This is dedicated to BigTimeRush-BTR, who graduated from college today!
***Hey guys, I had to delete a very nice guest review because it revealed too much. PLEASE, when a writer asks you to dm if you have answers/ideas/suggestions/etc. DM, do not post it in reviews because you could be giving away a crucial part of a story. It could also be interpreted as the writer "stealing" that idea. To my guest reviewer, thank you SO much for your kind words and I truly appreciate you reading my work, it means a lot.***
Taylor Sands got out of the car and smiled at the driver. "Thanks for the ride."
"You're welcome, try to stay out of trouble," the driver said.
"You know me," Sands said.
"I do. Don't forget to check in tomorrow, so we can go over everything in more detail."
"I will," Sands promised as he headed up the walkway. He unlocked the door and walked in, stopping to hang his jacket. "Anyone home?"
"Hey," a woman's voice called from the kitchen.
Taylor smiled and walked into the kitchen. He kissed her cheek and grabbed a slice of tomato from the salad she was preparing. "Hey Sis, where is everyone?"
"Doctor's appointment, they should be back soon. I got off early so, I thought I'd start dinner," she said.
"Well, put it away for tomorrow, I'm taking everyone out for dinner to celebrate," he told her.
She looked at him and arched an eyebrow. "Celebrate what?"
"I got a job."
"Wait a minute, mom said you had to appear in court today, how did you manage to find a job?"
"You're not going to believe it," he said.
She crossed her arms over her chest. "Try me."
He sighed. "A guy hired me for security."
"What guy?"
"Some guy who claims he didn't do what they are accusing him of doing. He said he wants me to help find the person he claims is responsible."
"Taylor, please tell me you did not take a job from an inmate," she said.
"He's not an inmate, he's a businessman who got himself into trouble and says he needs help proving his innocence."
"Do you think he's innocent?"
He popped a slice of cucumber in his mouth. "Nope."
"Taylor! Please, don't do this, this family can't handle another crisis. We need you here, NOT in prison again," she said, her eyes filling with tears.
He hugged her. "Hey, this is legit, I promise. This guy may be paying me, but I'm really helping the police. I swear I am doing things the right way this time."
"What do you mean you're helping the police?"
"You know Jordan, right?"
"Yes," she said, nodding.
"Okay, he called me saying they need someone on the inside to help put this guy away. They think he's a serial predator and he messed this kid up really bad the other day. This guy is one of the richest in the state and he buys his way out of everything. Jordan asked if I could try to get this guy to talk to me, and he did, he even hired me."
"Why you?"
"You know why," Taylor said softly.
"Taylor, you need to be careful. Just because the police asked you to help, doesn't mean you can just do anything you might want to do," she said carefully.
"I know that, I'm going to do it right this time, I swear. I'm meeting with a couple of detectives tomorrow and they're going tell me what to do. I'll be wearing a wire a lot of the time and reporting in every day," he told her.
"Is this dangerous?"
"Nah, I can take care of myself and the cops will be watching. Not only that, this guy is paying me two grand a week, with a five grand sign-on bonus, and he paid off my legal fees," he said with a smirk.
"That's a lot, is it allowed? Won't you have to pay it back?"
"Nope, and here's the best part…I told him I wouldn't do it unless he prepaid for five years of medical insurance for my family."
"What?" She asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, I told him I choose the coverage and it covers everyone," he said, smiling softly.
"That usually only applies to spouse and children," she told him.
"I know. He had to pay extra for parents and siblings but he did. It also covers all mental health, so mom and dad don't have to shell out $2500 a month for Peanut. Sis…it covers everything and everyone, including you. So, you can afford to see your therapist more than once a month, and, I already signed up for a better anger management program."
"T-This is incredible, but if he goes to prison, won't it all go away?"
He shook his head. "Not the insurance, I insisted he prepay it, and it's paid-in-full. That's not even everything, with the sign-on bonus we can pay a chunk of those loans off. And, since I'll be making so much every week, hopefully, we can get them paid off before this guy goes down and we can get the house back in mom and dad's names."
"Taylor, this sounds too good to be true," she said hugging him.
"Sis, I think we're due for some good luck. I know I messed up, but I'm going to make it right, I promise," he said, thinking of everything she had given up in the last few years, including her marriage.
"You did it for the right reasons," she said.
"Yeah…I'd do it again, too," he said, thinking about the two men he had hunted down and beaten to within an inch of their lives.
"I would, too," she said quietly.
He smiled sadly. "That's not all. If everything goes smoothly, the DA is going to petition to shorten, or end, my probation. If it goes really well, they will petition to expunge my record."
She smiled and threw her arms around him. "Maybe things are changing for the better."
The front door opened and three people walked in. "Peanut!" Taylor called out and opened his arms.
A teenage girl squealed and threw herself at him. "T-Taylor!"
He kissed the top of her head. "Hey, we're going to go out to dinner to celebrate, so where do you want to go?"
She got quiet and looked down. "I d-don't know."
"How about the beach? It's not crowded and we could just stop and pick-up dinner?" Taylor suggested.
"Like a picnic?"
"Yeah, why not? It's pretty out and we can stop by that burger place you like," he suggested.
She smiled. "Okay!"
"Why don't you go change," their mom said.
Taylor kissed the top of his sister's head again and gave her a little push. "Grab a sweater, Peanut."
She nodded and started up the stairs.
"What are we celebrating?" Their dad asked.
Taylor smiled. "I'll explain everything later, but things are looking up."
"What's going on?" His mom asked, kissing his cheek.
"I'll explain after dinner," he said, hugging her. "Hey Lulu, grab a couple of blankets, too!"
Olivia was out the door and halfway down the hallway when Antonio and Gustavo caught up with her. "Olivia, no!" Antonio said, getting in front of her and holding his hands out.
"Move," she ordered, trying to go around him.
"Now, is not the time," Antonio said firmly.
"This is hospital business," she said, still trying to get around him.
He took her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. "This is a police matter and we need to make sure the case against her is airtight."
"She'll get a slap on the wrist," Olivia said angrily, but stopped trying to get by him.
He shook his head. "She is breaking privacy laws and that's compounded by the fact Kendall is an assault victim and a minor."
Olivia sighed deeply. "Fine, but if they don't charge her, I get to throat punch her."
"Deal," Antonio said with a small smile.
"We better get out of here, or have a damn good story, before she comes out," Gustavo suggested.
Freight Train walked over to them. "Is everything alright?"
Olivia took a deep breath and nodded.
"Everything is going to be fine, keep watching that door," Gustavo said as they started back for the waiting room.
Freight Train nodded and returned to his post.
"Why didn't you tell him?" Antonio asked, opening the door.
"He threw a television out the window when he thought it was a risk to his charge," Gustavo said.
"Good point," Antonio said, closing the door.
"Now what?" Olivia asked, starting to pace.
"I have everything recording and I contacted Mr. Simmons. He wants us to wait until he gets a hold of the legal department," Jaya told her.
"And, the police?" Antonio asked, sitting next to Jen, who took his hand.
"They arrived at the location and are in the process of apprehending the suspect," she said.
"What about the them revealing that it's Kendall?" Gustavo asked.
She patted his arm. "I took care of that, too. No one is releasing those photos."
"Thank God," Jen said in a shaky voice.
Antonio looked at Brooke. "Can you take Jen and the kids back to the apartment?"
"Absolutely," she said, standing up.
"I want to wait until that nurse is arrested," Jen said.
"It's going to be awhile and there's nothing you can do. You need to take the kids home and get some rest," Antonio said firmly.
"But…"
"He's right, and he'll call as as soon as she's taken into custody, won't you?" Brooke asked.
"I promise. Now, please go get some rest and make sure the boys stay put," Antonio said.
Gustavo looked up from his phone. "Security is on the way up, and will escort you home. Have everyone pack what they need, you're all going to be moving to my place until this is over."
"Is that really necessary?" Jen asked.
"Yes. Taking out one member of the paparazzi means nothing, because there are a hundred more out there, circling like hyenas. You'll all be safe at my mansion and I won't have to worry about the boys saying anything to anyone at the Palmwoods."
"He's right, his place is a lot more secure," Antonio said.
"I'm having food delivered in two hours, let security answer the door. Kelly will go with you and get you all settled in," Gustavo told her.
Jen sighed sadly. "This isn't right."
"No, but I don't want you to worry about security, medical, or legal care. I've got all of that handled," Gustavo promised.
Jen hugged him. "I can't thank you enough."
Gustavo cleared his throat. "You and Kendall will be taking my room, so, I'm having another bed put in. The room will be set-up for when Kendall gets out of the hospital because he's probably going to need a nurse, and possibly, a physical therapist for his leg. I don't want him to have to go out, unless absolutely necessary."
"We're lucky to have you," Jen said, overwhelmed.
Gustavo smiled sadly. "If it weren't for me, he wouldn't be here right now."
"No. You are not going to blame yourself for what Griffin did. The boys love singing, and, they love you," she said, hugging him tightly.
He hugged her back. "I love them, too," he said, his voice breaking.
Jen kissed his cheek. "We can do this, together."
He nodded.
"Let's go tell the kids," Brooke suggested, putting an arm around her friend.
Jen nodded.
Brooke reached over with her other arm and gave Gustavo a quick hug. "She's right, everyone adores you, and this is not your fault. Griffin, on the other hand, is going to be very sorry for everything."
"If he doesn't buy his way out of this," Gustavo said quietly.
"Trust me, he doesn't want to do that," Brooke told him.
"Why?" Gustavo asked.
Brooke flashed him a bright smile. "Did you know that over 600,000 people go missing in this country every year?"
"No…"
"What's one more?" She asked, patting his cheek.
"Brooke…" Antonio said, shaking his head.
She arched an eyebrow and blew him a kiss. "Come on, let's get the kids ready to go," she said, guiding Jen to the door.
Antonio laughed as they left.
"Wait, how did she know how many people disappear every year?" Gustavo asked Antonio.
"Do you really want to know?"
Gustavo shook his head. "No, not really. She scares the hell out of me," Gustavo said, sitting down.
"Me too," Antonio agreed, sitting next to him.
"I like her!" Jaya said.
"I agree with Jaya," Olivia said.
Jaya's phone rang. "This is Jaya Carter." She listened for a moment and smiled. "That's wonderful, thank you."
"Well?" Olivia asked.
"They have him. Do you know a Jude Bower?" She asked Gustavo.
"YES! WAS IT HIM?" Gustavo yelled.
"Yes. They have him in custody and they are taking him in to be booked. They are also sending officers here to arrest his accomplice," she told him calmly.
"How long will they be?" Olivia asked.
"They should be here any moment. I've already sent them the recording so they can press the appropriate charges."
"Are you sure we can't throw her out a window?" Olivia asked.
Jaya arched an eyebrow. "I would prefer not to have to bail my baby brother out tonight."
"Can I still throat punch her?"
"Sure, if you don't mind spending the night in a cell," Jaya said.
"Will we be in the same cell?"
"I highly doubt it." Jaya laughed.
"It might be worth it."
"No, Kendall needs you. We need you, you're someone we can trust with him," Antonio said.
Olivia sighed. "Fine, but it's not fair that Kelly got to groin punch Griffin."
"That was good," Antonio said.
Olivia's phone buzzed. "This is Dr. Burns."
Mr. Simmons' voice came on the line. "Dr. Burns, would you, Officer Garcia, and and Ms. Carter come to my office?"
"Of course," she said, standing up.
"Could you also have Ms. Carter bring the recording she has of what happened in Kendall Knight's room? I'd like to go over it before the nurse in question arrives after her shift."
"We'll be there in five minutes," she said, ending the call. She looked at Antonio and Jaya. "Mr. Simmons wants us and the recordings in his office as soon as possible."
Jaya nodded and slipped her tablet into her bag.
"Does he need me?" Gustavo asked.
"He only asked for Jaya and Antonio, but I'm sure you're welcome," Olivia told him.
Gustavo shook his head. "I trust you all to handle it, I'm going to go sit with Kendall."
She smiled at him. "Okay, I'm not sure how long we'll be, he wants to go over everything with us."
"I'm not going anywhere, so, if you need me, just call," he said, standing up and heading for the door. He held it open for the others, turning right while they went left, towards the elevators.
A group of nurses at the nurses' station, going over their assignments for the evening. Olivia tensed up and took a deep breath as she walked over to them.
"Olivia?" Antonio said.
"I'll be right behind you," she said as she gestured for Nurse Meadows, who walked over to her.
"Irene, I have a couple of meetings I need to attend, could you please call my cell if Kendall needs me."
"Of course," Nurse Meadows said softly.
"You still haven't seen anyone new today?"
Nurse Meadows shook her head. "Only people with the proper ID, I am double-checking everyone, though."
"Okay, thank you," Olivia said.
"If someone doesn't belong on this floor they will not be allowed on this floor," Nurse Meadows promised.
Olivia nodded. "I'll be back to check on him later."
Nurse Meadows smiled and patted her arm. "You're going to need to get some rest, soon."
"I will, thank you," Olivia said as she went to join the others at the elevator.
"What was that about?" Antonio asked quietly.
"I had to let them know that I was going to be off the floor for awhile and to call my cell," Olivia told him as the doors opened and they stepped inside.
"Are you alright?"
"I will be," she said, as the doors closed.
"But I don't want to leave," James told Brooke.
"Me either!" Carlos said.
"I know you don't, but you all need rest and we need to get your things because we will be staying at Gustavo's," Brooke explained.
"I don't need anything and I'm not leaving," James said stubbornly.
"This is not a discussion, we are getting your things and we are going to Gustavo's. You boys need rest, as do Jen and Katie," Brooke said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
"Honey, I appreciate your protectiveness, but Freight Train is here and your mom is right. You boys are so tired and need to get away for awhile," Jen said.
"But…" James started, unsure of how to express what he needed to, without actually telling her anything. Logan was standing behind her, shaking his head in warning.
"We'll come back first thing in the morning, after you've gotten some rest," Brooke said.
"Is Papi staying?" Carlos asked.
Jen nodded. "For now. I'm going to come back in a few hours so he can get some rest."
"Can I come back with you?" James asked.
"No, you will come back in the morning with the rest of us," Brooke said.
"But Mom," James choked out. He did not want to leave Kendall and was close to breaking down again.
"Darling, breathe," Brooke said softly, hugging him. "We'll talk more once we get settled in," she whispered.
He hugged her back, "I don't want to leave him," he whispered into her neck.
"You have to for now, but you can call and talk to Antonio or Freight Train later," Brooke said, kissing his cheek.
"You boys are so tired, please, get some rest tonight. Kendall needs you to be strong for him, so do we," Jen said, pulling Katie close.
"We will, Mama Knight," Carlos said, hugging her.
Logan nodded in agreement.
James took a ragged breath, knowing he wasn't going to be allowed to stay. "I'm s-sorry."
Jen hugged him. "You have nothing to be sorry for, I'm so grateful you're here and want to protect him. You know he'd do the same for you?"
James suddenly found it hard to breathe, opened the door, and rushed out.
"What happened?" Jen asked in shock.
"We'll get him," Carlos said, grabbing Logan's arm and pulling him out the door.
Carlos and Logan saw James running for the stairs and reached him as he opened the door.
"James?" Logan asked.
James shook his head and stepped into the empty stairwell.
"James, talk to us," Carlos said.
"I can't. I can't do this. I can't lie to Mama Knight, pretending that I'm a good friend when I let this happen!"
"James, you didn't let this happen. You didn't know, none of us did," Logan said.
"It doesn't matter! I should have listened, I should have believed him, and now everything is falling apart," James yelled.
Carlos took him by the shoulders and shook him. "Stop it, stop it now! Yes, you screwed up, but you didn't have all the information. If you did, you would have reacted differently."
"We all would have," Logan said quietly.
"Yes, and now we have to do everything we can to make things right. That starts with NOT saying anything to Mama Knight about the two of you, because that is for Kendall to do," Carlos said firmly, looking at his two friends.
"And figuring out what to say if Kendall says anything else," Logan pointed out.
"What do you mean?" James asked.
"Earlier, when Kendall was upset, Mama Knight wanted to know why he thought we were mad at him," Logan told him.
"What did you say?"
"Carlos told her it was because we had been teasing him about going to Disneyland when he had to work. That was fast thinking, Los," Logan said, looking at his friend.
Carlos gave him a small smile and a nod.
"What if he tells her I left him there? She'll know, she'll know something happened, that I let it happen," James said, starting to panic again.
"James, we will figure it out but if you don't quiet down, everyone in the hospital will know," Carlos said as their voices echoed in the enclosed area.
Logan thought for a moment. "Okay, this is what we say. You guys were arguing about the intern that smacked you. Kendall doesn't like her, or the fact she was using him to get to you. You, always the lady's man, thought it was flattering and thought he was just jealous of the fact she liked you."
"But I don't like her!" James stated.
"We know that, but it's the one thing that would make sense to everyone," Logan hissed as he heard voices outside the door.
The door opened. "Boys, is everything alright?" Gustavo asked.
"Yeah, James just needed a minute," Carlos explained.
Gustavo nodded and pointed at them. "Do not go running out again. We don't know who is around here, or who might be working for the paparazzi. Now, security is here and will be with you when you are in public, and outside once you're home."
"Okay," James said quietly.
Gustavo took a deep breath and closed the door. "I know this is hard. I know you're scared and angry, but you boys have got to be careful. That means not running off when something happens. I want you to go home, pack, go to my place, and get some rest. There are games and a plasma screen in the media room, there's the indoor pool and a hot tub. Now listen up, because this is probably the only time I'm going to say this…USE them. Take some down time and relax, because things are going to get a lot harder before they get better. Do you understand?" Gustav asked, looking at each boy.
All three nodded.
"I'm sorry," James said quietly.
Gustavo gave him a smile. "Don't be sorry, but know if you take off again, security has orders to haul your butts back, lock you in your rooms, and sit on you if necessary. Understood?"
"We'll be good," Logan promised.
"Alright, now go take care of your moms, they're worried," Gustavo said, opening the door.
"Thanks Gustavo," James said.
"James, take a long, hot shower and get some rest, you look like crap," Gustavo said, patting him on the shoulder.
"I feel like crap." He sighed.
"I know you do," Gustavo said, putting his arm around his shoulders.
"Wow, they are huge," Logan whispered, seeing the very large four men standing by the waiting room door. They weren't as big as Freight Train, but they were still extremely intimidating.
"Yes, they are. No one you don't know is getting near any of you," Gustavo told him.
"Slight problem, if we go into the Palmwoods with them people are going to know something's really wrong," Logan pointed out.
"We already had the news conference saying Kendall was mugged," Gustavo said.
"Yeah, but won't they wonder why we have these guys, and are moving out, if it was just a mugging?" Logan asked.
"We're just going to have to deal with it." Gustavo sighed.
"What if they wait for us and we go in and grab our stuff?" Carlos suggested.
"No, you are not going in alone, there will be paparazzi around," Gustavo said firmly.
"Wait, what if Camille's dad meets us there? He knows how to handle them and we can call before we leave and he can check everything out," Logan said.
Gustavo thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright, call him and see if he's available. If he can meet you there, security can wait in the van."
"One van?" James asked, looking at the security team.
"There will be two vans, Kelly will be driving one. I want you boys to run in, get everything you need, and get back out. No checking in with your friends and no distractions, understood?" Gustavo instructed.
"Yes," all three boys said.
They walked down to the waiting room and the boys went in to let Jen and Brooke know they were ready to leave.
"Watch them, they are on edge and I don't want anything happening to them. Call me if anything comes up, I don't care how small it seems to be," Gustavo said to the security men.
They all nodded.
"Take care of them like your lives depend on it…because they do," Gustavo said as he headed down the hall to Kendall's room.
Freight Train opened the door and Gustavo went inside. He went over to Kendall's bed and sat down in the chair next him. He rubbed his hand over his tired eyes and then reached over and took the teen's hand.
"What?" Kendall mumbled.
"Shh, go back to sleep," Gustavo said softy.
Kendall shifted a little and squeezed Gustavo's hand as the body pillow slipped a bit and pain hit. "Ow," he whimpered.
Gustavo adjusted the pillow a little so it was supporting Kendall's back better. "How's that?"
Kendall opened his eyes a little and nodded. "Is everybody okay?"
Gustavo smiled at him. "Everyone is fine, they've all gone home to get some rest, so I'm going to stay here with you."
"You are?"
"Yes, is that okay?" Gustavo asked.
Kendall nodded and closed his eyes. "You'll keep away bad things."
Gustavo blinked back tears. "Yes, I will."
He sat back, still holding Kendall's hand and sighed deeply. Kendall's fingers started twitching so, he gently rubbed them and started singing softly.
"Hmm?" Kendall said.
"I'm sorry, go back to sleep," Gustavo said.
"Sing," Kendall said, closing his eyes again.
Gustavo smiled and started singing again. "525,600 minutes…"