" Alec , what are you talking about?" Ruth stuttered as she approached him.
" Alison is alive , Ruth. " He wanted to get things over with. " She's beautiful. She was raised in a beautiful home. She got the best father possible. "
Alec touched Bain's shoulder.
" I've known she's been alive since day one. " He admitted it and Ruth stumbled back a few steps.
She was dumbfounded. Her mouth hang open and tears formed in her eyes again.
" Why didn't you tell anyone?" She said.
Alec's face had a frown and a smile all at once. " Because I wanted her to have a chance to live a good life. I wanted her to have a normal family. Not one driven by greed , power and selfishness. And...and when I saw how she was being treated , I was sure she'd be happy. "
He turned to his Mom. " And I was right. "
" Where is she? Who is she? What does she look like?" She took on air before go8ng on. " Can I meet her?..."
" You have. " He stated. " But don't worry. I'll get you a proper meeting. "
" I'll call her. " Bain couldn't help but feel a bit scared. What if he'd lose her when the truth came out? He sighed and left the room.
" Listen , I could drop you at the hospital . It's do big deal. " Leo suggested as he walked her to his car.
" I can manage. I'll just take a cab." She declined his offer politely. " And besides , you're a busy man. I wouldn't want to waste your time."
" True. " Leo rolled his eyes. " I wouldn't want to spend my precious time on someone else's wife."
" You could say that again." Gwen hugged him and they said their goodbyes.
" Call me when you get there." Leo yelled as she left.
The air seemed colder now that he stood the alone. He watched her walk away and a soft frown played on his face.
" If I had known loving you would hurt this bad , I'd have stopped myself. " He smiled.
" I'd have stopped. "
The sun was shining bright that morning. It was getting hotter by the hour. Gwen found a bench to rest on. She threw her head back and shut her eyes. The wind was calm and soothing.
As she settled down , she could stop herself from wondering what Alec had planned for the night. Would he really make it up to her?
" What a coincidence ! " A familiar voice rang through her ears forcing her to open her eyes.
" You?" She raised her brows in surprise. "What a coincidence indeed..."
THE HOUSE.
Louis watched the the damaged sign post dance in the breeze. He clutched the strap of his backpack and muttered a silent prayer. He'd gathered all the money he'd ever earned in his life. It wasn't much , but he was sure it would last them a few months .
Dwyane waa finally living up to his word. He'd finally have Roop.
He walked into the pre-planned pick up spot. He was anxious to get her and leave all this behind.
He'd made up his mind to get out of town. He'd start his life all over. Just him , his backpack and Roop.
" Louis!" Roop ran from across the room and jumped into his arms. She was crying and laughing at the same time. These were tears of extreme joy.
Louis wrapped her in an equally warm hug and kissed her softly. Her eyes were puffed from crying but she had the most beautiful smile he'd seen.
"I...I...I don't know what to say....u don't know what to do..." She held bundles of her hair in her wrists and laughed. " I've never felt this rush...this freedom. "
" Listen..." He cupped her face and held her eyes Ina firm gaze. " From here , we'll start our lives all over. Very far from here. Just you and me...probably in Chicago. "
They laughed.
" What about your family? " Roop frowned. " Are you leaving them?"
Louis didn't have an answer. He would never forgive himself for what he did and he was sure he'd die from shame if Marylynne or Gwen found out.
He was a coward and he was we'll aware of this fact. He'd accepted it.
He wished his problems would vanish but since they couldn't , he'd do the next best thing- run from them.
" Louis...is everything okay?"
" Yes. " He smiled. " And everything will be even better when we leave this place. "
She smiled and let the matter slide. She was starting her life over. She was getting a second chance and she would take it.
"How emotional ! How sweet !"
Louis spun round only to find Ryan standing at a distance. He had a sickening grin on his face and he pointed a gun at them.
Ten to twelve men slowly surrounded them and that's when the air seemed thinner. Louis pulled Roop close and tried to get ready for any attack they could possibly throw at them.
" I'm honestly touched. " Ryan wiped an imaginary tear from his cheek. " You're out here plotting a love story after trying to murder my wife and son. How nice!"
" Listen...I...I didn't mean to. " Louis raised his hand in defense. " And...and she had nothing to do with this. "
Ryan frowned.
" Well I'm sorry...neither did my Freya."
The henchmen on the sides quickly grabbed her and separated them them. Louis fought back but he was outnumbered.
" Louis ! " She screamed as she was dragged by the hair and forced to her knees.
" Hey! Hey listen ! Listen ! " His voice was cracking under the tension. " Please...not her...not her. "
" Okay. " Ryan stood in his face. " Beg me...and then...maybe..."
Louis winced at the idea of begging such a man.
" Time is not on your side mister. " Ryan turned his gun to Roop.
" Okay ! Okay !" He bit his lip and slowly got on his knees. " I'm begging you. Take me...just...let her go. "
" No..." He burst into laughter and his henchmen soon followed. Louis had never felt so repulsed in his life. He was literally on his knees begging the devil himself.
" Listen...I..."
" Sshhhh..." Ryan cut him short. " I'm getting bored. How bout we play a game ?"
" Rock , paper , scissors. If you win , you get to leave. If I win...disaster. " He laughed.
" Louis..." Roop's lips were trembling with fear and her face was red from the pulling of her hair.
" Let's begin. Rock ! Paper ! Scissors! "
The room fell silent. Ryan was Rock and Louis was paper. Louis didn't know whether to smile or cry. Would Ryan keep his end of the bargain?
" You won!" Ryan exclaimed. " You know what that means , you lucky bastard ! "
" Wh..." Before Louis could even bat an eyelid , a bullet shot across the room and hit Roop right in the leg.
All Louis could hear was a high pitched frequency buzzing through his eardrums. His breathing quickened and he was getting dizzy.
Roop shrieked in pain as she held onto the already oozing wound.
" It's just the beginning of a very , very lovely day. " Ryan grinned as he suppressed his weakness. His health was getting worse by the day but that didn't matter now.
What mattered was that he got his revenge.