the song for this chapter is "run," by elio lio :) I highly suggest listening to it while reading! okay, enjoy!

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where the wild ones run,

with the setting sun

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Tate

    I was so engulfed in my book that I honestly had forgotten that Abel was still on the phone until I suddenly heard him speak, startling me a bit.

  "Tate?"

 I nearly dropped my book as he snapped me out of the daze I was in. I fumbled around for the phone until eventually, I grabbed it. 

   "Hey!" I called back.

 "Hey! We just got to your uncle's house. They haven't left yet, so we are going to go ahead and get into position and make sure we have everything while we wait. Are you still good?" he asked.

   "I'm great! I'm still reading! It's helping to pass the time! How are you all?" I ask, laughing a bit in the end as I replied like this was just a normal conversation.

    "We're good. It's just Niall and me in the car, Harry and Will are in the other car. He has texted me at least ten times so far to make sure you are okay," he chuckled, and I smiled at his response.

   I thought it was so sweet that Harry was thinking about me, I just hoped it didn't interfere with his concentration so that they were able to get in and out as quickly as they had planned. I didn't want to give Will another reason to doubt Harry's ability to balance both me and his work life, and I certainly didn't want to cause the mission to take longer, and possibly endanger my family. 

    "Oh gosh, I'm sorry. Will you let me know when they leave? The phone is on speakerphone right next to me, I'll just be reading," I replied, already peering back down at the book, trying to find my place.

    "Yes, I will. And again, if you need anything, let me know. Oh, Harry says to ask if you have the knife or the gun with you?"

   It took me a second to process his question, as it was one that I never thought I would be asked. Once I recovered, I opened my mouth to reply. 

   "Yes, they are both under the bed," I replied, leaning over the side of the mattress to peer underneath it, confirming that they were in fact where I had left them. And they were, the pistol and the knife laying there, looking daunting as ever, only this time, they were left for me to use, not to be used against me, so I guess that's progress.

      "Okay, good. Talk to you in a bit, Tate," Abel called back and soon I heard him placing the phone down, beginning to type again.

   I took that as my cue to keep reading, scanning the page I was on for a bit until I eventually found where I had left off. 

  I could have gone downstairs to watch TV or something, but I honestly much preferred reading. Not only did I find it relaxing, but it also meant less noise, so that I could be extra alert. 

   Abel had impeccable taste in books, and I was glad that he had been the one to pick mine out. I had always preferred real books as opposed to reading on a screen. I would do it if I didn't have time to run to the bookstore, but there was just something about actually holding the book in your hand that made it so much better. You could actually just focus on the book, and not on whatever device you were on. 

    I had finished the first book Abel had gotten me, and I started this one today. I was already around one fourth through with the book, and I wouldn't doubt if I finished it today. My mother used to have to let me use her library card, as well as my own so that I could get enough books. She still does sometimes, if I am having an especially slow week. 

     My heart momentarily lurched as I thought not only about my favorite little library, but also my mother. But I couldn't allow myself to give in to those thoughts right now. Especially not with Abel on the phone, I don't want him to hear me cry or something and tell Harry and have everyone freak out. I needed to keep it together.

    And so I did. 

   I focused back on my book and kept reading for another twenty minutes or so before I heard some noise coming from the phone.

   "Abel?" I called out, putting my finger on the page I was reading so that I wouldn't lose my place this time.

    "Shit. Hang on. I dropped the phone," I heard him call through the phone, making me laugh a bit as I heard him rummaging around.

   "Okay, hey, can you hear me?" he asked.

  I laughed. "Yes, I can hear you. What's up?"

    "Good, so they just left. Harry and Will are about to go in. I'm monitoring the security cameras for here, as well as the possible streets they could go down. I have a good view of everything. Just checking in to let you know that they are about to go in," he replied.

   I let out a shaky breath and reminded myself of what I had told Harry last night. There was no point in worrying, it was out of my control.

   "Okay," I breathed out once more, regaining my composure. "Just keep me updated, please."

    "I will, I promise. You too, talk to you in a bit," he replied.

   "Talk to you later," I sighed, setting the phone back down and continuing to read my book.

    Any time I heard even the faintest of sounds coming from the phone, I perked up. It took me about ten minutes just to finish one page because no matter how hard I tried to focus, my mind kept drifting back to how the mission was going. 

   Hopefully, the journal would be in plain sight as it had been the last time I had seen it, that way they didn't have to stay super long. I couldn't stop thinking about pointless "what if's" as I tried my hardest to do anything but.

    I read for the next thirty minutes and was beginning to grow anxious. I mean, I guess it was silly of me to think that my uncle hadn't moved that journal from his desk since I was a child, but the more time that passed, the more difficult it became to remain calm.

   I knew that as soon as Abel knew anything, he would tell me. And I certainly didn't want to distract him and cause him to miss something on the security footage, so I just stayed silent. 

   I was quite cold, so I got up and walked over to the dresser, unzipping my bag and pulling out a jumper to slip over my t-shirt, adjusting the waistband of my shorts, and tugging the jumper down over my legs. 

  I was about to walk back over to the bed when I paused in front of the window. I felt myself freeze as I watched a man jogging slowly past the house. A hoodie pulled over his head, just like the other two times. 

     I quickly went back over to the bed and picked up the phone.

 "Hey, Abel," I called out hesitantly.

    "Yeah? What's up?"

    "Um, are there any houses near this place?" I asked.

  "Yeah, there are a few, why?" he replied, sounding confused.

   I stood up, unplugging the phone, and taking it with me over to the window.

     I looked out the window for the man, but he was gone.

 "Tate?" Abel called out.

    "I just. It's probably nothing, but I've seen this guy jogging past the house at least three times now, I just saw him, but he's gone. I just didn't know how isolated this place was," I sighed, trying to remain calm.

    "Hmm. Well, as I said, there are other residences nearby, so it wouldn't be that out of the ordinary to see someone every once in a while. But, just keep me posted, if you don't feel safe, all you have to do is tell me and I can let the other boys know," he replied, and I felt a little bit of relief.

    "Okay, I will. Don't tell Harry about it yet though, I don't want to distract him unless there is actually something to be worried about," I answered.

    "Okay, I won't. But please, keep me updated," he answered sincerely.

    "I will, thank you."

     "Of course, I'm here if you need anything!" he called back.

   "Hey! I'm here too!" I heard Niall calling through the phone, causing me to laugh and feel a bit better.

   "Hi, Niall!" I chuckled.

      "Hey, Tate!" he answered, and I could practically see the grin on his face. 

   "Thank you both for everything, I'll let you know if anything happens!" I chirped, and they both said their replies. 

    I went back over to the bed and sat down. I really hoped Abel wouldn't tell Harry right now. I know that if he even thought that something was wrong, he would abandon everything and come back to check on me. And not only would that confirm Will's doubts that Harry could manage both me and his work, but it would put stress on the mission as a whole. I knew they only had a certain amount of time to crack this software, and I knew Whit and Grayson would not be pleased if I cried wolf and caused their plans to be set back even further.

   I froze in my spot when I heard a noise downstairs.

   "Abel," I whispered, my voice wavering as I spoke, no matter how hard I tried to keep it steady.

   "Yes?" He answered, quite loudly, causing me to take the phone off speakerphone and press it to my ear, shushing him gently.

   "I hear something downstairs," I continued.

    "Fuck. What does it sound like? The air conditioning maybe?" he asked hopefully, but I could tell that he didn't think that was the real culprit of the noise.

    The noises began to grow louder, it sounded like someone was pounding the front door.

  "Um. I don't think so," I laughed nervously, although there was absolutely nothing funny about the matter. 

   "Okay, Tate. Do not hang up the phone with me. Get the gun and the knife," he instructed.

   My legs were shaking as I stood, only to bend down and grab the weapons from underneath the bed with an unsteady hand. 

    Suddenly, I heard the front door opening, the heavy wooden door creaking, the sound echoing throughout the house as it did so.

  "Abel, someone is here," I hissed into the phone, my breathing becoming erratic.

   "Okay, turn the safety to the gun off. You can't go downstairs. Best case scenario, they do a quick sweep of the downstairs area, worst case, he comes upstairs. But you have a gun and a knife," he whispered back into the phone, his own voice wavering as he spoke.

    It was silent for a few moments before I heard their voice.

   "Where are you hiding, beautiful? I know you're in here!" His deep voice called throughout the house, sending chills up and down my spine. 

    "I'll check the downstairs, you two check the upstairs area," I heard his voice command, his words making me want to throw up.

  "Abel...he's not alone. There are three of them," I whimpered into the phone.

   "Fuck," I heard Niall speak in the background.

    "I...I...shit. Okay, try and remain as calm as you can, I know that's asking a lot, and that you are scared, but you will be able to shoot more accurately if you have some sort of control," Abel spoke as confidently as he could manage, but he couldn't hide the fear in his own voice, even if he wanted to. 

   "Okay," I whispered back, flipping the safety off on the gun. 

    "Come on, Tate, we know you're in here! You can't hide forever!" A different voice called out.

 "Abel, they know my name," I gasped quietly into the phone. Whoever was in this house, they weren't after any of the other boys, or to steal anything, they were here for me. 

  "Shit, Niall, do you think this is Quinton?" He asked.

   "I don't know...maybe. Whit said to be on high alert, a lot of threats were coming in," Niall replied shakily.

   I began to hear footsteps coming up the staircase, and as much as I wanted to cower in a corner and cry, I forced myself not to. This was no time for tears. I needed to focus. These people didn't care if I was afraid, or if they hurt me, and I had to be ready to hurt them.

  "Abel, I need to put the phone in my pocket. They are coming upstairs. I need to be able to shoot," I spoke calmly and quietly into the phone.

     "Okay, Tate. I am contacting Harry now, we are leaving as soon as possible. We will be back as fast as we can, I don't care how much we have to fucking speed, we are coming to get you," he replied, and I swear I heard his voice crack a few times.

   "Thank you, wish me luck," I sighed into the phone.

   "Good luck Tate," Abel replied.

   "You got this, Tate," Niall chimed in, although both of them sounded completely hopeless.

  I decided not to let that affect me though. No matter what the outcome of this was, I knew that I didn't want to go down without a fight. 

   I slid the knife into the front pocket of my shorts, hearing it clatter against the phone, and then cocked the gun, bringing it up into the position that Harry had taught me, my grip steady.

   I slowly made my way to the side of the door, that way, if they came in, I would be concealed behind it, potentially giving me the upper hand. 

   I heard muffled voices and faint footsteps upstairs, but I refused to break right now. I kept my breathing as steady as I could, preparing myself for what was to come.

   After a few minutes, the footsteps began to grow louder, and eventually, I saw the doorknob begin to twist.

   The door creaked open and came towards me, stopping only a few inches in front of my face. 

   A man dressed in all black, with a ski mask pulled over his head entered the room. His eyes scanned the room for a moment, and he took a few steps further inside. I placed my finger on the trigger, getting ready.

    After a few moments, he was in a perfect position for me to strike. I aimed the gun for his knees, took in one final breath, and pulled the trigger. 

   The force of the gun shoved my shoulder backward, and time seemed to slow as the bullet flew through the air, before connecting with the masked man's left knee cap.

  "Fuck!" He screamed out in pain, dropping to the ground and clutching his leg in agony, blood beginning to flow out of the wound. 

     I pushed the door back and revealed myself, my grip on the gun still steady as I kept it aimed at the man lying on the floor. I didn't take my eyes off of him as I went around him, before turning out of my room and running downstairs.

   "I'm down! She's making a run for it!' The man screamed, anger and anguish filling his voice. 

 My feet clattered down the stairs, carrying me towards the front door. I could hear footsteps thumping around inside, no doubt coming after me. 

   One of the other men appeared at the end of the stairs, trying to block my path, and as if it were a reflex, I slipped the knife out of my pocket, flicking it open, and as soon as I was close enough, I jammed it into his shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain. I distracted him long enough that I could get past him.

   He ripped the knife out of his shoulder and threw it to the ground, but I was soon out the front door, and my legs began to move at a speed that I didn't know that they were capable of. The gun remained in my hand as I pumped my arms and legs up and down, propelling myself as far away from the house as possible.

   "Don't just stand there! Go the fuck after her!" I heard one of them scream. 

 I hadn't felt this much adrenaline coursing through my veins since this whole thing started, and I used to try and get away from Harry. But now, it was doubled. At least with Harry, I knew he needed me alive, but with these people, I had no idea what there intentions were for me, and I didn't plan on sticking around to find out. 

   I kicked up the dirt underneath my feet as I ran, going down the long driveway and onto the trail, running through the trees, not stopping to look back and see how far behind me they were. I just needed to get away from here.

    I was nearly at the end of the trail, which would take me to a paved road, which, if I ran far enough, would eventually lead me into a more populated area. 

   I was so close, the light was at the end of the tunnel, and I had nearly reached it. I felt hope begin to arise within me as I continued to sprint, my legs feeling as though they weighed nothing as I ran as fast as I could.

      Suddenly, at the end of the trail, a figure appeared, and I felt my newfound hope slowly begin to shatter. 

       I skidded to a stop, pivoting around to run the other way when I saw the two other men approaching the trail. 

   I panicked for a moment, but then remembered the gun in my hands. I pulled it up and cocked it, aiming it straight ahead, and slowly bringing my arms back and forth, panning the gun across me at both of my targets.

   The man that was at the end of the trail chuckled darkly and stepped into the light. He had a grey hoodie on, and a ski mask covering his face underneath. 

 "I have to say, we weren't expecting you to be armed, and we certainly weren't expecting you to know how to shoot, but do you really think that we came here empty-handed as well?" he laughed, and suddenly I heard the familiar clicking of a gun. I peered out of the corner of my eye and saw him aiming a similar handgun to my own at me.

  "Trust me, sweetheart, you may have gotten a lucky shot before, but it won't happen again," he spoke menacingly.

   I soon heard panting breaths and looked to my other side to see the other two men, and they quickly pulled out their own guns, aiming them at me as well.

  It was safe to say I was outnumbered. 

   But then I remembered that Abel and Niall were still on the phone, and I had an idea.

 "Are you so much of a coward that you can't show your face? I know you've been jogging past the house for the last few days," I spoke cooly, turning my attention to the man in the grey hoodie.

    He laughed and tilted his head back for a moment, before returning his gaze to me.

 "Aw, you don't recognize my voice? I'm truly hurt! I thought we had some sort of connection the other day!" He spoke, clutching his chest in mock offense, and that's when the pieces began to click.

    "The man from the market! I bumped into you!" I spoke loudly, praying that Abel and Niall were listening.

   "Wow! Pretty and smart! Look at you!" He teased.

   "Wow! Arrogant, and a total fucking prick!" I shot back, feeling bolder than I would have guessed in a circumstance like this.

  "You're feisty, I like that. But, enough with the games, Tate. Give me the gun, or I'll put a fucking bullet in your leg, just like you did to one of my men," he replied, his tone icy. 

   I knew better than to test him further. I was outnumbered, and they were far more experienced with a gun than I was. So, I listened, and I dropped the gun to the ground, kicking it over to him. 

  He crouched down and picked it up, flipping the safety back on, before stuffing it in his back pocket.     

   He then made his way over to me and nudged my shoulder with the barrel of the gun. 

  "Empty your pockets," he demanded, and I rolled my eyes.

    I begrudgingly took the phone out of my pocket and put it in his hand.

 He shot me a satisfied smirk, and it took every ounce of common sense I had not to smack the smug expression right off of his masked face.

    He threw the phone on the ground a few feet away from us, before aiming the gun at it and pulling the trigger.

   The sound made me jump, and I watched as the phone shattered into a million pieces as the bullet made contact with it. 

    He then turned back to me. "Alright, dollface, let's get a move on, shall we?" 

    He then looked at the two men behind me. "You two, go get Tom. I'll take her and wait in the car," he instructed, and they both nodded their heads before taking off back towards the house. 

   I crossed my arms and stare up at him defiantly, putting on my best poker face. I wanted to try as hard as I could to not let them see me break, even though on the inside, I was shaking.

    "Where to?" I asked, trying to sound bored.

 He chuckled at me. "You're funny, I like you. Right this way, doll," he answered, getting behind me and grabbing my shoulder with his right arm and using his left to keep the barrel of the gun firmly jammed into my back as he directed me to a vehicle parked a little further down the road.

    I managed to keep all of my tears in, for now, I tried to make myself feel as numb as I could, my only hope resting upon Niall and Abel catching the clues that I had tried to give them.

    And as for Harry, I didn't know what to expect.

    All I knew was that if Niall and Abel understood what I was trying to tell them, and Harry and the rest of them found me, not one of these men would be walking out alive.

   But if they didn't pick up on it, then I wasn't sure if I would be walking out alive.

AN: WOW! THIS WAS SO INTENSE! PLZ DON'T HATE ME HAHAHAHAHA! WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK WILL HAPPEN? HARRY IS GOING TO SHIT A BRICK THAT'S FOR SURE! ILY ALL SM AND I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER! PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT AND PLEASE ALWAYS FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS STORY WITH ANYONE WHOM YOU THINK MIGHT ENJOY IT! I WILL SEE YOU SOON! xx