Since night had fallen, the streets had gotten more lively. Gone were some mothers bringing their kids to the beach. Now young drunk college kids and shady people walked the same paths. The bar that Kate stood next to was no doubt filled with loud music and the sent of overflowing alcohol and whatever vape flavor was popular this week. She stood in the alley way between the bar and the pizza place next door taking a few more breaths of fresh air before she had to go inside and be surrounded by dumb frat boys. She didn't mind being in there drinking as well. The alcohol made the loud annoyance more bearable, but she had to finish up some work before she was able to enjoy her own night. After one final breath, she pushed herself off of the cool brick wall.

She began walking towards the front of the alley way to go inside but paused when someone walking by stopped. Kate tensed up as the large figure remained in the way. It was dark and she wasn't even sure if the person knew that she was in the alley, but she watched him like a hawk. The shadowy figure began to move their arm up to their face. She began to reach for a weapon she had hidden in her back pocket when she saw a spark of orange light up, followed by a puff of smoke blowing away in the breeze. Kate smiled at herself and began to relax. Almost laughing at herself for getting so worked up about a person stopping to light up a cigarette. She began her walk again back to the street but stopped again when she noticed the figure began walking towards her rather than continuing his way on the sidewalk. She wasn't able to make out any features on who they were until they got closer and the moonlight hit their face.

"Hello sweetheart. Fancy seeing you back here," Trent greeted with a big smile.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Kate asked as she stood back on guard.

"Just taking a walk on this beautiful night," He answered as he gestured towards the sky.

"On my terf? Not really a smart decision, don't ya think?" Kate asked sarcastically, making sure not to take her eyes off of him even though he looked up towards the stars.

Trent replied by scrunching his face as he looked back towards her and shrugging while taking another drag of his cigarette.

"Haven't seen you around since you left town after our last encounter. Thought you had smartened us."

"Needed a vacation."

"Convenient timing," Kate scoffed. "Should've stayed gone. Anyway, welcome home. I'll be sure to let Sheamus know you're back. Now if you'll excuse me I have an appointment in five minutes."

Trent chuckled. "The offer for my club still stands. Ya don't need to be taking strangers in an alley. We both know you're better than that."

Kate roller her eyes. "I'm not a prostate dickhead. I have a meeting inside."

"Nah. Out here is fine."

Kate cocked her head to the side slightly at his reply. Not only did it confuse her, but it made her a little nervous. Not that she would let that show. No matter how uneasy Trent made her feel, she was going to stand strong. Especially when they were in her own territory.

"If you're trying to do interviews to add people to your little group and replace Peter, you should really do your background checks a little more thoroughly."

"They did…how did you know that's what I was doing here?" Kate asked becoming more distressed at Trent's smile.

Keeping an eye on Trent and not getting distracted was smart. However, it meant she didn't fully pay attention to her surroundings She was in the alley alone for several minutes before Trent came along, she knew that she was alone. So she was unprepared when someone snuck up behind her and got a hold of her arms, wrenching them behind her back and locking them in place.

"Sorry I'm a little early for our appointment love. But I figured out here would be a much more quiet place for us to talk."

"What the fuck?!" Kate exclaimed as she struggled against the pair of arms that were holding her.

"Apparently you really need someone on your team that's better at the technical stuff. They really do work wonders." Trent suggested while he closed the space between them.

"Doubt you'll find anyone as good as me though," Tyler boasted from behind her. "Did ya miss me darlin'?"

Kate's eyes widened a bit as his voice filled her head. Tyler was the last person she wanted to be near. She would have even preferred to be somewhere along with Pete again over psychotic Tyler.

"Sheamus isn't going to be too happy about you being here…"

"Nice try sweetheart. I already know he's away with Drew and Walter trying to replan their ruined sneak attack. Thanks to you." Trent smiled cockily.

"We might be new to the area love, but we know what we're doing."

"What more could you possibly want from me?"

"I can think of a few things," Tyler answered in a low whisper as Kate tried to ignore him.

"I need you to c all off whatever they're planning. Thought they would've gotten through their heads that they're no match for me. But apparently not. And it's just getting tiring at this point," Trent replied taking another drag and blowing the smoke in her face.

"I couldn't even if I wanted to Trent. Don't listen to whatever fucked up hierarchy Pete told you about. I can't just say what I want and people listen. Sheamus is still the boss and you've pissed him off," Kate explained.

Tyler held her closer pulling her against his body. Trent hummed while rubbing his chin with his other hand.

"I guess we'll have to convince them to back off another way then. So you're gonna come back with us and help out with that. I'm sure after a couple phone calls and videos he'll change his mind."

Kate could feel the hairs of Tyler's beard on the shell of her ear, sending a shiver through her body. One Trent didn't notice in the darkness of the alley, but Tyler did.

"The mattress in the basement is still stained from you. Every time I go down there and see it, I think about all the things I could do to you next time," Tyler whispered.

"I survived the hell you put me through last time. I'm sure I can do it again."

Trent chuckled in amusement as he used his free hand to tilt her chin up to face him. His other hand hung down at his side in a rather unintimidating stance. His hand hung down by Kate's leg, just under where her denim skirt stopped.

"I've been very nice to you so far Kate. I suggest you drop the attitude if you'd like it to continue."

"Yes. You were such a gracious host last time."

The grip Trent held on her chin tightened as something in his face changed. She could feel movement in his body shift but she wasn't able to look to see what he was doing. Seconds later she felt his fingertips on the inside of her thigh.

"I think you misunderstood me love. I said I've been nice to you so far. But that can easily change."

As he spoke, he set the lit cigarette against her exposed skin. At first Kate felt a sting, then a searing burn as he pushed it deeper into her flesh. Trent's gaze was locked onto her eyes watching the pain in her face grow. She couldn't help but cry out at the sudden unexpected pain. Tyler kept a good hold on her as Trent pulled his hands away. He smirked seeing that the cigarette was no longer lit before flinging it onto the dirty ground of the alley.

"Now, are you going to come with me like a good girl, or does Tyler have to drag you again?"

"No. Whatever you do, please don't leave me alone with him."

Trent smirked victoriously. But it was quickly wiped away when a door at the other end of the alley had flung open and someone had yelled down to them.

"Hey! What's going on down there?"

Ridge had been inside the bar and had noticed that Kate never made it inside for her meeting. And no one seemed to be looking for her. He scanned the bar for her but became concerned when he heard a scream outside over the loud music.

Trent grumbled. "You haven't seen the last of me Kate. Pass that along to your boss if ya want."

Tyler threw her down to the ground then he and Trent took of as Ridge began to run down the alley stopping at Kate's side.