Part 2
Tim Sheppard walked into the Curtis house and stopped dead in his tracks. What could he say to the guys? He and the rest of the greasers in Tulsa had heard about what had happened at the DX and all of them were boiling over that someone, certainly some socs had kidnapped Sodapop Curtis and Steve Randle.
"What I don't understand is why the socs took them and blow up the station", Tim heard Two-Bit Matthews say. "The socs go there just as much as us. Steve and Soda are the best when it comes to fix cars."
"Actually the pumps were still there and the garage", Dallas pointed out from the couch. "They only blow up the shop." The door opened and the gang turned to see Tim Sheppard walk in.
"Hi Tim", Darry said and rose from his armchair.
"Hi Darry", Tim answered and looked around. "Just wanna let ya know that I sent out my guys to spy on the socs and to see if they can find anything that can lead us to Soda and Steve."
"Thanks Tim I – we – appreciate it."
"This is so fucking stupid", Two-Bit said. "Why the hell would the socs take them?"
"Revenge", Johnny spoke up.
"What was that Johnny-cake", Dally asked and turned to the younger boy beside him.
"They want revenge for what happened to their friend."
The greasers looked at each other.
"Then why…" Dallas began but it dawned on him. "Oh man… They are out to hurt Pony and Johnny. They go after the ones you love."
"But", Ponyboy said. "I don't like Steve."
Darry glared at him. "We know, but the socs don't."
Johnny buried his head in his hands. "This is my entire fault."
"No Johnny", Dallas said and put an arm around him. "It's that socs fault." Tim had been looking down on the floor and now he looked up.
"Darry if anyone of you needs anyone of us just now we'll be there 'kay?"
"Yeah Tim thanks."
"We're gonna find them and get them back", Tim continued. "And when we do… the socs will pay."
Everyone was shocked at the gleam of hate in his eyes.
"Tim?" Darry asked carefully.
"I swear if the socs have hurt Steve or Soda I'm gonna skin them."
"What the hell Tim", Dallas said and rose. "This is not like you."
"Now it's personal", Tim said and glared at Dallas. "This time it's family."
"Family", everyone looked at each other in surprise.
"Yes, Soda's your family member, Steve too of course, but Steve Randle is also my cousin."
"He's what?!"
Everyone stared at the leader of one of the other greaser gangs in Tulsa. No one knew Steve was his cousin. Of course they all knew that Tim had offered him a place in his gang, which Steve declined 'cause he didn't wanted to be separated from his best bud.
"Steve's my cousin", Tim repeated. "His mom and my dad were siblings."
"So", Darry said and knew he had to be careful with what he said. "You're gonna do anything to get 'em back?"
"Ya'll can count on it."
"Tim, don't do anything stupid."
"I won't kill anyone if that's what you mean."
"Don't harm anyone who hasn't anything to do with it", Ponyboy said softly and Tim turned to glare at him.
"What kinda monster do ya take me for kid? I may have a bad rep but I ain't no emotionless jerk. Just look at Dall, he's got the same kind of rep but he's still a softy."
"I'm a what", Dallas yelled and rose.
"Ya care for your friends Dall, admit it."
Dallas muttered something under his breath that sounded like "go and fuck yourself."
"Tim thanks for dropping by", Darry said and smiled fondly. "Wanna stay the night?"
Tim looked around, he was exhausted. He and his gang had been running around town in search for the kidnapped greasers so Tim was beat.
"I don't want to make ya any trouble."
"Ya won't", Darry said softly. "Pony and I can share his and Soda's bed. Dallas or you can take mine."
"Tim can have it", Dallas said and stretched out on the couch. "The guy looks beat."
"Thanks Darry", Tim said. "And thanks Dallas."
"No problem man, hey Johnny…" But Johnny was already asleep in Darry's armchair. "Heh the kid's beat too."
"What about you Two-Bit", Darry asked as he and Pony headed to bed.
"Don't worry I'll think of something", Two-Bit answered.
Darry heard chairs shuffle around in the kitchen and he smiled. He knew Two-Bit put all chairs together to make a bed. Darry sighed and looked out through the window.
"We'll find you little buddy and we'll get you home… you and Steve both."
