Chapter 168

The interview was a smash. The city was on high alert, and Ghost’s name was on everyone lips. The few times Sabrina went out, it’s all she could hear anyone talk about. She couldn’t help but feel a little proud. Captain Whitlock received dozens of calls and tips. Many people said how they knew Denis, and how there was no way he could be Ghost.
Others said that they’re surprised they never saw the signs. Some offered clues and places that Denis used to frequent. He traipsed the city, following these clues. Most led to nothing. Just traces of an old that Ghost himself probably wouldn’t recognize. But there was one call…
“Um… hi. Is this Captain Whitlock?” It was hesitant man’s voice.
“Yes, how can I help you?”
“I’m calling about Denis Ratcliffe.”
Captain Whitlock received so many of these calls he was numb to them.
“Yes?”
“My name is Daniel. Daniel Ratcliffe. I’m his older brother.”
The captain practically spat out his coffee.
“How can I help you, sir?” he sat up in his chair, giving Daniel his full attention.
“I uh… I saw your interview. And I… I just… Our father was the original Ghost,” Daniel blurted out. “But Denis killed him a while back and became worse than him. I have proof of both of their crimes, and I am willing to testify against my brother when you capture him.”
“Mr. Ratcliffe, I’m going to place you in protective custody until that time. Ghost is very dangerous, and very intelligent. He may suspect that you’ll contact us.”
“No, he won’t. He thinks I’m dead.”
***
Emma worked around the clock, doing her best to meet the deadline. Time was running out and she wasn’t sure she would be able to do it. Stress read on her face. She never stopped, falling asleep in her chair. No amount of coaxing was able to get her to stop. Will found her, slumped over her nearly perfect blueprints and model. He took a peek at them and loved her design. He couldn’t have conceived of a better use of the land. But now, he needed Emma to rest. Tomorrow was the big day. The bid went open for the land. However, the landowners agreed to meet with Will first as a courtesy. But she needed to be rested.
He scooped her up out of her chair. Her body was a limp as a rag doll. A small whimper of protest escaped her lips.
“Work,” she groaned.
“Sleep,” Will answered and placed a kiss on her forehead. He brought her up to the room Sabrina had set up for them. The one she had yet to sleep in. He placed her on the bed, and she instantly turned to her side and curled up on herself and body sank into the mattress. Will looked at her for a while.
“You turned my world upside down. I hope you know that. From the moment you jumped in front of my car on that rainy night. Because of you, the man I was that night is long gone. I don’t know him anymore.”
He climbed in the bed and pulled her into him, her back to his front. There was always a sense of wonder when he held her. With her in his arms, he could escape into a different world. A world with no Ghost, no company, no dangers. He could pretend that he was a regular, with a happy normal family.
He kissed a spot in the crook of her neck, and a soft sigh came from her.
“I have to work,” she whined in her sleep.”
“Shhh,” he soothed, rubbing her hair. “Rest. Everything is going to be fine.”
Emma turned over to face him, awake.
“You’re supposed to be asleep,” he whispered, winding his arm around her back, pressing them closer.
“I can’t. I have to make sure everything is perfect.” Her voice with thick with exhaustion.
“It is perfect. Please rest.”
Emma’s hand found itself resting against his chest, feeling the tight muscles under his shirt.
“Mmm,” she hummed, trailing small circles on him with her finger. “How is your chest so perfect?”
“Perfect?” he chuckled. “You are delirious. I’m getting soft. I haven’t been able to work out for a while.”
“I think I’d like to watch you work out.” Emma snuggled into his chest.
“I wouldn’t be able to work out with you watching. We’d have to leave. Or else I’d take you right there.”
“Maybe that’s what I want,” Emma’s eyes closed, and she fell asleep.
Will smirked. And soon sleep found him, and they lay like that for the rest of the night.
***
They arrived in the city and decided that heading straight to Alex’s home was the best course of action for them.
“How much time do we have?” Jess asked as they ran out of baggage claim.
“Just enough to make an appearance, get questioned about it and then head over to the bidding,” Spencer answered, running alongside her. There was no denying that Sabrina and Emma would lay into them about keeping how much their relationship had progressed a secret. Jess was happy for the distraction of trying to save Stewart Industries. It would keep the heat off of them for the time being at least. It wasn’t that she wasn’t happy. But things had happened so fast, that even she was having a hard time keeping up.
“How bad do you think it’ll be?” Spencer asked as they ducked into his car.
“For me? Not that bad. For you?” she laughed. “Just be prepared. Those two are like vultures for spilled tea.”
“I look forward to it,” he smirked.
All the radio stations were filled with news about Will, Alex, and Ghost. The coverage was extensive and inescapable. They listened as they got closer to their destination, horrified at the details they learned.
“This Ghost guy is terrifying,” Jess shuddered.
“You never saw him?” Spencer asked. “You know… when they took you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe? Honestly, I’ve been trying so hard to block it all out. But… I don’t think I saw him. None of them scared me like that. I was afraid of the situation, but none of the men scared me. Does that make sense?”
“I think so,” Spencer said, reaching over and squeezing her hand. “We don’t have to talk about that anymore if you don’t want to.”
“I want to… eventually. I know I keep saying this… but when everything calms down and we can all start living our lives again, I think I should probably see someone. Emma too.”
“I think that would be good for both of you. But for now, I’ll do my best to keep those thoughts at bay.”
“By keeping me in a bed?” she wiggled her eyebrows.
“Is there any other way?”
Everything was moving slowly in the Rossi home. Adrenaline was the one breakfast menu, and everyone was jittery. It was too slow and too fast all at once. Emma has scolded Will for keeping her from work.
“You were slumped over on the table,” he defended himself.
“You should have left me there! There is still so much to do, and I only have a couple of hours!”
“Em,” Sabrina grabbed her by the shoulders. “Everything is perfect. The committee with love it.”
“Right,” Alex said, a sly smile on his face.
“What’s that face?” Emma asked him. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“What face?” Alex feigned innocence. “I was just agreeing with everyone that your design is perfect. Isn’t that right, Spencer?”
Emma gasped and looked towards the door.
“Spencer!” she called out and ran over to hug him. “You’re here! And Jess!” she embraced her friend before she realized what was going on.
“Together?” Sabrina crossed her arms over her chest. “Spencer… weren’t you in Italy?”
“We’ll have plenty of time to talk all about that later,” Spencer derailed the conversation. “From what I understand, there isn’t much time to waste. Let’s take a peek at that design, and then let’s get going right?”
“Uh huh,” Emma and Sabrina said in unison.
“You won’t get away with this for long,” Sabrina warned.
“Mmmhmmmm,” Emma added. “But for now, you’re off the hook. Come on,” she pushed him towards the design, and they got to work.
Will wanted to thank Spencer for his generosity. Emma had told him that Spencer did not hesitate to say yes when she had asked for his help. But Will didn’t get a chance to speak to him. Before they even knew it, it was time to get ready to go. It was like marching off to war. Enemies would surround them, the worst of them waiting in the shadows to attack.