kinda like a sister, I guess. But yes, she's important to them, and I'm sure they'd do anything to get her back," he started to explain. "Anyway, these brothers are pretty high ranked you know? And well, I want their power. And to get it; I need the girl," he finished.

"Okay," Jack was unsure of what was Corey was really saying. "So let me get this straight; you'll give her back if they give you all their power and wealth?" he asked.

"Spot on old friend," Corey winked. "Either that or I'll just kill them and take what I want," he added.

"Right," Jack tried to smile. "Great plan," he said; trying not to sound sarcastic.

"So, me and Ash just have to go and have a little chat; do you mind staying here with Joshy. Keep an eye on him; he bugs me," Corey rolled his eyes as he opened the door to the garage. "Hey, don't look in that trunk. I want to be here when you finally find out who she is," he smirked.

Jack laughed out loud. "Don't worry; I won't," he played along.

As soon as Ash and Corey had closed the door behind them, Jack quickly pulled his gun out and pressed it to Josh's temple. "Who is she?" he demanded to know.

"I can't tel…..," Josh started but Jack cut him off.

"You will tell me, coz if you don't; I'll splatter you're brains all over that wall," he pressed the gun harder into Josh's head.

"Macklin; Its Martha Macklin," Josh stuttered. "You're bosses granddaughter," he exclaimed.

Jack felt a chill run down his spin. "What did you just say?" he sneered at Josh.

"You heard what I said," Josh pulled himself away from Jack.

Jack lowered his gun. He couldn't believe it. His boss's granddaughter was in the trunk.

"Oh crap," Jack groaned.

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