Thanks for your reviews.
Now about the Miley thing. I had mixed reviews about whether or not to include her. The majority asked me not to put her in. I don't want to disapoint those of you who do want Miley added. So, for now, I'm not going to have her, but if I can think of a way to include her that can satisfy everyone, I'll throw her into the drama.
So here's chapter 13:
Enjoy
Kevin sat on Frankie's bed, watching his youngest brother sleep peacefully. He softly ran his hands through Frankie's hair and found comfort in the even breaths he took. He knew that at least one of his brothers was safe.
Kevin hadn't talked with anyone in hours. The person he saw was Big Rob when he gave him his phone back. He had told him that Cane wouldn't call back. Kevin didn't know whether or not that was a good thing.
His mind was a constant flash of images, from Joe to Nick. He thought of what they were going through, if they were okay, and even of what life would be like if they didn't ever come home.
Empty.
Kevin knew that life without his brothers would leave him with two huge pieces of his heart missing. He didn't think that he could survive it. Joe and Nick were his everything.
He looked down at Frankie and thought of how much he meant to him. The fact that he had Frankie was the only that kept him sane in these hours of waiting.
He looked at his watch:
11:52
A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he ran a hand over his tired, restless face. He felt helpless. His brothers needed him now more than ever and he was stuck in a hotel room miles away from them.
He quietly got up, careful not to disturb Frankie, and walked to the bathroom. He switched on the light and gently closed the door. Looking at his reflection made him realize how tired he really was. He hadn't slept hardly since Joe was taken, and now that Nick was gone as well he couldn't bring himself to rest. Not while he knew his little brothers were in trouble.
The warm water felt good as he splashed it against his face. He turned of the water, dried his face, and was about to go lie down when he felt a rumble in his pocket.
It startled him, but he reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. His last phone conversation came back to him and he shuddered, remembering Cane's harsh voice, and Joe telling him he loved him.
He flipped open the phone and nearly dropped it when he read the name on the screen.
Nick.
He grazed his finger over the talk button, said a silent prayer, begging for it not to be Cane tormenting him again, and pressed the button. He raised the phone.
"Hello," he nearly whispered, afraid of what his voice would sound like if he spoke louder.
"Kevin?" Nick's reply made Kevin sink to the floor in relief.
"Oh my God Nick, where are you? Are you okay? What about Joe? Are you with him? Is he alright?" Kevin rattled off every question he could think of.
Nick chuckled slightly, "Calm down Kevin. One question at a time." Kevin sighed impatiently, wanting to know if they were alright or not.
"Nick..."
"I'm okay. Ray brought me to Cane's. Cane's in his room doing something. I'm uh-i'm with Joe, Kevin."
Kevin closed his eyes, not liking the way Nick said the last part. "How is he?" He was afraid to hear the answer.
There was a pause, then Nick's voice came through quietly, "He's not good. I'm really worried about him Kevin. I don't know what to do."
Kevin hated the way Nick sounded like he was on the verge of breaking down. He was even more worried about Joe after hearing how hard it was for Nick to say.
"Quit talken about me like I'm not here," Joe's pain filled, yet joking voice made Kevin smile slightly.
"I'm not Joe, just relax alright?" Nick told him.
"Alright, whatever you say," Joe said, sounding out of it.
"Nick. Tell me where you are."
"I dont know exactly. It's somewhere outside of town. It took about an hour to get here. The building looks like an old barn almost."
Kevin thought of where it could be. It sounded like somewhere they had driven by on the way into town.
"Let me tell Dad," Kevin said.
"No," Nick replied quickly, surprising Kevin. "I'm scared that if the police come they'l mess it up and Cane may do something to us."
Kevin nodded to himself, knowing Nick was most likely right. "Alright lil bro, I'm gonna come alright. Don't worry, I'll be their as soon as I can. Tell Joe to hang in their."
"I will. Oh I almost forgot, I saw a sign that said Briar street right before we pulled in front of the building."
"That's pretty important Nick. Thanks for telling me sooner," Kevin said sarcasticly.
"Hey I'm allowed to be a little stressed here. Sorry," Nick replied.
"I know, I'm sorry. It's gonna be fine. I promise you Nick, I'm gonna find you. And I'm going to bring you home safe. Both of you. got it?" Kevin said determined.
"Yeah, I know you will Kevin. That's why I called you."
Kevin smiled at that. He got up and left the bathroom, slipping his shoes on.
"I'll be their soon. I love you Nick. Tell Joe that too."
"I will, and I love you too," Nick replied. "Hurry."
With that Kevin hung up the phone, grabbed the keys to his dad's car, kissed Frankie on top of his head, and walked out the door. Closing it softly behind him. He snuck down the hall, unnoticed by all, and into the elevator. As he pushed the button to the garage he had only one thing on his mind.
He was going to save his brothers. No matter what.
Nick hung up the phone and looked at Joe. His eyes were closed and his breathing came harshly and uneven.
"He's coming," Nick told him.
Joe looked up, "I knew he would. Give me the phone."
Nick looked at him confused, "What?"
"I want the phone."
"Why?"
"I-uh, I want to be able to answer it if Kevin calls," Joe clenched his eyes shut as he coughed, his chest filling with pain. It subside after a moment and he reopened his eyes to look at Nick.
Nick looked terrified. Tears brimmed his eyes. He couldn't stand seeing Joe like this.
"I'm okay Nick. Don't worry. Now please just let me hold the phone."
Nick handed it to him, not believing his reasoning for wanting it, but not wanting to fight him on it. He knew Joe wasn't okay. He'd seen enoguh TV shows to know that coughing up blood was bad. Really bad.
"Joe?"
"Yeah?"
"Your not really okay are you?" Nick couldn't help but sound scared.
"Nick-"
"Don't lie to me," his voice broke.
Joe looked at him, not wanting to worry him. He fought down another coughing fit, knowing it would only make Nick more concerned.
"No Nick, I'm not okay." Nick let his tears fall freely. Already knowing that answer, but not liking it coming from Joe.
"Hey, come on. I'm Joe, remember?" Joe said. "And I promise you little brother that I'm not going anywhere. I'm your big brother and I'm staying with you. I'm gonna be fine."
Nick hugged his brother gently, trying his best to avoid his injuries, and cried into his shoulder. "I love you Joe."
Joe winced as his chest protested the pressure Nick put on it. But this was one pain he was okay with having. He raised his hand and stroked Nick's curling hair.
"I love you too Nick."
:
I had to add a little brotherly-ness at the end. I was gonna stop after Kevin got into the elevator, but wanted some Joe-Nick interaction.
So I hope you enjoyed.
Tell me what you think please.
