Bed & Breakfast

Ch. 18 Devastation & Desperation

*** Lou's POV ***

"Mel, seriously? I really need to get going." I growled at my ex. She wrangled me into some sort of co-ed charity volleyball thing earlier by telling me that the team would have to forfeit if I didn't play. Now we've won the damn thing and she wanted me to stay for the after-party because it was good press for the school. She wasn't wrong, but I was already so incredibly late and I hadn't heard from Andie all night, which was freaking me out. The kids had also gone radio silent since Riley texted to let me know she told Andie about being late. My mind was going to the worst case scenario and I just needed to get home to them.

"You've become quite the homebody, playing house with your sister's kids." Melody seems disgusted. I had filled her in as minimally as possible. She and Paula disliked each other so Melody had little compassion for her. When I didn't respond she added. "They're old enough to be on there own for awhile."

For some reason that set me off. She didn't understand the danger they could be in right now. "I don't care, Melody. I'm leaving."

She grabbed my arm and I shook her loose immediately. She smiled tightly at a few onlookers whose attention we caught and said quietly. "Don't make a scene, Lou."

"Then don't touch me against my will." I hissed. She looked hurt and I felt like I owed her an explanation. "Look, I'm sorry I'm touchy but my sister left a real mess."

She gave me an odd look, like she was suddenly nervous about something. She looked around and put her hand on my arm again, ushering me out onto the terrace where she started pacing. After a few seconds, she stopped and looked at me with a pained expression.

"I know. I'm sorry. I...did what I did to try and help you." She blurted out.

"What? I don't understand what you are taking about." I questioned.

"I was told to keep you occupied." She whispered so faintly that I was sure I misheard her.

"Repeat that." She crumpled into me and started to cry. I gripped her shoulders harshly and shook her. "Now, Melody."

It took her a few moments to gather herself and my stomach dropped when I could finally make sense of her words. She was contacted and threatened if she didn't follow instructions to keep me away from the inn tonight. She gulped air as she sobbed and begged me to forgive her.

I was out the door in a flash, almost dizzy from the revelation. Something was going down. I immediately dialed Andie. Nothing. I climbed into my car and sped out of the parking lot. Riley. Straight to voicemail. Parker...the phone picked up.

"Parker, man. Where the hell are you?" I snapped.

There were muffled voices on the other end for a moment and then the line went dead. "Fuck!" I roared, nearly launching my phone but realizing that I needed help.

"I need Agent Russell. It's an emergency." I demanded.

"Agent Russell is on vacation. I can transfer you..."

"No! No! I need him. Get me him! I'm pretty sure my family is in danger right now!" I spat out.

"I'll put in a message, but if this is an emergency, I urge you to contact 911." The operator advised.

"Fuck!" I cursed and hung up. I dialed 911 as I sped towards the inn. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to the kids or Andie while I was playing fucking volleyball.

"We already have units called to that residence, sir. Are you in transit?" The dispatcher asked.

"Oh God. Yes. Are they okay? Can you tell me that? I'm their guardian. They... they're with my girlfriend." I explained and pleaded my case.