The Phantom

Chapter 2

26 Smith Street, Detroit, 10:30 p.m.

My head is reeling, our find today with the note is definitely a breakthrough. We're one step closer to catching this bastard, which means I'm one step closer to being able to relax and not worry about my sweet angels becoming victims of his heartless ways. Harry and I haven't been able to rest since these kidnappings started happening, we've become even more wary when a child from Quinn's and Chloe's school was taken last week. The child's parents are absolutely torn up inside, I couldn't imagine their pain. 

I walk up to the familiar black and gold door and brace myself for the pain I'm going to introduce myself to once I knock on that door. My first love and most likely only love just lives behind this door, the day he filed for a divorce was the day I stopped believing that there's one person out there made just for you forever. It's a load of bullshit. 

I take a deep breath and knock on the door, Harry opens it almost instantly. I know he's been waiting.

"Sorry I'm late."

I walk into what used to be our family home, before my work came in and ruined my marriage. It still looks the same, Harry was never one for change. I look around the small one story house to see that all of our photos together were taken down. I guess I saw that coming.

"You're always late Trace. The kids and I are already used to it."

"I see that you took our photos down, where'd you put them? In the garbage?"

He looks at me and sighs, his tough exterior softening.

"Trace, you know I could never do that. Just because I'm asking for a divorce doesn't mean I don't love you still. We've been together since we were sixteen. Love like that doesn't just disappear."

"Where's Chloe and Quinn?" I quickly change the subject before it blows up into a fight we both don't want to have right now.

"In their rooms getting their bags together. Are you sure your job won't get in the way like last time? I don't want our kids to know about the kind of stuff you deal with."

"I promise; My work phone is off. I am disconnected from the world."

Harry smiles at me, it was the same kind of smile he gave me when we were kids. God I love him; I don't want to get divorced from him. I need to prove to him that my job doesn't always come first. That my family is truly my number one priority.

"How's the big Phantom case going?"

I smile at him, no matter what we go through, he's always had an interest in my work. I love that about him.

"We think we have a new lead. He left a letter on the teenage girl's bed he kidnapped, and I recognized the handwriting."

"So wait... you know The Phantom? Do you think he could be a cop?"

"Oh god no, at least I hope not. I don't even want to think about a cop taking a child and abusing his or her power. I think it's someone we know, Harry. Like a family friend or something."

"There's no way..."

"I can only hope I'm wrong... but no matter who they are, I'm going to have to take them in."

I hear little footsteps running down the stairs, my little angels are coming to see me.

"Mommy!" They yell in unison.

They both run up to me and give me the biggest bear hug I could've ever received from two beautiful blonde haired twins. These kids are my life; I would go crazy without them.

"Remember guys, don't give your mom a hard time. She's already stressed enough at work as it is. Don't bother her with a million questions and don't ask if she can buy you anything. I'll see you both next week."

Chloe and Quinn give their father a hug and rush out to the car, getting all buckled up and ready to live with me for the week.

"Do you really have to make me sound like the grumpy, no fun parent? I'm not that stressed out."

Harry puts my face in both of his hands and examines me.

"Those frown lines tell me differently. You're twenty-five Trace. You face should be line free."

I put my hand on top of his and sigh.

"You're right, but frown lines aren't going to stop me from spoiling my beautiful twins."

He laughs a little, "Remember that Quinn has practice after school tomorrow, don't let him down Trace. He really loves that soccer team."

"Soccer practice after school. Got it."

I smile at him and give him one last kiss on the lips, making sure I remember every last detail. I never know when the last time is going to be.

"Trace..."

"I know. There's no saving us. See you at the end of this week Harry" I smile sadly at him and leave the house we once called ours.

***

72 Connor Street, 11:00 p.m.

"Home sweet home munchkins."

I look in the review mirror to see my two beautiful angels fast asleep. So precious. I'm glad that out of this messed up life I have these two blessings to help me get through it, Harry and I were so lost without them. I don't even know how we got by without them.

I get out of the driver's seat and open up one of the back doors.

"Chloe honey, we're here."

Chloe opens her deep blue eyes and looks at me sleepily. God she's beautiful. She gets her pink barbie backpack and gets out the car.

"Go wait for me at the front door while I wake up your brother." I ruffle her hair and give her a quick kiss on her forehead. She just nods her head sleepily and walks to the front door.

Quinn is usually the hard one to wake up, so I just get his Captain America backpack and carry him to the front door. When I open the front door Chloe rushes in and goes straight to her room. Lord that girl loves her sleep. I take Quinn to his room and tuck him in. He looks so much like Harry when he's sleeping. Lucky boy.

I kiss him on the forehead goodnight and go to my room. I've got to prepare for tomorrow, I have a feeling it's going to be fucking hell.