The warning still stands

Part 25

Sue was creeping around one of the buildings with her three homeless "soldiers". They had been checking some of the warehouses but hadn't found anything at all. They hadn't even found rats or junk or junkies or homeless people or crazy people. They'd found nothing so far. Completely nothing. All the buildings they had searched had been scrapped bare. It was so odd.

"Maybe it's like Chernobyl here", one of the men said.

"There are no nuclear reactors here that can have meltdowns", Sue said. "The owners probably sold everything around here to get some money."

They continued to walk around and Sue nearly jumped out of her skin when one of the men grabbed her arm shouting:

"Over there!"

Sue jumped and twirled around to face him.

"What in 'be quiet or they might hear us' don't you understand Louie", she growled.

"But over there!" Louie said and pointed at an old warehouse. Sue looked over but saw nothing.

"What", she asked.

"The window", Louie said. "I saw something. A light."

Sue snorted and turned away.

"He's right!" one of the others shouted.

"Be quiet Jack", Sue snapped at him.

"But I saw a light over there too!" Jack objected.

"Let's check it out!" Louie yelled and the three homeless men ran towards the building. Sue followed them, grumbling about worst hunting partners ever.

When she got to the building though her brow furrowed because she saw a small dirty, broken window… that had boxes resting underneath it. She handed the crossbow to Jack and walked up to the boxes. She climbed up and peered inside. She saw a broken table, a mat, a wooden rod, an iron rod as well, a barrel that looked as if it had been full of coal, cigarettes and she saw dark stains on the floor. She knew those kinds of stains. It was blood stains. Dried blood was on the floor and a little was on the walls as well. She tried to pull herself up to make sure that nothing was lying underneath the window but she couldn't see anything. The window was too small and too dirty.

"What do you see", Louie hissed.

"A lot of junk", Sue said. She was not going to mention the blood. The men might run if she did. She scanned the room one more time and froze. Over in the corner lied a pile of clothes. She narrowed her eyes to try to see a bit better. She could make out something black and something white… the white was also red in places. If it was what she thought it was, then it was Victor's black jacket and white shirt.

"He's been here", she mumbled and turned to look down at the men.

"What did you see", Louie asked.

"A lot of things", Sue whispered. "I think the boy has been held here." She jumped down. "Jack, go call the police and tell them we have found something about that kidnapped kid." Jack ran off. "Louie, Aaron we-"

She cut herself off because she heard a door slam open. She hurried up onto the boxes again and peered inside. A tall Asian man had entered the room. His knuckles were bloody and he had bruises and scratches all over. He walked into the room.

"Are you awake", the man asked and Sue wondered who he was talking to. The man walked further into the room and Sue ducked. She heard someone sit down on a squeaky bed and she heard something that sounded like a drowsy groan. She straightened up again and she could just make out the top of the Asian man's head. He was sitting on something underneath the window.

'They are still here', she thought and her eyes widened in horror.

"Aaron", she hissed. "Stop Jack. You have to tell him to tell the cops that the men are still in there."

Aaron nodded and ran off, careful to avoid anything that would make a sound.

"It's so odd", the voice from inside said again. "Why aren't you getting better? Clive's gone. You are in a bed and I take good care of you. So why are you still so sick?"

He got no answer and Sue heard a whimper.

"I was talking to you Oliver", the man said sounding angry. "Open your eyes and answer me."

'No doubt about it', Sue thought. 'It's them.'

She jumped when she heard a hard slap.

"Answer me!" the man yelled and she heard a groan and a whimper. "Oliver!"

"M-m-my name isn't Oliver", a weak voice stuttered. It may have been a weak voice but Sue would recognize that voice anywhere. It was Victor, her boy.

"Your name is what I tell you", the man yelled. "Now answer me. Why aren't you getting better?"

"I… I need… hospital", Victor mumbled.

"No. They'll take you away."

"P-p-please. I wanna go back… h-h-home."

"You are home. I'm your father."

"The due is crazy", Louie whispered to Sue and she agreed. The man was crazy. He had hunted Victor for such a long time and had used him as a surrogate for his own kid or something. Maybe the man had lost his kid and just maybe that kid was also named Oliver. Maybe that was why he'd kissed his forehead and seemed to care a lot more about the boy than that other jerk did.

"Y… you are not my father", Victor mumbled. Sue tensed up. God only knew how the jerk would react when the kid said that to him. Sue's worst fear was that he would hurt him… and her worst fear came true. She saw the Asian man rise so she had to duck again… but then he heard a boy scream in pain. She was about to jump up, but Louie grabbed her and covered her mouth with his dirty, germ-infested hand. She would have to get an injection against lockjaw after this… and take a long, long shower. She was brought back to the real life when she heard another scream. This time it was the man shouting:

"I'm your father!"

She heard a gasp and a crash. She closed her eyes.

"I'm your father!" the man yelled again… and Sue and Louie heard something hit flesh and Victor cried out in pain. The man continued to scream that he was the father and between each shout they heard a hit and a scream in pain. But after a bit the man stopped yelling but the hits kept coming and the screams from Victor stopped coming… even though the hits went on.

Sue got out of Louie's grip and peered in through the window. Her eyes widened in terror. She saw Victor lie on the floor by the barrel, that was now overturned and the coal in it wasn't burning… thank God. But Victor only wore his jeans and the man was hitting him over and over again with an iron rod. Victor was cut up and bloody and the man didn't look as if he was going to stop soon.

"He's killing him", Sue told Louie. "We have to get in there."

"This way", Louie said and they ran.

James and Howard were both feeling sick, angry, hopeful and distressed at the same time. A man had called the police station. He'd said that his name was Aaron and that he and his friends Jack, Louie and a woman named Sue Sylvester had been checking out an abandoned industrial site. They'd gone there because they knew that homeless man George, who had seen Victor, likes to roam around the man explained.

The man said they'd found nothing in most of the warehouses, but then they had seen a light from another one and had hurried over to it. They'd found a dirty and broken window, that had boxes resting underneath it. Just the way George had described it. Sue Sylvester had stepped onto the boxes and peeked inside. She had only seen a lot of junk at first, but saw something that was a clue. Aaron didn't know what. But she'd sent Jack to call the cops. But just as Jack had run off they had heard a door slam open from within that room. Sue had climbed the boxes again and was looking inside. She then ordered him, Aaron, to stop Jack and tell the cops that the men were still there. The cops had contacted the FBI right away and they were all heading over to the place right now.

"We got them", Howard mumbled. "We finally got them Jimmy."

"If we get there in time", James said, always the pessimist. "And if it really is them."

"Sue Sylvester said so", Howard said. "And I trust that woman."

"Is it the same Sue Sylvester that works at the school?"

"Yes, I guess so… Jimmy do you think… do you think Vic will be…"

"He will be hurt", James said, wanting to throw up. He could just imagine what his son would look like. "I don't doubt it."

"Do you think he'll… be alive?" Howard was so worried he was shaking. James took his hand.

"I hope so", James mumbled.

James and Howard both hoped that the body they had found, the body of Clive Johnson, had been the body of the man wanting to hurt or kill Victor. They couldn't bring Jacob Ben Israel to see the body, his parents refused it. Had the boy seen it he'd might've been able to tell them which man it was, they hurting one or the caring one. But now they had no idea. If Clive had been the one caring about Victor chances were that Victor was already dead or severely hurt.

James and Howard would never be able to handle it if Victor died. Victor was the most important thing in their lives and without him… what would they have to live for? Each other? Possibly. Their job? Their job would seem meaningless if they could save others and other people's children but not their own.

James had met Victor's mom Maria and he had loved her. When she got pregnant they were both really happy but after Victor was born… his mom left them. James never found out why. Maybe she felt she wasn't ready to be a mom or maybe she just… didn't love them after all.

Howard had been there ever since. He helped take care of Victor, helped raising him. Then… when Victor witnessed the murder of James' partner Lukas their whole world came crashing down. Victor had nightmares for months and they were ten times worse than what had really happened in real life. What had happened in real life had been really, really, really bad and brutal so that Victor started to dream nightmares was no surprise.

Victor… Wes had needed both of them to comfort him when he was little. He felt the safest when both of them were around to protect him. When he grew older the nightmares faded and he wasn't needing both of them around as much, but James and Howard knew that Wes always felt just a little better when they were both there.

Wes never complained when it came to relocating, he had only done it ones… when he was forced to leave Dalton. The boys of Dalton meant so much to Wes that James could nearly see and hear his heart break when he told Wes he was forced to leave them. Wes had never doubted his father or Howard, he had never yelled at them for net catching the bastard chasing them, never got angry with anyone of the FBI. He knew they did all they could, even though it had never been enough. Wes didn't care, as long as he was around those he loved he was happy.

The day James had to send him away was the worst day in his life. It broke his heart and he guessed it also broke Wes' heart. The boy had looked like that frightened eight-year-old again and James was forever grateful that Howard offered to be the one to play Wes' father. James was glad Howard had been there, through all the rough years.

Howard and James had met in FBI training and had bonded at once. They didn't get to be partners… which pissed James off to no end but they still where tight and worked well together. Howard didn't hesitate to help him raise Wes, didn't hesitate to come with them into hiding, didn't hesitate to offer to protect Wes with his own life and never wanted to just leave.

Howard brought Wes to Lima and helped Wes create the Victor Montgomery persona. Wes as Victor had no problem with calling Howard (James) dad. Howard was his dad, as was James. They were both the boy's dads and James was sure he'd seen it like that for many years. He remember one time Wes drew a painting, he was five years old at the time. It was three people on the picture. Two tall and one small and the little one was holding the bigger ones' hands. When James had asked about it Wes had said:

"It's me, daddy and daddy."

James always thought of that little memory when he felt down. He looked at Howard, his boyfriend and best friend. Something good had come out of all this drama… he had realized what he was really feeling for his best friend. Howard had told him early that he was gay and James was supportive. Maybe that's why Maria left. Maybe she saw that he actually was gay and decided not to interfere with him and Howard. That's what James hoped anyway.

"He's gonna be alive", James said and squeezed Howard's hand a little bit tighter. "We're gonna get him back so that we can be a family again. We will move back to Westerville so that Wes can be with his boys again and we'll be happy."

"What about Mercedes and the kids of McKinley", Howard asked. "If Vic is alive… we can't just pull him up and move him back to Westerville. He must want it himself. Otherwise he might just hate us Jimmy."

James thought for a moment.

"You're right", he said. "As always. We'll ask him later what he wants to do."

"When we get him."

"We don't have to wait long now", James said and looked out. He could see the industrial site. Howard squeezed his hand a little bit more and James knew they both had the same determent look on their faces.

Sue slammed the door open and rushed through the empty space. She ignored the fact that someone could be hiding and just waiting to jump her. She only had one thing on her mind. And that was to save Victor's life and get him back. She could hear clinking noises, like if someone hit on concrete with something made out of metal. She ran faster, Louie just behind her and she stopped outside the door from where the noises came. She pushed the door open and her eyes widened. That blasted man was hitting on the concrete wall so furiously small pieces flew everywhere and sparks jumped from the concrete. He was screaming:

"NO! NO! NO!" Over and over again as he hit and Sue quickly understood why. Victor was lying on the ground, really bloody and hurt. There was so much blood and a some of it on his face and head, the boy couldn't possibly be alive.

"NO!" the man roared again and turned to Victor, raised the rod and was about to hit the boy again.

"Drop the rod and step away from the boy", Sue said calmly and the man twirled around. He saw her and she aimed at him with her crossbow.

"What are you doing here", he growled darkly. "Get out. This is my home and you are trespassing."

"This is an abandoned warehouse and you sir is a kidnapper and a murderer."

"I am not", the man spat. "This is my home, I live here with my son Oliver." He motioned for Victor. Sue knew she had to be quick because they didn't have much time… Victor didn't have much time.

"That boy is named Victor Montgomery and you have been chasing him all around the country because he is the only one who saw you kill a federal agent", Sue said calmly. "He is not your son. In fact he's more my son than yours."

"No", the man smirked. "Because he looks like me."

"No, he really doesn't. You may both be Asian but he doesn't look like you. He looks like his father."

"I am his father!" the man roared and raised the rod to hit Sue. A gunshot echoed around the room, followed by another one. Sue twirled around and saw Howard Stone and James Montgomery in the door. Their eyes were cold and their faces impassive. The Asian looked at them before falling to the ground. He'd gotten shot in the stomach and the shoulder. Howard put away his gun and hurried over to Victor.

"Kiddo", he asked checking for a pulse. "Baby can you hear me?"

"Get paramedics in here", James roared out the door, not taking his eyes off of the Asian. Howard pressed his hand to Victor's neck.

"Come on baby", he begged. "Come on baby come back to me and your daddy."

When he said daddy… the Asian man's eyes flew up and with a roar he lunged at Howard. A gunshot echoed through the room again and Sue watched as the last of the kidnappers dropped dead to the ground a few inches from Victor and Howard. She turned and her gaze fell on James Montgomery. He looked as impassive as before but now put his gun away and the paramedics entered. Sue was in shock, she wasn't even aware of being led from the room. She had seen a man get killed and she had seen a sweet boy being beaten to death, because there was no way that Victor Montgomery had survived that.

The kids of New Directions were all gathered in the choir room waiting for Mr. Schue to arrive. They had been talking about small stuff that happened around the school during the day. Santana was still cursing the footballers that made Mike angry and Mike himself was still healing. His parents had been furious at him at first, but when he explained what happened they got a little less angry, but they were still angry.

"I'm sorry to bring it up now guys", Rachel said softly. "But we really have to start thinking of nationals. I am sure Victor would want us to do that."

"If he's alive", Artie grumbled. "Ow!"

Brittany had slapped him.

"Vic is okay", she said angrily. "He's alive!"

"Britt", Santana said gently and took her friend's hand. "Sweety you must understand. It's been over a week and most victims of kidnapping don't last the first 36 hours. The men that took Victor were out to kill him so his chances are even slimmer."

"But there is a chance", Brittany pointed out. They all looked around and Mercedes stood up.

"Guys", she said. "I am also starting to give up hope. Victor's chances are slim and Rachel is right if he could tell us himself he'd wanted us to focus on nationals… and win."

"But Mercy it's your boyfriend we are talking about", Quinn said.

"Don't you think I know that", Mercedes snapped. "I know it's my boyfriend that is missing and most likely dead by now or they would've found him by now. Sure they found the body of one of the kidnappers and what does that tell us?"

No one dared meet her gaze.

"It tells us that Victor is most likely dead already", Mercedes said and felt the tears threaten to spill. "And he is looking down on us from heaven by now."

"Mercedes", Mike said and stood up and they all looked at him. "Don't give up."

"Mike", she asked.

"Just because reason and statistic says that Vic should be dead by now doesn't mean they're right", Mike continued. "When Victor started here statistics said he would hate Glee, but did he? No. Statistic and reason said he should stay clear of us and especially Kurt, but did he? No. Statistic and 'reason' says that Victor should date a Cheerio but is he? No. Statistic and 'logic' says that Victor should have the least respect of anyone at this school because he is new. But is that true? No! Victor is the one person that always does opposite to what statistic and reason says! Since he's been doing it this whole time I am sure he is still doing it!"

The room was completely quiet and then Puck started to applaud and Sam, Artie, Finn, Santana and Lauren followed suit. Mike blushed and Tina took his hand and smiled.

"Sorry", Mike mumbled.

"Dude", Puck said laughing. "I've never heard you say that much without anyone interrupting you!"

"I'm still sorry", Mike mumbled.

"Why", Santana said. "You are absolutely right!"

Mercedes looked at the quiet Asian.

"Mike", she asked and he looked up at her. She walked over and gave him a hug. "Thank you."

Mike smiled softly and hugged her back.

"Group-hug y'all!" Artie cheered and they all hugged.

They hugged each other in silence for a few minutes.

"Uh guys", Mr. Schue's voice asked and they all looked up. "What's going on?"

"Just some comfort Mr. Schue", Finn said smiling. "No biggie."

Mr. Schue smiled and then sighed.

"Guys", he said. "Sit down."

They all did and Mr. Schue ran a hand over his face.

"Guys", he said again. "There is no easy way to say this, but we have got to stop thinking of our loss and focus on nationals."

"We know", Rachel said. "That was why we were hugging and-"

She was interrupted when Coach Beiste ran inside, her arm was still in a sling from that shot.

"What's up Coach", Schue asked and she smiled, tears going down her cheeks.

"They've found him Will", she said.

"What", Schue asked and the kids looked at each other.

"They've found him Will", Beiste said again. "The FBI has him and they are at the hospital. They're fighting to save his life as we speak."

"They got Victor", Mercedes asked and Beiste nodded. "He's… he's alive?"

"Barely", Beiste said. "But they got him and he's hanging in there."

"What about the kidnappers", Schue asked.

"Dead", Beiste said. "Sue said the agents shot the last guy."

"Sue", Schue asked.

"She found him", Beiste continued and everyone gaped. "It's a long story but my point is. Victor has been found… and for the moment he is alive."

The room was quiet for a few seconds before everyone started to cheer. Rachel pulled her phone out.

Kurt was sitting in Warbler practice looking miserable, Trent did also. Everyone was feeling sorry for the duo, but they had to focus on nationals. Kurt jumped when his phone started to ring.

"Kurt", David said in a scolding tone.

"Sorry", Kurt said blushing. "Um… Can I?"

"Sure", David said sarcastically. "Go ahead."

"Thanks", Kurt flicked his phone open.

"I wasn't-"

"Oh hush", Thad told him covering David's mouth with his soft hand. They watched Kurt's eyes widen and then he smiled, while crying.

"Kurt", Blaine asked worriedly and Kurt turned to Trent, ignoring Blaine.

"They've found him", he said and Trent's eyes widened.

"Really", he asked and Kurt practically jumped into his arms hugging him.

"They've found Victor!"

The Warblers cheered and at the hospital… Victor Montgomery's heart stopped beating.

TBC *whistles innocently*