Chapter 46: Chapter 46

"I need your help," I instruct firmly, pulling open the boot of Michelle's car. It's a sleek jet black SUV with tinted front windows — perfect for this kind of plan.

"What do you need?" Ben responds on the opposite end of the phone. I breathe in sharply, unable to believe I'm about to ask him such a ridiculous question.

"Do you have a gun?" I ask him quietly. The moment the words leave my lips, I regret them. Guns have always terrified me. The small object with such a powerful consequence has ruined my life in many different ways.

I'd sworn previously to myself and Jake to stay clear from guns. And now here I am, asking Ivory's boyfriend for the deadly weapon. Ben remains silent on the other end and I mentally slap myself . . .

Why would he have a gun?

Nice going Emily.

"Yeah, I do." Ben replies, breaking the silence between us. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and I sit on the edge of the car boot, taking the weight off my feet.

"You do?" I question. It's totally unlike Ben. I always had him down as the sensible type to never get involved with the criminal lifestyle.

"Why did you ask me and then act surprised when I said yes?" Ben laughs lightly, sounding emotionally drained.

"Where the hell did you get a gun?" I question him, my voice dripping with disbelief. It was a long shot asking Ben for one and I didn't think he'd actually say yes.

"Tobias and Jake gave me one." Ben says casually. My mouth falls open in shock —

"What? Why would they give you a gun?" I ask abruptly, frowning.

"Because I'm dating Ivory. They told me to keep it incase I had to use it to protect her. Well, they kind of forced me into it." Ben corrects himself on the other end, shuffling around. I nod slowly, my eyebrows still creased with confusion.

That does sound like something Jake and Tobias would do. . .

"Urgh, I want to say it was a bad idea but I guess it worked out in the end because now, I need it." I mutter unhappily, kicking a stone around with the front of my trainers. Ben laughs on the other end causing me to smile. It's nice hearing him happy, even if it is just for a few seconds.

"Do you want me to bring it along?" Ben asks, the laughter in his voice dying down.

"Yeah, we need it for protection."

"Got it, what else do you need?"

"I think I have everything. Hang on. . . " I respond, turning around and searching the contents of the boot. We have blankets, Jake's metal baseball bat and a knife that I'd found hidden underneath his bed.

"I don't have a torch or binoculars so if you've got them, bring them too. Oh and a bag of dorito's and sour cream dip please." I instruct down the phone, slamming the boot shut.

"Why the food?" Ben asks on the other end, sounding confused.

"Isn't it obvious?" I ask him, laughing a little. Ben remains silent on the other end, waiting for me to elaborate —

"Because I'm pregnant and Trish and I combined can eat like five body builders after a show." I explain. Ben chuckles on the other end. "Fair enough."

"Awesome, thanks. We'll see you soon," I grin, ending the call and pocketing my phone. A silence settles upon me and I sigh and tilt my head back, searching the dark night sky. The darkness brings me comfort and I close my eyes to breathe in the air.

My shoulders slump in relief from the moment of silence, pausing my crazy life to remind myself to breathe.

When I re-open my eyes, I feel ready to go. I bite down on my lip nervously, glancing up and down the deserted road —

"This is for you Jake," I mumble, fear settling inside my stomach. I place a hand over it, pushing down the nerves bubbling away inside of me.

"After this is over, I promise you Mummy and Daddy will be completely devoted to you." I whisper, my voice trembling. It feels like I've neglected myself and our baby lately. Every waking hour is spent thinking about Jake and how to free him.

It's completely selfish of me, I know.

That's why I'm going to finish this tonight, once and for all. I walk over to the car and pull open the drivers seat, sliding in and fastening the seatbelt around me securely. This is it Emily, no going back.

*****

"I see we all dressed accordingly," Trish speaks, breaking the silence between us three. I nod grimly, staring out of the window as Ben silently drives us to our destination.

"Black is good." Trish adds, desperately trying to spark some conversation in the car.

"Black is also what people wear to funerals." I respond, turning around to briefly glance at her. She breathes out heavily and leans back in her seat, fiddling with the strands of her hair.

"Wow, tough crowd." Trish mumbles under her breath.

"Are you sure you should be doing this Emily?" Ben suddenly asks, turning to give me a questioning look.

"Yes?" I respond uncertainly, unsure at what he's getting at.

"I- I just mean with the baby and everything," he stutters nervously, signalling down at my stomach.

"Thank you for the concern but I'm fine, honestly. I need to do this to prove Jake's innocence and I can't wait any longer." I re-assure firmly, staring aimlessly out of the window.

"And Tobias! Don't forget about Tobias," Trish chirps in from the back seat, sounding cheerful considering the night's plans.

"And Tobias." I chime in, correcting myself. Ben clears his throat as he drives, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"So this phone call, why didn't you tell the police about it?" Ben questions, his tone of voice wavering nervously.

"The police don't help. She's a Melvin, they hate the name." I mumble unhappily, reaching underneath my seat to grab the crisps bag. I rip them open, grabbing a handful before stuffing them in my mouth. As well as constantly being hungry, I could use the comfort from food.

"You're kind of scary sometimes, you know that?" Trish comments uneasily, biting back a laugh. I laugh back at her, shrugging my shoulders in response.

"Was it really Ivory on the phone?" Ben interrupts us, his voice low and thick with emotion. He's staring straight ahead and I notice his grip on the steering wheel tighten considerably. I nod slowly, swallowing the crisps in my mouth.

"It really was her." I mumble quietly, knowing it's painful for Ben to talk about. . .

It's painful for all of us.

Ben remains silent for a few moments before turning to face me, his dark eyes staring intensely through mine. He swallows the lump in his throat before speaking, his voice hoarse —

"I really hope so."

"We'll get her back." I respond firmly, knowing I have to give him an ounce of hope. Nobody really knew how invested Ivory and Ben were in each other. Even I'm surprised at how withdrawn Ben has grown since her disappearance.

"We'll get her back." I repeat, firmer this time. I reach over to squeeze his shoulder reassuringly. He nods grimly at me, turning his head so that his full attention is back on the road.

I know he doesn't believe me.

I'm unsure whether I believe myself.

*****

"Is this the place?" Ben asks, looking around. I nod and point at the road opposite, hidden in the shadows of the night.

"Park over there." I instruct him, feeling nerves settle inside my stomach. I turn around and study Trish who looks equally as pale as I do. She gives me an uncertain smile and I reach over for her hand, giving it a small squeeze.

"We're going to be okay," I tell her quietly and she nods silently, unable to form words. Any enthusiasm and excitement has completely vanished. Ben parks up and turns off the engine, engulfing us in darkness. The streets are eerily quiet, not a single soul in sight.

"I'll take the gun," I comment quietly, turning to find Ben frowning at me —

"Why can't I have the gun?" He protests, his male pride rising to the surface. I raise my brow at him.

"Have you been taught how to use a gun?" I ask, already knowing the answer. Ben remains silent for a few moments before he tenses his jaw and shakes his head.

"Why did Jake and Tobias give you a gun without showing you how to use it?" I mumble in disbelief, shaking my head at both of them.

"I can learn to use one?" Ben responds, looking hopeful. I shake my head in protest —

"Not in five minutes, you can't. Jake's already taught me how to use it so it's easier if I have the gun."

"You should take the bat because you've got a good swing. Trish, you take the knife." You instruct them firmly.

"The knife?" Trish squeaks from behind me and I nod.

"Ben has more strength to hit someone with the bat and the knife is easier to use." I explain and she nods grimly, her face draining of any colour left. I glance warily between her and Ben, noticing how both of them have grown strangely quiet.

"I can do this by myself if you want to back out," I tell them quietly. They both remain silent for a few moments and I feel fear grow inside me.

If I have to do this alone, I will. I have no other choice.

"Jake and Tobias will kill me if I let you do this by yourself." Ben mutters, running a hand over his face. I frown subtly, turning towards him.

"Don't just do this for me, do it for Ivory. There's a high chance she's involved in all of this." I respond. Ben's dark eyes narrow in my direction and he appears angry at my response.

"Of course I know that! I care!" He suddenly yells, causing Trish to jump out of her skin in the back seat.

I simply blink back at him, knowing he's lashing out because he's hurting. He closes his eyes and leans back in his seat, taking a few deep breaths. The atmosphere remains uncomfortably silent.

"I'm sorry Emily. It's been hard lately," Ben mumbles apologetically, his eyes dropping to his lap. I nod, knowing briefly what he's going through. . .

At least I know where Jake is. . . Ivory could be anywhere by now.

"You need to have some hope." I respond quietly, breaking the tense silence between us. Ben looks at me, a glossy sheen covering his eyes. He nods once before staring straight ahead.

"Let's get this over with." Ben says bluntly, blowing out a deep breath. I nod my head, agreeing with him.

"It's now or never guys." I tell them, unlocking my door and hopping out. The wind whips harshly around me and I shudder, silently wishing I'd wrapped up further.

The time reads eleven PM and the streets are completely deserted. The area we're investigating is completely off the main roads, hidden well.

"This place is a creep fest." Trish whispers as we all head towards the boot of the car. I glance around warily, making sure we're actually alone before yanking the boot open. I reach forward and shuffle things around, handing the metal bat over to Ben. He holds it tightly, studying it before letting out a low whistle.

"This is made to seriously mess someone up." Ben comments, his voice low.

"Why do you think the Melvin's own it?" I ask grimly, handing Trish the knife carefully. She takes it from me warily, her eyes wide as she passes it between her hands.

"Trish, don't ever put this thing in your pocket. If you fall, throw it to the other side of the room away from everyone. You don't want to accidentally stab yourself or any of us. Keep a tight grip on it and only use it if things get dangerous, okay?" I tell her firmly, holding her by her shoulders.

She nods quickly, taking in my advice. I give her a small smile and approval flashes through her eyes.

"I'm proud of you," Trish says suddenly, taking me by surprise. My heart warms at her words and a smile instantly spreads across my face. It's nice to hear someone I love tell me they're proud of me.

"Thank you Trish." I respond quietly before turning away from her. My hands feel for the blanket with the gun wrapped in it. I unfold it and suck in a breath, studying the small black pistol.

Even though I've seen a gun up close and personal several times, the fear I experience around one never disappears. It's a deadly weapon, made for the sole purpose to take away a living life. I take out the gloves from my back pocket and put them on, my hands trembling.

Do this for Jake and your baby.

I swallow the lump in my throat, feeling my heart beat against my chest as it threatens to break through. My hands circle around the gun and I hold it tightly, hating the way it feels in my hands. I turn around to find Trish and Ben watching me closely.

"Let's go" I whisper, my throat closing up. I tuck the gun into the waistband of my jeans and grab the backpack of supplies before slamming the boot shut. Ben takes the backpack off me, draping it over his shoulders and I give him a small thankful nod in return.

All three of us turn around, facing the dark alleyway with no idea what we're about to walk into. I glance between the both of them, one on either side of me.

"Let's stay together, okay?" I whisper. Ben and Trish both nod, our eyes fixed on the shadows lurking in front of us. We take a slow step forward, completely diving into the unknown.