Safe

chapter 38

Chapter 38

*

Rae's Pov

Harry was silent the whole way home. He didn't look away from the road once, even at a stop light. I wasn't sure what was bothering him. He didn't look upset, angry or annoyed. He was just silent. The only time I knew he wasn't going half dead on me, was when I reached for his hand and held it. He ever-so-slightly squeezed it back, but his eyes stayed ahead.

When we pulled up to his mums home, confusion etched on all our faces. There were two cop cars, an unknown car, and several policemen out front. This was the only time Harry looked at me, almost to read my face as if I knew what the reason why these people were here. He didn't find an answer in my confused features.

Proceeding to get out of the car, he opened the door, and went to the back to grab the -again- sleeping girl. He closed the door as quietly as possible, trying not to wake Evie, and walked ahead to the front door.

"Oh, Harry! You're here!" Charlotte called out, waving her hand in the around the bunch of policemen.

"Mum, what's going on?"

"It's nothing much. We just had to inform the police Evie was alive and well. They're working on the papers now. They just need her fingerprints and such." She smiled.

Harry looked relieved when his mother told him the cops were for Evie, not him. I'm not sure what would have happened if it were for him. I don't think he could endure that again. But he still looked quite on edge around these men. I recognised one of them from the morning of the second arrest; the one who was harsh to him.

Charlotte gently grabbed Evie from Harry's arms, and took her inside. Harry stayed by my side as two men in business attire approached us.

"Harry, Rae." He nodded. "I was informed that you, Ms Clarke, had been the one who found Evie?"

"That's correct," I answered.

"Great, now if you come with me I'd like to ask you a few questions," He eyed Harry. "Alone."

"I'm sure whatever I say, Harry can be around as well." I reasoned.

"As you wish." He grumbled. "Now if you could come with me, I have a few questions I'd like to ask,"

The officer lead us into the house, and sat us at the end of the dinning table. I sat at the end, facing the officer to left, and Harry sat behind me to my right.

"Okay, I'll be asking just some basic questions to fill on Evie's records and get these papers sorted so she's legally still alive. So why were you at Aiden's in the first place?"

"I was told by my dad -Aiden's lawyer- to go grab so last minute things before he was put away,"

"Good, now what condition did you find Evie in when you saw her?"

"Well, she came from the basement, and she had on dirty, torn, and worn out sleeping clothes. She looked like she hadn't eaten something decent in...a few days? Maybe a week? Her hair was tangled and she didn't look like she had seen a bath in forever."

"And what did you do with her once you found her?"

"Well when I realised it was her, I gave her a bath and took her to go get food and more clothes before I brought her here. I didn't want them to see her like that."

"Okay, anything more you would like to add?"

I took a deep breathe, trying to gain the words I needed to speak the harsh words Harry was bound to hear, but already tortured by the thought.

"Yes, um, she had a lot of bruises all over her body. Not like falling down, but I think Aiden was very... forceful with her. When I helped her clean herself, they were loitered all over her arms, and were undoubtably caused by his fingers grabbing her."

"Did you notice any more that weren't mainly on her arms?"

I nodded. "Yes, I few on her legs and back, from what looked like being pushed and dragged."

"Thank you, Ms Clarke. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

"N-No, that's it." I gave a small smile.

The officer nodded, grabbed his notes, and left without another word. I turned towards Harry, his jaw was clenched, and his nostrils flared.

"H-Harry?" I questioned, slowly getting up towards him.

"That son of bitch!" Harry yelled, standing from his chair.

It screeched across the tile flooring, creating a loud echo through large room. He was fuming. Running his hands through his hair, and pulling at the roots. He paced through confines of the table and the hutch, still relentlessly running his hands over his head.

I slowly got up, and made my way to him. I ran my hand over his shoulder, his back still faced me.

"It's over now, Harry. He's getting his punishment where he belongs. It's okay,"

"It's not okay!" He yelled, abruptly turning around. "He deserves so much more than what he's getting. All this time, I didn't do anything because I thought she was dead! Dead, Rae. Dead. All that time, I could've been searching, I could've found her and helped and brought her home. But I didn't and she was touched by that filth! I'm so fucking stupid. I should've found her."

I felt so sorry he had to be put through this. If he would've known, if any of us would've known, she wouldn't have had those marks on her, or be tainted with those imagines of Aiden in her mind. He blames himself for something he had no control over. And he always will.

"None of us knew, Harry. Please stop blaming yourself. There is nothing anyone could've done. It's over now, in the past. You have to worry about her now. Help her forget, and show her the family she was missing out for those two years."

I heard Harry breath in deeply. He turned around, and I was met with glossed over eyes and a solum expression. He didn't say anything. Instead I was engulfing in hug. One that wanted nothing but comfort.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, and nuzzled my head into his neck, gently kissing the soft skin. He held me tighter, the full length of his arms wrapped around me.

We stayed like this for minutes. Just simply enjoying each other's warmth and comfort. But we had to pull away eventually. And when we did, we were greeted by his family, watching us in awe.

"What? You act like I don't hug people." Harry rolled his eyes.

"Because you don't. I'm lucky if I get acknowledgement or eye contact." Will teased.

"You're going to get a lot more than that if you don't shut the hell up." Harry playfully cracked his knuckles.

"Just because I'm older, doesn't mean I can't take you, little bro."

"Oh, I'd like to see you try. I'm sure I taught you everything you know." Harry smirked.

"Alright, boys!" Charlotte interjected. "The policemen are gone, and dinner will be ready in ten. Go clean up, boys. Rae, Sara? Would you like to help me set the table?"

Sara and I nodded. The boys grumbled and walked away with grumbled words of "she treats us like kids". I smiled shaking my head, because they did in fact act like kids.


***


Dinner was absolutely lovely, and Charlotte is quiet the cook. I suppose that's where Harry has gotten his talent in the kitchen. She made an excellent Pansotti alla Genovese. Which all of us had several servings of.

We all helped Charlotte clean the off the table, and dishes. Each one of us with a specific job, until Harry had to step out to take a call. Leaving me to dry the dishes and put them away.

Harry had came back into the room shortly after, his lightened mood now nothing but emotionless.

"I think I'm going to take Rae home now. I think she would like to see her dad, and I need to get back to my place." Harry told his family, that was now cleaning up in the kitchen.

"You don't want to stay? We were going to have family game night, just like old times." Charlotte reasoned with a hopeful smile.

"No, Mum. I think it's best if we head out now. It's a quite a drive, and I don't want to get there late."

"Is something agitating you, Harry?" Will asked stepping closer to his brother. Only for Harry to step further back.

This was unlike him. He had been laughing at dinner, telling corny jokes and dimple worry memories. We both agreed to stay the first night Evie was here. I told my dad that I'd be gone the night and return in the afternoon.

"I'm fine. Let's go, Rae." He demanded.

"B-But, I was planning on staying, we were planning on staying. What made you change your mind? You were set on being here tonight."

"Things change, Rae. Now let's go."

He grabbed my hand, and pulled me towards the door. Barely leaving me any chance to bid his family goodbye. He hurried her to put on her shoes and practically threw her coat at her.

"Geez, Harry! What's your rush? I'm going as fast as I can considering the sudden rush of leaving!"

"Just hurry up," He signed.

"Harry? Harry, where are you going?" A little voice called.

"Out, Evie."

"But you said you'd stay,"

"I stayed with you all day, now I'm leaving." He stated without emotion.

"Can Rae stay?"

"No,"

"Will you come back?"

"Maybe,"

"Why aren't you staying?"

"Enough with the questions, Evie! I'll be back when I am and you'll just have to wait for when that is. Now go play with your toys or something." He snapped.

Evie started to cry at the loudness of Harry's voice. And he still hadn't shown any remorse.

"You heartless arsehole. How could you yell at her after you've said you didn't want to be like Aiden, only a few hours before this. You're unbelievable." I shook my head.

I picked up the sobbing little girl, and cradled her in my arms, swaying back and forth. Hoping to sooth out her crying. Her tears flowing onto my skin, and absorbing into my clothing. She eventually stopped, once I carried her to the living room and placed her on the sofa.

"I promise I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Pinky promise?"

I smiled, and nodded. Holding up my pinky.

"Pinky promise."

I got up and kissed her on top of the head. I placed a blanket over her to try and keep her warm, and maybe she'd even fall asleep, considering how late for her it was.

Walking out to the foyer, I saw Harry impatiently waiting for me.

"Ready?"

"You're really being a little bitch right now, you know that?"

"Glad we're agreeing on something right now. Now let's go."

He grabbed ahold of my arm, and pulled me to my side of the car. Opening the door and waiting for me to get in, only to slam it closed once in. He hopped into his seat and started his car, backing out.

"You want to tell me what this is all about?" I asked.

"Well first off, don't be mad when I tell you-"

"I already am."

"Fine, then I'll just say it. Liam called me tonight, and he said he saw your dad talking to Ryan outside Jay's Bar on twelfth."

"Ryan is who exactly?"

"Hawks right hand man."

"What? No, that can't be."

"It is, and we're going there now. Well, I am. You're staying at mine."

"What? No, I'm coming!"

"Oh, you are now?" Harry smirked, raising a brow.

"Not like that! You're absolutely preverted."

"One of my many qualities." He chuckled. "I told Liam to meet me at my place, and he's bringing along a friend. His name is Louis, and you can give him all your trust. Tell them anything they ask. And don't forget anything."

"You won't be there?"

"I'm only dropping off. I'll be back later. Don't leave, and if you need anything tell them."

"Okay, who's this Louis guy then?"

"He's one of my best mates. Known since a little after Liam. He does what Sara can do but on a much more upscale level. And Liam is there because I know you trust him, but can help too."

I only nodded, not really sure what else I should be asking or saying.

We went a while without talking, and when we were shortly there, I decided to ask one last question.

"What do you think my dad's doing?"

"If anything, trying to keep you safe. Maybe he knows what's going on and ensuring you stay safe when you're with me."

"And when I'm not?"

"Then I'm not so safe." He smiled.

I didn't return it, but instead watched the similar houses pass as we arrived at his home.

I loved his home. It smelt just like him, and was the perfect size for anything needed.

Harry walked me to the door and knocked. There was bristling heard from behind the barrier, before the door swung open.

"Hey, Sweetcheeks."









______________











okay I know this is so late, but I had so many things due for school and I couldn't get it all done. but I do have something I'd like to share with you guys.

I'm planning on ending this story soon. Maybe within 10-15 chapters. I'm only saying this because this isn't my best work and I know I can do better. and with it being my first fanfic, it's a little bit expected. I will end up writing a new one, that is more thought out and one with a schedule. I'm sorry if this upsets you, but if the new fanfic I come up with is written better, I'm sure it will please all of you :)

please comment, and let me know what you think? 170+?