Anything But Ordinary (AU, M/L, Mature) [Complete]

[Erina]

Hi, if you have seen my Author's Page then you know that I have finished this story. All I need to do now is to update in time.

Part 50

“Damn it,” Philip yelled. “I thought you were the best men for this job.”

All of the men but one lowered their heads in shame.

“Sir,” he objected.

“What? How could this happen? It was just a kidnapping, how was it possible that even you couldn’t accomplish it? Do I really need to do everything by myself?” Philip snapped.

“Sir,” the man, Sean, objected again. “It wasn’t our fault,” he said, ignoring the mad look Philip gave him.

Philip was so angry; he didn’t know what to do. What to throw, what to ... kill. Two mistakes. Two terrible mistakes from his best men.

At first he had sent some people to Florida, to ‘collect’ Nancy, Jeff and that little boy, Chris. Then some of his people had found out where his daughter was and he sent another set of men to Mexico to get her and Alex and bring them all to him.

But they weren’t here, in Roswell. No, now Philip didn’t even have a clue as to their whereabouts.

And whose fault was it?

Apparently his men had done everything right, but then suddenly other men in masks came. Shots were fired and both times, in Florida and in Mexico, his men lost them. And now Jeff, Nancy, Chris, Isabel and Alex were missing, probably they had been taken by those other people.

Right now, Philip was using all his connections to find out who dared to stand against him. As soon as he found out they would be history.

He had collected a small folder of information and some of the clues were leading to Washington.

“Sean,” he said, handing him the folder. “You’re going to Washington, I need you to investigate this,” Philip said, deciding that there wasn’t any point in blaming his men.

He would give them one last chance.

“I want you all out now,” he snapped irritated. “I have to think what to do next about the mess you have created.”

When he was alone, Philip tiredly sat back in his chair. He placed both his hands on the top of his wooden table and just stared at his family picture.

It had been taken years ago. Max had graduated high school that day and Philip couldn’t have been more proud, although around that time their fights had started.

When Elizabeth was out of Max’s life, Philip could see how he changed, for the best. He studied business and married a suitable wife, Tess. Although he had to admit that Tess had been giving him headaches with her constant whining, but that was another story.

But his son, Max... Just recently Philip had started to trust him more and was even considering bringing him into his real business. He thought Max had accepted his fate, but apparently Philip had been wrong.

His son had lied to him.

His men still were monitoring the Parkers’ apartment and Philip knew that Max was with that Parker girl... again. He was disappointed in Max, disappointed that after everything, he had gone to Elizabeth. He had a wife, but he was spending his nights with her.

And then there was that fact that Max had lied about his whereabouts, telling him that both he and Isabel had wanted to go onvacation.

Vacation… Philip sneered. How was it possible that he had been so blind to this? Of course, Diane’s sudden death had shocked them all, but it wasn’t enough to make Max and Isabel lie. Especially to him; to their father.

Now he was angry with Max. Philip had spent all his life just with one goal in mind... to give Max a good life. He had closed his eyes on his relationship and marriage to Elizabeth, helping him to get back on the track.

And this was how he repaid? By lying and going to Elizabeth?

Max was obviously irresponsible; he had forgotten his duties to him, his father, and his wife Tess.

Philip sighed. He was going to give Max another chance.

Right now, Elizabeth, Michael and Max were at the Parkers’ apartment. His men would go there and bring them all back to Roswell; by force, if necessary.

He was tired of these games, he wasn’t that young anymore. Philip just wanted to see how Max ruled everything he had created for him over the last thirty years; that and a couple of grandchildren that would carry on the family name.

Apparently Philip had already one grandson, Chris, but he would never acknowledge it. Chris wasn’t born in wedlock; and his mother was Elizabeth and she came from a fallen family.

No, Philip wanted only the best for his son. He and Diane had met when he was barely in his twenties. He had known immediately that she would become his wife. After a year, they married and it was another year before Max came to the world. He wanted similar life for Max.

One happy marriage and two beautiful children.

Finally, Philip stood up and went outside, where his men, minus Sean, who was already on his way to Washington, were sitting.

They all stood up immediately as soon as Philip appeared.

“Go to Florida and bring them all here,” he ordered. “I won’t tolerate any mistakes this time, is that clear?” he threatened.

“Yes, sir,” they answered in unison.

“Go,” Philip said.

It wouldn’t be long now, he thought.

He was smirking as he walked back to his office.

[Erina]

Thanks everyone! Enjoy this part, because in the next part (Part 52) you will find out who stands behind all this.


Part 51



Max couldn’t sleep. Liz and Michael were already sleeping in their rooms, although Max doubted that she was actually sleeping.

He suspected that, like him, she too was frustrated with the investigator’s news. He had come here earlier, only to announce that he had no leads on Jeff, Nancy and Chris. The police couldn’t find anything either and now both Liz and Max were feeling helpless.

Max was desperate. Where was his son? Would...he ever see him?

No, Max shook his head. He would see his little boy, everything would be alright; he couldn’t lose his hope. Hope was everything he had now.

Max sat up, took his phone and dialled Isabel again.

When no one picked after the tenth ring, Max placed the phone back, frustrated. Where was his sister? He would have to do something about it soon; Isabel was supposed to call him.

He got back under the blanket and closed his eyes, hoping that sleep would come easily.

Max opened his eyes quickly as he heard the front door open. He knew that Michael and Liz were in their rooms, he hadn’t seen them go out, and since only Liz’s parents had keys to the apartment, Max was alert.

Was it simply a thief or...were the people who took Liz’s parents and his son back?

The couch faced the opposite wall, not the door, so Max couldn’t see them or how many there were. He thanked God as he realized that his bag was by the couch and he quietly and slowly moved his left arm to it.

He slid his hand in the bag and took his gun out.

Counting to the three, he jumped from the couch and faced the door, the gun in his hand, pointing towards it.

Max froze as he counted six or seven men in the living room. Cursing, he tried to think of a way to get out of this mess. The most important thing was to get Liz out.

“Put the gun down,” one man said.

Max didn’t move.

“You don’t have any way of getting out of here,” the man said again. “We won’t hurt you, or Elizabeth or Michael.”

Max still remained silent and unmoving, but his mind was racing. They weren’t thieves. No, they knew him.

Still holding the gun, Max spoke. “Who are you?” he demanded angrily.

The man chuckled again and moved closer to him. The others remained in their spots, guns in their hands, pointing directly at Max.

“It doesn’t matter who we are,” he said coldly. “All we need is for you, Elizabeth and Michael to come with us.”

Max shook his head, “I don’t think so.”

The man came closer. “We don’t want to hurt you, but...if you don’t co-operate, we won’t have a choice,” he said.

Max backed away, knocking the small coffee table in the process, “What do you want from us?”

“We?” the man replied. “We only want your co-operation. We need to get you all to Roswell, to your father,” he said.

Max was silent. His father probably had taken Jeff, Nancy and Chris as well.

“You remember him? Your father?” he man sneered. “You should be proud that Philip is your father, but you have only given him headaches.”

The man took another step.

“Don’t move,” Max yelled, the gun now pointing directly at the man’s chest.

“Or?” the man challenged.

“I’ll shoot!” he exclaimed, but even Max understood how unsure he sounded. He wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to shoot and kill someone, but… his life was at stake. Even more, Liz’s life was in danger.

What did his father want from her? Max didn’t want his father near her.

The man laughed, “You? You wouldn’t dare.”

In the corner of his eye, Max noticed Michael peeking round the door.

A moment later, he was in the living room, a gun in his hand, “Nobody move,” he yelled.

Max used the fact that no one was looking at him to run to Liz’s room; he had to get her out of there.

He found her still in her pyjamas, fear in her eyes and Max cursed himself. If not for his father, she wouldn’t be scared.

If only they had never met...Liz would be probably happily married to someone else with a child or two. She would probably be happy and....safe.

Knowing him had only put her family in danger. He was no good for her. Most probably the best thing they had created was Chris.

“What’s happening, Max?” Liz whispered, glancing behind him. “I heard yelling. And...is that a gun in your hand?” she cried.

“I need to get you out of here,” Max said breathlessly, quickly moving to the window and glancing down. “Come here,” he ordered, opening the window.

There was a fire escape beside her window that would lead directly down to his car.

“Here,” he said, giving her the keys to his car, “Get out of here.”

Liz’s eyes darted from the window, to Max, to the keys in her hand. “What? No, Max, I won’t leave you and Michael,” she objected.

“Please, Liz,” Max pleaded. “I need you to be safe,” he said. “Michael and I...we’ll be fine and when this is over we will find you,” he promised.

“You need to get out of here; we will join you in a moment,” he repeated and Liz hesitantly climbed out. Tears appeared in her eyes.

“I love you,” she quietly whispered and started climbing back.

Max briefly closed his eyes. “I love you too,” he said back.

Then he heard it.

A gunshot.

[Erina]

First of all...

I'm nominated in Roswell Heaven Celestial Awards.



Anything But Ordinary
Secrets and Lies award - fic with the best twist
The Nicholas award - Character most in need of a slap in the face (Philip)
The Universal Friendship League award - Best villain (Philip)

Thanks who nominated.

Then...

Wow, thank you for the feedback! I wanted to post another part Wednesday, at the evening, but some weird computer problems appeared and I couldn't post. Anyway, if you think the last part ended with cliffhanger...then what are you going to say after this part? Since my parts are short and I have already finished story, it's very possible that I will update this story daily for the next days. Enjoy!

Part 52

Max ran back to the living room. His heart was pounding in his chest and he prayed they all would get out of this mess. Perhaps they should have just surrendered....

He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the living room. This wasn’t what he had expected. Not at all.

He saw Michael standing almost in the exact spot he had left him, the gun still in his hand and he was breathing heavily. He momentarily looked at Max, before lowering his gaze to the floor.

What surprised him the most was the fact that he did not see the men who had threatened him. No, they weren’t there anymore. He was confused as he noticed blood on the floor.

“One man was wounded, before he ran away,” Michael replied to Max’s unspoken question.

Max briefly nodded.

Suddenly he noticed a person coming out of the shadows at the other side of the room. Quickly he grasped tightly the gun in his hand and turned to the stranger.

His eyes widened as he recognized the person, but he was too shocked to lower the gun, still keeping it pointed directly at them.

He was pointing the gun at his own mother.

Diane Evans.

At least he thought so.

Max closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. He was clearly seeing hallucinations. There was no way his mother could be here, in Florida, in Liz’s living room.

His mother was dead.

He slowly opened his eyes, but the scene in front of him didn’t change. There still was Michael, a puddle of blood and… his dead mother.

Perhaps he was dead? Then it would explain why he was seeing his dead mother, right?

“I can explain everything, Max,” he heard his mother’s soft voice.

No, Max thought, it wasn’t a dream and he wasn’t dead, although lately he wished to be dead. But then again...he would never see his son.

“You can put down the gun,” Michael said.

Max slowly lowered the gun. “Who are you?” he asked in a shaky whisper.

She chuckled slightly, but Max was surprised to hear nervousness behind it, “I’m your mother, Max,” Diane replied.

“But,” Max objected. “You’re dead,” he said and cringed at how strange it sounded. Almost childish, because she was in front of him and she didn’t look dead. She wasn’t dead.

“I’m not dead,” she simply said. “I know you’re confused, but I can explain everything,” Diane added.

“I think it’s better if I leave you two alone,” Michael said and quickly left the room.

Max remained silent, waiting for his mother to continue.

“I was twenty, when I met Philip. He was handsome and charming and I fell in love. It wasn’t long before we were married,” she said. “Back then, I really loved him, perhaps I still do,” Diane said sadly. “He would get up in the morning and go to work, then come home at six pm and we would have a nice family dinner… "

“…But that changed,” she said quietly. “I was the wife he wanted. Obedient. I never asked about his work and did everything he expected from me, I was a good wife and mother. The house was always clean, the dinner was ready on time and I gave him two beautiful children. "

“Despite everything, I loved my life. I loved being a wife and mother, I didn’t want anything more; I was content,” she said. “But I was living in a fantasy, because the truth was...I didn’t know my husband at all."

“One day, when you were five, I was going down the street, when a van suddenly stopped beside me and I was pulled inside,” she said and paused. “That was the day I found out the truth about my dear husband,” she said sarcastically. “He wasn’t the man I thought he was. I was told he was cruel and evil and he destroyed everything that got in his way. He wasn’t a loving father and husband, not was he a lawyer.,”

“At first I didn’t believe them. They let me go and I went back home. I didn’t say anything to Philip, partly because I thought it was a lie, but partly...partly because I decided to monitor my husband."

“He was careful and it took me a long time before I started to see the things they told me about. I saw the truth. He lied to me,” she admitted. “I soon found out that he had a mistress, then I saw a gun in his drawer and his business ‘trips’ became more and more suspicious."

“Then I started to help them to uncover my own husband,” she said sadly. “But like I said, Philip was and still is very careful. I couldn’t find any documents that could lead us to his illegal business, at least there weren’t any at home,” she said. “I work for the FBI. I have done for years now,” she said.

Max nodded hesitantly; he had been expecting something like this by the end of her story.

“Do you know where my son is?” he asked suddenly.

Diane smiled, “He is safe,” she said. “They all are safe. Jeff, Nancy, Chris, Alex, Isabel... they all are safe and you’re going to see them soon,”

Max managed a weak smile; his son and family were safe. Now, he only needed to get to them and…

“Max?” Michael said as he came back to the living room. “Where’s Liz?” he asked worried, “She isn’t in her room.”

Max nodded, “I know, I slipped away and made her leave. I thought her life was in danger,” he explained.

“Leave? Where? How we are going to find her?”

“Don’t worry, Michael, I have men all around the house,” said Diane. “I’m sure they have her, or at least know where she is. Let me just check,” she pulled out her phone and called.

A moment later, her expression changed.

“I’m sorry, Michael,” she said quietly. “But unfortunately Liz isn’t with them.”

“So? At least they know where she is, right?” Michael asked rather loudly.

Diane sighed, “Yes, we know where she probably is. Unfortunately, Philip’s men grabbed her as soon as she was down and ... we weren’t fast enough.”

Max closed his eyes in despair.

“I’m sorry, boys, but Philip has Liz.”

Oh God, Max thought, he had sent her directly to his father.

[Erina]

Thanks for the feedback! Here is the next part.


Part 53

Michael was pacing around the room, muttering something under his breath, while Max sat on the chair, his head in his hands.

In the same room were Jeff, Nancy, Isabel and Alex. When Max and Michael had come to the base, where Diane held the others, it was the middle of the night and Chris was sleeping.

“We will find her,” Isabel tried to soothe the people she barely knew, except her brother.

“When?” Michael snapped, “When we are going to find her, huh?”

“Michael, calm down,” Jeff said, “Your harsh and rude words won’t find her,”

Michael obeyed and sat down.

Jeff and Nancy were sitting together. They were shocked to find out that the person they thought had been their friend, was a cruel and sick monster. A monster who had their daughter.

From Michael, they had found out that Liz knew about Philip’s evil ways and they were puzzled why she hadn’t told them. Perhaps that was the reason she hadn’t wanted to inform Max about Chris, to keep their grandson away from Philip. But it didn’t matter now; they had to get Liz back.

Days ago, Jeff and Nancy were shocked when some men had trespassed into their home. They were ordered to shut up and get Chris from his room. Jeff and Nancy decided that the best thing would be to obey, but when they all were coming out of the apartment, they met another set of men.

The fighting started and Jeff, Nancy and little Chris were pulled out of the apartment and directly into the van that was waiting outside. No one said anything as they drove away.

When the van stopped and they all got out, both Jeff and Nancy were shocked to see Diane Evans.

Liz had showed them the article about her death, but apparently it wasn’t true, because she was standing in front of them, looking very much alive.

Diane told them exactly how cruel Philip was and Jeff’s blood boiled when he found out that he’d lost his restaurants because of Philip’s evil ways.. All the bad things that had happened to them over the last few years, was because of him.

But when Diane informed them about Liz and Max’s short marriage, Jeff and Nancy refused to believe it at first. Later, they felt slightly hurt that Liz hadn’t trusted them enough to tell about Philip or her marriage to Max.

But now their feelings didn’t matter, they would deal with it later. First, they had to get Liz back.

Isabel and Alex’s story was similar to theirs. First, Philip’s men had tried to take them to Philip, but again Diane’s people were there to rescue them and bring them to her instead.

Just like Max and Michael, Isabel found out the truth about her mother. When Max had approached her and tried to talk to her about it, she had briefly dismissed him, telling him that now wasn’t the time or place to talk about it. They had to find Liz and bring her back to him and to their son.

And Max...Just the thought that Liz was now alone with Philip made him sick with worry. Who knew what he would do with her?

When the door opened and Diane entered the room, Max immediately stood up and was by her side in a second.

“What? What did you find out about Liz?” he asked urgently.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have good news,” she replied sadly.

“What do you mean?” Michael yelled. “You’re part of the FBI, you have connections all over, you should know where they are by now!”

“Michael,” Jeff said quietly, yet sternly. “What information do you have?” he asked, turning to Diane.

Diane sighed, “It’s not easy to locate them, Philip has houses, apartments and warehouses in many cities,” she said. “But we don’t think he got far, most probably he still is somewhere in Florida, so my men are checking his properties now.”

“And what then?” Nancy asked, “When.... we find Liz,” her voice cracked, “Then what will happen to Philip? He should have been in jail a long time ago, why isn’t he there already?”

“Before now, we didn’t have enough proof to put him in jail. like I said, he has been very careful about his illegal business, but lately...he has lost his attention. We know everything about his drug deal in New York and now, by kidnapping Liz, we have enough to send him to jail for the rest of his life.”

Max would have laughed at the bizarre situation, if not for the seriousness of it.

A few years ago, he had believed they were just an ordinary family: a father, a mother and two children. Of course, their relationship hadn’t been perfect, with Max’s fights with Philip, Isabel’s drinking and Diane’s indifference, but...they were somehow normal. At least Max had thought they were.

Now he knew that they had been anything but ordinary. The FBI wanted his father in jail, but his mother... his mother had been helping them.

“When will we have the location?” Max asked.

Diane looked at her son, “Soon, Max, I promise,” she said.

Max nodded and returned to his seat. They all had been given their own room, but after everything they wanted to stick together, not really wanting to be alone. And what would they do in their rooms anyway?

Sleep? Max couldn’t sleep, his thought only with Liz.

If his father hurt her... Max would kill him with his bare hands.

~ ~ ~

“Where are you taking me?” Liz yelled, “Let me go,”

All the way, she had been struggling and fighting, but she was no match to three big and strong men.

As soon as she had got down to the ground, she was grabbed from behind and there was not much she could do. Liz was pulled into the car before she could shout for help.

They had been driving for an hour or two, when the car had suddenly stopped and she was pulled out again.

She saw a small warehouse. She was led inside and another door opened, leading them down, under the warehouse.

“What do you want from me? Let me go, you bastards!” she continued to struggle, but their grip on her hand didn’t vanish and Liz was sure she would have bruises there.

But as she was lead into another room and she saw what was in it, she understood that bruises were the least of her problems.

[Erina]

Thanks! Here is the next part!


Part 54

“I demand that you let me go immediately,” Liz said sternly. She tried to look confident but she was trembling inside.

“Hush, hush, Elizabeth,” Philip smirked. “Why do you want to leave so fast? You just got here.”

“Let me go,” Liz repeated through gritted teeth. “You kidnapped me!” she cried.

“Kidnapped?” Philip pretended to be hurt. “That’s such a bad word for it, darling. I would prefer something different...like I wanted to get to know you a little better,” he said.

“After all, you’re the mother of my grandson,” Philip smirked.

Liz immediately froze. Chris. Philip was most likely the one who kidnapped him and her parents.

“Where is he? Where is my son?” Liz yelled out in rage, coming closer to him.

Philip’s smirk momentarily disappeared. What was she talking about, he wondered briefly, but then revelation came. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the distressed brunette in front of him.

She thought that he was the one who took Chris. Unfortunately, he had tried, but some morons were brave enough to interfere. He didn’t know where Chris was.

Slowly Philip’s smirk returned. Yeah, he would use this situation. If she thought her son and parents were with him, she would obey him more easily. After all, he could always threaten to hurt her family. Which he didn’t have, but she didn’t know that.

“He is safe and unharmed,” Philip lied. “For now,” he added.

Liz shook her head slightly from side to side.

“You wouldn’t dare hurt him,” she hissed. “After all he is your grandson, Max’s son, your flesh and blood,” Liz said.

“So?” Philip challenged. “You’re Chris’ mother, not Tess. I really don’t care about that kid. Besides, Max betrayed me. I don’t want him as my son anymore.”

“You’re just sick,” Liz spat out, completely disgusted.

“Oh, you don’t even know how sick I am,” Philip said, smirking. “But don’t worry, you’re going to find out very soon.”

Liz gulped. This wasn’t good.

“Let me go,” she pleaded again. “Let me go before everything gets much worse.”

“Worse?” Philip laughed. “Everything is over, sweetheart. I know that the FBI is very close to putting me in jail, I’m done. But it doesn’t mean I will peacefully obey the law and admit to everything.”

“What do you mean?” she whispered quietly.

Philip took two steps forward, “I like to think that my problems with Max started because of you. If not for you, he would be a different man right now – a better one, who wouldn’t have betrayed his own father. But no… you changed him. You poisoned him,” Philip accused.

Liz shook her head; “I didn’t do anything to Max. He is the one who made the decisions, not me.”

“I don’t care,” Philip simply said. “All I want and need is revenge.”

He took another step forward, until he was standing very close to her. Liz didn’t move; her feet didn’t want to co-operate. Fear gripped her heart.

“What are you going to do with me?” she asked in a quiet whisper. “And with my son and my parents?”

Philip backed away, sitting in his chair. “Your… family will be fine,” he said and then added, “If you co-operate.”

“What...do you want me to do?”

“You know… I bet you probably don’t know that Jeff and I went to the same college,” he said with a gleam in his eyes. “We weren’t best friends, but we still spent time together.”

“So?”

“Then I met her,” Philip emphasized. “I was the first one to know her, but I made a mistake by introducing her to Jeff,” he spat out.

“Who are you talking about?” Liz asked confused.

“Nancy,” Philip yelled. “I met her first, but Jeff… he stole her from me,”

“She never told me that you dated,” Liz mumbled.

“We didn’t,” Philip replied. “Jeff already had her, before I could make the first move.”

Liz wanted to laugh, “So, you’re just holding this grudge for ... nothing? She wasn’t even yours to be stolen by someone else!”

“That isn’t important!” he spat back. “I told Jeff that I liked her and wanted to go out with her, but no… They came to me a week later, telling me how in love they were...” he mocked.

Liz resisted the urge to chuckle. He was acting like Chris when he didn’t get some of his toys. Philip was plainly childish.

“I pretended to be happy for them,” Philip mumbled. “Later I met and married Diane, and, although I really loved her, I couldn’t forget what your parents did to me.”

“They did nothing to you!” Liz cried. “Someone doesn’t go along with your... plan and they are immediately your enemies?”

“Yes!” Philip stood up from his chair. “I don’t tolerate betrayals!”

“Jeff and Nancy betrayed me,” he said. “But don’t worry, I will pay them back fully,” Philip stood right in front of her. “I’m sorry to say that you’re going to be hurt in the process, but... no, I’m not sorry, you need to punished for getting together with my son.”

Philip touched her hair, but Liz was too shocked and stunned to move. One of his fingers traced her cheek and although Liz cringed, she didn’t move.

“You, my dear, are here with me and I shall do what I please,” he said with a gleam in his eye.

He slowly leaned down and bite her earlobe, before whispering in her ear, “I am going to take you to my bed, Elizabeth,” he said. “You need to pay for everything you did to me and my family, and if you don’t co-operate, your son and your parents will get hurt, I promise.”

He pulled away and called the guards in.

“You need to rest first. Take a bath and go to sleep, your big day is tomorrow,” he smirked.



Ok, I know I have a twisted mind. Don't hurt me, hurt Philip!

[Erina]

Well, I'm slightly worried now. I'm not sure if I can make you all like Max again by the end of this story. But then again....it isn't Max's fault his father is Philip!

Part 55

“Did you find them?” Max asked his mother eagerly.

They had only been together for a few hours, but to Max it felt like days. He was spending time here, doing nothing, while Liz was with Philip.

Diane slowly shook her head, “We can’t do it so fast. We have narrowed our search, but we still don’t know where they are,” she said. “But don’t worry, it is only a matter of time,” she added.

“So?” Max burst out. “How does it help me, huh? My father doesn’t need much time to hurt people, especially the ones I love. What’s wrong with this organization? I suppose you have been watching Philip for many years and now he has just slipped out of your sight, huh?” Max hissed.

Diane just blinked at his sudden outburst. “Max, I know you’re upset, but we’re doing everything possible here,” she said, turned around and walked away from him.

Was he supposed to feel guilty that he had snapped at his mother, who, as he had believed not so long ago, was dead? He didn’t know. Max shrugged and went back to the living room.

The waiting was slowly killing him.

No one was talking much; they all just sat around the room, deep in thought. Silence. But it made Max jumpy.

When it was silent, bad thoughts filled his mind. He didn’t want them, but they were there... and he could do nothing to prevent them.

He cursed the day that he and Liz had met. Her life had only gotten worse since then. And now, she was alone with that sick monster, while he was here, just waiting.

~ ~ ~

An hour later, Max couldn’t take the silence anymore and he left the room, determined to go to see his son. He didn’t know what possessed him to do it; after all he had wanted to wait until morning, until Chris was awake.

But as he was sitting in that room with the others, he suddenly wanted to see his son. For the first time.

He went down the hall to Chris’ room, when he noticed Isabel in one of the rooms. She was alone, lying on the bed and just staring at the ceiling.

“Hey,” Max turned and walked inside.

Isabel only briefly turned her head to acknowledge her brother, “Hi,” she replied curtly and continued the staring.

“Where is Alex?”

Isabel shrugged slightly, “In the kitchen, I sent him away.”

“Why?” Max asked confused.

Isabel turned her head away. “I want to be alone,” she said quietly. “I know you’re worried about me, but you shouldn’t be. Liz and Chris should be your top priorities.”

“Isabel...”

She cut him, “I know, I know, Max. But I’m okay, really,” she turned her head back to Max and forced a smile. “It’s...not about you,” she admitted. “So much has happened lately, that...I just need some time alone to cope with everything.”

She continued, “I just never expected to have family like ours. You know, just like you, I haven’t been close to...our mother, but when I was told she was dead...something snapped inside me,” Isabel whispered. “At the funeral, I kept repeating to myself that everything had been just a dream, a bad dream, and… she is alive and just...sleeping in her room,.”

“Later I was praying for some miracle. That they would find her, alive and healthy somewhere on the other side of the lake, that she had just passed out....or .... just something!” she cried, raising her voice.

“Then the anger came,” Isabel said more quietly. “I was so angry with her, Max. I was furious that she dared to leave me alone in that house with Dad. I was furious that she wouldn’t be at my wedding to Alex,” she chuckled slightly. “I was furious that she wouldn’t see my children.”

Isabel started sobbing, “I just wanted her to be alive.”

“Isabel, that’s only normal to feel like that,” Max soothed her.

“And then,” Isabel continued as she hasn’t even heard her older brother. “I find out that she is alive and has worked for the FBI for years,” she said. “And… I’m just angry with her again.”

“The fact that she works for the FBI doesn’t change much, she still is our mother,” Max said softly.

Isabel nodded, “I know, but...I’m just angry. Perhaps she really has spent all her life trying to put our father in jail, but...what about us?” she asked. “Didn’t she care that she would crush us with news of her death? That we would cry for her?”

“I’m not trying to stand on her side,” Max said. “Because in some way I agree with you, but I think we should talk to our mother as soon as everything is over,” he suggested. “I know, she has hurt us with her actions, but I bet it wasn’t her choice to lie to us for so long. Perhaps she did everything just to protect us.”

She nodded, “I know, Max. I know it all, but my heart still feels betrayed.”

Max wiped the tears from her face and gently kissed her forehead, “I’m sure everything will be alright soon,” he said, although he wasn’t sure if he believed in his words.

As long as Liz was with Philip, nothing could be fine.

“I’m sure we will find her soon,” Isabel assured him.

Max noticed Alex, standing in the doorway, and he stood up from the bed.

“I hope so, Isabel, I really do,” he said, walking out of the door, briefly placing a hand of Alex’s shoulder and telling him quietly to take care of his little sister.

Max walked out of the room and went to his son’s room, but he was interrupted once again.

“So, we have found them? Are they really there?” Diane asked, saying the name of a street and Max briefly remembered his father had a property there. “What do you mean you’re not sure?” she said loudly. “Fine, I’ll wait for another two hours, but then...we are going there,” she put her telephone back in her pocket and walked away, not even knowing that Max had heard her conversation.

[Erina]

Thanks all! And yeah - Chris is sleeping. Enjoy the next part and don't throw any tomatoes at me after reading, ok?


Part 56

Max stood in the hall, stunned and surprised.

Okay, on the one hand, he could understand his mother. She had an important job and she had to check everything and be sure before doing anything as dangerous.

But on the other hand, it involved Max, and half of him was furious that his own mother was basically ignoring his existence.

Max couldn’t let Liz stay there, with his father, for a minute longer. Who knew what could happen now? He could hurt her... if he hadn’t so already.

Max repeated the address in his mind, making sure he knew it. He was going to that house to do everything in his power to get Liz back safely, hopefully unharmed.

What was he going to do? He couldn’t tell Diane where he was going, she would surely forbid it, and, although Max was an adult, she was still part of the FBI and well...you don’t mess with the FBI.

He could call someone to go with him. But who? He couldn’t take Isabel...or Nancy...or Jeff. Michael? No, he was too impulsive and he would just burst in, without thinking first.

Ok, Max could admit it, he wanted to burst in too, but that wasn’t a smart move.

Although...

Suddenly a plan formed in his mind and he slipped outside, making sure that no one, including the FBI bodyguards, saw him. He didn’t want to explain where and why he was going. That surely would ruin everything.

He was going directly into danger, but did he care about that? No. His father was hurting the woman he loved and the truth was, Max didn’t care about himself or the consequences right now.

He quickly slid into his car and sped away. He would be there in 30 minutes; now all he could do was drive...and think.

Max knew that his actions were irresponsible, but...he had a plan; if it could be called a plan at all.

What did Philip want overall?

Him. Philip’s dream was for Max to follow in his footsteps.

Max realized that he was probably on his father’s black list by now, but he could still try, couldn’t he? What was the worst thing that could happen? Well, in the worst case, his father might kidnap him as well, or something like that, but at least he would be close to Liz.

Max was hoping that he would be enough for his father and Philip would release Liz.

Otherwise, he didn’t have any other back-up plan and Max was silently praying for this one to work. If he needed to, he would give up everything, just for Liz. But then again... Max was almost sure that he wouldn’t have to do it, since the FBI wanted Philip in jail.

It was Philip’s eclipse. He was going down.

Of course, Philip was clever, he could leave the country, but even that satisfied Max. As long as he was out of their lives, Max would be happy. But even if Philip left the country, it didn’t mean he couldn’t get his revenge from there.

Max suspected that he and the FBI didn’t even know how many connections Philip had.

All Max wanted was for this nightmare to end.

He didn’t notice the time flying by and soon he was in front of the house. He saw a light in one corner, but the rest of the house seemed to be in darkness. Max noticed a couple of men, wandering around the house, eyeing him suspiciously.

Probably bodyguards, Max thought.

He took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, putting his hands in the air.

“I’m unarmed!” Max shouted to the men as they came closer to him. “I’m Max Evans,” he added.

Soon he was surrounded by four men, all looking at him suspiciously. Max was sure they all knew him, but apparently some or all of them had been at Liz’s house. They didn’t trust him.

“Keep an eye on him,” one said and moved away, pulling a cell phone out of his pocket.

He was probably calling Philip, asking what to do with him. He held his breath as the man came back. Max hoped his father wouldn’t be that cruel to let his men shoot him on the street, but you never knew nowadays.

“Come with me,” he ordered.

Max obeyed and his feet led him directly into the house and down the hall. The light was dim and Max found it hard to see properly. Basically, all he saw was the broad back of the man in front of him and he just followed, knowing that there was another man behind him, making sure he didn’t do anything stupid.

They suddenly stopped and a door was opened in front of him. He was pushed inside the dark room and the door closed behind him.

Max blindly found a switch and turned on the light.

“Good-evening, Max,” came a voice behind him and Max slowly turned around.

He saw his father, sitting in a chair, behind his desk. He was dressed in a robe and was smoking a cigar.

“I have to admit that I am surprised to see you here, son,” Philip grinned, “I thought you had betrayed me completely.”

Max shook his head. “It was only a misunderstanding,” he said.

“Really?” Philip smirked. “Or are you here just because I have Liz?”

“You have Liz?” Max questioned innocently.

“Yeah, right, like you didn’t know that” Philip sneered.

“I... I want to mend our relationship,” Max swallowed. “I have been...bad to you in the past.”

Philip didn’t say anything for a moment; he just eyed Max suspiciously, trying to figure out if he was lying.

“Well, then,” he put down his cigar and stood up. “I guess it won’t matter to you that I just fucked your precious Liz, no?” Philip smirked.

[Erina]

You sure you don't have any tomatoes hidden somewhere? Thanks for the feedback, enjoy the next part.


Part 57

Max reacted on pure instinct, letting his emotions to take the best of him.

“You sick bastard!” he yelled and lunged forward, successfully knocking him on the ground.

Max started hitting his father, not caring about anything else. Max’s only thought was that his father had hurt Liz, his Liz, and he had to pay for it.

A moment later, Max was lifted in the air and thrown away from Philip, almost knocking him out.

The bodyguards helped Philip to stand up, while two others came to Max, holding him.

Max had expected everything from his father, but... that he would be that evil to ... to rape Liz? It was a nightmare, Max thought. His father was a monster.

“I hate you,” Max hissed. “I hate the fact that you’re my father, that I owe my life to you. ”

Philip started laughing. “I thought you were stronger than that,” he said, rubbing his jaw.

“Why did you do it?” Max yelled. “Why did you hurt her of all people? She’s never done anything to you!”

“You’re so wrong, Maxwell,” Philip returned. “I have many reasons not to like her.”

Philip continued, “First of all, she is your weakness, Max. Always has been and I never liked it,” he said in a cold tone. “Even when she wasn’t in Roswell, she was still holding you down, no matter what.”

“It’s not her fault that I love her,” Max hissed.

Philip sneered, “So? Frankly, I don’t care. She was the main reason your marriage to Tess didn’t work! She had your child, a bastard.”

“Don’t you ever call him that again,” Max whispered furiously. “Liz didn’t ruin anything, because here I was... thinking over the fact that you and Tess had both lied to me about the nonexistent child,” he yelled.

Philip momentarily frowned. How did Max know about that, he wondered.

“I did what was best for you,” he said evenly.

Max chuckled, “Yeah, right, and you did me a favour, when you were fucking my wife, right?”

Philip’s smirk disappeared.

“You have never been a good father, ever,” Max said truthfully, “All you have ever done is bring pain and suffering, not only to me, but to Isabel and Mom as well.”

Philip remained cold. “All I have ever done was the best for you and Isabel. I gave you everything you could ask for; you and your sister...you just are ungrateful,” he hissed.

“And you’re just the worst father,” Max replied.

Philip stared in Max’s eyes for a moment, before pulling himself together.

“Well, I guess this is it,” he sighed, walked to the door and called the men in.

Max eyed suspiciously the big and bulky men, “What are you going to do with me?”

“I’m not sure,” Philip said. “But for now, you’re going to be locked in a room, with three men watching you non-stop. Don’t even think about running away.”

Max gulped, as he was led away from the room, again through the dark hallway, until a door opened and he was thrown on the bed. When he turned around, he saw three men. Just like Philip had said.

~ ~ ~

“Has anybody seen Max?” Diane asked as she walked inside the living room.

“No,” Michael replied. “Actually... he hasn’t been here for a while.”

“Max said he was going to see Chris,” Jeff said quietly. “He is probably there...or with Isabel.”

Diane sighed, “He is not with Chris; I already checked and I asked the men outside if they saw anything. Apparently someone took the car and sped away two hours ago.”

“Do you think it’s Max?” Nancy asked concerned. “Why would he go anywhere? Especially now, when we are looking for Liz.”

“Well,” Diane said. “Two hours ago, I got a call and ... we found Philip’s location, but we needed it confirmed. I’m afraid that Max overheard me and drove there.”

Jeff stood up from his seat. “You know where Liz is?” he asked. “What are you waiting for? You need to save her!” he cried.

“We will,” Diane assured him. “The information was confirmed and everything is ready. My men are outside, waiting for me.”

“Please, bring her back,” Nancy pleaded.

Diane nodded, “I will, I promise.”

She was just walking out of the room, when Alex came in.

“Does anyone know where Isabel is?” he asked concerned. “She went to talk to Max, but she hasn’t returned since. And,” he said, briefly glancing at his watch. “It’s been two hours now.”

~ ~ ~

Max wasn’t sure how long he had been there, just sitting in that room, watching the other men look at him suspiciously.

Some time later they all heard a gunshot. Max stood up, and although the men were curious and concerned too, they didn’t let him go. Nor did they leave the room.

Then... there was a scream. Max froze.

It was Liz’s scream.

A moment later, the FBI broke into the house.

[Erina]

Hi! Thanks for your feedback. I couldn't post earlier, because I had a really long day. And it isn't over yet. Anyway, enjoy this part, the next one should be up in 12 hours.

P.S. By the way, today I got the weirdiest first sentence from the guy I met for the first time (we talked on the phone only before).

"I thought you were blonde."

Huh?

Ok, as we all found out later, he thought I was another person. Hmm, when he asked if he needs to copy some paper for my presentation, I immediately understood that something was wrong, because I came to listen, but definitely NOT present the bank, lol.


Part 58

As soon as Max could, he ran to the nearest FBI man he saw.

Philip’s men were handcuffed and lead outside and Max could almost breathe in relief. Almost. They all had heard a gunshot and Liz’s scream. Max would never be calm until he saw that Liz was ok.

“Where is Elizabeth Parker?” Max asked urgently to one man.

The man just blinked at first.

“Where is she?” Max almost barked.

The man cleared his throat, “Hmmm, yeah, you’re looking for Elizabeth Parker, right?”

Max nodded furiously. Was this man just slow or what?

“Well, she is there, down the hall and then to the right,” he said, pointing to Max, “Your... sister is with her, Mr. Evans,” the officer said uneasily.

Now it was Max’s turn to blink. Isabel?

Okay, he understood that if the FBI was here, then it was safe for the others to come...but he didn’t see anyone. Not Michael, Jeff...or Alex. What was Isabel doing here?

Max didn’t want to think about it; he simply walked in the direction he was pointed to.

When he almost reached the door, he saw paramedics coming out of it...with a dead body.

Max’s heart froze and for a moment he stopped even breathing. This couldn’t be happening....

When the paramedics came closer, Max stopped them. They didn’t argue or anything, just let Max to do anything he wanted. And that disturbed him the most.

Slowly he zipped the bag, revealing a person inside.

At first, Max just stared. How was it possible?

There, in front of him, was lying his own father. Philip was dead.

Max’s mind was running. He had seen and talked to him only... some time before and now he was dead?

What he was supposed to feel? Sad, because Philip was his father? Happy, because Philip had done so much evil?

The truth was... Max didn’t feel anything. He wasn’t happy or sad or even confused, all he could feel was... indifference?

Was it bad to feel that way? He should be mourning; after all this man gave him life, but...what kind of life? A life where Max hated his father and didn’t know his mother? Where Max had to fear that his father was going to hurt the ones he loved? What kind of life was that?

Max closed the bag again and paramedics took the body away, while he remained at the exact spot, just standing and thinking.

The feeling was weird. He had found out so much in the last days. First, he met Liz and she told him about their son. Then the fact that his mother was alive unfolded and now...this. His father was dead.

The nightmare was over.

But it didn’t mean they wouldn’t have to deal with the consequences, Max thought, as he started walking again to the room where Isabel and Liz were.

A moment later, he was there. The first thing he saw was Liz. She was sitting on the bed, a blanket was thrown around her and her eyes seemed so dull... so lifeless.

Max gulped and took a step forward. His father had hurt Liz and Max knew he would never be able to fix it.

She lifted her eyes and as soon as she saw him, Liz sprang from the bed and ran directly to him. Max’s arms immediately wrapped around her stiff form, which seemed to relax in his embrace. Her head was under his chin and Max could feel that she was still trembling.

“Hush, Liz, it’s over now,” he comforted her as best as he could.

“Everything is over now,” Max told her again. “Your parents and Chris are safe and they aren’t hurt in any way, you don’t need to worry anymore.”

Liz remained in his arms for another minute or two, before pulling away hesitantly, “Thank you, Max,” she whispered. “I’ll ask for someone to get me to my son.”

Max shook his head, “No, no, you don’t need to ask, I will drive you there.”

She slowly shook her head, “No, Max, you don’t understand....”

Max chuckled slightly, yet nervously. “I’m not letting you out of my sight again,” he said.

Liz put a hand on his chest. “You...most probably will be busy, I am going to be fine, really,” she assured him.

Max looked at her, clearly confused, “Liz, I don’t understand you.”

Although if Max thought about it...She most probably didn’t want him near her again, after what Philip did to her.

Liz looked at the other side of the room and Max followed her gaze. There, sitting on a chair, was his little sister Isabel, surrounded by numerous police and FBI officers.

Max looked back at Liz. “What happened? Why is she here?” he glanced back at Isabel, who looked up at the same moment and their eyes connected.

As soon as she saw her brother, Isabel stood up and walked to him. Tears were running down her cheeks and she wasn’t brave enough to look into his eyes.

A moment later, she couldn’t stand it anymore and hugged her brother, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” she repeated over and over again.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Max asked quietly.

“I killed him,” Isabel sobbed. “I killed our father, Max.”

[Erina]

Thanks everyone! Like I promised - here is the next part.



Part 59

“Why was she there?” Max demanded. “How could you let her slip out of the house?” he said, rather loudly and angry.

How was it possible that Isabel could just leave the house that was guarded by the FBI? How could they let her?

“Apparently she saw you overhear my phone call, Max,” Diane pointed out. “She watched you leave and...decided to follow you.”

Damn, Max cursed. It was his fault once again.

“And we won’t even try to analyze why you left, without talking to me first,” Diane added. “It was irresponsible, Max, but I’m afraid you already know that.”

Max nodded, but inside he was torn. Yes, his actions sent his little sister directly to Philip, but...what if he’d remained in the house, waiting for the information to be confirmed? What would have happened to Liz, if Max and Isabel hadn’t taken Philip’s attention away from her?

Now his sister’s life was at stake.

“What will happen to her?” Max asked, concerned. He was beyond tired, the events of the last week finally catching up with him, but he refused to sleep or at least rest, until he knew that everyone he loved was safe.

Diane sighed, “I’m working hard to make sure nothing bad will happen, she won’t go to jail.”

“But...” Max said. “How is it possible that Isabel got into the house so easily? Didn’t Philip know that she was there? Why didn’t he lock her up just like me?” he was confused.

“As far as I know, Philip’s men led her to him as soon you were locked in that room and I guess she managed to convince him that he could trust her and that she wouldn’t be of any harm,” Diane explained vaguely.

Max was shocked, “And he believed her?”

Diane chuckled slightly, “Not everyone give out their emotions, just like you did,” she said, reminding Max how easily he’d attacked Philip as soon as he’d mentioned hurting Liz.

“Besides,” Diane continued. “I really don’t know anything more. As you can see, Isabel, just like Liz, is in shock and since Philip is dead....”

“I can’t believe he trusted her enough to let her wander around the house,” Max murmured quietly, but Diane heard him anyway.

“I don’t think it was like that,” she said. “First of all, he got one man to follow her, so she wouldn’t make any trouble, but apparently she got away from him. Besides, you know...knew Philip and how he treated Isabel. Since she was a woman, she was barely a threat to him.”

“But it didn’t explain where and how she got the gun,” Max said.

“I don’t know the answers to all your questions, Max,” Diane told him honestly. “That house was full of guns, I guess it was easy for her to get hold of one.”

Max was silent.

“How is Liz?” he asked a moment later.

“As good as she could be in this situation,” she said.

Max swallowed, “Has she... seen a doctor?” he asked, the moment when his father told him that he had taken Liz, kept replaying in his mind over and over again.

Diane nodded curtly, “Yeah, I made her see one, but she is fine...no bruises, no broken bones...nothing. She is still in shock, but in a couple of days she will be fine.”

What?

“What?” Max asked confused, shocked...and glad to hear these words?

Diane looked at him confused, “What did you expect?”

Max gulped and tried to form any words in his mouth. Was it really possible that Philip had lied about raping Liz?

Max almost laughed at his own silly question. Of course, his father was capable to lie and... not only that.

“It is just...” Max said. “When I was in his office, Philip told me something...before I attacked him.”

“Well, then it has to be something very serious if it made you to lose your temper so quickly.”

Max nodded, “He told me that he had raped Liz,”

Diane gasped, “I can’t believe he was that cruel, even with his words.”

“But...she is fine, right? My father didn’t harm Liz?” Max asked again.

She shook her head. “No, Max, she is fine,” Diane assured him.

“Can I see her?” Max asked hopeful. He wanted to see personally that she was fine and that Philip hadn’t hurt her.

“I’m afraid not,” Diane said. “She is sleeping now,” she explained.

Max nodded; he could wait until tomorrow.

“Max?” Diane asked hesitantly. “There is something I need to ask you,”

“What is it?”

“Since Philip is dead and you’re his only heir, everything belongs to you, Max,” Diane said.

“And?” Max asked. “I don’t want any of this. Only God knows what really is legal in Philip’s properties and deals.”

Diane nodded, “That’s why I’m asking this. FBI needs full access to every document and paper in his enterprises.”

“Sure,” Max replied shortly. “I will sign any document you want me to sign and as soon as everything is over, I will offer Isabel everything. If she doesn’t want it, I will sell everything, I don’t want to be connected to Philip anymore. Not anymore,” Max said.

“What are you going to do then?” his mother asked.

Max lips curved into a small smile, “Fulfil my dreams.”



Is the story over?