Just A Pretty Face?

Chap 14 (Home)

Tim's POV

Two and a half weeks passed and I was on a ladder hanging up a balloon banner that said happy birthday on the back porch, above the door way. I got down as Iris walked through with a couple of shopping bags. "What is all that?" I asked.

"More party decorations," Iris replied as she looked at me. I put my hands on my hips. "What?"

"More decorations?" I asked. "He's a two year old kid."

"Dada," Oakley ran out onto the porch.

"Hey, buddy," I stated as I picked him up. The doorbell rang. "Who could that be?"

"Let's check," Iris states as she got out her phone and looked at it. "The Evers are here."

"They brought Jackson?" I asked. Iris nodded. I walked inside and opened the front door. "Hey, come on in, guys."

"Happy birthday, Oakley!" Angela smiled. She gave Oakley a kiss on the cheek. "Man, he resembles Iris so much."

"As long as he doesn't look much like Sebastian, we're good," I rolled my eyes. "Iris just needs help setting up the last of the decorations and then we're good to go."

"Okay," Angela went to the backyard.

"Wesley, thank you again for recommending Jazlyn," I stated. "I don't think we would've won without her."

"Yeah, no problem," Wesley nodded. "I'm glad Oakley's got some good people watching out for him." I smiled. "He's got really good parents."

"Hey, you seem like a good dad to Jackson," I replied. Everyone arrived to enjoy the party. Only a few of Oakley's friends from the daycare showed up. I sat at the table, watching the kids on the bounce around. Iris was in the kitchen, alone. "Harper, I'll be right back."

"Okay," Harper replied.

"Thanks," I nodded. I walked inside and Iris turned around. She wiped her face before facing me with a fake smile. "I knew you were crying. What's going on?"

"I have to go back to Chicago," Iris stated.

"Why?" I asked.

"My sister has been taken," Iris stated. "I need to go find her."

"Do you think Sebastian took her?" I asked.

"No, he wouldn't resort to kidnapping. He doesn't even know my sister and I are on good terms. We're not close, but we're close enough to play the part enough to make our parents think we hate each other," Iris replied. I looked at her. "Uhm, I really have to do this, Tim. This is family."

"You have a family here too," I replied as I walked up to her. She nodded. "You don't think they'll be able to find her."

"I know Veronica," Iris nodded.

"Okay. You sure you don't want me to come with you?" I asked. "I can help you find your sister and bring her home."

"Yeah, home," Iris sighed. "I have a flight in 2 hours."

"That's too soon, Iris. What about Oakley's party that's going on right now? Your son," I looked at Iris. "I guess if you gotta go, then go."

Jay's POV

I saw Iris walk up the stairs. "Iris?" I asked. "Why are you here?"

"Hey," Iris stated. "Uhm, Voight called me. I got on the next flight as soon as I could."

"Are you sure you know where we can find her?" Voight asked as he walked out of his office.

"No, but I'm willing to pull in as much resources as I can," Iris replied. "I wanna bet that if they took her, they already have a ransom demand."