Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Ta-da! My muse has seemed to have returned to me. I hope it stays. I hope you enjoy where we're headed. Thank you for the reviews from the previous chapter and kind words! I think I responded to everyone - I hope. All mistakes are my own. I proofed it and proofed it, but I am human.

One Step Forward

Gordon slowly stretched his back as he exited his temporary bedroom. The hotel had become their home away from home for several weeks now. Thankfully today would be their last day at the hotel. Alan was being released from the hospital. Once they had the kid sprung, they would fly the family jet to the penthouse suite at Tracy Enterprises in New York. Fermat and Brains were already staying at their second home.

Grabbing a muffin from the counter and a container of orange juice, Gordon took a seat at the coffee nook along with John. "Hi' ya, Johnny! What's a cookin?"

John looked up at his younger brother, amused. "You're awfully chipper this morning."

"The Sprout gets sprung today! How can you not be chipper?" the redhead beamed.

Eyeing his brother, John smiled. "Who said I wasn't?"

Gordon made a face. "So, where has everyone gone off to?"

"Dad and Virgil went to the hospital for Alan's last check-up and to sign some forms. Scott headed to the airport to fuel up the jet and make sure everything is ready," John informed, sitting down his tablet. "We are on check-out duty."

Gordon pouted. "I was hoping to be there when Allie got released."

"I know, but after last night Dad wanted to make sure you got enough rest," John said, gazing softly at his younger sibling.

"Geez, can't a guy have ONE mild back spasm without everyone going nuts," Gordon sighed. "I'm fine."

"Didn't by saying I'm fine land you in this position?" John quipped.

"It's been over a week and a half since I've even had a bad episode. Dr. Emerson said I would be fine after a few weeks. It's been three weeks, John. I'm good," Gordon assured.

"Except for last night, right?"

"Minor details, Johnny boy," Gordon stated. "You guys are just making a fuss."

"Worried that your brother might collapse again due to an injury that nearly killed him several years ago is fussing? Then we plead guilty, Gordon. You had us really worried," John admitted. "Brought a lot of bad memories back."

Gordon frowned, not able to meet the older blonde's face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to go that far. It scared me too."

"Just do us all a favor and humor us - especially Dad. The last few weeks haven't been easy," John replied.

"I'll try," Gordon sympathized. "Ya know, it's not out of the ordinary for me to have these spasms."

"You've always had them?" John asked, trying to keep his added concern out of his voice.

"Well, not always. It's something I've just learned to deal with. Most of the time, it's after a very long day of difficult rescues. They happen very few and far between, but they do happen."

"Does Virgil know?"

Gordon looked at John with mock horror. "Are you kidding me?! Virgil would have kittens if he knew. I'd be on mobile control duty for the rest of my life. The guy freaks anytime I say ouch."

John laughed. "Good point."

Gordon met his brother's gaze. "I'm fine, really. The hydrofoil accident could've cost me a lot more than it did. I'm just thankful a little pain here, and there is the greatest of my worries."

"You and me both, kiddo," John exhaled. "I think we've had enough heavy for the day. What do you say we clean up and get ready to head out? I'm ready to see the Sprout out of that gown."

"That's a big 10-4, Spaceman!" Gordon grinned.

John could only shake his head as Gordon rushed toward the bedrooms. Little brothers were so weird.

-TB-

Alan couldn't wipe the smile off his face. He was finally getting to go home, no more white walls, and mechanical equipment to keep him prisoner.

"Okay, Alan. One more big breath for me," Dr. Emerson stated, placing the stethoscope along the teen's chest. "Good."

Jeff and Virgil watched as the doctor examined their family member. They each had eagerly awaited this day.

Placing her stethoscope around her neck, Dr. Emerson smiled at the Tracy family. "Everything looks great. Your body is healing well, Alan. I've given your family instructions on your nebulizer treatments. I'm not quite ready to take you completely off of oxygen yet. I'm going to send you home with a portable concentrator." The dark-haired doctor smiled softly as the teen's face fell. "Don't worry. It's only temporary. I have faith within the next week or two we should be able to remove you from it. Your oxygen levels aren't where I would like them just yet, okay."

"Okay," Alan agreed, looking toward his brother and father. Both men smiled at him.

"You'll be good as new before you know it," Virgil said, hoping to cheer his little brother up.

"When can I get out of the sling?" Alan asked, pointing to his left arm.

"I'm going to keep you in it for a few more days. I've already spoken with your brother about some of the exercises I'd like you to start trying," Amanda said, nodding towards Virgil. "If he thinks you're doing well, then I've given him permission to take you out of it before I see you next week."

Alan seemed to perk up at the news. He listened as Dr. Emerson spoke once more. "I promise you are making headway, Alan. Three weeks ago, we were looking at a big uphill battle, and now look at where we are. Some patients with the same amount of smoke inhalation as you had aren't as lucky. You definitely had someone in your corner."

The three Tracy men could only smile fondly as they thought of their late matriarch of the family. No doubt, Lucille Tracy was watching out for her son.

"Well, for now, gentlemen, my work is done here. Let me add these updates to Alan's file, and then there will be just one more form for you to sign Jeff," Dr. Emerson announced, turning to her patient once more she smiled. "Take care of yourself, Alan. I will see you in a week."

"See you in a week," Alan said, grinning as the doctor exited the room. "Finally, I'm free!" he exclaimed, earning a chuckle from his father and brother.

"Indeed Allie you are," Jeff said, returning his son's smile. "Why don't we get you changed into something more comfortable to seal the deal?"

"Yes! Goodbye, hospital gown!" Alan cheered, as he eased off the bed.

Virgil shook his head, laughing at his brother. "Cool it, Sprout. Let me help you before you go and hurt yourself."

"Seriously?" Alan grumbled as his older brother began helping him out of the gown. "I'm not twelve, you know."

"No, but you sure are acting it," Virgil muttered.

"Boys," Jeff interjected. "I'm going to go sign the release form. Please don't kill each other before I get back."

"Injured party of one, Dad," Alan replied, pointing at himself. "Virgil wouldn't dare."

"Don't tempt me squirt," Virgil glared as the seventeen-year-old prevented him from helping him remove his sling.

Alan only smiled innocently. That alone left Jeff feeling elated as he exited the room. Things were gradually returning to normal.

-TB-

Securing the luggage in the jet, Scott let out a big sigh. The sapphire-eyed Tracy was ready to put the last few weeks behind them. He was pretty sure his two youngest siblings had earned him at least a couple dozen grey hairs he couldn't quite see yet.

Walking toward the cockpit, Scott scanned the pre-flight sequence one more time before relaxing back in the chair. Soon they would be on their way to New York, and he would be one step closer to securing the safety of his little brothers once more.

If there's one thing Scott hated besides the loss of control, it was in-action. Right now, all Scott wanted was justice. Justice for those lives lost in the fire that wreaked havoc on his brother's school. Most importantly, he wanted justice against the one person who had physically caused his baby brother harm. One way or another, he was not only going to keep his family safe until the culprit was found, but he was also going to make sure that person paid.

The sound of a vehicle pulling into the hanger pulled the first-born Tracy from his dark thoughts. Standing, Scott moved to the jet's opening and quickly smiled as he recognized the SUV. "Alan!" he yelled as he saw his youngest brother slowly pull himself out of the vehicle with John's help.

"Hey, Scooter," Alan smirked, closing his eyes at the familiar embrace he found himself enveloped in.

Scott frowned as he noticed the small portable canister and his brother's shortened breaths. "Everything okay?"

"Just peachy," Alan retorted. "I'm discovering I'm not really seventeen, Scotty. It appears I have the lungs of a ninety-year-old."

"You're just weak, Allie. You'll build your strength back up," Virgil asserted, eyeing him. "Let's get you settled."

Slowly, Alan made his way into the jet. He found himself relaxed upon the makeshift couch that resided in the plane. Gordon tenderly laid a blanket over him. "Get some rest, Sprout." That wasn't going to be a hard request to fulfill as his eyes drifted shut. Who knew leaving the hospital was so tiring? Within minutes Alan was asleep.

Once the jet was in the air, Virgil unfastened his belt. Making his way toward Alan, he double-checked the oxygen concentrator. Satisfied everything was working as it should for his baby brother. The middle Tracy returned to his seat. He caught the worried glance of his second youngest brother.

"Is he okay?" Gordon asked.

"Gordo, he's fine," Virgil reassured, smiling towards the redhead. "Kid just needs rest." Taking one last peek at his sleeping brother, Gordon nodded.

"How's the back?" Virgil inquired.

"Its fine, Virg," Gordon said, rolling his eyes as his closest older brother looked at him questioningly. "Seriously, dude. Quit obsessing!"

"I wouldn't have to if my patients were forthcoming with their ailments," Virgil retorted.

"Yeah, yeah. Same old swan song. Pick a new tune doc," Gordon replied, ignoring the intense glare he was receiving.

Any response by Virgil was instantly cut off as an incoming transmission was received. Jeff quickly answered it. "Lady Penelope, what can we do for you?"

The soothing voice of the London agent filled the jet's speakers. "Hello, boys. I was hoping to catch you before you took off, but I was delayed. I have an update I wanted to share with you."

Jeff scowled as he met the curious gaze of his oldest son. "Go ahead, Penny. Everyone is listening."

"As you know, I've been digging deeper into the Wharton Academy fire. Local authorities have discovered the most recent location of Aaron Edwards," Penny informed, pausing for a moment.

"Where is he?" Scott quickly asked.

"What are they doing to stop him?" Gordon asked at the same time.

"Boys," Jeff said sternly.

"It's alright, Jeff. I understand how delicate this situation is to each of you," Penny stated calmly. "They found a cheap hotel room outside of Boston he had purchased for a few days. Unfortunately, there was no sign of him, but what's concerning is what he left behind."

The more Penelope spoke, the more a sinking feeling began to fill Jeff's stomach. Something dark was going on, and he had a feeling it was far from over with this kid. "What did they find?"

"Well, it's hard to be sure due to fire destroying a lot of the evidence. It seems Aaron had set alight a garbage can in the room. Investigators were able to piece together a few remains of the ashes. It appears a copy of an edition of the Wharton Academy newspaper and the Boston Globe were inside along with several other items."

"Alan was reading the school newspaper the other day. It didn't exactly paint Aaron in a nice light," Virgil worried, as the realization hit him.

"No, it did not, Virgil. A lot of Wharton's student body has banded together against Aaron Edwards and his roommate Tommy Newton. They hold them responsible," Penny answered.

"Rightfully so!" Gordon exclaimed vehemently.

"I read the Globe this morning," John added. "It wasn't much better. It might be worse. Karen Edwards' campaign manager didn't hold back on the kid. It was obvious they were not only blaming Aaron for the fire at their own home, but there were also other grievances. It was as if the kid's troubled past was no one else's fault but his own. If I recall correctly, there was even a small mention of his involvement with the school fire."

"Precisely," Penny agreed. "In both articles, the memorial service planned at Wharton's was mentioned. This is all speculation, but authorities fear he may try and plan something."

"You don't seriously think he'd be that stupid?" Scott scoffed. "He'd be crazy to think it."

"His current mental state is what is indeed alarming right now, Scott. Again I want to remind you this is speculation. I just wanted you all to be aware and prepared if the situation arose."

"Understood. Thank you, Penny," Jeff said.

"I will update you if I learn anything further. Fly safe, boys," Lady Penelope encouraged and disconnected the line.

Silently each Tracy stole a glance toward the back of the jet. Each one was taking in the peaceful sleeping form of the Wharton senior. Deep down, they all feared this nightmare was far from over.

TBC…

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed it! As always, kindly press that review button and let me know what you think. They usually brighten my day.