[an] I'm really sorry I let this story go without updating it. It was never my intention. I honestly love the plot… I'm slowly getting over my distaste for this pairing, [ though, that might have been the cause of me putting off the update even though I have several ideas for the plot]… regardless here goes nothing.

Against All Odds
-desperate times call for drastic measures-

He watched the brunette through the safety of his windshield. She was petite, probably the same height as his niece – with a mass of chocolate, honey and mahogany color curls clipped atop her head. She was wearing grey skinny jeans, black chuck taylors, a black tank top covered in white and red stars, and a hooded cardigan.

He couldn't help but think that she looked a little too young to be working alone. He watched as she emptied the garbage out of a can in front of the store. When she was back in the store and out of sight, Phil got out of the car. Tugging the hood of his sweatshirt up over his head to avoid recognition, he quickly walked over to the shop and sank into the ally between the store and a pharmacy that had closed an hour ago.

Just as he had expected, there was a dumpster between the two buildings – just beside the back entrance to the shop. He ducked behind the far corner of the dumpster, waiting.

His heart was racing. He fought the urge to run back to the car, get in, and drive away as fast as humanly possible. He knew what he was doing was wrong and he was nervous but, he had to do it. He had to save Kylee.

He wiped his sweaty palms on the front of his jeans. He took deep breath when he heard the sound of the heavy metal door opening. He heard her footsteps growing louder. He heard the sound of his own heart as it pounded against his ribcage. Creeeaakk. He recognized the strain of rusted hinges as she opened the dumpster.

He braced himself, closed his eyes, and reminded himself that there was no other option. Hepushed himself forward. The dumpster lid closed with a loud thud as he seized her. He wrapped one arm around her, pinning her arms to her sides. His other hand clasped tightly over her mouth.

She gasped and tried to struggle. He tightened his grip and whispered in her ear, "Stop. I don't want to hurt you. " She stopped struggling, unable to overpower the tight grip he had around her waist. "I'm going to uncover your mouth… don't scream. If you scream . . . I'll have to kill you." The words tore at him but, he knew the second he uncovered her mouth she would scream. "Do you understand?"

He waited for her to nod before moving his hand away from her mouth. "I need you to come with me. Don't scream, don't fight back, don't try to run, understand?"

She nodded again. For the first time, he looked at her face and noticed the tears rolling down her cheeks from her glassy brown eyes. His heart broke. She was terrified. Had Kylee cried when that monster had taken her?

Now you're the monster.

Phil pushed the thought from his mind. It wasn't a good time to be weak. He needed to keep his mind on one thing Kylee. He needed to do this to save his niece. He wasn't a monster; he was doing what he had to do to protect Kylee. He was all she had and he could not let her down. He needed to be cold, to be ruthless.

He kept a firm grip on her upper arm and led her to his car. He opened the back door for her and nodded, "get in and remember what I told you."

She slid into the black and he closed the door. He quickly jogged around to the driver side and got in. He locked the doors and slid the keys into the ignition. He started the car and looked at the note sitting on the passenger seat.

Once you have her go to Star and Sun Motel. Room 128, use the key card. Stay there and wait for further instruction.

Phil pulled away from the curb before glancing in the rear-view mirror. The girl was sitting, stoic, in the backseat. She turned hereyes toward him and he felt his stomach clench. He looked back toward the road – knowing that that the look in her eyes would haunt him for the rest of his life.

[next chapter] – Phil runs into some problems with his captive and receives another clue to his niece's whereabouts.

[an] I know this chapter was kind of short but, I thought that would be a fun place to end it. [for me not for you guys]. cliffhanger. I know exactly what I want to do with the next chapter and honestly, I can't wait to write it… so expect an update by the end of the month – as long as things do not become crazy for me. I'm also going to work on making a complete outline for this story. I hope you guys enjoyed this ]. The next chapter should be longer, I hope.

It would be very helpful [and very much appreciated] if you guys felt so inclined to leave me some love.

Also, thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the first chapter and followed and added this story to their favorites. You guys are the best, seriously.

Love you all! Besos.
-Danie.

[disclaimer] I do own cm punk or aj lee. They are their own people, who work for world wrestling entertainment. I am just an aspiring writer, practicing and having some fun. I am not benefiting financially from this work.