This chapter is dedicated to fantasyland_02. She's an amazing author 💫

Rick's p.o.v

Okay I know what you guys are thinking, I took a job here at Blue Fall's to be closer to Layton, and well you would be partially correct. See I did apply at the station back at Lightwood heights, I mean who wouldn't want to work with their best friend? But unfortunately they weren't hiring so here I am.

These past months, growing closer to Layton has opened me up to a whole lot more of life, I feel younger in a way. After my parents passed away I was forced to grow up and fend for myself so I didn't enjoy much of my teenage years or 'roaring 20's'.

I made some bad decisions along the way and almost got sent to juvie but an officer took pity on me and as they say the rest is history, now I'm protecting justice instead of infringing upon it.

Last night after I showed up at Layton's door to share with her the good news, we stayed in and watched TV until Cass came back home after midnight doing the 'walk of shame'. Today Layton wanted me to tag along to some frat party Cass was dragging her to but I'm 27 and that's not really my scene.

Perhaps I should get some friends my own age but oh well what's done is done.

End of p.o.v

"Wow don't you clean up nice, I haven't seen you look this good in ages" Cass says in shock as Layton waits for him at the front door

"I'm ready Cass"

"I know let's go"

"No, I mean I'm ready to move on"

Cass places his keys on the coffee table and tries to contain his excitement

"Are you sure" He mumbles, he has been waiting for her to say those words

"Yes, No, I don't know, but I have to try. I owe it to myself to. My life can't be on hold waiting for something better that might never happen, I need to enjoy the now." Layton takes a deep breath trying to reassure herself.

"Well between my college and law school you will definitely have your pick to choose from with my guidance of course. I can't have you around any fuck boys that's for sure. In fact I want to introduce you to somebody, let's go"

Sometime later at the party

"Layton this is Travis, Travis Layton" Cass introduces the two "I'm sure you two will have loads to talk about, T take care of her she's like a sister to me" he warns Travis before wondering of

Layton's p.o.v

Travis was 'stare worthy', from his piercing blue eyes to tousled blonde hair and jawline you could cut your finger on.

The way he stared at me, so intently as he listened to every word I spoke with such interest did make my heart flutter but all I could think about was how he wasn't Kiandre.

Snap out of it girl I thought, you have a gorgeous man giving you his undivided attention but you can't stop thinking about your ex, seriously Kiandre was a freaking meal and some girl would be devouring him right now, get your head in the game.

Once I gave Travis a fair chance we hit it off and spent most of the party in each other's company, I would often see Cass keeping an eye on us from afar and giving me a 'thumbs up' and the biggest grin ever - he can be so embarrassing at times.

It had been 3 weeks since the party, Travis and I have been out a few times and I can say it was a nice change of pace from my usual routine. We actually went on a double date with Cass and a girl he seems to be getting serious with, things were looking up for us. Little did we know life has a way of screwing with us when we are comfortable.

End of p.o.v

Layton and Cass were getting ready to meet Travis and Tessa (Cass's now girlfriend) at the beach. Before leaving, the doorbell rang and Cassidy went to answer it.

"Delivery for Ms. L. Cruz"

"Thanks, I'll sign on her behalf"

The delivery man hands Cass an envelope, he looked at the return address and immediately called out for Layton.

"Layton come here quick" she comes running into the living room

"What's the emergency?" she asks out of breath

He hands her the envelope, "look at the address"

Layton reads out loud "4227 Hitchcock Avenue, Statesville Penitentiary"

"Isn't that..."

"Where my mom is locked up"

"I'll call Rick, this has to be against the law or something" Cass rushes off to get his phone while Layton reads the contents

'The result of my hard labor

I know I did some pretty messed up things to you when you were just a little girl and I don't deserve your forgiveness, that's why I'm not asking for it. All I am asking is for you to come and see me, I have a lot of explaining to do. I owe you, please.

Your mother, Isabelle'

Layton begins to cry as memories invade her thoughts. Cass comforts her until Rick arrives, he reads the letter.

"I can contact the prison warden and ensure she never contacts you again, but what do you want to do?" he places a hand on her shoulder

"I need some time" Layton walks off to her room, shoulders drooped

A few days later

Layton has her bags packed, plane ticket in hand and is ready to go face her biggest demon

"Where are you going?" Cass asked in shock, seeing her packed bags

"I need to look her in the eyes Cass and find out why"

"I'm coming with you then" He replies

Just then Rick enters, suitcase in hand

"I thought it would be better if I went with a cop" Layton speaks up

After an 8 hour flight which majority of the time Layton slept on Ricks shoulder and an hour drive to their hotel, the two finally arrived in Statesville and made their way to the penitentiary.

A security guard straight away took them to Isabelle who was waiting cuffed in a private room (guess with Rick around, a fellow law enforcer things moved around swiftly)

Walking down the prison hallway and passed the inmate cells almost pulled at Layton's heart strings seeing how gloomy their residence was but they were there for good reason and deserved it.

"Hello Layton and who is this you have brought with you?" Isabelle almost hisses

Layton gritted her teeth at the sight of her mother. Rick places his hand on the small of her back, giving her all the support she needed.

"Hello monster" she replied "I believe you have some explaining to do" Layton sits down and Rick stands beside her stoically.

"Oh please, I don't have to explain anything. I didn't want you then and I don't want you now, what's more to understand?"

"Hey, you will speak to her with respect when I'm around got it? Rick chips in angrily, he wouldn't have his friend disrespected like that

"Oh honey still needing a man to fight your battles for you, how's Jamie was his name, you and that little twat ruined everything" Isabelle groans

"Is this what you wanted to get me here for? So you can play the victim and throw your toys out the cot like a child? This was a mistake, let's go Rick, she clearly hasn't learnt her lesson. I really hope you are someone's prison bitch" Layton confidently said before getting up to leave

"I got you here because you are going to do me a favor you silly girl"

Layton huffs and lets out a laugh "Why would I do you a favor?"

"Because if you don't, everything your father worked so hard for will be destroyed"

Isabelle still knew how to toy with Layton - by using her father

"Don't listen to her doll face she's just trying to get into your head" Rick interrupts

And it was working, Layton would do anything for her father, he was the most important man in her life that means his happiness was everything.

"Fine let's hear what you have to say" she tried to keep a brave face while the wheels in here head where turning

"Good girl, I knew that would get your attention, now let's sit and negotiate like adults shall we" Isabelle ushers Layton back to her seat

Rick knew what would proceed wasn't going to be pretty, after all making a deal with the devil only ensures hell.