As I stepped inside house I liked to call my safe haven, I was greeted with the unmistakable smell of stir fried vegetables with white pasta sauce.

It was a dish my mum found on YouTube and was my absolute favourite. The creaminess of the sauce fit perfectly with the juicy vegetables. It was a match made in heaven.

I excused myself from Kelly and Blake and walked in the direction of the bathroom.

I had to feel the cold water on my face to wash off all the sleepiness and exhaustion I had been fighting the entire day.

Once I was done, I dabbed the soft towel on my skin, staring at myself in the mirror.

I didn't adore the sight. I looked physically weak. My eyes had sunken in a bit, dark circles had made a permanent home under my eyes. My cheekbones were showing as my cheeks disappeared.

I couldn't blame anyone but myself. This one month succeeded in giving me so much stress and anxiety than I endured in my entire past life.

I wasn't the one to eat when I was under tension. My stomach used to form a knot that forbid my from eating anything.

My parents had noticed the decrease of my appetite, but didn't comment on it.

I snapped back to life when I heard a knock on the door. I put the towel back on the counter and got out of the bathroom.

I gave Kelly a small smile and made my way to the kitchen.

"Bring me food, mother!" I chirpily said, making my dad chuckle and Blake smile.

"Have patience, child. Have patience," Mother cooed back.

My stomach grumbled making all the attention shift to me. "I am hungry. Don't look at me like that."

"Honey, give our daughter food before she starts crying." My dad laughed.

"Why would she cry?" Blake popped up a brow and I buried my face in my hands knowing the embarrassment which will be followed after my dad's answer.

"We discovered a few years ago that when Val is hungry, she cried in the smaller of matters. I cannot even ask her to pass the salt of sugar without watching the water roll down her face."

Blake looked at me and let out a heart laughter.

"This one time she had gone to the movies with a guy she was dating at that time and when she-"

"MOM!" I yelled, knowing exactly where the story was going.

But as if on cue, tears started flowing out of my eyes and rolling down my cheeks.

"Shit," I cursed and wiped them.

My parents giggled but Blake's smiled turned into a frown.

"Just give me food!" I cried and my mom hurried to where I was sitting and put my plate down.

I silently ate my entire lunch and listened to Kelly guffaw at my recent breakdown.

After lunch, we all shifted to the living room and turned the TV on. For someone with a lot of crisis on hand, all of us were pretty laid back.

As the credits appeared on screen, I turned on my phone to check the time. It was almost 6:30. I looked over to my dad who was snoring on the couch, his head rested on my mum who was also slowly dozing off.

Kelly looked up at me and I got up from my face, gesturing her to follow me. I also heard Blake shuffling things as he got up and did the same.

"When are we going to the bar and plotting a strategy to blame Jordan's rival gang for setting him up?" I questioned.

"Never." Blake monotonously answered.

"Excuse me?" I blinked my eyes in disbelief at his answer and tone.

"It's too risky, we are not doing it." He repeated. "We are not officially on this case and if you forgot our job is to work against crime not with it."

"But they are a gang! I'm pretty sure they have done some bad stuff before. It's not like we are blaming good guys for bad things." I whined.

"Valerie," Blake stated as a final warning. "The answer is no and no matter how much you argue back, it's not going to change."

"Well, you're not my father or my boss. I don't have to listen to you." I retorted and headed towards my room but was stopped when Blake caught my arm and spun me around.

Our lips were inches away from touching. My cheeks flushed at the sudden action and I had to keep on blinking to stay stable.

"I will arrest you if you don't do as I say." He said. His voice dangerously low.

"Do it. Throw me in prison. I dare you," I challenged him.

"Stop it you guys." Kelly finally joined in and removed Blake's hand from my arm. "Both of you are acting like kids."

"But he won't let me go." I complained.

"He isn't wrong, Val. Doing something like this would ensure a lot of risk. We shouldn't really meddle with gang business. I'll see if I can do anything legally, but if not then this is a dead-end. I'm not going to let myself or Blake cross a certain line and this situation is it. And if we cannot go with you, that means you won't go either because you going alone will not end well."

I looked down at my feet as I contemplated the pros and cons.

I sighed in defeat and looked at Kelly who had the same look my mother had after she forbade me to go after late at night.

"Fine. I won't go. But promise you'll do everything you can?"

"I promise." She nodded assuringly.

I gave Blake one sharp look before going to my bedroom.

I plopped down on my bed and stared at the ceiling, letting all the unwanted thoughts inside my mind.

I hated the fact that for the killer this was all one big game. It didn't bother him that people were suffering inside. He was one sadistic asshole that I planned to arrest.

There was a good change that the he was no one other than Lenny.

My heart skipped a beat at the possibility of him being Rosalind's murderer. I had to take in a sharp breathe before I forgot what breathing was.

I fixated my eyes on the door as the sound of the knock filled the silent room.

"Come in!" I yelled as I pulled the comforter all the way to the top of my head and snuggled inside.

"Valerie?" Blake's voice called out.

"In here." I replied.

In the next second, darkness left as my surrounding were filled with light.

Blake has a quizzical expression on his face as he was holding the comforter in one hand.

"I'm sorry, I was just overthinking and started crying and I didn't want anyone to see my cry." I laughed, wiping the wetness on my cheek.

"I'm really sorry about how I behaved in there. I had no right to be so rude to you." He said and sat next to me.

"It's alright. I was too busy saving Jordan that I forgot that gangs are dangerous."

"Kelly called our chief. Unfortunately, Jordan will have to serve his sentence." His face was facing the floor and his hand drawing circles on the bed.

I sat up straight and placed my hand on his. "It's alright. I know Kelly won't leave any tables unturned. I believe her that much." I gave him an assuring squeeze.

"What's with you thinking Lenny is the killer?" I rose a brow at me.

"Think about it. Brianna, Jordan and me were all away from Rosalind and hence there were many parts we didn't know. Lenny on the other hand, should have known everything and yet he is as clueless as us." I stated.

"But that was because of the rough patch. I wouldn't like it if someone else knocked up my girlfriend." He said.

I snorted and said, "Like you would have one."

But my expressions immediately changed after I realised how insensitive I sounded and it wasn't appropriate of me to judge him like that.

"I'm so sorry," I said, my tone filled with guilt.

"Please, don't apologise. It would take a lot than that to hurt me."

"But still, you aren't that had. Plus now that you have improved like 10%, there is a high change you can get one." I teased. I gasped when his cheeks started to blush. "Did I just make you- OH MY GOD!"

But the blush vanished and seriousness took its place. "Back to the topic," he cleared his throat.

"Yes. Lenny had a right to be mad at her and even consider break-up, but that's not him. I've known that guy since the third grade and I know him well enough to know his basic nature and outlook on things."

"Honestly, something was fishy with that guy from the beginning. I just didn't point out because I would have been smacked for being emotionless."

"Also today, he didn't show up. Carl told us he left seconds before we arrived at Picasso. He lied to me saying he had a work thing." I air quoted his words.

"You know what?"

"What?"

"I'll go back and make sure Lenny is on the suspect list. Until he is proven innocent, he shouldn't really be included in any of our plans. I think that's how the killer has managed to always be a step further than us." He nodded understandingly.

"Alright. Can you tell mom that I'm not hungry? I just think I'll go to sleep." I requested.

"What if you cry in the middle of the night because of hunger?" He mocked me by faking a pout.

I threw a pillow at him and he tried to dodge it, but it resulted in him falling on the floor.

"Serves you right," I laughed. "Close the door behind you."

Once again I was all alone. This time I switched the lights off and closed my eyes.

To make sure I wouldn't go into a deep sleep, I set an alarm, three hours from now.

I couldn't just stay calm after knowing that Kelly didn't succeed in her mission. I also couldn't let Blake sense I was going to do something I would regret later.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The alarm did its job and made sure I was wide awake. The three hour nap made my body feel sore and more exhausted.

I rubbed my eyes and let out a yawn.

It was currently 10:00 pm and if I had a good hunch, my parents should be in their room either reading a book or already snoring.

Kelly and Blake were probably in their rooms gathering information on Lenny.

I tiptoed to the closet and wore black jeans along with a red tank top. My hair were combed into a high ponytail, each strand tucked properly.

My fingers touched the doorknob and turned them as softly as they could. I cringed when the door made a screeching noise, but luckily, nobody was bothered by it.

I confidently swung my door open when I didn't see a soul in the surrounding.

Just cautiously made my way to the front door but stopped in my tracks when I heard a familiar voice speak my name.

Blake.

I mentally rolled my eyes for his superpower to sneak without making a single sound.

"Hi," I greeted him, my tone slightly high pitched and alarmed.

"Where are you going?" He asked, his arms crossed.

"For a walk. I didn't want to wake or disturb anybody," I answered.

"Going for a walk?" He interrogated.

"Uh huh."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Then why do you have your car keys with you?"

Damn it.

"Force of habit," I said. I had no idea if it was convincing, but I had to get out his clutches.

"Alright then. Now that you know that you don't need your keys, keep them on the stand and then you can go for a walk," he smugly said.

"Sure," I shrugged and kept them on the stand as instructed.

I gave him a one quick glance before closing the door behind me.

My hands reached in my jeans's pocket and removed Jordan's motorcycle's keys.

He had been teaching in during our leisure time. I was improving, but I still wasn't a smooth driver.

For practise purpose, he had kept his motorcycle at our driveway. I took the keys in case I was caught.

I took my place and got comfortable in the seat, before putting in the keys.

I didn't ignite the engine because it roared everytime and it would definitely catch Blake's attention, so I just pushed the motorcycle until I was a good distance away from my house.

Once I was safe, I let the machine make a loud noise and started riding the motorcycle.

Since it was my first time riding alone, adrenaline pulsed through my veins and my heart picked up its pace in my chest.

The ride to the bar was an intense one.

I parked the bullet along next to an identical one and walked towards the entrance.

"Hey, lady!" A hoarse voice shouted. Instinctively, I turned around.

A guy with a leather jacket and gloves stood in front of me. He was a lot taller than me and well built.

"Yes?" I asked, not letting my fear appear on my confident face.

"You a pal of Jordan's?" He asked.

"You know him?"

"Of course! We are part of the same gang," he smiled.

"Oh! I was meaning to talk to someone about the recent events," I spoke. "Do you think you can help me get in touch with the leader?"

"Of course, honey," he flashed a grin and gestured me to follow him.

After I took a step, I halted and debated whether he could be trusted or not. Rosalind made a mistake and I sure as hell wasn't repeating it.

"Something wrong?" He paused and turned around to see me standing on the same spot he left me.

"I'm not sure if you could be trusted," I stated firmly.

He sighed and walked closer to me. Once he was close enough, I could see his face much clearer.

His eyes were the colour of the forest and hair were chestnut brown. He had a few scars on his face and had his ear pierced.

"Look, you had me both want him out of jail. We have a snitch in our group and after his arrest, John has been hellbent on finding him out. I know that I can't do anything for you to blindly trust me, but take a risk. I promise it'll be worth it."

I fidgeted with my hands but then gave in. My urge to get Jordan was too strong. Maybe this was a mistake but without a risk I wouldn't find out.

"What's your name?" I asked, walking besides him.

"I'm Caleb. One of the first people Jordan befriended."

"Nice to meet you, Caleb."

"Nice to meet you too, bitch." He hissed.

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"You heard me. You're the reason my bro is in prison." He yelled. His voice was so high that it echoed.

I checked my surroundings, inspecting the echo and that's when I realised that I was in a storage with nothing but bottles of wine, champagne and beer surrounding us.

"I wasn't the one who had him framed! I'm here to get him out of jail," I said.

"I'm not talking about that jerk, Jordan," he laughed.

"Then who are you talking about?"

"Lucas. The guy who is rotting in prison for sleeping with your friend," he replied.

"He didn't sleep with my friend. He fucking raped her. There is a huge difference and I don't regret a second of getting him arrested," I seethed in anger.

After hearing his name, it didn't take long for me to figure out I trusted the wrong guy.

My heart was ready to jump out any second but I could not let him sense my fear.

"Oh, she asked for it."

"Nonsense. No girl asks to be raped. Change your stupid mentality. Asshole."

"How dare you!"

He lunged at me and I tried to make a quick movement, but he was faster with his actions.

Soon I was pinned down on the ground, his heavy body on top of me.

Sweaty droplets rolled down my forehead as I decided the worse case scenario for myself. I was about to experience what Rosalind did.

I tried to kick or punch, but he was too strong for me to do something.

But instead of him unzipping his pants, his fist met my nose.

Oh, he was going to beat me to death.

I grunted in pain. The punch was so hard that my nose went numb.

Before I could soften the blow, another deafening and painful scream left my mouth. Apparently, he had slapped me and it stung like a bitch.

I opened my eyes to face him and saw my way out.

He was massaging his knuckles, so taking that as my chance, I kneed him where the sun doesn't shine and pushed him away.

"Owww," he grimaced.

I got up and rushed towards the door, but was pulled back when Caleb pulled a fistful of my hair and slammed me to the nearest wall.

I current travelled down my spine. I knew that my skull probably endured a jerk.

Caleb's hands were firmly on my neck, pressing it harder and harder. Minutes later, I was gasping for air and choking.

I tapped on his hand, desperately wanting to leave me.

"You messed with the wrong guy, lady," he whispered.

"Says ever-every guy who-se ego is hurt." I spoke, but my words came out in intervals.

"For a girl who is about to die, you sure are feisty."

His hand left my neck and I started to take sharp intakes, taking in as much air as I could.

But the nightmare didn't end there. He removed a pocketknife and toyed around with it.

I looked around and saw that my best chance was the bottle of wine. I rushed, taking him by surprise and broke the bottle on his head.

In vain, he dodged, only getting a few pieces stuck on his forehead.

He grumbled in annoyance and shoved the knife in my abdomen.

The pain was something I never felt before. I could feel my senses give in. It was so painful that I couldn't find my voice or call for help.

I slid down the wall that I had gone for support and sat down. Blood oozed out of the wounded place and covered my hands.

The energy slowly left my body and the worst part was I felt every single thing.

Caleb didn't end my suffering there, he shoved the knife right next to the bloodied injury.

"Plea-please. Sto-op. It hurts." I managed to get the words out.

"Oh I intend to make it hurt more."

My vision started to get blurry, my heart reduced it's beating pace and slowed down.

I shut my eyes down, preparing myself for another painful jab, but when I felt nothing, I opened one eye.

Caleb was peeled away from me and was being punched senselessly.

I followed the shoes and found Blake punching and beating the crap out of Caleb.

"B-Blake?" I whispered. But it was enough to catch his attention.

Before rushing to my side, he punched Caleb one last time, knocking him out for good.

"Hey hey hey," he squatted down and pressed on my wounds harder.

A tear escaped my eye, not being able to take the hurt anymore.

"I don't wanna die," I breathed out.

"I won't let you die. Don't worry, I'll save you."

After Blake picked me up bridal style and I knew that I was in his arms, I let it all go.

I closed my eyes and gave into the pain and the darkness.

Hello Angels!

This chapter is 3350 words long!' I can't believe I had it in me.

Anywho, I had to search a lot of write up the scene, I hope it was worth it.

Thoughts on the chapter???

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