Guardian Angel

Chapter 10 (woundedhearts)

The large cruise ship was a welcome sight after living in a basement for the better part of a week. If he closed his eyes he could still imagine being in such an enclosed space and not having any way of escape. The smell of the room, the feel of it would stay with him until the day he died. Still the most horrific part was not knowing if he'd survive. Playing the waiting game while images of different memories he'd known throughout his life lingered. Faces he'd come to love, people he'd come to respect and admire never to be seen or heard again. He'd come close to giving up when he saw a ray of hope in the form of his brother walking through that door. Nothing ever looked so good to him and all his fears slipped away into the darkness and he finally felt alive.

"Cody!" A few of his friends rushed down the plank to meet him and instantly wrapped their arms around him. Their words of joy ringing through his ears became a welcoming sound and he basked in it.

"We thought you were dead," Woody said and instantly received a slap to the back of his head by Addison.

"I'll be honest, it was touch and go there for awhile," he replied with a slight smile.

"I'm glad your okay," Maya told him again giving him a quick hug.

"Me too," London smiled standing nearby waiting to be acknowledged. "It wouldn't have been the same without you."

Cody walked up a few feet and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you London," he whispered burying his head in her shoulder as they silently stood for a minute just holding one another. London placed her head against his and pulled him closer into her embrace. No words needed to be spoken and everyone waited until the exchange was over.

Moseby and Zack exchanged a knowing glance. For all London's protests they knew the truth, she deeply cared for them and in spite of it all would always consider them part of her family.

"Okay enough of that, your wrinkling the rich girl," she whispered still holding him close and in no hurry to set him free.

After a minute Cody simply smiled and released his hold on her but kept his arm around her waist as she placed her head on his shoulder.

"I'm hungry!"

"Woody!"

"What I'm hungry and tonight they're having the Mexican buffet," he smiled.

"You know I'm kind of hungry myself," Cody announced to the group while placing a hand on his stomach.

They took that as a sign it was time to head onto the ship and as they quietly made their way they suddenly heard someone call Cody's name. They all turned to see Carey running toward the gangplank and Cody rushed down to meet her half way.

"Mommy."

"My baby," Carey cried as she held Cody tightly to her. "I was so scared. I thought I'd lost you."

"It's okay I'm here," the young boy replied as another set of arms wrapped themselves around them.

Cody smiled up to see the loving eyes of his father who ruffled his hair before pulling him toward him. All those emotions that were so trapped within him were beginning to come to the surface and he had to shut his eyes to the intrusion.

"Cody you okay, son?" Kurt asked a bit concerned.

"I'm fine, I just need some space."

"Sorry honey we didn't mean to suffocate you," Carey began.

"No its not you, it's been a long week," Cody sighed. "Is it okay if I see you both later, I need some sleep."

"No problem, we'll be here when you wake up," Kurt told his youngest son as he left them.

Cody didn't bother to stop when he rushed up the gangplank and into the ship determined on making it back to his cabin before he broke down. Exiting the elevator he tore into his room and collapsed onto the bed as a flood of tears took hold and his body began to shake. He was sobbing into his pillow when Zack walked in. A minute later he let his brother take him into his arms and hold him while he cried against his chest.

Out in the lobby near the check in desk everyone was discussing the events of the previous few days when Moseby's cell phone went off. Taking a glance at the name he answered giving his usual greeting.

"Hey Moseby, I just wanted to let you know everything is in order and its case closed."

"Thanks Jack, but won't Cody have to testify?"

"Actually we have so much footage from the cameras that he may not have too," Jack replied. "With his statement about the drugs he saw being put into the van that might be enough. I'm working out a deal with the district attorney's office. If he does have to testify it won't be for awhile."

"Well I guess that's something. Cody's been through enough," Moseby thought about how hard Zack worked to find his brother and added. "I think they both have."

"I agree, I'll keep you posted," Jack paused for a minute before continuing. "Not to change the subject, but I do have a bit of good news."

"Oh."

"They've asked me to replace Hawthorn as the Chief of Police," he beamed into the phone. "And I accepted the position."

"That's magnificent. If anyone deserves it, its you."

"Thanks."

"No I should be thanking you, these boys…they mean a lot to me. I owe you one."

"Anytime buddy," Jack leaned back in his hospital bed trying to release some of the pressure on his side where he was wounded, thankfully not fatally.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, just a little sore, but I've been through this before and I'm sure I'll go through it again. It's no skin off my back," Jack told him.

"Your tougher then I am my friend," Moseby waited for a minute while Jack talked to someone and when he returned they continued their conversation about the island and Edwin's possible prison sentence. "A lifetime isn't long enough for that piece of scum."

"I agree with you Marion. But on that note I have to get going."

"Alright, I'll talk to you soon."

"Sounds like a plan to me," he heard Jack say before hanging up.

Moseby closed his phone and stood there in silence for a minute thanking the lord that Cody was safe and everyone was home where they belonged.

Zack let a single tear fall down his cheek. All the pain and fear of the last few days washing over him as he held his twin close.

"Zack," Cody pulled back a bit and studied his brother's face.

The anguish he saw in his eyes was heart breaking. All this time he'd been so busy thinking about himself and his situation, he never once took into account what life would be like for Zack if he had been killed.

"I'm so sorry."

"No I am. I should have never left you alone. If I had been there with you or gotten to the van a little sooner none of this would have happened."

"Or you would have been taken too," Cody said. "Then who would have saved us. Zack the only reason I'm sitting here is because you never gave up. You saved my life. I was losing hope but you never did."

"Probably because I wasn't thinking of anything other than getting you home, If you had been killed I don't know what I would have done. Codes…I'm not good with words," Zack turned unsure of how to get his feelings across without sounding to weak. "You're very important to me little bro and I…"

"And you…"

"You're going to make me say it aren't you?" Zack raised an eyebrow as Cody watched him with twinkling eyes.

"Yes I think I deserve to hear it after such a horrible experience," Cody beamed up at him with a mischievous smile that playfully mocked him to reply.

"When you were taken it felt like time stood still and everything around me changed. The light faded and the world grew a little bit darker. I don't know how else to explain it. It's like my life isn't worth living unless I know your around. I felt like I had lost you and had been losing you for awhile."

"I know how you feel," Cody replied. "I never knew how much I missed you until I thought I may never see you again. Zack without you I can't function in this world. You're my rock, my big brother and the only person who knows me better than anyone else, hell better then I know myself. I love you bro."

Zack turned to his twin and their eyes connected in understanding. No matter what challenges life held before them they knew they could overcome anything as long as they were together. Zack placed a brotherly kiss on his twin's forehead and whispered those three little words that bonded them forever.

"Back atcha buddy!"

Cody shook his head and leaned it against his brothers both laughing and forgetting the events of the past week if only for awhile. When their parents walked in a few minutes later Cody sighed in contentment and the four joined their extended family for a quiet dinner on the Sky Deck.

Happy Birthday - ANGIE! You're 24 years young today. I hope you love your story!