Authors note ; thanks again for the reviews. I know I'm pretty hard on
Bruce and Bobby but what the hey.
Twenty – Chase Through L.A.
The Blue van crashed through the doors of the garage. Officers nearby were showered with debris as the wooden doors splintered. Carlos swung the van hard to the left, towards the barricade of police at the end of the street.
"They've got the road blocked!" He shouted to Jacob.
"Go Through them!"
Again Carlos accelerated. Officers dove for cover as the van smashed through the parked patrol vehicles. The van barrelled through the oncoming traffic causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid collision.
Bobby was first to his feet and raced over to one of the CHP motorcycles. Undamaged patrol cars tried to weave through the wreckage of the road block as Sgt. Getraer and Ponch picked themselves up.
"Nelson, don't even think about it!" Sgt Getraer ordered, spotting the officer mounting the motorcycle.
Ponch also called out to his partner but both shouts fell on deaf ears. Bobby heard conformation over the radio that the garage was empty. His brother was inside the van. He fastened his helmet and sped off in pursuit.
Before Sgt. Getraer could say otherwise, Ponch jumped onto his own vehicle and tore off after his partner.
**********
Carlos accelerated through the Los Angeles streets.
"Where to boss?"
"Get onto the freeway," Jacob met Carlos' eyes in the rear view mirror. "Head south."
Carlos cut across two lanes of traffic. Cars in both lanes sounded their horns as the van cut in front of them and pulled onto the ramp for the freeway.
Bobby spotted the blue van make the manoeuvre and followed.
"LA15 Mary 7, suspects are Southbound on Santa Monica Freeway." He informed despatch.
"Right with you partner," Ponch's voice came back through the radio.
Bobby checked his mirrors and saw Ponch as he pulled onto the freeway several car lengths behind him.
Carlos saw the flashing lights from Bobby's motorcycle as he weaved through traffic.
"We've got a Chippy on our tail." He shouted. Then he spotted Ponch further back. "Make that two."
Bruce smiled. He knew exactly which two officers were giving chase.
"I'll get rid of them." Jacob stood and partially opened the sliding door of the van.
Leaning out he aimed his gun at the approaching flashing lights, firing off two shots.
Bobby instinctively ducked and his bike swerved into the path of a car. The driver reacted quickly and missed the officer, but then the hood of his car was hit by a bullet. Steam from the radiator poured across the windshield, effectively blinding the driver. He swerved across the road, narrowly missing a truck, and came to rest on the hard shoulder. Bobby checked his mirrors and saw the shaken driver climb out of his vehicle.
Ponch slowed as his approached the incapacitated car. The driver quickly waved him on, confirming that he was unhurt.
Jacob saw that the two CHP Officers were still behind them.
"Take the next exit!" He pulled the door shut. "We'll lose them in the hills."
Carlos turned off as instructed, heading through the narrow, winding roads leading across the Southern Californian Mountains. Several times he took the corners wide, causing oncoming vehicles to veer off the road. Jacob, Debbie and Bruce were thrown across the inside of the van.
"Take it easy!" Debbie yelled as Carlos careered around another bend.
Bruce struggled to remain upright. His body ached from the effort and he realised that Carlos could lose control at any time.
"Jacob, you have to stop this!" He tried to reason. "This is crazy."
Debbie eyed her lover. She was inclined to agree with the bound officer, though she didn't voice her concerns.
"Shut up pig!" Jacob got to his feet and staggered over to the grate.
"Are the cops still following?"
Carlos checked the side mirrors. He saw the familiar orange lights from Bobby's motorcycle approaching fast.
"Yeah," His heart sank as he began to realise that the chances of getting away were looking pretty slim.
Jacob cursed. He noticed an approaching car coming down the hill in front of them.
"Cut him off!"
Carlos saw the car and understood. As they turned the corner he pulled the wheel to the left, veering into the path of the car. The driver had no choice but to swerve onto the wrong side of the road. He missed the van but was then confronted with Bobby on his motorcycle. He slammed on his brakes and shut his eyes, hoping for the best.
Bobby reacted quickly. He swerved his bike onto the steep rough ground to his right, missing the oncoming car by inches. The motorcycle protested the steep climb & Bobby struggled to keep the bike from rolling backwards. The wheels spun in the loose dirt and for a moment Bobby thought he and the bike would slide back down the slope. Then the vehicle caught some traction and Bobby regained control, steering the bike back onto the road.
Ponch had seen the near miss. He spoke into the radio.
"That was a close one partner."
"Nearly too close." Bobby agreed. He had lost precious moments and spotted the van in the distance. He accelerated.
The van sped round another corner. This time Carlos misjudged the bend and veered to the right to correct the turn. In the back Debbie lost her footing, she crashed into Jacob and the gun was knocked from his hand. Bruce saw his chance. Before Jacob could regain his balance a hard form slammed into him. The force of the blow knocked Jacob senseless as he connected hard with the inside of the van.
Carlos saw the commotion in the mirror.
"What's going on back there?"
Instinctively he looked over his shoulder to obtain a better view of the situation.
**********
Bobby watched as the blue van drifted across the road. He spotted a set of headlights approaching and his stomach lurched. He knew he wasn't going to be able to catch up in time.
**********
Debbie lifted her head. Jacob was dazed and lying on the floor of the van. Bruce was lying next to him, struggling to get to his feet. She heard Carlos shout.
"Debbie, what's happening?"
As Debbie turned her head to answer, she saw something through the windshield that Carlos hadn't yet seen. A Truck. Debbie screamed. Twenty-One – The Rescue
The driver of the truck slammed on the brakes. The wheels locked and the vehicle skidded along the highway towards the van.
Carlos stared in horror at the truck bearing down on them. He turned the wheel hard to the right, in a vain attempt to avoid collision. In the back Jacob, Debbie and Bruce were thrown against the side wall, the wind was knocked out of all three.
As the van turned, Carlos felt it tip heavily. In the next moment the truck slammed into the rear left side. The van spun on impact and flipped. Crashing back to the ground second later it landed on its right side and skidded along the asphalt. Sparks flew as it screeched along the road for several metres, before coming to a halt across the highway. Gas started to leak from a puncture in the tank, dripping down the underside of the vehicle.
Carlos raised his throbbing head. He blinked to clear his vision and spotted wisps of smoke rising from the engine through the cracked windshield. He hauled himself to a standing position and lifted himself through the smashed drivers' side window. He dropped down to the ground, his legs almost giving out from under him as he landed, and he leant heavily against the roof of the van.
Bobby had watched the incident from his motorcycle, completely helpless. His stomach lurched a second time when the van had flipped and skidded across the road. He stopped his bike close to the stricken vehicle and ran to the dazed Carlos.
"Where are the others?" Bobby demanded. "Where's my brother?"
Carlos glance up at the officer, his eyes glazed and muttered something which could have been an apology.
Ponch arrived on scene and called the accident in on the radio, before joining his partner.
"Ponch, give me a leg up." Bobby was eager to help his brother.
"Bobby, Jacob could still be armed." Ponch cautioned.
"And Bruce could be dead!"
Ponch saw the desperation in Bobby's eyes and soon the pair were positioned on the upturned side of the van.
"Go careful Bobby."
Bobby nodded to his partner as he lowered himself into the cab of the van.
"Get me out of here!"
Debbie screamed at him though the grate, making the officer jump. Part of the grate had broken away in the crash and Bobby grabbed the edge. He pulled, bending the grate away from the roof and making a larger gap.
Debbie was becoming hysterical.
"Hurry up, this thing's gonna blow!"
Even though this was the woman responsible for his brothers' kidnap, Bobby helped the slightly injured Debbie through the hole into the cab.
"Calm down, help's here." He ventured a question, "The others?"
"I think they're dead." She was crying. "I'm sorry."
Bobby felt his heart sink.
"They're dead, you're sure?"
"They weren't moving," Debbie said through the tears. "I couldn't...."
She tailed off into sobs. Bobby lifted the crying woman to the awaiting Ponch. The truck driver had joined the officers and Ponch passed Debbie down to the man.
"Get them away from the van." He instructed, aware that the smoke from the engine was becoming thicker.
Bobby climbed through the grate into the back of the van. It was dark and fast filling with smoke. He ventured forward.
"Bruce?" He called anxiously.
He heard a faint moan and spotted two figures on the floor.
Bruce groaned. His whole body hurt. His breathing was ragged and he tried to move from his position on the floor, but something was pinning him down. Warm blood trickled down the side of his face as he attempted to turn his head to get a view of what was pinning him.
Bobby moved the unconscious form of Jacob off his brother.
Bruce felt the weight being lifted, though it still hurt to take a breath. He remained still, remembering his captor and the gun in his procession.
Bobby's concerns grew when his brother didn't move.
"Bruce?" He carefully lifted and rolled his brother, undoing the cuffs on his wrists.
Bruce heard a voice and felt strong hands moving him. Pain flared though his right shoulder. The gasped that escaped his lips was cut short by the pain which erupted in his chest.
Bobby winced as he saw the pain in his brothers' face. He could tell from Bruce's laboured breathing that he was in pretty bad shape. He started to check the younger man for other injuries.
Bruce felt the hands moving across his body, lightly pressing. He moaned as they reached his ribs and moved his left hand to swat them away.
Bobby grabbed the hand. His brother appeared to be coming round.
"Bruce, open your eyes buddy." He coaxed.
Bruce recognised his brother's voice and slowly opened his eyes. He saw Bobby's worried face hovering above him.
"Bobby?"
Bobby smiled.
"Yeah, it's me, where are you hurt?"
Bruce groaned.
"Everywhere," He remembered his captor was still around, somewhere. "Jacob!"
Bruce instinctively tired to sit up and instantly regretted his action as pain shot through his ribs and shoulder. His head swam and he felt a supporting hand on his back.
"Take it easy," Bobby glanced over to Jacob, who remained unconscious. "He's out cold."
Outside Ponch coughed as smoke blew into his face.
"Hey partner. It's getting a little hot out here." He shouted into the van.
Bobby glanced up at his partner's shout and realised the van was filling with thick smoke.
"Time to go little brother," Noting Bruce's pale features he added. "Can you walk?"
Bruce wasn't too certain about that himself, but nodded anyway.
"Sure, help me up."
Putting Bruce's left arm around his shoulder, Bobby pulled his brother to his feet. A hiss escaped Bruce's lips as his ribs were jarred. Black dots threatened his vision and beads of sweat ran down his face as he used even ounce of energy and concentration to stop himself from passing out.
Bobby sensed that his brother was surviving on adrenalin alone as he leaned heavily against him. He kept his concerns to himself as they reached the metal grate. Bobby let Bruce lean against the side of the van as he climbed through to the cab. He carefully guided the younger man through the gap.
"Nearly there buddy," He encouraged. "You're doing fine."
Ponch looked down on the two officers. He was shocked at the appearance of the rookie officer. He face was drained of colour, his hair plastered to his brown. Ponch glanced at his partner, who was urging his brother forward. Bruce reached his hand up to Ponch.
Ponch leaned forward, grabbing both of Bruce's wrists. He almost dropped the younger officer as he cried out in pain and pulled back his right hand. Bobby caught Bruce from behind, receiving a kick to his face for his troubles. Ponch tightened his grip on Bruce's left wrist. He saw that Bruce was losing his fight to stay conscious.
"Come on buddy," He tried to keep the officer focused. "Look at me Bruce!"
Bruce moved his head groggily towards the sound of the voice above him, though it was nearly drowned out by the pounding in his ears. He could feel himself falling back towards Bobby.
Ponch heard a whooshing sound coming from the front of the van. He glanced over his shoulder to see flames creeping out from under the hood. Feeling Bruce slipping from his grasp, he grabbed onto his arm with both hands and pulled with all his might.
Bobby felt his brother's weight being lifted and pushed upward.
Ponch grabbed Bruce's shirt and hauled him out onto the side of the van, breathing hard from the effort. Ponch looked down on the young officer, who's head now rested in Ponch's lap and had succumbed to unconsciousness.
Two other officers appeared at the side of the van and Ponch passed the injured officer down to them.
"Careful with him guys,"
When he was sure Bruce was safe, he turned his attention back to Bobby.
"Okay, your turn partner."
He reached his hand into the van for Bobby to take. To his amazement Bobby shook his head.
"I'm going back for Jacob." He stated.
"The fire department is on the way." Ponch countered, concerned that the leaking gas would ignite at any moment.
Bobby hesitated.
"The son of a bitch was going to kill your brother," Ponch added. Angered at what Jacob had done to the young officer.
"If I leave him here, I'll be no better than he is."
Before Ponch could say anything more, Bobby climbed back into the van.
He coughed and choked on the thick smoke which had filled the small space. Dropping down to his knees he used a handkerchief from his pocket to cover his nose and mouth. Bobby crawled across the floor, searching with his free hand from Jacob. His hand knocked against the man's foot. Grabbing the non-responsive Jacob under the arms, Bobby made his way back to the grate. He stopped when a lungful of smoke caused a coughing fit.
Ponch saw the flames growing around the hood and the puddle of gasoline edging closer.
"Bobby, double time!" He called urgently.
Bobby had pulled Jacob trough the grate and lifted the dead weight towards his partner.
"Take him."
Ponch stretched into the cab and grabbed the unconscious man's collar. Hauling him out through the window, he quickly passed Jacob to awaiting officers.
He reached down one last time.
"Hurry up partner."
Bobby used the seats and steering wheel to gain some height and grasped Ponch's hand. In second he was out of the van. Both officers breathing hard from the effort.
"Out of the frying pan." Bobby thought as he saw the gasoline ignite.
The two officers jumped in tandem from the burning vehicle and sprinted away. Moments later a blast ripped through the air, knocking both Ponch and Bobby to the ground. Debris sprayed down around them.
The pair rolled onto their backs. They had been winded from the impact and Bobby coughed from the smoke he had inhaled. Apart from a few scrapes and bruises, they were otherwise unhurt.
"Way to go partner." Ponch said. He held out a clenched fist and Bobby playfully hit it with his own.
They were both laughing as a pair of regulation black boots appeared next to their heads. A figure stood above them, blocking out the early morning sun.
Ponch looked up. Though he needn't have bothered as he knew only one person had boots polished that perfectly. He flashed his winning smile.
"Hi Sarge." Twenty-Two – After Effects
Ponch, Bobby and Sgt. Getraer waited anxiously for news about Bruce at the hospital.
Debbie, Carlos and Jacob had been checked over and released into police custody. Twenty-five to life imprisonment were what the former had to look forward too. Jacob had been evaluated by the hospital psychiatrist and Bobby had been informed that Jacob had showed signs of major mental instability. It was likely that he would be sectioned to the secure mental hospital without trial
Bobby hadn't taken the news well. The last time he had felt such overwhelming rage toward another human being was when he found out Bruce had been beaten up for his lunch money. The kid in question had been twice the size of his brother and had received a slit lip and a bloody nose from Bobby. Bobby, subsequently, received two weeks detention. That had been in the 7th grade.
He wondered if he'd have rescued Jacob from the van, knowing that he'd never stand trial for what he did to his brother. Deep down he guessed he would, but it was the first time he had questioned his own actions.
Bobby felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him out of his thoughts. Ponch was standing next to him and nodded towards the approaching doctor.
Bobby jumped to his feet, almost pouncing on the man.
"How is he doc?"
Bruce had been in surgery for what seemed like an eternity.
The doctor glanced at Bobby's name tag.
"You're his brother."
It was more of a statement than a question. Bobby nodded.
"Bruce has suffered major trauma, his more serious injuries were sustained in the accident."
He referred to his notes.
"A dislocated shoulder, nasty head injury, three broken ribs one of which punctured a lung," The doctor glanced at Bobby's concerned face. "The surgery went well, we re-inflated his lung and he's breathing was restored."
Again the doctor hesitated.
"Then there were several other injuries,"
The doctor noticed Bobby grow visibly paler.
"Maybe I should give you a check over?" He queried.
"I'm fine." Bobby kept his voice steady.
Though the list of injuries Bruce had received made him nauseous. He needed to know what else that bastard had done to his brother.
"Go on."
The doctor glanced at the Sergeant, who nodded for him to continue. He referred to his notes once more.
"Bruising to his face, consistent with a beating...."
The image of the Polaroid flashed into the officers' minds.
".....he has severe bruising to his lower back which appeared to be caused by some kind of blunt instrument, luckily no internal bleeding was found. We also think this is what caused the fracture on his right wrist....."
Sgt. Getraer felt a knot form in his stomach.
"How could that scumbag beat Bruce with a crowbar, he's just a kid for Christ sake." He kept his thoughts to himself, clenching his jaw.
".....Finally there's a large gash on Bruce's left forearm, it doesn't look like there's any nerve damage. He got lucky there." The doctor concluded.
"Got lucky?" Ponch spat back. "The poor kid has been kidnapped, beaten within an inch of his life and nearly died in a car accident, and you have the nerve to say he was lucky!"
Ponch could feel his blood boiling.
"That's enough Poncherello." Sgt. Getraer stepped in between his officer and the doctor. "I apologise, doctor, we understand that Officer Nelson is in good hands."
The sergeant raised his eyebrows at Ponch.
"Anything to add Officer Poncherello?"
Ponch sighed, his anger subsiding.
"Yeah...err sorry doc, had a tough week, you know."
The doctor smiled and nodded.
"Anyway, Bruce is in recovery,"
The doctor glanced at Bobby, who had remained unusually quiet throughout Poncherello's outburst.
"You can look in on him." He told Bobby, before laying down a few ground rules. "No longer the five minutes and don't expect any response, he'll be out for a while yet."
The three officers were lead to the recovery room. The doctor opened the door.
"Remember. Five minutes." He said firmly.
Bobby nodded and entered the room. Ponch and Sgt. Getraer hung back near the door.
The first thing Bobby became aware of was the steady sound from his brother's heart monitor. Patches, tube and wires were spread across his chest and arms and an oxygen mask was covering his nose and mouth. Bobby noted that Bruce's face was still pale, that was of course under the purple and blue bruises. Bobby stood next to the bed, his eyes scanning down at the other visible injuries on his sedated brother's body. Stitches above his eye, a plaster cast had been set on his right arm, a bandage of his left. His ribs had been wrapped, but Bobby could still visualize the bruising which lay underneath.
Bobby brushed away a lock of sandy hair from Bruce's face. He realised that Jacob had been successful in his attempt to get revenge. Bruce would live, but how would Bobby be able to look his brother in the eye, knowing that he was the cause behind the injuries which Jacob had inflicted. The only reason Bruce had wanted to be a CHP Officers in the first place was because he was proud of his big brother.
Bobby's head began to swim. His eyes burned as they filled with tears. The events of the last 24 hours caught up with him in a matter of seconds. Exhaustion, mentally and physically, caused Bobby to black out.
Ponch saw his partner crumpling and was across the room to catch him before he hit the ground.
Twenty – Chase Through L.A.
The Blue van crashed through the doors of the garage. Officers nearby were showered with debris as the wooden doors splintered. Carlos swung the van hard to the left, towards the barricade of police at the end of the street.
"They've got the road blocked!" He shouted to Jacob.
"Go Through them!"
Again Carlos accelerated. Officers dove for cover as the van smashed through the parked patrol vehicles. The van barrelled through the oncoming traffic causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid collision.
Bobby was first to his feet and raced over to one of the CHP motorcycles. Undamaged patrol cars tried to weave through the wreckage of the road block as Sgt. Getraer and Ponch picked themselves up.
"Nelson, don't even think about it!" Sgt Getraer ordered, spotting the officer mounting the motorcycle.
Ponch also called out to his partner but both shouts fell on deaf ears. Bobby heard conformation over the radio that the garage was empty. His brother was inside the van. He fastened his helmet and sped off in pursuit.
Before Sgt. Getraer could say otherwise, Ponch jumped onto his own vehicle and tore off after his partner.
**********
Carlos accelerated through the Los Angeles streets.
"Where to boss?"
"Get onto the freeway," Jacob met Carlos' eyes in the rear view mirror. "Head south."
Carlos cut across two lanes of traffic. Cars in both lanes sounded their horns as the van cut in front of them and pulled onto the ramp for the freeway.
Bobby spotted the blue van make the manoeuvre and followed.
"LA15 Mary 7, suspects are Southbound on Santa Monica Freeway." He informed despatch.
"Right with you partner," Ponch's voice came back through the radio.
Bobby checked his mirrors and saw Ponch as he pulled onto the freeway several car lengths behind him.
Carlos saw the flashing lights from Bobby's motorcycle as he weaved through traffic.
"We've got a Chippy on our tail." He shouted. Then he spotted Ponch further back. "Make that two."
Bruce smiled. He knew exactly which two officers were giving chase.
"I'll get rid of them." Jacob stood and partially opened the sliding door of the van.
Leaning out he aimed his gun at the approaching flashing lights, firing off two shots.
Bobby instinctively ducked and his bike swerved into the path of a car. The driver reacted quickly and missed the officer, but then the hood of his car was hit by a bullet. Steam from the radiator poured across the windshield, effectively blinding the driver. He swerved across the road, narrowly missing a truck, and came to rest on the hard shoulder. Bobby checked his mirrors and saw the shaken driver climb out of his vehicle.
Ponch slowed as his approached the incapacitated car. The driver quickly waved him on, confirming that he was unhurt.
Jacob saw that the two CHP Officers were still behind them.
"Take the next exit!" He pulled the door shut. "We'll lose them in the hills."
Carlos turned off as instructed, heading through the narrow, winding roads leading across the Southern Californian Mountains. Several times he took the corners wide, causing oncoming vehicles to veer off the road. Jacob, Debbie and Bruce were thrown across the inside of the van.
"Take it easy!" Debbie yelled as Carlos careered around another bend.
Bruce struggled to remain upright. His body ached from the effort and he realised that Carlos could lose control at any time.
"Jacob, you have to stop this!" He tried to reason. "This is crazy."
Debbie eyed her lover. She was inclined to agree with the bound officer, though she didn't voice her concerns.
"Shut up pig!" Jacob got to his feet and staggered over to the grate.
"Are the cops still following?"
Carlos checked the side mirrors. He saw the familiar orange lights from Bobby's motorcycle approaching fast.
"Yeah," His heart sank as he began to realise that the chances of getting away were looking pretty slim.
Jacob cursed. He noticed an approaching car coming down the hill in front of them.
"Cut him off!"
Carlos saw the car and understood. As they turned the corner he pulled the wheel to the left, veering into the path of the car. The driver had no choice but to swerve onto the wrong side of the road. He missed the van but was then confronted with Bobby on his motorcycle. He slammed on his brakes and shut his eyes, hoping for the best.
Bobby reacted quickly. He swerved his bike onto the steep rough ground to his right, missing the oncoming car by inches. The motorcycle protested the steep climb & Bobby struggled to keep the bike from rolling backwards. The wheels spun in the loose dirt and for a moment Bobby thought he and the bike would slide back down the slope. Then the vehicle caught some traction and Bobby regained control, steering the bike back onto the road.
Ponch had seen the near miss. He spoke into the radio.
"That was a close one partner."
"Nearly too close." Bobby agreed. He had lost precious moments and spotted the van in the distance. He accelerated.
The van sped round another corner. This time Carlos misjudged the bend and veered to the right to correct the turn. In the back Debbie lost her footing, she crashed into Jacob and the gun was knocked from his hand. Bruce saw his chance. Before Jacob could regain his balance a hard form slammed into him. The force of the blow knocked Jacob senseless as he connected hard with the inside of the van.
Carlos saw the commotion in the mirror.
"What's going on back there?"
Instinctively he looked over his shoulder to obtain a better view of the situation.
**********
Bobby watched as the blue van drifted across the road. He spotted a set of headlights approaching and his stomach lurched. He knew he wasn't going to be able to catch up in time.
**********
Debbie lifted her head. Jacob was dazed and lying on the floor of the van. Bruce was lying next to him, struggling to get to his feet. She heard Carlos shout.
"Debbie, what's happening?"
As Debbie turned her head to answer, she saw something through the windshield that Carlos hadn't yet seen. A Truck. Debbie screamed. Twenty-One – The Rescue
The driver of the truck slammed on the brakes. The wheels locked and the vehicle skidded along the highway towards the van.
Carlos stared in horror at the truck bearing down on them. He turned the wheel hard to the right, in a vain attempt to avoid collision. In the back Jacob, Debbie and Bruce were thrown against the side wall, the wind was knocked out of all three.
As the van turned, Carlos felt it tip heavily. In the next moment the truck slammed into the rear left side. The van spun on impact and flipped. Crashing back to the ground second later it landed on its right side and skidded along the asphalt. Sparks flew as it screeched along the road for several metres, before coming to a halt across the highway. Gas started to leak from a puncture in the tank, dripping down the underside of the vehicle.
Carlos raised his throbbing head. He blinked to clear his vision and spotted wisps of smoke rising from the engine through the cracked windshield. He hauled himself to a standing position and lifted himself through the smashed drivers' side window. He dropped down to the ground, his legs almost giving out from under him as he landed, and he leant heavily against the roof of the van.
Bobby had watched the incident from his motorcycle, completely helpless. His stomach lurched a second time when the van had flipped and skidded across the road. He stopped his bike close to the stricken vehicle and ran to the dazed Carlos.
"Where are the others?" Bobby demanded. "Where's my brother?"
Carlos glance up at the officer, his eyes glazed and muttered something which could have been an apology.
Ponch arrived on scene and called the accident in on the radio, before joining his partner.
"Ponch, give me a leg up." Bobby was eager to help his brother.
"Bobby, Jacob could still be armed." Ponch cautioned.
"And Bruce could be dead!"
Ponch saw the desperation in Bobby's eyes and soon the pair were positioned on the upturned side of the van.
"Go careful Bobby."
Bobby nodded to his partner as he lowered himself into the cab of the van.
"Get me out of here!"
Debbie screamed at him though the grate, making the officer jump. Part of the grate had broken away in the crash and Bobby grabbed the edge. He pulled, bending the grate away from the roof and making a larger gap.
Debbie was becoming hysterical.
"Hurry up, this thing's gonna blow!"
Even though this was the woman responsible for his brothers' kidnap, Bobby helped the slightly injured Debbie through the hole into the cab.
"Calm down, help's here." He ventured a question, "The others?"
"I think they're dead." She was crying. "I'm sorry."
Bobby felt his heart sink.
"They're dead, you're sure?"
"They weren't moving," Debbie said through the tears. "I couldn't...."
She tailed off into sobs. Bobby lifted the crying woman to the awaiting Ponch. The truck driver had joined the officers and Ponch passed Debbie down to the man.
"Get them away from the van." He instructed, aware that the smoke from the engine was becoming thicker.
Bobby climbed through the grate into the back of the van. It was dark and fast filling with smoke. He ventured forward.
"Bruce?" He called anxiously.
He heard a faint moan and spotted two figures on the floor.
Bruce groaned. His whole body hurt. His breathing was ragged and he tried to move from his position on the floor, but something was pinning him down. Warm blood trickled down the side of his face as he attempted to turn his head to get a view of what was pinning him.
Bobby moved the unconscious form of Jacob off his brother.
Bruce felt the weight being lifted, though it still hurt to take a breath. He remained still, remembering his captor and the gun in his procession.
Bobby's concerns grew when his brother didn't move.
"Bruce?" He carefully lifted and rolled his brother, undoing the cuffs on his wrists.
Bruce heard a voice and felt strong hands moving him. Pain flared though his right shoulder. The gasped that escaped his lips was cut short by the pain which erupted in his chest.
Bobby winced as he saw the pain in his brothers' face. He could tell from Bruce's laboured breathing that he was in pretty bad shape. He started to check the younger man for other injuries.
Bruce felt the hands moving across his body, lightly pressing. He moaned as they reached his ribs and moved his left hand to swat them away.
Bobby grabbed the hand. His brother appeared to be coming round.
"Bruce, open your eyes buddy." He coaxed.
Bruce recognised his brother's voice and slowly opened his eyes. He saw Bobby's worried face hovering above him.
"Bobby?"
Bobby smiled.
"Yeah, it's me, where are you hurt?"
Bruce groaned.
"Everywhere," He remembered his captor was still around, somewhere. "Jacob!"
Bruce instinctively tired to sit up and instantly regretted his action as pain shot through his ribs and shoulder. His head swam and he felt a supporting hand on his back.
"Take it easy," Bobby glanced over to Jacob, who remained unconscious. "He's out cold."
Outside Ponch coughed as smoke blew into his face.
"Hey partner. It's getting a little hot out here." He shouted into the van.
Bobby glanced up at his partner's shout and realised the van was filling with thick smoke.
"Time to go little brother," Noting Bruce's pale features he added. "Can you walk?"
Bruce wasn't too certain about that himself, but nodded anyway.
"Sure, help me up."
Putting Bruce's left arm around his shoulder, Bobby pulled his brother to his feet. A hiss escaped Bruce's lips as his ribs were jarred. Black dots threatened his vision and beads of sweat ran down his face as he used even ounce of energy and concentration to stop himself from passing out.
Bobby sensed that his brother was surviving on adrenalin alone as he leaned heavily against him. He kept his concerns to himself as they reached the metal grate. Bobby let Bruce lean against the side of the van as he climbed through to the cab. He carefully guided the younger man through the gap.
"Nearly there buddy," He encouraged. "You're doing fine."
Ponch looked down on the two officers. He was shocked at the appearance of the rookie officer. He face was drained of colour, his hair plastered to his brown. Ponch glanced at his partner, who was urging his brother forward. Bruce reached his hand up to Ponch.
Ponch leaned forward, grabbing both of Bruce's wrists. He almost dropped the younger officer as he cried out in pain and pulled back his right hand. Bobby caught Bruce from behind, receiving a kick to his face for his troubles. Ponch tightened his grip on Bruce's left wrist. He saw that Bruce was losing his fight to stay conscious.
"Come on buddy," He tried to keep the officer focused. "Look at me Bruce!"
Bruce moved his head groggily towards the sound of the voice above him, though it was nearly drowned out by the pounding in his ears. He could feel himself falling back towards Bobby.
Ponch heard a whooshing sound coming from the front of the van. He glanced over his shoulder to see flames creeping out from under the hood. Feeling Bruce slipping from his grasp, he grabbed onto his arm with both hands and pulled with all his might.
Bobby felt his brother's weight being lifted and pushed upward.
Ponch grabbed Bruce's shirt and hauled him out onto the side of the van, breathing hard from the effort. Ponch looked down on the young officer, who's head now rested in Ponch's lap and had succumbed to unconsciousness.
Two other officers appeared at the side of the van and Ponch passed the injured officer down to them.
"Careful with him guys,"
When he was sure Bruce was safe, he turned his attention back to Bobby.
"Okay, your turn partner."
He reached his hand into the van for Bobby to take. To his amazement Bobby shook his head.
"I'm going back for Jacob." He stated.
"The fire department is on the way." Ponch countered, concerned that the leaking gas would ignite at any moment.
Bobby hesitated.
"The son of a bitch was going to kill your brother," Ponch added. Angered at what Jacob had done to the young officer.
"If I leave him here, I'll be no better than he is."
Before Ponch could say anything more, Bobby climbed back into the van.
He coughed and choked on the thick smoke which had filled the small space. Dropping down to his knees he used a handkerchief from his pocket to cover his nose and mouth. Bobby crawled across the floor, searching with his free hand from Jacob. His hand knocked against the man's foot. Grabbing the non-responsive Jacob under the arms, Bobby made his way back to the grate. He stopped when a lungful of smoke caused a coughing fit.
Ponch saw the flames growing around the hood and the puddle of gasoline edging closer.
"Bobby, double time!" He called urgently.
Bobby had pulled Jacob trough the grate and lifted the dead weight towards his partner.
"Take him."
Ponch stretched into the cab and grabbed the unconscious man's collar. Hauling him out through the window, he quickly passed Jacob to awaiting officers.
He reached down one last time.
"Hurry up partner."
Bobby used the seats and steering wheel to gain some height and grasped Ponch's hand. In second he was out of the van. Both officers breathing hard from the effort.
"Out of the frying pan." Bobby thought as he saw the gasoline ignite.
The two officers jumped in tandem from the burning vehicle and sprinted away. Moments later a blast ripped through the air, knocking both Ponch and Bobby to the ground. Debris sprayed down around them.
The pair rolled onto their backs. They had been winded from the impact and Bobby coughed from the smoke he had inhaled. Apart from a few scrapes and bruises, they were otherwise unhurt.
"Way to go partner." Ponch said. He held out a clenched fist and Bobby playfully hit it with his own.
They were both laughing as a pair of regulation black boots appeared next to their heads. A figure stood above them, blocking out the early morning sun.
Ponch looked up. Though he needn't have bothered as he knew only one person had boots polished that perfectly. He flashed his winning smile.
"Hi Sarge." Twenty-Two – After Effects
Ponch, Bobby and Sgt. Getraer waited anxiously for news about Bruce at the hospital.
Debbie, Carlos and Jacob had been checked over and released into police custody. Twenty-five to life imprisonment were what the former had to look forward too. Jacob had been evaluated by the hospital psychiatrist and Bobby had been informed that Jacob had showed signs of major mental instability. It was likely that he would be sectioned to the secure mental hospital without trial
Bobby hadn't taken the news well. The last time he had felt such overwhelming rage toward another human being was when he found out Bruce had been beaten up for his lunch money. The kid in question had been twice the size of his brother and had received a slit lip and a bloody nose from Bobby. Bobby, subsequently, received two weeks detention. That had been in the 7th grade.
He wondered if he'd have rescued Jacob from the van, knowing that he'd never stand trial for what he did to his brother. Deep down he guessed he would, but it was the first time he had questioned his own actions.
Bobby felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him out of his thoughts. Ponch was standing next to him and nodded towards the approaching doctor.
Bobby jumped to his feet, almost pouncing on the man.
"How is he doc?"
Bruce had been in surgery for what seemed like an eternity.
The doctor glanced at Bobby's name tag.
"You're his brother."
It was more of a statement than a question. Bobby nodded.
"Bruce has suffered major trauma, his more serious injuries were sustained in the accident."
He referred to his notes.
"A dislocated shoulder, nasty head injury, three broken ribs one of which punctured a lung," The doctor glanced at Bobby's concerned face. "The surgery went well, we re-inflated his lung and he's breathing was restored."
Again the doctor hesitated.
"Then there were several other injuries,"
The doctor noticed Bobby grow visibly paler.
"Maybe I should give you a check over?" He queried.
"I'm fine." Bobby kept his voice steady.
Though the list of injuries Bruce had received made him nauseous. He needed to know what else that bastard had done to his brother.
"Go on."
The doctor glanced at the Sergeant, who nodded for him to continue. He referred to his notes once more.
"Bruising to his face, consistent with a beating...."
The image of the Polaroid flashed into the officers' minds.
".....he has severe bruising to his lower back which appeared to be caused by some kind of blunt instrument, luckily no internal bleeding was found. We also think this is what caused the fracture on his right wrist....."
Sgt. Getraer felt a knot form in his stomach.
"How could that scumbag beat Bruce with a crowbar, he's just a kid for Christ sake." He kept his thoughts to himself, clenching his jaw.
".....Finally there's a large gash on Bruce's left forearm, it doesn't look like there's any nerve damage. He got lucky there." The doctor concluded.
"Got lucky?" Ponch spat back. "The poor kid has been kidnapped, beaten within an inch of his life and nearly died in a car accident, and you have the nerve to say he was lucky!"
Ponch could feel his blood boiling.
"That's enough Poncherello." Sgt. Getraer stepped in between his officer and the doctor. "I apologise, doctor, we understand that Officer Nelson is in good hands."
The sergeant raised his eyebrows at Ponch.
"Anything to add Officer Poncherello?"
Ponch sighed, his anger subsiding.
"Yeah...err sorry doc, had a tough week, you know."
The doctor smiled and nodded.
"Anyway, Bruce is in recovery,"
The doctor glanced at Bobby, who had remained unusually quiet throughout Poncherello's outburst.
"You can look in on him." He told Bobby, before laying down a few ground rules. "No longer the five minutes and don't expect any response, he'll be out for a while yet."
The three officers were lead to the recovery room. The doctor opened the door.
"Remember. Five minutes." He said firmly.
Bobby nodded and entered the room. Ponch and Sgt. Getraer hung back near the door.
The first thing Bobby became aware of was the steady sound from his brother's heart monitor. Patches, tube and wires were spread across his chest and arms and an oxygen mask was covering his nose and mouth. Bobby noted that Bruce's face was still pale, that was of course under the purple and blue bruises. Bobby stood next to the bed, his eyes scanning down at the other visible injuries on his sedated brother's body. Stitches above his eye, a plaster cast had been set on his right arm, a bandage of his left. His ribs had been wrapped, but Bobby could still visualize the bruising which lay underneath.
Bobby brushed away a lock of sandy hair from Bruce's face. He realised that Jacob had been successful in his attempt to get revenge. Bruce would live, but how would Bobby be able to look his brother in the eye, knowing that he was the cause behind the injuries which Jacob had inflicted. The only reason Bruce had wanted to be a CHP Officers in the first place was because he was proud of his big brother.
Bobby's head began to swim. His eyes burned as they filled with tears. The events of the last 24 hours caught up with him in a matter of seconds. Exhaustion, mentally and physically, caused Bobby to black out.
Ponch saw his partner crumpling and was across the room to catch him before he hit the ground.
