Chapter 20: Chapter 20

I barely pause as I throw myself out of the car, slamming the door behind me. My anger has completely exploded inside of me and I see red. I storm up to the gates of Ivory's home, gripping onto the metal bars.

"What have you done with them?!" I scream at her, taking her by surprise. She jumps and spins around, her hand automatically placed over her heart. When her eyes land on me, they widen before flashing over with confusion.

"Ruby? What are you doing here?"

"Do not play dumb, where are my parents?!" I screech, shaking the bars with anger. They don't move, it's solid steel but at least I gave it a try. Auntie Ivory takes a step back, her features full of alarm.

"Jake and Emily? What do you mean?"

"I mean -- I know you're involved in this somehow! How could you? You're family!" I yell back at her, seething with anger. Horror flashes across her face and she walks up to me, heels sinking into the gravel of her driveway. I grit my teeth, glaring at her. I can't believe my own flesh and blood could be responsible for the kidnap of my parents . . .

"You think I have something to do with this?" Ivory says quietly, her voice thick with emotion. She presses a button on the other side and a loud whir fills the air. The gates begin to open and I inhale sharply, taking a step back.

"We traced the god damn call." I hit back, my shoulders slumping in defeat.

"Honey, you aren't making any sense." Ivory responds. We're both standing opposite each other, I'm on the pavement and Ivory's on her expensive patch of land. The difference between us is miles apart despite us being only inches away from one another.

"You really need to explain because I'm about to lose my damn mind." I mutter, taking another step back. Her perfume fills the air around me and I have to breathe in fresh air to overpower it.

Auntie Ivory's eyes flicker over to the car and her face visibly pales as she notices Uncle Tobias and Woody. I hear the car doors slam behind me and within seconds, both of them are on either side of me.

"What the hell is going on here Ivory?" Uncle Tobias asks, his voice low and dark. Confusion flashes across her features again and she takes a step back, signalling at the house.

"Why don't you all come inside? We can talk privately and clear the confusion."

I glance up at Uncle Tobias, waiting for his confirmation. He gives me a small nod and we all begin walking inside, the gravel crunching under our feet. As I walk closer to the grand house in front of me, I notice a man dressed in all black stood by the front door, staring straight ahead.

"Please don't tell me you have bodyguards," I comment, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Ivory purses her lips, striving forward in her heels.

"I live a dangerous life Ruby, it's helpful to be safe." She responds, her tone a little strained. She climbs up the steps to the house and the man pushes open the door with his arm, signalling for her to go inside. We all follow up after her and despite the circumstances, I have to suck in a breath from the beauty of her home. As soon as we step inside, high ceilings and marble floors greet us. We stand by the entrance, looking extremely out of place as we wait for Ivory to guide us.

I steal a glance at Uncle Tobias, noticing the twitch in his jaw. It doesn't take a genius to know he's controlling the anger bubbling away inside of him. His eyes are glazed over and despite standing in a million dollar home, he doesn't seem phased by the lavish lifestyle his sister lives.

"Do you want some tea? Or breakfast? I can ask the kitchen staff to cook up some -- "

"Cut the bullshit. I traced the call from the bastard that has Jake and Emily. It located down to this house, your house." Uncle Tobias snaps, his eyes searching the place.

"I could really eat some breakfast. . . " Woody mutters under his breath beside me. I jab my elbow into his stomach and he lets out a low grunt.

"Tobias, I have no idea what you're talking about." Ivory responds, her face flustered. Her large eyes keep flickering between all three of us and I can't decide whether she's acting suspicious or not. A noise from the top of the staircase interrupts the conversation and we all turn towards it. My eyes land on a handsome man with dark short hair gelled backwards. He's dressed smart in a crisp black suit and his face is settled into a friendly smile.

"Ben." Uncle Tobias says bluntly. My eyes widen as I realise this is Auntie Ivory's boyfriend. Her dealer boyfriend who built an entire empire based on supplying the town with drugs. At the mention of his name, the corner of his lips curl upwards into a small smile.

"Tobias, it's been a while." His voice wavers slightly however he doesn't show it in his calm and confident demeanour. He re-adjusts his suit by the collar before taking slow steps down the grand staircase. I feel Woody shift beside me, taking a step forward so I'm stood behind him. He clears his throat, his eyes trained on Ben. I frown in confusion before the realisation dawns on me that he's protecting me. A warm feeling fills my stomach and I smile even though he's not looking at me.

"Care to join me for some breakfast?" Ben asks, his eyes wondering over us. They briefly pause over me and I see a knowing look flash across his eyes. I feel uncomfortable being scrutinised underneath his gaze and I shuffle on the spot.

"No, I'm here to talk to my sister in private." Tobias says, his voice strained. Ivory sighs deeply, taking a step back.

"Whatever you want to say to me can be said in front of Ben. I have nothing to hide."

"You sure about that?" Woody speaks, his eyes narrowing. Auntie Ivory snaps her head towards him, her lips pressed in a thin line.

"I haven't done anything. Where is this ridiculous accusation coming from?"

"We have evidence." I explain, growing increasingly agitated. I step around Woody, hoping he doesn't mind that I'm rejecting his offer of protecting me. I'm able to do that myself but the thought still makes me smile. I walk around the house, my eyes inspecting every closed door. Auntie Ivory and Ben watch me like a hawk, eyes never once blinking.

"I want to see every single room in the house. If you have a basement, I want to go in there. If you have an attic, I want to go in there. I won't leave until I've seen every room and I won't believe you until you show me." I say firmly, glancing between both of them. Ben's face remains expressionless but Ivory's crumples up in sadness.

"Ruby, honey, I wouldn't ever do that. I can't believe you honestly believe I'm capable of kidnapping my own family!"

"I don't know what to believe anymore." I snap, my voice wavering. Uncle Tobias stands beside me, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. When I look up at him, his dark eyes are trained directly on his sister, expression completely serious.

"Ruby is right. We want to see every single room and we're not leaving until you show us.”