Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Alexis had gone Christmas shopping. It was two weeks away but she'd told him she wanted to buy gifts for everyone before the Christmas rush begun. He could have told her the rush always started at the beginning of the month but he didn't want to dampen her moods so he let her go. He also needed to buy a few things for the orphanage. Ray had begged to go with her but she'd said no, claiming she was buying a present for him too and she didn't want him to see it. They parted ways in the morning, kissing goodbye before each got in their car and drove off in different directions. It was safe to say he had separation anxiety because he had a mind to turn his car around and follow her.

He'd helped her find an office building and they'd spent at least two weeks together getting everything ready. Everyone had tried to pitch in, even nosy Nick but she'd shooed them away claiming that she was okay. Ray felt like he was on top of the world when she asked him to help her paint her office. Even though she'd hired an interior designer, Alexis had decided that she would decorate her own office to her liking. To be included in those plans meant that she truly trusted him and wanted his opinion. What more could he want? Spending time with her and being with her all day only to go home where he could make love to her all night, he was living the dream. So you can understand why he didn't want to leave her side.

But they both had things to do. He hadn't been at the orphanage for a while. Ray had hoped to introduce Henry to the kids at the orphanage knowing his friend would take interest in the work he did there but Marjorie had whisked him off to Chicago. Growing up in an orphanage, he didn't know how to deal with family. If he survived the holidays with Marjorie's family then Ray would be glad to have a double wedding. Speaking of weddings, the ring he'd chosen for Alexis was almost ready. She'd decided to leave it up to him to decide the kind of ring he wanted to give her. And for once in his life he hadn't hesitated or have any doubts. He'd picked the design knowing it was the right choice.

Stopping at a red light, Ray wondered how different this year started out. He'd told himself that if Alexis didn't come back by the end of it, he would have to pack up and find an excuse to relocate to London where he could see her. Be near her. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that they'd be engaged by the end of it. It was truly a surprise that she said yes considering his tacky proposal. It wasn't his fault though. Seeing her standing there like that looking all sexy, all he could picture was how nice it would be to come home to her everyday for the rest of his life. It was a wonder she hadn't demanded a proper proposal. What's stopping you from giving her one anyway? Nothing. He could still plan something special when the ring was ready.

As the green light blinked, he saw a woman holding a little boy's hand walking by on the street. All of a sudden he felt a pang of sadness remembering his mother. It had been awhile since he felt like that. Missed his mother so much. She used to take him to the park every chance she got and they'd sit down on a bench looking at the other kids play. He cherished those moments because he knew he wouldn't always have them. Feeling nostalgic, he stopped by a flower shop and bought white roses. He'd go visit her first before he started his shopping. Ray thought just as his phone dinged indicating he'd received a message.

Hey my love. I bumped into mom and dad and I'll spend the night with them. Love you.

He smiled texting 'I love you too' then pocketed his phone. He'd bet all his money that JR had insisted Alexis spend the night at home just to keep her away from him. It was admirable how protective he was over his daughter. But sooner or later he would have to accept that his daughter was a grown woman and that he wouldn't be able to keep her under his watch at all times.

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The malls were packed. Whatever was she thinking when she decided to go shopping alone? She should have brought Jayden or even her mother. But no. She had to insist on going alone since Marj had gone back home for the holidays. Making her way through the throng of people, she decided to start with the men first. They were easy to shop for compared to the women. In her head she ticked off all the names on her list starting from Kieran to her father then Vince and Nick's families.

After her mother had married JR and they'd moved in permanently, holidays had never been the same. Jim always made sure they celebrated them in the grandest way possible. She missed him today. Most likely he was the one person who would have insisted on coming with her. Sighing Alexis looked at the Rolex in front of her. Her father had a drawer full of them. Vince and Nick too. The only person who would need one was Kieran and he was too young to take care of something so expensive. What made her think shopping for the guys would be easier? Shaking her head she left the shop. Her mother would probably fall over her feet for a nice pair of earrings. Ladies first then later she would think of what to get Ray.

Since her hands were full, she decided to take the bags she'd accumulated down to her car then come back. Or she could go to another store. Still thinking of what to do next, she rounded the car and bent down to arrange the bags in the trunk. A breeze carried his scent her way and she felt him before she saw him. Alexis tried to stand up straight to see who was standing behind her but something heavy connected with the back of her head. The pain was unbearable seconds before she blacked out.

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"Careful. We don't want to touch a hair on her. The boss will kill us"

"Says the guy who hit her on the head."

"That was necessary. I didn't want her to see our faces."

"You didn't have to hit her. Chloroform could have worked perfectly. Besides....."

"Will you two shut up." Byron snapped. Those two were always arguing about everything. Even the damn weather. "Put her in the trunk" the last thing they needed was for someone to see them. Even though they had on masks there were security cameras in the parking lot. The more they lingered there the more their chances of getting caught was. "You two are done. Here is your payment. Keep your mouth shut and you might get to spend all of that money"

"Got it man. We know what he drill, you don't have to threaten us"

"Just leave" he snarled. After those two had left, he looked over at the woman's car. Those were some expensive things she had there. He would make a pretty penny if he sold them but his window was closing. Very soon a guard would patrol that area of the parking lot. If he didn't leave immediately he'd get caught. Damn his bad luck. Slamming the door of the trunk shut, he thought that maybe he could come for them later. After all the owner wouldn't be there to stop him.

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"Hey honey. Look what I..... What's wrong?"

"I don't know"

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"I just.... I have this feeling that something's wrong but I don't know what it is"

"Hayley...."

"No. Don't mind me. Tell me what you want for breakfast"

"Just coffee" JR said sitting on one of the chairs propped up next to the kitchen island and studying her.

Hayley had woken up in a sweat two hours earlier. She thought it was a nightmare but she couldn't remember what it was about. She had tried to go back to sleep but her mind wouldn't let her. So she'd tried to remember what her nightmare had been about. If it was about him, she definitely wouldn't have forgotten about it. They didn't really go away but she rarely had them. JR had fulfilled all the promises he made her when they got married. He made her happy, treated her daughter like she was his own and gave her three more beautiful boys. All these years, dreams of her ex husband rarely made an appearance. But when they did, she would always remember them. Because most of them weren't just dreams, they were memories.

So if it wasn't a dream that had woken her up then what was it? Why did she feel so uneasy? Deep down she knew something was wrong. She could swear that it was the same feeling she had when she found out Alexis had been.... Oh God.

"I'm going to see Alexis. I'll be back in an hour" Hayley said trying to rush out of the kitchen. JR was faster and before she knew it, he was in front of her.

"You're not yourself today. Tell me what's going on"

How could she explain something she didn't understand? "I have a bad feeling JR. I know our boys are upstairs sleeping so it has to be Alexis. Something's wrong with my daughter. I can feel it"

"Okay slow down and tell me why you think something's not right with Alexis. Better yet, let's call her and ask her how she is."

"I just want to see her and make sure she's fine. I won't be long."

"She's my daughter too Hayley"

She sighed "I know. I'm sorry for being insensitive. I just...."

"I understand. But I really don't want to show up at her place only to find her on top of that boyfriend of hers again. I don't think my heart can take it." that got a smile on her face.

"You have to admit that they really do make a cute couple."

"Not in front of them, I won't. Come on. Let's call her" he said leading her to the dining room where he pulled her on his lap after he'd sat down. He then dialed her number. It went straight to voicemail. Hayley would have jumped up if he hadn't tightened his arm around her. "Wait...."

"For what? Why is her phone off?"

"I don't know. But let's call Raymond and ask him. Chances are they're together and if not, he can go knock on her door. That's why he moved in next to her isn't it?"

"Yes" Hayley nodded although that's not why she insisted Ray moved next to her daughter. Back then, it was a way to bring them closer to each other. Which had worked like a charm by the way. When Ray's phone went through, she breathed a sigh of relief. "It's ringing"

"Hello" his voice rang out making Hayley smile.

"Hi Ray. It's Hayley"

"And me" JR mumbled

"Hi guys. How can I help you this fine morning?"

"We just want to talk to Alexis. Can you give her the phone? Hers is off" silence. "Ray?"

"Isn't she there with you guys?" he asked making them both freeze.

"Why would she be here?" JR asked because Hayley had lost her voice.

"She sent me a text yesterday saying she would be spending the night at your place."

"When was this?"

"At around three. What's going on? Where is Alexis?" JR hung up.

"Hayley....."

"I told you something was wrong."

"Don't jump into conclusions. She could have spent the night with Marjorie"

"Marjorie? Who's that?"

"Her redhead friend. Remember her?"

"That's her name?"

"Yes. Do you have her number?"

"JR I didn't even know her name was Marjorie. How can I have her number?" she yelled standing up. This time he didn't stop her.

"Okay. Maybe Jayden has it?" she knew JR. And she was glad that he was keeping his feelings in control even though she could see in his eyes how worried he was. It would do them no good to start fighting when they should be looking for Alexis. Best case scenario there had been a mix-up and she was fine. Worst case Scenario? She didn't want to think like that.

But after an hour of not finding her, the worst case scenarios started flipping through her mind. What could have happened to her? Why was her phone off?

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They were arguing. Alexis tried to open her eyes to see who they were but the chore proved to be difficult. She groaned. The voices stopped arguing. She heard shuffling before something was placed on her nose. The smell was too strong for her. She blacked out again.

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I know it's a little short but I had to give you guys something. I'll try to make the next one longer.

Hit me with your theories. Start with who you think Byron is.