In the open.

The house was completely empty when Louis returned. Marylynne was gone. And so was Alison. Louis didn't like the stench of smoke reeking from his clothes so he took a bath and got into his bed. He was exhausted.

He lay there , staring at the ceiling. In a few days, Roop would be free. She could come live with him or they could even get a place of their own if Marylynne objected.

He sighed.

Something weighed heavy on his chest. He didn't know why something was off.

" I should call mom. " He'd left his phone home just incase the police got involved.

He had several messages and calls from her. He decided to call her and find out what the matter was.

" Hello, Louis , " She was whispering," I've been trying to reach you for so long. Where have you been?"

" Don't worry about that. What's the matter?"

" Honey , we're in the hospital. " Her voice was shaky. She sounded like she'd been crying. " Some ruthless scumbags set fir to Alec's house. "

Louis' heart skipped a beat. He suddenly had goosebumps all over his arms.

" Wh...was...did anyone get hurt?" He tried to steady his voice. His mind was running wild with thoughts.

" Fre...Freya was seriously hurt. She's in a bad state." She lowered her voice even more. " Everyone's worried. But I'm worried about your sister. She's pregnant and she's been restless since last night. "

Louis was silent. He didn't know what to say.

" Is Gwen alright?" His conscious was getting to him.

" She's okay , Louis...what's wrong-" He hang up on her and called Dwayne. He didn't pick up.

What the hell was going on? He threw his phone to the side and grabbed his jacket.

He had to go meet Dwayne and ask him about this. They were supposed to set fire to Richard's house since he would be out of the country, right?

Then , then why was there a fire at Alec's house? Could it possibly be a coincidence ?

" Where is she?" Bain was more than angry. He was like a madman. " Where is she?"

Gwen tried to slow him down but he ran straight to the doctor.

" Sir, calm down ! You're in a hospital ! "

" Bain ! Calm down!" Gwen pulled him back and hugged him. " Calm down."

He was heaving and he fought back tears that were obviously fighting back.

" Gwenie...she's alright...right?"

Gwen didn't know how to answer him. She couldn't look him in the eye and tell him his bride was on the verge of dying.

" She's inside. You can go see her. " She stepped aside and let him through.

He took calculated steps and tried to calm his nerves. The smell of medicine filled his lungs and the bleeping of machines was everywhere.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw her. She was laying there. She looked so different. It's like he was looking at a completely different person all together. Her skin was unrecognizable. Almost like she'd melted. Part of her was covered in bandages but he could still see how hurt she was.

" Freya..." He didn't want to cry but his heart couldn't stop itself. He wanted to hold her hand but he was afraid he'd hurt her. All he could do was state at his bride-to-be.

" Sir , may I come in?"

Dwayne recognized Louis' voice and let him in. He was sprawled out on his master sofa with two barely clothed women by his side. Louis stopped at the door and looked away.

" Is this a bad time? I can come back later if that's okay with you?"

" No. It's a perfect time. " He kissed the woman on his left. " We can share...if you don't mind. "

His laughter only made Louis more anxious.

" Sir , I have a quick question." He didn't want to beat about the bush anymore.

" Was that really Richard's house that we set fire to? I mean , well , you said he'd be out of the country and the house would be empty. No one would get hurt...this was just a warning. Right?"

" You're right about one thing though , Richard's definitely out of the country. "

" What...what's that supposed to mean? " Louis didn't know whether he was mad at Dwyane for being a liar or at himself for being so stupid.

" Look , we had to send a message and Alec is Ryan favorite kid. The man loves him. And I knew you wouldn't be up for the task if I told you to set fire to your future brother-in-law's house. "

" So you lied to me?" Louis banged the door.

" If I were in your shoes right now , I'd choose my words wisely. You're Indian girlie is in the next room and I just don't know what could go wrong in the next few seconds. "

Louis' flames of rage were quickly doused. He couldn't let anything happen to Roop.

After all , what did he expect from a criminal like Dwayne ? He'd never felt so foolish before.

All he could do was shut the door like the coward he was , walk back home and act like it never happened. But to his surprise , he found a flushed Ryan standing right behind him.

His face was red with anger and was hungry for blood.