All The Hurt Would Go Away

Wait for me...

I left a tip for the taxi driver for the first time in a while and left the car in silence. The only time I spoke was when I asked him to turn off the radio, honestly I have a newfound respect for the man for being so wary throughout my visits with Andrew. He warned me, I may have not listened but he did warn me, and he let me go through it myself as I wished. He deserved more than a tip, I don't think he knows the 'famous' me, at least he hasn't made a big thing out of it if he does. I was shaken out of my thoughts by Andrew's words echoing in my mind, I knew what he was planning, I suspected it. But every time he mentions what he'll do it still gets to me.
"So?"
"I gotta get the cops to come with me to Andrew's house - that's where he thinks my father is. Then get Ariella and put him in jail so Andrew is freed."
Something flashed across Lin's eyes, was it sympathy? Regret? As soon as that brief window opened it was closed again and Lin went back to his usual self. Huh. He handed me the phone and I looked at him strangely
"Shouldn't I already be there to call for backup so they can track the call? What if they get there before me if I don't go now?"
He put the phone back down and shrugged
"How am I supposed to know how to do this?"
He complained and I laughed
"You coming?"
He hesitated, then fell silent. Nervously, I continued
"Well?"
"I-I don't think I should. This is between you and your father."
"Lin it's your daughter."
"She's closer with you, she'll be happier if it's you not me."
"Lin I'm not related to them at all! I'm fine with you not coming but don't ever think your kids prefer me!"
He sighed
"I'm gonna sit this one out. Sorry Jon."
"That's fine, I'll have a shipment when I return by the name of Ariella."
He laughed at my terrible attempt at humour, then with a deep breath I called an Uber and told the lady the address of Andrew's home. It still somehow irritated me how Lin wouldn't come to rescue his own daughter, and why does he think she'll be happier to see me? Slowly my thoughts shifted to Ariella: will she really be there? Will she be alive? Hurt? Or is Andrew just tricking me yet again... I cannot remember the way to Andrew's house nor what it looked like. But if there's one thing I'm certain about, I was somewhat disappointed to see it wasn't a horrific, old, dilapidated castle. The scariest part was any citizen could walk past this house in front of me and barely blink, not knowing a psycho murderous rapist is inside. Once I was there I called for backup and within minutes I was awkwardly shuffling around following orders, the door was forced open since my father didn't want them in. Once I got inside the house after all of the backup team I looked straight at my father and was overcome with a wave of nausea, he was being pushed against the wall and handcuffed. Blinking out of the father son trance, I raced around the house eventually finding Ariella in what appeared to be the guest bedroom, at least she had her own room I guess. I brought the kiddo downstairs, cradling her in my arms. She was hugging so tight at one point I was afraid of my blood circulation but was comforted nonetheless. I held Ariella's hand  as we walked outside and I watched my father get pushed into the police car, I'll have to visit, I know practically nothing about his life once he left. I zoned back into reality when I saw his face in the car window watching me, it wasn't creepy like Andrew, it was more like - regret, pain. Maybe he wasn't the kidnapper? I questioned, until I realised it was no use to try to free him. No one else was in the house except Ariella and him, strong evidence not in his favour. It just sucks that Andrew goes free and my own father is going to prison, on one hand I don't really know him, but on the other I really want to. Ariella tugged on my sleeve as the police car drove away, signalling me to get an Uber and go home to await Lin's reuniting with his daughter.
"That'll be 15$."
"Thanks"
I payed the driver then carried a sleeping Ariella back to Lin, she had a bit of hair covering her eye so I tucked it behind her ear before the door opened. Lin's face changed from shock, to surprise, to an overwhelming sense of love for his daughter and gratitude to me. I watched all these expressions before he gently lifted Ariella out of my hands and carried her inside, as if she were the most delicate piece of china, as if she would break into a million pieces if he mishandled her once. Soon he returned downstairs and simply ushered me to follow him into the study, closing the door behind him. He didn't lock it, a small thing, but I noticed. I sat down on the floor leaving his chair for him, it would be weird if it were the other way round.
"Jon"
He briefly looked me in the eyes then looked down again with a shaky breath in.
"Jon thank you so much for bringing her home safe."
"You know I wouldn't dream of harming her -"
"- I mean for getting her out of there. Having the confidence, I couldn't face it. Couldn't face the guy."
I raised an eyebrow and he quickly explained himself
"I know it's your dad, it's just, I don't know. I didn't want to say or do anything while I was there, especially since it's your father. I didn't want to lose control."
"I see."
"I examined her upstairs, she hasn't even got a tiny scratch. I - I thought they would've hurt her. Was she crying?"
"No, she was playing with some toys. But she wanted to go home."
"What twisted motherfucker would take a kid in as their own."
Lin whispered, probably for his own ears but I hastened to correct him.
"Language, and my father so watch it."
His eyes flashed to mine before nodding.
"I deserved that. Sorry."
"It's okay. I want to get to know him more anyway."
Lin still hadn't looked me directly in the eyes for more than three seconds since I entered the building. He's a good actor but not when it comes to lying, especially since I know him too well. After a long silence my impatience won and I had to ask what had been bothering Lin.
"Lin, please tell me what's going on?"
"Huh?"
He blinked out of his thoughts then, judging by my facial expression, sighed knowing what was to come.
"You're not gonna want to hear this and I didn't want to tell you after this success but -"
"- Just say it."
"- Andrew caused a fuss now your fathers been arrested, they're releasing him tomorrow."
"Wha - no trial?"
"No trial. Some technique he's got to dodge the law yet again."
I fell silent, for the first time in the conversation Lin started to search for eye contact, pleading me for a reply.
"How many days."
"Pardon?"
"How many days was Ariella captured?"
"Five days? Yeah, five."
He blinked realising what my fate is.
"I'm so sorry Jon, I promise I'll try to get you out earlier."
"It's a deal Lin, you can't. Andrew will expose me then that's my name in ruins."
"Your name?"
Oh yeah, I didn't tell Lin about Andrew's threats of what stories he'd make up.
"Maybe its an over exaggeration but I'd lose quite a few fans for going back to the guy who tore me down."
"True, but you'd gain support."
For a moment I saw it, I saw the illusion Lin was attempting to create. But just as quickly as it was there, it was gone. Lin doesn't know and Lin won't know, it's my part of the deal. No backing out.
"Can you bring dinner upstairs for me?"
Lin attempted a light chuckle nervously
"Jon it's four in the afternoon. The kids are still on their nap."
"Please?"
I squeaked, this is my last night of freedom. I need to sort everything out. I don't know how tough these five days will be, let alone the nights. It might as well be the last night of my life.
"I will, but please call if you need anything or to talk or whatever."
"Okay."
I smiled, relieved, and Lin nodded back returning the same phrase.
"Okay."
I turned and began to ascend the stairs, each step feeling like a retreat. All that filled my head was the growing list of everything that had to be done, and what time I had left slowly running out.