Jeanohntae was still in a daze. She was doing better than before, but it was still all so shocking. "Jean!?? Are you okay!??" Joseph called out to Jeanohntae.
Jeanohntae looked at Joseph and smiled. "I'm okay uncle Joseph. I just feel a little tired." She said calmly.
An hour had passed since Maelene showed up. The police and bodyguards were out searching the neighborhood, when officer Jay came up to them.
"Hello, Mr. Babauta. It's nice to see you again." Officer Jay said. He took a glance at Christian and Joseph before realizing that they were the famous Maddox father and son. "Hello, Mr. Maddox. It's a pleasure to see you guys again."
Joseph and Christian nodded. "Is there any news!??" Christian asked. Officer Jay looked at Jeanohntae and back at the father and son. "I think it's best if we talk somewhere else."
Joseph looked at Rudy and saw him nod. Rudy already knew that Joseph would tell him later. "You two go ahead, I'll stay here with Jean until it is safe." Joseph and Christian nodded and led officer Jay to Christian's office.
They sat on the couch when officer Jay started to explain what happened. Their faces looked stunned. Officer Jay was being very thorough in details about everything. He left nothing unsaid.
Two hours have passed and Jeanohntae was fast asleep on the couch. Christian and Joseph came down the stairs with officer Jay following behind. Rudy got up from the couch and walked over to them. "They just finished searching the place. However, Maelene and them are nowhere to be seen. They said it's safe for now but they think it might be best if we leave for a little while."
Christian nodded and looked at his father. Joseph nodded and Christian looked back at Rudy. "Uncle Rudy, I'll bring Jeanohntae up to the room." Christian walked to the couch and picked Jeanohntae up slowly. He steadily walked up the stairs, making sure he doesn't wake her up.
Joseph watched as Christian slowly left his sight. Officer shook Joseph and Rudy's hand. "I'll leave you two be. Have a good night. Joseph nodded and looked back at the stairs. He looked back at Rudy and sighed. "Let's sit down and have a talk.
"What did the officer say!??" Rudy asked before sitting down. Joseph was a little hesitant to speak, but he knew he needed to tell him. "My dear friend, Jean is safe for the time being. However, there is something bigger ahead of us."
Rudy looked at Joseph and stayed silent. He nodded softly giving Joseph a sign to continue. "Maelene has connections everywhere. The two men that shot Jeanohntae have been seen in your neighborhood. They are a part of a group or in other words, a gang called 'Phoenix Fire' and Maelene happens to be the boss's lover. That son of hers, Caleb Anderson. He is the son of Maelene and the boss, Kramer Anderson."
Joseph took a little breather giving Rudy time to process everything. "Maelene has never been one to make friends. She was usually a busy woman." Rudy said not wanting to believe anything. "She met Kramer at an event when she was at work before you got married. Apparently, those two had been in touch with each other for many years. However, one of their secret meet ups, Maelene did eventually get pregnant. She left to have her baby in a different city."
Joseph paused again giving Rudy some more time. "Shall I continue!??" Joseph asked worried for his dear friend. Rudy sighed and nodded. "As I was saying, this was all before you got married. However, for years later, Maelene was pregnant with Jean. It's been said that Kramer did not like that idea of Maelene having someone else's kid, and ordered her to abort. Maelene did not do so and Kramer threatened to take Caleb away. She then realized, Jean had been at fault. She blames Jean for ruining her life between her and Kramer."
Joseph stopped, wanting to end the conversation there. Rudy knew Joseph and more to stay and pleaded. "Joe, please continue. I know there is still more." Joseph was shocked that Rudy knew there was still more to the story. "Okay then." Joseph could not deny anything and decided to continue.
"For those years Maelene has been in the mental hospital, she still got visits from her son. Kramer and Caleb has been the ones tracking Jean for so long. As a matter of fact, Caleb even attended the same grade school as Jean. When Maelene escaped, she already knew we were tricking her. There was nothing we could have done differently."
Joseph sighed because the next thing he says is gonna be hard on himself. "She sent out two of her best people to get more information on our lives. The mother and daughter pair, which the fault lies on my behalf. Fast forward to the recent months, Maelene ordered those two men to eliminate Jean. Nikki and Nellie also got those same orders. I am so sorry."
Rudy stayed silent. News like this is something he has dreaded, but he would never have thought that Maelene would do such horrendous things. Time felt like it was moving slowly, Christian was settling Jeanohntae into bed and laid down beside her. The officers and bodyguards looked like they were all moving slowly in Rudy's head.
"Rudy. Rudy. RUDY!" Joseph snapped Rudy out of his thoughts. "Are you okay!??" Joseph was concerned for his friend. Rudy looked at Joseph in teary eyes. "Yeah I'm okay. It's just a lot to process." Rudy tried to smile while wiping his tears. Joseph already knew Rudy was trying to be strong for his daughter.
Christian stared at Jeanohntae sleeping silently. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, he wanted to be able to protect her and watch her every move. He was scared to see what Maelene had up her sleeves for Jeanohntae. He did not want to take anymore risks.
He pulled out his phone and messaged his father. "I think it would be a good idea to go to our vacation home. It'll keep Jean and Uncle Rudy safe." Christian sighed and looked at Jeanohntae. 'I'll protect you this time Jean. I promise.' He mumbled in silence.