THIRTEEN
Danny grimaced in appreciation when rough hands drug his brother's body outside. The pins and needles feeling made standing upright difficult, and he didn't want the same treatment. He'd exit on his own two legs.
"Out of the car!"
"All right." Cold air hit him in the face. It was windier here, and the dark shapes of trees were tossing in patches of moonlight. The younger Farrell turned around, trying to familiarize himself with the surroundings.
"Move."
Something icy prodded him in the back. A tiny prickle ran up Danny's spine-it was all unreal. The gun jammed into his skin, Shawn's prone figure being half carried away.
"Where are you taking him?"
No one bothered to answer. Another two men slid soundlessly from the shadows, conversing in low tones. One of them knelt down, grabbing the returnee by the chin. He shone a flashlight into the still face, then grunted. Apparently satisfied.
"Be careful with him!" Danny had never practiced caution. What he felt, he felt. So he said it. Whether or not it ticked people off.
"Shut up, kid."
"What do you want with my brother?"
The man following Danny gave him a shove.
X
He hadn't remembered drinking last night. As far as he could recall.
Shawn tried to sit up, wondering why he couldn't get his arms to work. The pulse throbbing in his skull threatened to overtake any conscious thought.
Okay. It wasn't as if he'd never experienced the after effects of too many beers. True, the experiences had been limited. For one thing, Shawn had responsibilities. Looking out for his mother, and Danny. The way that kid looked up to him...
But this must have been one of those rare occasions. Funny, Shawn couldn't remember it.
"Oh." Moving only made it worse.
Grit scraped under his fingernails. Dirt? And no wonder he couldn't change position. Something was keeping his wrists together. It was tight, too constricting to be comfortable. The returnee flexed his fingers, trying to relieve the ache. Where was he?
It had to have been some kind of a shack. Or building. There were slats missing from the roof where colder air washed down and slivers of sky. The smell had brought him around. Shawn wrinkled his nose in distaste. The scent was reminiscent of mildew and mice.
"What-"
Pieces of the night began to take shape in his brain. Uncle Tommy. Danny. Colin.
But where was Danny?
Scrabbling furiously at the musty ground, Shawn realized he was lying on an old mattress. There was barely enough light to see, so he had to search by touch. The strangers had left his legs free. Big mistake. It was a matter of seconds, breathless and dizzy, before the returnee found his feet. There was a slight creaking as the rusty box spring protested his departure.
He had to find Danny.
"Why don't you be still!"
The harsh whisper brought Shawn up short. "What-where are you?"
"You're stepping on me."
"Oh. I-can't see- very well."
"That's for sure. Sit down and wait till it clears."
"Clears?" It was hard to think straight.
"Your eyes have to adjust. Sit down and don't move. You're going to bring somebody up here."
"Where's-" gingerly resettling himself on the bed-"here?"
"I'm working on it. I figure we can't be more than ten miles north of where they nabbed me."
"And-where was that?"
"I was just crossing the street. Went to visit my girl friend. Big mistake. She must have run her mouth."
Shawn's head ache didn't make much sense of the choppy explanation. "How do you know we're ten miles north? And north of what?"
"I paid attention. Didn't you?"
"Too many turns." Shawn wanted to massage his temple. "Not really."
"You aren't on the ball, are you?"
"Guess you could say that."
"There's about five of us. Not counting that kid they brought it."
"Danny?"
"He your brother or something?"
Shawn's response was barely audible. "I don't know how he got caught up in this."
"Probably couldn't keep quiet. They shut him up downstairs."
"Are you a returnee?"
"2001. But I know all about you."
"Really?" Shawn struggled to control his breathing. He had to stay calm, think past the nagging ache.
"Figure out why they brought you here?"
"Why don't you tell me." As much as he disliked touching the filthy mattress, it was strangely comfortable. Stretching out made Shawn feel a little better. He stared at the broken squares of starlight.
"Something's going down. I have a pretty good feeling we're the returnee's that are going to get them what they want."
Shawn half raised his head."They're killing us. I mean, the returnees. They've been beating people to death in the streets. What could they possibly want from us?"
"Figure that one out for yourself. And you don't need to tell me what's going on in the city- Iwas there. Trust me. We're better off in this dump."
"I have to get out of here."
"Relax. Don't go starting trouble."
"You don't understand. I have to take care of Danny. And my mom-my mom's waiting-"
"Sound pretty mixed up to me. Why don't you close your eyes and give it a minute. You'll feel better."
Shawn struggled to his feet. "Where are you?"
"One step and you're on top of me."
"Do you know which direction the stairs are in?"
"There's a trap door in the floor. Under that, they have a ladder that leads into the kitchen. There's men below standing guard."
"So what if we jump? I mean, out the window."
"Boarded up. That's why it's pitch black."
"This wood feels rotten." The younger man tapped the floor boards with a foot.
"Stomp on it and find out." Sarcastically." Listen, you're going to bring the whole house down. They haven't killed us yet, so if we play along, we'll stay alive. They didn't drag us all the way out here for nothing."
"Better than just sitting. Waiting for who knows what-"
"Kid. What's your name?"
"Shawn."
"Shawn Shawn?"
Ignoring the sarcasm. "Shawn Farrell."
"I seen you on TV. You-"
"I don't want to talk about it." The returnee avoided the direction of that voice. "Who are you?"
"Josh. Josh will do."
"Oh. Seeing as how you have a big mouth, you sure keep it closed when you want to."
"I'm not obligated to tell some high schooler anything. Different circumstances, you'd think before you spoke."
Shawn dropped to his knees, crashing into a pile of shredded newspapers. It was enough to silence the fall, luckily enough. He began to feel for the cracks which would indicate a door. It was difficult, bending backward and twisting to the side so that he could search with his fingertips.
"What are you doing?"
Shawn pretended to miss the query, biting his lip in concentration. Covering the floor with painstaking precision, touching who knows what. There was nothing else to do."If I find the door, maybe you could untie my hands."
"Forget it."
"I-"
"No, thank you. I'd rather stay alive."
"I don't think they're keeping us as pets."
"Why don't you shut up? I'm not going to get beaten on because you want to play hero."
"Fine." Shawn's jaw tightened.
X
Danny clenched his fists, standing just below the second story ladder. It was punky and rotted, some rungs missing completely. "I'm not climbing that thing."
He was using anything he had. Every excuse. Danny 'd tried threats, insults, and an ill fated escape attempt. He wondered why one of the men just didn't knock him on the back of the head. Underneath his own fear was the nagging concern for Shawn. Was his brother all right? Danny hadn't been able to see where the idiots had taken him.
Wrinkles spoke. "If you're so concerned about that friend of yours, get up the ladder. Quietly."
If the men had names, they were careful to avoid using them. Wrinkles was sun scoured and rough, the creases on his leathery face making it hard to guess his age. The man seemed to be in charge. Snake was backing him up, one hand resting lightly on Danny's shoulder. The second man had said barely a word since the abduction, but his dark eyes darted constantly from side to side.
"You know, I'm afraid of heights." Danny folded his arms across his chest. ' Wrinkles.' Tempted to use the nick name, but thinking better of it.
Snake grabbed a handful of pullover, his shove far from gentle.
"Fine." Danny scrambled up, inwardly shuddering. The ladder swayed from side to side, but surprisingly took his weight. It was harder to unlatch the trap door, pushing it open above his head.
Fine dirt sifted out, disturbed by the cold wind that seeped through the roof. Danny hesitated. This was more like a dungeon than he cared to admit.
Snake was urging him forward, so he swallowed twice and moved forward a tiny step. It was a welcome relief when the man's flashlight beam raked the gloom.
Danny glanced to his left, at a middle aged form hunched onto a raggedy blanket, his face turned from the light. The captive's hands were tightly bound, clothes draped in cobwebs.
"What are you doing?" Snake jerked the beam into a corner partially concealed by the trapdoor. Danny strained to see, relief making his knees weak.
"Shawn!"
"Pulling some of your 4400 crap?" Snake's tone was harsh.
"Danny? Are you all right?" Shawn tried to see past the body blocking his vision. "Danny?"
"I'm okay."
Snake held out a hand in warning, but Danny pushed past. He had barely a moment to take in Shawn's dust streaked face before the man swung the flashlight. It thudded against Danny's ribcage, sucking the air from his lungs. Effectively bringing him to the floor. He couldn't breathe.
"Danny!" Shawn drove his shoulder into the attacker's legs, kneeling forward in concern. "Danny! Are you okay?"
The younger Farrell struggled to get his breath.
"Danny-" wishing he could give his brother a hand. Reach out and touch him.
X
Shawn didn't see the blow coming. He was bending over his brother one moment, crashing on his face the next. It didn't even hurt at first. The impact did, however. Something wet moistened his cheek, and he sniffed, trying to control the blood.
"Get up. Come on."
The returnee was slightly dazed, fully expecting another blow. But none came. The narrow faced stranger grabbed Shawn by the shirt collar, jerking him onto his feet. "Over there."
The fading headache returned with a vengeance, and Shawn was only too grateful to sink into his mattress.
"Next time I won't go easy on you. Stay there. Don't try anything or I'll make sure you can't."
Shawn sniffed again, not responding.
"Do I need to illustrate?" The man started toward Danny.
"No! Leave him alone."
"That's better." Snake almost smiled. "I'd prefer not to hurt him. After all, he's just a kid."
"I don't know what you want, but this doesn't have anything to do with him. I'm the 4400." Shawn blinked in the flashlight's glare. Startled by the hatred roiling in his captor's eyes. Aversion.
Danny slowly sat up, rubbing his side and wincing. "What the crap-"
"I'll get you some food." This time, Snake's attention was directed toward the younger Farrell. "After I tie you up"
At least Danny's wrists were fastened in front of him. When Snake returned with a cold sandwich and plastic water bottle, he tested the bonds. Watching Shawn with that same acute expression of dislike. "Hope you aren't hungry. There really isn't enough to go round."
Shawn favored his captor with a dark look. At least he could twist his head enough to blot the nose bleed on his tee.
Then the trapdoor closed, effectively shutting out any light.
"Hey." Danny's clothes rustled, and Shawn felt his mattress shift.
"Are you sure you're okay?" The returnee's voice was faint.
"What about you, Shawn?"
"I'm sorry I got you into this."
"You didn't. I got myself in." Danny hesitated. "Don't go taking all the credit."
"This has nothing to do with you." Shawn sniffed. "If I'd listened to Uncle Tommy, used my head, none of us would be here."
"I practically dove into that car. You didn't have anything to do with it."
"Why?" Shawn bit his lip. "Why?"
"You're my brother, stupid."
"It's been so long."
"Ya. Takes a couple of thugs to bring us together."
Shawn didn't respond.
"What happened to our family?"
"I don't know, Danny. I thought you had one."
"Hu. Colin likes to throw his weight around. Sort of like you. It just isn't the same."
"That's good to know."
Comfortable silence ensued, broken by an occasional sniff.
Shawn fell back, resting his head on the lumpy bed. The cold wind ruffled the damp hair on his forehead, stars glittering like broken glass. Danny sighed, relaxing beside him. They were just too tired to think right now. So unaccustomed to being together.
"Shawn, you ever see a sky that big before?"
"Sometimes."
"Where?"
Shawn's answer was soft."By the lake."
Danny cleared his throat. "That's where you returned, wasn't it?"
"You two ever going to shut up?" The forgotten returnee kicked the Farrell's mattress.
"Step off!"
"Whoah." Shawn tried to piece together his brother's face. "Danny, calm down."
"He's an annoying jerk."
"Keep your voice down."
"Why?"
"We have to figure a way out."
"I'm all for it. Sit up and I'll try untying your hands."
Shawn had to roll onto his side, getting an elbow underneath him. Danny helped push him up, testing the bonds around his brother's wrists. "Do you think Uncle Tommy's going to show up? I mean, you've been living with the guy. You've probably seen things-"
Shawn inwardly winced.
"I mean, he's working for NTAC. But what's the guy really like? He never actually told us anything about his work. You know, the stuff an agent does every day. I wish I could see him taking down-"
"Maybe you'll get your wish," Shawn interrupted, hurriedly.
"These are tight."
The returnee didn't bother to respond. Maybe it was the pounding he had taken over the last few days. Maybe not. But things seemed so cloudy. Everything was wrapped in a haze like a soft blanket. Why wasn't he upset? Maybe because he had expected something like this. Uncle Tommy couldn't protect him forever. And sooner or later, people would learn to accept the returnees or kill them off.
Danny sighed, abandoning his efforts. "Just give me a minute."
"Are you okay?"
"It's just that stupid flashlight." The younger Farrell shifted his shoulders, trying to ease the ache in his chest.
"Maybe you cracked a rib." Shawn took a deep breath. Clearing the fog from his brain. "Take it easy."
"Oh, now you're a doctor?"
"I lived in quarantine long enough to earn a degree." The returnee frowned in concentration. "Where does it hurt?"
"Shawn, no offense, but I'll wait for professional help."
"Hey." The returnee twisted his arms, working at the bonds. "You've loosened this. I think-if I-" The nylon rope dug into Shawn's wrists, but he wrenched his left hand free. "Got it."
"Try untying me," Danny protested, feeling his brother's gentle touch probing the fresh bruise.
"I don't know, maybe you cracked something-"
"Uh-"
"What?" Shawn pulled back. "I hardly touched you." The attractive face darkened. "Danny?"
"I feel-really weird." Danny squeezed his eyes shut. "It's gone."
"What-"
"The pain. Doesn't hurt anymore."
"Stop fooling around."
"I'm serious, magic hands. Whatever you did, it feels great."
"I don't know. You'd better be careful. Something might be messed up." Shawn swiped at his nose.
"You going to untie me?"
"I don't know." Sniff. "You going to share your breakfast?"
"No way."
Shawn sobered. "Let me get this thing undone, then we're out of here."
"Got a plan? Or should we just walk downstairs."
"Well, this place is falling apart. I mean, obviously. We could find a spot to break through."
"Punch a hole in the wall and jump a couple of stories."
"There might be trees. Old houses are usually over run with them."
"Old trees with old branches."
"You got a better idea?"
"No. Not yet."
"Well, I don't think if we should count on Uncle Tommy. I know he's going to try real hard, but he may not get here in time. And NTAC could have pulled him off my case, sent him back into town. I mean, there's a lot of people that need help."
"He wouldn't do that."
"One thing Uncle Tommy does do-his job." Shawn pulled the rope free. "He could save one returnee, or twenty. Whatever looks good on paper."
"Shawn." Danny's tone was accusing. "What's wrong with you? Talk about-"
"He's making sense." Josh startled both brothers. The third member of the attic had all but immersed himself in shadows.
"I thought you weren't interested." Danny half rose from the mattress.
"Hey." Shawn's words were soft. "Cool it, Danny."
"This guy. Your uncle. He's NTAC?"
Danny nodded tightly, an unseen gesture. "So?"
"Well, kid, agents don't become agents because they put family first. A good agent does his job."
"Uncle Tommy's the best. He was specially assigned to the 4400's."
"Because he know's his stuff. Look, if this Tommy started running off after his returnee nephew every time trouble struck, they'd probably reassign him. Fast."
Shawn listened to the conversation, a reluctant observer. He wanted to shut out the sentences flowing around him. Danny's hot voice and the stranger's mocking one. Everything was so messed up. He'd caused even more trouble for Uncle Tommy. The man was seriously going to hate him. Shawn secretly hoped his uncle was already en route to the old farmhouse, but another part of him knew it was selfish. Selfish to always expect the man to balance his loyalties. Work or Shawn. What an agent was supposed to do and what an uncle felt obligated to do.
"Are you listening?" Danny's hand came down on the returnee's shoulder.
"Uh-yes. Just thinking." Shawn's fingers rubbed at an ache in his temple.
"Why don't you have a bite?"
Shawn felt a bit of sandwich press into his palm. "Thanks, Danny. I'm really not very hungry-"
"Eat it. It's not bad." Sounds of chewing. "I mean, it's made the way you like it. Lots of sloppy sauce and mushy tomatoes."
The returnee reluctantly took a taste. There was no way food could appeal to him, not with his stomach all twisted up in knots...
The fast food was incredible, a chicken sandwich. "What about Josh," he whispered, around a mouthful.
"We'll all starve." Danny sighed. "Here. Three ways. I hope he chokes on it."
X
There are thanks in order! To Klnolan- Colin is basically a jerk, and Danny's stepbrother. He has a problem with the 4400, inherited it from dear old dad. As far as Shawn, you'll find out soon what's going on. I promise. Thank you so much for reading my story, Klnolan! Here is a virtual pinecone for you. O It was all Shawn could find, in the woods. ( :
Rockstarhobbit-thanks for your review. I loved it. Screwed up? You were hilarious. Thanks so much for letting me know what you think. And for reading! Shawn sends you a pinecone in appreciation. I was tempted to keep it for myself. O
Sarah-you have the funniest questions. For one thing, Shawn may end up looking like something the cat dragged in, but he'll be very much alive. I just feel like beating him up a little. I don't know, make Uncle Tommy guilty if he ever catches up. LOL Tee and jeans, pick a style of hair. Whatever you choose!( : If that makes any sense. As far as the moose, it's sooo cute. I think Shawn decided on Milo. It reminds him of his favorite childhood film, Milo and Otis. ( : I think that a moose collection would be very cool. Espeacially now that Shawn's starting one. And Shawn sends you a baby pinecone. O It's the best he can do-for now. So everyone gets pinecones! ( :
Sheba-Hello! Of course I remember you. I'm glad that your PC is feeling better. Thank you for reading my story and for leaving your kind review! ( : Oh, and a virtual pinecone from Shawn for you. O