Dan’s jaw dropped. “What did you say?” Jay repeated it. Dan couldn’t believe his ears. He’d had the exact same dream as a kid. He couldn’t help thinking how alike he and Jay were. “Please come and chase it away.” Jay begged. “Alright.” He took his hand and they went upstairs. Dan went straight to look under the bed. “Nothing is here. Come and take a look yourself.” Jay looked under the bed too. “He was there, but he has run away.” Jay insisted. Dan sat on the bed and told Jay to join him. “Listen there is no monster.” He began. “You had a nightmare that seems real but it isn’t, okay?” Jay looked confused. “If it is a dream, why does it look so real?” He asked. “Nightmares are like that. I know because I used to have them too. But it is nothing to worry about because like I said, it isn’t real.” Jay nodded and got into bed and Dan tucked him in. “Are you still coming to my school tomorrow?” He asked suddenly. Dan froze, he stared into Jay’s serious blu
Adele’s Pov “You are his brother?” I asked, trying to hide my surprise. “Yep and you are his wife. You are a lot sexier in real life.” He said eying my breasts. “Thank you.” I said uncomfortably. “Your pictures don’t do you justice at all.” He said. “Can I come in?” “Yeah, sure.” I stood back to let him in. I was still trying to hide my surprise. I had never met Craig, and unlike Dan, his face wasn’t all over the social media. But I had imagined he looked like Dan. He didn’t. He wasn’t as tall as Dan or as well built. He was average height, compact, with brown hair and eyes like Zoey’s. His arms were covered in tattoos. “My little bro is at work right?” He asked sitting on the sofa. “Yeah, I mean no. He took my son to school. What can I get you?” I asked. “Juice will be fine. I don’t drink alcohol so early. Unlike my brother. Is he still drinking or have you gotten him to stop?” He smirked. I stammered, not sure what to say. “What happened to your arm?” He as
Karen was frowning as she hung up. Damn! So Dan was still bonding with Adele’s son. Why? He had been certain he wanted nothing to do with Adele or her son. What she was expecting to hear was they were getting a divorce. Yesterday, when Adele had called complaining about Dan’s abusive behavior she had been pleased. Things were going just the way she wanted. But from what Adele was now saying, things weren’t as terrible as she had hoped. She sighed in frustration. This was taking longer than shed thought. Something had to be done to speed it up. Her cell rang. She frowned at the strange number. “Hello?” She said. “Miss. Richards,” it was their housekeeper. “There is someone waiting in the living room to see you.” “Who?” “She said she was sent by your mom.” “What does she want? Put her on the phone.” “She won’t answer. She insists on seeing you.” “What the hell- never mind. Tell her I will be on my way.” She picked up her purse and ran out. A co worker
They turned to see Chris standing at the door. “I was told both of you weren’t in the office, what is going on?” He asked looking at his children. “Dan is throwing a fit.” Zoey said dropping into a chair. “Tell Craig to stay away from Adele!” Dan said. “Hi Dad.” Craig smirked. Chris' eyes widened. “Craig! What the hell are you doing here you trouble maker?” “Dad! That’s not fair! Is this how to welcome back a son you haven’t seen in months?” “I don’t want to see you. What mischief are you here to cause?” “Dad! Craig came back because he misses us.” Zoey began. “I don’t know why-“ “I didn’t ask you Zoey!” Her dad snapped. “He went to see Adele! Tell him to keep away from her Dad.” Dan insisted. “I came into town and decided to say hi to my brother. He wasn’t home but I met his wife. It was our first meeting so I decided to get to know her while waiting for him. What did I do wrong?” “You wanted to see your brother on a working day at a working hour, and went to
Adele’s Pov I went to my room and sank on my bed, and sighed heavily. Craig’s words kept ringing in my ears. I would keep calm first, until I had heard more from Zoey. But right now I needed to talk to someone. I pulled out my laptop and breathed a sigh of relief seeing Jack was online. Hey Jack, how are you doing? Not good honey. The only thing keeping me sane is looking forward to chatting with you as always. Why? What is it? My co workers are driving me insane. Ungrateful jerks! Nothing I do satisfies them. Sometimes I feel like giving up. Please don’t. People won’t always appreciate your effort, but I do. You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I appreciate you. I really do. That means a lot to me honey, it really does. Awwn. Lol So tell me about you. Is everything still going good in your marriage? Not really Jack. That is why I really need to talk to you. Everything is going downhill. Dan has changed. He hates me. For the last co
Dan woke up with a hangover that threatened to kill him. He tried to open his eyes but the sunlight coming in hurt so badly that he gave up. He hadn’t eaten much last night and had been drinking all evening until late into the night. He remembered being on the sofa thinking of all the past hurt Craig had caused him. Then after that nothing. He couldn’t even remember how he’d gotten to bed. He really had to get this under control. He tried to open his eyes again but couldn’t. Dammit! This was all Craig’s fault. The bastard was driving him to drink. But even as he cursed Craig he knew deep down it was his demons that were the problem. He had to overcome them. He counted to five and tried again slowly. The sunlight hurt but not so much. He looked round and frowned. This wasn’t his bedroom. His eyes fell on the half open wardrobe and he saw Adele’s clothes. Hell! He was on Adele’s bedroom! How had he gotten here? And where was she? As if to answer his question the door op
Dan stared after Adele. Her behavior worried him. What had he done while drunk? Had he hurt her? He cursed. He really needed to get this thing under control. He thought again. He felt better after he ate breakfast and took a shower. Then he got dressed. Adele and Jay had left by the time he came downstairs. As he drove to work he thought about how Adele had looked at him when she’d brought him breakfast. She really seemed concerned about him. But if she was why would she plotting to steal his family company? Maybe her concern was all an act. If so then she was a very good actress. He sighed. Everything was trying to drive him crazy. A wife he loved and hated, an asshole brother, a tyrant dad and a conniving sister. No wonder he drank. He pulled into the carpark. As he got out of the car he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to see Karen. “What the hell are you doing here? Supposing my dad sees you?” He asked irritated. “I won’t be here if you weren’t avoiding me. Y
Adele’s Pov I was just putting on my jewelry when I hear Dan’s impatient yell from the hallway. “Aren’t you done yet? We will be late.” He called. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked good enough. I went to get Jay. I had told him to wait for me in his room. “You look really pretty mommy.” He said. “Thanks sweetie. You look good too.” I ran a comb through his hair and we went downstairs. Dan was pacing the living room impatiently. His eyes lit up when I came in. “You look good.” He said, looking me up and down. I knew the green spaghetti sleeved short dress I wore showed off my figure. “Thanks.” I said. His eyes lingered on my body and I felt myself blush, especially when I saw the effect it was having on his dick. “What about me?” Jay asked jumping on front of him. “How do I look?” “You look great.” Dan smiled. “You look good too.” Jay told him. “Thanks. Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.” He said. “My brother is going to try to be a je
Adele’s Pov “I am letting her go that’s what. What you are doing is crazy Tina! And I won’t support you.” Dad said. “You idiot! I am trying to help you solve a problem!” Tina yelled. “Just like I did with her useless mother.” “What?” I asked wide-eyed. “What do you mean? Did you have something to do with Claire’s death?” He asked. “Yes I did dumbass! What else was I suppose to do. You said you couldn’t be with me because you didn’t want to divorce her so I had to kill her. You mentioned she was going to Palo Alto to see her stupid friend so I waited on a quiet part of the road pretending I had engine trouble, when the fool stopped to help, I hit her on the back of the head and drove her car off a cliff. So your problems were solved.” “How could you be so evil Tina?” Dad asked shocked. “Shut up! I did it to help you. You should be thanking me! Now lock them up and stop being an idiot.” “Never! You have done enough. It ends now. I was an idiot to have had anything to do with you
Tina met Jason the same place she had met Adele. “What took you so long?” She asked suspiciously. “I went by a longer route. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t being followed.” He explained. “Okay, so you have everything?” “Yeah,” he said pointing to his case. “I heard you kidnapped Adele too?” “Yes to increase the ransom.” They began walking to the beach house. “She was the target, I used her son to get her. Tell me about Adele being Chris’ daughter, Claire cheated on you? I am not surprised. She was as useless as her daughter.” “There isn’t much to tell. Chris just told me she wasn’t my daughter, it explained a lot of things.” They got to the house and met Karen having lunch. “Dad! I was so happy when Mom said you were joining us. I hope you aren’t mad I didn’t tell you I was leaving?” “No. I wish you had though. Where is Adele and Jay?” “There.” Tina pointed to a door. “Let me see them.” Tina picked up a bunch of keys on the table and opened the door. Adele and Jay were s
“How could we be so stupid?” Dan groaned. He was pacing the living room very upset. “I was the idiot.” Chris said. “I should have known what Tina was up to when she didn’t want Adele around. In fact I should have had bodyguards here the minute this happened.” “It won’t have helped. From what the housekeeper said Tina didn’t rush in and kidnap her she lured her away.” Rachel said. “Jay and now Adele have been taken. What kind of an idiot am I not to have seen this?“ Chris asked helplessly. “Beating yourself up won’t help. We have to find a way to get them back.” Rachel said. “I am going to talk to Jason, he is going to tell me where his crazy wife is hiding.” Chris fumed. “I will come with you.” Dan said. “No. You two stay here and let me handle it.” Rachel said and left. Jason was staring at his dinner when Rachel walked in. “It is time to come clean Jason, where is Tina? Chris is right, you know where she is and you are hiding it from us.” She said. “I am not in t
The phone call had shaken Adele and Dan, but Rachel told them not to get upset. “Tina is trying to get to you guys, don’t let her win. You have to be strong.” She said. “I'm trying but it isn’t easy,” Adele cried. “Tina is crazy, what if she hurts him?” “She won't, she needs him to carry out whatever evil plan she has. Don’t worry, she will call again.” Two days later, Tina called Chris during lunch time. “Hey Chris, how are you? I'm calling you because you have what I need.” She said. “ You evil bitch! Where is Jay?” “The brat is fine don’t worry.” “If you harm him-“ “Why should I? I need him. I have no intention of hurting him. I just want to make a deal and I will let him go. Having him here is annoying.” “What do you want?” “Money.” “How much?” “I will tell you, but first call Dan and Rachel to your office by 4 pm. I want them to be there when I call. Do not call Adele.” “Why only Dan and Rachel? And why 4 pm? What are you up to?” He asked suspiciously.
Tina called Jason as he drove home. “Tina, what is going on? Is Karen with you?” He asked. “Calm down she is. I know you didn’t want her to know about our plan, but I couldn’t help contacting her. I hope you are not mad?” “Not really, although I wish you had told me first. Did she take Adele’s son?” “Yes, the brat is here.” “Tina that is kidnapping! She could be in big trouble! Why did you get her mixed up in this?” “Relax, no one is getting into trouble. We are going make money from this. I needed her help to pull it off.” “Money? How?” “From the ransom of course.” “Tina this is a bad idea.” “No it isn’t. Just calm down and leave it to me okay?” “Sure, take care of Karen, and please keep in touch.” When Jason got home he sank into a chair feeling tired and upset. He had guessed something was wrong when he tried to call Karen and couldn’t get through, then when he'd come home Marie had told him Karen had packed her bags to go on a camping trip. He had guessed s
Adele’s pov I couldn’t stop crying. Dan sat beside me trying to console me. Brenda was crying quietly in the armchair and Chris was on the phone, calling everyone he could think of to help find Jay. “This is all my fault,” Brenda said “No it is,” Dan said. “You didn’t get there on time because an accident delayed you, and I am very sure the accident was caused by Tina.” “It is my fault.” I cried. “I caused this. I brought Karen into our lives. You warned me Dan but I was stupid enough to trust her!” “Stop blaming yourself. It’s not your fault she turned out to be a witch, you couldn’t have known.” “Dan is right,” Chris said, None of you are to blame. We will find Jay, and arrest Karen and Tina, I promise.” The housekeeper led Dad into the room. “I got your message,” he said, “what’s going on? You said Karen kidnapped Jay? That’s impossible why would she do that?” “Because she is a psycho just like her mom and she needs to be stopped!” Chris fumed. ‘It is time to come
“Calm down Brenda, there must be some mistake,” Adele said trying to control her panic. “No! I got here and I couldn’t find him!” “Okay, I am on my way,” Adele said. She was trembling as she hung up and told Dan what had happened. “Calm down babe there must be a mistake somewhere. We will go to the school together.” He said. On the way to the elevator, Chris called him. “Dan I need to see you.” “Not now Dad-“ “It's urgent.” “I will wait in your car,” Adele said. Dan almost ran to Chris’ office. The man who had been with Karen was standing next to Chris. They were listening to a recording on a mobile phone on Chris’s desk. “Dad please make it snappy,” Dan said rushing in. “Listen to this.” Chris said. “I am in a hurry dad, tell me what it is.” “I found out where Zoey and her mom are living, somewhere across town. I sent one of my people to them to see what they were up to, and found out they were planning to hack into our company and steal millions, so I sent this guy to
She thought about the lunch and laughed, did the stupid Adele believe she was trying to be her friend?She is dumber than I imagined, Karen thought.She went to her room to wait for her mom’s call. It came an hour later.“Mom, I have been waiting.”“Sorry honey, I wanted to make sure you were back, how did it go?”“Better than I expected, I have the information.”“Meet at the usual place.”Karen hurriedly drove to the beach. Tina entered the car as soon as she stopped it.“I have everything Mom. I went to Adele and pretended I wanted to work with her, the fool believed my good girl act. I was able to get the info you wanted about her son.”“Smart girl! I knew I could rely on you. I have been gathering some information too and now have an idea of his routine.”“But why go through this stress, Mom? Can't we go straight to Adele?”“We can but it’s more difficult. Using her son to get to her is easier.”‘Okay, you said Dad is not to know about it?”“Not yet, till I'm sure he can be of hel
It was past dinner time when Karen came home.“You are late for dinner.” Her dad said.“Yeah I went for a walk. I have thought about what you said and you are right, Adele heading the company isn’t so bad. I want to work with her.”“I am glad you see things my way. I will call her tomorrow and tell her you are coming over.”“I hope we will be able to mend out relationship.” Karen smiled falsely.The next afternoon she walked into Adele’s office.“Dad told me you would be coming.” Adele said.“Yeah. I need a job. Sitting around waiting to hear from mom is driving me crazy.”“I am sorry about what happened. Chris has promised to help if she gives herself up.”“Dad told me. We are grateful. And I am sorry for all the awful stuff I did and said.” Karen said sounding remorseful.“Let’s move past that. I have a job for you in the media department, would you like that?”“Sure. I would love it.”“Okay, you can start tomorrow.”“How about you tell me a little about the job.” Karen said.“Sure.