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Chapter 7 Ned and Alexis got down to L&B about ten minutes later. When they got there they found two firetrucks and firemen, a group of onlookers, police officers, and Nik. Ned ran over to Nik, "What happened? How did the fire start?" "I don't really know what happened. All I know is that there was a lot of damage, but the building is still standing. We have a lot of work ahead of us. There is a police officers who was looking for you." Nik said still in shock. "Thanks. Alexis, honey I will be right back." Ned said running over to the officer. Alexis nodded. "Are you all right Nikolas?" Alexis asked with concern in her voice. "Yeah. I wasn't inside when the fire broke out. I feel really bad for Ned. That was everything to him and it was just taking off." Nik said looking up at the building. "I know. Me too." Alexis said looking over at Ned who seemed really upset. Everything else that had been going on the past few days and now this. Ned was talking to the officer, "Mr. Ashton, there was a lot of damage to your company, but from what your assistance has been telling me I think the insurance will cover it all. It will take awhile to repair the foundation though." "Yeah. Do you have any idea what caused the fire?" Ned asked wanting to get to the bottom of it. The officer shook his head, "Not yet sir. We are looking into it though. If we find anything else out we will contact you. I am sorry sir and thank you for your time." The officer said walking away. "Thank you." Ned just stood looking up at what was his company. "Ned are you all right?" Alexis asked coming up to him. "Yeah." Ned said taking Alexis into his arms. "I just can't believe it." "Neither can....." Alexis got cut off by the sound of Lois' voice. "Ned! I came as soon as I heard. Is everything all right?" Lois said running up to the two of them. They both exchanged quick glances at each other before turning around to face Lois. Lois was a little shocked to see Alexis there because of what had happened earlier, but she shrugged it of for now. "Lois why are you here? This doesn't effect you." Ned said a little annoyed by his ex-wife's presence. "Well I use to help run this company and I was involved in starting it." Lois said putting her hands on her hips. "Well as you can see there is a lot of damage and we will be working on getting it fixed after the police investigate." Ned said giving Lois the benefit of the doubt. "Investigate? Do they think someone started it?" Lois asked shocked. Alexis looked up and saw how worried Lois was about that thought and said, "No it is just normal. They don't know how the fire started, but they want to find out, just in case. It probably was just an accident though. There is nothing to worry about Lois." Ned rubbed her on her back to say thank you. "Oh. That is good." Lois said calmer. "If you need any help I am her for you Ned." "Lois, I think we can handle it." Ned said motioning to himself and Alexis. Lois felt a little unwanted, but said, "I was just saying I will be in town for awhile, I can help out." Both Ned and Alexis looked at her with stunned looks. "What?" Lois asked. Ned cleared his throat trying to calm himself before speaking. "You are going to be in town for awhile? What about Brooke's schooling and your job? How long are you staying Lois and why?" Ned said just deciding to get to the point. "Well I was thinking of enrolling Brooke Lynn in school here and maybe even moving back here for good. Wouldn't you like that? You would be able to see Brooke Lynn more." Lois said smiling acting like that was all she cared about. "Lois! I love Brooke and you know that, so don't use her against me. I think you should go back to Brooklyn because your mom is there. And I don't want you here if all you are going to do is cause trouble for Alexis and me." Ned said getting mad and screaming. "Ned?" Lois said almost in tears from what Ned had just said. "I mean it Lois. We are over, no more, end of story!" Ned said screaming even louder. "Ned, sweetheart. Please calm down." Alexis said trying to get Ned to calm down. "Look Lois, I'm sorry, but I don't love you anymore. Just get that through your head. Now if you don't mind I am going to go home and rest. I have had a really bad day." With that Ned walked off with Alexis close behind him. Lois left shortly after they did. |
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