Warning! I do not own Family Guy or any of its characters! Sorry for the wait, been busy between school and work. Now without further delay, chapter 8!

Brian's prius pulled up in front of the old pound.

"Stay here while I go pay the ransom." Brian told Stewie as he grabbed the duffel bag full of money.

"Aw come on!" Stewie complained. "I wanted be there when this plan fails."

"I just have to hand them the money and they release Ryan." Brian replied starting of towards the building. "How could it possibly go wrong?"

"You keep telling your self that!" Stewie called after him.

Brian hesitated a moment before opening the door, the reality of the situation sinking in. Ryan's life depended on this exchange. If anything went wrong...

Pushing these dark thoughts aside Brian turned the handle. The hinges creaked their protest as the door swung in. In the center of the dimly room Ryan sat gagged and tied to a chair flanked by two German Shepherds, defiantly tugging at the ropes that held him in place. He stopped when he noticed Brian, his eyes widening in shock.

"Cutting it a little close there don't you think?" A battered retriever asked stepping out of the shadows. His fur was marred by countless scars and the tip of his right ear appeared to have been bitten off. "Fitting isn't it? That we should meet here again, after all these years."

"Tom!" Brian gasped recognizing the dog standing before him. This couldn't end well.

"Ah, so you do remember me." Tom chuckled. "So here's how this is going to work. My boy Charles here is going to take that bag from you and inspect its contents. If he gives me the thumbs up your brother gets to keep breathing. If it's a thumbs down, well at least we'll get a spectacular view of his insides." Tom snapped his fingers and the dog to the left of Ryan walked over to Brian.

Brian nervously handed the bag over to Charles, who accepted the bag with a growl and began counting the money. Brian let out a sigh of relief as the German shepherd flashed Tom a brief thumbs up before throwing the bag in his direction.

"I'm a man of my word." Tom said as he caught the bag. "Your brother gets to live… for now." Tom snapped his fingers again and the German Shepherds began dragging a struggling Ryan out of the room.

"We had a deal!" Brian exclaimed as Tom turned to follow.

"You brother is unharmed isn't he?" Tom replied turning back around. "And he shall continue to be as long as you keep doing what we ask."

Unable to contain his rage Brian charged at the battle worn criminal. Tom simple side stepped and tripped Brian, causing him to land sprawling on the floor. Before he could pick himself up, Tom began kicking him repeatedly in the head and chest. When the beating was over the old dog leaned over his fallen foe.

"I'll let this one slide since you're still new to our arrangement." Tom threatened. "But if you ever try to stand against me again, I'll tear Ryan to piece." The Retriever drew back his lips into a sinister grin. "And I'll make you watch. What do you think Brian? Watching your own brother's demise knowing that it's all your fault? How would that make you feel, I wonder?"

Brian spat out blood. "You're a monster!"

"Now that's not helping your brother's case now is it?" Tom laughed as he dropped a cell phone on the floor in front of Brian. "We'll be in touch."

Stewie watched as a bloodied Brian limped over to the car.

"So how'd it go?" Stewie asked as Brian sat down in the driver seat.

"Terrible!" Brian exclaimed. "Not only did they not let Ryan go, their threatening to kill him if I don't keep doing what they say." Brian hung his head in shame. "I don't know what to do anymore Stewie. I failed Ryan again and now he's at the mercy of a group of psychopaths."

"Hey, hang in there champ." Stewie replied trying to cheer Brian up. "You're old pal Stewie still has a few tricks up his sleeve. These hooligans have no idea who their up against."

Well what did you think? As usual any and all comments, questions, and or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Tune in next week to see how Stewie plans to help Brian get his revenge. We also check up on Peter and his leprechaun problem. Thanks for reading!