Part 11

Preparations


Chris jumped out of the taxicab and quickly ran toward the back entrance of the five stars hotel. He slightly opened the wooden door and cautiously peered inside. He observed a couple of blond haired groupies standing just to the left of the doorway, giggling and talking loudly. Chris knew he could make it past them, but it would be the fiver reporters and the one camera crew he’d have a tough time getting by. The oldest group member shut the door without a sound. Chris unconsciously rubbed his chin while thinking of a way inside the hotel. Just as he was about to give up, he noticed a man disappear into the building unassumingly. Chris smiled. He casually sauntered over toward the hidden entrance and nonchalantly walked in. The eldest brunette was greeted with an array of tantalizing smells and the obnoxious clamoring of pans. The kitchen, he thought, perfect. The singer surveyed the entire cooking area before committing himself totally to the bold move. Walking confidently into the kitchen unnoticed by the busy occupants, Chris was able to escape the gawking eyes of reporters and fans. I’ve gotta find the service elevator, he reasoned, then I can help Joey.

The kitchen was filled with chiefs, wait staff and managers. The noise level in the room was astounding and the flurry of movements would’ve transfixed the singer but he would not allow him self to become distracted. Chris grabbed a white hat and robe as he entered the expansive area. He pulled the robe over his cloths and buttoned it half way. The singer stared at the hat briefly before deciding he wasn’t going to use it. He tossed the hat to the ground. Satisfied with his disguise, he milled around the room as if he worked there scrutinizing the area for the location of the elevator. He was giddy with excitement when his eyes landed on the small door. With quick light steps, he managed to reach the door unobserved. He pressed the large enticing arrow and the ping of the signal drew unwanted attention.

“Hey you there,” a voice called out.

Chris looked behind him and then pointed at himself. The elevator door opened and then seconds later closing, mocking Chris.

“Yes, you.” A roly-poly shaped figure waltzed up to him. “Are you new here?”

“Have you seen me before?” Chris quipped back.

“No,” the man answered.

“Then… I’d assume that the answer is…” Chris paused, looking expectantly at the pudgy manager and then at his nametag, “…Mr. Thome… yes.”

“Fine then,” the man huffed as if the simple act of talking caused him great physical stress. “I’ll excuse the fact that you’re about to get on that elevator without a tray in your hand.”

“Okay…”

“Simon,” the intruder yelled over his shoulder, the fat on his neck rolling together. “Bring the order for room 356c. Will have the new guy take it up.”

“Will have the new guy take it up,” Chris mimicked under his breath.

“What?”

Chris looked behind him again, “Me?”

Mr. Thome shook his head and waited for the order. Simon brought the large tray of cut vegetables to the manager and once the tray rested in the pudgy man’s hands; he looked Chris up and down wrinkling his nose.

Chris thought, was I just snubbed by a waiter. Could the day get any worse? Just as the thought left his mind, a young waitress came barging into the room screaming indecipherable words at the top of her squeaky voice. Chris looked heavenward.

“Oh my god, oh my god,” she ranted.

“What? What is it?” Simon inquired.

“NSYNC is here.”

“Here we go…” Chris smiled at his own joke.

“Did you say something?” The brunette looked over his shoulder. “Will you stop doing that?”

“Look just give me the tray and I’ll take it up.”

“Okay,” Mr. Thome’s voice faded as Chris listened to the girl.

“…one of them is in the hospital… that’s what I’ve been hearing…no I don’t know which one or why. But I think I’m gonna check out the local ones, see if I can find them. Isn’t this so cool,” she gushed.

“Are you listening to me?”

“Yes,” Chris grabbed the tray and turned away from the kitchen area. He pressed the button again and waited until the loud ping announced its arrival. As the doors drew open, Chris slipped in and quickly selected floor 3. The elevator doors closed, however not before the girl looked his way, their eyes met and she screamed running toward the door. “Shit,” he exclaimed, pressing the button a second, third, fourth time.

When the service elevator reached the third floor, Chris quickly exited and searched the hallway for the guest carriages. He found them and jumped into one, pressing the number twelve. The carriage gently moved up the additional floors and the occupant breathed a sigh of relieve. He watched the numbers fade in and out while contemplating how their whereabouts leaked. Chris stared at the counter waiting patiently for the twelve to light up. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the elevator came to a rest. The brunette with his head down carelessly stepped out of the carriage and was instantly bombarded with camera flashes and questions.

“Chris… Chris, which one of you is it?”

“Is it true that one of you is in the hospital healing from a recent mugging.”

“What?” he muttered. Chris trembled while the reporters pressed against him, shoving microphones and television cameras in his face. He paled. Sweat formed on his brow and his hands became clammy. The singer unconsciously wiped them down the front of his shirt, staring wide-eyed.

“Chris… over here.” He turned his head toward the voice, “Isn’t it true that Lance collapsed again and is now recuperating at a nearby hospital.”

“No… I…” Chris tried pushing his way through the throng of people but they wouldn’t let him pass. “Please let me by,” he said softly, “I want to get through to my room.”

The reporters ignored Chris’s request. They impatiently waited for the answers to their questions. “Why aren’t you answering the questions? Are you breaking up? Is it because of the lack of seriousness the music industry has for your bubble gum pop?”

“Please, I need to get through,” he repeated.

“Chris one more question,” a muffled voice accused, “Isn’t it true that you could’ve stopped Lou from raping one of your best friends. Isn’t it true that you chose to ignore the threat and condemned JC to this sort of treatment?”

“Nooooo,” Chris yelled. The crowd silenced as they gawked bewilderedly at the singer. Chris stared wide-eyed unsure of what to do but he was saved.

“Chris,” a familiar voice called out. “Get back. All of you step aside.” Carl waded through the sea of people and firmly gripped Chris’s arm hauling him away. As the reporters started to follow, Wes and Will blocked the hallway.

“Thanks,” Chris mumbled visibly shaken by the encounter.

“No problem little man. Let’s get you to safety.” The two men wondered down the hallway turning several corners before finally stopping in front of an unfamiliar room.

Chris glanced at Carl, “Where’s Joey?”

“Don’t worry, he’s safe. He’s got everyone’s stuff packed. We’re just waiting for Johnny’s call.” Carl reached forward and knocked. They waited a few moments before the door opened.

“Great,” Chris replied sarcastically walking into the suite.

**

Moments before Chris’s arrival, Johnny stormed into the NSYNC suite at the hotel. Thankful that he hadn’t run into any reporters, he sat dejectedly on the couch. He leaned forward, covering his lap with one arm and running the fingers of his other hand over the tight curls that covered his head. He rocked slightly, thinking about his fight with Justin. “Stupid fool,” he mumbled. “Why is he pushing my buttons?”

“Hey Johnny. Who ya talkin’ too?”

“Nobody,” he huffed and threw himself into the comforting embrace of the leather material. “Is everything ready?”

“Yeah, I’ve got everyone’s stuff packed and Chris is on his way here.”

“Good….” He paused, “good.” Johnny closed his eyes as his brain pondered the many different scenarios he could possibly use in getting his group to safety. He sighed.

“JC ready.”

“No,” the manager’s throat tightened. “But we still gotta move him.” He turned his head in Joey’s direction, “I know you’re all pissed at me, but this is for JC’s own good. We can’t have him there if his rest is going to be disturbed and prodding questions asked.”

“Johnny you’ve been trying to speed things up since JC entered the fricking hospital.”

“That wasn’t me and you know it.”

“Regardless, you’re the one carrying out the ‘orders’. The guys see only you, not everyone else who are behind the decisions made. Of course they’re gonna be mad at you.”

“It’s not fair, Joey. Why do you guys blame me? You should realize that I can’t do anything without first getting permission from Jive. I can’t believe you boys would think I would do that to JC.”

“Listen Johnny, if you’re looking for sympathy then look else where. I don’t agree with what you’re doing,” he stared at Johnny with understanding eyes, “but I do see that from your perspective it needs to be done. You’ve no other choice.”

“I don’t want to hurt any of you.” Johnny closed his chocolate colored eyes, “You know that don’t you.”

“Based on what I’ve seen recently, I’m not so sure Johnny. It’s just,” Joey paused, “I can’t believe some of the things that you’ve said and did. I mean…even if Jive is behind it, you could’ve softened the blow and not been so forceful, so mean.” Joey stood behind his manager, “The others aren’t gonna see it that way though. I know them. They won’t see it as a Jive thing. They see what’s happening and blame you for it, not the company. Whether you want to or not, you’re hurting us. It’ll take some time for Lance to forgive you, but I know he’ll come around. However, I think Justin’s a whole other story. I’ve no idea what to expect from him. He’s been acting very strange, very protective of JC. I’ve never seen him so strong and then so broken. It’s like he’s on a roller coaster ride or something,” Joey rubbed his chin and looked at Johnny quizzically.

“Don’t remind me. I think it’ll be a while before the two of us are on talking terms.” The manager stared at Joey, “However, I think we’re all on the same ride Justin is. I don’t know what to think or what to feel. It’s like everything is on automatic. I don’t stop to think about my words or deeds, just do them and try and get them over with.”

Joey sat down beside his manager and leaned his head on his shoulder. “I completely understand. And Johnny.”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll never stop reminding you.”

“Thanks kid.” The older man reached his arm around the brunette and squeezed him close. “Well, I guess I need to make a phone call,” Johnny leaned over Joey and grabbed the phone. He dialed the hospital’s number and waited for an answer.

“Hello,” a male voice rippled over the phone.

“Umm…yeah is Becky around?”

“No. Her shift ended about thirty minutes ago. How may I help you?”

Johnny froze at the question. Unsure of what he should do next, he hung up the phone. Joey peered up at him with a puzzled expression. He opened his mouth to inquire about what just transpired, but was cut off expertly by the manager. “Becky wasn’t there.”

“So?”

“The person who answered the phone has no idea what’s going on. I didn’t want to tip him off and potentially screw things up.”

“Johnny things are pretty screwed up now. I don’t think you asking for JC’s room would cause any more harm.”

“He doesn’t know JC’s there. I wasn’t about to clue him in.”

Joey rolled his eyes. “Here let me call.”

“Okay,” the black man handed Joey the receiver.

Joey carefully dialed the number to the hospital as well as the extension for JC’s suite. He allowed the phone to ring three times and then hung up. He repeated the process, however, this time he waited until someone picked up the other line.

“Hello,” a sleepy voice answered.

“Morning sunshine.”

Lance smiled at the sound of his jovial friend’s voice. He shyly answered, “Morning.”

“Hey did you just get up, did I wake you?” Joey asked with concern in his voice. He held the phone close to his ear and spoke gently. “Listen. I need to know what’s going on there. What’s been happening?”

Lance rubbed his eye with his free hand and yawed slightly. “I don’t know Joey. I fell asleep with JC and Justin.” He sniffed. “I don’t know what’s going on,” the young blond began to panic.

“Ahhhh…every girls wet dream…and maybe some boys.”

“Joey…” Lance laughed, forgetting for a little while that he was scared. He peered over his shoulder and noticed JC on the bed alone. He twirled the cord nervously.

“Yeah, sorry. Anyway, try finding out what’s happening then call me back.”

“I can’t.” Lance stifled a yawn; “Dr. Thompson said I needed to stay with them until he comes back. He doesn’t want any of us leaving the room.”

“Really?” Johnny poked the young brunette in the side and whispered what’s going on. “I don’t know Johnny hang on.” Joey heard a soft sniffle. “Hey,” Joey spoke with a soft voice, “ what’s wrong, Lance.”

The bass singer sniffed deeply before answering Joey’s question. “I don’t want JC to go. He’s not ready. Joey he isn’t ready to go and Johnny’ making him. What if he gets hurt in the move? What if he doesn’t wake up or something?” He sniffed again, “I don’t want him to go, yet.”

Joey’s heart seized and he curled up around in a ball near the armrest, cradling the phone. “Sweetie, we don’t have a choice in the matter. He’s got to get out of there.”

“No,” Lance yelled. “He can’t.”

“Lance, now isn’t the time to argue this point. We need to stick together and protect JC, get him away from danger. If moving him will put him out of harms way, then we’re gonna move him.”

Lance sobbed into the phone. He rubbed his temple with his free hand and gathered his strength. “O…okay Joey.”

“You’ll be strong for me. You’ll be strong for JC and Justin.” Lance nodded. “I can’t hear you Lance.”

“Yes,” he breathed.

“That’s what I need to hear. I need to know that you’ll be okay without me, you’ll be strong without me.”

“Joey,” Lance whined. “I…”

“Everything will be all right Poofu, don’t you worry. Johnny’s got everything ready for JC at Lynn’s house. He’ll be safe there. So will you and Justin, I’ll make sure of it. Now, you be a good boy and find out what’s going on for me.”

“Yeah,” Lance huffed wiping the tears from his eyes.

“I’ll call back in a few minutes. All right?”

“No…” Lance whimpered.

“No? How come?”

“I keep thinking about it.”

“About what Poofu?”

“Is Lou going with us? Does he know we’re leaving the hospital?” Lance sobbed. “I don’t want him near me Joey. I keep thinking about what he said to me, him touching me.”

“No sweetie he doesn’t know. He isn’t gonna be around you. I’ll make sure of that. I won’t let him touch you again.” Joey heard Lance begin to cry uncontrollably, “Lance…please…no don’t cry sweetie. Everything’s going to all right.” Joey gripped the phone tighter, “You’ve gotta be strong, just until we’re out of here, then I can hold you.”

“You sure he doesn’t know,” Lance said through broken breaths.

“I promise. He won’t be there.”

“O…okay.”

“So you’re gonna be okay.”

“Yeah,” he whispered.

“Get some more rest before we’ve gotta leave. I don’t want you collapsing.”

“Bye, Joey.”

“Bye Lance.”

**

“Who’s that on the phone?” Justin asked from across the room.

“It was Joey.” Lance used the back of his hand to wipe his nose.

“You know, they did event kleenez for a reason, Poofu.”

Lance chuckled, “Shut up, Curly.”

Justin slipped quietly from the bathroom taking great care not to disrupted JC’s slumber and tiptoed to the other side of the suite. “What’d Joey want?” he whispered. The youngest blond wrapped his arms around Lance’s waist pulling him into a hug.

Lance leaned his head back onto the offered shoulder, “He wants me to see how things are at this end. Then he told me to get some rest before… before.” Lance paused. “They’re getting the last things together at the hotel before they move him.” Lance whirled around and pinned azure eyes with his emerald ones. “I’m sorry Justin.”

“S’okay,” the younger blond replied in a soft whispery voice. He pulled the bass singer in for a hug, squeezing him tight. “S’okay.”

Lance returned the embrace. “I’m gonna see how much time we’ve got.” Justin nodded his head, “You stay here.”

Lance walked toward the door and searched for the knob, only to have it pulled from his reach. “Dr. Thompson,” the bleach blond gasped as the door swung open.

**

Chris stumbled into the occupied room with Carl hot on his heels. He stood dumbfound for a brief moment before gathering his wits. The brunette focused his attention on the two people sitting on the burgundy leather couch and stalked toward them. Once he reached his goal, he sat on the floor cross-legged staring up at them. “That was interesting,” he said.

“What was interesting?” Johnny asked with a hint of worry lingering in his normally powerful voice.

Chris thumbed behind him toward the door, “Out there in the hallway.”

“What happened?” Joey rested his head on the back of the couch.

“The reporters. Johnny they’ve already got stories circulating about who’s in the hospital and why. They kept asking me ‘if it were true’ questions. I didn’t know what to say Johnny, I sort of freaked on them.”

“Any of you would’ve done the same. It’s difficult talking to them without a prepared statement. They try and twist your words,” Johnny comforted. He sat forward and listened carefully to what Chris was saying.

“I don’t think I even said an identifiable word for them to twist.” Chris’s eyes filled with unshed tears. He looked shamefully down at his entwined hands. “They just kept asking me the same questions. They wouldn’t let me by them. I asked them.” He looked up again, “They just ignored me, kept asking questions.”

Joey slid off the couch and wrapped his arms around Chris pulling him into his embrace. “It’s okay Chris. You did just fine.” He rubbed the older man’s back, “You’re here and that’s what matters right now.”

Chris sat back and wiped his nose with the heel of his hand. “Thanks Joey,” he mumbled.

Joey smiled meekly, “Anytime Chris.”

“Chris, you did just fine.” Johnny turned his attention toward the phone and sighed heavily. “I guess that means we move along with our plan. We need to contact Dr. Thompson and let him know it’s time to move out.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing Johnny,” Joey remarked getting back up onto the couch.

“Don’t worry, Joey. Every things under control.”

Joey picked up the phone and dialed.

**

“Suite 109,” a smooth voice echoed in Joey’s ear.

“Who’s this?”

“Don’t panic, its just me nurse Jennings. Dr. Thompson thought it’d be best if I answered the phone instead of Lance or Justin. He thought it would throw them off.”

“Pretty smart thinking.”

“That’s why he’s the doctor,” nurse Jennings replied.

“Wow,” Joey laughed, “you’ve been hanging around Justin way to much. Speaking of which, may I speak with him?”

“I’m sorry Joey but Dr. Thompson gave Justin a mild sedative. He won’t be speaking to anyone for the next twelve hours or so. However, I’m sure Dr. Thompson would love to talk to you, hang on one moment.”

Joey could hear faint noises of movement in the background as nurse Jennings handed the phone to the doctor. The tenor heard them exchange quiet words while the switch took place.

“Hello,” the deep voice of the doctor answered.

“Dr. Thompson? What’s going on? Why did you give Justin a sedative?”

“Young man, shouldn’t you be worried about other things? Like how the hell you’re going to move JC when the hospital is full of unwanted guests.”

“Oh shit,” Joey quickly handed the phone to Johnny.

“What’s happening doc? Speak to me.”

“I’m afraid you were right. This place is swarming with reporters and teens. They’ve been everywhere. It will only be a matter of time before they figure out where our patient is. I’ve got Lonnie standing outside the door and hospital security at every stairway and elevator. We’re trying to get a handle on things but there must be hundreds of young girls out there. A few of them have been admitted. We’ve had to watch them very carefully, due to some of them faking injury to get access to the interior of the hospital.”

“How’s the front look?”

“No way we’re getting out there. I had your security check the back way and that’s been covered as well. We could probably get one out but I think they’d figure things out.”

“Shit. I knew this would happen. You guys are all but trapped.”

Chris listened intently to the one-sided conversation. He closed his eyes and thought about the two youngest and how scared they’d be. The brunette scoured his brain thinking of ways to get them out of there when it dawned on him. He sat up abruptly. “Johnny they’ve got a helicopter. They’ve got a helicopter.”

Dr. Thompson heard Chris exclamation and sighed. They couldn’t use the helicopter; it was used only for emergencies.

“What about the helicopter, Dr. Thompson? Can we use that?”

“Johnny you have to understand. The helicopter is for emergency use only. I’m sorry this isn’t deemed an emergency.”

Johnny peered over at Joey whose eyes were closed and a stray tear meandered its way down the young man’s cheek. The manager gripped the phone tighter. “Listen here Dr. Thompson,” Johnny sneered, “we need to use it. This is an emergency.”

“Johnny as much as I’d like to agree with you, the hospital won’t. What if an accident happened and our MedVec is hauling someone to Tennessee. It just wouldn’t be well received.”

“Who do I need to talk to in order to make this happen?”

“Johnny,” the doctor nearly whined, shoulders tensing.

“Who doctor?”

Dr. Thompson clenched his fist and twisted the cord around one finger. “The Dean of the Hospital. His name is Therman DeCortez, he’s in charge of all hospital operations.”

“That’s not the same guy I spoke with before, about getting you and Nurse Jennings. What about that guy? Why can’t I speak with him about using the chopper?”

“The man you spoke with before was the Dean of Personnel. He was acting as your liaison. He doesn’t have the power to allow you to take the helicopter, Johnny. If you want things done, you need to go to the top, the source of the power. Mr. DeCortez is that source.” Dr. Thompson looked over his shoulder when he felt a gentle touch. He smiled at Lance and visibly relaxed, gripping the offered hand. Lance tilted his head to one side and stared wide eyed at the doctor. The look was something that couldn’t be ignored. It penetrated the doctor’s inner walls, knocking down the last of his resistance. The doctor decided after watching the two young men interact there was no way he was going to leave them; he’d figure a way to keep JC from further harm. But seeing the empathy, the pain radiating from so many other people surrounding the young men, tore away the last part of his resistance. “Johnny, you need to talk to him. Tell him that by using the helicopter to evacuate the patient he’ll be alleviating the crowd around the hospital. He’ll be doing what’s best for the rest of the patients and residents here. Pound that thought, he’s big on appearance.”

Johnny nodded his head, forgetting Dr. Thompson couldn’t see his reaction. “I’ll do that. I’m pretty good at making other people look and feel good about decisions they make. It shouldn’t be any problem for me.”

No kidding, the doctor thought. “Well, do what you can and let me know what his final decision is, so I know how to prepare JC for departure.” Dr. Thompson saw the despair swirl in the emerald eyes that pierced his heart. He tenderly rubbed the back of Lance’s hand with his own, awkwardly reaching over his opposite shoulder.

“Thank you doctor,” Johnny answered, “I’ll be sure to let you know.” Johnny hung up the phone eyeing the youngest singer in the room and then sending a sideways glance toward Chris. He could read the disheartening appearance from both of his singers and it pained him. The eldest man leaned back against the back of the couch and took a deep breath.

“We need that helicopter,” Chris whispered, staring up at Johnny. He leaned up from his kneeling position and crawled on his knees, creeping toward the manager. “Johnny, what are we gonna do if we can’t get it?”

Johnny reached his hand down and ruffled Chris’s hair, “I’ll get it Chris. You can count on me. JC’ll be out of harms way in no time.”

“Thank you Johnny,” Joey said softly. “We know we can count on you.”

**

Johnny finally hung up the phone with Mr. DeCortez and smiled. “It’s a done deal. He’s gonna let us use it,” he screeched excitedly.

Joey’s face lit up, throwing his arms around their manager. “Thank God.”

Chris relocated near the window staring down at the swarms of people. Upon hearing Johnny’s declaration he spun around and raced toward the two on the couch. He gripped the manager’s arm and wrapped the other around Joey and the three shared an embrace. Chris was the first to pull away reminding Johnny he needed to call Dr. Thompson.

“You’re right.” He allowed Joey to dial the number and extension and waited patiently until the phone was handed over to him. The black man quickly snatched the receiver from Joey with a smile on his face, giddy about relaying the news to the doctor. “Doc?”

“Yes, Johnny. We got the word minutes ago from the top, he wants JC out of here as soon as possible.”

“Okay?” Johnny answered a bit puzzled.

“I’ve got JC ready. He’s a bit weak for the ride but I made sure similar monitoring equipment was loaded onto the copter.”

“Good. What about the other three?”

“Well the escape route has been planned for getting JC and Justin out of here. I didn’t know we’d need one for Lance and nurse Jennings.”

“Doctor,” Johnny said in an exasperated voice, covering his face with his free hand. “Can’t they go with you?”

“There isn’t enough room on the helicopter. There is a limit on how many people can be in the copter. JC and Justin, plus myself, the pilot and the co-pilot that’s it.”

“What about strapping JC and Justin outside, like I see on TV all the time?”

“Are you serious? Johnny, no.”

“Doctor, would you get Lonnie for me?”

“Hang on.”

“Boss,” a deep voice answered.

“Get Poofu and Nurse Jennings. You’ll be escorting them to safety. The rest of us will meet you three at the back entrance.”

“Johnny this place is swarming with reporters and teens. I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. We should leave with the doctor.”

“I don’t have time for this Lonnie. We need to move out like yesterday.”

“Yes sir.”

“Give us a half hour then start toward the exits. Have Lance dress up as a doctor and he and nurse Jennings should be easy to get out of there. It’s you that will cause people to stare and wonder.”

“Gee thanks,” Lonnie chuckled. “We’ll think of something. We’ll grab the kid’s things that are here and meet you.”

“Be careful with him, Lonnie. I’m trusting you to make sure Lance makes it safely.”

“With my life Johnny.”

“See you.”

“Bye.”

**

Lonnie hung the phone up and peered over his shoulder. He observed the doctor and the nurse working diligently preparing Justin and JC for their escape. The large bodyguard stared across the room and focused on Lance. Lonnie sighed. The young blond appeared lost and scared while he gazed hopelessly out the hospital window. His hands were tucked in his lap and his knee bounced nervously. Lonnie observed him a little longer. The black man noticed a sheen of sweat forming on the young singer’s forehead and watched as Lance wrung his hands, chest puffing. The bass singer’s knee moved erratically and Lance swayed slightly.

“Ah, doctor,” Lonnie’s voice trembled. He bolted across the room when he saw the young man teeter nearly falling off the chair. Lonnie grabbed him, securing Lance to his chest, feeling the perspiration through the blonde’s cloths; they were saturated. “Doctor,” he yelled.

Dr. Thompson rushed toward Lonnie and Lance. “What is it? What’s going on?”

“It’s his heart, I think,” the large man answered.

The doctor felt for a pulse point, leaning over the sweaty youth; he listened. “His heart’s racing. We need to move him to the bed and calm him down.” The doctor ran his fingers through his short graying hair. “Do you know what he suffers from? Do you know what medication he takes?”

Lonnie picked up the young singer and carried him over to the bed. He painstakingly placed him on the mattress and turned his attention toward the doctor. “Something about a valve. I don’ know. I’m not his normal security.” Lonnie confessed.

“Great,” Dr. Thompson sighed, “hopefully its just a panic attack. Nurse Jennings could you see to Lance here. Give him 2cc of the locale. We need to have him calm.” The doctor stared in disbelieve at his three patients and flung his hands in the air. “What are we going to do? We can only get two of them on the helicopter.” He looked at Justin and sadly shook his head. “Maybe Justin should go with you two and not Lance.”

“Doctor, I think Justin should go for two reasons. First, he knows where you’re going after you touch down in Tennessee. Second, JC will feel abandoned if Justin isn’t with him. He needs to see Justin first thing when he wakes from his medications. Justin will be able to explain to JC what’s going on and where he is.” Lonnie’s gaze fell on Justin. “No doctor, I think Justin should go with you guys. It’s what’s best.”

The doctor scratched his head, remembering the words that Justin pledged to JC and knew that Lonnie was right. At whatever cost, Justin must be at JC’s side when he wakes up. There was just no telling how the injured patient would act without the youth’s presence, apparent calming effect. “You’re right,” he whispered, “you’re right.”

**

The phone rang in the hotel suite, each occupant staring at it then at each other. No one moved to answer it. Afraid of who was on the other end, they just stared at it. Finally, after the tenth ring Johnny answered it. “Hello.”

“Johnny Wright?”

“Yes,” the manager answered cautiously.

“I was wondering if you’d be willing to answer some questions pertaining…”

“No,” Johnny was about to slam the phone down.

“Wait… pertaining to the reasons why JC Chasez is in the hospital?”

The powerful manager stood stunned, “Wha…how…I.” The phone was ripped from his hands.

“Rumors and accusations are not good reporting,” Wes said, “you’ll have a statement shortly.” He hung up the phone. It rang.

Johnny still stood, glued to his spot and glared down at the annoying phone. It rang again. “We’ve got to get out of here,” he mumbled ashamed of how he handled the phone call. He slowly directed his attention toward the others, “Now. Get your things, now.” Chris and Joey didn’t hesitate. They quickly moved from their spots and gathered the bags in the room, sitting them in front of the door. Johnny looked up at Wes, “Get the boys, we’re leaving. I want their stuff moved by hotel personnel and placed in one of the SUVs. I want them both,” he pointed at Chris and Joey, “in the other one, now. I don’t care how long it takes the luggage to find us. They need to leave. Have Will drive the vehicle carrying their things to the airport. He knows the flight number correct.”

“Yes, we all have our tickets.”

“Good,” Johnny moved toward the two boys, “we’re leaving. Let’s go.”



next

Email: whatweallwishfor@yahoo.com