Three days later

"Front page." I hiss, throwing the newspaper at John. He grabs it and visibly gulps at the picture on the front page. He looks up at me and I shrug apologetically. "Figured it would be better if I told you now instead of you finding out from the news tonight."

"Thanks Scott." He mutters, turning to the inside page. I stare at the photo now facing me. There he was. Staring back at me in that ridiculous kimono, a dangerous grin on his face. I can feel my blood starting to boil and I make a silent promise – to myself, to him and to mom.

I promise, if he ever comes near my family again, there will be nowhere on this earth where he can hide. If he even thinks about leaving his cell, he's dead.

"Scott. Thinking like that isn't going to do anything." John says quietly, his eyes still trained on the newspaper.

"Did I say..."

"No. But we've worked together for years now – I know when we're thinking the same thing." He looks up. "I get it Scott. I feel the same way. Look at what he did to her." I look over at Abby, still sleeping peacefully in the early morning light. The quilt from home tucked under her chin, her teddy tucked gently under one arm. I can't help smiling. If I ignore the machines and wires still snaking under the covers, I can almost imagine we're at home. Almost. John continues.

"Hurting him – killing him even, won't help anyone. Especially Abby. Think about what he's done for us – he's made us realise we were neglecting Alan. Bullying him whenever we saw him. We've started to heal the rift between us Scott and as much as I hate to admit it, it's because of him."

"I know John. Seeing her like this though; knowing he did it to her. Knowing he did it to her while we were there – that we couldn't do anything to stop him. It's killing me. The same with Alan – he tortured the kid while we trapped up there. I'm the oldest John. It's my job to look after the rest of you and I screwed up big time."

"No Scott. No you didn't."

"What are you talking about John? Abby is in a hospital bed, you were admitted, and by all rights Alan should be lying next to Abby right now and it's only pure luck that he's not lying next to his sister. Some big brother I am."

"Hey, if I'm not allowed to be on a downer, then you're definitely not."

"Who said you're not allowed to be on a downer?" He nods his head in the general direction of Abby's bed.

"It seems my little sister has ganged up on me and has threatened to get Grandma involved if I don't comply. The threat of Grandma is too much to bear. There's also the fact that I know she'll worry if I don't at least act myself around her and she doesn't need to be worrying about us Scott. She needs to worry about herself."

"You don't think I know that John! The only reason I'm not punching the wall right now is because of her." We both stop as Abby moans softly and turns over as much as she can with wires obstructing her path.

"One – keep it down," John whispers ignoring the glare I'm sending his way. "Two, there is a gym in the hotel you know, complete with punch bag. You should try it out you know before you end up loosing it in front of her." I lower my head into my hands, exhaustion starting to take control again. It doesn't matter how much sleep I get, exhaustion always seems to be there waiting.

"I know John, I know."

"I know you know Scott but sometimes you need reminding. You need to take care of yourself Scott. Think about what Abby and Alan and even Gordon to some extent will see if you break? To them, you are their second father. They look up to you as much as they look up to dad. If you start thinking crazy thoughts like that then eventually you're going to break down in front of them. They'll know something's wrong and they will gang up to figure out what it is – you know that. Go to the gym, work out the frustrations and then go to sleep in a proper bed. Trust me, you'll feel better after. Let the rest of us worry about the Hood and his goons, this reporter and his little blonde helper and Abby." I smile at him as I stand and stretch, wincing as the kinks that have built up pop.

"Just one question."

"Hm."

"Why would it only be Gordo, Al and Ab's worrying about me if I break down?" John breathes a laugh.

"Because me, Virg and Dad know you too well. We know the signs better than they do so we'd be in a better position to stop you."

"I guess so. Thanks John – I owe you one." John shrugs and picks the paper up again.

"You're welcome. Hey, if you want to make up for this impromptu break down – you can bring me some chocolate back with you." I laugh.

"Deal. I'll see you later."

"Later."

I don't make it to the gym. By the time I get to the hotel foyer tears are filling my eyes from the huge yawns that threaten to split my face in two. I collapse onto the bed and, as my eyes slide shut, I hear the door next to our room close softly and a bag dumped on to the floor. That's the last thing I hear before I drift off into the deepest sleep I've had for a long time.

Little did Scott know, that it wasn't the room next door who had closed the door and dropped a bag. It was the door to his room. A man dressed in black crept softly to the door that Scott had left ajar as he stumbled into bed. He watched for a moment as Scott slept, making sure he was definitely asleep, before turning to the cluttered desk in the front room and rifling through it.

So I'm not dead! So I'm not sure how much of this made sense but I've had really bad writers block up till now which is why I haven't updated. So, what do you think of the twisted ending? Will Scott be okay? Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed and is still reading this story it means a lot to me and your reviews really motivate me to push on with this story. Enjoy xoxo