Chapter 10

Kurt and Mercedes went back to her little apartment downtown, only a few miles from Smyth manor.

"What's going on Kurt? You were gone for quite some time, I even had that scary husband of yours pay me a visit," She revealed. At this admission Kurt quickly grabbed her arm and looked her over.

"'Cedes, he didn't hurt you did he?" Kurt asks in concern. Mercedes is quick to assure him, "no, he just politely asked about our relationship and if we had any plans together. I told him the truth, that we didn't and I missed you but had no idea of where you were. He seemed upset but accepted it and asked to keep in touch." Mercedes thought for a moment before carefully stating, "That man loves you. He looked worse than a dying man that day, as if he were a ghost."

Kurt laughed a hollow laugh before shaking his head.

"I left him Mercedes. I was scared and angry and hurt so I left. I was going to come back, honestly, but he forced me back. He kidnapped me and my daughter, then took her from me. I need to find her Mercedes. Where are they?" Kurt finishes with a single glistening tear in his eye.

Mercedes bit her lip before assuring him that she didn't know. Kurt stared at her, his gaze lingering on her bottom lip she had just held. He leaned in slowly before whispering, "you're lying to me, Mercedes."

Mercedes jumped up quickly, "Kurt- look- I- Kurt I-" she rambles backing away from him. Kurt advanced on her, murder in his eyes.

"What did he say? Huh! What threats did he make? So that my one friend, one ali would betray me?" Kurt has now backed Mercedes against her living room wall.

"It's my grandmother Kurt, I couldn't- he would've-" she stopped herself taking a deep breath, "I've seen what he does to people who betray him. I thought he killed you Kurt! You went missing and I was scared, when he came by that day he threatened the only family I have left! When I told him I didn't know anything he went crazy and trashed my apartment making threats until I broke down. When he was satisfied that I was telling the truth, he told me that if he ever found out I was helping you he'd kill my grandmother."

Kurt looked at her in pity.

"You're a great friend Mercedes. I'm sorry about this, all of this. But you do know I can't let him win right?" Kurt questioned. Mercedes looked at him sadly before nodding. Kurt backed away and collected himself.

"How long do I have?" Kurt asks pinching the bridge of his nose. Mercedes looks down in shame, that's enough of an answer for Kurt.

"I won't let anything happen to you or your family 'Cedes. When he shows up and sees me here with you, he will release his threat. He will believe that you are his new ali, however when I leave here today I need you, as my best friend, to do something," Kurt finds a pencil and paper, "call this number. A man named Elliot will protect you and your family. Tell him that Kurt sent you and he says 'tides are rising.' He will understand."

Kurt hands her the paper. Mercedes begins bawling and hugs him tightly.

"I'm so sorry Kurt. I don't want to do this. I never wanted to hurt anyone," she cries. Kurt consoles her. "I promise you Mercedes Jones, I will be just fine."

Mercedes cleans herself up and they sit on the couch, waiting for Sebastian to arrive.

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Sebastian knocks on the door only 10 minutes later. Kurt recognizes the light tapping demand. Mercedes transforms into the character Kurt has given her and they slide into their scene.

"Kurt honey! Could you please get that? I think it's Mr. Sanders from next door," she lies. Kurt forces his legs to move, he knows in his heart that this really isn't Mr. Sanders from next door but he has to protect his friend. If Sebastian knew of the game they were playing, he'd kill Mercedes. Maybe even Kurt.

The knock sounds again. Kurt doesn't bother hiding his annoyance in calling a "coming!"

His hand freezes on the doorknob before he quickly pulls is open. Sebastian leans in the doorframe. An evil smirk on his sickening face. Kurt feels a wave of nausea overcome him but he fights it and continues with the play him and Mercedes discussed. It was time to put on the performance of their lives.

"Is that any way to greet your husband?" Sebastain challenges. Kurt tries to quickly slam the door on him but Sebastain expectantly blocks it. The mobster charges in with venom in his eyes.

"How the hell did you find me?" Kurt bellows the rehearsed line. Sebastain smiles a cruel smile before calling to the kitchen where Mercedes stands in the doorway, "thank you for your service Ms. Jones. A generous donation will be made to you and your family."

Kurt acts shocked at this announcement before saying the hardest lines of this mini drama.

"'Cedes...how-how could you? I thought we were friends!" He echos similar words from their earlier encounter.

Mercedes breaks down as expected in real tears. She sobs calling out many "I'm sorry"'s as one of Sebastians men lead her away to her bedroom.

Sebastian grabs Kurts arm roughly and drags him out of the apartment and down the small hallway.

"Where's my daughter Smyth?" Kurt bellows lightly fighting him the whole way out of the building. Sebastain stops by the car and opens the door. Sylvia sits on the seat looking to her fathers with a large smile on her face. Kurt is pushed towards the car in expectation of him getting in, but he retaliates. Kurt grabs Sylvia and pulls her out of the car and hugs her to himself. Looking like a tender moment between father and daughter Sebastian lightens his hold on Kurt. That was his first mistake.

Kurt throws his head back effectively breaking Sebastians nose and then wrenches Sebastians hand off his arm. He scoops up Sylvia and dashes to the motorcycle he had scouted earlier. With the quickest hotwiring in his life, Kurt peels down the street with a squealing Sylvia nestled in front of him.

"A motorcycle? Elliot you can't be serious! I can't ride a motorcycle! They're motorized deathtraps!" Kurt exclaims in horror of that days lesson. Elliot had effectively taught him how to hotwire and ride almost every form of moving invention. However, Kurt couldn't see when he would EVER get on a motorcycle.

Elliot laughed.

"Kurt, a motorcycle is your best get away option possible. Faster than a car, smaller surface area for tight spots and an easy ditch after you're done!" Elliot exclaims proudly. Kurt gives him a face.

"Assuming I can do this, there is no WAY I am having my daughter ride on of these contraptions," he says finally. Elliot approaches him and lays a hand on his shoulder.

"From what you've said Kurt, you don't have much of a choice."

Kurt looks up at his new friend. This man had been helping him for 3 months at the time, all from the kindness of his heart. Kurt had no money, nothing to offer but here this man was.

"El, I don't know how to thank you. You've done so much for us," Kurt states feeling emotions overwhelm him. Elliot takes Kurt's face delicately in his hands.

"You know I would do anything for you Kurt. Anything. You and Sylvia are my family now," Elliott admits softly. It was rare to see such vulnerability in the man and Kurt understood how challenging it was to show.

"Fine," Kurt relents lightening the mood, "show me how to ride the damn motorcycle."

AN: Short addition but I felt in the writing mood and really want to keep this thing going. Comments and Reviews are always appreciated! BTW I didnt have time to proof read so all mistakes and bugs are mine, sorry not sorry!