Thanks guys for all the reviews and favorites. Those make me want to keep updating, so keep it up! :)
I don't own JONAS.
The two weeks passed with incredible slowness for Stella and the Lucases. Joe kept on inventing theories on what was happening to Macy, some of them a slight bit morbid, after which Nick would immediately argue with him about all the improbabilities, followed by Stella ordering them to cut it out on account that they were scaring Kevin. Going on tour offered some relief from the long wait; at least it was something to do. And what with the Lucases performing nearly every night and Stella keeping herself busy with their wardrobes they didn't have much time left for worrying.
At last the tour bus was only an hour from Mexico City, and Macy was all the teenagers could think about.
"So where exactly does she live?" Nick asked. They were all sitting around the foldout table, discussing battle plans.
"Some ranch just outside Mexico City. She gave me the address so I could snail mail her if I wanted," Stella said, smoothing out a worn piece of lined paper with purple gel penned words scribbled across it in Macy's handwriting.
"How are we supposed to get there without Dad or anyone else noticing we're gone?" Kevin asked.
"I say we call in those special ops right about now," Joe suggested enthusiastically.
"No, I think we're going to have to go a little higher for this particular job," Nick said, flashing one of his rare—this one of the sneaky variety—smiles.
*******
"I understand you are in some need of my assistance," Frankie said, swiveling around to face his brothers. How he had managed to fit a desk and an enormous black swivel chair into the back room of the bus, or the exact reason he happened to be wearing a tux, didn't seem to matter so much at the moment.
"My best friend Macy moved near Mexico City two weeks ago, and we need to see her and convince her to come home with us. But we don't know how to do that without someone finding out," Stella explained.
"I see your problem," Frankie said with a nod, looking very much like a miniature Godfather.
"So can you help us?" Joe asked.
"Maybe, maybe not. My services are not free, but considering you're family, I'll be generous and give you a discount," Frankie responded.
"How much do you want?" Kevin questioned without hesitation, already reaching for his wallet.
"I was not speaking of cash, dear brother. Although donations are appreciated. What I really want, however, is a Ferrari, but since I wouldn't be able to drive it for another seven years, I'll settle for you guys letting me join you on stage next concert."
The rest of the Lucases sighed in relief. They had been afraid that whatever Frankie demanded would be like asking for the moon. "Sounds like we have a deal," Kevin said.
"Not so fast. I also get to play Nick's drums and pick out the outfits," Frankie said.
Nick and Stella were practically livid. No one touched Nick's drum set and lived to tell the tale. And no one but Stella was allowed to decide what the boys wore on stage. She claimed collaboration clouded her artistic vision and was therefore banned.
"Come on, Nick. For Macy," Kevin pleaded, seeing the resentment in his brother's expression.
"I don't think this is a good idea, but okay. But I promise you Frankie, if you break anything…" Nick threatened.
"Please, Stella. Do it for me," Joe said to Stella before she could open her mouth and tell Frankie exactly what she thought about his price. She looked at Joe and wished she hadn't; his puppy dog eyes had the same effect on her as hers did on him.
"Fine. For the good of Macy and this band, you can have my job for one night. But ONLY one night," Stella announced, defeated.
Frankie smiled. "Now we have a deal."
