~Abuse~

Chapter 90

The group gathered at Erin and Jay's apartment, preparing to watch Ashlyn's favourite movie. 

Ashlyn was seated in front of the TV, clutching her toy truck and Tigger Bear.

"Here's your Sippy Cup, babe," Erin said with a smile.

Ashlyn grasped her cup and sipped the warm milk.

"Look! It's you, Rupert!" exclaimed Ashlyn.

The unit collectively awed as Jay descended the stairs.

"Erin? I need to step out for a while..." Jay murmured.

Erin glanced up and let out a sigh.

"Now? You're going to break Ashlyn's little heart..." Erin whispered.

Jay sighed, nodding.

"I'll make it up to her," he affirmed with another nod.

Erin sighed and gave a nod of agreement.

"Then get moving!" she said with another sigh.

Jay hurried to the door, with Ashlyn close behind.

"DADA!" Ashlyn exclaimed.

Jay halted and approached.

"I'm so sorry, sweetie. I need to step out for a while..." Jay murmured.

Tears welled in Ashlyn's eyes as she spoke.

"Why? It's movie night..." Ashlyn whimpered.

A pang of sorrow struck Jay as he tenderly kissed Ashlyn's forehead.

"I'll make it up to you by buying you a new truck," Jay offered as a bribe.

Ashlyn shook her head and walked toward the couch.

"I'm sorry," Jay whispered.

The sound of the door slamming shut echoed in the room, and Ashlyn was left in tears.

"Hank, if my husband isn't back by the time this movie ends, I'm going to kick his ass," Erin threatened.

Hank nodded and continued to watch the movie.

Shortly after, Jay reached the destination and exited his car.

 He approached the house and knocked. 

The door swung open to reveal Brittany. "He's in here!" she exclaimed. 

With urgency, Jay entered and made his way to the kitchen.

The little boy lay on the floor, bloodied.

"Britt? What happened?" Jay inquired.

Brittany exhaled deeply and began her explanation.

"Andre came in and started firing his gun. one of the bullets hit Ben!" she recounted.

Jay removed his coat and applied gentle pressure to Ben's chest.

"Ben? Hey, stay with me..." Jay murmured.

While speaking to Ben, Jay sensed a gun pressed against his head.

"ANDRE!" Brittany screamed.

Raising his hands, Jay said,

"Look, your son needs immediate help. I'm here to help him. Please, let me do that..." Jay implored.

Andre shook his head and pulled Jay to his feet.

"Okay, just take a breath! I'm not armed," Jay said, trying to reassure him.

Andre glanced at his son and noticed the gasping.

"Why is he breathing like that?" Andre inquired.

Jay turned his attention to Ben and observed the wheezing.