Just a little warning, this story is un-beta so all mistakes are mine, sorry.
Disclaimer: I don't own One Tree Hill….someone else does.
A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews: Leytonloveforever, grayfan, Juzzy88, OTHGirl24, LPfan4ever, fantasy27, cayt326, AnnOTH21, crazyjan, HJS-NS-23, RJMoonspell4, missshay16, mkrunner and dancingfool987 They really do mean a lot to me.
Going home, again
Late night phone calls…
He pounded on the motel room door before looking over his shoulder, saying "Come on, open up."
After a couple seconds, he heard the chain being pulled off the door and it open just a enough for him to fit through and he walked into the room. The door shut behind him and he turned to face the person behind the door.
"Got my money?"
"Get the information I asked you for?" she said, walking towards the table in between the bed, pulling open the drawer, gabbing the envelope that sat inside.
When she turned around, the guy was holding out a picture. Taking it from him, a smile crossed her face as she ran her fingertips along the side.
"One thing's for sure," she said looking up at the man "The Scott boy's sure do make some good looking kids."
"Yeah, whatever." he said with a shrug of his shoulders, eyeing the enveloped she had in her hand "Is that my money?"
"Hold on." she said, sending him a glare when he reached for it "You don't get this until you give me my information."
He raised an eyebrow, saying "What information? You asked me to get you a picture of the three of them and scare Luke's kid. I did that, now pay up."
She looked at him shocked for a minute before say "I told you to get a picture of the three of them and to find out if Sawyer was scared of Dan, not to scare her."
He let out a nervous laugh as he sat down on the bed, refusing to meet her eye.
"What did you do?"
"I must of mixed up what we talked about."
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice slightly raising
He ran his hands through his hair, saying "I thought you said scare Sawyer."
A look between irate, confusion and irritable come over the red heads face as she exclaimed "You what?"
"I may have scared the little girl."
By now, the she was pacing back in forth in front of the bed, shoot daggers at him with her eyes, asking "What did you say? I mean, how bad did you scare her?"
"I kinda told her Luke's heart wasn't doing to good and that he could die."
She stopped and stared at him for a minute before jumping at him, he hands reached out for his neck. He quickly jumped out of the way and scrabbling across the bed, out of arms reach.
"Why in the hell would you tell her that?"
"Well, I thought you said-"
"It doesn't matter what you thought I said. How could you tell a four year old little girl that her dad was going to die."
He looked at her confused for a minute and she just let out a groan as she started walking back in forth again, rubbing her forehead.
"Okay," she said, nodding her head, looking over at him "We can fix this. Spin it some how to make Dan look like the good guy. After all, that's what he's good at, looking like the good guy. As long as you didn't do anything el…" she trailed off when she saw the look he was giving her and rolled her eyes "What else did you do?"
"I may have told her they thought she was a bad girl and to keep it a secret. I mean you know how kids are, scare them enough and tell them to keep a secret, 9 chances out of 10, they'll keep it a secret."
"You're an idiot." she said before she started to pace again "Okay, maybe she won't tell anyone. Like you said she's a kid and don't they say kids have the best judgment when it come it people? And Scott kids are smart. At least that's what I'm told. So, she probably picked up on the fact that, you're an idiot and maybe you didn't scare her at all…"
"Um…" he said when she trailed off, seeing the look on his face.
"How much more is there?" she exclaimed as she narrowed her eyes
"This is it." he said, holding up his hands "They definitely know something scared her. Justin already called a meeting, asking who worked yesterday and if any of us talked to Sawyer."
She let out a sarcastic laugh as she shoved the envelope into her purse before picking up her bag, walking towards the door.
"Hold on." he said, blocking her path, eyeing her purse "I didn't tell them anything and it's obvious that she didn't either. So, I'll just lay low for a couple of day's until this blows over and then try again. Now, just so I don't get it wrong this time, you want to know what she think's of Dan?"
Shaking her head, she looked at him like he'd lost his mind "You really don't get it, do you? Have you even met Nathan and Lucas Scott? Because if you have, then you know, they'll stop at nothing to find out what's wrong with that little girl. And getting called into a staff meeting within twenty-four hours of your screw up, should tell you that. I mean, they already know it was someone at TRIC. It's only a matter of time before it comes back to you."
"I already told Justin I didn't talk to her, so we're good. I mean, Lucas and Peyton weren't even at the meeting. They can't be to concerned."
"God, you really are stupid, aren't you?" she said, rolling her eyes "How do you think Justin found out? I guarantee one of them talk to him and they probably weren't there for the meeting because they were with their daughter, trying to figure out what's wrong with her."
He took a seat in the closest chair as he realized what she said was probably true.
Letting out a little laugh as she reached the for the door knob, saying "Good luck. You're going to need it once Luke get's a hold of you."
"Wait a minute." he suddenly said "This was all your idea. You can't leave me to take the fall."
"Oh honey, My idea was to talk to Sawyer. See what she's been told about Grandpa Dan. See how she feels about him. Not to scare her. I don't know where you came up with that. But, if you even try to blame any of this on me, well let's just say there's an entire plane full of people right now that will tell you I wasn't anywhere around here. If you've learned anything about me in the past two weeks it should've been that I always make sure my hands are clean."
And with that, the red head exited the room, leaving a stunned looking man behind as realization washed over him. At the moment in time, he knew making a deal with a women, he barely knew, after a night of drinking and crazy sex, probably wasn't the smartest choice he's ever made.
*One Tree Hill*
"Thanks Justin." Nathan said into the phone as Haley walked around the corner "Yeah, I'll make sure she knows."
He sent a quick look at Haley as he set the phone down, saying "That was Justin. He said no one admitted to talking to Sawyer."
When she didn't replay he looked up and a look over concern washed over his face. Walking towards his wife, he said "What's wrong Haley?"
"Sawyer talked to Jamie."
"Okay," he said rubbing his hands up and down her bare arms "That's a good thing, right? I mean, at least she's talking to someone."
"Of course, it's a good thing." she said looking up at him "It's just what she said has me worried."
"Well, what'd she say?" he finally asked when she didn't explain any further.
"Jamie said the dark haired man at TRIC told her to keep it a secret."
Nathan face paled slightly. It wasn't because of what she just said. No, he had put that much together just from what Sawyer had said to him but, there's a differences between thinking that's what someone said and having it be confirmed. And the more he found out about yesterday, the sicker he got to his stomach.
"What's wrong, baby?" Haley asked when she saw his face.
"Did she say anything else?"
Haley shook her head, saying "No, Jamie said Peyton walked up before they could get anything else out of her but, he said she looked really scared. Like she wanted to tell him…"
"But was afraid of what was going to happen if she did?" he finished for her.
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"That's the same look she was giving me all day."
Haley studied her husband for a minute before asking "What are you not telling me?"
"Nothing." he said giving her a face as he tried to brush her comment off.
"You are so lying." she exclaimed point a finger at him "Nathan Scott you better tell me what's going on or so help me god…"
"Sawyer told me he'll get mad, earlier when I asked what was on her mind and later, she told me she didn't like secrets."
"Why didn't you say something to Peyton?" Haley exclaimed as she reached for the phone "You can't keep something like that from her."
"I know, I know." he said taking the phone out of her hands "But when I told Luke, he asked me not to say anything. He said he'd tell her when he got home."
"And you believed him?" she exclaimed, reaching for the phone that he held out of reach "You know as well as I do that Luke like's to keep things to himself until he thinks everything is fixed. I can't believe you didn't tell her."
"Haley." he said setting the phone down on the counter before making her look at him "Trust me, I wanted to tell her and I told Luke he had to tell her as soon as he could, but I can understand where's he's coming from. If this was us, I would want to be the one to tell you or at least be there when you found out. Not in a different state."
He expected her to yell at him some more or make that face that has him trying to hold back a smile because he can't help but find her incredibly sexy in that moment. Or to glare at him before demanding to know exactly what Sawyer said. Word for word. But, he never expected tear to cloud her brown eyes and her lips to tremble as she griped his upper arms for dear life.
"Hales, baby." he said running a hand through her hair "He's going to tell her. I know Luke likes to keep secrets, thinking he's protecting everyone, but he wouldn't keep this from Peyton."
"It's not that." she said as one single tear escaped "Earlier on the back porch, Peyton started rambling on about what can happen in ten minutes and I told her not to think like that but after talking to Jamie and now you….Oh god Nathan, you don't think-"
It took him a minute to realized where she was going with all her rambling but once he did, he pulled her into his arms, saying "No, Hales. God, no. I don't think anything happened like that. I'm pretty sure it's just some dick filling her head with a bunch of lies."
"That's what I told Peyton." she mumbled against his chest before pulling away, looking up at him "It's just, the more you think about, your mind wanders."
"Yeah," he said, looking like he was lost in thought.
"What is it, baby?"
Nathan looked down before asking "Are you sure Justin isn't behind this?"
"Just because you think he's a dick doesn't mean he did this." Haley said, giving her husband a look.
"Just because he's not a dick to you doesn't mean he didn't do this. I mean, think about it. You and Peyton just kind of took his word that he didn't do it."
"Justin didn't work yesterday and he has blonde hair." she said before glancing at him quickly
"What?" he asked, he knew that face. That was the face that said she had something on her mind but didn't know how he'd react to it.
"It's just…Do you think Dan has something to do with this?"
Letting out a breath, he said "It's crossed my mind but, you know how Dan is. He claims to want to get to know his grandchildren because they're the only people in his world that don't know what happen. Well, besides Jamie but it doesn't make senses. If he wanted to see Sawyer, scaring the crap out of her isn't going to help."
Haley looked him over before saying "He used to visit Jamie at school, you know. When he first got out and we wouldn't like him see him. Jamie's teacher told me about it one day."
"Yeah, one day when I picked up Jamie I saw him drive by." Nathan said "but that's what I mean. He didn't scare Jamie, he really just wanted to get to know his grandson. So, why would he scare Sawyer? I mean, of course Luke is dead against him seeing her and Dan knows that but, going out of his way to scare her isn't going to help him. If Dan does have some plan on how he's going to see Sawyer, I don't think scaring her is part of it. Besides, I haven't seen him around here lately."
"Neither have I, but you know how it is. Something goes wrong in our life and Dan usually the first person that pop's into my head."
Nathan made a face as he nodded his head, pointing at the phone, he repeated "Justin just called and said no one admitted to talking to Sawyer yesterday, let alone seeing her. You might want to call and let Peyton know."
Yeah," Haley said, letting out a deep breath before she dialed the number, putting the phone to her ear.
*One Tree Hill*
"You okay?" Luke asked, looking over at Peyton as the walked out of McDonald's.
"Yeah, I'm just tired." she said, giving him a smile, leaning into him as they walked towards the car.
"Well, let me drive and you can sleep on the way home."
"Luke, you're the one that's been to New York and back today. It's fine, you can-"
"Momma, just let Daddy drive." Sawyer cut in, giving her a look from her spot in his arms.
"Yeah, Momma." Luke said, mimicking him daughter.
Peyton let out a breath, failing miserably at trying to look annoyed, saying "Fine."
Sawyer let out a giggle as Luke opened the door, putting her down so she could climb into the back seat. He waited for her to get comfortable in her seat before leaning into help her with the buckles.
"I can do it, Daddy." she said, pushing his hands
"Sorry," he said, putting his hands up "I forgot."
Peyton softly laughed from the front seat and he glanced in her direction, sending her a wink before gently tugging on the straps to make sure Sawyer actually had them buckled. Climbing out the back seat, he got behind the wheel and started the car. Peyton had turned her body so she was facing Sawyer and they talked softly for a little while. Luke was so lost in his thought that the sudden silences threw him off. Stealing a quick glances in the rear view mirror he saw Sawyer's head resting against the side of her seat with her eyes closed and her mouth slightly opened.
"Do you think Dan had something to do with this?" Peyton softly asked.
Luke's jaw tighten at the mere mention of Dan and his hand gripped the steering wheel. He relaxed a bit when he felt her hand run through the hair on the back of his head, rubbing his cheek with her thumb.
"Justin was the first guy that popped in my head." he said sending her a look.
Letting out a sigh, she turned to face the front, saying "I told you, he didn't work yesterday."
"No, you took his word that he didn't work yesterday. You didn't confi-"
"Luke, it wasn't him." she said sending him a lookthat told him not to go there "And now that I know it was definitely a guy…Well, I mean Dan makes sense. You have to admit it's kinda strange we haven't seen him. We've been home a little over a month."
"Nate said he doesn't come around much." Luke said, before a look crossed his face as he wondering why he was making up excuse for the guy because, if Luke was honest, he would agree that Dan poppd into his head shortly after Justin did "I guess he could be behind it. But, I mean, if it was Dan, why would he be at TRIC? Hell, how could he be at TRIC without anyone notice?"
"I know." she said, looking out the window "But if it wasn't him, then who was it?"
He was about to reply when Peyton cell phone started to ring. "It's Haley." she mumbled before flipping it open "Hey, Hales…Well, I mean would anyone actually admit to talking to her if they scared the shit out of her?…Yeah, I know….She did…" letting out a deep breath she sent a quick glance in his direction "Thanks Hales. Yeah, we're just getting back into town. I'll call you in the morning."
"What's that all about?" he asked eyeing her as he stopped at a red light.
"Apparently, Sawyer was starting to open up to Jamie when I walked up today."
"What's she say?" he mumbled, staring at the light.
"That the dark hair man said it was a secret and she couldn't tell. But, she looked scared."
"No shit she looked scared. She's been scared out of her mind since she got home yesterday." he said, as the light turned green "Once she's in bed, I'm going to take off for a little while."
"What?" she said sending him a questioned look "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to TRIC."
"Luke come on, you just got home. This can wait until tomorrow."
"No, it can't Peyton." he said "Look, by the time I make it there it will be just after closed, I'll talk to the staff working tonight and find out what's going on. Not saying I don't trust Justin, but this is Sawyer, Peyt. The only way we'll be able to help her, is to find out what's going on."
Peyton looked over at him as he pulled in the drive way and waited until he parked the car before she reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him from getting out of the car, saying "I understand that Lucas, but if she falls asleep thinking her Daddy's here and wakes up and you're not, she is going to freak."
"She's not going to-"
"Daddy…" a sleepy voice called from the backseat.
Peyton raised an eyebrow before getting out of the car, heading towards the front door, leaving Luke to get Sawyer.
"Daddy…" she called more awake, alarmed that he hadn't answered.
"I'm right here, Sawyer." he murmured softly as he reached in the back seat to unbuckle her straps.
"Are we home?" she mumbled as she rested her head on his shoulder, wrapping her small arms around his neck.
He put one of his hands on the top of her head and carefully maneuvered out of the car so he wouldn't bump her before reaching for his lap-top bag.
"Yeah, we're home, baby." he said, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
He walked into the house, dropping the bag to the floor before turning around to make sure the door was locked. As he approached the top of the stairs, he heard the shower running and knew it was Peyton's way of ensuring he was the one to put Sawyer to bed, knowing it would make it that much hard to leave.
Luke was surprised Sawyer didn't seem to stir as he changed her into her pajamas and even as he tucked her into bed, she didn't make a sound. Placing a soft kiss on the top of her head, he gave her one last look before turning to head towards the door, hoping Peyton was still in the shower so he could make it out of the house. He knew she'd be mad but hopefully he would come back with some answers.
"Daddy…" the same sleepy vice called out again "sleep with me tonight."
He stopped and let out a silent sigh before saying "Sure, Sawyer. I'll be right back."
Obviously, the girls in his life had other plans and he wasn't going to make it to TRIC tonight. He loosed his tie as he walked towards his bedroom. Thrown his suit jacket over the end of the bed, he toss his tie and dress shirt in the chair sitting in the corner. He kicked his shoes off changing into his pajama bottoms. He was walking towards the door when Peyton walked out of the bathroom.
"Where you going?" she called out causing him to peek back in the room, only to take few steps back in when he saw her attire.
Leaning against the frame of the door, he crossed his arms over his chest, saying "Another lady requested my presence for the night."
"Should I be jealous?" she said, giving him a look as she walked towards him.
"You, Peyton Scott," he said as he grabbed her by the hips, pulling her closer to him "have nothing to be jealous about." brushing a kiss softly against her lips, he mumbled "You could always join us."
"I'm alright." she laughed, placing her hands against his chest "But you have fun cramming yourself into that bed."
He let out a groan, think about how small the bed actually was. Touching his forehead to hers, he looked her in the eye, saying "Never go to bed mad."
She gave him a small smile, saying "I'm not mad. But, thanks for staying."
"I didn't have a choice." he mumbled when Sawyer's tired voice called out for him. "But first thing in the morning, I'm going to TRIC."
"Have fun." Peyton teased but gave him a slight nod, letting him know she understood about the morning as he walked out the door.
Walking into Sawyers room, he climbing into the twin bed and tried to get comfortable. It wasn't to long after he settled down that Sawyer rolled over, laying her small head against his chest. He wrapped one arm around her, while the other, rested behind his head. He knew sleep wouldn't come tonight. His mind was racing with so many thoughts that he couldn't think straight. One minute he thought it was Justin the next's he thought it was Dan. Justin was eliminated somewhere along the way when Luke remembered he had lighter hair.
Letting out a breath, he looked over at the clock and saw that it was quarter to two in the morning. He knew he could make it to TRIC just as they were closing. His plan was to talk to the staff and found out who work the day Sawyer freaked out. Then he would come home. After five minutes of debating it in his head, he gently got out of the bed before making his way towards his room.
He felt bad that he was going to have to wake her up when he saw Peyton sleeping peacefully but there was no way in hell he was going to take off without telling. In case Sawyer did wake up, he wanted Peyton to at least know where he'd gone.
"Peyton." he said, shaking her.
"Huh?" she mumbled, opening her eyes, trying to focus on his face "What's going on?"
"I'm gonna take off-"
"Luke, come on. It's going on two in the morning." she said as she sat up on her elbows, giving him a look.
"I know, I'm just going to talk to whoever's working tonight and check to see who was working that day. Then I'll be home."
Honestly, she wanted to argue with him, but she was just to tired at this point and she laid back down, saying "Fine, but you better come right back, Luke. I'm not kidding."
"I'll be home within an hour." he said giving her a kiss " I promise."
Grabbing his phone off the dresser, he walked towards the door, he heard her mumble "Justin has blonde hair."
He didn't reply but his light chuckle let her know he heard and the next thing she heard was the front door being opened and she prayed he would find out something. Anything.
*One Tree Hill*
On the way to TRIC, Luke had called Nathan, who merely answered with 'I'll meet you there', almost like he'd been waiting on the call and Luke was surprised to see him leaning against his range rover when he pulled up in front of TRIC.
"What's the plan?" Nathan asked through a yawn.
"First, we talk to whoever's here." he said pulling the keys out of his pocket.
He unlocked the door and they walked in. Brittney was cleaning off some tables, Sadie was sweeping the floor and Justin stood behind the bar, wiping it down.
Looking up, he immediately put his hand up and started shaking his head, saying "I swear to god, Luke. I did not say a word to Sawyer."
Luke merely nodded his head as he looked between the two girls.
"I didn't work that day." Sadie said.
"I worked later but by the time I got here, Peyton and Sawyer were gone."
"Do you know who worked earlier?"
Britney said "The cook did. He might still be in the kitchen."
Luke walked towards the kitchen without a second glance and open the doors. He saw the cook standing by the sink and called out "You worked yesterday?"
Turning around, he nodded his head, saying "Yes."
"Did you make Sawyer something to eat?"
"Grilled cheese, fires and a pickle. Haley took her milk out to her." the cook said "Why?"
Seeing the way Luke's jaw locked in place, Nathan stepped in saying "Did you take the food out to her?"
"No, that was the waiter…What's his name?" he paused before snapping his fingers "Kris, that his name Kris."
Luke immediately turned and walked out of the kitchen, saying "Justin, I need Kris's address."
"Luke, Kris said he didn't talk to her."
"Well, the cook just told me he took Sawyer her food, so I still want to talk to him."
Justin merely nodded his head before pulling it up on the computer. Luke listen to the address before walking out the door, Nathan following closely behind him, getting into his car just before he pulled off.
"So," Nathan asked after a couple of minutes of silence "What's the plan?"
"I'm just going to talk to him."
He looked over at his brother in disbelief. If it was one thing Nathan knew about Luke it was there was no way in hell he was just going to 'talk' to the man responsible for scaring his daughter. None the less, he just sat back as his brother navigated through the streets they grew up on finally stopping outside a house.
"Doesn't look like anyone's up." Nathan commented but judging from the glare Luke was now sending him, he didn't appreciate it.
They didn't say a word as they walked up to the house and Nathan knew from the way Luke was pounding on the door, there wasn't going to be much talking involved. As soon as the door was open, Luke push a sleepy looking Kris further into the house before walking in. Nathan quickly followed, shutting the door behind him.
"What the hell did you say to Sawyer?" Luke exclaimed
Kris scrabbled to his feet, saying "Man, I don't-"
Lucas cut him off by grabbing him by the shoulders and shoving him into the wall, placing his forearm against Kris's throat, saying "Stop with the shit, I already know you're the one that brought her food to her. What the hell did you say?"
By this time, Nathan had wondered through out the house and was relieved to find it empty. The last thing he need was a headline tomorrow saying how him and his brother were arrested for assault.
"Look, Man." Kris squeaked out as Luke pushed against this throat harder "Alright, I told her….your heart…I cant' breathe"
The look in Luke's eyes told him he wasn't playing around but he he pulled back his forearm enough to allow him some oxygen.
"I told you your heart wasn't doing to good, that you could leave or die."
That simple statement causing Luke to pull back and hit Kris square across the jaw, knocking him to the ground. He stepped back, sending a look over at Nate, as he rubbed a hand over his mouth. He knew he need to calm down but all he really wanted to do right now, was kill the man that stood before him.
"Anything else?" Luke asked so calmly that it freighted Nathan a little.
"That's it."
Luke took a step towards him, clearly not believing a word that came out of his mouth and Kris back himself up against the wall, putting his hand's up, saying "I told her to keep it a secret and that you two thought she was bad."
"Why would you tell a four year old that her Dad was going to die?" Nathan said before Luke had a chance to reply "What do you have to gain by scaring the shit out of Sawyer?"
"Communication's got crossed." was all Kris mumbled as he stood up.
Either Luke didn't like his answer or it was just because Kris was standing up but, none the less he struck him again, Closed fist right across the jaw knock him to the ground again.
"Come on, Man." Kris said as he spit out some blood "I get that you're pissed but stop."
"Oh, I'm pissed." Luke laughed sarcastically "Damn right I'm pissed. Because of you, my little girl freaks out the moment I lea-"
"Communications crossed?" Nathan interjected, pull Luke back so he could see Kris "What the hell's that mean?"
Standing up, he back away from Luke, saying "All I know is you two have onewicky step-mom."
"Step-mom…" Luke trailed off, sending Nathan a look before grabbing Kris by the shoulders and steering him out the door, telling Nathan to grab his shoe's.
"What's going on man?" Kris asked as Luke pulled the door open.
"Get in." was all he replied, nodding his head towards the car. When Kris didn't move, Luke shoved him in the car before walking towards the driver side.
"Why's you need his shoe's?" Nathan asked as he got in the car.
"Because he's going to have a long walk ahead of him. I figured it was the least we could do." looking in the rear view mirror, he asked "What motel did you meet her at?"
"Look man, she's long gone-"
"What motel?" Luke asked through gritting teeth.
Kris told him the name and sat back. No body spoke a word as Luke sped through the street. Nathan sat thinking about how tomorrow headline just got worse if they get caught, Kris was praying that the worst he walked away with was the black eye Luke had already giving him and Luke, well Luke couldn't believe that this actually was connected back to Dan.
"What room?" Luke said as they approached the motel.
"3A." Kris replied.
Luke parked the car and jumped out. Kris jump out as soon as Nathan got out of the car. Luke banged on the door a couple of times before peeking through the crack in the curtains.
"She skipped town this morning." Kris said
Nathan gave him a look before throwing his shoe at him, saying "Put your shoes on and shut up."
"No," Luke said before looking at Kris "What did she want?"
"A picture of all three of the kids and to know if Sawyer was scared of Dan. Which is where the mix up comes in. See, I thought she said scare her and she really said-"
"Shut up." Nathan said, slapping him across the head.
Luke gave him a look before walking towards the lobby. Nathan looked confused but followed after him, not really caring if Kris was there when they came back out or not. By the time he reached the door, Luke was walking back out.
"It was Rachel." he state, putting his hands on his hips "She used a fake name, but it was her. The guy described her perfectly."
"I told you she left this morning." Kris said as he approached them.
Luke took a step towards him but this time it was Nathan's fist that met Kris's face, sending him to the ground for the third time that night.
"What?" Nathan ask when Luke look at him "I've wanted to do that since I saw the look on Sawyers face this afternoon. She is my god-daughter."
He swore he say Luke's lips tug up into a slight smile as he said "Let's get out of here."
Nathan nodded and followed Luke back to the car.
"Hey." Kris called out
"Just so we're clear, you are fired." Luke said as he stopped and turned to face Kris "And stay the hell away from my family. You can pass that on to your little red headed friend to."
Kris looked dumbfounded as Luke and Nathan got into the car before pulling off. It wasn't to long later, they approached the town.
"Just drop me off at home." Nathan said as he let out a yawn "I'll drop Hales off at TRIC tomorrow and get my car then."
Luke nodded before saying "Thanks Nate. Tonig-"
"Don't worry about it." Nathan quickly cut in "Like I said, she is my god-daughter."
Luke laughed a little as he pulled up in front of Nathan's house.
"What?" Nathan asked when he saw the look on Luke's face.
He let out a sigh before asking "You have Dan's number, don't you?"
"Yeah," Nathan said as he pulled out his phone "Why?"
"I just want to call him and tell him to back off. Sawyer doesn't need to go through something like this, again."
Nathan shrugged his shoulder and handed his phone to Luke before they got out of the car. Luke leaned against it, pulling up Dan's number and stared at for a couple of minutes. Letting out a deep breath, he hit send and put the phone up to his ear.
"Hello." he heard after a couple of rings.
"Dan?" Luke questioned, not wanting to go off on the wrong person but once he heard yes, he didn't hold back any longer "I don't know what you and your wife are up to but it stops now-"
"Lucas?" Dan questioned, cutting him off
"I'm not kidding Dan, I will do everything in my power to make sure you never see Sawyer ever in your miserable life. Let alone have any contact with her. And don't try pulling that move where you come around when I'm not home because Peyton stands behind me on this 100%. That time she let you hold Sawyer on the porch was the closest you're ever going to get to either one of them again. Got it?"
"Lucas, I really have no-"
"Ugh." Luke exclaimed before throwing the phone, with all his might, down the road.
Nathan flinched when he heard it hit the ground before looking over at him, saying "That was my-"
"I know, I know." Luke said, rubbing a hand over his mouth "He just starting denying it and I didn't want to hear it."
"I understand that." Nathan said with a nod of his head "But, you could have just hit the end button. That would have worked to but I can understand why you would want to-"
"I buy you a new one." Luke said, glaring at him.
"Go home Luke." Nathan laughed "You've played superman again and got the bad guy. Go home to Sawyer, both of them. Don't worry about Dan. He knows you're on to him. He'll either back off or come out of the wood work all together."
"Thanks." Luke mumbled sarcastically as he walked towards his car.
"Well, at least this time, you know what you're up against, right?" Nathan pointed out
"Yeah, I guess." Luke said, before giving Nathan a look "Order a new phone and tell me how much I owe you."
"Alright." Nathan laughed as he walked towards the door.
Luke took off and was pulling into his drive way a short time later. He hadn't realized how tired he was until he started to climb the stairs. Peeking in on Sawyer, to make sure everything was okay, he was surprised to see Peyton laying in bed with her. Walking further into the room, he got close enough to Sawyers face and noticed it didn't look like she had been crying. Letting out a little laugh he walked to his and Peyton's room and grabbed a blanket and pillow off the bed. He should have figured Peyton would have gone in there after he left in case Sawyer woke up.
Throwing the pillow down on the floor by Sawyer's bed, Luke got as comfortable as he could before closing his eyes, finally able to go to sleep.
*One Tree Hill*
"Coming to bed, Baby?" she questioned as she walked out in the living room "What's wrong?"
Dan looked away from he phone in his hand, saying "Lucas just called."
"Really," she commented as she moved closer to him "What'd he have to say?"
"To stay away from his family."
"So the same thing Nathan says to you." she commented again "They really despite you, don' they?"
HE just gave her a look before he sat the phone down on the table as he took a seat in the chair. Suddenly, a phonograph appeared in front of him. At first glance, the only one he recognized was Jamie. He was older but there was no denying the boy in the picture was Jamie Scott. One he realized it was a picture of his grand-kids, he sent a glance over at his wife.
"How'd you get this?"
"I have my ways." she stated with a smile on her face "I figured if they're not going to let you see your grandchildren, I could at least get a recent picture."
"So, that's Sawyer and Elizabeth?" he asked running his finger-tips across the top of the photo. This was the first time he's seen Liz and Sawyer, god he hadn't seen Sawyer since that day on the porch.
"That's them." she said as a smile crossed her face "Hey, babe. I have a great idea for a special we can do on the show..."