FIRE & BLOOD • EVAN 'BUCK' BUCKLEY / 9-1-1

67.

STELLA

My eyes were beginning to burn. It was time to make one more rest stop before making it to Florida. I have been on the road for a day now and a few hours. I was about to pass through Atlanta in the next hour. I will find a cheap hotel, sleep for another 6 hours before driving the last 8 hours home. This entire road trip has been an absolute hell. My phone hasn't stopped ringing. Eddie had left numerous messages, and so has Eddie, Victor, Amanda, and Mazzey. I was confused why the only person who hadn't called was Gigi.

I have been feeling nauseous since since this morning. That breakfast burrito I had at some shanky gas station earlier definitely was not sitting well with my stomach. I had picked up a few things to last me until I got super hungry again but at the moment food made me feel sick. For now, I'd keep myself hydrated and try to eat whenever I get to a hotel.

I searched up hotels in Atlanta. A few popped up around the downtown area. I only needed a room for a few hours, nothing fancy. The cheapest one was by the airport. I put the directions into my map and put on some music to help distract my mind from thinking so much.

***

EVAN

The letter shook as I held it in my trembling hands, reading it for the 10th time. She left. Stella was gone. Didn't even say where she's going, only that she needed to do this one thing so it all can be over. My body was shaking, I needed to throw something. At this point, I could throw everything in my path. I reached for my phone and went straight to her contact.

No answer. I tried again, and again and again. Voicemail. "FUCK!" My fingers could barely hold onto my phone as I scrolled, searching for Gigi's number. I tried her number but got her voicemail as well. I called Eddie to see if he heard from Gigi. They've been seeing each other for the past month and thought they have been discreet about it but me and Stella called it right after Halloween.

"Hellooo"
"Eddie!" I say in relief that he picked up.
"Woah, what's going on? Everything okay?"
"No, no not at all man. I woke up and Stella was gone. She left a note but it doesn't tell me much. She left one for Gigi and the girls, I haven't opened it. I-" my voice cracked. What the hell is she thinking?

"Alright, Buck listen. Take some deep breathes. I can call Gigi too see if she's h-"

"I just called her and she didn't answer."

"That's because she's probably knocked out... in my bed right now. I know I haven't really told you much"

"Eddie, me and Stella have known. We don't give a shit as long as you guys are happy but I need you to call Gigi. Please." I was starting to break out in a sweat. I have to call the detectives once I get off the phone with Eddie.

"I just pulled into my driveway, just hang tight and I'll wake her up and see if Stella contacted her."

"Okay" I say. I could hear Eddie putting his key into his door. A moment passed as I could hear Eddie shuffling around on the other line. He called out Gigi's name but I didn't hear her voice.

"Is she awake?" There was no response from Eddie, only his breathing picking up. "Eddie?"

"She's gone" he whispers. "She was just... she was here asleep but she's gone."

"What? What do you mean"
"She's GONE" I can hear the panic fill Eddie's voice, "her car is still out in the front. Her keys are still hanging by the door. All her stuff is here but she's gone"

"I'm calling the detectives."

***

GIGI

My head was pounding, a hard swoosh sounded in my ears as I tried to lift my head up. There was tape covering my mouth, my hands were bounded behind my back and my legs were tied up as well. I was in the back of a car. The driver had the radio turned to the highest volume, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. I caught his eyes in the rear view mirror.

"Look who's finally up!" He says to me, turning his head. His smile sent a chill down my spine, causing my body to tremble. "We still have ways to go. Should be back in Florida in about the next 10 hours. So, sit back and relax, enjoy the cruise" the laugh that came out of his mouth made me sick. I try to wriggle my hands free but the rope wouldn't budge. It hurt my back as I twisted my head around to see if there was anything sharp on the floor.

"I wouldn't try anything funny, Gigi. I'm sure your best friend would want to see you alive when we surprise her."

My body went completely still as I realized who my kidnapper is.

Dylan.