"I asked you a question," Lola said, "What are you two doing here?"
"We were worried about you," Theo said.
"It's been a long time since I've heard from you," Tessa said.
"So that gives you the right to break into my home?" Lola said.
"Well, you disappeared so suddenly, we didn't know if you were sick or maybe needed help," Tessa said.
"Yeah, anything could have happened to you," Theo said.
"As you can see I am fine," Lola said, "By the way you are both terrible liars."
"Honestly, we were concerned," Theo said, "For all we knew you had been kidnapped." He waited for a reaction.
"What did you say?" Lola said.
"Hey, all kinds of crazy thoughts were going through my head about you," Theo said, "I would hate to think anyone was holding you against your will."
"Your being ridiculous," Lola said.
"You can't blame me for being concerned after what happened to Kyle," Theo said.
"What has that got to do with me?" Lola said.
"You must have heard he was killed," Theo said.
"Of course I did," Lola said, "It's heartbreaking."
"Or maybe it's not true," Tessa said.
"I wish he were here too," Lola said, "But he's not coming back."
"When was the last time you saw Kyle?" Theo said.
"I don't know," Lola said, "Some time ago. I haven't talked to him recently."
"No?" Theo said, "Did you see him before his trip to Minnesota?"
"He was on his way to Minneapolis not Minnesota," Lola said.
"How do you know?" Tessa said, "I thought you hadn't talked to him recently."
"I…I must have overheard," Lola stammered, "Maybe he told me."
"But if you didn't talk to him…," Tessa said.
"I don't remember," Lola said, "I don't know why you are questioning me like this, but I would like you to leave. I am pressed for time, so I need to go and take…"
"Take care of something?" Theo said.
"Yes," Lola said.
"Something or someone?" Theo said.
"Excuse me?" Lola said.
"Are you taking care of someone?" Tessa said.
"Like…Kyle maybe?" Theo said.
"Kyle is gone," Lola said, "You know that."
"I'm not so sure anymore," Theo said.
"I understand you miss him," Lola said.
"Do you?" Theo said, "Because yeah I do miss him. So does, his wife, his father, his family, his friends."
"Not to mention his unborn child," Tessa said. Lola stared at Tessa in horror. "That's right," Tessa said, "Rachel is pregnant with Kyle's first born."
"I didn't know that," Theo said.
"I just found out myself," Tessa said.
"He never said anything about that," Lola said, more to herself.
"Thought you hadn't talked to him," Theo said, "Do you know what happened to Kyle? Is he still alive?"
"I didn't know," Lola muttered.
"Lola?" Theo said, "Where is he? Where is my cousin?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Lola said.
"Kyle, you know he's alive, don't you?" Theo said.
Lola was shaking her head as she said, "How could I? I don't know anything more than you."
"I think you do," Theo said, pulling out Kyle's wallet and holding it up, "This is my proof."
"What is that?" Lola said.
Holding it open to display the I.D., Theo said, "It's Kyle's wallet. We found it in the drawer of that table over there."
"Would you like to explain to us how you got it?" Tessa said.
Lola was at a loss for words, prompting Theo to say, "Allow me. This wallet has Kyle's I.D., his driver's license, credit cards and look at this," Theo pulled a photo out of the wallet, "A picture of Kyle and his new bride. They look so happy." Putting the photo back, Theo continued, "Kyle would not have left on his road trip without this. Along the way he goes missing without a trace. The only way you could have gotten your hands on this wallet, is if you were the one who made him go missing. So I ask you, were you the one who nabbed him?"
"I don't…" Lola trailed off, tears in her eyes.
"Lola, just tell us the truth," Tessa said, "How much are you involved?"
"I can't," Lola whimpered.
"You know what happened," Theo persisted, "Where Kyle is."
"Stop it," Lola said, turning away from them.
"Tell me what you've done," Theo said, "Because I can't believe you killed him."
"I didn't harm him!" Lola said, spinning around, "I would never. I took care of him!" Lola realized she had just admitted her guilt.
"So, he is alive?" Theo said, "And you know where he is?"
Lola could only release tears, so Theo said, "Lola?"
"Alright, yes I know!" Lola cried.
"And Kyle?" Theo said.
"He's alive," Lola sobbed.
"It's really nice of you to stop by," Rachel said, shutting the front door of the house as, Mariah stepped into the living room, "Although I'm afraid I'm not good company right now."
"No one expects you to get over this so soon," Mariah said, "I'm very sorry about Kyle." Mariah gave her friend a comforting hug.
"Thank you," Rachel said, "I still can't believe this is happening."
"I know what you mean," Mariah said, "Have you heard anything further from the police?"
"No nothing new," Rachel said, "They still haven't found him. So, all I can do is sit and miss him and wait for news."
"There may be something more you can do," Mariah said, "Some of us were talking and thought it would be a good idea if we started a justice campaign for Kyle. One thing is we can put up flyers with pictures of him, asking people to come forward if they know anything."
"When you say some of us, who are you talking about?" Rachel said.
"Summer, Fen….Tessa," Mariah said.
"I don't need Kyle's memory to be tainted by Tessa," Rachel said.
"She came up with a really good idea," Mariah said, "Tessa thought if we posted a video, where we talk about Kyle and how much he meant to us, it might convince someone to come forward. Tessa thought if you made a plea it would likely be more effective, have a bigger impact on the person responsible."
"It's not the worst idea," Rachel said.
"Are you interested in doing one?" Mariah said, "It doesn't have to be a big production. We could film something right now and leave the editing and posting to me."
Lola unlocked the door to Kyle's room, as Theo and Tessa ushered her inside. Lola paused, when she saw no sign of Kyle. The bed was empty and no one was in the room. Lola quickly checked the adjoining bathroom, sighing when she didn't find him.
"So, where is he?" Theo said.
"He was here," Lola said.
"You had better not be trying to put one over on us," Tessa said, "You told us you would take us to Kyle."
"I don't understand," Lola said, sauntering the side of the bed, "Kyle was right here."
Spotting a pair of handcuffs, with one end still attached to the bedpost, Theo said, "You mean, you had Kyle handcuffed to this bed the entire time?"
"That's a cruel way to restrain someone," Tessa said.
"Where is he now?" Theo said.
"I don't know," Lola said, "Rey…"
"Did you say Rey?" Theo said, "Is he involved in this with you?"
Lola nodded. "He is the one who actually kidnapped Kyle," she said, "He didn't want to hold him, he was intent on hurting him, until I talked him out of it."
"Are you saying Rey has Kyle because he's going to harm him?" Theo said.
"No, he wouldn't dare," Lola said.
"Wouldn't he?" Theo said.
"I don't understand why he would move him," Lola said, "We had agreed to keep him here."
"Theo," Tessa said, "You don't think it was anything we said to him, do you?"
"You talked to Rey?" Lola said.
"Yes, we told him we suspected you had something to do with Kyle's disappearance and thought he should look into it," Tessa said.
"Of course he tried to play it cool," Theo said, "Looks like we made him sweat more than we thought."
"Now it makes sense," Lola scolded, "You got too close to the truth and that made Rey uneasy. So, he's taken Kyle to….oh, no."
"What?" Theo said.
"Don't you see?" Lola said, "Because of the two of you he's running scared. When Rey gets backed into a corner he gets nervous and doesn't always make the best decisions."
"But Kyle was alive that last time you saw him?" Theo said.
"Yes, of course," Lola said.
"I don't know about you two," Theo started, "But I'm getting worried. I have a feeling Kyle is in worse trouble now."
"He needs our help then," Tessa said, "Lola, where would Rey go at a time like this?"
"I don't know," Lola said.
"Think," Theo urged, "Kyle's life could depend on it."
Lola wrung her hands before she said, "He wouldn't move Kyle to a new place," she mused, "He would want to make the problem disappear."
"I don't like the sound of that," Theo said.
Lola paced the floor, when a look of realization came over her face. She recalled a memory of Rey telling her, "If it was up to me, I would have made him fall of that cliff for real."
Rey's last few words resonated in Lola's mind, until she looked at the others and said, "I know where he's going."
Austin searched his internet, looking for information about the investigation pertaining to Kyle's death. He could not get it out of his mind. Not that he cared about Kyle as a friend, but Austin was very curious of the how, where and why that led to Kyle's demise. None of it made sense to Austin as to why someone would kidnap Kyle and then do away with him. Who committed this crime and why? Austin always thought people considered Kyle to be the prince of Genoa City, who no one would dare cause harm to. Austin only knew of one other person, Kyle had done wrong to. Kyle caused Lola a broken heart, but was she this desperate for revenge? She had promised to help Austin with his plan, however Austin had a hard time believing Lola was capable of this level of violence.
Frustrated Austin picked up his phone and proceeded to contact Tessa. Austin refused to accept voice mail, dialing his sister's contact number five times in a row, until she finally picked up.
"Austin?" Tessa said, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Austin said.
"Then why have you been calling me over and over, in earnest?" Tessa said.
"Why are you dodging my calls?" Austin said.
"I'm not doing that," Tessa said, "Now is not a good time."
"You don't sound yourself," Austin said, "What's going on?"
"I can't talk right now," Tessa said.
"You know I'm going to get this out of you sooner or later," Austin said, "So, why not just tell me now."
"Okay, you were right," Tessa said.
"About…" Austin prompted.
"Kyle's kidnapper," Tessa said, "It was Lola. She held him hostage and he's been alive this whole time."
"Abbott's alive?" Austin said, "You saw him?"
"No," Tessa said, "Theo and I cornered Lola and we pressured her until she admitted it. She took us to where she was holding Kyle, but he wasn't there."
"He escaped?" Austin said.
"We believe Lola's brother Rey has Kyle," Tessa said, "He was in on all of it and we think he's planning to kill Kyle for real this time."
"You mean Rey Rosales?" Austin said, "The cop? I knew there was something I didn't trust about that guy."
"Well, we are going to stop Rey from hurting Kyle," Tessa said, "Lola thinks she knows where he is. I just hope it's not too late."
"Wait, you're not going out there, are you?" Austin said.
"If I can help, I want to," Tessa said, "Plus, later I may have some very good news, for a good friend."
"If you mean Rachel, she's not your friend," Austin said, "And I don't want you putting yourself in danger, just to score points with this girl."
"I'm not only doing this for Rachel," Tessa said, "It's the right thing to do. Kyle can probably use all the help he can get."
"You said Theo knows about this, let him take care of it," Austin said, "And I can't believe I'm saying this, but why don't you call the police and have them deal with it."
"We don't have any proof," Tessa said, "Furthermore, I can take care of myself."
"Tessa if this detective is off balance enough to kidnap and now try to kill someone, it's too dangerous," Austin said, "For you and for Lola."
"I know what I'm doing," Tessa said, "You're sweet to worry, but I will be fine."
"I know guys like this detective," Austin said, "Don't do this, stay out of it."
"Like I said, I have to help," Tessa said, "I will talk to you later."
"No, Tessa, wait…!" Austin said, however Tessa had disconnected, "Tessa?"
Realizing Tessa was no longer on the line, Austin threw his phone onto the couch with a sigh.
Sitting on the Abbott couch, Rachel held a picture of Kyle, facing out to Mariah, as she recorded video of Rachel.
"Kyle Abbott is my husband," Rachel began, "A few weeks ago, he went missing and is now presumed dead. No one knows the identity of the person who took him from us. Kyle was a successful business man, excelling at a job he loved. He was a wonderful husband, and we loved each other very much. He was an amazing step father to my child and about to be a father to another baby. One that he will never have the chance to meet. Kyle has so many who love him, his family and friends, who are grieving his loss. Kyle's life was unfairly cut short and we all need answers to who and why. If any of you have any information that can lead the person responsible to justice, please contact your local police. Or if you are the person who committed this crime against my husband, turn yourself in. I love Kyle very much, and will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Catching the person who did this, will serve as justice for Kyle and bring closure to this horrible time. Please any information would be valuable. Thank you."
Concluding her recording and handing Rachel some tissue for her tears, Mariah said, "That was beautiful. It was smart of you to say his name so many times. It makes him a real person to the viewer."
"I only hope it helps find this person," Rachel said, "I want him to pay, for harming the man I love."
"He or she will," Mariah said, "Anything else is unacceptable." Noticing Rachel was having trouble stopping her tears Mariah said, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Do you know how take this horrible pain away?" Rachel said.
"Oh…" Mariah sighed, giving her friend a hug, "I know, I miss him too."
Pulling out of the hug, Rachel said, "I'm sorry. Just when I think I can't cry anymore."
"No need to apologize," Mariah said, warmly, "I'm here for whatever you need. Please don't hesitate to lean on me." Rachel nodded, as Mariah took her hand.
Looking up sharply at the sound of the doorbell, Mariah said, "Do you want me to get it?"
"Would you mind?" Rachel said, dabbing the remainder of her tears away.
Mariah stood up and paused, when she recognized the person on the other side. Pulling the door open Mariah said, "This isn't a good idea for you to be here."
"I need to talk to Rachel," Tessa said, "It's important."
Austin knew he was committing a crime, one that could put his parole in jeopardy as he prepared to hack into police files. Successful in bringing up personnel information, Austin located Rey's personal file. Making note of his mobile number, Austin hoped for the best as he tried to connect to Rey's GPS.
After a number of failed connections, Austin was able to break through. "Got'cha," Austin said, "Out in the middle of nowhere…" Austin mused, "He is going to kill him. If he hasn't already."
Standing up Austin paced the room. "Could call the police," he thought, "But you know they won't believe you and won't do anything about a hunch."
"Tessa, what have you got yourself into," Austin said, leaning against the side of the couch.
"You need me," Austin said, surveying his ankle monitor, "If only I could get to you. I would love to put that detective in his place."
Austin paced a few more times, before he said, "Screw it." He headed out the door.
"Tessa, what are you doing here?" Rachel said.
"I have something I want to tell you," Tessa said.
"I'm not interested in anything you have to say," Rachel said.
"I think it's best if you go," Mariah said, "Now is not the time for this."
"You will want to hear this," Tessa said, "You both will."
"What does that mean?" Mariah said.
"I have something amazing to tell you," Tessa said, "Your husband, Kyle is alive."
Rachel stared at Tessa, before she said, "Just when I thought you couldn't get any crueler…"
"I'm not making this up," Tessa said, "It's true."
"Have you seen him?" Mariah said.
"No, but I know what happened," Tessa said, "Theo and I started talking about Kyle's disappearance and how Lola took off at the same time. So we broke into her apartment and that's where I found Kyle's wallet."
"You what?" Rachel said.
"It was hidden a drawer at Lola's place," Tessa said, "She happened to come home while we were still there and after Theo and I pressed her about it Lola admitted, Kyle was still alive and she has been holding him hostage all this time."
"Lola kidnapped my husband?" Rachel said, "Wait until I get my hands on that woman."
"Lola did say she never hurt Kyle," Tessa said, "I'm not condoning what she's done but Lola said she took care of him."
"Honestly, Kyle's alive?" Rachel said.
"Yes, he is, for real," Tessa said.
"I can't believe it," Rachel said, "Where is Kyle? Is he alright?"
"As far as I know," Tessa said, "From here it gets a little tricky."
"I think you had better continue anyway," Mariah said.
"First you should know, Lola's brother Rey was in on this plan," Tessa said.
"You mean Detective Rosales?" Rachel said, "The same detective who told me how sorry he was and how they were doing their best to find Kyle. The same person who told me Kyle was presumed dead. Rey Rosales knew Kyle was alive this whole time?"
"Yes, he did," Tessa said, "Rey and Lola plotted together."
"What about Kyle?" Mariah said.
"Lola took us to where Kyle was being held, when we got there Kyle was gone," Tessa said, "We think Rey has him now and are fearing the worst."
"I don't like the sound of that," Rachel said.
"Rey has gotten tired of hiding Kyle, or he got spooked and he's intent on ending this plot," Tessa said.
"You mean my husband's life?" Rachel said.
"It could be," Tessa said, "Lola knows where Rey is going, so she and Theo are on their way there now. Hopefully they will get there in time to help."
"If Kyle needs help, then I'm going to be there too," Rachel said.
"I can take you to him," Tessa said.
Rey pulled the car to a stop in the clearing of a wooded area, exiting the car with a sigh. Walking around to the rear of the vehicle, Rey opened the trunk to reveal a handcuffed Kyle.
"C'mon get out," Rey said, roughly grabbing Kyle's arm to pull him up.
Once Kyle was on his feet, his heart was pounding in fear that Rey was going to do something terrible to him at any moment. Rey shoved Kyle, against the car, causing Kyle to panic inside that everything was about to be over, however Kyle instead felt Rey undoing his handcuffs. Rey allowed Kyle to stand straight again, tossing the handcuffs into the trunk, before closing it.
Surveying his surroundings, Kyle said, "So, is there where you shoot me?"
"I'm not going to shoot you," Rey said, "Too messy. Too many questions when someone finds you."
"Then what are we doing here Rey?" Kyle said.
"This is the spot," Rey said, "The scene of the crime."
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean," Kyle said.
"This is where the police found your car, and where you met your untimely demise over that cliff," Rey said, "Of course the authorities have since cleared the scene."
"This is where you staged everything to make them believe I was dead?" Kyle said.
"It was work of art," Rey said, "And you know what they say, art imitates life."
"Excuse me?" Kyle said.
"Your fall from that cliff is about to become reality," Rey said. Kyle looked nervously from the cliff to Rey. "So, what do you say," Rey continued, "Are you going to jump or do you want a little push?"
"Are you crazy?" Kyle said, "I'm not jumping off!"
"Okay, then a push it is," Rey said.
Kyle scurried around the car so they were both standing on opposite sides. "Don't be like that," Rey said, "You are just prolonging the inevitable."
"Don't come near me," Kyle said, "You can just leave me here, drive away and I won't tell anyone you were involved, I promise."
"This is the way it has to be," Rey said.
"I'm sorry," Kyle said, "I apologize for hurting Lola, for dishonoring your family or whatever your calling it. I will apologize, on my knees, to Lola, what else do you want from me?"
"We are past the point of negotiation," Rey said.
"Please don't do this," Kyle said, "I have a wife and a family, I have to get back to them."
"They are learning to get along without you," Rey said, "Let's go, no more stalling."
Rey began to approach Kyle, pausing when he saw Kyle wince. "I forgot about that leg," Rey said, "Still bothering you? I can't have them find you with a bandage on. We will have to take that off."
Kyle lost his balance putting a hand against the car to steady himself. "This shouldn't be too hard," Rey said, "You're look to weak to resist me."
Rey walked towards, Kyle taking hold of his arm, when Kyle wheeled around and punched him. Watching Rey stagger back in surprise, his hand going to his jaw, Kyle said, "Not so weak after all."
"I cannot believe I fell for that," Rey said, "You want to fight? Then bring it on."
Rey moved forward, Kyle punching him again, starting the ensuing struggle. Both threw punches and a few kicks. Each getting the upper hand only to have their opponent overpower them. As the two men fought, Kyle's fever and real pain in his leg, were weakening him. Rey knocked Kyle on his back, with an added punch. Kyle stopped retaliating, needing a few moments to focus. Breathing heavily, Rey stepped back. Spotting a nearby fallen branch, Rey picked it up, noting it's thickness would finish the job.
Kyle was still lying on the ground as Rey approached him. "Sorry kid," Rey said, "It's over. Goodbye Kyle."
Rey wielded the wooden branch, poised to strike Kyle. Rey brought it down, when a pair of hands grabbed the other end, sparing Kyle from harm.
"I think he's had enough," Austin said, flipping the branch up towards Rey, knocking him backwards.
"You," Rey said, "Where did you come from?"
Austin tossed the branch over the edge and said, "That's the fun of me. I show up when you least expect it."
"I've got good news for you," Rey said, "Your ankle monitor is coming off. You won't need it where you're going."
"I hear you've been a bad boy too," Austin said, "I guess I'll be seeing you there. Right where I can keep a close eye on you. Detective, I am placing you under citizen's arrest."
Rey laughed. "You think anyone is going to believe you, over me?"
"Kyle might have something to say about that," Austin said. Noticing Kyle was still unable to get up, Austin continued, "What have you done to him?"
"The same thing I'm going to do to you," Rey said, approaching Austin.
"Detective, I think it only fair to warn you…." Austin started, knocking Rey back with a punch, "I'm an excellent fighter."
Austin and Rey clashed together, except Austin continually had the upper hand in this fight. Rey managed to maneuver, Austin towards the cliff, ultimately delivering a blow to Austin, knocking him backwards. Austin's feet slipped out from under him, as he fell along the edge of the cliff. Rey pushed Austin with his foot, causing Austin to tumble over the side.
Aware he was falling, Austin suddenly felt hands grab his forearm. Dangling over the side, Austin looked up to see Kyle, holding him up.
"Come on," Kyle said, "Push yourself up." Kyle began slipping towards the edge, Austin's weight pulling him down.
"Let go," Austin said.
"I'm not going to let you fall," Kyle said.
"Let go," Austin said, again, "We will both go over if you hang on."
"Don't you give up on me," Kyle said, "Rey? We need your help."
Rey hung back, knowing they would both fall soon enough, he was content to wait it out. The sound of car doors closing, startled Rey, as Lola and Theo approached the scene.
Seeing Kyle close to the edge, Lola screamed, "Kyle!"
Running towards him Lola threw herself onto Kyle's legs, grabbing the back waist of his jeans. The three of them slipped forward, as Kyle said, "Lola get back!"
"I have to let go," Austin said.
"No you don't," Theo's voice was suddenly beside Kyle. Theo reached down and said, "Give me your other arm."
"I can't reach up," Austin said, panic in his voice.
"Yes, you can," Theo said, "I can grab hold."
Austin raised his arm, until Theo latched on. "Come Kyle, pull him up," Theo said.
Kyle and Theo used all their strength to help Austin up, who was able to push his feet against the side of the cliff until he was pulled to safety.
The four of them lay on the ground breathing heavily. Kyle looked over at Theo, who smiled at him and said, "Hi." Kyle smiled back as Theo said, "You okay?"
"Yeah," Kyle said.
"Don't worry about me, I'm good," Austin said.
"As long as everyone is alright," Lola said, sitting up.
Police sirens could be heard coming closer, prompting Austin to say, "Sounds like the Calvary is coming. That will be for me."
Austin pulled himself to a sitting position, as Theo assisted Kyle to do the same.
"You broke your parole," Lola said.
"I knew if I did, the authorities would come," Austin said, "I may lose my freedom, but my hunch was right that the police were needed."
"I owe you a thanks," Kyle said.
"I say we're even," Austin said.
"Kyle, you don't look so good," Theo said.
"It's nothing a doctor can't fix," Kyle said.
Legs approached the quad as they looked up to see Paul standing next to them.
"Chief," Austin said, cheerfully, "I'm sure you have some questions." Paul raised his eyebrows. "I'm in big trouble, aren't I?" Austin said.
Paul nodded.