Evil Friend Pregnant Lover : By Sian Donegan (c) 2010 Chapter 1 h!

! e"c#$e %e&' Scarlet had #n(no)ingly )al(ed $traight into the %o$t eligi*le a#thor in to)n& She had no idea )ho he )a$ *#t #n(no)n$ to her! he already (ne) )ho $he )a$ no e"c#$e %e!' he $aid )ith a $light $%ir( on hi$ +ace& She co#ldn,t help *#t giggle a very girly giggle at hi%& She (ne) $traight a)ay he )a$ a char%er *#t the $econd they %ade eye contact! there )a$ an in$tant attraction +or *oth o+ the%& Scarlet contin#ed to )al( a)ay thin(ing that $he )o#ld pro*a*ly never $ee hi% again! $o )hen $he )a$ )al(ing thro#gh to)n later that day and $a) the tall hand$o%e $tranger! $he )a$ plea$antly $#rpri$ed! *#t had a d#ll ache a$ $he didn,t thin( he )o#ld re%e%*er her& -hen he approached her and co%%ented *y $aying! Scarlet! )e really $ho#ldn,t (eep %eeting li(e thi$!' $he )a$ e"tre%ely $hoc(ed! e$pecially at the +act that he (ne) her na%e& She had a*$ol#tely no idea )ho he )a$ let alone hi$ na%e& .o) do yo# (no) )ho / a% and )hat %y na%e i$0' She a$(ed )ith a con+#$ed loo( #pon her delicate pale +ace& h / (no) %ore a*o#t yo# than 1#$t yo#r na%e!' he $aid )ith a chee(y $%ile #pon hi$ +ace& 2eally! )ell good +or yo#!' $he $aid a*r#ptly not a%#$ed *y the co%%ent that he $ee%ed to (no) thing$ a*o#t her! )hen $he didn,t (no) anything a*o#t hi%& Let %e introd#ce %y$el+ %y na%e i$ Daniel De3 4oto and / )o#ld li(e very %#ch to ta(e yo# o#t to dinner&' Scarlet )a$ 5#ite ta(en a*ac( *y thi$ co%%ent and a$(ed& Doe$ that line )or( on every girl yo# %eet0' -ell yo# loo( li(e yo#r h#ngry and / tho#ght yo# %ight have a de$ire to eat )ith %e' Daniel $tated 6o#,re very pre$#%pt#o#$ aren,t yo# Daniel *#t / have already eaten today and / tend not to go o#t )ith per+ect $tranger$ )ho% / (no) nothing a*o#t than( yo#!' at thi$ point Daniel )a$ $lightly $hoc(ed a$ he had never had anyone decline an invite o+ hi$ *e+ore ho)ever he )a$ not deterred and contin#ed to a$(! )ell! )hat )o#ld yo# li(e to (no) let,$ $ee / have already told yo# %y na%e $o technically / a% not a per+ect $tranger 1#$t a partial one!' Scarlet )a$ not a%#$ed at thi$ co%%ent and Daniel pic(ed #p on that $traight a)ay thin(ing %ay*e $light h#%o#r )on,t )or( 1#$t yet )ith Scarlet! ho)ever he per$i$ted *y $aying / a% an a)ard )inning a#thor and very partic#lar a*o#t )ho / ta(e o#t to dinner!' $till not a%#$ed Scarlet replied i$ that %eant to i%pre$$ %e0' Daniel then $tated 7o! *#t yo# $aid yo# )anted to (no) %ore a*o#t %e $o / +ig#red / )o#ld o*lige!' again $niggering at hi$ o)n $%#g co%%ent he co#ld $ee he )a$ getting no3)here )ith Scarlet *#t )hat $he didn,t reali$e )a$ that )o#ld enco#rage Daniel to per$i$t in getting her to date hi%! he never )a$ one +or an ea$y ta$( and )hen it ca%e to Scarlet $he de+iantly )o#ld not *e an ea$y per$on to )in ro#nd& -ee($ pa$$ed )ith pa$$ing co%%entary going *et)een the t)o o+ the% )hen +inally Scarlet gave in and agreed to go on a date )ith Daniel& /+ / agree to have dinner )ith yo# )ill yo# $top hara$$ing %e0' / have a ha*it o+ not %a(ing pro%i$e$ / cannot de+iantly (eep! *e$ide$ yo# never (no) yo# %ight act#ally en1oy yo#r$el+!' 6o# really are very $#re o+ yo#r$el+ aren,t yo#!' to that Daniel )in(ed at $carlet )ith a $%ir( on hi$ +ace and $aid /8ll pic( yo# #p at 9!' 6o# don,t (no) )here / live!' $he re$ponded h *#t / do!' co%%ented Daniel )ith another $%ile on hi$ +ace& Scarlet arrived ho%e at : and at ; o,cloc( there ca%e a (noc( at the door and )hen $he

an$)ered a +lori$t )a$ $tood there )ith <0 red ro$e$ and a note $aying Can,t )ait to $ee yo# " " " "&' Scarlet )a$ $#rpri$ed at thi$ a$ $he had never tho#ght that Daniel )a$ the ro%antic type $he al)ay$ tho#ght he ca%e acro$$ a$ an arrogant ar$e type! a+ter thi$ Scarlet decided to go and get ready +or her date )ith Daniel& =t e"actly 9 o,cloc( Daniel t#rned #p dre$$ed in a very $%art t#"edo and )hen Scarlet an$)ered the door )earing a $hort tight +itting *lac( dre$$ that $ho)ed o++ her very c#rvaceo#$ ho#r gla$$ +ig#re Daniel8$ %o#th 1#$t dropped open a+ter a %o%ent he held o#t hi$ ar% and ge$t#red #p to)ard the end o+ the path and $aid 6o#,re li%o#$ine a)ait$ %y lady!' thi$ )a$ the +ir$t ti%e that Scarlet act#ally $%iled at Daniel! )hen they got into the li%onene they ended #p at the airport )hich con+#$ed $carlet / tho#ght )e )ere going to dinner not on holiday!' to )hich Daniel replied -e are! $hall )e!' he ge$t#red to)ard the plane in +ront o+ the% even %ore con+#$ed Scarlet )ent )ith Daniel and rel#ctantly got on the plane! a$ $he )a$ already a)are Daniel had %ade a lot o+ %oney over the year$ )ith hi$ )riting and a +e) year$ *e+ore he had al$o inherited 5#ite a con$idera*le a%o#nt o+ %oney o++ a di$tant relative! $he contin#ed to get %ore con+#$ed #ntil $he got on the plane and +o#nd there )a$ no3one el$e on it $he co#ldn,t help it $he had to a$( -hat,$ going on! ho) can yo# a++ord all thi$ are yo# ta(ing the pi$$ )here are )e going0' So %any 5#e$tion$ and yet $o +e) an$)er$!' replied Daniel =$ it $ee%$ )e are on %a$ter%ind! here are yo#r an$)er$ %y dear! n#%*er 1 )e are going o#t to dinner! n#%*er 2 no / a% not ta(ing the pi$$! n#%*er : / can a++ord it *eca#$e / a% rich and la$t *#t not lea$t )e are going to Pari$&' =t thi$ revelation Scarlet8$ 1a) dropped )ide open and +or the +ir$t ti%e $ince $he had %et Daniel $he )a$ $peechle$$ +inally a+ter a*o#t an ho#r they arrived in Pari$ little did Scarlet (no) there )ere %ore $#rpri$e$ to co%e Daniel too( her to $ee the Ei++el to)er then )ent on a *oat and had a ro%antic candle lit dinner +or 2 +inally Scarlet t#rned to Daniel and $aid -ell Daniel yo# certainly do (no) ho) to $)eep a girl o++ her +eet!' Daniel replied >y goodne$$ Scarlet / *elieve yo# al%o$t gave %e a co%ple%ent! doe$ thi$ %ean yo# have had a good ti%e0' Scarlet 1#$t $%iled and loo(ed over at the night $(y re+lecting o++ the )ater& = +e) ho#r$ pa$$ed and $oon eno#gh they )ere *ac( at Scarlet8$ ho%e a$ $he #nloc(ed her door $he t#rned to Daniel a$ he )a$ a*o#t to )al( *ac( #p the garden path and $aid ?han( yo# +or tonight! / really did have a lovely ti%e!' and a$ $he $%iled Daniel (i$$ed her lovingly and gently on her lip$ and $aid Doe$ that %ean yo# )o#ld con$ider going o#t )ith %e again0' Scarlet replied 6o# never (no) %ay*e ne"t ti%e / )ill ta(e yo# o#t to dinner pro*a*ly not to France *#t / hear there,$ a ne) re$ta#rant opening #p in to)n %ay*e )e co#ld try that!' Daniel $%iled *ac( at Scarlet and $aid / )o#ld li(e that very %#ch it&' -ee($ pa$$ed and Scarlet and Daniel,$ relation$hip $ee%ed to *e *lo$$o%ing #ntil )hen Scarlet )a$ )aiting at Daniel,$ apart%ent +or hi% to +ind hi$ car (ey$ $he overheard a voice%ail on hi$ an$)er %achine Daniel it,$ Sa%antha! /,% $orry a*o#t )hat happened the other night it )a$ a %i$ta(e / )a$ #p$et )e need to tal(! thi$ involve$ *oth o+ #$ and @el$ey plea$e ring yo# (no) %y n#%*er / love yo#&' =t hearing thi$ $carlet )a$ e"tre%ely #p$et / +o#nd the% are yo# ready0' Daniel $aid appearing +ro% another roo%! $traight a)ay Scarlet t#rned to hi% and $aid -ho8$ Sa%antha and )ho i$ @el$ey0' Daniel pa#$ed then +inally $aid .o) do yo# (no) a*o#t Sa%antha0' She 1#$t phoned and le+t a %e$$age on yo#r an$)er %achine! )ho i$ $he0' Daniel too( a deep *reath then +inally $aid She,$ %y )i+e and @el$ey i$ %y da#ghter!' at hearing thi$ Scarlet t#rned and ran o#t o+ the door $he co#ld +eel tear$ )elling #p in her eye$ *#t a$ #$#al $he re+#$ed to $hed tear$ in +ront o+ or +or any %an& Daniel $pent the ne"t )ee( trying to contact Scarlet a+ter )ee($ o+ trying to get hold o+ her and +ailing he decided to go to her ho#$e ho)ever )hen he got there and (noc(ed on the door an elderly )o%an an$)ered! a$ Daniel (ne) very little a*o#t any o+ Scarlet8$ +a%ily he a#to%atically a$$#%ed that the )o%an )a$ a relative o+ Scarlet8$! %ay*e her %other or grand%other /$ Scarlet

here plea$e0' he a$(ed politely /,% $orry dear there,$ no3one called Scarlet living here! there,$ 1#$t %e and %y h#$*and! )e 1#$t %oved in la$t )ee(!' Daniel )a$ *oth $#rpri$ed and $hoc(ed at thi$ co%%ent *#t co#ldn,t very )ell t#rn aro#nd to an old lady that he didn,t (no) and acc#$e her o+ lying or *eing $enile! Do yo# (no) )hat happened to the yo#ng lady that lived here *e+ore yo#0' /8% $orry dear all / (no) i$ that the lady that lived here %oved o#t la$t )ee( and )e %oved in!' the old lady replied ?han( yo#&' Daniel replied! at thi$ ne)$ hi$ heart $an(! he had no idea )here Scarlet had gone all he (ne) )a$ that $he had le+t and $he had le+t *eca#$e o+ hi%& Chapter 2 >onth$ had pa$$ed $ince Scarlet had le+t yet the %e%ory o+ Daniel $till lingered in$ide her& She had %anaged to get a 1o* )or(ing at the local %#$e#% giving to#r$ and lect#re,$ to the people )ho ca%e! altho#gh the 1o* didn,t e"actly pay )ell it )a$n,t to de%anding and $he en1oyed it $he (ne) $he event#ally $he )o#ld need to +ind a *etter paid 1o* *#t +or no) $he )a$ happy )here $he )a$ $he $hared a +lat )ith another yo#ng girl called 2e*ecca )ho $he (ne) +ro% a +e) year$ *e+ore )hen $he )a$ in college& She had only %et her *y chance )hen $he %oved o#t o+ Congleton and )a$ loo(ing +or a +lat to rent in Shrop$hire! 2e*ecca )a$ p#tting an adverti$e%ent in the local ne)$agent$ )indo) )hen Scarlet )ent in en5#iring! $traight a)ay 2e*ecca recogni$ed Scarlet and o++ered her the roo% $aying! >y +lat %ate ha$ 1#$t %oved to =#$tralia $o / a% loo(ing +or a ne) +lat %ate! a$ long a$ yo#r not a %a$$ %#rder or c#lt )or$hiper / thin( )e $ho#ld *e o(!' $he $aid )ith a little ch#c(le Scarlet la#ghed at thi$ and replied / a% not a %a$$ %#rder and / only )or$hip c#lt$ on )ee(end$ and *an( holiday$!' at thi$ *oth 2e*ecca and Scarlet la#ghed& = +e) )ee($ a+ter Scarlet %oved in )ith 2e*ecca $he *egan +eeling very tired and #n)ell! initially p#tting it do)n to lac( o+ $leep and generally *eing tired +ro% )or( $he didn,t thin( %#ch o+ it then a+ter a very hot long %orning $he collap$ed! a$ 2e*ecca )a$ the only contact Scarlet had )hen $he )a$ ta(en to ho$pital 2e*ecca )a$ the one that )a$ called& -hen $he arrived Scarlet )a$ lying do)n )ith one o+ the doctor,$ $at tal(ing to her! the loo( on Scarlet8$ +ace $aid that the ne)$ $he had 1#$t *een given )a$n,t the ne)$ $he )anted! 2e*ecca )ent in a$ the doctor le+t and a$(ed Scarlet )hat )a$ )rong! /8% pregnant!' Scarlet replied! not really (no)ing )hat to $ay at thi$ 2e*ecca a$(ed )hat %o$t people )o#ld a$( -ho8$ the +ather0' 2e%e%*er the g#y / told yo# a*o#t! *e+ore / ca%e here0' 6e$! the one that lied and didn,t tell yo# a*o#t having a )i+e and child&' 6eah! that,$ the one! )ell! he8$ the +ather&' Areat! )ell no) he can have another child! are yo# going to tell hi%0' / don,t (no)! / don,t (no) )hat to do! / )a$n,t e"actly planning thi$&' =ltho#gh Scarlet had told 2e*ecca )hat had happened )ith Daniel it hadn,t %ade thing$ any ea$ier! 2e*ecca #nder$tood )hy Scarlet had le+t *#t $till tho#ght $he $ho#ld have $tayed to let Daniel e"plain even i+ had have *een *ad at lea$t then $he )o#ld have (no)n& Scarlet hadn,t deleted Daniel,$ n#%*er *#t decided no %atter ho) te%pting it )a$ to call hi%! $he re+#$ed to let hi% (no) $he )a$ pregnant )ith hi$ child! a+ter a +e) )ee($ Scarlet had got #$ed to the idea o+ *eing pregnant and %anaged to get $o%e e"tra ho#r$ )or(ing at the %#$e#% a$ another %e%*er o+ $ta++ had *een $igned o++ $ic(! (no)ing that the )age $he )a$ getting )o#ld not *e eno#gh to $#pport her and a *a*y and even tho#gh 2e*ecca had $aid that it )a$ +ine and $he co#ld $till $tay living in the +lat even )hen the *a*y ca%e Scarlet +elt that it )o#ld *e #n+air to do that to 2e*ecca there+ore $he )o#ld have to +ind $o%e)here el$e to live& ?he long )al( to and +ro% Scarlet8$ +lat to )or( )a$ *eginning to

ta(e /t,$ toll on Scarlet and a$ $he )a$ )or(ing B day$ a )ee( and the )eather )a$ grad#ally getting )ar%er! $he co#ld +eel e"ha#$tion (ic(ing in then )hen r#$hing to )or( on a partic#larly hot day a$ $he )a$ r#nning late $he reached the %#$e#% and a$ $he h#ng #p her coat $he collap$ed! )hen $he )o(e again 2 day$ later $he $a) Daniel $at in the chair ne"t to her *ed holding her hand! 2e*ecca )a$ $tood o#t$ide the door tal(ing to one o+ the doctor,$& Scarlet had no idea )hat had happened ho) $he had ended #p in ho$pital let alone ho) or even )hy Daniel )a$ there )ith her Scarlet! are yo# alright0' Daniel i%%ediately a$(ed a$ $oon a$ he $a) her eye$ open! -hy are yo# here0' 6o#r +riend 2e*ecca called %e a co#ple o+ day$ ago! )hy didn,t yo# tell %e yo# )ere pregnant0' / didn,t (no) #ntil a co#ple o+ )ee($ ago! *e$ide$ / didn,t thin( it )a$ any o+ yo#r *#$ine$$!' Scarlet replied a*r#ptly! 2e*ecca ca%e in a+ter $he +ini$hed $pea(ing to the doctor! =h! yo#r a)a(e! )e,ve *een )orried a*o#t yo#&' -hy did yo# call hi%0 / told yo# / never )anted anything to do )ith hi% ever again!' Scarlet / had no choice / )a$ )orried and / tho#ght )e )ere going to lo$e yo#!' -ell he co#ldn,t have $topped that co#ld he0' 7o *#t / thin( he had a right to (no) he )a$ going to *e a +ather and he %ay have (no)n or *een a*le to have contacted any +a%ily %e%*er$ or at lea$t let #$ (no) i+ yo# had any other health i$$#e$!' =t thi$ point Daniel interr#pted Scarlet don,t *la%e 2e*ecca $he tho#ght $he )a$ doing the right thing! $he )a$ only loo(ing o#t +or yo#&' ?he doctor,$ $ay that $he need$ to re$t and (eep o++ her +eet!' 2e*ecca $aid ?hat,$ +ine! )hen )e get *ac( ho%e /,ll *e %a(ing $#re that $he )on,t *e doing anything other than re$ting&' E"c#$e %e! *#t )o#ld yo# *oth $top tal(ing a*o#t %e li(e /,% not here! +or $tarter$ Daniel thi$ i$ %y *a*y not yo#r$! $econd o+ all / a% not going *ac( any)here )ith yo# ever!' / do love it )hen yo#r +ei$ty!' Daniel $aid )ith a little $nigger& = co#ple o+ )ee($ later Scarlet )a$ di$charged +ro% ho$pital and )ent *ac( ho%e to 2e*ecca8$! Daniel had *een vi$iting every day! having +re$h +lo)er$ delivered and had +inally got ro#nd to e"plaining a*o#t Sa%antha and @el$ey Sa%antha )a$ the local *i(e everyone had! had a ride and to %y (no)ledge $he $till ha$ 5#ite a +e) on the go no)! / )ent to Blac(pool +or a )ee(end )ith $o%e o+ %y %ate$ and got very! very dr#n(! ne"t thing / (ne) / )o(e #p the ne"t %orning in *ed )ith Sa%antha! $he (ept phoning %e and a*o#t a %onth later $he told %e $he )a$ pregnant there )a$ a %a$$ive ro) *et)een %y +a%ily and her$ a$ to )hether or not @el$ey )a$ act#ally %ine! )e decided to try and %a(e a go o+ it +or @el$ey,$ $a(e at lea$t and )e ended #p getting %arried! everything )a$ +ine +or the +ir$t +e) year$ then! Sa%antha (ept going o#t / )a$ )or(ing $hi+t$ and )hen / )a$ *ac( in the ho#$e $he )ent o#t to her +riend$ or her %#%$ and le+t %e loo(ing a+ter @el$ey a+ter B year$ / had eno#gh $o / le+t $he )o#ldn,t let %e have @el$ey and then re+#$ed to give %e a divorce! / didn,t $ee @el$ey +or nearly 2 year$ and it,$ only recently that Sa%antha ha$ agreed to let %e $ee her and that i$ 1#$t *eca#$e $he )ant$ to (eep going o#t and all her +a%ily and +riend$ have di$o)ned her! )hich i$ one o+ the rea$on,$ $he )ant$ %e *ac(! $he i$ trying to #$e @el$ey to get %e *ac( and no) / have %oney $he )ant$ that a$ )ell )hich i$ )hy $he )on,t divorce %e 6o# co#ld have told %e thi$ at the $tart a$ oppo$ed to hiding it!' $aid Scarlet / don,t #$#ally tell people %y li+e $tory a+ter one date al$o! / )a$n,t $#re ho) yo# +elt a*o#t %e and didn8t )ant *o%*ard yo# )ith all o+ thi$!' )ee($ pa$$ed )ith Scarlet and Daniel tal(ing and grad#ally *onding! Scarlet )a$ a+raid to go *ac( )ith Daniel a$ $he didn,t )ant everything to go )rong and ca#$e %ore h#rt and #p$et +or *oth her and her *a*y! ho)ever %#ch $he li(ed or di$li(ed it $he )a$ getting clo$er to Daniel *y the day *#t there

)a$ al)ay$ the i$$#e o+ Sa%antha in the *ac( o+ her %ind and $he (ne) that )o#ld ca#$e pro*le%$& Chapter : Bac( in Congleton r#%o#r$ had *eg#n that Daniel had gone a+ter Scarlet and that $he )a$ pregnant altho#gh no3one act#ally (ne) )here Daniel or Scarlet had gone there )a$ $pec#lation and lie$ all ro#nd! the 5#e$tion )a$ )ho had $tarted the%& Daniel,$ cha#++er >ar( )a$ a tr#$ted +riend and colleag#e o+ Daniel,$ and )hen he reported *ac( that Sa%antha )a$ no) a)are o+ Scarlet and the *a*y and there )ere a lot o+ r#%o#r$ *ac( in Congleton Daniel and Scarlet *oth agreed it )o#ld *e *e$t not to ret#rn there& Daniel +elt torn *et)een Scarlet! @el$ey and the *a*y he )a$ #n$#re )hether or not @el$ey (ne) that $he )o#ld *e having a ne) *rother or $i$ter in a +e) %onth$ altho#gh he didn,t do#*t that Sa%antha )o#ld have already +illed her head +#ll o+ $hit and lie$ a*o#t it i+ $he did (no)& Scarlet co#ld $ee ho) Daniel )a$ *attling )ith hi$ +eeling$! he had tried to $pea( to @el$ey on the phone *#t Sa%antha (ept $aying $he didn,t )ant to tal( to hi% $o $he $aid -hy don8t yo# go *ac( and tal( to @el$ey0' She )on,t even tal( to %e on the phone!' he replied ?hen yo# have to $ort thi$ o#t in per$on! go and tal( to @el$ey $he,$ yo#r da#ghter $pend $o%e ti%e )ith her! $he need$ yo# and yo# need her&' -hat a*o#t yo#! )hat a*o#t the *a*y0' -e,ll $till *e here )hen yo# ret#rn and in the %ean ti%e /,ve $till got 2e*ecca here o(!' For the +ir$t ti%e in a long ti%e Daniel,$ eye$ glaCed over a$ tho#gh he )a$ a*o#t to cry ?han( yo#!' he $aid to Scarlet& Daniel didn,t (no) ho) Sa%antha had +o#nd o#t a*o#t Scarlet or the *a*y or even ho) the r#%o#r$ had *eg#n *#t +or no) he didn,t care hi$ only concern )a$ to get in to#ch )ith @el$ey and hope that he co#ld %a(e thing$ right *et)een the%& -hen Daniel arrived at Sa%antha,$ $he didn,t $ee% at all $#rpri$ed to $ee hi% and 1#$t $aid 6o# too( yo#r ti%e!' $he had an$)ered the door )earing one o+ her #$#al $l#tty en$e%*le$ p#lling in her $to%ach and p#$hing o#t her rather over$iCed *rea$t$ $orry / thin( yo#r : o,cloc( *oo(ing )a$ cancelled / in+or%ed hi% at the gate that yo# had do#*le *oo(ed!' Daniel re$ponded and at thi$ co%%ent Sa%antha )a$ +ar +ro% a%#$ed /$ @el$ey here0' Daniel a$(ed / have *een trying to tal( to her +or the la$t 2 )ee($ and yo# (eep $aying $he,$ *#$y!' -ell +ro% )hat / have heard yo#,ve *een *#$y )ith vario#$ other pro1ect$ over the la$t +e) %onth$ never %ind )ee($!' Sa%antha co%%ented! /$ @el$ey here or not0' She,$ in$ide!' Sa%antha $aid opening the door +or Daniel to )al( in! a$ Daniel entered he $a) hi$ da#ghter $at in +ront o+ the ?&4 a$ $he t#rned to loo( at her dad a deep $adne$$ +ell #pon *oth o+ the%! /,% $orry!' $aid Daniel / $ho#ld have told yo#! / didn,t (no) #ntil a co#ple o+ )ee($ ago!' @el$ey 1#$t $at )atching the ?&4 and paid no attention to )hat Daniel )a$ $aying& @el$ey! $)eetheart plea$e tal( to %e!' (no)ing that ignoring hi% )o#ld h#rt hi% %ore her! @el$ey contin#ed to do $o and got #p and )al(ed o#t o+ the roo%& Sa%antha 1#$t $tood and )atched $%#gly then decided to play the part o+ the caring #nder$tanding and $y%pathetic )i+e! p#tting her ar% aro#nd Daniel $aying Aive her $o%eti%e! $he,$ had a *ig $hoc( )e all have!' Daniel 1#$t glared at Sa%antha and a$(ed -ho told yo# a*o#t Scarlet0' Sa%antha then replied 7o3one&' ?hen ho) did yo# (no)0' ?hi$ i$ ho) and it )a$n,t addre$$ed to %e it )a$ addre$$ed to&' Let %e g#e$$ @el$ey&' Sa%antha handed Daniel a note $aying 6o#,re no longer daddy,$ little girl!' then $he handed hi% another note ?hi$ one )a$ addre$$ed to %e&' = ne) lady! Scarlet ha$ ta(en yo#r place! yo# and yo#r da#ghter have no) *een replaced!'

 .o) did yo# get the$e0 -ho gave the% to yo#0' ?hey )eren,t given to #$ a$ $#ch / ca%e ho%e +ro% )or( a+ter pic(ing @el$ey #p and they )ere 1#$t there hanging thro#gh the letter *o"&' So they )ere po$ted *y hand then0' 6e$! / didn,t let @el$ey $ee the one that / got $he )a$ #p$et eno#gh at reading the one $he received&' ?han( yo#! that i$ $o%ething at lea$t! *#t / don,t #nder$tand! )ho )o#ld have or even co#ld have done thi$! the only per$on )ho ha$ any (no)ledge o+ anything )ith regard$ to %e Scarlet and the *a*y i$&' Let %e g#e$$ %ar(!' $aid Sa%antha $topping Daniel %id $entence Daniel and Sa%antha loo(ed at each other! Daniel,$ +ace had a very over)hel%ing loo( o+ denial and di$appoint%ent! Sa%antha ho)ever didn,t $ee% in the lea$t *it $#rpri$ed! Daniel then $aid .e )o#ldn,t! he co#ldn,t have )hy )o#ld he do $#ch a horrid thing0 .e )o#ldn,t do that at lea$t to @el$ey!' 6eah! yo# (eep telling yo#r$el+ that Daniel it )a$ the $a%e )hen )e )ere together re%e%*er! al)ay$ %a(ing e"c#$e$ +or hi%&' Stop it! / have to go / need to $ort $o%e other thing$ o#t! i$ it o( i+ / co%e *ac( to%orro)0' 6eah $#re that,$ +ine /,ll let @el$ey (no)&' Areat than($! /,ll co%e *ac( to%orro) a*o#t 9 o,cloc( i+ that,$ o(&' (! /,ll $ee yo# to%orro)&' -hen Daniel le+t Sa%antha,$ he )ent to $tay at an old ho#$e hi$ parent$ had le+t hi%! it )a$ an old 4ictorian ho#$e and it had a lot o+ hi$tory to it )hich )a$ one o+ the rea$on$ Daniel li(ed it $o %#ch a$ no3one had *een there +or nearly B %onth$ and there )a$ no central heating the ho#$e )a$ cold and $%elled $lightly da%p Daniel )ent thro#gh into the living roo% and $tarted a +ire to )ar% the place #p then $at do)n gaCing #p at the high ceiling he co#ldn,t *are to thin( that hi$ %o$t tr#$ted! clo$e$t +riend )o#ld *etray hi% in $#ch a )ay and on top o+ that ca#$e h#rt and #p$et to hi$ da#ghter& Daniel $at #p %o$t o+ the night )rac(ing hi$ *rain trying to +ig#re o#t another e"planation to ho) the$e thing$ had happened and ho) he co#ld +ind o#t the tr#th! he hated the tho#ght o+ having to deceive or tric( any +riend e$pecially hi$ *e$t +riend *#t he (ne) he co#ldn,t 1#$t a$( >ar( a$ he )o#ld never ad%it to it! $o he )o#ld have to +ig#re o#t another )ay o+ div#lging the in+or%ation o#t o+ hi% deceit+#l or not& Chapter < Finally a+ter day$ o+ trying Daniel had %anaged to tal( to @el$ey and get her to #nder$tand and accept thing$ a$ they )ere no) going to *e )hen $he reali$ed that $he )o#ld *e a *ig $i$ter and )a$ not going to *e p#$hed o#t or replaced $he *eca%e con$idera*ly %ore happy )ith the idea -ill / *e a*le to p#$h the pra% and ta(e the *a*y to the par(0' a$(ed @el$ey 6e$ o+ co#r$e *eing a *ig $i$ter i$ a very i%portant 1o*! the *a*y )ill $ee )hat yo# do and )ant to do thing$ li(e yo# a$ it get$ older!' replied Daniel he )a$ relieved that @el$ey )a$ alright )ith having a ne) *a*y in the +a%ily )hich )a$ %ore than co#ld *e $aid +or Sa%antha )ho )a$ not $o happy a*o#t it! $he had al)ay$ re+#$ed to ad%it that Daniel didn,t )ant her and al)ay$ $ecretly hoped that he )o#ld co%e *ac( to her! $he al)ay$ ca#$ed tro#*le +or any relation$hip he )a$ in! thi$ ho)ever )a$ totally di++erent *eca#$e not only )a$ Daniel in a ne) relation$hip! he )a$ having a child )ith the )o%an he )a$ no) )ith& =+ter @el$ey had $ettled do)n and gone to *ed Daniel )ent do)n$tair$ and in$tead o+ p#tting on hi$ coat and leaving a$ #$#al he )ent into Sa%antha and a$(ed i+ he co#ld tal( to her /t,$ nice *eing a +a%ily again i$n,t it!' Sa%antha *egan -e,re not a +a%ily Sa%antha / a% )ith Scarlet re%e%*er0' /+ yo#r not *#$y thi$ )ee(end )e co#ld ta(e @el$ey o#t +or the day and have a proper +a%ily day o#t! %ay*e have a picnic or $o%ething&'

Sa%antha li$ten!' Daniel $aid rather $ternly / )ant to ta(e @el$ey to %eet Scarlet!' at thi$ Sa%antha glared at Daniel )ith a loo( o+ p#re hatred and evil in her eye$ 6o#,ve $pent the la$t )ee( here )ith %e and @el$ey! yo#,ve *een acting li(e )e,re a +a%ily! )e,ve *een getting on really )ell together ho) can yo# leave %e again0' Sa%antha / haven,t $pent the )ee( )ith yo# /,ve $pent it )ith @el$ey!' 7o! no yo# didn,t it )a$ %e a$ )ell! )e,re a +a%ily! yo# can,t leave %e again! / )on,t let yo#! yo# can,t (eep doing thi$ to #$&' Sa%antha $top it! / never ca%e *ac( to yo#! / ca%e *ac( to $ort thing$ o#t )ith @el$ey!' 7o! no yo# didn,t! yo# ca%e *ac( to %e! yo# ca%e *ac( +or %e! yo# )ant to *e )ith %e!' 7o! Sa%antha / don,t! / love Scarlet not yo#! Scarlet&' Sa%antha *egan reacting very *adly to thi$ $o Daniel tho#ght it *e$t to leave! he pic(ed #p hi$ coat and )al(ed o#t into the cold night& -hen Daniel got *ac( to hi$ ho#$e he phoned Scarlet to chec( ho) $he )a$ he le+t the phone ringing +or ; %in#te$ and no3one an$)ered! to *egin )ith Daniel )a$n,t to )orried a*o#t thi$ a$ he tho#ght that %ay*e Scarlet )a$ 1#$t o#t )ith 2e*ecca! )hen Daniel tried ringing Scarlet8$ %o*ile and there )a$ $till no an$)er he *egan to )orry and tried to contact 2e*ecca! neither o+ the% )ere an$)ering their %o*ile8$ or the landline phone at the +lat! Daniel contin#ed trying to ring Scarlet till 11&:0 that night then $#ddenly $o%eone an$)ered the landline it )a$ 2e*ecca! .ello!' 2e*ecca $aid in a very haCy tone 2e*ecca )here8$ Scarlet i$ $he there! i$ $he )ith yo#! i$ $he alright0' -hat! Scarlet er no / er! / don,t (no) they too( her $he,$ gone!' 2e*ecca %#%*led -hat do yo# %ean $he,$ gone! gone )here! )ho too( her0' at thi$ point Daniel )a$ getting e"tre%ely )orried and very $tre$$ed& / don,t (no) )ho too( her! they 1#$t ca%e in! / don,t (no) )hat happened! / don,t re%e%*er&' 2e*ecca yo# %#$t re%e%*er! )here,$ $he gone! )ho too( her0' / told yo#! / don,t (no)! / don,t re%e%*er! they (noc(ed %e o#t! / only 1#$t ca%e ro#nd a$ yo# rang&' 2ight! phone the police and then ring %e *ac( let %e (no) )hat they $aid! / need to +ind her 2e*ecca! plea$e!' at that the line )ent dead 2 ho#r$ pa$$ed and Daniel $till hadn,t heard a thing o++ 2e*ecca! *eginning to panic even %ore he phoned >ar( )ho )a$ $till in Shrop$hire and hadn,t co%e *ac( )ith hi% )hen he ca%e to $ee @el$ey& =+ter a +e) ring$ >ar( an$)ered .ello&' >ar( it,$ Daniel! / need $o%e help Scarlet8$ *een ta(en! can yo# go and $ee 2e*ecca and +ind o#t )hat happened! $ee i+ yo# can get any in+or%ation o#t o+ her!' -hat,$ going on! )hat,$ )ith all the $ecrecy0' So%eone ha$ (idnapped Scarlet&' -hy0' / don,t (no) )hy! loo( / can,t co%e *ac( right no) Sa%antha i$ going craCy again and /,% trying to (eep everything o( )ith @el$ey! can yo# 1#$t go and tal( to 2e*ecca plea$e %a(e $#re $he,$ alright and $ee i+ yo# can +ind o#t )hat ha$ happened to Scarlet!' 6eah! $#re do yo# )ant %e to go over no)0' 7o! it,$ a *it late no) leave it till the %orning! /,ll call her and let her (no) yo#r co%ing ro#nd to%orro) o(!' 6eah +ine! no pro*le%!' ?han($ >ar( / really appreciate thi$! /,ll tal( to yo# to%orro)!' ( ! tal( to yo# to%orro)! *ye&' =t thi$ >ar( h#ng #p the phone $niggered and loo(ed acro$$ the roo% and $o it *egin$&' >ar( $aid )ith an evil glint in hi$ eye -hat do yo# hope to achieve o#t o+ thi$0' $aid Scarlet 6o#,ll never have hi$ love he doe$n,t really )ant yo#!' >ar( *egan again! Be+ore yo# or Sa%antha ca%e along it )a$ +ine! it )a$ 1#$t #$ and everything )a$ 1#$t +ine!' -hat are yo# tal(ing a*o#t0' a$(ed Scarlet

/ got rid o+ Sa%antha and /,ll get rid o+ yo# a$ )ell! yo#r not ta(ing hi% a)ay he doe$n,t )ant yo# or yo#r *a*y!' $napped >ar(& ?he ne"t day >ar( )ent to $ee 2e*ecca li(e he pro%i$ed Daniel )hen he (noc(ed on the door it too( a )hile *e+ore 2e*ecca an$)ered and )hen $he did $he loo(ed a *it )or$e +or )ear Daniel a$(ed %e to co%e ro#nd and %a(e $#re yo#r alright! he told %e )hat happened!' /8% +ine! really! no per%anent da%age! / )a$ 1#$t a*o#t to p#t the (ettle on i+ yo# +ancy it!' S#re! that )o#ld *e good than($!' So! ho) i$ $he today0' -ho0' replied >ar( $#rpri$ed at )hat 2e*ecca )a$ a$(ing Scarlet! / (no) yo#,ve got her! ho) i$ $he0' at thi$ >ar( )a$ *eginning to panic n $econd tho#ght$ %ay*e /,ll pa$$ on the tea! /,ve got a lot to do and yo# $ho#ld *e re$ting!' a$ >ar( got #p to leave 2e*ecca $aid 7e"t ti%e yo# decide to (idnap $o%eone! / $#gge$t yo# don,t leave yo#r $pare (ey$ *ehind! e$pecially )hen they have yo#r na%e on!' at thi$ point >ar( didn,t (no) )hat to $ay! he (ne) there )a$ pretty %#ch no )ay he co#ld *l#++ hi$ )ay o#t o+ thi$ So! )hy did yo# do it0' 2e*ecca per$i$ted! Do )hat0' >ar( replied $till trying to thin( o+ a )ay he co#ld get o#t o+ thi$ ?a(e Scarlet! $he never did anything to yo#! )hy did yo# ta(e her0' She,$ $a+e! that,$ all yo# need to (no) and / $#gge$t that yo# +orget a*o#t all o+ thi$ and don,t tell anyone! e$pecially Daniel *eca#$e i+ yo# do tell anyone Scarlet )on,t *e the only one that )ill di$appear' even tho#gh 2e*ecca +elt #n3nerved *y )hat >ar( had 1#$t $aid! $he again tried to challenge hi% /$ that %eant to *e a threat or $o%ething *eca#$e /,ve got ne)$ +or yo# >ar( yo# don,t $care %e! yo#r nothing %ore than a pathetic *#lly that thin($ /t,$ clever and good to (idnap and h#rt )o%en a pregnant one at that! yo#r pathetic and have got $o%e $erio#$ i$$#e$! $o / $#gge$t yo# tell %e )hat the hell i$ going on no) or *oth Daniel and the police )ill +ind o#t )hat yo#,ve done!' Loo( *e+ore Scarlet ca%e along %e and Daniel )ere doing +ine! it )a$ 1#$t ho) it )a$ *e+ore he got )ith Sa%antha! )e )ere going o#t having a la#gh it )a$ great&' .old on )ho,$ Sa%antha0' interr#pted 2e*ecca& Sa%antha i$ Daniel,$ $oon to *e e"3)i+e and i+ / don,t $top it then Scarlet co#ld end #p *eing the ne) one!' So! )hat,$ )rong )ith that0 -hat,$ )rong )ith Daniel *eing )ith Scarlet0 yo# $ho#ld *e happy +or hi% not try to r#in thing$ +or hi%! e"actly )hat i$ it yo# $ee% to thin( that Scarlet and Sa%antha are r#ining0' Everything! they,re r#ining everything! it )a$ all +ine )hen it )a$ 1#$t %e and Daniel he $ho#ldn,t *e )ith anyone el$e!' -hat are yo# tal(ing a*o#t0 Daniel,$ not gay! he love$ Scarlet!' / (no) he,$ not gay! neither a% / *#t he,$ %y *e$t +riend! )e do everything together! )e al)ay$ have then )hen Sa%antha ca%e into hi$ li+e and had @el$ey everything changed! it $tarted going *ac( to ho) it )a$ *e+ore her #ntil Scarlet ca%e on the $cene no) it,$ all changing again!' Loo(! >ar( / don,t thin( either Daniel or Scarlet are even a)are o+ ho) yo# +eel! Scarlet i$n,t trying to change anything *et)een yo# and Daniel! Daniel ca%e to her re%e%*er not the other )ay ro#nd!' ?hat,$ not the point! $he can,t have hi%!' >ar( yo# can,t 1#$t ta(e $o%eone *eca#$e yo# thin( they are ta(ing yo#r +riend a)ay! yo# need to tal( to Daniel and tell hi% ho) yo# +eel&' Chapter ; Bac( in Congleton Daniel )a$ $till having to deal )ith Sa%antha )ho had *eg#n to %a(e li+e rather di++ic#lt again! a$ #$#al Sa%antha )a$ convinced that Daniel had co%e *ac( to *e

)ith her! )hich a$ #$#al )a$n,t the ca$e *#t convincing Sa%antha o+ that )a$ another %atter entirely& Daniel phoned >ar( to +ind o#t ho) thing$ had gone )ith 2e*ecca *#t neither >ar( nor 2e*ecca )ere an$)ering their phone$! 2 day$ pa$$ed and Daniel had heard nothing +ro% either >ar(! 2e*ecca or Scarlet! $o he decided that the *e$t thing he co#ld do )a$ to go *ac( to Shrop$hire and +ind o#t )hat )a$ going on +or hi%$el+! he )a$ $eeing @el$ey that night $o co#ld e"plain to her )hat )a$ going on and )hy he had to go @el$ey! / need to $pea( to yo# / have to go *ac( to Shrop$hire +or a *it! $o%eone ha$ ta(en Scarlet and / need to go *ac( and +ind o#t )hat,$ going on and try to +ind her&' -hy )o#ld $o%eone ta(e another per$on0 ?hat doe$n,t %a(e $en$e!' @el$ey a$(ed / don,t (no) )hy darling! *#t / need to go and $ort it o#t and +ind o#t )hat,$ going on i$ that o(0' Can / co%e0' @el$ey a$(ed& 7o darling! / need yo# to $tay here )ith yo#r %#%&' .o) long are yo# going +or0' / don,t (no)' =re yo# co%ing *ac(0' 6e$! o+ co#r$e / a% and )hen / do yo# can %eet Scarlet i+ yo# )ant!' (! )ell yo# had *etter go and +ind her then other)i$e /,ll never %eet her!' @el$ey $aid $%iling ?han( yo#! /,ll *e *ac( a$ $oon a$ / can o(&' (!' and on that note Daniel gave @el$ey a h#g and le+t to go *ac( to Shrop$hire& Daniel phoned >ar( and le+t a %e$$age letting hi% (no) that he )a$ on hi$ )ay *ac( to Shrop$hire at hearing thi$ %e$$age >ar( *egan to panic *eca#$e $ince 2e*ecca had di$covered it )a$ hi% that ta(en Scarlet he (ne) $he )o#ld *e a ri$( $o he reali$ed he co#ld not leave her to tell Daniel or the police and had (idnapped her a$ )ell& @no)ing that Daniel )o#ld pro*a*ly go $traight to >ar(,$ +lat! he (ne) he co#ldn,t (eep Scarlet or 2e*ecca there $o he had ta(en the% to hi$ parent$ old ho#$e no3one )a$ living there *eca#$e >ar(,$ parent$ had died a +e) %onth$ *e+ore in a car accident! a$ the ho#$e )a$ over the other end o+ Shrop$hire he (ne) Daniel )o#ldn,t *e going there and he al$o (ne) that Daniel )o#ld not $#$pect hi% to *e the per$on that had (idnapped Scarlet& >ar( )a$ late getting *ac( +ro% hi$ parent,$ ho#$e and )hen he arrived *ac( ho%e Daniel )a$ $at o#t$ide the +ront door& Daniel )hat are yo# doing here0' $aid >ar( -ell / )a$ in the area and tho#ght / )o#ld pop *y! )hat do yo# thin( i8% doing here yo# +ool0' =lright! there,$ no need to *e $arca$tic&' Sorry! /,% tired and *it $nappy! have yo# heard anything o++ 2e*ecca0' / )ent ro#nd li(e yo# a$(ed *#t no3one an$)ered! / tho#ght %ay*e $he )a$ 1#$t o#t! *#t / have *een *ac( a co#ple o+ ti%e$ *#t $till not got any an$)er! /,ve tried ringing yo# *#t it al)ay$ goe$ $traight onto yo#r voice%ail&' Areat! $o no) *oth Scarlet and 2e*ecca have di$appeared&' -hen / )a$ at the +lat the other day / $po(e to )hat / thin( )a$ one o+ her neigh*o#r$ and they $aid that they heard a lot o+ $ho#ting a +e) night$ ago *#t they never $a) anything&' So! yo# haven,t %anaged to $pea( to 2e*ecca at all0' 7o! / told yo# there )a$ no an$)er&' B#t )hen / phoned to tell her yo# )ere co%ing ro#nd to $ee her $he $aid yo#r car had 1#$t p#lled #p and $he had to go' h yeah! $orry / +orgot! $he )a$ there *#t )o#ldn,t let %e in and $aid that $he didn,t re%e%*er anything and then $h#t the door on %e&' Straight a)ay Daniel tho#ght that thi$ )a$ odd and a#to%atically *eca%e $#$picio#$ o+ >ar(,$ *ehavio#r! re%e%*ering )hat Sa%antha had $aid a +e) day$ earlier it )a$ the $a%e )hen )e )ere together!' the conver$ation that Daniel had! had )ith Sa%antha )a$ *eginning to ring tr#e a$ %#ch a$

Daniel didn,t )ant to ad%it it! it did $ee% a$ tho#gh >ar( %ay have $o%ething to do )ith or at lea$t (no) $o%ething a*o#t Scarlet8$ di$appearance& Day$ )ent pa$t and >ar(,$ *ehavio#r )a$ *eco%ing %ore #n#$#al *y the day! he (ept di$appearing +or ho#r$ on end then )hen he ca%e *ac( he al)ay$ $ee%ed to *e %ore $tre$$ed than *e+ore he had le+t! Daniel noticed the$e thing$ *#t a$ day$ )ent *y )ith no )ord +ro% either Scarlet or 2e*ecca he paid little attention to a lot o+ )hat >ar( )a$ doing! then all o+ a $#dden >ar( t#rned to Daniel and $aid Forget a*o#t her %ate! $he )a$ no good +or yo#! $he )a$ 1#$t #$ing yo#! there not )orth it! yo#,re *etter o++ $taying )ith %e&' -hat did yo# $ay0' a$(ed Daniel -ell yo#r *etter o++ )ith %e! )e al)ay$ have a good ti%e together! )e al)ay$ have a la#gh don,t )e! )o%en al)ay$ )rec( thing$! / %ean 1#$t loo( at )hat Sa%antha did $he r#ined thing$ +or nearly 12 year$&' -hat do yo# %ean )o%en )rec( thing$! Scarlet ha$n,t )rec(ed anything / love her and i+ / don,t +ind her then %y li+e )ill *e )rec(ed not *y her *#t *y the per$on that ha$ ta(en her!' at thi$ >ar( *egan to +eel g#ilty and $aid She pro*a*ly 1#$t ran o++ li(e $he did *e+ore! li(e / $aid yo#r *etter o++ )itho#t her' Daniel,$ head 1#$t dropped loo(ing very $ad and lonely he )hi%pered / don,t )ant to *e )itho#t her!' on thi$ note he pic(ed #p a *ottle o+ )hi$(y and *egan drin(ing! >ar( had $een Daniel depre$$ed li(e thi$ *e+ore )hen he le+t Sa%antha and $he )o#ldn,t let hi% $ee @el$ey it )a$n,t totally >ar(,$ doing )hen Daniel and Sa%antha $plit #p *#t thi$ ti%e it )a$ do)n too >ar( 100D and he (ne) it and )hat )a$ )or$e )a$ that he hadn8t even got hi$ +riend *ac( ho) had previo#$ly *eca#$e Daniel didn,t )ant anyone e"cept Scarlet! @el$ey and the *a*y& Chapter B Daniel had 1#$t got o++ the phone a+ter $pea(ing to @el$ey and Sa%antha he had e"plained to @el$ey that Scarlet had $till not *een +o#nd and he had to $tay a little longer al$o he had $po(en to Sa%antha and told her a*o#t 2e*ecca going %i$$ing and >ar(,$ #n#$#al *ehavio#r! he (ne) he )a$ %i$$ing $o%ething and hoped that *y tal(ing to Sa%antha $he %ight *e a*le to help hi% $ee )hat it )a$ he )a$ %i$$ing! $traight a)ay it all clic(ed into place a$ $oon a$ Sa%antha $aid Do yo# re%e%*er a +e) year$ ago! *e+ore )e $eparated >ar( )a$ getting all )eird and yo# (ept $aying yo# tho#ght $o%eone )a$ )atching #$ all the ti%e!' 6e$! $o )hat!' replied Daniel -ell! )hen )e $eparated )hat )a$ >ar( li(e0' -hat do yo# %ean )hat )a$ he li(e0' -ell )a$ he happy! $ad! $#pportive! did he enco#rage yo# to go o#t and +ind $o%eone el$e0' Sa%antha! / don,t (no) )here it i$ that yo#,re going )ith thi$ *#t co#ld yo# get there a *it 5#ic(er plea$e&' -ell loo( at it li(e thi$! ha$ >ar( ever accepted yo# *eing )ith anyone other than hi%0' -ill yo# $top tal(ing in riddle$ and get to the point&' Daniel ha$ it ever cro$$ed yo#r %ind that %ay*e >ar( %ight have $o%ething to do )ith Scarlet8$ di$appearance! a+ter all he )a$ the la$t one to $ee and $pea( to 2e*ecca and no) $he,$ di$appeared a$ )ell! *it convenient don,t yo# thin(0' at thi$ tho#ght Daniel +or once co#ldn,t arg#e )ith Sa%antha a$ %#ch a$ he hated to ad%it it! he (ne) $he )a$ right everything that had happened and )a$ $till happening all pointed to >ar(& Daniel noticed that *et)een : and 9 o,cloc( every night >ar( di$appeared $o he tho#ght i+ he )a$ going to get any)here )ith thi$ he had to +ind o#t )here it )a$ that >ar( (ept di$appearing to! at : o,cloc( a$ $ched#led >ar( got ready to go o#t $o Daniel decided to involve hi%$el+ in >ar(,$ activitie$! -here are yo# going >ar(0' 7o3)here i%portant! 1#$t got $o%e $t#++ /,ve got to do that,$ all! /,ll $ee yo# later&'

-ait /,ll co%e )ith yo# %ay*e / can help yo#&' Er no! it,$ o(! / can %anage! /,ll $ee yo# later!' and very 5#ic(ly >ar( le+t! Daniel (ne) that >ar( )o#ld never nor%ally $ay no to $pending ti%e )ith hi% $o he (ne) $o%ething )a$ )rong and that >ar( either had or )a$ doing $o%ething he $ho#ldn,t *e! he had no choice *#t to +ollo) hi% in order to +ind o#t )hat he )a$ #p to& Scarlet and 2e*ecca had *een %i$$ing +or nearly : )ee($ no) $o i+ >ar( did (no) $o%ething then Daniel had to +ind o#t! l#c(ily dar( night$ )ere $etting in $o it %ade it ea$ier +or Daniel to +ollo) >ar( #n3 noticed! )hen >ar( p#lled #p o#t$ide a ho#$e over the other $ide o+ Shrop$hire Daniel )a$ con+#$ed and )a$ #n$#re a*o#t )hat >ar( )a$ doing! a$ >ar( had le+t the door $lightly open Daniel too( a chance and +ollo)ed >ar( a$ clo$e a$ po$$i*le trying to $ee in$ide the ho#$e to hi$ horror he heard 2e*ecca,$ voice $aying 6o# have to let #$ go! Scarlet need$ help! $he need$ to $ee a doctor it,$ not good +or her or the *a*y to *e (ept here! thin( a*o#t it >ar( yo# $aid yo# don,t )ant to lo$e Daniel )ell i+ he +ind$ o#t yo# have done thi$ and Scarlet lo$e$ the *a*y Daniel )ill never +orgive yo# and yo# )ill lo$e hi%' ye$ and i+ / let either o+ yo# go he )ill +ind o#t! do yo# thin( /,% $t#pid eno#gh to let that happen' replied >ar( )hen Daniel heard thi$ hi$ *lood ran cold he co#ldn,t *elieve >ar( had done thi$ and that Sa%antha had *een right a*o#t >ar( all along& Daniel )a$ $o angry he co#ld *arely control hi%$el+ he )anted to go $tor%ing in and (ic( >ar(,$ head in and *eat hi% to )ithin an inch o+ hi$ li+e! *#t he (ne) doing that )o#ld p#t Scarlet the *a*y 2e*ecca and hi%$el+ at ri$(! he needed to plan and +ig#re o#t ho) he co#ld get the% o#t $a+ely and at the $a%e ti%e *ring >ar( to 1#$tice! none o+ thi$ )o#ld *e ea$y *#t then Daniel tho#ght o+ everything el$e he had acco%pli$hed in hi$ li+e and reali$ed that he )o#ld *e a*le to create a plan good eno#gh to get *oth Scarlet and 2e*ecca o#t #nhar%ed to $a+ety! it )a$ ti%e to call in a +e) +avo#r$ and a +e) +riend$ to a$$i$t )ith hi$ plan& .e )ent *ac( to >ar(,$ and *egan %a(ing phone call$ preparing +or the +ight +or +reedo% that )o#ld *egin to%orro)& Chapter 9 /t )a$ : o,cloc( and >ar( had le+t #na)are the $a%e )ay he had *een doing +or the la$t : )ee($ only thi$ ti%e it )o#ld *e di++erent& Daniel *egan rallying hi$ troop$! all in all there )a$ a*o#t 20 people ready to help ready to get Scarlet and 2e*ecca +ree and ready to ta(e >ar( do)n ! *y < o,cloc( everyone )a$ in place the ho#$e )a$ $#rro#nded! >ar( )a$ in$ide )ith Scarlet and 2e*ecca at <&1; >ar(,$ phone rang it )a$ Daniel .ey >ar(! $orry to *other yo# *#t / )a$ 1#$t )ondering i+ yo# had any *#llet$ +or thi$ g#n / 1#$t +o#nd in the +lat!' -hat g#n! / don8t o)n a g#n!' replied >ar( con+#$ed! 7o! *#t / do!' $aid Daniel and he )al(ed thro#gh the door pointing it at >ar( )hat er! / er!' $t#ttered >ar( panic(ing $ave it' $aid Daniel he $a) Scarlet and 2e*ecca tied #p in a corner *oth loo(ing very )eary Scarlet )a$ *arely con$cio#$ a$ Daniel )a$ a*o#t to go over to Scarlet >ar( thre) hi%$el+ at Daniel (noc(ing hi% onto hi$ *ac( and ca#$ing hi% to drop hi$ g#n a$ it hit the +loor it )ent o++ not (no)ing )ho or )hat had *een hit Daniel $tr#ggled trying to get >ar( o++ hi% reali$ing that it )a$ act#ally >ar( that had *een $hot! at hearing the g#n$hot )ithin $econd$ the ho#$e )a$ +illed )ith para%edic$! police and 1#$t a*o#t any other per$on Daniel had contacted to help )hen Scarlet and 2e*ecca had *een #ntied they )ere *oth ta(en to ho$pital $#++ering +ro% tra#%a and e"ha#$tion a+ter the a%*#lance le+t Daniel )a$ le+t )ith >ar( and a +e) other$ that (ne) *oth o+ the% )ell! there )a$ a deathly $ilence +illing the roo%! Daniel $tood loo(ing at >ar( )ith p#re hatred in hi$ eye$ it )a$ yo# all along!' $aid Daniel& -hat )a$ %e0' $aid >ar( holding hi$ ar% )hich had a +le$h )o#nd +ro% the g#n $hot *e+ore /t )a$ yo# that too( Scarlet! it )a$ yo# that $ent evil $pite+#l letter$ to @el$ey and Sa%antha!' >ar( 1#$t loo(ed do)n to the +loor #na*le to re$pond! *#t $lo)ly nodded hi$ head&

/ )a$ only doing )hat / tho#ght )a$ *e$t +or yo#! / )a$ loo(ing o#t +or yo#!' .o) the hell )ere yo# loo(ing o#t +or %e0' Daniel $ho#ted @idnapping the )o%an / love! #p$etting %y da#ghter! / nearly lo$t all o+ the% *eca#$e o+ yo#! ho) i$ that loo(ing o#t +or %e0' >ar( $hr#gged& / 1#$t don,t get it /,ve $#pported yo# and helped yo# $ince )e )ere (id$& -hy have yo# done thi$0 .o) co#ld yo# do thi$ to %e0 / *ac(ed yo# )ith everything&' / didn,t )ant it to change! )henever yo# got )ith anyone yo# changed! yo# +orgot a*o#t %e! it )a$ %e and yo# it ha$ al)ay$ *een %e and yo#!' >ar( $aid 7o >ar(! it ha$ never *een li(e that! it ha$ never *een 1#$t %e and yo#! )e h#ng o#t a$ (id$ and )e $tayed +riend$ a+ter! the $a%e a$ / have done )ith a lot o+ people / )ent to $chool )ith! / helped yo# )hen yo# needed help and then yo# do thi$&' /,% $orry! / can,t lo$e yo#! yo# can,t leave %e li(e thi$! yo# need %e! )e need each other!' $ho#ted >ar(& -hat the hell are yo# tal(ing a*o#t0' Daniel $aid then he t#rned to the police o++icer$ *ehind hi% $ha(ing hi$ head and $aid E#$t ta(e hi% a)ay!' at hearing thi$ >ar( +lipped he dived at Daniel $crea%ing 7o! yo#r not going! / )on,t let yo#!' he landed at Daniel,$ +eet (noc(ing hi% +lat on the +loor $#ddenly police $ee%ed to *e every)here trying to get hold o+ >ar( l#c(ily +or >ar( there )ere that %any people and o++icer$ trying to get hold o+ hi% that he %anaged to e$cape! cra)ling thro#gh $o%eone,$ leg$ and 1#%ping thro#gh an open )indo) then 5#ic(ly di$appearing into the thic( +ore$t leading o++ the *ac( garden& Chapter F Bac( at the ho$pital Scarlet )a$ in inten$ive care $he )a$ very )ea( ! dehydrated and at ri$( o+ lo$ing the *a*y 2e*ecca ca%e *ehind Daniel and e"plained )hat had happened )hen >ar( ca%e to her +lat / didn,t (no) he had ta(en Scarlet till he t#rned #p the day a+ter and )hen / con+ronted hi% a*o#t it he got angry and attac(ed %e and then too( %e a$ )ell! / tried to help Scarlet and get >ar( to let her go *#t he )o#ldn,t li$ten! he )a$ $o o*$e$$ed )ith yo#! )hat,$ going to happen to hi% no)!' / don,t (no)!' replied Daniel .e got a)ay! the police haven,t +o#nd hi% yet!' =re yo# 1o(ing! doe$ Scarlet (no)0' 7o and / )o#ld appreciate it i+ yo# didn,t $ay anything to her! $he,$ *een thro#gh eno#gh!' a+ter $aying thi$ Scarlet $ee%ed to *e co%ing ro#nd a *it! Scarlet! are yo# alright! /t,$ %e! Daniel!' Scarlet )a$ $o )ea( $he co#ld *arely reply ho)ever Daniel +elt her grip hi$ hand and that )a$ good eno#gh +or hi%& =+ter a*o#t a )ee( 2e*ecca had *een relea$ed and Scarlet )a$ recovering $lo)ly! Daniel )a$n,t $#re ho) %#ch i+ anything that $he had re%e%*ered +ro% )hat had happened #ntil $he t#rned ro#nd #ne"pectedly and a$(ed -hat happened to >ar(0' Daniel )a$n,t $#re ho) to an$)er Scarlet! he (ne) $he hated *eing lied to *#t )a$n,t $#re i+ it )o#ld *e )i$e telling her the tr#th! event#ally he rel#ctantly told her >ar( e$caped! )e don,t (no) )here he i$ *#t the police are loo(ing +or hi%!' at thi$ Scarlet 1#$t $ighed and clo$ed her eye$! Daniel didn,t (no) )hat to $ay to try and co%+ort her or a$$#re her that everything )o#ld *e alright partly *eca#$e he didn,t (no) hi%$el+ i+ everything )o#ld *e o(& Finally : )ee($ a+ter everything had happened Scarlet )a$ d#e to *e di$charged +ro% the ho$pital altho#gh >ar( $till had not *een +o#nd Daniel had $o%eho) %anaged to a$$#re her that $he )o#ld *e $a+e co%ing *ac( ho%e )ith hi%& -hen they got *ac( to Daniel,$ Scarlet )a$ $#rpri$ed *eca#$e they arrived at a large 4ictorian $tyle property $#rro#nded *y *ea#ti+#l garden$ Daniel had arranged +or a $ec#rity tea% and cctv to *e in place 1#$t in ca$e anything happened! $o no %atter )hat Scarlet )o#ld *e protected& 2e*ecca ca%e to vi$it on a reg#lar *a$i$ *#t the %o$t i%portant %eeting o+ all )a$ a*o#t to happen that a+ternoon @el$ey )a$ co%ing Daniel )a$ pic(ing her #p a+ter $chool and $he )a$ co%ing to $tay +or the )ee(end a$ %#ch a$ Daniel tried to re3a$$#re Scarlet that thing$

)o#ld *e alright and @el$ey )o#ld *e +ine )ith everything Scarlet )a$ $till nervo#$ and on edge a*o#t %eeting her +#t#re $tep3da#ghter& -hen @el$ey arrived later that evening Scarlet di$covered that there )a$ no need +or her to have *een )orrying all day *eca#$e a$ $oon a$ @el$ey )al(ed thro#gh the door $he approached Scarlet in a )ay that even $#rpri$ed Daniel So /,ve heard that yo#r going to *e %y ne) $tep%other! /,ve heard a lot o+ *ad thing$ a*o#t $tep %other$ ho)ever /,ve never had one *e+ore and / (no) ho) partic#lar %y +ather i$ a*o#t the people he $pend$ ti%e )ith $o /8ll give yo# the *ene+it o+ the do#*t! )elco%e to the +a%ily!' $he $aid )ith a rather large and chee(y $%ile on her +ace! at hearing thi$ Scarlet didn,t really no )hat to $ay other than ?han( yo#!' and )hen it ca%e to Daniel he )a$ 1#$t co%pletely $peechle$$ *#t event#ally $aid Co%e on @el$ey! let,$ get yo#r $t#++ #p to yo#r roo%!' /t,$ nice to +inally %eet yo# Scarlet!' @el$ey $aid 6e$! nice to %eet yo# to!' Scarlet replied $till 5#ite ta(en *ac( *y the little $peech @el$ey had given )hen $he %et her& @el$ey tal(ed nearly all night to Scarlet a*o#t the *a*y $#gge$ting na%e$! a*o#t ho) $he had %et her +ather! +or the %o$t part Daniel )a$ *arely even in the conver$ation! the only *it o+ conver$ation he )a$ really involved in )a$ a$(ing )hat @el$ey and Scarlet )anted +or tea! )hen Daniel +inally %anaged to get @el$ey to go to *ed he ca%e *ac( do)n to Scarlet and $aid -ell / thin( /t,$ $a+e to $ay that @el$ey li(e$ yo#!' Scarlet $%iled and $aid 6e$ / thin( %ay*e $he doe$ li(e %e a little *it!' and *oth o+ the% $%iled and gave a little giggle to each other& /n the %orning everyone )a$ late getting #p d#e to the late night they had! ho)ever )hen it got to 10&:0 a% and @el$ey $till )a$n,t #p Daniel *egan to )orry *eca#$e )henever @el$ey had $tayed )ith hi% *e+ore even )hen $he got #p late $he )o#ld $till al)ay$ *e #p *y G o,cloc( at the late$t! at thi$ tho#ght he )ent to chec( on her! only to +ind )hen he got to her roo% $he )a$ gone and her )indo) )a$ )ide open Daniel $crea%ed Scarlet!' at hearing Daniel,$ voice $crea%ing li(e that $he ca%e r#nning #p the $tair$ to Daniel! )hen $he got to @el$ey,$ roo% he )a$ $tood there )ith a note! $lightly o#t o+ *reath +ro% r#$hing #p the $tair$ Scarlet $aid -hit,$ )rong! )hat,$ the %atter0' then loo(ing ro#nd the roo% noticing that @el$ey )a$n,t there $he a$(ed -here,$ @el$ey0' *rea(ing do)n in tear$ Daniel $aid .e8$ ta(en her! he8$ ta(en @el$ey!' -hat do yo# %ean he,$ ta(en her! )ho,$ ta(en her0' replied Scarlet $lightly con+#$ed a$ to )hat )a$ going on >ar(! he,$ ta(en @el$ey!' .o) do yo# (no)! /t,$ hi%!' Loo(! he le+t thi$!' Daniel $ho)ed Scarlet the note Be at the clearing in the )ood$! G p% tonight! tell no3one and co%e alone or @el$ey die$!' at reading thi$ Scarlet $aid 6o# need to tell the police or $ec#rity or $o%eone! yo# can,t go alone he,$ craCy he %ight try to (ill yo#!' / can,t tell the police and / have to go alone! he,$ given %e no choice! i+ / don,t he,ll (ill @el$ey! / can,t let that happen! / co#ldn,t let hi% h#rt yo# and / )on,t let hi% h#rt @el$ey either!' Daniel $aid& /t ca%e to F&:0 p% and Daniel $tarted o#t to the )ood$ )here he and >ar( had played )hen they )ere (id$ +eeling very #n$#re o+ )hat it )a$ he )a$ )al(ing into *#t hoping that he )o#ld *e a*le to $ave hi$ da#ghter& .e reached the clearing in the )ood at F&;; p% and no3one )a$ there! Daniel (ept loo(ing at )atch and then heard a +a%iliar voice n ti%e a$ al)ay$ / $ee!' it )a$ >ar( at hearing hi$ voice Daniel )a$ con$#%ed )ith hate and anger to)ard$ >ar( *#t (ne) i+ he )a$ going to get @el$ey *ac( he )o#ld have to $tay cal%! +inding it hard to $tay co%pletely cal% he $ho#ted at >ar( -here,$ @el$ey! )hat have yo# done to her0' Don,t )orry! $he,$ $a+e!' /+ yo#,ve h#rt even one hair on her head yo#r li+e )on,t *e )orth living&' / told yo# $he,$ +ine! all / )ant to do i$ e"plain a*o#t *e+ore&' Be+ore )hat! *e+ore yo# (idnapped %y da#ghter or *e+ore yo# too( the )o%an / love and %y #n*orn child and nearly (illed the%!' replied Daniel in a $lightly ar$ey tone o+ voice! / 1#$t )ant yo# to (no) / didn,t do it to h#rt yo#! / )a$ doing it to protect yo#!' Protect %e +ro% )hat0'

Fro% yo#r$el+ and +ro% other$&' -hat the hell are yo# on a*o#t0 -hat do yo# %ean yo#r protecting %e +ro% %y$el+ and other$! the only per$on / need protecting +ro% i$ yo#! / don,t need any other protection&' ?hat,$ *eca#$e /,% al)ay$ there +or yo#! / $ort it all o#t $o that yo#r $a+e&' Sa+e! yo# call thi$ $a+e and )hat do yo# %ean yo# $ort it o#t! $ort )hat o#t0' / $orted Sa%antha o#t +or yo#! /,ve protected yo# +ro% her! / helped yo# get o#t o+ that and /,% doing it again! /8% helping yo# get o#t o+ another relation$hip yo# don,t )ant to *e in /,% $aving yo#&' Saving %e +ro% )hat0 / don,t #nder$tand!' Loo( / al%o$t lo$t yo# )hen yo# )ent o++ )ith Sa%antha and had @el$ey! *#t / +orgave yo# +or that and helped yo# to get a)ay! no) / a% not going to (eep +orgiving yo# every ti%e yo# decide yo# )ant to *e )ith $o%eone el$e +or a )hile! it,$ *etter o++ thi$ )ay yo# can $tay )ith %e and yo# )on,t lo$e %e and / )on,t lo$e yo#!' -hat do yo# %ean / )on,t lo$e yo# and yo# )on,t lo$e %e! /,% not yo#r$ to lo$e! / a% not )ith yo#&' 6e$ yo# are! yo# al)ay$ have *een )ith %e! it8$ al)ay$ *een %e and yo# )e,ve al)ay$ *een together&' -hat the hell are yo# tal(ing a*o#t! yo#r tal(ing li(e )e,re a gay co#ple and in ca$e yo# +orgot /,% not gay / have a girl+riend that / intend to %arry! )e are having a child together! / have a da#ghter that yo# have (idnapped and had *etter let go *eca#$e / a% lo$ing patience )ith yo# >ar( / )ant %y da#ghter *ac( no) and / )ant yo# gone&' 7o! no yo#r not yo#r not getting %arried! yo#r not having a *a*y! it,$ yo# and %e it8$ al)ay$ *een yo# and %e it,$ #$ together! it,$ al)ay$ #$ 1#$t #$&' Serio#$ly >ar( / thin( yo# need help! o*vio#$ly have $o%e $erio#$ i$$#e$ that really need dealing )ith&' =+ter $aying thi$ *oth >ar( and Daniel heard a r#$tling in the *#$he$ a$ *oth their head$ t#rned >ar( *egan $crea%ing 6o# $aid yo# )ere alone! yo# pro%i$ed it )o#ld *e 1#$t #$&' / a% alone no3one ca%e )ith %e / have co%e alone!' $aid Daniel then >ar( l#nged to)ard Daniel and landed right on top o+ hi% $crea%ing Stop it! yo#,re lying! don,t lie to %e!' at thi$ point >ar( )a$ getting o#t o+ control and then Scarlet ca%e +ro% *ehind one o+ the *#$he$ +ollo)ed very $lo)ly *y 2e*ecca )ho )a$ holding a g#n to her head / +o#nd thi$ l#r(ing in the *#$he$ tho#ght yo# %ight )ant to $ee it!' 2e*ecca $aid to >ar(! >ar( glared at Daniel )ith p#re hate in hi$ eye$ and $crea%ed 6o# lied! / told yo# to co%e on yo#r o)n! yo# lied to %e!' *y thi$ ti%e even Daniel )a$ *eginning to panic and $aid / didn,t (no) $he )a$ there! hone$t / didn,t (no)!' / told yo# $he )o#ld *e )ith hi% didn,t /!' 2e*ecca $aid rather $%#gly at >ar( )ho )a$n,t a%#$ed at thi$ co%%ent! got #p o++ Daniel and )al(ed to)ard Scarlet $tood right in +ront o+ her and $aid ?hi$ i$n,t going to happen! yo#,re not ta(ing hi% a)ay!' then loo(ing to)ard$ Daniel! again pointing hi$ +inger and $aying 6o# are not leaving %e again!' *eginning to $crea% again in an #ncontrolla*le +renCy >ar( $#ddenly p#lled a g#n +ro% *ehind hi% a$ he +ired a $hot *oth Daniel and 2e*ecca $crea%ed 7o!' then there )a$ $ilence Scarlet )a$ lying on the +loor covered in *lood )hat neither >ar( or 2e*ecca reali$ed )a$ that it )a$ act#ally Daniel,$ *lood $he )a$ covered in he )a$ lying on top o+ her having dived in +ront to $ave her +ro% *eing h#rt >ar( had $hot Daniel in$tead o+ Scarlet $#ddenly $iren,$ )e,re all aro#nd the% and >ar( $ho#ted at Scarlet Loo( at )hat yo#,ve done! loo( at )hat yo#,ve done to hi%!' *e+ore anyone reali$ed *oth police and a%*#lance )ere every)here Scarlet had phoned the police *e+ore +ollo)ing Daniel to let the% (no) that he )a$ %eeting >ar( and he had ta(en @el$ey& >ar( )a$ arre$ted on the $pot and ta(en in +or 5#e$tioning and to *e charged )ith : co#nt$ o+ (idnapping! 2 co#nt$ o+ =B.! atte%pted %#rder and carrying an #nlicen$ed g#n! Daniel $till didn,t (no) )here @el$ey )a$ *#t )a$ +alling #ncon$cio#$ d#e to e"ce$$ive *lood lo$$! Scarlet )ent in the a%*#lance )ith Daniel to the ho$pital *#t %ade $#re *e+ore $he le+t that

the police )ere a)are that @el$ey )a$ $till %i$$ing and that 2e*ecca )a$ al$o involved in thi$ no)& Chapter G Fo#r )ee($ had pa$$ed +inally >ar( had con+e$$ed to )hat he had done and told the police )here he had *een hiding @el$ey and in+or%ed the% o+ the po$$i*le )herea*o#t$ o+ 2e*ecca& -hil$t Daniel had *een in ho$pital Scarlet had *een vi$iting hi% everyday and had al$o had @el$ey $topping over at )ee(end$ $o $he co#ld co%e and $ee Daniel! even Sa%antha had *een *eing help+#l )hich $#rpri$ed everyone even @el$ey! Sa%antha )a$ $lo)ly *eginning to accept that Scarlet )a$ going to *e )ith Daniel and *e a *ig part in @el$ey,$ li+e& >ar( had initially *een rep re%anded in c#$tody and )a$ d#e to go to co#rt in a +e) )ee($ *#t )ith all the charge$ it )a$ $a+e to $ay that it )o#ld *e very #nli(ely that >ar( )o#ld *e )al(ing the $treet$ o+ England anyti%e $oon& -ee($ pa$$ed Daniel had *een o#t o+ ho$pital and had %ade a co%plete recovery then $#ddenly! Scarlet +ell to the +loor $crea%ing! $he )a$ in la*o#r! a+ter a*o#t 22 ho#r$ $he )a$ *eginning to thin( that the *a*y )a$ never going to co%e o#t then +inally a little girl arrived )ith a +#ll head o+ red hair and *right green eye$ )ith the a$$i$tance o+ @el$ey they decided to na%e her @ayleigh! thing$ )ere going really )ell +or the ne) +a%ily! Sa%antha had +inally agreed to give Daniel a divorce! @el$ey )a$ co%ing on a reg#lar *a$i$ and $taying %o$t )ee(end$ en1oying the +act that $he )a$ no) a *ig $i$ter and getting even %ore e"cited that $he )a$ going to *e a *ride$%aid at Daniel and Scarlet8$ )edding ne"t Chri$t%a$ hope+#lly there )o#ld *e $no) a$)ell )hich )o#ld 1#$t %a(e the per+ect )inter )edding& /t $ee%ed li(e it )a$ the per+ect happy ever a+ter! )hat no3one had re%e%*ered )a$ that )hen >ar( )a$ arre$ted and Daniel and Scarlet had gone to the ho$pital! 2e*ecca had di$appeared and $till had not *een +o#nd! )a$ $he the real *rain$ *ehind all thi$& =$ hoped it $no)ed the night *e+ore Scarlet and Daniel got %arried $o they really did have a per+ect )hite )edding! )ith the per+ect happy +a%ily even Sa%antha had +o#nd $o%eone ne) it really )a$ the per+ect happy ever a+ter that they all )anted! little did they (no) that a%ong the cro)d$ o+ people at the )edding reception 2e*ecca )a$ l#r(ing&