Last time, things haven't gone so well for the Louds, Deidre, or Castleton's team. Alex has managed to shake Bobby and the remaining Loud kids off his tail, a group of Alex's henchwomen have kidnapped Clyde, Lynn Sr., and Lily, Castleton's former superior had orchestrated the capture of Rita, and now Alex has captured Bobby and nearly all the Louds, forcing Castleton to come to his hideout with Wes and T-Bone while leaving Joseph and Lang out on the highway. However, a disillusioned Koch has decided to change sides and help the Louds rescue Lori and Ronnie Anne, but he ends up getting captured as well. As for Katherine, her crew has left her behind and now she is at the mercy of Katrina and her girls. Luckily, Lucy has managed to evade Alex's capture and is hiding just outside of the hideout. Deidre has managed to nurse Mr. Grouse back to health before setting off to go after Alex and his goons. And it seems like Mr. Dupree plans on helping the Louds as well, but how will he do it?

Also, I would like to thank DukeyDukeyDoo and stanningjonarbuckle for helping me proofread this chapter.

And now, onto the next chapter.

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

Chapter 40: Inner Demons

Somewhere in Michigan, 1983...

[Riding down a road at night in a red third generation Corvette, an African-American girl with square-rimmed glasses and braces who was around eight years old sat in the back seat reading a book and moving her legs back and forth while an African-American boy who was around 12 years of age sat beside her. The person behind the wheel of the car was an African-American woman who was in her mid 30s as "Goodbye Stranger" by Supertramp played on the radio.]

Girl: "Auntie Michella? How much longer until we get there?"

Michella: "Just a few more miles, Dee-Dee. You and Beau-Beau need to be patient for a bit longer."

Beauregard: "Best listen to what Aunt Michella says, Dee."

[Deidre looked over at her brother for a brief moment but said nothing as she went back to her book.]

[Finally, they arrived at a campsite which was located near Lake Michigan. There were no other vehicles near the site, save for an RV which sat in the parking lot. As everyone set up near the lake, Michella left Beauregard and Deidre to finish setting things up alone. The two kids sat at a picnic table and Deidre was still reading her book.]

Beauregard: "Don't you ever get tired of that book, Dee?"

Deidre: "I can't really help that, Beau. I have to study for that test tomorrow."

[Beauregard rolled his eyes with a sigh and playfully tousled his sister's hair.]

Beauregard: "I swear, you are such a little nerd."

[Deidre let out a giggle before brushing her brother's hand off her head.]

Deidre: "Stop it, Beau."

Beauregard: "Can you blame your big bro Beau?"

[Deidre let out another laugh at the affectionate nickname.]

Deidre: "Not really."

"You kids having fun?"

[Beauregard and Deidre looked over to see that Michella had returned followed by two young women. One of them was a tan-skinned brunette who was around the age of 22 while the other was a Caucasian blonde who was around her late 30's.]

Deidre: "Who are these two, Aunt Michella?"

[As Michella sat across from the kids, the blonde then spoke in a Cockney British accent.]

Woman: "Close friends of your aunt, kid. Da name's Winnie, short for Winona. That cute number over there's Kat, short for Katrina."

[The other woman smiled and gave a playful wave at the two kids, much to the unease of Beau. Both women then sat beside Michella at the table before the British woman spoke again.]

Winona: "You kids notice that RV back there? Kat and I own it."

Beauregard: "You don't say?"

Michella: "Would you kids mind checking out the lake for a bit? I want to discuss some things with Winnie and Kat."

[Deidre and Beau looked at each other and shrugged before standing up and walking over to the lake. As they got there, the two kids sat on the grass as they looked at the lake, admiring its beauty in the clear night sky.]

Deidre: "Beau...?"

Beauregard: "Yes, Dee?"

Deidre: "What did you think of Aunt Michella's friends?"

[Beau thought for a moment before giving his sister the answer.]

Beauregard: "I'm...not really sure, to be honest. That woman with the British accent kind of gives me the creeps. And that younger one...the way she smiled and waved at us...she seemed a bit too cheery."

Deidre: "What do you mean?"

Beauregard: "I mean, I don't really feel comfortable around those two... You know? We don't know them very well."

Deidre: "Maybe you're being paranoid, Beau? I mean, they know our aunt, so maybe we could get to know more about them?"

Beauregard: "I guess I am... You know I'm only looking out for my favorite sister."

Deidre: "Yeah... I'm your only sister, you know?"

[Beau let out a chuckle as he pulled Deidre closer to him.]

Beauregard: "Well, all the more reason to ensure your safety. Your life is just too valuable to me and dad."

[Beau gave his sister a kiss on the forehead, making the girl smile.]

Beauregard: "But as long as we have each other, there's nothing in this world that can tear us apart."

[Suddenly, both kids felt a hand grab their shoulders and turned their heads to find themselves surrounded by Michella and her friends.]

Michella: "Your sister's right, Beau. You probably should get to know my friends a bit better. Now, I have you both exactly where I need you."

Deidre: "What?"

[Suddenly, Deidre was pinned down to the ground by Michella. Beau tried to run to her before he was grabbed and held down by the other two women.]

Beauregard: "What the hell, Aunt Michella?!"

Winona: "You little buggers are really dense, aren't you? Didn't your mum ever teach you not to swear before kissing 'er?"

Michella: "We just had to wait for the right moment to get you, and here it is now. And let me tell you, Beau-Beau, you are so cute, you'll look good as our new pet."

[Beau's eyes widened at what the woman just said.]

Katrina: "What about the girl, Miss Michella?"

[Michella reached into her jacket and pulled out a snub-nosed revolver before spinning the chamber.]

Michella: "Let me deal with her, girls. And make Beau watch."

[Deidre gasped and started to shake with fear at the woman who acted as her aunt, who hovered over her like a vulture preying over the dead as she aimed the gun at the girl's head. Beau was also afraid but seeing the fearful look in his sister's eyes made him more determined to protect her. He wasn't going to let those people take the poor girl's life like that, not on his watch. So, he managed to break from his captives' grasp and charged into Michella, causing her to misfire at the boy's knee. Beau moaned in pain for a bit before yelling at his sister.]

Beauregard: "Run for it, Dee! Save yourself!"

[Deidre quickly got back on her feet and ran as fast as she could into the woods as Michella stood up and looked at Winnie and Kat before shoving the injured Beau over to them.]

Michella: "Deal with Beau and put him in the RV, girls! I'm not letting Dee get away!"

[And with that, Michella ran into the woods after Deidre, leaving Beauregard at the mercy of her colleagues.]

[Deidre ran as fast as she could through the woods as Michella was hot on her tail with her gun in hand.]

Michella: "Where do you think you're going, Dee?! Your auntie just wants to talk to you!"

Deidre: "Leave me alone! You're not my aunt!"

[Finally, after running for what seemed like an eternity, Deidre found herself cornered at a tree as Michella aimed her gun at the young girl, ready to shoot her.]

Michella: "You are so gullible, Dee. You keep your face in your pathetic books and people will take advantage of you."

[Deidre started tearing up as she sat against the tree.]

Deidre: "Please... Don't kill me. I want to see my brother again."

Michella: "And you will, my sweet Dee-Dee. And I'm going to make sure that you do... Trust me."

[Michella removed the safety from her gun as she smirked at Deidre.]

Michella: "You'll be the first thing that Beau sees...right on the other side."

[Michella chuckled as Deidre closed her teary eyes, waiting for it all to be over. Just then, they both heard a growl and Michella turned to the source with confusion, only to get pounced on and attacked by a bear. As the blood curdling screams and crying of Michella filled the air, Deidre got up and started running back to the campsite as quickly as possible before the bear could try and devour her as well. But the bear was too busy with its current prey to take notice of the younger girl.]

[When she was far enough, Deidre made her way back to the campsite to see if her brother was alright. When she got there, however, there was no sign of Beau or Michella's two acquaintances anywhere. The RV was also nowhere to be seen, giving Deidre the impression that they've already taken off with the poor boy. Distraught and exhausted, Deidre sat at the picnic table and laid her head on it as she started to cry. The fact that she lost her own brother to this woman who acted like an aunt to them, even if that woman wasn't biologically related to them in any way, was both traumatizing and heartbreaking to the poor girl.]

Deidre: "Beau..."

[Poor Deidre was all alone in the middle of the deserted campground with nobody to take her home. She couldn't just walk all the way back to her house due to it being a long way away and the fact that some other stranger might potentially abduct her on the side of the road and hurt her in some way. All she could do now was wait until her father or the police found her as she continued to weep over her lost brother. She had no idea where Beau was, if he was still okay, or what she was going to do without him going forward.]

Present day...

[Deidre had tears in her eyes as she was still behind the wheel of Mr. Grouse's station wagon, speeding along Interstate 75 in an effort to get to Alex's hideout. She had little time to get there, and she needed to hurry.]

Deidre: "Hang in there, Rita! I'm comin'! This cannot happen again! It just can't! I have to hurry before it's too late! I promised you that much!"

"DID you promise her so much, Dee? Or are you promising yourself?"

[Deidre's eyes widened as she looked over to the passenger seat to see a figure that looked similar to herself sitting there. The figure was resting her legs on the dashboard as she looked at her fingernails.]

Deidre: "Vee?! What are you doing here?!"

Vee: "What? I'd thought I'd come along for the ride."

[Deidre wiped her eyes as she focused on the road ahead, not wanting to deal with whatever this figure was asking her.]

Vee: "I'll ask again: Did you promise Rita so much, or are you promising yourself?"

Deidre: "What the hell kind of question is that?"

Vee: "A pretty legit one, from my point of view. Are you ever going to tell her about your...problems? How much you've left back in Detroit?"

Deidre: "I don't have time for your cryptic questions! I've got some kids that need saving!"

Vee: "Very well then, old friend. I guess I'll leave you to it for now. But don't forget who's been with you ever since...your brother disappeared."

[Feeling triggered after hearing about her brother, Deidre looked back at the passenger seat to yell at the figure...only to see an empty seat. Vee had disappeared, and all Deidre could do was bang her fist on the steering wheel as she started tearing up again.]

Deidre: "Stupid mind games!"

[Deidre wiped the tears off her face as she continued on to the hideout, determined to save Rita and the rest of her family.]

Meanwhile...

[Bobby slowly opened his eyes to find himself in a dark basement with his hands chained behind his back. He looked around and saw most of the Loud kids tied up...the only one absent being Lucy. There was also an empty bird cage hanging from the ceiling. There was clearly no doubt about it now, Bobby, Ronnie Anne, and nearly the entire Loud Family were underneath Alex's hideout.]

Lisa: "I knew we should've planned ahead."

Lynn: "Hey, you were the one with the tracking gizmo, you creep!"

Lisa: "You know, I don't seem to recall hearing you complain at that particular time!"

Lincoln: "Will you guys stop arguing? They could come back down here and start hurting us!"

[As the Louds argued, Bobby noticed Ronnie Anne tied up next to him.]

Bobby: "Nie-nie!"

[Ronnie Anne looked at her brother with an expression of disdain.]

Ronnie Anne: "Was this your genius plan, Bobby? Driving everyone else towards Alex's location?"

Lynn: "Uh, hello?! We came here to save you and Lori!"

Luan: "And we were just about to, but now it looks like all of our hands are tied."

[Luan laughed whilst everyone else groaned.]

Luan: "Get it?"

Ronnie Anne: "Really, Luan? This isn't the time for jokes!"

Luan: "Well, excuse me! I can't help that I'm liable to CRACK under pressure!"

[Luan laughed again, once again making everyone groan.]

Luan: "Get it?"

Lynn: "Luan, if we don't make it out of this, could you do me a favor and tell Bobby's dad to kill me first? I'd appreciate it."

[As Ronnie Anne and the Loud sisters continued to argue with one another, Bobby saw Lori chained to the wall on the other side of the basement with a gag over her mouth as she stood on her knees.]

Bobby: "Lori!"

[Lori looked at Bobby with tear-streaked and mascara-stained eyes, some of them staining the gag. She could only let out a muffled yet tearful reply. Bobby couldn't tell what she was saying, but he knew it sounded dire.]

Bobby: "It's going to be okay, Babe! We'll get out of this! We'll all be safe soon!"

[At that moment, the door to the basement opened and Alex slowly marched down the steps aided by two male bikers.]

Alex: "Rise and shine, ninos! Especially you, Junior."

[The two bikers laughed with Alex. Bobby simply looked up at his father with venom while Ronnie Anne did the same.]

Bobby: "Why...?"

Alex: "Once again, you try to play the hero, but look at where it has gotten you. All you did was drag all of these kids along and brought them straight back to me! Some hero you are. I have nearly all of the Loud Familia within my grasp, and my revenge is almost complete... All thanks to you, hijo..."

[Bobby kept staring at his estranged father as the big man chuckled again.]

Alex: "I don't know how you managed to keep up with me, Junior, but it has been a great benefit."

[Lisa struggled against her restraints as she glared at Alex.]

Lisa: "Oh, you brutish, self-centered, bad-tempered, refuse of a homo sapien!"

Lynn: "You better untie me this second so we can settle this here and now!"

Alex: "You think you kids can take me on? There are about twenty of my guys and gals in this building, and they think I'm their messiah, the savior of the poor and downtrodden. I can rid this town of sin and hypocrisy and bring something greater than the current people can!"

Lisa: "So what are you? The second coming of Benito Mussolini?"

Alex: "Eh... I wouldn't say that."

Luan: "Then I guess your title would be Il Douche!"

[Luan laughed, much to the annoyance of the other captives and the ire of Alex.]

Alex: "Oh, you like jokes, don't you?!"

[Alex then grabbed onto Luan's head with both hands before staring into her soul.]

Alex: "One more fuckin' crack out of you, buck-brace, and I will CRACK your fuckin' skull open! Ha! How's that for a fuckin' joke, you coño?!"

[Luan gulped. Lynn looked over at her older sister and began to worry for her, even though she was trying her best to hide it. She wasn't all too keen on Luan's jokes, but she'd never have thoughts about killing her in any way.]

Alex: "Anyone want to object to this? Huh?"

Luna: "So, is this your destiny? To be the king of pain?"

Alex: "Say that again and I just might prove it to you, you punk rock puta."

[At that moment, they heard knocking on the basement door upstairs before it opened, revealing Rosato.]

Rosato: "Oh, Jefe, our guest of honor has arrived! You better come upstairs and make your presence known!"

Alex: "Ahhhhhh... Bueno! And not a momento too soon. Tell him to give me a few seconds and I'll be right upstairs to properly greet him."

Rosato: "No problem, Boss."

[Alex smirked before ascending up the stairs to welcome his nemesis. Once he arrived, he saw Castleton at the porch with a look of defeat as he held a video camera in his hands while a still-handcuffed T-Bone stood right beside him glaring daggers at his captor and Wes shook as he was restrained by two bikers on the porch. Alex walked over to Castleton before taking the camera from him.]

Alex: "Well, well, well... Ian Castleton...former sergeant of the Royal Woods Police Department... It is so nice to see you again."

[Alex aimed the camera at Castleton as the police sergeant glared at him.]

Alex: "Got anything you'd like to say?"

Castleton: "Where are the children, you bastard?"

Alex: "Oh, they are just fine. Muy bien. But if you want it to stay that way...I think it's about time you paid an old friend a visit."

[Castleton looked away to think for a moment before looking back at Alex.]

Castleton: "Where is Koch? I want to see him."

Alex: "Well, look who's eager to visit. And to answer your question, Rosato here will show you the way."

[Rosato walked right next to Castleton and put his right arm around him.]

Rosato: "Come with me, Mr. Castleton. I think you'll find your former associate on that hill across the river. But first, we've got some business to discuss on the way."

[With little choice, Castleton allowed the corrupt lawyer to guide him toward the back door while Alex kept the camera focused on them. Castleton gave Alex one last look of disgust as he was out the door.]

[Alex then aimed the camera at T-Bone, who continued to glare at the big man.]

Alex: "As for you, Bonneville. Oh yes... You thought you could take down the mighty El Jefe just like that? Heh! You must have a lot of shit lodged up in your head to think of such an idea."

[Alex pointed at his own head to emphasize his point as T-Bone seethed at him.]

T-Bone: "You set me up, Alex! You killed Rodd and you framed me for it!"

[Alex rolled his eyes with a scoff.]

Alex: "I didn't kill Rodd, amigo. Somebody else did."

T-Bone: "Yeah! Somebody that YOU ordered to carry out your deed! YOU gave the order to kill my good friend and forced me to take the fall for it! YOU...FRAMED ME!"

Alex: "Be that as it may, but it's too late for you to do anything about it! That traitor Rodd is already gone and you'll be joining him real soon!"

[Alex then looked over at two of his foot soldiers and gave another order.]

Alex: "You boys take this piece of shit upstairs. And make sure you get ready to fix his brain."

T-Bone: "This is just like you, Santiago! Always lying through your teeth just to avoid judgment, you dirty goddamn snake in the grass!"

[The two bikers dragged T-Bone to the second floor as another one looked at Alex.]

Biker: "What about the cameraman? He could be an issue."

Alex: "Take him to the barn. We'll deal with him very soon."

[The two bikers on the porch dragged Wes over to the barn while Alex went back down the stairs to check on his hostages as he held Castleton's camera in his hands.]

Alex: "Sorry about that, kids. Had to go greet a couple of old amigos. One of them was nice enough to lend me his camera."

[Alex then showed everyone the camera.]

Luan: "You're not going to film us, are you?"

Lola: "I don't want to be a star! Not in a snuff film!"

Alex: "All in good time, niños. We're just missing four more volunteers. Speaking of which..."

[Alex took his phone out of his pocket and dialed a number before putting the phone to his ear as his prisoners watched with anticipation and fear.]

Meanwhile, on I-75...

[Rita sat in the back of the cruiser with her hands cuffed behind her back as one of the officers sat beside her while his partner drove. The officer was also holding Rita's phone in his hand.]

Rita: "Can't you guys even think about what you're doing here?"

Officer: "We have our orders, Mrs. Loud."

[Just then, the officer next to Rita got a call on the phone before answering it.]

Officer: "Hello? Uh-huh? Yes... Yes, she's right here."

[The officer put the caller on hold as he stared at Rita.]

Officer: "It's for you, ma'am."

[The officer showed Rita the phone and put it on speaker. The familiar gravelly Hispanic accent spoke on the other end.]

Alex: "Hola, Madre Loud."

Rita: "What do you want, you bastard? Haven't you and your goons done enough to my family?"

Alex: "Please, Loud. You are looking for your familia, are you not? Well, I think I can help you with that. In fact, they're all safe with me downstairs."

Rita: "Let go of them right now, you TWISTED MOTHERFUCKER!"

Alex: "Oh, my dear Rita, you are in no position to start making demands, and neither is that weak-minded Castleton or his chickenshit Capitan. I know damn well what makes them both heel like the helpless hounds that they are!"

Rita: "I don't know what you're planning to do, but you better hope that all my children are alright when I get there. Because if I hear that they're not..."

Alex: "C'mon, mama. Relax... I will keep my cool if they start misbehaving. I'm even going to spare your muchacho from what I am planning. You have my word on that. Buenos días, senorita, and I will be seeing you very shortly."

[And with that, Alex hung up. Rita's expression did not change as she glared at the officer beside her.]

Rita: "When your chief finds out about what you've done, he's going to have a lot to say about it."

Officer: "He's probably got too much on his plate at the moment."

[At that moment, Rita thought back to Katherine and how she saw her get dragged into the van by Katrina and her henchwomen. Rita didn't know whether to gloat at Katherine's misfortune or pity her, for all her thoughts were focused on her family and the two Santiago kids.]

Rita: "What does your captain have to gain from helping that asshole? What does he want with the McBrides? And what did he mean when he said that family comes first?"

Officer: "The captain has no personal grudge against you, ma'am. He's only trying to help his family...just like you are."

[At that moment, Rita noticed two officers on the side of the road waving at them. However, the officer driving the car simply shot past them. Rita wasn't sure, but she thought they looked familiar.]

Rita: "Hey, weren't those Castleton's officers?"

Officer: "Sorry, lady. They're not our top priority right now. We should be close to the campsite in a matter of minutes."

[Rita said no more as the patrol car continued following the van to the hideout.]

Back at Alex's hideout...

[Alex began filming the hostages in the basement, taping their expressions of worry, anger, fear, sadness, or a few mixes. One of the bikers was holding the camera while Alex prepared himself for his viewing audience. He thought he'd get a head start while waiting for the rest of the hostages to arrive.]

Camera Biker: "Okay, El Jefe, you ready?"

Alex: "Oh, sí... Finally, the time has come at last! In just a matter of hours, the people of Royal Woods will feel my wrath! And then I, Roberto Santiago, Sr., will reign supreme as leader of the whole enchilada of town! Now let's get this show on the road!"

Camera Biker: "Then we are live in 3... 2..."

[The biker with the camera held up one finger before pointing at his boss, signaling that they were now on the air. Alex then looked at the camera and put on a big, sleazy smile like he used to do for his Santiago Superbikes commercials.]

Alex: "Hey! What's up, amigos? This is the great El Jefe speaking. As you may or may not be aware, the old host, Sergeant Ian Castleton, is taking an early retirement from the R.W.P.D. and this very program, so he's decided to give me creative control over the whole show. I have many things to share with you all, but first, let us get to know some familiar faces, eh? Here, we have my own bastard children and their degenerate friends, the wretched Loud Hermanos, and they have a few things to say to you all. Would you care to go first...Loraine?"

[Alex turned the camera to Lori and removed the gag from her mouth, allowing her to speak in a shaky voice.]

Lori: "Someone help... Please... Don't let him kill us..."

[The moment he put the gag back over Lori's mouth, Alex heard the basement door opening followed by a feminine voice.]

"We're here, Jefe! And we've brought you some guests!"

Alex: "Exelente! Bring them down here, chiquitas, so we can all savor this small but sweet familia reunion."

[The other biker focused the camera on a group of four women who entered the basement with three more hostages. Two of the women had Lynn Sr. by his arms, the third one dragged Clyde by the back collar of his shirt, and the fourth held Lily by her shorts, who was struggling to break free from her captor's grip while flailing her arms around like mad.]

Lincoln: "Clyde!"

Bobby: "Mr. Loud!"

The Loud Sisters: "Lily!"

[Alex turned to the women with a look of satisfaction.]

Alex: "Good work, amigas. That's a few more troublemakers ready for the main event."

[The two women threw the patriarch of the Louds to the floor. Alex looked down at the man with a sadistic smirk on his face whilst the other biker aimed the camera at him.]

Alex: "Well, well, well, amigos! What have we here? Doesn't this look kind of familiar?"

Lynn Sr.: "Mr. Santiago... Please... Not my kids... We haven't done anything wrong."

Alex: "Oh yeah... This is exactly how I looked when you took my kids away...right before you drove me out of town... I swore I'd get even with you back then...didn't I?"

[Alex then gave Lynn Sr. a swift kick to the head, knocking him out. The Loud and Santiago kids were horrified at this as was Clyde.]

Lola: "Daddy!"

Alex: "Well, now you know how I felt, amigo!"

[Alex laughed at that as Lily started crying over her unconscious father.]

Katrina: "What shall we do with this little brat, El Jefe?"

Alex: "I have a spare cage ready and waiting over there. I think you know damn well what to do with her."

[Alex pointed his thumb at the cage that was still hanging from the ceiling.]

Katrina: "You heard him, Kaity! Lock her up!"

[Ignoring the protests of the Loud and Santiago kids, Kaity carried the crying tot over to the cage. She opened the door and tried to put Lily in the cage, but the toddler was putting up quite a struggle to not be pushed in.]

Lily: "No! Nononononono! Don't wanna!"

Kaity: "She's not going in, boss! This kid's being really resistant!"

Callie: "Oh! Lemme take care of it, Kait! I know just how to handle something like her!"

[Callie snatched Lily and tucked her under her left arm before giving the two-year-old's bottom a few hard smacks with the back of her right hand, much to the horror of the other captives...and to the satisfaction of Alex and Katrina as the camera biker kept the camera aimed at Lily. The sounds of Lily's pained crying were too much for Lincoln, Clyde, Bobby, Ronnie Anne, or any of the Loud sisters to bear as they watched. To Bobby, seeing such a display reminded him of what his father did to Ronnie Anne when she was two... Something that Ronnie Anne herself would rather forget as well.]

[Once Lily was forced into submission, Callie put her in the cage and allowed Kaity to lock it in place with a key that was part of a ring. After turning the key in the keyhole, Kaity took it out and looked at the whimpering toddler with an unsurprised look as she rolled the ring with her finger.]

[As Kaity turned around, she noticed the Loud and Santiago siblings staring at Callie with tears in their eyes over how cruel she was being to a toddler. Lori was crying the most as she let her hormones get the better of her. The eldest Loud's cries were muffled because of the gag over her mouth. But neither Kaity nor Callie cared as their boss was smiling with approval. Kaity turned back to Katrina before tossing the keys over to her.]

Katrina: "Nice work, Kaity. You've done me proud. And you too, Callie. That is some strong hand you've got there."

Callie: "Don't mention it, boss..."

Alex: "Couldn't agree more."

[The ringleader then slowly began to slide the keys inside her left jacket pocket, slowly tucking them deep inside. With the keys tucked away, Katrina chortled as she patted her pocket.]

Alex: "By the way, Katrina, I'll need those keys back when you've done your job."

Katrina: "No worries, Jefe. We'll bring 'em back along with the Loud Mother. Can't have your grand finale without her."

Alex: "Fair enough. Just don't forget to give Palmer's boys their dues when they arrive."

[Leni's tear-streaked eyes were filled with hurt and anger over Callie's cruelty towards Lily.]

Leni: "O-M-GOD! What is the matter with you people?! Harming an innocent baby like that?! Have you got, like, no heart?!"

Luan: "That has got to be the most backhanded thing I've ever seen, and I'm not joking this time!"

Lisa: "Savages! All of you are shameless savages!"

Luna: "You bad boys! Bad boys! Whatcha gonna do?! Huh?!"

Alex: "What we're gonna do is a lot...to you. But that time will come soon enough. In the meantime, I'll just leave those two boys to Katrina and her girls here. As of now, they're no longer my concern. So, I hope you're ready to say adios, because this white-haired hermano will be spared from your castigo."

[Alex looked at Katrina and spoke to her as the camera biker was still filming.]

Alex: "They're all yours, girls, as promised. Whatever you are planning to do, make sure that they suffer...muy grande."

Katrina: "With pleasure, El Jefe. And gracias, as you'd say."

[Katrina then looked down at Lincoln with an expression of seduction and hunger in her eyes as she slowly rubbed her fingers through the boy's hair. Lincoln had been crying ever since he was forced to watch his youngest sister getting harmed.]

Lincoln: "Why...? Why would you do this to her? She's only a toddler."

Katrina: "Aw... Don't cry, sweetie. You have the chance to say goodbye to your family. Because after today..."

[Katrina bent down, cupped her hands on Lincoln's cheeks and looked directly into his tear-stricken eyes. Lincoln continued to cry as Katrina finished her sentence in a deep, low, sultry voice...]

Katrina: "This is the last time you will EVER...see them...or your friends again...apart from that four-eyed beaver, of course."

[Katrina started to chuckle cruelly as she squeezed Lincoln's cheeks, which was so hard that they started to hurt. Lincoln then pleaded to Katrina through his tears.]

Lincoln: "Please...I... I don't want to go... I don't want to leave my family..."

Katrina: "Don't worry... You still have someone to keep you company on the journey. Okay, girls, we're done here. Kaity, help me take this cute, little whitey outside. Callie and Clara, you both handle four-eyes. We're heading out... Right now!"

[Katrina laughed maliciously before she and Kaity took Lincoln by the arms and dragged him up the stairs while Callie and Clara took Clyde in the same fashion.]

Lincoln: "NO! NO! NO! LET ME GO!"

Clyde: "PLEASE! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO US!"

Kaity: "Oh, don't struggle so much, boys!"

Clara: "Yeah! We're gonna have...lots of fun."

Callie: "Just try not to lose your heads over this!"

[And with that, Callie laughed at her own words as she and the other girls dragged Lincoln and Clyde out of the basement, much to the protests of the Loud Sisters and Ronnie Anne.]

Luna: "Don't you dare hurt our brother!"

Ronnie Anne: "You sick bitches!"

Lisa: "Let them go, you heathens!"

Lynn: "LEMME AT 'EM! I'LL TEAR THEM ALL APART! C'MON!"

Leni: "You're not going to hurt them, like, are you?!"

Alex: "What they're going to do to them is their business. But they'll be back with mami soon enough."

Leni: "What?! You got our mom, too?! That is, like, so mean!"

[Alex looked down at his son and held his chin while the other biker aimed the camera at him.]

Alex: "See all the damage you caused with your choices, mijo? You go and fool around with some self-centered puta and you've ruined the life you once had in the process. You abandoned me and your madre just for your own delusions of grandeur and you dragged your own hermana into it as well."

Bobby: "Stop it! We've never abandoned you! You abandoned us!"

Alex: "Oh, would you stop spouting such bullshit, Junior? By the way, I bet you'll be muy happy when that four-eyed kid finally gets it."

Bobby: "What are you talking about?"

Alex: "You are aware of the fact that he hates your guts? The fact that he has the hots for that blonde? And how he's been fawning over her like a pathetic little simp?"

Bobby: "Whatever feelings Clyde had for Lori are all in the past now! He's moved on since then!"

[Alex scoffed.]

Alex: "I highly doubt it. Fortunately, he shouldn't be a problem for long. Not when Katrina and her girls do him and that white-haired rato in."

[Alex let out a small chuckle as his captives continued to worry. And at that moment, Lola was starting to let her emotions get the better of her.]

Lola: "I didn't ask to be a part of this stupid rescue mission! I just wanted to practice my pageant routine!"

Lana: "Lola, will you calm down?"

Lola: "But it's not fair! Why did Bobby and Ronnie Anne have to drag us into this mess?! What about our dear sweet brother and Clyde?!"

[Alex growled and covered his ears to drown out Lola's outburst. However, Alex was so fed up that he punched the wall next to Lola, making the girl stop.]

Alex: "Will you just SHUT THE FUCK UP! CÁLLATE! Your squealing is getting on my fuckin' nerves, you little pig! Looks like you're going to have to be fixed for it!"

[Lola's eyes widened with fright when she heard what Alex had just said.]

Lola: "WHAT?! Oh no! Please! I'll keep my mouth shut now! I promise! Just don't hurt me! Please!"

[Alex rolled his eyes before giving two of his henchmen the order.]

Alex: "Drayson! Salyer! Untie the little cunt and take her to the barn! She needs to be taught a little lesson."

[And with that, the two men undid Lola's restraints and grabbed the trembling girl by the arms before dragging her up the stairs. Her sisters protested against this act as the young pageant queen was out the door before it was shut. Lana then looked at Alex before staring daggers up at him.]

Lana: "What do you think you're doing with my twin?! If you hurt her in any way, so help me-!"

[Alex looked down at the blonde tomboy before swiping her cap off her head.]

Alex: "She's going to find out what happens when you fuck El Jefe, and there's not a damn thing anyone can do about it. So, keep your mouth shut unless you want to join her."

[Lana started tearing up again, unable to do anything to help her polar opposite from whatever fate she was going to be subjected to. Feeling a twinge of responsibility over everything that just transpired, Bobby drooped his head down, feeling rather helpless.]

Alex: "Oh, quit taking it so hard! She'll be back with you once she's been dealt with! And when you're all here, you better say your prayers, because what I have planned for you will be the ultimate showstopper. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to address my terms with the mayor and her peasants."

[After dropping Lana's cap in front of her, Alex marched back up the stairs and out of the basement before slamming the door shut.]

Meanwhile, on I-75...

[Joseph and Lang continued walking down the highway, hoping for somebody to pick them up and take them back to town.]

Joseph: "Damn it! Why did that asshole have to leave us here?!"

Lang: "Hey, Ray! Go easy on the Sergeant. I'm sure he had his reasons."

[Joseph put her hands on her hips and sighed as she looked down at the ground.]

Joseph: "I'm sorry, Drew, it's just... My family's probably wondering where I am right about now. I don't mean anything by what I said."

[Lang reassuringly put his hand on Joseph's shoulder.]

Lang: "I know what you mean. My grandparents must be worried sick about me as well. Still, I'm sure somebody will pick us up soon. Just...maybe try not to lose faith in Castleton just yet. Be strong for your husband and kids."

[Joseph looked down at the ground. She knew her partner was trying to help, but she was still having doubts on whether someone would find them, or if her superior was going to survive his encounter with Alex.]

[At that moment, a station wagon stopped right beside the two officers. Deidre turned her head to Joseph and Lang and called out to them.]

Deidre: "Get in! Both of you!"

[Without question, the two officers got in the back seats in less than 10 seconds before Deidre sped off in the same direction, much to Joseph and Lang's confusion.]

Joseph: "What's going on, Hayes? We have to get back to Captain Palmer, ASAP!"

[Deidre scoffed in response.]

Deidre: "Like that's gonna do any good! That son of a bitch has been working with Alex throughout this whole thing!"

[Joseph and Lang's eyes widened in shock upon hearing this revelation.]

Lang: "What?! T-T-That's insane! Why would he? I-I-I mean, that doesn't make any sense!"

Deidre: "I'm kinda asking those questions myself. But I managed to inform the D.P.D. about this, so hopefully they'll have some questions for him...if they're able to catch the son of a bitch. Also, you two happen to know where Castleton is?"

Lang: "He's heading straight to Santiago's hideout with Wes and Bonneville. He even gave us his revolver and badge before he left."

[Joseph showed Deidre the badge and gun before speaking.]

Joseph: "He said he was quittin' the force in order to save those hostages...but I'm not so sure what's going on now."

Deidre: "Castleton should've just kept that gun with him. If there's one thing I know about Alex Santiago, it's that he's not going to go easy on Castleton the moment he faces him."

Joseph: "Oh man... No wonder Castleton wanted to leave us. I'll bet that motherfucker Santiago blackmailed Castleton into facing him without us. Does he even know about Palmer?"

Deidre: "I don't think so. But I also found out that Alex sent some of his henchwomen to kidnap the McBrides' son as well."

Lang: "The Pussy Panthers?"

[Deidre shuddered as she heard that name.]

Deidre: "That's them, all right... Goddamn cat-mask-sporting sickos came and nabbed him right in front of my eyes! They even took the Loud Parents and their youngest daughter!"

Lang: "But why is Santiago so hell-bent on kidnapping all those innocent kids and their parents in the first place? I mean, what is he hoping to gain from all of it?"

Joseph: "I'm not entirely sure, but I'm willin' to bet he found out about Castleton's weakness: His soft spot for families. And by using that knowledge, Santiago practically set up the whole kidnap scheme just to lead the sergeant straight to him."

Deidre: "Exactly! And now that the R.W.P.D. is being scattered all over town, no thanks to Palmer, Santiago won't have anyone going after him when he enacts the next phase of his plan!"

Lang: "Next phase? Hayes, how do you know all of this?"

Deidre: "Why'd you think I infiltrated Alex's band of rogues? I practically heard much, if not all of that wannabe messiah's whole crockpot scheme. He wants to take over Royal Woods so he can call all the shots! At least that's what he wants everyone to think! He mainly wants his own kids and the Louds! But if he's really considering it, he and his whole army will launch their second attack on the town unless the mayor gives him total control!"

Lang: "So the attack on downtown was only the beginning?"

Deidre: "Yes! But the moment Alex and his goons are done with their captives, the suburban areas will be their next target!"

Joseph: "Well, if that's his master plan, then... What about Koch? The sergeant told us he was working for Santiago."

Deidre: "I'm not sure, but I've got a feeling that Alex is setting him up to be disposed of. That son of a bitch must know the truth about Petrovsky by now. But as for Alex himself, I know he's going to put on a spectacle to show the people of Royal Woods that he's man enough to run the entire town through force! And I fear that the big finish will involve the deaths of the whole Loud Family and his own two kids! As well as that of Sergeant Castleton."

[Joseph and Lang's eyes widened at the whole thing.]

Joseph: "Sweet Jesus! Castleton and the others are in danger!"

Lang: "Oh god! We have to hurry and rescue them! And everyone else too!"

Joseph: "Lang's right, Hayes! If what you said is true, then that crazy S.O.B. might be planning on killing them all before nightfall if we don't get there in time!"

Deidre: "You read me like a dog, Joseph! Lord only knows what Alex and his goons are going to do with them...especially the McBrides' child. I can't afford to lose him again! Not after the last time..."

[Deidre sped onwards to Alex's hideout, knowing that not only the Louds, Santiagos, and Clyde were in danger, but possibly the entire town as well. And as she kept her focus on the road ahead, she thought about Clyde. She had plenty of fears of what might happen to that boy, especially when Katrina and her girls are involved, and she was not about to let any of that happen to him.]

Outside of Alex's hideout...

[As the rain started to pour, Katrina and her girls took Lincoln and Clyde to the back of the van and Katrina opened the doors before the other three women threw the boys into the back where Katherine Mulligan was gagged and tied up.]

Katrina: "There you go. Now, you two be good little boys and sit tight, because we're expecting another witness here very soon."

[And with that, Katrina shut the doors, trapping the boys inside. Lincoln looked over and saw Katherine with her hands tied behind her back.]

Lincoln: "Miss Mulligan?"

[Katherine looked away from the boys with embarrassment.]

Katherine: Well...this is awkward.

Clyde: "Why did I have to get involved in this?"

Lincoln: "It'll be okay, Clyde. Just try to stay calm. I'm sure help is on the way."

[Just then, Katherine and the boys heard a siren approaching them.]

Clyde: "Is that the authorities? Oh, thank goodness! We're saved!"

[The siren got closer and closer until it stopped right outside the back of the van. The boys then heard a few doors open before they closed. Finally, a bunch of footsteps approached the van's back doors and they opened.]

[However, Lincoln, Clyde, and Katherine's hopes were dashed as they saw two police officers with a handcuffed Rita.]

Lincoln: "Mom?!"

Clyde: "Mrs. Loud?!"

Katherine: "Mmm...mmm..."

[When Katrina opened the doors, the two officers were confused upon seeing Clyde before one of them spoke to Katrina.]

Officer 1: "What the hell is this? I thought O'Clooney and his boys were taking that McBride boy to Captain Palmer?"

Katrina: "Well, it seems that Palmer wanted to nudge El Jefe's agreement by trying to get the boy out of town. So, we've decided to have him join us for our little...demonstration."

Officer 2: "What sort of demonstration?"

Katrina: "Something that does NOT concern either of you pigs. However, El Jefe has told us to relay a message to you boys in blue..."

Officer 1: "And that is...?"

[Katrina then reached into her jacket and pulled out her gun, which was a Desert Eagle with an extended barrel, before cocking it.]

Katrina: "Thanks for the delivery, boys! Now here's your tip!"

[And just like that, Katrina aimed the gun at the first officer's head and pulled the trigger, blowing his brains out. Lincoln and Clyde looked away in fear while Katherine looked on in shock before muffling.]

[The other officer was horrified at the sight as was Rita. But before he had time to reach for his gun, Katrina turned her own weapon at the officer and shot him in the heart.]

Katrina: "You boys have been a real help, but we can't have you telling anybody about this, can we?"

[As the second officer's lifeless body fell backwards to the ground, Katrina's cohorts grabbed Rita and threw her into the back of the van before they themselves joined them. Katrina then got in the driver's seat and started the van before driving down the dirt path.]

Lincoln: "What are you going to do to us?"

Clyde: "Lincoln, I'm scared."

Rita: "Boys, it's going to be okay. We're going to get out of this."

Callie: "I wouldn't get your hopes up, you whore."

Clara: "Yeah... And as for you, Newsy. You wanted a big scoop? Well, you're gonna get one hell of a scoop."

[Finally, they stopped just next to the main road and Katrina got out of the van before heading to the back again and opening the doors.]

Katrina: "Alright, girls! We now have our 66th and 67th toys in our possession."

[Katrina hopped into the back of the van and closed the doors.]

Katrina: "And since Yuri couldn't be here, we're gonna have these boys all to ourselves... And you two gals are gonna watch all of it."

[Katrina and Kaity held Rita and Katherine down as the other two girls started to hold down the two minors. Katrina also took the gag off of Katherine's mouth, allowing the reporter to breathe.]

Katherine: "Oh my God! What the hell is this?!"

Katrina: "Now... Let the show begin. Callie... Clara... Would you two care to start?"

Callie: "It would be my pleasure."

Clara: "Like... Far out."

[With a snap of Katrina's fingers, Callie and Clara began to tackle Lincoln and Clyde.]

Lincoln: "Hey! Let me go!"

Callie: "Just as soon as I get a closer look at you!"

[Callie giggled as she lowered Lincoln's pants, revealing his red victory underwear. Rita and Katherine struggled as the two brunettes held them down.]

Rita: "Stop it! Don't you fucking touch him, you sick assholes!"

[Callie then grabbed the collar of Lincoln's shirt and pulled him in for a kiss on the lips, much to Rita's rising anger. Once she was finished, Lincoln started spitting in disgust.]

Callie: "Ooooh... Looks like someone's been a bad boy. Very fucking bad."

Rita: "Damn you lunatics! Let go of my son!"

Katherine: "What the hell kind of display is this?! Raping young boys?! Are you out of your fucking mind?!"

[Clyde wanted to curl into his rock pose so badly, but he couldn't do so with his hands still cuffed. Clara grabbed the African-American boy's shirt and began to lift it off of him before admiring his body.]

Clara: "That's a whole lot of chocolate you got there, kid. I could just lick it all up right now!"

Clyde: "Ew! I think I need my dads!"

Katrina: "We'll be sure to send those queens some pictures once we're finished. You just keep still and take it like a man."

Clyde: "Please! Don't do this! I got two cats at home!"

Clara: "Well, now you got FOUR cats right here ready for bath time!"

[Clara stuck her tongue in a seductive manner, making Clyde flinch with fear. Callie kept trying to put her hands over Lincoln's underwear, but the white-haired boy kept kicking her arms away until his legs started to get tired.]

[However, before any of the women could do something so terrible that it could scar the boys for life, there was a sudden crash and the van spun for a few seconds as something rammed into the front, shaking all the passengers inside before the vehicle finally tipped onto its side.]

[As soon as the vibration stopped, Lincoln opened his eyes and got a glimpse at the back doors to see that one of them was broken off, giving him an opportunity to escape. But he still had two problems. The first being that his hands were still bound together, and the other being that he had to help his mother and best friend as well.]

[But as luck would have it, Lincoln noticed something metal sticking out of the floor of the van and used it to undo his ropes. Afterwards, the boy took the keys from the unconscious Katrina and crawled over to Clyde before unlocking his cuffs with the right key. As Clyde gave his hands time to recirculate, Lincoln put his hands on his best friend's shoulders and spoke to him in a hushed tone.]

Lincoln: "C'mon, Clyde! Help me get Mom out of the van and let's get out of here."

[Clyde nodded and the two boys crawled over to Rita and Katherine just as the blonde woman was coming to her senses.]

Rita: "Huh...? Lincoln? What happened?"

Lincoln: "Don't talk, Mom. We're getting you and Mulligan out."

Rita: "Don't worry about me, sweetie. You and Clyde need to run and get help."

[Before Lincoln could object, Kaity and Clara woke up and started chasing after the boys as they immediately hopped to their feet and ran out of the van before running to the woods on the other side of the road. Callie tried to follow suit, but Rita stuck her leg out in front of the woman, causing her to trip over before she could leave the vehicle.]

[Rita then crawled on top of the young woman to prevent her from escaping before Katrina did her best to drag the blonde woman off of Callie, but Rita was putting up quite a struggle.]

[As the two boys were almost across the road, Clyde tripped on a pothole and fell flat on his stomach while his glasses flew off his face and landed a few feet in front of him on the pavement.]

[As Lincoln headed for the woods, he took one look back to see his best friend get pinned to the pavement by one of the girls. He really wanted to help him out, but he couldn't risk getting caught by the brunette that was still hot on his tail. So, he had no choice but to keep on running and hope that Kaity didn't catch up to him. The Loud boy didn't stop running for a second until he disappeared into the forest while Kaity continued to pursue him.]

Kaity: "Go ahead and run, little rabbit! Run as fast as you can! You can't outrun a panther!"

[As Kaity disappeared into the woods as well, Clara then turned Clyde on his back and gripped the boy's wrists, ready to get back to her business.]

Clara: "Got you pinned, beaver boy!"

[Clyde struggled as he tried to break free from the woman's grasp, but she was too strong. At that very moment, Deidre slowly got out of the damaged station wagon and fell to the ground. Aside from a few bruises, she hadn't suffered any fractures or broken bones from the crash. As for Joseph and Lang, the two officers were out cold from the force of the crash. Just then, a familiar voice spoke from behind Deidre.]

Vee: "Get up, Dee, and take a good look at this. But I doubt that you'll like it."

[The moment Deidre got on her knees, she saw a terrifying sight right in front of her eyes. Clara then leaned forward towards Clyde's chest and inhaled.]

Clara: "Oh! Did I mention that you smell amazing?"

Clyde: "Please get off of me! I don't want to catch any diseases!"

[Clara then took a knife out of her holster and aimed it at Clyde's neck as if to make him flinch and tremble. Deidre kept watching the display as horrible memories started flooding back to her.]

Clara: "You like older women, don't you? Well, I want to suck your blood so much that you'll run dry!"

[Clara then put the knife back into its sheath.]

Vee: "You going to let that poor boy take that?"

Clyde: "Please don't! I'm too young for this!"

[Immediately, Clara grasped Clyde's neck with both hands and started choking him, much to Deidre's rising shock and anger.]

Clara: "Oh yes! I like it when you choke! Think you can handle it, kid?"

[Tears of fright started to leak out of Clyde's eyes as Clara kept on choking him while sticking her tongue out in a seductive manner. Deidre's blood began to boil as she kept watching the whole thing, still being reminded of those past memories.]

Clyde: "Can't...breathe... Help... Please..."

[At that moment, Deidre had finally reached her breaking point as the voice behind her yelled out.]

Vee: "KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL!"

[Suddenly, like a mad dog, Deidre yelled out and charged at Clara before tackling her down to the road. Deidre immediately kneeled on top of Clara and started laying multiple punches to her face, resulting in some bruises, a couple of broken teeth, and a bloody nose and jaw.]

[However, Clara grabbed her knife and slashed her attacker's stomach, leaving only a small cut on the side before Deidre put her hand over it.]

[Clara started to slash the knife at Deidre again, but the undercover detective grabbed the sharp object before the two women fought with it.]

Deidre: "What are you doing?! Huh?! What the fuck are you doing?! You want to fuck kids?! You want to destroy their innocence, YOU PEDO-JUNKIE MOTHERFUCKER?!"

[As the two women continued to struggle with the knife, Clyde took a few deep breaths to clear his oxygen intake after the experience he just went through.]

Clara: "Katrina! Get this crazy bitch off of me!"

[Upon grabbing his glasses and putting them back on, Clyde could do nothing but hide behind Vanzilla whilst covering his ears, not daring to know what would happen next.]

[At that moment, Deidre managed to yank the knife out of Clara's hands before immediately stabbing her multiple times in the chest with so much adrenaline as she kept yelling out. Blood spurted out of Clara's chest and her life was draining fast as she was being stabbed repeatedly. Rita looked over for a brief moment and was horrified at the sight before Katrina finally lifted the blonde off of Callie and pinned her against the floor of the van.]

Katrina: "Callie, get that mother!"

[Without hesitation, Callie ran out of the van and over to Deidre before punching her in the face, knocking her off of her dead comrade and onto the road. She then marched over to the woman on the pavement and started kicking her in the stomach.]

Callie: "You psycho cunt! You killed my best friend! And now I'm gonna kill you!"

[Callie had finally stopped kicking and was about to reach for her pistol when she felt a bullet graze her left shoulder. She then felt something sharp plunge into her right ankle, causing her to scream in pain and drop to her left knee before being dragged down to the road. Deidre had stabbed Callie's ankle with Clara's knife before she dragged her onto the road and immediately got on top of the woman before strangling her neck.]

Deidre: "Damn you perverted scumbags! You leave that boy alone! Leave him the FUCK alone!"

[As Deidre kept choking Callie, the younger woman managed to grab her gun and slam it on the side of Deidre's head, causing her to fall to her side. Callie got on her knees and pointed her gun at Deidre, ready to blow her brains out. However, Deidre quickly shoved the opposing woman's wrist with her arm, causing her to fire at the road. Deidre then dragged Callie to the road again before the two women struggled with the pistol.]

Katrina: "Kill that cunt, Callie!"

[Katrina was then met with a headbutt to the forehead by Rita before she put her hands over her sore spot and yelled out.]

Katrina: "Fuck!"

Callie: "I'm trying, but she's too damn strong! I need some fuckin' help over here!"

[As Callie and Deidre continued to struggle, Kaity emerged from the woods screaming in fear, as if she were running from something. As she continued her own struggle with Rita, Katrina heard her niece's cries for help and turned her head to see her, only to see Kaity get shot three times, much to her aunt's horror. Two of the rounds went into her chest while the last one struck her neck before the younger brunette fell to the ground. Callie's gun had gone off while she and Deidre struggled with it, and the three bullets struck Kaity as she was running.]

Katrina: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

[Katrina immediately shoved Rita to the van floor and ran over to her niece. Callie stopped struggling with Deidre upon seeing what she had done to her comrade, allowing Deidre to immediately wrap her arms around her head.]

Deidre: "Just...fucking...die...scum!"

[And with that, Deidre quickly twisted Callie's head, and with a sickening crunch, the biker woman's neck was broken while Rita shut her eyes and looked away. Callie's head slumped to the side as her eyes rolled back and her lifeless body fell over sideways.]

[Deidre breathed heavily as she looked down at the deceased Callie, then over at Clara's bloody corpse, and then at Kaity, who was now choking on her own blood as a distraught Katrina got down on her knees and put her hands over her dying niece's chest wound in a futile attempt to stop the bleeding. Deidre then took one glance back at Rita, who was still horrified over the whole display as she kept trying to process what her friend from high school had done. Deidre was so exhausted and traumatized from the whole experience that she stared into empty space for a few seconds as her breathing intensified. To Deidre, it felt as if history was repeating itself. The detective then let out a pained scream before falling over sideways onto the pavement. Katherine woke up at that moment and her mouth was agape by the whole scene.]

Katrina: "Kait! Stay with me! Goddamn it, stay with me!"

[Katrina patted Kaity's cheek before the younger brunette looked up at her while struggling to keep her eyes open.]

Kaity: "A... Auntie?"

[Katrina put her index finger on Kaity's lips to shush her as the ringleader's voice started to become shaky.]

Katrina: "Shh-shh-shh... Don't talk, Kait... Just... Just hold together. We'll get you to a doctor and... You're going to be okay... Okay?"

Kaity: "I'm...sorry...I tried..."

[Kaity coughed out blood as her aunt kept trying to prevent her from dying, tears beginning to form in the older woman's eyes.]

Katrina: "No! Don't you die on me, Kaitlyn! I promised your mother! We are going to fix you up! Do you hear me?! We are going to fix you up!"

Kaity: "I... really...have...tried...aun...tie..."

[With one final exhale, Kaity's eyes rolled back as her body went limp. With her voice still shaking, Katrina pushed her hands on Kaity's bloody chest in an attempt to revive her, but it was no good...Kaity was gone. Katrina took a brief look at her blood-covered hands and put them over her eyes as she cried over her dead niece for about fifteen seconds. Joseph and Lang got out of the damaged station wagon at that moment and were shocked as they looked over the whole scene.]

Joseph: "Oh lord, have mercy."

Lang: "What the hell just happened here?"

[Soon, Katrina stood up and slowly turned to look at Deidre with burning hatred in her eyes as she breathed heavily.]

Katrina: "You motherfuckin' rat bitch! How could you do this to her?! She was the only family I had left!"

[Katrina then marched over to Deidre and pointed her Desert Eagle at her while Joseph and Lang drew their pistols at the older woman in turn.]

Katrina: "MY ONLY FAMILY! AND YOU FUCKING MURDERED HER! YOU TOOK AWAY THE ONLY THING I HAD TO LIVE FOR! I HOPE YOU'RE FUCKING PROUD OF YOURSELF, YOU SELF-CENTERED PIECE OF MOLERAT SHIT!"

[Deidre didn't react as she continued to breathe, as if waiting for the woman hovering over her to pull the trigger and get it over with. But Rita marched over to Katrina with a look of disgust on her face and her hands still cuffed behind her back.]

Rita: "Excuse me but are YOU proud of yourself?! Your niece wanted to do exactly what you and your friends do: Rape children! My own son and his best friend! Who can even sympathize with somebody like that? You think this kind of thing is normal for people like you?! Well, it isn't! I don't know how Alex allowed this to take place, or the R.W.P.D. for that matter, but what YOU are basically defending is completely immoral and should NOT be normal in any reality whatsoever! And you shame that woman beside you, and for what? Just to make yourself look better than her?! To give you some kind of moral high ground when you and your goons wanted to have your way with those boys?! That has got to be the most condescending bullshit I have ever heard in my entire life, and no sane person can EVER entertain such hypocrisy, especially from someone who's so divorced from reality like you!"

[Katherine looked down in shame when she overheard what Rita had said. She never approved of fake news, so what drove her to say such bad things about Rita or her family outside the Loud House in the first place? Was it out of frustration? Was it out of spite? Was it some veiled attempt at publicity? She didn't know, and yet she felt regret for doing what she did.]

Rita: "What the hell are you even doing with your life?! You feel proud of doing the things you've done?! It was YOUR fault your niece is dead, YOUR fault for dragging her into your gang, and YOUR fault that you even CHOSE such a perverse lifestyle in the first place! You want to double down on your bullshit? Continue blaming everyone else for your own failures? Then go ahead... Kill that woman...if it makes it all better for you... Kill her...if it satisfies YOUR selfish desires..."

[Katrina struggled to shoot the woman that caused the death of her crew...including her niece...but as she let Rita's harsh words sink in, she found that she could no longer bring herself to do so and lowered her gun.]

Katrina: "You're right... What good would killing her do? It's not going to bring my Kaity back...is it? My whole life...is a lie... I don't even know...who I am anymore... Forty years...snatching boys...and for what...? Petty revenge? It doesn't matter... NOTHING matters anymore... I'm just...a freak... A degenerate... An inbred...to society... But I can't help...who I am... Can I?"

[Katrina took another look at her gun, reflecting on the choices she made as she continued to let the tears flow. As a teenager, Katrina was once the most popular girl in high school with a part-time job until a very nasty rumor involving Katrina and her ex-boyfriend's 10-year-old brother was spread. That scandal was so severe that it transformed her into the scumbag she was now. Her descent into madness had already claimed the innocence and even lives of 65 young boys, which would've been 67 if that woman hadn't intervened, but she could never be fully satisfied. In fact, that very same woman she was about to kill was related to one of her victims from decades past. Katrina could never go back to who she once was before becoming the monster that she created in herself. She can never atone for all the pain and suffering she caused for her victims and their families. Nothing she can say at this point could justify her actions, no matter what the past circumstances were. And now she has lost the last member of her family in the process...a reminder of the one member of her family that actually wanted to help her despite everything that happened long ago, a reminder of that one family member that she in fact killed. She was all alone once again...and this time...there was no way to escape from this reality... Except for one final alternative.]

[With her eyes now red from the crying, and now realizing that her time was coming, Katrina turned around to face everyone.]

Katrina: "I... I know...what I have to do now..."

[Katrina then put the tip of the gun into her mouth and prepared to shoot. Joseph and Lang kept their guns aimed at the woman and the former spoke with her left hand raised.]

Joseph: "Miss Blue, don't do anything crazy! Why don't you just put down the gun and-"

[Before Joseph could finish, Katrina shut her eyes tight and squeezed the trigger of her gun. With a loud bang that echoed in the rain, both blood and brain matter shot out the back of Katrina's head before her lifeless body collapsed backwards onto the pavement. Rita quickly shut her eyes and turned her head away as the shot went off while drops of blood sprayed onto her face before those very same drops were washed away by the rain. Rita slowly opened her eyes again and shivered at Katrina's corpse while Joseph and Lang were equally shocked at this display.]

Rita: "Oh my God!"

Joseph: "Sweet mother of mercy!"

Lang: "Oh shit! Shit! Shit!"

[Katherine had also witnessed Katrina shoot herself and was so shocked that she couldn't even speak.]

Clyde: "I-I-Is it over?"

[At that moment, Clyde came out of his hiding place as he looked over at the mess. Deidre was now lying on her back with her hands over her face, sobbing uncontrollably as Rita continued to watch with concern and disbelief. Clyde did his best not to lose his lunch over the bloodshed.]

[As Lang started to help Katherine out of the damaged van, Joseph walked over to Rita and took a set of keys out of her pocket before using them to unlock Rita's handcuffs. The moment they were both unlocked, the cuffs dropped down onto the hard, wet road.]

[After giving her wrists a few seconds to recirculate, Rita slowly walked over to Deidre and looked down at the crying woman with growing concern.]

Rita: "Deidre...?"

[Rita got down on her knees and slowly reached her hand out to try and touch Deidre, but as soon as she felt her shoulder, the crying woman shoved it away and sat up.]

Deidre: "Don't you touch me! Get the fuck away from me! I'm a monster!"

[Rita grabbed both of Deidre's wrists to stop her from flailing.]

Rita: "Deidre, look at me! Look...at...me."

[Deidre stopped struggling and slowly opened her tear-stained eyes to meet Rita's gaze.]

Rita: "It's going to be okay. Whatever this is, I won't get mad."

Deidre: "I'm so sorry, Rita... This isn't how I wanted you...to find out..."

Rita: "Find out what? What happened to you all these years?"

Deidre: "I... I killed those girls..."

Rita: "I know... I saw everything just now."

Deidre: "Many years ago! Okay?!"

[Rita was both shocked and confused by what Deidre just yelled out, as were Joseph, Lang, Katherine, and Clyde.]

Rita: "What are you...?"

[Deidre took a shaky breath as she kept talking.]

Deidre: "Back in '94...before I came to say goodbye to you...I murdered three girls... They were about the same age as I was back then, and they were very bad girls... They wanted me to take part in a crime on the grounds that I'd get compensated for it... They were going to kidnap a rich little boy and hold him for ransom... But while we had him...the girls had other ideas... They wanted to do...horrible things to that boy...gang him...just like Katrina and her girls wanted to do... I tried to stop them...but in the end, I...lost all control... By the time I came back to my senses...the damage was already done... All three of them were...were..."

[Deidre couldn't finish her sentence and drooped her head as she sobbed again. Rita remained still, trying to process it all.]

Rita: "Oh my... Is that why...?"

Deidre: "I couldn't handle the guilt... That is why I left... Who could sympathize with a psychopath like me?"

[Deidre drooped her head again as she continued to sob. Rita thought about what had happened in the past couple of decades when Deidre left. She also thought about what O'Clooney told her about Deidre back at the McBride House. The more she thought about it, the more it was starting to make sense.]

Rita: "Dee... I had no idea... But why didn't you say anything to me about it back then? I would've helped you!"

Deidre: "No you wouldn't! You wouldn't want to be seen defending a murderer. I didn't want to be a burden on you, not after what I've done. And after what happened just now, I know you have every reason to loathe me. I know you'd never forgive me if you knew about that horrible incident, or after you saw what happened to Katrina and her girls. Let's just face it... I can never change... I'm...dangerous... You should just...leave me here... You don't want a savage beast for a friend."

[And with that, Deidre continued to let the tears flow as Rita kept staring at her. Feeling pity, however, Rita embraced her high school friend and allowed her to cry on her shirt as she was on the verge of tears herself.]

Rita: "Deidre... You are NOT a psychopath... You are NOT a savage... You are just misguided... But you are not alone on this...I am willing to help you through...but you have to be more open about it now. I know it'll be a long road, but my family and I will be right here."

[Clyde kept watching the scene before him as the glasses-wearing boy started to become teary-eyed himself. Joseph and Lang looked at each other, not knowing how to respond to all of it.]

Lang: "Should we report this?"

Joseph: "No, Lang. We better let Hayes sort this one out on her own."

[Katherine could also see the two women embracing one another and started to feel a tear run down her cheek before turning her head away to hide it.]

Rita: "It's going to be okay, Dee. I'm right here with you."

[However, that moment was rudely interrupted when they heard a man's whistle. Rita looked over to see a couple of bikers with their shotguns aimed at her and Deidre, prompting Clyde to hide again. Joseph and Lang aimed their pistols at the bikers in response while Katherine ran back into Katrina's wrecked van to hide.]

Biker: "You pigs pull those triggers and these two sluts die!"

[The officers hesitated to shoot, not wanting to put Rita or Deidre at risk.]

Biker: "Although I gotta say, for a fuckin' mole, I'll give her props for taking care of Katrina's crew. A bunch of goddamn degenerates is what they were."

[And with that, the two bikers laughed and high-fived each other.]

Biker: "But anyway, now that they're gone, the fun's over. You're all coming with us back to El Jefe!"

[Rita held Deidre close as she glared at the bikers.]

Rita: "And what if we don't want to?"

Biker: "Then you're just as good as roadkill."

[As another flash of lightning appeared, a bullet shot out of the nearby woods and struck the first biker in the pelvis, incapacitating him. The thunder drowned out the gunshot, but the other biker could hear his partner yell out from the pain.]

Biker 2: "Jimmy!"

Jimmy: "Oh god! My balls!"

[Immediately, Joseph pulled the trigger on her pistol and shot the other biker through the leg before running over to him and kicking his gun away. She then pulled out some zip ties and restrained the biker's wrists behind his back.]

[At the same time, Lang ran over to the first biker and flipped him on his back before restraining him with his own set of zip ties.]

Lang: "Nice one, Ray! You're a damn good shot!"

Joseph: "Thanks, but I only got the second one."

[Lang was now confused at this.]

Lang: "Then, who the hell fired first?"

[As if on cue, the voice of an old man spoke out from the woods.]

"That would be me, officers!"

[Everyone turned to the source of the familiar voice to see two figures emerge from the forest, both of whom had white hair, yet one of them was a kid, being Lincoln of course. The old man was holding an M16 assault rifle with a scope attachment in his right hand as he donned a military uniform.]

Rita: "Dad! Lincoln!"

Deidre: "Mr. Booke?!"

Albert: "Hey, honey! Glad to see you're okay!"

[Albert reached his left arm out and wrapped it around his daughter as she hugged back.]

Rita: "Oh, Daddy! I'm so happy you came! And you saved Lincoln!"

Albert: "Well, you should be. No way am I letting anyone mess with my family."

[Lincoln joined his mother and maternal grandfather in the embrace, and the mother of eleven put her right hand over her son's hair.]

Rita: "Oh, Lincoln, my son! Are you okay?"

Lincoln: "I'm fine, Mom! Pop-Pop found me in the forest. He just chased that woman away after he saw her on top of me!"

Rita: "Oh my God! She didn't hurt you, did she?"

Lincoln: "No way, Mom! You should've seen what Pop-Pop did to scare her off!"

Albert: "Let's just say I taught that broad how to dance while she was at gunpoint."

[Albert chuckled before turning his attention to his daughter's old friend.]

Albert: "Well, well... If it isn't Deidre Hayes, as I live and breathe. Where the hell have you been for all these years?"

Deidre: "It's a long story, Mr. Booke."

[Albert looked around to see the dead bodies of Katrina and her girls. All that the old man could do after that was raise an eyebrow at Deidre.]

Albert: "And I assume all those girls are part of that story?"

Rita: "Dad!"

Deidre: "No... It's okay, Rita."

Albert: "Hey! Forget about it, Dee. I already heard plenty."

Deidre: "You have?"

Albert: "Of course I have! But between you and me, I think those gals had it coming to 'em."

Deidre: "Still though, I don't know if I can forgive myself, sir."

Clyde: "Lincoln! You're safe!"

[Clyde ran out from behind Vanzilla and over to his best friend before giving him a hug. Deidre took notice of this and let out a small chuckle.]

Deidre: "Well, how about that, Reets? Your son and his friend have gotten along so well."

Clyde: "I thought I'd lost you, buddy."

Lincoln: "Well, you ought to thank my Pop-Pop for saving me. I would've been scarred for life if he didn't show up."

"And the rest of you ought to thank me as well!"

[Just then, another figure emerged from a nearby bush, an old man wearing a gray suit and tie as he held a silenced Colt 1911 in his hand.]

Rita: "Mr. Dupree? You're here as well?"

Mr. Dupree: "Of course... Who the hell do you think handled this guy back in 'Nam?"

[Mr. Dupree winked at Albert after saying that.]

Albert: "Oh, come on, Lester. I was the one doing all the work."

Mr. Dupree: "Well, someone had to stay and help the other kid."

[Just then, Lang walked over to Lincoln and Clyde as he held some clothing in his arms.]

Lang: "Here! You kids might need these back."

[Lang tossed Lincoln's pants and Clyde's shirt back to their respective owners before the two kids put them back on.]

Rita: "How did you know we were in trouble, Lester? And how did you find us?"

Mr. Dupree: "I have my ways, Rita. I wiretapped the police station in town and discovered Captain Palmer's involvement in this whole situation...as well as his motive. As it turned out, Alex somehow knew about Moniqua being in jail and threatened to kill her unless her father agreed to help him."

[Joseph and Lang looked at each other again, now knowing the reason for Palmer's involvement with Alex.]

Rita: "So that's what he meant by 'family comes first'?"

Deidre: "Of course it had to be the reason. It's just like Alex Santiago to play with people's emotions."

Mr. Dupree: "As angry as I still am at Moniqua over that school incident, it doesn't justify having a hit put out on her. Once this whole fiasco is over, we'll need to clear things up with her father. But once I saw you, your husband, and your infant daughter get captured, I knew I had to help you out somehow. But I couldn't do it alone. That was when I remembered an old war hero living in town."

Lincoln: "Pop-Pop?"

Mr. Dupree: "Exactly! So, when I arrived at Sunset Canyon, a small group of those biker crooks had taken over the place, held the staff and patients hostage. I saw your grandfather fighting his way through and decided to help him out. Once we rescued everyone without casualties, I informed your grandfather on what was going on and he was instantly on board with the rescue mission."

Albert: "When I heard that you and your family were in danger, I couldn't just go back to my room and wait for things to settle down. So, when Lester came to me, I was ready to take it to 'em!"

Mr. Dupree: "That's when we followed your friend from the neighborhood all the way to here and saw a couple of biker girls chasing after two little boys. Albert recognized one of them as his grandson and... Well, here we are now."

Rita: "What about Sue, Dad?"

Albert: "Oh... She's fine. But me and Lester had to uh...detain her...for her safety."

Mr. Dupree: "We had her locked in a broom closet after taking care of those bikers. That shrew was just hiding in there while everyone else was being held against their will. Then, after we saved the hostages, the shrew didn't take too kindly to us risking our lives to save everyone and threatened to lock us up. Before she could do so, this old lady on a scooter helped us push that coward back into the closet, where she's being confined until further notice."

Albert: "And after we got everything ready, we marched out of that home like we were going into battle. But knowing Sue, she'll probably blow her top when she finds out what we did. Then again, after that display of cowardice, I think the staff and patients will have plenty to say about her once the dust settles."

Deidre: Sue? That name sounds kind of familiar... I wonder if she's... No, it couldn't be her... Could it?

[Albert cleared his throat before speaking.]

Albert: "Anyway, this has been a nice reunion and all, but we still have to save the rest of my grandkids AND my great-grandkid, if he hasn't been born already."

Lincoln: "Not to mention Bobby and Ronnie Anne! We have to get back to that cabin! They're all still in there!"

[Rita turned to look Deidre in the eyes with determination on her face.]

Rita: "He's right, Deidre. If you really want to redeem yourself, you can make good on your previous promise and help me save my kids as well as my husband. And if it makes it any better, we can take down Alex's grunts while we're at it. What do you say, Dee? BAKAD for life?"

[Rita extended her fist to Deidre and the woman looked at it for a bit. Finally, Deidre nodded in agreement and wiped her eyes.]

Deidre: "Okay, Rita. Let's do it. BAKAD for life."

[Deidre then bumped Rita's fist with her own, finally feeling relief that they were still friends despite her past actions.]

Deidre: "I've been wanting to kick Alex's cheap biker ass for quite some time!"

Rita: "No argument there, Dee!"

Albert: "Well... It sounds like you ladies are raring to take it to some leather-jacketed ass... No offense to T-Bone."

Rita: "Yes, Dad, we are! Alex Santiago has gone too far this time, and we're not gonna take it anymore! This time, it's personal!"

Deidre: "Don't worry, Pops! Rita and I will be kickin' ass like it's high school all over again! There's no way in hell I'm letting Alex Santi-asshole and his bad bunch get away with hurting all those kids!"

Lang: "Now hold on there, Ladies. Got room for two more?"

Rita: "You want to come with us?"

Joseph: "You damn right, we do! Those crazy-ass mofos have Castleton, Wes, and Bonneville and the police are powerless to do a damn thing about it."

Deidre: "And I'm guessin' you need someone to lead you?"

Joseph: "Exactly! From what we've heard about you, I think ya'll have what it takes! Plus, you practically outrank both me and Lang."

Lang: "Joseph's right, Detective Hayes. You're our last hope in saving everyone at this point. You just say the word and we're right behind you."

Deidre: "Perfect! You both can cover us while we take down every biker we come across!"

Albert: "Now, wait a minute! Hold on there, officers! You said that Bobby's dad and his gang have someone named Bonneville, right? As in... Terrence Bonneville?"

Lang: "That's him, Sir! He was with us before our sergeant ordered me and Joseph out of the car."

[Albert clenched his fists, knowing that another friend of his was captured.]

Albert: "I know that guy! We have to try and get him out of there as well!"

Mr. Dupree: "And we need to find and extract Castleton, ASAP! Because whatever he was trying to do, he's in way over his head now."

Lang: "Now, calm down, everyone... We'll do everything we can to save Sergeant Castleton, Bonneville, and the rest. But first, Mr. Booke, I think your daughter could use some firepower."

[Joseph then took Castleton's revolver out of her uniform before showing it to Rita.]

Joseph: "This is the gun that Castleton keeps on his person, but he almost never had the courage to shoot it at anyone...at least not anything vital. But maybe one of you ladies will have a use for it."

[Rita looked at the weapon for a brief moment before her eyes turned back to Joseph.]

Rita: "I'm not so sure about this, officer. I might need to just stick to my fists."

Deidre: "For once, I'd listen to her, Rita. I already have a gun, so you might as well take that one. You never know when we might find ourselves outnumbered."

Albert: "If you don't want to shoot anyone, that's okay, honey. The least you can do is hold on to it until you can find that Castleton fella."

Mr. Dupree: "Your father has a point, Rita, but I'd have that gun on you in case you find yourself or your loved ones in danger. Besides, I think Castleton would want it that way if he were here."

[After giving the whole thing some thought, Rita came to her decision.]

Rita: "Alright, I'll hold on to it...just to be safe."

[And with that, Rita took the gun from Joseph and tucked it into her shirt.]

Rita: "Okay... Is everyone ready?"

Deidre: "You know I am, Reets! Joseph and Lang? You two rarin' to go?"

Joseph: "Damn right! Now let's go arrest some biker punks!"

Lang: "And save some lives as well!"

Lincoln: "Hold on! I'm going with you, too!"

[Everyone looked down at Lincoln before his mother put her hands on the boy's shoulders and looked him in the eyes.]

Rita: "What?! Oh no, Lincoln, it's way too dangerous! I think it would be better for us if you stayed here!"

Lincoln: "But Ronnie Anne's still being held there! And so are Bobby, Dad, and the girls! I need to be there for them, just like how you need to be there for them and me! Plus, I have the keys in my possession! Please, Mom! I just got to save Ronnie Anne! Please! She needs me!"

[Rita wanted to object, but she was so proud of her son for wanting to take initiative, especially to save a girl, so much so that she pulled Lincoln into a hug.]

Rita: "Oh! My baby boy is growing up so fast. He's becoming just like you, Dad."

Albert: "Heh... He's a real stubborn boy, isn't he? But he definitely has my determination, that's for sure."

Clyde: "Looks like the master of convincing strikes again."

Albert: "I'll say he has. Now, there's no time to lose! You all get going while we cover the perimeter."

Mr. Dupree: "Your father and I will stay here and keep a good lookout in case any more of those bikers show up here. But just to be safe, take one of these walkies with you before you go."

[Mr. Dupree handed Rita a walkie-talkie.]

Mr. Dupree: "That way, we'll be able to stay in touch. Your father and I will be on the other end."

Albert: "He's right, Honey. So, if you ever find yourself in any kind of trouble, you can use that radio to call for help. And when we get your signal, Lester and I will be right over to help put the kibosh on those punks!"

Rita: "Thank you, Lester. And Dad, I'll be sure to let you know when we need your help."

Albert: "I'll be there with you all the way, Sweetpea. But do me just one big favor."

[Albert then pulled his daughter in for another hug.]

Albert: "Whatever you do, please try not to get yourself or Lincoln killed. The last thing I need is to lose any of my family."

[Rita then returned the hug in response.]

Rita: "You're not going to lose anyone, Daddy. I promise you that we'll all be back alive, if not unscathed."

Lincoln: "What about you, Clyde? You want to come with us?"

[Clyde was about to say something when he noticed Deidre shaking her head at him in disapproval. Clyde understood what she meant and looked at Lincoln again.]

Clyde: "Actually, Lincoln, you'd better go on without me. After what I've been through today, I think I'd feel safer here with your grandfather and his war buddy."

Lincoln: "Alright, Clyde. I'm glad to know that you're in safe hands."

[Deidre heaved a sigh of relief as she watched.]

Clyde: "Just be careful, please. There's no telling what Mr. Santiago will do if he sees you."

[Lincoln nodded before he and Rita made their way back up the dirt path to the campsite while Joseph and Lang took the lead. But Deidre wasn't all too sure about Clyde and looked back at the two old men.]

Deidre: "Are you guys sure you got this?"

Albert: "You let us worry about Lincoln's friend, Dee. In the meantime, I got a whole family that's in danger and you need to go and help them! Now hustle up, get moving, and go kick some biker butt for me!"

Mr. Dupree: "You go take care of those crooks and leave this kid here to us. But whatever you do, please try and keep that beast in you under control while you're at it, Hayes."

Clyde: "I'll be okay, ma'am. Thanks for saving me."

Deidre: "It was my pleasure, sweethea- I mean kid!"

[Deidre immediately turned forward and followed Rita and Lincoln up the path. Albert raised an eyebrow over what the woman was about to say but decided not to think any more on the matter.]

Albert: "I hope they all get back alright."

Clyde: "Me too."

[As Clyde looked on, he couldn't help but think about that woman... Something about her looked familiar to him, almost as if he knew her from a day he could not remember. But now, all his worries were focused on Lincoln's family and friends. Dupree, however, had concerns about the outcome of this daring rescue plan.]

Mr. Dupree: "I wouldn't be too sure, Albert. I've got a feeling that not everyone is going to survive that onslaught."

Albert: "Well, your backup should be coming anytime now, so hopefully there won't be any losses. Assuming that your government contact can get the job done, that is?"

Mr. Dupree: "That depends. Are you still in touch with your old platoon from 'Nam?"

Albert: "Heh, heh... You got me there, Les."

Mr. Dupree: "Don't worry about it, Al. This guy knows exactly what he's doing."

Albert: "Nevertheless, we better hope those girls do their part before an all-out war breaks out."

[Just then, Katherine slowly came out from the back of the wrecked van and checked her surroundings to see if the coast was clear.]

[As this was going on, the group of five slowly made their way up the dirt path with Joseph and Lang taking the lead. And as they did, Deidre began to have another flashback.]

Royal Woods Police Station, Interrogation Room 1, 13 years ago...

[A blonde woman sat at a desk in the interrogation room and looked at the wall to her left. Just then, the door opened, and an African-American woman in her late 20's entered the room and shut the door behind her as she glared down at the woman right before her eyes.]

Woman: "Hello, Winona... It's been a long time."

Winona: "Yeah... I suppose it has been... Detective Hayes."

[Deidre sat at the desk across from Winona as she continued to stare at the British woman. She also caught a glimpse of a woman that looked similar to her, standing just behind Winona, but she kept her focus on the blonde.]

Deidre: "So, tell us, Winnie... Who else is in your little child trafficking operation? And also, where's your buddy Kat?"

[Winona looked away for a bit before answering Deidre's question.]

Winona: "I don't know... Kat could be anywhere by now."

[Deidre banged her hands on the desk as she stared down at the woman in front of her.]

Deidre: "You listen here, you bitch! If you can't cooperate, then I would suggest life in a woman's correctional facility, where you could possibly know how it feels to have your person stripped from you!"

[Winona laughed as if she heard a funny joke while Deidre raised an eyebrow in suspicion.]

Winona: "Like your brother? Hah! You think your threats are going to make a difference? It's already too late! Your brother squealed like a pig as Kat and I had our fun with him! You just had to be there to see it!"

[Deidre started to seethe upon hearing those words, but she did her best to maintain her composure despite the triggering words.]

Vee: "She got your brother killed, Dee."

Deidre: "Don't you dare..."

Winona: "He put up quite a fight when Kat was right on top of him, but she overpowered the little twerp."

[Feeling even more triggered by Winona's taunting, Deidre hovered her left hand over her holstered pistol, much to the concern of Sergeant Palmer and his assistant, who were watching from behind the one-way glass window.]

Vee: "Take out your gun and make that sick bitch pay."

Deidre: "I'm warning you, Winnie! You don't want to push me any further!"

Winona: "Wake up and smell the milky tea, Hayes, because your brother was nothing but a weak little tosspot! He deserved every last second of our fun...right before we took his head off!"

Vee: "KILL HER!"

[And with that, Deidre grabbed her gun, aimed it at Winona's head, and immediately pulled the trigger just as the door behind her burst open. Palmer and his assistant ran into the room and held Deidre back, causing her to drop her gun.]

Palmer: "What the fuck did you do, Deidre?! You were supposed to interrogate her! Now we just lost our only lead!"

[Deidre calmed down and looked over at Winona's lifeless body, slumped down on her chair with her eyes staring at nothing. Blood and brain matter had spattered the wall behind the dead woman and trickled down to the floor. However, as Deidre looked around, there was no sign of that other woman anywhere. Deidre started making choked sobs at what she had done.]

Palmer: "Oh man... When the captain finds out about this, he is going to flip his shit."

Back in the present...

[Deidre had tears in her eyes as she thought back to that memory. She knew all too well what happened after that incident. Deidre became pregnant but was forced to give her baby up for adoption the moment they were born. After what had happened long ago, Deidre felt that she had to tell the truth sooner or later. But at the moment, there were the more important matters of helping Rita save her family from Alex and his biker army. But first, she and the others needed to plan a strategy in order to save the Louds and the Santiago Siblings, as well as beat Alex at his own game. So after wiping her eyes, Deidre spoke to the two officers and gave them important instructions.]

Deidre: "Joseph, Lang, you scout ahead and check out the campgrounds. I need to speak to my friend and her Lil' Al for a moment."

Joseph: "Roger that, Detective Hayes. We've got the front covered."

Deidre: "And if you have anything to report, inform us and we'll be right there."

Lang: "Got it!"

[As Joseph and Lang went ahead, Deidre turned her attention to Rita and Lincoln.]

Deidre: "Okay, you two, group huddle!"

Lincoln: "Um... Pardon me for asking, ma'am, but did you just call me Lil' Al?"

Deidre: "Sure did, kid. You're like a splitting image of your grandfather, only smaller and, uh...cuter."

[Feeling bashful over that comment, Lincoln blushed and turned away. Rita then spoke to Deidre.]

Rita: "Dee, just because Lincoln looks like his Pop-Pop doesn't mean we can call him Lil' Al."

Deidre: "Hey, I can call him as I see him, Reets. Now huddle up, you two. 'Cuz I might have a plan."

[And with that, Rita and Lincoln huddled with Deidre.]

Deidre: "Okay, Reets, here's the deets: You and I are gonna kick a bunch of biker booty like no tomorrow. But first, we need to save your family."

Lincoln: "Or we could just save the others and make our escape without having to resort to violence."

Deidre: "Listen, sweetie, I know you think that violence doesn't solve anything, but Alex and his biker goons have a very backwards opinion on that. And if he finds out that his hostages are missing, he ain't gonna stop until he captures them again. Not to worry though. Before me and your mom go rushing out there with fists a-flyin', we gotta find a way of getting you inside that cabin. 'Cuz if I know Alex Santiago, and believe me I do, he's very much likely keeping the entire Loud Family Package down in the basement."

Rita: "That's where you come in, Lincoln."

[Rita got down on both knees and placed her hands on Lincoln's shoulders.]

Rita: "Honey, me and Deidre are going to sneak you into Alex's hideout. Once inside, you need to find your father, sisters, Bobby, and Ronnie Anne. Deidre said that they're all down in the basement, right?"

Lincoln: "Well, yes. I was just down there not too long ago."

Rita: "Then that's where you'll be going, Lincoln. Once you get in there, you need to free everyone, get them out, and get ready to run. Because once my friend and I fight these bikers, it's going to get very dangerous out here. So, while we keep them busy, you need to bring our family straight back to Pop-Pop and out of harm's way. Okay?"

Lincoln: "I got it, mom. But how am I ever gonna get back in there? The whole area could be swarming with bikers."

Deidre: "We'll figure it out somehow, L.A.. Back in our high school years, your mom and I had ways of figuring out how to handle bullies. Well...your mother did most of the planning. She's more like a wo-man with a plan."

Rita: "I guess you can say that we were like you and Clyde back in those days before you were born, honey. But we're women of action. We'll find a way."

Deidre: "We'll just have to wait for news from Joseph and Lang."

[As if on cue, they heard Joseph's voice crackling from Rita's radio.]

Joseph: "This is Officer Joseph. We are now outside the campgrounds. Please respond, Hayes."

[Deidre took the device and spoke into it.]

Deidre: "Alright, Joseph... Give us the sitch: What's it like over there?"

Joseph: "We see a few bikers patrolling the campgrounds. Most likely some of Santiago's security detail on duty."

Deidre: "Hmph. I guess Alex isn't all too keen on anyone entering his safehouse. Anything else you like to add, Joseph? Do you see Castleton anywhere?"

Joseph: "No, but if I had to guess, he might be on the other side of that bridge. He must be going to meet Kochner right now, but I doubt it's going to be a pleasant reunion."

Deidre: "We're on our way now, Joseph. Keep us posted if anything's changed but stay low and keep your weapons free. As soon as Rita and I start the show, we're going to need all the covering fire you can provide while we do our thing."

Joseph: "Roger, Hayes. You just say the word and we'll be ready."

[With that, Deidre handed the radio back to Rita before they and Lincoln continued up the road.]

Meanwhile, far from the campgrounds...

[On the other side of the river, on top of the hill, Koch stood in the middle of the field with his hands in his pockets as the hard rain continued to fall. The field was in the middle of a clearing between two rows of woods as a line of power pylons went through the open clearing. Near the field was a wooden shack, which was most likely used for storing equipment. Two bikers were also guarding Koch with pistols in their hands to make sure that he didn't try to make a run for it. The former detective sighed as he thought about the situation that he found himself in.]

Koch: "Aw, Christ... Why did it have to come to this? Do I really have to go through with this bullshit?"

Biker 1: "You damn well better, shit-face. 'Cuz El Jefe gave you this test for a reason."

Biker 2: "Yeah! And if you so much as pussy out or even fuck up, you'll know what the price for failure is."

Biker 1: "So you better get your ass ready, Kochner... 'Cuz by the time your ex-partner gets here, only one of you gets to live."

Biker 2: "Case in point: It's either HIM...or YOU... So, you best choose wisely if you know what's good for you."

[As Koch stood where he was, processing his thoughts, there was only one thing going on in his mind.]

Koch: How can I possibly warn Castleton? How do I tell him about Palmer being a part of this? There's no way in hell that he'll ever believe me. Not after everything I've done. Oh, sweet mother of God, what am I gonna do?

Indeed, what WAS Koch going to do when Castleton arrives? What exactly does this test entail? What kind of terrible punishment will await Lola? What will Alex do to Bobby, Ronnie Anne, and the rest of the Louds? Can Rita and Deidre take on Alex's biker horde and save the others? And can T-Bone escape from his captors? The Death Tolls have already started, and God only knows what'll happen next. But one thing is for certain: By the time of Castleton's arrival, the scales of life and death are teetering on the balance between him and Koch, and only one of them will survive.

Gamelover41592: Let's hope so.

Geo Soul: We'll see how it all goes.

boygenius2020: Well, it's definitely coming.

wollyworld: Thanks.

Ellis97: I have a feeling that it will.

MoreABoutThomas: I think something will happen to Palmer in the near future. But right now, let's focus on the climax. However, I don't think Alex would be willing to hold a trial for any of the Louds.

Batdude365: Only the concept. I basically made some adjustments, fleshed things out, and practically made it my own thing with some help from Dukey.

Benjamin: I'm pretty sure that Alex is delusional. Also, Alex has no use for Whitney since he said that his "substitute" is a he. Also, whether or not Katrina has been neglected or abused in the past, it does not excuse her actions.

DarthWill3: Might be more than just Lucy. Also, in Katrina's case, she's more in the wrong due to her actions.

Guest: I have a good feeling that she's going to lose everything she has left very soon.

Guest 2: Pretty soon.

Guest 3: Oh, it'll come.