An hour and half after Justin and Becky had been rescued, the ambulance finally arrived. The EMT's were extremely happy with the treatment Shawn had given to the two victims.
Justin and Becky were bruised and pale, but would be alright. Their broken legs would heal and their bruises and cuts would fade. It could have been so much worse.
John Layfield and his husband, Ron Simmons sent their son Kofi along with his brother and Becky. They both had to stay, the town and county needed them more. It was a draw back of being the ones in charge.
Hunter, Chris and Kenny helped Shawn and Adam pick up and pack up the first aid gear. Gary, Art and Dolph put yellow caution tape around what little was left of K and J's Pizza.
Dolph had wanted to go to the hospital with Justin, but Justin knew Dolph needed to do his job. It made Dolph love Justin even more. Not many could be so understanding about the job of a law enforcement officer, but Justin did.
When the clean up was done, the storm chasers piled into Sheriff Ron's SUV. John and his three officers followed in Gary and Art's patrol car. They drove the short distance to the mobile command center at the corner of Main and Hobart Streets.
Seth, Dean and Roman sat and rested by the Red Cross Truck. They had worked hard, helping to take in then hand out cases of water, blankets, clothes and food that had been brought in and picked up by victims of the tornado. Fresh volunteers had taken over so the boys could rest.
When the entire Jericho Team was reunited, Chris spoke. "I am proud of us. We did good work. Thank you boys for helping the Red Cross. I will make sure the University hears about it as well. There really isn't any more we can do right now. Chief Layfield and Sheriff Simmons are escorting us back to the safe house after we pick up the ROW. I tried to tell them we would be safe at the hotel, but they don't want to take the risk. Ken and Kyle agree. We will decide what's next tomorrow. We need a good rest and food. So, when they are ready, we will head out." He looked at his team, a look of pride shone in his eyes. Chris felt like a proud parent.
"Has anyone heard how Styles is?" Dean asked as he tossed away the butt of the cigarette he'd smoked.
Shawn shook his head. "No. I will try to find out tomorrow. I asked the EMT's, but they weren't from Pampa, so they had no idea."
Roman looked at his elders. "I guess there isn't any news about Morrison either?"
"Nope, but he is out there. I can feel it. I just wish I knew what he was thinking. We can only hope he won't chase after us. At least I am staying with you for a while. He can't stay hidden forever." Kenny Omega answered honestly. He wasn't going to hide his thoughts and feelings from his new friends.
Hunter gave a grunt. "I guess it was too much to hope that the tornado got him. Kenny, I am glad you will be with us. Gosh, I'm starving." He rubbed his belly when it gave a loud gurgle.
A couple of hours later, the storm chasers, Kenny, Ken, Kyle, Carrie, Beth, Ron and John sat around the pool at the safe house. They enjoyed a meal of ham, potato salad and corn on the cob. They had stopped at a store on the way and bought the food. No one had felt like cooking. The food was good and it refreshed the tired group.
Ron lit a cigar and spoke. "John and I can't thank you enough for what you did for Justin and the others. I don't know what John and I would have done if… we… lost them." The emotion of all of it him hard and fast, as he finally let go.
John reached over and took his husband's hand. Ron didn't break often, but now, he couldn't blame him. The Chief's own emotions erupted to the surface. Neither man cried, but the tears were there.
Shawn gave the two men a smile. "I'm glad we could help. It really could have been so much worse. Dolph was stoic as well. He will be a good son-in-law."
John gave a nod. "Yes, he will. Adam can you give us a copy of your video? We will need it for the insurance claim. The adjuster will be busy for a while and the video will be a good reference record." He looked at Adam and lit his own cigar.
"Absolutely, Chief. All ask is you don't share it with the media. If Dean agrees, we will give you all the footage and pictures from today. The city should have a record." Adam returned the Chief's nod.
Dean stood. "I'm with Adam. I'll go put it together. Adam?" He looked to his mentor for approval.
Adam also stood. "It will be faster if we both do it. Give us half an hour and you'll have what you need." He waved for Dean to follow him. The two videographer went inside to work.
Chief Layfield frowned. "I didn't mean for Adam to do that right now. He and Dean should be resting." He exhaled a puff of cigar smoke.
Chris smiled at the Chief. "Don't worry about it. For Adam, working with video is relaxing. I'm sure it is the same for Dean. Speaking of, Seth. Please get the computers, we have a forecast to make." He knew Seth was as anxious to work as he was.
Seth jumped to his feet. "Yes, it is the same for Dean. Clear the table, we can work out here." He looked at Roman, then went to get his and Chris' laptops.
"Sit. Carrie and I will clear up. We didn't work half as hard as the rest of you did. By the way, we didn't see any sign of Morrison. The hotel manager said the room hasn't been used, but Styles' things are still there. Morrison is a true enigma." Beth gave a shrug. She and Carrie began to clear up the dinner remains.
Ron gave a bit of a low chuckle. "I thought we were the only ones who relaxed better when working."
Hunter added a laugh of his own. "No, you're not. Chris can be a nervous wreck without a forecast in front of him. Same for Adam without a camera. We all live for these three months." He too let out an exhale of cigar smoke as he finished.
"The boys are the same. It's going to be hard on them to rebuild their restaurant, but they will. A broken leg won't stop Justin. When I think of how it could have been..." Ron's voice was stronger, but still held the emotion of a parent who's child had been at risk.
Carrie and Beth came out with coffee. "Thought we could all use a cup about now. So, how are we setting up for a watch?" Carrie asked as she gave her boss a cup of coffee.
Kyle took the cup. "Thanks. Ken and I will take the first shift. Are you sure you can spare the two K nine officers to patrol the barn?"
John nodded. "Yes. One of them is mine the other is Ron's. Despite everything, keeping the team safe is still priority. Ron and I will be back to take over the watch. After what you all did for our boys… it is the least we can do."
"We appreciate that, Chief, Sheriff. We just did what needed to be done. I'm glad it turned out as well as it did. Do you really think Morrison will try anything? After what he did to AJ, he'd have to know you're after him." Shawn asked in a thought filled voice. He wasn't at all sure as the others about JoMo.
Kenny was the one to answer. "Yes, Shawn. I do. I can't tell you why, but as I said, I have a feeling he is out there, just watching and waiting. That feeling hasn't changed. He wants Adam to suffer as much as he does… or at least he thinks he does."
Shawn's brow arched and confusion marred his handsome face. "What do you mean, Kenny? Don't you think Morrison wants revenge for Drew?"
Seth came out with the computers and put them on the table. He could tell that for once, Chris had something other than the weather on his mind. Everyone did, what had happened while he was gone. Seth sat down, but didn't open his lap top. He too looked at Kenny.
Kenny looked at Shawn. "That was his original intention, but now… I don't think so. I think now, he just wants to kill and he won't care which of you it is. John Morrison is no longer in his right mind. That makes him even more dangerous. He's lost his own plot. I wish I was better at putting my thoughts into words. But, I think all of you are at risk, not just Chris." He took a sip of his coffee.
"No, I understand what you are getting at. He's like a trapped wild animal. His plan went wrong and now he's in a panic to get out of the trap. From what Ken and Kyle have told us, Morrison is usually calm, sly and calculating. He knows how to get out, before he gets in. Now that element of his plan is gone. If we could only talk to AJ, maybe Morrison said something before he tried to kill AJ." Hunter too spoke thoughtfully. He compared it to a probe run. Make sure the way out is clear before the run, or wind up being chased by a tornado, like the incident a few weeks ago.
Chris gave a chuckle. "Like that probe run you made a while back. You had the exit, but the storm trapped you, so you had to make a new way out. We can't let Morrison end our season. The University is depending on us. The public are counting on us. However, should we end the season and go home? Chief? Sheriff? Ken, Kyle?" He looked at the four law enforcement officers. Chris honestly didn't know what to do. Maybe going home would be the wisest and safest thing to do.
Adam and Dean had returned and had heard what Chris asked. Adam spoke. "You all talked me into staying and doing our jobs when this first started. Now you're thinking about quitting and going home? Isn't that spitting on AJ? No, I don't like him but still… are we going to let Morrison win? Besides, who says we will be safer at home? At least as long as we are out there chasing, we are constantly on the move. At home, we'd be sitting ducks. Well?" He had a fire in his hazel eyes, his hands on his hips.
Chris got up and went to his husband. He put his hands on Adam's shoulders. "You're right, Kitten. However, I do have to consider Dean, Seth and Roman. Their safety is in my hands. I want to chase, but, in the end, I have to do what is best for the entire team. We have to do what the officers say we have to do." He ended with a soft kiss to Adam's lips.
Kyle and Ken exchanged a look. "John, Ron, Kenny, Carrie and Beth, we need to go talk. We have a decision to make. We'll go into the house. We will consider everything." Kyle stood as he spoke. This had started in his town, he felt the most responsibility in the situation.
Adam sighed. As Kyle Miller passed, Adam stopped him. "We will abide by the decision you make. Do what you think is best… for everyone."
Kyle smiled at Adam. "Thanks, Adam. Don't worry, no matter what, your safety an that of everyone on the team is all that matters." With another smile, he turned and followed the others into the house.
Chris and Seth did the only thing they knew to do. They sat at the table, opened their computers and began to study the weather for the next few days. They had to be ready, just in case.
Roman and Hunter began to talk about the upcoming University football season. The Sooners looked to have a good team. Dean pulled out his cell phone and played his Candy Crush game. Adam and Shawn played a hand of Gin Rummy at the smaller table between their lounge chairs. The sounds of night hunting birds and singing insects filled the air. It was calm and peaceful, while a few miles away, in Pampa, tornado victims slept in makeshift beds. Tomorrow, the rebuilding would begin.
On a small rise, in the field behind the safe house, John Morrison stood and watched. He was dressed in a long sleeved black shirt and black trousers. He also wore black paint on his face. In one hand, he held a pair of high power binoculars, in the other, a Carbine rifle, just like the one Kenny Omega carried.
It had been so easy to steal everything. While people in the sporting goods store hid from the tornado, John Morrison took what he needed. Ten minutes later, the store fell victim to the tornado, no one would ever know he'd been there, stolen and fled.
Morrison had taken shelter from the tornado underground. He did it by prying up a man hole cover on the street, and climbed down the ladder. He stayed on the ladder and waited for the storm to pass. With the flashlight he'd also taken, he'd made his way through the underground passages. He came out in a city park that had not been affected by the storm. He made his way to the hotel. When he saw the Radar On Wheels, he hid in the trees and waited.
When the Jericho team returned, Morrison had been surprised to see them leave, with cops. It took a bit of work and effort, but he finally overheard a conversation that paid off. A Deputy from the county, gave directions to a K-9 officers. The directions were to a house, out in the country. Morrison just had a feeling that was where the Jericho team had gone.
Morrison managed to talk a farmer into giving him a ride. When he saw the ROW being parked in a barn, he told the farmer to let him out a mile later. Morrison then went into the field and backtracked to where he now stood, and waited for the opportunity he needed.
An hour later, Kyle Miller came out the house; alone. "John and Ron left. They will be back in the morning. We sent the ladies to bed to get some sleep. Ken has gone down to check on the guys at the barn. Kenny went with him. Now, the first question is, what about the weather?" Kyle asked as he sat down at the table with Chris and Seth.
Chris looked at his hand drawn forecast. "It's going to be quiet for a least a week. No fronts crossing over from the west. This would be the time I would usually go back to Norman. It's the normal shift to the plains states, like Colorado, northern and western Kansas, and Nebraska. The future shows eastern Colorado will be the next target." He gave a shrug. This was the normal weather pattern, he couldn't change it.
Kyle looked at Chris. "How important is going back to Norman?"
"Not at all really. Some seasons we never get back. It depends on how long the shift takes. Usually it's only a few days. A week long break is rare. However, the way the season is going, it could change tomorrow." Chris answered as honestly as he possibly could.
Kyle gave a nod. "Would you consider staying here till the weather changes? We have reason to think Morrison is nearby, waiting to make a move. If you stay here, we can protect you and possibly get Morrison. We know we continue to ask a lot from you… all of you, but we think it's for the best. If nothing happens or you have to leave to chase, Kenny will go with you as planned. I just hope we can catch Morrison quickly. We don't think you should have to quit just because of him. What you do is too valuable." He gave Chris a firm look.
Chris looked at his team. "Hunter, what do you think?" He know Hunter understood. It was more about the safety of their three University students.
Hunter sat back in his chair and took a puff from his second cigar. "I know what you mean, Chris. However, I think it's better to stay here, where we are well protected. We wouldn't have that in Norman. I also agree that we can't stop working, it's too important. This is our best season yet, we can't just walk out on it." He gave Chris a firm nod. He did feel safer surrounded by law enforcement.
"Roman, you have a say. So, say it." Seth spoke to his lover. He felt Roman had the right to give his opinion, as their protector.
Roman gave Seth a smile. "In this case, I don't. Chris and Hunter have to answer to the University about the three of us. However, on a personal note, I agree. We should stay where we have more protection and we should continue to work." Roman gave Seth a wink and Dean a smile when Dean's hand gave his leg a squeeze. How Roman loved his men.
Shawn took his turn to speak. "I agree." He didn't need to say anything else, his tone said it all.
Chris smiled. "I know how Adam feels. So, Kyle we will stay. We want to do what we can to help. You've been with us since this nightmare began. We will stand with you till the end. Now, we'd better get to bed, it's been an extremely long, hard day." He closed his laptop and gathered his papers. Both Chris and Seth put their papers in their briefcases. Seth felt like a real player with his new leather brief case from Dean.
Dean stood. "Damn. I didn't give the video disc to Chief Layfield. Detective Miller will you give it to him? In case I miss him again." He held out a jewel case with a CD inside. It was labeled Damage of Pampa, Texas, May 29.
Kyle took the case. "You bet I will, thanks. Thanks to all of you. I appreciate what you are doing, not many have the courage. Go, get some sleep. Tomorrow is Memorial Day, I will get some steaks to grill. We've earned it. Goodnight." Kyle shook hands with everyone. He then went out to find his twin brother.
When Kyle found Ken and Kenny in the front yard of the safe house, Kyle told them about staying. "...I'll tell you, brother, not many would have the courage to see a case like this through. I wouldn't blame them if they wanted to flee to Europe."
Ken gave his twin a one armed hug. "I wouldn't either. They are very brave men, heroes actually. Kenny, go get some rest, Kyle and I can handle this." He gave his top officer a pat on the shoulder.
Kenny gave his boss a cheeky grin. "Yeah, I will. Just want to check around the back. I can't shake this feeling; Morrison is close."
Ken arched his brow. "Want me to go with you? I know you wouldn't say it if you didn't have a reason. I've never know you to be wrong."
"No, I'll move faster alone. I'll report back before I go in to rest." Kenny spoke firmly. He hurried off to check the back of the property.
Kyle put his hands on his rifle and held it at the ready. "You've got a good man there. Wish I could have a twin of him on our force. You really believe him, don't you?"
Ken also took hold of his weapon with a nod. "Yes, I do. If Kenny Omega feels Morrison is close; he is. So, we'd better stay alert. You take the left, I'll go right. Love you, my brother."
Kyle grinned. "Good enough for me. Love you, my brother." The two gave each other a fist bump and went their separate ways.
John Morrison saw Kenny come around to the back of the property. He fell to his knees and silently flattened out prone on the ground. He put his face down and closed his eyes. He knew he couldn't possibly be seen. Morrison regulated his breathing till it nearly stopped. He could hear Omega's footsteps grow near. All he could do was hope their paths didn't cross. But, he would kill if he had to.
Kenny stopped walking. He adjusted the Carbine rifle in his grip. "Where are you, you little shit. I know you're out here, I can feel it. We are going to get you; that's a promise." He muttered his words under his breath. What Kenny didn't know was Morrison heard every word.
If Kenny had only walked ten feet further north, he would have stepped on his quarry. Kenny started walking again and headed back down to the yard. He went to the front, gave his report then went inside. It didn't take Kenny long to fall asleep.
John Morrison crawled back into the thick grove of trees that grew next to the natural pond in the cattle field. He took a sip of from a bottle of water and a bite of power bar. He hunkered down and began to try to think of what to do and how to do it.
In the master bedroom, Adam lay in Chris' arms. They took comfort in holding each other close. Sometimes sex wasn't the answer. Chris pulled Adam closer when he felt the blond tremble.
"It will be alright, Kitten. They are going to catch him, then we can forget about it. I was proud of the way you spoke up, to stay and keep working. You can sure turn into a tiger when you want." Chris spoke softly and kissed Adam's temple.
Adam nuzzled deeper against Chris, his light beard scratched along Chris' neck. "I… just didn't want to turn tail and run. I know I was all for quitting when this first started, but this time, it just didn't seem right somehow. I am scared though. There is a madman out there and he is after us. If someone like that wants something bad enough, he won't give up till he gets it." He gave another slight shudder.
Chris gave Adam another kiss. "We are safe here. I trust Kenny and the Miller twins, Carrie, Beth, Ron and John. I know what you mean though. I don't like the thought of a madman after us. Adam, we have to be strong, for the boys. Don't forget, Hunter and Shawn have weapons. You know what a great shot Shawn is. We will be alright, I promise." He pulled Adam down deeper under the covers. Chris held tight to his husband.
Adam spoke through a yawn. "True, but Shawn won't shoot to kill. Don't worry, I will be strong for the boys… as long as you are there. I'll hold you to that promise, but I also know things can happen. Sleepy now… I love you, my Lion." Adam moved to kiss Chris on the lips.
Chris grinned softly into the kiss. "I love you, my pretty Kitty. Sleep, I've got you… I've always got you." He gave Adam a love filled kiss. Adam quickly fell asleep, safe in his husbands arms. Chris stayed awake long enough to say a prayer. He then joined Adam in dreamland.
In the Helmsley's room, Shawn was awake while Hunter slept. They too were wrapped in each other's arms. While in Hunter's arms, Shawn felt safe, but tired as he was, sleep alluded him. Thoughts of John Morrison ran through his mind.
Shawn let out a soft sigh. "Can't sleep my little copperhead?" Hunter's voice came in a sleep filled whisper.
Shawn nuzzled against Hunter. "Sorry if I woke you, babe. No, I can't, too many thoughts I guess." Somehow Hunter always knew when he was troubled, even if Hunter was dead to the world asleep.
Hunter pulled Shawn closer. "Bet I know what about. Baby, sometimes we all have to do things we don't want to do. You will do it if you have to."
"Do what, Hunt?" Shaw was sure his husband had no idea what he'd been thinking about.
Hunter pulled Shawn closer. "Shoot Morrison. Shawn, my love, when will you learn that I know you? Like I said, you will, if you have to. Our boys are at risk. We'd both shoot with no hesitation if Morrison attacks. I think Kenny is right, Morrison is close. It will be over soon, love. Then, you can go back to worrying about Adam and I making roads on the probe runs." He kissed the top of Shawn's head.
Shawn kissed Hunter's bare chest. "I guess you do know me. That is what I was thinking about. I'm not sure if I could really shoot to kill another human being, a child of God. Of course, I would do what I could to keep our boys safe… but..." His voice trailed off in thought.
"Tell you what, if and I mean if it comes down to us, I'll do it. You shoot to wound. That will be enough for me to shoot, if I have to. I'm sure it won't come to that, not with all the police protection we have. Come on now, close your thoughts and your eyes, you need to sleep." Hunter gave Shawn another kiss and pulled his husband even closer.
"Okay, I can deal with that. I love you, Hunt. You always know what to say. Oh and no pig trail roads either. You and Adam have reached your season limit on giving me gray hairs." Shawn yawned and closed his eyes. Before he slept, he prayed.
"I love you, Shawn." Hunter held tight to Shawn and managed to immediately fall back to sleep.
In the room the college boys shared, Roman lay in the middle of the bed, Seth and Dean curled up against him. Roman had an arm around each. Seth was in a deep sleep, but Roman and Dean were awake. Dean's fingers lightly traced over the tattoo that covered Roman's right pectoral muscle. Roman loved and treasured moments like this. It wasn't often that he had such moments with Dean or Seth. Sometimes it was needed, this was one of those times.
"We have to keep Sethie safe." Dean barely whispered in Roman's ear. He didn't want their talk to wake their youngest.
Roman smiled at Dean. He turned his head so he could whisper back. "We will. He won't like it, but we should stay inside. Better protection."
Dean nodded, his face brushed against Roman's warm skin. "I agree. I will talk to Adam and he can suggest to Chris that they work inside. Ro… I just.. thank you for asking Seth and I to marry you… so to speak. I never thought I could love anyone like I love you and Seth. I thought that my dad… took away my ability to love… but… you and Seth… well, you made me feel like I was worth loving… at least a bit. I would do anything for you and Seth… just anything. I'd even take a bullet for you..." Dean clung to Roman. Since his talk with Shawn, he found it a bit easier to express the emotions he felt.
Roman had to blink back the tears in his eyes. It was so wonderful to hear Dean speak so tenderly. He said a quick prayer of thanks for putting Shawn, Adam, Chris and Hunter in their lives. He ran his hand through Dean's mop of auburn hair.
"We wouldn't want you to do that. We need you as much as you need us, D. I can't wait for our ceremony. It will be the happiest day of our lives. Babe, I am sorry about the things in your past. I am so happy that you let Seth and I in. You are a wonderful person. I am so proud of the work you are doing. Just think of the lives that were saved today because of your idea to do the live stream. I love you, Dean, so very much." Roman pulled Dean in loser and kissed him on the lips.
Dean returned the kiss with all the gentle love he had for Roman and Seth. Sometimes it felt so good to be gentle and tender. He loved these moments with Roman and he loved them with Seth as well. Wen the kiss broke, Dean snuggled down deeper and drifted off to sleep. It was easy to do as Roman's fingers caressed his head.
Roman was still awake as Dean and Seth slept in his arms. Roman offered up another prayer. He prayed that Dean and Seth would be safe from Morrison. He also thanked God again for Seth and Dean. Roman knew he'd be nothing without them. Roman finally drifted off to sleep. Three soft snoring sounds filled the air.
Kenny Omega tried to sleep, but his mind kept waking him. He picked up his cell phone. Kenny smiled when he heard the voice of his sweet husband, Kota answer the phone. Kenny told his husband about everything that had happened since the last phone call. Kenny knew Kota would listen and not judge.
Kenny also knew Kota would have good advice on what to do. Kota understood how his husband's mind worked, as Kenny did with him.
"You follow your feelings, my love. I know you will find this mad man." A young voice spoke in broken Japanese/English; it was Kota. He was also on the screen, he was very handsome in a boyish way. Intelligence and loved burned in his eyes.
Kenny smiled at his beloved husband. "Thank you, my love. You always give me the confidence I need. This one worries me, Kota. Morrison is truly mad and so very sly, and so very smart. I love you, my heart. I truly love you." He knew there was always a chance, after all, he had a dangerous job.
Kota gave Kenny a bright smile. "I truly love you, Kenny. You know I understand, but you will be alright. I feel it in my heart. You know what to do. You need to sleep, my prince, I can see it. Know I am always with you. I love you." Kota gave Kenny an air kiss and another smile.
Kenny returned the air kiss. "Yes, I am tired. I am always with you, my golden love. I will, at least I will try my best. I love you. Goodnight." He quickly ended the call, otherwise they would be another hour saying goodbye.
Kenny put his phone to charge. He rolled over onto his side and curled up to sleep. It took Kenny awhile to fall asleep. Morrison ran through his thoughts like a wild river rapids. Kenny finally slept, but he had an ear tuned, anything could happen at any time.
In the field behind the house, John Morrison lay on his back and stared up at the stars. He thought of his beloved Drew.
"Don't worry, Drew. I got rid of AJ, just like you told me to do. I will get rid of Jericho, I promised you I would. I need you to tell me what to do, Drew. You always tell me what to do." He closed his eyes. A voice began to fill his head. The voice was that of Drew McIntyre.. at least it was in John Morrison's mind.