Author's note: Almost there! Also, a big shout-out goes to Data Girl 3, Tina101 and DivaActress for their encouraging reviews of this story!

A sleepy sounding Maureen answered the phone. "Is this Steve? Cause Joanne's not here."

"No, Maureen, it's me."

"Who's me?"

"Maureen, its Roger."

:Roger?" Maureen was fully awake in a heartbeat. "Where are you? How are you? Have you called Mimi yet?"

"No, Maureen, this phone won't accept the Loft's number. I'm fine. A little worse for wear, but four days without food or pills can do that to you. How is everyone?"

"Worried sick. Mimi spoke to the Man, but he won't talk. And Mark is…he's back in the hospital. His…um, problem came back."

"Dammit!" Roger added some other choice words under his breath. "Listen very closely, Maureen. You can't come after me. Charlene will kill me. Allison faked a fight with Benny to get him out of the house. Tell him to come home. If he won't, give him this number. Tell him to call it."

"Okay, but…"

"No, no buts. Maureen, Benny is the only one who can help me. Trust me."

"Okay, he'll call you in twenty minutes."

"Good." Roger hung up.

Maureen turned to Benny. "You got all that?"

Benny nodded. "Yeah. I can do it."

"At least he's alive," Mimi said. She was slumped on the couch. "If we tell Mark, maybe he'll pull through too."

Roger paced. "Come on, Benny, call," he muttered. Finally the phone buzzed. "Benny?"

"Yeah, man, it's me. Where are you?"

"Westport. The room faces the front of the house. There's bars on the window-to prevent escape, I assume. I'm a little worried. They're treating me too humanely."

"Don't know. Man, I'm coming."

Roger didn't answer, hearing a noise at the door. Charlene burst into the room. "You clever little pawn. Can't call the loft, so you call Benny." She backhanded him, and Roger stumbled backwards.

"Roger. Roger!" Benny's voice was frantic. "Roger, answer me!"

Charlene hung up the phone. "You little fuck!" Her hand flew again, sending Roger flying. She advanced on him, beating him mercilessly, and not giving him a chance to defend himself.

Benny stood in silence before turning to the rest of the group. "I think…I think he's in trouble. I'm going down there. Maureen, call the cops."

Maureen nodded. "Right."

Mimi grabbed Benny's arm. "I'm coming with you."

"No, it's too dangerous. Just be waiting here. You can come with the police."

Mimi nodded. "Fine."

Benny looked around. "Wish me luck."

"Luck."