The following morning, Kevin got out of bed and drew a hot bubble bath for Abigail to soak in. Their lovemaking the night before had become a little rough and Abigail had to ask Kevin to stop earlier that morning because she was sore. So when he offered to get a bath ready for her, she gladly accepted. 

As soon as Abigail was submerged in hot water and bubbles, Kevin left her side for a short while and promised he’d have breakfast ready when she was finished in the washroom. She closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of the tub. She wished things could remain this peaceful in their lives, but she was grateful to have this time alone with Kevin even if it was just for a couple days. 

When Kevin entered the kitchen, he couldn’t miss the small envelope that was placed in the middle of the table. At first he didn’t think anything of it, and just assumed that Abigail had left him a small love note, since she had been known to do romantic things like that in the past. But as soon as he opened it and read the message, his heart became heavy and he felt like he was going to be sick. Kevin re-read the message. 

Hello again Kevin, 

I hope you and Abigail are enjoying your little romantic getaway, because it’s about to come to an end. You seem to have forgotten what Jordyn’s purpose is and who is in control. She was not happy when she found out you had taken off with your precious Abigail. 

I suggest you return to Jordyn’s side immediately. I don’t care what you tell Abigail. Due to your stupidity, I cannot guarantee Abigail’s safety any longer. It’s time to initiate the next part of my plan. Kiss your lovely Abigail goodbye, because this could be the last time you see her. 

Yours truly,

Frank 

Kevin wasn’t sure what to do next. It scared him to death that Frank was able to locate them no matter where they were in the world and if he hadn’t been a victim of Frank’s at one time and knew how dangerous he was, he wouldn’t take this warning so seriously. But Kevin knew what Frank was capable of and felt like he was backed into a corner. He had no choice but to leave Abigail and return to Jordyn, and that pissed him off. It was at that moment that Kevin decided that he wasn’t going to let Frank and Jordyn threaten their lives any further. It was time to take some action. 

Abigail spent the better part of an hour soaking in the tub. She had expected Kevin to come in long ago and announce that breakfast was ready, so she decided it was time to figure out what was taking him so long. ‘He probably fell asleep again.’ Abigail said to herself as she dried herself off and pulled her robe on. When she entered the kitchen, she found a bowl of fruit on the table along with a note. “He must have gone for a walk while I was taking a bath.” Abigail said to herself. When she read the words written on the page, she felt her heart break. 

Abigail, 

It breaks my heart to have to do this to you, but an urgent matter came up back on the tour and I had to leave immediately to look after it. I swear I have a good explanation for my behavior and if you can find it in your heart to give me a chance to explain, I hope I’ll be able to do so in a couple of days. 

I love you and please be careful,

Kevin 

Abigail couldn’t believe what she was reading. What had been so damn important that Kevin had to leave without at least saying goodbye? She would have gladly packed all her things and returned with him if he had only told her what was going on. She had never felt more rejected in her life. How could everything change within the span of an hour? Just an hour earlier, Kevin had drawn a bubble bath for her and promised her breakfast. Now she was standing alone in the middle of the bungalow in Hawaii with a broken heart. 

After spending an hour walking along the beach, Abigail was furious and decided that she was going to return to the tour to pick up her things and just hope that she didn’t come face to face with Kevin. What Kevin had done was rude and thoughtless and she didn’t care what kind of excuse Kevin had, she didn’t want to hear it. Abigail made a quick call and booked herself on the next flight. After packing her bags, she was able to make it to the airport approximately ten minutes before the next plane was scheduled to depart for Los Angeles. She did not notice the man that was watching her every move in the airport and then boarded the plane a few minutes after she did. 

**************************** 

Kevin was exhausted when he arrived at the hotel at 3pm that afternoon. He had called Carlos and had him meet him at the airport. By that time, Kevin had spoken to the same team that was assigned to the investigation when both him self and Abigail had been kidnapped. They had assured him that they would move swiftly to protect Abigail and wrap this case up as quickly as possible. 

“Boss, if you’re going to ask me to protect you, I think you should let me in on what’s going on.” Carlos quietly said to Kevin. When he didn’t get a response from Kevin immediately, Carlos continued. “Kevin, I have the utmost respect for you and most of the time I don’t question your actions or your decisions. But recently, I’ve seen some things that concern me. I don’t know who she is or what your relationship is with her, but I couldn’t help but notice some interaction between you and another woman. She seems to pop up in every city and I’ve seen you talk to her on several occasions and even seen you go to her room. I like Abigail and think you two are great together, but if myself and other members of the crew are noticing these things, it’s only a matter of time before Abigail notices as well. I will do whatever you ask me to Kevin because I do work for you, but I don’t want to lie to Abigail. Is the fact that you returned early without Abigail related to this other woman at all?” 

Kevin knew Carlos was right. He would need his help to carry out this plan and he had a right to know what was going on. “I will tell you the whole story Carlos because I will need your help, but it will have to wait until we are back at the hotel. I can’t risk talking about it in public.” Kevin said. 

“I assume no one else knows you’ve returned. I’ll assure that you make it to your room undetected.” Carlos said. 

“Thanks Carlos. I know I can always count on you.” Kevin said, grateful to be in Carlos’s protection at a time when he felt so vulnerable and uncertain about everything else around him. 

********************** 

A short time later, Carlos was able to sneak Kevin into the hotel without being detected. As soon as Kevin was in his room, Carlos sat down across from Kevin and said, “It’s time to come clean boss.” 

“I just need to make a few phone calls first Carlos and then I swear I’ll tell you the whole story.” Kevin said as he stood up and left for the bedroom where he could make the necessary calls to the authorities. Unfortunately Kevin was forced to leave messages with his contacts and would just have to sit tight until they returned his call. As Kevin returned to the living room, he felt even more uneasy about the whole situation. He didn’t like the fact that everything was out of his control. 

Kevin paused at the bedroom door for a few minutes to try and clear his head and then made his way back into the living room where Carlos was still seated. “Is everything ok Kevin?” Carlos asked in a concerned tone. He could tell that something serious was troubling Kevin and he was concerned about his employer and friend. 

The fact that Carlos was using his name proved that Carlos was extremely concerned about the present situation. “I don’t know what to think.” Kevin finally said as he sat down in the chair across from Carlos and covered his face with his hands. 

“Is that Frank guy threatening you and Abigail again?” Carlos asked. 

“Everything’s so fucked up. I don’t know where to start and I hate myself for letting this situation get so out of hand.” Kevin said. 

“The beginning is the best place to start. I’ve got all the time in the world considering no one knows about your return yet.” Carlos said as he sat back and got comfortable. 

Over the span of the next hour, Kevin explained everything from the beginning. He told Carlos about Jordyn’s involvement and that he had been forced into having sexual relations with her. He told Carlos about the various notes he had received and about the latest one that had instructed him to return without Abigail. “I didn’t know what else to do. I know what this guy is capable of and if I can prevent him from trying to hurt her again, then I feel like it’s my obligation. It just breaks my heart to think about how hurt and alone she must be feeling right now.” Kevin said. 

“This Frank guy is one sick bastard. Blow the whistle on this guy Kevin. Surely to god they’ve gathered enough evidence to lock him up for the rest of his life.” Carlos said. After a brief pause, Carlos continued. “And Kevin, I have to admit that leaving Abigail alone in Hawaii was not the smartest idea.” 

“What was I supposed to do?  If I brought her back with me, she’d get hurt. If I leave her there, she gets hurt. It’s a no win situation.” Kevin said in frustration. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you further. I’m sure this isn’t easy for you. Now have you contacted the police Kevin?” Carlos said. 

 “I just left messages with the same police officers and detectives that were involved when both myself and Abigail were kidnapped. I’m hoping they take my call seriously and call me back soon.” Kevin said. 

“Don’t beat yourself up over this Kevin. This Frank guy has backed you into a corner and you’re only doing this because you love Abigail and you’re trying to protect her. I’m sure when it’s all said and done and you have a chance to explain this all to Abigail, that she’ll understand.” Carlos said. He wasn’t normally the type of person to offer a lot of advice, but he could clearly see that his boss and friend needed to hear it from someone he trusted. 

“Thanks Carlos. I keep trying to tell myself that. Anyways, I’m going to go lie down for a while. You might as well tell the others that I’m back, but don’t let on about any of this. Say we had a fight for all I care. I don’t want to alarm anyone else yet.” Kevin said. 

“Will do boss. Call if you need anything.” Carlos said as he got up to leave the hotel suite. 

“I will.” Kevin said as he walked into the bedroom and closed the door. Now that Kevin was alone, he sat down on the bed and buried his face in his hands and let the tears fall. He just wanted a normal relationship with Abigail. One free of Frank’s meddling. Was that really too much to ask? Kevin’s thoughts and grief were interrupted when his telephone rang. He was relieved when he answered the phone and found out it was one of the detectives he had left a message with a short time ago.