Dark Paradise//J.M.

Sunny California

(BEFORE YOU READ: PLEASE READ AUTHORS NOTE AT THE END! THANK YOU AND ENJOY READING!)

Chapter 15: Sunny California

Jason's POV

After many, many hours of driving, I finally passed the sign that said 'Welcome to California'. I'm making sure no one knows we're here, except the Hood family. They need to know Vanessa is safe and I wasn't her kidnapper. I'm going to make sure this trip is the best and I need to speak to Matthew about Kaiden. The story just doesn't add up. I also have to call Gabriel's social worker to get a court date. So much to freaking do.

At our last stop, Gabriel woke up crying so Kian and Vanessa switched seats so Vanessa could comfort him. She'd make a great mother.

"Jase." Kian whispered because Vanessa and Gabe were sleeping again.

"What, Kian?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the road.

"What was Gabe crying about earlier?" He asked.

"His stupid foster parents put him back into the system." I replied.

"What's gonna happen now? He can't be taken from us." Kian said, worry obvious in his tone.

"He's not going to be taken from us. Because I'm adopting him." I replied, smiling.

"Really?! Wow, Jase." he said, also smiling.

I nodded, "Hey can you do me a favor?"

"Yeah, what do you need?" He asked.

"Grab my phone from the glovebox and dial Captain Hood's phone number." I said, not acknowledging the look of confusion he was giving me.

He dialed the number, his eyebrows scrunched up.

It rang a few times and he answered, which made my heart sink a bit. The only man I've ever feared was Mr.Hood. I don't even call him by his first name.

"Hello, Alexander Hood." he answered, in his deep voice.

"Mr.Hood, it's Jason." I said, trying to hide the nervousness in me.

"Jason, what are you doing calling me?" He asked.

"I really needed to speak to you about your daughter." I said.

"Vanessa? What about her, McCann?" He asked, anger in his tone.

"I-I know who had kidnapped her." I told him.

"Who?!" He shouted, "That fucking bastard will pay!"

"It was Derek Thompson." I told him.

"Derek Thompson?! Didn't you blow up his warehouse a few weeks ago?" He asked, worry in his voice.

"Yes we did, but after his gang evacuated we searched the house and I found Vanessa in the basement. She was tied up and handcuffed to the wall." I told him, remembering made the blood inside me boil.

"Where is she now?!" He questioned.

"She actually here with me. We're in California." I informed him.

"You have my baby girl?" He asked, his voice cracking.

"Yes sir. She's safe here with us." I said, reassuringly.

"Can I speak to her?" He asked, again.

"Yes sir, hold on." I said, putting him on mute and waking Vanessa.

"Hm?" She hummed, as I shook her.

"Mr.Hood is on the phone. He wants to speak to you." I smiled as she smiled.