Chapter Two

Several hours after the men had met up at Chris' ranch, piles of food and clothes were scattered everyone, even Ezra not bothering to tidy up. Buck stayed at the corner room where JD lay, not stirring. Nathan had reminded Buck that JD was much more sensitive to medicines than the others so Buck would not over-worry. Buck slouched in the recliner, eyes never leaving JD's slumbering form. Finally, nature called and after putting a gentle hand on the boy's chest to feel the slight rise and fall while JD breathed, Buck wiped his eyes and opened the door softly. For a moment he grinned at Vin's sleeping form slumped against the opposite wall. A quick glance showed Chris in a chair near the window. Buck shut the door softly, but both men opened their eyes.

"JD okay?" Chris asked as Vin sat up.

"Hasn't stirred." The gladness Buck had felt at finding his little brother unharmed was starting to give way to anxiety as he made his way to the bathroom.

"Aww, hell," Chris grumbled. "Mother Hen Buck is starting to emerge. JD won't know what he's in for."

Padded feet appeared at the hallway and Josiah and Nathan materialized, yawning. Nathan nodded to the men and opened the door to the room. The others watched as Nathan checked JD's vitals and then came out as Buck emerged from the bathroom, reclaiming his spot in the recliner. The four men entered the room to get a quick peek at the youngest who looked all of fifteen in his sleep. Protectiveness surged through each and all put a hand on JD before turning away.

Chris motioned the others downstairs where, to their surprise, they found Ezra snoring softly with his head laying on the kitchen table, a cup of coffee held fast by his right hand.

"Couldn't sleep, Ezra?" Chris queried with a smirk.

Ezra jerked awake and the coffee flew from his right hand onto Vin's favorite blue t-shirt.

Vin glared briefly at the amused Chris, then shed the shirt, revealing a toned chest.

"Mr. Larabee, any news regarding our lad?"

"JD's fine and still sleeping," Chris answered. "If you're awake, Ezra, let's do some thinking."

"Not without my morning coffee," Ezra mumbled.

Vin held up his shirt accusingly at Chris.

"Sorry, Mr. Tanner. If you promise not to make the coffee, I will endeavor to remove the coffee from your shirt."

"I'll make the coffee," Nathan said firmly as Ezra wobbled in the direction of the laundry room.

"Hope Ezra doesn't drown in the washer," Vin quipped, trying to inject a little humor into the grim situation.

While the others were gathering downstairs around Nathan's freshly brewed coffee, Buck's vigilance was rewarded as JD stirred, yawned and stretched his arms.

"Hello, Sleeping Beauty," Buck teased, ruffling the dark hair.

JD smiled sleepily, then turned his head, looking puzzled.

"You're at Chris' ranch," Buck answered JD's questioning eyes. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Just sleepy," JD murmured. "Am I sick?"

Buck didn't answer for a moment, still ruffling the dark hair until JD slapped at his hand. Though drowsy, JD noticed the worry in his eyes. "What is it, Buck? Is someone hurt?" JD was already scrambling out of the bed, falling against Buck in his haste.

"Everyone is fine, JD," Buck said, trying to reassure the Kid. "I know they would like to see you." He pulled the boy close, supporting him. JD, still feeling a bit light-headed, did not object. Buck kept an arm around him, supporting him as they made their way down the stairs.

Groggy or not, JD could not miss the relief that shown in Chris, Vin, Josiah, Nathan and Ezra's eyes at seeing him. Nathan immediately went to fuss, check his eyes, pulse and breathing. JD did not understand. Why were they so worried?

Nathan gently steered JD to the sofa as the others gathered around, bringing their coffee. Josiah gave JD a cup, though heavily sugared and creamed. JD smiled his thanks and took small sips. When he put the cup down, Vin caught ahold of his hands and turned them over, studying the wrists.

"What is it?" JD demanded. "I don't feel sick, Nathan. I'm not injured. And I'm not ten, for Pete's Sake!"

"JD," Chris cut in. "You were kidnapped. We found you tied on your bed in the CDC."

"Do you remember anything, Son?" Josiah questioned softly.

JD eyes had widened but he shook his head. "I . . . I feel fine. Nothing hurts. I'm just drowsy."

"We took you to the hospital as a precaution," Nathan informed him. "The only thing the doctor found was you had been given a sleeping pill – or two. Ambien."

"I never take them – they make me feel like I'm half-dead." JD suddenly blushed as his choice of words caused more than one grimace in his teammates. "Why? Why was I taken? How did you know?"

"We don't know why you were snatched, Kid," Vin said. But your bike was left at the Saloon and there was no sign of you. No answer on your phone. We searched around the Saloon and then drove to the CDC. Buck found you tied in your bed."

"Have we received any threats?" JD asked anxiously. "Even if we did, why didn't they hurt me? Why did they take me? Did they make any demands? What if we're all in danger and . . . "

"Take a breath, Kid," Chris said, stepping over to put an arm around the young man. "We don't have any answers yet. We're just all so thankful you weren't harmed. Do you remember anything?"

"Just that wonderful green chili stew Inez makes," JD admitted. "After that – I don't know." He yawned again, and Chris steered him to lie down on the couch.

"Don't worry, JD," Josiah reassured him. "You're safe with us."

Buck, Vin and Chris exchanged worried glances. No one felt this was over.

TBC