Here is the next Chapter . . .

Enjoy . . .

Sandy Cohen pulled into his driveway. He sighed heavily and rubbed his face wearily.

His contacts were exhausted, but they all were still searching.

It took a while but Marshall had finally convinced Sandy to go home and get some rest. Sandy was assured that he would be the first called if Ryan was found, he would only be called second if Ryan needed medical attention.

He closed the door of the car with a loud CLICK. With his head low, he strode to the door.

"Sandy!" Kirsten chirped when her exhausted husband walked through the door.

He didn't smile with confidence today; he had no hope left.

Maybe Ryan really left. Sandy quickly shook his head. They were his family, and even though Ryan was a heavy brooder, he wouldn't leave without word of some sort. Or surely he would have told Seth if he were angry.

"No word?" Kirsten asked, already knowing the answer.

"Nothing, I've been to every bus station and airport in Orange County, no one has seen him." Sandy said glumly.

"Sandy, what if something had happened to him, what if he's lying unconscious somewhere. What if he's already dea . . ."

Sandy quickly silenced her with a strong embrace before she could finish her worst fears.

"He's not dead, we're gonna find him." Sandy promised with grim determination.

Kirsten nodded in his arms, all the while breaking down. She couldn't be strong anymore, she need her son back home safe.

"Where's Seth?" Sandy asked, trying to change the subject.

"He's out with Summer and Marissa, they're trying to get a group of teenagers together. They're all going to search the teens of Orange County's 'secret hideouts'" Kirsten replied, wiping her eyes of tears.

"Sandy, you don't look good, go lay down maybe you can get few hours of sleep in." Kirsten coaxed Sandy like she often did to Seth.

"No can do sweetie, I just came back for a much needed shower, then I'm off again. I'm going to head down to Fresno, Trey said he talked to Theresa, but I have to be sure." Sandy replied with a small hint of a smile.

"Well I'm coming with you!" Kirsten spoke determined.

"No your not, I will not worry about you too!" Sandy said, his worry and frustration coming out.

"You will not tell me what to do Sandy! He is my son too, and I've sat here for almost two days worrying about Ryan, it's my turn to go help." Kirsten shouted.

Sandy tried hard to remain angry, but he found himself trying to hide a smile. That was his Kirsten, no one was going to tell what she could and couldn't do. "Fine!" was all Sandy managed to get out.

Kirsten smiled softly, she was going to enjoy her triumphant win over her husband later.

"If she's going, I'm going!" The voice boomed from the living room, soon followed by the door slamming shut.

Sandy rolled his eyes. Seth was just as determined as his mother, he knew if would be moronic to argue with that curly headed teenager, but he had to try anyway.

"I don't think that's such a good idea Seth." Sandy pleaded with his son.

"Nice try dad, but if the woman is going . . . so is the son." Seth replied.

"Where is Summer and Marissa anyway?" Kirsten asked, coming to stand next to her boys.

"Summer said I was too grouchy, and that I needed to sleep. And Marissa had the nerve to tell me that I babble more when I'm tired then when I'm well rested!" Seth got out in one breath.

Kirsten laughed. It was true; Seth had this way of spitting out nonsense when he was disoriented. But that no way compared to how much more Seth could talk when he was only slightly tired.

"I wonder how she got that idea," Kirsten spoke in pure innocence.

Seth rolled his eyes, and made his way to the fridge.

"I'll be down in five minutes," Sandy called as he made his way up the stairs.

The family sat quietly in the car as they made their way down to Fresno. Each of them was worrying about their missing family member.

A wet feeling woke Ryan.

It took a few seconds for him to get his bearings. His head was muddled; he had absolutely no idea what was going on.

Someone was holding him fiercely against them; they're tears dripped down on his arms. It was hard for him to breathe; he was in so much pain.

"Trey?" he asked in a whisper.

A sudden jerk from the person jarred his sore ribs, elicting a moan from him.

"Ryan?" The voice sounded congested.

The voice, it was indeed his brother. He closed his eyes, more memories flashed before him. His brother held him down, griping his throat angrily.

"Get away from me," Ryan said as loud as he could. Ryan tried hard to pry the arms that were holding him in a death grip away. But the more he tried, the tighter the hold got, until Ryan was gasping hard for air.

"I'm sorry Ryan!" Trey pleaded. Ryan was weak; it didn't take much to over throw his younger brother. Ryan couldn't fight off a ten-year-old.

Trey let go of Ryan, who dropped down to the floor, too weak to hold himself up.

Trey lifted his foot and slammed it down across Ryan's forehead.

Ryan's head fell limply to the ground.

Trey had to get Ryan out of here; he couldn't very well kill Ryan here.

He lifted his unconscious brother over his arm, and carried him out the door.

TBC