Gen 10 Chapter 4

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    John was fighting against letting all out panic set in. Lily was a grown woman with good

    instincts. She could take care of herself. He was overreacting. It was just so unusual for

    her to not tell someone where she was going. In spite of it all, his own instincts were

    telling him that there was definitely something wrong.

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    He sat down to breakfast with the boys and casually asked them, have either of you

    seen Mama Lily? Do you know if she went for a jog or anything?

    Between mouthfuls, Alfred shrugged, no Dada. I havent seen her yet this morning.

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    Alistair nodded, and with a mouthful said, I havent seen her this morning either.

    He hesitated. Oh, wait. I did see her leaving last night. She went with Mr.

    Contrary.

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    Did you speak with her? Ask her where she was going? John asked Alistair.

    No, they were down the walk by the time I looked out the window.

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    Johns first thought was that Lily must have gone over there to help with something. She would

    never let anyone suffer any type of discomfort. It was probably something to do with Rachel.

    Rick was doing a good job of raising her, but he didnt know it all, and was often on his own.

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    However, the succession of thoughts that began to follow, left him terrified. The thought that Rick

    had been all alone for so long led him to thinking of the SCIA Profilers reports regarding the string

    of murder cases that had recently been plaguing the area. One by one, as he reviewed the killers

    traits as listed in the report, he could circumstantially attribute all of them to Rick Contrary.

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    Anxiously, he watched as the twins safely boarded the bus on their way to school and

    then made his way to the phone. His first call was to Mallory, to have her come look

    after Christopher.

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    The second was to the Jocques. Sophia had retired, but she could still pull a team together

    faster than anyone he knew. If it became necessary. Violet had recently completed training

    as well, for her position with H.E.A.L., and could be an asset if he needed her. Not only that,

    but Violet knew Rick, and knew him well. She had to be able to offer some insight.

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    Lily let her head hang in defeat. She had been in an eerily similar position before,

    and though her memories of it werent so vivid, the feeling of despair was quite

    unforgettable. This time there was something different though. As if he was

    standing right next to her, she clearly heard John. Buy time Baby. Im coming,

    he was telling her.

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    Whether it was a desperate attempt at reassurance by her imagination

    or not, it infused her with hope so powerful that she knew exactly

    what to do.

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    Why? was the one word she was able to eke out as she cleared her throat.

    Why me? Why now? she asked the crazed man now standing behind her.

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    Ricky walked around to stand in front of her and clasped his hands together in excitement. She

    had been the first to ask. To be fair, the others really hadnt had the time, it was over for them so

    quick. His ego swelled with pride that his plan was so perfect. She would talk to him. He puffed

    out his chest and snapped his head toward her. You are the apex. My masterpiece. All that is

    perfection is contained in you and I in this very room.

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    Lily tried not to let the fear show on her face as she allowed him to continue.

    Caryl was the first, that lying cheating whore. At school. She is the one who took Violet

    away from me, telling her that I wasnt good enough for her. That there were so many

    other opportunities out there. She wanted her for herself. Violet was my best friend.

    My only friend. Violet understood me. I loved her, and Caryl took her away.

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    Suddenly, he stopped and turned toward her. The girl downtown, I didnt even know her

    name. She was just another whore. She was so easy it almost made me sick. His eyes

    glazed over as he lost himself in his thoughts. The power though. Plumbob it was

    awesome! I had it that night. In my hands. Power and control you would never believe.

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    He continued to dance around her maniacally and she shed silent tears

    for the poor girls who had died for no reason. Finally, she prompted

    him with another question. Who was next? she asked quietly.

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    Again, the dancing stopped. This time his face grew fierce as he remembered. They

    were, he spat out ferociously. Mother never gave a damn about me. Nothing was

    ever good enough for her.

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    She used to scream and holler, standing over me as I did everything. She would even hit

    me and Father never did anything about it. He never once stood up for me, the pathetic

    bastard. When she wasnt screaming, they were all over each other, like I didnt even

    exist. It was disgusting, their displays.

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    His face seemed to soften for just a moment as he continued. Then Rachel came

    along. The gentle moment passed and he continued on, hardened and crazed. I know

    they thought she would replace me. She would be the perfect daughter where I was

    the imperfect son.

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    I couldnt let them do that to her though. They had to be stopped. She had to

    be stopped. It was mostly her. He was just an added bonus in his feeble attempt

    to defend her. Pathetic, he muttered as he shook his head.

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    Again, the mad dancing continued, this time for an extended period. Lily was shocked. She

    had seen Rick with Rachel. He had always seemed so gentle, loving and kind with the toddler.

    He had had no recollections of that night prior to finding Rachel on the floor and had vacant

    sadness in his eyes whenever the subject came up in conversation. She would never have

    imagined that the madness she was witnessing had come from that man.

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    Her thoughts went to Rachel and she wondered where she was right now. Her gut

    told her that she was okay, that even in his madness, Rick wouldnt hurt her.

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    Lily was emotionally exhausted and her mind pleaded with John,

    please hurry. I dont know how much longer I can do this. Hurry

    John, hurry.

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    John stood in front of the Contrary house knocking on the door and

    ringing the bell.

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    His quickly assembled team consisted of Sophia and Violet who were

    scattered about the property in strategic places, ready to rush in at a

    moments notice.

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    The doorbell and his knocking went unanswered so John stepped back

    out of view of any windows and doors and checked with his team for

    any reconnaissance information they had to share.

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    Violet reported that the windows looking into Ricks bedroom were now

    blacked out with something dark enough that she couldnt see in them.

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    Sophia reported that Rachel was indeed on the premises. She could

    see her sitting in her crib. Whatever happened, they would have to be

    careful not to hurt her or traumatize her further.

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    The next step in their plan was to enter the house by any means necessary.

    Knocking certainly hadnt worked. It was time for forced entry.

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    As Sophia and Violet returned to their positions, John bent over the

    locked front door and examined the lock.

    Here. This size should work, he heard as a lock pick was presented

    under his nose. Looking up in surprised recognition, he saw the

    backwards ball cap that Alistair sported every day of his life.

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    Well talk about this later, John gently reprimanded.

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    Aw, but Dada! You said we needed to look out for each other and the family.

    Were only doing what you said! he grinned.

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    So, Alfred is here too? I figured he would be. Where is he hiding? John

    asked, secretly hoping he was hiding the pride he felt while trying to

    maintain a modicum of fatherly ire.

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    Oh, hes trying to jimmy the window to the dining room and see if we

    can get in that way. Hell unlock the back door in case we need to

    make a quick exit, Alistair informed his father.

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    With this bit of information, John got very serious. I want you both to get to Rachel and take

    her outside. Keep an eye on her. I dont want any of you harmed if anything bad happens. I

    am serious about this son. I appreciate your help and the best way you can help right now is

    to get Rachel and stay out of trouble so I can focus on finding Lily and Rick.

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    Alistair looked disappointed and opened his mouth as if to argue, but thought

    better of it and changed his mind. Okay Dada. Ill tell Alfred once were in.

    Dont worry. Save Mama Lily.

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    Rachel had been in her crib far too long this morning. Although she

    couldnt tell time, she knew that her Icky should have come to get her

    by now. Besides, she really needed to use the potty.

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    All of a sudden, and much to her surprise, the railing on her crib jarred loose.

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    Looking around, trying to figure out what to do next, she took the step that so

    many other children had when faced with the same situation.

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    She climbed out and toddled her way over to her favorite toy and started playing.

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    She was a little startled, but also excited when Alfred and Alistair appeared.

    Owfwed, Astair! she giggled in delight and reached her hands up for one of

    them to pick her up. Potty! she further demanded.

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    Alfred took her to the potty and sat her down.

    Hurry Alf. Weve got to get out of here, Alistair implored.

    I know. It will just be a moment, Alfred replied. And do not call me Alf!

    Sorry. I forgot, said Alistair while keeping a close eye on the door to the hallway.

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    Finally finished, Alfred picked up Rachel and the three children quietly made their way

    toward the back door.

    Hungy!! Baba! was Rachels next vociferous demand.

    Alistair and Alfred exchanged a glance. Making a quick decision, Alistair said, Rachel,

    its play time. Alfred will take you outside and I will bring a bottle out there for you.

    Can you be a good girl and wait outside with Alfred?

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    The configuration of the house forced them to walk past the kitchen anyway.

    Alistair could make a quick stop before following Alfred and Rachel out the back

    door. They both discussed an easier way out, but decided that going through a

    window would not be a viable choice with a toddler between them.

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    Ricky had been dancing around his latest conquest when he stopped abruptly, cocked his

    head to the side, and listened. He thought he heard a door latch. Rachel was in her crib so

    there was no way she could get out of her room. In fact, a thought from Rick broke

    through, he should check on her and get her morning bottle.

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    He cracked open the door of his converted lair and peered out. He

    was shocked to spy a pair of black shoes as they walked down his hall.

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    He quickly slammed the door shut, unknowingly alerting the invader

    to his position. Turning the lock, he swiveled around and trained his

    beady eyes on Lily.

    Someone is here, he hissed at her, disbelief evident on his face.

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    John! Lily hung her head once again. Only this time, it wasnt in defeat and

    fear. This time it was to hide the hope, excitement and relief that she knew

    would be reflected in her eyes. There was no reason to further agitate her

    captor and cause him to do something unpredictable.

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    John had made it in the front door, and was checking to see if his boys

    had gotten themselves and Rachel out as they were instructed when

    the door slammed. At the sound, he pressed himself against the wall

    and listened carefully for footsteps.

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    Hearing none, he squatted close to the floor and slowly, painstakingly

    made his way toward where it had come from.

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    He passed the bedroom that had once belonged to his good friends,

    immediately able to rule it out as the place where Lily was after

    looking in the door and finding it empty.

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    Cautiously making his way further down the hall, he stopped in front

    of the closed door that had been Ricks bedroom.

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    He would have to go in blind. They had been unable to determine the layout of the room

    with the windows blacked out. They didnt know if Rick was armed nor what condition Lily

    was in. The only thing he had on his side was surprise and each moment of delay lessened

    the effectiveness of that element.

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    Alistair approached Alfred and Rachel as they played a game of peek-a-

    boo and handed the toddler the bottle he had carefully procured from the

    refrigerator in the kitchen.

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    Be right back, he told Alfred.

    Where was all Alfred had time to protest before Alistair was around

    the corner of the house.

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    Approaching Violet in her secluded spot, Alistair quietly got her

    attention. Dada is going in the front door. He should be in any

    minute now. He might need your help.

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    Violet nodded and the two separated and left in opposite directions.

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    Signaling Sophia, Violet approached the open front door cautiously.

    Her mother joined her and followed closely behind.

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    Rounding a corner in the hallway, they saw John in front of the closed door to

    Ricks bedroom. Using hand signals that they had all been trained with, they

    laid out a quick and basic plan for entering the room.

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    Standing at his full height and putting all his weight behind him, John

    swiftly and ferociously kicked the door open. The three would-be

    rescuers entered the room quickly, sweeping the room and coming to

    focus on a chair in the center.

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    Lily was sitting in the chair, arms tied behind her, the glint of a knife

    blade at her throat. Holding the knife, Ricky stood behind her.

    Nobody moves, he told them in his highly agitated and mad state.

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    Rick. Spoken so softly it was barely heard.

    Rick, look at me, Violet said softly as she took a tentative step forward. Its me,

    Violet. Honey, look at me.

    It was a desperate ploy on her part, and she caught a glimpse of sadness in his

    eyes before they hardened again.

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    Rick is gone, he told her. There is no more weak, sniveling Rick. Its Ricky now.

    Step back! Im finally rid of him and you know what Im capable of. Youve been

    there from the beginning. You loved me and then stopped. Why did you stop?

    You shouldnt have done that, he finished, punctuating his last statement by

    pointing the knife at Violet.

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    It was the opening John and Sophia needed. Sophia leapt at the arm

    holding the knife and John attacked from the other side.

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    As the weapon clattered to the ground, John was able to tackle Ricky.

    Sophia produced a set of handcuffs and together they clicked them

    around his wrists while Violet bagged the knife as evidence for the

    proper authorities.

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    John turned to the task of freeing Lily next. Untying her arms, he

    gently rubbed them to get the circulation flowing through them again.

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    Coming around the chair, he picked up Lily and cradled her in his arms.

    John! she cried as she threw her arms around him and buried her face in the familiar warmth

    of his neck. I was so scared, she sobbed.

    I know, Baby, he replied, gently lifting her into his arms. Youre safe now.

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    I knew you would come, she told him, finally smiling. I heard you

    telling me to hang on. I knew you would come.

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    As the proper authorities began to arrive and take Ricky Contrary into

    custody, John and Lily made their way to the backyard to gather Alfred

    and Alistair.

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    They found them happily playing with Rachel.

    What will happen to her? Lily asked John.

    The Social Worker is on her way. Most likely, shell be placed in the

    system and eventually cleared for adoption, he told her.

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    John, we cant let that happen. That poor baby. None of this was her fault. Shell

    be lost in that system. Weve got to help her. Weve got to take her home, Lily

    plead her case.

    Lily, this is a huge decision and not one to make lightly. We can discuss it further

    when we get home.

    But she protested.

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    Youve been under a large amount of stress over the last few hours. A rash decision now might

    lead to regrets later. What if every time you see her she reminds you of this day? Its not fair to

    Rachel. Noting the look of determination in her eye, he continued. Im not against the notion of

    adopting her, he said. I just want to make sure that its a decision that weve made together

    after considering all the pros and cons.

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    Lily knew he was right, but couldnt help the sadness she felt as she

    watched the Social Worker take Rachel away.

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    Lily spent the next few days recovering from her ordeal, which in

    reality meant being coddled by the men in her life until she could

    stand it no more.

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    In the aftermath of all that had happened, Lilys third trimester bump

    came as a bit of a surprise. Her pregnancy was progressing quite well

    and everyone was reassured to know that both baby and mother were

    healthy.

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    She and John had discussed at length the pros and cons of adopting

    Rachel Contrary, just as John had promised they would, and they had

    reached a decision.

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    One day before her child transition, Rachel Contrary became Rachel

    Doran and moved into the quickly expanding household.

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    Thus, all was well in the Doran household that night.

    This chapter is a bit shorter than the others, but I wanted to get an

    update out since its taken forever this time around. The next update

    is already in progress so it shouldnt be as long