*****

Nora Davis' P. O. V

"Pray tell what this entire trip is about." I ask with suspicion laced in my voice. My eyes darting between my husband and the current task he's fulfilling.

Alexander let's out a loud sigh before shaking his head, the action causing my eyes to narrow even further. That's weird. Folding a pair of jeans and then placing them into the neatly stored clothes deposited in the suitcase, Alex turns to me with a sly grin on his face and starts to approach me. His gait holding a purpose which I'm very familiar with.

No way is this man trying to seduce me to the point that I'll forget. Okay, he maybe has a chance of succeeding.

My own conscious knows I'm lying to myself and my resolve nearly breaks down then and there when his large hands rest on my hips. My own hands reaching up to lock around his neck, threading into his dark brown hair while I let out a wistful sigh. I'm definitely glad I'm still in the honeymoon phase even after being married for a few months. I thought it'd last a week max before I was groaning about how marriage doesn't become me.

Leaning down, Alexander kisses me softly on the lips before pulling away and placing his forehead against mine.

"I told you baby. It's a work conference. It happens every year held by a close friend but this time wanted to call in on a little favour so to say." He trails off slightly. This is what has my alarms raging in my head.

"Alexander Nathaniel James," I say sternly while stepping back, sounding like his mother already but it's most definitely because of the churning feeling of worry in my stomach, "If this has anything to do with the mafia I will throw a fit." The word is spoken like a taboo, shivers running down my spine at the thought of Arturo. Thank goodness the man is in jail and he can stay in there forever as far as I'm concerned.

Alex shakes his head, an earnest look in his chocolatey brown eyes as he pulls me back into his embrace. Leaning my head against his chest, I take in a deep breath of his cologne. My senses relaxing immediately.

"Nothing to do with that piece of shit, trust me. Mr. Baggins is an old family friend of my parents. He has a small business and had some ideas for expansion. I'm going there to help out." He says simply and I can tell he's being truthful, for now at least.

Pulling back, I raise a brow at him. "Where is this place anyways?"

"It's a small town called Carpe. It's quite a few hours drive which is going to be torture considering Greg has decided to accompany me so graciously." The sarcasm drips off of his tongue in waves and I can't help the laugh that escapes me.

Greg will take my revenge for me if need be.

"It's going to be torture being away from you." I reiterate, pouting like a petulant child while his arms tighten around me.

"You know, you could come with me." Alex mumbles to which I pause, pondering over his words.

"I don't want to come off as clingy. It's not a cool look." I joke slightly at the end, Alexander scoffing at my lame attempt.

"We're becoming that gross clingy couple that every one hates. As long as you love me and are by my side I don't mind." His words have me stepping out of his embrace with a roll of my eyes.

"Okay I didn't sign up for sappy Alexander straight out of some cheesy romance novel. If you're sure you don't mind and neither does Greg, I'd actually like to come. I've always liked small towns. There's something charming about them." I mumble more so to myself while Alex scrunches up his face.

"Small towns are boring." Is all I hear while I begin my own preparations. I hate packing but the last time I ended up leaving Alexander on his own, I found him half way through the night at a strip club and having a casual conversation with the Don of a criminal organisation so forgive me for being a paranoid wife.

*****

This is how I find myself a few days later, wedged in the passenger seat of the car with my husband driving and a giant toddler perched in the backseat.

"Are we there yet?" Greg grumbles from behind me to which I roll my eyes.

"We left like an hour ago and we have to go to Texas. Do you think we're there?" I sass back to which the man rolls his eyes. Knowing we've got an increasingly long drive which will have my backside sore and my back numb from the horrid angle my seat is placed in.

Greg regains his enthusiasm as he lurches forward once more like he has some spring stiffed into him. "I can't wait to do some risky shit. I wonder what it is this time." He said with a grin on his face while I'm the one rolling my eyes this time.

I think our Gregory has forgotten that the mafia is good and done with. Something I had to keep reminding myself of since the whole thought was nagging me in the back of my conscious. Thankfully Alexander's words eased my anxieties. Just the thought has me smiling wistfully as I reach my hand out and squeeze my husbands free one.

I expect a quick squeeze back but the slight pause has me turning mg head to actually look at the man. My brows furrowing as I catch sight of the strained look in his eyes, lips thinned out as if he's holding back a grimace. It's only a split second of him lagging and he squeezes my hand back but that's enough time for me to notice.

Something is definitely up.

"Alexander. Is there something you're not telling me?" My words aren't harsh but rather soft instead. This causing him to wince but he swiftly shakes his head.

Greg pops his head almost immediately in between the two seats, a wild gaze in his eyes as he glances dramatically from me to Alexander. "Man, didn't you tell her about the whole Carpe thing? This better not ruin my plans. I am ready to commit myself to this mind body and soul." He says with a ferocity in his sparkling blue eyes that has me scooting away from him.

A passionate Greg is never a good thing.

"What is he talking about?" I turn my attention to Alexander who shrugs a little too nonchalantly. "It's this little activity they have every year in the town. Adds a little festivity to the usually quite town. Trust me, it's nothing about what you're thinking." He assures me and that's more than enough for me to relax.

As long as it doesn't have anything to do with Arturo or Daniel, his right hand man, I'm more than okay with whatever the hell it is.

*******

Texas. I've never been here before, believe it or not, and the churning which erupts in my stomach makes me want to not be here.

Although I did agree to come along after picking up my role as the stereotypical yet somewhat offensive nagging wife role, I now regret it completely.

The town itself is quiet and quaint but it doesn't take another look to see the people of this town have a certain familiar look in their eye. I shouldn't go as far to say that everyone has some sort of mischievous look, but it's rather the younger generation, which is even more unsettling in itself.

Our long drive after numerous stops comes to an end right in front of one of the larger buildings I've seen when we drove through the tone. The infrastructure a pure white which is even more blinding from the sun shining overheard.

Alexander grasps my hand into his, Greg trailing behind us with an eager spring in his step. His uncanny excitement unsettling me, but I brush it off. As long as it isn't anything illegal, we're all good.

The sliding doors which pull apart at our arrival are like a godsend when the air conditioner smacks us directly in the face. The cool air ridding me of the perspiration on my face in an instant, to which I let out a loud sigh of relief.

"Mr. James! Although I've heard you like being called Mr. Alexandar so you don't get mistaken for your father." Comes a gruff voice which is just as much charming as it is crass. A friendly glimmer in his eyes as he hugs my husband, Alexander letting go of my hand in the process.

"You can call me Alexander, Mr. Baggins." Alex remarks in an equally friendly manner, his eyes fixed on the man in front of us and sharing a smile as if there's some sort of inside joke between them.

Mr. Baggins, as Alexander calls him, isn't as small as I'd imagine him to be as he towers over me by inches, nearly matching Alexander in his large height. A busy mustache sits on his upper lip, matching perfectly with his two bushy eyebrows that practically conceal his sunken in eyes.

"Well, it's a pleasure you could join us far out here." The man continues with a certain twang to his words, an accent thick in his voice as he then politely greets Greg and I. "I'm guessing this is your lovely wife." He nods to me while I smile back politely.

"Yes, and I'm the lovely best friend. Say Mr. Baggins. You aren't familiar with the so called 'event' which happens here are you?" Greg questions, excitement dripping from every word to which the older man quirks up a brow.

"If you're talking about what I think you are, then yes, I am. Why don't you follow me to my office? It's in the back here."

We leave the rather empty foyer, which only consists of a wrap around wooden desk and no one manning it. Instead, our little group goes down a brightly lit hallway, linoleum floors under our feet before we take a left and into a small office. It isn't big, but it's quite comfy, decked out in multiple leather sofas with a large desk which takes up the majority of the space, cluttered to the brim with papers and whatnot.

Maybe I should get Alexander to change the feel of his office. It's too stoic, although knowing him he'd say that's exactly the vibe he's going for.

Taking a seat on the two-seater sofa, Greg relaxes himself into a lone seater, whereas Mr. Baggins takes up a seat at his rightful place, behind the desk. I can tell Greg is getting anxious by the minute as he taps his leg rhythmically against the floor while also drumming his fingers against the armrest, waiting for the two men to finish their catching up.

"So, Greg was it?" The man continues after Gregory promptly nods his head. "I wouldn't go around town talking about that. You'll raise up a storm if someone who isn't supposed to hear about it."

"Hear about what?" I promptly speak up. I've heard nonstop from Greg about something happening, but not exactly what it is.

"Panic."

"Panic?" I utter back while Greg repeats after the man as well, but instead of confusion he has awe in his voice.

Yeah, definitely not a good sign.

Alexander tightens his grip from the arm he has placed on my shoulder, pulling me into his side almost as if he's expecting the worst.

Mr. Baggins nods his head in a cavalier manner, directing his gaze towards me with those droopy eyes of his.

"It's a game that these kids from the highschool play. They chip in for this contest throughout the school year and they hold a few games here and there. Every game is different and know one really knows what it is except for the judges. The person last left standing wins the cash prize. Out of towner's can join in from time to time and there are some who aren't high schoolers," He finishes, to which I nod in understanding.

Oh. Well, then, what's the big deal? I was worrying over nothing.

"That doesn't sound too bad." I concede after a moment's pause. Mr. Baggins raises a bushy eyebrow at this as he shakes his head.

"Yeah, that is, until you see some of the challenges. Some are real dangerous. That's why its illegal."

Blood freezes in my veins as I lean forward, Alexander's grip slipping from me while I glance to and from Greg to my husband.

"Have fun in jail."

I can tell Alexander looks thoroughly surprised as his mouth drops agape, while even Greg looks somewhat surprised before shrugging.

"What?" Alex mutters, to which I shrug myself.

"Have fun in jail. I'm tired of stopping you to idiots from getting involved in things." I comment dryly.

"Like you haven't dropped yourself into danger."

"Why do you assume I'll be partaking in this?"

I blatantly ignore Greg's words first and instead direct my attention to Alexander.

"I know you. You might be lying to yourself and trying to lie to me but you get excited at the prospect of things like this." I muse to which he scoffs but doesn't deny.

"When will this be taking place? It's not tonight by any chance." Greg inquires with a certain tone that lets me know it's most certainly going to be tonight.

Mr. Baggins nods his head and rubs at the stubble against his cheek. "Around the early hours of the morning. It's starting at twelve and I don't know when it'll end. I only know this because one of my relatives is participating. He's from out of town and just wanted to have some fun."

Greg nods and points a finger at the man as if to say 'exactly.'

"It looks like I know what I'll be doing tonight." Greg says with a smug grin and glancing back at us while I shake my head, holding myself back from face palming.

Of course.

Mr. Baggins doesn't keep us occupied for too long. Basically ushering us out once he finds out Greg wants to participate in the game of Panic. He does make sure to remind Alexander that they'll have to meet up tomorrow morning in order to discuss some plans they merely queried on the phone.

The three of us decided to explore the small town. Greg proudly announces to all of us that he doesn't care if he's being a cockblock and that we have to simply deal with it.

One part of me was hoping that after the long hours spent travelling and then the quick look around town. Our adventure wasn't much of an adventure considering we pretty much saw the entirety of it within half an hour.

Unfortunately for me, Greg has no plans of giving up this contest even though he assures us he doesn't want the money- not as if he can claim it. He just wants to partake in something exhilarating. My idea of going bungee jumping wasn't good enough.

"I have a bad feeling about this." My words fall on deaf ears while Alexander tightens his arms across my waist. Our steps echo on the path walk as we near the school. The only lights falling around us from the street lamps, which are slowly coming to an end as we head down a segregated pathway.

The only thing which is keeping me from turning around and fleeing with my tail in between in my legs is the sounds of hoots and hollers, almost as if there's a party going on in the middle of nowhere.

The underbrush against my legs making me thankful I at least wore jeans although the thorny twigs is snapping it's way at me through the thick material. My jaw almost drops at the sight that is in front of me. The once obscure night now lit up with multiple contained fires here and there, headlights of cars and other man made light sources illuminating the sight in front of us. A majority of high schoolers are sprawled out on lawn chairs, beers in hand while watching the commencement of the show in interest.

It looks like we've missed half of the introduction of the game already but we're not the only ones as a gaggle of teenagers pushed past us followed by a few older people.

I suddenly feel very old.

"Holy shit. Did you hear that? 67 thousand dollars? That's how much is up for grabs. Shit I know I said I wasn't in it for the money but I'm thinking I might just give it a go." Gregory says with practical dollar signs showing in his eyes.

"If money is what you want; Alexander write him a check. What? It's not as if you're lacking in money." I grunt at the look of audacity he sends me.

"I'm going to do a bit of snooping around. See what the challenge is for the opening game." Is all Gregory whispers down to us as if he's some sort of conspirator. It doesn't take him long to get lost in the throng of people while Alexander and I make our way closer to where the crowd of spectators is at its lowest and where I'm guessing the challengers are lining up.

What I don't realise is where we are exactly and only when I get closer to the crowd do I see what the challenge is. It's alarmingly clear and now the stakes of the game and the huge cash grab make a lot of sense. Stemming from end of a crumbling half decayed water tower is what I think is a wooden bridge at first glance. My stomach lurches when I realise it isn't a bridge but actually planks of wood looking as if they'll fall apart at the slightest bit of wind. Two long planks laying directly adjacent to one another as they lay comfortably wedged in between the two decaying water towers.

This isn't a kid friendly game. This could literally mean death.

I don't have to peer or strain my hearing to know it's a sharp drop beneath us. The loud wind a steep contrast to the morning sun which battered down on us a few hours ago.

Gulping harshly, I cling onto Alexander, feeling as if the plank will crumble there and then. This doesn't deter the challengers however, as the line is made up of eager teens and adults alike, ready to cross the bridge like structure.

"There you are! I'm guessing from the not so attractive sheen to Nora's face, you've figured out what the challenge is." Greg says as he sidles up to us.

"You're really going to go on that?" I ask with barely concealed dread in my voice while the man beside me scoffs.

"Give me a hundred bucks and I'll do the Irish jig on the damn thing for you."

I don't even bother replying to that. Turning to my husband who has been awfully silent this entire time, I raise a single eyebrow at him and pray that I look as intimidating as I hope I do.

"I hope you're not going to be participating in that." I don't bother turning in it's direction, pointing at it with a tilt of my head instead to which Alexander thankfully shakes his head.

"Everyone please line up!" A loud tone cuts through the loud voices though it doesn't stop the noise as cheers sound up from the on lookers instead.

"Come on. You can stand next to me in the line for support. They're letting others stand with them. Only a handful are actually crossing the bridge." Greg clarifies, voice practically disappearing with the loud wind.

Shrugging my shoulders, I decide it's better I'm able to persuade him to leave this death trap till the very end rather than giving up so easily.

Gregory can be annoying but everyone knows I can be just as equally as infuriating.

We get a few stares from the people around us as we stand next to the giant toddler who's currently brimming with excitement. Alexander stays weirdly silent the entire time, merely pressing a kiss to my forehead which has me pretending I didn't notice anything.