Dawn

Chapter Two

                       If only we could know the reason why they left

                         We'd smile and wipe away the tears that flow

                        And wait content.

                                                          ~Unknown

"She's a growing lady Lilian. She should know what's going on. We out of the blue stopped her from talking to David, she seserves to know what's happening. Do you think that keeping the reality away from her will protect her?"r

"What you don't know Jeff, doesnt kill you."

"Bullshit I say ! That's crap !! Arrant nonsense. What she doesnt know will kill her because if Dawn should know what's happening, she will understand our point of view and be smart on her own. You dont give her breathing space at all. Anytime she comes to you for clarification, you pysh her aside. That is not fair. Not fair at all Lilian. In case you didnt know, constantly pushing our daughter away, will lead her into the arms of the enemy. You will realize that you were only a stepping stone for the enemy. "He paused for a while before continuing, his voice lower than before. "Never in my entire life did i dream that a day would come... that my brother,  my own brother .. would be an enemy. But anyways Lilian, pacify the young mind. Explain everything to her, try not to yell at her. Be a mother for once Lilian."

"So i haven't been a mother all along?" She asked feeling hurt and not denying to show it.

"You know what I mean. You've been more over protective and non chalant towards our daughter and that is a fact. Take her favorite chocolates too. Just like you, the way to her heart is through something sweet." He said before resuming his focus to the laptop. Lilian stared at him for a while before taking out the chocolates from the fridge. 

"Has she stepped out?" Lilian asked the chief guard.

"No she hasnt. She's been inside ever since you left."he replied. She nodded and opened the door.

The room was very large, with her very own bathroom, air mattress, painted with pink and having that rose water scent. She placed the chocolates on the table.

"Dawn baby, where are you? I've gotten something for you." She said. There was no response but she heard the water rushing in the bathroom. She walked over to the door and knocked lightly on it.

"Dawn, I know you're very upset with me right now but i promise to tell you everything. " she said. Took a deep sigh and continued. "I'm not sure about David, but his father is not who you think he is. Your uncle... he killed your grandfather. I know how close you were to him that's why I never told you, and i have been trying to protect you. I love you so much. Your uncle does not have your best interest at heart  and that is why we decided to cut you off from David. David may not be like his father but we are taking precautions here to make sure you're safe. I'm sorry for being too harsh on you but believe me hon, i never intended to . I felt too responsible for you, too scared that one form of carelessness and I've lost you. Your uncle is back in town, back from jail, and with a whole different motive. He's a bomb right now and can explode anytime from now, until we are completely sure that the madness and chaos in the family, between the two brothers, has subsided, it's best you stay back." There was silence again. Lilian sighed, "i left something for you on the table. Take care baby. And anytime you're ready  to talk, I'm always around. "She said as she headed for the door, something didn't feel right.  She turned to look around the room, Dawn's slippers were beside her bed. 

"She wouldn't get into the bathroom without her slippers." Lilian said to herself. With a panic, Lilian hurried to the door and banged on it, before opening the door. The floor of the bathroom was flooded with water, there was no sign of Dawn. 

"Dawn !"she called out going towards the walk-in closet. She opened it and there was still no sign of Dawn. Then she found a note. 

I told you mom, i was going to meet David .  He's the only one who understands me at this point. Bye mom.

"where is Dawn?" Lilian asked the guard with already teared up eyes. When she saw the hesitation in his voice, she quickly ran off, out of the house. The guard who chased after hurried to Jeff.

"Her lady... she's run off sir " he said panting.

"What do you mean run off?"

"Dawn. She escaped. "

"Dawn? Escaped? Right under your noses? Which means that we can be robbed and killed right under your noses because you cant even do your job !" He said in anger as he picked up his mattress and took out the AK47 and pistol and car keys and taced downstairs.

"Get your boys following me immediately. I swear to God right now, if any harm comes to my wife or daughter, these very bullet meant for my brother will go flying through your daft skulls before getting into his." He said as he ignited the engine and sped off. Headlights on, eyes scanning for Lilian knowing she couldn't have gone far.

"What are you always thinking Lilian? Going out without back up or weapons, all alone you daft woman. Most times when i think i get too scared , your panic attack sends my blood pressure rising. I just pray you're alright. God, take control please. Total control. Keep that demon you pffered as a brother to me, and his son, keep them away from my girls. Please.. "he said to himself, hands gripping the steering wheel tighter and tighter. 

"Dawnnn... Dawwwnnnnn !!!!" She screamed as she walked throufh the quiet and large estate. She was tired of walking miles from home, knowing it was a foolish idea to leave home without help or Jeff's knowledge. No cell phone to contact him or anyone just then she saw car headlughts flashing from behind her, getting closer and closer almost knocking her off. She glared at the car immediately , she saw the car pull over just right beside her. She was ready, she wasnt ready... to fight off whoever it was because it seemed like hey came with trouble and the only trouble on her mind was finding her daughter.

"Don't f*cking stand there and stare at me lady. Get in the car ."Jeff's voice came off in a cold and angry tone as he pushed the door open for her. Some part of her felt a strong relief to see him there but she still had to act tough to avoid further questions and reprimanding from him knowing how wrong she was. Immediately she shut the door he drove off immediately. She guessedbhe knew better than to argue in a heated situation like that. The drive was long, both of their eyes , wide and seatching the streets for their daughter when the silence was broken by Jeff's phone ringing. Lilian picked up the phone and stared at the dialer in wide shock as she froze staring at it. Jeff knew better as he pulled over on thebhighway which they had finally reached and took the phone from her, not looking at the screen he placed the phone on his ear.

"What exactly do you want?"his voice came deeper and angrier and more deadly ,his soft gaze turned into a stone cold icy glare.

"Now now brother, chill out. Just wanted to know if what i heard was true? You know, your missing, beloved and precious daughter.  My my , kids do have a temper these days , man they need a break from all the drama of life. Don't you agree?" His voice came in a mocking tone laughinf into the caller.

"Don't play games here. Where is Dawn?!" His voice came more deeper, his clenched jaws more stronger ,his face colder and angrier, his face turning plane bit by bit.

"Ahhhh... i didnt say anything brother. But it seems like you know me so much,  you know my every move. Well, too bad I cant do what you want me to do. Burst your bubble and tell you your dear princess isnt with me when she's actually here... I mean... that would be lying and you've constantly preached against it. Right?"

"You haven't answered my question."

"Alright alright. Let's make a deal then. Come alone, no police, no f*cking guards, damn they make the job more difficult. Come down to the old construction site, the one our beloved father was handling, with five billion dollars."

"Are you crazy Francis ?! The company doesnt make so much money."

"Liessss.... anymore lies Jeffery and i blow the brains out ofnyour daughter. "He said with a deep chuckle."you got till the clock strikes 12. Of not...."there was a moment of silence till Jeffery broke it.

"Why should we believe that she's with you? For all we know..."

"For all you know she should be with my son. Now that's where the twist comes in. I have issues with my son, but not access to his social media accounts. I knew from the beginning that our children have been secretly talking, so i decided to plan this little get together. Knowing that unfortunately, you bred an even more stubborn child you could ever imagine and i made sure to play my cards well. Spoke to her under David's name, innocent and naive. Poor little thing. Didnt know she'd have a bag over her head and she'd be tied in captivity. She fell for it... too easy. "He said smiling and clicking the tip of his tongue against the roof of his mouth. 

"Don't. Waste. My. Time. Tic-toc... the clock is ticking. Make it 100 million dollars, if you wantbher to live." He said,hung up before either could protest. Lilian leaned into the chair shutting her eyes and squeezing her hands to avoid the fear growing in her deeply. At this point, she totally forgot how to pray. All she could do, was PANIC. Jeff held her hands, squeezing them tight.

"We'll get our girl." He whispered.

"Make sure we get her. No matter what Jeff, we lay down our lives for her. She can't be ruined. She needs to run the Empire. She has to Jeff. Francis cannot get his hands on anything. He'll destroy it. Destroy all your father worked for. Think about it. "Lilian said before looking away.

"If you start moving now, we can make it in time. "She said again before he began to drive, at a low speed this time, racking and thinking of how to arrange for so much money in the middle of the night.