Chapter Fifteen

For reasons that made no sense to her, he hadn't tied her hands. She reached up and pulled off the blindfold, only to find herself in a dark box inside a van.

Of course, she thought, knowing that if she had been less exhausted she would have found the situation humorous. He hadn't tied her hands because once she was in the van it hadn't mattered if she had removed the blindfold. There was nothing for her to see.

Very slick, she thought as she crawled to the end of the van and stepped down. She looked around and realized they weren't at her father's house yet. They were just on a lonely road.

"is something wrong?" she asked. Obviously confused.

"It's okay for you to come sit inside now" he said. "We are away from the safe house now"

She nodded and followed him into the car after he closed the bank of the van again.

"I wasn't going to tell anyone about your precious little safe house.. You know" Kimberly said after they got in and he started the van again.

"Sorry... I Can't take any chances, princess" he said without looking at her.

"Stop calling me that" she snapped at him.

He did look at her then. "Well if you hate it so much, Make me stop" he said. His eyes daring her.

Kimberly frowned at him. "You know what... Screw you.. I'm just glad I'm going to be away from you real soon. I honestly can't wait" she said.

He didn't say anything. Just grinned and drove off and Kimberly wished she had something to throw at his arrogant head.

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When Kimberly and Asher arrived, Hillary was in the living room with his friend, Christopher. Christopher Keane had stayed close to his friend throughout this terrible ordeal. Encouraging him and ensuring him that his daughter would be safe, and Hillary was entirely grateful to him... And he never failed to express his gratitude. What could he have done without him by his side.

Hillary could barely contain his joy when Kimberly walked into the house, accompanied by Asher. Kimberly and her father hugged each other tightly. It was Kimberly who eventually let go.

"I'm so sorry, pumpkin" Hillary said, close to tears. "I'm so sorry"

Kimberly stared at him, confusion on her face. "Sorry for what, Dad?" she asked.

"I should have protected you" Hillary said. "I have no idea what kind of hell you must have been through these past few days...I am so sorry I couldn't get you out sooner"

"Oh dad" Kimberly said, hugging him again. "There is nothing to be sorry about. It wasn't your fault and you couldn't have known... But still, you got me out, Dad. Please don't be so hard on yourself"

Hillary nodded. "I couldn't call the police earlier because I didn't want to put you on more danger. But as soon as Mr Adams called and said that he had you, I called the police."

Kimberly turned to look at Asher who stood in the middle of the room. His face showing no emotion.

"They have started investigations." Hillary continued. "They will want to talk to you, but that will be after you have eaten and rested properly. Who knows what you must have gone through in the hands of those hoodlums." he said. "I want whoever did this to you found real soon. And I want them to pay for what they have done"

Kimberly shook her head. "I really want to put this behind me, dad" she said. "I'm here now. I'm safe. Shouldn't we just forget about the whole thing?"

"Hell no" Hillary said. "I want them found"

Kimberly closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, knowing it would be a waste of time to try and change his mind. It was obvious that he had set his mind on it.

Christopher Keane walked toward her. "Kim" he said. "I can't tell you how happy I am to see that you are back.. And safe.. We have all been worried sick. Welcome back, dear"

Kimberly nodded. "Thank you, Christopher" she said.

"I know it's not my business but I agree with your father," Christopher continued. "He's is right. The people who did this to you must be found. And they must pay for doing this to you. And too discourage others from having similar ideas"

Hillary nodded in agreement.

"Fine" Kimberly said. "I can't argue with you guys, I know that. Where is Phoebe?" she asked.

"She's fine" Hillary replied. "She has been staying here since it happened, actually. She has been worried sick and scared too. Just like the rest of us. She went out to get some stuff to prepare for you to eat. She wanted to do it herself. She has been eager to see you since we heard the news that you have been rescued "

Kimberly smiled. Phoebe was being who she was. Kind and thoughtful.

"You should go upstairs and get some rest, dear" Christopher said. "You look like you need it"

"I do, honestly" Kimberly agreed. She turned to Asher, who was still standing where he was. Her eyes collided with his immediately. Apparently he had been staring at her. She was grateful for his help. Without him, who knew what would have happened to her. She wouldn't see him again...and that thought made her a little bit sad.

She mouthed a "Bye" to him, which he acknowledged with a single nod. And then she turned and walked up the stairs to her room.

After she left, Christopher turned to Asher. "So you are the private investigator Hillary hired. You are very good at what you do. I have to say, I can't thank you enough for what you did... You saved Kimberly's life"

"Just doing my job" Asher said simply.

"Christopher Keane. Pleasure to meet you"

"Pleasure meeting you too" Asher replied and shook Christopher's hand.

"Well, Asher and I have a lot to discuss" Hillary said.

"Sure" Christopher said. "I will be leaving now anyways. I feel much better now, knowing that Kimberly is safe"

After Christopher left, Hillary and Asher went to Hillary's office where they talked for a while about the case and Hillary paid Asher the remaining half of his money.