The Golden Age

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Are things over for S and her latest amusement?

S was spotted leaving the author's building with a look that was far from blissful. Has the sands of time on this romance already run out? This one lasted shorter than the others. We can only guess what happened to upset our movie star. Was he cheating? Did she find out he's a Mormon with seven wives? Whatever the cause- I think we can guess the brief affair is over- you're faithful Gossip Girl will confirm this- so send me any updates.

Is there a new woman in Chuck's life?

READ THIS! The affair between Blair and Chuck may be over too. You'll never guess who one of my sources saw him driving down the road with? Rania Thorpe- that's right you read that correctly! A product of an affair or something else? We'll just have to wait and see.

Serena practically ran to the police station since Dan's phone wasn't working. It's only a couple of blocks from Dan's building. She was in a state of panic. Was Dan dead? What's happened to him? Did he piss off some powerful people? All she knew was she had to get to the police station. And his poor maid! The very thought of that murdered body made her want to heave. That sight will haunt her to her grave. All that mattered was finding Dan. The thought of Dan being in mortal danger pained her deeply.

When she finally entered the police station she could see that is was busy. There was a queue to the desk that had ten people in it. In this apart of the building, you could see a desk that went from one end of the room to the other. It wasn't a big room at all- there had to be four police officers handling the people waiting. The long queue irritated her immensely. She got in line and waited for her turn.

"Are you Serena Van der Woodsen?" a stranger in the queue asked.

Serena irritation soared- she didn't feel like dealing with her fans right now. She was severely traumatised at what she'd just seen. Her worry over Dan only grow as she waited in line. The person that had spoken was a woman with dark black hair and pale skin.

"Yes, I am" she nodded.

"I loved you in Tango Until Sunset!" she screeched.

"Thank you" Serena responded politely.

Soon everyone else in the queue was talking about their favourite films that she starred in. Even the policemen kept looking at her, while they dealt with inquiries.

"Will you like to go before us dear?" asked an old lady.

Sometimes being a famous movie star had its perks.

"Sure" she smiled at them, "Thank you"

Serena went to the front of the queue and walked to the policeman on the far right.

"I have a murder and a disappearance to report" she told him desperately.

The policeman looked shocked- a beautiful and famous movie star has come into the station talking about murder.

"I went to Dan Humphries apartment to meet with him" she began, "When I arrived he didn't answer, so I used his other key. I unlocked the door to find the scene of a fight, and a woman- his maid; was murdered"

The whole police station was silent as she told everyone this. Everyone was looking at them as she told them what happened. The policeman sent some officers to investigate her claim. Serena rode with them in the vehicle to the scene of the crime. The movie star and the police made their way hastily up the apartment and entered the room to find:

An immaculately clean apartment with all the furniture in the right place. It was clear no fight had taken place there. Confused, and worried the police might think she's crazy, she ran to the place where she'd found the body:

There was no body, and no blood on the floor.

What had happened? The crooks that had done this must've come back and cleaned the place while she was out. How long was she gone for? The police didn't look pleased at all. They were looking at her like she was drunk or an attention-seeking movie star.

"They must've cleaned the apartment" Serena deduced.

"I know you movie stars like to do publicity stunts- just don't do it on our time OK?" said a police officer.

"I'm not making this up!" Serena protested.

The police clearly didn't believe her as they left the room.

If they won't help her- she's just going to have to find someone who will.

…

"Which one do you like dear?" asked Mrs Archibald.

Blair, Eleanor and Mrs Archibald were at the best and most expensive wedding dress store in town. There was five gorgeous designer dresses being displayed by models. The carpet was a richly red colour, and there was a huge chandelier, hanging above them that looked priceless. All women were given a glass of champagne on arrival (on the sneaky). The sound of classical music was being played by a band in the far side of the room.

"It very…traditional" Blair answered awkwardly.

The first dress looked something her grandmother would've gotten married in. It screamed Victorian. There was no way she was going to wear that dress in front of 500 wedding guests. The second one was bright white with a beautiful veil that had had diamonds sown into it. It was nice...but nothing special. The third one was more modern, it was a white lace one. The strap went over each arm with nothing covering the arms. She noticed the neckline would go just to her cleavage but no further.

While the forth dress was more to her taste. It had a diamond headband on her head with the long earrings to match. The gloves were long, and the sleeves came only a little way down but it fell down nicer. The dress hugged tighter to the frame- but in a classy way. The last one was brilliantly white with netting kind of material in the top half of the dress.

Blair loved the fourth dress the most- but she wished she was wearing it for someone else. No Blair! You can't allow yourself to think about him. So Blair tried to push him out of mind and focus on the upcoming wedding.

"I agree with Blair" Eleanor sighed, reading her daughter like a book, "That dress is hideous. The other ones are much nicer"

"Fine" Mrs Archibald said plastically, "Blair, which one do you prefer?"

"I'm in love with the fourth one" she admitted.

Mrs Archibald clearly didn't approve of her choice. She looked like she was sucking a lime. This made Blair even more determined to have the dress.

"What do you think Mama?" Blair asked her mum.

She was staring at it with an unreadable expression. Her mum was always very hard to read. It was very cold outside, but inside she was beginning to heat up.

"I like it" Eleanor said finally.

"But…" Mrs Archibald was about to speak.

"My mother approves" Blair interrupted triumphantly, "Is she not a fashion icon?"

"Well yes, but-"Mrs Archibald responded lamely.

"Are you a fashion icon?" she pressed her.

"No"

"Then it's my mother's opinion we'll be following" Blair finished tartly.

Both women glared at each other- the battle lines have been drawn. Blair has proven that she's not taking her crap. Eleanor on the other hand, clearly looked amused at this exchange.

"Then we'll go for that one" Mrs Archibald said with forced politeness.

Blair allowed herself a victorious smile.

…

When Blair was alone that evening she was reading a book. It was called The Great Gatsby- Blair never got why everyone hated Daisy Buchanan so much. It was a welcome distraction from the cage her life has become. A part of Blair wanted to run away from everything. But she knew she would never bring that kind of shame on the family again. There was a knock on the door.

"Can I come in?" came Serena's voice from behind the door.

"Yes" Blair called, putting her book on the side.

Serena entered Blair's room and swiftly closed the door. She looked terrible! There were tears and eye liner running down her face. She looked confused, frightened, and terrified. Blair would kill whoever has done this to her.

"Are you OK?" Blair asked.

"No" she cried, Oh Blair! You'll never guess what happened to me today"

"Sit down" Blair offered.

Serena sat down next her friend on the spacious double-bed. She looked completely distraught- but also like she's got something big to tell her. Serena told her all about what happened to Dan, the murdered body of the maid, and the police not believing her when the scene had been cleaned up. Blair didn't doubt her sanity like the cops did- she believed her.

"Oh that so terrible Serena!" Blair gasped in shock, "Don't worry, I know a private detective who is the best in New York. Do you want me to call him?"

Serena put her hand out to touch Blair's arm in comfort.

"There's something you should know" Serena began cautiously.

"What is it?" Blair wondered.

"When I left the apartment I asked the neighbours if they saw anything" Serena explained, "Someone told me that one of them was Chuck"

Reality and horror hit Blair all at once. Chuck was involved in this vile crime! He was a criminal and a Bass, so it shouldn't surprise her. She hated that he was involved in such ruthless actions. Blair felt disgusted and angry with him all at once. Why would he be interested in Humphry though? It didn't make any sense. Unless Dan was involved in something they all have no idea about.

"I'm so sorry Blair" Serena looked at her sympathetically, "Can you talk to Chuck for me please?"

"Of course" Blair promised, "Actually I'll do it as soon as possible. Will you be OK with Dorota for an hour or so?"

Serena smiled sadly and nodded.

"Good, I'll be back soon" Blair smiled as she left.

It was a freezing cold night so she brought thick clothes. She didn't trust the driver not to sell the fact that's she's going to a Bass nightclub to the paparazzi, so Blair decided to walk. The club was called the Blue Monkey Club- it was a jazz club that sold alcohol. Bart Bass brides and threatens the police to look the other way. If you go into what looks like an unsuccessful café- through a painting that's really a door- and into the club.

She's been there a couple of times, especially when Chuck and her were dating. Anyone who's anyone has been to that club. The Basses actually conduct a lot of their business there. It was a Friday night, and Chuck is always at the Blue Monkey at this time. It wasn't that far away, only ten minutes.

When she arrived she entered the building that said 'Café Monkey'. There was someone there wearing what looked like a waiter's uniform. He had a young smug face- it was the kind of face that you just what to punch. The man recognised her and let Blair through. The painting was that of a brave knight wearing the English lion, on his armour. He opened it up for her and let her pass. As soon as she entered the club she heard the swinging sound of jazz, the sound of people's conversations were almost drowned out by it.

The smell of alcohol also hit her, and the sight of cigarette smoke drifting through the air. There were loads of people either sitting on tables, dancing, making out or standing around talking. Blair listened to the music for a few moments it fresh, current and just the sort of song you could dance all night too. A part of her wanted to- but she wasn't here for her own amusement.

She had to find Chuck in this busy building.

She hoped she didn't run into Chuck's father- he terrified her. Blair kept walking around trying to spot Chuck. On her way she noticed the Governor of New York snogging some woman who wasn't his wife, a famous teetotaller as drunk as a skunk, and a police chief doing shots from some woman who was clearly a hooker.

Blair was looking for a few minutes- but she eventually found him talking to middle aged man. Instantly, her anger returned to her. She stormed up to him wearing her 'don't mess with me' face. When she reached him, he looked happy that she was here, but confused why she was so angry.

"What's wrong?" Chuck asked, with a slight smug expression.

"We need to talk somewhere in private" Blair told him in a stern voice.

"Alright" he agreed, leading her away.

The youngest Bass said goodbye to the man he was talking to, and led her to a door on the side. Both of them entered the small office. It was where he sometimes liked to do his work. He locked the door behind them so they couldn't be disturbed. The music was instantly muffled, as Chuck waited to hear what was making her so mad.

"What's wrong?" he asked her.

"Did you or did you not kidnap Dan Humphry?" Blair exclaimed, "Serena went to meet him at his apartment, but found him to be missing and the dead body of his maid on the floor. She went to tell the police, and when she comes back all the evidence is gone. The police thought she was making it up. She asked a neighbour about it, and one of them said they saw you"

Throughout all of this, Chuck's expression remained impassive. But when she told him that the police didn't believe Serena- he looked relieved for a few moments.

"It's true" he answered directly, "Our clean-up crew got the wrong address and went somewhere 30 miles away- and then they had to come back to get the real address, then go all the way to Humphry's place. Apart from that, they're very fast and efficient"

"What happened anyway?" Blair questioned.

Chuck decided to tell her honestly what had happened. Dan is currently in a steel cell in the basement of one of their properties. Rania hadn't known anything about her father's business, so her, Dan and Vanessa were all sharing a cell together.

"So Dan had nothing to do with the incident in question" Blair argued, "Let him go"

"It's not that easy" he responded, "What if he tells the cops what he's seen?"

Blair tutted and rolled her eyes at this.

"Hasn't he got a family you can threaten?" Blair pointed out.

Chuck laughed at her answer, he's really missed her.

"He has"

"Then let him go!" Blair demanded.

"It not up to me" he told her, "I'll talk to Dad about it, but that's all I can do I'm afraid. I can't make any promises"

"Good" Blair said, before turning around to leave.

"Wait!" Chuck called after her, "There's a condition. If I talk to my Dad, you'll have to do something for me"

Blair had a dilemma- she wanted to help Serena but what would Chuck make her do? Was it worth it? Chuck is still in love with her, so it won't be anything too bad. Could she take a risk? Yes, Blair would do anything for Serena- but she had conditions of her own.

"Yes, but only if Dan is actually freed" Blair countered.

He seemed to be thinking it over before agreeing.

"Alright, we have a deal then" he grinned.

Blair couldn't help grinning back

…

The cold steel cell was dank and miserable. There was almost no light coming into the room. A tiny shard of light was visible through a tiny gap in the wall. Dan was huddled in the corner trying to get warm. If he could see anything in this room- it would be the sight of his breath. There were two other people in this room. Vanessa was huddled in the other corner shivering as well. A woman he recognised as Raina Thorpe was in the far corner. All three were trying to get warm.

"I'm so sorry for dragging you into this Dan" Vanessa apologised through chattering teeth.

"It's alright" Dan tried to reassure her, "I agreed to help you"

"Not just that" she went on, "For everything that went on between us. I was being very judgemental three years ago, I should've been more understanding. You're still the same guy I knew growing up"

That meant a lot to Dan, he smiled at her apology. Vanessa has been her friend for a long time. If they ever got out of this, he was going to make sure they remained friends- if nothing else.

"Except you drive a Porsche now" Vanessa joked.

Both of them laughed and felt lighter about the situation. Rania was still too tired to speak. She hated that her father was who he was. All she wanted was her freedom and safety- but she was born with a target on her back, and she was just going to have to except it. Rania now hates the Basses- but she hates he father even more. If she ever got out of this, she decided she was going to leave the county.

But Rania doubted she would, if fact she was convinced she was going to die down here.

Dan thought about his family- have the found out he's missing by now? What about Serena? His heart pained him that she probably thinks he's gone off her. Serena was very special to him, despite their short acquaintance. Suddenly he heard door being opened. They were all shackled to the floor- so they couldn't get up. He saw Georgina Sparks smiling at them with that twisted smile of hers.

This can't be good!

To his horror she turned to him- what did she want with him?

"Aren't you the lucky one" she smirked, "You're being released"

Released? What? Why? This was so strange, he didn't think Boss Bass was capable of sympathy. No, there had to be something else, or someone else behind this. Suddenly, he didn't want to leave Vanessa.

"No!" Dan cried, "I don't want to leave Vanessa"

"Well that's too bad" she chuckled.

Before he knew it, Dan was in Bart Bass' office. He was sitting at the desk looking dangerous and powerful. Brother Bass was standing next to him looking amused at the scene. Chuck Bass was sitting by the far looking smug about something. Why on earth were they letting him go? It just didn't make sense!

"Your being released" Bart stated coldly, "It seems you have friends in high places. But I must warn you. If you try to rescue that woman you come with, or if you blab about any of this. I will send my ruthless men to kill your family. Is that clear?"

Dan cared about Vanessa a lot, but he loved his family more. It was going to kill him to agree to this. How will he live with himself? How will he go on the same old way? But if he didn't- his family will be killed. Then he truly wouldn't be able to live with himself.

"Alright" Dan reluctantly agreed, "Why are you letting me go?"

Bart stared at him with a cold expression for a few moments before answering.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" was all he said, "Good evening Mr Humphry"

He didn't need to be told twice, Dan left the building feeling like a piece of his heart had been left in that cell.

…

It hadn't been easy to get Humphry off. It wasn't sympathy that got Bart to release him. Chuck told him that the more people that went missing- especially a well-known author and screen-writer, it would draw unnecessary attention them. It was a close one, but it was all worth it when he asked Blair for that favour she owned him.

He was going to have fun with this.

…

Blair has been asked to Archibald's mansion to look at table patterns. When she first heard the invitation- she thought she'd rather get Cholera. Unfortunately she had no choice but to attend. Her driver knocked on the door for her. A servant opened the door, and she entered and saw the magnificent Georgian house. It really looked amazing. It's been in the Archibald family for 150 years. They all say that one day she'll be the mistress of this house. Blair didn't know how that made her feel.

While she was waiting for Mrs Archibald, she saw Nate come by and say hello.

"Hey Blair" he greeted politely.

Things were so unbelievably awkward between them. If they were a couple in love they'd greet each other with a kiss- not polite small talk.

"Hey Nate" she replied.

"So…um" Nate seemed to be trying to think of something to talk about, "So you're here to see my mum?"

Blair nodded.

"We're looking at table patterns" Blair explained.

"Oh right" was all he said.

For one miserable moment she thought she rather be talking to Chuck…

No Blair! Stop dreaming about something that will never be.

Later on when she reached her home later that night. Blair found something in her bed. It was a letter and she immediately recognised Chuck's handwriting. It said:

Dear Blair,

The author has been freed. Don't forget your promise- you owe me a favour. Meet me at our usual place on Sunday at 11 pm. I'll be waiting for you.

From,

Chuck

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