"...Pleaz note that this takes place before Eddie R came into our lives :) R&R?..."

Chapter 8- Misdirection

From the ground, Hank looked up to watch his co-conspirator as he descended the fire escape. He wouldn't actually call his patient his friend, but the doctor knew that Boris didn't fit completely into any one category anymore. Neither did Tucker or Libby or Tucker's dad or any of his other Hampton patients. Being a concierge doctor was far different from practicing medicine in an ER. The billionaire scrambled down the fire escape with all the panache of a man half his age.

'I didn't know you knew the Bryant's so well?' the younger man whispered apprehensively, voicing a concern that he had been harboring since the other man had joined them.

The German financier calmly stared at him, as was his habit. 'You find that when you come back here every summer, everyone knows everyone after a while.'

As they quietly ran from tree to statue to protect their 'escape' each man was lost in his own thoughts. Finally, they reached their own vehicles, and both men turned to look at the other, realizing that they would have to now part ways. Each man had been given orders so that they could fulfill the task in the sadistic game they had become embroiled in.

'I was just a man in my twenties when Tucker was born,' the billionaire mused walking in some far off memory judging by the distant look on his face. 'I remember holding him in my arms. Children grow so quickly, yes? He must be six feet tall.'

'Six feet, two inches; 147lbs,' his curly haired companion corrected him automatically, still fairly rattled with the day's events to be temporarily careless with his oath of office.

Boris slowly reached out and clasped a calming hand on the other man's shoulders. 'I had the car towed and the area cleaned. No one knows what is going on except us three. Your brother and Ms. Kidaree will remain unharmed as promised.'

The doctor breathed out a heavy sigh.

'It was a lot of blood, Boris,' he chocked out in fear. 'Granted a head wound normally bleeds a lot, so that is fine, but we should do a cat scan to make sure there isn't any damage. After this I would…'

This diagnosis might have gone indefinitely, if the billionaire's phone had not begun to beep.

'Dieter,' he said as way of greeting. The man listened for a moment before replying with a curt yes.

Hank leaned forward, unashamedly eavesdropping. With all the billionaire's resources, it was almost certain that the man had some news on who this madman was or where his two co-workers were…where his family was.

The young man blinked in shock as Boris, 'Mr. I value my privacy', activated the phone's loud speaker.

'Good evening Ms Casey,' the German said warmly.

The look of horror on Hank's face told the man clearly without words how the doctor wanted this situation to be handled.

'Boris?' the hospital administrator inquired worriedly. 'Are you alright? Do you need me? I can be at your house in 12 minutes.'

The billionaire arched a suspicious eyebrow in the young man's direction.

'I am fine Ms. Casey. Thank you for your concern,' he replied automatically. 'I was wondering if you happened to have seen young Mr. Lawson today.'

The older Mr. Lawson's eyes popped out in dismay at this question.

'No,' the woman answered in a confused tone of voice. 'Did you try Hank…I mean Dr. Lawson?'

Boris raised a calming palm towards the doctor who was trying to grab the phone.

'I don't want to trouble him as, Ms. Casey, I believe that young Evan R. Lawson has trespassed on my hospitality by hijacking one of my prized possessions.'

'Oh god,' the woman commented in shock. 'I am sure this is all just a misunderstanding. Evan's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but his loyalty to his brother is unshakeable. He knows how important you are to Hank.'

That statement made both of Boris' eyebrows rise in tandem. At a loss for words, he stared down at the smaller man in front him. Hank smiled back faintly. It was his first real smile for the evening.

'I agree Ms. Casey. This is why I am giving Evan R. some time to redeem himself, but if you see him anywhere please tell him that I am anxiously looking forward to the next time we meet. Instruct him to call Dieter at any time, day or night, in order to leave a message.'

'I will,' she agreed immediately. 'Thank you, sir. I assure you that your item will be returned. There's no need to let Hank know any of this.'

'Yes, we are in agreement,' the financier manipulated this caller smoothly. 'For Hank I am willing to look the other way.'

The eyes of the two men locked for a moment in a battle where pride, fear and friendship vied for dominance.

'Ms. Casey, if you happen to see Ms. Kidaree will you let me know? Perhaps she can assist us in prodding young Lawson in 'the path of straight and thin.'

There was a strained pause on the line, and even the doctor looked confused.

'Sir,' a hesitant voice came from the sleek mobile. 'I think the phrase you want is straight and narrow.'

'Ahh...so it is. Thank you Ms. Casey. You are very gracious. Please ask Ms. Kidaree to contact me if you see her. I know that she and Evan R. are good friends, so perhaps she will have an idea as to what can be done.'

The two men heard a small spurt of laughter from the dark haired administrator.

'You've seen it too,' she said in a conspiratorial whisper. 'I think Divya thinks we are all blind. Have a good evening sir, and thanks again for your understanding. If Hank ever finds out about this he will appreciate what you have done.'

And with that she gently hung up the phone, having no clue as to the turmoil her one time boyfriend and his family were enduring. Hank leaned against a convenient tree so great was his relief. He would have become completely unhinged if Jill had become dragged into this mess.

'Ms. Casey seems to have a unique insight into the way you think. She also appears to be aware of your…major concerns,' the billionaire remarked casually flicking a piece of imaginary lint from Hank's shoulders.

Sheepishly, the doctor hung his head.

'She asked me if you were sick and I said yes. I am sorry sir. I know it was inexcusable…'

The older man raised his hand to cut off the apology. His behavior as regarding his condition had not been entirely exemplary either, and he could hardly throw around criticisms without being a complete hypocrite.

'That is of no consequence in light of what is happening now. Let us focus on the crisis at hand,' he interjected. 'Come Hank, let us hurry.'