The battered metallic blue Honda parked on the side road just opposite the biggest and richest bank in town, Olsen Bank. Owned by a corporate millionaire and businessman tycoon, Mr. Olsen. For a small town, the two-storey bank is considered large enough. The town was known for it's peace and harmony. Tourist travel here to enjoy the many activities they could do up in the snowy mountains. Far away from the busy life of the cities, most travelers find escape and solace in this meager town with population of only four thousand.
The road weren't as busy considering that it was a Monday and people were mostly working at ten in the morning. But for the three figures that was about to come out of that car, this Monday wasn't like any other Monday they had been through. This Monday, they weren't anywhere near work. This Monday, their nightmare was about to begin.
*****
< AJ >
This car smell like thousands of soiled socks. If I thought Nick's feet stank, (not that it actually is but we're not gonna tell him that now, do we?) it is nothing compared to this. I could die if they hadn't stop five seconds ago. I wanted to roll the window down to get some fresh air but I realize it's already down.
I had the first glimpse of the bank that we're about to rob and part of me was thinking, maybe, just maybe, we could pull this through. I mean, we're icons, people wouldn't just believe that we actually gonna rob a bank in our own will now would they? The fans are smart, they will figure it out. We will be fine.
“See this cellar I'm holding?” Jay asked at the passenger's seat at the front. “You try to be smart and play us out, just one call is all it takes to kill your friends. Dave and Dre have all the bullets lined up to be used. Don't disappoint me boys.”
“How are we gonna do this? They're not gonna take us lightly if we just show up and ask for the money.” Brian asked. Good point I must say. Maybe we could use a marker and shove it at the back of the security. Think that will work?
“You're not gonna ask, you're gonna make them.” Blue said, pointing a silver gun at us. Suddenly, I remembered Howie's gun. It's still in my jeans. Now what are we gonna do with it?
“You…You want us to use that?” Nick stammered.
“Yeah, shoot to kill.” Jay mocked us. “So, who's gonna have the honor?” I can't take it. I already have one with me and it's enough to make me jumpy all the way. And did I mention that my head is still hurting like a bitch? Yeah, they do.
“I'll take that.” Brian said, grabbing the gun and shoving it down his back. He did it ever so swiftly that I thought he'd had done this a lot of times before. Not the robbing, the handle with the gun thingy.
“Good. Now that's over, why don't we just proceed on to the next plan? Boys, go rob the bank and oh, remember to have fun.” Jay laughed. I heard Nick unlocking his side of the door and within seconds, he was out. Brian went out next and then it was my turn. I took the opportunity to slam the door shut with a bang. They can't hurt me now.
We waited for a car to pass by before we cross the road.
“You've got a plan Rok?” I asked. Brian was looking as determined as ever. Something that one could see in the old Brian.
“We'll think of something.” Brian replied.
“What about this gun I have with me?” I asked again.
“We should try to get them back at their own game guys. I'm sure we can think of something.” Nick said, I noticed a light tremble as he spoke. It's winter and the whole town is freezing cold. Roads were dangerously glazed with a thin layer of ice while snows littered every little corner of the sidewalk.
“Look, I've think of something but I'm not sure if it'll will work.” Brian said.
“We'll do it Rok. We have to at least try something. I'm not about to go rob a bank and let them run away with the loot.” I said. Nick nodded.
“Okay then, let's cross the road and I'll tell ya.”
*****
~Kevin~
I'm gonna have a baby.
Kristin's pregnant.
I'm gonna be a father.
We will have a family.
Dad would have been proud.
I will be all that he had been to me.
My child will get the love I got from mom and dad.
We will be a happy family.
“Kevin? Kevin, you're awake?” How come Howie sounds so far away?
“Kevin? Why are you crying man?” I wish I could tell you D. I wish I could tell you how happy I am right now. But I can't. I can't seem to move much. Why? What's wrong with me?
“Is it the back Kev? Is it hurting you again?” My back? Hurt? Why would it be hu- Oh…I know…oh my God! It wasn't a nightmare? Someone did shot me! Where are the others? How come I can't see them? Howie?
“You don't have to talk back Kev, I know it's difficult.” Howie looked so pale and why is he sweating so much? “I'm not doing very well either. Maybe that's why they'd left us behind.”
Leave us behind? Where did they take the others? Are they hurt?
“I heard them leaving just now Kev, they brought Nick, AJ and Brian with them. Two of the guys are outside. I really don't know where they took them.” Damn it Howie, you look so lost. I'm sorry I can't help out man.
“Kevin, if you understand what I'm talking about, please answer me. If it's a yes, you blink once, if no, blink twice, okay?” I blink once. He smiled.
“Will you be alright? Can you hang in there?” I blink once. Of course I will Howie. I won't leave you alone.
“Kevin, erm…you know about Kristin right?” I blinked once. Yes I know Howie. I'm so proud right now.
“You're gonna be a father Kev! I'm so happy for you. So, you will hang in there right? For your son? Or daughter?” Can I have twins? I really like to have my own Aaron and Angel. They're lovely don't you think? Oh, I forgot to blink. Once.
“Great, that's all I need to know Kev. I really don't want to go through this alone.”
*****
~Nick~
Brian entered the bank first, followed by AJ. I choose to go last. Brian wanted me to position myself right by the door. Just to make sure that I keep it ajar before they get any chance to lock it or whatever. How are we suppose to know how their security works right?
I studied the whole damn place, so far, only one security officer in sight. And he was right at the far end of where I was standing. I think something outside caught his attention. He was really gazing out of the glass wall. That's good, do that and just ignore what we're about to do alright?
I looked on as Brian and AJ geared themselves up.
“Are you ready?” Brian asked. I nodded nervously. AJ just shrugged. “Okay, Nick, be careful.”
“Hey, I'm sorry I didn't take you seriously before.” AJ said. Take what seriously?
“What?”
“When you told us that it's a bad idea to go up to the cabin, we should have listen. Maybe if we did, Kevin and Howie won't be in such a mess.”
Oh my God! How could I forget? The fortune teller woman! She was right! She was right all along! How could I forget to tell them? This is all my fault! How could I be such an irresponsible bastard? I did this to them!
~Brian~
A promise is a promise. I won't break them. I said I'd anything so long as they let me out of that hell hole and they did and now I'm paying the price. I hope my plan will work or Kevin and Howie's deaths will be my fault. They don't understand, I can't let them throw my brothers in that place too. It's too dark and the rats…they will kill Kevin and Howie even before they die of fear. I can't let that happen to them.
“Come on AJ, I need to fill in this form first.” I called AJ to a corner, where different kinds of forms were displayed.
“What? Are you having second thoughts Rok? You're making me nervous.”
“No. Let's just hang around here and while I pretend to write something in this paper, you study the damn place. Find a teller who is most likely to listen to us.”
“Like a fan, Rok?” I took a piece of the form and started scribbling. I hope this will work.
“Yeah AJ, like a fan.”
*****
She is just perfect. Most probably new since she looks so young. She's gonna be traumatized but how many girls actually get to say ' I was robbed my the backstreet's boys'? Only she will get to say that. Hopefully it will bring her some fame and fortune, that will at least diminish the guilt we'll be bearing once all these are done.
“Ready J?” I nodded. “Which one?” I pointed to her. Her counter was empty. Just perfect. I glanced over at Nick, he was distracted. Somewhat in a daze. I hope he pays a little bit more attention. Our lives are practically depending on him.
We approached her slowly, making sure that she didn't get suspicious of us. A sudden wave of panic rushed through me. My vision blurred for a while. Oh man, the throbbing has started again! I massage the back of my head, where the bump was. It felt sticky.
I bring my hand down again and true enough there were blood. The wound had reopen again. This is so not the time for this! I shoved my hand in my jeans, my fingers twirled around the gun.
“Hi.” Brian greeted her. She was shocked. I recognize that expression damn well by now. We always got the girls shocked. I guess its our specialty.
“Oh my God, you're the backstreet boys aren't you?”
“Yes. Erm, could you read this please?” Brian handed the form to her. What the hell did he write in there?
She was still reading it when I saw Brian bringing up the gun and pointing it at her. She looked up and again, she was shocked. Of terror this time.
“I'm sorry I have to do this, but please, take out all the money and place it in this bag. NOW!”
The whole damn bank rung with echoes of his voice. They were alerted. I have to do something.
I pulled out my gun and started to point it to nowhere. Everyone started to duck. “No body move and everyone will be alive!” I shouted. Oh man, this is too surreal. It's like acting in a movie, only that this is real.
“Everything inside?” the girl nodded.
“Good. Thanks. And don't forget that note.” I didn't have time to ask what the fuck he was talking about. The next I know, we were running for dear lives.
Nick was a nerve wreck.
“Hurry up!” He yelled. I looked around us, the security guard was alerted. He looked at us and then he looked at Nick. He retrieve his gun and aimed it towards him. Damn coward! He didn't even have a gun you bastard!
I don't know what to do.
“Nick! Get away from there!” Nick stared at me. he didn't understand what I was saying. He was standing there like an open target!
Two sparks blew at the same time. Two different directions. The security guard fell and so did Nick.
~BRIAN~
Oh Crap!! This just wasn't true! I didn't shot that guy did I? It wasn't I who did it?? I kinda freaked inside, but just ran over to Nick and helped him up, his leg was bleeding badly, he just looked at the blood and it seemeed like he didn't understand that it was his blood.
“Come on!” BrianI shouted to him and then we started running, well Nick at least tried, but it wasn't easy when his leg was bleeding so badly.
**Kevin's point of view**
I was tired, but I didn't feel much. It's maybe worse than feeling the pain, to not feel anything at all. I knew there should be pain, very much, but I didn't feel a single thing. Howie was looking at me with his big brown eyes. I know that he was in pain, but even though he keept on talking and encouraging me. I really wanted to say than you, but I couldn't it would take to much strenght from me.
**Howie's point of view**
I tried all I could to get Kevin to talk to me, to stay awake, but it was hard. Every muscle and every cell on my body hurt. My arm and hands felt so stiff. I yawned, tiredness was coming over me. I tried to speak all the time, but now it wasn't only for Kevin's fault, I had to keep awake myself. I lifted a hand and slowly stroked his hair.
”We're gonna be okay, the others will make this” I stopped just as I had said the sentence, I had meant to say that the others would manage to get help, but instead it sounded like Kevin and I was going to die.
“They'll find help, we're going to be fine” I said again, wondering if I believed it myself.
“So do you know any names to your kid?” I just started blabbering, talking about something nice in this mess. Kevin slowly blinked twice, okay he didn't know any names.. well that was good, then I could entertain ourselves making up a bunch of names.
“What about James Scott? Like in your and Aj's middle names.. Well maybe that wasn't that a good idea, sounds like it was you two are getting married. Hmm..” I glanced over at Kevin and was glad to see that he was looking at me, listening.
“Are you hanging in there?” I asked, I know it sounded stupid, but in this situation nothing sounded very wise. Kevin blinked once. I smiled to him, until I saw him blinking once more...……
Nine
**Nick's Point of view**
We were running, I don't know where, I don't know why, everything was a blur, the shots, the fortune teller, the pain, the red stuff flowing on my clothes... I didn't understand what it was, I knew I should, but my mind just didn't want to work at all. Don't give me a comment that that's not unusual.. I'm in a life and death situation! Don't give me a comment on my QI! No IQ I mean..
“Come on!” Brian yelled, and he got through the heavy fog that had decided to camp in my brain. I remembered what Brian had told me, run the opposite way that they took... Well I can't run! My legs hurts like hell. But I have to run, for Howie, Kevin and for everyone. God.. EVERYTHING depends on me! Run Nick! Run! Finally my legs started reacting again and I ran like I never had run before.
For every step I took my leg screamed out in pain, but I couldn't stop. It all came down to me now.
**AJ's Point of view**
I grabbed the money bag and ran the opposite direction of Nick, I had to get away. Out of the bank. I saw that Jay smiled an evil grin when he saw me carrying the bag, but suddenly I just changed direction. The shock was so big for Jay that it took some time before he realised what was going on. I don't know what the fuck the guy was doing now. I just had to run and pray for the best!
I could hear him running after me, but I knew that I would be able to run a long time before getting exhausted, the dancing gave me a condition like an athlete. Suddenly I thought about the gun Jay most likely was aiming at my back at this moment. I had to do something, quick!! I opened the bag with money whilst I continued running, I stuck my hand into it and dragged up a bunch, and threw them all over. Keeping just a little for other things we might need.
People noticed the money flying around in the air and started running out into the street trying to catch them. I slowed down a little and cast a glance after Jay. He was no where in sight. I just continued running, everyone was hurt, everyone needed help, and I was the only one who could.
**Jay's point of view**
Where is that damned guy! Heck! I lost him! I can't believe I actually did! It was like the one moment I was aiming at his back, the next I knew he was hidden in a mass of people trying to get money. FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!!
**Brian's point of view**
I ran in a somewhat huge circle, so big that Blue who was still sitting in the car couldn't notice me. Neither did he notice that I slowly walked up behind him. But one thing he did notice was the cold gun towards his head.
“HI blue” I said coldy
“Don't shoot me, please!”
“Looks like the situation has turned? Don't you agree?” I said in a voice filled with anger. For a moment I felt like I wanted to press the trigger, just see him fall dead into the car. The thought disappeared as fast as I got it, it was time to save Nick. He needed help. There was many of us who needed help now, Howie, Nick, Kevin, and AJ, Aj really needed rest after that bad hit in his head, it all depended on me.
“Give me the phone” I ordered. Pointing with my free hand over at Blue's cell. The one he was planning on calling Dre and Dave with, if we did anything wrong. Too bad that didn't work out for them. Blue moved slowly over and grabbed the phone and gave it to me.
“Not so thought without your gun now? Get out of the car!” I yelled to Blue, and he did as I told him. After locking him securly in the back of the car I started the engine. Nick needed me badly right now. I just had the feeling that AJ had run from people before, of course Nick had run away from several thousand fans too, but I think AJ had run from more angry people than Nick. Bone could really piss of people badly once in a while.
**Nick's point of view**
Where the hell is Brian? They must come soon, I don't know how much longer I'll manage. My leg is hurting so badly! Suddenly I hear the sound of an sirene, a police sirene. How the hell did we end up in this mess??? Running from the police after robbing a bank, the evening I had spent with Aaron seemed so distant, so many things had happened in this few days. Things I only thought excisted in movies, not in real life.
“STOP!” I heard a police man yell, and I froze, I knew that the guy was pointing his gun at me. Slowly I turned, and just as I thought, a gun pointed straight at me. Suddenly I heard the schreeching of car breaks, and the car that belonged to Blue came speeding towards me. I was afraid that it was Blue or Jay who drove the car, but to my surprise I noticed that it was Brian, the one people called Church-boy, the one who right now looked like he had done nothing else than driving his whole life.
Brian just drove towards the police man who had to throw himself to the side to not get hit. I ran towards the and jumped inside, Brian speed up again and continued driving.
“Where the hell did you learn to drive like that??” I asked when I glanced over at him.
“Nick, I have watched so many movies with car chases with you that I could drive with my eyes closed!” Brian said stressed then he added “We have to find AJ.”
“Where is he?”
“How should I know? I never been to this city before.” Brian snapped irritated continue driving, first now I noticed that there were no police cars following us. Brian was good at this. Really good. Suddenly I knew where AJ was.
“AJ is at McDonalds, he knows that we know that its his fave place”
“It's worth a shot” He looked over at me a second “How is your leg?”
“I'll survive” I said shortly and tried not to think about my leg.
“Take of your sweater and tie it around your leg, it will hopefully stop the bleeding.”
**Jay's point of view**
Damn! FUCKING BITCH!! Everything was screwed up right now, it didn't work the way we had planned. I don't know how everything could get so wrong, we had planned so much, very thoroughly.
The plan had been to get the money from the Backfuck Boys and then run away, but we hadn't planned to stop there. The guys Howie and Kevin we had wanted to keep as hostages, getting even more money. The police wouldn't believe the Backfack Boys at first, but they would when they saw the guys bruises and stuff, and the fact that Howie and Kevin wasn't there. Dave had left a note at the cabin to tell the police to give them the money they wanted, but now everything was ruined, nothing had worked out! FUCK!!
Time to make a few changes, and by the time I get the plans to work, they would have wish that they hadn't screwed things up.
**AJ's point of view**
My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw the way Blue's car came driving, itwas so fast, but at the same time it seemed like the driver had full control. I saw that it was Brian and Nick who sat there... Holy Crap, It was church boy who drove the damned thing!
**Howie's point of view**
“Kevin come on, stay with me man, help me figure out baby names!” I sounded depserate, but I needed him to stay here with me. Was afraid that if he fell asleep, he wouldn't wake up. Kevin just looked at me with his greene eyes, his eyeleids was halfway covering them, he was loosing consiuness. Suddenly I heard someone coming into the room, Dre and Dave.
“How are you feeling Backstreet Gays?”
“Kevin really needs help”
“It's more people than just him who needs help!” Dave grinned. Then he continued talking, “Come on, we're going for a walk”
“You must be kidding, no way Kevin can walk now” Howie said, looking scared over at Kevin, and himself he didn't know if he could take it either, but it was Kevin that was most important.
“Do I look like I am?” Dave spat. Then he walked over towards Kevin, Dre pointed a gun over at me. Dave grabbed Kevin's arms and dragged, Dre told me to help him. I carefully lifted Kevin's other arm and started dragging too. A scream followed, so high and so filled with pain that I wanted to cry, I'm sorry Kevin, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
“Where are we going?” I asked after the scream had silenced again.
“Cabin 22 a little away. A place where your friends wouldn't find you”
“Can I take the first aid kit with us?” I asked praying they would answer positively.
“Be quick, and don't you dare do any bull!” Dre thundered. I quickly walked back into the room and started to look for a pencil or something, but I couldn't find anyone. I looked around in the room, this cabin would never be a good place for me again, all the blood... Hey wait! That was the solution, the blood. That was the way I could tell the other's where we would be.
It was horrible to write, I was writing a message with one of my best friends blood. Blood loss that could kill him, but also the only way to survive.
I glanced over at my message “Cabin 22, Help!” Then I threw a dirty sweater over it, no one who didn't specially searched for clues would find it. I just hope someone friendly would.
**AJ's point of view**
I glanced over at Nick, he seemed to get very pale too, please don't let him get any sicker, please let this nightmare be over. A soft pounding in my head was slowly growing worse and worse, until it was almost the only thing I could feel. But I needed to take care of the others, it all depended on me, and me alone.
“You feeling okay Nick?”
”Just cold” Nick said after a while, I took of my jacket and gave it to Nick.
“Take this” I ordered.
”AJ, you will freeze”
“Yes, but I haven't been shot” I told him and he seemed to accept that.
The atmosphere was so different now from than when we drove up here in the first place. The peace and silence that had been so good before was filled with fear and pain now, not good silence. I didn't know if I would live through the evening, if I would get killed.
Suddenly I did something I never had done, I clasped my hands together and prayed. A prayer in hope that we would get out of this situation soon, that we would see our dear ones again, that I would see my Sarah again.
“AJ?? What are you doing?” Nick looked at me.
“I'm praying Nick” I replied slowly, the car stopped momentarily, for a second I thought that it was because I told them I prayed, but then I realized that it was because we were there.
“Where is Blue?” Nick suddenly asked, and I looked at Brian.
”He's in the back of the car” Brian said and jumped out, but when he came to the back he saw that the lock had been ruined, no Blue.
“He's gone” Brian said shocked.
“As long as he keeps being gone, it's okay” I replied, let's go into the cabin. “Nick, Brian you have the guns? “ I asked, they nodded but suddenly Brian handed me his.
“Take it AJ, I can't, I shot a guy” He said and tears almost started falling down his cheeks.
“It was self defense..” I started, but Brian just pushed the gun into my hands.
”Take it” Brian said shortly.
“Okay. Let's go in” We planned to use that sudden attack technique. I'm not sure if it will work as now, everything depended upon my shoulder. One wonder if Nick could even look threatening while limping and Brian was definitely out of the question. I wonder if it had been good to just carry out the plan as we had been ordered.
We positioned ourselves on each side of the door. Guns aimed right in front of us, I glanced over at Brian, who was slightly hidden behind Nick's towering figure. Satisfied that he's gonna be alright, I looked over at Nick. Now that's an expression I can't quite figure out. Scared, confused, in pain (hey, that's a brainer!) and yet, his eyes had this settling look about it, like as if he had done this before. I hope not. He nodded his head, signaling that he was ready. I mouthed out a count to three and at the exact movement, I found his good leg and my right leg kicking the door open. Guns automatically aimed high up to chest level, fingers coiled firmly around the gun and a finger ready to pull that trigger.
But the cabin was empty.
Inhabited.
*****
~Howie~
I thought they're gonna let us go once the guys got back from the bank. Damn, I sound like they went there to cash out their money! They're robbing the damn place down and they might be in trouble themselves. I hope the securities weren't that trigger friendly today.
I know there must be more than meets the eye. We can't trust bad guys, they always go against their own words. Haven't we watch enough movies yet? They always never keep their promise and we always hear the police saying stuffs like they won't negotiate with the bad guys. Why didn't we learn? Okay, so firstly, it's just a movie but they did follow the real rules right? And maybe, secondly, the guys had no choice. I mean, either we do it or they'll kill us. Or was that just another threat? I looked over at Kevin in the van, (they had taken my van to escape, shameless, I tell ya) what was I thinking? The bastard pulled the trigger, it's not just plain threats. They WILL kill us.
Why am I sweating so much? I'm cold and yet I'm sweating. Is this good? Kevin is unconscious again, I just hope that the movement of the van won't worsen his condition. At least the bleeding has stop, that's a good sign right? Or not bleeding bad? Argh! Who am I kidding? I'm not a damn doctor. How long had they been driving?
I couldn't see anything out of the window coz the bastards had cleverly covered them up with old newspapers, I think. I hoped there's someone out there who saw this van and figured that it looks suspicious and alert the police.
They had stopped the van. I guess we had reached Cabin 22, whatever that is. The guy called Dre, yeah, the one who is kinda short (I don't feel so left out anymore, yes, I am being sarcastic) practically swung the door open with a huge bang that kinda hurt my eardrums and climbed in. He took out two blindfolds and started to blindfold Kevin. Personally, I think it's stupid.
“He's unconscious, he can't see.” The difference between you and I Dre, is that I'm short and smart while you're just…short.
“Shut up!” Touchy.
He went for me next. I saw him draped the black cloth and I was engulfed in darkness. I think I understand how Nick must have felt about being afraid of the dark. It's like every other nerves and senses in your body are sharp and alert, you could detect danger almost instantly, but you can't see it. What's the point of knowing all these if you can't see it coming?
I felt a sharp nudge to my left, burning sensation exploded the area around my ribs. “What are you smiling at? You think this is funny?”
Ah well, you should have seen the look on Nick's face when we were shooting for that 'What's Going On' video. Then maybe you'll smile too. It took us almost an hour just to convince him that we won't do any tricks when he was being blindfolded. Let's just say we are never ones to keep our words when it comes to fooling around. It took us much longer to calm him down after that. That was fun.
Think we will ever have fun again?
Ten
~Brian~
“Where the hell did they go?” AJ yelled as we searched the entire cabin for Kevin and Howie. Well, at least AJ and I did. Nick was in no position to be walking around. I think the kick to the door had done enough damage to him than he already knows.
I bolted straight into the room where they had left them both, but as expected, they were not there. No one is in here. How could they have called them so fast? I had the phone! Good going Rok, next time you have a plan, just keep it to your damn self! Look at what you've done! Now, they're probably gonna kill em both! And it's all your fault.
“They're not in here! I think they managed to call them somehow!” I rushed back to the fireplace and saw Nick holding on to something. Looked like a piece of paper.
“Did you find something?” I asked as I approached him. AJ had given up the search and had slumped next to him on the small sofa. I think he's head is troubling him again.
“They…it's all a set up…” What the hell is the boy talking about? I took the paper away from him, crumpled and stained from the blood on his hand. I stole a glance over at my youngest brother. He was in pain but he was trying so hard not to show it. That's just him, always hiding his pain away from us. He has got to realize that he's just been shot, he can't hide that from us.
“Read it Rok.” AJ said when he saw me stalling. I know his head is bleeding too and I think it's making concentration difficult for him. I'm the only one standing and everything is heaving on my shoulders. They call me the smallest guy in the Backstreet Boys, how could I be carrying so much?
I focused on the paper. Okay, read Brian, read.
* By now you will find out that everything is a set up. We have the cash, thanks for you guys, and we have Kevin and Howie. We will have lots of time to make our escape since police are busy sniffing for your asses. By the time they find you asshole and find out that you're indeed innocent and Kevin and Howie had gone missing, we would be far away. But remember, we still have Kevin and Howie. Revenge for our sister is complete, now it's for fun. You have 24 hours to find them or they die.
You have 2 choices. One- you wait till the police come and find you and let them keep you locked up before everything gets cleared and you get the nod for freedom and then let the police come and find us or Two- you don't wait and keep running from them and try your damnest to find us.
If you choose the first one, I can't guarantee you that Kevin and Howie will still be alive by the time you find them. Remember, just 24 hours before game over. And if you choose the second, you might still find them alive but police will be over your case. You have to run and hide, they will think you're guilty, you have no one to turn to for help except for each other.
Take your pick, we'll be waiting. And if you're thinking that we left a clue for you to start your search, think again. That will never happen.
Till we meet again.*
Oh my God, what do we do?
The groans that came from Nick pulled me out of my daze. He had slumped all the way back into the sofa, his head rested on the back seat. His eyes were closed and looked so pale, it took me a while to register what was going on.
I saw AJ trying to pull his hands away from his leg. Then I saw the blood. I've been trying to avoid looking at the wound. Maybe if I ignore it, it might just not be there in the first place.
“Let go Nick, I have to look at it!” AJ's hands were soaked in blood too. I wonder if that was from Nick's or from his own head.
“Don't touch it J…just let me be for awhile okay?”
“The pain won't go away, trust me. Now let me see it before you bleed to death!” Harsh words. I glanced over at the fireplace, a pool of blood…Kevin's blood. I saw a re-enactment of Nick kicking AJ right at that spot. Then I saw myself beating him up with that belt. He had been so strong. What the hell am I doing? Why aren't I helping?
“Nick, let AJ see that.” I said, squatting next to AJ. God, so much blood…they're all loosing blood and I'm standing.
“No!” I turned to AJ. He was sweating, his lips was turning blue. What do I do? Focus Brian!
“AJ, I think you need to do something about your head, and get yourself a sweater. I'll help Nick.” He's a stubborn young man, the worst among the five of us when it comes to listening to someone else's orders. But this time, he nodded and left. Okay, how do I do this again?
“You have another pair of those?” I asked him, indicating on his jeans. Nick nodded. “Okay, coz I have to cut this one out.” He was bleeding on the upper thigh, on his right leg. A few inches higher and it would have hit his hip bone, or, somewhere else. It could have been fatal. So shooting the guard down was the best way right? I mean, I shoot him on the leg too, he's gonna survive right? I'm not a killer, am I?
“Brian?” Damn, I have got to focus!
“Huh?”
“Please…if you have to do something, do it now, I don't think I can take this anymore.”
“I…I'll go get the stuffs, just hold on okay?” He nodded. I rushed to the kitchen area at the back of the cabin. The light was on, I knew AJ was back here looking for a towel for his head.
“AJ! You in here man?” Echoes. Scary.
“I'm at the back!” I heard him yelled.
“What are you doing back there?”
“looking for my bag!” He shouted. He must have gone too deep, he sounded so distant.
Damn it! They took the first aid! Now what the hell am I gonna do? Should I use salt? That would stop the bleeding. How about the bandage then? Shit, there must be some spare in here.
When was the last time Howie come up here anyway? Everything seemed to be so empty. Ah, got one. Damn, this is not enough. Did AJ got something for his head? Shit, if this is all we're getting to wrap up a leg and a head, it's not enough.
What the hell-
I thought I heard a thud. Like a heavy object falling down. Shit. Shit. Shit.
“J?” come on, talk.
“J? You alright in there?” Why isn't he responding? Okay, this is not good.
The shed was cold, being it at the back of the cabin and all. I can't see AJ anywhere. “AJ? You in here man?” I went deeper into the shed and saw him sitting on the floor, one hand clutching the back of his head.
“AJ? You okay buddy?” I went over and sat beside him.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-”
“What for? Did you fall?” I asked. He looked so disorientated.
“God…I feel so dizzy suddenly and I just can't stand anymore…”
“Okay, that's it buddy, you're resting for now. Come on, let's go back to Nick, it's warmer there.” Grabbing his bag while I took Nick's, I helped him up and got out of there.
“Your head's bleeding J, did you get anything for it?”
“It's just a gash, I think just a good clean and a small patch will do.”
“You don't need to wrap it up? Looks good on you.”
“No Rok. Thanks anyway.” AJ shook his head. Okay, never make jokes with people with head trauma.
We stopped by the cupboard while I got the bottle of salt and the bandage. AJ's eyebrow raised at the sight of the salt. “You know he's not gonna like it, right?” AJ asked.
“No choice J. They took the first aids with em. Which is good coz I think Kevin really needs it.” AJ nodded.
“But he's still not gonna like it.” I nodded.
“Well, we just have to tell him to si-”
Oh my God.
*****
~AJ~
Oh my God. There's too much blood. How did that happen? I thought it was a clean shot. I thought he wasn't bleeding that much. And oh my God. He's unconscious.
“Shit Rok! Is he okay?” Very good question AJ.
“I think he's just tired J. He's breathing and all. But we need to stop the bleeding now.” Brian said, sounding alarmingly calm. I touched his forehead, slight fever. Okay, we're all suffering from slight fever I guess, so he's gonna be okay right? I mean, it's just the leg, not somewhere fatal right? Right?
“What do I do?” I asked. Sorry if I sound stupid and all, I'm not brought up a scout.
“J, maybe you could do with a little rest yourself. Let me handle this.” Brian said. I'm not about to argue. I really need to sit down. I slumped down next to Nick and I saw him shifted in his sleep, as if knowing that I need more space.
Brian had cut the jeans out and wiping the blood away, trying to find the wound. It was just a small dot from where I was looking at it but the blood that flowed out of it…it was…a lot. I saw him pouring the salt on his wound. Nick shifted in his sleep.
“Good thing he's asleep.” Brian smirked.
“Spare me the whining.” I replied.
He add more salt. Nick shifted again. His face contorted in pain. He muttered something that was strangled in between his gasps but his eyes remained closed.
“Shit…come on Bri, do what you've gotta do before he wakes up.” I whispered. Damn that must hurt like hell.
“One more and then we're done.” Brian begged. Why is he begging me? I'm not the one in pain. Shit. That letter is still troubling my damn fucking screwed head and now I have to worry about Nick not being able to walk much and we are officially damn fucking fugitives on the run. Remind me to make this into a movie. And get one god damn babe magnet guy to play me.
“What the hell did you put on my leg?!” Great, Nick Carter is awake and looking very pissed.
“Damn it Nick, you're bursting my head.” That scream is gonna ring in my ear for forever now.
“Did you just put salt? Fuck…make it stop…make it stop…” I'm a selfish bastard. He just got shot in the leg and I'm complaining about my head.
“A little bit more Nicky, you're still bleeding.” Brian said, not looking at him. I know it's difficult to do it when your friend is in pain but it's the only way.
“No…just wrap it up…don't put anymore, I can't take it.” Nick closed his eyes again and tried to breathe properly. I should have said something comforting but I seriously need to not talk much. Damn it, where the hell did they take them? I have to get out of here.
“Brian, I'm going in the room for awhile. Shout if you need any.” Brian nodded. I heard Nick begging him to stop the pain again but I drown the voice out of my head. I really need some peace and quiet.
The room where they had kept Kevin and Howie stood so still. Just like Kevin when I first saw him. I swear to God, if he dies, and his son/daughter has to grow up without a father, I will kill those bastards!
The spot where Kevin was laid had a small stain of blood on it. My gaze dropped down to the floor where lay two blood soaked towels. Think I could auction that on ebay? How much does Kevin's blood costs? Fans are weird sometimes. You may never know. Heh, maybe if I scrape my puke, it would sell too.
The spot where Howie had slept in looked crumpled. I think he had been moving much when we were gone. That's a good sign right? That his moving around? Not still. Yeah, moving is good. Shit. Will I ever see them again? I really need to rest.
I lie down on Howie's side of the bed. The pillow still smells like Howie. Yes, ten damn long years makes you notice these kind of things. They have been, each in their own way, an important part of my sometimes fucked up life that I could even tell them apart just from the way they smell miles away. Weird.
I saw Howie's sweater lying across the floor and picked it up lazily. This might be the last thing that will remind me of my friend. Sadness overcame me in forms of panic waves. Please Lord, save my friends.
What the hell is that?
I got up and ignored the dizziness. Damn that looks like a scribble. Shit. Is this place haunted or something? Words in blood, that's ghostly stuffs right?
What the hell…
“Cabin 22, Help!”
D, I love you man!
*****
~Nick~
“ Is this too tight?” That was the longest ten minutes of my life!
“Tighter the better, no pain.” I replied. Can I get a little sleep?
“Here, change your jeans, we have to hurry.”
“Why? Let's just bunk off the night here. I really wanna sleep.”
“Police are after us Nick. We can't stay here for long. Besides, we have to start looking for Kevin and Howie.”
“What for?”
“What's wrong with you? Kevin and Howie aren't here, they took him and we have to find him before it's too late. Oh never mind, just go and change okay?”
Easy for you to say. You're not the one having to strip and wear this damn jeans when you can barely stand up with this leg.
“Cabin 22!” What the hell is AJ talking about?
“What?” Brian asked, echoing my thoughts.
“That smart ass D left a message for us. They're heading to Cabin 22!” AJ cried. Someone's smiling like a kid. And surprise, surprise, it wasn't me.
“Wait. That letter was written before their plan got messed up. I mean, they really thought that Blue and Jay had the money, which wasn't the case. That means, Dre and Dave had left without knowing what happened at the bank. You think the plan is still that way now? I mean, they still haven't got their money.” Brian said.
“We…we should call somebody! I mean, management will trust us. Or our family. They will trust us!” I said.
“No, we can't do that. If they know where we are, and the police starts question them, we will be in trouble. We can't let them.” Brian shook his head. I seriously thought I had a brilliant idea.
“So we can't tell anyone and we can't stay here for the night. Then where the hell are we going?” I asked.
“Guys, shut up. Did you hear that?” AJ asked all of a sudden. Hear what?
“That ringing sound, did you hear that?”
“Probably your fucked up head.” I said, smirking.
“Listen damn it!” Peachy.
“Yeah, I heard it too.” Brian said, wide eyed.
“It's your damn cell phone J!” I cried. AJ rushed for his bag and fished out his cell.
“Who is it?” Brian asked when AJ didn't answer the phone.
“Howie.”
