Baby Daddy Bobby

by crazymancody895

After a visit to Bobby's parents house, Lori becomes pregnant with Bobby's child. Can she get through these 9 months with the help of her family? Rated M for abuse, strong language, sexual themes, and teen pregnancy. I also like to give special credit to ChickTristen94 for the cover image. AU

45. Into The Hornet's Nest

Last time we left off, Bobby and most of the Louds were going after Alex and his convoy before effectively taking down the escort. Rita and Deidre tried to go after the kids, but they get sidetracked by a situation at the McBride House. Katrina and her group infiltrated Mr. Grouse's house to abduct Lynn Sr. and Lily, and they attacked the old man as he tried to stall them. The two Louds managed to escape the house, but two of Katrina's henchwomen are hot on their tail as she and her niece head for the McBride House. Also, it seems that Mulligan and her news crew have landed themselves into a predicament, if you know what I mean?

As usual, I want to thank DukeyDukeyDoo and Mike The Red Engine for helping me proofread.

And now, here's the continuation of the chase. I hope you enjoy.

WARNING: This chapter contains some dark and disturbing themes. Reader discretion is advised.

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Chapter 39: Into the Hornet's Nest

Somewhere in Peoria, Illinois, June 1977...

[In a small bathroom in a two-story suburban house on a summer night, a young African-American boy at the age of 10 was sitting on the toilet relieving himself before getting ready for bed. Once he had finished, the boy stood back up, lifted his pants back on, and flushed the toilet before heading over to the sink to wash his hands. As he was halfway done, he took one look in the mirror and thought that he saw the shower curtains moving slightly. With a sense of morbid curiosity, the boy turned off the faucet and slowly walked towards the shower before coming to a stop in front of the curtains.]

[Just then, a feminine teenage voice spoke from behind the curtain in a seductive tone.]

"Hey there, little black tiger."

[The boy jumped out in fright before an arm came out from between the curtains and grabbed him by the wrist. The curtain opened to reveal a Caucasian brunette girl who was around the age of 16.]

Girl: "Don't be scared, Jake. It's just you and me now."

[The teen shoved the boy aside and marched to the bathroom door. As soon as she locked the door, the girl turned to face Jake as she stared seductively at him.]

Jake: "W-w-w-what's going on, Kat? Are you feeling okay?"

Katrina: "Oh, Jake, I've never felt better. You have been really nice to me when no one else wanted to help me, not even your own brother."

Jake: "Uhhh... Thanks? But my brother's not-"

[Suddenly, Katrina grabbed the collar of Jake's shirt and pulled him towards her before kissing him passionately on the lips. Feeling wrong inside, the boy struggled and pushed himself away from the teen before landing flat on his butt. He then looked up at the girl as if she were nuts.]

Jake: "What's going on with you?"

[Katrina started shivering as tears started leaking out of her eyes, creating streaks of mascara.]

Katrina: "This may be hard for your little mind to understand, but they're all looking at me like I'm a monster!"

Jake: "But you're not a monster. I'm sure they don't know the full story."

[Katrina then got down on her knees and grabbed Jake by the shoulders as she looked into his eyes.]

Katrina: "They don't care! If those goddamn tabloids want a monster, I might as well give them what they want!"

[Katrina grabbed Jake's shirt and lifted it off of him, exposing his body. She then started touching the boy's chest with her fingernails, making him shiver uncomfortably.]

Katrina: "Come on, Jakey. Don't you remember when we watched that new David Steele movie together?"

Jake: "But Leroy was there. I only came with you because he needed to babysit me."

Katrina: "He doesn't give two shits about you, Jake... But I do."

[Katrina then leaned forward and started nibbling on Jake's left ear as she rubbed his shoulders, making Jake feel even more uncomfortable.]

Jake: "Ewww... I need my moms."

Katrina: "Your mom and dad won't be back here until late, Jake. It'll be real fun... I promise."

[Katrina then stood back up and dragged a struggling Jake into the shower before closing the curtains.]

Katrina: "I don't care if everyone hates my guts. You're the only one I have left. Now drop your pants..."

Jake: "What...?"

Katrina: "You heard me, Jake! Take them off... Now..."

Jake: "But I..."

[Katrina's expression changed to anger as she kept her gaze on Jake.]

Katrina: "Do it, or I will kill your parents!"

[Jake began to cry as he started to lower his pants, much to Katrina's satisfaction.]

Katrina: "Don't forget about your underwear, kid. I want to see everything in full detail."

[Feeling scared and embarrassed, Jake put his hands over his underwear as he continued to cry.]

Jake: "Please... I don't wanna."

Katrina: "DO IT NOW! DO IT OR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY DIES!"

[Jake yelled and ran out of the shower before running over to the door. But as soon as he unlocked it, Katrina grabbed the boy and tackled him to the floor like a panther. Jake struggled to break free of the girl's grasp, but she was just too strong for him. She then put one hand over the boy's crotch and clutched it firmly while putting the other over his mouth as the boy continued to struggle.]

Katrina: "Oh no you don't! You're not going anywhere until I see every bit of you naked!"

[Jake let out a muffled cry as Katrina began to lower his briefs. Before she could do so, the bathroom door suddenly burst open, and standing in the doorway was an African-American teenage boy who was around the age of 17.]

Leroy: "What the fuck, Kat?!"

[Katrina then pulled a knife out from under her shirt and held it against the boy's throat, threatening to slice it open if the other teen got any closer.]

Katrina: "Stop right there! You've got a lot of nerve showing your face here, Leroy!"

Jake: "Lee, h-h-help me..."

Katrina: "Quiet! You come any closer and I slit his throat! I swear to fucking God I will!"

Leroy: "Please, Kat... Don't hurt my little bro. Just put down the knife and we can settle this peacefully."

Katrina: "Peacefully? Lee, do you have any idea how many people are out for me? Do you even know all the humiliation and hatred I went through? I've lost my job, the whole school wants to rip my ass off piece by piece, and you just stood by and let it all happen! If they want to see me as a child molester, then that's just what they'll get!"

Leroy: "Can't we just talk about this? Think about what you're doing."

Katrina: "Like there's anything to talk or think about, you selfish asshole! I just want to take Jake now and then I'm taking my own life. If I'm going to be seen as a predator, then I don't want to be alive any longer!"

Leroy: "Listen to me, Kat... I know you've been through a lot this week, and I'm very sorry for not being there for you, but it doesn't have to end like this. We can go to the police and tell them that you didn't make out with Jake. Just let him go... Please."

[Katrina thought for a moment as she saw her ex-boyfriend on his knees. However, it was quite clear that her mind was too messed up to even consider her ex's words. The girl shook her head before giving Leroy her answer.]

Katrina: "It's not that easy, is it, Leroy? It NEVER is! Nothing you say at this point will make me change my mind."

Leroy: "Katrina, you need help. Just let go of my brother and we'll find the best doctor in town."

Katrina: "It's already too late, Lee. My own mother didn't help...and she's paid the price for it."

[Leroy's eyes widened when he heard what the girl implied. Katrina stared darkly at Leroy as she spoke again.]

Katrina: "You've already made your choice...just as I've made mine."

[By that point, Leroy was shaking as he begged for his brother's life.]

Leroy: "Katrina, please... Don't do this..."

[With that, Katrina slit Jake's neck, much to his brother's horror. Blood was leaking out of the cut that Katrina made, and the girl dropped the dying boy to the floor.]

Leroy: "NOOOOOOOOOOO!"

[Heartbroken, Leroy stood back up and charged at Katrina before pinning her against the bathroom wall. His hands clutched the girl's wrists as she dropped the knife.]

Leroy: "Why, Katrina?! Why did you do this to me?!"

[Enraged, Katrina shoved Leroy sideways and the African-American teen boy fell face first into the toilet bowl. Katrina then grabbed Leroy by the back collar of his shirt before slamming his face back into the toilet.]

Katrina: "I'm the one asking that question, you self-centered piece of shit! You've abandoned me! All of you have left me to rot!"

[She then picked up the knife and stabbed it into Leroy's back numerous times. Leroy expired just before Katrina stabbed the knife one last time into the teen boy's back, which now had blood trickling down it. Katrina then left the knife where it was and sat against the wall in exhaustion.]

Katrina: "How does it feel to be stabbed in the back, Lee? Look at you... You were such a strong man out on the field, but on the inside, you're nothing but a coward. Why did you have to turn me into this? Why?!"

[And with that, Katrina put her hands over her face and started crying again. This clearly wasn't how it was all supposed to turn out for her. She was supposed to have her time with Jake before taking his life as well as her own, but the arrival of her ex really messed things up.]

[Katrina stopped crying as she heard car doors being shut outside. She looked out the window and saw that Leroy and Jake's parents had returned to the house. She knew that if they saw what just happened, they would call the police on her and she would be arrested. So, as soon as they went inside, Katrina opened the bathroom window and climbed out before sliding down to the ground. Upon getting up, the girl ran as far away from the house without looking back, hoping not to get caught by Leroy and Jake's parents or anyone else. It was all she could do now as her life has changed forever. And as she ran, she could hear a distant voice calling out to her.]

"Boss?"

"Boss...?"

"AUNTIE!"

Katrina: "Huh?! What?"

[Katrina snapped out of her trance and looked around, seeing that she was back in her van in Royal Woods in the present day, and outside of the McBride House as a police car sat by the driveway.]

Kaity: "Are you okay, Aunt Katrina? You kinda blacked out for a moment."

Katrina: "Oh... Sorry, Kait... I must've been having a flashback. Don't you ever have one of those when you're lost in thought?"

Kaity: "Please, don't get me started on flashbacks, Aunt Katrina. Every single one I've had always involved seeing my parents lying dead in front of me."

[Kaity sighed as her head drooped down.]

Kaity: "I really don't understand why mom had to kill dad and then kill herself. How could she abandon me like that?"

[Katrina smiled warmly as she placed her hand on her niece's head and rubbed it.]

Katrina: "Hey, Kaity, it wasn't your fault. Your mother wanted you to be good as she was, but she had mental problems that couldn't be helped. Despite all that, I loved her just as much as you did, and I promised her I'd take care of you since the day she...well...left. Even though your mom still supported you, you made your auntie proud. Taking you under my wing and teaching you all the ropes certainly paid off, a better alternative than leaving you with some greedy foster family who'd only want to keep you around for money."

[Kaity looked at her aunt and smiled, knowing that Katrina still cared for her, even if she doesn't show it around others.]

[Just then, the duo heard gunshots coming from inside the McBride House. They then saw an officer run out of the house whilst dragging a handcuffed and scared Clyde by the back collar of his shirt before shoving him into the back of the police car.]

Katrina: "What the hell is that pig doing?!"

[As the officer got in the car, they saw Burgundy run out of the house with a gun in her hands. The former BoEMC vice president aimed her gun at the cruiser as it drove away with its siren blaring.]

Kaity: "There's the traitor! Should we kill her?"

Katrina: "No! Not just yet, Kait. If anything, she's about to tail that cop. So, the moment she leaves, we'll go after them both. Once we're finished with them, we grab the boy, find Clara and Callie, and we all get back to El Jefe's pad. Hopefully they've caught the last two Louds by now."

Kaity: "But what about the mother Loud?!"

Katrina: "Ah, I wouldn't worry about her too much. I got a feeling she'll be dealt with sooner or later. Right now, we need to focus on getting that glasses-boy before Burgundy does."

[As Katrina and Kaity put their masks back on, Burgundy got on her motorbike and drove after the police car.]

Katrina: "There goes the rat now! Floor it and let's catch her, Kait!"

[Kaity stepped on the gas pedal as she and Katrina went after Burgundy and the police car.]

Minutes later...

[Further up the road ahead, O'Clooney kept on driving with Clyde still handcuffed in the back of the police car. The McBride boy was still confused and frightened over the whole situation.]

Clyde: "What do you want from me, sir?"

O'Clooney: "I'm taking you back to the station, boy-o. The captain wants to see you."

Clyde: "Who? Mr. Santiago?"

O'Clooney: "No, you daft kid! My captain has made a deal with El Jefe and he wants to ensure your safety. He's not going to hurt you."

Clyde: "What about my dads? You're not going to hurt them, are you?!"

O'Clooney: "We'll see about them, kid. But if I were you, I wouldn't get my hopes up."

[Just then, O'Clooney looked through his rear-view mirror and saw Deidre chasing after him on her motorcycle.]

Deidre: "D.P.D.! Stop your vehicle or I will use force!"

[O'Clooney pulled out his service pistol and shot out the front tire of Deidre's motorcycle, forcing the woman to pop a wheelie in order to keep up with the car. Once Deidre was close enough, she jumped off the bike and grabbed onto the top of O'Clooney's cruiser before the bike crashed. Deidre kept her grip on the roof as O'Clooney swerved left and right in numerous attempts to shake her off.]

[However, O'Clooney was so focused on getting Deidre off his cruiser that he failed to look where he was going and crashed into a fire hydrant, wrecking the car and sending Deidre flying a few feet ahead before the woman landed on the sidewalk and rolled for a bit. Water sprayed out of the hydrant in all directions while the injured O'Clooney lumbered out of the car before attempting to call on his portable radio.]

O'Clooney: "Officer down! I repeat, officer down!"

[Upon getting back on her feet, Deidre ran over to the lieutenant and managed to grab him by the arm before turning him around and giving him a hard uppercut kick to his genitals. The Irish-American lieutenant squeaked as he dropped to his knees and grabbed his unmentionable areas before speaking in a high-pitched voice.]

O'Clooney: "Right in the Boxtys!"

[O'Clooney then felt Deidre grab him by the back of his neck before his face was slammed down on the wrecked police car, breaking his nose and a few teeth.]

O'Clooney: "Ouch!"

[Deidre slammed O'Clooney's face on the cruiser again, resulting in a black eye.]

O'Clooney: "Wait a minute! Stop! I surrender!"

[Deidre lifted O'Clooney to his knees and took his pistol before aiming it at the corrupt police lieutenant, who raised his hands in response.]

Deidre: "Why were you attacking the McBride House?! And where were you taking their son?!"

O'Clooney: "It wasn't my idea! I was only acting on Palmer's orders!"

[Deidre froze for a bit as she kept her pistol aimed at O'Clooney.]

Deidre: "What the hell? You mean Captain Palmer's in on the whole thing?!"

O'Clooney: "He didn't ask to be! El Jefe threatened to have his daughter killed if he declined. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, he's at his wits end!"

Deidre: "So, Palmer and the R.W.P.D. are now puppets in that madman's game?"

[O'Clooney nodded in response.]

Deidre: "And where do the McBrides fit into all this?"

O'Clooney: "I think you might know why, Hayes. Considering that El Jefe knows their son is in fact-"

[But before O'Clooney could reveal anything else important, he and Deidre heard the sound of a vehicle approaching. They both turned their heads and saw a black van driving towards them at full speed. Deidre managed to jump out of the way, but O'Clooney had no time as the van ran over the police lieutenant, killing him almost instantly.]

[The van screeched to a stop upon hitting O'Clooney and two women wearing cat masks got out. The oldest of the two women tackled Deidre to the sidewalk while the younger one ran over to the police cruiser and broke the back left window, allowing her to unlock the door. As Deidre fought back against the stout woman, she looked over to see the slender one open the door of the police car and immediately drag Clyde out of it.]

Deidre: "NO!"

Clyde: "Put me down!"

[The woman paid no mind to Clyde and dragged him into the back of the van before she got in herself. Deidre continued to struggle against the woman on top of her as this was going on.]

Deidre: "Goddamn it! You let that boy go! As your vice president, I order you to-"

Katrina: "Shut your trap, you dirty, lying rat! You're no longer our leader now! And you never were! El Jefe's got plans for this bad boy, so don't even think about coming after us unless you want to die!"

[And with that, the stout woman gave Deidre a backhand punch to the face before getting up to join the other woman in the van. Deidre quickly got back up and started to chase after her, but the moment she marched up to the back of the van, she received one last punch in the face from the ringleader before falling face first onto the road.]

Katrina: "I hope you enjoy the guilt, Former Vice President! Adieu!"

[With that, Katrina shut the back doors and the van sped away, leaving Deidre in the middle of the road with no way of going after them. She rubbed her sore cheek as she started tearing up before pounding her fist on the pavement in frustration.]

Deidre: "Son of a bitch!"

Meanwhile, in Vanzilla...

[The Louds were now on a two-lane road and were still gaining up on Alex's car. They had already dealt with Alex's escort and passed through a failed roadblock, so hopefully they wouldn't encounter any more delays until they reached him.]

Lincoln: "How much farther, Lisa?!"

Lisa: "Not too far now, male sibling. Alejandro and his cohort should be close. Once he is within short range, we must prepare to enact our rescue plan...if we can think of one on such short notice."

Luan: "Or we could just make like a bird and wing it!"

[Once again, Luan laughed, much to the annoyance of everyone else.]

Luan: "Get it?"

[Lynn mumbled to herself as she heard that pun.]

Lynn: "I wish I could just wing it right about now."

Leni: "But we can't fly over to Alex... Can we?"

[Before anyone could respond, Lynn saw the black car in full view along with Koch, who was screaming and dangling by his pants.]

Lynn: "There he is, team! Wide open and defenseless!"

Luna: "This is it, dudes! Punch it, Bobsled!"

[Bobby stepped on the gas and started to pick up speed.]

Lola: "Let's go get him!"

Lana: "Charrrrrrrrge!"

[The moment he got alongside Alex, Bobby turned the wheel and sideswiped his father's car until it started scraping the guardrail. Sparks flew as the side of Alex's car skidded along the rail.]

Alex: "Hey! What the fuckin' hell are you doing?!"

Bobby: "Getting my familia back, you piece of shit!"

Alex: "Stop what you're doing, you maniaco! You're scratching the fuckin' paint!"

Bobby: "Not without Lori and Ronnie Anne, you tonto! I'm not having you ruin my life again!"

Lincoln: "And the same goes for all of us!"

Lisa: "This is where you fall, you tyrant!"

Lola: "Yeah, you big brute!"

Lana: "No one's here to help you now!"

Lucy: "Your fate has been sealed!"

Lynn: "You're gonna lose, El Perdedor!"

Luan: "Not so jefe-y now, are you?!"

Luna: "This is your last ride of the day, dude!"

Leni: "Can't you, like, stop the car? Pretty please?!"

Alex: "NEVER! I won't let you Louds or that idiot ex-son of mine take Ronalda or that preggo-puta back so easily! I'll ram all of you off the road if it's the last thing I do!"

[The drivers of both cars kept side swiping one another in hopes that one or the other would stop.]

[Lucy then unfastened her seatbelt and crawled over to the side.]

Lucy: "Keep up with the car, Bobby! I'll see if I can get Ronnie Anne to safety!"

[Once Lucy was at the window, she extended her hand to Ronnie Anne, hoping to remove her bonds. But Alex soon took notice of the goth and grabbed her by the wrists.]

Alex: "Get your grimy hands off my car, you vampire puta!"

[Alex tried to pull Lucy in with him, but Lynn grabbed her opposite by the legs to try and pull her back. Luna also tried to help by grabbing Lynn by her jersey, resulting in a really dangerous game of tug o'war over the seventh Loud sibling. At that moment, Lincoln looked ahead, and his eyes went wide as he saw a semi-truck approaching on the left lane with its horn blaring.]

Lincoln: "TRUCK!"

[Both drivers looked ahead and saw the truck coming towards them. Bobby swerved right and drove along a dirt ridge on the side of the road, allowing Alex to dodge the truck onto the right lane. As both vehicles swerved, Lynn lost his grip on Lucy and the goth rolled across the roof of Alex's car. Upon reaching the end of the grade, Vanzilla began to tip over. Bobby started screaming along with the Loud kids as the Hispanic semi-adult tried to fight for control, but it was no use as the van toppled over on its side and skidded on the road for a few yards before coming to a complete stop in the middle.]

[Alex saw the whole thing through his mirror and laughed pridefully at his supposed victory.]

Alex: "So much for Junior and those impudent white-trash brats! Looks like they aren't so clever after all!"

[Alex continued to laugh as he kept driving away, leaving his son and the Louds where they were. However, he was also unaware of a certain goth girl that managed to climb onto the roof of his car after nearly falling off.]

[At that moment, Bobby and the Louds managed to crawl out of the van.]

Bobby: "Is everyone okay?!"

Lincoln: "We're alright, Bobby. A little shaken from the crash, but we're all here and nobody got hurt. Right, girls?"

[The Loud sisters lined up by the guard rail and Lincoln did a headcount to make sure they were all there. But to his shock, he noticed that one of them was missing.]

Lincoln: "Hold on a minute... Where's Lucy?"

Luna: "Whoa, Dudes! He's right! We ain't all here! Where could she be?!"

[Everyone looked around, but they could find no sign of Lucy. Then they all looked at Lynn, who was just as worried as the rest of them.]

Luan: "Lynn, what the heck happened?!"

Luna: "Yeah, dude! I thought your grip on her was tight!"

Lynn: "It was... But that 18-wheeler was coming so fast, and I just couldn't hold on. I dunno what could've happened to her, guys. I'm sorry."

[Lisa ran back to the van and started to frantically search around it.]

Lisa: "I'm sure I'll be able to track her down. If I can just find my-"

[However, when Lisa found her tracking computer in the van, it was badly damaged, possibly beyond repair.]

Lisa: "Sweet mother of science! My tracking device is ruined!"

Bobby: "What?! Oh man! Not now! Can't you fix it?!"

Lisa: "It could take weeks to repair it, but regrettably, we don't have the time to do so."

Lola: "Oh, that's just great! The one time where Lisa's weird devices become useful, and now it's damaged! How are we ever going to find Lori and Ronnie Anne now?!"

[Just then, they saw Koch watching over them as he clutched his bleeding forearm. He had fallen off the car just as it passed the semi-truck. The Louds all glared at the former detective, ready to attack.]

Lana: "Pile on the bad man!"

Koch: "Oh, crap."

[The remaining Louds piled on Koch and tackled him to the road as they proceeded to beat him up.]

Lynn: "That's for nearly shooting at us months ago, you asshole!"

[Lynn then gave the former detective a good punch in the face, leaving him with a black eye. The Louds kept beating up Koch until he finally spoke.]

Koch: "Alright! Alright! You win! I surrender! I give! I give!"

Leni: "You guys! He said he's giving up!"

[With that, all the Louds stopped what they were doing. The kids then ripped off Koch's tie and used it as a makeshift rope to tie his hands together.]

Luan: "Looks like you're fit to be TIE-d!"

[As usual Luan laughed whilst her siblings groaned.]

Luan: "Get it? But seriously, you're not going anywhere now!"

[With that, Luan and most of her sisters went to put their van back upright while Lisa, Lola, and Lynn watched over Koch.]

Koch: "I guess I probably deserved that."

Lisa: "Silence! Tell us what you know, Koch. Unless you want my fifth eldest sibling to break every bone in your proverbial body."

[Lynn cracked her knuckles to emphasize Lisa's point.]

Lynn: "Yeah! And I won't hold back any punches, either!"

Koch: "Wait a minute! Can't we settle this without any more violence?"

Lisa: "One of my creations was destroyed because of your boss! And to add to that, he has damaged our only means of locating our sister's whereabouts! You are in no position to suggest zero percentage of violence!"

Koch: "Calm down, kid! I'm not the one who wrecked your machine! Hell, I was in the landlady's apartment during the whole ordeal!"

[Bobby heard this and marched over to Koch.]

Bobby: "You what?! What did you do to Nate and Mirah?!"

Koch: "I didn't kill your landlady or her brother, if that's what you're implying, Santiago! They're both fine and unharmed! Well... Mostly unharmed. But, if you all just allow me to do so, I'll explain everything!"

[As Koch kept staring at the three kids, Lola approached the man before pointing at him.]

Lola: "Ok, dirtbag... Tell us what you know. I've watched enough Prison Pageants to know about interrogation, so you better spill the beans if you know what's good for you! You got it?!"

[Koch took a deep breath and opened his mouth as he began to speak.]

Meanwhile, at the McBride House...

[Harold and Howard were waiting anxiously outside their house for any news regarding their son. The thinner McBride was crying as his husband embraced him.]

Howard: "Oh, Harold! I can't believe they'd take our Clyde like that!"

Harold: "Don't cry, Howie! Hopefully he'll be alright. Dr. Lopez said to try and stay positive."

"Mr. McBrides!"

[Harold and Howard looked over and saw Deidre running towards them. The two men looked at the woman with concern as she started to catch her breath whilst grabbing her knees.]

Harold: "Are you Rita's friend?"

Deidre: "Yeah. Name's Deidre."

Howard: "Oh, thank heavens! Where's our son?"

[Deidre looked up at the two McBride men with sorrow.]

Deidre: "I'm sorry... Those bitches in a van got the jump on me. I almost had your son, but they beat me down and took him away."

Howard: "Oh no... My-my baby..."

[Howard was on the verge of tears again as his husband held his hand tightly.]

Howard: "I-I can't do this, Hare-Bear! Our son is in terrible danger!"

Harold: "Don't stress, Howie. When this is all over, we'll set up an appointment with Dr. Lopez."

Deidre: "Mr. McBrides, I know how upsetting this is for you, but I swear on my entire life that I will do everything I can to save your son. And I think I might know where they're taking him. But in the meantime, where is Rita? She's supposed to be waiting for me here."

Harold: "Rita was here, but after we took care of those officers, she ran off to the police station."

[Deidre stopped for a moment to think about what Harold said before a terrifying realization struck.]

Deidre: "Oh...FUCK!"

[Howard exclaimed and put his own hands over his ears upon hearing the ugly word that came out of Deidre's mouth.]

Deidre: "Rita's heading into a trap! I-I have to warn her before it's too late!"

[Deidre took her cell phone out of her pocket and started to dial Rita's number.]

Meanwhile, at the Royal Woods Police Station...

[Rita rushed through the front doors of the police station before running over to the front desk.]

Rita: "I need to see the chief of police! I want to make a report to him!"

[The desk sergeant looked up at the woman.]

Desk Sergeant: "The chief is currently on vacation, but Captain Palmer is in charge of things for the time being."

Rita: "Fine! Then I'll go see him! Where can I find his office?"

Desk Sergeant: "Second floor, third door on the left."

[Rita was then approached by two police officers.]

Officer 1: "We'd be happy to escort you to the captain, ma'am."

Officer 2: "Right this way, Mrs. Loud."

[The officers then escorted Rita to Palmer's office. On her way there, she felt her cell phone ringing in her pocket. Rita wanted to answer the phone, but one of the officers told her to wait until the visit was over before taking any calls.]

[Upon arrival, the two officers stood by the door while Rita walked into the office. The second she was inside, Rita saw Captain Palmer sitting at his desk as he was speaking to somebody on the phone.]

Palmer: "Yes, Castleton. I'll send for backup whenever I can."

[Palmer looked up and saw Rita before speaking to Castleton again.]

Palmer: "I have to go. Someone just walked in."

[With that, Palmer put the phone down before speaking to Rita.]

Palmer: "Good afternoon, Mrs. Loud. What can I do for you?"

Rita: "I want to make a report regarding a few officers!"

Palmer: "Ma'am, if this is about the crisis that's been going on around town, I promise you that we'll have it under control by nightfall. And I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to ensure your family's safety."

[Rita leaned over the desk as she continued to speak.]

Rita: "Thank you, but I was at the McBride House recently and a group of police officers were holding them hostage! Their lieutenant even made off with their son! You need to tell the chief about this!"

[Palmer stared for a moment, as if he were in disbelief over Rita's words.]

Palmer: "I see... Well...we'll sort that problem out real soon. Just stay where you are while I figure out on how to deal with it."

[Palmer stood up from his desk and paced around the room for a bit. Just then, Rita had received a text on her cell phone. Upon taking the phone out of her pocket, she looked at the text and it read:]

Reets, do not go to the police station! Captain Palmer is in league with Alex! If you're already there, then get out while you still can!

[Rita's eyes went wide before the two officers that escorted her a minute ago burst into the room and forced the woman onto the desk. One of them forced Rita's hands behind her back and cuffed them as Palmer turned around and crossed his arms before looking back at Rita.]

Rita: "What...? What the hell is this?!"

Palmer: "I do apologize for this, Mrs. Loud, but we haven't forgotten about your criminal record. Parking in a school zone. Willfully destroying an old-fashioned radio. Failure to pick up canine feces. Just about the worst crime anyone's ever committed in this town."

Rita: "Even worse than a whole gang of bikers terrorizing the entire town, breaking into my family's home, and kidnapping two of my daughters? What is this REALLY about?! Huh?! You working for Alex all of a sudden? Why?!"

[Palmer looked away and sighed.]

Palmer: "I'm sorry... But family comes first... I hope you can understand that."

Rita: "Does your chief even know about this?"

[Not wanting to answer any more questions, Palmer waved his hand at the two officers.]

Palmer: "Get her out of my office, men. I have more work to do."

Police Officer 1: "Yes, sir."

Police Officer 2: "At once, captain."

[With that, the officers dragged Rita out of the office, leaving Palmer alone.]

[As soon as the door was shut, Palmer picked up the phone and dialed a number before putting the phone to his ear. After two beeps, Alex's voice answered.]

Alex: "Si?"

Palmer: "We caught Mrs. Loud for you, Santiago. She should be on her way to you in less than an hour."

Alex: "Excellente, amigo. You've done really good. Soon, I will have the whole Loud familia under my roof."

Palmer: "Thanks...I guess. So, how about our agreement?"

Alex: "Of course, mi amigo. As promised, I will call off the hit on your daughter because of all your good work."

[Palmer heaved a sigh of relief as he put his free hand over his sweating forehead. He felt as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders, but he still felt a little guilty for what he did to that woman.]

Alex: "Besides...I think I may have found a new substitute."

[Palmer raised an eyebrow in confusion.]

Palmer: "A new substitute? What are you talking about?"

Alex: "A few of my girls managed to find another distant relative of yours... And he is such a little bastard. You see, I recall hearing a rumor about you having an affair with one of your officers years ago and then leaving her to care for her child. I did some digging around and my suspicions were proven correct... Pretty careless on your part if I do say so myself."

[Palmer's eyes went wide upon hearing what Alex just implied and the weight was lowered on him again.]

Palmer: "You asshole! We had a deal!"

Alex: "We did, but it seems you wanted to modify things a little behind my back, so I might as well do the same and get compensated for it. Besides...it's not like that boy was legitimate to you anyway. You were never involved in that little shit's life to begin with."

[Palmer was just so mortified that Alex would go back on his word, so much so that he wanted to chew Alex out for his deception. However, doing so would probably mean that Alex would put the hit out on Moniqua again, so he said nothing.]

Alex: "Well, I better get going now. I need to set up a call with your protege. Expect someone to help clean out his office real soon. Because once he tries to face me, mano y mano... He won't be coming back to town...ALIVE..."

[Palmer felt his guilt rising in his stomach upon hearing that.]

Alex: "Oh, and one last thing before I go... Give my regards to Mayor Davis and tell her to watch The Castleton Files. Once me and my friends are done with our guests, we'll be heading back to Royal Woods to make our claim on the whole town. And if you and everyone else won't submit to me, well... Let's just say I wouldn't want to be you when we return. You have a good day, mi amigo. And gracias, for all your hard work... Heh heh heh... Adios, Capitan..."

[With that, Palmer heard a click followed by a dial tone. The police captain banged the phone on the receiver a few times in anger and frustration before he stopped. After taking a few deep breaths, he rested his head on the desk as he was on the verge of tears.]

Palmer: Look at yourself, Warren. You're all washed up. You can't save anyone in this town now...not even those closest to you.

[Palmer looked over at the family photo on his desk. In the photo was him with his wife and their three daughters. If Alex really has intentions to take over Royal Woods, would he kill Palmer and his whole family as well?]

Palmer: Oh god... What have you done...? You've practically helped doom this whole town!

[Palmer remained depressed on his desk. After everything that had transpired, was helping Alex even worth it at this point?]

Palmer: What am I going to do now, Riley?

Outside the police station...

[Not too far from the station, Lynn Sr. was still running with Lily in his arms as Clara and Callie continued to chase after them.]

Lynn Sr.: "We're almost there, Lily! Just a few more steps to safety!"

[Finally, Lynn Sr. could see the police station in view and smiled with relief as he raced over to the building. But as he was by the front doors, his relief vanished when he saw his wife being dragged out by two police officers with her hands cuffed behind her back. With a look of shock on his face, Lynn Sr. started to lose speed.]

Lynn Sr.: "What in the-? Is that...?"

Lily: "Mama?"

[Lynn Sr. was in so much shock that he forgot about his masked pursuers and was immediately grabbed by both of them. Lily dropped to the ground and quickly got up to run across the road when a van drove straight towards her. The toddler covered her eyes and her parents both let out gasps of shock before the van stopped just inches from the toddler's face. Lily opened her eyes before Katrina lifted her by the back of her pants. The toddler started flailing her arms in an attempt to break free from the nasty woman's grip.]

Katrina: "Why don't you calm down kid... Unless you want that little bottom of yours to get a good smacking?"

[Katrina stared daggers directly into Lily's eyes, prompting the toddler to gulp and quiet down. She then handed her over to Kaity and gave her an order just as Lynn Sr. was tied up and gagged.]

Katrina: "Kaity, tie up the brat and put her in the sack."

Kaity: Yes, boss."

[Katrina then turned to her other two cohorts.]

Katrina: "Callie and Clara, you put that man in the back of the van with the afro boy, then help Kaity with the lil' rugrat."

Clara: "Like... OK, Kat."

Callie: "We got this."

[Callie and Clara took Lynn Sr. behind the van while Kaity did the same to Lily as the toddler started crying out of fear. As Callie opened the back doors of the van, Clara shoved Lynn Sr. into the back, putting him next to a handcuffed Clyde, who was also gagged. Then Clara picked up a burlap sack as Kaity and Callie were tying Lily up with some leftover cloth. Once she was restrained, Clara held the sack open while Callie and Kaity gently placed the baby inside of it, ignoring her cries. With the baby almost completely inside, Clara tied up the sack, leaving only Lily's head poking out of the top as she continued to wail.]

Callie: "Oh, put a sock in it, you whiny little bitch!"

[And with that, Callie slapped a piece of tape over Lily's mouth, much to the anger of Lynn Sr.. The patriarch of the Loud Family wasn't going to take Callie's mistreatment of his baby girl lightly and muffled furiously at the young woman.]

Callie: "You shut your trap as well, old man! Oh wait, it already is! Just wait until El Jefe deals with all of you!"

[Lynn Sr. startled in fear when she mentioned Alex's nickname.]

Kaity: "We got the baby restrained, boss. And the old man's in with the beaver kid."

Katrina: "Excellent job, girls! Stick around and keep an eye on them for a bit while I check on our boys in blue."

[As Rita was being shoved into a police car, Katrina marched over to the officers.]

Katrina: "Nice work, boys! El Jefe would be proud of you!"

Police Officer 1: "Thank you, ma'am."

Katrina: "You boys can follow us. We're bringing her husband, baby girl, and a little afro kid along for the ride."

Police Officer 2: "Whatever you say, ma'am."

[As the officers began to get in the car, Rita poked her head out the window and glared at Katrina.]

Rita: "Who the hell are you people?!"

Katrina: "Just a few friends of Yuri, if you know what I mean? Once we take you, your husband, your baby daughter, and this four-eyed afro back to El Jefe, he's going to take care of you and your family personally. But don't feel too bad about it. Me and my girls will handle your little boy with care when you're gone. From what I can tell, he's quite a unique kid. What with having white hair for a cute boy his age."

[When Katrina mentioned a boy with white hair, Rita's blood began to boil at an alarming rate.]

Rita: "You bitch! If you so much as lay a single finger on my son, I'm gonna kick your ass from here to Hazeltucky!"

[As Katrina's girls got back in their van, the policemen started their engine and put Rita's window up to drown out the cursing woman.]

Rita: "YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS! NEVER!"

Katrina: "And who's going to stop us, huh? You? HAH! Don't make me laugh! You'll be joining your whole family soon enough! El Jefe will make sure of that. 'Cuz once they're under his roof, nobody- And I mean, NO ONE will stop him! Not even that cowardly copper Castleton and his pitiful pigs!"

[And with that, Katrina joined her cohorts in the van, and they all started driving off while the two officers followed behind with Rita.]

[While all this was going on, Mr. Dupree was watching nearby with a look of concern on his face. He had wiretapped the police station without being seen and had heard everything about Palmer...as well as the wherabouts of Alex's hideout.]

Mr. Dupree: Son of a bitch! I knew it! I knew it from the very second I pondered about it! I have to try and help them out... But I might need a little assistance first.

[Once the coast was clear, Mr. Dupree made it back to his car and drove off in the opposite direction.]

Meanwhile...

[Alex approached a dirt road and started driving down it. The moment he turned onto the road, Lucy got off the car without anyone noticing before hiding in a bush. As Alex drove towards the hideout, he heard his phone ringing, prompting him to answer it.]

Alex: "Si?"

Katrina: "We got 'em, El Jefe. The last three Louds and the McBride kid, all in one van. Well, technically, two of Palmer's boys have the mother in their car. But all the same, we got 'em all!"

[Alex chuckled in satisfaction.]

Alex: "Good job, Katrina. I knew getting some of Palmer's boys on our side would be beneficial. So far, you're actually proving to be of better use to me than Yuri."

Katrina: "Thanks, but what about you? Did you manage to get those other Loud brats and that deadbeat son of yours?"

Alex: "Not quite yet, but I've got a feeling they'll be coming for me sooner or later. But once they arrive, we'll be prepared for them. You just make sure to bring the others to the hideout as ordered and leave them in the basement. Comprende?"

Katrina: "Actually... About that deal of yours, there's a couple more things that me and my girls want out of this."

Alex: "Oh, ho... And those things are?"

Katrina: "Well, we want to keep the blonde woman in the van for a bit before we deliver her husband and baby girl to you. Then, once we collect her boy and take him to the van...I want her to watch as we deal with him and Four-eyes personally. We'll give them all back to you when you're ready to enact the next phase of your plan."

Alex: "Whatever you say, Katswell, as long as they all pay for their misdeeds."

Katrina: "Thanks, big man! We'll be at the hideout soon enough."

[And with that, Katrina hung up just as Alex arrived at the hideout. He saw that a lot of bikers had also made it back, even if half of them were still taking care of things in town. He parked his car in front of the cabin that acted as the main building and got out whilst dragging Ronnie Anne with him. After shoving his daughter over to two of the bikers, Alex walked to the back of the car, unlocked the trunk, and opened it. Lori remained where she was, her face stained with tears and mascara. Alex lifted the 18-year-old Loud out of the car and carried her into the cabin bridal-style.]

[But the moment he was inside, he saw Rosato sitting on a sofa being tended to by a few female bikers. The lawyer had sustained a nasty bump on the back of his head where the shovel had hit him, though he didn't mind the attention he was receiving from these women.]

[In any case, Alex set Lori on her feet and angrily marched over to the injured attorney.]

Alex: "ROSATO! I'd like to have a few words with you!"

[Rosato sent the three women away so that he and Alex could speak.]

Alex: "What the fuck happened back there?! You were supposed to keep an eye on my boy!"

Rosato: "I WAS, but then some jackoff whacked me on the head and everything went dark! And the minute I woke up, I found myself stuck in that damn hole! I didn't even see the bastard that got the jump on me!"

Alex: "It was that fat fuck T-Bone, you fuckin' sleazeball! He somehow made it here and took Junior away! How could you not see him?!"

Rosato: "I might've gotten a bit distracted with the kid. He was starting to get under my skin. I gratefully apologize."

[Alex put his hand on his temple and sighed.]

Alex: "Ay cabron... I knew I should've just given you some protection."

Rosato: "Just a minor setback, boss. But, if I might ask, whatever happened to that ex-cop of ours? You know, the one who's got a grudge against his partner?"

Alex: "Kochner? That chickenshit? He fell off the car while we were being chased by my bastard son and those meddlesome Loud ninos back on I-75. As far as I'm concerned, he's as good as dead now. Right now, we've got bigger problemas on our hands!"

Rosato: "Bigger problems you say? What kind of bigger problems?"

Alex: "We've got some unexpected guests heading our way. As I already mentioned, my good-for-nothing ex-son and those Loud mocosos went after me the moment I took my daughter and one of their own away with me! I might've thrown them off my ass for now, but they'll be coming here even as we are speaking! I just know it!"

Rosato: "What? You're suddenly afraid of a bunch of little kids?"

[Alex was about to sock the defense attorney in the mouth for that remark, but then he thought with a chuckle.]

Alex: "You're right... What the fuck was I thinking? What can a bunch of little kids do to stop me? I have a whole army of loyal bikers at my disposal here! Plus, I still have a double advantage right here with me! Isn't that right, senoritas?"

[Alex then stripped the pieces of duct tape off of Lori and Ronnie Anne's mouths, allowing them to speak. Lori was the first to do so.]

Lori: "OH MY GOD, YOU MONSTER! WHY ARE YOU LITERALLY DOING THIS TO US?!"

Alex: "All part of my plan, my dear... All I need is the rest of your familia to complete the picture."

Ronnie Anne: "What the hell is this stupid plan of yours going to accomplish? Huh?!"

Alex: "Plenty, Ronalda. You see, there's a dog that's hot on my trail, and I have the means to make him heel like the meddling mutt that he is."

[Alex clapped his hands.]

Alex: "Hey, muchachas!"

[The female bikers in the room gathered around Alex, Lori, and Ronnie Anne as their leader gave the order to them.]

Alex: "Ok, mujeres, some of you take this preggo-puta down into the basement and chain her to the wall. The same goes for this disgrace of a daughter but tie her up instead. We're saving the extra shackles for someone else. The rest of you, go find a bunch of rope. We're expecting some company to arrive here soon."

Lori: "Company?"

Ronnie Anne: "What do you mean by company?"

Alex: "Ohhhhh, have I not mentioned that your boyfriend, Ronalda's hermano, and my disavowed son were chasing after me along with your own hermanos? Well, I managed to shake them on the interstate, but knowing them, they are bound to show up here very shortly. Also, I've just gotten word from some of the women in my ranks that they're now bringing your padres along with that babe hermana of yours over here."

Lori: "You sick son of a bitch! Just what the hell are you planning?!"

Alex: "You will know in time. But once I have you all under this roof and the floor we stand on, all will be revealed."

Ronnie Anne: "Don't you dare hurt them, you caraculo! Especially Lincoln!"

Alex: "That white-haired piece of shit? Don't you worry about him! He won't be killed, I assure you. I don't know what kind of fate will await him when he comes here, but that is a matter of which I'll be leaving up to someone else. But he won't be suffering alone, oh no. My associate and her crew have also managed to get their hands on a little afro-kid with glasses on the way."

Lori: "You got Clyde too?!"

Ronnie Anne: "What do you need him for? He hasn't wronged you!"

Alex: "Maybe not, but his papis have. Those two fuckin' fruitcakes have always had it out for me since I moved to this godforsaken neighborhood. So as my little fuck you to them, I had the chicas take the only thing they care about: Their one adopted son. Until everyone arrives, you and that preggo-puta will be nice and comfortable in my dungeon."

[Alex then snapped his fingers.]

Alex: "Take 'em downstairs, chiquitas!"

[The girls then forced Lori and Ronnie Anne into the basement while some of the others went to the barn to look for strands of rope.]

Lori: "This is literally pointless! What are you hoping to gain out of this?!"

Ronnie Anne: "You're not gonna get away with this, you cabeza de mierda! You WILL be stopped!"

[Ignoring the words of Lori and Ronnie Anne, Alex then turned his attention towards Rosato.]

Alex: "And as for you, Rosato, be lucky that I'm not going to kill you right here and now. I've already lost some of my best men and women trying to get those Louds, so you better not fuck up! Now listen up, motherfucker! I have a little job for you."

Rosato: "What are your orders, El Jefe?"

Alex: "Go outside, gather some of our strongest men, and have them hide in the woods along the dirt road. We have some kids to punish and a van that's ready for the scrapyard!"

Rosato: "Very well, boss. Anything else?"

Alex: "Once you have them in position, I want you to head for the hill across the river. There is a sniper rifle stored in a shack for you to use and plenty of ammo for it as well. We're expecting that pig Castleton to arrive once I have gathered all the bait. When he shows up to meet our demands, I will guide him to your location. And the moment you have him in your sights... BANG! He's as good as muerto."

Rosato: "Consider it done, boss. Just let me know whenever we're ready."

Alex: "Of course I will. But just to be sure that you don't fuck up this time, I'm sending some extra muscle to assist you. He will act as collateral in case you miss every single shot. So, make sure you get a clean shot from that hill without any fuckups. Comprende?"

Rosato: "I appreciate the help, Alex. And don't worry about it, I won't miss a single shot."

[And with that, Rosato got up and went to gather some of the stronger bikers while Alex thought to himself.]

Alex: My plan may have been slightly hindered, but you're actually doing me quite a huge favor, Junior. You and those Loud brats are playing right into my hands with your little gamble, and the minute I'm done with Castleton, I will do away with all of you!

[Having faith in his idea, Alex marched outside before he began boasting loudly.]

Alex: "You hear me, Junior?! If you want to save your hermana and amore, then come right over here and bring those loathsome Louds along with you! All you'll be bringing is your own downfall the minute you arrive! And once all of you are out of the way, I, Roberto Alejandro Martinez-Millan Luis Santiago, Sr., will bring forth the dawning of a new era to Royal Woods and reign supreme over the whole town as its new leader, forevermore! Viva El Jefe!"

[The other bikers surrounded Alex before chanting "Viva El Jefe!" Alex turned around and smirked evilly in response as he put his hands on his hips.]

Alex: What a bunch of idiotas. Though I do appreciate the praise.

Meanwhile, on I-75...

[Most of the Louds were trying to get Vanzilla upright just as Koch finished telling them his story. When he came to the point about the Ozmans, he had them locked up in a closet and received a call from Alex to end their lives. However, as he aimed the gun at the two, he felt the presence of someone behind him...and a masculine voice. Upon hearing the voice, he quickly turned around and fired his shotgun two times but saw nothing. He couldn't tell if it was his conscience or not, but at that moment, he ended up sparing both of the Ozmans' lives. He also claimed that this entity resembled a man he killed days prior to the apartment, which got Lisa's intrigue.]

Koch: "And that's the whole truth."

Lisa: "Well... Judging by those words, I'd say he is suffering from the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. And if Lucy were here, she'd point out: You clearly killed one person already, and that person will forever haunt you until you cease to exist. An apparition who preys upon the mind of the wicked until the day they die."

Koch: "I think...you're making sense there. I don't think there's anything I can do to redeem myself at this point. I wish there was a deep, dark hole where I can crawl into and just die."

Lola: "I'd arrange for that if it weren't for the current issue going on."

[The Louds had just gotten Vanzilla upright before Bobby rested his back against the vehicle in exhaustion and anguish.]

Bobby: "So now what do we do? We've lost Lori and Ronnie Anne again and we have no idea where they are."

Koch: "Well, if you're looking for your family, I know where Alex is taking them!"

[The Louds and Bobby turned their attention towards Koch.]

Lynn: "Oh, really? Then you wouldn't mind telling us, would you?"

Koch: "After all that I've been through, I wouldn't... There is a dirt path cutting off from the road not too far from here, and it goes through a heavily wooded area and onto an open clearing near a river. The campsite has a cabin that acts as Alex's base of operations as well as a large barn, but I'd rather not say what the latter is used for. You might want to hurry over there if you want to save those girls."

[Bobby turned his attention to Koch and gripped the collar of his shirt before dragging him over to the van.]

Bobby: "Alright, but listen and listen good, Senor Koch... Once we save Lori and Ronnie Anne, you are going to turn yourself over to the police and tell them everything that you and your friends did in full detail!"

Lisa: "But since you are the only one who knows the location of Mr. Santiago's hideout, assuming that your directions are accurate, you are coming with us."

Lola: "Yeah! And until we get our sisters back, we're gonna keep a sharp eye on you! Right, Lana?"

[Lana got on all fours and growled like a bulldog guarding the junkyard. Koch was unfazed and remained in his melancholy state.]

Koch: "Fine. Why do I care? My life is just about over anyway."

Lynn: "Okay, team! Group huddle!"

[Bobby and the Louds huddled together.]

Lynn: "Alright, here's the pitch: Thanks in part to Detective Slimeball..."

Koch: "You know I can hear you! Right?!"

Lola: "Zip it, you!"

Lynn: "As I was saying: Thanks to his little tip, we now know that Alex is taking our Lori and R.A. straight to his hideaway."

Bobby: "And the baby! Let's not forget about my son!"

Lynn: "You think I don't know about my own nephew, Roberto?! Besides, he's not even born yet."

Luna: "But he probably WON'T be if we don't ride like the wind RIGHT NOW, dudes!"

Lisa: "She has a point. Right now, our main focus is infiltrating Alejandro's hideout, finding Ronnie Anne, Lori, and Lori's unborn progeny, extracting them from the premises, and then making a hasty, if not undetectable retreat. Though doing so will be quite complicated."

Bobby: "So, how are we supposed to go about this? The hideout is only a few miles away and we still don't know how we're gonna rescue Lori and Ronnie Anne."

Lisa: "We just need to find a way to get them out of the hideout without being noticed. Of course, there's no telling how many of Alex's cohorts are guarding the area, and there's a good chance of us being outnumbered."

Lola: "Not to mention that they're all bigger than us."

Lynn: "We can't take 'em all on. Well, I mean, I could, but... With their big guns, they're way too powerful. So, unless anyone's got a better idea, we're kinda up crap's creek without a paddle."

Lisa: "If I had the time and resources, I would've made some modifications to Vanzilla to make her ready for battle. Unfortunately, as we all know, our parental units forbid me from doing so."

Luan: "I guess stand-up comedy distractions are out of the question, too. By the looks of things, those bikers don't seem to carry a tune for anything other than their rides."

[In typical fashion, Luan laughed whilst everyone else groaned.]

Luna: "Speaking of tunes, I could put on a one-girl concert and lure those biker mice away like that Pied Piper dude."

Lisa: "Decent idea, except for the risk of being surrounded and potentially getting shot on sight."

Luna: "Bogus, man."

Lola: "Lana and I could play the part of a rough and tough biker wanting to join their club."

Lana: "Nice try, Lols. Like anyone's going to fall for a couple of 7-year-old girls posing as a biker!"

Lola: "Well, I'd like to see anyone else handle my plan better than I would!"

Leni: "Like, can't we just politely ask them to give Lori and Ronnie Anne back?"

[There was a long and awkward pause as everyone stared at Leni before Lincoln spoke next.]

Lincoln: "Well, there is one more tactic that almost never fails: We could try sneaking around the campgrounds. All we need is a high vantage point to view the whole area."

Lynn: "Lucy's a master at sneaking around, especially when it comes to sneaking up on us. But she's not here. Plus, I've never sneaked around without my ninja suit before."

Lisa: "Then I advise that some of us do the stealth approach while the rest keep watch. Lincoln and Lynn... I think you two are best suited for a job like this."

Lincoln: "No problem."

Lynn: "Alright, maybe I can do this without the ninja suit."

Bobby: "I'm going too! Lori is my girlfriend and I need to be there for her! And Ronnie Anne! And Bumblebee!"

Lisa: "Very well then. We have ourselves a three-person stealth team. Bobby, Lincoln, and Lynn, you three will sneak around the campgrounds, find a way into the cabin, rescue our sisters, and return to us unharmed and unnoticed. Once we are all reunited, we will prepare for an immediate departure."

Lincoln: "Then we have ourselves a plan!"

[Lincoln, Lynn, and Bobby did a hands-in-the-middle vow.]

Lincoln: "Let's go save Lori and Ronnie Anne, Bobby!"

Bobby: "And my little bumblebee, too, lil' Loud! Can't forget about him!"

Lincoln: "He's still in Lori's belly, Bobby. There's no way we'll forget him."

Lisa: "Now, before we set off, there is a good chance that Alex and his motorcyclist accomplices are waiting for us. Ergo, I would advise thinking of an alternative battle plan in case we-"

[Before Lisa could finish, everyone else had already piled into the van, much to the five-year-old genius' disappointment.]

Lisa: "And once again, nobody wants to bother with meticulous planning."

[Lisa let out a sigh.]

Lisa: "Let's just get this over with."

[Lisa joined the others in the van before they all sped off towards Alex's hideout.]

Meanwhile, further down...

[Castleton and his team continued driving up I-75 in the hopes of making it to Alex's hideout. They then sped past a familiar woman in yellow who was waving at them to stop. But Castleton didn't have time to do so and sped past the woman.]

[Just then, Castleton looked ahead and saw something.]

Castleton: "Right up ahead, Wes! Turn the camera ahead!"

[Wes turned the camera ahead and saw a dispersed roadblock. The two cruisers belonged to the Oakland County Sheriff's Department and six people were present.]

Castleton: "We are now coming across a dispersed roadblock up ahead, and it looks like Alex went through there."

[Upon coming near the roadblock, the sheriff and his deputies took cover before Castleton sped past. Once Castleton's car was out of sight, the sheriff ran to his cruiser and picked up its radio receiver.]

[Shortly after passing the blockade, Castleton heard a voice coming from the radio.]

"This is Sheriff Sands of the Oakland County Sheriff. Can anyone hear me out there?"

[Castleton picked up the microphone and spoke into it as Wes focused the camera on him.]

Castleton: "This is Sergeant Castleton, R.W.P.D.! What the hell happened back there?"

Sheriff Sands: "Sergeant Castleton! Thank God you answered! We tried our best to stop Santiago, but he just rammed right through our blockade like it was parchment paper. He even used the little girl as ballast to lower our guard."

[Castleton let out an angered exhale.]

Castleton: "That son of a bitch! It's just like him to use children as human shields!"

Sheriff Sands: "And that's not all! Santiago's son and those Loud kids passed by here in another van not too long ago!"

Castleton: "And why didn't you stop them?!"

Sheriff Sands: "We tried to, but that boy wasn't listening! We couldn't do much to make him stop! That boy was much too determined!"

[Castleton sighed before speaking to the sheriff again.]

Castleton: "Sheriff, you get everyone you can and head straight to Royal Woods on the double! The people there will need a whole lot of support! You just leave Alex, Bobby, and the Louds to us!"

Sheriff Sands: "Can do, sergeant!"

[And with that, the sheriff hung up.]

T-Bone: "Well, I'll be damned. Alex's boy is either really brave or really nuts."

Castleton: "Damn it, he's going to get himself and the Louds killed if we don't stop them! We need to hurry before they catch up!"

Meanwhile, further behind...

[A few moments later, the two sheriff cruisers sped past Katherine's group as they went towards the direction of Royal Woods with their sirens blaring. She tried to get their attention, but to no avail. And by the time they were out of eyeshot, the news reporter yelled out in anger and frustration.]

Katherine: "Damn it all, what is the matter with everybody?! Can't they see there's a news crew that's stranded here?!"

"I think the real question, Miss Mulligan, is... What is the matter with YOU?!"

[Mulligan slowly turned around to see her camera crew looking agitated along with Chad and the pilot. It appears that their morale was now at an all-time low after the crash.]

Katherine: "What did you say?"

Chad: "Listen, Mulligan... Me and the boys got to talking, and I think we've come to a conclusion."

Katherine: "Oh, great... What is it now?"

Chad: "We think that we've had enough of your attitude here!"

Katherine: "What?!"

Gordy: "Chad's right, Kathy! I think you've finally pushed it too far!"

Katherine: "Hey! It's Miss Mulligan to you, Gordon!"

Reg: "Well, Miss Mulligan, me and Gordy didn't want to say this... We REALLY didn't... But after what we just went through, we won't hold anything back! You are nothing but a pushy, inconsiderate, and dangerous busybody who cares about no one but yourself!"

Katherine: "Wha-? Who do you think you're talking to?! I don't pay you guys to criticize me!"

Gordy: "You hardly even pay us at all!"

Chad: "Yeah! And leaving that boy alone on the streets was just wrong of you!"

Katherine: "Are you kidding me? That boy only earned that limo by eating tons of mustard!"

Reg: "Be that as it may, but you still should've helped him instead of leaving him alone in the cold, dark night!"

Aaron: "Not to mention that your recklessness cost us the only helicopter we had, you crazy bitch!"

Katherine: "Hey! I'm not the one who brought it down, am I?!"

Chad: "Well, accusations aside, you've been nothing but an annoying egotist who's out for fame and glory! You just wanted to get your hands on Santiago just so you could climb up to the top by yourself."

Katherine: "Just what are you all trying to say?!"

Reg: "Well, Mulligan, to put it bluntly..."

[The guys all looked at one another before giving Katherine their answer.]

"LADY, YOU ARE UNBEARABLE!"

Gordy: "So you might as well just find yourself a new crew, if not a new line of work, because we quit!"

Reg: "That's right!"

[Reg threw his cap to the ground and stomped on it before following Gordy away from the crash site. Chad and Aaron followed suit, leaving Mulligan where she was.]

Katherine: "Fine! Go home! Who needs any of you?! I don't need a despondent crew when I can just get Santiago myself!"

[Chad turned around and held his damaged microphone as he spoke to Katherine.]

Chad: "Well... This is Chad Chopper, your former eye in the sky, saying: Put a cork in it, Katherine Mulligan!"

[With that remark said, Chad held the microphone sideways and dropped it like a rap musician.]

Chad: "And good riddance to you, too!"

[Chad then turned around and kept following the others from the crash site. Katherine growled in frustration and then stormed off in the opposite direction. She wanted to get the full story herself, but her earpiece and her cell phone got damaged in the crash, so she had no way to contact the news station. But she wasn't going to give up so easily. Not by a long shot. She just needed to find out what was going on and why Alex unleashed his attack on Royal Woods.]

Katherine: To hell with those guys! I may be down a crew, but I am not quite out of the shot just yet. I'll find a way to uncover the truth myself by any means! And when I do, I'll put that crazy son of a bitch in his place! But first... I'll need to hitch a ride.

[And so, Katherine went up the road and stuck her thumb out, hoping to hitch a ride. If no one would pick her up, she would have to keep on walking.]

Meanwhile, back in Royal Woods...

[Deidre ran for what seemed like minutes until she made it back to Franklin Avenue. She wanted to get to the police station to make sure Rita was okay since she received no reply after texting her warning, but she decided to stop and take a breather.]

Deidre: Damn, I wish I still had my bike right about now! Oh, I really do hope you've gotten my message, Reets.

[At that moment, Deidre looked ahead and saw a familiar van and a police car speeding towards her. Deidre managed to hide behind Mr. Grouse's hedge before the two vehicles drove past. However, as Deidre took one look at the vehicles, she saw a blonde woman being transported in the back of the squad car and knew all too well who it was.]

Deidre: Rita! Oh, no! I'm too late! Shit!

[It was then that Deidre saw the front window of Mr. Grouse's house shattered. She rushed towards the house and burst through the front door to find the living room a complete mess and Mr. Grouse lying on the floor barely clinging onto life. She then approached the old man and knelt down beside him.]

Deidre: "Mr. Grouse, what the hell happened here?"

[Mr. Grouse inhaled weakly.]

Mr. Grouse: "P... Pills... Puh... Please..."

Deidre: "Where can I find them? What do they look like?"

[Mr. Grouse inhaled again as he slowly pointed to the stairway.]

Mr. Grouse: "Bathroom... Medicine cabinet... Red ones... Hurry... I'm fading...fast..."

[Deidre hurriedly made her way to the bathroom and searched the medicine cabinet until she found Mr. Grouse's heart pills. She then rushed back downstairs and knelt next to the old man again. She took the cap off the bottle and poured two small red capsules into it before pouring them into the old man's open mouth. Once the pills took effect, Mr. Grouse's breathing slowed down until he was relaxed. The old man then sat up and took a deep breath.]

Mr. Grouse: "Thanks, ma'am... I owe ya one."

[Deidre helped Mr. Grouse to his feet before setting him down on the couch. The stout old man laid down on the couch and relaxed.]

Deidre: "Tell me, Mr. Grouse... What happened here?"

Mr. Grouse: "A group of really nasty gals came by and wrecked my house. They took off after Lynn and his baby and left me to die here."

Deidre: "Who were they? What did they look like?"

Mr. Grouse: "Most of them were pretty slender, but I think...one of them was more on the pudgy side. They were all wearing cat masks, so I couldn't see their faces. Though, I'm already fearing the worst for Lynn and Lily."

[Deidre cursed and moved around the room for a few seconds while putting her hand over her face to think. Those women had to have been the same ones that ambushed her and took Clyde, which meant that they managed to get their hands on Rita, Lynn Sr., and Lily as well. With their task now finished, they had to be taking them to Alex's hideout by now. Deidre had to go after them, but she needed a new set of wheels in order to do so. Once she finished pacing, she pointed at Mr. Grouse.]

Deidre: "I need to borrow your car, Mr. Grouse! Where are the keys?"

Mr. Grouse: "They're on the nightstand. But be careful with it, will ya?"

Deidre: "I will! I hope!"

[Mr. Grouse mumbled as Deidre marched over to the nightstand.]

Mr. Grouse: "That's just what I'm afraid of."

[Of course, Deidre didn't hear him. Once she found the keys, the detective ran outside and got into Mr. Grouse's station wagon. She then started the engine, peeled out of the driveway, and set off for the interstate.]

Deidre: "Aw, man... This whole thing is spiraling out of control! I just hope I can make it in time! It can't get any worse than this."

Meanwhile, a few miles from Alex's hideout...

[Bobby and the Louds continued driving to Alex's hideout with Koch. The twins kept their eye on the former detective despite the fact that he was restrained. The group weren't sure if they could trust Koch in case he was lying, but they were pretty low on options. But as Bobby drove forward, he started to notice that the woods around him began to look a bit more foreboding and the skies above were getting covered in large, gray clouds, as the sound of thunder could be heard in the distance.]

Bobby: "We must be getting close, because these woods are getting denser and denser."

Luan: "Not to sound like Lucy, but this looks like her kind of place."

Lisa: "Not to mention the ominous dark clouds approaching the whole area. Looks like a storm is brewing. If I was our gothic sister, I would predict this as some sort of bad omen."

Lincoln: "Speaking of Lucy, does anyone know where she might've gone?"

Lana: "He's right. We haven't seen her since we almost hit that truck."

Lola: "Knowing her, she'll probably pop out when we at least expect it."

Leni: "You don't suppose that Alex got her, do you?"

Lynn: "Unlikely, Lens. You never know with that girl. She's like a ninja hiding in the shadows."

Lisa: "Says the girl who keeps a ninja attire in her wardrobe."

Lynn: "Touche."

Luna: "Well, I hope Luce is doin' alright, wherever she is."

Lola: "She'll be fine! Right now, we have to save Lori, Ronnie Anne, and our little nephy-poo!"

Lynn: "She's right! We've come this far, and there's no way we're turning back now!"

Koch: "Well, aren't we all determined? I must warn you that the whole area is teeming with Alex's men and women, as little miss Einstein predicted earlier. And the ones back in town may preparing to return to the hideout as we are having this conversation, if they aren't already dead or behind bars by now."

Lola: "What do you mean by that?"

Koch: "In case you haven't figured out, the whole attack on Royal Woods was nothing but a diversion used to keep the cops off of Alex's ass so he could pull off that whole kidnapping scheme. He doesn't care about any of his lackeys. They're all nothing but cannon fodder to him...just like how I was."

Luan: "Well, I think we better DIVERT our attention to Alex's hideout."

[Luan laughed as everyone else groaned.]

Luan: "Get it?"

Koch: "No offense, kid, but you really need to work on your act."

Luan: "So long as you work on yours."

Leni: "Like, there's the dirt road ahead."

Koch: "See? What did I tell you? That road will definitely take you to the hornet's nest."

Lisa: "You're not off the hook that easily, Koch."

Koch: "Whatever you say, Sherlock."

[Upon getting close to the road, Bobby stopped the van.]

Bobby: "Ok, everyone, Alex's hideout is just down that road. Lincoln, Lynn, you guys remember the plan?"

Lynn: "Better give us the rundown, Linc. Just to be sure."

Lincoln: "Alright, here's what we do: When we get to the campgrounds, on foot and hopefully undetected, we'll try and find a way into the cabin. Once inside, we'll rescue Lori and Ronnie Anne before bringing them back here."

[Lincoln turned his head towards the rest of his sisters.]

Lincoln: "Until then, the rest of you stay here and keep a good lookout. Are we clear?"

Lana: "Sir, yes sir!"

[Luna propped her feet on the dashboard as she spoke.]

Luna: "We'll kick it right here, dude!"

Lola: "Yeah! We'll be ready and waiting for you."

Luan: "And what happens after that? Assuming it all goes well, that is."

Lincoln: "Once we bring Lori and Ronnie Anne back to the van, we drive as quickly as we can, and as far away from here as possible."

Bobby: "Then we find a safe place to hide for a while, at least until whatever's happening back in town blows over. Understand?"

Lisa: "Affirmative, Roberto. Just be careful, use great caution, and best of luck to you as well."

Lincoln: "Then it's time to put Operation: Rescue Lori and Ronnie Anne from Alex and his gang while also thinking of a shorter name for this operation into action! Let's just hope everything goes according to plan."

Bobby: "Alright, then! Lil' Linc and L.J., let's go save Lori, Ronnie Anne, and the baby!"

Lynn: "And if absolutely necessary, give that fat bastard a few stern words!"

[But the second Bobby opened his door, he and the others heard a familiar voice call out to them.]

"Go ahead and try, you little fucks!"

[Then all of a sudden, Bobby, Koch, and the Louds felt a vibration as around 10 to 15 bikers surrounded Vanzilla and pushed it onto its side as they all screamed.]

[Bobby groaned and looked out the window to see a bunch more bikers surrounding the van before that very same voice spoke amongst them.]

Alex: "Gracias for bringing them straight to me, Mijo. Guess you aren't as useless as I thought you were. Oh... And it looks like you've brought an old friend as well. We figured he was finished back there on the freeway. But don't worry, he'll be OUR problem now."

Koch: "Fuck you, Alex, you two-timing piece of shit! You left me to die back out there! Castleton and that woman were right about you!"

Alex: "So they say. But your insults won't make a difference, Kochner. You, my worthless children, and nearly the whole Loud Familia are on MY turf now, and we outnumber every single of you."

[Alex then spoke to the rest of the bikers accompanying him.]

Alex: "Alright, mi amigos, get every single one of those kids out of that van, tie them all up, bring them to the cabin, and throw them into the basement! Ronalda and that preggo-puta hermana of theirs must be missing them all so much."

Biker: "What about Mr. Trigger-Happy Cop, boss?"

Alex: "Tie his hands behind his back and bring him over the hill across the river. And tell Rosato there's been a slight change of plans, because I think that ex-cop deserves at least one more chance to prove himself. And the minute you get him there, tell Rosato to..."

[Alex then whispered his plan into the biker's ear for about 10 seconds.]

Alex: "You get my drift?"

Biker: "Affirmative, Jefe! I'll pass the word to Rosato!"

Alex: "Bueno. Now while all of you take care of everybody, I need to give a certain little piggy a call. It's high time we put a stop to all of this nonsense, once and for all."

[This was the last thing Bobby heard before passing out from shock.]

Meanwhile, further down I-75...

[Castleton continued speeding down the highway at an alarming rate as the siren blared. The police sergeant took one glance at Wes, who thought about the woman in yellow and her crew.]

Wes: "Sir, don't you think we should've helped them?"

Castleton: "Somebody else will find them eventually. Right now, there are a bunch of kids who are at stake here, and we're not about to let Alex do any harm to them!"

[Wes said nothing else. At that moment, the sheriff's voice started coming out of the radio, and he sounded frantic as gunshots were going off on the other end.]

Sheriff Sands: "Anyone out there?! This is Sheriff Sands! We are under fire over here!"

[Castleton grabbed the microphone and spoke into it.]

Castleton: "This is Sergeant Castleton! What's happening, Sheriff?"

Sheriff Sands: "Thank God! We were on our way to Royal Woods when we came across these girls in a black van being followed by a police cruiser!"

Castleton: "Wait a minute! Black van?!"

Sheriff Sands: "That's just what I said! They've got us pinned down over here! We need backup now! Quickly, before-!"

[Before he could finish, the gunfire on the radio finally ceased, much to Castleton's increasing concern.]

Castleton: "Sheriff! Are you still there?!"

Sheriff Sands: "I'm sorry! Most of my deputies are now dead or injured, and those crazy girls got away!"

Castleton: "What happened?"

Sheriff Sands: "We need some medical assistance over here! Goddamn fat lady and her cohorts screwed us up big time!"

Castleton: "Hold on! Did you say fat lady?"

Sheriff Sands: "Yeah, I- Wait a minute, I see two officers getting out of the car and now they're walking over here. They definitely look like Royal Woods' boys in blue."

Castleton: "What? Why aren't they going after those women?"

Sheriff Sands: "Hey, boys. Are you going to call for backup? Uh...boys?"

Police Officer 1: "Sorry, sheriff, but we have our orders."

Sheriff Sands: "Orders? By who? Wait..."

Police Officer 2: "It's nothing personal, but El Jefe has big plans for Royal Woods, and you can't interfere."

Sheriff Sands: "El Jefe? Big plans?! Royal Woods?!"

[Castleton had no idea what was going on with the sheriff, but he heard the sounds of two pistols being cocked.]

Castleton: "Sheriff, what the hell is happening over there?"

[Castleton then heard the sheriff gasp before speaking frantically.]

Sheriff Sands: "We've been had, Sarge! The R.W.P.D.'s got traitors in their ranks! Santiago and his gang must have-"

[Before he could finish, the sound of a gunshot was heard over the radio before everything went silent. Castleton took a moment to process what the sheriff said.]

Castleton: "Oh my god... I think I know who owns that van."

Wes: "Who is it?"

Castleton: "A small all-women gang calling themselves the Pussy Panthers, a bunch of kidnappers, pedophiles, and serial killers led by Katrina Blue. Real scum of the earth that have been roaming it for years. No one has been able to catch them up to this day."

T-Bone: "Oh right... Katrina and her girls. When I was still with BoEMC, they joined the club during its reunification process. I can only assume they took part in BoEMC's demise as well as Alex's breakout."

Castleton: "That's just typical of Blue. She always has to disguise herself in order to avoid the law."

Lang: "Sir, I really hate to interrupt, but what exactly have these Pussy Panthers done?"

Castleton: "According to newspapers and media, the Pussy Panthers, or at least Katrina, have claimed the innocence and lives of 63 young boys whose ages range from 6 to 16 since the late 1970's. There were also rumors that they keep their victims locked up before deciding their fates."

T-Bone: "Well, I might've heard my share of rumors on what those nasty cat girls do while I was still in the Brotherhood..."

Castleton: "You wouldn't mind telling us, would you, Terrance? People might want to hear about them. And it could be beneficial to our case."

T-Bone: "Alright, but I gotta warn you: These allegations aren't all that pretty."

[T-Bone took a deep breath as he began to speak.]

T-Bone: "Now, from what I've heard, the Panthers sometimes use their young male victims as either their personal slaves, living sex dolls, or worst of all, assets in their small yet private milkmaid racket. I don't know what that is, but I'd rather not find out. And I bet none of you guys want to know about it either, so let's just leave it at that."

[T-Bone glanced at the camera for a brief moment before continuing.]

T-Bone: "But anyway, what I DO know is that when those boys reach the age of 17 or 18, Katrina and her girls don't just let them walk away. No siray... Once these boys have outlived their usefulness, they're either sold off to other female gangs for money or worse..."

Wes: "What could be worse than being sold off?"

[T-Bone braced himself before answering Wes' question.]

T-Bone: "They hack off their victim's body parts and throw them away...before keeping their heads...as trophies..."

[The others felt sick to their stomachs upon hearing all that.]

T-Bone: "And that's about the long and short of it. Pretty disturbing, ain't it?"

Castleton: "Jesus... No wonder they're so high on the FBI's most wanted list."

Joseph: "Mm-mm-mm... Now that just ain't right."

Lang: "Now I regret asking that question. By the way, Sir, you said they've been hunting her down for decades?"

Castleton: "Yes... In fact, my father tried to apprehend Katrina decades before the gang was even established...and he died in the process. The revolver that I have with me once belonged to him back in his day. Captain Palmer handed it to me when I first joined the force. It is not just a weapon, but a reminder of my father's bravery and selflessness."

T-Bone: "Wow, Sergeant... I'm getting all misty-eyed from hearing you say that. Your dad must've been a real hero back then."

Castleton: "He was, but he also let his eagerness to uphold the law get the better of him, and it cost him his life. Ever since I got this gun, I made a solemn vow to use it only in the direst of situations."

T-Bone: "Well, If I were you, Cass, I'd use that gun on Alex the moment you face him. That man's just too wild and unstable to be caught and detained now."

Castleton: "I don't want to kill Alex, Bonneville. He needs to face justice for all of his crimes. He would need to do something very drastic to get me to kill him, but I'll be damned if I'm about to let that happen."

[Just then, Castleton got a call from his cell phone. Upon taking the phone out of his pocket, he looked at the Caller ID which said, "Unknown Number". Out of morbid curiosity, Castleton answered the call before putting the phone to his ear.]

Castleton: "Hello? Who is this?"

"Hola, Detective Castleton. Long time no see..."

[Castleton's expression turned to shock and anger when he heard the familiar voice on the other end. He took one glance at everyone before speaking into the phone with a hushed tone.]

Castleton: "What?! Alex...?! How the hell did you get this number?!"

Alex: "That is not important, detective. What IS important is that you want to be the hero. Is that it? You want to save two hostages from my grasp before returning home?"

Castleton: "What the hell are you getting at?"

Alex: "Well, it just so happens that I managed to get my hands on ten more...which will soon be thirteen more once the rest of them arrive."

[Castleton's eyes widened as he stared into empty space for a few seconds.]

Castleton: "No... You didn't..."

[Alex laughed before giving Castleton his answer.]

Alex: "That's right! Not only do I have my own two children back, but now I have the whole Loud Familia Enchilada as well!"

[As Alex continued laughing, Castleton gripped his phone as he gritted his teeth.]

Castleton: "You son of a bitch! I'll get-"

Alex: "Ah, ah, ah, ah! Temper, temper, Senor Castleton. One poor choice of words and I WILL kill one of them immediately. I know your one, true weakness, and what you might do next might not look too good on your conscience."

[Castleton seethed upon hearing those words.]

Alex: "From what I've heard, mi bueno amigo Castleton, you have made a lot of people very angry when you convicted me. And now that I'm free, I'm going to be running the show from here on out."

Castleton: "What do you want from me?"

Alex: "I'm glad you asked, mi amigo. It just so happens that I have a list of demands made especially for you, of course I had to make a change or two due to some unexpected complications. But as long as you follow these demands, I guarantee that no children will be harmed. Call this a little hostage negotiation, if you will. Comprende?"

[Castleton took one glance behind him before answering Alex.]

Castleton: "Fine... Just say what you have to, Alex."

Alex: "Excellente! Now...for my demands... First of all, I want you to come over here...by yourself. If you have anyone with you, I suggest dropping them off somewhere. And do not even THINK about calling your captain for backup. Second, I heard from a friend about you having your own live show. So, for my second demand, I want you to bring a video camera, if not a whole crew...because I want my work to be filmed live like yours. Third, I want you to bring T-Bone back to me. We have some unfinished business we need to discuss. And finally, I want you to turn in your badge and gun before you come straight to me. Now... Do we have a deal?"

[Castleton didn't know what to do. Alex would kill the Loud Siblings along with his own two children if he didn't submit to his demands. After everything that happened in the past, he vowed never to let any families or children get harmed. But considering what happened in Fernville, would Alex stay true to his word? Either way, Castleton knew he had no other choice. The police sergeant took a deep breath and whispered...]

Castleton: "Deal..."

Alex: "Gracias, Castleton. I knew you'd make the right call. I'll just leave you alone to settle the matters of my demands. But remember... No fuckups. Adios for now, former sergeant Castleton. I'll be seeing you very soon. Heh, heh, heh..."

[Castleton closed his eyes as Alex hung up. Castleton put his cell phone back in his pocket as Lang looked at him with concern.]

Lang: "Who was that on the phone, Sergeant?"

[Castleton sighed and slammed his foot on the brake pedal, bringing the car to a complete stop.]

Joseph: "What the hell, Castleton?"

Lang: "Why did we stop?"

Castleton: "Joseph, Lang... I want you both out of the car."

Lang: "What? Sir, with all due respect-"

Castleton: "That is a direct order, Lang! Now get out of the car! Both of you!"

[With that, Joseph and Lang quickly got out. T-Bone didn't like where this was going, and Wes was getting worried.]

Wes: "What about me, Mr. Castleton?"

Castleton: "You stay right where you are...and turn that camera off. It's best to preserve the battery."

[Wes complied and turned off the camera.]

Castleton: "Joseph, Lang, come over here."

[Joseph and Lang walked next to Castleton's door and the police sergeant lowered his window before handing the policewoman his badge and revolver.]

Castleton: "If you can make it back to town, give these to Captain Palmer. Where I'm going...I'll probably have no use for them now."

Joseph: "You're giving away your gun too?"

Castleton: "Don't question my orders, Joseph. You and Lang need to get back to the captain as soon as possible."

Lang: "But, what should we tell him, sir?"

Castleton: "Tell him that Sergeant Castleton...is taking an early retirement from the force."

Joseph: "You're retiring?! Why?!"

Castleton: "Due to unforeseen circumstances...the situation has changed... I need to go and face Alex...alone."

Joseph: "Are you out of your mind, Sergeant?! Alex is a madman! He's got an army of bikers under his wing!"

Lang: "The minute you set foot onto his territory, you'll get killed!"

Castleton: "What other choice do I have? If Alex and his gang kill all those children, they might not stop there. Once they're done with them, they'll probably terrorize, maybe even kill, every innocent person in Royal Woods and claim the whole town as their own. That is why I can't have you both at risk."

Joseph: "You can't be serious, sir!"

Castleton: "You two can still turn around and return to Royal Woods while you still can! Go tell Captain Palmer, Mayor Davis, Channel 3 News, ANYONE that their town could be facing another attack! The lives of countless people, children, and families are about to be in turmoil!"

Lang: "Sir, there has to be another way!"

[Castleton sighed.]

Castleton: "I'm sorry... But as of right now...you are both relieved from my command. Give my regards to the captain. Goodbye...and good luck."

[With that, Castleton sped off with T-Bone and Wes while Joseph and Lang looked at each other with dread. T-Bone looked back at the two officers before speaking to Castleton.]

T-Bone: "Sergeant Castleton... What's going on here?"

Wes: "Yeah, sir. Why are you doing this?"

Castleton: "I had no choice, Terrance... Alex has all the Louds and his own two children as hostages, and he's threatened to kill them unless I...do as he says."

[T-Bone was shocked at this revelation. He couldn't believe that his friend's grandchildren were now all trapped in Alex's grasp.]

Castleton: "And Wes... Alex wants your camera as well. I'm not entirely sure, but he says he's going to deliver a message to everyone in Royal Woods. Do you still have your equipment?"

[Wes sighed before he nodded.]

Wes: "It's all in the trunk."

T-Bone: "I really hope he's bluffing."

Castleton: "So do I, Terrance. But let's just face it... There's nothing we can do now... Alex might've already won."

T-Bone: "But... What's going to happen to me?"

Wes: "And me, for that matter?"

[Castleton sighed and said nothing. T-Bone had a very good idea of what he was thinking, but Wes was still confused. Castleton glanced over at the cameraman and spoke to him.]

Castleton: "You better hope that Alex and his gang are careful with your equipment, Wes."

T-Bone: "I know you're a good man, Castleton, but what would your father say if he were still around? I mean, you just gave away your only means of stopping that psycho. How are you going to face up to him now?"

Castleton: "I'm not sure if I can. I don't know how he did it, but Alex has found my weakness. He planned everything from the start and like an idiot, I played right into his hands."

[Castleton sighed again.]

Castleton: "It'll take a miracle to stop him at this point."

[Back with Joseph and Lang, the two officers started walking back to Royal Woods when they noticed dark storm clouds slowly rolling in the distance. The clouds were heading towards the area where Alex's hideout is presumably located.]

Lang: "Ray?"

Joseph: "Yeah, Drew?"

Lang: "You ever get the feeling that something REALLY BAD is going to happen?"

Joseph: "Judging by the fact that there's a storm on the horizon, I'd have to say...yes."

Lang: "And what about Sergeant Castleton? Do you think he's going to make it out of this alive?"

Joseph: "I can't say for sure, but... Whatever's going on with the sergeant, I know one thing... Everything is going to SHIT...and it's all...about...to get...REAL."

[And were the two officers ever right. A storm was indeed coming, and it was only going to get worse.]

Meanwhile, further down I-75...

[Katherine was still hitchhiking in the hope that someone would pick her up, but she was having no luck. As she kept walking up the highway, she began to reflect on her recent actions.]

Katherine: Why did you do that, Katherine? You're supposed to be chasing down fake news! Why did you have to end up creating it?! Now everyone's going to hate you for it, you stupid bitch! You hypocrite! God, I'm going to get fired for this!

[On the verge of tears, Katherine dropped to her knees and put her hands over her face. She had no help, no transportation, nothing to help her find Alex and his gang.]

Katherine: What could I possibly do to change all of this? Should I just give up and quit? Face up to everyone at the studio? How can I atone for everything I have done?

[Just then, Katherine heard a police siren coming from behind her. She turned around and saw a black van approaching in the distance followed by a police car. Upon closer inspection, she could see an older woman driving the van and a younger woman sitting beside her. At that moment, the woman driving the van spotted Katherine, and the reporter stood where she was, not daring to move a muscle. The van came to a complete stop in front of Katherine along with the police car following it. Two more women got out of the back of the van and walked over to Katherine while the ringleader and her partner got out of the front and did the same.]

Katrina: "Hey, you. You're that reporter from Channel 3 News, aren't you? Katherine Mulligan, right?"

[Katherine grabbed her left hand with her right arm as she continued to stare at the woman.]

Katherine: "Maybe... What's it to you?"

Katrina: "Well, what is a woman like you doing out here on I-75 all by yourself?"

Katherine: "And how is this any of your business? I've got a lead I need to get to! Not that you'd be interested."

Katrina: "C'mon, News girl. You can trust us. Why not tell us what's eating you?"

[Katherine pondered for a bit before she decided to tell the woman about her issue.]

Katherine: "Well if you must know, I'm going after this criminal named Alex Santiago, but-"

Katrina: "Woah now! Hold on a second! Did you say Alex Santiago?"

Katherine: "Yes! But then something bad happened, and now I've lost my entire crew. They all left me alone out here."

Katrina: "So you got dumped and deserted by a bunch of greedy men, huh? I know that feeling all too well."

[Katrina sighed as she thought back to a distant memory for a few seconds before coming back to reality.]

Katrina: "Anyway, don't you worry about it, Miss Mulligan. We'll help you get your lead...won't we, girls?"

[Katrina winked at the girls behind Katherine, who each gave her a thumbs up. Katherine looked at them with curiosity.]

Katherine: "You will?"

Katrina: "Of course we will! In fact, we're on the hunt for that son of a bitch as well! You see, we're a group of bounty hunters sent by the Detroit Police Department, and Alex Santiago is currently at the top of our list. We'll have a better chance at catching him if we all team up. Once we have him in our custody, we'll get the reward, and you'll get your news story, plus an exclusive interview with the big man himself, if you're lucky. Why, I think there'll even be a big, fat promotion with your name on it if all goes well. Case in point, you help us, we help you, and everybody wins! What do you say?"

[Katrina extended her hand to Katherine, and the reporter thought for a moment. Could these strange characters possibly help her out? Or maybe this was a trap? Either way, what this woman said sounded very promising, and if she can get an interview with Alex, she'd be bound to get some juicy info for her story, even if it might be her last. All she had to do was shake that woman's hand and seal the deal.]

Katherine: "Alright... Anything to put that Santiago crook in his place."

[And with that, Katherine took Katrina's hand and shook it.]

Katrina: "Great! I knew you'd see it our way!"

[At that moment, Katherine glanced past the two women and her eyes widened with shock when she saw Rita sitting in the back of the cop car. Katrina then pulled Katherine closer to her before menacingly looking her in the eyes.]

Katrina: "We hope you have a nice trip, Snoopy. Sweet dreams."

[Suddenly, Katherine was hit on the back of the head and collapsed into Katrina's arms. Almost immediately, two of the younger women put a burlap sack over the unconscious reporter's head and dragged her to the back of the van before throwing her in there with the other captives. Katrina and Kaity got back up front while Clara and Callie got in the back with the hostages.]

Katrina: "Alright, girls. Time to head back to El Jefe's. And baby, he's gonna be surprised when we bring him an unexpected guest!"

[And with that, the Panthers and their escort set off again as the sound of thunder rumbled in the dark, cloudy sky.]

---

Wow, this has to be the longest chapter I've done so far!

But anyway, it seems that everything's going to hell really fast! Now that Bobby, Ronnie Anne, Clyde, and nearly all the Louds have been captured, Alex now has an upper advantage against Castleton. With the R.W.P.D. scattered and the fates of the Loud and Santiago kids at risk, is all hope lost? Has Alex finally won his twisted game? Will Lucy be able to discover something about Alex's hideout? What about Deidre and Mr. Dupree? What could they possibly do to help? How is Clyde connected to Deidre? How will Castleton handle his possible defeat? What will await him and T-Bone? What does Alex have in mind for Koch? And what will become of Katherine? Brace yourselves, folks, for the end is near.

On a side note, what did you think of that little glimpse of Katrina's troubled past? I didn't want her to be too much of a one-note villain.

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Gamelover41592: Not sure if that counts.

wollyworld: Thanks.

Ellis97: Hopefully.

Geo Soul: Hopefully.

boygenius2020: It is, isn't it?

Mike The Red Engine: Thank you very much.

MoreABoutThomas: Not sure if we'll see Whitney or Moniqua again, but who knows?

DarthWill3: Yeah, I'm kind of a train guy myself.

Guest: Thank you.