"It was slipped under your door?" Detective Nelson asked a day later.

"Y-Yes," Blaine stuttered, staring at his folded hands on his lap. His anxiety was reaching a high that left his hands shaking.

"No name?" Detective Nelson continued. He stared at the crumpled piece of paper on the desk between them.

"It was just in the envelope," Blaine confirmed. "I walked in the door from work and nearly stepped on it. I didnt open it at first, because I was afraid it would be something like this. I was scared, but it drove me crazy, so I eventually opened it. I called my husband as soon as I read it and we booked a flight right away."

"Why didnt you take it to the police station there?" Detective Nelson asked.

Hesitating, Blaine looked into his eyes and said, "Youve been handling our case. I thought you should see it for yourself."

"It never occurred to you that the author of this note could be in New York? How else did the envelope get under your door?" Detective Nelson raised an eyebrow.

"I guess I didnt think about that," Blaine said truthfully. He bit his lip nervously and asked, "Do you think the kidnapper is in New York?"

Shrugging, Detective Nelson said, "Im not sure what to think. Either hes in New York, had someone deliver the message for him, or he fled back here last night."

"Why would he come here?" Blaine raised an eyebrow. "He wouldnt go all the way to New York to put a note under my door."

Detective Nelson stared at him with a stony expression on his face.

Blaines jaw dropped, "You dont honestly still think I had something to do with this, do you?"

"Mr. Anderson, I dont know what to think. You were there when Annabelle disappeared. You stayed here when your husband left town. You fled Ohio weeks into the investigation. A note shows up when youre the one that came home to find it. Instead of turning it into the police there, you came here. Its suspicious," the Detective said firmly.

"I didnt do anything! Shes my daughter. If I had harmed her, why would I come to you and have my cover blown that easily?" Blaine raised his voice in anger. "Why would I leave a note threatening myself with money I could never get ahold of?"

"Im not saying you did do it. First and foremost, you are the parent, and you may just be concerned for your child. Im just saying that circumstances are suspicious. I have my doubts, but I cant arrest you on instinct. I have no evidence," Detrctive Nelson shook his head. Leaning over the desk, he added, "Ive see a lot of situations where parents eliminate their child and try to cover it up with a disappearance. Until I have proof that this isnt one of those situations, Im not convinced."

"Great," Blaine ran a hand through his hair. He felt nauseous.

"Im on Annabelles side. Its my job to find her. Until I know more, youre in the clear. Ill do my best to investigate this note, but I have my eye on you, its my job to consider every option," Detective Nelson warned.

"Okay," Blaine said weakly.

"But now my question is: What are you and Mr. Hummel going to do about this note?" Detective Nelson waved the note in front of him.

Unsure of his answer, Blaine replied, "I guess all we can do is try to come up with the money. But we don!t know how to get it to the person."

"If they want their money, theyll find a way to contact you," Detective Nelson told him. "Just be on the lookout for any other information."

"Yes sir," Blaine replied.

Detective Nelson came around the desk and held out a hand, "Ill be in touch, Mr. Anderson. Thank you for your time."

Shaking his hand, Blaine said, "Thank you."

Heading back into the lobby, where Kurt sat on a bench, Blaine knew he couldnt tell Kurt what had happened. He already had so much on his plate.

Kurt rose from the bench and embraced him. "Hey, are you okay? You look so pale."

"Im fine," Blaine mumbled.

"Do you want to go home? Its been a long couple of days," Kurt cupped his cheek, stroking his skin with his thumb.

"No," Blaine replied. "I just... I think I just need to clear my head. Get out for a while."

"Okay," Kurt said slowly. "Take all the time you need. Ill be at the house trying to come up with a plan." He kissed Blaine and said, "Everythings gonna be fine."

"Ill see you later," Blaine said, before heading out of the police station. He got into the car he borrowed from his mom and drove, unsure of where he was going.

When he pulled up in front of the bar, Blaine stared at the entrance with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He knew he was making the mistake by going in there, but he so desperately needed to escape from reality...

Sighing, he climbed out of the car and slowly walked toward the building. He sat at his usual seat and ordered his first beer.

Belle consumed every thought he had. He ached for her so much that he felt like he could barely breathe. Knowing that she was out there, somewhere, gave him the endless desire to hold her and tell her how sorry he was for not protecting her.

"Hey, youre back in town!" Daves voice rang in Blaines ear, pulling him from his thoughts, causing him to slip beer down the front of his shirt.

"Oh, yeah, I am," Blaine took a swig from his bottle to cover up his mistake. "Dont think Im leaving either."

"Thats good news," Dave said. "Who needs the big city anyway, huh?"

"Thats what Im starting to wonder," Blaine replied. He still had the urge to settle in Ohio until Belle was found. Sure, someone involved had been in New York and had known where they lived but that didnt mean Belle was there.

Did it?

"Whats got you down," Dave bumped him with his elbow. "You dont seem any happier since the last time I saw you. Still cant find your daughter?"

Shaking his head, Blaine turned to face him, "nope. They want a large sum of money for her and I cant afford it."

"Woah. That sucks," Dave frowned. "Is there anything the police can do to help you?"

Blaine shrugged, "I doubt it. We have to come up with the money. All they can do is investigate the situation. Thats all they have been doing and its gotten us nowhere."

Clapping a hand on his shoulder, Dave said, "These things take time. Theyll figure it out."

"I hope so," Blaine mumbled.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Dave asked.

"Not unless you can come up with five hundred thousand dollars," Blaine finished his beer. "Otherwise I dont think theres anything you can do."

"I cant come up with that much but I can do this," Dave reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He fumbled through his cash until he pulled out a fifth dollar bill. Sliding it across the bar to him, Dave said, "Its not much but its fifty dollars closer than you were a minute ago."

Blaine stared at the cash in his hand. "I cant accept this," he said, sliding it back toward Dave. "I dont know you that well."

"Hey, thats not true," Dave pushed it away. "Ive sat here and listened to your detailed drunken thoughts. Ive given you rides home when youre too drunk to walk. I think I know you better than you think."

Blaine blushed, feeling foolish. "And youre still hanging around?"

Shrugging, Dave replied, "I like you. You seem like a decent guy, Blaine. I want to help. You deserve to have your daughter back. Let me just give this much."

"Thank you," Blaine said quietly, pocketing the cash. "I really appreciate it."

"Will you do me a favor in return?" Dave asked. When Blaine raised his eyebrows at this, he suggested, "Go home before you get too drunk again. Ive already given you money. You cant expect me to give a ride too."

Nodding, Blaine said, "I think thats probably a good idea." He stood up and held out a hand toward Dave, "Thanks again."

Shaking his hand, Dave replied, "Dont mention it."

"What are you doing?" Blaine asked Kurt the following afternoon.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Kurts head was in his hands and a notebook was sitting before him full of numbers across the page.

"Trying to come up with a solution," Kurt said. "Trying to budget what we can save after we pay our bills every month." Taking his hands away from his face, he sighed heavily, "At the most, we might get three hundred a month. It would take us years to get anywhere."

"Unless we had a cheaper place to live," Blaine said, placing his hands on Kurts shoulders and gently massaging them.

"Youre not implying that we find a smaller place, are you?" Kurt said, letting out a soft groan. "Arent we dealing with enough right now?"

"Kurt, no matter where you live in New York, youre going to be paying a lot of money," Blaine informed him. "If we moved out of the city, we could save so much more money."

"I told you Im not giving up my job. I know youre just trying to move back here and its not going to work," Kurt shrugged his hands off in anger.

"Alright, Mr. Negativity, do you have a better idea how to save more money every month?" Blaine crossed his arms over his chest. "Three hundred dollars isnt going to get us very far."

Tapping his fingers on the table, Kurt said, "I dont know! Im just trying to get by without losing everything we have! If we give up our home, our jobs, and our friends, what will we have anymore?" He rose from his chair and faced Blaine. His icy blue eyes were full of rage. "I dont know if I can take losing much more."

"I would rather give up everything to get Belle back sooner," Blaine retorted. "Shes more important to me than my job or my apartment."

"Shes more important to me too but it doesnt make it easier to leave everything behind," Kurt replied. "Wed have to find new jobs and we might not get paid as much as we do now. It might not save us anything."

"What if we moved to New Jersey and commuted every day? Its not Ohio but its not New York either," Blaine suggested. "I know you love New York but right now, we need to think about Belle first."

Letting out a long sigh, Kurt sat down once more and covered his face again. "I dont know what to do," he admitted. "Belle wouldnt know where to find us."

"Someone has her. Shes not going anywhere to look for us. We have to go to her," Blaine said. "At least wed still have good paying jobs."

For a long moment, Kurt didnt say anything. He lowered his hands to look at Blaine. Their eyes met and he slowly nodded, "I guess New Jerseys not that far..."

"I cant force you to do this though," Blaine reminded him.

Taking a deep breath, Kurt said, "No, I know. But you are right. We need the money."

"Does that mean were moving?" Blaine asked hopefully.

"It means that Ill think about it. Im not thrilled, but it would save us on money," Kurt replied. "Lets just wait until we get home before we make any decisions."

Hesitating, Blaine added, "We might want to confirm it with Detective Nelson as well. He might not be thrilled about it either."

Burt and Carole came out the door to greet them as soon as the car pulled into the driveway. "We are so happy to see you!" Carole called, embracing Kurt.

"Thats right," Burt hugged Blaine. He then moved to Kurt while Carole turned to greet Blaine.

"This family has been through so much. With Kurts mom, Finns dad, Finn, Blaines dad, and now... Belle, we really want to treasure the time we have with you guys," Carole kissed his cheek.

Kurt winced at the comment and Blaine felt his heart ache for his husband. Really, Kurt had been through so much in his lifetime. This wasnt fair. How much more could he lose? Was Blaine wrong to take him from New York? Kurt had worked so hard to leave the pain from his past behind in Ohio. It almost felt wrong to do this to him.

"Come in, please. Its freezing out here," Carole wrapped her arm around Blaines waist and guided him inside the house. She went to work in the kitchen, throwing her teapot on the stove and placing a bowl of fruit on the table. "Are you hungry? I can whip something up."

"No, mom, were fine," Kurt said.

She smiled, like she so often did when Kurt called her mom. "If youre sure.."

"Positive," Blaine confirmed.

"Any news on Belles case?" Burt asked, getting out mugs for tea.

Kurt and Blaine exchanged uncomfortable glances, before Kurt folded his hands on the table and admitted, "They left a note. They want money."

"How much?" Burt asked.

"Its nothing, dad. We can handle it," Kurt told him.

"How much?" Burt said forcefully.

Closing his eyes, Kurt said, "Five hundred thousand."

The sound of a coffee mug shattering on the floor made Kurt jump. Burt stared at his son with an open mouth. "Youre not serious."

"I wish I wasnt," Kurt whispered, shaking his head.

Turning to face Carole, Burt said, "How much do we have in our savings?"

Kurts jaw dropped, "Dad, no."

"Maybe two thousand," Carole offered. "We were still saving up for our trip to Hawaii."

"Absolutely not," Kurt stomped his foot. "Were not taking any money from friends and family. Its too much to ask of you."

Walking over to his son, Burt placed a hand on his shoulders and firmly said, "Kurt, this is my granddaughters life were talking about. We were only saving money for a trip we wanted to take on our anniversary but Belle is more important. Theres no question about it. Youre taking the money."

Fumbling through her purse on the counter, Carole pulled out a checkbook and a pen. She filled out the check and handed it to Blaine. "We so desperately want to help. Im sure a lot of your friends do. It feels good to make a difference."

Staring at the check, Blaine quietly said, "Theres really no words to thank you for this. It means so much to us."

Carole came over and gave him a hug, "If we could give more, we would."

"No, this is already too much," Kurt replied. "I know I cant change your mind, so thank you."

"Well get her back, dont worry," Carole said. "Well find ways to raise money."

Kurt and Blaine exchanged another glance, not sure if they should tell Kurts parents that they were thinking about giving up their home for their daughter.

"Do you really think our friends would be willing to help? Is it wrong to ask for money?" Blaine asked, wondering if he could avoid taking Kurt from his home.

Carole shrugged, "its worth a shot. People like when they can feel important. They often want to make a difference and your friends love you. Dont be afraid to ask."

"Well, were two thousand dollars closer. We only have 998,000 to go," Kurt said. "Maybe it couldnt hurt to ask for help."

Blaine felt his stomach turn. When he put it like that, two thousand dollars hardly seemed to make a dent. How were they going to raise that much more money?

"When are you guys going back to New York?" Burt changed the subject. "You can stay here as long as youd like."

"I think well stay here for a day or two. I think I have a plan to help us, and then we really do need to get home," Kurt told him. He wrapped his arm around Blaines waist and smiled weakly.

Group Message:

Emergency Glee club meeting. If youre in Ohio, and if you can attend, meet me in the auditorium tomorrow at 4 P.M. sharp.

Every once in a while, when someone from their high school glee club had a problem, they would reach out to their friends and get together for a solution to the problem. Everyone had made the promise to be there for each other and they took that promise seriously.

Kurt wasnt sure who would show up, but he sent all of his friends the text message, except for Rachel and Sam. There was no need to include them, because they could talk when Kurt and Blaine returned to New York.

"What is this about?" Santana Lopez entered the auditorium at 3:49 the next day. Behind her, Brittany followed carrying a five-year-old boy on her hip. "We didnt have enough time to get a sitter so we had to bring Carlos with us."

"Thats okay. No one will mind," Blaine replied, sitting on the edge of the stage, his hands folded in his lap.

"Really, because I brought my own luggage with me," Tina Cohen-Changs voice came from the back of the auditorium. Mike Chang, came in behind her, holding the hands of a six-year-old girl and a five-year-old girl. Tina followed closely behind carrying a two-year-old boy uncomfortably due to her large pregnant belly. She slowly made her way down the stairs to the auditorium. When she reached the stage, Tina set the boy on the ground and leaned against the wall. Rubbing her belly, she huffed, "I should have come in a different door."

"Tina asked me to help with her kids," Mike chimed. "Alex couldnt make it," he referred to Tinas husband. "I just arrived in town for a family reunion when you sent that message yesterday."

"Tina, you look gorgeous!" Kurt peeped, heading over to greet her. He helped her up the stairs to the stage. Grabbing a chair for her, he said, "When are you due?"

"Two weeks," she rolled her eyes. "I feel like a walking whale. I started showing faster this time, so I feel huge at this point. I guess four kids will do that to you."

"Are you seeing anyone, Mike?" Kurt asked, hugging his other friend. "Or is your dance studio keeping you occupied?"

Shrugging, Mike said, "Theres a girl Ive been seeing for a few months now but were not that serious yet."

"Chicagos a big place. If it doesnt work out, youll find someone," he smiled reassuringly.

Out of the corner of his eye, Blaine saw his best friend from Dalton walk in. He stood up to greet him, "Wes! Its been so long." He didnt fit in with the McKinley kids as well, so it was nice when Wes, David, or Trent came to a meeting.

Pretty soon, they had a full circle seated on the floor of the stage, other than Tina. Santana, Brittany, Tina, Mike, Quinn, Wes, Tremt, Kurt, Blaine, and even Will sat in silence, waiting to see if anyone else would show.

"I think this is it," Kurt sighed. Mercedes and Artie are in Los Angeles, Sam and Rachel are in Nee York, and Puck is too occupied with the Army. Lets get started."

"Yeah, whats going on?" Quinn raised an eyebrow.

"Actually... hang on," Kurt held out his phone. "Im getting a Skype call... Hi guys." He waved eagerly at his phone screen. "So glad you could join us."

"Hey, is everyone there?" Mercedes asked, her voice coming through the phone.

"Yeah," Kurt nodded, moving his arm to show them the room.

"Hey yall," Artie called, sitting in his wheelchair next to Mercedes. "Were both really busy but we wanted to take the time to see whats going on."

"Whats this about, baby?" Mercedes sounded concerned.

"Did we tell you guys that were expecting? We think Rachels about nine weeks," Blaine informed the group.

"Oh, thats wonderful!" Tina exclaimed, rubbing her own belly. "Thats so exciting."

"Congrats!" Quinn smiled warmly.

"Are you sure Barbra can handle blowing up like a balloon again?" Santana smirked. "She could barely keep herself together last time."

Kurt narrowed his eyes, giving Santana his best bitch-face. "Rachel went through a really difficult time during our last pregnancy." He hesitated before continuing, "But were having a hard time this pregnancy too... Actually, this is much worse."

"Whats wrong?" Will asked, leaning forward. It was refreshing that Kurts old teacher was still involved in their lives. It put Kurt at ease after Santanas remark.

Taking a deep breath, Kurt said, "Our daughter Belle disappeared a few weeks ago."

"What?"

"What do you mean?"

"Disappeared?"

"What?! What happened?"

The room exploded with everyones reactions. Kurt held up a hand to silence the group. "Guys, I know this is crazy. Trust me. It still feels unbelievable to me."

Will placed a hand on Kurts shoulder and asked, "is there anything we can do to help?"

"Thats why were here," Blaine said. "We didnt want to sound desperate or make our friends and family feel like they have to contribute but we wanted to give you the opportunity."

"We were threatened with a ransom fee of five hundred thousand dollars," Kurt continued. "At first, Blaine and I didnt want to beg for money. But it came up in conversation with my dad and Carole. They offered to help and explained that people feel helpful about doing something for a good cause."

"We arent telling you that you have to donate," Blaine said. "Please dont feel like you have to, but were giving you the opportunity to do so if you want to, even a small portion."

"And if you cant, we were hoping youd at least help spread the word about her disappearance," Kurt reached over and grabbed Blaines hand, squeezing it. "The more people that know, the better."

"Dont feel like you have to make a decision now either. I mean, were not going to come up with the money in two weeks, so you have time to decide," Blaine said, getting to his feet.

The rest of the group got to their feet. Will gave Kurt a reassuring pat on the back. "Im really sorry about this, Kurt," he said quietly. "Im going to talk to Emma and see what we can come up with. I cant imagine losing Finn or Luke. Ill be in touch as soon as I talk to my wife."

"Thank you, Mr. Schue," Kurt whispered. Blaine noticed his husband was fighting back tears and if caused him to do the same.

Mike helped Tina out of her chair and she approached Blaine. "I wish I could help. I really do but were so tight on expenses right now." She glanced down at her belly, cradling it, and sighed, "Theres just so much to having three kids and with a fourth on the way, I cant really help."

"Its okay, Tina," Blaine smiled reassuringly. He placed his hand on hers and said, "Youre a great mother and its important that you and Alex look after your own family. If you could just spread the word, itd help us so much."

"I can do that," she smiled.

"Yeah, I wish I could help too but you know how expensive it is living in a big city," Mike frowned.

A hand on his shoulder caused Blaine to jump. Wes smiled warmly and told his friend, "I think I can hand over a hundred. Im a bit tight myself but here..." He dug into his pocket and pulled out a red wallet. Fumbling through it, Wes grabbed five twenties and handed them to Blaine. "I wish I could help more."

"This is perfect. Thank you, Wes," Blaine hugged his friend once more.

"I wish I could say the same but Im broke," Trent said. "Im really sorry, B."

"Thats okay, I understand," Blaine replied.

"Hello?" Mercedes voice came from Kurts phone. "Were still here guys."

"Oh, sorry," Kurt held up the phone to see his friends. "Do you know what youre going to do? Please dont feel like you have to give anything."

"Baby, I will have a check in the mail by tomorrow. I love your little cutie," Mercedes said.

"Yeah, Ill see what I can do," Artie agreed.

"Thank you so much," Kurt said, unable to stop his tears now.

"Well help too," Brittany said. "Santana and I have a couple hundred saved we can give you. Right, babe?" Brittany nudged her wife with her elbow and Santana agreed.

"I cant donate but I wish you the best of luck," Quinn said, patting Kurts shoulder.

"Its okay. We werent expecting too much from anyone," Kurt said quietly. "The fact that you all came today means so much to me." He turned to face Blaine and whispered, "I just wish we werent so far from our goal."

Kissing Kurts cheek, Blaine wiped a tear with his thumb. "Its okay. Were slightly closer to our goal and thats all we can really ask." Compared to the amount of money they still had to collect, it didnt seem like much. But their friends and family were so helpful, that it gave Blaine hope for the first time in weeks