The Visions Left Inside Me Are Slowly Fading

**Scott’s POV**
That night had went perfectly except for one minor detail; Ember hadn’t been there and neither had the slut’s brat. They’ll be home soon, it’s only about 10 am, all the kids were asleep at the moment; the babies were in the play pen and the boys were sleeping in the twin beds that I’d had set up.

I had Landon and Lyric carry the babies out to the car while I took care of the people that were there babysitting. I assume that they were Simone’s parents, but I really didn’t give a fuck. Landon was so trusting of me, and Lyric was cooperative. I knew this plan would work. I’d trade all the brats for Ember and the baby. If it was the last thing I did, they would be mine.

I was doing a quick perimeter check before taking a short nap until they woke up, I’d had this place stocked for weeks. Diapers, kid friendly boxed food, and of course a refrigerator for milk and what not. Even though I had kidnapped these kids, didn’t mean that I wanted to harm them. The only ones that I wanted; or should I say, the only ONE that I wanted was Ember, but the baby would be a bonus.

This old warehouse was abandoned, I had cleaned up a section outside of the office area and had set up a few toys and what not for the kids to play. And I’d made sure to have access to outside that was out of sight, there was a courtyard in the middle of the structure. Enclosed except for the roof, about 20ft by 25ft. There were trees and flowers planted, a picnic table and benches.

I checked the final lock before moving to the big conference room that had been converted into a family bedroom. I laid down on the twin mattress in the corner that I’d set up for myself and closed my eyes, allowing myself to sleep contently; knowing that no one in their right mind would know who Austin Carlisle was or where he lived.

**Ember’s POV**
We had gotten on the next flight out of Charlotte and arrived at Huntington Beach within a few hours; luckily there was a charter plane on standby that was able to get us home in one shot. Damon hated flying, poor thing, but he could also tell everyone was on edge. The only place he’d sleep was in Brian’s arms; I felt useless. Everyone was upset, my friends were going through the worst thing imaginable and I wasn’t able to make anything better.

When we pulled into the drive of Matt and Simone’s house, there were a group of officers still combing through the house and yard. They were knocking on doors speaking to neighbors, trying to get any details at all. Simone immediately ran to Matt, seeking comfort; Tennessee stood off to the side, obviously beside herself and Savannah…Savannah was sitting on the front porch, smoking a cigarette. Savannah had never smoked before in her life; not even when Jimmy was alive.

Zacky went to Tennessee immediately and gathered her in his arms, Brian and I went to Savannah’s side while Johnny talked to the police chief trying to get a sense of what happened.

“Savvie..” I started softly as I grabbed her free hand; my baby asleep in the car seat next to me.

She shook her head and started to break down in tears, “I wasn’t here. It was my idea, I let this happen.” She sobbed tossing the cigarette to the ground.

Brian stomped it out and hugged her tightly, “Shh…this is not your fault, you’d never let something like this happen. This is NOT your fault.”

I gently rubbed her back my heart breaking for her; “It is my fault, I suggested the girls night out.” She pulled away from us and put her head in her knees.

The others soon gathered with us, the girls looking at Damon and I couldn’t help but wonder if they were hating the fact that I still had my baby while theirs were missing. “Thank god you and Damon were on tour with the guys when this happened,” Simone said softly and leaned down stroking his cheek.

**Savannah’s POV**

Matt was almost in tears watching Simone, he was protective of his family and so this was ridiculously close to being his snapping point. We had all gone quiet and jumped when a phone started ringing. It was mine. “Hey Aussie,” I whispered, tears evident in my voice.

“Hey baby, you alright?” he asked me softly.

“Someone took the boys and my friend Matt and Simone’s kids, I’m far from okay,” I told him wiping my eyes. “Where are you?”

“I know someone took the kids,” he replied, ignoring my other question.

“What do you mean?” I asked, sobering up a little and everyone looked at me expectantly.

“I know someone took your kids, I even know who took your kids,” he replied, oddly calm.

“Who was it!?” I asked hopefully, standing to my feet.

“It was me,” he said calmly and honestly sounded bored.

I felt the air leave my body, I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say, I didn’t know what to do, “What do you mean?” I finally asked after a moment.

All the guys were looking at me expectantly, concern etched into everyone’s face. “I mean that I took your brats, they’re safe and well. Currently are all playing together and watching television,” he explained.

“Where the fuck are they?” I hissed into the phone and Johnny motioned an officer over.

“I just told you Savannah,” he replied obviously becoming exasperated with me. I didn’t give a fuck, I wanted my baby back.

“Austin, give me those children back or so help me—“ I started.

He interrupted me, “You’ll what? Send Matt and those fuckers over to kick my ass?”

“No, I’ll come get them myself and I will kick your ass,” I fumed.

“I would love to see you try, you can ask Ember to see how well I handle women,” he seethed into the phone. My gaze immediately went to Ember.

“What do you want?” I snapped at him as Ember looked at me questioningly.

“I want Ember, and I want the bastard child she has with that gigantic asshole,” he demanded. “And I want them by tomorrow night.”

I froze and growled, “You will give me my child back. You will give all of our children back, do you hear me you son of a bitch.”

“Call me when you finally figure out you want to do this my way. Be sure you do this quickly Savannah, if I don’t get what I want, I’ll disappear with your brats forever, you’ll never get them back.” He ended the call and I broke down in tears, only to have Johnny catch me. Fuck I wish Jimmy were here, he’d fix everything. He’d know exactly what to do.

“What does he want?” Matt asked as everyone looked at me expectedly.

“Ember,” I whispered softly. “and Damon.”

Brian immediately pulled Ember into his arms, Damon between them in his carseat on the ground. “Why would he want them?” Brian demanded.

“He made it sound like he knew Ember,” I said softly.

“Show me his pic again,” Ember demanded and I brought up his picture and handed my phone to her.

Brian cursed immediately from seeing the picture, and Ember’s eyes went wide. “No, it can’t be. He’s in jail,” she whispered. “Why didn’t I notice this earlier,” she cursed herself.

I looked at her confused, “His name’s Austin Carlisle, how do you know him?”

Brian showed Matt the picture and Matt’s eyes went dark with rage. “His name isn’t Austin Carlisle.” Matt growled, fuck I hadn’t seen him this mad in such a long time. “His name is Scott McNally, and he’s the psychopath that beat and raped Ember for almost 5 years.”

“Why isn’t he locked up, how did he get out,” Ember whispered, panic evident in her voice.

“Whats the chance that I’m able to get him to let the kids go,” I asked softly to everyone.

“They’re very slim,” Zacky answered her as Brian tried to calm Ember.

“How long do we have to figure out a plan?” Matt asked, his parental nature setting in.

“Until tomorrow night,” I answered softly and pulled out another cigarette.

Everyone stood quietly, the police chief came over and asked for all of us to give a statement regarding the phone call. Ember stood quietly, panicking, and guilt wracked her face. I felt so bad for her, and so angry at myself, how could I have been so stupid to allow this monster into my…into our lives. “And it all comes falling down” I thought to myself trying to focus on the group and help come up with a plan. We would get our children back, if it was the last thing we did.

Notes

Hey guys, thank-you so much for reading and commenting. Only have a few chapters left, and as many of you have predicted, there most likely won't be a dry eye in the house at the end. This is the final story in this series, I'm sad that it's coming to an end, but the characters have told their stories. They know how they want this to end and I being the one to tell their stories have to admit this is a dark ending coming about. No spoilers will be given other than make sure you keep kleenex near. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, more coming soon.

xoxo,
Shadow