Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.

I have almost everyone on the rosters, past and present, in this story. There are more surprises coming up! BOD and DX made their appearance and I just have to have them on the same side. Now, the bad guys may seem weak but are they really? Not sure where this will lead to but I write them as they come. Thanks again for your support!

PS. My lovable Deadman will not get Jeff this time! I promise!(?) *sigh* Don't take my word for it until you read the final chapter!

Chapter 6

Randy was trembling with excitement. For once, lady luck seemed to be smiling down upon him! Three hours ago, he received a call from his father who told him that they had tracked down Jeff Hardy. He was currently staying in an apartment in Denver. Randy had immediately headed out but along the way, had contacted several pipelines and they were presently giving him updates on what was happening. He learnt that the FBI had moved Jeff out and they were last seen heading in the direction of New Jersey. Randy and his men were now in hot pursuit.

~*~

Cena frowned in confusion, why was Jeff distancing himself from him? His new love had removed himself to the far end of the passenger seat from him. Wrapped in his hoodie which he had pulled over to cover his head and primarily, to shield his face, he had curled his feet under him and was staring blankly outside the window. He had not spoken a word to anyone since they left Denver. Dave and Kennedy were seated in the front, with Dave driving. Morrison had opted to join Chris and Alvin in their vehicle which was tailing them at a distance.

Kennedy glanced at Cena and Jeff from the dashboard mirror and shook his head. He had wanted to talk to Cena about the way he was handling Jeff but didn't get a chance since Jeff was riding with them. But the awkward silence was unsettling and he wanted to ease the tension.

"What's your brother like, Jeff?" He wanted to draw Jeff out of his shell. Maybe getting him to talk about his brother might work, and he was right.

Jeff shifted in his seat and looked at him via the mirror, his face still partially hidden by the hood. "Matty? He's the best brother any one can ask for! I can't wait to see him again!" Even in his misery, he couldn't control his excitement in seeing his brother again.

"Tell us more," Kennedy probed and Jeff happily obliged. "He's twenty-five, has dark hair and black coal eyes. We don't look alike at all. He takes after mom while I look more like our dad." He bit down on his lip, getting emotional about his father.

Silence ensued and Dave tried to distract him from his unhappy thoughts. "Is he anywhere as cute looking as you?" he asked.

Under his hoodie, Jeff blushed at the compliment but they heard him say shyly, "Matty is way better looking than me! He's not only attractive but he's also generous, kind and funny. He dotes on me and has been taking care of me since our mother passed on. I can't wait for all of you to meet him!"

"Including Johnny, here? Hmm, he hasn't been very nice to you lately, I believe," said Kennedy.

He couldn't help smirking when Cena glared at him via the mirror. Jeff just remained silent and Dave shook his head at his partner and lover not to go there. But Kennedy was never one to listen to advice, unless it was coming from himself.

"Hey, Johnny, cat caught your tongue?" he asked with an amused chuckle.

Cena mumbled something indistinctive and Kennedy mocked him, "Speak up, man, if you have something to say, say it! If you've done something wrong and you need to apologize, then, just do it! It's not as if we don't know what's going on between you two!"

His choice of words caused dismay to everyone. Jeff visibly shrunk back into his corner. Kennedy wanted to smack himself in the face. His intention was to pave the way for Cena to make it up with Jeff and not to send Jeff withdrawing into his shell. He sighed. His mouth had a tendency to run away from him at times but since he had already spoken out candidly, he might as well try to set things right again.

He turned around and resting his arms on the backrest, spoke to Jeff directly, "Johnny here may not be the most sensitive guy on the planet but he's a good guy and he really likes you! Methinks he desperately needs to brush up on his relationship skills, though. So, if he has offended you or done something to annoy you, do what I usually do. Just beat the crap out of him until he apologizes for being a meanie!"

He grinned when he saw Jeff's shoulders shook before a giggle escaped from him.

"You want me to do it for you? I'll be happy to oblige," Kennedy offered and proceeded to climb over his seat to lend Jeff's his assistance, amidst Cena's protests.

"Now, wait just a doggone minute, Ken! Who told you … Ow! … that hurts, you moron! Get away from me! Dave, will you call off your overzealous partner before he really hurts me?"

Helpless giggles escaped Jeff as he watched Kennedy pull hard on John's ears and tweaked his nose really hard. His next move drew a sharp gasp from Cena as he clutched his nipples in pain. Kennedy had just applied his crippling 'nipple crunch' on him!

"Damn it, Ken," Cena gasped in pain as he rubbed gingerly at his sore nipples through his shirt, "that fucking hurts!"

Dave laughed out loud and Kennedy looked pleased with himself. "Now, methinks an apology is in order. What do you have to say to Jeff here?" he asked Cena, fixing him with a glare.

Cena looked over to Jeff who, by now, had slipped the hood off his head. After what he had just witnessed, his eyes were tearing from the highly entertaining and amusing episode. Seeing Jeff smiling again brought a big grin to his face.

He heaved a sigh of relief and said, "I'm really sorry, Jeff. I don't care anymore if anyone knows about us! If it makes you happy, you can touch me all you want in public from now on! Here," he opened his hands wide, "touch me! Feel me! I'm all yours!"

Jeff felt his cheeks inflamed as Kennedy grabbed him and thrust him into Cena's awaiting arms. Cena gazed lovingly down at him and whispered, "I'm sorry for upsetting you. I'll do anything to make things right between us again! I mean what I said earlier, we don't need to hide our feelings for each other from anyone anymore! Will you give me another chance to redeem myself?"

Jeff cast his eyes down and nodded bashfully and it was all Cena needed. He pulled him into a deep kiss and Kennedy and Dave crowed with delight.

They finally broke off for air and as Cena hugged Jeff tightly to him, he looked towards Kennedy and said, "Thanks, Ken for everything!"

"Glad to be of help! Now, you take good care of him or you'll have to answer to us, both!"

Kennedy was taken by surprise when Jeff suddenly turned and threw his arms around him. "Thank you!" he whispered gratefully and Kennedy patted him on his back, "Anytime, Jeff. Now, I better get back to my seat and give you two lovebirds some alone time back here."

He climbed back to the front passenger seat and settled himself comfortably. Dave leaned over to peck him on the cheek, "Well done, Ken! You've done it again! Why is it that I'm not surprised?"

Leaning back, Kennedy linked his arms behind his head and said in his usual self-assured manner, "Impressive, huh? Well, what can I say? I'm that damn good!"

Dave took one hand off the steering wheel and pinched his cheek lovingly, "Don't let Hunter hear you say that! He'll think you're stealing his line and get nasty! I don't want to get caught in between the two of you!"

Kennedy snorted before smirking knowingly, "That he-man? He doesn't frighten me! Shawn has him wrapped around his little finger! I should know, I've been keeping in touch with Shawn and he tells me everything!"

Dave laughed, "Do all the bottoms call each other and trade secrets or what? You seem to have a handle on everything!"

Kennedy beamed, "I may be a bottom but I'm King of the World! I see all and I know all!"

"There you go again, stealing other people's lines! Chris isn't going to like that!" but Kennedy just grinned.

Dave checked the mirror to see Cena and Jeff cuddling and whispering to each other in endearing tones. He saw Chris' vehicle following and there was another vehicle far behind them.

"Ken, check in with Chris. There's a vehicle following us. See if he can make out the registration plate and call it in for an ID."

"I'll get right on it!" Kennedy chirped and soon enough, he was talking to Chris via a device that linked the two parties to ensure open communication. Chris confirmed that the vehicle had been staying with them for the past quarter hour but there was no cause for alarm. He had already called in the vehicle plate and it was listed to a Jerry Lawler. The name didn't ring a bell but he assured Kennedy that he would keep an eye on the vehicle.

"How much longer do we have to go?" Jeff suddenly spoke up. He was growing antsy about the vehicle following them.

"We've arranged to meet at a diner. It is one of those stops most truckers take to grab some grub before they continue their journey. We have still another thirty miles to go. It won't be long," Dave assured him.

He would be reunited with Matt soon! Comforted by that thought, Jeff leaned against Cena, a cheerful smile on his face. Everything was right again in his life.

They had gone for another five miles when Chris suddenly alerted them, "Guys, I don't like this. Another vehicle just joined us! Want to try losing them? If they follow us, we'll know their intentions."

They agreed with Chris' strategy and Dave pressed down on the accelerator, the speedometer climbed to 95 miles per hour and right behind them, Chris followed suit. Cena put Jeff down on the seat and told him to fasten his seatbelt. They ensured open communication and monitored the situation. Unfortunately, the vehicles picked up speed as well and continued to follow them.

"They're still behind us and closing fast!" Chris warned and less than a minute later, he shouted, "Watch out! The one behind me is overtaking us!"

Dave, Cena and Kennedy released the safety catch on their revolvers and Cena pushed Jeff down to crouch between the seats, "Lie low and keep your head down!" he cautioned.

Immediately, they heard Chris again, "It's Orton! We'll try to delay them! Get Jeff out of here!" and from the rear view mirror, they saw Chris' vehicle pulled up to Orton's before ramming it at its side. There was a loud screeching sound as sparks flew from the metal on metal contact before both vehicles swerved away from each other.

Miz, who was driving the other vehicle, grimaced. His little pride and joy had been damaged and he wanted to shoot someone's face in! There would be time enough for that! First thing first!

"What do you want me to do, boss? Should I go after the first vehicle or should we take this one out first?"

"Go after the first vehicle! Jeff Hardy is in it! We'll leave Cody to handle this one!" Randy shouted as their vehicle was rammed again and he jolted from his seat. "Come on, lets go!" and Miz pushed down the pedal and the car shot forward.

Just as Chris was shifting to a higher gear to pursue it, their vehicle was rammed from behind!

"Shit! They're not alone!" Chris shouted as the second vehicle rammed them again. "Okay, guys! Time to rumble! We have to buy time for Dave. I'm going to get close to Orton's vehicle and you try to shoot out their tires!"

Morrison and Alvin cocked their guns and Chris pressed a lever to lower their windows for his men to lean out and take their shots. He pressed down on the pedal and slowly gained speed, getting closer to Orton's vehicle. To his surprise, the other vehicle behind them dropped speed and stayed at a safe distance. Chris brought his car nearer and Morrison took his first shot but he missed. He cursed under his breath.

In the vehicle behind them, Cody grinned. Mike looked over to him in confusion and asked, "Boss, why won't you let me take them out?"

His response was a slap at the back of his head before Cody replied, "I don't want Randy to catch them, stupid!"

"Huh?" and Cody shook his head despondently. Why did he always get the slow ones?

"I don't want Randy to get credit for catching Jeff Hardy! I want to be the one to do that! Now, just shut up and follow them but not too close! I don't want to get whiplash again!" he rubbed the back of his neck gingerly.

Chris snaked closer to Orton's vehicle and his men made another attempt to shoot out their tires but suddenly, Orton's vehicle swerved in a zigzag fashion and everyone in Chris' vehicle cursed. It was going to be impossible to shoot out their tires now!

Up ahead, Dave was putting some distance between them when a vehicle shot out of nowhere at an intersecting road, made a U-turn recklessly and cut right in front of him.

Dave swerved to avoid it, "Son of a bitch! Where did he come from?"

He got his vehicle back on course. The vehicle in front slowed and as Dave swerved to overtake it, the driver swerved to follow and prevented him from doing so. In fact, he was forcing Dave to slow down.

"He's one of them! We have to try shooting out his tires," Dave said and lowered the windows.

To his surprise, the vehicle picked up speed suddenly and sped ahead, leaving behind a billowing cloud of blinding red dust which impaired his visibility. Before he realized what happened, their vehicle ploughed into the back of a stationary vehicle, coming to a complete halt. The airbags inflated immediately, pinning Dave and Kennedy to their seats.

"Ken!" Dave shouted and breathed out a sigh of relief when he realized that Kennedy was still secured by his seatbelt. He looked somewhat dazed. At the back, Cena wasn't that lucky. His head had bounced off the side on impact and he was bleeding from a deep gash at his temple, unconscious. Jeff was more fortunate. He was lodged between the seats and managed to escape unscathed, except for a sprained wrist. However, he looked to be in shock. He recovered sufficiently to notice that Cena was hurt.

"John!" Jeff cried out and crawled towards him.

While Dave tried to free himself, the backdoors to their vehicle were flung open. The burly black man grinned and pulled a screaming and thrashing Jeff Hardy out of the vehicle.

"Let me go, you big buffoon!" Jeff struggled to get loose but he was picked up easily like a rag doll. He suddenly realized that there were more of them as he was put down on his feet. He turned hopefully towards the approaching vehicles which were slowing down to a stop, hoping that help had arrived. His shoulders slumped over in defeat, however, when he saw the FBI vehicle sandwiched in between the mob's.

Chris and the others took in the scene before them and knew the game was up. They climbed slowly out of the vehicle and Randy and his men surrounded them.

Raising their hands up to show they weren't going to retaliate, Chris asked, "Can we help our men out?" and Randy nodded his approval. They ran towards Dave's vehicle and Randy gave orders for Miz and Dolph to watch them and turned his attention to the group who was holding Jeff Hardy.

He grinned as he approached them, "You made it in time! I thought I lost him again!"

Adam Copeland returned his grin and said, "Dusty will be pleased! We finally got Jeff Hardy in our hands! It was a great idea to pull that smoke screen trick and let them drive smacked into our vehicle, although my baby took the brunt of it!"

He turned soulfully towards his prized possession and shook his head, it was completely totaled! He sighed. He could always get another one. Ezekiel Jackson and Brian Kendrick glanced over to the FBI agents who had already gotten their friends out and were attending to them.

"You're letting them go?" Brian asked as he gestured towards them and Randy nodded, "They're just doing their jobs, like us. I don't want the whole FBI unit to hunt us down for killing their men unnecessarily. We've got what we want, so leave them be! One more thing, I'll make sure you get the credit for this!" and Adam and his crew crowed happily. They would be rewarded! They lost their grins when they saw Cody and his men making their way purposefully towards them.

Randy's eyes narrowed as they approached and he hissed, "What the hell was that? You let them come after us and did nothing to help!"

Cody put on an innocent look and said, "Well, you did say to stay on the sidelines to watch and learn. I was just listening to your orders like you told me too." He smirked and added, "At least I came close enough to stop them from going after your ass!"

Randy growled and clenched his fists, deciding he would deal with him later. He turned towards their captive, who was held by the scruff of his neck by Ezekiel. Jeff tried to look brave but his small frame trembled with fear and Randy felt sorry for him. He came closer and for the first time, managed to study him up close. Their last encounter was a brief one and he had only caught a brief glimpse of him. He realized that the young man standing before him was very attractive. He just stared at Jeff, taking in the pretty face and his winsome looks. Against his will, he found himself drawn towards him.

Drew and Masters immediately noticed the attraction Randy held for their captive. They snickered and nudged each other, conversing in low tones. They thought it was kind of cute, seeing that it was the first time Randy was captivated by anyone!

Adam cleared his throat loudly to get Randy's attention and said, "Shall we clear out of here before the cops turn up?"

Randy roused himself sufficiently to nod but his eyes were still fixed on Jeff.

"We could use a lift since my car is totaled," Adam prompted and Randy nodded again, eyes still intent on Jeff.

Adam looked from Randy to Jeff and back to Randy again. He smirked and added, "And you promise to buy me a brand new Corvette to replace the one damaged, as soon as we get into town."

Randy turned slowly towards Adam, "I never say that, but good try, Copeland!" drawing merriment from all his men. Even Chavo and Mike couldn't help chuckling but Cody turned around and glared at them and they looked away to hide their amusement.

"Shucks! I thought you weren't listening!" Adam groused and Randy chuckled and said, "Too bad you luck out!"

Ezekiel asked, "Where do you want me to put him?" He pointed to Jeff who renewed his struggles to get free. He kept turning his head, trying to see how John and the rest were doing but Ezekiel made it difficult for him to do so.

"I'll take him with us!" Cody said in an authoritative tone and stepped forward but Randy placed himself in between him and Jeff.

"No, he comes with me!" Without another word, he removed Jeff from Ezekiel's grip and gave the order to move out while guiding Jeff towards their vehicle. Adam and his crew had no choice but to ride with Cody and his men.

As they were climbing into the vehicle, Drew suggested tongue-in-cheek to put Jeff in the boot as there was no room. He received a glare from Randy and was told curtly to sit in the front, while Randy squeezed behind with Jeff, Masters and Dolph. Miz grinned as he started the car and soon, they were back on the road.

But Drew couldn't resist teasing Randy, "Maybe you should let our captive sit on your lap? At least it'll be more comfortable for everyone at the back!" He exchanged knowing grins with Masters who spluttered with laughter.

"Maybe you're right!" Randy surprised them and to everyone's astonishment, he lifted Jeff onto his lap.

"No… don't touch me!" Jeff started to struggle but Randy grabbed his wrists and unknowingly, hurt his already injured wrist. "Ow… you're hurting me!" Jeff whimpered with pain and Randy immediately released his hold.

He watched with concern as Jeff rubbed his right wrist tenderly. "Did you hurt yourself in the crash?" Randy asked him gently and Jeff turned to him with a confused look, thinking, 'Why is he so concerned about me? He's the bad guy!'

"Let me take a look," Randy said as he took Jeff's wrist and rubbed it gently with his thumb before rotating it, drawing whimpers from Jeff. He finally announced, "It's just a sprain. We'll get something for it before we stop to rest at a motel for the night."

"Are you going to kill me if my brother doesn't surrender himself?" Jeff asked him quietly out of the blue, afraid for his life. When Randy didn't answer, he lifted his head to look pleadingly at him. Randy found himself mesmerized by Jeff's eyes. He took in a deep breath to calm his quickening heartbeat and found himself staring at Jeff's mouth instead. It occurred to him that if he was to bend his head a few more inches, his mouth would touch the little mite's. He found that thought tantalizing and felt himself shivering with excitement.

"Please don't kill us? I promise to get your money back! I swear, we didn't touch any of it! Just don't hurt us?" Jeff pleaded with him.

Randy was stunned speechless. Jeff knew where the money was! This was too good to be true!

Holding Jeff by the shoulders, he asked in an urgent tone, "Where's the money?"

"In my daddy's bank account. I saw the amount shown in his bankbook just before …" and his voice petered off as he recollected how, within a few minutes after that, his father was shot dead and his home was burnt to the ground.

"No…" he whimpered as he realized that he had just signed his own death warrant by revealing the whereabouts of the money. He didn't think they would want him as collateral now. Since Matt was the elder, he would inherit everything and it was only logical that they would go after him to get their money back. He started to cry brokenly, thinking that they were going to kill him, since they no longer needed him.

"Hush now, no one's going to hurt you," Randy assured him as he wiped the tears gently away with his fingers.

"You ... you're not going to kill me?" Jeff asked in a quavering voice and Randy stared at him for a moment before finally shaking his head, "No, we're not going to kill you. We just need to trade you for our money and books back."

"You won't harm Matty if he agrees to return everything to you?"

Now that, Randy couldn't promise because Matt betrayed them! And betrayal was something the mob didn't take lightly. The punishment was death! But Randy couldn't tell Jeff that. He found himself suddenly feeling sorry for Jeff. The little mite would be all alone if they took his brother away.

When Randy didn't reply, Jeff's tears renewed and he cried out, "You're going to kill my brother, aren't you?" Yet again, there was no reply and infuriated that they had every intention to murder his brother, Jeff pounded Randy on his chest with his fists, "You already killed my daddy! You cannot take my brother away from me as well! I hate you! You took everything away from me! I have no home and no one to go home to! I hate you! I hate all of you!" and he broke down completely, dissolved in tears.

Randy pulled him against him. Jeff started to fight him but finally succumbed and let himself be held. He was so tired of running scared, of being left all alone. Randy stroked his hair to soothe him. His men remained silent. Not a word was said. The journey continued in silence. Jeff finally cried himself into exhaustion and fell into a weary sleep, held protectively in Randy's arms.

Drew was the first one to speak, "Poor little mite. He has no one, no family."

Masters let out a grunt, "He still has his brother, but … pity, not for much longer." Pausing to think, he turned to Drew and asked, "Will you miss me if I'm gone?"

Drew nodded, "For sure I'll miss you, but you're not leaving me anytime soon, are you?"

"I don't think so, but it's good to know that I'll be missed. No one should be alone, especially one as young as him," he said wistfully as he looked down at Jeff, pity on his face.

They all looked at Randy, including Miz, who glanced at him via the mirror, as he was driving. Randy closed his eyes wearily, "Please guys, I'm not superman! It's not my call!"

"We know that, Randy but maybe, we could think of something to help him." This was coming from Masters.

"You know you sound like traitors at the moment," Randy glared at them.

"Come on now, you can't fool us. We've been working alongside with you for a long time and we know you. I can tell you've a soft spot for the little mite, don't you?" Drew said.

"Leave me out of this!" Randy huffed but Drew persisted. "Are you denying that you like the little mite? Because if you are, then, I must be sorely mistaken about the vibes I'm getting from you. So, do you or do you not like him?"

Randy finally relented and admitted gruffly, "So, what if I do?"

"Then we'll find a way to help your little mite and his brother," Drew concluded.

"You know, if anyone gets a hold of this, we're all going to face dire consequences for what we're contemplating. It's called betrayal!" Randy warned.

"It's our secret! No one will find out!" Masters whispered and everyone concurred.

Randy let out a sigh. "Okay, we'll see what we can do to keep Matt Hardy alive. But first, we need to contact him."

Reviews greatly appreciated.