Police cars swarmed the area the moment the helicopter pilot in the air reported there had been an accident. Red and blue lights danced brightly, illuminating the injured young man trying to pry the trunk open. A few officers exited their cars, running to check on the kidnapper and to help the young man with opening the trunk. One officer retrieved a crowbar from the trunk of their own vehicle before going over to pry the hood open.
Devon only had use of one arm, having broken his collar bone in the crash; but he still tried fruitlessly to open the trunk. He could smell gasoline and he feared the car would go up in flames soon unless they could get the child he saw being shoved into the trunk out of there and into safe custody. He paid no mind to the blood that was seeping from the cut on his forehead, intent on rescuing the child that was still trapped in the vehicle. When a couple officers bustled in, Devon fought them off before he realized they were there to help.
Taking a step back, Devon watched as the police officer placed the crowbar, before counting down and pushing hard on the iron rod. The trunk groaned at the force, but the lip raised a fraction. The police began working feverishly when they too smelled the gasoline and before long they'd managed to get the trunk open.
Inside the trunk, Alan lay on his side – bruises forming on his head, arms and legs. He was unconscious and breathing, but barely. It was unclear whether or not Alan was unconscious from fume inhalation from being locked in the trunk of a vehicle or if he'd been knocked out as a direct result from the crash. One of the officers, though knowing Alan really shouldn't be moved, preferred to remove the kid from his prison and get him to safety before the car went up in flames.
Reaching in gently, but efficiently the police officer slipped his arms beneath Alan's neck and knees before lifting him from the wreckage. Alan's head was resting against the officer's broad chest, and as soon as Alan was removed from the vehicle and out of proximity of the accident, paramedics swarmed around the officer and child, delicately moving him to a stretcher to get him secured in the event of any injuries that were not immediately known.
… … … … … …
Jeff was visibly trembling as he watched the footage of the vehicle swerve sharply into the suspect's car, causing the vehicles to begin tumbling down the roadway recklessly. Everyone sat in stunned silence as the rolling vehicles eventually came to a stop, coming out as what once used to be a car but was now just demolished wreckage. Everyone gathered on the couch watched as a slowly moving man climbed out of the car resting on its lid, dragging himself out amongst the broken glass and mangled metal.
Everyone was speechless as they watched the man stand up and limp over to the Honda and began trying to find the button to open the trunk. His arm looked off even from the camera's point of view, but the family didn't care about his injuries as much as they feared for Alan and what injuries he had from not just the wreck but also the few hours he'd spent with his kidnapper.
"Dear God be with him." Pastor Woods said as the camera picked up footage of the officer removing Alan from the cramped space of the trunk. From what everyone could tell, Alan wasn't moving and was curled into the fetal position. Without warning, the video footage cut out and the news anchors sat, their jaws dropped in disbelief. The news anchors looked at each other for a moment before a voice announced they'd be back after a commercial break.
… … … … … …
"Kid needs oxygen, he's asphyxiated." A paramedic said as he fitted a child's sized oxygen mask over Alan's nose and mouth, in an effort to get the child to breathe more than he was; or lack thereof. A cervical collar was placed around Alan's neck to minimize the risk of aggravating any unknown injuries and a splint was arranged to immobilize Alan's broken arm. The ambulance drove along to quickly reach the hospital which had been appraised of the situation.
"He's gonna be okay right?" Devon asked from his seat, strapped securely to the soft material, wearing his own cervical collar and sling while en-route to the hospital. "I didn't hurt him did I?"
"Kid you probably saved him. Any longer in that vehicle's trunk and I doubt he'd have made it." The paramedic said as he checked Alan's carotid pulse. Leaning forward, the paramedic keeping watch over Alan and Devon hollered to the front. "His pulse is evening out, the oxygen is working for the kid."
… … … … … …
The Tracy and Woods family showed up right about the same time as the ambulance carrying Alan and Devon. Jeff walked up to the desk in the accident and emergency department ready to ask about Alan right as the paramedics pushing the stretcher with Alan on it hurried past. Reaching out a hand, Jeff made to follow but Pastor Woods stopped him.
"Let them do their jobs Jeff. There's nothing you can do right now." Pastor Woods whispered into Jeff's ear as he hugged the in shock father. Jeff had been trembling since watching the crash on live television. He was quick to spill anything liquid placed in his hands, meant to calm his nerves.
"How's my baby doing?" Jeff asked, shakily as the Pastor guided him to sit down in one of the uncomfortably hard plastic chairs.
"We'll ask the nurses, but they probably won't have anything yet since he's just been brought in." Pastor Woods said, motioning for Ms. Woods to go check with the nurses about anything informational about Alan and his current condition.
… … … … … …
The doctor on call in the A&E department was quick to cut the bloodied clothes from the child's frame before draping a sheet over his lower torso while he assessed his injuries. Bruises marred the kid's pale complexioned face and his face appeared swollen, no doubt from being smacked around inside the trunk of the vehicle during the rollover. Opening the child's eyes and shining a pen light in to check reactivity, the doctor frowned when he saw how sluggish and uneven the boy's eyes were.
"I want X-rays done to check the boy for any broken bones other than his arm." The doctor wanted to wait until X-rays were completed before he went out to talk to the family about the injuries Alan had.
Following the nurses down the hall, the doctor observed Alan's x-rays; making sure that if the child woke up that he'd not panic. That wouldn't be good. Especially not after all he'd suffered. The X-ray technician didn't take long with taking or developing the X-Rays and after assessing the films, the doctor determined the news he'd be telling the family in regards to Alan and his recovery process.
… … … … … …
Knocking on the door, the doctor opened the waiting room door, looking around the crowded room before calling the name he was looking for.
"Family for Tracy."
Jeff, his sons and the Woods family all looked up when their last name had been called. They'd gathered into a circle and had been in the middle of a prayer for Alan when the doctor called for them and at Jeff's insistence the Woods family followed to hear the news on Alan. Taking the families to an empty waiting room across the hall, the doctor had everyone sit down before he started to explain.
"First off, I wanted to introduce myself. I am Dr. Fraser and I was the physician on call in the emergency room tonight and I saw your son initially upon arrival." Dr. Fraser shook hands with everyone before he sat down, intent look directed at the Tracy's. "Okay, I know that hearing news about a loved one is always scary, but I just wanted to let you know that Alan is doing okay despite everything that's happened."
"Is he gonna be okay?" John asked as he looked at the floor.
"With time he will be. The X-rays taken immediately after he'd been admitted to the hospital revealed that thankfully Alan didn't break his neck after that accident; but he did hurt his neck. I'm afraid that for the time being, Alan will be required to wear what's known as a cervical halo to stabilize his head while he recovers from the trauma. And soon, with your permission Mr. Tracy, we'd like to take Alan in for surgery to repair his arm." Dr. Fraser said as he watched the family for any reactions.
"What happened to his arm?" Scott asked as he hopes the guy responsible for Alan's injuries could never come back.
"He's gotten a spiral fracture in his upper arm." Dr. Fraser said as he touched his upper arm to show about where the break was in Alan's arm.
"What's a spiral fracture…did he get it in the accident?" Jeff asked as he noticed Virgil's face paling.
"Spiral fractures are typically sports injuries, but they can happen in abusive situations also. In the event of it being an abusive situation, the aggressor can cause the break by grabbing the limb – it can be a leg, arm or fingers and twist it with enough force to break the bone. However usually in abusive situations, it's always the forearm that acquires the spiral fracture, never the upper arm. That bone is too strong to be broken even by human means." Dr. Fraser said as he paused in thought. "Judging on the bruising to Alan's face, which is commonly seen in most abuse scenarios, I'm thinking Alan probably fell and landed wrong. That can break anybody's bone if they fall with enough force and try to catch themselves."
"If he fell, it was probably because of that demented bastard! He probably pushed Alan!" Scott spoke up vehemently. He was seething and shaking with barely contained rage.
"That is probably most likely I'm afraid. Because like I said, judging on the bruises on Alan's face, it would appear that he got knocked around a little before the accident and I'm thinking that's how he broke his arm." Dr. Fraser said.
"What other injuries does Alan have? You mentioned he didn't break his neck but he hurt it…how did he hurt his neck?" Virgil asked.
"I'm afraid that the whiplash and not being properly restrained caused your brother's head to snap around during the crash and from x-rays and various tests, I've been able to determine that Alan has a few herniated discs in his neck going up his cervical spine. He may need surgery when he gets older, but I'd recommend he go to a chiropractor once the muscle stiffness and swelling goes down. Chiropractors are pretty good and they may be able to relocate the herniated disc to lesson any pain or discomfort Alan may have as he gets older." Dr. Fraser said, answering Virgil's question. "I'll only want to keep Alan in a cervical halo for maybe a month or two until we see how Alan is healing up."
"I sense a but in this statement somewhere. What else is wrong with Alan?" Scott asked, his big brother sense going haywire with the news they were being given on Alan.
Dr. Fraser sighed before answering. "After assessing Alan, I was able to determine he's suffering from a level 3 concussion. It's pretty bad. He woke up during one of his many x-rays and was incredibly confused. He couldn't remember the events that led up to his being brought into the hospital and he seemed to forget what was going on, including the number of times we told him he was in the hospital because he'd been in a car accident." Pausing again, Dr. Fraser continued. "He started asking for his mom and one of the nurses told him his mom wasn't here and he became agitated. We had to sedate him because his blood pressure was increasing rapidly."
"His mother's dead…she has been for almost eight years now." Jeff replied, heart lodged in his throat at the mention of Lucy. "Alan was barely three years old the last time he saw her alive. I don't think he'd have any memory of her."
"He calls me mom. He may have been asking for me." Ms. Woods said as she brushed away a few fallen tears. To know that Alan had been asking for her warmed her heart but she knew it hurt Jeff and his sons.
"What else is there to know about Alan?" Jeff asked as he breathed in deeply through his nose.
"Those suffering from a level 3 concussion may experience amnesia off and on until their brain heals from the trauma. So I wanted to warn you that when we go in to visit Alan, if he awakens and doesn't seem to know who you are – not to be alarmed. It's normal to not be able to readily recognize someone if they are suffering from amnesia. You may need to introduce yourselves to him and may have to keep doing so because patients with level 3 concussions typically need reminding because of short term memory loss."
"He'll get better won't he? He won't always need reminding or forget who we are?" Gordon asked as he dreaded having to care for a possibly brain damaged younger brother.
"No, once the swelling lessens, Alan should recover; though you should also know that not everyone is the same. Alan may experience amnesia and he may not. It's all just a waiting game until Alan wakes up." Dr. Fraser replied. "I'd reckon he's also extremely confused because of the asphyxiation he suffered while locked in the trunk."
"Asphyxiation?!" Virgil yelped in alarm.
"Yes, I'm afraid there'd been a buildup of exhaust fumes in the trunk of the vehicle Alan was locked in and he wasn't receiving proper oxygen. We had to give him pure oxygen just to get his breathing back on track. So if there is any amnesia or further brain trauma that we can't see on a scan, we won't know until Alan wakes up and gets better from the concussion." Dr. Fraser said as he stood up. "Mr. Tracy, do I have your permission to have Alan taken to surgery to repair his arm?"
"You do, but…can we see him first? Please? I…I just need to know that my baby boy is okay." Jeff asked as he sent the doctor a pleading look. The doctor looked to refuse but he nodded slowly instead. Dr. Fraser said before gesturing at everyone to follow him. "Only two people can visit him at a time and you can have a few minutes each. No more than five though."
The family all followed Dr. Fraser and before they entered the area where police were guarding, Dr. Fraser turned to look at them all. "I just want to warn you that Alan's face is bruised and a bit swollen. Don't be alarmed when you see him though. He's been hooked up to a few machines, but he is okay."
When the doctor prepared to go through, Jeff was told to go see Alan first before Scott came in. Jeff stepped through the curtain and watched as Dr. Fraser pulled the material shut. Looking back at Alan, he felt his bottom lip tremble as he saw the c-collar still firmly in place around Alan's neck. Alan's face was littered with bruises and he had a busted lip, but the worst injury of all to Jeff was seeing his baby boy's eyes look so black and swollen. The black eyes looked painful and it was a wonder that Alan would even be able to open his eyes. He had a small cut on his cheek which looked to have already been glued shut.
Taking a seat on the bed beside Alan, Jeff hesitated to touch Alan. He didn't want to cause his child unnecessary pain if he could help it and he honestly couldn't see a spot on his little boy that didn't cause him pain at present. Fighting tears as much as he could, Jeff sniffed as he washed a hand over his face – effectively drying any and all tears that had fallen. Leaning forward, Jeff pressed the gentlest of kiss on Alan's forehead, before he whispered in Alan's ear.
"You'll be okay baby. I love you and I'll be there for you when you wake up from surgery. Stay strong for me okay?"
Alan remained still and Jeff didn't wish to leave Alan alone. He wanted desperately to spend more time with his baby, if only to be there the next time he woke up in an apparent confused state. He wanted to be there to reassure his son that he was safe now and would remain so. So when the curtain opened and Scott entered, Jeff looked over at his eldest son and fought the trembling of his bottom lip.
"He looks terrible." Scott murmured as he gently gripped the hand not currently swathed in bandages. He was careful to not dislodge the IV pushing necessary pain medications into Alan's veins. Scott smiled sadly as he reached up to softly brush Alan's bangs from his eyes, taking care to tuck them back behind his ear.
"He may look terrible now, but he'll get better soon. Then we can put this whole thing behind us." Jeff said even as he leaned down to kiss Alan's forehead again. "I love you son. We'll be there when you get out of surgery."
Jeff and Scott spent a few more tender moments with Alan in quiet, choosing to whisper for fear of waking the boy. They only got up when Dr. Fraser reminded them that there were others that wished to see Alan before he was taken up to surgery. After they exited the cubby, John and Virgil went in next and both of them were equally as quiet at the sight of Alan.
"Damn, kid looks like he was put through the wringer." John murmured to himself at the sight of his baby brother and the state he was in.
"But he's here now…he's safe." Virgil replied as he gently kissed Alan's cheek. "We're here for you Alan. Stay strong for us. You can do it, I know you can."
John remained silent as he looked at and committed to memory the number of injuries Alan had. It seemed like they'd only been with Alan five seconds before the curtain opened and Dr. Fraser was letting them know they needed to move along so everyone could see Alan before surgery. When John and Virgil left Alan, Gordon and Stacy went in next and the both of them spoke softly to Alan, reassuring him that they were there for him. Stacy hummed in Alan's ear, a lullaby that she often sang to Alan before he returned to live with his family, no matter how out of tune she could be on occasions. When the two of them finished visiting, the twins entered and spoke softly to the boy that was like a brother to them, even after he left to go back with his family.
When it was time for Pastor Woods and Ms. Woods to speak to Alan, they looked at Dr. Fraser. Pastor Woods explained his occupation and had asked if they could all gather with Alan after he and his wife visited with Alan to say a prayer for him. Dr. Fraser looked like he wanted to refuse, but he knew that some families…it gave them peace of mind when a prayer was said for their loved one. Nodding sagely at his request, the doctor let the pastor and his wife enter to sit with Alan. When they'd finished their visit, they opened the curtain to allow the families to join them.
A circle was formed around Alan's bed. Ms. Woods held one of Alan's hands, while Jeff held the other. Jeff offered his free hand to John and going down the line, everyone joined hands before they'd all bowed their heads to say a prayer.
"Dear God, we gather this afternoon to pray for our beloved son, brother and friend Alan as we desire him to be restored to good health. We pray for a successful surgery and that you dear God may guide their hands as they repair Alan to full health." Pastor Woods squeezed his wife's other hand as well as Scott's as he continued the prayer and blessing. "Alan. May you be blessed with the power and love of God, and the affection of those who love you dearly. We pray in Jesus name. Amen."
"Amen." Those gathered, Dr. Fraser included murmured 'amen' before everyone said their final good bye to Alan. Everyone, young and parental pressed a kiss on Alan's forehead, before the doctor and his medical team lifted the brakes on Alan's bed and wheeled him out of the A&E department to take him to the operating room.
… … … … … …
"Damn, I would not have wanted to be this guy had he lived. His recovery would have been a bitch." One of the police officer commented as he took pictures of the car, documenting the stolen vehicle so the person that reported it stolen would know just what happened to their car after they left the keys in the ignition and the door unlocked.
The medical examiner sent a look over at the police officer before she rolled her eyes. This wasn't the first time she'd heard this particular police officer comment about those that died in car accidents injuries at the scene of the accident. Why was it always when she was on call that he chose to run his mouth?
"Yeah well, unless you want to send the idiot that left this car up for grabs in a supermarket parking lot a picture of our dead perp, I'd suggest you help me move him before you keep taking pictures."
The police officer handed his partner the camera before he donned gloves. The two of them managed to maneuver the man out of the car and into the body bag on the gurney before she zipped it up. Once she'd gotten the body prepared for transport, she loaded it into her van before she left.
… … … … … …
Devon exited the emergency department, glancing over his shoulder at the gown he'd left folded on the bed. He had no intentions of putting that god forsaken gown on, not when he had something he needed to do.
Padding down the hall in the special gripper socks the nurses gave him to replace the blood and glass covered shoes and socks he'd had after the accident. Devon made his way to the surgical department. He'd heard the nurses talking about how the young boy in that accident was going into surgery to repair a broken arm. That's where he was going so he could make sure he was okay. Rounding the corner, he came face to face with the Tracy family and the Woods family.
"Von!" Jeremiah cried as he saw his older brother's roommate and best friend round the corner, looking like he'd gone through the wringer himself.
Everyone looked up at Jeremiah's call and the Woods family all rushed over to talk to the haggard young man that was using the wall to support himself.
"Are you okay dear?" Ms. Woods asked even as she gently ran her thumb over Devon's cheek, staying careful not to press on his bruised cheek.
"I'm okay mom." Devon said as he accepted the loving and tender affection he received from his best friend's step-mom.
"Your dad and I ought to ground you for your stunts. You could have been killed." Ms. Woods said as tears graced her eyes.
"I'm sorry mom…it was the creepy neighbor across the street that had him. I couldn't not get involved. Especially after hearing Thayne warn Tess to stay away from him and to never accept candy from him." Devon said even as he felt the regret for giving his self-proclaimed family a scare. He didn't regret saving that kid, because he couldn't have lived with himself if he'd let that kid suffer the same thing he and that kid from a few years ago Alan had suffered.
"We're just glad that you and Alan are alive." Pastor Woods said not realizing that the Tracy family had come closer and were now aware of who caused the crash and saved Alan's life at the same time.
"You were the other driver." Jeff said as he looked at all the injuries littering Devon's face and body. "You rescued my boy's life."
Devon looked up at Jeff and gulped. He was aware of who the man was and he knew he was a big name around his and Thayne's house. Devon himself had entertained the idea of going back to college to pursue a career in aeronautic design just so he could get a job at Tracy Enterprises and be able to provide more for his best friend and his best friend's daughter as thanks for taking him in when he had nowhere else to turn.
"Mr. Tracy…" Devon said, the name of the billionaire retired and reclusive astronaut weighing heavily on his shoulders.
Jeff stepped forward and hugged Devon, expressing his most sincere thanks to the young man for saving his child from a fate that would undoubtedly be horrific. Jeff didn't even want to think of what Alan might have endured during his time with his kidnapper.
"Thank you will never be enough thanks for what you did for our family." Jeff wasn't angry at Devon for causing the crash. Alan was alive and while not quite okay or one-hundred percent he was alive and back with them and their family because of the devil may care attitude of Devon. "What is your name son?"
"D-Devon…Devon Adams." Devon replied, seeing how the older blonde's eyes widened. "What?"
"Devon…were you by any chance an older brother to a little six year old boy who went by the name Alan? Also abused by a guy named Ray and his wife Judy?" John asked. Seeing the blood drain from Devon's face, Scott and Pastor Woods were quick to grab Devon when his legs went slack and he started to fall to the ground.
Once Devon was firmly seated on the ground, he managed to speak.
"How did you know? I thought that information was sealed after I'd emancipated myself." Devon said, voice shaking slightly. "Not even Mom and dad know that information. I never told anyone what happened to me when I was a kid."
"I know because my little brother Alan told me…so did his social worker when he was still in foster care. "You're the same Devon?"
Devon nodded his head speechless at the fact that someone knew about his heavily guarded secret. He never wanted anyone to learn about the abuse he'd suffered with Ray and Judy for most of his young life. Only Thayne knew about it because he'd talked Devon out of jumping off the roof of their dorm while back in college. Devon had told Thayne how out of control he felt because of everything and Thayne had revealed a similar background. The only difference was that Thayne was sexually and emotionally abused while Devon had been physically and verbally abused. Both boys had bonded over their similar situation and formed a fast friendship even going so far as to become roommates. But now the secret was out and it would appear that the kid he'd saved less than an hour ago was the same boy he'd taken Ray's belt for all those years ago.
"Oh my god…" Devon whispered before he fell back against the Pastor who'd knelt behind him.
"He fainted…" Gordon said as soon as it happened, watching the young man's eyes fall closed as he sagged in a boneless heap against the pastor. Stacy began fanning her hand in front of Devon's face in an effort to give him fresh air. "Is he gonna be alright?"
"He'll be fine, just give him some air."
… … … … … …
Dr. Fraser removed his surgical smock and cap as he stood outside the surgical room. The nurses were cleaning Alan up from surgery and making sure is arm was bandaged and immobilized. Sighing to himself, Dr. Fraser began to wash his hands at the large utility sink. Doing the surgery on that child, it's what made him regret becoming a doctor; having to deal with children that had been abused and such.
"Doctor, we've got the patient prepared to be moved to recovery."
Dr. Fraser looked at the nurse and smiled sadly.
"Thank you Evelyn, please make sure the police stay close by. I'm not taking any chances of this boy being taken again, especially since he can't protect himself at present. I'm going to go talk to his family."
"Yes sir." Evelyn said as she went back into the surgical room to retrieve Alan's gurney.
… … … … … …
Dr. Fraser walked down the long hallway, his mind focused primarily on his young patient upstairs. There was something he also wanted to talk to the family about in regards to his young patient. After having assessed young Alan and documenting the many scars that littered the young boy's torso, back, arms and legs the doctor wondered if there was a form of treatment he could recommend.
Reaching the waiting room, Dr. Fraser noticed there was a young man seated on the floor, holding a cup of water and looking like he'd been in an accident of sorts. The family was surrounding him and the man spoke, but Dr. Fraser couldn't tell from behind the door just what the young man was saying.
He knocked on the door, everyone including the young man looking up to grant the doctor permission to enter. When he walked into the room, everyone kept their gazes locked on him.
"How's Alan?" John asked, quick and sharp like a whip.
"He's doing good. He made it through surgery and his arm has been fixed." Dr. Fraser said as he looked at the family. "You've got a strong young man up in recovery. He's quite the fighter I must say."
"Why? Did something go wrong?" Jeff asked, fear creeping into his voice that something could have gone wrong with the surgery despite the doctor's words of encouragement.
"No, nothing happened. I'm just letting you know that you've got a brave young man up there in recovery." Dr. Fraser commented, not wanting to highlight the scars that littered Alan's body in case these people who weren't family didn't know.
However, everyone seemed to get the message about what the doctor was talking about and they nodded sagely…those that knew about the scars. Gordon, though he knew his brother carried some scars from the abuse, had never seen Alan without his shirt on and so he didn't know how serious some of Alan's scars were. Scott and Virgil knew Alan had some scars also, but they like Gordon had never seen Alan shirtless so they didn't know the number of scars Alan carried like battle trophies. John however knew as did Jeff and the both of them knew how painful the scars were for Alan.
True they no longer hurt physically, but they still carried painful memories for the young boy and Alan was incredibly ashamed of those scars. He wasn't proud of them by any means and he had low self-esteem because of those scars.
"We can talk a little more later." Dr. Fraser said, highlighting that this was a personal matter and he didn't want to discuss something so shameful for the young boy in public. "For now though, I just wanted to let you know that Alan is out of surgery and is in recovery until he wakes up from the anesthesia."