The muted din in the police station stopped JC and Justin at the door. Neither man had ever been in a police station before, and both realized it was exactly as they thought it would be, and completely different than what they’d thought it would be. Sure, there were suspects handcuffed to chairs, and people filling out reports, but there were also computers whirling and cell phones ringing. JC realized they were attracting attention just standing there. Ignoring the whispered words and furtive glances cast their way, JC spied Det. Kirby and led Justin through the room. Reaching the desk the detective was sitting at, JC held out a plastic baggie containing a cream envelope. “Here. This was at my house,” he told Kirby. Kirby took the letter from JC. “Mr. Chasez, I asked you not to touch it if you received anything.” “I didn’t,” JC assured him. “He used bar-be-que tongs,” Justin told the detectives, holding out a second plastic bag. “We brought them, too.” Kirby blinked. “Bar-be-que tongs,” he said, taking the implement from Justin. “Yes,” JC affirmed. “Any leads?” Detective Matthews had joined them at the desk. “Perhaps we should find somewhere a bit more private,” he said, indicating a private interrogation room off the main station area. Wearing gloves, Kirby removed the letter from the baggie and opened it. He read the letter, then slid it over to his partner. Matthew’s brows raised in surprise. “We had our psychologist analyze both of the previous letters, and this one seems to confirm her conclusions.” Kirby placed the letter in front of JC and Justin to read. Don’t worry JC. I’m taking care of things. You concentrate on your music and making the best, most original album the world has heard. I’ll handle Justin-Fucking-Timberlake. “I hope your shrink concluded this person is a fucking psycho,” JC said simply. “Because they are.” The detectives exchanged another glance. “Not in so many words,” Matthews said. “She explained that this is a highly disturbed person with a savior fixation.” “A savior fixation?” JC asked, puzzled. Kirby nodded. “Someone with a savior fixation sees the object of their psychosis as in trouble and in need of being rescued. In this case, it seems this person has decided that Mr. Timberlake is an obstacle as far as releasing your album, and plans on getting that obstacle out of the way.” “But he’s NOT!” JC insisted, his voice rising. “My album not being released has nothing to do with Justin!” He calmed a bit when Justin put a hand on his thigh. JC’s own hand gently covered the bandaged one under the table. “Really, it’s the merger thing with Warner. Nothing else.” “What you know to be the truth doesn’t matter, Mr. Chasez,” Kirby said, tapping the letter. “What this person believes is the important thing. They’re probably only going by rumor, chat rooms, and all kinds of unreliable Internet information.” “So, what we need to do is announce why my album has been pushed back?” Kirby scanned the letter again. “Seems there have been announcements before, yes?” he asked. JC nodded. “You may need something a bit more convincing.” For the first time since entering the room, Justin spoke. “I’ve got an idea.” *** Besides being the most listened too and popular DJ in LA, Jojo Wright was also a good friend. Justin had called the station, speaking to Jojo’s producer, and by the time they were in the car on the way to the studio, JC’s appearance was being teased on the radio. “I sure hope this works,” JC said, casting Justin a worried glance. The younger man had been quiet all morning, his hands still causing him considerable pain. JC had taken care of Justin last night, but by this morning, his stubborn independent streak had surfaced, and Justin had refused JC’s help. “I don’t like the idea of someone wanting to hurt you still out there…somewhere.” He glanced in the rear-view mirror on the off chance he’d spot the psycho. “It’ll work,” Justin said with confidence. “The news about your album has been all jumbled. Hearing about it from you should make this person shut up and leave us alone.” Justin cut JC a look. “Jayce…you don’t…” He stopped, unable to finish his thought. JC had expected this. “I don’t what? Actually believe this crap, that you had anything to do with my album delay?” Justin nodded. JC pulled into the parking lot of KIIS-FM and flipped off the engine before answering. “Justin, you’re many things, but a back-stabbing diva isn’t one of them.” Justin smiled broadly. “Yeah?” he asked, cockiness coming back a bit. JC nodded. “A conceited diva? Yes. An arrogant diva? Sure. An egotistical diva? Absolutely. But never a backstabbing diva!” JC jumped out of the car before Justin could pounce. *** A light on the console flashed red. “And we’re back in the studio with JC Chasez, talking all things Nsync and JC’s long awaited solo album,” Jojo said into the microphone. “How’s tricks, JC?” JC laughed. “Tricks are fine, Jojo,” JC answered. “What’s the story on the album, dude? Seems like we’ve been talking about this for almost a year now.” Jojo nodded to Justin through the glass. They’d talked privately with the DJ before JC went on air, informing him of the need to get word out about JC’s album. Jojo had looked at Justin’s hands and told the boys he’d be happy to help. “I’ve heard some of the tracks, man. Hot stuff.” “Thanks, Jojo,” JC said. “Yeah, it does seem as if it’s been forever we’ve been talking about this, doesn’t it?” “You were here in November last year doing ‘Blowing Me Up,’ if I remember correctly.” “Yes, that’s when I decided to do a solo disc. There seemed to be a demand for it,” he added with a giggle. “I would say so!” Jojo exclaimed. “Anyways, why has it taken so long? And do we have a date for release yet?” JC adjusted his earphones. “No date yet. It’s been delayed due to this merger stuff between Jive and Warner. Nothing that hasn’t had a set release date for ages has been delayed. That includes me, Joe, Britney, Nick Carter…all of us with cd’s in the air. It’s just a waiting game now.” “I heard about the merger,” Jojo said. “Too bad it’s messing up your disc.” “Yep, but that’s part of the business, ‘ya know?” JC explained. “I made my music, gave it to the suits, and now it’s up to them to decide when to release it.” “Good to hear, man.” Jojo flipped a switch and music started. “We’ll open up the phone lines, get some chatter in here for Mr. JC. But first, here’s Kelly Clarkson and ‘Low.’” The music rose, then fell as Jojo turned down the song. “How was that?” he asked JC. JC smiled broadly. “Jojo, you’re the best!” he told the DJ. “I can’t thank you enough for doing this.” “Dude, no sweat,” Jojo replied. “What happened to Justin was sick, and if I can help in anyway, then I’ll help.” JC watched glanced at Justin, who was talking to Jojo’s producer. “I’m scared, Jojo,” he admitted. “Justin is…he’s everything, man.” Jojo nodded. He was one of the few outside their immediate circle that knew the truth. “I understand,” he said, slipping his earphones back on as the song ended. He spoke again into the microphone. “We’re back, with JC Chasez, in the studio. JC has been telling us about his album and the delays, and we’re ready to take your calls!” Jojo pushed a phone button. “Hi! You’re on the air with Jojo and JC.” An excited giggle came over the phone line. “Oh wow…oh wow…is that really Jojo?” “It sure is,” Jojo replied. “Who’s this?” Another giggle. “Hi, uh, this is Charise.” “Hi, Charise. JC, say hello to Charise.” “Hello, Charise.” More giggling. JC saw Justin shaking his head and laughed as well. “Do you have a question for JC, Charise?” “Oh, yes. JC, I’ve heard some of the clips from your album. Which are going to make the cut?” “Not sure yet, Charise,” JC answered. “Did you like the clips?” “Oh my god. Oh my GOD!” Charise said. “I loved the clips! The ‘Build My World’ song…so good!” “Thanks,” JC said. “Thanks, Charise,” Jojo said, cutting off the girl. “Hi! You’re on the air with Jojo and JC!” “Hi Jojo! It’s Darlene.” Jojo nodded. Darlene was a regular caller. “Hey Darlene! How ‘ya doing?” “Good. Hey, JC,” she said, her voice getting soft. “Hey, mami,” JC whispered. Justin rolled his eyes again, this time at JC. “JC, how’s the tour planning coming? Still plan on heading out with Tony Lucca?” “As soon as possible, Darlene.” JC explained that the tour was dependent on the release of the cd, but he and Tony were definitely planning on hitting the road together. “Thanks for calling, Darlene,” Jojo said, hanging up the line. “Hi! You’re on the air with Jojo and JC!” “Why are you lying, JC?” JC and Jojo exchanged a glance. “Who’s calling?” Jojo asked. “JC, why are you lying?” The voice was hollow, disembodied sounding. JC saw that Jojo was going to terminate the call and waved him off. “What do you think I’m lying about?” he asked. “About your album. About why your album is being delayed.” “I didn’t lie, sorry, what’s your name?” JC asked. “Yes, you are. But why are you letting Jive dick you around like this? You don’t have to protect him, lie for him. I’m taking care of it.” Jojo scribbled something on a pad and showed it to JC. We’re off the air JC read. He nodded. “I’m not lying. You have to believe me. My album is being delayed because of the merger. Justin has nothing to do with it.” Silence. “I don’t believe you.” “I’m telling you the truth,” JC said, his eyes now locked with Justin’s. “Justin has nothing to do with it.” Again, a long silence. “Why is he recording a new album?” the voice asked. “Hey, you know how it is. We’re always recording. I’ve been recording solo stuff for years!” JC heard a bit of desperation creep into his voice. “I know you care about my career, but I’m being honest with you. Justin has nothing to do with this.” The silence stretched. Jojo looked down at the phone line, then back up at JC, shaking his head. The light was out. *** “Get me an extra large one, okay?” Justin asked as they both got out of the car. “Where are you going?” JC said, coming around the car and heading toward the Coffee Bean and Tea store on Sunset. “Over to the drug store,” Justin said, holding up his healing hands. “I need more aloe.” “Justin…” JC’s voice was wary. “Jayce, relax,” Justin said, beeping the car locked. “It’s been a week. The psycho is gone.” With a wave, Justin crossed the street to the drug store. JC sighed, walking into the coffee shop. He ordered Justin’s extra tall concoction, and a cup of regular latte for himself. He nodded to a few people he recognized, other regulars at this location. He realized he’d been spotted by a few fans, and smiled as he posed for pictures. His order was called, and he picked up both cups and walked out the door. Justin hadn’t returned yet, so he placed the coffee on the hood of the car and leaned against it, thinking about Justin and the events of last week. Justin was right, there hadn’t been any additional contact since he’d been on Jojo’s show, but JC felt uneasy. He would have felt a lot better if the person who had injured Justin had been found and put away. He looked up, noticing Justin coming out of the drug store, a small white bag in his hand. Their eyes locked, and Justin’s face erupted into a bright smile, almost blinding in the late afternoon sun. He looks so happy, JC thought. He smiled back as Justin made his way across the street. Justin’s face became puzzled as he watched the horror cross JC’s handsome features. He heard his name being called, but Justin was suddenly paralyzed with fear, only able to watch as the car barreled down the street, heading straight for him.