Shades of Gray

Dan

Henry was livid when Dan got back to his car. 
"So, why run off all of a sudden?" His face was a clear mask of calm, his eyes betrayed that. Henry wasn't ever a typically jealous person, but little things like what Dan just did set him off. 
"I am sorry that I ran off. I saw Maggi and I had to apologize to her." Henry's face softened a little. 
"Did you find anything out while at it?" Dan nodded, his brow furrowing. 
"She was going towards a warehouse. One of the old, abandoned ones. I thought it suspicious, but since I was there apologizing, I didn't want to ask incriminating questions." Henry nodded, almost unconsciously. 
"Which one? If you truly are suspicious of her, we could stake it out." Dan's heart both jolted and sank at the offer. He knew that if he wanted to prove himself wrong, then he needed to have proof. He nodded. 
"We should do that. Tomorrow since she has probably already left." Henry nodded and Dan could see a clear plan forming in his mind. Dan smiled at the furrow in Henry's brow. His thinking face had always been cute to Dan. The way his eyes crinkled and his mouth quirked to the side. He started the car and pulled out of the school parking lot. The drive back to their home was filled with theories about Maggi's possible motives. The only one they could truly get behind was Sabrina being somehow involved. Unlocking the door in the entryway, Dan put the idea out that maybe she was more of an anti-hero type. Doing it for the good of the people. They quickly dismissed the thought. Sabrina had always been out for herself, why would Maggi be any different. 
"So Mister superhero, what do we need for a stakeout? Dark clothes, binoculars, code names?" He said the last one hopefully. He really wanted code names. Henry shook his head lovingly. 
"Love, we just wear normal clothes. I have super sight remember, so I don't need binoculars. And we know each other and no one else will be there, so why would we need code names?" Dan pouted at the last part. Henry smiled and wrapped his arms around Dan's waist. 
"I know you want this to be like an action movie with the heroes coming out on top, but real life isn't that easy. I have no 'protagonist powers' I'm just me. Plain ol' Henry who happens to be able to fly." Dan rolled his eyes but leaned into Henry's arms. 
"I know, I just want to be useful to you. I don't want to be your Lois Lane. I can take care of myself that much, at least. Oh! Since we can't have code names, can we take my motorcycle there? I know it's loud and all, but we should arrive in style." Henry's laugh rattled Dan through their embrace. 
"Whatever you need to do, Love." Dan sighed. Hopefully it was all going to be for nothing and Maggi just likes hanging out at weird locations. Dan prayed that was it.

The next day came like a raging storm. They arrived at a neighboring warehouse, right across from the door they assumed Maggi went in. They had situated themselves on the second floor of the building hoping for less visual of them when they started spying. They had circled the building and found no others, so they took a guess. They had been sitting for hours with nothing happening, playing cards and drinking sodas, when Maggi actually showed up. She didn't seem worried that anyone was around and walked right in the door they had been watching. 
"Henry, what do we do now?"
His face was tense. "We continue waiting. See if anyone else shows up." They waited another hour before another person showed their face. He seemed more wary of his surroundings. They watched as he knocked on the door and Maggi dragged him in. Things got more suspicious when a girl walked up and did the same thing. Dan automatically recognized her. Kadence, a cheerleader. She was the one Maggi had kept watching. He had just assumed she had a crush on her or something. Things were not going in the direction Dan had wanted them to go. Feeling the hairs on his neck stand up, he saw something moving out of the corner of his eye. He whipped around and found nothing but shadows. He glance around nervously. He had the distinct feeling that he was being watched. That was all he noticed until he felt something hard hit his head and he crumpled to the ground, view wavering until it was gone. 

He groaned as he sat up. Still in the warehouse, but all alone. Henry was no where in sight. Dan got up and searched everywhere, behind every piece of furniture and even on the first floor of where they had been watching Maggi's warehouse. He was no where to be found. It was only when he went back upstairs that he realized that there was a note on the floor where he had been moments ago. He hadn't seen any note until then. He cautiously picked it up and found the handwriting on it was neat and proper. It read : 

Dear Dan,
We have Exodus, your little boyfriend. I know you will try looking for him, but if you do, you and he will have a very unfortunate end. I knew that you had been suspicious of a certain person, I mean of course you were. It is so obviously her, but, alas, it is not her. It is me. I am going by the alias Echo. Of course, you haven't seen me around, but boy have I seen you. If you want Exodus back safely, return to your home and further instructions will be waiting there. If you don't, I'll know. 
Yours, truly
Echo

Dan's heart was racing. How had he not known about this Echo person. This clearly is a new villain, but why did they only take Henry? He knew that he didn't have powers of his own, but couldn't he have been used as some kind of leverage? He shook his head. That was too cliche. This villain is clearly anything but cliche as they used their actual handwriting instead of the stupid magazine letter ransom note. He knew he had to do what they asked, but why would he? How could he know they were telling the truth? His shoulders sagged. If he went home, there's no telling what might be on the next note, but if he stayed, Henry could die. He cursed the very existence of Echo. They were clearly more clever and tactical than Captain Night had ever been. Dan sighed, his eyes brimming with tears he couldn't shed. Not with Echo possibly watching. He walked out to his motorcycle with lead filled legs. He sped off back to their house. The house Dan had shared with Henry since both of their parents kicked them out. His blinked back his tears, unsuccessfully. He lurched to a stop and bolted up to the door and unlocked it. He was surprised to find it still locked. How could this Echo person possibly have gotten in and out without a key? He shrugged. He couldn't possibly understand the movements of a villain. He staggered through the door and searched for the next note. He found it on the couch. 

Dan,
Well, you actually listened to me! That's a good start. Your boyfriend will be pleased to hear it. Now for the instructions, I want you to call the police. Tell them your boyfriend, Exodus, has been kidnapped by a sinister new villain called Echo. Say or do whatever you need, but do not give too much information, like about the notes. I do want to say, that it would be a shame if poor, little Exodus can no longer write because he's missing fingers. Or can no longer walk right because he's missing his toes. Do not put my patience to the test. You will not reveal these notes, I will be watching. 
Again,
Echo

Dan sobbed into his hands. What was he going to do? He didn't want to obey, but what else could he do? Henry's life was on the line! If he handed the note over to the police they might be able to get fingerprints or identify the handwriting, once again in the neat ever proper script. He didn't like it. It made him think he was talking to some dignified person with class, not some psychopath who kidnapped his boyfriend. He knew that Echo was playing him like a fiddle, but he would go along with whatever they needed, if it meant keeping Henry safe. He couldn't believe that it was just the night before when he was saying that he wanted to useful and help Henry. He let out a dry, cynical laugh. He can't believe how wrongly his wish was granted. He sank to his knees and pulled out his phone, dialing 911. He took a deep breath in and prepared for what was to come. 
"Nine-one-one what's your emergency?"
"I'd like to report a kidnapping." 

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed! I know I left you hanging last week with only one chapter, but I hope I made up for it today! Believe me, this is about to get a whole lot worse in the weeks to come, so buckle up and get your popcorn ready because my brain is going 100 miles an hour!