Part 10

No turning back


The door abruptly swung open just as Lance finished his damning comment. “You know, you guys should really learn to close doors and lock them,” Johnny Wright exclaimed as he barged into the room, pinning Lonnie with a scowl. “I’d no idea that the media was storming the hotel. Well at least until now that is, but I’m thankful I know so we can get the ball rolling on this.”

“Get the ball rolling?” Lance mouthed toward Justin. The younger blond shrugged his shoulders while twirling the hem of his shirt with his fingers.

The manager briskly moved into the middle of the room, until eventually he stood in front of the couch staring at JC’s resting form. “Lonnie,” he started, “I’ll need you to go back to the hotel and figure out what level of panic I should be in. If there’re too many people there, let me know. Get the rest of the security team together and send Tiny and Wes back here to pick the rest of us up. We’re gonna need to leave straight from the hospital.”

“Do you want me to go now, sir?” Lonnie asked. “Now,” Justin replied at the same time.

Johnny thought for a few painstaking seconds before answering the larger man. “No, not just yet,” he stood silently gathering his thoughts. “On second thought just call over and check things out. I’d like you to be here for a little while longer.” The black manager faced Justin, “And yes to you Justin.”

“Wha…” Justin began.

“Okay, sir.” Lonnie responded as he walked across the room and stood by the door. The large bodyguard pulled out his cumbersome cell phone and began dialing Tiny’s number.

“Lonnie?” a soulful voice questioned.

Lonnie closed his eyes bracing himself for the pending argument, “Yeah, kid.”

“You can’t use that in here. You’ll have to use the hospital phone.”

“I need to use mine, Justin. I’ve got a secure line. I really don’t think I can trust the hospital phone with this type of phone call.”

“But Lonnie, you could mess up some machine or something and some poor soul would die,” the blond pleaded. “I don’t think the hospital made up the rule just to put people out. I think they really do mess with the heart machines and stuff.”

For the Love of God, the bodyguard thought, “Fine. All right, you win.” Lonnie flipped the bottom of his gray phone shut and picked up the receiver in the room. Justin smiled.

The manager shook his head at the scene as he nervously wiped his hands on his pant legs. He searched the room briefly and focused his gaze on the doctor trapping him with his dark eyes. He said gruffly, “You see now why we’ve gotta get the kid out of here. If the media finds out he’s here…” the manager rubbed his temple. “There’s just no telling what’s gonna happened. We’ve gotta get him outta here.”

Lance looked at Johnny and then skeptically at the door as if waiting for someone else to come through it. Finally, the young bass asked interrupting the flow of the conversation, “Where’s Chris?”

“Chris’s whereabouts isn’t really important right now, Poofu.” Lance directed his eyes toward Johnny again with a puzzled expression.

“How’s that,” Justin asked.

“How’s what?” Johnny answered roughly, desperately trying to ignore the whiny singer. The manager has grown to dread his run ins with the blond. He hated how his youngest singer was acting like a tripped up guardian angel. He had no idea what was going through Justin’s head or where these strong emotions were coming from, and he didn’t have time to focus on them. In the future, he’d be sure to leave some time for his investigation. However, right now he needed to stop Justin’s outbursts before the young man did or said anything stupid in public or something he might regret. Johnny knew the recent turn of events would cause further strain and turmoil within the their relationship especially with his youngest superstar, but he was thinking on the fly now. He couldn’t worry about the negative impact his decisions would have at this moment. He would worry about the consequences later, not now. Now, the decisions he’d make would be final, and there would be no further discussions: period.

“Johnny?”

“What,” he replied sarcastically.

“What? What? We’re talking here.”

“And what were we talking about?”

“Hmmm… I don’t know Johnny… were we not just talking about the mysterious whereabouts of one Christopher Kirkpatrick. You think maybe that’s what we’re talking about here.” Justin gave Johnny a sarcastic smile.

“Justin…” the manager warned, fist clenched.

“I find it hard to believe that Chris’s whereabouts doesn’t matter all of the sudden. I mean isn’t he like your lap dog or something. I’m sure you can’t wipe your ass without him in the room with you.”

“Justin you better check that attitude right now. I don’t have to explain anything to you and if you keep acting this way I’ll make sure you won’t have any idea what’s going on with JC.” The older man threatened pointing his finger at the young blond. “Am I making myself clear.”

Justin clicked his teeth and slowly crept away from the group.

“So about Chris,” Lance continued.

“I said it doesn’t matter,” the black man yelled. “Besides, if what Lonnie says is true we should be figuring ways of getting JC out of here, not where Chris is.” He turned back in the direction of the doctor dismissing the blond, waiting for the elder man’s response, “Now doctor if you would kindly answer my question.” Johnny tapped his foot, “Well?”

“Look, Johnny. I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. I only know what needs to be done from a doctor’s perspective,” Doctor Thompson shrugged. “And it appears to me and I’m afraid this isn’t good news for you, that moving JC right now would not be in his best interest. I know this goes against what you think but that is my professional opinion.”

“You’re professional opinion, huh.” Johnny rubbed his chin, “Well, I’m afraid, as you said, that just isn’t gonna work for us. The big boys don’t want a scene and it’s my job to make sure they don’t get one. If the media gets wind of JC being here you’re gonna have a hospital filled with news reporters, television stations, cable stations, and about ten thousand screaming teenaged fans… the list could go on and on. I’m afraid our hand is being forced here and we’ve no choice. Please, you need to get JC ready, he’s leaving.”

“Wait a fucking minute here. What the hell, we can’t move him Johnny,” Justin yelled. “The so called plan you,” Justin stressed his words by pointing accusingly at the manager, “came up with says we aren’t moving him until Monday. That’s what Lance said, that’s what Joey said, and you can’t just change it.” Justin closed his eyes and made a fist with his good hand. “You can’t move him, he isn’t ready.”

“I don’t fucking have time for this you ungrateful little brat. I’m sick and tired of your holier than thou attitude, and since when did you start making the decisions. Oh, that’s right you don’t. JC will be moved before daybreak and there isn’t anything you can do about it.”

“Fuck you Johnny, he isn’t going anywhere. It isn’t safe for him out there, not with Lou still with us. You have no right.”

“I have no right,” Johnny yelled, “I have every right. JC is under my guidance and care. If I feel he is threatened then I need to do what’s necessary to keep him safe.”

“Care,” Justin spat, “Keep him safe,” the blond huffed. “Where were you when JC was being raped, if it’s your job to keep us from harms way,” the young man screamed, sweat forming on his brow.

“Where were you?” Johnny countered and Justin scowled. He visibly calmed himself down and continued pleading his case, “Justin, can’t you see that I’m doing this for JC. I’m trying to keep him safe and you keep getting in my way. Don’t you want JC to be safe, don’t you want him away from all the media… all the questions.” Johnny gave the young blond a beseeching look and softened his voice. “Justin you of all people should know what the consequences will be if the media and the fans should find that JC is here. As it is now, we’ll need to tweak the plan a bit and leak the information about the automobile accident five days before we originally had it scheduled. As soon as that information is out, they’ll be searching every hospital in the city especially those close to the hotel.”

Lance stepped in as Justin stood steaming and tried reasoning. “Can’t we wait until they at least find out something?” The older singer paced the room nervously. “I mean we’re going strictly on speculation that the media will find out. Don’t you think we should wait until we have conclusive evidence that indeed the media knows why we’re here?”

“I’d rather not chance it Lance. It’d be too dangerous for all of us,” Johnny stared at the young blond waiting for his words to be challenged. “Besides that,” the manager turned toward the doctor, “this staff isn’t prepared to field the questions that may be asked of them.”

“That may be true, Johnny,” Dr. Thompson sighed. “However, you forget one very important thing… there are only five people who know JC is here. Of those five only three know the real reason why he’s here. I don’t think the press will get the half the information you think they will.”

The manager took a step closer to the doctor and leaned in, “How much do you trust the staff here at the hospital?”

“What?”

“I said,” the black man repeated louder, “How much do you trust the staff here?”

“Well, I don’t know the entire staff here, but those I do know I’d trust not to say anything.”

“Okay fair enough,” the manager thought for a moment, “How much would you trust the other staff, if I threw in oh… let’s say… ten thousand to a hundred thousand dollars for information on your patient.”

“Johnny,” Lance gasped. “That isn’t fair.”

“It may not be fair Lance,” Johnny sneered, “but you now as well as I, that those animals would sell their souls in order to get any kind of information on the group.”

Dr. Thompson sat dumbfounded and was disturbed by the conversation. He looked at Justin and Lance and noticed their resolve slip and their shoulders slump. The older man shook his head and answered the only way he could, “I don’t know.”

“Exactly,” he pointed at the sleeping group member, “we need him out as soon as possible. Start prepping him for his departure. I’ll make sure the equipment makes it to Mrs. Harliss’s house before the nights end.”

“No!!” Justin screamed his blistering temper once again bubbling to the surface. “I won’t let you.”

“You don’t fucking have a choice, Justin,” Johnny yelled. “Give it a rest.”

Justin raced across the room and stood in front of JC’s bed. “I won’t let you move him Johnny, not until I feel he’s in danger.”

Johnny turned toward the singer, “I’m sorry Justin but you know as well as I… he needs to be moved.” His gaze lingered, “For the good of the group, for the good of JC.”

“Shut up,” the youngest blond seethed covering his ears with his hand and cast. “Don’t pretend to care about him,” he screamed shaking his head, “don’t fucking pretend. I can see right through you, you bastard.”

Lance went to his friend and gripped his shoulder, “Justin,” he pleaded. “Everything is gonna be all right. JC will be safe at your mother’s house. You know this isn’t Johnny’s fault.”

“No, Lance,” the young blond shrugged Lance’s comforting grip off. He took a careful step toward Johnny, “You think we don’t know what happened this afternoon. You think we’re stupid or something. I know that you wanted to withhold JC’s medication so that he’d hear your ranting.” Justin smirked. “Your plan…

“You better wipe that smirk off your face, young man before I come over there and do it for you.”

The blond smirked again and continued, “failed. Didn’t it. Your fucking plan failed right from the get go, cuz there are people here who care for JC and wouldn’t let you get away with it.”

Johnny took several menacing steps forward and glared at the young man. “How fucking dare you say that to me. You know I love JC as much as the rest of you.” He watched thunderstruck as Lonnie stepped in front of him. The manager sighed, “Look,” he tried calming down. “I…”

“Shut up…” Justin yelled, his breaths becoming labored skin pale and pasty. Dr. Thompson watched the young man carefully. “I don’t know what you’ve got hanging over Chris, but he wouldn’t let you do it, would he. He’s the one that made you give JC his meds.” Justin pointed an accusing finger, “So don’t you dare tell me how much you care,” the young blond mocked.

Johnny had heard enough and pushed his way through Lonnie. When Lonnie grabbed the manager, Johnny snarled, “Your job… is it worth it.” Lonnie let go. The manager continued toward the young singer stalking him like prey. He was standing in front of Justin when he uttered, “I dare you to say that again…”

The blonde’s lips parted.

**

He dreamed again. Every time they gave him his medications he’d dream. Sometimes he dreamed about their past concerts and the television and talk shows that they’d done. Sometime he’d dream about the painful rehearsals and the uncaring words that came from the rest of the guys and the chorographer. Those dreams would turn into nightmares. His mind would distort the truth. It made him believe that he did deserve every last painful thing that happened to him. He dreamt about them laughing at him, spiting on him and calling him names. Their fists would rain down upon him as they yelled, “You deserve it, you deserve it.” Most of all he would dream about Lou and the horrible things the evil man put him through. JC shuddered. However, before every nightmare he’d dream about his salvation, his guardian angel. He dreamed again.

“Baby Jaaayyy. Would you please just get my pajamas for me?”

“Noooppe. Sorry C, but maybe I want to look at your naked sweet self.”

“God damn it Jup. Fine. But you have to turn off the lights.”

“Your kidding right?”

JC trembled in his sleep, small beads of sweat formed at his temple. He was remembering the one time Justin found out what Lou had done. It was the first night, the first time. It was the only time.

“C? Why are you limping?”

“Ummm.”

“C? I asked you a question.”

“When Lou pushed me into this room I kinda stepped wrong. I think.”

“That fat bastard. Are you okay? Do you need any help?”

“I’m fine.”

The brunette tossed his head from side to side. His fingers clung tightly to the sheets that surrounded him as his mind remembered the lie. Justin’s image was crystal clear in JC’s drug hazed mind. He was just fifteen. The young singer’s hair was bright white and his hypnotic blue eyes sparkled. Justin wouldn’t let JC off the hook that night. He kept prying until JC gave him what he knew would be the truth.

“What the hell? C? Speak to me, please. How did you get that bruise?”

“What bruise?”

JC stilled. Sweat poured from the young man, drenching his thin hospital gown and the fresh bedding. He thought he heard voices, familiar voices. He dreamed.

“Just fucking tell me, JC.”

“See Justin. See what a klutz I am. Is it so hard to believe me when I tell you he didn’t touch me.”

“That isn’t what happened, is it? I know you are lying, C. You’re lying aren’t you? He hit you didn’t he? Does this hurt? Your face, does it hurt?”

“Yeah, I hurt everywhere.”

“Everywhere?”

The voices were becoming louder, closer and JC couldn’t move; he couldn’t get away from the voices, the anger. He squeezed his eyes desperately trying to rid himself of the voices so he could concentrate on his dream. It was a good moment in his early career…it was his one night of hope.

“My God, C. I’m so sorry we left you. We should never have left you. Why? Why would he hurt you?”

“Cuz, I deserve it.”

“No, baby you don’t. Why would you say that?”

The voices were more earsplitting than before, breaking up his dream. He didn’t want this one to end. JC remembered that night so vividly. It would play through his head nearly every night. It was his one hope that maybe just maybe Justin would save the day again and come to his rescue. However, it hadn’t come true until a few weeks ago, but JC never let go of that one salvation, that one moment when he felt safe. His eyes watered in his sleep and silent tears escaped, rolling down his cheeks.

“Cuz, I deserve it.” His mind began warping the hallucination as the voice in his head became relentless. Images of unfamiliar people whirled within JC’s skull. He couldn’t make them out; he tried. The colors just wouldn’t come together on the canvas of his mind. His head began to reel with pain, as he desperately tried focusing on the voices, on the colors.

“…You better wipe that smirk off your face, young man before I come over there and do it for you…”

JC mumbled. “…I deserve it.”

“…cuz there are people here who care for JC and wouldn’t let you get away with it.”

The dazed brunette licked his parched lips as he forced his consciousness to obey him. He fluttered his wet lashes open peering through hazy slits. The angry intonations became louder and JC physically shuddered. The anger reminded him of Lou. Lou was always angry with him, always. No matter what he did, or how hard he strived he was always irritated with him. The brunette quivered. He was afraid of the voices.

No one in the room noticed the slight movements coming from the patient. They were focused on the verbal fight that was taking place right before their eyes.

“…How fucking dare you say that to me. You know I love JC as much as the rest of you.” “…Shut up…I don’t know what you’ve got hanging over Chris, but he wouldn’t let you do it, would he. He’s the one that made you give JC his meds. So don’t you dare tell me how much you care.”

JC finally recognized one of the voices. It was the same golden voice he heard hundreds of times. It was the sound of the one thing that kept him going, the one thing that gave reason to what Lou did. His angel. He blinked a few more times trying unsuccessfully to clear his vision. One eye cooperated with his attempts, the other didn’t respond. He moistened his lips and turned his head toward his guardian angel’s voice. JC observed how near his angel was and he willed his hand up, reaching out toward him. His hand wouldn’t move. He tried again, straining with each attempt. The reawakening brunette flinched when he heard footsteps thunder across the room and he stiffened, stopping his movements all together. He waited until he heard the other voice speak, “…I dare you to say that again…”

JC heard the underlying threat in those few words and he became scared. Not for himself, but for his angel. The brunette wouldn’t allow anything to happen to his angel, at whatever cost to himself he would protect him. JC willed his hand up and reached for his angel, his love. He gently circled the wrist, whimpering, “…us…Justin.”

The young blond didn’t hear him, didn’t feel the feather light touch against his skin and repeated his words to Johnny. The manager swiftly lifted his hand and brought it down hard and fast across Justin’s cheek. Justin’s head snapped to the side, eyes closed facing JC. The brunette could see the faint discoloring of the skin just under Justin’s eye. Tears pooled within he’s own as he watched helplessly. Before JC could say or do anything else, the blond faced the manager again.

“Bastard…” Justin screamed. “Fuck you.”

Johnny’s hand hailed down a second time, but this time it split nothing but thin air. The manager blinked several times before comprehending what had happened. Somehow he had missed the young singer but how. Johnny blinked again. Then he saw it. He saw Justin lying over the top of JC and the brunette’s arms were wrapped securely around the young singer. JC was holding Justin tight against him, wincing at the pain it was causing him. Johnny caught JC’s angry eyes piercing him.

“JC,” he started.

“Get out.” JC’s voice sounded strong and vile. “Get out now, Johnny.” The few words JC spoke caused him to cough harshly but he still held Johnny’s gaze.

“JC, I can explain.”

“Lonnie,” he whispered as he still held a sobbing Justin next to him.

“Come on Johnny. Why don’t you go see what’s going on at the hotel. I’ll stay here and watch over the boys.” Lonnie gently grabbed Johnny’s arm and lead him away from JC and Justin.

Before they managed to pass through the door, the manager spun around and yelled, “It’s for his own good JC.”

JC closed his eye and pressed the sobbing youth against his chest. He wanted to take the pain away, take it unto himself but he couldn’t and that hurt worse than anything Lou had done to him.

**

“I can’t believe this shit,” Joey complained. “I can’t move without some reporter jumping out at me, Tiny.” Joey paced the small suite clenching his fist together. The tenor was the only one at the hotel and he was scared. There were so many reporters out in the hallways that he felt trapped in his room. He knew hotel management wouldn’t tell the reporters where their rooms were and hotel security would make sure they didn’t make it to their private floor. However, he still didn’t feel comfortable or safe. “Where are Will and Carl?”

“They’re securing the hallway until we hear word from Lonnie. And I don’t know what to tell you kid about what’s going on but….” Tiny’s phone beeped. “Hang on. I gotta take this.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Joey waved the large man off still pondering what was going on.

“Hello,” Tiny spoke into the large awkward receiver.

“Yeah, man. What gives?”

“Same ole same ole, Lonnie. It seems the cat has been let out of the bag. It’ll only be a short time before these damn reporters figure out what’s going on.”

“I’s afraid of that.”

“What do want us to do?”

“Chris there?”

“What?”

“Is Chris there?”

“I haven’t seen him,” Tiny answered meekly causing Joey to glance up.

“What do you mean you haven’t seen him? Damn it Tiny if something happened to him…”

“Nothing will happen boss, I’ll find him.”

“You better find him like yesterday. We need to get the boys together and keep them together. There’s no telling what kind of threat these reporters will bring with them.”

Lonnie paused. “I’ll expect an update on Chris’s locale and I want you to send Wes over here to be with JC. I don’t understand why he isn’t here, yet, but get him here.”

“Well, Lou wanted Wes with him for the day.”

“What? Who reassigned him to Lou?” Lonnie’s gaze tripped across the suite resting on Johnny, “Never mind. Just page Chris and send Wes. Like I said, we need to get all of them together. I think Johnny is gonna move out.”

“What? JC’s ready to come home.”

“No, I’m afraid not, Tiny. But you know as well as I do that the media and the fans will not be easy to deal with if they figure things out. Security will be hell for these guys.”

“So, what needs to be done?”

“Find Chris. Have him and Joey pack up everyone’s stuff. Call cabs. I don’t want a limo or the bus coming to pick them up. It’ll be to obvious.”

“We could rent some SUVs.”

“Good idea. Get two. No more. Hang on.” Lonnie’s voice disappeared briefly and Tiny heard the arguing in the background. “I’ve gotta go, things are getting ugly.”

“All right, I’ll get Wes and we’ll get things done here.”

“Good,” Lonnie replied and then the phone went dead.

Tiny closed his phone and turned toward Joey. “We need to get our stuff together.”

“What, why?” Joey asked as he walked toward the bodyguard. “Are they moving JC?”

“I’m afraid that’s what it looks like. Don’t worry we’ll have everything covered. Nothing’s gonna happen.”

“You sure about that.”

“No,” Tiny gave a weak smile. “We need to locate Chris and then you two will pack things up. Once we’re done with that, Wes will be sent back to the hospital to cover JC and Carl will get a couple of SUVs. We’ll load them up and hope to God everything else is taken care of.”

**

Chris watched his cell phone blink for what seemed like the hundredth time. He looked over the edge of the hospital landing and thought about throwing the phone over. The eldest member of the group sighed as he observed the scattered traffic zip and zing by the busy hospital. He had counted at least three ambulances come in since he’d been up on the roof and one helicopter landing.

He’s had so much on his mind since the day they found JC; he just needed to get way. Justin wasn’t the only one having nightmares. Chris couldn’t remember the last time he’s had a good nights sleep. Serves me right though, he thought. The brunette runs his fingers through his hair and noticed his phone blink again. He ignored it.

“Why do I feel guilty?” the man said out loud staring up into the darkening sky. “Why am I dreaming about it over and over again? I’ve nothing to do with it. It wasn’t my fault that JC couldn’t protect himself. When was it decided that I was the protector.” He thought, since I’m the oldest and I’m the one who brought these guys together. It only makes sense for me to be the one to watch over them. “But I can’t watch them all the time. They have to be able to make the right decisions and JC didn’t.” No that’s not true, he struggled with himself, he really didn’t have a choice in the matter. There was too much at stake for him. Chris closed his blurring eyes, Out off all of us, he is probably the one who needed protecting the most, especially now. “No he doesn’t,” Chris screams. Pulling his hair, “He should’ve known better, he should’ve fought Lou off. He’s weak. That’s why, he’s weak.” Chris’s ranting was halted when he noticed his phone blinking again. This time he didn’t ignore, he couldn’t. “Hello.”

“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been worried sick. It’s like world war three here and you’re nowhere to be found. Where are you? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Joey. What are you talking about world war three? What’s going on?” Chris huffed plugging his other ear in order to hear Joey clearly.

“What I’m saying is,” Joey paused to gather his thoughts, “there are reporters and fans everywhere here at the hotel. Tiny has me packing everyone up and looking for you. I guess words leaked that we’re here.”

“Shit, that means they’ll figure out what’s going on. They’ll figure out where JC is. Where is everyone else? Are you there by yourself?”

“Yeah, and it’s pretty scary even for me. I don’t know what’s going on or what I should be doing, but Tiny’s here with me and making sure I get things done.”

“Lou?”

“I don’t know. We’re trying to locate him so that we can send Wes over to the hospital.”

Chris thought for a minute and then squeaked. “Don’t do that.”

“How come?” Joey asked puzzled by his friends out burst.

“Put Tiny on the phone.”

There was a brief moment of silence. “Ya.”

“Tiny don’t tell Wes to go to the hospital.”

“Why, those were Lonnie’s instructions?”

“I don’t give a damn. Listen. If you find Lou and then take his bodyguard, aka JC’s bodyguard and send him to the hospital Lou’s gonna figure something is up. He’s the last person we want knowing what’s going on. Have Carl or Will go to the hospital, it will be less conspicuous.”

“I think you’re onto something there. I’ll be sure to call and inform Lonnie of the change in plans. We just need you here with us so we can keep you boys all together.”

“Thanks, now put Joey back on for me.” Chris waited a couple of seconds before he heard Joey’s slightly nerve wrecked voice. “Hey, Joey calm down. Everything is gonna be find,” Chris spoke in a soft voice. “There’s no need to panic. Lonnie and Johnny will take care of everything. All you need to do is follow to the letter what they say. I don’t need you getting hurt on me.”

“Yeah I know. It’s just so different, being here by myself. I’m probably the safest of all of us and I’m scared. I wonder what that makes everyone else.” Joey paused thinking of a good word, “Terrified, probably.” Joey was greeted with silence, “Chris, we need to get out of here and fast.”

“Calm down. I need to know…can you tell me if Johnny knows what’s going down.”

“Yeah, and he and Justin got into it according to Lonnie.”

“Got into it?” Chris pressed the phone tighter against his ear. “How do you mean, got into it.”

“I think Johnny hit Justin and I guess JC saw it and freaked on Johnny.”

“Freaked, eh. A semi-coherent person freaked,” Chris chuckled at the vision. Then scowled when he thought about Johnny hitting their youngest member. Way to go genius, the brunette internally remarked.

“Well, I guess gave him the evil eye and tossed him out.”

“No shit.” There was an uncomfortable silence on Joey’s end. The only thing the eldest member could hear was the youngest brunette’s labored breathing. “It’ll be all right,” Chris consoled.

“We need you Chris.”

Chris could hear the fear in Joey’s voice. “I’m on my way.”

“Please hurry.”

**

Dr. Thompson quickly covered the short distance between himself and his patient after Johnny’s departure. He gave Lance a fleeting glance indicating the youngster should follow him over to the pair occupying the small bed. The blond didn’t hesitate. The doctor reached the two young men first and soothingly gripped the sobbing youth’s shoulders. He stole a glance over Justin’s heaving form and observed the pained expression spread over JC’s face. Urged by the uncomfortable appearance, Dr. Thompson tugged gently at the quaking shoulders.

“Come on now Justin you need to sit back.” The blond shook his head, burrowing deeper into JC’s warm embrace. The brunette turned his head away allowing his small moan to escape Justin’s attention. Dr. Thompson gave Lance a pointed look, raising his eyebrow and nodding toward the weeping youth. Lance moved and stood near the doctor’s side. Dr. Thompson attempted moving the young singer a second time accompanied by his compassionate voice. “Justin, you’re hurting JC.” Justin burrowed deeper, JC’s moan grew in intensity. “Justin,” the doctor nearly yelled. “You’re hurting him.”

The young singer’s head quickly snapped up startling the others and freeing him from Dr. Thompson’s reassuring hold. His blurry vision hindered his gaze as he looked down at the side of his friend’s cheek. “I’m sorry JC,” he whimpered as he timidly reached toward JC, tears running haphazardly down his face. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He gently turned JC’s narrowed gaze toward him and cupped the side of the brunette’s face. The sobbing blond traced healing lips and caressed JC’s bruised cheek with the back of his trembling fingers. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Justin’s emotions boiled over and he again collapsed onto JC’s chest. The pent up frustrations he’s guarded and the accounts of what has happened in the last few weeks, spilled forth in a tyrant of tears. He covered his face with his hands disgracefully as he cried.

Dr. Thompson rubbed his hand in a comforting gesture over the youth’s back. “Justin. Come on.” The doctor reached for Justin again but stopped when he noticed JC’s lips move.

“Ssssokay,” the patient mumbled through drug thick lips. Dr. Thompson’s heart seized upon hearing the comforting words stumble from JC’s parched throat. He blinked rapidly, halting the tears that were threatening to fall when he realized JC wasn’t speaking to him but Justin. He’d been stunned by the injured singers reactions earlier, pulling Justin into him and away from harm. Now, JC was actually protecting and consoling his young friend.

Lance nudged the doctor aside. The old doctor stepped back and allowed the three the space they needed. He watched as Lance gently lifted JC’s hand and placed it onto Justin’s back. JC’s fingers moved in small patterns over the surface. The doctor smiled warmly, touched by the small deed. The graying man afforded the trio a few additional minutes before breaking the heartrending moment. Dr. Thompson regained his position next to the bed and reached or Justin once more. Lance snaked his hand out and grasped the old doctor’s wrist.

“Can’t this wait? Can’t you give them more time?” he whispered indicating the two boys with a nod.

The doctor turned and addressed Lance softly, “Unfortunately, Johnny is serious. I need to check his vitals as well as his healing injuries and decipher the right coarse of action. I’m afraid he’ll be moved before the morning.”

“But…”

Dr. Thompson looked kindly into the emerald eyes that stared pleadingly at him. “Lance, you know that if I had my way JC would be here for the required amount of time, and I’d most certainly be using a timetable adequate for the proper healing of JC’s injuries. However, I don’t have that luxury and neither do you.” He patted the back of Lance’s hand, “You need to be strong. Not only for yourself but also for JC and Justin. I know you’ve had it just as hard as any of them, trying to deal with what’s happened, but…” Dr. Thompson gently wiped a stray wisp of hair from Lance’s eyes as he spoke. “They’re going to need you Lance, now more than ever. If what Johnny says is true, that these reporters offer money for information, there is no telling how much these two are going to go through.” Lance quietly stared at the doctor and tilted his head sideways. “I need to get JC ready before you’re discovered. I don’t want the health of JC or Justin interfered with by screaming teenagers nor by nosy reporters.” Lance nodded his head and quietly moved away from JC and Justin, sitting on the couch. Dr. Thompson turned back toward the two on the bed and gathered himself, “Justin, you’ll need to sit back so I can look him over.”

Justin shyly uncovered his face and turned it in the doctor’s direction, still leaning on JC’s chest. He leisurely blinked his wet lashes and drew a hand under his chin. The other wrapped securely around JC’s body.

Dr. Thompson smiled and ruffled the young singer’s hair. He leaned over Justin’s ear. “Justin. You get up and give JC some breathing room. He’s still awake, don’t you want to talk to him before he goes back under. I know you do,” the doctor coaxed. The gray haired man ran his fingers gently though Justin’s hair as the exhausted singer stared child like. “Please, I need to check JC. Will you sit up?”

Justin slowly nodded his head and like liquid trickled off of JC’s chest. He maneuvered his body until it rested on the edge of the bed, cuddling the length of JC, but mindful of the existing injuries. He shamefully looked down at his friend’s hand and grabbed it. The blond squeezed the hand tight as he remembered the last few moments of his argument with Johnny. He nestled his face into the crook of JC’s neck and sobbed. JC moved to comfort Justin and gasped.

“JC,” Dr Thompson warned, “stop moving. He’s all right.”

“Doc…” mumbled.

“Yes, JC it’s me,” the doctor spoke in a soothing voice; the one he saved for difficult moments. “We need to check you over before you get you last batch of meds.”

“Mmmm,” the brunette whimpered, “wa…why?”

Dr. Thompson gripped JC’s hand and leaned over the top of him, placing the other near the brunette’s head. “Listen carefully,” he glanced at Justin whose eyes were wide. “The press has found out were you guys are.”

“Pre…press.”

“Yes.”

“Bu…t…” his head lulled to the side, eye half closed.

“JC I can’t explain. I just know that Johnny feels it isn’t safe for you here anymore. Against my better judgment, we’re going to move you.”

“No…” JC nearly yelled, body taut as a bowstring. His hazy eyes filling with saline tears. “Safe…” he nodded, “Safe here.”

“JC…” the doctor closed his eyes.

“Safe here,” he said more clearly, “No… don’t move me.”

Before the doctor could respond, Justin’s voice was murmuring into JC’s ear. Dr. Thompson was amazed at how quickly the two reversed rolls, he listened.

“Baby,” Justin cooed, “Johnny won’t let you stay here.”

“Just… Justin. Don’t let them take me.” He paused and thought warily about each word, “It’s safe for me here. Lou can’t get me here.”

Justin’s heart shattered. “Oh, baby. He can’t get you any more. He can’t touch you,” Justin scooted up the slender man’s body until JC’s head was aligned with his chest. He carefully cradled the brunette’s head against him. “I promise, JC. With every fiber of my being, I promise Lou will never touch you again.”

“Just…in.”

The blonde’s heart wrenched again at the agonizing tone of JC’s voice, his plea. “I’ll be with you C, sweetie. I won’t let anything else happen to you. You’ll be safe, you’ll be safe with me, I promise.”

The two boys were joined by the third, as Lance pressed his body against Justin’s and gently combed JC’s oily hair. Dr. Thompson stood staring at the three group members unsure of what to do. He finally came to a decision when he observed two of the three had fallen asleep. “Lance, keep an eye on them, while I get things ready for our departure.

“Yes, sir.”

“Don’t let anyone disturb them and don’t let Justin leave. He’ll need his medications once he awakens. Okay.”

“Yes sir.”

Dr. Thompson smiled at the youths and walked out of the suite.



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