DELILAH

His voice echoed in my ears. What did he want at this time of the night?

Instinctively, my hand went to my bump. The fear of Caleb finding or threatening us was much too real and much too frightening. Even then, I refused to let what I felt show in my voice. I glanced over to Liam who was gesturing for me to put the phone on speaker. 

"What do you want?" I asked, amazed at the steadiness in my voice. 

"Well, I've been trying to get a hold of you for the past days and you're no where to be found," Caleb said. He didn't sound threatening. 

"Why would you think I want to talk to you after you kidnapped my son?" I snarled. The same unsettling feeling of that horrible time settled in my heart. That had been such a fearful moment in our lives. 

Caleb sighed on the other line. "Listen, I don't have much time, it's a public phone... I just wanted to tell you that Carissa is still in town."

Liam let out a breath, an unamused smile forging onto his face. He'd suspected this all along.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, trying desperately to understand what was going on. 

"Uh, I'm fucking warning you," Caleb said with disbelief. 

"Hey, don't fucking talk like that," Liam said irritated. "What are you getting out of this?"

There was silence on the other end. Liam took the phone from me, taking it off of speaker as he began pacing around the room. He listened to whatever it was Caleb saying. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to tune out the words that Liam was saying. He seemed irritated but was also listening to Caleb. 

I hoped that somehow he was trying to help, or that he was apologizing, anything, so long as he wasn't trying to hurt us.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my face, a thumb gently stroking my cheek in comfort. "It's okay," Liam whispered. My eyes opened and I swallowed hard, relief flooding through me as he leaned in to kiss me. "It's okay," he repeated.

"What did he want?" I asked quietly. 

He looked like he was debating whether or not to say something, but conceded, taking my hand in his and squeezing it.

"He says Carissa is planning something, doesn't know when or how, but that she isn't gone." He sighed, running his hand through his hair before continuing. "He wants to meet up."

"What? Why?"

Liam shook his head. "I'm not sure. He says he has things to tell us. I told him I'd meet him somewhere when we got back."

"Are you fucking insane?" I asked, my high pitched voice along with the curse word catching him off guard. I couldn't bring myself to care; I was much too worried about what could possibly happen during that encounter to pay attention to how I spoke. "He could hurt you. He almost hurt Adrian. I think it's best we call the police."

"Because they've been of much help," Liam mocked, his hands in the air as he made fun of the idea. I pressed my lips together. "Look, Delilah, the way I see it, the cops haven't done much and after talking to him I don't think he's dangerous."

"It could be a trap!" I exclaimed, holding the sheets tight against me. "Do you want to get yourself killed? You don't know if he's armed, you don't know what he's planning. What if he's planning something with Carissa, what-"

"Delilah, goddammit. See? This is why I can't just sit around. Brian is supposed to be helping us and instead he's trying to get to you!" He hissed, his tone laced with exasperation and annoyance. "I'm not going to wait around until he finds something. I don't. Fucking. Trust him."

"So this is about him? About that kiss?"

"No," he said, softening his voice. "No, it's not just about the kiss. I just don't think he's doing as much as he could."

I looked down. How were we going to get through this huge problem? I didn't trust Caleb and Liam didn't trust Brian. 

He sighed, taking my hand in his once again. "I'm sorry, I just... I don't think that Brian should continue on the case," he said. "I know you trust him, Delilah, but I can't have him around anymore. Not after what happened and not after the shit he said and surely not after seeing he's done nothing."

I moved my hand away from his and went to the other side of the bed, needing some space. This was not how I envisioned to waking up at 3 a.m. I laid down on my side, my back facing Liam who I could just picture rolling his eyes. 

"Are you serious?" he muttered, not hiding his aggravation. "You're pissed."

"Yes, I am." I replied.

I heard him snort and then the bed dipped. Not expecting him to make any attempt to touch me, I held on to the sheets tighter. I didn't want him to hold me yet at the same time I did. I blamed it on the pregnancy hormones. 

I felt his arm under the sheets, touching my bare skin before settling on my bump.

"Don't touch me."

"I'm not touching you. I'm touching the baby." 

Hearing the smile in his voice only made me angrier, but I couldn't help the way my lips tilted up, or the way I cuddled up next to him. "I'm still angry," I muttered.

"Angry sex will make it better," he murmured, nipping at my neck.

"You wish."

*****

When I woke up, I was alone in the hotel room. It was half past ten and I figured that he was with my parents, more than likely letting them know about the call with Caleb.

Or more than likely he wasn't. Liam wasn't the type to worry others. I looked through my phone, stopping at Brian's contact. It was tempting to call him or send him a simple text message to let him know what had happened, but I knew that wouldn't sit well with Liam. I trusted Brian and I knew that sometimes cases could go cold without getting a single lead in months, maybe even years. I didn't think Liam was being fair. 

Nevertheless, it was a decision we had to make together, so I would be discussing it with Liam again. I felt the baby move, and took that as my sign that it was the best choice. 

I got into the shower, taking my time to relax after the incredibly frustrating yet active night Liam and I had. Afterwards I put on a green sundress that Liam liked and went down to the lobby where I knew I'd find my family.

My dad stood up with a smile, walking towards me with arms wide open. 

"There you are," he said. "Liam didn't think you'd wake up this early."

"Dad, it's almost noon," I replied.

"Well, you get tired when you're pregnant," he said with a soft smile. I let my dad guide me back to the table where the rest of them waited, happy there would be no need to discuss Caleb. It wouldn't be a good idea to talk about the situation with Adrian there.

Liam pulled up a chair next to him so that I could sit while I kissed Adrian's forehead. 

"How are you feeling?" He asked, placing a quick kiss on my lips. 

"Good," I murmured, leaning on his shoulder. He put a plate of food in front of me; eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, and everything in between. I narrowed my eyes on him, watching how a slow smile crept on his face.

"Are you calling me fat?"

"Nope." He said, popping the 'p.' It didn't matter; I was pregnant so I could eat as much as I wanted. The conversations flowed easily between us, and we decided to walk throughout the city, at least until night time when we would go out to dinner. I didn't really want to be couped up in the hotel anymore. 

We wouldn't be able to visit the White House because it was a Sunday, but there was plenty of beautiful sights to see. Of course, everyone asked every five minutes whether or not I was okay, but overall the day was relaxing. 

I tried my best to not think of what awaited us when we got back to South Carolina. It was unnerving to know that Liam might have put himself in danger, however I also understood him. He wanted our safety.

"I don't want to go back," Adrian said. It was strange to hear him complain about something, he never did. He'd apparently loved the capital of the states so much that he didn't want to return.

"I know buddy, maybe we can come back over your summer vacations?"

His eyes lit up. "Will my baby brother be born already?"

I shook my head, wrinkling my nose. "Nope. He'll have a couple of months left in my tummy."

I could see my parents looking at both Liam and I from where they stood at the other side of the park. It felt as if they were analyzing our interaction, their gazes intimidating until Liam smiled and waved at me. 

I felt Adrian hugging me, his head resting over my belly. I ran my fingers through his soft hair, cherishing this moment and engraving it into my memory.

"Do you think I'll be a good big brother?" He asked quietly.

I knelt down, cupping my sons face in my hands. Somehow, I saw myself reflected in him. 

That was the same question I asked myself a thousand times when pregnant with him.

Would I be a good mother? 

Would I be able to give this innocent little human all the love and care they deserve?

He shouldn't have any doubt. Not when he's already such a smart and loving little boy. He would be a wonderful brother; one that wouldn't be afraid of the resposibility of being the eldest, one that would be there caring and answering the questions that only a big brother could.

"I don't think you'll be a good brother," I replied. His eyes widened in shock. "I think you'll be the best brother that ever existed."

His smile widened, eyes lit up with the hope and innocence that only a child could. I stroked his cheek, and I knew then and there that I would give up my whole life so long as they were safe.

*****

A/N: Pretty slow chapter, I know.

BUT Liam has decided to take matters into his own hands. Thoughts?

Is he being stupid?

Thank you, as always, for reading.

-Luz❤