Chapter 26: Restraints

The next day Arnold was frantic. He had woken up and Helga was nowhere to be found. He checked her room and her bed looked like it hadn't been slept him. He couldn't smell the familiar scent of her body wash this morning when he woke up. The apartment felt cold and empty without her.

He thought of what would have happened if she never went to the hospital. If she would've said yes, if they would've made love all night and into the morning. If only she didn't have to go see Sid.

Arnold himself had intended to see Sid the next morning when the visiting hours were in full effect. Plus seeing Helga and Sid together made him sick. Sid still had feelings for Helga. Even with Sid's recent ailment that was still an undeniable fact from the phone call yesterday. The way she dropped everything ,including him, just to see Sid didn't make Arnold feel like he was special. Arnold wasn't sure what that meant for him and Helga either. Did she still want Sid after what he told her?

Speaking of Sid, his call yesterday sounded urgent. He figured she'd be home in the morning and that maybe Sid was just a little out of it from his medication. Arnold had tried calling her to no avail but got no answer. This was so unlike her. Even when she was upset with him she ALWAYS answered her phone or sent a text.

10:45 AM.

He was tired of waiting for her. The man that had seen her last made Arnold's blood boil but he may be able to be the only one to help him find Helga. He still considered Sid a friend after all and he did owe him a visit in the hospital at least.

Arnold headed out into his car and intended on going straight to the hospital. His head was swimming: Where was Helga? Why did she disappear? Did Sid have something to do with this? Was she hurt? Was she okay?

He was so deep into his thoughts that he didn't go at a green light, causing honks from all of the cars from behind him to erupt. He shook his head and got back into control of both himself and the car. She's probably fine, he thought to himself. Even if she wasn't he needed to stop thinking about her being in any danger right now. The last thing Arnold needed was to get into an accident and have his insurance go through the roof.

He arrived at the hospital and swiftly got directed to Sid's room by a nice receptionist. He was in the second floor of the emergency wing. Sid must've been hurt pretty bad if he had been rushed to the emergency room right away.

Arnold knocked before entering and was met with a surprising sight. It was Hillwood's very own Sid, the Kid bandaged up and strapped to the bed. Sid looked a little disoriented to say the least or like he didn't sleep at all last night. To say the most he looked like he endured war combat on both of his arms and a pretty hard hit to the ribs. Arnold couldn't believe the man he was looking at was the same kid who was afraid of everything. He now was a man who could endure multiple gunshots and still not have a care in the world.

"Arnold", Sid attempted to sit up and rest his back against his pillows. Arnold could see the strain even that was putting on his body. Sid gritted his teeth when he moved to sit up then quickly returned to a smile. "What's going on man? I'm surprised you even came to see me."

"Yea, had to check on my old friend." Arnold smiled and cursed himself inwardly. Part of that was true. He did want to check on Sid because he was his friend but he also wanted to find out what had happened to Helga.

Sid spoke in a dry voice, "Nice that you came but you're going to have to leave."

"Nonsense," Arnold took off his jacket and sat down at the chair next to Sid's bedside. "I JUST got here Sid. Trust me, you aren't wasting any of my time if that's what you're worried about."

"I don't mean leave the hospital," Sid jiggled the restraints around his wrist in annoyance. "I mean leave Hillwood. There's a hit out for your life. You need to get out of town now if you know what's good for you."

Arnold was determined to find out what Sid know about Helga. "I'm not leaving, especially not without Helga. Where is she Sid?"

Sid rolled his eyes and said in annoyance, "What is up with everyone not caring about their livelihood?! And do you think if I knew where she was I would be cuffed to a stupid hospital bed. Harold did this so I wouldn't try to leave while he was gone." Sid took a deep breath and said, "Someone took her, okay and I think I know who."

From the looks of it Sid had reached his breaking point and was desperate to get out of the hospital. Arnold remember his germaphobia and considered that lying in a hospital full of disease people had to be mortifying to Sid.

Arnold yelled, "WHO? WHO TOOK HELGA?"

Sid looked even more frustrated. He ran his hand through his disheveled hair and responded, "Do you think I'm really going to tell you that so you can get yourself killed?" Sid scoffed and said, "You don't have to worry about Helga. I will handle it if you uncuff me Arnold. Please, I have to get out of here."

Arnold felt genuinely bad. Of course he was Sid's friend but as a friend sometimes you had to do things that your friend wouldn't agree with. Sid would be massacred if he left his hospital bed to go fight handle or fight anyone.

"I can't do that Sid. You're still hurt. I know you love Helga and you want to keep her safe but you're in no condition to save anyone right now."

The words sounded so forced coming out of Arnold's mouth. The idea of Sid loving anyone, especially Helga was still a new concept to Arnold. Apparently it wasn't a new concept to Sid. His nostrils were flaring and his pupils dilated. He was beyond pissed from what Arnold could tell.

Sid snapped, "If you loved her you'd leave town and help me do my damn job. She could be dying right now and there's no one there to save her. This isn't the time for you to play hero. Let the professionals like me do our jobs."

Arnold was offended that he would even question his feelings for Helga at this point. "Don't sit here and play who loves her more just because I won't do what what you want. I don't have to prove shit to you Sid."

"And there goes the jealousy. I know your ego is hurt but I'll have you know I stepped back because I knew she wanted you Arnold. I know you probably think I'm an ass but I'm not. I had Helga right there and ready for me to take but I didn't do it out of respect for the feelings you and her share." Sid scratched his forehead with his free hand and said, "She's all yours if you don't screw up this time. For your information, screwing up would include getting yourself fucking killed for being a jealous idiot who doesn't listen to their friends when they tell you they have your best interest at heart."

Despite the nice apology, Arnold had made up his mind. "I appreciate that but I'm still not going to let you go Sid. You're no better a help to Helga than me if you're injured."

Sid flailed around in the bed and pulled at the hand cuffs. Arnold could see the desperation and pain in Sid's brown eyes. "Jesus, Arnold come on! Let me settle things with Gino once and for all. You have to let me out of here. I don't care if I die. Sitting here while he could be torturing Helga and planning on killing more people is killing me enough. I'm the only one who has a chance at saving her. Help me, please." Sid continued on, "Uncuff me, take the plane tickets, and get the hell out of here. Trust me."

Not without Helga, he said to himself again.

Just when Sid finished begging, Harold walked in the room. Arnold hadn't seen Harold since the funeral but this wasn't time to be two buddies catching up. Harold would make sure Sid would stay put and remain safe to heal. Arnold could turn the job over to him.

Harold greeted Arnold with a stern hand shake and said, "Hey, Arnold. I didn't expect you to be here. I was just coming to check on my partner. If he asked you to uncuff him I'm sorry for that."

"Ha no problem. He was no trouble at all. I was just leaving." Arnold headed towards the door. He looked back to Sid, who had a heartbroken look on his face, and frowned. He wished he could've helped Sid but one more death was not necessary.

As much as he wanted to be a friend to Sid he couldn't let his blood be on his hands if he ended up dead going after whoever took Helga. Wasn't he really being a true friend by saving his life? Arnold hoped it was right decision/

He'd rather look for Helga on his own. At least he could say he tried. He hoped she wasn't being tortured or better yet killed by now. This whole situation was fucked up.

Arnold nearly ran to his car, only to be stopped by a familiar figure.

"Lila?" Arnold was shocked to see her here. She and Sid weren't even close friends. Was she following him? Helga was right, Lila was playing him. In fact, she was playing everyone.

Her cute smile didn't foul him this time. Though her voice was as kind as ever when she said, "Arnold. Hey, I was here to visit a friend and I see you here. Who are you visiting? Oh dear, I sure hope it isn't Helga?"

"No, just a friend." Arnold stepped towards his car and reached for the door handle. "Listen Lila, I have somewhere to be."

Lila was quick to grab Arnold's wrist and say, "Oh Arnold you're just so stressed. Maybe you could come back to my place…" Arnold suddenly felt a hand stroking his crotch. He shivered as her hand ran up and down the front of his pants. Lila said in an amorous voice, "Maybe I could help with that."

Arnold smacked her hand away quickly, "You can't be serious! You're offering me sexual favors in a hospital parking lot just to distract me. I'm done with you Lila."

Arnold was quick to put his key in the door of his car. Before he could turn the key he felt something hard thump on his head. He felt his vision blur and his body falling to the cold, hard ground. As he went down he could still see her pretty face, shrouded in a black veil.

He sung a familiar song in his head as he went down: Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.

~/~

Eugene Horowitz usually didn't have visitors at this hour.

He bite his lip, nervously as he continued to fill out paperwork. His hands were sweating and so slippery that he could barely grasp his pen.

He was a frantic mess without Lila. She scheduled his appointments for him and made sure he had his all too noticeable lisp under control. Lately, she had been out of office more for personal issues.

What was he supposed to do without her? He could barely think straight. He had scheduled two appointments at the same time and had to disappoint one of his clients. At the board meeting he was trembling so much, the meeting was rescheduled for next Tuesday. The board chalked it up to him still mourning the loss of Rhonda but Eugene knew the truth. He was full of anxiety all the time.

Lila also made sure he took his anxiety medication on time. She also made sure his looks didn't stray to the delivery man, the new intern, or any of his male employees. She was the reason he was Eugene Horowitz, CEO of Horowitz Inc but lately he didn't want to be that anymore. He just wanted to be free. He wanted to be himself without the pressure. He couldn't tell Lila that. She pushed him so hard to be a great man. He wanted to be a great man, he really did but what was the cost?

A hard knock came on his door, causing him to jump and knock his paperwork on the floor.

Where was Lila when he needed her most?, he thought.

As soon as he opened the door a figure barged in. It was familiar man. The man who he hated more than himself at this point.

Eugene said indignantly, "Frankie! What are you doing here? You were banned from the company after what you did! I'm calling security."

Frankie walked passed Eugene into his office with paperwork in hand, "I'm a lawyer remember. I'm well versed in the art of persuasion. I already convinced your stupid security guards to let me pass."

"You need to L-"

Frankie firmly gestured towards the seats at Eugene's desk and said sternly, "Sit down Eugene."

An even more infuriated Harold said, "You cannot tell me what to do in my own office Mr. George!"

Frankie wasn't backing down. He stepped close to Eugene, so close their chests could've touched and said once again, "Sit. Down."

Eugene, like a kid being told to retreat to his time out corner, quickly sat down behind his desk. Frankie made himself comfortable on the other side and dropped the paperwork on Eugene's desk.

Frankie crossed his legs and said, "Great now that I have your attention let's move on to why I'm here."

"I don't understand why you came back Frankie. Haven't you done enough harm." Eugene crossed his arms. hoping to seem less anxious. At least he couldn't fidget when the man that ruined his life was around.

Frankie smirked and replied saying, "If you are referring to screwing your girlfriend and getting her pregnant then yes, I did do that. That's beside the point. I have information for you that's important."

Eugene gritted his teeth. His right eye was twitching by then. "Yes, YOU screwed my girlfriend. My dead girlfriend so that is absolutely the point at hand here Frankie. You aided her in having an affair when we had just agreed to be engaged. To make matters worse you got her pregnant. Don't barge in here like you're innocent."

"Is that what they told you to make yourself sleep better? Rhonda didn't agree to be engaged to you. She was forced by your pathetic secretary, who by the way threatened my life if I didn't stay away from Rhonda." Frankie rolled his eyes and said , "I guess Rhonda wasn't good enough for her. Now she's going after my secretaries, my clients, and my assistants. So yea, I'm hardly innocent but I know damn sure I'm a better person than you and your psychotic secretary."

Eugene retorted, "You're a liar. Any man with decency and honesty would never have a relationship with a woman who isn't his. Rhonda loved me. She was happy to get married and plan a big wedding. It was her dream. Lila did no such thing. She's the sweetest girl I know. She would never threaten, let alone kill anyone."

Frankie snapped back saying, "Oh my god, you're as delusional as Rhonda said. Rhonda was NEVER yours. She never loved you Eugene and if we're being honest here, you never loved her either. She wanted out of the marriage agreement. She wanted nothing to do with you. She told me how miserable she was. How you wouldn't touch her at night. How you didn't give her any kind of affection. She told me everything. She only wanted to be with you for your money. It was what her parents wanted for her in life: to marry the richest and most successful man in town."

"Watch what you say to the richest and most powerful man in town Frankie. I can have you ruined." Eugene always felt better when he threw around his title. It usual shut people up but not this time.

Frankie laughed out loud at this statement, "Do you hear yourself? If you honestly think you're the most powerful man in town then there's no saving you. Hell, your so called riches aren't even your own. You know what, Rhonda made you. Without her you wouldn't have the image you have now because God knows the people of Hillwood would never throw all their money at a company who had a gay CEO. Rhonda was a trophy for you to look good, to look normal everyday. You didn't love her. You didn't even want to sleep in the same bed at night, but she discovered the truth that could end everything for you. Don't you throw your weight around, as if you have any in this situation."

Eugene was angry. He stamped his feet, nearly jumping out of his chair and yelled, "I built this company from the ground up on my own! I didn't need Rhonda or anyone else to help me. Stop accusing me of being a homosexual. Maybe the reason I didn't touch her at night was because of her disgusting, drug habit. She was on pills every single night. I'm sure she forgot to tell you that part."

Frankie seemed unbothered by Eugene's apparent outburst. "Oh please, are you that blind to believe all of this money is really from investors? Your success is made up. It's a sham. And so what if she had a drug problem? That didn't mean she had to be thrown from a building. Her drug problem doesn't make you any better for pretending to be something you're not this entire time. You have been lying to yourself and the people of Hillwood for years. No matter how much denial you may have and how much coaching your secretary may give, you'll always want to be with men and no one can change that."

This time Eugene hopped out of his chair and pushed all his paperwork onto Frankie's lap in angry. He shouted out, "I DIDN'T KILL HER AND I DON'T LIKE MEN!"

"The not liking men part is debatable. I know you didn't kill her Eugene. You can stop torturing yourself and thinking you're to blame. You were being played this whole time. You were just too blind and too focused on your image to see it." Frankie brushed the paperwork on the floor and kept his same composure. He was a man with a mission.

Eugene asked in confusion, "Played by who?"

"Lila. Rhonda came to me in need of a lawyer to build a case against your company. She had discovered that money was invested in the company was not good money. She did her research and stayed around to figure out who could be helping the mob bring so much money in and out. Rhonda was appalled at the company's underground involvement in the mafia. All of your so called hard earned money is blood money Eugene. It was all thanks to Lila. Rhonda knew that for a fact. Why do you think she's so emotionally invested into your company and making your image one that's the most suitable? She wants to make sure the mob keeps getting the money to outflow. When she figured out Rhonda knew what she was doing she tried her best to silence her peacefully but she wouldn't stop. Now she's trying to silence me too by killing and torturing my co-workers. She already killed the woman I love. What's left for me to lose?"

Eugene said in disbelief, "That's ridiculous. Lila doesn't have that kind of power."

"You gave her that power when you gave her your trust. You have been played. I don't know the reason why she's involved with the mafia or how it came to happen but I know she's a snake. I have proof." Frankie slid the paperwork across his desk to Eugene.

He continued talking as Eugene quickly read over the documents, "This is everything Rhonda gave me to form a solid case against Horowitz Inc. Now you can either help me take the mafia down or I can unleash a legal nightmare upon you and your good name that you have never even seen before."

Eugene threw his head in his hands and started to sob. The paperwork fell to the ground as he let it all drop.

Eugene, no longer acting as the CEO of his company should, was having a break down as they spoke. "How could I be so blind? How could I be so stupid? Oh poor Rhonda, I'm so sorry."

Frankie reassured Eugene. "It's okay Eugene. You can make it up to her now. Let me take down Horowitz Inc. It's what she would have wanted. You help me, I make sure you don't do any time for this."

"Yes, I-I'll help you." Eugene wiped his face free of tears. "I'm sorry about the baby Frankie. She was a great woman."

"Yea, I'm sorry too." You could hear the sorrow in Frankie's voice.

Eugene knew what he had to do. "I want to clear my name and my company's name. I don't want all of the success I've gotten to be paid in bones. But before I help you, I have to make a call."

Eugene picked up the phone and knew it was the right decision to make.

~/~

The couple basked in their afterglow and lay together in bed. Gerald and Phoebe had just had another romantic night. Phoebe had moved in with Gerald and she felt much safer but she was having nightmares more and more frequently. Even with Gerald's strong arms wrapped around her she couldn't get the memories out of her head.

Gerald gave Phoebe a kiss on her shoulder. She stared at the ceiling and seemed to be in trance. He hated when she got like this. She wasn't telling him something and it ate him up inside. They had promised to not keep secrets and to be open with each other but even after they rekindled their romance Phoebe wasn't the same as she was before. Something had happened to her that Gerald needed to know if they were going to move forward with their relationship.

Gerald placed his arms around Phoebe's small frame tightly and gave her a couple light kisses on her collar bone. She didn't even respond much to his affection anymore. What was going on with her?

Gerald said her name, hoping that would be enough to snap her out of it, "Phoebe?"

No response.

He tried again. "Phoebe."

Again no response.

He yelled so loud in her ear there would be no way she couldn't hear him, "PHOEBE!"

Phoebe jerked a bit and fell out of her trance. She breathed heavier as she pulled closer into Gerald's chest.

Gerald kissed her on the forehead and said, "What is going on in that big brain of yours?"

Phoebe said bluntly, "Nothing. I was present during our love making."

Gerald smirked, reminiscing the night they had spent together. As much as those memories turned him on that wasn't his main focus at hand. "That's not what I'm talking about. You have been acting weird and going into weird dazes. I am worried about you. You know you can tell me anything. I will always be here for you."

"Nothing Babe. I promise I'm fine." Her voice was once again dry and monotone. That's when Gerald knew she was lying.

Gerald shifted so that his eyes locked directly with Phoebe's, "Don't lie to me. Don't you ever lie to me. Let me help you through whatever it is. I love you. I know I hadn't shown it before but you're the most important person to me in my life. Please tell me what's bothering you."

Phoebe let out a sigh and began twirling her hair around her fingers, "I think I may have PTSD. I keep having flashbacks."

Gerald was immediately concerned. "From where? What happened?

"I, I- it all happened when I was working with Frankie alone one night."

Gerald, who was overprotective, was ready to spring into action. "Oh my God. Did he rape you?! I'm going to fucking kill him."

Phoebe began telling her story. "No, no Gerald. He didn't do anything. It all happened so fast. I was filing papers away for him at the front desk then these men came in and asked if I knew where he was. Of course I knew but the men looked dangerous so I said no. Then before I knew it they grabbed me, slapped me, and kicked me and told me if I didn't tell them where Frankie was they'd kill me. I begged them to stop but they kept beating me so I gave up. They dragged me into the back room, held a knife to my throat, and they said if Frankie didn't give them the file they'd kill me. I felt the cold metal on my neck and the bloody beads starting to form on my throat. I thought the man was going to slit my throat but then Frankie did as they asked. He pulled a file out from his bookcase and gave it to them. They let me free and left. All I could do is lie on the floor and cry, hoping to wake up from the nightmare.

She recalled more of that night. "Everything hurt. They beat me so bad my ribs turned purple. Frankie took me straight to the hospital and told me to keep quiet about everything I saw that night. He paid for my medical expenses and gave me time off. I didn't tell anyone about the attack, not even Helga. I stayed in the house for weeks without any contact with anyone. I started having nightmares of being attacked over and over again.

"It was like reliving that night repeatedly. It was finally due for me to go back to work. The day I came back the shooting happened. They came back to kill Frankie and to kill me for knowing too much. I didn't know anything at all, at least nothing from the file Frankie gave them. The police showed up in time thank god. I started having flashbacks again but this time during the day.

"Then later that week I found Thumper… Dead. I just couldn't breath. I didn't know what to do. I tried to tell Helga but she wouldn't understand so I distanced myself from her and everyone else until I knew it would be safe. The police said they would put me on surveillance to keep me safe from whoever was looking for me. Right now as we speak there's police sitting outside disguised in order to keep me safe. I hate that I was brought into whatever mess my boss had. I can't sleep. I can't think. I can't even live a normal life without remembering the attack and seeing Thumper's bloody body."

By the end of the story Phoebe was in tears, "I, I don't want you dead too just for being around me Gerald. I love you so much."

Gerald couldn't believe his girlfriend of so many years had been through something so traumatic and she didn't tell him about it. He was both amazed and scared at the time. He was amazed she could endure life walking around with all this pain but scared that someone would be coming for the woman he loved.

"Babe," He held Phoebe so tight in his arms that he never wanted to let her go. She sobbed hard into his bare chest. "You should've told me. I would have been there. You wouldn't have had to go through this on your own."

Phoebe pulled her head back from his chest. She was shaking but managed to say, "I d-didn't know ho-how to tell you. We were b,broken up."

Gerald meant every word when he said, "You listen to me. No matter if we are together or not in the future you tell me what's going on your life. Phoebe, we can get you some therapy or whatever you need to feel normal again. Don't worry about me or us right now. Worry about getting yourself better."

Phoebe sobbed again, "I swear I don't know anything Gerald. All I know is someone was trying to kill my boss. I don't know why or who was trying to."

Gerald rubbed her hair and placed a finger to her lips, "Shhh I believe you Phoebe, I do. You don't have to explain anything. None of it was your fault. You listen to me first thing tomorrow we're going to get you to a therapist. Anything that will help you become the Phoebe I love again. You don't have to worry about a thing." Gerald pulled Phoebe into his chest to hold her again. He kissed the top of her head softly and said, "As long as I'm here no one will ever hurt you again."

The moment was heavy and full of many emotions. Phoebe felt trapped in reliving that terrible night again and all Gerald wished was to bare her pain for her. Gerald said nothing more and let Phoebe cry into his chest until she drifted off to sleep. He held her even after she fell asleep. She needed to feel safe and he could definitely provide that for her.

Gerald snuck out of bed 30 minutes after she had fallen to sleep to use the bathroom. He had neglected his phone all day while he was with her. Once he was done in the bathroom he got his phone from the nightstand and took into into the living room to not disturb his sleeping girlfriend.

He had several text messages and missed calls. Most of them from work, begging him to publish a certain story in this month's paper. Sometimes he hated being editor-in-chief.

The most recent call he got was from Eugene. He hadn't heard from him since that last interview about Rhonda's drug habit happened. He still felt bad for the poor guy. Gerald wouldn't know how to function if Phoebe had been murdered. His conscience wouldn't let him move on without calling Eugene back.

He dialed the number and was met with an answer upon the second dial tone.

That was fast, Gerald thought. It must be important.

"Hey Eugene. How are you holding up?"

"I'm taking it day by day. How's Phoebe?"

"She's- she's okay. Listen I can't talk long so did you need anything man?"

"Yeah, actually I did. How'd you like to break the story of the year Gerald."

Gerald smirked, " I'm listening."

This was going to be good, Gerald could feel it.

~/~

"Let me out of here Criminey!" Helga's yells echoed throughout the hollow warehouse. She had never been more scared in her entire life than when she woke up chained to a metal pole in an abandoned warehouse. She was certain she was finally going to die for all the times she didn't close her big, fat mouth.

She had been yelling for 15 minutes straight and no one seemed around to hear her. She was basically hopeless and if those chains were tied around her any more tightly her ribs would snap in half for sure.

She had just about given up when she heard footsteps.

"Hey! Help! Let me out of here!" She yelled as the footsteps neared, only to meet her with worse nightmare.

Arnold was unconscious being carried by two men and next to them, there was Lila clicking her evil heels.

"What did you do to him? Get your hands off of him!" She screamed as she struggled to get out of the chains with no success.

Her beloved was unconscious and currently being tied to a metal pole next to hers and all she could do is watch. Lila watched too as the large men bound the chains around Arnold.

Lila stood stiffly and void of emotion. It pissed Helga off how she had no expression on her face what so ever, like she wanted this to happen. If she could punch her in the face she would have but that wasn't an option. She chose to do the next best thing which was spit right in her pretty little face.

The wad of spit landed right on Lila's cheek. Lila smirked and wiped the wetness from her face.

Lila said in a condescending voice, "That's very unlady like Helga."

"Oh yea and committing murder ISN'T unlady like. You are a fucking psycho. If you killed Arnold-"

Lila ordered "For the last time I didn't murder anyone. And Arnold isn't dead. Boys wake him up."

Lila snapped her fingers and without notice one of the men pulled out a container of a white substance from his pocket. He put it up to Arnold's nose and within minutes he was coughing up a storm. He was coughing but at least he was alive.

Arnold looked around confused and bewildered. Why was he chained up? Why was Helga chained up? What was going on with his head? It felt like he had grown a tumor.

"What's going on here? Why are Helga and I tied up." Arnold asked, frantically looking around. The two men made their exit. "Lila what did you do?"

Lila frowned and said, "I told you that no one was safe and you didn't listen. I'm only doing what I'm told. I'm sorry, I really did like you Arnold."

Helga snapped, "If you liked him so much why would you try to kill him, you crazy bitch!"

"I'm ever so sorry to you both." Lila ran out of the warehouse and left the two of them tied up.

Helga tried once more to free herself but it was no use. This was definitely the end for her and Arnold. No one was coming to save her. No one was going to stop this at the last minute. Is this how Rhonda felt when she plummeted to her death? Maybe Rhonda had been here, in this very same warehouse. Maybe Rhonda was better off dying the way she did if dying in this warehouse was the only option you had.

Helga said nonchalantly. "So this is the way we're going to go Arnoldo. Tied up to a stiff pole with chain stuck up our asses. It was nice knowing ya'."

Arnold tried to sound as positive as possible."Don't say that. We can still get out of here. Someone is coming for us, okay."

Helga saw right through his statement. "Always the optimist. This is real life Arnold. In real life there's no one to save you. You die your shitty death and people move on with their lives afterwards. That's what happened to Rhonda right!" Helga felt the tears start to fall down her cheeks. Typical her, the one time she gets emotional is when she's about to become casket ready. "No matter how much I tried to keep her memory alive and tried to figure out who killed her it all didn't amount to shit. We'll all be dead soon. Maybe I can ask her what happened to her in the afterlife once I kick the bucket."

Arnold still couldn't give up hope. "Don't give up yet. Sid can still come. Maybe he can send for us."

Helga coughed then said, "Sid is laying in a hospital bed fighting for his life. The entire police department is too busy fighting all of the crime that's rampant in the city. No one can help us."

"No," Arnold's voice started to break. "What about Gerald or Phoebe? They'll look for us."

Helga was always a realist. That was her downfall. She wished she could be like Arnold and imagine that this wasn't happening. "If they're lucky they're probably off screwing each other and don't even know we're gone. Face it. This is it. We're going to die."

"N,no."

Helga began to cry. "Yes, yes we are. Before we die I guess I should answer your question. I absolutely want to be with you Arnold and there has been no doubt in my mind of that ever since I first met you. I love you. I love your stupid foot head and your annoying way of always seeing the good in people. I have loved you since you shared your umbrella with me in preschool. I have loved you even when you haven't loved me. I watched you be with other girls and I'd wish they were me. To know you loved me too is really, well it's really my dying wish."

Helga laughed, even through the tears, "If we weren't about to die I'd probably screw you all over the apartment so we can have little football headed kids and we would plan our wedding and we'd grow older together. That seems like the ultimate life.

Helga continued to speak at this point trying to speak to pass the time, "Maybe Rhonda was happy to die, you know? She had reached the pinnacle of her career. She had fallen in love with someone who loved her back. She had lost her virginity, which is something I wished I had accomplished before I died. She was going to be a mother. Maybe she was ready to go and wanted to do it with a bang.

Helga was now sobbing with tears streaming down her face, "Fuck, Arnold we're really going to die. I love you so much it hurts. I'd rather die with you than die alone."

Arnold himself had already been crying, "I love you too Helga. I'm sorry I didn't believe you about Lila, about Rhonda, about everything. I'm sorry I'm such an idiot who didn't see how amazing the girl was in front of him. I'm sorry for being jealous of Sid, I should've known that he was better for you than I was. I'm sorry for being a terrible friend and roommate this whole time. God, I'm sorry for wasting so much time. We could've been making love and having dates in Paris and but I just took too long. I'm sorry for not loving you sooner. If they kill us now I'd want to die first just for being a pathetic idiot. Forgive me for everything Helga."

Helga's voice was now shaky, "I, I forgive you."

The couple had said all they needed to say and was prepared for what was to come. They thought of Rhonda in that moment. Whoever killed her had a hell of a reputation to uphold. If that person was going to kill Helga G. Pataki and Arnold Shortman it would tell a lot more than bullets to kill them both.

The couple close their eyes and prepared to face the consequences of their sudden, impending death.

Author's Note: That's all folks. This is my longest update yet! One or two more chapters to go then it's all over and everything will be revealed. Any theories about what's to happen next I'd love to hear! As always, thanks for reading!