Wednesday, January Ninth, 5:02 P.M…

Ghost’s POV

I hung up the call with Austin. I had shooed Vinny away from me and he went to hang in the front lounge with the rest of the band. We had gotten our bus back and that was nice to have space once again. I hung up the phone and walked out of the back lounge, going towards the front of the bus. We were stopped at a gas station just to give us a rest from driving.

“So Ghost…Manny called you?” Ryan asked slowly. Manny was our current tour manager. I nodded, plastering a smile on my face.

“Yeah, he just wanted to check in with progress on the road.” I affirmed before pushing past him. Ryan put an arm on my shoulder as I passed him. I looked at the floor. I felt him brush up against my side.

“That’s kind of funny….Chris just got a call from Manny two minutes ago…while you were on the phone with him…” Ryan suggested before going to the front lounge.

Oh.

Double.

No.

I didn’t expect Manny to call Chris while I was pretending to talk to Manny! My cover was blown! The question was, how was I going to hide this?

“GHOST!” Chris roared. Honestly, I should’ve just booked it off the bus right now. I should’ve jumped out a window or something. Chris doesn’t get angry often. How was I going to handle this?

“Hey Chris.” I paled even more than my make up as I walked to him. I leaned against a counter and picked up a soda.

“So Manny just called me and asked how we were doing on the road. I told him that he was confused, that Ghost had just told you two minutes ago that we were doing alright with no progress so far…now here’s the funny part, how can I be talking to Manny at the same time you are, and how can he not know how we’re doing if you just told him?” Chris asked politely. He was like a mom, really. He had that disapproving look about him, but that was even more deadly than yelling.

“Bad reception?” I shrugged. Chris scowled.

“Who were you talking to?” He asked politely.

“No one in particular.” I shrugged. Vinny arched one eyebrow, tilting his chin up in surprise that I would backtalk the screamer. Chris sighed and put his head in his hands.

“If was Rory, wasn’t it?” Chris asked quietly. The bus was so deadly silent that you could hear a pin drop….in China. It was that quiet.

I didn’t respond.

“Vinny said he heard you say her name. You know where she is, don’t you?” Chris whispered. I shook my head. I was truthful at that one. I had called Austin to tell him speculations, not exact facts. I had thoughts, not truths.

“No, actually, I don’t know where she is.” I responded. Chris sighed and went back to typing on her laptop.

“Vinny, Ryan, and I are meeting with Ricky this Friday to work on some tracks for possible songs. Can you come along with us?” Chris asked, completely dropping the subject. Everyone seemed a little shocked and confused that our leader would just let a heavy subject go.

But knowing Chris, he didn’t let it go. He just had a plan.

All I could do was nod. If I declined, he would know that I had a feeling Ricky was keeping Rory with him. If I said yes, I remained neutral. I had to choose neutral.

What was I getting into?



Friday, January Eleventh, 12:25 P.M….

Rory’s POV

“Baby?”

“Mmm?” I hummed, looking up from the magazine I was reading. I sat cross legged on his couch, just flipping through an Alt Press magazine. He stroked my hair gently and kissed the top of my head.

“I have to go meet the boys to talk some track stuff.” He spoke softly. I looked up at him sadly.

“How long?”

“Four hours at most. I’ll bring you home a cinnamon roll from the shop near the studios. They have great rolls.” He grinned. I nodded, trying to smile. He kissed my forehead before heading for the door. I would have four hours alone. I couldn’t go outside. I could do anything in the barren house.

I watched Ricky head towards the door. He shoved his keys on his lanyard into his pocket.

“Bye, Ricky.” I waved quietly. He turned around and waved back. I went to the window, watching his car roll out of the drive and out of the street. As soon as the vehicle disappeared, I sighed with sadness. This was going to be a long four hours.

As I walked back to the kitchen, I passed the manila folder with my name on it. I picked it up in my hands, eyeing it for a second before putting it back down.

I know what’s in it. I don’t need to see it.

Friday, January Eleventh, 12:26 P.M….

Austin’s POV

“Austin?” A voice asked me. I rolled out of my bunk standing up. Everyone was frozen, stock still. They stood, eyes wide in the front lounge. Alan was on the phone with someone. It sounded like a very familiar Mexican.

“Vic, I’m going to have to call you back.” The ginger hung up. Everyone’s eyes flickered around. In an instant, all of the band dropped to the floor, up to the cupboards, anywhere.

“What’s wrong?” I asked Aaron. He just looked at me.

“Well, um, you know, I don’t really, but…” He stuttered. I looked at him, fear flooding through me.

“IT’S NOT HERE!”

“WHERE DID IT GO!?”

“WE’RE RUINED!” Everyone cried.

“Austin, you remember Rory’s folder? The manila folder with all her records, medical needs, and other stuff in it?”

“Um, yes…” I said hesitantly. Aaron bit his lip nervously. I just waited. What had happened to the folder?

“Well, it’s gone.”


Friday, January Eleventh 3:21 P.M….

That manila folder was just burning up on the counter, but I just ignored it. I had no reason to look through it. I had seen the contents many times. I guess Ricky had just ‘borrowed’ it when the others were chasing me around. I guess that’s how he got Jason’s number to call for when I wanted someone to pick me up.

Ricky would be home in a half hour. I could almost taste that cinnamon roll. I couldn’t wait to eat. I had gotten myself some lunch, just a basic sandwich, but I was still hungry. I flipped through channels, explored the house, and took a nap while he was gone. Still, I was bored.

I read and reread through all the magazines, but no call from Ricky. I guess he couldn’t call the house phone. He had no reason and if Chris caught him calling the house phone, the screamer would be suspicious to why he was calling an ‘empty’ house.

A crunch in the driveway alerted me to a presence. I hopped up happily. That was Ricky! Yes! I had company once again! I bounced to the door, peeking through the window blinds, expecting to see his silver truck.

It was a black Acura.

That’s not Ricky’s car.

That’s not Ricky.

I yelped and ran to the living room, turning off the TV. Skidding into the kitchen, I ran for a knife, everything turning into a blur. I took the largest knife I could find and went and snagged my shoes, throwing them on so I wouldn’t skid around so much. I took the knife and hid in the cabinet, closing it just as I heard a knock at the door. I clutched the knife close to myself, trying to steady my breathing.

“Come on, just grab his stuff and get going.” A voice whined. There were two of them. I recognized the smaller one that had been whining.

“Patience, Vinny. Just let me take a look.” The other one spoke.

No.

No.

Oh. No.

“Chris, come on!” Vinny whined again. I waited for their muffled voices to pass, but that’s when they stopped.

“That’s her folder.” Chris said. A sliding sound ensued. They must’ve picked the folder up from the kitchen top…right over my head. “She’s here. I knew it. Just look around, quickly!” Chris hissed.

The footsteps ran around, away from me. I needed to get out of here, to a window or a door or some place. I just had to exit this building.

Opening the cabinet slightly, I heard noises from a distance, from the opposite side of the house. I crawled out, holding the knife carefully and steadying my breathing. I don’t think I could face them again and live. No, I would either die or escape, one of the two.

Sneaking out, I made sure to barely breathe and to not make a sound. Even my heart seemed to be still. The house seemed so on edge, so tense. That’s when I heard the voices stopped.

My shoe squeaked.

The silence that ensued was deafening. I looked up to the second story top. Chris Motionless stood there, turning around slowly and looking down at me.

That’s when all Hell broke loose.

I ran in the direction that my brain made. I didn’t go for a window or an obvious exit. Where was Vinny? He could come out and snatch me at any point. No, I went to the basement. There was a small window well there. If I could crawl out that window into his lawn, I could book it out of here.

I heard footsteps follow me as I ran to the basement. Well, I ran as fast as I could. My left ankle throbbed from the lingering sprain. I mentally slapped myself to shut up about the pain and continued on my escape.

When I got to the basement, I dove behind one of the beanbags, trying to shield myself. I saw shadows approach. I wouldn’t be fast enough to slide the sticky lock out from the window and escape. No, I had to fight my way out.

I felt like an idiot for getting stuck in this corner. My back hit a wall, eyes wide as I tucked my knees into my chest, holding the knife at the ready. It was all I could do.

I saw Chris and Vinny burst through the door. They both spotted me and tears started to stream out of my eyes. I felt like I was about to explode and tear down the house. Chris’ face softened, almost in sympathy. Vinny looked to him for instruction. My eyes were locked on the both of them, hands shaking. Chris silently motioned for Vin to leave. The drummer exited the room. The lingering form of Chris hovered in the doorway.

At any moment, he might strike.

But he didn’t. Instead, he nodded ever so slightly, turned around, and calmly walked back up the stairs to the front level. I heard the door close.

But it could all be a ruse. He could be hiding. He could be waiting to take me. Why would he just leave me? Why would he ever do that? Why?

I sat there in the corner, crying silently into my elbow. I don’t think I can take this kind of pain and suffering anymore. I just don’t think I can do it. How much longer will I have to run? Will I have to keep on hiding for the rest of my life?

I sat there sobbing in the corner, knife sliding to the floor. A tiny bead of blood splattered against my leg, nothing more, and nothing less.

“Rory? RORY? RORY!” A voice yelled, but I had no voice to answer him. I just sobbed into my arms and listened to the frantic footsteps descend the stairs. The lights flickered on and a man rushed to my side. I picked up the knife, pointing it at him.

“STOP! DON’T HURT ME!” I yelled before I could comprehend that it was Ricky standing in front of me. My brain was in hysterics and I could help but cry harder. The guitarist knelt down in front of me, slowly pulling the knife out of my hand like he was soothing a dangerous animal.

“Darling, it’s just me.” He cooed. Rick took the knife and put it away, slowly pulling me into his arms. I clung to his neck, sobbing into his shirt. He stroked my wet cheek slowly. Ricky stood up, holding me in his arms. He easily ascended the stairs, putting me on his bed.

“Come on, I’m going to get you cleaned up and you’ll explain everything.” He purred softly. I clung to his chest well after he set me down. Ricky gently loosened my hands so he could go get a damp cloth and wipe my face.

For the next half hour, Ricky gently wiped my face with a moist cloth and I eventually stopped crying long enough to get the entire story out. When I had finished, Ricky sat on the bed, pulling me into his arms and cradling me in his lap. I laid my head on his chest, just listening to his heart beat as I stopped shaking.

“I’m going to kill Chris, don’t worry.” He soothed.

“B-but why w-would he s-stop and not h-hurt me?” I stuttered out. His hand caressed my face tenderly, stopping my shaking.

“I’m not sure. I’d have to have a talk with him, which I will. However, before that happens, I’m getting you out of here. You’re not safe here now that the guys know that you’re here with me.” Ricky stroked my cheek with his thumb, kissing my forehead lovingly.

“Okay.” I murmured into his chest, eyelids fluttering closed.

“I’ll call Jason later tonight. We’ll get something arranged.” Ricky assured. I nodded into his chest.

“Please don’t let them hurt me.” I whimpered into his tear stained shirt. His hands wiped away a stray tear.

“I’ll never let them even near you. I’ll never let them take you on that wretched bus, and I’ll never make you go near it. I’ll never beg you to do any of that. I can promise you that.” Ricky vowed. I looked to him, eyes locking with his.

“You promise?”

“Pinky promise.” He smiled. I linked his pinky with mine and fell back into his chest again. I started to drift off listening to his even heartbeat. Ricky stroked my hair until I finally fell out of reality.

When I woke up I went to the kitchen where Ricky just finished on the phone. He turned to me, passing me a worried look.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. He shook his head.

“Jason can’t get you a band to take you home until at least next Saturday. There’s no one in the area and with Motionless in White and Sleeping with Sirens hanging around this area, it would be too suspicious. We have to wait until next week.” Ricky shook his head. I went over to his side, leaning into his arms.

“It’s fine. As long as someone’s coming.” I reassured, kissing his cheek. He shook his head.

“That’s not the only thing.” He muttered, scanning the kitchen counter. Something was missing….

“What’s wrong now?”

“Chris took your folder. It’s gone.”

Notes

So I hope you all read my last chapter, the PSA about copyrights and idea thiefs.

Seriously guys, I'm ticked. Please, let's all be good to each other.

Despite being slightly angry about this, I decided to write another chapter. I'm honestly starting to lose motivation to write this if it's only just going to be stolen. Sorry about this, all you faithful readers. I've already had quite a few encouraging words, so that you to those people. However, I'm still serious about taking it down. I'm really happy with this story. I don't want it to be taken down.

Anyways, I hope you loved the chapter! Please, feel free to comment, leave thoughts and notes. I'd love to hear your ideas on this chapter! That makes me smile and I could really use one right now. Love you all and stay beautiful!