Someone is in the house.

She didn't pick up. Didn't text me back. I had no idea what the fuck was happening. Getting to her house was my only priority. I dropped everything. Parker was the only thing that mattered.

The back door was broken into and the glass crunched underneath my shoes. Blood droplets followed from the living room to her room. This certain type of hot rage hummed underneath my skin and I wanted to scream. Her screen window was punched through. She was so close to escaping. Images of Parker being thrown around and Tyler just... hurting her. They may have had the same blood but he was no friend or father of Parker's. I spotted her phone on the floor and the screen was shattered.

Maybe after she dropped her phone Tyler picked it up, went through all her contacts. I rummaged hurriedly for my phone. No new messages, calls. An angry gasp caught in my throat. Where the fuck was she? I needed to find her, hold her. I had to fix this and finally let her go.

It was almost five in the morning when I got to Rudy's. I heard the blood roar my ears as I walked up to the door.

He took her. He hurt her.

A growl escaped me as I kicked the door repeatedly with all I had. Soon, my shoulder would take the last blow. The door bust open and I heard footsteps. A man ran down the stairs and upon seeing my face, he grinned.

"Oh, Rudy has told me all about you. Said maybe you'd be coming over."

I didn't know who he was, but he knew what was happening and I'd get the information out of him. I pulled my gun out and his face fell. "Tell me right now where she is and I'll leave."

"You don't want to stay and chat—" his sentence was cut off by the sound of gunshots. I shot around his feet, making him jump and in the end, standing there petrified. "W-what the fuck man?" He sputtered.

"I told you what I want." I raised the gun to his head and I was surprised he hadn't prepared for this. He fell to the floor and scrambled to the other side of the dingy living room. It was then I noticed how young his face looked.

"I-I don't know anything. Rudy just keeps us here. I don't even know your name. P-please. It's all Rudy. He hasn't said anything!"

"I doubt that." I shot around the outside of his hips.

"Holy shit! Fuck, I don't know! He said something about a motel. That's all I know, I swear." He closed his eyes and took breaths so harshly they shook his whole body. "Please don't hurt me."

I was never going to hurt him. I turned angrily on my heel and got back in my car. A motel? It had to be an abandoned one. He wouldn't take her to one in business. My hands on the steering wheel grew sweaty and I started to shake when my phone made a noise.

The message contained pictures of Parker. I knew Tyler had probably hit her but this was something else. Her head looked like it had been scrapped against concrete. Her pretty eyes were swollen, reduced to small slits that looked at the camera.

I'm sure you can figure out where she is, pretty boy.

Tyler. It had to be him.

I called Sam and before he even said a word I nearly yelled, "all motels no longer running, I need the addresses. Now." I started the car and the dial that recorded the speed spiked drastically.

"Wow, wow. Okay, calm down I was sleeping. Where are you? Are you driving? Pull over before you crash."

"I can't slow down," I spat. "They fucking took her Sam."

"What the hell? You've been watching and you paid Rudy off!"

"It doesn't matter. I knew something like this would happen, I just—shit. I don't know." I wracked my brain to think of abandoned motels. Multiple cars honked at me as I switched lanes recklessly to reach an exit. The more desert part of the county had countless buildings left to rot. She could be there.

"Okay, yeah. Um, give me a minute and I'll start sending addresses."

"Thank you," I breathed, feeling some weight leave my shoulders. If it wasn't Parker who was there for me, it was Sam. Our friendship was one of the best things I've had the privilege to be a part of. Being with Parker was an honor however.

Two hours later, and, Parker wasn't where I thought.

She wasn't at the ten fucking links Sam sent me either. My eyes pricked with pain, needing sleep, but the fear kept me awake.

Four hours later, I was parked outside another abandoned motel that Sam had sent me to outside of the county. It was nearly in the middle of nowhere and stood alone on the property. The road was empty and every once in a while cars would pass. I tried to inhale, but the lump in my throat didn't let me. I tasted the salty tears on my lips. Frustrated, I nearly ripped my eyes out.

I didn't know where she was. Calling the number that texted me the photos of Parker was useless, I knew that at least. The only thing that kept me from completely falling apart was that they wouldn't kill her without me there.

My phone suddenly buzzed and I grabbed it, answered it quick, and pressed it to my ear.

"Took you long enough. How many motels did you visit today?"

I recognized the voice as Tyler's. My eyes raised and I saw a dirty curtain pull back and Tyler's face looking down at me from the third floor.

"What do you want?" I finally said. "I'll give it to you." They had me right where they wanted me.

"It's still light out. If you get out of the car I'll fucking kill her. Press her against the window so you can watch. Don't think about leaving either."

"Okay," I complied. My stomach twisted in knots.

"I can see through your window, Foster. If you do anything but keep the phone to your ear, she dies. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Alright. Get out of the car. Now."

I did as I was told.

"Now, I want you to throw your phone on the floor and step on it. You hear me?"

I nodded.

"Then do it." He hung up.

Raising the phone up, I threw it back down on the asphalt. The screen shattered, but still lit up. I smashed it with the heel of my shoe until it was nearly in half. I looked up and Tyler motioned for me to get back in the car. With great reluctance, I did and watched as Tyler walked away from the window.

-

Rudy removed his hands from my ears and I could hear again.

I almost started crying in relief. I hated when he touched me. Whether it was to lead me down the hallway or force me back on the bed, I hated it.

"Don't worry, sweetie," Rudy hushed me. My face took on a disgusted look, chest heaved erratically with anger. "Prince charming is here. Do you want to see?"

Florencio was here? Really? The sudden burst of happiness I felt spread all the way to my toes. He was here. I bit my lip to hold in my cry of joy. But... I let out a huff. It was exhausting the way my emotions were being tormented. It made my head spin.

Rudy laughed when my obvious excitement died down. Why would he tell me that? Something wasn't right. He un-cuffed me and held my arms behind my back and led to the window in the living space. He pressed me against the glass.

"Look down."

Florencio's car with him inside of it. I couldn't make out the expression on his face. Tears started to form painfully. Why wasn't he saving me? Why was he sitting there?

"Help!" I screamed, breaking my silence. "Help me!" I struggled against Rudy. I tired to kick the window and break it. "Florencio! Please help me!" Wailing, I thrashed uncontrollably. "Please!" Rudy suddenly kneed my lower back. I let out a broken gasp and fell over. He hauled me up and practically dragged me back to the bedroom. The pain in my back blossomed and it hurt to breathe.

"Pull something like that again and you're dead, bitch!" He gripped my jaw and forced me to look at him. "Florencio is doing his part. Make this easy for the poor guy and do yours too, mmh?"

"I fucking hate you," I gasped out, each word feeling like a painful jab to my body. My face and whole being from the other day hadn't recovered fully yet.

"Shut up!" He grabbed a pillow off the floor and threw it at my face. The action would've been ridiculous if it hadn't actually hurt. "Aw, your face hurts? What would you be willing to do for some ibuprofen?"

I shook my head miserably, mumbling nonsense.

"You would kiss me?" He said in mock surprise. "You know, that time I kissed you was nice."

Tucking my lips, I shook my head frantically.

Rudy grew tired of my behavior and left the room.

I tried to stay awake longer but I couldn't.

-

I sat for hours and hours. It wasn't until the sun starting setting, I remembered about the spare phone in the glove compartment. I kept my hand low and tried not to move much in case anyone was watching. My fingers fumbled with the flip phone. I quickly ducked it between my legs and opened it. I searched for Sam's contact.

Last address sent. I'm here. Come but stay hidden.

I hit send, dropped the phone and kicked it under my seat

The location was only maybe an hour from Sam's place. He would get here faster than that if he hurried.

Sighing, the unknown settled in me heavily. I didn't have much of a plan going. I would get in the room, somehow get Parker... and that was it. I had no great escape planned. I winged my way through everything I did and for once it wasn't working out.

The room door opened and Rudy emerged. He beckoned me. I gritted my teeth and got out of the car. Each stair step physically hurt me.

Help me! Please!

The way she was screaming, the look on her face... I had to look away. But I was here now. I'd make this work now.

When I made it to the room, Rudy smiled. "Long drive? You look tired."

I decided to behave and just nod. If I wanted Parker I needed to be flexible. He pushed open the door that had been obviously broken into and led me inside. There was no furniture, the carpet was pulled up, and dust floated through the air, invading my nostrils. A small wall separated the living room from the kitchen. Two doors were in the small hallway. A bedroom and bathroom, I guessed. One door was lone though where maybe a tv would've gone. Once I was done observing, I realized it smelt like shit in here.

Rudy noticed my reaction to the smell. "Toilet doesn't work."

The urge to bash his face in sky rocketed. "Where is she?" I finally spoke.

He grinned. "Eager?"

An unhumorous laugh bubbled. "Not at all." He raised a eyebrow before retreating to the bedroom.

Where was Tyler? I saw him in here and he never left. I turned in maddening circles. In the closet? I eyed the door. So creative on their part. I heard wheels squeaking. My head whipped to the hallway. They tied Parker up on a rolling desk chair. Her head fell to the side but her slightly swollen eyes opened. Candles were the only source of light in here and the yellow tone made the bruises look vicious. Rudy placed her in front of the closet door. My breathing picked up when the door handle jiggled. It was a whisper of a movement.

"Florencio," Parker rasped. My leg twitched and I saw a hand swipe through the air and a sharp slap echoed. I swallowed hardly and closed my eyes for a second. If I did anything he'd hurt her more than he already has.

"What do you want?" I asked. "Money? I'll give it to you. Take it all. Just give me the girl."

"Oh, well you're smart." He placed a hand on Parker's head, pushed her head back. She did so without protesting. "Can we just do something first?"

"What?" I breathed. My eyes darted to his hand keeping her head in place and the closet door. Parker groaned and shifted.

"I think you know."

It all happened so quick, I don't even remember moving. All I know is that I heard a door open as I lunged forward and wrapped a hand around Parker's throat. Her eyes went wide as blood spurted everywhere. She stopped breathing in shock when she looked down and saw the top of my hand was sliced open. Tyler was going to slit her throat.

I was only granted a second of calm before Tyler moved again. I grabbed the chair and pushed Parker forward. The chair fell over and she landed on her side. I was forced to pay her no attention and grab the knife from Tyler. I stabbed his shoulder and he stumbled back. Rudy hooked his arm around my neck and I reached behind me, puncturing his eyes with my fingers. I turned around and choked him. My hand surged with pain and blood poured all over Rudy's shirt. It was like all the strength in my left hand and arm was fading. I kneed Rudy between the legs, punched him and he fell on his back, head thumping on the wooden floor.

Just in time I spun, ripped the knife out of Tyler and pushed him back. He fell into the closet and the shelf cracked under his weight and fell on his head.

"Fuck," he moaned.

I quickly moved to Parker and cut the rope that bounced her wrist and ankles. "Motherfuckers," I whispered. Her hands were turning purple. I pulled her up and ran out of the room. I heard Rudy and Tyler yelling.

"Ow!" Parker shirked. I loosened my grip on her upper arm but then I saw she was barefoot.

"Sorry," I muttered, making her walk faster even though the bottom of her feet were probably getting cut up.

"My dad was going to kill me," She stated suddenly, her bottom lip jutted out. "He was going to kill his daughter. I've never even had a real conversation with him. Why would he do that?" She was slowing down. No, no, no.

I stopped and held her in front of me. "I know. I'm sorry. But we need to move, Parker. You knew he was going to do this. He's a fucked up person who only wants money. You need to stay strong for yourself."

Tears rolled down her bruised cheeks. "Okay."

"Florencio!" It was Sam's voice. I looked over the railing and he stood there at the bottom, confused. Then I looked behind me. Tyler's face was red and he held a gun in his hand. He shot the windows of some rooms.

"Florencio! Give me my daughter. We got some catching up to do!"

I walked a few feet forward and pressed Parker against the railing. Sam followed and was right under us.

"Do you trust me?"

She kept glancing at Tyler. I grabbed her face and she winced.

"Yes or no, Parker?" Finally her eyes met mine and she nodded.

"You know I do." Her hands held my forearms tightly. She didn't seem to care my bloody hand was soaking through her shirt and onto her skin.

"That's great. So since you trust me, you're going to let me push you over the railing and Sam is going to catch you," I said quietly in her ear.

"What—" I pushed her over and she screamed. A body hit the floor but I knew Sam caught her. Thankfully there was a large tree blocking Tyler's view from Parker at the bottom with Sam.

"What the fuck?" Tyler sputtered. "You-you—"

"You were going to kill her anyways." I shrugged. "This got her out of the way faster." I pulled the gun out from the back of my pants. "Now get back in the room." He didn't move. I aimed for his head and before I shot, I moved an inch.

His hand flew to his ear.

"Get in the fucking room. I'm not asking, Tyler." This was supposed to be easy. All I did was present myself as a cold man. However, I was losing blood rapidly and my body felt it. I backed Tyler into the room and the door shut behind me. I let out a shaky breath as Tyler and Rudy cornered me into the kitchen.

"He's not going to kill us," Rudy said, smirking.

"That's true," I played along. Tyler's heaving breathing caught my attention. He was holding the shoulder I stabbed. "How much do you want?" There was no use in asking questions. He wanted to and was going to kill me. Since I "killed" Parker, using her to get more money out of me wavered now.

"Everything. We want everything you've got," Tyler groaned. "You little shit. There's a reason I left Grace and Parker, to avoid them being in this mess."

"Bullshit," I called. "You want money and you're a deadbeat father."

A small smile appeared on Tyler's face. "I never wanted a kid, Florencio. You're just fucking around with my mistake that I was this close," he almost pressed his index finger and thumb together, "to getting rid of it."

"She was upset," I said. His face fell. Then he shook his head, recovering. "She didn't understand why you wanted to kill her."

"I'm sure her medaling grandmother told her all about me," he sneered. "She knew I didn't want her. Also I think your betrayal hurt more. You kept me a secret and kept bothering her because why? Because you could? And you killed her. You're the monster here. I wasn't there long but Parker was a nice enough girl. Too bad she ended up with a screwup like you."

Rudy muttered something and lifted his gun to me. He turned the last second and shot Tyler instead. The bullet embedded in his chest. Tyler looked at Rudy, a hand raised to his chest. He looked down once and fell over.

"You're a selfish bastard."

Rudy grinned. "You're just a bastard."

Suddenly it felt like my shoulder was being ripped apart. He shot me. I took shuttering breaths. I had been shot before, but it didn't make it any easier. I dropped my gun against my will. Rudy kicked it and it slid under Tyler's lifeless legs.

I charged at Rudy but it was easy to just push me back down. My head buzzed from hitting the floor. Rudy stalked after me and I crawled back. If I distracted him enough, I could circle back into the kitchen and grab the gun.

"We can't work this out?" I tried to laugh, but the pain in my shoulder made me whimper. Damnit.

"I'm done with your shit. I'm done chasing you around and I'm done watching you make money." The veins on his forehead bulged and he was sweating so much it dripped on the floor.

I picked up my pace and was back in the kitchen with Rudy in front of me. I bumped into Tyler and held a gag back. Rudy kicked my chest and I fell back, practically laying over Tyler. He pointed the gun at my head. I pushed my hand under Tyler's legs and grasped the gun.

"Tyler was right. You do because you can. That poor girl is just bleeding out on the floor right now." Rudy toed my right foot so it faced they way it didn't bend naturally and stepped on it with all his weight. I bit my lip to keep in a scream. "This is gonna be fun."

I closed my eyes and whipped the gun out, shooting blinding. I heard Rudy gasp and fall to the floor. Opening my eyes, I saw I got him in the head.

"Fuck," I breathed, sitting up and pushing myself against the kitchen cabinets.

-

"SAM!" I screamed into the palm of his hand, begging for him to let me go. I heard way to many gunshots and I was tried of being restrained. I had been like that for too long today. Sam had me pinned to the concrete under his body and I was determined to get back upstairs. Two against one? If Florencio was dead I... the thought made my chest rise and fall uncontrollably.

Sam straddled me and held my hands above my head. "You've kicked my balls like four times, cutie." His voice was quiet and it reminded me that Rudy and Tyler could most likely hear us.

"Sam, please," I whispered. "Let me go back up there. I need to." To help calm my tears, I pressed my lips to together and breathed heavily through my nose.

"Damn you look ugly." Sam chuckled.

I jerked my knee slightly against his manhood.