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

Chapter 10

"What?" Matt mumbled drowsily. He was woken by his mobile ringing. His watch showed it was half past five in the morning. Who could be calling him so early in the morning? The caller id revealed it was Ashad. "Yes?" Matt answered.

"Mister Hardy, we have a crisis here!" Ashad's voice was filled with anxiety.

Matt sat up, fully awake. "What's wrong, Ashad?"

"Glenn, Scott and Michelle have been kidnapped and Mohammad was shot! They were leaving for the airport this morning but were intercepted on their way there. Mohammad's in the hospital right now in critical condition. I rushed down as soon as I received the call from the authorities. They said they need to speak to you but I told them you're out of town. They want me to get in touch with you immediately! What do you want me to do?"

"How is Mohammad doing?" Matt was concerned about his chauffeur.

"He took a bullet in the shoulder and another in the stomach. The doctor said there's internal bleeding, his chances are not good," Ashad said grimly.

"Get him all the medical attention he needs! I'll take the first available flight out!" Matt was already out of bed and pulling on his clothes.

"Mister Hardy, this could be a trap to draw you back! Don't act hastily. I suggest you speak to the authorities first before you make a decision," Ashad cautioned him.

Matt hesitated. What was the motive for kidnapping the tutors? Whatever it was, the kidnappers would want something in exchange for them. He had to be there when they made their demands. The tutors were his responsibility and he couldn't endanger their lives by staying away. He needed to head back immediately and deal with the situation.

"I have to be there no matter what and until I get back, I want you to get Adl to send their men to watch the house and keep everyone in!"

"I will do as you say. I suggest you alert the American authorities and get them to come with you. You need an armed escort. I'm worried about you and Master Jeffrey."

"I'm not bringing Jeff back with me," Matt said, thinking furiously. The situation wasn't safe at all and he didn't want to take any chances. John and the others could stay and watch Jeff while Adam and Jay would leave with him for Morocco. "I'll call you once I get there!" and he hung up. He shoved his clothes into his carrier and rushed out, heading to Chris' room first. Chris pulled out a gun on him when he flung open the door unannounced.

"Don't shoot! It's me!" Matt held up his hands, dropping his carrier.

"Damn it, Matt, don't you know how to knock?" Chris lowered his gun. "I could be screwing someone's brains out for all you know and you could get your head blown off by barging in like that!"

"They kidnapped the three tutors and shot my chauffeur!" Matt informed him in a terse tone.

"What?" Chris was stunned.

Quickly, Matt related what Ashad had told him. "I have to go back but I need you to do me a few favors. Call the American Embassy and tell them what happened. Have them contact their counterparts in Morocco. I'm going to need their help. I also need you to try and locate the next of kin of these people." He scribbled down the names of the tutors and where they were from and handed the piece of paper to Chris, "They should be notified. I'm bringing Adam and Jay with me but they're going to need weapons."

"The guns and permits are at my place. We can pick them up on the way to the airport. I'll drive."

The next few minutes were completely helter-skelter. While Chris got dressed, Matt went to rouse the others. He explained the situation to them and left instructions for them.

"But, I want to come with you, Matty!" Jeff protested.

"Jeff, listen to me very carefully. Three people have been kidnapped and Mohammad has been shot. I can't take you with me, it's not safe!"

"Then, you shouldn't go back either!" He clung to his brother. "Please don't go, Matty, I don't want to lose you too!" his voice quavered with fear.

"Jeff, I have to go back. The kidnappers will call and make their demands and I have to be there when they do. Glenn and the others are depending on me to get them out safely!"

Jeff swallowed his fear. He understood the urgency for Matt to go back; three lives were at stake. "Promise me you'll come back."

"I promise." Matt kissed him affectionately on top of his head and hugged him tightly. "Be good. Stay close to the bodyguards and make sure you adhere to safety protocol." He handed him over to John, "Keep him safe. I will keep you guys posted on the situation. You have my number, call if there's anything important."

After they left, John tried to coax Jeff to go back to sleep but he wanted to stay up. None of them could sleep anyway after receiving the latest piece of news. Stephen went to put on a pot of coffee while John wrapped Jeff in a blanket and coaxed him to rest on the couch instead.

Drew went to the windows. He spoke as he surveyed the darkness with an experienced eye, "We need to familiarize ourselves with the grounds once daylight breaks and check if we need to further secure the place." Satisfied there was nothing out there, he went to join the others as Stephen filled the cups with piping hot coffee.

"You want some coffee too?" he asked Jeff who shook his head. He was trying to be strong but he was fearful for his brother and everyone else.

"Will they be alright?" he asked, trembling slightly.

"They know what they're doing, they'll be alright," John put his arm around him to offer him some comfort.

"Why do they have to shoot Mohammad? He's fifty-three years old and not a threat to anyone." His fear was rising and he tried to suppress it but it was overpowering him. Those men had guns and they shot a defenseless, harmless old man. What if … and the thought of losing his brother sent him panicking. "I'm scared," he whimpered. "I can't lose Matty. I want to stay with him," his eyes filled with tears quickly.

"Hey, nothing is going to happen to your brother, okay?" Randy squatted down in front of him and taking his hand in his, gave it a reassuring squeeze. John wanted to say something but decided against it. They were all trying to offer Jeff some measure of comfort in his time of need. "Adam and Jay will keep your brother safe. They won't let anything happen to him."

Taking in a deep shuddering breath, Jeff nodded. He wanted desperately to believe that.

"Why don't you lie down and get some shut-eye?" John coaxed Jeff to lie down while Randy went to the windows to join Drew. Stephen was checking out the house.

"What are we supposed to look out for?" Randy asked quietly, staring into the dark. He couldn't see anything at all.

Drew took his gaze away to look at him. "See if anyone is lurking around." He turned his attention to the darkness. "Always asks yourself this, if you're out there, where would you hide? And there's a high probability they're hiding there."

"What are they trying to achieve by taking the others?" Stephen joined them after making sure the house was secured.

Drew glanced quickly at Jeff's direction. John was seated on the floor beside the couch, talking softly to him. He lowered his voice, just in case. "I hate to say this but it's a lure to draw the brothers back to Morocco."

"Then, they are walking into a trap! We should warn them!" Randy was frantic with worry for their safety.

"They know what they're walking into. They just didn't want to say anything in front of the little mite," Drew enlightened him. "In spite of the danger, Matt knows he has to go back. The chances of the hostages staying alive are 50-50 if he goes back, but zero if he doesn't show up."

"Just what the hell do they want?" It finally dawned on Randy they were dealing with dangerous and unscrupulous people.

Stephen shrugged, "Money, I guess. It's always about money and Matt has plenty of it. We heard that your father is a partner in one of the companies. Maybe you can ask him if he knows what's going on up there."

"He's not in Morocco. He was on his way back to the States the last I heard. In any case, we don't talk to each other," Randy said tersely. Drew and Stephen exchanged glances. Randy stared into the darkness. There was a long lapse of silence before he spoke again. "We haven't heard from him for the past five years," he said quietly. "He's never home and never bothers to call back. He doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself!" and having said that, he turned and walked away.

"The man's hurting bad," Stephen said quietly. Randy sat down and leaned back with his eyes closed. John watched him indecisively for a while, but eventually left him alone.

"His old man deserves a good ass-kicking!" Drew shook his head, feeling sorry for him. "Go talk to him, Stevie, he's upset."

"Aye, he's upset but I don't know what to say to him. I'm not good with words," Stephen shrugged helplessly.

Drew rolled his eyes. "Come on." They moved to sit near Randy. "Hey," Drew tapped him on his knee to get his attention.

Randy opened half-lidded eyes. "What?"

"Do you know how to use a gun?"

Randy sat up. "I grew up in a farm, so I can handle a shotgun." He was wondering where the conversation was leading to.

"You'll be travelling with us from now on, so it's best you know how to use a handgun. You own one?" Drew asked.

"Yes, but I didn't think of bringing it along."

"I'll be right back!" Drew dashed up the stairs and was back in a flash, holding a box. "I always carry a spare, never know when you might need it," he grinned as he opened it and lifted out a Beretta 85FS Cheetah. "Here, get used to it and I expect it back in mint condition," he handed it over to him.

Jeff had finally dozed off. John moved to join them. "You know how to use that?" he asked Randy, who was examining the gun with interest.

"I can shoot," Randy said brusquely.

"We'll see about that," John smirked.

-ooo-

"I won't be staying for long, maybe just for a couple of days," Bob Orton said as he unbuttoned his coat.

"But, you just got home!" Elaine Orton protested as she helped him to remove his coat.

"I have business to take care of," Orton said and made his way to the bathroom to wash up.

Elaine followed him. "Bobby, what's going on? We haven't heard from you for ages! Randy is upset."

Wiping his hands on a towel, Bob looked at her, "Why is he upset? He can always call me if he wants to talk to me. That's what a phone is for."

Elaine gave him an exasperated look. "Then, why didn't you call? It has been five years since we last heard from you!"

Orton looked startled. Had it been that long? "I'm sorry, I didn't realize." He looked confused.

"Bobby, I don't know what has happened to you, but this has to stop!" Elaine gave him a grim look.

"What have I done now?" Orton threw up his hands in exasperation. He didn't need more drama. He already had plenty on his mind.

"You left us, your family, for five years! Not a single phone call, not a letter and when I try to reach you, I always get your voice mail and you never return any of my messages! What's going on? Do you have another family out there?" she looked accusingly at him.

"You're being ridiculous, woman!" Orton barked out a short laugh, "I'm not a frivolous man!" Shaking his head in disbelief, he moved to leave but she barred his way.

"You're not going anywhere until you explain yourself! Five years, Bobby! Look at me! Don't you dare turn away from me! I only know that you're still alive because of the money you've been forwarding. Randy is now twenty-four years old, you left us when he was nineteen! What has happened to you, Bobby?" her eyes brimmed over with tears.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," Bob pulled her in to hold her. "I didn't mean to stay away for so long but one thing led to another and I was so caught up with everything, I didn't realize I was away that long," he looked remorseful.

"How can you forget us, we're your family!" she sobbed.

"I'm truly sorry. I tried to give you and Randy a better life, but I haven't been a good husband and father by staying away. Please forgive me?" he rubbed her back to console her but she just cried harder.

"Please don't cry, I swear I will make it up to you and Randy somehow. Where is he? Is he home?"

She shook her head forlornly, composing herself. "He moved out years ago. He lives in New York, works for Salomon Brothers as a stockbroker. He has done well for himself."

Bobby beamed with pride; his son was working for the renowned and prestigious investment bank on Wall Street! He was so proud of him.

"Is he coming home to see me?" he asked excitedly.

Elaine dropped her eyes, "No," she said, not looking into his eyes. "He has gone out of town and won't be back till two weeks later." She decided he should know the truth, he would find out soon enough anyways. Looking him in the eye, she said, "I don't think Randy wants to see or speak to you at all."

Orton's face fell. "So, he's still mad at me for not coming home, for not calling?"

Elaine nodded, tears falling silently. He hugged her. "Don't worry, I'll make things right somehow. Do you have his number? I will call him right away."

"I don't know if it will work, Bobby, he's very stubborn." But, on his insistence, she finally gave him the number and he took himself to the bedroom. He was forewarned about the reception he might receive but he was sure Randy would hear him out, he was still his father. Orton dialed his number and it was picked up at the third ring. "Randy?"

"Who is this?" Randy frowned. He had erased his father's number a long time ago and he didn't recognize his voice.

"It's me, your dad. I just got home. I'm with your mother right now. How have you been? I … I miss you, son."

Randy stared at his phone in a daze, he didn't respond.

"Is everything alright?" Stephen asked, wondering why Randy wasn't talking to the caller. He could clearly hear someone on the other line calling his name. "Randy?" he shook him gently, snapping him out of his reverie. Randy's face suddenly darkened into a scowl.

"Are you alright?" Stephen gave him a worried look.

"I'm fine," he said brusquely as he terminated the call. "I'll be in my room if you need me" and he went upstairs.

"What's wrong with him?" Stephen asked, watching him go.

It was past ten and they were waiting for Chris to return with the weapons. He had called an hour ago to say he was at the police department. He was running a search for the next-of-kin of the hostages and would try to reach them.

Jeff got to his feet. "I'll check if he's alright."

"I'll come with you," John offered quickly.

Drew clapped a hand on his shoulder to stay him, "That's not a good idea. You two don't get along at all. Let Jeff speak to him alone."

"I won't be long, John," Jeff reassured him and bounded away before he could protest.

"Jeff shouldn't be left on his own!" John tried to justify himself going after him.

"Theoretically, he's not alone. He's with Randy," Drew said with a grin. Stephen chuckled.

John glared at them, "That's not funny! Are you two on his side?" he looked at them suspiciously.

"We're not taking sides. Randy's upset and your presence won't help because you two rub each other the wrong way," Stephen smirked.

"Jeff's just checking that he's alright," Drew assured him. "Come on, sit down and wait, he'll be back soon."

John reluctantly sat back down, but his eyes kept drifting upwards. He told himself to give Jeff ten minutes and settled down to wait.

…

Randy heard the soft rapping at the door. He hurriedly wiped away his tears just as the door opened and Jeff entered somewhat cautiously.

"Are you alright, Randy?" he asked as he shut the door quietly and approached him tentatively.

Randy kept his eyes down and mumbled, "I'm okay, I just want to be left alone."

His nose was red from crying and Jeff realized he was really upset. He moved to sit next to him on the bed and hesitating at first, finally took his hand in his. "What's wrong, Randy? Is there any way I can help?"

Randy lost control of his emotions. All those years of feeling abandoned, feeling unloved and then to hear his father said he missed him, it was so much baloney! Those feelings of hurt and pain that he had buried deep within, transferred into fury. They surfaced with a rush and he lost it. Hot tears of anger and hurt fell and he tried furiously to hold them back but they refused to heed him. Angry at himself for being weak, he started punishing himself, thumping at his chest furiously with his fists as wretched sobs escaped him uncontrollably.

"Randy, what's wrong?" Alarmed, Jeff tried to hold onto his arms, trying to stop him from hurting himself. Randy suddenly turned on him, a strange look on his face. Before he knew what happened, Randy grabbed him and crushed his lips against his. Jeff squeaked in fright, trying to fend him off but Randy overpowered him easily and he found himself on his back, his hands pinned to his side.

He couldn't ignore the hunger, the more he tasted him, the more he wanted him. His ears buzzed, the blood roared in his head as passion flared within him. He felt the pliable body beneath him. He moved against him, feeling his need grow, he wanted him. Amidst the roaring in his head, he heard Jeff's pleas … "Please … stop… please..."

Dazed and confused, he lifted his head. His eyes glazed over with lust as he fixed his eyes on the flushed face, the kiss swollen mouth, that sweet delectable mouth. He wanted that mouth on him, but he wanted to take care of the boy's needs first. His fingers moved on their own accord, quickly unbuttoning the boy's shirt and he lavished each part of the exposed flesh with nibbles and kisses.

"Randy …" Jeff gasped even as pleasurable sensations assailed him. He fought to resist him but his body rebelled and yearned to be indulged. Randy ignored his weak pleas and finally got his shirt off. He started to unzip his pants. "Please …" Jeff protested weakly and then moaned when he fondled him boldly, the other hand pulling down his pants, exposing him to his eyes.

Randy's eyes travelled hungrily all over his body, feasting on the delightful slim built of the boy before him. Wordlessly, he folded Jeff's legs, exposing his tiny love hole. "Let me pleasure you," he whispered huskily and engulfed his pucker with his mouth. Jeff groaned out loud, arching upwards towards him, enjoying the sensations assailing him. Randy ate him; licking, probing, teasing, and drew gasps after gasps of pleasure from the boy. "So sweet … you're so wet and ready …" he growled lowly, raising his head, his mouth glistening with saliva. He quickly unzipped and pulled down his pants, revealing his throbbing manhood.

Jeff trembled with anticipation, his eyes locked on the meaty package between Randy's legs. His senses had taken over control. He needed this … his body hungered for a man. He wanted to be fucked, he wanted it so bad! Randy hoisted his legs onto his shoulders and poised over him, pressing his cockhead against his moist hole, ready to impale him.

"Jeff?" John opened the door and froze at the sight. He roared and flew at Randy with rage.

"What's going on?" Downstairs, Drew and Stephen heard John's bellow of rage and the sound of broken glass sent them racing up the stairs.

John continued to rain blows on Randy who was trying to fend him off as best as he could. Jeff had scrambled to a corner of the room. He hugged himself on the floor, crying and shaking like a leaf.

"John!" Stephen grabbed him around the waist from behind, hauling him off Randy. "Stop it, John!" Oomph … The air went out of him and he doubled over in pain. John just drove a fist to his midriff.

"John!" Drew barked sharply, putting himself between Randy and him. "Stop this right now! You're scaring the little mite!"

That got his attention. He looked over at Jeff and immediately went to him. "Did he hurt you?" he checked him anxiously with his eyes.

"It's… it's not his fault," Jeff sobbed, burying his face in his arms in shame.

With a grim look, John grabbed the covers off the bed and wrapped it around him before lifting him into his arms. He left without a word, taking Jeff to his room.

Drew went to check on Randy. He was bleeding from a cut on his mouth and the area beneath his left eye had started to swell. There were other bruises dotting his face, John had a heyday with it.

Stephen confronted Randy with clenched fists. "Did you force yourself on the boy?" He was going to bash him if he did.

Drew held him back. "Jeff said it wasn't his fault. Let's not jump to conclusions until we get all the facts."

Stephen decided to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being. Both men started to leave but Drew turned back at the door, "Clean up and then, come down. We have to talk about what just happened," and he shut the door behind him.

Randy held his head between his hands. He couldn't believe what he did. How could he mess up so badly?

….

Jeff sat sniffling on the bed, wrapped in a blanket. John had been trying to get him to tell him what happened but each time he asked, Jeff would just cry. He decided to try one more time. "Please, just tell me this; did he force himself on you?"

Someone knocked and Drew stepped in. "This is probably not a good time, but I think you should know, Randy's leaving."

Jeff moved. He grabbed some clothes and went into the bathroom. He was out, fully dressed in a minute and made for the door.

"Where are you going?" John stopped him. "If he wants to leave, let him leave!"

"It wasn't entirely his fault," Jeff's voice quavered. "He was really upset; he was crying and hitting himself, so I grabbed him. The next thing I know, he was kissing me and … and … and I think I kissed back, and … one thing led to another and …" He started to cry. "I'm sorry, John, I don't know what happened … I'm so sorry …"

Drew closed the door quietly, deciding to leave John to deal with Jeff. He stood in deep thought for several moments before making his way down. Stephen stood at the main door, hands on his hips, acting as a barricade and barring Randy from leaving.

"Why are you doing this? I've caused enough trouble, so just step aside and let me leave," Randy gave him an exasperated look.

"Not happening," Drew said as he came up behind him. Randy turned towards him. "Jeff just told us what happened. You don't have to go," Drew informed him.

"No, I've made up my mind, I'm leaving!" Randy turned back to Stephen, "Step aside!" he ordered.

Stephen smirked, "Make me."

"Damn it! Why are you making things difficult?" Randy ranted.

"Why are you running away?" Drew asked, moving to face him.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Randy muttered, evading his eyes.

"I think you do, but you just don't want to face up to it. In any case, you can't leave, we won't let you."

"You can't hold me here, I don't work for Matt. I can leave anytime I want! Now, get out of my way!" Randy demanded.

"You are not allowed to leave. We have to hold you until we speak to Matt about what happened. Besides, you know too much, we can't let you go until Matt says so."

Drew knew he was pushing it but he didn't want Randy to leave. He was relieved to hear Jeff's confession because he seriously doubted that Randy was a bad guy. That call for Randy was the trigger, he was sure of it. He knew he just met the guy and he didn't know him, but he actually liked him. Besides, what Jeff said only made him wonder why Randy went berserk all of a sudden. He wanted to help him. Curse him for his nosiness!

Randy looked incredulously at him. "I don't believe what I'm hearing! You're holding me here against my wish! That's tantamount to kidnapping!"

Stephen gave him an intimidating look. "We're hired by Matt and if we think we have grounds to hold you here, then, we will! You can co-operate with us, or, we can do it the hard way." He removed the cuffs from his back pocket and tugged at them deliberately. "So, what will it be?"

Randy's jaws dropped at the sight of the cuffs. "You can't be serious?"

"I'm dead serious! If you refuse to co-operate, I will cuff you! Now, haul your ass back to the couch and sit down! We're going to have ourselves a nice little chat!" he barked as he stepped forward, forcing Randy to step back.

Randy hesitated momentarily before moving reluctantly to the couch. Drew's mouth twitched. His buddy enjoyed intimidating people. It was his strong suit and it was working well on Randy apparently.

"What happened up there with Jeff just now, and silence won't get you off the hook!" Stephen shared Drew's opinion of Randy. They wanted him to clear the air for them. If it was attempted rape, they would not hesitate to hurt him.

"Leave the subject alone, guys." They all turned as John came down alone. He moved to stand before Randy with mixed emotions. What Jeff told him did upset him but he finally realized what happened. He would do something about it, make sure it won't happen again, but first, he needed to set something straight with Randy. "I'm willing to let what happened pass just this once, but if you ever try to put your hands on him again, you'll be sorry!"

Randy remained silent as John went back upstairs.

"Well… that was a surprising turn," Stephen said. "You're lucky to get off with just a warning. He packs a mean punch!" he rubbed his midriff gingerly. "But, I guess you learn it first hand," he smirked, studying the bruises on his face.

Drew asked, "Who called you and got you upset?" He had a hunch but he wanted Randy to confirm it.

"What's with all these questions? I thought I'm free to go," Randy evaded answering his question. After what just went down, he decided to leave. He doubted he could face anyone after what happened. What would Adam and Jay say? They'd probably bash him.

"Who says you're free to go? We haven't talked to Matt yet. He's the only one who decides if you can leave," Drew said firmly.

"Look, I can't stay, not after what happened. I'm sure you understand, it will be awkward," Randy tried to appeal to them.

"Sorry Randy, like I said, if Matt says you can go, we won't stop you, but you have to wait till we get a chance to talk to him. Now, just play along and answer my question, who called you earlier?" Drew persisted in his questioning.

"It was a wrong number," Randy lied.

Drew sighed and stretched out his hand, "Hand over your phone."

Randy gave him a look of aghast. "No!" he drew back.

At a nod from Drew, Stephen frisked him, amidst his protests. "Stop that! You have no right to do that!" But, it was a losing battle as Stephen took his mobile away from him forcefully and handed it over to Drew.

"I hate you!" Randy hissed, but they ignored him. Drew retrieved the last call received and called out.

"Don't!" Alarmed, Randy tried to snatch his phone back but Stephen pushed him back to his seat. "Be quiet!" he ordered.

"Hello? I'm sorry, but may I know who this is? My friend received a call just now from this number and he got sick suddenly and had to rush to the bathroom. I just wanted to find out if it was anything urgent," Drew lied smoothly. He listened and nodded. "He's resting right now but I'll let him know you called. Thank you" and he ended the call.

Randy snatched his phone back and stormed back upstairs, luggage in hand. As soon as he disappeared upstairs, Stephen said, "Let me guess, that was his old man, wasn't it?"

Drew nodded thoughtfully. "What say we go and check on him?" he got to his feet.

Stephen grinned. "You're afraid he'll try something on you like he did with Jeff?"

Drew laughed. "Let him come at me, I can handle him. Besides, we're supposed to be straight, remember?"

Stephen's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I help you out with that one to throw Jay off. You owe me one."

Both men laughed as they made their way upstairs.

-ooo-

Reviews are greatly appreciated.