NOTES: Sorry it's been so long! I hope no one's given up on me. Thanks to May once again for making this so much better. I know I always say that, but it's always true. Do not know what I'd do without her! Thanks again for your insights and patience, I promise I won't make you read this chapter again!
Thanks emjac for your wonderful reviews, I can't thank you privately so I'll do it here. Special mention to cag45 for your constant support even when you're not feeling so hot. Hope you get better soon and able to get back to your story, I need to know what's gonna happen!
"Don't you recall what you felt
When you weren't alone
Someone who stood by your side
A face you had known
Where do you run when it's too much to bear
Who do you turn to in need
When nobody's there"
CHAPTER 8
Adam voiced a final reassurance to his worried brothers, his feet already moving toward the huddled crowd of uniforms awaiting Ed's arrival. Sykes held the hood of his jacket closed, his features hidden in the shadows. Adam recognized the defeated shake of the deputy's head as he reported to Charlie and his heart sunk. The hope Adam had been clinging to now lodged in his throat and threatened to suffocate him.
"Let me talk to 'em."
Brian's voice came out surprisingly steady as he moved in beside Adam, but Adam could feel the coiled tension radiating off his brother.
"Brian, you know good and well I can't allow you to go anywhere near that house." Lewis said.
"It's my house! You can't stop me from walking up my own damn porch steps." Brian tried to push past the wall of deputies and Adam snagged his forearm.
"Brian, would you calm down and think?" Adam's tone came out harsh, but he had enough to worry about without his hot-headed sibling trying to take matters into his own hands. "I know you want to help, but this isn't the way."
Adam understood Brian's desperation more than anyone. Shared in it and Adam would be the first one to bust through the front door if he thought it would do a damn bit of good. But the depressing truth was that not one of the men gathered on his front lawn knew the first thing about hostage negotiating. Including him.
"Damn it, Adam, we can't stand out here with our thumbs up our asses while our brothers are in there with those bastards!"
And Brian's unraveling began. And Adam had no idea how to stop that either.
"Sheriff!"
Everyone followed the deputy's pointing finger and Adam felt the air rush from his lungs. It was Crane. Standing on the porch.
The kid looked worse than Adam had ever seen; his face bruised and pale beneath the familiar beard Crane had worn since returning from Davis. Crane had never admitted it, but Adam suspected it had been his little brother's ploy to look older; hide the baby-face Adam still remembered well. Right now it hid nothing.
Adam's worry renewed as he watched Crane sway and then grab the railing with one hand, his other arm pulled tight against his stomach. Adam wasn't close enough to see his brother's eyes, but the kid's body language told him Crane was scared and hurting. And hurting not just from the obvious physical abuse he'd suffered. Adam's body shook with rage and the pent up helplessness that threatened to drag him under. What damage had those men inflicted on his good-hearted brother? And what about Daniel? The poor kid could barely move on his own, couldn't even fight back or defend himself.
"We're all right!"
The words that echoed in Adam's ears belied the desperation written on his brother's face. Crane was anything but all right.
"Adam?"
Adam's heart shattered at the trust in his brother's voice. He knew Crane was handing over every vestige of hope he had left. Handing it to Adam.
"…tell P.J. we need her plane."
What? Crane's mention of Adam's former flame and current federal agent added to the confusion bouncing in his skull. Was Crane serious? Didn't he remember she'd been promoted? Last Adam heard she was somewhere in Virginia or South Carolina, hell, he wasn't even sure. Adam's mind raced, realizing his little brother was grasping at straws. He had no doubt that Crane was doing a damn fine job of keeping the kidnappers guessing, appeasing them just enough to gain a little ground.
But making a promise as grandiose as obtaining an airplane petrified Adam. If the kidnappers had demanded one it probably meant they were desperate for options. If Crane came up with the idea, then that meant he was the desperate one. Meant it was Crane's last ditch effort to mollify them, if only long enough give the officers outside time to find a way to get him and Daniel out.
Adam kept his eyes trained on Crane, tried to keep his expression calm, keep the terrifying secret that these people Crane was putting all his faith in had no plan, no impending rescue. No, not one of them had a clue. Including his big brother.
An abrupt change in his brother's demeanor alarmed Adam and he watched as Crane backed away in a near panic, his composed veneer beginning to crack. Adam followed Crane's stare, immediately recognizing the young deputy squatting by the steps, his arm motioning frantically. Will was trying to get Crane out of there. Trying to get him to run while he had the chance. Adam knew Crane would never abandon Daniel. Never. That thought filled Adam with pride, but sent a shiver of fear down his spine too. No, Crane wouldn't leave Daniel in there alone, but an idea flashed through Adam's mind. Maybe he could trade places, at least get one brother out of that hell.
Adam hadn't realized his thoughts were propelling him forward. Not until a strong grip on his forearm stopped him mid-stride and yanked him back behind the squad car. Brian's lips were moving, but the sound was lost in the deafening buzz between Adam's ears. Confusion and anger danced in unison and he jerked out of Brian's hold.
"Adam! Are you crazy?"
Brian's words finally broke through the haze.
No. No Brian, I'm not crazy, I'm desperate and lost and terrified.
He turned back toward the house, blinking away the moisture coating his eyes and seeking out Crane. Adam strained to see through the rain and fog, but the porch was empty.
No, no, no.
He wasn't ready, he needed to see Crane, needed to get one more glimpse to make sure his little brother was all right. He couldn't stand the thought of Crane trapped inside with those men, trying to take care of Daniel. Trying to stay alive.
A wave of nausea washed over him, a morose sense of despair invaded his bones and Adam found himself clutching the fender of Charlie's cruiser doubled over and dry heaving. But there was nothing to spill. His stomach as empty as his heart.
The hum of the Jeep's tires and steady thump of the wipers did little to settle Hannah's nerves as she sped through the wet back roads. Marie had returned sooner than expected and Hannah had been halfway to the door when the doctor had stepped into the café. The haunting sense of dread she had battled since morning grew as he'd pulled her aside. Hannah wished then that she had followed her gut and returned home after dropping Guthrie off at school.
Dr. Meade had looked flushed, his eyes confused as he'd quietly relayed how Crane had turned him away without even letting him in the house. At first Hannah thought there had to have been a mistake, a miscommunication between the two. But the doctor had assured her there had been no mix-up, Crane had seemed nervous, scared even and definitely hiding something. In fact his behavior had disturbed Dr. Meade enough that he'd contacted the sheriff as soon as he got back into town.
Maybe the doctor was over-reacting, but the churning in Hannah's gut told her something was going on and as confused and anxious as she felt right now she would have called Charlie too.
She glanced at the doctor in the seat beside her, his face pale and his knuckles white as he gripped the dash. Apparently the man wasn't used to such a rough ride or perhaps she was driving too fast, but Hannah wasn't about to slow down. She needed to get to her family, needed to be there now.
"Maybe Daniel's asleep and he didn't want to wake him?" Dr. Meade yelled over the sound of flapping vinyl from the Jeep's cover. "You said he was having trouble sleeping."
"That doesn't make sense." Hannah shouted back. "That's not like Crane. At all."
Despite the desire to believe him, there was a sixth sense telling her she wasn't imagining things. That motherly instinct she had always assumed would be reserved for her own children was screaming in her ear. It was also telling her the doctor was trying to placate the distraught little lady.
Then again maybe she was the one over-reacting. After all Crane was perfectly capable of handling anything that might come up. The McFadden men had all survived a full decade without her; they could certainly take care of themselves. But that was then. They were her boys now. Adam's brothers were her brothers and with the youngest four, well, sometimes she felt more 'mother' than 'sister'.
Still Hannah's mind raced, grasping onto any scenario that might explain her brother-in-law's strange behavior. Everything from Crane losing his memory to an alien invasion popped into her thoughts. Any of those crazy ideas would have made more sense. Crane would never turn away help when Daniel's welfare was at stake.
Never.
Hannah slowed just enough to make the turn leading home with all four wheels on solid ground. She pressed the accelerator again, the tires skidding on rain splattered gravel.
"I'm sure they're fine." Dr. Meade said, his voice notably higher than normal.
Hannah figured self-preservation might have more to do with his words than honestly believing them himself. She also sensed he knew more than he was revealing.
"Is there something you're not telling me?" Hannah couldn't control the accusatory tone and glanced sideways to see the doctor's reaction.
His silence spoke volumes.
"What is it?"
Dr. Meade sighed heavily. "Charlie thinks it could have something to do with the escapees."
"What escapees? What are you talking about?" Hannah was trying to wrap her brain around the idea of strangers, criminals hiding out around their property. Possibly inside with Daniel and Crane. Her stomach flipped and a rush of nausea threatened to smother her.
"The prisoners from Folsom, Charlie said they'd found their abandoned car around here about a week ago. Adam didn't tell you?"
No, Adam hadn't told her. But why? To prevent her from worrying? Knowing Adam that was certainly possible. More than likely though, with everything going on and Daniel foremost on his mind, he'd just forgotten. Not that it mattered now. If those men were running from the law then her boys were in trouble. Life and death trouble.
If that was even what was going on. The situation was far-fetched, surely there was some other explanation besides Crane being a hostage. The whole idea sounded almost as ridiculous as aliens.
Until Hannah saw the police sedan parked crossways in the road, blue lights on top flashing in time with her hammering heart. A serious-faced deputy motioned for her to stop, all business as he strode up to the Jeep.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, no one's allowed up there."
"But, I live here," were the only words Hannah could manage before her voice cracked. This couldn't be real. She could not be sitting here listening to a deputy tell her she couldn't go home. Because that meant her fears were valid. They were real.
The officer's professional demeanor wavered and his voice softened. "I'm sorry, it's just too dangerous."
"Carl." Dr. Meade sounded almost desperate as he addressed the deputy.
"Doc." The young man nodded his recognition.
"One of the boys in there is already hurt. I'm sure Charlie wouldn't object to a doctor being close by just in case." The doctor sounded as desperate as Hannah felt.
"I don't know…" The deputy's voice trailed off and he looked at Hannah . "I'll radio Sheriff Lewis, just wait here, okay?"
Hannah nodded, her hands shook as she clenched the steering wheel, the concern in the deputy's eyes confirming the seriousness of the situation. The need to get home overwhelmed her. She couldn't risk him saying no.
As soon as the officer turned his back she threw the vehicle in drive and gunned the engine. She hoped Dr. Meade was holding on as the Jeep hit the ditch, tires throwing mud and gravel behind her as she swerved back onto the road. The road leading home.
She pulled the Jeep to an abrupt stop behind a wall of matching sedans and flashing lights. The growing lump in her throat threatening to choke her as she tried to make sense of the chaotic scene. She spotted Ford and Evan, their yellow slickers like beacons among the sea of gray and black and her heart broke at how lost and terrified they both looked. She moved toward them, but her loyalties were torn when she saw Adam.
His hunched shoulders trembling as he rested the top of his head against Brian's chest, his younger brother's hand cupping his neck as Brian continued a steady litany of words that Hannah couldn't make out. The sight would have been touching had the situation not been so dire, but he image of her normally strong and capable husband being the one in need of support only added to her panic. The desperation she sensed from Adam and Brian confirmed what her mind had tried to deny. That Crane and Daniel were in serious danger.
"Oh, honey." Hannah choked back tears as she slid next to him, putting a comforting arm around his waist and releasing Brian with a soft touch on the arm. Brian looked at her and nodded, relief evident in his red-rimmed eyes.
"They're gonna be all right." Brian whispered to Adam, ruffling his brother's hair. Adam nodded, patting Brian's side before grabbing Hannah in a fierce hug. She returned the embrace, holding onto him like a buoy in a rough sea as Brian's words hung in her ears.
She willed herself to believe them, to hold onto that hope that this family, her family, wouldn't suffer another tragedy
Crane couldn't remember a time when he'd felt this exhausted, this beaten down. Not even that grueling trek through the mountains in knee-deep snow to find Hannah had left him this drained. Crane leaned back against the stair rail, longing to close his eyes, but not daring to take the chance.
Between Daniel's fever and the kid being bounced around like a sack of feed, Crane hadn't expected him to be able to rest. Still, seeing Daniel curled up against his shoulder, barely lucid and completely miserable ripped Crane to shreds. He wrapped his arm around his brother, feeling Daniel shiver as he wiped away the sweat beading under the boy's eyes. Agony exploded through Crane's arm as if he'd touched a live wire.
The clock on the mantle chimed two o'clock. Five hours. It had been five damn hours since this nightmare began. Twenty minutes since he'd stood outside, his brothers' distraught faces revealing the same fear and hopelessness that resided deep in Crane's aching heart.
Crane wondered how much longer they'd all have to endure this misery.
"What the hell are they doin'?" Ray asked, aiming his question at no one in particular.
Crane tried to shut him out, but that wasn't an easy task with Ray wearing a path in the floor with his pacing. The echo of his boots on hardwood amplifying in Crane's aching head until he wanted to scream. Tony threw Crane a sympathetic look and Crane turned away. He didn't need the man's pity and he sure as hell didn't have any for Tony. Resentment and hate were about all the emotion he could muster.
Ray stopped in front of them, purposely leaning too close for Crane's comfort. "You'd better hope they're gettin' that damn plane."
Crane instinctively put his arm across Daniel, gritting his teeth against the pain the gesture caused. Ray's mouth quirked into a sinister smile as he eyed his captives. Crane fought to hide his increasing fear though not the disgust burning his throat. He knew his eyes were betraying his true feelings, the 'go to hell' stare he aimed at Ray was crystal clear.
Daniel groaned and Crane pulled him in tighter. "It's okay, Danny," tumbling effortlessly off his tongue without taking his gaze off Ray; the response to his ailing brother as natural as breathing.
Ray laughed, a patronizing 'awwww' oozing from his lips as he obviously relished in their suffering. Crane clenched his teeth until he thought his jaw would crack, his mind racing.
"You can stop this." Crane whispered. "You haven't killed anyone, it's not too late."
Ray grinned broadly, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Oh, hell, I'm pretty sure that guard down at Folsom might disagree with you there, Slim."
"What? You didn't tell me…" Tony stepped forward, the shock and repulsion fueling his boldness unable to last the length of a sentence.
Crane's blood ran cold. He never doubted Ray was capable of murder, but to hear him confess to it, even revel in it, made their situation even more dire. Crane had to make sure his captor continued to see them as a viable asset. Leverage to win back the freedom Ray longed to hold onto.
Ray ignored Tony's indignation, still addressing Crane. "That old man bled like a stuck hog, covered up half of that lily-white hallway. Must have been a bitch and a half to clean up." He cocked his head, the satisfying expression on his face as chilling as his words.
"'Course I thought your boy here wouldn't've come back except in a pretty pine box, so who knows? Don't matter though, I've done enough, just ask your little brother." Ray continued, his tone almost giddy. "That bull didn't exactly open that gate on his own."
Ray's second confession took Crane's breath away, his chest tightening until he thought his insides would implode. The vision that had been with him since that day surfaced full-force again; Daniel, writhing in agony, the stench of blood and overwhelming panic. This monster's actions had almost cost Daniel his life. If they didn't get out of here soon, they still might.
Crane fought to stay composed, forced himself to block off the overwhelming grief and rage that would cause him to break down. Or cause him to do something incredibly stupid; like try to take on Ray again. He wouldn't do Daniel any good if he let Ray goad him. No, Crane would have time later to dwell on his hatred for this monster. For now all he could do is pray they would get out of this mess. And that he would get his chance with Ray. Just one more chance.
Ray leaned in again, "You really hate me, dontcha, boy?"
More than anything in this world.
Crane kept those thoughts to himself and held rock still, refusing to give Ray the satisfaction of a reaction. Again Ray upped the ante reaching out and putting his filthy hands on Daniel's neck, smiling as the kid cried out and flinched like he'd been burned.
Crane jerked upright, positioning his body between his brother and their tormentor as best he could. It was one thing for Ray to intimidate him, but with Daniel already suffering from this bastard's prior abuse, well, he'd have to come through Crane before he got another chance. He only hoped the fire and determination reflected in his eyes would be enough to hold Ray off. Truth was Crane wasn't sure he had any fight left in him, but he did his best to hide that fact from Ray.
Either Ray bought his act or lost interest and backed off. Crane let out a relieved sigh, the brief burst of adrenaline sapping his precious energy.
"That's what I thought." Ray laughed as he straightened, his hand motioning toward Tony. "I actually prefer it that way, Slim. Ah, hell, even my kid brother hates my guts."
Tony's expression morphed from disbelief to fear, his mouth moving as he struggled to find the right words.
"That's not true, Ray," he finally managed to squeak out. "You're my brother."
Crane could hear the conflict in Tony's voice, but there was a hint of truth in his words.
"Brother?" Ray snorted. "The only thing that word means is we both popped outta the same whore."
Ray stepped toward Tony, forcing him to retreat further into the living room. "I don't believe you still have a soft spot for that bitch. She ran out on you too."
"She had to leave." Tony whispered, the 'you know why' lingering unsaid between them.
Daniel whimpered softly and Crane pulled his brother protectively against his chest again, his fingers nervously flexing through Daniel's hair. With Ray's attention momentarily diverted Crane risked a glance out the front window. Red and blue lights danced against the window pane yet not a single person stood in view. But they were out there. Crane considered making a break for the door. He was only a few steps away.
Three steps too many with an immobile brother and a busted arm. And a crazy man with a gun that just admitted to murder. As badly as Crane wanted this to be over, he couldn't risk getting himself or his brother picked off like fish in a barrel.
"Yeah, I suppose she did." Ray conceded. "'Cause I'd have killed her too."
Crane felt the air rush from his lungs.
"No." Tony muttered, his head shaking and tears forming in his eyes. "It was just him. You had to do it, Ray."
"Do you think I did that for you?" Ray snarled. "I killed him 'cause I wanted to; because he was a useless bastard who messed with me one too many times. I didn't care what he did to you."
Crane felt numb. If his addled brain was processing this right, then Ray had killed his own father. What kind of sadistic monster could do that? He hadn't thought it was possible, but Crane's fear ramped up another notch. His head spinning as doubt replaced the unwavering optimism that had kept him sane through all this. They might really die here. He and Daniel.
Or just one of them.
Oh, God. The thought of Daniel dying ripped a pathway through Crane's soul. His little brother had so much to live for, so many dreams and things left to accomplish. The McFadden boys had survived one tragedy; used it to pull together and become even stronger. But losing a brother, or two? That would destroy them. Crane knew it would be something he would never recover from. He refused to be the only survivor. Daniel would make it out of this, Crane would make sure of that.
Even if it meant Crane didn't.
Crane shook off the morose thoughts. He knew his nerves were shot and it was the fear and exhaustion pushing his mind toward despondency. His battered body begged him to shut down, give up, but he couldn't. He wouldn't give in to the despair chipping away at him piece by piece. The faith and determination that had been ingrained in him as a child remained despite the pain and emotional turmoil weighing heavily on his aching shoulders. They would get out of this. If not by Crane's doing, then by his family and friends outside. His brothers wouldn't give up. McFadden's never gave up.
And Crane was most definitely a McFadden.
The shrill ring of the telephone set Crane's heart racing. Ray narrowed his eyes and motioned for him to pick it up.
Crane reluctantly settled Daniel against the wall and stood up, his legs wobbling as he walked the few steps to pick up the receiver. It felt like he was climbing Mt. Everest.
"Hello." Crane hoped his voice sounded stronger than it did to his own ears.
It was Sheriff Lewis. Except Crane didn't get a chance to speak or even hear anything more than Charlie quietly calling him by name before Ray snatched the phone from his hand. Please God don't think you're talking to me and tell him something he shouldn't hear.
"No, no…" Ray glared at Crane, his face flushed in anger. "I don't want no car to get to the airport, I want that plane here!"
Crane held his breath. Ray couldn't seriously think that they could actually land the plane here, in front of the house?
"Because I think you're gonna try to screw me over!" Ray shouted into the receiver. "You've got one hour to get us out of here and that hour started thirty minutes ago."
The swell of nausea rose again and Crane closed his eyes. This was a ruse. The entire sheriff's department was gambling with his and Daniel's lives and God help them when this bastard figured that out.
"I swear that if you try anything I will kill these boys. I don't have a goddamn thing to lose." Ray slammed down the phone, his eyes bloodshot and stone cold.
Crane shivered. He had no doubt Ray meant every word.
"Tony! Get our stuff together, they're bringing us a car." Ray yelled over his shoulder, his eyes still focused on Crane.
Crane exhaled, a shimmer of relief taking up residence in his soul. He was certain he'd be dragged along on this ride and he was almost as sure that Daniel would be left behind. A half-conscious kid with a busted leg would be too much trouble for Ray to cart around. The irony of Ray's first attempt on Daniel's life being what would save him now wasn't lost on Crane. It didn't matter, at least this nightmare would soon be over for his brother.
"You…" Ray poked Crane hard in the chest to make his point. "You better wake Crip up, I don't think you can carry him to that car."
"What?" Crane felt as if the floor had caved beneath his feet. "He can't walk, you only need one hostage. I'll go."
Ray shoved him and Crane stifled a scream as his aching shoulder brushed into the support beam. "You are not calling the shots here!" Ray goaded. "If I want to take just him I'll damn well do it. It's not up to you."
Crane felt as if Ray had just gutted him with a hot knife. The arrogance of this bastard forcing Daniel anywhere in the condition he was in. It was beyond cruelty and from the smirk on Ray's face he knew it. And relished in it.
"And if he slows us down one second I'll shoot him. You got that, Slim?"
"Ray." The name crawled out of Crane's mouth like he was spitting out poison. He hated the sound of that name, hated all it stood for. He hated saying it at all, but Crane needed to connect in whatever way he could. "I got you what you wanted. Can you do this one thing for me?"
Ray seemed taken aback, then amused at Crane's gall. The corners of his mouth pulled back into a toothy smile and Crane held onto a thread of hope that he'd gotten through.
"You ought to have learned by now, boy, being a good guy don't get you nowhere."
Crane hadn't thought his world could turn anymore upside down. His vision blurred, the hopelessness, worry and pain converged and shut down his brain for a second. He stepped aggressively toward Ray, welcoming the surge of satisfaction as Ray took a startled hop backwards.
"And being an ass has worked out so well for you."
Crane didn't realize the words in his head had crossed his lips until Ray's eyes narrowed and he thrust the rifle in front of him, the barrel pushing hard under Crane's chin. "I see where your idiot brother gets his manners. Maybe you should ask Crip what that smart mouth got him."
Crane trembled involuntarily as cold metal cut into his tender flesh. He had to stop. He had to stay alive for Daniel's sake. Because there was no way in hell Daniel was going out that door without him.
Adam watched Sheriff Lewis slowly place the radio receiver in its cradle, the look of despair evident in the man's eyes.
"What'd he say, did you talk to Crane?"
Charlie shook his head. "Barker's giving us thirty minutes to get that car here."
Adam's heart sank. That meant they were on their own; no negotiator, no Feds. And they had just made a promise to a lunatic that they had no way of keeping.
Even though Adam knew the sheriff was doing everything possible to ensure Crane and Daniel's safety, Adam was beyond terrified. Giving a couple of dangerous fugitives a car and an escort didn't seem like much of a plan. Especially when one or both of his captive brothers would be in that vehicle too.
Too much could go wrong when the Barkers realized there was no pilot and no plane waiting. Sure, there was a possibility of them being captured before they realized they'd been fooled. But there was an even greater chance either Crane or Daniel would get caught in whatever crossfire broke out.
And that wasn't a chance Adam was willing to take.
Adam could feel his insides swirling with pent up anxiety as the station wagon meant to provide an escape was parked next to the gate. Brian and Evan paced nervously behind him and Ford leaned on one of the deputy's cars, his head propped in his hands, slowly rocking. Hannah stood beside him, her hand rubbing gentle circles along his back. She caught Adam's gaze, her eyes pleading and he knew he wore the same look. Begging God, the universe and whoever would listen that all this would turn out all right, that Crane and Daniel would get out of this whole and alive.
He longed to tell them all that everything was going to be fine. That was his job to reassure everyone, but his own doubts refused to let him dole out any false hope. Instead Adam cupped the back of Ford's neck and pulled him into a hug; the McFadden sign of solidarity that no matter what happened, they would always be there for each other. He felt the kid's arms tighten around his waist and Hannah's touch moved from Ford to Adam, her fingers brushing his cheek. The gesture recharged him, made him determined to do whatever it took to bring this family back together. All eight of them.
"Adam." Brian's worried voice broke the spell and Adam relinquished Ford to Hannah and followed his brother away from the others. "I've got a bad feeling about this."
So did Adam. His churning gut told him they had one shot to save Crane and Daniel; and Charlie's plan wasn't it.
"These guys mean well, but they're in way over their heads. We," Brian whispered, pointing to himself and Adam. "We've got to get to them before they get to the highway."
That Brian had already devised his own plan to rescue their brothers didn't shock Adam in the least. And as much as the thought of him and Brian taking matters into their own hands scared him, it was ten times better than trusting a group of inexperienced deputies with such precious lives.
"I'm guessing you've already got an idea how to do that?"
From the smug grin on Brian's face he was definitely several steps ahead of him.
"Trust me, I'll get them stopped - when they do, just be on the west side of the barn."
"Brian, there's no other way is there?" Adam hated the defeated sound of his own voice, hated the desperation burrowing through his heart.
"We can do this, Adam." Brian wrapped his arm around Adam's shoulders and squeezed hard. "We have to do this."
"I know." Adam said, grabbing Brian's arm forcefully as he turned to leave. "Do I have to remind you to be careful?"
"Not at all." Brian patted Adam's shoulder and motioned for Evan and Ford to follow him. "C'mon boys."
Apprehension washed over Adam and he snagged Evan's shirt as the teen eagerly started after his older brother. "No."
"Awww Adam." Evan protested, looking toward Brian for back up.
"C'mon Adam, I won't let anything happen to 'em. I promise." Brian said, easing Evan's shirt from Adam's fist and pulling his older sibling aside.
"I can't…"
"Adam, you know I'm not gonna put those boys in danger." Brian's voice cracked just a little, the strain they were all going through beginning to show. "They wanna help, they want to do something and I need them to pull this off."
Adam let out a long sigh, looking toward Hannah for affirmation. She nodded, a sad smile creasing her lips. He was outnumbered and too damn tired to fight about it.
"Okay." Adam bit his top lip trying to stop the tremors forming. "Please, don't get yourselves hurt. I can't take much more today. Deal?"
"We won't do anything stupid." Ford said, hugging Adam before joining his brothers.
Adam watched as they slipped past the tumultuous gathering and headed toward the barn.
He longed to call them back, keep them in his sight, prevent anything horrible happening to them too. But Brian was a grown man, he did what he wanted. And Evan and Ford had more than proven themselves time and again. Leaving them out of something so imperative to the family wouldn't be fair.
Still Adam couldn't control the guilt rearing its ugly head. It was bad enough to have failed Crane and Daniel, but now he was putting Brian and the younger boys in a perilous situation as well. He was supposed to protect this family, keep them safe, instead his whole world was spinning out of control.
Emotion threatened to pull Adam under, engulf him in a sea of regret and self-recrimination. But he didn't have the time or energy for that now. He just had to get his family through this day. Together.
to be continued...
