Knots

by Little Leaf of the Redwoods

A Deadliest Catch story about the Hansens as teenagers. Rated M for non-sexual spanking scenes of family discipline (older brother/younger brother & father/son), colorful language and references to spankings (please DON'T READ if that offends you), family fluff, gushy emotions, loss and lots of brotherly love. *LOOK FOR THE SEQUEL 'KNOTTED TOGETHER' IN PROGRESS*

38. Know When To Hold 'Em

As I pull the trigger on a storyline I've been setting up for twenty plus chapters, I will use the same words Edgar thought when he and Sig were waiting in the dentist office and discussing the essay. **Half the reason I can't write this is because I'm worried you'll be disappointed in me**

Warnings: See all previous disclaimers.

---

Edgar spent the day trying not to think about Elliot, his cronies and racing at the Shack that night. He did every chore he could think of, purposefully making himself do tasks he hated as a silent way to atone for the sins he had yet to commit. But the house was so lonely and quiet and the bad thoughts plagued him wherever he went, like a private dark cloud hanging over his head. There was no one to talk to, like a wise-cracking brother, who could make him laugh and help him take his mind off his worries. He tried watching TV and playing his guitar but the distractions only worked for a short while and the intrusive thoughts he was trying to escape from always forced their way back in.

Only when there was nothing left to try, Edgar made his way back to his room. He pulled his red covered notebook out of his desk, picked up a pen and sat down on his bed. At least I can make the effort and try to write this essay. I told Sig I was staying home to work on this so I'll just give it my best shot and it will be one less lie I told. Folding his knees, he leaned back against the headboard and placed the notebook on his lap. He stared at the blank page for a while, biting the pen cap till it was flat with teeth marks and collecting his thoughts.

Several failed attempts later, Edgar was left staring at a page filled with partially completed sentences and several scribbled words that had been crossed out. He turned to a new page, the lines crisp with straight blue ink and he remembered what Sig had said ~ **write about what it means to have brothers.**

But all I can think about it is losing them. Before he could stop himself, Edgar put the pen to paper and wrote an essay he never intended for anyone to see. Maybe if I just get it out of me, I can manage tonight with a clear head and the bad thoughts will go away. I'm gonna rip it up anyway.

This ain't the essay you want but I need to talk to you so bad right now and I can't so this is all I got. You said to write my thougths about what it means to have brothers. Well, it means everything to me. You and Norm mean the world to me and I'd do anything to protect yous too. When I was little, you actualy use to scare me. That's the truth. You were so much bigger than me (still are) and sometimes you were real mean. I never knew where I stood with you, if you loved me or just wanted me to go away. I guess I annoyed you a lot but I only wanted u to pay attention to me.

Now that I'm older, I ain't afrid of you no more because I know you love me and wood never let nothing bad happen to me. But something bad has happened and I'm afrid of something else. Befour last week, the something bad was mom dying and I'm still real scared of losing someone else in our family cause I don't think I could take it. I think my heart still hurts too much from losing mom and it would brake if I lost you or Norm or dad. But THE something bad now is just what I'm afrid of the most.

I can't tell you this but last friday, some of the guys from the shack came to are house. That was the day I was grounded for smoking. No body was home and they cornered me when I tried to run away. I tried real hard to fight back. really I did. but I'm just not strong like you and Norm. They were mean and they scared me something aweful. Eliot told me I had to race again because he needs the money for some big poker thing at the shack. When I told him to go to hell, he threatened to hurt you and Norm. He didn't say it right out like that but he said something about your car and the hardware store and that was enuff for me to get it. He said if I told anyone or called the cops, bad things would happen and I believe him. You don't know what those guys are like. I do and they'll kill you and I can't let that happen.

So that's really where I was last friday night. I lied about going to Beth's house and I lied about getting the cigaretes for Nick. I got them for me. And I smoked and went to the shack and raced and lied to your face about it. And I'm gonna do it again 2night and every weekend for the rest of the summer because I'll die before I let anything bad happen to my brothers.

I'm really sorry I lied to you about soooo many things. I know if you ever found out, you wood hate me cause I broke my promise to you to never go back their. I've been sick about it ever since, so sick my stomach hurts all the time, like it's full of knots that won't ever go away. That's what's bothering me the most. Not that I'm afrid of something bad happening to me but that yu'll never forgive me. I know I'm doing the right thing but I hate all of this so much. It's worth it, thou, if it means I'm keeping you and Norm safe. You both our worth all of it. That's how much you mean to me. I just wish I could tell you this for real.

Edgar stopped writing and found himself feeling a little bit better, like there was someone else in the world who knew his troubles and he wasn't alone. It was like a confession in a private diary and now the lined paper shared all his secrets with him. Before ripping out the notebook paper, he decided to re-read his false essay, finding resolve in the words and faith that he was making the correct decisions for his family.

With a sigh, he reached for the top of the page to detach it from the metal spirals and almost jumped off the bed when the doorbell rang. Scrambling to get to the front door, he closed the notebook and tossed it on the floor. In his haste, he pushed the book under his bed and failed to notice that the motion caused a certain hospital bracelet, which had been dropped behind the bed, to peek out and reveal itself beyond base of the headboard.

Running down the stairs, Edgar peeked out the curtains of the front door and prayed it was not Elliot and his gang making another unexpected call. Instead, he found a short man in brown shorts, with UPS written on his shirt, standing on the steps and holding a small box.

Edgar unlocked and opened the door. "Can I help you?" he asked.

"Yes," the man checked the label on the package, "I have a delivery for Sverre Hansen."

"That's my dad. He ain't here but I'll take it for him," Edgar said as he pushed the screen door open.

The UPS man handed over the box and Edgar signed the receipt for the package. The man wished him a good day and left, driving off in his brown box truck.

Locking the door behind him, Edgar stood in the living room and stared at the small box. It was addressed to his father from a company named "Jostens" in California. Must be some kind of new fishing company trying to get him to try some new invention on the boat, like a new hook or something, cause I never heard of this place before. With a curious shrug, Edgar took the box up to his parent's room.

Their father's mail was always left on the desk in their parent's bedroom, all except items, like bills, that could not wait. Since there was little collected so far in the past few weeks, Edgar placed the box on top of small pile of cards and junk mail and went to leave the room. He had hardly entered his parent's room since mom died because the place reminded him too much of her.

As he was leaving, something in the bedroom closet caught his eye. The closet door had been left open and his mother's things, collected in boxes on the floor, had been sorted and rearranged as if they were waiting to be packed up and given away. Even though they were difficult to look at, Edgar had an overwhelming desire to see these things one last time before they were gone forever. A few minutes later, he found himself sitting on the floor, looking at his mother's jewelry, makeup and other personal belongings.

Hours later, Edgar had cried his way through inspecting each piece of jewelry and remembering exactly when she had worn it and with what clothes. He accidently sprayed her perfume into the air and got some on the sleeve of his t-shirt but he didn't care. He left the shirt on, feeling like she was close to him because he could smell her. He looked with new interest in her choice of lipstick color and other makeup selections, forever wondering why she selected pinks and blues and knowing he'd never get the chance to ask her.

It was a painful process but somehow it brought him comfort because he had finally found something to help him forget about all his troubles and worries of the night ahead. Only when the grandfather clock chimed four times did he sadly remember why he was worried in the first place.

---

Sig had spent the morning moving boxes from the docks into the warehouses. Sometimes he moved them by hand, other times by forklift. After several longs hours, he broke for lunch.

Selecting a Coke and sandwich from the vending machine, he sat down in the small break room and took a few minutes to himself. Other than the ride to work, it was the first quiet moments of his day and he couldn't help but think about both his brothers. I hope Norman is doing OK and not pushing himself on his first day back to work. Stubborn ass that he is, he's probably lifting shit he knows he not suppose to. I'm not gonna worry about it. Serves him right if he hurts himself. I don't mean that. I don't want to see him hurt.

I don't want to see Edgar hurting either. What the hell was up with this morning? He looked like he wanted to tell me something…more than just 'I love you.'

Lost in his thoughts, Sig didn't initially notice his friend Mike coming into the break room and sitting down.

"You look like you got a lot on your mind," Mike said as he tore into his sandwich.

Sig looked up and gave Mike a forced smile, "Yeah, a lot that's getting me nowhere worrying about it. How was your vacation? We missed you earlier this week."

"I bet you did," Mike laughed, "It was good. The kids had fun. Who the fuck knew Disney Land was so damn expensive? God, they nail you for everything."

"Wouldn't know," Sig shrugged, "Never been there."

The guys ate in silence for a few moments. Finally, Mike causally mentioned, "Heard your little brother was ripping it up at the Shack Friday night. A friend of a friend told me he won all the races."

A long minute passed as Sig stared at Mike like he just spoke a foreign language. Squeezing his eyebrows together, Sig swallowed his sandwich bite before he choked. "You mean two Friday nights ago. Edgar hasn't been down there in over two weeks."

Mike cocked his head to the side and look up like he was in deep thought. "Umm, maybe, I guess. My buddy's a heavy drinker. He drinks almost every night at the bar down there so who the hell knows. He couldn't tell time if he had a watch tied to his eyelids."

"It was two Friday nights ago," Sig said with conviction, "Edgar's done with all that shit now." I know in my heart he is. He promised me. We've been through so much together in the last few weeks, making up for lost time, and I know he'd never go back on that promise. This guy just has his dates mixed up.

"Good cause that ain't no place for a kid. There are lots of rumors floating around about the owners coming in from Vegas and having a big poker tournament this Thursday, illegally, of course. Some of the guys coming in are 'wise guys,' if you know what I mean?" Mike finished his gossip with a chug of his 7-UP.

Sig didn't want to hear any more about the Shack. The name alone brought back too many bad memories. So he politely excused himself, muttering something about getting back to work and the boss being up his ass about having two days off. The guys commiserated about working this weekend and Sig left the work room, dropping off his trash in the waste basket.

As he hopped back on his forklift, Sig sat and twisted the class ring on his finger. I'm not gonna worry about shit today. My brothers are fine, both of them. Edgar probably sitting at home writing that damn essay and wishing he'd gone with Norman. Maybe not because then he'd be yelling at the tough guy all day to take it easy. No, I'm gonna get through this long-ass day and go have fun for a change. I'm gonna dance my ass off and maybe find a pretty girl to dance her ass off with me. I'm gonna have fun till they kick me out at ll o'clock because that's when it's only 21 and over. Then I'll see my brothers and find out they're both just fine and I was worried for nothing. Putting his thoughts back to the work at hand, Sig began concentrating on his job and tried to forget about everything else.

---

Around five o'clock, Edgar pulled his bike into Matt's driveway. He had left the house knowing full well he disobeyed his big brother already by leaving on his bike but he had no other choice. Praying for a stray rainstorm was pointless as there was not a cloud in the sky and the day was warm and sunny.

Matt was shooting hoops in his driveway when Edgar parked his bike by the curb. Taking off his helmet and riding jacket, Edgar hung them on the handlebars and walked over to Matt with a deep sigh. Now I have to lie to my friend and try and convince him to cover for me. God, let me pull this off.

"Hey," Edgar called as he approached.

"Wanna play?" Matt said as he passed the ball to Edgar.

"Sure," Edgar responded, feeling like he had a little time.

As the boys played one on one, Matt asked, "What'cha want to do tonight? My mom's working late again so I'm stuck at home."

Edgar bounced the ball, making a nice slide move to the left and scored a basket, "Nick not home yet?" The backboard of the net made a resounding bong.

"No," Matt stole the ball back as it fell to the earth, "He's still at work. He said he's going out right afterwards so who knows when he'll be back. Sometimes he stays at the club till 2 in the morning."

"Oh, must be a fun place," Edgar covered his friend from behind, "Sig's meeting him there."

"Then they'll be back early," Matt bounced the ball away from Edgar, "The club is only 21 and under till 11 o'clock. When Nick takes his girl there, they always gotta leave early because she's only 20."

I can make it back here before 11 o'clock, Edgar told himself. I might get away with some of this after all. Now I just have to convince my friend to lie for me…which I feel guilt about already. This all hinges on Matt being my buddy.

When they got tired of playing, the boys sat down on the front step to cool off. The neighborhood traffic was starting to pick up as a few cars sped down the street with people returned back home from work.

"So what'cha want to do?" Matt asked again, "I got an Atari. Nick bought it for me to keep me out of trouble this summer. Hasn't worked, though," he admitted bashfully.

"Umm, no," Edgar's hand drifted to his cheek, "That sounds good and all but I gotta go a while."

"Why?" Matt asked, sounding a little angry, "Nick said you were coming to hang out with me tonight. Where you goin'?"

"Ah…I just got to go somewhere," Edgar looked down at his shoes, "I..um…gotta do something."

"What?'

"I just gotta go and I..I can't tell you…where," Edgar tried to remember the lie he had rehearsed in his head before coming over, "I'm gonna see a girl and I need you to cover for me when Sig gets here."

Matt stared hard at the top of Edgar's head for a few moments, then he actually started laughing. "You're funny, Edgar. You ain't going to see a girl. Where you really going?"

Edgar's head shot up, feeling insulted and becoming defensive, "I am too going to see a girl," he said loudly, "What the hell do you know about it?"

"What's her name?" Matt pressed his friend, his eyebrows raised in obvious disbelief.

Edgar fumbled, "Beth."

"Ya, right…Beth's on vacation with her family. Don't you remember I play football with her brother? Alex couldn't go to pre-training camp this summer because their family went away for the month. They just left yesterday," Matt laughed, "Nice try, Ed."

SHIT! Damn it. Edgar scrambled for another alternative. "It's a girl you don't know."

Matt snorted through his nose, "I know every girl in the neighborhood and at school. You're full of shit. Why won't you tell me where you're REALLY going?" he asked, starting to get very suspicious of his friend's odd behavior. Edgar always told him everything, even when they didn't see much of each other outside of school. It was very unusual for them to keep secrets from one another.

"I'm going to hang out with a girl. That's it." That's all I got left. Please just shut up and stop asking questions. Edgar's gut was turning in his belly, the guilt starting to cause him physical discomfort, and he didn't know how much more of this unexpected interrogation he could stand.

Matt squinted his eyes, glaring at his friend of almost ten years. "That's bullshit. I know when you're lying. And I know Sig would be perfectly OK with you going to see a girl and you won't have to hide it. Sig's a cool guy like that. What the fuck is going on with you, Ed?"

"Listen," Edgar felt his pulse racing, the conversation not going nearly as he had planned, "I just got to go and I need you to cover for me. I'll be back in a few hours and we can hang out then. I just need you to tell Sig I was here the whole time."

Matt leaned back and folded his arms over his chest, the basketball resting between his feet. "No fucking way I'm covering for you if you won't at least tell me the truth about where you're going. I ain't taking the risk of getting myself in more of a mess with Nick without at least knowing why."

Although he didn't want too, Edgar tried his go-to tactic of emotional blackmail. Always worked when I wanted my brothers to do something for me. "Why not? I tried to cover for you when you stole that pill."

"Yeah…and how did that turn out?" Matt added a slap to Edgar's back to punctuate his implied message.

Damn, I don't want to think about that. Edgar brushed off the warning and felt like giving up. "Whatever, Matt. Will you just do it for me? I thought we were friends." Please…I need you to just by my friend right now. Cover for me like we always did when we were little. Like my brothers always did when I was in trouble.

"So did I but friends tell each other everything," Matt stressed the word 'everything' and paused for effect, "but you won't tell me where you're going."

"I'm…" Edgar stood up, rubbing furiously at his face and practically pleading with his friend, "I just have to leave. I'll be back." He started pacing back and forth, unaware just how much he looked like his oldest brother with the nervous movement. Occasionally, he glanced at Matt out of the corner of his eye and silently begged his friend to let him go without a fight.

Matt could clearly see how desperate his friend was getting. Something's wrong. He never acts like this. "Edgar," he said softly, "Are you in some kind of trouble?"

The youngest Hansen drew in a sharp, deep breath at the kindness in Matt's voice. They had been buddies for a long time and it was very hard for Edgar to withhold information and lie to his best friend. He turned his back to Matt, feeling retched and wishing he could just run away from everything. So like me to run like a coward.

Matt stood up, the basketball rolling slowly down the driveway, and he approached his nervous friend. Physical affection between thirteen year old boys was rare, typically restricted to jumping on each other's backs and trying to trip one another, but Matt put a hand on Edgar's shoulder. He could feel that his friend was trembling. Jesus, he's really scared. Squeezing Edgar's shoulder, Matt turned him around so they were facing each other. "Are you going to the Shack again?" That's the evil place you went to when we stopped hanging out for a while. You told me at the movies last week you were done with those guys, your 'so-called friends,' cause they turned out not to be friends at all. I remember this conversation because you told me I was your true friend. I didn't say it at the time but you telling me that made me feel really good. Why go back now? It's so bad down there. All the bad kids at school, like Jake Harris, talk about that place.

Edgar didn't possess the refinement of a seasoned liar's techniques for deception and he was unable to hide the answer that was clearly written all over his face. His eyes widened in shock that Matt guessed the right location of his night's upcoming adventure. As quickly as he could, Edgar pulled away and looked down the street to avoid his friend's gaze.

"Oh my God, you are!" Matt was skilled enough to know when someone was dodging an answer. He had done enough of dodging answers himself over the years. "Jesus Christ, Edgar, why? I thought you were done with that."

Edgar turned to his friend, pleading, "I just gotta go there. I…forgot somethin' there and Sig would kill me if he knew I left it." God, that even sounds like bullshit to me. "I'll be right back. Please…" he begged, putting his hands out in front of him, "…just cover for me for a little while. I swear to God, Matt, I would never ask you to do this if I wasn't important." And it's important…like life and death.

"What did you possibly leave there that could be worth going to get?"

My courage. "Something that belonged to my mother," the knot in Edgar's stomach twisted so violently, he winced. This is the lie I'll never forgive myself for telling. Never.

Matt back off and the lie worked perfectly. Edgar's best friend understood completely that anything belonging to his mother would be sacred and worth the risk. "OK," Matt said slowly, "You got till 9 o'clock and then I'm sending a rescue party after you."

Edgar's shoulders slumped with relief. Finally. As he started to speak, Matt put his hand up to stop him.

"I got your back with Sig, although I don't like it, and I'm never doing this again," Matt glared hard at his friend, "I owe your brother big time and this is a lousy way of repaying him."

"Huh?" Edgar muttered.

"Don't worry about it," Matt turned away to hide his embarrassment. Evidently, Sig never shared Nick's 'offer' with Edgar and that made Matt feel even worse about telling a lie to the guy. Fuck, this better be worth it, Edgar, because me and Nick have been really good since he gave me the belt for stealing that pill. Even though he was mad, we talked for hours about all kinds of things and then we both cried after the licking was over. He told me he loved me and how much all that scared him. He never says shit like that and I never felt so close to him before. Since then, we have been spending more time together and I don't want to screw that up.

Edgar promised to be back as quickly as he could and thanked his friend. A simple 'thanks' didn't feel adequate enough and he desperately wished he could tell Matt the truth. But Matt knew too much already and Edgar regretted bring his friend into this terrible mess unintentionally. It's for the best…except the lie about mom. How could I do that? I used my mom's death to manipulate my friend into believing me. God, I hope this ends soon because I don't know if I can live with the person I'm becoming.

Matt watched his friend ride off and went back to shooting hoops by himself. He wasn't big on going to church or saying his prayers but he stopped and sent up a silent message to the clear blue sky. Let him be OK.

---

Edgar arrived at the Shack before the races started for the night. Parking his bike in front of the bar, he tried to hide in the crowd hanging out in the warehouse. The music was already blasting from the speakers and people were getting high and dancing like idiots.

Unfortunately, Adam spotted him, approached him slowly from behind, and tapped him on the shoulder. The large man hooked his finger at Edgar, beckoning him to follow.

Dutifully, Edgar followed the man into the adjoining door to the bar and through a back door that led to a dimly lit, dingy office. The office was bare except for a desk, ratty sofa and a large safe that sat in the corner of the room. Cigarette smoke hung in the room like fog around a cool lake, making it difficult to see clearly. Off the left of the office was a closed door that led to a section of the buildings Edgar had yet to see. He knew there were rooms above the bar from the tidbits he overheard from some of the local 'ladies' that made a 'living' hanging out in the illegal establishment.

The office was currently occupied by several inhabitants. Elliot was sitting behind the desk, counting large piles of cash laid out in front of him, and smoking a cigarette. His long greasy hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail and he was wearing a brown leather jacket that look too expensive for him to afford. Edgar assumed it was stolen. Adam's brother, Joe, was lying on the sofa, already half intoxicated and had an evil look in his ice blue eye as Edgar approached the desk. Adam, the taller of the two, lit a cigarette and glared at his younger brother, causing Joe to immediately stand up and pulled himself together.

Several of Elliot's friends were leaning against the wall, all of them Edgar recognized from previous encounters except for one man whom he had never seen before. The man seemed totally out of place, dressed in a dark suit and standing perfectly erect behind the desk. For Edgar, the well-dressed man looked like someone from a movie he had watched on TV once about three brothers and a sister whose father was the boss of some kind of wealthy 'family.' The oldest brother had been shot up at a toll booth as he was trying to protect his sister from her abusive husband. Mom had come home and quickly turned the TV off, saying the movie wasn't for little kids and Edgar never got to see how the movie ended. The youngest Hansen could not understand why someone like 'those guys' would be at a crappy off-the-beaten-track kind of place as the Shack.

"Little Man," Elliot sneered from behind the desk, a wad of twenties on his hand, "So glad you could join us. Too bad it rained Saturday and we had to miss the pleasure of your company."

"We found pleasure elsewhere," Joe snickered but a kick from his older brother caused him to bow his head shamefully. The presence of the well-dressed stranger seemed to bring an unusual formality to their otherwise low-life behavior.

Edgar only shrugged, unable to look at Elliot for more than a few seconds at a time. He focused his attention to the green banker's lamp on the desk and wanted to get out of the room as fast as possible. The stacks of money and the stranger made him more nervous than ever.

Elliot saw how nervous the kid seemed in the presence of all the money and laughed wickedly, "Got a big poker game this Thursday. Mr. Moltisanti here…" Elliot gestured to the man behind him, "…is making sure there's enough cash in this place for a game night worthy of our impending guests. He even brought some cash along to be…cleaned…while the guests arrive."

Edgar wasn't sure why money had to be cleaned at all but he'd left enough dollar bills in his jeans pockets to know they came out of the dryer crisp and wrinkle free. He did notice that Mr. Moltisanti never flinched or even seemed to blink, only just stood there as a silent observer.

"I need you to be on your game tonight, little man," Elliot placed the rest of the money on the desk, "I need some cash for myself to get into the action. It's high stakes shit going on here and the owner doesn't just let anybody in. I'm sure your bike is in good shape. God knows you got the best bike out there. Damn thing is a glory of a machine. You ever want to get rid of it, you let me know and I'll take it off your hands. So race good tonight and tomorrow and maybe we'll let you off the hook next weekend."

"I'll try," Edgar whispered. Can you let me off the hook for the rest of my life?

"You'll do more than try," Elliot leaned over the money and whispered back, a hidden threat hung in his voice.

Suddenly, two naked women in their earlier twenties came bursting into the room from the closed door. They were laughing and screaming as an equally naked man chased them around the room, causing a huge distraction from the current conversation. Edgar was horrified and turned away, unable to look at the disgusting sight in front of him. The well-dressed man remained emotionless but Elliot and his crew thought the situation was hysterical. The guys chased the laughing girls around the room till one of the them knocked into the desk, causing some of the money to spill on the floor. Elliot cursed violently, slapping the girl who caused the money to be disturbed.

Edgar felt this was as good a time as any to make his escape so he bolted out the door and back through the bar as Adam and Joe ushered the unwelcomed party back into the upstairs rooms. The bar was still empty and Edgar made his way around the small tables and chairs and back out into the fading sunlight. Breathing fresh air, he sighed and focused on trying to get through the night and back to the people he loved.

---

Norman unlocked the back door and allowed Amanda entry into the quiet house. The trip to the doctor's office was surprising quick. Norman's family doctor removed his stitches and informed him that everything seemed to be healing nicely. The middle brother was both revealed to hear he could drive again and dismayed that he was still restricted from lifting, exercising or working out for another week.

After a bite to eat, Amanda brought Norman home in her Honda with Norman grumbling the whole time about foreign cars and the need to buy American.

"You want to buy me a car…" she asked when she had had enough, "….you decided what to get. Until then, I buy what I like with MY money."

"You know," Norman said in a lofty voice, "When we're married, I'm getting you a Ford Sierra and show you what a real car company can do."

"IF, not when, we're married, I'm just gonna drive the truck and stick you with the Honda," she told him as she turned off the engine.

"I'll be a good husband. No need to take the truck away," he whined playfully.

"Then behave yourself and you get to keep the truck," she smiled as she exited the Civic.

Norman sat in the car a minute, watching the way his girlfriend filled out the seat of her blue Jordache Jeans. He especially liked the way the little horse's head on the back pocket move from side to side as she walked up the porch steps. The motion made him feel a stir in places he hadn't experienced since before his surgery. Since that damn bathroom incident.

By the time the two of them got in the house, Norman was at the starting gate and waiting for the bell. He slammed the back door behind them and took his girlfriend into his arms, kissing her passionately and running his hands all over the little horse's head.

Without stopping the kiss, Norman and Amanda made their way to the sofa. As she lay down, Amanda pulled her lips away. "You can't," she said breathlessly, "You could…"

"No, baby," he soothed her as he removed his t-shirt, "I can…and more."

She slipped her shirt off and Norman assisted with the rest of both their clothing. He lay down next to her and buried his face in her space between her breasts, his right hands grazing over her nipple as he kissed her from her throat to her naval. She moaned and ran her hand over his head, down his bare back to the crest of his taut buttocks.

He teased her, caressed her and stroked the soft place between her thighs, taking his sweet time and enjoying every minute of preparing her for loving. When he felt she was ready, he whispered how much he loved her.

Rolling on top of him, Amanda took Norman by surprise. "I love you, too." She snaked her way down to the sofa and took him in her mouth. Norman almost lost his breath as her lips and tongue showed him exactly how much she loved him. He closed his eyes and tried to remain stoic but her wet mouth caused such fierce desire in him, he began to whimper.

"Go ahead, baby," she hummed quietly, "This is all that's happening tonight so enjoy it."

"No…" Norman whined, "I want to be inside you."

"When you're all better," Amanda whispered back, "You're following the doctor's orders. No complaining."

Letting out a low growl of frustration coupled with pleasure, Norman gave in and wondered if Sig, Edgar and Amanda conspired against him on a regular basis. He wanted to argue but the tongue darting across his delicate flesh took all the fight out of him. He put his hand behind his head and grasped the threads of the throw pillow as he allowed himself to enjoy the delicious torture.

---

At that moment, Sig was feeling a different kind of torture. His back ached from lifting and moving boxes all day and he just wanted to be done but each time he tried to clock out, the dock boss pointed towards another delivery. The work was tedious but it brought in a much needed paycheck. It was well past seven o'clock when he finally left work for the day.

Stopping at McDonalds, Sig got a Chicken Sandwich, fries and a large ice tea. He changed for the club in the men's room, shoving his work clothes in the small bag and donning a blue collared polo, a clean pair of jeans and his brown shoes. He combed his hair in the mirror and wished he had time and the equipment to shave his face as it was already dotted with blond stubble. Tossing on some Polo cologne and reapplying his deodorant, he hoped he was presentable enough for the club. I'm just going to have fun, I ain't looking for a hot date. Why am I even bothering?

The drive to the club was about thirty minutes. The Rambling Rose was a nice place in the middle of the suburbs of Seattle and many young people came here to drink, dance, hook up and, in general, just have a good time. The cover charge was free till eleven and Sig was resigned to wearing the orange bracelet handed to him by the bouncer as he entered. Orange bracelets meant the wearer was under 21. Only those 21 and over got the coveted purple bracelets that allowed them access to the bar and all the pretty liquid behind it.

Seeing Nick waiting at a small table, Sig waved and walked over. The club was already crowded from people ready to forget another week of work. INXS was blaring from the speakers and the colored lights illuminated the polished wood of the dance floor.

"Drink?" Nick screamed over the music.

Sig held up his orange bracelet and looked ashamed, "Got milk?"

Nick roared with laughter and, with his purple bracelet, ordered himself a shot of Jack and a soda for his friend. The guys tried to talk about their day but it was a fight against Billy Idol and his Rebel Yell.

Not long after, three young ladies made their way over and introduced themselves. They were nice girls who were clearly looking for nothing but a good time. Nick was cordial but aloof, sending an unmistakable message that he was taken.

One tall blond with hazel eyes and long legs took a liking to the handsome blond Norwegian and Sig found himself a dance partner for the night. Forgetting all his concerns, Sig danced with his new-found partner for hours and had fun for the first time in months.

---

As the sun set, Edgar won the first race with ease. When he was preparing for his second race, Joe came up behind him and grabbed him by his green leather riding jacket.

"Elliot wants you," was the gruff response when Edgar looked surprised at the sudden rough treatment.

Edgar left his bike by the track, his helmet on the handlebars, and was practically pushed in the direction of the bar and adjoining warehouse. Led back into the office, Joe closed the door behind them and pushed Edgar forward.

Adam seemed to come out of nowhere, grabbing Edgar by the arms and holding him back against his chest.

"Search him," Elliot ordered from the corner of the room.

Adam ripped off the riding jacket from Edgar's body and tossed it to his brother, Joe. He began searching Edgar's jeans pockets with little care as he squeezed the teenager's arm with his left hand. Joe searched the pockets of the jacket and came up with a pack of gum and some lint.

Edgar struggled at the invasion of his person, "Hey, what gives?"

No one answered him. Elliot was dangerously silent, a menacing look on his face as he eyed the young boy from across the room.

Adam only twisted Edgar's arm to keep him still as the thug checked his pockets and the waistband of his jeans. Joe tossed the jacket on the floor and, as Adam picked Edgar up from behind, he took off Edgar's shoes and socks, fruitlessly looking for something.

Feeling an overwhelming sense of panic, Edgar froze like a deer in headlights, his heart beating wildly in his chest. He scanned the office, looking for a means of escape. The well-dressed man, Mr. M-something Edgar remembered, and the money on the desk were nowhere to be seen. He must have left with the money. Two more of Elliot's guys blocked the exit and he was trapped. There were no windows and the door that lead upstairs was shut. No way out.

"He's got nothing," Joe announced flatly. Adam continued holding Edgar from behind, effectively immobilizing him.

Elliot approached Edgar with a slow gait, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Standing in front of the helpless kid, he took a drag and blew smoke in Edgar's face. "Where is it?" he asked with a deadly calm.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Edgar said quickly, desperation building in his voice.

"My money," Elliot ran his fingernail over the young face, leaving a slight red line trailing from Edgar's eye to his ear, "Four hundred dollars is missing from my stash. We've looked everywhere. Ain't nobody got it. You were the only other person in here earlier and you hightailed out when we were distracted. Perfect time to swipe some of my cash off the desk."

"I didn't take your money," Edgar cried, his eyes full of fear.

Elliot stared him down, "Come on, now, little man. Don't compound the problem by lying."

Despite his intense fear, Edgar didn't miss the irony of that statement. But this is the one thing I ain't lying about. He shook his head, his soft brown hair wiping around, "I didn't…"

"Just tell me where you hid it and we'll go easy on ya. Did ya hide it in the woods or somewhere in the warehouse?" Elliot was starting to lose some of his cool, anger seething from his pores. It ain't that much money but no one fucking steals from ME. I need all the money I can get and this kid better start talking before he ends up on the back of a milk carton.

Edgar wanted to cry but he refused to look weak in front of this scum. Finding his voice, he said evenly, "Maybe you miscounted. I didn't take anything, I swear. I don't steal." He looked Elliot straight in the face, his eyes never wavering.

"THEN WHERE THE FUCK IS IT?" Elliot asked as he slapped the kid across the face, causing Edgar's other cheek to smash into Adam's shoulder. I know how much was there and I know money is missing.

"I don't know," Edgar pleaded as his brain tried to make sense of what was happening.

Elliot blew out a deep sigh of frustration and, looking up at Adam, he nodded his head and moved out of the way. Before Edgar had a chance to recover from the slap, he was dragged over to the desk and forced to bend over the old mahogany. Joe came around the front of the desk and grabbed Edgar's hands, pulling his arms straight out in front of him. Adam kicked the back of the boy's legs and held him down by his shoulders. Another pair of hands held his bare feet down to the ground.

Edgar was madly struggling in vain. The thugs were much more powerful than him. The side of his face was pressed to the wood and he looked over at Elliot who was standing by the desk. "I DID'T DO NOTHING WRONG," he screamed, his voice breaking, "Please…."

"You're a thief," Elliot ignored the pleas, "No one steals from me…NO ONE." He reached down and began unbuckling his belt, "Let me show you what my Old Man used to do when we got caught stealing from him. Course the guy didn't have much to steal except his liquor and cigarettes. He was a waste of a human being but he sure knew how to make an impression." Elliot freed his belt from its loops, doubling over the black leather in his hand. "Hold out his hands," he commanded.

"Noooo," Edgar cried, realizing what was about to happen and helpless to stop it. Joe dragged Edgar's hands flat across the desk, holding them down by his fingers trapped firmly in his fists.

"I'm a reasonable guy," Elliot explained causally, leaning over so his nose was almost touching Edgar's free ear, "I'll give you one last chance to tell me where the money is. All I want is my money back. Just tell me, kid."

"Don't call me that," Edgar hissed through his teeth.

"You're a fucking idiot," Elliot said as he straightened back to a standing position.

Edgar tried to free himself from his captors and was rewarded with a kick to the back of his left knee. He whimpered and whispered desperately, "I didn't take anything. Why won't you believe me?" Oh God, I want my brothers.

Elliot's response was to bring the belt down hard across the palms of Edgar's hands. Sharp, stinging pain caused Edgar to screw is eyes shut but he bit his lip, refusing to cry out and give Elliot the satisfaction. When the belt fell again over the same tender flesh, Edgar winced but remained silent.

Holding the belt for the next blow, Elliot shook his head in disbelief. This kid's got to be the most stubborn, stupid person I've ever met. "Just tell me where the money is?" he asked, "It's the last time I'm asking so think it over. Be smart and just fess up."

The pain radiating from his hands was excruciating and Edgar would have said anything to make this all stop but he knew whatever lie he told would make things worse. If I say I took it and hid it in the woods, they'll keep me here while they look and find out I lied to them. Then they'll never let me go.

When the boy remained silent, Joe lifted his head and glanced over at Elliot, "Maybe the kid didn't take it." Well, I know he didn't cause I did. I didn't think you'd notice such a small amount so fast. I should have known better. But I ain't saying nothing now cause you'll beat me to an inch of my life. Then my brother will finish the job. Poor kid but…better him than me.

"He's the only one who had the chance," Adam glared at his brother, "The money went back in the safe after he left. We searched those girls and their John and came up empty. It wasn't one of us, so it had to be this little punk," Adam emphasized his point with a kick to Edgar's shin, causing the kid's eyes to roll back in his head from the brutal blow.

"It's gonna be a long night, little man. Wouldn't you rather talk than scream?" Elliot positioned the belt high above the air.

Edgar closed his eyes, anticipating the next blow.

"Scream it is," Elliot answered for him, the snapping of the belt resonating in the small room.

Edgar buried his face in his armpit, attempting to somehow escape from the world. As the belt fell repeatedly, Edgar was unaware that he was screaming and begging for mercy. All he tried to focus on was the faint smell coming off his t-shirt sleeve. The scent of the familiar perfume triggered feelings of comfort, love and happy memories, like his mother was still with him, holding him and telling him everything was going to be just fine.

Elliot lost count of how many times he struck the hands on the table. He only relented when he realized the kid had passed out for the third time from the pain.

---

Sig was having a blast when the lights of the club flickered and the bouncers began checking for orange-banded patrons. Although he would have stayed longer if he could, Sig had to admit he was tired and ready to go home anyway.

Finding Nick on the dance floor, he nodded his head to the door and smiled. "Time for the babies to go to bed," he yelled over the music, "Thanks for inviting me."

"Hey," Nick stumbled into Sig, "I'm a little drunk."

"Having a good time, are ya?" Sig steadied his friend.

"It's been a while," Nick slurred, "I'm buzzed."

"Are you staying here?" Sig screamed over the music, "Wait a while before you drive home."

"No, I want to go home," Nick screamed back, "I want to see my brother. I miss him."

"You are drunk," Sig laughed.

"Can you drive me home?" Nick asked, "My buddy can bring me back tomorrow to get my car."

"I don't think it's a good idea for Matt to see you like this," Sig suggested, "Stay a little longer. Dance it off."

"It's just a buzz. It will wear off by the time we get home," Nick openly whined, "I'm tired and I really do want to see Matty. I haven't seen him all day."

Sig tilted his head to the side, "You really do miss him, don't you?"

Nick nodded, the head movement feeling strange like someone had him on slow-motion mode. "I haven't been the best big brother to him, Sig. I'm trying to make things better."

Sig sympathized completely with the confession. "OK, we'll stop off at McDonalds for a cup of coffee. You gotta sober up a little before I take you home."

"OK," Nick felt like a little kid but agreed. Sig's right. I don't want Matty seeing me like this.

With a quick goodbye to the three ladies, the gentlemen left. Sig's dance partner slipped him her phone number on the back of a cocktail napkin, placing the paper in his back jeans pocket and pinching the flesh underneath the denim. He kissed her on the lips but did not commit to contacting her after tonight. He wasn't about to lead her on, letting her think he was interested in a long-term commitment. I'm still leaving for Alaska at the end of the summer and I don't want the added pain of leaving another person. My brothers will be hard enough to leave, especially Edgar. Escorting Nick from the club, Sig dug the truck keys out of his pocket and unlocked the passenger door.

Nick went to light a cigarette as he got in the truck but Sig stopped him. "No way, Nick. Norman would literally kill me if I let someone smoke in his precious truck. You have to smoke that outside. I'll wait in the truck."

"You want one," Nick opened his pack, revealing the end of several golden cigarette filters.

Do I ever! "No," Sig stayed firm, "I'm trying to quit. Got one week under my belt and I'm not going back now."

Sig waited in the truck for Nick to finish his smoke, trying not to look and wishing he'd never made that promise. It's the only promise I made this summer that I regret. When Nick was finished, he slid into the passenger seat and Sig rolled down the window to let in some fresh air. Great, Norman's gonna think I was the one drinking and smoking in his truck. Can't wait for that argument.

The guys stopped off for some coffee and Sig drove around a little, letting Nick sober up from his buzz. They finally had a chance to talk about work and their families. Nick talked about graduating from college and marrying his girlfriend. The discussion was painful for Sig but he put on a smile and tried not to think about Sara and his own static life.

---

When they finally arrived at Nick's house, Sig was eager to see his own little brother and take him home. He had enough fun for one night dampened a little by hurtful reminders of lost loves and a good smoke.

As they entered the house, Matt was in the living room alone and watching TV. He had started pacing the house around 9:30 pm, looking at the clock and mentally cursing Edgar for the mess he dragged him into. As the hour approached 11:00 pm, Matt became less angry and more concerned about his friend's welfare. Edgar would have been back by now. Something bad has happened, I know it. He'd never leave me hanging like this and he'd never risk getting caught.

At 11:30 pm, the front door opened, causing Matt to jump up from the sofa and wait by the door. He was sweating, his heart racing inside his chest. All bets were off and he was only focused on the safety of his best friend.

"Hey, little brother," Nick said gladly as he entered the house.

"Matt," Sig greeted him as he came in behind Nick.

Matt looked at the two big guys in front of him and burst out crying.

Nick was instantly concerned, "Matty," he pulled his brother close to him, "What's wrong? Is it mom?"

"Edgar didn't come back," Matt sniffled, looking up at Sig from the safety of his big brother's chest, "He said he'd be back by 9."

"Didn't come back from where?" Sig asked, his own voice sounding strange to him, "He was supposed to hang out here with you. Didn't Norman drop him off earlier? I don't understand." A premonition swept over Sig's entire body, from his blond head to his little toe and a chill went through him.

Matt shook his head slowly, tears falling down his face, "No…" he whispered, "…he came over on his bike."

Sig tried to ignore how much hearing that information hurt. I specifically told him no bike. "So he was here," the oldest Hansen said to himself.

"Yeah," Matt replied, "But he left."

"Did he tell you where he was going?" Nick pulled his younger brother away from him so he could look into his eyes.

"Yes," Matt nodded, "He didn't want to tell me but…"

"But what, Matthew?" Nick shook his little brother gently, "You better start spilling it RIGHT NOW!"

Nick's demand was met with a sad look, "Please, Nicky," Matt cried harder, "Don't be mad again. Please…I didn't want to lie to you. Please just don't stop…" I want things to be good between us like they have been this past week. I didn't want to screw it up like this but I know my friend's in some kind of trouble and I can't cover for him anymore.

Sig put a hand on Nick's back, moving him to the side. He knelt down in front of Matt and took him by the hand. "Nobody's mad at you. Don't worry. Just tell me the truth, Matt. What the hell is going on here?"

Matt looked to Sig and then up at his brother. Nick saw how frightened his little brother seemed and he managed a smile, keeping his temper in check for once, "It's OK, Matty. Just tell the truth like we talked about this week and everything will be OK," he said softly.

A deep sigh came from Matt's chest and Sig felt the young man relax. Looking back at Sig, Matt spoke plainly, "Edgar did come over on his bike. We played basketball for a while and then he said he had to leave. He told me he was going to a girl's house…"

Sig's shoulders dropped with a little relief. This I can handle.

"…But he was lying to me. I could tell. When I confronted him on it, he told me he was going to the Shack," Matt confessed.

This I cannot handle, Sig thought as his heart almost stopped. "No," he whispered, "That can't be." Early words between co-workers floated across his mind and a mistaken lapse in time seemed like a less plausible excuse. This just can't be happening again.

"It is," Matt said in an unwavering voice, "He begged me not to say anything…" he mentioned with a sideways glance to Nick, a silent apology on his lips, "…and I told him I wasn't covering for him. But he said he had to go because he left something important there." Matt decided to leave Edgar's mother out of the story, the only information he held back because he could see how much Sig was hurt by Edgar's actions. It doesn't matter why he went…you just gotta make sure he's OK now. I'm sure Edgar will explain everything…when he gets the chance…if he gets the chance.

For Sig, the 'left something important down there' just sounded like bullshit an inexperienced liar would come up with and he had no doubt that inexperienced liar was his little brother. None of this is making any sense.

"Ed seemed really nervous, like I've never seen him before, not even before a big exam at school. He was so desperate and scared, although he tried to hide it from me. When I told him I'd help him, he left on his bike and said he'd been back by 9 but he never came back. I'm sorry I was gonna lie to you, especially after everything…" Matt looked over at Nick, "But I can't lie now. Something's wrong. Edgar would have called me if he decided to go home."

"So the two of you could get your stories straight, right?" Nick asked sarcastically, unable to hide annoyance in his voice. I thought we were on good terms, Matt. How could you think about lying?

"Yes, sir," Matt bowed his head, knowing his brother picked up on the intended deception, "But he hasn't called or come back. I'm worried."

So am I. It's not like Edgar to put his friend in this kind of position unless he felt like his back was to the wall. "Edgar asked you to cover for him?" Sig let go of Matt's hands and started twisting his class ring absentmindedly.

"Yes, sir," Matt explained, "He knew you'd be really mad if you found out."

Smart kid, my youngest brother, because I am really, really mad…and suddenly sick to my stomach.

"But something's wrong, Sig," Matt said as he saw the anger cross Sig's face, "He never came back…"

Sig was filled with anger, fear and disbelief. Standing up, he turned to Nick. "Can I use your phone?" he asked.

"Sure," Nick pointed to the phone in the hallway between the living room and the kitchen.

Sig took several long strides to the phone, dialing home and taking a deep breath. Please, God, let him be there. On the third ring, someone on the other line picked up.

"Yallow," Norman answered.

"Is Edgar there?" Sig asked immediately.

"No," Norman sat up on the sofa, gently moving his arm from around Amanda's back. The Godfather was on TV, although carefully edited for content and language. "I thought he was with you. Sig, what the hell is wrong?" Why do you sound so funny?

Damn, I'm breaking a promise…but I have to lie because I don't want Norman getting upset over possibly nothing. And I need him to stay home...and out of trouble. Last time he went down there, he almost got run over trying to be a hero. No more close calls this time. My best friend has had enough this summer already. "Nothing, Norm. I just think our little brother has a girlfriend we don't know about. Just stay there and call Nick's house if he comes home. You got the number?"

"Wait a minute," Norman got up and went into the kitchen. He picked up the other receiver and grabbed the pen and notepad by the phone, "Give it to me."

Sig provided the number and tried to hang up but Norman was persistent. "Are you sure everything's OK? Edgar was acting a little weird this morning when I left for work?" he asked as put the pen down on the counter.

"How so?" Sig asked in spite of already knowing. Like needing to tell me he loved me.

"I don't know," Norman tried to explain, "He just seemed…weird…and nervous. Kinda like he's been acting lately so I guess it ain't as weird as I thought. He just seemed…off."

"I'm sure our little Romeo was already planning his night and having second thoughts about getting caught," Sig was shocked at how well he could lie when he needed too. So you wanted to stay home and work on your essay, did ya? And you were disappointed about not being able to ride your bike over here. How long have you been deceiving me, Edgar? And about what? Sig was torn between wanting to strangle his youngest brother and hug him till next Sunday.

"I guess so," Norman explained, "He just acted like he was never gonna see me again. Does that make sense?" I hope you know what I'm talking about cause this is hard to explain.

Perfect sense. That's exactly how he was with me this morning, too. Inside, his mind was piecing together a week of events that, on the surface, seemed unrelated. At that moment, the stars began to align and Sig knew in his heart Edgar went to the Shack tonight. Last Friday, he lied to me about seeing a girl. He was petrified about being at the Shack and me finding out. That's what he was so afraid. He smoked because he was nervous about racing, not about some girl. He got out of Saturday night's races because of the big rainstorm. Then, Norman got sick and I blamed Edgar's anxiety on almost losing our brother. But even after he got better, Edgar became increasing anxious as today approached. Crying himself to sleep, seeming distance and on edge must have been the guilt gnawing at him. He wanted to tell me something this morning but just couldn't. I just don't know why he would do this. I thought he knew he could trust me. Thoughts of Edgar's lack of trust in him during Matt's recent pill theft haunted Sig and he felt like punching the wall and crying like a girl all at once.

"Sig?" Norman asked on the other line after a long minute of silence.

"It's OK, Norman," Sig came back to the present situation, "I'll bring him home soon."

Norman laughed, "When you find him, I imagine he ain't gonna wanna to come home."

"Yeah," Sig feigned a short laugh, "Well, we'll deal with it when the time comes, I guess."

"You mean, YOU'LL deal with it, bro," Norman chuckled, "Hey, remember the time we snuck out and met those girls under the…"

"I gotta go," Sig said quickly, no time for a fond trip down memory lane, "Just call here if he comes home, OK?"

"You got it."

"See ya, Norman," Sig spoke softly.

"Yeah," the middle brother replied, feeling awful and wishing Sig didn't have to deal with this part of his assigned jobs for the summer. What the hell was Edgar thinking? Or better yet, what head was he thinking with? Oh, he's our brother, that's for damn sure. Same blood.

Sig hung up the phone and walked back into the living room, a weight so heavy on his shoulders he physically hurt from the burden. Nick was kneeling down and speaking to Matt very softly, Matt nodding his head and wiping the tears from his eyes.

"Last time, Matt," Sig spoke, "Are you absolutely sure Edgar went to the Shack?" Please tell me this is just a mistake, a misunderstanding between friends. Still holding onto a glimmer of hope, Sig smiled at Matthew and prayed for a miracle.

"I'm sure, sir," Matt gave Sig full eye contact, "I wouldn't tell you that if I wasn't sure myself. That's where he said he was going and I believe him."

And I'm guessing he's planning on running away, too. Why else would Edgar act like this morning was the last goodbye? Well, he's gonna learn there's no running away from your troubles…or your big brother. "I'm going down there," Sig announced, heading for the door.

"I'll go with you," Nick said as he got to his feet.

"No," Sig stopped, "I can't drag you into this."

"I know what that place is like and you're NOT going down there alone," Nick said in a tone that broke no indifference, "Matt, you stay PUT and if Edgar comes here, you keep him here come hell or high water. We'll be right back."

"Don't go, Nick," Matt cried, throwing his arms around Nick's waist, "It's a bad place. You could get hurt."

Nick smiled, stroking Matt's dark hair and reassuring him that he could take care of himself. The tender show of affection caused Sig to turn and look away. Why, Edgar…why? Please just be OK. I don't care about anything else. We'll work it all out, even if I have to ground your ass for the entire summer and keep you tethered to my side with one of those kid leashes. Just be OK. God, let me find him before he does something stupid and gets hurt or runs away.

Nick restated his instructions to Matt and promised to be home as fast as they could. Then the older brothers left the house and climbed back into the truck.

Sig started the engine, pausing, and turned to Nick, "You don't have to come with me. This is my mess, not yours."

"Just drive, Sig," Nick stared out into the darkness through the windshield. Big brothers stick together…or did you forget the code?

---

The trip seemed to take forever and Sig was reminded that he experienced the same exact feeling when he drove Norman to the hospital. I can't get there fast enough but I'm scared to death about what will happen once I get there. He was vastly relieved to have Nick with him but keep silent during the drive, lost in his own thoughts and feeling a lump in his throat he just couldn't swallow down.

The Shack was packed with people and cars lined the abandoned field. Sig parked the truck and had the strangest sensation of déjà vu. I've done this before. And it didn't turn out so well.

Sig and Nick got out of the truck and headed to the race track. They searched but could not find the lost little brother anywhere. On their way back up to the warehouse, Sig spotted Edgar's bike and helmet leaning up against the back wall of the bar.

His heart sank all the way to his feet, his last ounce of hope dashed against the jagged rocks. "He's here," Sig looked at Nick with regretful expression and pointed to the bike.

"Let's get the bike on the truck first. Then we'll look for him. At least this way, we know he ain't riding on that nightmare they call a track," Nick took the leadership role with ease, sensing that Sig was out of sorts and needed someone to follow for a change instead of being the one making all the decisions.

Sig was more than willing to let someone else take the reins for a while and helped Nick push the bike down the hill and to the truck. The young men made quick work of chaining the bike to the truck and Sig tossed Edgar's helmet into the front seat. Upon their return, they found Adam waiting for them in the same place they'd found Edgar's bike.

"Sigurd, haven't seen you since graduation. How ya been?" Adam said as he eyed Sig down.

"Fine," Sig eyed him back, "Have you seen my brother?"

"Which one?" Adam took a drag of his cigarette and dropped it to the ground before smashing it with his boot.

Sig was in no mood for games, "Edgar…my youngest brother. Has he been here?"

"Maybe…" Adam looked up the night sky and pretended to think about the question, "…Elliot might know. He wants to talk to you anyway. Why don't you ask him."

Adam turned around and indicated he was to be followed with a wave of his hand. Sig and Nick looked at each other out the corner of their eyes and cautiously trailed behind a few steps.

Leading the older brothers through the crowded bar, Adam ushered them into the small back office and shut the door.

"Nicolas," Elliot seemed pleasantly surprised, "Fuck, man, I haven't seen you in years." He leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the desk.

"Since you dropped out of high school when we were in the 11th grade," Nick was unfazed at the reminder that he and Elliot had briefly been friends. He had a past rep for getting into trouble as a teenager and Elliot was a big part of his 'old life.' Luckily, Nick turned his life around and was devoted to making sure his younger brother did NOT follow the same path he'd been on.

"Too bad you went for the college life…you missed out on a lot of fun," Elliot's pleased countenance was a cover for his hatred towards the man who use to be his friend.

As Nick and Elliot became reacquainted, Sig scanned the room for evidence that Edgar may have recently been there. A green leather riding jacket was lying on the floor by the sofa and pair of familiar sneakers sat next to it. That's my brother's jacket and shoes. What are they doing here? He must be here somewhere.

"And this must be Sig," Elliot turned his attention to the blond standing in front of him, "I've heard so much about you, taking care of brothers this summer since mom passed away. What a guy."

"Where's my brother?" Sig asked, getting straight to the point. You know nothing about my family.

"Hmmm…what's he look like? Maybe I've seen him around." Elliot grinned wickedly, his shallow complexion showing a long vein running down his left temple..

"That's his jacket on the floor," Sig pointed over the sofa, "So I know he's here. His bike's here."

"Yeah, about that…well, we gotta talk about that bike," Elliot sat up and put his elbows on the desk, leaning forward and eyeing the oldest Hansen with yellow-green cat-like eyes.

"Stop dickin' us around, El," Nick crossed his arms over his chest, "Where's Ed?"

"Oh, that kid," Elliot quipped, "Isn't that the one that had the bike accident?" Elliot looked over at Adam.

"Oh yeah, that's the one." Adam laughed.

"Is my brother OK?" Sig started to lose his composure and asked the question in haste, "Is he hurt?"

"He'll be just fine. He's 'recovering' upstairs and has three of my best guys looking after him. How he might be in the future, on the other hand, is another story," Elliot leaned back and placed his hands behind his head, "He stole from money from me and is hiding it somewhere."

"Was that before or after the bike accident?" Nick brazenly asked.

"Come to think of it, it was before the accident that the little shit dared to steal from me," Elliot twisted the ponytail behind his head and glared at Nick like a secret past between them.

"My brother would never steal from you…or anyone," Sig said with absolutely certainty.

"Well, there's money missing and he's the only one that had access to it. My guys know better than to steal from me. I need that money back and your brother is the only one that knows where it is," Elliot explained quietly, "Till I get it back, him and his bike are staying right here."

"I'm taking my brother and his bike home," Sig stepped forward towards the desk, Adam taking a few steps closer to Sig and blocking his path.

Nick put a warning hand on Sig's shoulder. He looked over at Elliot and asked, "How much money do you think the kid owes you?"

"Four hundred bucks."

"You'd risk kidnapping a kid over four hundred bucks," Nick asked flatly, "Are you crazy?"

"Nobody fucking steals from me, Nick. You know that," Elliot got to his feet as he pushed away from the desk, causing the green light to shake and forcing shadows to dance across the walls. "Besides, it ain't kidnapping. The kid came here on his own."

"I'm gonna call the cops," Sig turned to leave but his path to the door was blocked by a large Samoan man he hadn't noticed before. He tried to move past him but the guy grabbed Sig by the arm and turned him around. Elliot had moved around the desk and approached the oldest brother.

"Listen carefully," he eyed Sig down, "You call the cops and by the time they get here, you'll never see your brother ever again. On second thought, let them come. Good luck trying to explain to them what your brother was doing here in the first place. A thirteen year old kid with no parental supervision, racing illegally and getting fucked up would be a CYS worker's worse nightmare. I think he even ran some drugs for the local addicts…at least that's what some of my friends will testify too. I'm sure they'll see you as an unfit guardian, way too young for that kind of responsibility. The cops would have your brother locked up in the local juvenile detention center in no time. Now that place…" Elliot could see his every word was making a lasting impression by the look on Sig's face, "…I could tell you some stories about that 'home away home' that would have you screaming in your sleep."

Sig let out a deep breath, the air coming out of his lungs in choppy waves. "What do you want?" he asked desperately.

Elliot leaned in close. "My money," he whispered in Sig's ear.

"Let us see him first," Nick asked, trying to get some kind of upper hand in the situation, "We're not giving you anything until we know he's actually here."

"Now there's a man who knows his proper etiquette," Elliot pulled back from Sig and nodded towards Nick. "We'll take you up…gentlemen, lead the way."

The large Samoan man and Adam moved towards the door on the left of the room. Opening it, they turned and walked up a narrow flight of stairs. The stairwell and proceeding hallway were dimly lit and the place reeked of body odor and pot. Sig and Nick followed behind, Elliot and another one of his friends the last in the procession.

Adam walked down the long hallway, stopping at the last door on the right and knocked twice, some predesigned signal between the gang of thugs. The door opened and Sig pushed his way past Joe as he stood in the doorway.

The room was only illuminated by one swinging light bulb hanging from the ceiling. There was no furniture in the room to speak of except what looked like a World War II army cot and some a filthy sheet stapled over the window.

On the cot was a figure, curled up on his side, his shaggy hair covering his face.

"Edgar," Sig choked on the name. He ran to the bed, kneeling down and putting his hands on Edgar's shoulder to gently roll him onto his back.

The kid's white t-shirt was covered in blood from his hands. Blood, urine and sweat pooled on the bed in ugly stains that made Sig sick. Dead bugs clung from old spider webs and Sig could only imagine what else lived in this filthy cot. Edgar pants had been ripped and shredded, revealing large, dark bruises on his legs and ankles. A deep purple bruise with the welt the size of Sig's fist covered his brother's face from his eye to his cheekbone. His hands were clenched tightly to his chest, balled up in fists and he was shaking from his head to his bare feet.

"My God," Sig cried out, not knowing where to start or what to say. He never felt this way before. It was indescribable. He had seen his brother sustain lots of injuries on the track, none of which looked anything close to this.

"Sig?" Edgar whispered, hearing his oldest brother's voice and opening his eyes in disbelief, "Are you really here?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Sig answered, forcing a smile and stroking his brother's hair, "Er du OK?"

"Jeg stjal ikke noe," Edgar tried to lift his head but the pain was overwhelming.

"Jeg vet, lillebror."

Edgar sighed. Someone finally believes me. I didn't steal anyone's money. "I called for you and you came."

"Hva skjedde med deg," Sig needed to know what happened.

"De skadet meg," Edgar whispered, closing his eyes and forcing himself not to pass out again.

They hurt me. Sig turned and went after the first person he saw. He knew if he could get his hands on someone, he'd break their neck in one twist. He was ready to kill and only prayed he could kill enough of them to satisfy his rage. If he'd had a gun in his hand, they'd all be dead. Unfortunately, he was not the one with the gun. Adam, Joe, the large Samoan and two burly men with tattoos on their faces were the ones with the weapons and the advantage.

Nick grabbed Sig from behind, stopping him before he attacked someone. The five men laughed as Elliot entered the room.

"Calm down," Nick whispered in his friend's ear, "They're six of them and only two of us. There's nothing we can do. Let's just get your brother out of here and save it for another day."

Sig struggled against the hold but Nick was slightly taller and stronger and he was not about to let go. Sig felt the blood pounding in his brain like a jackhammer. "THIS WAS NO ACCIDENT," he screamed at Elliot as Nick continued to hold him back

Edgar moaned from the loud voice, twisting violently on the bed.

"Whatever," Elliot waved his hand in the air, "I can get ten people who say it was. Doesn't matter. All I want is for the little shit to tell me where my money is. He's just too damn stubborn for his own good."

"BECAUSE HE DIDN'T TAKE IT, YOU MOTHER FUCKER," Sig would have killed without a second thought if only Nick would let him go.

"I say he did," Elliot countered, "And he's staying here till I get my money back."

"I'm not leaving this room without him," Sig spat back.

Elliot ran a hand over his face, "Then the bike stays."

"Fuck you. That bike is worth ten times what you THINK he owes you. It's his. I'll kill you before I let you have him, the bike or anything else that belongs to him," Sig tried to shake off Nick's hold, turning and eyeing his friend, "I'm OK. Let me go."

"Not till you calm down," Nick squeezed his friend's arms harder but looked at him with complete sympathy. I'd fight with you. But this is a fight we can't win. Nick turned to Elliot and said, "I got a hundred dollars in my wallet. Will you take that if we promise to bring you the money tomorrow."

"Fuck no," Elliot spoke slowly, "I don't trust you. Four hundred dollars now or the kid and his bike stays. He can race tomorrow and earn it back."

"He's in no condition to race. You made sure of that," Nick said with meaning. Whispering to Sig, he asked, "Do you have any cash on you?"

"About forty bucks," Sig answered, "But my brother didn't steal anything."

"I know that but…" Nick tried to explain, "…you have three choices. Let Edgar stay here, which isn't really an option. Let them keep the bike. Or give them the money. What do you want to do?"

Sig knew there was only one answer. "The money."

"Good choice," Nick whispered, "We're getting Edgar out of here. That's all that matters right now. Focus on that and not the anger."

"Let me go," Sig asked Nick in a calmer voice. Nick finally complied and released his hold. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out his wallet and handed over five twenty dollar bills. Sig took out his money and threw the cash in Adam's face.

"A hundred and forty dollars ain't gonna cut, fellas," Elliot looked at both men in front of him, scanning their persons for anything of value. His eyes stopped Sig's right hand and a large gold ring with a blue stone and the year 1984 engraved on the side. "That ring should cover the rest," he said, looking at Sig and tipping his head in the direction of the ring.

Sig looked down at his hand, his class ring glittering in the light. "I give you this and you let him go? We ALL walk out of here with no strings attached?"

"You have my word."

Without hesitation, Sig slipped off his ring and approached Elliot slowly. His friends moved close to protect their leader but Elliot raised a hand and stopped them. He moved his hand out in front of his body and held it open.

Sig placed the ring in Elliot's outstretched palm with no regrets, "Whatever you think my brother owes you, his debt is paid. He owes you nothing now. Just let us go."

"With pleasure," Elliot laughed. He eyed the heavy ring, worth its weight in gold and slipped the ring on his own finger for safe keeping. "Get the fuck out."

Edgar watched the exchange through a fog, like he was in a nightmare from which he couldn't escape. He saw his oldest brother turn over his ring and tried to get up to stop the madness. I didn't steal anything. No, Sig…don't do this for me. I'm not worth it. I lied and disobeyed you. I broke my promise. You can't do this. Edgar whimpered loudly, causing Sig to turn his attention back on his youngest brother. As Edgar sat up from the bed, the world spun wildly and he fainted back to the cot.

Scooping his brother up gently in his arms, Sig picked Edgar up off the bed, one arm under his knees and one supporting his upper back. Edgar's head rested on Sig's shoulder, lolling back and forth as he was still passed out. Without glancing back towards the men who did this to his brother, Sig carried Edgar from the room with Nick behind him to make sure no one followed them.

As they walked down the dimly lit hallway, music blaring from the warehouse and people screaming from behind closed doors, Sig was transported back to another time and place. This is like a haunted house. But this time, it's the real thing. Sig could hear the words he spoke as an eleven year old boy in a similar situation. **I got you, kid. I won't let anything happen to you, ever. Trust me?** Sig held on to his brother and planned to never let him go.

"Keep walking," Nick said when Sig hadn't even realized he stopped.

They got down the steps, back through the office and out the bar room door. People were accustoming to strange happenings at the off the wall place so no one bother to give Sig, Nick or Edgar a second glance as the three of them made their way back outside.

"I'll drive," Nick offered as they got to the truck, "Let me hold him a minute."

Sig was holding Edgar so tightly he was almost unable to let go.

"It's OK, Sig," Nick spoke softer now, "I got him." Nick reached under Edgar's motionless body and relieved Sig of his burden. He could see that Sig was on the verge of insanity with a multitude of strong emotions he was unable to process.

The oldest Hansen fumbled to find the keys in his pocket. Upon finding them, he unlocked the driver's side door and slid over, leaving the keys in the dashboard. Nick carefully deposited Edgar into the front seat, pushing the helmet to the floor and got in. Sig pulled Edgar up against him, wrapping his arm around his brother and supporting his weight as his head rested in the nook of Sig's neck.

Even unconscious, Edgar kept his hands close to his own chest, still clenched under his chin in tight fists.

Nick started the truck, "Do you want to take him to the hospital?"

Sig hadn't even though of that as an alternative. All he wanted to do was take his little brother home. "What do you think?" he asked. Someone else make the decisions for a while. He stroked Edgar's back as he tried to reassure himself that his brother was safe.

"Yes," Nick offered his advice and waited for a reaction from Sig before leaving the parking lot.

Sig was in a daze. "They're gonna ask how this happened. We'll have to talk to the cops."

Nick nodded in the darkness, "Don't you think we should?"

"I don't know," Sig's hands were shaking, "What if the cops want to take Edgar away from me."

"Wow, Elliot really got into your head, didn't he?" Nick whispered.

Sig turned to his friend, his eyes blank, "I'm scared, Nick." He was not ashamed to admit it and didn't care the least if Nick thought less of him.

"Sig, I understand why you're afraid but…" Nick paused, hesitating to be harsh in a delicate situation, "…you have no idea why Edgar went down here tonight. Maybe they threatened him. Maybe they forced him in some way. This isn't his fault and it sure as hell ain't your fault. Elliot is a master at mind-fucking with people, as you now know, so who knows what led up to all this. But, right now, your brother is hurt and we don't know how badly. He needs to be looked at by people who can help him. Are we not gonna do that because you're afraid?"

"No," Sig answered firmly, realizing Nick was right, "Let's go to the hospital. I'll deal with whatever comes after."

"I'll lie to the cops for you if you want," Nick offered as he put the truck in drive and backed out of the abandoned parking lot, "We could say we found him on the side of the road."

Sig thought about it for a second. It was a tempting offer that provided an easy solution. Edgar could get the help he needs and not risk getting into trouble with law. But I can't ask Nick lie to the cops. That's providing false information. He answered before he changed his mind, "No…I could never ask you to do that for us. We'll tell the truth from the start," Sig couldn't contain a small laugh, "Although I wish I could take you up on the offer. Does that not make us sound like our own little brothers, coming up with a plan and getting our story straight?"

Nick chuckled at the thought. It does. "I'll remember that next time Matty gets into trouble. Guess it's natural to want to protect your friend."

Sig thought about Nick's last word. Thanks for thinking of me as a friend and thanks for being a friend because I couldn't have handled this on my own. It's like you were sent from heaven at just the right moment.

"I'll pay you back the money, Nick…I swear," Sig said in a far-away voice.

Nick shook he head as he checked the rearview mirror, "Don't worry about it."

"Well, I will." Looking down at the blood on his brother's shirt, one of Norman's old t-shirts that had been shrunk in the dryer, Sig's heart went up to his throat. Maybe that's why I can't swallow my own spit and my mouth is dry as sand.

---

The trip to the hospital was just as long and excruciatingly slow as the last time. Edgar had woken several times, cried softly against his brother's chest and returned to a peaceful paradise of unconsciousness. Sig stroked the soft head against his chest and stared blindly out the window.

When they arrived at the hospital, Sig carried a semi-conscious Edgar into the emergency room and screamed for help. He didn't care if he looked like a lunatic. As the nurses and attendants came running, Sig glanced down at his kid brother in the glare of the hospital's bright lights and, for the first time, saw just how bad Edgar was beaten. The fact that the kid had wet himself with fear was inconsequential to the pain he must have endured.

As the attendants tried to take Edgar away, Sig decided not to let him go. I changed my mind…I want to take him home. Several people tried to pry Edgar from his arms, Nick included. Finally, an angel of mercy appeared. Dr. Hubert was on-call and recognized Sig and Edgar as he walked down the emergency room hallway. Despite seeing thousands of patients come and go, something about the three brothers and their sad story stuck with the doctor.

He ran up to Sig, his white coat flying behind him, and pushed away the people trying to get at him. He made direct eye contact with oldest brother and said gently, "Mr. Hansen, I'll take care of him myself. I swear to you…you can see him immediately after we take care of him. I promise…he won't be alone and he won't pain. Now let me take him."

Sig hesitated but finally relinquished his brother. This man took good care of Norman, he'll do the same for Edgar. As Dr. Hubert carried Edgar off to the first available emergency room, Sig was left standing in the waiting room with Nick, covered in his brother's blood and feeling absolutely drained.

Norman. Sig struggled with the decision to call his brother as he sat in the small waiting room. In the end, he decided not to call and felt horrible about withholding the information from Norman. I want to be with him when I tell him all this because he's gonna freak out and want to kill someone…just like I do…but I can't let that happen.

Nick called home and spoke with his mother, explaining the situation and reassuring her he was fine. It was not unusual for him to stay out this late but he didn't know how much Matt had shared with her when she got home and he didn't want her to worry needlessly. As it turns out, Matt hadn't shared anything with her because he was asleep on the sofa when she got home from work around 12:30 am. Nick's mother did mention that Norman had called the house around one o'clock in the morning, looking for his brothers, but she had no information to share with him about anybody's whereabouts.

Sig and Nick had been interviewed by the police and they had told the truth from start to finish. Initially, the officers seemed focused on the facts of the story, taking a statement from both Sig and Nick separately and writing things down in their little flip pads. The police were not surprised to hear Elliot's name or any of his friends. They were curious as to how Edgar ended up with these kinds of people in the first place and one of the cops warily eyed Sig in a way that made him feel uncomfortable.

The police agreed to bring Elliot and his bunch in for questioning but not much could be done without a statement from Edgar and the young man was currently sedated. An older officer whose brother was an off-shore fisherman sympathized with Sig and explained he would come and get Edgar's statement when he was feeling better.

After the police left, Dr. Hubert spoke with Sig and explained every bruise, cut and injury on his brother's body. Sig physically listened but mentally went someone else. Edgar's hands had been whipped raw. He had small abrasions and deep bruises to his face and legs. There was a series of welts and bruises on his lower back and several cigarette burns on his upper arms.

The doctor reassured Sig that there were no broken bones, no internal injuries or bleeding, only minor blood loss. There were no injuries to the brain that they could tell or permanent physical damage to the rest of his body. Everything would heal in time although there would be some scars both inside and out. "Emotionally, the healing may take longer," Dr. Hubert finished.

"I want to take him home," Sig said flatly.

"It would be better if you let him stay here overnight…for observation," the doctor explained, "But there's no reason you can't take him home. In fact, he may feel better being at home when he wakes up. I'll give you medicine for his hands and instructions on how to treat the wounds. The skin is almost like a burn and very painful…do you want me to give you something to ease his pain?

Sig nodded without hesitation.

"When he wakes, try and keep him hydrated with clear fluids. Someone should stay with him for the next twenty four to forty eight hours. Bring him back here the minute he develops a fever or any other complication. He's still pretty out of it so let him sleep as much as possible while he can," he instructed, "We'll have him ready to go in a few minutes. I'll take you to him while we get his medication ready. Do you have a change of clothes?"

"No," Sig whispered, "Wait…yes. I have some of my clothes in the truck. They won't fit him right but…"

"I'll get 'em," Nick offered as he got up to leave.

"They're in a black bag behind the seat."

Nick left with truck keys already in his pocket. Sig stood up and followed the doctor back into the emergency wing. He was led into a large room with multiple beds separated only by ugly yellow curtains attached to tracks that made the room seem like an upside down model railroad set.

Edgar was lying on the bed behind the third curtain. Sig held his breath as the doctor pushed the curtain out of the way. Letting out a deep sigh, Sig looked carefully at his sleeping brother. The baby of the family had his hands wrapped in thick white gauze that had turned a faint shade of red in some places. A hospital bracelet was secured around his left wrist. The ugly bruise on his face, seeming worse than before, was puffy and swollen. Edgar was wearing only a hospital gown over his lanky body and the bruises and cuts on his legs were plain to see.

Sig felt like he was going to faint.

He wobbled forward and the doctor put a hand out to steady him. "Easy, there," he whispered softly, "He's going to be OK."

"He's my baby brother," Sig said as he put a hand up to his chest, trying to run away a pain he couldn't get too, "How could I let this happen?"

"You didn't let this happen," Nick came from behind him with the bag, "You saved him from who knows what more could have happened."

"Wait right here, Mr. Hansen," the doctor ordered, "We'll get the nurse to get him dressed and some attendants to help you carry him to your car."

"No," Sig's voice got flint hard, "I don't want anyone else touching him except me. I'll dress him and carry him out."

"Fine," the doctor was not about to argue. He glanced over at Nick as if to ask 'are you going to stay with them because I'm not sure Mr. Hansen can handle the drive home or much else right now?' Nick understood the look from the doctor and nodded, "I'll drive you home, Sig. If it's OK with you, I'll just crash at your house for the night?"

Sig nodded without glancing at Nick, his only focus was Edgar and getting him home.

The doctor walked over the nurses' station and provided the ladies with instruction on what to send home. They gathered the ordered items and placed them in a manila envelope, walking it over and handed it to Sig. He took the envelope and felt another sense of déjà vu. He handed off the envelope to Nick as he signed his name to more paperwork that officially released Edgar from the hospital's care

The nurse watched carefully as Sig dressed his brother in his own work pants, leaving the hospital gown on and covering him with his button down blue shirt. Edgar slept through the entire process.

"You'll have to change the dressing on his hands tomorrow," the nurse explained, partially fascinated with the gentle and tender care in which Sig dressed his brother. "You did a fine job with that," she commented once he was finished, "Show him the same care when you treat his hands. It will not be an easy task."

"Yes, ma'am," Sig said, "Thank you…and please tell the doctor I said thank you."

Once Edgar was dressed, Sig gathered his brother into his arms and left the hospital for home.

---

It was past three o'clock in the morning when Nick pulled into the Hansen's driveway. Amanda's car was still parked in front of the house. Nick shut off the truck and looked over at Sig and Edgar. Sig was still looking lost and confused, Edgar still sound asleep in his arms.

Nick climbed out of the truck and walked around the passenger side of the vehicle. He opened the door and encouraged Sig to let him carry Edgar into the house. He handed back Sig's keys to him.

"You'll need to open the front door. I don't know which key it is," Nick explained.

At first, it seemed like Sig didn't hear him because he didn't move or react in anyway. Finally, after a few moments, Sig silently slipped out of the truck and allowed Nick to carry Edgar into the house.

Opening the back door, Sig mentally gathered what was left of his strength for the upcoming battle. Maybe Norman's asleep and this can wait till morning. As soon as he pushed the door open, he knew his hope was in vain.

Norman heard the door and came flying into the kitchen from the living room. Amanda was startled out of her sleep and sat on the sofa. She was trying to get her bearings and realizing she had fallen asleep, missing her curfew by a mile. We fell asleep together. He was so worried, I just couldn't leave him. Now, I'm dead. My parents are gonna kill me. Well, too late now. She picked up the phone and called home to at least let her parents know she was alive.

The middle brother, at first, only saw Sig coming through the back door, "What the hell, Sig? Couldn't you have called? I was worried sick. It's three…" he stopped in midstream as Nick followed behind Sig, carrying Edgar into his arms.

"Oh my God…" Norman felt like someone plunged a knife into his chest, the exact same feeling he had the night of the bike accident, "Edgar."

"He's OK, Norman," Sig said very slowly as he cautiously approached his brother, "He's going to be OK."

Norman watched as Nick carried Edgar into the house, "What happened?"

"I'll explain in a minute," Sig tried to delay. He turned to Nick and asked, "Would you take him upstairs to his room…second door on the left?"

"Sure," Nick started through the kitchen but Norman made a step in his direction.

Sig blocked Norman's path. "Upstairs, Nick," Sig pressed, needing to get Edgar out of the room as quickly as possible.

"Let me see him," Norman demanded, trying to look past Sig as Nick walked behind him.

"You will," Sig answered, his eyes never leaving Norman's face, "Just let Nick take him upstairs first."

Nick understood the situation and carried Edgar swiftly from the room. He passed Amanda who was hanging up the phone and looking like she had just gotten chewed out by the person on the other line. He offered her a sympathetic glance and she responded with wide, questioning eyes as Edgar was carried passed her. Hopping off the sofa, she ran over to the bottom of the steps and flipped on the upstairs hallway light.

The strong 22 year old easily carried Edgar up the stairs and to his bedroom. As he put Edgar down on the bed, Nick heard screaming from downstairs. He winced as he could make out Norman's voice screaming in agony, the kitchen table crashing over and someone repeatedly punching a wall. Sig sounded like he was struggling and trying to hold onto a raging bull while yelling back at his brother that he was not leaving the house. Amanda's soft, feminine tone was a voice of reason, offering words of comfort and trying to sooth the savage beast.

"Am I home?" a small voice asked him from the bed.

Nick was shocked and sat down on the edge of the bed, "Yes, Ed, you're home. Go back to sleep, now. No one is gonna hurt you anymore."

"The ring…" Edgar whispered through his foggy thoughts.

"That was a pretty ballsy thing for your brother to do," Nick didn't realize Edgar had been aware of the entire exchange.

"It's my fault…" he began crying softly.

"No," Nick felt a little strange but he stroked Edgar's light brown hair like he would his own little brother, "It's no one's fault except the guys who did this to you. I'm sure Sig can get a replacement ring someday."

"You don't understand. It can never be replaced…" Edgar turned to the side, facing the wall and cried softly into the pillow. He fell back asleep in minutes. Nick checked to make sure Edgar was comfortable and went downstairs to lend a hand, shutting the door softly behind him.

Sig had Norman pinned against the kitchen wall in a bear hug, holding him back from getting out the kitchen door. Amanda was still trying to reason with him. Norman looked exactly like a bull, breathing heavily through his nose, blood red in the face and trembling with rage.

"LET ME GO, SIG!" Norman hollered at the top of his lungs, "I'M GONNA KILL 'EM. I'M GONNA KILL 'EM ALL!"

"AND YOU THINK I DON'T WANT TO DO THE SAME EXACT THING?" Sig said as he got right in his brother's face, their noses almost touching, "Believe me, I almost did. But Edgar needs us BOTH HERE…with him…NOT in some holding cell waiting to be processed or floating dead in the river." Sig slammed his brother back against the wall to emphasize his point, forgetting momentarily that Norman had his stitches removed and feeling instantly guilty for hurting his brother.

"Come on, baby," Amanda reached over Sig's shoulder, standing on her tippy toes to do so. "Calm down," she repeated softly as she rubbed Norman's arm and tried to stop him from slamming his fist into the wall behind him.

Sig allowed Norman to struggle against him, knowing he needed to release some of the pent up anger. When the struggling slowed down, Sig spoke softly, "Promise me, Norman."

Norman knew exactly what Sig wanted. He wants me to promise I won't go down there and kill all of them with my bare hands. Well, I can't promise that. It may be something stupid but it would make me feel a hell of a lot better. Like a lightning bolt, something Edgar had asked Norman days ago came back into his mind. **Promise me if Sig ever tries to do something stupid, you'll stop him.** I guess I can't do that if I do the stupid thing myself. I have to protect both my brothers and this isn't helping. "I promise…Now let me go."

Sig released the hold and was shocked when Norman grabbed him and hugged him close to his chest. The rare hug was Sig's breaking point and he gave into the tears he had held back all night. Both brothers sobbed quietly, trying to hide their faces from their friend and girlfriend in each other's shoulders.

"I wanna see him," Norman said as he swallowed back his tears.

"It's pretty bad, Norman," Sig tried to explain.

"I don't care."

"I'll go home," Amanda went to get her keys but Norman reached out and stopped her.

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. "I'm sorry, baby…I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's OK, Norm," she hugged her arms around his wide back, "I have a baby sister, you know. I'd feel the same way if someone hurt her."

"Are you in trouble for staying here so late?" he asked as he let her go.

"Well, let's just say we'll be talking a lot over the phone and not in person," she tried to fake a smile.

While Norman made his goodbyes, Sig walked over to Nick and shook his hand, "I can never thank you enough."

"Don't mention it," Nick shrugged off the thanks like he did this sort of thing on a regular basis.

"Do you want me to take you home or would you still want to crash?"

"I can drive you home if you want," Amanda chimed in, "You live right around the corner from me."

"As long as you don't need me…?" Nick asked Sig.

"No, I think we're OK for now. I'm calling off of work tomorrow…well, I guess it's today…"

"I'm calling off too," Norman added.

"No, you're not," Sig informed his brother, "You're on thin ice with your boss as it is. Both of us can't afford to lose our jobs and, besides, I can pick up extra shifts next week to make up for the money."

Norman reluctantly nodded. He kissed his girlfriend one last time and Amanda and Nick headed out the door.

Sig followed them outside, pulling Nick aside and asking for something. When Nick handed over half a pack of cigarettes, Norman wisely kept his mouth shut as he stood in the kitchen doorway. As the Honda pulled off, he watched his older brother throw away a full week's worth of nicotine cessation.

"That bad?" Norman called from behind the safety of the screen door.

Sig didn't care that he's just been caught but he did feel bad about breaking his promise. "Sorry."

"You tried…went a lot longer than I thought," Norman answered.

Sig laughed, "Thanks for the vote of confidence." He inhaled his cigarette and blew the smoke away from the screen door.

"You lied to me."

"Norm, I'm sorry but I need to calm down and…"

"No…about where you were going," Norman explained, "You knew he was at the Shack and you didn't tell me."

There wasn't anything Sig could say so he ignored the accusation and continued smoking. Norman waited for an explanation although he knew the answer. When all he got was silence, he turned and headed back into the house. Hearing the truck door open and shut in the driveway, Norman wondered if Sig was leaving. He was relieved to hear the screen door opening and then the backdoor getting shut and locked.

As Norman waited at the bottom of the steps, Sig came through the living room carrying a manila envelope. "Medicine for his hands," was the only thing Sig said as he walked passed Norman and up the steps.

The two brothers went upstairs and immediately into Edgar's room. Norman couldn't see much since Edgar was facing the wall and still dressed in Sig's work clothes but he had a clear view of his younger brother's bandaged hands that were curled up to his chest. Sitting down on the bed, Norman stared at his younger brother. "Bror…" he said softly, his voice full of emotion.

"Come on, go get changed for bed. You have to go to work in a few hours," Sig couldn't stand the pain on Norman's face and the hurt in his voice.

"I want to sleep in here with him," Norman stated.

"We both are," Sig dropped off the manila envelope and went to his room. He strip off his blood stained shirt and dirty jeans, changing into a soft pair of sleep pants and leaving the room.

Norman was brushing his teeth as Sig entered the bathroom. He stood next to his brother at the sink and washed the blood from his hands. Norman glanced down to the sink and watched the water turn red. His stomach turned to rocks and he regretted thinking of only his own hurt feelings about being lied too. Sig must have gone through a living nightmare and I selfishly gave him a hard time about being left out. He was only trying to protect me…like always.

Norman bowed his head, ashamed of himself, and exited the bathroom. He went to his own room to get changed for the night. When he arrived back in Edgar's room, Sig had already moved Edgar to the middle of the bed and the kid was sleeping on his stomach, his arms and hands positioned on the pillow under his head.

"Right or left," Sig asked Norman.

Norman laughed a little, "The side closest to the alarm clock. That way I can get up quickly without waking you guys."

"I have to get up early and call off work anyway but I'll take the side near the wall," Sig explained as he carefully climbed over Edgar and got into bed. He watched Norman set the alarm, turn off the light and lay down on the opposite side of the bed.

The three of them laid in the darkness for a few minutes. Then Norman quietly asked, "Can I touch him?"

"Carefully…he has bruises on his lower back," Sig explained. He heard Norman let out a deep hiss.

"He likes to listen to the sound of my heart," Norman confessed.

Sig sat up and, as gently as he could, moved Edgar over to rest his head on Norman's chest, placing his right hand carefully across Norman's stomach and the left on the free pillow. Edgar moaned softly in his sleep as he was disturbed and moved. Settling on Norman's chest, somewhere deep in the fog, he heard the steady heartbeat and fell back asleep. Norman wrapped his arms around Edgar's small shoulders, mindful to avoid his lower back.

"Better?" Sig asked as he rolled on his side, facing both his brothers.

He didn't get an answer.

Sig reached up and put a hand on Norman's arm so he was touching both his brothers

"Now it's better."

Sig laughed a little and squeezed his brother's arm.

"Why, Sig?" Norman asked suddenly, "Why'd he go back there?"

"I don't know," Sig answered, "He'll tell us when he's feeling better. I'm sure there's some kind of explanation."

Unbeknownst to both brothers, the answers they were looking for were lying directly underneath of them…in a lined notebook with a red cover.

~tbc