1.

One Year Earlier

Ellen slowly slipped off the plane and caught a glimpse of her parents standing by the pick-up center. Her dad held a ridiculous sign with her name printed in bold pink letters. She could visibly see that her mom was trying to get rid of it and replace it with a better sign painted yellow. She shook her head at their antics. It’d been six years since she last saw them and three since they all last spoke.

Her mom caught her eye as she entered the hangar and they both rushed forward.

“Elle!” Her mom exclaimed and crushed her in a hug. Her father joined as well and held the two against his chest. Her mom was crying just a little. She inched away and reached a hand to her mother’s cheek.

“I’m okay mom” She laughed.

Her father went around and pulled her suitcase into his hand while her mom circled her arms around Ellen’s waist.

“We’re so glad you’re safe,” Her mom cried uncharacteristically.

Ellen had rarely seen her cry before and this was new. She looked to her father with surprise. He simply gave her the 'she’ll be fine' look and smiled.

“Eleanor, calm yourself,” Her father mused.

He released Ellen and rubbed her shoulders.

“Our baby girl was kidnapped, Adrian! I can’t be calm” Her mother argued.

Ellen laughed at the two. “Mom, Dad, can we go, please? I’m extremely tired”

Her parents, cleared of their tears, finally led her to a brand new Lexus outside and drove her home. On the ride, Ellen sunk into the seat and closed her eyes. She tried to get rid of the feeling she last experienced with Marcus but it kept bringing a smile to her face. The sex was.....

“Your father and I will be staying with you until you’re complete with your exams” Eleanor expressed happily.

She broke Ellen’s thoughts and she opened her eyes.

“Don’t you guys have to work?” She asked.

“Nope. We’ve both taken some time off from work to be with you,” Adrian stated with an apologetic face.

“Well, it’s good to see you both” Ellen cleared her throat.

She had missed her parents dearly but she was hoping for some time alone. She wanted to think about all she’d said to Marcus and his last escort of her off.

Earlier in Italy

Marcus had held her tenderly against his chest after they had woken up from their slumber. She was strewn sideways across the bed and he was covering half of her body with his. His hand was wrapped around her chest and the other lightly brushing her cheek.

“I hate to see you go” He grumbled.

She pinched his cheek. “I’ll be back, don’t worry” She reassured.

He gave her one last kiss on the cheek and then put some much-needed space between their bodies. For the next hour, they had eaten breakfast and gotten dressed to head to the airport. Edward and Daniel had already wished her a safe trip but offered to come along for the drive. Rodriguez and Ekon gave her a departure hug and she kissed Lily on the forehead. Dani promised to be on her best behavior and gave her a silly smile.

Marcus caught her by the hand and pulled her to him.

“The coast may not be as clear as you think,” He warned. “Be careful of any strangers and remember your training. Call me”

She gave him a kiss and waved him goodbye.

“Go kick ass, Ellen!” Edward shouted.

“Actually, don’t do that” Daniel countered.

She laughed at them as she boarded the plane and vaguely thought about how much she might miss them. Edward had become her second best friend, somehow and Dani wasn’t heading back with her. Daniel had treated her like a sister, Rod and Ekon had protected her like a mother.

“Don’t worry Italy, I’ll see you in a few weeks” She encouraged herself.

The plane pushed off and she spied one last look at her impromptu family.

End Flashback

Adrian stopped in front of her apartment and carried all their bags upstairs. Her mother settled into the bedroom, organizing her stuff on one side of the wide dresser and her father took the couch.

“We’ve ordered a bed for the week to be set in the guest room. For tonight, we share a bed. I haven’t done this with you since you were ten” Eleanor rambled.

Ellen collapsed in the bed. She didn’t bother to strip out of her clothes. She was mentally and physically tired. She was also missing a certain someone. She turned on her side and cupped her hand underneath her head. Her mother’s voice slowly faded out and soon enough she welcomed sleep. Eleanor watched her daughter sleep peacefully on the bed and brushed a strand of her hair from her face. Ellen’s hair has grown tall and she has refrained from cutting it. Her body had gotten leaner and muscular with the preparations she had set out. Adrian joined her in the room and squeezed her shoulders.

“We’re terrible parents” Eleanor sobbed.

“Focusing on work... I’m so sorry it took us forever to notice you were missing”

Adrian held back his tears but he felt the same. They had failed and almost paid for it. They both made a pact to build a better relationship with their daughter. They pulled the covers up to her chin and exited the room.

Marcus eased into his chair at the warehouse and rested his elbows on the table. He had said goodbye to Ellen ten hours ago but still couldn’t believe she was gone so soon. He fought the urge to follow her and tried to focus on his work. Rodriguez entered his office and gave him a quick salute.

“I know saying it at this point makes no sense but I feel I need to be in Miami” He stated nervously.

Marcus looked up from the shipment papers he had in his hand. “What are you talking about Rod?”

“Ellen, I’m assigned as her guard detail still, am I not?”

Marcus rubbed the bridge of his nose. The thought had crossed his mind but Ellen’s father convinced him that she would be fine. The DA had agreed to back off and bought their bullshit story but what if Garrett had unknown enemies. Ellen had been with them so she was surrounded more often than not. Now she was in the open.

“I think Ellen should be fine on her own” Marcus ordered. Her training proved fruitful and he had faith in that.

“But...still...” Rod tried, “I’ll stay in the background. I won’t approach her unless I need to”

Marcus shifted his entire focus to Rod. He put aside the papers and folded his arms across his chest.

“I understand your concern but really Rod...I need you to stay here.”

The Hispanic mobster sighed loudly and placed his hands on his hips. With the final judgement out, he thanked Marcus and left the office. Edward came in at the same time, giving the two a confused look. He shut the door and pointed in the direction Rodriguez went.

“What’s his problem?” Edward quipped.

He walked over and took a seat.

“He’s worried about Ellen. Suggested I put him on guard detail, non approach”

Edward hissed in surprise. “He’s not wrong on that idea but...Ellen should be fine on her own. I gave her a 1938 .45 ACP Ballester-Molina. She chambered the bullets herself and did a few test shots before she left. Her aim is much better now but I highly doubt anything will keep her from making another head-shot if she needs to”

Marcus listened to Edward and his inner worry slowly began to dissipate. He was still slightly worried, despite his trust in Ellen’s ability to handle the situation.

“That’s good to hear” He breathed and Edward laughed at him.

“If she needs us, she has my direct line and yours”

Marcus nodded and looked over at his shipment papers again. Something was wrong and he was trying to figure out what it could be. Normally the number’s from the previous and the present shipment would match up to the profits but it was off. Off by at least six hundred guns but they weren’t sold nor in stock.

“When is the next shipment coming?” Marcus asked. “There’s no date on this.”

“It should be Friday” Edward offered. “We should be prepared for the load. Ekon has cleared out the training room weapon racks and I’ve made space in the upper weapon level”

Marcus figured he’d have to see the shipment himself. He sighed the collection confirmation and handed it to Edward.

“Notify me once it’s here” He entrusted Edward to handle the rest.

“Aye, Aye” Edward agreed.