...

Sequel: Chapter 8: Ex-Con, New Helper

Marv's PoV:

"Marvin Merchants?" I'm sitting on the bed in my cell. I didn't want to be back in prison again... Ever... But, that little boy didn't deserve to be kidnapped... Though, I just made things worse by telling the cashier at that variety store about Harry and I having Kevin... I heard that Kevin was found and is back with his family, but Harry did a number on him, because I wasn't there to protect him... "Marvin Merchants?" I snap out of my thoughts, when the guard's at my cell door.

I look up and ask, "Yes?"

"Come here," I have a nervous gut, when I hesitantly stand up from my bed and strut up to the cell door. "We need your help."

"My help?" I question.

"Yes. Your partner has Kevin McCallister again. Who else is working with you?"

"No one," I shrug. "There was just Harry and me..."

"Don't lie. There's others working with you. Who?"

"No one!"

"You got yourself arrested trying to protect that little boy's life. You can do the same right now. So, I'm giving you one last chance: Who. Else. Is. Working. With. You?"

I hesitate and sigh. If it's to protect Kevin's life, so be it... "Their names are Benjamin Pelzer and Krista Hilda,"

"Wait, Benjamin Pelzer? He saved Kevin's life,"

"I know. If I can help find Kevin again, I will. I was a dick last year for breaking into his house, and I was a dick for kidnapping him. I will help you find Kevin again..."

Kate's PoV:

The phone rings, and I rush over to pick it up. I answer, "Hello?"

"Hello. Katelyn McCallister?"

"Yes? Hello?"

"This is Officer James Pickens, from Chicago,"

"Oh, Officer James! Hello."

"We know about your son being taken again, and we think we have some extra help..."

"Extra help? What?"

"Marvin Merchants. We finally got it out of him that he has two others working with him, and it'll come as a shock to you, Mrs. McCallister,"

"Who? Who is it?"

"Benjamin Pelzer and Krista Hilda..."

"I knew that about Ben, but Krista?! No, you must be mistaken! You see, Krista Hilda is Kevin's therapist,"

"There's no mistake. Now, with the help of Mr. Merchants, we'll be able to help the New York Police find your son. Mr. Merchants knows Mr. Lime, Mr. Pelzer, and Ms. Hilda well enough to know their tricks and their plans. We may be able to find your son before it's too late,"

"But, Mr. Merchants is in prison... How would he know their plan to take my baby here in New York?"

"You never know... It could've all been planned ahead of time, or at least, somewhat planned..."

"There's a ransom that needs to be handed in to the kidnappers at Central Park at noon on Christmas Eve. Mr. Pelzer came to my brother and sister-in-law's house and told us. He warned us not to bring the police. He said he'd know. I can't afford to have my baby killed, because of a stupid mistake... If he finds out Mr. Merchants is involved in helping the police..."

"We'll make sure the police anywhere don't contact Mr. Pelzer about Marvin,"

"We're bringing the money to Central Park on Christmas Eve, though,"

"Do you remember what happened the last time?"

"You can't get involved! Please!"

"Don't worry, we won't contact Mr. Pelzer from here on in. Nobody will even know about it. It won't even be on the news,"

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"We promise,"

"Just... whatever you do... don't let the New York Police arrive at Central Park on Christmas Eve... Please..."

"We'll let them know,"

"Just... wait until my baby's saved, then go after them, please..."

"Don't worry, ma'am, your son will be home safe with you again..."

Kevin's PoV:

I sit here, "healing myself", as Ben called it, when he reenters the bedroom, carrying a plate with a sandwich and a bottle of water. "Here, I brought you some lunch,"

"It's more like breakfast," I joke. "I haven't eaten all day."

Ben smiles and hands me the plate. "You're looking better," I hand him the cloth, so that I can eat with my only good hand. "I'm proud of you. You haven't attempted anything."

"Well, when you're beaten by Harry as many times as I have, you tend to wanna behave..."

"I figured,"

"Where was Krista, when it happened?"

"She's back now, but she went out to get us some drinks, then,"

"Would she have let him do it?"

"It's hard to say... She mostly hurts people mentally,"

"Meanwhile, she helped me mentally..."

"I know. I'm sorry about that, by the way," We pause. There's a moment of silence, before Ben says, "I have to find something for dinner later, and you're coming with me..."

To be Continued...

...

A/N: Thanks for reading! You know what to do! Useless info: My dog likes to bark at the ashes on the other side of the road, that my step-Dad dumped from the wood stove... It's quite hilarious, actually...

Sorry that it's such a short chapter, but I think that was a great cliffhanger! Also, Marv's in on saving Kevin now, too. ;) What will happen? Will Ben and the others find out? Will Kevin be killed? You'll see! Ciao!

- Termina's Hero1234