The Fourth Catch

Chapter 26: Suspicious Minds

"What are you two doing here?" Melanie's face showed shock when she heard the knock at the door, opening it to find Anthony and her father standing in front of her. Melanie hadn't given the go ahead for releasing them. So she was curious as why they were there. Anthony looked over at Brian. On the way back home, Brian suggested it was best not to mention Clarissa. Because he knew Melanie would be very angry when she found out. But Anthony didn't feel comfortable with keeping such a secret. With Clarissa roaming around, he was afraid Mel would find out either way. Figure out he knew but didn't tell her first. Then they'd be right back at square one.

So Anthony was hesitant to tell her of Clarissa. As he didn't want Mel angry. "Charley let us out." Was all he responded. Brian was slightly surprised Anthony decided to lie. He assumed Anthony would continue on with his honesty policy. But some secrets were also needed to be kept for keeping people safe.

Melanie raised her eye as she studied them. "He did huh? Did you two come to an agreement?" She asked. Anthony still seemed unsure of explaining the situation with Clarissa. He could just leave the events following that out, along with the fight with those two men. He didn't want Melanie worried. After all. He and Brian turned out fine. So there was no need for fretting over it. Since it was all said and done.

"Yes we did. That is why we are here. Charley let us out." Anthony explained. "He was leery to do so. For he didn't want to get in trouble. But we told him we would take care of the rest once we got out." Melanie narrowed her eyes with those words. Crossing her arms across her chest. "What do you mean by taking care of the rest?" Mel asked having a feeling she knew.

Brian smirked slightly, rolling his eyes. You just keep digging yourself in a deeper hole. He thought glancing at Anthony. Though they somewhat managed to come to terms. Brian found it amusing seeing Anthony struggle a bit. Anthony cleared his throat. "Well, is what I meant was.." He began rambling. "Charley was hesitant in letting us out without your consent. He was worried you might be mad at him for getting us out earlier than you suggested. Because he said he was supposed to wait for your signal. But we explained to him we made up. We.." Anthony glanced at Brian. A curious look crossed Mel's face as Anthony stalled his sentence. "Understand each other now." He finished the sentence. It wasn't exactly the truth. But they couldn't tell Melanie the real story.

Melanie tilted her head as if she was thinking. Unsure if she should believe Anthony's story or not. "You do huh?" Mel asked. "Yes." Brian said deciding to help Anthony out. "Hmm.. And exactly what would that understanding be?" "Oh.. That is a secret between Anthony and I. You know. Man to man.." Anthony stole a quick sideways glance at Brian. A bit surprised.

"Ah.. I see how it is..." Melanie stated. Both men pretended to look innocent. "See how what is?" Brian asked. He couldn't help but give a small smirk at his daughter. "You guys are gaining up on me." He laughed. "What gives you a crazy idea like that?" Melanie smirked back. She was teasing, but it was fun to watch them squirm. "Oh, I have my theories.."

Brian chuckled. "We aren't gaining up on you. I promise." Melanie's laugh echoed Brian's. "Come on in.." She stepped aside so they could walk in the apartment. Anthony gave a small grin. Loosening up as he realized Melanie was joking. "Ha ha.. Good one." He said in a sarcastic but teasing tone. Melanie kept her smirk. "I thought so." Once Anthony was inside, he wrapped his arms around Melanie. Melanie wrapped her arms around him in return. Her head resting on his chest. Brian wandered off to check on Beth so Mel and Anthony could have some time alone.

"I've missed you." Melanie whispered once she saw her father wander off. Anthony smiled a little. She noticed how Anthony pulled her close to him. Which had her worried a moment something more possibly happened. Melanie didn't like the looks of those men in the cell with Anthony and her father. She certainly hadn't forgotten about them. All she did when she got home, was worry. Melanie almost had been tempted to release Anthony and Brian early, get them back to her, for safety. But they also needed to learn a lesson.

Anthony glanced down at Mel as she rested her head against his chest. "I missed you too." He whispered back. Melanie pulled her head back after a while so she could look Anthony straight in the eyes. "Did you and my dad really make up?" She asked. Anthony nodded. "Yes.. We did. You don't need to worry of us. I promise." Melanie still seemed unsure but nodded her head in response. "Beth kept wondering where you were." She said. "What did you tell her?" He asked. Hopefully Beth wouldn't ever come to know of this little situation. "I told her you were called into work and you would be back soon. She's sleeping now." "We should be getting some sleep as well." Anthony eyed the clock. It was only one thirty in the morning. It felt a lot later. He was tired after what took place.

"Yes we should. I can get the extra room setup for dad. Then I'll be in." Anthony nodded. "I can help you with that." A small smile formed on Mel's face. Anthony was tired. But given what happened at the station. He knew he wouldn't be able to fall asleep. Plus, he missed Mel, and there had been those split few seconds he didn't think he'd see her again. Also, with those threats from Clarissa, he was nervous for leaving her and Beth alone too long. As soon as he was able to. Anthony planned on making it so Clarissa couldn't even come near five feet of his fiance and daughter.

After the room was finished. Anthony and Mel crawled in bed. Anthony let his arms wrap around Melanie pulling her close to him. Melanie looked up at him. Anthony could see she was studying him closely. She could sense something was off. As Anthony had been acting strange since he got back home. Melanie let her hand rest gently against his cheek. But didn't say anything. She was simply letting him know she was there. Anthony was still worked up from the events that took place earlier that evening. Though he didn't want to worry Mel, so he didn't tell her anything. Feeling her touch calmed him down. Seeing her with him, and feeling her laying next to him let Anthony know Mel was okay. She was safe. And she would remain safe as long as she was with him. The two of them didn't say anything. They just layed there in silence. Looking into each other's eyes. Melanie wanted to ask what was wrong. But she didn't want to pry either. "I love you." Mel said before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep. She snuggled up as close as she could to Anthony. Her head rested back against his chest. It felt like it had been ages since either of them heard those words.

Anthony took a few deep breaths as he watched her snuggle up close next to him. He kept his arms wrapped around her as he watched her drift off to sleep. "I love you too Mel." He said quietly. More than anything. He wanted to say out loud, but kept the thoughts to himself. Even if they had come along ways since the beginning, he still feared those words would scare Melanie off. Anthony watched Mel sleep a while longer, before he fell into a restless sleep.