I'll be There for You

Chapter 20: Always and Forever

"I don't know what you're talking about, man. I think you ought to let me go," Vincent said, holding up his hands. "I don't want any trouble."

"Oh, darling, don't play innocent with us," Kol called from the driver's seat. He adjusted the rearview mirror so that Vincent could see his wide, gleeful smile, which would make many people run like hell. "If you don't tell us what you know, we'll have to do this the hard way. Trust me, you don't want that."

"Vincent, if you know anything about where my baby is: Tell me!" Hayley demanded, pressing against the passenger seat and watching him.

Vincent shook his head. "I told you. I don't know anything."

"Fine," Elijah said and he pushed the car door open on Vincent's side before dangling Vincent's head close to the ground. "Tell me where your wife and Hope are or I will make your death the last thing I do before my retirement."

"I..." Vincent let out a scream when Kol sped toward a building.

"Time's almost up!" Kol shouted.

"I don't know where she is," Vincent shouted back. "She called me and I was trying to get her to tell me where she took Hope. I was going to bring her back to you. I swear to God, Hayley. I had no idea she would do this. I am so sorry!" Vincent's words came out so quickly that Hayley felt unsure of every other word she thought she heard.

Kol jerked the steering wheel and Hayley's back slammed into the passenger side door as Elijah pulled Vincent upright and slammed the door closed behind him. "Where would your wife ordinarily go? What does she like to do?"

Vincent frowned, his fingers pressed into his temples. "Let me think, man." He closed his eyes, shaking his head and then his eyes opened and he looked at Hayley. "She used to go to this little park. She..."

"Where?" Elijah demanded.

"By -" Vincent replied, his head falling. "I am so sorry."

"No, but you will be, darling," Kol replied with a grin.

Hayley felt like it took hours before they stopped at the park. Her heart pounded in her chest as she got out of the car and started to run when Elijah's arms came around her waist, stopping her. "Hayley, you do notwant to startle her."

"I want to rip her head off, Elijah," Hayley seethed. "I want her to feel how helpless and desperate I feel!" She turned to face him, her entire body full of adrenaline and a desire to kick Eva's ass from one side of the park to the other.

"Let me come with you. I can keep her calm. Keep her from doing something else stupid," Vincent called from the side of the car which Kol had him pinned to.

"I think you've proven that you cannot control your wife," Elijah retorted.

"No. Let him come," Hayley replied, nodding at Kol who released Vincent. "But if you do anything stupid, I will let these two take you to a quiet part of the city..." She watched Vincent straighten his jacket before walking ahead of them.

Elijah looked at Hayley who sucked in a deep breath before marching toward the park. She couldn't make out anyone until they were near the swing set. Hope loved the swings.

"Higher!" Hope cried and Hayley felt her heart beat faster at the sound of her little girl's happy tone. "Higher!" she cried, again with a giggle. Hayley saw Hope on a swing as Eva pushed her. The mad woman smiled like she did not have a care in the world and it was a sunny, Sunday afternoon.