Episode 5 ^3/4: Sooner or later.

The world through the eye of a ten-year-old was filled with sunshine. But some memories would always be overcast.

Tears turned dust into muddy lines down her round cheeks. Three older boys stood over her laughing. Alone on the playground of the school, she was an easy target.

“Hey!”

She knew that voice!

Ty’s little fist connected solidly with the stomach of the largest kid. Like a kid tripping over his shoelaces, the kid went down hard. Ty’s foot hit the face. Anger rolled off him in waves as he stared at the other two, “you want some too?”

Both sets of hands rose, “easy kid. Wouldn’t want any trouble…with your old man.”

Ty bunched his little body. Bigger than most kids his age, he was still smaller than the guys he faced. And yet, they backed off quickly when threatened. Maybe that was the nature of bullies.

They took off, leaving their third to gather himself off the ground to follow. When they were far enough away that they weren’t a threat, Ty knelt before her. From his pocket he pulled out a napkin. It was used and forgotten from lunch. Still, he used it to blot away the blood from the cut on her knee. She used the backs of her arms to wipe away the tears.

“You okay, Jazie?” He helped her to stand.

She hiccupped.

His arm went around her shoulders as they began to walk, “I told you lots, I’ll come if you want to play at the park.”

“I know,” she sniffled.

He held her closer, “are your mom and dad fighting again?”

She didn’t answer.

And it wasn’t until they had left the schoolyard that she finally did ask, “Ty, why do our parents get mad at each other?”

“Who cares,” was his reply.

But when she looked up, she saw the anger on his face. Ty did care. Just like she did. She hugged him tight, “I’ll never yell at you. I promise!”

He held her back, “I’ll keep you safe from anyone that tries to yell at you.”

Holding his hand, she smiled brightly. They moved by familiar houses. When they got to hers, they walked through large gates. She didn’t think much about it because this was just her home. But it was only when Ty was over that it felt like a warm and happy place.

She held tighter to his hand. The front door was open, and from inside they heard her mom’s shrill voice attacking Jaz’s dad.

“You useless, meaningless, petty man,” she spat.

“Why don’t you try growing up and having an adult conversation?” Her dad shot back. Normally a soft-spoken man, it always unnerved Jaz to hear his voice raised.

“When I see a man standing in front of me, I will.”

“I was man enough to provide you with this house, which you don’t even contribute to.”

“Please,” she scoffed, “other than money, what do you even contribute?”

“Shocker, it’s not enough for you.”

“I’m the one here every day…”

“You’re not even here long enough to see your own daughter. Do you even know what she looks like?”

“May I remind you that I never wanted a daughter.”

The words had cut across the room.

“Marcy,” her dad’s eyes had found Jaz.

Standing in the foyer, she felt herself pulled into Ty’s arms. Tears flowed from her eyes.

There was a pause before her mom uttered her name, “Jaz.”

“Come on Jazie,” Ty guided her away. “You can stay with me ‘cuz I want you.”

“Jaz,” her dad called out.

Her mom stopped him, “just let them. It’s probably better if she doesn’t hear anymore.”

“Because you care suddenly.”

“Why do you have to be an ass?”

Ty held his hands over her ears to stop the hateful words she shouldn’t ever have to hear.

~~~

“That’s why I don’t have much to do with my mom anymore. My dad made mistakes when I was growing up, but he was doing the best he could. And he’s apologized,” she shrugged almost helplessly. Her expression began to fall, “I’m probably just making excuses.”

“You’re not,” Geo assured. Though he probably would say this no matter how he felt because he wanted to protect her, not hurt her. “Our family is broken too. Our dad is a narcissistic bastard! Mom also did the best she could when we were growing up. It’s not fair to judge them for making mistakes when they are trying to do what’s best for us. Even if we think their decisions are wrong.”

“That’s how I feel,” she was excited that someone understood her.

Hearing their voices as they walked into the theatre, Tanner looked over, “you’re back!”

“How is my production coming?” Jaz called to him, getting a laugh out of them both.

“How’d it go first?” Tanner dropped the arm holding a clipboard.

He and Jaz shared a look. He answered for them, “a lot tougher than we expected it to be.”

“Peyton’s been keeping us up to date as much as you’ve told him,” Tanner spoke quietly, but not hushed telling them that Sam wasn’t around right now.

He shook his head, “Sam’s got family that’s dangerous. Peyton’s showed you the picture, right?”

Tanner nodded.

“You see him or hear about him, it’s a big problem. And I get why Sam is the way that he is.”

Jaz turned her face into his shoulder, her hands holding his arm. He placed a hand reassuringly over hers.

“Have you heard from Ty yet?” He asked.

But Tanner shook his head.

“The others in class right now?” He got a nod from Tanner.

“Good,” Jaz spoke up sounding lighter. “So, are you really not going to comment on this?”

With a gesture she indicated their proximity along with the way they held each other’s hands. Tanner seemed uninterested, “it’s been painfully obvious for years, so no, I’ve got nothing to say.”

That response got a set of pursed lips out of Jaz.

Tanner answered a question from one of the staff and they traded papers. Geo turned his smile to a sympathetic one when Jaz looked his way.

Then Tanner added on, “besides, Sam told me.”

“Sam did,” she was shocked!

“Course he did,” he was less surprised by this.

Tanner laughed, “you shouldn’t have used him as a buffer for Ty.”

“Please, this has nothing to do with Ty. It’s because Sam wants to piss me off.”

“Then you really shouldn’t have used him,” Tanner laughed without mercy.

“So childish,” he muttered.

To which Tanner only shrugged, “act like a child, get treated like one.”

“I’ll deal with my boy later. Right now, I want to review the scenes you filmed while we were away.”

“Laptop’s in the sound booth,” Tanner told her.

Jaz bestowed a light kiss on his cheek before leaving.

Tanner was watching them from the corner of his eye, “you two seem comfortable with each other already.”

“It’s Jaz,” he reminded Tanner. “We’ve known each other for a while now, which means you don’t need to worry about us.”

“Defensive.”

“Assertive,” he corrected with folded arms. “You worry about everyone but yourself.”

“Oh hi, Pot,” Tanner joked!

“Shut-up asshat,” he quipped with a lilt. “While we’ve been running around, you’ve been doing everything here by yourself. You’re exhausted and it’s showing.”

“The school-load is intense this year,” Tanner admitted.

Geo interrupted, “and you’re making this production a big deal. So, give me stuff. Come on.”

Tanner gave in with a laugh. His hand moved through his hair as he thought through the list of tasks. Before he could come up with anything, his cell was ringing. He picked it up without a thought.

Geo knew that look. He knew who it was reserved for, and why a heavy sigh was needed just to answer the call. He took away Tanner’s phone. “You’ve reached Tanner’s assistant, how can I help you?”

“Dude,” Tanner tried to take his phone back.

He blocked Tanner with his body and pushed him away with his other arm. Keeping the phone away took some dodging and weaving.

“Uh, excuse me, I need to talk to Tanner.”

“He’s currently unavailable,” he kept his tone mildly uninterested. “I can take a message.”

“Dammit Geo,” Tanner was struggling to take his phone back.

He pulled Tanner’s arm down and spun him around till he could put his friend in a headlock. Tanner might be taller, but he was no fighter. He was now struggling to get Geo to let him go.

“This is his mother!e neh He needs to tell his father to pay his alimony. Put him on the phone right now.”

“I’ll tell him that you called,” Geo disconnected the call and released Tanner.

“What the hell?”

“She sends her love,” he kept the phone away just in case she called back right away.

“She calls because she needs something,” Tanner defended weakly.

“Whatever the divorce agreement is, isn’t your problem,” he reminded firmly.

“She’s family,” Tanner shrugged helplessly.

“We’re family,” he emphasized. Then looked at the phone as several messages came through demanding money. “And one thing our family does, is stick our noses into each other’s business.”

“I can handle it.”

“Don’t make me pull Jaz into this,” his warning was flat.

“Oh gawd,” Tanner moaned, “are you two now the parents of our family?”

He sneered a laugh, “more like the overbearing big brother. Deal with it.”

“I’m older, don’t forget,” Tanner took back his phone.

“And I’m right. Start setting some boundaries with her,” he gestured with his chin at Tanner’s phone.

There was a sigh accompanied by a look. That look didn’t say that Tanner would follow the order, but that he would give it some thought.

“What do you need done on the production?”

“I could really use a hand editing,” Tanner finally caved.

“Good,” he nodded. “Court’s got that. He’ll be at mom’s tonight for supper. Give me whatever you need to and I’ll make sure he gets it done.”

“It’s on the laptop, dad,” Tanner bugged him.

“Yah? Start listening to someone who’s wiser than you,” he shot back with good humor.

They walked next to each other, and Tanner thought to point out, “you know, Sam gave me the same advice.”

His response was to simply glare.

“You’ll be happy to know that I’m cutting out early tonight. Mitch invited me out; Mel is in town and she brought her girlfriend.”

“Isn’t that weird, meeting your ex’s new girlfriend?”

Tanner lightly rolled his eyes, “I’m happy for Mel. Won’t you be happy for Jaz when she dumps you and gets a new boyfriend?”

“I will kick your ass and no one will stop me,” he gave the empty threat.

Tanner slapped a hand to his shoulder, “I’m going to wrap up and then take off. When Ty’s back, we catch up?”

He nodded confirmation. No one had heard yet how the meeting with one of Robert’s victims went. Since Ty’d had to wait till the kid was out of classes for the day, he’d missed the flight with him and Jaz.  Hopefully he’d made the latter connection.

He made his way to the sound booth where he found Jaz with Court reviewing the footage filmed. Jaz was commenting, “the graffiti work Sam did looks fantastic!”

“I think it’s his best medium,” Court nodded.

But Jaz disagreed, “what he does with charcoal always catches my breath.”

“Hey Geo,” Court noticed him. “How’s married life?”

Jaz snickered.

Repressing a sigh, he asked, “did Sam tell everyone?”

“Nope,” Court quickly shook his head, “he took a screen shot of his conversation with Jaz and sent it to the group. So really, she told everyone.”

“Not sorry,” she preened without taking her eyes off the laptop.

Ignoring the subject, he let his brother know, “Tanner needs you to do the editing on today’s filming. I said you’d do it.”

“Thanks?”

“He’s actually going out tonight. You and Crys are coming to mom’s right?”

Worry darkened Court’s eyes.

“What happened?” His question had Jaz looking.

Court shrugged, but then rethought his response when he made eye contact. “Crys is doing a follow-up piece on Kurt. She wants to meet with his friends.”

“Which is a bad idea,” he cut in.

Court nodded, “exactly what I said!”

“That’s a stupid thing to say,” Jaz was watching the laptop. At their silence, she explained, “Crys is an intelligent, strong-willed woman with a focus. She doesn’t want you to tell her she can’t do something.”

“But this is dangerous,” was Court’s argument.

He was thinking it over quickly, “it is, but Jaz is right that Crys doesn’t want you to tell her she can’t. So, why don’t you try to help her make it so that she can?”

Jaz sat upright, “how?”

“Set up the meet somewhere public with cameras and go with her. Stay nearby but let her take the lead. It is her interview. You’re just making sure it’s not her last,” was the suggestion that came to mind.

“That’ll work?” Court was trying to play out the conversation with Crys in his mind.

“It’s called compromise,” he stated flatly.

“It’ll work,” Jaz had his vote. “Crys is determined, but she’s not stupid. She’ll appreciate that you’re there.”

“Okay, thanks,” Court was coming around to the idea. “I’m going to go get her. She’s studying with friends. We’ll come back here?”

He was checking to see if Geo would give them a ride to mom’s. He nodded. When Court left, he claimed the seat next to Jaz.

“You haven’t told him about your mom’s doctor’s appointment, have you?”

Since she was right, he nodded. She didn’t chide him or lecture him.

“Maybe we should stay the night?” Jaz had his hand.

He arched a brow in question.

To which she giggled, “I don’t mean in the same room if that would upset your mom. I mean that she has to be at the hospital early in the morning. We might as well stay.”

“I can,” he paused because he wanted to be very clear with Jaz. “I want you to stay, but I also want you to be comfortable. I can drive you home after supper.”

“Thank you for saying that,” she picked up his hand. “But I want to be there with you. If I’m not in the way.”

He held her gaze for a moment before looking back at the laptop, “I’ve spent too long without you. Please stay.”

“You’re worried, but maybe you need to tell Court what’s going on,” Jaz pointed out as she pushed her chair back so that she could face him.

He shifted to close the distance between them, “she’s getting weaker. If she doesn’t do the treatments, she doesn’t stand a chance of beating this! It’ll break Court.”

“Hey,” she was moved to take a seat on his lap. “Tonight, let your brother see what he sees and then tell him. But don’t wait too long. Even if it’s hard, we deserve the truth. And you deserve his support.”

“I’m fine,” he shrugged it off because there was no other choice but to be okay.

“Shh,” she moved her hand so that her fingers were touching his lips. “You worry about your mom and brother. Let me worry about you.”

Her power over him was greater than his resolve to be strong. Fingers lightly upon his cheeks, Jaz leaned in for a kiss.

Sam walked into the room. Their actions didn’t catch his eye. He simply grumbled as he claimed a seat in the corner, “you gonna tell me where my boyfriend is?”

He would field this question, “he’s doing something for me.”

There was a clear question in Sam’s gaze, “you’re going to let him?”

“Because that’s what family does. We help each other,” he let the hint be heard.

With nothing more than a shrug, Sam pulled out his work. Court and Crys were now walking in. With the intrusions growing, Jaz moved off his lap.

Jaz wondered, “you’re not going to ask what Ty’s helping him with?”

But Sam wasn’t interested, “his story isn’t my problem.”

“Meaning Ty will tell you later, so you don’t have to ask now,” Court was smug about his spot observation.

Sam cast a warning glance Court’s way, “no one has the right to tell someone else’s story.”

“I want to argue that, but he’s scaring me,” Crys had a hold of Court’s arm.

“Sam’s all bark. He’s just grumpy cuz he misses Ty,” taking his opportunity Court held Crys. He looked to Geo, “how’re Emmett and Vince?”

He answered his brother, “they’re doing good. Vince let Jaz and I race around the track with him.”

“Mom’s gonna kill you if she knows you were on a bike again,” Court pointed out with a laugh. He would be the only one that would tell their mom if it played in his favor.

“You think I’m scared of mom?”

“I think you’re scared of upsetting her,” Court called him out with an arrogant smirk.

“Because she…needlessly worries,” he amended before he said something he would regret letting out. Jaz caught on quickly. Silently, she set her hand upon his knee in support.

Over his work, Sam was staring at him. In the gloom of the corner where he sat, there was an ominous note in that stare. So, he glared back.

Going back to his work, Sam asked him, “so, is this what you mean about family helping each other? You don’t even trust your own brother enough to tell him the truth?”

“You son of a…”

Jaz interrupted, “Sam’s got a point.”

“About what?” Court was lost.

“Nothing,” he bit out!

“Family sticks their noses into each other’s business.” Sam appeared to be deep in his work, “at least that’s what Ty says. And you backed him up.”

“What’s going on that I don’t know about?” Court asked the room.

Crys had worried eyes upon Court. Lightly, she had his arm in her hands. Jaz was watching Geo. Her gaze was a much softer version of what Sam was saying. He glared at Sam, hating that he was right. Hating more that he, himself, would have gone with the same approach if the situation were reversed.

With a tense sigh, he looked at Court, “mom might be too weak for the treatment tomorrow.”

Court shook his head in frightened disbelief, “but she’s doing better.”

Crys held tighter.

“You should come to the hospital tomorrow with us,” he caved.

Jaz added on, “we’re spending the night at your mom’s. You two should join us.”

“That’s a great idea,” Crys encouraged with hopeful eyes.

Court looked shaken, and he hated that he’d caused that. It was why he hadn’t wanted to. He cast an angry gaze over to Sam. But the soft intensity that he was watching Court with stole Geo’s anger. Sam hadn’t wanted to hurt Court. He hadn’t even wanted to piss off Geo. In his way, Sam was trying to help. And he was trying to understand something that he didn’t have experience with.

He stood up, “we should get going. Mom’s expecting us.”

“Sam,” Jaz also stood up.

But Sam interrupted curtly, “I’m not about to subject myself. I’m going back alone.”

“Home or dorm?” Jaz had her purse in hand.

Geo glanced over his shoulder as he packed up the laptop. Sam wasn’t saying anything. With the laptop bag now over his shoulder, Geo walked over. He put a friendly hand upon Sam’s shoulder. A subtle flinch was almost hidden.

“Go home, Ty will head their first when he gets back.” He gave a light squeeze. Sam nodded without making eye contact. “You’re still an asshole.”

A smile touched Sam’s lips.

~~~

The car doors locked behind them when Geo pressed the fob. They’d all spent the night at their mom’s, which seemed to be really good for her. She loved the company, and she said she slept through the night. She was now in the hands of professionals.

They walked the university grounds when a text message came through on one of the group chats. He showed Jaz. It was nothing more than two red flags, but it made them all stop moving. Court was looking at his phone with a small furrow of his brows. Crys looked up from her phone.

“Why am I not in on this chat?” Jaz wanted to know. “What is Pey saying with red flags?”

“This can’t be good,” Crys was alert. She was prepared to message Peyton back, but a pindrop came in telling them where he was.

They moved quickly that way. He was at the theatre waiting for them.

As they approached, he was first to ask, “what’s going on?”

Peyton looked up from his laptop. His cell was on next to his laptop. Earpiece in let them know that Peyton was on the phone. He nodded simply to acknowledge their presence.

“Why are you there?” Peyton listened to the response. An annoyed roll of his eyes preceded, “I don’t care. It’s like I’m talking to your boyfriend.”

Peyton’s fingers were working hard. They took seats around him.

“How did you manage that?” Peyton again listened. The amusement grew. “If you miss this flight, I’ll make sure to take your boyfriend back to the dorm with me.”

He disconnected the call before the response could come.

Court was laughing, “you got a death wish?”

“Just giving him motivation,” Peyton smiled. But then that grin quickly vanished. “We got a problem. Sam’s brother is supposed to be at a conference, but he’s just been reported as cancelled.”

There were shared looks holding concern.

Not wanting to jump to conclusions just yet, he asked, “do you know where he is?”

Peyton shook his head with a grim expression, “this conference is a pretty big deal. I can’t imagine the board of directors let him off easily. But he didn’t fly anywhere.”

“It could be something else,” Jaz would be the voice of reason.

“I’m not willing to bet that it is,” Crys offered an opinion that he agreed with.

“Are we going to tell Sam that his brother has disappeared off Peyton’s radar?”

He understood where Jaz was coming from, but still he shook his head, “he doesn’t even know that we know he has a brother.”

Court was in agreement, “I don’t want to know what he’ll do to us when he finds out.”

He taunted his brother, “thought he was all bark?”

“I said that for Crys’ sake, but don’t forget what he did to Kurt,” Court shuddered at the memory.

He wouldn’t disagree with that, and felt the beginnings of a shiver up his own spine.

Jaz had a question, “what exactly did he do?”

He and Court exchanged looks. Acting quickly, Court spoke, “I’ll let Geo field that one. Crys, I’ll walk you to class.”

“Coward,” he muttered.

“Your girlfriend,” Court called out with a wave as he walked quickly backwards.

Peyton called out, “what about what’s going on?”

Court shrugged as he turned around. “until we know it’s not a false alarm, we just keep Sam in our sights. You have first class with him. So, just let us know if something happens.”

Not a bad plan for the moment, so he agreed, “let’s coordinate our schedules.”

“Sam’s going to be suspicious,” Peyton pointed out.

“I don’t see a better solution,” he shrugged helplessly.

There was worry in Peyton’s eyes, “Sam’s going to run if his brother is here.”

Geo put a hand on Peyton’s shoulder, “we won’t let him.”

“You’d better not.” Peyton looked up at him, “Ty’s really going to kill me if Sam’s gone when he gets back.”

“This isn’t your fault,” he meant it.

But Peyton was having a hard time believing it, “my search triggered the alarm. It’s my fault if he shows up here.”

“Sooner or later he was going to. At least this time, Sam’s not alone,” he softly pointed out.

Jaz lightly kissed Peyton’s cheek, “like it or not, you both have family now.”

“Wait, how did I get rolled into this?”

Geo grinned, “you know what you did.”

With that, they left. He offered his hand to Jaz, but her expression said that she hadn’t dropped her question, “what exactly did Sam do to Kurt?”

He caved with a sigh, “do you remember the other morning when I went for a run with Ty?”

“I knew that was strange,” she admitted.

His smile was automatic, “Sam had sent a message…to me. It was a heads up, and I was supposed to stick by Ty.” He paused because he knew Jaz would be upset, “Kurt’s friends jumped us.”

Her fear was immediate, “why?”

“Sam’s text didn’t really explain,” he remarked with a bitter note. “But he told us where to find him and Kurt. My brother and his girlfriend had decided it was a good idea to try and catch Kurt admitting to some relationship with Todd. Sam decided it was a good idea for us to show up; which I’ll give him, it was. Crys’ interview had turned sour. But we were able to get Kurt to admit that he was getting information about us from Todd. And when we had it, Sam stepped in with a solution to deal with Kurt. Apparently, Kurt’s involved with drugs somehow. And those drugs came from the big bust his dad led at the beginning of the year. Sam sent Kurt’s info to a drug dealer, giving Kurt the option to either run or face that drug dealer. Kurt decided to run.”

Jaz was working it through, “what does a drug dealer care about Kurt? How does Sam know a drug dealer?”

He could only shrug, “no idea. But after learning what we did about what Sam came from, I kinda believe that he would have the knowledge.”

“He did the right thing,” she was firm and cold! At his surprised look, she explained with a shrug, “Kurt’s hurt a lot of people, and his dad covers it up. I don’t understand how it worked, but Sam’s solution worked.”

He felt another smile coming on as he watched her, “you’re really going to approve of his tactic? If it’s true…”

“I don’t care,” she didn’t hesitate to cut him off. “He’s mine. And he’s been on his own for too long dealing with something we can’t imagine. I won’t let anyone judge him for coping. He stayed. He didn’t let Court and Crys confront Kurt alone. And he called you for help.”

“Is he always going to get a free pass with you?” It was hard not to be jealous of that.

She must have seen that jealousy, for she smiled as she moved to be holding his arm. “Yes, because he makes Ty happy. And he makes Ty want to try to love.”

“What do you mean?”

They resumed walking. With a thoughtful look at the horizon, Jaz slowly put her thoughts into words, “Ty’s whole world was his family. His brothers and sister, at least. Their dad always put work first. It was the older two that took Ty to his first day of school. That was when I first met him. He was holding so tightly to the hands of both his brother and sister. And he cried so hard when they said they had to go to school and leave him there.”

“Ty cried?”

“He was five years old,” she lightly slapped his shoulder! “And he wasn’t the same person then that he is now. Then he was the baby of the family. Don hadn’t been conceived yet. He never liked being without his brother and sister.”

He thought about that and said, “I don’t understand why his parents sent them away after the kidnapping.”

“I don’t think anyone understands. But we know how much it still hurts Ty. That’s why he’s so careful about who he lets into his life now.” Her tone shifted with light laughter, “and I’ve never seen him pursue anyone like he did Sam. So, Sam has my approval. He makes Ty smile like he used to when we were little.”

“That’s why you claimed him?”

“Oh, please tell me you’re jealous,” she teased.

“No,” he challenged playfully.

“Please! Just a little bit jealous. Come on,” she coaxed.

He laughed, “I’m not encouraging bad behavior.”

The answer that she wanted to give became trapped as her gaze caught sight of something important. Her hand upon Geo’s shoulder had him pausing. He was already following her gaze to the prone figure kneeling on the ground. Sam had his hands pressed tightly to his ears as though he were trying to block out something awful. Tears he didn’t seem to notice were falling off his ashen face.

Geo had her hand in his as he brought them to Sam’s side. Standing over Sam, he called out gruffly. But it was beyond Sam to answer. So, he knelt, forcibly pulling Sam’s hands off his ears. “What the hell is going on?”

From around the corner a coaxing voice made a plea, “I’m trying to find my brother. I’m really worried about him. He’s been missing for a few years now, but I found out that he enrolled here.”

Sam tried to pull his arms back to himself. The need to block something out was clear.

“Sam?” Geo was questioning him.

But Sam could barely breathe, let alone speak.

“Yah, I’ve seen him around.”

They watched Sam grow even more pale. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t see. He couldn’t stop listening to the voice.

Geo took it all in, his eyes soft for a moment. Then, he let go of Sam’s arms, “stop underestimating us.”

Sam was shaking his head; the first indication that he understood what was going on. Jaz took a hold of Sam. Shaking hands clung tightly to her. She responded quickly, “it’s okay. You’re okay now. We won’t let anything happen to you. You’re safe.”

“You can’t,” he was looking at Geo. That fear was overwhelming!

“Get him out of here,” he set a hand upon both their shoulders.

“You have to run,” his voice was broken. “I have to…”

“Sam,” her voice was calm.

He looked at her.

“Do you think any of us will let you run away?” She was helping him to stand.

“You don’t know.”

“Come on,” she pulled him away from the danger. “I’ve got the keys to Geo’s car. We’re going home.”

“Pey,” his hands trembled so badly. “I have to warn Pey. He’ll kill him. He kills everyone.”

She placed a hand upon his cheek. Earnestly she spoke, “I’m calling him now.”

Maybe he heard the ringing. And maybe he heard his friend’s voice, “what’s up Jaz?”

Sam took the phone, “he’s here. I’m leaving.”

Jaz took the phone back. With a stern expression and her hand firmly holding Sam’s, “I’m taking him home. Meet us at the car.”

“I’ll be there soon,” the promise came over the call.

Geo watched Jaz lead Sam away. It was hard to recover seeing Sam broken like that! He ran a hand through his hair, disrupting the order he’d taken so much time to achieve this morning.

“Art,” the voice that brought Sam so much fear sounded mocking.

“Yah, he’s real good. He’s probably at the theatre now working.”

Before this idiot could give any names, Geo moved around the corner. Even though he’d seen the online images, the man he now walked towards was not who Geo would have expected. Over six feet tall, muscular, athletic, almost good looking in a plastic sort of way. Beyond similar hair and eye color, there wasn’t much in common with Sam. This one exuded charisma that he turned to Geo when the other student pointed his direction. That fake smile said it all.

“Geo knows him.”

“Who?” He would feign bored ignorance.

“Sam.”

“Sam?” A slow smile emerged as though he understood something, “figures he’d choose that name.”

“What do you mean?” Geo’s look conveyed mild interest.

“It’s the name of the rabbit he had as a kid.”

Confusion twisted his expression, “you his family?”

There was a nod of confirmation, “yah, he’s my annoying little brother.”

“Annoying’s right,” the laugh from Geo got a reciprocal one from the brother. “Far as I know, Sam doesn’t have family. You sure we’re talking about the same guy?”

A cell was turned around so that Geo could see the image on it. Back turned to the camera, the art bag slung over lean shoulders gave him away as much as the curly hair did. That was a recent image of Sam, one that hadn’t been as popular as the video taken of Ty and Sam’s first kiss. Peyton must have missed getting this image down.

“Yah, sort of looks like him,” he gave a bored nod.

A hand was held out, “I’m Robert.”

“Geo,” he took the hand. It was a firm handshake. Direct, warm eyes were meant to come across as friendly. “Your little brother has a temper. He’s got into some fights recently. Far as I know, he’s on suspension for a few weeks.”

Incredulous was the undertone, “that little shit? Fighting?”

Geo shrugged, “never seen him throw a punch, but he does nothing but argue. An absolute pain in the ass!”

“That sounds like my brother,” Robert scoffed with a laugh.

“Not sure why you want that in your life,” Geo began walking away, following the same direction he’d been headed when walking over. He nodded at Robert to follow, “but if you’re sure you do, I can show you the dorms.”

“Yah well,” Robert walked with him, “we don’t get to choose who our family is.”

Geo shrugged because he didn’t agree, “so why’s your family changing their name?”

There was a pause that had Geo looking Robert’s direction. Nothing but a calm expression. Maybe it was because of what he already knew, but Geo didn’t trust that pleasant smile.

Robert found an answer, “my little brother is the black sheep of the family. He’s always caused problems, always done things the difficult way. But no matter what he does to change it, we’re still family.”

“That’s a nice sentiment,” he commented. Too bad you’re full of shit. “So, what’s your story?”

“I’m just a businessman. I should be at a conference, but when I saw that picture, I knew I had to try.”

“How long you been looking for him?” There was enough truth in what he was being told that it would hold up to scrutiny. An intelligent move.

“Since he…took off from home. It’s just the two of us. It would be good to have him where I can keep an eye on him. You know?”

“I have a younger brother too,” he nodded. “So, what do you call him, if it’s not Sam?”

There was a small moment when he thought Robert might actually tell him. But that smile meant to charm was there before he did, “shithead, dumbass. You know how it is.”

Except, he didn’t. What he was aware of was that Robert was as crappy at evading as Sam was. It would eat at Sam to know that. So, he probably wouldn’t ever tell him.

“Before our parents died, he was always the favorite. Got away with murder, always had an attitude. But, like I said, we don’t get to choose our family. So, I’ll keep watching out for him. The right thing, you know.”

This was a guy that loved to hear himself talk. Complete opposite of Sam there. “Sorry for your loss.”

“Pardon?” This question had thrown Robert off.

He turned his head, “of your parents. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Oh yes, that. My parents never made it easy for me. Very strict, physically. You know.”

He was really coming to hate that phrase fast.

“I could never do anything right. I think I was the outlet for the frustrations of their own failed lives. But I stuck through it, and I’m a better man because of it. My little brother has no idea how easy he had it.”

This guy was never going to shut up unless pushed to it.

“You know,” he turned to face Robert, “if you don’t want him in your life, you can just leave him be. I’ve never even heard him talk about you.”

Anger sparked deadly in those eyes, “my little brother has always run away from his problems, but there are things he’s going to have to face sooner or later.”

They had come around to the campus dorms. Standing next to each other they looked at the buildings.

Hands slid into his pockets, “these are the dorms. I don’t know which one your brother is in.”

“I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I appreciate you bringing me here,” again a hand was held out.

The grip this time held pressure meant to intimidate. Anger was getting the better of the would-be politician.

Amused, and a touch arrogant, was the grin that barely touched his lips, “good luck finding him.”

Robert hesitated, wanting to question him, but he decided against it and moved on. Just as there had been in the speeches, there was arrogance in the stride. Robert was a bit of a narcissist. The left hand had pulled out the car keys, drawing Geo’s gaze to the rabbit’s foot Robert’s thumb was now stroking.

He moved away with suspicious eyes.

~~~

“Where have you been?” Jaz released her tension as he walked into the house.

Relief washed through Sam. His left hand ran over the right which was making a fist. Knuckles cracked.

“Spent time with Sam’s brother.” Geo didn’t bother taking off his shoes. “He’s a gem.”

Sam stared at the ground.

“So, he is here,” Peyton was looking at Sam to gage the reaction.

Sam only continued to stare down.

“Arrogant, confident, and a narcissistic asshole,” Geo walked back into the living room. “Other than you both being assholes, I’d never believe he was your brother.”

“Babe,” Jaz sighed softly.

Peyton did a double-take, “someone’s acclimating to dating life quickly.”

“Very quickly,” Court was looking speculatively between the two, which amused Crys.

“I’m more interested in your acclimation,” Sam was snarling. Slowly, he looked over at them. That fearful, angry stare landed lastly upon Peyton.

Who immediately raised his hands in defense, “hey, I didn’t tell…I may have given a little direction.”

Geo walked past to go to the kitchen. Even here, he could still clearly hear the conversation.

“You son of a bitch,” Sam muttered.

“Did you really think I wasn’t prepared for this?” Peyton laughed.

“I was expecting you to be,” Sam’s teeth were clenched. “What I wasn’t expecting is for you to turn on me.”

Peyton’s voice lifted in amusement, “you started this when you called your boyfriend to step in on our plan with Kurt. Sorry bro, not sorry.”

Sam pressed his fingers to either side of his nose.

“He’s kinda right,” Court nodded.

“Sam was right to call us in on that,” he offered Sam one of the beers he’d retrieved from the kitchen. He took the bottle, maybe simply to have something to occupy nervous hands.

“Whatever, dad,” Court muttered to receive a soft reprimand from Crys. Court took the beers offered to him and Crys.

“And your friend was right to give us the heads up about your brother,” he reclaimed the seat next to Jaz after passing Peyton his.

Jaz took a sip of his beer, “Pey brought this to us because we want to help, Sam.”

Peyton added on, “we’ve been homeless long enough.”

An intense gaze silently considered those words.

“So, what happened to the rabbit?” Geo took his drink from Jaz. She leaned into his side, and he placed his arm around her.

Sam wasn’t making eye contact. His fingers continued to toy with the cold bottle.

“What rabbit?” Court was the one to ask when it was clear Sam wasn’t answering.

“The one Sam took his name from, apparently.”

Everyone was looking at Sam. This was something even Peyton didn’t know.

“Asshole,” Sam muttered.

Geo shrugged because he knew and didn’t care that the insult was directed at him. “We don’t push, but when the issue is at our door, we have a right to know.”

His unopened bottle hit the coffee table, “Sam is the pet rabbit I had when I was ten. My brother…killed him in front of me. Samuel’s foot is still on his keychain.”

“What the fuck?” Court held Crys, but it was hard to tell if he was giving comfort or needing it.

Jaz held a hand over her mouth. Geo’s arm tightened around her. Peyton lightly touched his mouth to his tented fingers.

Sam’s thumb moved to massage his left hand. His gaze looked down upon it as he considered something important. Slow was his breath, “when I was fifteen, I ran away. Spent two years homeless until I landed in a shelter. That’s when I met him.”

They all looked his way.

Peyton nodded, “I was already an established hacker. We came up with a plan together.”

“Taking from what’s left of my family’s money,” Sam nodded. “It’s the least he owed me.”

“I backdated the program, made a bunch of fake recipients and several real ones to keep them guessing for as long as I could,” Peyton was trying to work up the courage for something.

Geo shook his head to warn him.

“It doesn’t matter,” Sam wasn’t watching them.

“It’s my fault,” Peyton blurted out. “When you said Carada, I looked.”

“I said it intentionally for you, dumbass,” Sam stared hard at Peyton.

“What?”

“He was going to find me. Sooner or later. So, I needed you to know,” Sam began unwrapping his wrist.

As the material came off, the truth stopped anyone from talking. Discolored skin was marred with scarring. It ran from his palm to halfway up his forearm. It was clear that the memory was still vivid for Sam as he stared almost mesmerized by it.

He showed the others, “this was the last thing he did to me before I ran away.”

“Your brother?” It was beyond Crys to understand how anyone could do that. It was beyond any of them!

Sam shook his head, “my brother doesn’t forgive and he doesn’t forget. It doesn’t matter how he knew to come. I always knew he would. And I know what he’s capable of.”

“Can’t you deal with him like you did Kurt?”

Court’s suggestion was shut down quickly by Sam, “this is my problem. I just wanted you guys to understand. Someone’s going to need to explain it to Ty.”

The laughter in Jaz’ voice made him pause when she said, “not an option!”

Everyone looked at her. Confidence that was backing her words met Sam’s gaze. But they saw it, that look that said Sam wasn’t about to listen. His truth must be so much worse than what he was telling them. The curio came to mind.

He said, “I saw you cry for the first time. What happens to us as kids, stays with us all through our lives. I think you know that better than anyone. Except for Ty.”

The truth of that had Sam motionless. Caged and cornered, Sam stared back.

Geo continued, “you know what he went through as a kid. Having someone taken from him is his vulnerability. Are you going to do that to him? Are you going to let your brother do that to him?”

The internal battle was fierce, shown only in the tears clouding Sam’s vision. Before they could fall, Sam fled up the stairs.

There was a weight within the air about the room as they each processed the situation. Peyton leaned forward, running a hand over his face, “Sam’s always said that I was on my own if he had to run.”

Crys was the one that pieced it together the quickest, “meaning, he knows that his brother will chase him down, so he’ll lead this guy as far away from you as he can.”

Peyton nodded, “took me a while to figure out that’s what he meant. It’s the only way Sam can see to protect anyone. It’s why he’s always gone things alone for as long as he can.”

Court nodded, “easier to be alone than to say goodbye.”

“Or to see someone else get hurt because of you,” Peyton’s voice held regret.

“Either is not an option for him anymore,” Jaz stated firmly.

Peyton smiled with a nod, “I agree. So we should stop him before he packs. Sam knows how to survive with nothing to his name.”

There was agreement that had them all standing up. As they began to move, the front door opened.

Sam was pulling a bag from Ty’s closet. On the bed behind him was Ty’s hoodie, his art bag, toothbrush, and some socks. It was almost nothing, but was more than the last time he’d run.

“I fucking hate this,” Sam rested his arm on the closet frame as he gathered his strength. He made a promise to himself that he would never again allow anyone in. He silently mouthed words he couldn’t say, I love you.

Hand in his hair, he turned around. And found Ty barring the way. Ty’s body moved in and his arm hit the wall next to Sam’s head, pinning him. The other hand gave him the beer he’d left downstairs. It was now open.

Numb hands took the bottle. His eyes asked questions he couldn’t voice.

Ty let him off with a directive, “drink for the both of us. I plan to have a clear head for when I deal with your brother.”

“You know.”

“He’s here. And I know a lot more than that.”

Stunned silence followed that revelation. He stared at Ty, feeling the last of his world crashing around him.

As though he could hear Sam’s thoughts, Ty claimed his cheek with a tender hand, “do you really think I’m letting you walk away?”

He stared at Ty, silently begging him to let this happen.

There was no chance Ty was backing down, “you promised not to disappear on me.”

“I promised I’d stay so long as I was hidden,” he pushed Ty’s hand away for emphasis. “I was putting you first when I said that. What he’ll do… If I have to run to keep him away from you, then I’m going to do it.”

He couldn’t stop the tears. Why had he ever let Ty past his walls? He didn’t deserve happiness. And now he was hurting Ty.

Both hands moved to his face. It was reactionary to flinch. But a soft touch had thumbs under his eyes, brushing way the tears. “Close your eyes.”

He followed the directive and felt himself grow weaker. There was a tremble that shook his shoulders.

Their foreheads touched, and Ty’s voice was a whisper, “you don’t get the option of running anymore. Like it or not, you have a family here that won’t let you.”

“This isn’t…”

“Up for debate. I know,” Ty had cut him off, his voice at a normal volume again.

He guided Sam’s arm upwards, encouraging him to drink. The others walked into the room. Frustrated and afraid, he took a drink just to have something to do.

“He’s stubborn,” Geo called him out. “I already told him to stop underestimating us. He’s not listening.”

“Because he doesn’t want us to be in danger,” Jaz pointed out softly.

Court came to his defense, “can you blame him? I mean, anyone that kills an innocent rabbit in front of a kid and then keeps the foot on a keychain is clearly psychotic.”

Ty’s look questioned him.

Glaring back, “thought you knew everything.”

“I know more than you want me to, Samuel Swampjumper Esq. Don’t push it,” he warned.

Lowered shoulders and troubled eyes showed that he was defeated. He grumbled, “how the hell do you know that name?”

There wasn’t an answer, which was good because he didn’t want to know. He felt Ty move to his back. Strong arms around his body offered familiar reassurance he desperately needed. It was the only reason he let Ty embrace him.

“So, what do we do?” Ty was asking.

Swallowing took effort. Already Sam was shaking his head, “already told you.”

Ty touched a finger to his chin, gently forcing eye contact. The other hand took a hold of the bag Sam was going to pack. It dropped to the floor away from them, “if I have to tie you up, you’re keeping your promise to me.”

Geo took the bag and handed it to Court. Who then took the bag and gave it to Peyton. Who, in turn, tossed it to the far side of the bed.

“Careful Sam, he’d probably like that,” Tanner was saying as he walked in. He glanced around, “an audience? Really?”

“The hell?” Sam shouldered Ty but the bulky form didn’t budge.

Court and Geo were grinning. It was at Sam’s expense that Ty was too.

Tanner got to the point, handing over a file to Ty, “I got the file, Peyton, thanks.”

Ty was reaching for the folder.

The question came out with a hint of a whine, “why?”

Ty’s lips claimed a kiss on the neck that took Sam by surprise. Though that surprise didn’t dissipate, Sam’s free hand came to curl into Ty’s sleeve at the elbow.

“I missed you too,” Ty breathed, their foreheads touching.

Sam closed his eyes, “please let me run.”

“Never,” Ty kissed him again, this time lightly on the lips. Then he turned to the others, “does he know Sam’s here?”

It only made him want to run more!

Geo affirmed with a nod before saying, “he hasn’t seen Sam, but he knows. I sent him on a goose chase at the dorms. It won’t buy us much time. Too many people know you’re together. Someone’s going to talk.”

Pained, Sam took another drink.

Crys looked at the file wanting to see if for herself, “what do you have on him?”

Peyton fielded the question, “well, unlike Sam here, Robert has a very public, online presence.”

“You looked…” Sam peeked at the folder Ty opened.

“So did I,” Tanner confessed. “Upstanding citizen, CEO, yearly contributor to a political party, and children’s rights activist.”

Sam sounded pained, “glad I didn’t know about that sooner.”

Geo considered the thin file, “so, what’s he hiding?”

“Hell if I know,” Peyton shrugged with a laugh.

They all looked at him in disbelief.

“Not my fault Sam didn’t give up a name sooner,” he shrugged defensively. “I can tell you that he’s into some shady business deals that are definitely not legal, he likes his girls young, doesn’t have anything with dairy in it yet drinks like a fish.”

Sounding resigned, Sam let them know, “he’s lactose intolerant.”

Pey continued, “he’s bought himself at least one congressperson, and none of it is enough for anyone to nail him with. Though considering how quickly I could turn it up, someone should be.”

“The Carada’s have a long political and criminal history,” Sam confessed bitterly.

Ty had a hard look turned upon Sam, as though there were something he knew and wanted to know if Sam would fess up to.

Angrily, Sam snarled.

Ty held his disfigured arm meaningfully.

It wasn’t like he hadn’t opened the door to this question by taking the wrap off. Tight lipped, Sam begrudgingly responded, “he did this after catching me holding hands with a boyfriend in high school.”

“How?” The question was stalled in Court’s throat as he swallowed hard.

“Gas stove,” Sam couldn’t look away from Ty. Hard eyes tried not to see the past. “I can’t stand the sound of them being turned on now.”

Uncomfortable glances were exchanged.

“Can’t imagine what he’d do knowing what I’ve been holding,” Ty’s voice and eyes turned smoky.

“Dammit Ty,” Sam ground the words out. His hands gestured in frustration, “now is not the time for your perverted mind!”

“What does it matter?” Ty ran his thumb over Sam’s wrist, “he’s never getting close enough again to touch you.”

There was something. Something that was swaying Sam, even though the rest of them couldn’t see it let alone understand it. But he could feel it; that tempting protection Ty offered to those he loved. He was looking down at the hand that held his arm.

Softly he confessed, “my parents were drug-addicted assholes who were murdered in their own home. No one cared enough to ask about the bruises then. They cared less after my brother started. He was the model Carada, and I was just a burden. I learned early to stop talking.”

“Doesn’t mean we don’t hear you,” Geo’s soft voice pulled their eyes to him.

Sam looked at the file. He reminded himself, “the only thing I can do is run.”

“If you transfer schools, it’ll leave a paper trail that he can follow,” Tanner pointed out.

Sam was shaking his head in defeat.

Before he could speak, Geo was challenging him, “dropping out without a word will just be giving in to him. You’ll lose everything for nothing because sooner or later he’ll find you again. Or are you too dumb to see that?”

Challenge sparked in Sam’s eyes, “he’s more connected now than he was when I was a kid. And he’s got the business and what’s left of the inheritance, so he’s got money that I don’t.”

Jaz interrupted with a question, “so what does he want from you?”

“Huh?” Sam was stumped.

“Well, yah,” Court shifted positions on the foot of the bed, “if he’s got everything, what do you have that he wants?”

“Good question,” Tanner was watching Sam.

He looked away, arms crossing protectively over his stomach. Ty’s arms moved over his. And he caved, “it’s not what I have. It’s…what I did.”

“Which was?” Geo prompted.

It was hard not to be embarrassed about this. His fingers toyed with Ty’s wrist, “I maxed the daily limits on his credit cards with useless subscriptions. Destroyed the last of our parents’ drugs that he was selling, threw his wallet in the lit fireplace, shut the damper, and…peed in his shoes.”

Laughter was approval. Amused, Ty pulled Sam closer, “so petty.”

A small grin dared to emerge. Sam could only cock his head slightly to the side in admission, “he wouldn’t be able to bring anyone in to clean up and he hates cleaning.”

“Actually,” Ty let him know, “the fire department was called that day. After the fire was put out, the truth started coming out.”

Shocked at a truth he didn’t know, Sam stared in mute question as tense fingers held Ty’s arms.

There was an embittered shake of his head, “without your testimony there wasn’t enough proof to charge your brother. He blamed everything on your parents.”

“He wants to make sure I’ll keep quiet,” Sam saw a motive that had less to do with urine in shoes.

“He’s going for a political career,” Ty held him. “If you want to look at charges.”

“Yah, Pey and I did a lot of illegal things,” Sam cut him off with a grimace. “I’d rather not.”

“Cool of ya, bro,” Pey was grinning. “And just so you know, we’re not planning anything legal either.”

“Fine,” Sam’s shoulders slumped with the words, “I won’t run. But no one’s ever been able to do anything about him.”

“Because people prioritized money over you,” Ty stated bitterly. Desire shone in his eyes, “but money means shit-all to me, and you mean everything. I’m going to destroy him!”

“That’s a we-problem,” Crys corrected with a confident grin.

Sam stared breathlessly at Ty. His fingers twisted into the fabric of Ty’s shirt. Slowly, he shook his head, “you’re on your own dealing with him…however you want.”

Ty heard Sam’s unspoken words. It was part of why being with Ty was so easy; he got Sam without needing an explanation.

To the others, Ty asked, “everyone staying here tonight?”

Peyton was working on his laptop, “I’ll be up late working on things. So, I’ll stay if that’s cool?”

“And I’ll be up late with the production. I’ll crash here too,” Tanner nodded.

“Crys is in my room,” Court grabbed his opportunity! She shot him a look that he responded to, “what? I’ll be a perfect gentleman!”

Geo was grinning, “the girls can stay in my room, and I’ll crash with Court.”

“Not cool, man,” Court pointedly scowled.

Beaming with that smile Sam brought out, Ty claimed a kiss that was more heated than the audience around them should allow. Except for maybe Jaz who was silently clapping approval!

“Everyone who isn’t my boyfriend needs to leave our room, or you’re in for a show,” Ty warned them.

Sam tried to temper his grin as he put his arms around Ty’s neck, “I’ve already forgotten they’re here.”

Geo had his arm around Jaz, “I’m not sticking around for this. Thanks to Sam’s family drama, I’ve missed another day of school. I’m going to see if I can get a hold of any notes.”

Around the lips he was kissing, Sam shot back, “you said I was a part of this family.”

“Ty is drama,” he called out as they left the room.