Chapter four:
Ray yawns as he is ready for bed.
Today's heist went really well and Geoff is proud of all of their good work.
Ray settles on his bed and closes his eyes with another yawn. "I like how my life has turned out." He mummers to himself before he ends up drifting off.
Meanwhile...
Geoff checks the email notification that he has received. He reads it over then groans.
Jack turns. He had been chilling on the couch watching quiet TV. "What's up?"
"A meeting of the cities gangs has been called for tomorrow afternoon. This could mean that there is something important going on." Geoff says. "Maybe trouble with a new gang?"
"Or it's just to make sure that all of the gangs are doing well." Jack offers an idea. "You know. The secret connections between the most powerful gangs here including us."
"I know." Geoff sighs. "And that we do this to try to keep the peace between us all. To help avoid wars and mass destruction that could negatively affect us all."
"Exactly." Jack confirms he then gets up and turns off the TV. "Well. We should get some rest. Well worry about it later."
Geoff nods and the two head to their rooms to sleep.
The next morning Geoff announced the meet and that they all will be going.
Ray frowns in worry at this and Ryan turns noticing.
Ryan writes something then hands it to Ray.
Ray takes it and looks at it.
Is everything okay? What's going on?
"I don't know if it's all okay." Ray tells him quietly. "But every now and again at least the most powerful gangs come together. It's mostly to talk and make sure it's all okay. This is done to keep the peace."
Ryan nods and takes back the piece of paper to write a response. He hands it back to Ray.
Ray reads it.
It sounds like a good idea. A war could tear this city apart.
"Yes." Ray agrees handing the paper back.
Ryan nods then they turn as they now can officially start breakfast.
Everyone ate their usual share and today Gavin is the one that helps Jack with the dishes.
Ryan gives Ray the diary and Ray thanks him then heads to his room to read it.
Ray feels as the diary is a nice escape from worrying about what might come up at the meeting. He takes a look at Ryan's entry.
I am definitely bringing you next time so you can have a good laugh at how scared they are.
Yeah. One day we'll probably end up unlocking each other's pasts. One day.
Thanks. I can take that as a compliment. I'm glad that you approached me.
To answer your question I am a gamer. Playing Minecraft with you was very fun we should play some more games together soon.
Now my question to you is how old are you?
Ray grabs his pen and writes a response deciding to give it to Ryan right away.
It'll be awesome!
And don't worry about it man. As you said one day. No need to rush.
And don't worry about it Ry. I'm also really glad that I approached you.
Yes! We must play more games together like we did back in the safe house! Depending where we are we can always look at the games to play whenever we can slash want. Minecraft really was really fun so we are definitely playing more games sometime. And you're not getting out of it. Haha. Just kidding but we seriously will play more games together.
By the way I am twenty five years old. And as for my question it'll be about your age.
Ray closes the diary now done and he puts his pen away only to take it to Ryan who is alone in the living room. "Alone here? Well here. Guess it's just us." He says offering the diary to the other.
Ryan nods taking the diary and heads off to his room.
Ray watches him go. "Guess I'll be alone here." He says quietly to himself. He settles on the couch and decides to watch some TV to pass the time.
When it is almost time to go Ryan comes over to him getting him to turn.
Ryan hands Ray a piece of paper and Ray takes it looking at it.
Sorry. I wanted to read your response.
"Oh my how could you leave me alone!" Ray gasps in a fake hurt tone.
Ryan shakes his head shoulders shaking in a slight chuckle. He settles down next to Ray who grins handing the paper back. He writes something else then hands it back to Ray.
I'll give you the response when we get back.
"Sounds good." Ray agrees handing the paper back.
Geoff comes to the living room not a few moments later. "Alright you two. It's time to go." He says in which they get up and follow Geoff to the car while Jack gets Michael and Gavin.
Once everyone is in the car they are being driven by Geoff to the location that the meeting has been called to.
Ryan and Ray are sitting in the back with Michael and Gavin in front of them then Geoff and Jack up front.
Ray turns glancing out the window he is by. He feels a tap on his shoulder and he turns to see Ryan.
Ryan writes something then shows it to Ray.
Are you nervous about this?
"Somewhat. There's no telling what could come up." Ray admits. "Or what could happen." He closes his eyes for a moment. "But it doesn't bother me." He opens his eyes and looks to where he is sure Ryan's eyes are. "Don't worry about me. What about you?"
Ryan writes something down then shows it to Ray.
I'm a little nervous. It's my first time going to one of these. I don't know if I'll know what to do with myself.
Ray smiles. "Aw. Don't worry about it. You'll be okay." He pats Ryan's shoulder as Ryan lowers the paper. "Besides you'll have me your diary buddy there!"
Ryan nods and seems to be satisfied with that.
All too soon they are arriving at the building and Geoff parks the car.
They head to head inside the one story building. Jack and Geoff head to make sure they know which room the meeting will be in today. Michael and Gavin mostly stick together and just find a place to stand together for now. Ryan looks around at who is here while Ray just walks in wondering how things will turn out this time.
Ray stops when a hand rests on his shoulder. He turns and finds himself facing another male with a male seen kind of right behind him. "Hello Joel. Matt." He greets the male who his hand on his shoulder first then the other male second.
"If you don't mind we'd like a word with you." Joel tells him.
"What is it?" Ray questions brushing Joel's hand off of his shoulder.
"Can you come with us to a more private place?" Joel asks.
Rays eyes narrow in suspicion. "No. Why would I?" He questions.
"Just come with us." Joel says in a sharp tone and reaches to grab Ray to make him follow them.
"I said no." Ray tells him.
Suddenly Joel yelps in pain as a hand with a strong grip grabs his wrist.
They turn and find Ryan who looks very angry even with his mask on though the mask makes it all the more intimidating.
Ray moves closer to Ryan who uses his free hand to encourage Ray behind him.
"Let go of me." Joel demands knowing that his wrist will be bruised after this.
Ray can feel the anger rolling off of Ryan so he places a hand on his shoulder.
Ryan turns to him.
"Let's just go somewhere else. They're not worth it." Ray tells him.
Ryan watches Ray for a few moments then he looks to Joel only to release him. He puts an arm protectively around Ray and leads him away from the two.
Joel rubs his wrist looking frustrated.
Matt comes over to him hesitantly. "Are you okay?"
"Yes." Joel confirms and glares at Ryan. "This is only a slight inconvenience."
Soon everyone is gathered in the conference room.
Ryan and Ray don't sit anywhere by Joel or even Matt but Ray can feel Joel glancing to him every now and again.
"So." Geoff says getting Joel's attention. "Let's get this over with."
"Things have been going well for us." Kerry says. "We continue to remain strong."
"My group is also doing quite well. We've got a new member. Vagabond." Geoff gestures to Ryan who nods in greeting. "And we continue to remain strong."
"My group is also doing good." Joel says. "Though Geoff. I am not calling you commander by the way."
"What?" Geoff questions.
"I would like to propose a small thing." Joel says smiling. "A trade. I want to borrow Brownman from you if you don't mind. I could give you one of mine for a bit. Or maybe give you some cash."
Geoff gets to his feet slamming his hands on the table in anger. "Absolutely not!" He says sharply. "I am not handing him over to you for whatever scheme you have going. I know you too well Joel. You're not getting a new member."
Joel shrugs closing his eyes and still smiling. "I was bored. Can't blame a guy for trying."
Geoff sits down with final last words spoken to Joel. "Fuck you."
"Well..." Kerry clears his throat. "Is there anything else anyone has to say?"
No one speaks up.
"Alright. Then we can say that this meeting is over."
The groups get up and head off with that.
Ray sticks close to Ryan as he wonders why Joel wants him so badly. He feels relief that Ryan seems to want to keep him close anyways.
Something doesn't seem right.
They are headed back sitting the same as before and Ryan suddenly shows Ray a piece of paper.
What does he want from you?
"Honestly no idea." Ray responds. "I mean it's hard to tell because usually if an issue is happening to the gang that won't affect the others or isn't too serious they try to appear as if they are doing fine to look strong. So without any knowledge of what's going on I can only theorize."
Ryan moves the paper away at that.
The rest of the car ride is rather quiet.
… It's been three days since then...
Ray has found out that Ryan is only nine years older than he is and they've also played some more games together.
They've kept up with the diary and no one questions it even if they pass it to each other in front of them.
Ray feels like his life is getting back to normal as if the meeting is truly being left in the dust of the past.
"Hey Ray!" Michael comes over to him getting him to pause in flipping through his phone and he turns to the other. "Let's go and hang out for a bit. What do you say?"
"Sure." Ray agrees then follows Michael who grabs a set of keys only to head to the car.
They leave and Michael takes them to the carnival like place by the docks.
Ray enjoys the fact that there's a forest and beach not far from the location.
It gives them options.
Once the car is parked they decide to start with a walk in the woods.
It has nice scenery usually.
"So do you like Ryan?" Michael questions giving a suggestive look at Ray.
"Why wouldn't I?" Ray questions glancing to Michael. "We're diary buddies."
"Do you like him even more than that?" Michael wiggles an eyebrow.
Ray pauses and glances away slightly thoughtfully. "I've never really thought about that."
Michael claps him on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure that if you do end up getting with him then you two will be a great couple."
Ray blushes softly. "Thanks Michael."
Suddenly two masked people step out in front of them making them stop and be ready to grab their pistols that they carry just in case.
"We need to talk to you." One says.
"What the hell do you want?!" Michael demands.
Suddenly one draws a pistol so Michael and Ray do the same.
It seems like a tense standoff as no one dares to shoot just yet.
"Answer my question." Michael growls. "What the hell do you want!?"
The one without the gun chuckles then charges at Ray.
Ray fires his gun but it only makes the person have to stop charging to dodge.
Michael and the other person begin firing at each other as well.
Ray darts to a distance behind a tree knowing he'll have a better chance if he does so. He is a sniper after all.
"Coward!" Comes a shout only for Michael to laugh.
Ray grins knowing that Michael knows what he is doing. He peers around the tree taking aim and fires hitting one of the person's shoulders.
The person screeches in pain at this as Ray ducks into hiding.
Ray darts to change positions to not be found when suddenly he is tackled. He fights against the other trying to shove him off but this person is much strong than him.
"Ray!" Michael shouts dashing to go to help Ray but is tackled himself. He almost knocks the person off then a third comes.
The third person helps to pin Michael and soon the two are being tied up.
"Good." The third person speaks once the two are tied up.
Ray meets Michael's eyes and Michael nods in assurance.
Michael digs in his pocket since none of them will really notice. He pulls out his cell and hits a certain button on it before slipping it back into his pocket.
Meanwhile…
The Fake AH crew look up in surprise when the alarm rings and the TV changes to a map with a signals location being shown.
"Oh no." Geoff says and Ryan turns to him questioningly. "Someone's in trouble." He turns to the others. "And since Ray and Michael are the only ones out it must be them! We move out immediately!"
The group hurries to race to the location hoping that they won't be too late.
Elsewhere...
"We got what we wanted." One of the masked people says. "We could hit them over the head."
"I need him alive."
They jump and turn in surprise to find Joel coming over to them.
"Boss!" One of the masked people greets but Michael clenches his teeth and glares at the man.
"Joel." Michael growls.
Joel goes over to where Ray is and looks down at him as Ray glares up at him. "We are getting paid quite handsomely for this one. But we need him alive."
"Yes sir!" Two of the three say.
"But what about this one?" The third asks pointing to Michael.
"Hm?" Joel turns and sees Michael. "Leave him. He is of no use to us." He says turning away. "Besides. By the time he's found we'll be long gone."
Ray is picked up but he still struggles. "Let me go you bastards!" He growls.
"Now now. I'm sure you know where we are going." Joel waves a finger at Ray.
Rays eyes widen then he bites back a growl. "I'm surprised he even noticed that I left." He says then he is being carried off.
Michael tries to get out of his bonds but is having no luck. He looks to where Joel and three of his men are leaving with Ray. "Get back here you fuckers!" He calls but is ignored making him even angrier. "Damn you! We will find out where you're taking him!" He clenches his teeth as tight as he can and can only watch as they disappear from view.
Only a few minutes later he hears tires screeching to a halt.
He turns towards the direction of it. "Who's there? Is that you guys?"
The Fake AH crew come running as they follow where Michael's voice came from.
Gavin and Jack race over to help untie Michael while Geoff and Ryan look around.
"Where's Ray?" Geoff asks turning to Michael.
"Fucking Joel took him. They ambushed us." Michael snarls in anger then he points in the direction as he is freed. "That way. A little bit before you showed up."
Ryan and Geoff take the lead to go searching for any sign of where they could have gone.
Jack and Gavin make sure that Michael is okay right now.
"Joel!" Geoff calls out only get silence in response. "Ray! Make a noise!"
Silence remains as they get no response.
"Damn it! They must be too far away!" Geoff hisses in anger.
Ryan dashed forward trying to see if he can catch up with them.
While Geoff tries to keep up.
However as they reach the edge of the forest they still find nothing.
"We'll have to regroup and see if we can find his cellphone signal or just raid Joel's base." Geoff says then looks sympathetically as Ryan tries to look for any sign of where they went. He places a hand on Ryan's shoulder getting him to turn to him. "We'll find him." He assures him. "We just have no way to know where to go from here. We need to go home and see if Joel let Ray keep his cell. It could help us."
Ryan looks away to straight ahead then nods and hurries back to the others with Geoff following.
The three look disappointed and worried when only Ryan and Geoff come back.
All of them race to their home and Gavin is instantly searching for Rays cell phone signal.
Geoff thinks about the bases that Joel has that he is aware of to try to determine where he could have gone. He knows that they're getting money for Ray as told by Jack who had heard the story from Michael so they'll need to hurry.
Plus Joel wanting Ray makes more sense now.
"I found the signal." Gavin says. "Can't say for absolute certain that he's there though." He informs them.
"But it's a place to start. Send it to us. We have a friend to save." Geoff says determinedly.
They get ready and in no time are racing to the location with Gavin and Michael in the lead. They arrive and hurry towards the building.
Ryan slams the door open and they charge in guns raised ready to shoot on sight.
A few people come racing over but are quickly shot down.
The Fake AH crew hurry along until they reach the main room.
Joel turns and Ray, who is tied up leaning against a wall by the couch that Joel's on, looks happy to see them.
"Return him." Geoff demands as the others focus their guns on anyone who might try to attack.
After all a few had gotten up when the group burst inside.
"I can't do that. His father is going to pay nicely for him to be handed over to him." Joel says trying to seem cool.
"Only because it makes him look bad if I'm not there." Ray spits in disgust.
"I don't care as long as I get my money." Joel tells him then snaps his fingers.
Michael shoots the arm of someone reaching for a gun.
Soon more people try to take down the Fake AH crew.
Ryan tries to dash towards Joel and Ray having to stop to fight off other members. He shoots them down quickly then heads for Joel. He shoots Joel's hand when Joel raises a pistol that ends up clattering to the ground. He grabs Ray almost holding him bridal style but with one arm and aims his gun at Joel again.
Ray manages to kick Joel's gun away before he can pick it up.
Joel snarls then is shot in the shoulder then the leg by Ryan.
"Let's go. Let's get out of here." Ray says snapping Ryan out of his angry shooting.
Ryan carries Ray hurrying for an exit.
Almost all of Joel's members are down on the ground dead or injured.
The Fake AH crew spot Ryan getting away with Ray and go to follow him.
Joel's eyes narrow as he watches them leave. "Damn you!" He shouts after them.
Ray looks down feeling rather guilty about all of this. He closes his eyes tightly as he thinks of all the trouble that has been brought upon those he considers his family.
Ryan unties Ray when they get to the cars then they all head to the main house.
Ray remains quiet and Ryan spares him a glance or two every now and again also having to drive right now.
Finally they return and Ray notices at least a few cuts on some of his friends.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble I brought." Ray says head down.
Geoff puts a hand on Rays shoulder getting him to look up. "It's not your fault. No one blames you. If anyone is to blame it's that so called father of yours."
There are sounds of agreements from the others and Ryan just nods.
"But-" Ray is cut off as Ryan moves forward covering Rays mouth. He looks to the other who shakes his head then releases Ray's mouth. He glances around at the others who are all giving him smiles of assurance that it's not his fault. He finally nods. "Okay." He says.
"There you go." Geoff smiles a little more and removes his hand from Ray.
"I think I'll sleep though. It's been a long day." Ray says then heads off to his room. "Haha maybe I might be up earlier than any of you!" He tries to joke.
"Unlikely kid who could sleep through a fire!" Geoff calls to him and they chuckle though Ryan is silently chuckling as his shoulders shake.
Ray closes his door behind himself and sighs heavily. He goes to his bed and lays down. "That fucking bastard. He has a runaway son and he sends a criminal gang to go look for said son." He closes his eyes. "Instead of searching himself. That bastard. He probably figures he's too important to do such work." He lets out another heavy sigh. "And he obviously doesn't care who gets hurt in the process as long as I am brought alive. Stupid cunt of an old man." He rolls over onto his side putting one arm under his head and he lays there for a bit in silence. He hears a knock on the door but remains silent as he lays there eyes closed.
After a few moments the door opens and someone walks inside shutting the door after.
Ray remains as he is waiting to see if whoever it is will go away. He hears the person walk over to his bed then sit down next to him. He listens to the silence then there's a shuffling sound before something is placed by his head.
A few moments later he feels a gentle brush on his cheek so he shifts then blinks his eyes open half way wondering who it is.