Just Before Dawn Chapter 7 (standard:mystery, 6244 words)
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: May 07 2005	Views/Reads: 3242/2166	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
This chapter picks up from where Connor told Allison that Grace is pregnant.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

so.” “No this can't be!. What would Dad be doing with Grace?” “It's 
pretty obvious what they were doing in that picture.” “I don't 
understand it.” “Are you going to ask him about it?” “I'll ask him 
tonight.” Allison left and headed for the kitchen, she didn't want 
Connor to see her cry. She had a sinking feeling that Jack knew more 
about Marie's murder then he was saying. That night at the hospital, 
Allison watched as Jack ate dinner. He could tell by her silence, that 
she was contemplating something. He knew that something was bothering 
her and he was going to ask her what it was. “Allison, are you all 
right?” “Why?” “You've barely said a word since you got here. Is 
something wrong?” “You're damn right something's wrong!. I found this 
as I was getting the photo albums you asked for.” She handed him the 
photo and watched his expression change from one of concern to horror. 
“Allison I ...” “You what? What were you doing with her?” “That's your 
Aunt Renee!” “Like hell it is! That was the most passionate embrace 
I've ever seen you in. Now who is she?” “I don't know who you're 
talking about.” “You can't tap dance your way out of this one, Dad!. 
Who is she?” Allison knew full well that the woman was Grace, she was 
giving her father a chance to be honest with her. “Grace Munson.” “How 
did you know her maiden name?” “What?” “That's Grace Cassidy! Connor's 
ex-wife!” “I'm not discussing this any further, Allison!” “That's where 
you're wrong! I want some answers, Dad. Were you having an affair with 
her? It looks like you two were making whoopy in that photo!” “DO you 
understand English? I said I will not discuss this anymore. I would 
like you to leave.” “What? You're throwing me out?” Allison rose 
stunned. Tears formed behind her eyes, and she squinted to keep them 
back. She knew once she was in her car, she could let them spill forth, 
but not now. “Yes, I'm asking you to leave. You have to promise me that 
you will never bring up the name  Grace Munson again.” “I'm sorry, Dad 
I can't do that. All I want is the truth. Please tell me the truth.” 
“Leave.” “I don't know how you can be so cold!” “Allison Marie Shure, 
please leave.” He had never used her full name before, and Allison 
turned on her heel and walked out the door. While driving home, all she 
could do was think about Jack. She only wanted answers to the many 
questions she had. As she had suspected, the tears came almost 
instantly. She could barely see the road ahead of her, and almost got 
into an accident. But she finally managed to make it home safely. It 
was late, almost 11-30, Allison entered the apartment quietly. She 
thought Connor was asleep, until she heard his voice. “Allison?” “It's 
me.” She said shakily. He noticed her voice was about to break, which 
usually meant she'd been crying. Connor got up from the couch and 
embraced her. “What's wrong, sweetheart? What happened? I was going to 
call you. I thought you'd be back hours ago. Did you and Jack have a 
good time.” Allison began to sob harder as Connor stroked her hair and 
led her to the couch. “Everything's going to be all right. I love you, 
Allie. You know you can tell me anything.” “I know. This is so hard. 
Oh, Connor, I ... I can't believe it.” “What happened? I've never seen 
you this upset. Except when Scarlet was missing. You know you can tell 
me anything, Allison.” He took her hand and she began to tell her 
story. “I went to see Dad and I asked him why Grace was in the picture 
with him. He denied it at first. But then he knew her maiden name was 
Munson.” Allison stopped choked by a sob. Connor gently wiped the tears 
away with his hand and put his  arm around her. “I asked him how he 
knew that and if he had an affair with her. I told him I just wanted 
some answers. He threw me out.” “He what?” Connor's mouth dropped 
opened, he was aghast. “Yeah, Connor, he threw me out. I've never seen 
him so mad at me.” “He had no right to do that!” Connor said angrily. 
“Maybe I pried too much. Maybe I ...” “Allie, don't go there. You 
didn't do anything wrong. You are a beautiful person who doesn't 
deserve to be treated like that!” “I just wanted him to explain it to 
me.” “You had a right to know.” Just then the phone rang. Allison rose 
and answered. “Hello?” “Hi, have you cooled down? Or am I going to get 
the third degree?” “Dad ...” before she could say anything else, Connor 
grabbed the phone. “Jack, it's Connor. I want you to listen to me.” 
“Let me speak to my daughter.” “Not until you hear what I have to say!. 
The way you treated Allison tonight was unforgivable, you should be 
ashamed of yourself!. All she wanted was some answers, and instead of 
calmly explaining  to her why you were involved with Grace, which I 
would like to know myself! You threw her out!” “Now it's your turn to 
listen to me! I'm not going to be mouthed off to by a punk like you!. 
The way I treat Allison is no one's business but mine and hers. I guess 
she told you what happened tonight.” “She did. You're not a man, you're 
a coward!. An honest decent man would've told her the truth. I'm going 
to put her back on now, but you listen to what I said.” He handed the 
phone to Allison  giving her a hug before leaving the room. “Hi, Dad.” 
“That's all you can say? That goon just grilled me like grilled 
cheese!” “Dad, I'm sorry. But I had to tell someone.” “So you told him? 
How about Lynn?” “No I haven't told anyone but Connor. This isn't about 
me anyway. Dad this is about you and Grace. All I want is some 
answers.” “Well, you're not going to get them. Didn't I tell you not to 
bring up her name again?” “Yes.” Allison said sullenly. “Well, what 
didn't you understand the first time!. The only reason I called was to 
tell you that I'm going to be released from the hospital tomorrow.” 
“That's great! I'll be there.” “Don't put yourself out.” “Dad stop! I 
want to be there.” “Have it your way.” Jack hung up and thought about 
her. If she uncovered the truth, his entire life was at stake, and that 
couldn't happen. He would do just about anything to stop his whole 
world from crumbling around him. 

Allison tossed and turned that night, she couldn't sleep, every time she
tried she'd see Jack. She would envision the fight they had earlier, 
Connor knew she was awake and reached out for her. She came into his 
arms and laid there while he stroked her hair. “This will all work out 
in time, Allison. I know it will. Did I make things worse tonight?” “I 
don't know, my love. Thanks for standing up for me.” “You're welcome, 
no one treats you like that. Not while I'm around.” He said kissing 
her. She kissed him back feeling more relaxed than she had in days. 
Finally, she fell asleep in Connor's arms. He watched her for a long 
time, trying to figure out why Jack was acting so strangely. Up until 
now, he had been the loving and concerned father. Was there something 
more to his erratic behavior than just a skeleton in his closet? 

Jack was up early the next morning. He couldn't wait to get home and see
Lulu again. As far as seeing Allison, he was less than thrilled. If she 
knew about his checkered past, it was all over. The image he had tried 
so hard to build would be history. He waited till the nurse came in and 
had him sign the discharge papers. After she was gone, he picked up the 
phone. “Hello?” “Hi, it's me.” “Jack? What are you doing calling so 
early?” “I'm sorry about that but I have a problem that needs your 
immediate attention.” “What?” she asked yawning a little. “Allison. I 
need you to speak to her for me. If you get my drift.” “Okay. I'll call 
her later and invite her over.” “Thanks, Renee, you're a really great 
sister.” ”Any time.” 

Allison got up late the next morning. She had barely slept the night
before and she still felt tired. Connor was in the kitchen reading the 
morning paper. She smiled when she saw him. “Good morning. How are you 
today, sweetness?” “Better now that I'm with you.” She said planting a 
kiss on his lips. He returned her affection and rose to get her some 
coffee. While he was pouring, he inquired about Jack. “Does Jack get 
released soon?” “Today. I'm going to go over there in a little while.” 
“Are you sure you want to do that?” “I have to, Connor. He's my 
father.” “After the way he treated you last night?” “He's still my 
father. He's hurting right now, he'll probably be better this morning.” 
“I hope so. You don't need to be treated like that, Allie. By anyone.” 
“Thanks, I'll remember that.” She sipped her coffee while Connor read 
her the day's headlines. There was a robbery on the corner of French 
and Tale street. “Listen to this: The suspect bares a striking 
resemblence to Mark Renson. Renson is wanted in connection with both 
the Marlena Swenson and Martha Bernard murders. He is listed in serious 
condition at Fallwood General.” “Now that's interesting. I wonder if 
he'll make it.” Allison said pondering which way the case could go. If 
Renson died, their prime suspect in the case would be gone. Then they 
would have to start from square 1 again. 

Later that day, Allison helped Jack get settled into the house again.
Lulu was thrilled and meowed loudly when she saw him. Allison decided 
that she was going to stay and cook dinner. “What do you want for 
dinner?” “I don't care.” “Dad, can you please speak to me like a human 
being? Just because we had a little disagreement doesn't mean that we 
have to not talk to each other.” “Whatever. About dinner, don't put 
yourself out. We can just order in.” “Okay, what do you want? Italian 
or Chinese?” “Italian sounds good to me. Get me a pepper and onion 
pizza.” “Okay sure.” They ate dinner in relative silence. Allison made 
small talk and Jack did his best to oblige. If she ever knew his 
secret, he could kiss his life goodbye. “Did you talk to Aunt Renee 
yet?” Allison asked helping herself to another slice of pizza. “This 
morning. She said she is going to stop over tomorrow.” “Oh that's nice. 
It'll give you a chance to spend some time together.” “Yeah.” “She 
invited me over this afternoon. She told me that you were never 
involved with Grace.” “That's a sore subject, Allison.” “I know. I just 
wanted to tell you that and ask you if it is true. You know how Aunt 
Renee is.” “Yeah I do. All I can say is think on your own.” “So, you're 
not going to tell me?” “Allison, leave it alone, please leave it alone. 
It was a long time ago. There's no need to dredge up the past again.” 
“What was a long time ago? What past? Dad this isn't our relationship, 
fighting and not speaking to each other. Please tell me the truth about 
you and Grace.” “Leave it alone, Allison!. You will live to regret it 
if you don't.” “Is that a threat? What the hell is wrong with you?” 
“Nothing's wrong with me!. What the hell's wrong with you!. I swear, 
Allison you can't get this out of your head!. You're like a dog with a 
bone once you get an idea. You won't stop until you find out the 
truth!. Leave it buried and dead where it should've stayed!.” “But ...” 
No buts! You're not Allison the Truth Seeker here!. Leave it alone!” 
with that Jack took his walker and slowly hobbled into the living room 
to watch TV. Allison cleaned up and left a little while later. 

She was glad when Monday came, at least she could get away from her own
problems for a while. Connor noticed how distracted she was, and knew 
she was thinking about Jack. Things hadn't improved between Them and it 
bothered her. Allison's first job was to reinterview Celia Clark the 
only remaining maid at the Bernard estate. She had interviewed her 
before, but now needed to ask her a few more questions. Allison was 
amazed at the spacious interior and paused when she came to the area 
where Martha was murdered. “How may I help you, Ms. Shure?” Celia asked 
pouring herself a cup of tea. “I just want to ask you a few more 
questions. Did you hear Martha scream?” “Yes, when I came running 
around the corner I saw Mark with a gun.” “Was he pointing it at her?” 
“No, it was in one hand, he was kneeling over Martha. There was blood 
all over her nightgown.” “Did you have any reason to suspect Mark?” “I 
did at first, just because he was the only one there, but now I'm not 
sure.” “I see. Did you see anything else that may help clear him?” “No, 
that was it. I've relived that scene many times, and I still wish 
Martha was here today.” Allison thanked Celia for the interview and 
went back to Connor's office. She asked him about the possibility of  
DNA being on Martha's nightgown. “We'd have to exume the body to see. 
I'll call the Bernards.” Connor dialed and spoke to Mrs. Bernard. Once 
permission was granted, Connor told the forensics team. Allison wrote 
her report on the Bernard case for the five o'clock news and then 
thought of Mark. “Has anyone heard how Mark is?” “No, I haven't heard. 
I just hope he doesn't die.” “That would mean that you would have to 
start all over again.” “Yeah.” “Connor? Do you really think he did it?” 
“I do, I just can't find proof. Why did something happen to change your 
mind?” “Celia said that she saw him the night Martha was murdered. He 
was kneeling over her but the gun wasn't pointed at her.” “Hmm, that's 
interesting.” Just then the phone rang, abruptly interrupting their 
conversation. “Detective Cassidy.” “May I speak to Allison Shure, 
please?” “Hold on one moment.” Connor put down the phone and looked at 
Allison. “Allison, phone for you.” “Who is it?” “I don't know.” 
Intrigued, Allison took the phone from Connor. “Hi, this is Allison may 
I help you?” “I just want to give you a little tip. Look for the killer 
of Swenson and Bernard where you least expect them. He or she could be 
right in your backyard.” “Who is this?” “I'm not telling. Just remember 
what I've told you.” With that the connection was broken. Connor 
quickly traced the call. 

Allison wondered all day about the identity of the mystery caller. If
what they said was true, the killer could be anyone. But the police had 
already cleared Martha's parents and the rest of her immediate family. 
So who else was left? She wracked her brain to come up with other 
probabal suspects, but couldn't think of any. Connor and Allison were 
sitting  in the office when the DNA on Martha's dress came back. They 
had waited for so long and finally the results were here. Nina sat down 
and gave them her report. “Well, the DNA from Martha's dress is some of 
Martha's blood and some of the killer's. Compared with Renson's DNA 
they don't match.” “What?” Connor was dumbfounded. “What do you mean 
they don't match?” “The killer has a different blood type than Mark 
Renson. Mark's blood type is O and the killer's is AB. I'm sorry, 
Connor.” Nina left then, knowing she had disappointed him. Allison felt 
sorry for him after all they had truly thought it was Renson. “I can't 
believe it! We're back to square one, Allie!” “It's okay, sweetheart, 
we'll figure this out.” Just then, the phone rang again. “Detective 
Cassidy.” “May I speak to Allison Shure please?” “Who's calling?” 
Connor asked suspicious after the last phone call. “This is Dr. Fern 
Fenwick from Fallwood General. I'm calling on behalf of a Mr. Renson. 
He's asked to see Allison Shure.” “Hold on one moment, please.” Connor 
muffled the mouthpiece and whispered the message to Allison. “That's 
odd.” She took the phone from Connor's outstretched hand and sat across 
from him. He watched as her expression changed from pensive to shocked. 
“This is Allison., how can I help you, Dr. Fenwick?” “Well, Ms. Shure, 
it seems as though Mark Renson oe of our patients here wants to speak 
with you. He says he has some information on a case. But he will only 
talk to you.” “How is he doing?” “Well, his condition is serious, he is 
stable though, so he should make a complete r ecovery.” “That's good 
news!. I'll be over in about half an hour.” “Thank you, Ms. Shure, I'll 
tell him.” Allison thought about what Fern Fenwick had just told her. 
“Why in the world would Renson want to see you? For the last few months 
he's tried to kill you!” “I don't know but I'm going to find out.” 
Allison headed for her coat and purse but Connor grabbed her arm and 
pulled her toward him. “Yo you're not!. I'm not letting you get into 
trouble again.” “Let go of me!” “No! not until you stop playing the 
caped crusader!. I'm really worried, Allie!. This could all be a ploy 
by Mark to get you alone with him, and then when the time is right, 
he'll snap your neck or worse!” “What the hell is wroung with you? I'm 
not stupid you know!> Or have you forgotten that? I can take care of 
myself. Besides that, the man is in critical condition, you think he's 
going to disconnect his Ivs to try and kill me? That's ridiculous!” “I 
don't want you getting into trouble! He could you don't know him. 
You're playing with fire here. Don't do this, please for me.” “I'll be 
right back, Connor. You don't have to worry so much about me.” “If I 
don't who will?” “Oh stop being so dramatic!” “Allie don't ...” but 
before he could say another word, she was gone.  He waited until he saw 
her car pull out of the parking lot, and followed her. 

The hospital was a hum of activity.  The nurses spoke in whispers while
walking trhough the halls, and the smell of cleaning agents and 
anteceptic Loomed like a cloud. Allison reached the reception desk and 
asked to speak with Dr. Fenwick. A few minutes later, Fern Fenwick came 
out of a small cubicle. She was in her mid-fifties with salt and 
pepper,hair, brown eyes, and an endearing smile. Allison found her warm 
and very affable. “I'm glad you could make it, Ms. Shure.” “Oh please 
call me Allison. Thank you for calling me, Dr. Fenwick.” “Fern please. 
I want to talk to you in private about Mark Renson.” Fern led the way 
to her private office located on the second floor. Numerous medical 
degress littered the walls, along with a photo collage of sorts. 
Allison sat across from Fern and listed intently as she spoke. “I'm 
glad you could make it, Allison. Mr. Renson has been steadily  going 
downhill. His condition has stabilized, but it is still quite serious. 
When he is awake, he asks for you. But he won't tell any of us what it 
is about. I thought that maybe if you saw him it would put his mind at 
eease.” “Sure. Whatever he needs. I'm hope he will recover.” “Maybe you 
hold the key.” Fern said. She discussed how Mark was injured, 
apparently fleeing from the robbery, he took a bullet in the chest. 
Fern also said that he nearly died, but they were able to stabilize 
him. “You know, it's funny, he said the oddest thing when he came out 
of surgery. Everyone says things while they're under the anesthesia, 
but Mark said the strangest thing. He said Alllison I didn't do it. I'm 
telling I didn't kill it sounded like Marlena or Martha. I couldn't 
tell which.” “Hmm, thanks for telling me. I'll have to ask him about 
that.” 

Fern led Allison to Mark's room. They entered quietly, Mark was watching
TV and his smile broadened when he saw Allison. There she was, the 
woman of his dreams, but she belonged to another man. He had a dream 
about her while under the anesthesia and tried to push it from his mind 
as she took a seat beside his bed. “Hi, Mark.” “Hi, Allison. How are 
you?” “The more important question is how are you? What happened?” “I 
tried to knock over a little deli, I guess I'm losing my touch. Never 
got wasted by the cops before.” “Fern Fenwick says that you should make 
a full recovery.” “Yeah, that's what she keeps telling me.” “Why did 
you want to see me?” “You know why.” “No, I don't. I was a little 
puzzled when Dr. Fenwick called. I'd like to know the reason you asked 
for me.” “You'll get it soon enough, Allison.” In the hall, she loomed 
outside, her plan had to work, it was her only hope. Allison was right 
where she wanted her, and this time she wouldn't escape with her life. 
“I have some news for you on Marlena and Martha's murders.” “Oh?” “I 
didn't kill them!.” “Tell me more.” “I didn't kill them. I was 
sleeping, and I heard Martha screaming. I woke up and ran downstairs. 
She was struggling with an intruder I couldn't see his face. He had a 
mask on. I don't know what happened, but the next thing I knew, I woke 
up with the gun in my hand. Martha was bleeding and Celia was running 
around calling the police.” “How come you're coming forward now?” 
“Because I don't have a death wish. I don't want to be locked away for 
20 years.” “You say you woke up with the gun in your hand?” “Yeah, did 
you search the attic of the Bernards?” “No why? What would they be 
hiding?” “You never know.” Mark looked pale and in spite of herself 
Allison worried about him. “Allison, come closer.” She took his hand, 
and looked into his eyes. They were filled with hope and promise. “I 
love you, Allison.” He whispered gently. She was shocked and let  go of 
his hand. “I said I love you, Allison.” “Mark ...” “Don't give me that 
crap about you being with Connor!. I've always loved you!. I wanted to 
kill you but I couldn't I ... I cared for you too much. I love you, 
that's one of the reasons I wanted you to come here.” “You're insane!” 
“Don't give me that! I can snap your neck like a twig!” “Mark, you know 
that I don't feel that way about you. You tried to kill me!” “Yeah, but 
maybe you feel sorry for me. I'm cooped up in this bed.” “I don' feel 
sorry for you, Mark!. You're going down for a very long time! You 
robbed the deli!” “So? People like me get off all the time. But I'm 
telling you, Allison I'm innocent! I didn't kill Marlena and I didn't 
kill Martha!” “I'll check into the attic.” “You do that.” He watched 
her leave, as she did the wheels began spinning. “Just because I'm in 
here doesn't mean I can't get even!” Mark said laughing heartily. 

Connor was glad when he heard her key in the door. He was thinking about
the fight they had earlier and wishing he could hold her and tell her 
how sorry he was. She opened the door and locked it behind her. Before 
she even set down her purse, Connor was kissing her. “I'm so sorry, 
Allie!. I never should've tried to stop you like that.” “It's okay, 
sweetheart.” “No, I wwas just trying to protect you.” “I know, but I'm 
here, my love. Nothing happened to me.” “I'm so glad you're here.” He 
began to kiss her passionately. 

They fell back on to the couch where the foreplay continued. Connor
began kissing her neck and caressing her breasts. He gently began to 
caress her shoulders through her blouse. Allison moaned in pleasure as 
she ran her hands over his chest, feeling his muscles ache for her. His 
yearning was almost palpable, and she needed him more than ever now. 
Allison kissed him passionately and began to caress his chest. She 
unbuttoned her blouse and flung her bra to the floor. Connor slid off 
his shirt and pants. When they were both naked, Connor gently carried 
her into the bedroom. 

Between passion filled kisses, he proclaimed his love for her. Allison
murmured she loved him too, as he took her passion to  new heights. She 
caressed him kissing his neck and then reclaiming his lips again. 
“Allie  tell me you want me.” He whispered as desire  began to course 
through him. “I love you, Connor. I want you, make love to me!” he 
kissed her gently and then began to kiss her breasts. He kissed every 
inch of her and before he entered her, he took possession of her mouth 
again. 

Allison felt the ecstasy build within her as their bodeies intwined and
became one. The burning flame of the passion that raged between was 
almost tangible. As he made love to her, Connor thought she was the 
most beautiful woman on Earth. He was luck to have her he knew. When 
they were exhausted, they laid in each others arms. Connor stroked her 
hair as he cruned words of love in her ear. “I'm sorry, Allie. I just 
love you so much.” “I know, my love. I love you too.” Exhausted by 
their night of unbridaled passion, they were asleep almost instantly. 

Jack still hadn't figured out what to do about Allison. She was
relentless, and he knew she wouldn't stop until she got to the truth. 
The problem was that the truth threatened to destroy him. He thought 
about calling Rene maybe she could help. She had always been there 
before, this had to work. He had to make Allison understand that this 
was none of her bisuness. 

Allison Was up early the next morning. Even though it was Saturday, she
wanted to make sure that Jack was set with food for the weekend. 
Besides, she really wanted to work things out with him. She tiptoed out 
of the bedroom so she wouldn't wake Connor. Scarlet squawked when he 
saw her as usual. She opened the door to his cage and he hopped on to 
her hand. “Good morning, Scarlet. How are you?” he nuzzled under her 
neck and made cute little noises. “You're so cute, I love you.” She put 
him on her shoulder and then went into the kitchen to make coffee. As 
the coffee was perking, the phone rang. She glanced at the clock it was 
only 8-30. She dashed across the kitchen and picked the portable. 
“Hello?” “Good morning, Allison. This is Charlie Chattum. I hope I 
didn't wake you.” “No, I was up. Can I help you with anything?” “Is 
Connor there?” “Yeah, he's still asleep why?” “Well, tell him we need 
him here right away. Mrs. Bernard found a gun in her attic. Could be 
the murder weapon in.” “I'll tell him. Thanks for calling.” Allison 
hung up, waves of fear coursed through her. She hand't told Connor what 
Mark had said. Had it been a coincidence that Martha's mother was 
cleaning out the attic? Allison made her way down the hall to the 
bedroom. She placed a gentle kiss on Connor's lips. “Hi, Allie.” He 
said smiling at her. “Hi, sweetheart. I'm sorry to wake you, but 
Charlie Chattum just called.” “At this hour? Can I make love to you 
again? That would be something to wake up for!” she laughed as he made 
room for her to sit on the edge of the bed. “I didn't get to tell you 
what Mark said last night, but now it doesn't matter. Charlie said that 
Mrs. Bernard found a gun in the attic.” “What did Mark tell you last 
night?” “He told me that he didn't kill Martha and then he asked me if 
the Bernard's attic had been searched yet.” “Hmm, that's strange. How 
could he know that unless he killed her?” “I don't know.” “I better get 
going.” Connor got out of bed and took a shower. While he was in the 
sower, Allison called Jack. But there was no answer. She tried again 
over the course of the next half an hour. Connor was having a quick cup 
of coffee before heading to the station and noticed Allison's silence. 
“What's wrong, Allie?” “I'm worried about Dad. I can't get him on the 
phone. I'm going over there.” She grabbed her purse and keys. “Um, 
Allie?” “What?” she said exasperated. “Aren't you forgetting 
something?” “What?” “Your clothes. Unless you want him to see you in 
your pajamas!” “Oh right.” She quickly threw on anything she could find 
and was out the door in seconds. 

As she raced over to Jack's millions of thoughts started to go through
her head. What if something happened to him? What he had fallen again? 
She blamed herself and bit her lip to keep the tears from falling. She 
managed to get herself under control by the time she pulled up to 
Jack's. She raced to the door and keyed in. “Dad? Dad are you all 
right?” no answer. Lulu meowed from under the couch. “Hi, Lulu. Where's 
Dad?” she meowed again. Allison searched the house for Jack, but there 
was no sign of him. Just then she heard a noise. “Dad?” she had 
searched every room, even the basement. His car was in the driveway, 
but Jack was nowhere to be found. “Who's there? Dad is that you?” 
footsteps began to echo through the house. Allison froze as the 
footsteps came closer. Suddenly, there was a man standing behind her. 
“Don't move!” “Where'ms my father?” “Never mind that, don't move!” 
“Where is he? What did you do with him.” The man didn't answer but 
signaled another man who was hiding in a nearby closet. “Now!” they 
both accosted Allison while waving a white cloth. “Get away from me!” 
she tried to fight them off, kicking and punching with all her might. 
But she was no match against the men. One of them pushed her into the 
wall causing her to lose her balance. She grabbed the first breakable 
thing she could find and threw it at the men. Glass shattered 
everywhere creating a mine field of sorts as the men tried to avoid 
stepping on it. “Where is my father? Did you hurt him? I'll give you 
anything! Just let him go!” “You don't get to give the orders around 
here, Ms. Shure!” one of the men bear hugged her while the other draped 
the cloth over her nose and mouth. Allison knew not to breathe, but she 
couldn't help it. After she had inhaled a few times, she closed her 
eyes and slipped into unconsciousness. “She's out! Let's go.” The two 
men carried Allison's still form  out of the house and to a waiting 
van. “Call the boss.” The driver said as they laid Allison in the 
backseat. “Boss, this is Blake. We have her.” “Excellent work. Bring 
her to me. She didn't learn in spite of all the warnings I've given 
her. Now she is going to get what she deserves!” 


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