In Hiding (Final Book in the Boss's Niece Series)

Jason Finds Mel

*Mel's POV*

I woke up in Gideon's spare bedroom. I was lying on my back, staring at the ceiling. It had been a week since I last seen Haley. I missed her like crazy.

I had felt the first movement of the baby that was currently growing inside of me. It was a joyous time, but I had to go through it alone with just Gideon. Don't get me wrong, I love Gideon, but I miss Spencer like crazy.

I rolled out of bed and pulled on my fuzzy slippers. I exited to the kitchen where Gideon stood by the stove, cooking some breakfast.

"Morning, Jason." I said. "Need any help?"

"Melanie, it's fine. Just sit down and relax, okay? I may be old, but I can still cook." he said.

"I was just offering to help." I laughed. "Um, have you heard from Spencer? Any calls or letters or anything."

Gideon turned to look at me. I sighed and looked down at the table. If the answer yesterday was no, then the answer today would be no.

"Melanie, I know you miss Spencer, but you have to quit worrying about when he's gonna call or contact you. Stress isn't good for a baby, you know." he said. "How about I take you bird watching with me today? You'll have fun, I know you will."

I chuckled and shook my head. "As fun as that sounds, Jason, I'm gonna have to pass. I think I might just stay home and catch up on some reading."

"Alright. But, if you need me-"

"I have your number and I know where you'll be. Don't worry."

•

After breakfast, Gideon went off bird watching. I was looking at the pictures in his living room. Ones of him and his son, Steven, and his wife. Ones of him, Steven and Steven's wife, Thalia. Ones of him and his grandchildren.

He looked happy in all his pictures. He was happy with his family. That's how it was supposed to be.

I sat down on the couch. I missed my family. Spencer, Haley, Uncle Aaron, my dad. And some little part of me almost missed my mom. I know she's a hit woman and I only met her once and she's out to kill me and all, but she was my mother. The woman who gave life to me.

I jumped as the phone rang, breaking the silence of the house. I quickly got up and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Mel? It's me." came Spencer's voice. I felt my heart lift up at the sound of his voice.

"Hey babe. Is everything alright?" I asked.

"Not really. Listen, I'm on the first flight to Chicago right now. Where are you? Are you with Gideon?"

"No. He's gone bird watching. Why are you coming here?"

"Long story. Call Gideon right now and tell him to get back to the house. Lock the doors, don't answer for anyone. I'll call you when I get there, alright?"

"Spencer, what's going on?" I asked, completely terrified now.

"Your mom isn't who she said she is. She was helping Jason find you. He's in Chicago right now looking for you. Promise me you'll do as I said, okay?"

"I-I promise."

"I have to go. I'll be there soon. Bye."

"Bye."

We hung up. I sat there in complete shock. My mother was helping to kill me? I thought she loved me. I thought she didn't want to do this and that's why she didn't kill me when we first met. I was so confused, but I acted fast.

I raced to the guest bedroom and got my gun from my suitcase. I locked the back door and the front door and did a sweep of the house. All seemed fine. Then, I called Gideon. I told him what was going on and that he needed to get back to the house. He told me he'd be there as soon as possible.

Then, I did my least favorite thing in the world. I waited.

I waited for Spencer. For Gideon. For Jason.

I didn't want to hurt Jason. We had been friends. But, if it came to that, then I would have to.

At the moment, it was 4:00. The sun was beginning to set, turning the sky red, orange and yellow. I sat in the living room, staring at the blank TV, waiting.

The silence of the house was broken by a knock at the door. My heart began to pound as my head snapped towards the door. It couldn't be Spencer. He promised he'd call when he got to Chicago. It couldn't be Gideon. He had a key. He would've unlocked the door. It was Jason.

I slowly rose from the couch as another loud knock came at the door. I aimed my gun and moved slowly towards the door. Another loud and impatient knock came. Then, silence. No more knocking.

I lowered my gun, and my guard. I was continuing to move toward the door.

That's when I heard the smashing of glass. I let out a scream and began to shoot at the living room window. But I missed and used up all my bullets.

My hands shook as Jason stood before me looking ready to rip my head off.

"Hello, Melanie. Miss me?"