Kidnapped by the Dead Rose Gang

Chapter Fourteen: Arguments and Surprises

"Come on, Harry. Please, why aren't you waking up?" Gemma urged, her voice breaking as she leaned against the bars of the cell. Lavender rolled her eyes, crossing her arms protectively.

"I already told you," Hex grunted, feeling Andy's hand on her shoulder, a grounding presence. He leaned in slightly, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he watched her pace. "Let's just give him some space."

"I DON'T believe you!" Gemma snapped, her voice rising in frustration. Since waking up hours ago, she'd swung between anxious silence and desperate pleas for her brother, hoping to pull him back to reality.

"Well, when we get out of here—or when Harry decides to join us on planet Earth—I'll gladly prove it. He'll explain everything; we all witnessed it. But for now, let's try to keep it together, alright?" Hex challenged, stepping closer to Gemma, their eyes locking. The intensity of Hex's fierce demeanor stood in stark contrast to Gemma's obvious distress, amplifying the tension in the room.

Gemma blinked, retreating until she sank to the ground, overwhelmed by fear and confusion. She didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation, and Hex felt a pang of sympathy for her naivety.

With a heavy sigh, Hex slammed her hand against the bars before turning to Harry, who remained lost in thought, his gaze distant.

"Your mum was one of us, Gemma. A long time ago," Andy interjected, his voice smooth and reassuring. He approached the bars, lowering himself to her level. "Hex knew Ann. Your mum fell for your dad, who was part of a rival gang. Hex's father captured him for intel, and when he refused to talk, they planned to take him out. Ann couldn't let that happen, so she escaped with him."

Gemma listened, confusion flickering across her face. "Wait, what?" she whispered, still trying to process the revelation.

"Ann fled with your father to build a life away from this. They wanted a normal life for you and Harry," Andy explained, his tone gentle yet firm. "But your father had his own dealings behind her back. After his death, she left to keep you both safe... and honestly, I admire her for it. Many of us don't get that chance." He paused; his expression serious. "But you need to understand, Sir is the one responsible for your abduction. He ambushed Louis and Ann right outside the hospice center when they were trying to get back to base. Hex ordered Louis to bring Ann back for safety and to help get Harry under control. Unfortunately, Sir's men took them back to our underground, and when your mother tried to protect Hex from Sir, she was shot."

Hex stepped in to finish explaining; Andy wouldn't have known their backstory.

"Your mum was incredibly brave, Gemma. She always has been though, because she didn't like seeing innocent people get hurt and between my father and sir, I can tell you that many of us are more thankful than can be expressed in words. Which is why I intend to keep my promise to her. We just have to wait for rescue or escape; which seems more logical."

"What happens after we're rescued?" Gemma asked, her voice trembling more and more every moment. The implications can't be real.

Andy met her gaze, his eyes softening. "You'll be safe, but your mum made us promise to protect you. That means you'll be our guest until we can ensure your safety."

Gemma's eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean?"

Andy shrugged, not at all sugar coating the situation.

"It means, once we escape, you'll stay with us until we know Sir is no longer a threat," Andy replied gently, his voice steady.

Gemma shook her head, her disbelief palpable as she had no reason to take these criminals at their word. "My mum isn't dead. She would NEVER agree to this!"