Chapter 30

Phoebe had seen the couple approach Brody and wondered who they were. She'd then watched Ally walk away with Zoe and JD. Jonathan hadn't gone into details about the meeting at Circle Left with Ally's mom and Brody, but she had a feeling this couple was connected to Melanie.

Leaving Caleb waiting for Jonathan, she drove her father to the after-game celebrations or commiserations, depending on which team you played for, and headed for the Circle Left.

"So, you and Brody making another run for it?"

Phoebe nearly swerved into Larry Limpet's beat-up gray van.

"Why would you say that?"

"I have eyes, Phoebe, and he kissed you in front of the entire town, declaring that he feels something for you. I may not say a lot, but I've been watching you two dance around each other. You still care about him, no matter how much you don't want to. "

She kept her eyes on the road, working through how to deny that.

"I'm not saying you have to give in to whatever you're feeling, sweetheart, but that boy has changed from the selfish one who let you run around after him years ago."

She sighed.

"What happened to you in New York has changed you too, Phoebe. You know it, as do Caleb, Jonathan, and I."

"I know, Dad, and for a while, leaving my apartment was hard. But that got me into writing, and then I worked hard to be strong, and now I'm good."

"You are better, and yes, stronger. I don't worry about anyone pushing you around anymore."

"I wasn't that pathetic," Phoebe protested.

"Not pathetic, but you had a big heart, and people took advantage of that. Brody was one of them."

"But you never said anything." Phoebe shot her father a look.

"Would you have listened to me telling you to stop treating that boy like a god? Stop letting him have all the control?"

"I guess not, but I saw our relationship for what it was after I went back to New York the second time."

"He's changed and you've changed. If you want to make a life with that man, do it, Phoebe."

"He's got Ally to think of, Dad, and I'm not sure I want to live my life with anyone yet."

"Totally your call, but I know when two people can't keep their eyes off each other, and that's you and Brody. Plus, you have never struck me as someone who disliked kids, seeing as you're a teacher."

"I don't dislike kids."

"Well then. "

Why is it your parents can cut through the bullshit and see the real you when no one else can? Phoebe wondered.

They lapsed into silence as she pulled into the Circle Left parking lot.

"Put it aside for now, girl. Let's have a drink and spend some time with friends," her father said as he got out of her car. "But don't push him away because of what he once was if you think you could be happy together."

"I'll be in soon, Dad," Phoebe said, heading for the restrooms after they'd entered. She was washing her hands when Zoe came in, frowning.

"Is Ally in here?"

Phoebe shook her head.

"She's disappeared."

"How long has she been missing?" Phoebe asked, drying her hands.

"Not long. JD got her fries, and then we sat and talked to her, but she didn't want to discuss anything without Brody. She was upset because Melanie's parents arrived at the game. They told Ally they were her grandparents and Melanie had been here to see her, but Brody wouldn't let her." Zoe looked like she could chew nails whole. Her eyes were narrowed, fists clenched. "She's hurting and confused. Brody was meant to tell her about Melanie, but clearly hasn't."

"Not an easy conversation to have," Phoebe found herself defending him. "Her grandparents are assholes," she added, feeling her own anger rise. "How dare they do that to a child. She must be so confused."

"And then some," Zoe said, looking mean. "I could kick someone's ass for hurting Ally and my brother. He's carried the load on raising that kid and done a good job, and now they want into her life? "

"It stinks," Phoebe said. "Want me to help you look for her?"

"Yes, please. JD is searching downstairs. She won't have gone far, but my guess is she wants some alone time while she waits for Brody to arrive," Zoe said. "I'll go upstairs if you head outside, Phoebe."

Phoebe walked around the Circle Left perimeter, then through the parking lot, checking around the cars and peering in windows. No one in Lyntacky locked their vehicles. When that yielded nothing, Phoebe stood and looked around her. She saw a low, long building to the right at the rear of Circle Left. A storage shed, Phoebe guessed, but it could be a place for a confused and upset kid to hide for a while.

"You all good there, Phoebe?"

"Yes, thanks, Bart. Just waiting for my brother to arrive." She didn't want to say she was looking for Ally. The girl didn't need that.

Bart raised a hand and jogged up the steps, thankfully in track pants made of a shiny red material with long silver stripes up the sides. Shaking her head, Phoebe headed to the shed. The padlock was hanging open.

Because they're busy and need to access this place quickly. On that reasoning, she opened the door and stepped inside.

"Are you in here, Ally?"

She heard a sniff coming from the end of the building. Making her way past boxes and bottles of spirits, she reached a row of shelves. Stepping past that, she found Ally sitting on the floor, arms around her legs, head on her knees.

"Hey, Ally." Phoebe sat down beside her. "You doing okay?"

The shaky sigh nearly broke Phoebe's heart .

"I know this is all confusing and scary, Ally, but never forget what you have."

"Wh-what?" She lifted her face, and Phoebe studied the red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked cheeks.

"Dukes, but most importantly, you have your daddy. Let me tell you, Ally, when I was your age, I wanted to be a Duke."

She snuffled at that.

"My mom died when I was young, and I don't remember her, but my dad, he was the best, and he did everything he could for my brother and me, but I wanted a mom like other people, and like I said, I also wanted to be a Duke."

"Why?"

"They were this big, boisterous family that didn't take any crap from anyone. Don't tell your nana I said crap, okay?"

"Okay."

"I remember thinking that your family would do anything to protect each other and wondering what it would be like to be loved by so many people. My brother and father loved me, and I was happy, but the Dukes were like this badass family. Don't tell your nana I said that either, okay?"

Ally nodded again, but this time, Phoebe saw the smile.

"They were daredevils and always went everywhere as a pack. If any one of them was picked on, then the others stepped in. It was like they had their own boy gang, plus your aunt Zoe, of course." Phoebe sighed loudly. "Caleb and I were jealous. Even though your daddy, aunt, and uncles were nice to us, we never felt like we were part of their gang."

"Kathy Sharp is like that at school," Ally whispered. "She's got this cool girl gang. "

"The thing is, Ally, being one of the in kids is nice, but I think what's better is being exactly who you want to be, not who someone else wants you to be. You always seem that kind of girl to me," Phoebe said.

"Kathy Sharp annoys me," Ally said. "She teases me about not having a mom who bakes and does other stuff, even though Nana and Aunt Zoe do that."

Sometimes kids can be really mean , Phoebe thought.

"I used to get teased like that sometimes, too, but I always said that my dad was the only parent I needed because he could do everything."

"I like that," Ally said. "I'm going to use it."

"It was tough for you today finding out that your mom came to town and you didn't know and that your grandparents were here."

She nodded.

"But you also have to know that your daddy did what he did to protect you, Ally."

"I know, and I know he loves me, but I guess seeing them, my grandparents, was a shock, and knowing my mom was here and dad didn't tell me."

"A big shock," Phoebe agreed. "And I'm sure he was going to tell you."

"I don't want to be forced to go with them, Ms. Stanway." Her voice sounded small and scared. "I don't want anyone to take me away from my dad and the others."

And that was the real fear here, not that Brody hadn't told her. Ally was terrified someone would take her away from him.

"That's not happening, Ally. Have you met Jonathan?"

"Yes. He's funny."

"Hilarious, but he's also a kick-ass lawyer. Don't tell Nana I said that either." She giggled this time.

"Everyone but Nana swears in my family. "

"Phew, so I haven't shocked you too much," Phoebe teased her.

"Nah."

"Okay, well, what I wanted to say about Jonathan is that he's good at his job, and he said, ‘No way will Ally ever leave Lyntacky until she wants to.' Say in about ten years for college or travel," Phoebe said. "He's going to make sure of that, Ally, so I don't want you worrying about it." God, she hoped she was right in saying this.

"You sound like my dad," Ally said. "He said I can't date till I'm twenty-five. Uncle Sawyer says thirty."

"I'm leaning toward Uncle Sawyer's age." Phoebe nudged Ally playfully with her shoulder. "So don't get all scared and upset, because you're going nowhere, okay?"

"Okay."

"And now we need to get back because Aunt Zoe and JD are looking for you." Phoebe got to her feet and held out a hand. Ally took it, and Phoebe pulled her upright. She then hugged the little girl close. "Everything is going to be okay, Ally."

"Thank you, Ms. Stanway."

"I think you can call me Phoebe, but just when no one is around, in case the other kids at school want to, and then I'll be in trouble like you were with Principal Tanner."

"I saw my dad kiss you," Ally said.

What did she say to that?

"If you want to date him, it's okay by me. I just wanted you to know that," Ally said.

Humbled, confused, and with her heart just a bit fuller, Phoebe walked to the front of the building with Ally.

"Don't move!"

Phoebe pushed Ally behind her as she faced the two men. One held a gun; the other, a knife .

"What are you doing in here?" Phoebe asked as calmly as she could.

"Stealing, what the fuck does it look like?" He pointed to the huge backpack he carried. They both had a mean, desperate look in their eyes.

"Well, do it and go," Phoebe said, backing up slowly and pushing Ally with her.

"You scream, either of you, and I'll shoot you," the man holding the gun said.

"We won't make a noise," Phoebe said.

"Pack this bag." The man with the gun held a bag out to her. "Put what I tell you in it. Then take his and do the same."

"Ally, you go back where I found you and stay there," Phoebe said.

"No one moves!" the knife-wielding man hissed.

"I'll do what you ask, but she's not getting hurt. So, she's going back to the end of this place and staying there quietly." She pushed Ally with a hand, and small fingers gripped hers and released.

"The girl doesn't move. Hurry, fill the bag before someone finds us," the first man said.

"Stay back, Ally," Phoebe said. She then took the backpack and filled it with what he told her to. She did the same with the next one.

"Don't move, and we'll leave."

"Suits me," Phoebe said, standing in front of Ally, who was crouched on the floor.

"Fuck! Someone's coming!"

Too late, Phoebe saw Bradford appear in the doorway. A shot was fired, and he disappeared. Please don't let him be hurt.

"Who's in there?" That was JD's voice. She was sure of it .

"Come out now!" That was Zoe.

"Fuck, fuck," the man with the knife said. "What do we do?"

"We take them with us, and no one will try to stop us if we use them as a shield."

"Take me but not her," Phoebe said, battling the crippling fear that was invading her limbs. Not again. Please, not again. Find the anger, Phoebe.

"Both of you. Now move it!" Phoebe grabbed Ally as the man with the knife lunged for the child. She pulled her into her arms. "You touch her, and I'll kill you." Something in her eyes must have made him think twice about challenging Phoebe, even though he was the one with the weapon.

"Hold the kid but move to the door." They shuffled to the opening, and she felt the gun at her back.

"We're coming out, and if you try anything, I'll shoot both of them. I don't want to see anyone with a gun!" the man behind her said.

"I've got you, Ally. No one is hurting you, I promise," Phoebe whispered into the terrified girl's hair. She had to be strong for her. Had to get them out of this. "Move to my side and hold on to me, Ally." The girl did as she asked, gripping her hand.

"We're coming out!" the man behind her roared as they stepped through the open door.

Phoebe saw Bradford, who, thankfully, appeared unhurt. He stood with Zoe and JD. With them were Bart and Tripp, but more were pouring out of the Circle Left doors. Her eyes locked with Zoe's, and she tried to convey that she'd keep her niece safe. But how did you actually do that with your eyes?

Her father appeared, and she prayed he stayed calm and silent. Phoebe watched Lucas and Jett Hyland move closer to flank him, their eyes on the scene playing out before them.

"Open the doors," someone said to Phoebe with a nudge in her spine.

They stopped before a beat-up Ford Bronco with rust on the side panels. The engine was running which told her someone was already in the driver's seat. She reached for the handle.

"Take me and leave the girl," she said.

"You won't get far!" These words came from Zoe.

"Get in, both of you!"

The squeal of tires drew their eyes, and she watched Chief Dans's cruiser pull to a stop in the Circle Left parking lot. Doors opened and Dukes climbed out. She found Brody as she and Ally were forced into the Bronco. Their eyes met briefly.

"No!" She heard his roar and Ally's scream as the man behind her fired his gun. Then the door was slammed, and they were moving at speed.