Nathan couldn't believe his eyes. He never thought he'd see him again. What did he want and why was he back now?
"That's right superstar I'm back," the man said getting in Nathan's face. "You know the big boss almost killed me the night you won State. Daunte freaked because he thought for sure we were done. He wanted to kill you before they killed us. When he didn't return that night it took everything I had to convince him not to kill me. He liked my idea of letting you live, achieve your goals, and then take your money."
"I don't have any money," Nathan tried to say through the gag.
"No, no you don't do you," Bear said. "Your pretty little wife does though. I was happy to see the tabloids saying you were back together. Seeing that meant our plan could take action sooner than expected. But wait it gets better," he paused, "your boy's sick and you're the only one who can help. I think we'll wait and see how that plays out before we steal all of your wife's money for your safe return."
Nathan again began frantically trying to free himself with no luck.
"Did I mention when we do get our money and set you free we'll make sure you never play basketball again," he punched Nathan in the face and he went unconscious again.
Peyton entered the room as Lucas was finishing his last call. "How is she?"
"Not good but at least she's sleeping," Lucas answered. "I don't know what to think about all this Nathan stuff Peyt."
"Me either," she said.
"I don't want to think he would just take off. I know he loves that kid but he loves the game too. I just don't know. What else could have happened?"
"Maybe someone wants money," Peyton said.
"I don't know. Here in Tree Hill? That seems like a stretch," he said, "everyone here knows Nathan doesn't have money."
"Yeah but he and Haley have been in the tabloids lately and she does have money," she said.
"I guess that could explain it but even the cops don't want to follow up on that," he said, "and if that's the case Nathan's in trouble then." He thought about it a minute then looked at Peyton, "stay here until I come back."
"No signs of him anywhere," Lucas asked.
"No none of the town's people have seen him," Mouth answered. "It's strange though his car is still at the house so if he left he went by bus, train, or hitchhiked and my vote would be on the later because the people at the bus and train stations haven't seen him."
"Alright I'm about to go in and talk to the police maybe this info will help. Thanks Mouth," Lucas said and hung up. Lucas walked into the police station, "can I speak to Officer Nelson."
The officer went to retrieve him.
"Lucas, how are you? I take it your brother hasn't turned up," Officer Nelson asked.
"No sir, that's why I'm here, I really don't think he took off. I don't think he would do that or that if he did he would have second thoughts and returned by now. I'm sure of that."
"Ok well then I'll need to know some stuff," the officer said.
"Ok," Lucas said willing to offer any information he could think of. The officer wanted to know place in town Nathan frequented, anyone who might want to hurt him or Haley, and where Nathan might have went if he did run. There were some more questions and Lucas answered to the best of his knowledge.
"Alright Lucas I'll see if I come up with anything and I'll be in touch," Officer Nelson said. They shook hands and Lucas left.
Lucas got back to the hospital as Haley's parents were arriving. "Hi Mr. and Mrs. James."
"Lucas how is everything," Jim asked.
"They've been better. I just came from the police station trying to convince them that Nathan didn't just take off," Lucas said.
"I sure hope he didn't because I like that man. I was happy to hear my daughter swallowed her pride and took him back. I just hope whatever happened he's ok," Jim said.
"Well I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that because she thinks we don't believe it," Lucas said.
They headed into the room. Haley was still asleep on the cot. Peyton was on the chair next to her. "She's still sleeping," Lucas asked.
"Yeah she hasn't woken up neither has Keith," she answered.
Just then Keith stirred a little. Jim walked over and picked up his grandson, "hey buddy. Wow you've gotten so big since I saw you last." Jim and Lydia had visited Haley a few times while she was on tour.
Lydia had made her way to Haley and bent down by her head, "hey Haley bub," she said and kissed her forehead.
"Mom," Haley mumbled as she woke up.
"Hey darling sorry to wake you," she said as Haley sat up and hugged her.
"I told you not to come," Haley said.
"Of course we didn't listen, you needed us," Lydia said.
"Yeah so where do we go to get tested," Jim asked.
"Oh I'll let the doctor know you're here," Lucas said and left the room.
"I called your brothers and sisters, they're getting tested, the kids too. They'll have their results faxed here," Lydia said.
Lucas came back with a nurse who escorted Haley's parents down to the lab.