THE DREADED LOVE

INTO THE PAST II

Julia's men had teamed up with Chris's men to head over to Pesco town for more inquiries about Merry. After that lunch she had with them, they were convinced that something was not adding up. Something was missing. Abel was not to be trusted at all. They went around the town asking for information that related to Bell Clarence, Merry. All the information they got was the same: 'Bell had traveled out of the town to a far away location'.

Bull, Jace, Cot, and some others were on the mission from Chris's team, while Derek, Benny, and Axe were from Julia's team. They were their most able, loyal, and strong men.

After a failed mission on day 1, they decided to rest up. While setting up their rest in a nearby bush, they noticed an old cabin was lit up. "Bull, I think we should check that place out". Derek suggested.

"What if it's dangerous?" Benny asked.

"Is there anything more dangerous than working for the people we work for?" Bull asked.

"Damn right. Let's check it out. Carefully". Benny said.

"That's the spirit". Derek said as they all headed towards the old cabin.

. She would be around in her mid-40s or 50s, as she seemed middle-aged.

They all decided to enter the house and ask questions.

They began knocking gently so as not to alarm the woman harshly. A while later, the door opened and the woman revealed herself, inviting them as if she was expecting them. Weird enough, the cabin looked small from the outside, but on the inside, it could fit at least fifty people.

"Hello, ma'am". Bull greeted. She nodded.

"I heard some men had been asking about Bell all day long. I was waiting for you". The middle-aged woman asked.

"Well, we are happy that you are warm to us". Cot said as the woman passed them herbal tea.

"You're welcome". She responded.

"So, ma'am, will we proceed to call you ma or would you kindly tell us your name". Derek asked, politely.

"Calm down big boy. I'll tell you everything you need to know. My name is not important to you". She said smiling.

"Alright, ma'am". Bull said. They all adjusted themselves as they began listening to the woman, keenly.

"It's been more than 35 years I've lived here. I'm from the other side of the town. I was married to this one. There used to be a little fashion shop owned by Mrs. Clarence, Bell's mother. Bell never went to school due to a lack of finance, so she helped in the store. Her mother was very talented and hard-working. Back then, she did all the women's hairstyles and the men's haircuts as well. She was into beauty as well. All the pretty ladies here then would go to her for nail designs and other things". She stopped as she began coughing. Axe rushed to give her some water, which she took.

"I'm sorry. I've been down with a fever for a while now". She said.

"It's alright mama". Jace said, patting her back gently. For men who didn't have a heart when it came to their missions, they sure did have a heart for the old lady.

"Thank You". She smiled and continued.

"As I said, Bell took after her mother. She was the replica of her mother. A younger version of her. Bell's father was an addict. He had been caught many times with hard drugs on these streets. Each time he got caught, his wife would use the little money she got from working to bail him out. He was also stealing her money and whenever she spoke out, he would beat her mercilessly, like she was a little child. Even little children would never be beaten like that. Oh, Harrison was a heartless man. He did things without thinking. Little Bell always tried her best to help her mother make ends meet. She didn't have time to play with the other kids, she was different from them all. She was a blessed child to her mother. She was very understanding". She added.

"We heard that her mother died, and shortly afterward, her uncle came and took her". Derek said.

"Well, my dear, her mother took a loan from a man who had been working for the same man her father worked for. Harrison first took a loan, which he couldn't pay up. He spent the money recklessly. He spent it on the house of w****s. It was a house filled with all kinds of women who were there to please anyone who came in sexually. He was lent the money with the idea of investing it and getting more returns but he did otherwise". She said, as she passed them freshly baked cookies.

"What about the mother?" Axe asked.

"She didn't know her husband took a loan. She took a loan too from that same man. He never informed her of her husband's loan. She took the loan to boost her shop as it was falling. After a few months, she had saved up enough money to cover the loan and even stand on her own properly, but one night, just one night, it crashed. Harrison, her husband, came back very drunk. He went into the store and dashed away with the money. He couldn't find it in the beginning. She had hidden it well. He took his daughter and threatened to throw her over that cliff". She pointed to the cliff behind her cabin, just a few yards away. "Out of fear of her daughter dying, she gave him all the money to save her daughter's life. After getting the money, he left the house. In the early morning hours, he was found dead. His killer was unknown. No one knew exactly what or who killed him, so we blamed it on the drugs he had been taking. There was no money to perform an autopsy. The funny thing was that we never saw his dead body. But we saw his grave". She said as she pointed towards the cemetery yard that was down the cliff.

"You mean, no one saw his body?" Jace asked, fazed.

"Yes Dear. The only thing we knew was that he was buried by morning with the inscription, 'Don't ever dig up or face the consequences'. Mr. Harrison Clarence, 32 years old". She told them as she read their minds.

"What about the women?" Cot asked.

"She lost all her savings by night and her husband by morning. What else would you expect? She was beyond downcast. A few days after her loss, the man came back for her. She pleaded with him to give her time regarding what had happened to her. She told him the truth about the money and her husband. This man didn't seem to have a heart at all. He wasn't ready to forgive or heed her cries at all. She ran away after a few days, leaving her daughter behind. By the time she was back for Bell, she was gone. The people told her she had been taken that noon by the same man. Bell was just less than 7 years ago when all this happened. Whatever you do, you must help this girl". The woman said.

"She's now working for a man". Bull said.

"I know. Abel". She said as she watched their faces go into shock.

She chuckled. "Abel, Abel Abel. She works for Abel. The same man who killed her father and threatened her mother. She doesn't know this". She said.

"Ma'am, how did you know?" Axe asked, still in terrible shock.

"How I know this does not concern you. I'm sure you know about Julia, Chris, Pax and let's not forget Michael. I will say no more about anything. Bring me Julia, Chris, and Michael. I've been waiting to see them. Leave tonight and come by morning". She said as she went into a room that supposedly was her bedroom.

Bull headed outside to make a quick phone call to Chris, to inform him of the situation at hand. As the woman had instructed them to come back and return by morning with him, Julia, and Michael.

Back at Raldo Estate, Chris, Michael, and the gang are on the lookout for Abel and his goons. Information has it that they had been patrolling the streets of Raldo Hills.

Meanwhile, at the big house, "Damn. I wonder how the boys are doing". Jayd said as he joined in on the others.

"I bet they got loads of information for us right now". Katie said.

"I can't wait to find out what is going on". Julia responded. Chris comes in as he is on the phone.

"What do you mean, you have to return early? You've been gone only for 24 hours". Chris said agitatedly.

"Boss, she instructed us to return tonight and resume tomorrow. Nothing should make us sleep over tonight. Boss, permission to return asap". Bull told an annoyed Chris over the phone.

"No. You will not return. Quickly drive out of town and sleep in a hotel. We will come to meet you there tomorrow morning. Text the address of the hotel and its name. Stay safe and vigilant. I'll send you some money right now". Chris answered as he picked up his phone and made the transaction asap.

"Alright boss, I've received it. It wasn't necessary. I could foot the bill sir, but thanks Boss". Bull answered, gratefully.

"There's no problem at all. Make sure you are alright. I'll call you by morning. Drop the address as soon as you check in". Chris replied.

"On it boss". Bull said as he ended the call. He went into the house and informed the others as they packed up their things and drove out of the town into a neighboring town to spend the night in a hotel.

A few hours later, they arrived in a bustling town and quickly looked for a hotel that they would check into for the night. Luckily, they found one after several hours of searching and driving around the town, to find a suitable hotel. They made their arrangements for a room. They initially would have stayed differently but decided to stay together for safety. While checking into their room, they notice the room at the end of the other hall was taken by no other than Abel. Bull instructs Jace and Benny to check it out.

"Was that Bull?" Julia asked worriedly. " Are they okay?" She added.

"He said an elderly lady had instructed them seriously to not sleep at Pesco, they headed to a neighboring town to lodge in. We are going to meet them in the morning. You, Michael, and I are going to meet them tomorrow morning. The lady requested our presence". Chris told Julia, while Michael looked surprisingly at him.

"Take a picture to make it last longer instead of staring creepily at me, Michael". Chris told him.

"I'm wondering why the instructions and who the f--k is this lady?" Michael said, fazed.

"Well, we'll find out in the morning". Chris said. "We should go to sleep if we want to be at Pesco early. I have a whole lot of bad feelings about this". Chris said as he left for his room.

"The earlier this sh-t is solved the better. I miss when we all just chilled and relaxed with not as many worries as there are now". Ivy said, looking very saddened and tired of this whole sh-t. She might not be involved, but she could see the stress her best friends have been through in the past few weeks, which has turned into months now. When will this end? She thought to herself as she sat down.

"Sugar pie, It's alright. We'll be fine". Michael said as he went over to her and hugged her.

"I know. We are always fine but this is too much. What exactly does Abel want from Julia and Chris? They are both the main target. First Abel appeared to them, then new students, and now a lady wants to see you three?" Ivy said, frustrated.

"Well, I guess tomorrow we will either find answers to our questions or become more confused". Michael said, looking at Julia, who was quite sad. It was obvious they were all tired, even if this was just the beginning of their journey.

Back at the hotel, Benny and Jace had returned to the others. "Bull, we overheard him saying that he was there on a business trip. He would be leaving for Raldo Hills by noon, to meet up with some people". Benny said.

"Well, our bosses will be here by morning. It's good timing". Bull said as he referred to Derek.

"No issues. I spoke to my boss, and she said they should be here by 9 am or before 8 am". Derek responded.

"Alright, that's good. Let's get set up". Bull said.

In the early hours of the next day. Chris had phoned Julia and Michael to get prepared for their impromptu journey.

"Well, I guess we are taking a little trip to Pesco town. How ya feeling?" Michael asked.

"Why aren't you... I don't know but why are you okay?" Julia asked, rolling her eyes.

"You see, I've always taken life to be cool. I treat everything as cool and that's how life is to me. We don't have to be sad over everything or confused or yunno whatever the feeling is. We gotta chill out and relax once in a while. It's called Chillax. The act of chilling and relaxing at the same time. You guys should try it too". Michael said as he held his hands with Julia and Chris, who seemed to have relaxed a bit.

"Well, not to mention, but I seem kinda chillaxed now". Julia said, adjusting her hair.

"Really, chillaxed? Well, for someone who doesn't appreciate school, he sure can form his dictionary". Chris said as he mocked Michael.

"Hahaha... really funny Chris". Michael replied.

"Okay, boys, this ain't no time for mockeries. We got to get on the road. We need to be there at least 7 am". Julia reminded the boys.

Not less than 30mins later, they were all packed and ready to drive out. Ivy, Katie, and Jayd came out and bade them bye as they drove out of the estate.

On the road, "Anyone got any idea of what we were expecting from this woman or elderly woman?" Michael said, breaking the silence.

"Well, I say we prepare ourselves for anything. the best and the worst". Chris said as he drove on.

"Yeah, your right. Let's keep an open mind. It's best if we just hope for the best, either negatively or positively". Julia added.

"Has Bull sent the address of the hotel?" Michael asked.

"yes. Gran Hotel, 16th Avenue. It is in the middle of the town". Chris answered.

"Well, Gran Hotel, here we come". Michael said.

Some hours later, they pulled into the premises of the hotel. As they stepped out of the car, Bull and Derek, who had been downstairs awaiting their arrival, immediately went to them and took out their properties. They had come with a little bag as they might spend some time at the hotel while they checked out things at Pesco. Chris, Julia, and Michael all headed to the registrar to make their payments but they had only two rooms left.

"I guess this is a very busy hotel. No other room left? not even a mini room or anything?" Michael asked.

"I'm sorry sir. We are full. The only available rooms are the two master's rooms, which are on the second floor of the upper grounds." The receptionist answered, politely.

"Upper ground? What's that?" Julia asked.

"Seems to me that you must be new". A young man answered Julia, as he winked at her. Obviously, he had mistaken her for a cheap slut.

"Yes, can I help you?". Julia answered.

"Apparently, you're the one who needs help". He said, as he trailed his fingertips on her arm, she brushed them off rudely and roughly. "Fiesty. I like it. Maybe come to my room and ...". before he could finish his statement, Chris gave him a heavy blow to the chin.

"Excuse you !!!" the man exclaimed shockingly.

"You are excused. You think she's a slut or what? Leave this premises before your chin gets any further damage that will get you into an appointment with your surgeon". Derek answered, coming closer to the man who seemed terrified by his height. He then noticed that Julia wasn't alone and had about four men who were all 6'1 to 6'5 tall towering over him as a signal to back off. He simply apologized and left the scene.

"Is this how you treat all your distinguished customers?" Julia asked the man over the counter.

"I am deeply sorry, ma'am. We'll make sure it will never repeat itself". The receptionist responded.

"It's alright. Chris, let me see that hand". She said as she gestured to Chris.

"It's fine. It was nothing at all. You would be worried about the fees that would be paid for his rat face". Chris answered her. She took his fists and rubbed them. They looked perfectly fine, more like nothing. It was as if he punched the air.

"So about the room". Michael reminded.

"Yes, the room. You mentioned something about the 2nd floor, upper grounds. What's that?". Julia asked.

"Yes ma'am. The upper floors are on the left side of the building. Where we are all standing right now is the ground floor. Over there is the upper floor. Your rooms are on the 2nd floor". The man explained as he pointed to his left side.

"Here are the keys", he said, handing them the keys.

"Thank you". Chris said.

"Well, I will stay in the rooms with the men. You and Julia can share the rooms". Michael said as he made his way out.

"Come here, you dummy". Chris drew him back. "Do you ever use your full brains?" He asked Michael.

"Well, there are three of us and there are two rooms left".

"I and Chris will take a room. You will take the other". Julia said as she left them.

"Oh..." Chris said, surprised. He had wanted them both to take the rooms while he stayed with the men, but cool.

As they made their way into their hall, Bull told Chris what they had encountered last night.

"You mean Abel is here right now? Would he be leaving at noon?" Chris asked to be sure of what he had heard.

"yes, boss. There's his room". Derek pointed towards the room Abel had been seen in earlier on.

"Well, good thing". Chris said.

"How's that good?" Julia asked.

"Yeah, how?" Michael repeated.

"Now we can keep a closer eye on him". Chris said, smiling.

Julia and Chris settled in, while Michael did the same in his room. His room was directly opposite theirs, while their men's room was just next to his. A while later, in Chris and Julia's room, "Why did you hit that guy?" Julia asked him. "I could have shut him up myself yunno". She added.

"Just think of it like a favor". Chris responded smiling.

"Really? A favor? Dummy". Julia answered as she blushed a little.

"Don't know why you are blushing" Chris said as he walked up to her. "I would forever protect you no matter what". He added as he held her cheeks while staring into her eyes as if he were searching for a sign.

"Chris...". She called out under her breath.

"It's a promise and I'm not breaking it". He added as he pecked her forehead and left the room, leaving her clueless as he left the room and entered the men's room. What the hell just happened? Julia thought about how he was able to make her speechless and feel fun in a good kind of way. She couldn't understand.

In the men's room, "Jace and Axe, you two keep a close eye on Abel. He's every movement. Take note of it". Chris instructed. "Bull, Benny, Derek, and Cot, you will come with us back to Pesco. You other two, stay here and watch Abel. As soon as he leaves this building, follow him. Don't lose him for any reason. Until we are back, you will both return. Let's move out now". Chris added as he told every one of the men their tasks. Immediately, Jace and Axe move out of the room down to the other hall and begin their work. Not long after, Abel came out of his room and they followed him unsuspectedly. Chris and the remaining six people, Julia included, drove out of the hotel and headed for Pesco town.

After what seems like 45 minutes, they arrive at Pesco town. They make their way into the exact woods where Bull and the other men had seen the elderly woman the night before. On getting there, the elderly woman stood right in front of her balcony, with arranged seats waiting for them. They parked and went to meet the woman.

"No. Only they should enter the cabin. Tell your guards or men to wait outside". The woman said, pointing to Chris, Julia, and Michael.

"Stay out here. Be very vigilant and careful". Chris said, ordering them to surround the house and check the area, as he went in with Julia and Michael.

In the house, "I've been waiting years for you three to come, especially after Bell was taken away by her so-called uncle. And Mr. Harrison's grave is over there". She said, pointing to the cliff. "I suppose you told your men to start digging.

"Well, start digging". Chris said as the men grabbed shovels from the floor there and went over the cliff to dig.

"By the way, I'm Beauty Clarence. Her Mother". She said.

"What?" They were all in shock as they looked at her in disbelief.

"But her mother is dead". Michael said.

"That's what I wanted Abel to believe. If not, he would never have left me alone. Yes, I owe him money but he killed my husband after he paid him off". She said as she began weeping.

"Ma'am, don't worry, we'll do what we can to keep your daughter safe. We just have to get her to open up deeply to us". Julia said as she got closer to the woman.

"Please, Abel is up to no good. Julia, he's a killer, a murderer with no feelings. I've known Abel more than any of you. I knew Abel, he killed Pax's father. Putting him in jail is useless. I want that man dead". She said as she wept bitterly.

"Pax's father was Mr. Robinson. Abel killed him trying to acquire Mr. Lair's wealth". she added, looking at Chris, who had his eyes open.

"By now you should have figured out what his motives are". She continued.

"My father?" Chris asked.

"Yes, your father. Before I had Bell or even got married or even any of you were born. Abel is way more dangerous than any of you can imagine. Now he's latched onto Mr. Sylvia's". She said as Julia turned in awe.

"Dad?" She said.

" Yes, your 'dad', too. Abel is on a mission to get back what he thinks is his, but he will not succeed". She said.

A few minutes later, Cot came knocking on the door, interrupting them.

"Sir, we are done. You need to see this". He said as they all followed him to the burial ground.

"What the h-ll is this?" Michael said.

"His corpse is missing? Or has it disintegrated already?" Julia said, confused, as they all looked into what was the casket of Mr. Harrison.

"I'm not surprised it's missing. Please, the sooner you stop Abel the better for us all". Mrs. Beauty said, leading them back to her cabin to continue their discussion.

After hours of discussion, the woman narrated to them everything she had told the boys the previous day. They were all in shock. They never knew much of this about Abel. She opened their eyes to see what they had never imagined.

A while later, Jace called Chris.

"Hello boss, no need to wait for us when you get back to the hotel. We traced Abel back to Raldo Hills". He said over the phone.

"Alright. Thanks for notifying me. Be careful". Chris responded as he ended the call.

"They are at Raldo Hills now", he said.

"Well, ma, what are your plans now? Abel is very dangerous". Michael said,

"You all are the only ones who know of this cabin here in the woods. The booby traps couldn't harm you because I turned them off as soon as I saw your men coming". Mrs. Beauty said as she showed them the Trap machines all over the house and around the compound.

"Wow, you seem okay then. We would have wanted you to follow us back home". Chris suggested.

"No son. Not now. Until Bell is safe, I want to stay hidden for now. Until my little Bell is safe please. I know she is working for Abel against you, but please don't harm my child". She said as she begged them.

"We had no plans for such. We never thought of it. I'm sure she will come back to her senses". Julia responded.

"Plus, we think what you said is better. Best you remain hidden, showing out would put Bell at risk". Chris said.

"Thank you my children. May you succeed in bringing that evil man down". She said as she saw them off into their vehicles and headed back to her cabin.

As they all drove back to the hotel, the drive was a silent one. Everyone was trying to process what and all the woman had said.

"I don't believe she's her mother. Anyone can be her mother". Julia said as they arrived at the hotel.

"That's why I got a DNA sample". Michael said raising the hair strands and cotton bud in a sample bag he held.

"How the f--k did you... When did you...". Chris asked, surprised.

"She narrated, you both were a good distraction as I did what I did". Michael said, smiling.

"Damn, I'm so happy". Julia said.

"Now we'll know if they match". Michael said.

"Yeah. When I meet with Merry again, I'll do well to get a good sample". Julia said as they headed into the hotel.

"Well, tomorrow is another day. We'll leave as early as possible. Tomorrow's school. Goodnight everyone". Chris said as he and Julia entered their rooms.

In their room, "Today has been overwhelming". Julia said.

"What do you think of our fathers?" Chris asked.

"Well, until we speak to them and do that DNA, I don't know what to think". Julia said as she went into the shower.

"Same here". Chris said.