By Malice Through Agony

Riley left Lucas a note on the bedstand that was on his side of the bed and walked down the stairs into her car. Just three days ago, Detective Charles presented an insane idea that Lucas didn't like. She'd thought about it and secretly met with the detective to plot their plan, Riley sent Charlie a message through the teddy bear in hopes he would get it. It was hard lying to Lucas and leaving him like that, but she had to do this.

She drove towards Santa Monica Place and walked into the office Detective Charles would be in with her team.

"You ready?" she asked as she placed her loaded gun on her holster.

"Yeah-"

"Are you serious?" Lucas asked as he burst through the doors alarming everyone, one officer even took out his gun.

"It's fine, he's my husband." Riley said as she looked at the officer who had just put away his gun, "How did-?"

"You think I don't know you, Riley? I had a feeling something was going on. Please tell me you aren't doing this."

A woman walked behind Riley holding a small black cube, "May I?"

Riley simply nodded and removed her wavy hair out of the way as she placed a small 'chip' behind the collar of her black lace top.

"What's that?" Lucas asked.

"It's a tracking device." The woman answered as she finished placing the chip on Riley's clothes.

"What for?"

"Standard protocol, just in case." Detective Charles said as she looked at the very angry man Riley called her husband.

"In case you lose her?"

"Look Mr. Friar she's going to be surrounded by some of our best officers, you have nothing to worry about."

"Oh I highly doubt that." Lucas said.

"That's enough," Riley said as she walked over to her husband. "I'm doing this whether you like it or not."

"Can we be alone?" Lucas looked at Detective Charles waiting for an answer, she looked at Riley before she nodded.

"Two minutes, max."

The rest of her team left except two people behind Lucas. "I said alone."

"They can't leave, Lucas...state law." Riley said.

He just rolled his eyes and placed his hands on his waist, he finally realized what Riley was wearing. She wore a black lace top with dark high waisted jeans, the kind of jeans he liked her in. Normally he wouldn't mind it because it was meant for him, but now it was meant for Charlie which sure enough pissed him off.

"You planned this behind my back?" Lucas asked raising his voice.

"I had to, I know you wouldn't have let me if you knew."

"That's why. If you know I don't want you to do this, then why do you do it?"

"Because I have to." Riley said as she ran a hand through her curly hair.

"I'm supposed to protect you, Riley. How the hell am I going to do that if you keep letting yourself do this?" said Lucas, "Please, just forget about Charlie and come home."

"I can't forget until I know he's locked up in a dirty cell suffering and regretting he ever did that to me. And who said this had anything to do with protecting?" She grabbed onto his hands and kissed them. "You have every right to take on that task, but that doesn't mean you'll be the only one in our family to do so."

"If you do this and..." he stopped himself and sighed, hoping the lump of pure sadness would die down. "If I lose you because of him...i'm done. I've failed. What type of husband...or father am I if I can't protect the two most important people in my life. I can't take care of Katherine by myself...I can't live without you."

"Your a perfect dad, Lucas." she looked at her ring and then back at him. "Any woman out there would be lucky enough to have you...you deserve so much better than an unaffectionate woman." Riley twisted the ring off of her finger and handed it to him. He was in pure shock as tears ran down his cheeks. "Charlie's a crazy man...and there's no telling on what he's capable of."

The ring was placed on Lucas's hand. "Riley."

"I can't and don't expect you to stay single for the rest of your life-" she was cut off by Lucas's lips on hers. She gracefully kissed him back as he wrapped his hands around her waist. "Grab him," Riley said into the kiss.

Before Lucas could say anything the two men behind him grabbed his biceps and pulled him back. "What the hell?" he muttered.

"I didn't think I would have to use them. I'm so sorry, Lucas."

"Is this even legal?" he asked as he tried to get out of their strong grip.

"It's my choice...i'm sorry."

"Riley-"

"I love you," she interjected. It didn't seem like the right time or right place to tell him, but she didn't care. If she was going to die, she'd want him to hear her say the words.

Lucas's body froze as he stared at the woman in front of her, it's been a long time since he last heard her say those words. He tried to reach her but was pulled back by the two men. "Let me go!"

"Time's up." Detective Charles said as she walked in. "Ready?"

"Ready as i'll ever be." Riley muttered as she passed the detective.

Lucas pulled and pushed as hard as he could so he could stop her, but the men were surprisingly strong and held him back. "RILEY!" he yelled with anger in his voice.

Riley walked around the mall and stopped once she saw Charlie in a red hat and sunglasses sitting in the food court with a large soda in his hands. Fear almost stopped her from going towards him, almost. She would never forgive herself if she walked back and let the bastard go. Every step towards him felt like a step closer to meeting the devil. As she sat on the seat in front of him his smile sent chills through her back. "Riley," he beamed.

"Hey Charlie."

How will it all go down? Next Chapter unleashes all...

Thank you for reading once again and hope you enjoyed.

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