Disclaimer : I do not own any of the characters mentioned herein. This is pure fiction, written for entertainment only.

Chapter 25

The first rays of light peeped through the blinds, bathing the room in soft light. Randy stirred but did not wake. He had his arms wrapped protectively around Jeff and was pressed close to him. Activity hummed outside the room as the next shift came on. Ten minutes went by and the door opened quietly. Matt walked in alone. Two hours ago, he told Chris to go back with Cena and Adam to get some rest. They would come back around noon to take over his watch. Although exhausted, Matt refused to accept Cena's offer to stand guard while he went back to the hotel to catch a few hours of sleep. He wanted to remain at the hospital until Jeff woke up.

Matt made his way silently to the bed and smiled down genially at how Randy had his arms wrapped around his brother in a protective gesture. He sat on the chair beside the bed and took his brother's hand in his. They were warm to his touch and he let out a sigh of relief. He had been coming in to check on him for the past few hours and it seemed to him that Jeff was getting much better, but he had yet to wake.

Matt gave his hand a fond squeeze and whispered, "Jeff, time to wake up, bro!"

He thought he detected some eye movement but his brother's eyes remained close. Sighing, he let go of his hand to stretch, trying to work out the cricks in his neck and back. He badly needed a shower and a change of clothing. He yawned widely, blinking rapidly before deciding to go to the bathroom to freshen up a bit. When the door clicked shut, Jeff whimpered in his sleep. In his dream state, his mind was replaying the scene when Raven cut the ropes and sent him plunging into the river. As his mind relived his terrifying moments, he grew agitated and started to thrash and cry out incoherently. Beside him, Randy was startled awake and he immediately sat up to attend to him.

"Wake up baby, it's alright, you're safe now."

He shook him gently by the shoulders, relieved that his beloved was finally coming around. Jeff's eyes fluttered open. There was a look of confusion on his face as his gaze fell on Randy.

Randy smiled down at him and said, "You scared us almost to death! Thank God you've finally woken up!"

"Ra..Randy?" Jeff called out to him in a hoarse whisper as he raised a hand to touch his face, still unsure if he was but a dream.

Randy nodded, "It's me," and he pressed his lips against his palm to reassure him that he was real.

A mixture of emotions crossed Jeff's face before he burst into tears. "Oh God, it's really you! You saved me!"

The last thing he remembered was Randy grabbing onto him in the river before he lost consciousness. He was still very much alive and he shook with his emotions.

"Sshh… everything is going to be alright," Randy rocked him gently, planting kisses on his face.

He allowed him to release his emotions and just held him, letting him know he was there for him. He waited and the tears finally ceased. Jeff hiccupped several times and finally lay dormant in his arms, eyes closed in exhaustion.

"Here, lie down, I'm right beside you."

Jeff settled himself comfortably against him and sighed wearily. His eyes flew open suddenly and he asked frantically, "You won't leave me by myself?"

"No, I won't, never again!" Randy swore. His words comforted him and Jeff closed his eyes.

When Matt came out a few minutes later, his brother was already asleep. Randy informed him that Jeff had woken up briefly, much to his relief.

"He's exhausted and so are you. Rest, I'll keep watch."

Matt had no intention of going anywhere. Cena and Adam came up with a plan to lure Raven to Jeff. Until the plan was put into full action, Jeff would not be left alone. Randy had not fully recovered his strength and he intended to make sure he was around to keep a look out for Raven, just in case he was lurking around.

…..

It was approaching noon and both Randy and Jeff were still asleep. Matt had not left his post all that time. He got up and stretched and went to the window to look out. He frowned when he sighted that truck again. He noticed it the last couple of times he looked out in the span of five hours. Why was it still there? Maybe it belonged to one of the staff here, he thought, but something kept nagging him at the back of his mind. He realized then what it was that stuck out. The hospital staff had their own parking lot. That truck definitely didn't belong to a staff. Matt stared at it but it was too far away to tell if anyone was in it. He contemplated going down to take a look but didn't want to leave Randy and Jeff unguarded. After pondering for a few minutes, he came to a decision. Pulling out his phone, he called Chris and told him his suspicion.

"Get John and Adam to come with you and check on that truck, but be careful. If it's Raven, he may have a weapon on him," he cautioned him.

"We'll check it out as soon as we get there. Expect us in an hour tops!" Chris informed him before hanging up.

Matt continued his vigilance at the window. He took his attention away long enough to glance at Randy when he sat up.

"Is everything alright?" Randy asked as he gently extricated himself and got up to join him at the window. Matt's anxiety was clearly showing. "What's wrong?" he asked again as he looked outside in the direction Mat was gazing at. Matt quickly told him his suspicion and pointed out the truck to him.

"I'll go down and check it out!" Randy turned to go, but Matt stopped him.

"You're not a hundred percent. The others are on their way and they will check it out. I want you to stay put here with Jeff."

He quickly updated him of the plan to lure Raven to come to Jeff, instead of waiting for him to make the first move.

"It's a good plan but I would prefer if we move Jeff to another room under a fictitious name, just in case." He didn't like the idea of putting Jeff at risk whatsoever. Better safe than sorry.

"Good idea! Why didn't I think of that?" Matt reprimanded himself and decided to go and make the room transfer immediately. But, before he left, he pulled out a Glock 4.45 handgun hidden in his coat and handed it over to Randy.

"You brought a gun with you?" Randy gave him an incredulous look as he took it from him.

"You won't know when it may come in handy," Matt shrugged carelessly before asking, "Do you know how to use it?" When Randy nodded in the affirmative, he added, "Do not hesitate to use it if that psycho comes through that door! I mean it, shoot the fucker in the heart and just end his miserable existence once and for all!"

"Don't worry, I'm not letting him anywhere near Jeff," Randy assured him as he checked the pistol.

"It's fully loaded, so keep the safety catch on. I'll be right back after I take care of the transfer," and Matt left him with Jeff.

Randy hid the weapon under his pillow before walking to the window and looked out at the truck. He wondered if it was really Raven who was sitting and watching from there. He stared at it for a minute before turning away. As much as he liked to check it out, he didn't want to leave Jeff alone ever again. He sat on the chair, weapon within reach and wished the others would hurry up and get there. If it was Raven, he didn't want him to get away. The door opened and he almost pulled the gun out but then, a doctor walked in with a nurse. Randy relaxed his stance as he checked on Jeff's vital signs.

"He has woken up once," Randy volunteered the information as he watched the doctor go about his business.

The doctor nodded his acknowledgement and continued to examine Jeff. He finally straightened up and gave him a smile. "His blood pressure is almost back to normal, but I would like to keep him here for another twenty-four hours."

Randy nodded, "I'll let his brother know."

The doctor proceeded to examine him and finally said, "Your vital signs have stabilized. You can be discharged today."

"Thanks doc, but do you mind if I keep my friend company until he's discharged?" He would prefer to stay with Jeff 24/7 until he was cleared to leave.

"I don't see why not. Just let me know if you change your mind." The doctor soon left with the nurse.

Randy's stomach rumbled noisily. He realized he had not eaten since yesterday. He checked his watch and realized lunch would be served soon. He shook Jeff gently, "Baby, wake up!" He watched as Jeff slowly stirred and his eyes finally open. "How are you feeling?" Randy asked as he softly caressed his cheek with his fingers.

"I'm still sore but feeling much better already," Jeff reassured him as he sat up gingerly. He still felt weak and his body ached all over.

Randy raised the upper portion of the bed and fluffed up his pillows so that he would be more comfortable. "You'll feel much better once you get some food into your system. Lunch should be served soon."

Just as he said that, the door opened and the attendant brought in two trays of food. Jeff partook sparingly of the food because he was more parched than hungry. He finished his juice and lay back watching Randy polished off his food ravenously. As soon as Randy finished, he asked the important question, "Have they caught him yet?"

"He was gone when the police got there. They're out looking for him now," Randy informed him as he set the trays aside.

Jeff remained silent for several moments. When he spoke, his voice quavered, "He will get me one way or another. I'm really scared, Randy."

"Don't be. I'm going to stay here with you and Matt is arranging for you to be transferred to another room. The others are on their way as we speak. You will never be left on your own. If anyone is afraid, it should be him! The cops are out looking for him. He won't get away!"

Somehow, Randy's words didn't assure him at all. Jeff looked up when Matt walked in. Both brothers' faces lit up and in a few strides, Matt reached his brother and folded him tightly in his arms.

"I'm so glad you're alright, but don't you dare scare me like that again!" Tears pricked at his eyes but he blinked them back rapidly, trying to stay strong.

Randy thought it best to give them a private moment. He mumbled he was going down for a smoke and left the room. He had no cigarettes on him and decided to go downstairs and see if he could cajole someone to give him a cigarette. He got his cancer stick and stepped out to the hospital grounds to puff on it. It was chilly outside and there was no one, beside himself, who was hanging outside. Shivering from the cold, he decided to make it quick and was just about to go back in when something hard was jabbed into his back and he heard the click of a gun.

"Don't you fucking move or you're a dead man!" Raven rasped out. "Now, turn around slowly," he said as he moved back several steps to give himself some room.

Randy did as told and turned to face him. He eyed the gun in his hand and asked coolly, "What you're going to do? Shoot me in broad daylight?" He barked out a short laugh before his eyes narrowed with fury. "You better pray you kill me first because if I ever get my hands on you, you're a dead man!" he hissed vehemently, spittle flying from his mouth as his nostrils flared.

Raven took a step back involuntarily. The venomous look on Randy's face took him aback. Even with a gun pointed at him, the man was issuing threats against him, showing no fear at all.

"Makes you feel brave, doesn't it, to have a gun in your hands. Well, what are you waiting for? Pull the damn trigger!" Randy took one step forward, arms wide open, leaving his chest open as target. "Make sure you aim to kill because if I get out alive, I'm going to hunt you down like the animal you are! I don't understand what Jeff sees in you! You're nothing but a has-been, a piece of shit that isn't worth a dime!"

The disparaging remark set Raven off and with blinding rage, he lunged at him. He wanted the satisfaction of beating up the man with his own fists, shooting him was just too easy. Both men rolled on the ground, landing punches at each other. Randy got the upper hand and punched him in the ribs where they were still mending, cursing incessantly as he dealt out vicious blows, one after another. Out of desperation, Raven hit out blindly with his gun. The barrel connected with the side of his head, causing it to loll. Randy slumped over on his side, barely conscious. Clutching his ribs, Raven climbed to his feet, trying to breathe through the pain rippling through him. He stared at the man lying at his feet. It was never his intention to shoot him. He had other plans for him. Raven realized he couldn't get anywhere near Jeff after what happened yesterday. The only way he could get his hands on him was to force Jeff to come to him and he was contemplating of capturing Matt for that purpose. But, when Randy stepped outside alone, he knew he would work just as well.

As he bent to pick him up, Randy moaned. Raven did not hesitate to club him one more time with the gun's barrel for good measure, knocking him out cold this time.

"Take that, you son of bitch!" he muttered with satisfaction before tucking the weapon in his waist band and lifted him to his feet. He had to get him to his truck before anyone saw them.

As Raven drove off, he decided it was time he turned the situation in his favor. After everything he had gone through, he was adamant to force Jeff to come to him, or he would get his boyfriend back, in a body bag.

-ooo-

Matt was listening to Jeff telling him what happened yesterday after Raven carted him away. He clenched his fists when Jeff told him that Raven violated him.

"Son of a bitch! Wait till I get my hands on him!"

The doctor had overlooked that particular injury in his examination and he intended to get him to take a look at it as soon as possible. In turn, he told Jeff what he knew; how Randy, Adam and Cena found out his location and went after him in the storm. He told him how Randy jumped into the river to go after him and how Cena and Adam leapt in afterwards to save them from certain death.

"When this is over, you will have to make your decision about them. But whoever you pick is fine with me, because those are three fine men you have there. They are in a league of their own and I know you are in good hands whoever you end up with," Matt told him with a smile.

Jeff nodded but remained silent. He wasn't looking forward to hurting two out of those three men.

Matt seemed to read his mind and said, "I'm sure the other two will be happy for you."

There was a knock on the door and it opened to reveal their visitors.

"You're awake!" Cena moved quickly to his bedside, followed closely by Adam and the rest of the gang. They crowded around the bed and asked about his wellbeing. After assuring them that he was on the mend, Jeff thanked Adam and Cena personally for coming to his rescue, and everyone else for their help and concern.

Cena said, "Randy got to you first. If it wasn't for him, we might not get to you on time." He looked around and asked, "Where is he anyways?"

"He stepped out for a smoke, but that was quite some time ago," Matt realized with a frown.

Just then, someone knocked and a lady came in bearing gifts.

"I have a delivery for Jeff Hardy," she said, setting the basket of flowers down on the side table and handed him the stuffed bear with a purple ribbon round its neck and an envelope. "Gentleman says for you to open it in privacy." Jeff thanked her and she left.

"It must be from Randy," Matt smiled as Jeff hugged the bear to him, a soft glow on his face. "So, that was where he had disappeared to!"

Jeff looked up at them, hesitating to open the envelope and Matt said, "We'll give you a few privy moments." He gestured to the group to follow him to the window.

"Did you check out that truck?" he asked as he looked out and was surprised to see it was no longer there.

"We looked all over for it but there wasn't any truck fitting your description," Chris informed him.

"That's strange," Matt muttered, feeling uneasy all of a sudden.

There was a sharp gasp and everyone turned to see Jeff staring at the get well card in his hands. He was trembling and looking pale as a sheet.

"What's wrong, Jeff?" Matt and the others rushed to his side in alarm.

There was a panic look on his face as he choked out, "H..he has Randy!"

"What?" Matt took the card from him and read the message before turning to the others with a grim look.

"Raven got his hands on Randy and he now wants Jeff to go to him! It says here he'll let him know the place and time to meet, and if Jeff doesn't turn up alone, he can expect to collect Randy in a body bag! What the hell? He has best us again! We have to call in the police!"

"No!" Jeff shouted, shaking his head fervently. "He'll kill Randy, I know he will! I have to go to him!"

He knew how cruel Raven can be and he meant every word he said. If he didn't do what he said, Randy was going to end up dead!

"We can't let you go by yourself, that man is a psycho!" Cena voiced his protest and the others concurred with him, trying to talk him out of it.

"You're walking into a trap, Jeff. What makes you think he'll let Randy go even if you go to him? That man cannot be trusted!" Adam spoke up.

"I have to take that chance! If I don't turn up, he will hurt Randy!" Jeff scrambled off the bed and almost fell in his weakened state.

"I can't let you go to him, Jeffro," Matt sat him down firmly on the bed and shushed his protests. "Listen to me! We need to call in the police! You're in no condition to go anywhere by yourself. He almost killed you and I don't think he's of sound mind. You can't take his word that he'll let Randy go."

"But … what am I supposed to do? I can't just leave Randy there! Please Matt, let me try and get him out," Jeff pleaded with him.

"I promise you we will think of something to get Randy out!" Matt said firmly. He turned to the others, "Guys, we need a plan!"

…

The instructions came in two hours later. The message was left at the desk. Raven wanted Jeff to meet him alone at the lighthouse at Montgomery at eight o'clock that night. It struck them as odd that he would pick such a spot, as Shawn pointed out.

"If the police hemmed him in, there's no way he can get out except by sea. He may have a boat waiting nearby. We should get the coastal police involved as well."

They agreed and after Shawn put in the necessary call, they fine-tuned their plan. All agreed that the darkness would work in their favor. There was nothing else they could do but to wait.

….

It was a quarter to eight and Jeff just arrived at the lighthouse, alone. He looked about but couldn't see anyone around. The chilly sea breeze blew against him and he shuddered. He tugged on the zipper further up to his neck, the hoodie protecting him from the biting cold. He waited, praying the others would get there on time when the time was right. He was wired and the police and the rest were lying in wait a short distance away. If he got into trouble, all he had to do was to yell for help and they would be there under two minutes. The coastal police had two cutters waiting, in case Raven tried to make his escape by sea.

Jeff waited and then he saw a flashlight turned on. It was coming from within the lighthouse. He held his breath as the figure holding the flashlight appeared at the door and made his way towards him. He was alone, so where was Randy? He started to panic, fearing the worse.

"You're punctual and I'm glad you took my advice and came here alone." Raven's teeth gleamed in the dark.

Jeff stared at him from under his hood for a moment before rasping out, "Where's Randy?"

There was a moment of silence and Raven took one step forward warily. "What's wrong with your voice?" he asked suspiciously.

Jeff coughed several times before rasping harshly, "Caught a cold in the waters, completely lost my voice."

He froze when Raven pulled out a gun from his jacket.

"Pull down the hoodie, now!" Raven ordered as he pointed the weapon at him.

Oh God, he knows!

"I'm going to pull the trigger if you don't do as I say!" and he made good his word by clicking off the safety catch.

With trembling hands, the hoodie was pulled down. Raven kept his gun leveled at him with one hand and raised the flashlight slowly to his face. As realization dawned that he had been tricked, he heard the screeching of tires as several police cars pulled up a short distance away. To everyone's surprise, he didn't move. He waited for the men to pile out and surround him.

"This is the police! Put your gun down or we will shoot!" one of the officers commanded, but Raven just stood there and laughed, his gun still aimed at the imposter.

"Do that and Shawn here will have his head blown off! Where's Jeff? I want him here now! If he doesn't get here in five minutes, I'm going to blow his boyfriend to kingdom come!" Raven snarled.

In a police van a short distance away, Jeff heard everything that was said. "Get me there now!" he insisted.

Matt hesitated before coming to a decision. "Do as he says," he told the officer who nodded and started to drive to the point. Meanwhile Matt handed his gun to his brother and said, "Take this with you and please, be careful!" He placed a kiss on his forehead before hugging him tight. "Do what it takes but come back safe. I love you." He released him just as the vehicle reached the lighthouse.

"I love you, Matty," Jeff whispered before opening the door and climbing out. He hesitated before turning around and handed the gun over to his brother, "I don't need this."

Without another backward glance, he walked forward to meet Raven and came within five feet of him. He didn't look at Shawn and he didn't even pay attention to the officers around them. He looked straight at Raven and spoke quietly, "I'm here. Now, let Shawn and Randy go."

But Raven had other ideas. "I'll let your friend here leave, but Randy's not going anywhere." He gestured to Shawn to leave and he ran towards the safety of the officers.

"You promise that you'll let Randy go if I come to you!" Jeff clenched his fists as he took one step closer towards him.

"I made no such promise. I just say he won't go back in a body bag if you turn up. And you did try to trick me so I owe you nothing now!" Raven snapped back.

"Please, just let him go. I'll do anything you want, just don't hurt him," Jeff pleaded with him.

Raven was quiet and he finally asked, "Why did you leave me? I thought you loved me. I took care of you when your brother left and you stabbed me in the back! You ran back to him and accused me of vile things! Is that how you repay me?"

Jeff stared at him in a mixture of disbelief and confusion. "You don't remember do you?" he finally said.

"I remember alright! I remember you telling your brother that I abused and mistreated you when I did no such thing!" Raven shouted, getting agitated.

"You… you really don't remember," Jeff said, shaking his head. "You raped me every day and you hit me, cut me up and as if it wasn't enough, you let your friends take turns on me while you stood by and watched them tear me apart."

"I would never do such a thing to you! How can you say …." He was cut off.

"But you did and you don't remember! You were always high on drugs back then because you were depressed. You hurt me so bad that I just couldn't stay with you any longer. I'm not lying to you, Scotty. You knew how it was back then. I did love you but you changed. You grew violent and abusive and I had no choice but to run. I would never accuse you of doing something you didn't do. You have to believe me!"

And for the first time, Scott began to have doubts about himself. He remembered those drug-dazed days. His depression had pushed him to a point that he just couldn't deal with the harsh reality without them. He even recalled being sent to a rehabilitation center and a psychiatric institution several months later after Jeff left him. There were gaps in his memory that he didn't appreciate and he wondered if those gaps were periods that he had abused Jeff and blanked them out because of guilt.

"Please Scotty, no one else needs to get hurt. As much as you find it hard to believe, I don't want you to get hurt too. You did look after me for a period and I'm very grateful you were there for me, but what you're doing is wrong! Don't make matters any worse. I'll drop all charges against you and get you the necessary help you need. You're not a bad person, just that the drugs messed you up and you're not yourself. Please let me help you? You know I won't let anyone hurt you."

At Scott's hesitance, he walked closer towards him and said softly, "You can trust me. I promise you I'll do everything I can to set you right again. Just give me the gun and everything will be fine," and waited with abated breath for his response.

There was a period of silence when Scott just gazed at him with soft eyes.

"I remember you drawing me in abstract form. It was so bizarre we laughed so hard. I still had that drawing with me. I don't know why I kept it after all these years. I guess it reminds me of you and the good times we had." Sighing deeply, he said, "I'm sorry I hurt you, but I really don't remember being abusive towards you. Maybe, you're right. The drugs mess me up pretty bad. I have this uncontrollable rage at times which I can't explain and I don't understand what I'm doing most of the time."

He let out a shuddering breath. The things he did to him and allowed others to do unto him. No wonder he ran from him. He couldn't blame him, not anymore, not after what he had just heard. A deep feeling of remorse overcame him and he dropped his gun. The officers rushed forward to cuff him. As they were about to take him away, Jeff stopped them.

"Wait! Where's Randy?"

"He's in the lighthouse." As Jeff turned to go, Scott called him back, "You'll come visit me, won't you?"

Jeff nodded, "I promise I'll come and visit and I'll get you all the help you need." He hesitated momentarily before moving forward to hug him. "I won't turn my back on you, I promise!"

-ooo-

Reviews are appreciated.

Song accompaniment - Zzyzx Rd by Stone Sour on youtube .com/watch?v=ZFK4HD7KAjk