Is Love Enough (ILE) – A Kish Drama

Chapter 49: The Escape Plan


A few hours later, Kyle slowly opens his eyes. Pain shoots through his head as he tries to open his eyes wider and remember what happened. He feels someone looking down on him, but he still can't open his eyes completely.

"Stay still, Kyle. You took a blow to the head."

"Where am I?"

"Wish I knew, but I have no clue where we are."

Kyle strains to open his eyes. Who is standing beside him? The voice sounds familiar, but with all the pain he can't think clearly.

"What happened?" asks Kyle in a whisper.

"I don't know that either. All I know is I was here by myself and last night the crazy guy brought you in here with me."

Kyle tries to pull himself up from what feels like a lumpy mattress, His head is like dead weight and he quickly falls backwards again.

"Take it slow. We're not going anywhere anyway."

Kyle is soon able to open his eyes. "Shane."

"Hey, Kyle."

"What's going on? Why are you here?"

"I was grabbed from the Buenos Dias café yesterday, well what I assume was yesterday. It's hard to tell in this dimly lit cage."

"Who grabbed you?"

"I don't know him. I've never seen him before. It must be the same person that grabbed you."

"I can't remember all the details. I remember being at the hospital." Kyle pauses trying to recall that last thing he remembers. "I was working an extra long shift. It was late when I started to leave. I saw." Kyle pauses again. "I saw Ray, one of our janitors, wheelin' someone out in a wheelchair. Are we alone here? "

"Yes and no. We're alone in this room, but someone is nearby. When it's quiet you can hear the cries."

"Oh my god. It was Zach in that wheelchair. Ray was wheelin' Zach out and I tried to stop him. He must of hit me on the head with something. I don't remember anything else."

"A pretty hard something based on the two gashes in your head. Was Zach okay?"

"Am I bleeding?"

"No, the bleeding stopped. I applied pressure on the gashes when you arrived, but I had to use my shirt. I guess watching doctor shows on TV helped me know the bleeding had to stop. The blood was everywhere when you arrived. What about Zach?"

"You seem so calm, Shane. Has this man hurt you?"

"Nope. I mean the removal of the duct tape he bound me with was painful, but I haven't seen him since. Can you answer my question now? What about Zach? Is he okay?"

"Zach didn't seem like himself. He was almost comatose. I mean his eyes where open, but it was like he was hollow inside. I would say he was drugged up or something. The man hasn't brought you food and water? How long have you been here?"

"About seventeen hours I reckon. There's a sink over there in the corner with water and a disgusting toilet next to that, but no food."

"Who is this bastard?" Kyle realizes his word choice may not be the most appropriate around Shane. "Sorry about the language."

"I've heard it all before, Kyle. Mom and dad used to have some whopper fights with some colorful language."

"Right." Kyle wills himself to sit up. He looks around the room. It appears to be an old jail cell with no outside light. It is cold, damp and dark.

"Have you tried to find a way out?"

"No luck. The only way out is through that locked cell door and only the old creepy man has a key."

"He can't keep us here forever."

"Something tells me he can and that he doesn't care if we die here."

"We'll find a way out then. There has to be way." Kyle suddenly begins to check his pockets.

"There empty. When he brought you in he took your cell phone and everything else out of your pockets. The remains of your cell phone are laying right outside the door there."

Kyle looks to the door, but can't see outside into the dark. "Let me guess. It's busted in a million pieces."

"You bet it is. He doesn't want us to be found."

They both hear a scream from somewhere nearby. The scream is full of pain and agony.

"That's Zach, Kyle. We need to make sure he's okay. Something isn't right. I can hear it in that scream."

"I know, Shane. I know." Kyle forces himself to stand. The ground feels as if it is moving below his feet. He removes his shirt and hands it to Shane. "Put this on. You need to stay warm."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine."

Shane puts on Kyle's shirt. It's a bit big, but he instantly feels a bit warmer.

The scream echoes through the walls again.

Kyle walks to the jail cell door and shakes it. "Damn."

"It's no use, Kyle. I've shaken and kicked that door more times than I can count. We're stuck."

Kyle looks around the dimly lit cell. He needs to get out. He can tell by Zach's screams that something is terribly wrong. "Hang on, Zach. We'll figure something out."

"Zach's in real trouble. Isn't he Kyle?"

Kyle turns to face Shane. "We don't have much time. We have to get to him somehow."


Oliver barges into Celia's office at the Crimson hospital. "I need to have a word with you, now."

"Excuse me, Mr. Fish, but I'm in the middle of a very important call."

Oliver reaches for the phone and disconnects the call. "Not anymore. This is an emergency."

Celia sighs and hangs up the phone. "What is it?"

"Have you seen Kyle?"

"I'm afraid not. Your boyfriend didn't show for the start of his shift this morning."

"That's not like him. He didn't come home last night either. His car is still parked in this hospital's employee lot."

"Sorry to hear that he didn't come home, but he's not anywhere in this hospital."

"Really. You sound very sure of that. You kind of act like you could care less."

"I know my residents, Mr. Fish. Dr. Lewis hasn't been focused on work of late. Way too much personal drama if you ask me. I'm not surprised he didn't show up today. It's par the course with his type."

"With all do respect you know nothing about him. If you would get that huge chip off your shoulder you might see the real Kyle."

"Get out, Mr. Fish. I don't need you lecturing me on my own thoughts."

Oliver rolls his eyes. "I need to see the security footage from the hospital cameras from when Kyle was last on shift."

"I'm sorry, but that's not possible."

"Why not? I think Kyle may be in trouble. Please. I need your help. I need to see those tapes."

"Only my security team and the Crimson police will ever see those tapes. I'm not going to roll out the welcome mat for all girlfriends and boyfriends whose significant others fail to keep them in the loop on there whereabouts."

"As I said before, its not like Kyle to ignore his responsibilities."

"Well in my eyes he hasn't been taking this residency seriously. So I must disagree with you."

"Fine. I'll call a contact at CPD and see if I can get access to those tapes."

"Go ahead, but I'm pretty sure Dr. Lewis has to be missing for twenty four hours before the police will consider him a missing person. You can leave my office now. Oh and when your wayward boyfriend shows up tell him he has some explaining to do about missing his shift."

Oliver decides to waste no more breath on Celia. He leaves the office.


Rex enters his loft.

Roxy and Max sit at the kitchen table.

As Rex enters Roxy runs over to him. "Any luck?"

"Nothing concrete."

Roxy is beside herself with fear about her missing grandson. "I'm sorry, Rexie. This is my fault. I shouldn't have let him go to the restroom alone."

"No, Rox. Don't blame yourself. I was there to. This is on me. I made a mistake yesterday."

"What are you talking about?" asks Max as he approaches the duo.

Rex sighs. He looks exhausted. "I need to sit." He heads to the table.

Max and Roxy follow. They also sit.

"Is there any coffee?"

"Sure," replies Roxy. She proceeds to get her son some coffee.

"So what did you mean earlier, Rex? Why is Shane missing your fault?" asks Max again.

Roxy returns with a cup of coffee placing it in front of her son. She then returns to her seat at the table.

"I threatened someone I shouldn't have yesterday before leaving the hospital."

"You think this person took Shane? Is this the same person who beat you up, Rex?"

"Yes and no to answer your questions in order, Max. I'm positive the person I threatened took Shane. "

"How do you know this person?" asks Roxy.

"He's a friends step father. He killed my friend's entire family years ago. My friend managed to escape. He got out of prison recently on some good behavior loophole. He's been harassing my friend ever since his release." Rex hates calling Zach a friend, but he doesn't know what else to say. How can he explain that he loves this man?

"Where is this friend, Rexie? Maybe he can help us find this person."

Rex takes a drink of the coffee now that it's cooled bit. "I don't know. I saw him before I ended up in the hospital, but he disappeared. I've been searching for him, but no luck."

"Does the café have an security footage?" asks Max. "Maybe we can see who this guy and share it with the police."

"Brody and I watched the footage from the alley, Max. You can see Shane clearly being forced against his will into a car, but the man never shows his face. I asked them to check out my friend's stepfather. Brody is going to verify his whereabouts."

"But you saw the car." Roxy words get elevated. "The police can search for the car."

"They put out an APB on the car, Roxy. Brody and I were able to track the car through traffic cameras."

"Great. So where is our boy?" Roxy is excited by the lead.

"I don't know. The car left Llanview this morning. We tracked it to the outskirts of town. Now it's up to other police jurisdictions to find the car, unless it comes back to Llanview. Brody and the Llanview PD are working on finding the car. I have to go back in a few hours and file an official missing person's report since the twenty four hour period will be up."

Roxy looks down at the table. Her hands become fists. She pounds the table and stands. "I can't believe this. This isn't happening."

"Roxy, please. We have to think positive. We'll find him." Max tries to reassure her.

"Max is right, Rox. Shane is a strong boy. He'll be fine until we find him." Rex doesn't believe his own words.

"I know. I feel so helpless."

"Me too, Roxy. Me too." Rex looks away, trying to hide the fear he feels inside. Gigi flashes through his mind. He can't lose Shane also. Life would be unbearable.

Roxy knows what her son is thinking simply by looking at him. She pulls her chair over to him and sits. She wraps her arms around him.

Rex embraces his mother. He's glad she is there.

Tears well up in Roxy's eyes as she holds Rex. She looks over at Max and is thankful he is at her side. She wishes Gigi was here for Rex. She wishes she could snap her fingers and that Shane would be back in this very room with them now.


Tyler enters his mom's office at the hospital without knocking. "Morning," says the energetic young man. He quickly sits in a seat in front of Celia's desk.

"I'm busy, Aaron." Celia does not look up from her paperwork.

"When are you not busy," replies Tyler in a very sarcastic tone.

"I'll ignore that tone, young man."

"Whatever. Listen I want you to meet someone. I know its fast. We only met a few weeks back, but he's awesome mom."

Celia looks up at her son and rolls her eyes. "Not again, Aaron. You can't keep doing this."

"Doing what? I met someone. He's really cool. I like him a lot. I want you to meet him."

"No. I won't be a party to another hurt fest."

"I'm not going to hurt anyone mom."

"So you've been upfront about your situation with this man?"

"His name is Nick, mom."

"So you've told Nick the truth?"

Tyler becomes agitated. "Why do you have to rain on my parade? Why can't you let me be happy?"

"Because when you're happy, someone always gets hurt."

"Not intentionally."

Celia sighs. "You can try to justify your behavior all you want, but I've been left holding the bag with too many hurt individuals. Should I recite this list of victim names for you?"

Tyler stands. "You're impossible. I simply want you to meet someone who is important to me."

"Until he's not. Until other priorities take you away."

"I'll tell him. I promise, but please will you meet him."

"No deal, Aaron. Now if you can leave I'm very busy. We have a missing patient, a missing resident and this place is beyond busy today."

"Fine. I hope this place gives you comfort when you're all alone."

Celia looks up at her son. "I hope that some day you grow up and realize people are not toys that you can play with whenever you want without consequences. You chose your life son. If you want something different you need to change it."

"I can't do that. It's who I am."

"Then I will not meet your friend. End of discussion."

"I'll see you later. I need to get to work." Tyler walks around and kisses his mom on the cheek. "I love you. Even if you drive me crazy."

"I love you too."

Tyler exits the office.

Celia stands and decides to take a break to clear her head. She also exits the office.


Oliver races through the Crimson Police Department entrance. He quickly spots the person he is there to see. He walks over to a desk and sits in the chair next to the desk. "Hey, Adam."

The young man at the desk looks up. "Fish. This isn't a good time."

"I need your help."

"I can't, Fish."

Oliver is confused by Adam's behavior. "Look. I think Kyle's missing. He didn't come home after his shift from the hospital. I went to see his boss, but she was less than helpful. Can you shed some light on anything going on over there? What's going on with Nick's case?"

"I can't share any information, Fish. We have a directive from the new police chief to keep quiet on all active cases."

"New police chief? What happened to Henry? He's one of the good guys."

"He decided to take an early retirement. Him and his wife are moving to Florida I think."

"Come on, Adam. Tell me if you know anything. No one will find out you told me."

"Sorry, Fish. I'm not risking my career. We're all trying to figure this new guy out. Maybe you can clue us in."

Oliver is more confused. "What? Do I know the guy?"

"I would say that's a safe bet."

Oliver knows there have not been any defections from the Llanview PD. Then a crazy thought hits him. Is his dad the new police chief in Crimson? It can't be. "My father."

"You act like you didn't know."

"I didn't. We're not on speaking terms. My lifestyle…." Oliver holds both hands and makes quote signs with two fingers on each hand. "….is a sin."

"Great. So us gay guys here need to keep a low profile."

"It's best you keep that part of your life to yourself." Oliver still looks stunned. "I can't believe he left Iowa, our home, his home."

"Well he did. You should go. I'm sure him seeing you here with me will not help my case for continued employment. We're going through some budget cuts to. We're all on pins and needles."

Oliver suddenly remembers why he is there. "Please, Adam. Anything you can share. I'm freaking out about Kyle."

Adam stands to walk away. He looks down at Oliver. "Look. All I know is a patient from the mental ward has gone missing."

"Do you have a name of the patient?"

Adam sighs and opens a folder on the desk, signaling Oliver to take a peek. "I need a soda. See you around, Fish." Adam walks away.

Oliver leans over and sees the name of the patient. He is shocked to see Zach's name on the paperwork.

Suddenly a person approaches and slams the folder shut. "That's confidential Crimson PD paperwork. The last time I checked you're not employed here."

Oliver knows the voice instantly. He looks up to see his father. "I heard a rumor you were here. The new police chief it seems."

"That's right. I needed to be closer to my family to set some things right."

"You don't have a family."

George doesn't act shocked by the statement in the least. "I never give up hope."

Oliver stands. Something about sitting in front of his standing father makes him feel extremely awkward and a little weak. "I don't have time for this. I need some help. Kyle is missing. He was last seen here in Crimson at the hospital."

"You know the rules, Oliver. If it hasn't been twenty-four hours there is nothing I can do. Isn't this typical with you gays. He's probably out messing around with some other freak."

Oliver's anger quickly builds. "Kyle's in trouble, dad. I need some help. Any strange occurrences around the hospital or here in Crimson lately?"

"None that I'm sharing with you. Maybe this is what you need to realize the wrong choices you've been making of late."

"I'm living my life."

"You're going to hell."

"Why are you here?"

"I told you. I'm going to get my family back."

"Its too late for that."

George shakes his head no in confidence. "It's never to late. Plus someone needs to protect my grandsons."

"You stay away from them."

"I won't let your filth infect them. They deserve better than the likes of you and that slut of a girl you slept with, but I should give you some credit. Maybe there's hope for you about overcoming this gay thing. I suppose there could be worse out there. I mean Stacy is a no prize, but she is the correct gender."

"I know you threatened her. I know it was you behind her taking the boys away."

"You know nothing. I only do what I think is best."

"Who says you get to determine what's best?"

"I've been around a little longer than you, Oliver. I know best."

"I don't have time for this. Can you help me by looking into Kyle's disappearance?"

"Sorry. Come back after twenty-four hours and we'll talk."

"Please, dad. Can you put our differences aside and help me look into this now?"

"No. He'll turn up. Your kind always does."

"Do you here yourself talk? Some Christian man you are. You also have a duty as a cop or does protect and serve not mean anything to you? Kyle went missing in your jurisdiction."

"Don't lecture me on what it means to be a cop, boy. I'm a lot more experienced than you. I'm also not the one living in sin, Oliver. You need to take a look in the mirror."

"Fine, dad. You stay the hell away from mom, my boys and my family. We're doing fine without you."

"No way. You've cost me everything because of your deplorable choices and actions. I'm going to get back what is mine. You destroyed our family, Oliver. I'll never forgive you for that. Now get out of my station. We have real police work that needs to be done here. That trash Lewis will be fine. You'll see."

Oliver walks away. He needs to find Kyle. This bickering with his father isn't doing any good.

Adam returns to his desk.

George forcibly hands him the file. "If I ever see you helping that man again, you'll be done here. Understand?"

Adam sighs. "Yes, sir."

"Good. Now finish up this Chavez case. Make the arrest."

"We don't have enough evidence."

"I beg to differ. The camera shows the two turning the corner around the bowling alley."

"The timing doesn't match up and the victim says he knows the man is not the attacker."

"The victim was hit from behind. He doesn't know a thing. Make the arrest or I'll find someone who will." George walks away.


Barbara's eyes open as the sun shines brightly through her new apartment window in Crimson. She feels very tired, but exhilarated at the same time. She smiles thinking about the big step she took last night in getting on with her life. She rolls over to see Carl asleep beside her in bed. She blushes in embarrassment thinking about how Carl rocked her world last night after the most wonderful date night she has had in forever. She is surprised how she didn't think of George at all last night. It was as if he was simply a blip on the radar within her head. Maybe, just maybe, she is really accepting the fact that she is moving on. She doesn't want anything serious. She was surprised and excited when Carl told her at dinner last night those exact words. She sits up and begins to slide on her robe when she is grabbed from behind and pulled back down.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Barbara smiles as Carl climbs on top of her.

"I thought we could use some coffee."

Ray bends down to kiss her neck. He alternates kissing varying sides of her neck. "I think the coffee can wait. Maybe some other activity can help wake us up."

Barbara laughs. "Carl Ray Daniels. You're simply too much."

"You're a beautiful woman. A woman who deserves to be adored."

Barbara blushes from the compliment, but does not respond.

Ray notes the quietness and stops the barrage of kisses. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. I'm not the best compliment taker I guess."

"Well, you need to get used to it. If we continue to hang out, I'll make sure you know how beautiful and special you are."

Barbara looks concerned all of the sudden.

"What's going on beautiful?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure. Anything."

Barbara hesitates. "Was last night okay? Were you satisfied?"

Ray laughs.

Barbara is unsure of what to think about Ray's reaction to her question.

"Damn. You are so sexy and so hot, but you don't even know it. That ex did a number on you. Listen. You knocked it out of the park last night over and over again. Doesn't me still being here prove that?"

"I guess. I'm sorry. I'm sure being so unsure of myself is unattractive, but it's been so long since I've been with anyone else."

Ray looks down and smiles. "No worries, princess. Last night was unbelievable. Who can argue with a long night of hot, passionate sex?"

"A long night?"

"Come on. You don't remember. You're killing me."

"I remember. I guess I just lost track of the number of times. I feel so exhausted."

Ray returns to kissing her neck. "Let's wake you up then."

Barbara can feel Ray's excitement against her. She wraps her arms around him and pulls him closer.

As Ray kisses Barbara's ear he recalls some of the events of last night. He remembers pouring Barbara a drink, inserting a sedative and then making love. After the sex, Barbara was out cold. This allowed him time to get to Zach. Kyle's interference was unfortunate and not part of the plan, but plans can always be changed. Ray thinks he is nothing but adaptable. Ray smiles at his handy work in between the kisses.


Zach screams again.

Shane now stands at the cell door. His hands grasp two of the bars. "I hate this, Kyle. He needs our help."

Kyle walks up behind Shane and places his hands on his shoulder. "I know. We'll figure something out. You seem to care about him a lot."

"He's been hanging out with dad and me for a while now. He's important to dad. He's important to me. I don't want anything bad to happen to him."

Kyle is frustrated that he can't figure out how to get to Zach. "Keep thinking positive, Shane." Kyle walks back to the lumpy mattress and sits. He pulls his knees up to his chin. He wraps his arms around his legs. He surveys the room, trying to come up with a plan.

Shane shakes the door. "Let us out of here. Please."

"Shane, talk to Zach."

Shane turns to look at Kyle who remains in the same position. "What?"

"Talk to him. Tell him you're here. Tell him he's not alone."

"We don't even know if he can hear me."

"But maybe he can. Maybe hearing your voice will help calm him."

Shane shrugs okay and walks back to the door. "Zach, it's Shane. I'm nearby. You're not alone. Are you okay? Please tell me what's going on."

There is not a response.

Shane looks back at Kyle to get confirmation that he should continue.

"Keep going. I know it seems strange, but we don't know what shape he is in. If he hears a familiar voice and knows he's not alone maybe it will calm him."

Shane returns to the cell door and begins to talk again.

Kyle looks around the small, dark and cold room. His eyes fixate on the sink. He stares at the piping underneath the sink. He sees the water shut off valve nearby. He wonders if he can get the pipes apart. Maybe he could then use the longer portion of the pipe as a makeshift weapon. He could have Shane distract Ray when he comes back. He has to come back right? Kyle is not confident that Ray will return, but Zach is here. He went to the trouble to get him here and out of the hospital. He'll be back to finish whatever he started with Zach. Shane can distract him and then he can hit him with the pipe as many times as needed to knock him out. They can grab his keys once he's out, find Zach and make a run for it. Kyle isn't positive the pipe thing will work, but he doesn't have a lot of other options. "Shane. I have a plan to get us all out of here. You interested in helping me out?"

"I'll do anything." Shane walks over and sits next to Kyle. "What's the plan?"


"What's going on, Ollie bear? You look off. Somethin' is goin' on. Spill it."

Oliver looks forward at Roxy and Max. He hadn't anticipated them being there when he came calling on Rex.

"Look, I don't know anything for sure."

"You're scarin' me." Roxy looks more and more worried with each passing second.

"Kyle's missing."

Roxy freaks. "What? This can't be happening. First Shane."

"Shane? What happened to Shane?"

"I can't believe this. What is goin' on around here." Roxy walks into the living area and sits on the sofa.

Oliver looks at Max. "Max, please. Tell me what's going on?"

Max moves closer to Oliver. "Rex and Roxy were having breakfast with Shane yesterday morning at the Buenos Dias. He went to the restroom. He's been missing ever since. Rex was out all night trying to find him."

"Wow. I didn't know. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have dumped this on you guys also. I shouldn't bother Rex with this either. I'll just go."

Roxy stands. "No, tuna. You're not goin' to drop that bomb and leave. Tell us what happened. Maybe we can help."

"You guys should be focusing on finding Shane."

"Kyle's family," says Max. "We need to pull together and figure this out. Come, sit down and fill us in." Max points to the kitchen table.

The three sit at the kitchen table and Oliver fills them in on what he knows.

Oliver concludes telling Rox and Max the facts as he knows them. "So, my next step was to come here and ask Rex for help."

Roxy looks to Max. "Do you think that friend Rex mentioned earlier is this Zach guy?"

Rex enters the room from the back. "It is, Rox."

Oliver looks to Rex. "I'm sorry to hear about Shane. I didn't mean to come here and add to any troubles."

"Don't be silly, Fish. We both have missing loved ones. I'll help. I have a contact at CPD also. We'll get around the problem known as your dad."

"Thanks, Rex. I knew you would have some contacts from your detective work."

"So what's the plan? Shane and Kyle need us." Roxy looks to Rex and Oliver for an answer.

"Oliver and I will visit my contact at CPD. We'll see if there is anything new in Zach's disappearance. Once we have the information we can see if anything leads us to Ray, Zach's step dad."

"What can we do?"

Rex looks at Roxy. "Stay here in case Shane comes back home. I would hate for him to get back here and no one be here."

Roxy stands and walks towards Rex. "Promise me you'll be careful. You look so exhausted."

"When Shane is home, I'll rest. Promise." Rex looks to Oliver. 'You ready?"

Oliver stands. "Sure."

Max speaks up. "Please keep us informed, guys."

"We will, Max. Thanks for being here with Rox," replies Rex.

Max looks over at Roxy. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."

"Let's go, Fish." Rex walks to the loft door.

Oliver follows.

The guys exit the loft.

"Now what?" Roxy looks off in space. Her head is spinning in disbelief. Shane, her grandson, and Kyle, her son like best friend, missing at the same time. She never imagined in a million years these events would be occurring.

"We wait," replies Max.

"I hate sittin' around. I feel so useless."

"I know, Blondie. I wish there was something I could do."

Roxy moves closer to the table. "I'm glad you're here, Max."

Max stands and brings Roxy into a hug. "I love you."


Rex pulls the car out of his building's parking garage.

"We need to find Ray. This is all him."

"Where do we start?"

"After we visit CPD, we'll go back to the hospital. I can't believe Zach checked himself into the hospital. He must of felt so alone. He should have let me help him."

"After attacking you I'm sure he probably felt you didn't want anything to do with him."

"That attack was an accident, Fish. We talked about this."

"Look. I'm not concerned with that right now. I want to figure out if this Ray guy is behind Shane and Kyle missing. I wish Zach would have trusted his friends with this news. What if this Ray guy has been behind everything? I mean Nick is Zach's roommate. He was attacked outside the Crimson bowling alley. Kyle borrowed Nick's car and could have died."

"Ray attacked me also."

"What?"

"Yep. It happened in the staircase of my building. I didn't see the guy's face, but I know it was Ray. Zach and I had been spending a lot of time together."

"So in a nutshell anything even close to Zach could be a target."

"Most likely."

"Great. Zach could have clued us all in."

"Don't judge hum, Fish. He has lived in hell for a very long time."

"I'm sorry. I know me questioning his motives isn't helping. I simply need someone to blame."

"Blame this Ray guy."

"What's going on with you and Zach? Can I get a real answer now?"

"I don't know. I know it scares the hell out of me to think of him being hurt or not a part of my life. If I lost him or Shane it would kill me. I've connected with Zach in ways I never thought possible. It's like my connection to Gigi, but different. I felt so lost when Gigi died. With Zach I don't feel so lost anymore. I kind of felt think Gigi sent him my way. It probably sounds weird, but I think she knew I would need him."

"You love him."

"I guess so." Rex still feels in limbo with his feelings for the muscular, but troubled cop. "It freaks me out to no end that he was in that hospital alone. The same place Ray works."

"Kyle says that the Crimson hospital has one of the best mental facilities in the area."

"He could have gone to St. Anne's in Llanview. I wonder what happened. I mean he was struggling. He always struggled with the past, but he was fine and then one day he wasn't. I mean it's like he checked out and he wanted to give up. I don't know what the trigger was."

"Sounds like Ray was probably the trigger."

"I know. I wish he had trusted in me. I could have helped him."

"Trust is hard for some people. If Zach's past is as bad as you say, then trust is not easy for him. It'll take time."

"If we even get that time. Ray won't let up on him. You don't know this guy. He's so full of hate and spite. He never should have been released from prison."

"The system works the best it can sometimes. It's not perfect."

"Well Ray's release was a massive failure for the system. Now I pray we can find Shane, Zach and Kyle in time. Or the system will have more tarnish on its hands."

Rex's cell phone rings. He grabs the phone. "Hey, Brody. What's going on?" Rex listens. "Great. We'll meet you there."

"What is it?"

Rex does a complete U-turn. "They found the car that Shane was taken away in. It's back at the café. Brody is on his way there. He'll meet us."


At the Buenos Dias café a young teenager steps out the vehicle. He looks around and doesn't see anyone. He grabs some gas cans from the trunk and soaks the car inside and out with it. He pulls matches out of his pocket, lights one and flicks it at the car. The car burst into flames.

The teenager enters the back of the restaurant and enters the dining area. He sits at a booth in the corner. He grabs his cell phone and dials a number. He waits for an answer. "It's done." He pauses and listens to the words of the other caller. "We never met. Got it."

Back outside, Rex and Oliver pull up to the back of the restaurant just as Brody does in a squad car. They all instantly note the blazing car.

Rex quickly parks the car and jumps out. "Damn it. No." He begins to run towards the car.

Oliver races around in front of him and stops him from going any closer.

"Let go of me, Fish."

"Rex, stop."

"Shane could be in that car."

"If he is I'm sorry, but it's to late. I'm not going to let you hurt yourself to."

"Please, Fish. He's my son. He's my life." Rex continues to struggle to free himself.

Oliver stands firm in his hold of Rex.

Brody approaches the two guys. He looks at Oliver. "Sorry we couldn't get here sooner."

"Me too," replies Oliver.

Rex calls out. "Shane. Please god. Don't let him be inside that car. Please. I'm begging you."


Later that afternoon, Kyle and Shane find themselves free from the confinement of the damp cell. They race down the hall in search of Zach. Kyle's plan proved successful as least up until this point. If he wasn't in a rush to find Zach and get the hell out of wherever they are he may have actually thought the plan worked to well.

Minutes before. Ray unlocks the cell door carrying two bags of food. He places the food on one of the beds. He does not see Kyle when he enters. Only Shane is visible. Shane grabs at the bags of food and tears into a bag of chips. This is all part of the plan to distract Ray. Shane then quickly turns around and with all his might kicks Ray in the groin area. This only weakens Ray slightly, but it allows Kyle to approach him from behind and take several swings with the old metal pipe that he finally wrestled free from the old sink a few hours earlier. Ray falls to the floor. Shane grabs his keys as Kyle instructed him to do so. Kyle grabs Ray's cell phone and wallet. He tries to immediately place a call, but there is no service. They exit the cell. Kyle locks the door behind them with Ray still inside.

At the end of the hall Shane and Kyle approach the last cell. Kyle reaches the cell first and is sickened by what he sees. He quickly grabs Shane and prevents him from looking inside.

Shane is annoyed. "Is he in there?"

"Yes, but I don't want you to look. I need you to go upstairs and find a way out of here. Go find this guy's car and get it started. I'll bring Zach out."

"Please, Kyle. I need to see that he is okay."

"I can't let you do that Shane."

"You're not stopping me." Shane breaks free from Kyle's hold and looks into the cell. "Oh my god."

Kyle grabs Shane. "Please go upstairs and find the car. I'll get him and we'll get him some help."

Shane seems frozen.

Kyle shakes him. "Shane. Listen to me. Go find the way out. I'll be right behind you."

Shane snaps out of it and runs upstairs.

Kyle looks into the cell. Zach is still in his hospital gown. It is ripped and bloody, exposing most of his body to the elements. He hangs from chains against the cell's sidewall. The rips and blood appear to be from a whip that sits on the floor of the cell. Kyle fumbles to find the right key, but succeeds after trying about five keys. He races in and moves the old bed from the other side of the room to where Zach is hanging on the wall. He reaches up to and begins trying keys to release the wrist grasps. Once he finds them he hopes Zach lands on the bed. "Zach. Can you hear me?"

Zach cries out in response to Kyle's question, but does not speak any words.

Kyle finally frees Zach from the chains. Zach falls to the bed. Kyle tries to lift him, but Zach is beyond heavy. "Listen, buddy. I'm going to need your help here. I can't carry ya'. Ya' can lean on me, but I need ya' to try and walk. We have to get out of here."

Zach tries to speak. "I can't. Go. I'll be fine. Leave me here."

"No. That's not an option. Get up."

"I said, go. I can't stand up. My legs are like jelly."

"Do you know what is happening here?"

"I've been bad. I'm locked in the basement. It's a common thing. I never do anything right in his eyes."

Kyle is concerned that Zach has lost all sense of reality.

"Please. Try to walk with me." Kyle begins to pull Zach up. The weight is hard on him, but he is amazed at his own strength. Lifting patients at the hospital is definitely helpful in this situation. He wishes he had something to cover Zach with, but the room is bare.

Shane honks a horn from outside.

"That's our ride out of this place, Zach."

"I'm going to slow you down. Go. I've been here before. It won't last forever. He'll let me out at some point."

"I'm not leaving without you. Try to stand up."

Zach does as Kyle requests. They begin a very slow trek upstairs. After what seems like hours they make it outside. Kyle surveys the scene. They seem to be in what appears to be an old town, a ghost town high atop a hilltop. A fence surrounds the old town. All the city buildings are along the one main street. Kyle can see a gate at the end of the rode. "Start the car, Shane."

The car starts.

Kyle leads Zach out and into the back of the car. He closes the back door and jumps in the front. "Scoot over, pal. Let's get out of here."

Shane slides over, as Kyle gets behind the wheel. Kyle shifts the car into gear and begins to head towards the gate. He keeps looking into the rearview mirror thinking Ray will pop up at any moment. As they reach the gate, a gunshot fires and the back windshield breaks into a thousand small pieces.

"Get down, Shane," yells Kyle.

Shane slides down in the seat as instructed.

The gun fires several more times barely missing the car. Kyle floors the gas pedal of the car. They rip through the gate. Outside the gate Kyle immediately has to make a hard left turn to follow the road. He turns the steering wheel with all his might, but the car fights back. The car is now only on two wheels. Kyle prays the car hits the ground on all four tires again, but this does not happen. The car flips over and rolls down an embankment on the side of the road.


Later that evening, Rex pulls the car back into his building's parking garage. He parks the car. Rex and Oliver exit the car.

Rex looks over at Oliver. "You want to come upstairs? We can fill Roxy and Max in together."

"No, I think I'll go home. I need to be alone for a while. Will you be okay?"

"I have Roxy and Max. At least we know Shane wasn't in the car. That's a huge relief, but now we have no clues to help find him. We'll corner this Ray guy at work tomorrow. We'll get some answers. Plus your friend Adam gave us that lead about seeing the car come in and out of Crimson. They're somewhere close by."

"I wish that made me feel better, but they're still not home." Oliver looks away as emotions begin to well up inside.

"Look, maybe you should come up for a bit. I'm not sure it's good for you to be by yourself."

"Cristian might be home."

"What about the twins?"

"Stacy has them. I don't think I would be good for them right now. I'm all over the place with Kyle missing."

"Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"I'll be fine. Thanks for being concerned."

"Call if you need anything."

"I will. Thanks."

Rex heads toward the stairwell. As he opens the door he looks back to Oliver who still stands beside his car. "Night, Fish."

Oliver forces a half smile. "Night, Rex."

Rex enters the stairwell and is soon out of sight.

Oliver sighs, slowly turns and heads towards his own car.


About twenty minutes later Oliver enters his apartment.

"Hey man," says Cristian from the sofa. "Any news?"

Oliver throws his keys on the shelf next to the door. "We're going to talk with Ray, Zach's stepdad, tomorrow. We think he took Shane and also Zach and Kyle."

"Why?"

"That's the million dollar question. My contact over at CPD said the car used to kidnap Shane has been seen entering and leaving Crimson. That makes us think the guys are somewhere between the outskirts of Llanview and Crimson, but of course that's lot of geography to cover. But we're only guessing that Kyle is involved. We have nothing that truly connects him to Zach and Ray, except that he works in the same hospital Zach checked himself into for a mental evaluation." Oliver sits on the sofa next to Cristian.

"Layla stopped by and said to let her know if you need anything. She's concerned."

"That's nice of her. Were you guys civil?"

"Yes, Fish. We were focused on you, not us. You want a beer?"

"No thanks."

Cristian stands . "I'm getting you one anyway. You need to relax a bit."

Oliver forces a smile at Cristian's concern and kindness.

Cristian returns, hands the open beer bottle to Oliver and sits back down on the sofa. "So be honest with me, Fish. How are you?"

Oliver takes a deep breath and takes a drink of his beer. "I feel so lost without Kyle. I mean I pushed him away for so long. I get him back and now this. It's like the universe wants us apart. Why can't we just be together, work on our relationship and our family. It pisses me off. We deserve an opportunity to work on us without any interference from Nick, Zach, his stepdad or my dad. Oh and I didn't tell you George Fish is the new police chief over in Crimson. He told my contact there not to share any information with me. Luckily, Adam is still trying to provide information here and there as he can."

"Oh no. George nearby. That can't be good."

"Probably not. I don't even recognize him. He's so against everything I am. I asked him to help me find Kyle and he literally said he's probably out messing around with some other guy. That's what our kind does. We can't be committed or faithful because we're simply sinners. Then he said I would have to wait for him to be missing the official twenty-four hour period. Family doesn't seem to mean anything to him now that I'm with Kyle. You can feel the hate with every word he says to me and the looks he gives."

"Sorry, Fish. I wish your dad could come around like your mom. You and Kyle deserve a break from all this craziness."

"Maybe this is my punishment for treating Kyle so bad for so long."

"Don't say that. You were in a bad place. You were worried about how your parents would react and with good reason. Look at how much has changed. Look at how comfortable you are with yourself now."

"You're right. I know. Its hard to stay positive sometimes." Oliver finishes off his beer. "I'm going to head to bed and try to sleep. I'm supposed to meet Rex early tomorrow to go and question Ray." Oliver stands.

"You sure about questioning this guy. Maybe you're to close to it. As is Rex I would think."

"Well too close or not that's the plan. I'll catch you later. Night."

"I'm here if you need anything."

"Thanks, Cristian. I appreciate it. You're a great friend."

Cristian is concerned about Oliver, but figures he will be nearby if Oliver needs him. "Night."

"Night." Oliver heads to the kitchen to discard of the beer bottle and then goes to his bedroom.

Oliver goes into the bathroom and looks into the mirror. He feels exhausted and the image in the mirror reflects the same. He brushes his teeth, heads back to the bedroom and slips out of his clothes. He crawls into bed. He wishes Kyle was with him more than anything. He hates not knowing if he is okay or hurt. He reaches over and turns out the light. He lies in bed extremely tired, but seems to be more awake than ever. He stares at the ceiling thinking of Kyle. Suddenly out of nowhere, Oliver feels tears well up inside. The floodgates soon release and he can't stop crying. He is releasing hours of pent up frustration.

Cristian soon enters the room. He gets into bed. He sits up with his back against the headboard. He opens his arms and motions for Oliver to come over.

Oliver moves over placing his head against Cristian's chest. He is extremely grateful to not be alone. His cries continue.

Cristian wraps his arms around his friend and holds him close. He wants Oliver to know he is not alone.


Chapter 50 Preview

Living in a ghost town.