Disclaimer-I own nothing.

No Escape

Chapter 26

Ichigo had one foot out the door on his way back to the hospital when Rukia's home phone rang. He picked it up, hoping it was Kon.

"Hello."

"Ichigo?" It was a girl's voice, tight with panic.

"Yeah."

"Thank God! I've been trying to reach you for hours. Kon's dad was at the school, and he was acting so mean. I ran inside to get help, but I was too late." Finally, he recognised the voice as Ririn's.

"Slow down. What about Kon?"

"His Dad took him!"

"What? When? Where?" He shouted the questions into the phone like a barrage of gunfire.

She started crying, and Ichigo reeled in his temper. "Take a deep breath, Ririn, and tell me what happened?"

"We were walking out of school. Kon's dad was waiting for him."

"And Kon left with him?!"

"Yes. At least, that's what it looked like."

"In his dad's car, or his own?"

"His dad's."

"Where did they go?"

Ririn hiccupped. "I don't know. Kon told me to go inside."

"And you did?"

"Yeah."

"Good girl. Did you tell someone at school?"

"Yes. They called the police."

"How long ago?"

"Over two hours ago. They've been trying to call Rukia, but no one answered."

Ichigo glanced at Rukia's answering machine. The thing was blinking like crazy. The police had probably tried to call her cell phone, too. He dug through her purse and found it. Ten new messages.

Shit! This was so not good.

"Okay. Did you tell the police what happened? What you saw?"

"Yes."

"Did any of the policemen give you a phone number to call?"

"Yes."

"Give it to me."

It took Ririn three tries to speak clearly enough for Ichigo to get the number down.

"Are you at home?"

"Yes."

"I want you to stay there, got it?"

"What about Kon?" she asked.

"I'll take care of Kon. You need to stay home and stay out of this. Yammy is a dangerous man, and I don't want you getting hurt. Understand?"

"Yes. When you find Kon, will you have him call me to tell me he's safe? Even if it's late. I don't care."

"I promise."

Ichigo hung up and dialed Kon's cell phone. It went straight to voice mail. "Kon, if you get this, call my cell. I'm coming to find you. Just hold on."

Next, he called the number Ririn had given him on his way to the car. There was no way he could let Rukia know that Kon was missing. Not in her current condition. She was too weak to stay awake for more than five minutes. He was going to have to find a way to deal with this as best he could and pray the police didn't mess up her recovery by letting her know what was going on.

The doctors had said she'd probably sleep through the night, so he had that long to find Kon and bring him home safe and sound.

At least Renji was up there with her and he didn't have to worry about her safety while she was in the hospital.

Ichigo had seen the horrified look on Renji's face when he showed up and saw her lying there so weak and pale. In that moment, Ichigo realized Renji loved her. He didn't like it, but he could hardly blame the man.

Renji would watch over her until Ichigo could get back to her side.

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"What exactly is it you want from me?" Kon asked his father.

The highway was nearly empty this far out of town. The sun was setting, and the idea of being alone in the dark with Yammy was bringing back all kinds of bad memories. It didn't matter how quietly he hid in the closet, Yammy would always find him and drag him out.

"I want to teach you how to be a real man before it's too late and that bitch turns you into a weakling."

Kon felt like lashing out at Yammy for insulting the only person in the world who actually gave a shit about him and what he wanted. She didn't even laugh when he told her he wanted to be a marine biologist. Instead, she went out and bought him a fish tank.

"What the hell are you talking about? Rukia was taking care of me, not that you'd know what that looked like if you sat on it."

Yammy pulled back his hand as if to strike Kon, but he refused to flinch. He was tired of being afraid of his father. He was nearly a man himself now and needed to grow some balls. "The next time you hit me, I'm gonna hit back. Got it?"

Yammy grinned and wrapped his arm around Kon's neck, pulling him over for a hug. "That's my boy. Don't let no one push you around."

Kon's stomach clenched. If his father approved of him, he had to be doing something wrong. He needed to get away. He needed to escape before he lost every oppurtunity he might have.

"I've got to use the bathroom," he told Yammy.

"Hold on and I'll pull over where you can piss."

Kon needed civilization, not just some tree along the side of the road. "I need to take a dump, and I'm not doing it outside. Find a bathroom."

Yammy grunted his disapproval but said, "Fine. I saw a sign for a gas station a few miles up in Kunieda. We'll stop there." He reached under the seat and pulled out a gun. "But let me be clear, son. You give me any shit at all or try to run, and I'll end you. I'd rather have no son than one who betrayed me."

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Ichigo hated lying to Rukia about Kon, but he didn't know what else to do. There was nothing she could do to help him, and worrying wasn't going to help her recovery. As it was, she looked like she was barely able to keep her eyes open.

She was speaking quietly with Renji, who stroked the back of her hand as naturally as if he'd been doing it for years. Ichigo suffered through a kick of jealousy. Even though they'd slept together, that didn't give him any claim on her. He was leaving. She was entitled to her own life without him. Even if it included Renji.

Ichigo plastered a smile on his face as he made his presence known. "I brought you some clothes in case you want to put on something that doesn't leave your ass hanging out."

"Now, why would she want to do that?" said Renji. "She'll spoil the view."

The paper sack crunched inside Ichigo's tightening fist. "I also threw in some of the stuff you had sitting by your sink. Don't ask me what it all is, but it's in there. So is your toothbrush."

Rukia gave him a weak smile. "Thanks, Ichigo. I'll feel a lot better in my own pajamas, even if they won't let me go home and sleep in my own bed tonight."

"The doc said you could go home tomorrow if everything looked good."

"Where's Kon? I thought he was coming with you."

Ichigo wasn't a natural liar, but he'd learned how to do it just in case he needed to in his job. He made his voice casual and kept looking at her right in the eye as he lied. "He's studying with Ririn tonight for some big test tomorrow, and I didn't think you'd want him to mess that up."

Rukia frowned. "No, of course not. He needs to study and not worry about me. I'll see him tomorrow."

"I'll take care of him for you, love. I swear it." At least that wasn't a lie.

She reached out a hand toward him, and Ichigo couldn't help but take it. He'd wanted to touch her so bad-pull her tight against him and never let go-but she looked fragile. Breakable. He knew better than most that Rukia's delicate appearance was deceiving, but he didn't feel like risking it just now.

Her skin felt dry and still too hot, but it wasn't as bad as it had been before. Whatever they'd done to treat the poison was working. Thank God.

"I know you'll take care of him. It's nice not having to worry about him. You're handy to have around."

Handy? He was a fucking liar. He had to get out of here before she saw it in his face. He had to find Kon and bring him home safely. The boy had no one else right now.

Ichigo knew how awful that felt.

"I've got to go, love."

"Go?" Her face fell and Ichigo's resolve was almost broken.

"I'm meeting with Detective Kira in a few minutes. We've got to figure out how to track Yammy down before he hurts someone else."

A look of disappointment strained her features for a moment before she gave him a brave smile. "Okay. Will I see you tomorrow?"

"You couldn't keep me away. Kon and I will be coming to take you home bright and early." He kissed her head and silently begged for her forgiveness.

Ichigo set the clothes on the bed. "Renji, can I talk to you for a minute."

"Sure." He winked at Rukia. "Be right back."

Ichigo closed the door, leaving him and Renji standing in the hall where Rukia couldn't hear them. He didn't bother with small talk-not with the guy who would likely take his place in Rukia's life once he was gone. "Yammy kidnapped Kon."

"Oh, man. That man's a killer. We've got to find him."

"I'm on it, but I don't want Rukia to know. She's dealing with enough right now. I'm not sure she could also deal with knowing her son is being held by a fucking psycho."

Renji's mouth tightened in anger. "No, you're right. She shouldn't have to worry."

"Can you stay with her? Keep her safe in case Yammy comes back to finish the job? I'd ask for police protection, but one of them might spill the news about Kon."

"Of course I can stay. No problem," said Renji. "I won't leave her side."

Ichigo clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks, man. I owe you."

"No you don't. We're practically family. There's nothing I want more than to take care of Rukia."

Ichigo found his remark about family pecuiliar but that thought was eclipsed by that punch of jealousy coming back, making Ichigo wish he could hate the guy. But he couldn't. Not when he was so devoted to Rukia. "You care for her, don't you?"

Renji's brown eyes sharpened, and an almost ferocious expression tightened his mouth. "I love her. I'd do anything for her."

"I'm glad she has you in her life." It was another lie, but one he knew he had to come to accept. That didn't mean he had to like it.

"Me, too." Renji almost seemed smug.

Ichigo was going to punch the guy if he stayed any longer, so he said, "Gotta run. Call me if she needs anything."

"Oh, I will," Renji said, and Ichigo was so wound up he missed the man's telltale crossed fingers. Renji went back into Rukia's room and shut the door firmly behind him.

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Renji reached into his pocket for the syringe he'd brought with him. As weak as Rukia was, it wouldn't take long for the drug to take effect. She'd drift off peacefully this time. He wouldn't mess up and hurt her again.

He slipped back inside her room quietly. She hadn't been able to stay awake for more than a minute or two since he'd arrived, and her eyes were closed again, her face relaxed in sleep.

Good. He could do it now and hold her hand until the end.

Renji kept his steps quiet as he moved to her side. It took him only a moment to get the drug into the saline bag dripping into her vein. He didn't even have to touch her and risk waking her to do it.

His prints were on the bag, but he doubted anyone would bother looking for them. And even if they did, it wouldn't matter. Renji was nearly done with his work. It was almost time for him to sleep, too.

He sat beside her, took her slender hand in his, and waited for her to drift away.

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Rukia forced herself to wake up again out of sheer willpower.

Ichigo was hiding something. Something bad.

Renji stroked the back of her hand, but even that much contact made her skin itch. She pulled her hand away and sat up in the bed.

Renji frowned at her. "You should sleep."

"Later. Right now I want you to tell me what the big secret is."

His brown eyes widdened with a flash of panic. "Secret? I don't know what you're talking about."

"What did Ichigo tell you in the hall?" she asked. "If it has something to do with my health, I have a right to know."

For a second, he looked almost relieved that she'd caught him in the act. His body sagged a bit, and he let out a deep breath. "Ichigo asked me to watch out for you. He's worried."

"If he's worried, why isn't he watching over me himself? It's not like Ichigo to pass off his responsibilities to someone else." Unless something bigger was happening.

That had to be it. Something big was going down, and he didn't want her to know about it.

"Maybe you don't know him as well as you think."

"I know him well enough to know that he's trying to protect me because I'm sick. Did they find Yammy?" she asked.

"No." Renji's tone was clipped, as if he was angry with her.

"Then what? What could possibly be so important he couldn't even stay five minutes?"

Renji grabbed the remote. "Don't worry about it. Let's see what's on."

"I don't want to watch any stupid TV! I want you to stop lying to me. Where is Ichigo?"

"I don't know! Maybe he's got a date," snapped Renji.

Rukia sat there in shock. Not because she thought Ichigo was out with another woman. She knew he wasn't so cold he'd leave her sitting in a hospital while he went and had a good time. She was shocked because of the hateful way Renji was acting. That wasn't at all like him. Maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought she did. "You don't like Ichigo, do you?"

"He's a user. A womanizer. You never should have slept with him."

"That's none of your business!"

"He's not good enough for you, Rukia. He never has been. I don't know why you've carried a torch for him so long."

"He's a good man! Caring. Selfless. HONEST."

"Apparently not so honest if he's lying to you about where he is."

"The only reason Ichigo would ever lie to me would be to protect me!" Which begged the question what was he protecting her from that kept him away.

A greasy sense of unease crept up her spine. Something was wrong. Ichigo would have been here by her side otherwise.

So would Kon.

Ichigo's evasiveness finally made sense, and Rukia felt herself start to shake with panic. "Where is my phone? I need to call Kon."

"You heard Ichigo. Kon is studying. You shouldn't interrupt him. Let's watch TV."

"Give me the damn phone!"

Renji blinked in shock. "Kon is fine. Don't worry."

He knew something. Rukia could see it in the way he wouldn't meet her gaze. "You know what's going on. Tell me!"

"There's nothing to tell."

"You're LYING!"

Renji closed his eyes in frustration, then finally said, "Ichigo went to find Kon."

"What do you mean 'find' him?"

"Please, Rukia! You shouldn't become stressed right now. Your body can't handle it. I don't want you to suffer."

Rukia grabbed Renji's shirt and jerked him hard toward her so they were eye to eye. "Tell me where my son is. Now."

Renji gently pried her hand away from his shirt. She was too weak to stop him. "I'm sorry. Yammy has him."

Panic took over her body, making it hard to breathe. Her vision receded until everything looked far away, gray and fuzzy. "God, no!"

Renji eased her back on the bed with gentle, insistent hands. "It's going to be okay, Rukia. The police are looking for him. So is Ichigo. Kon will be fine. Yammy is a murderer."

"And now that he's kidnapped Kon, he will be put back behind bars where he belongs. This will all be over soon."

She had to do something to find him. She couldn't just lie there. She had to find her son.

Rukia threw back the covers and slid out of bed. Her head spun, but she ignored it, keeping a hand on the bed to steady herself.

Renji grabbed her shoulders. "Get back in bed! You're going to hurt yourself."

"No, I'm going to hurt you if you don't let me go!" She jerked her arm away and grabbed the bag of clothes Ichigo had brought her. Thankfully, he'd not only brought pajamas, but also something to wear home tomorrow.

Rukia slid the panties and jeans on under her hospital gown, heedless of Renji there watching her dress. The IV was going to have to come out before she could put her top on, so she started to pull at the tape holding it in place.

"At least let me get a nurse to take that out so you don't damage your vein and bleed all over the place."

She wasn't worried about a little blood. She was terrified of what would happen to Kon. He was so angry at his father that he might do or say something that would set Yammy off. What if Yammy hurt him? Beat him and left him for dead in some deserted area? What if Kon was too weak to get help? Or worse, what if Yammy didn't bother to hold back and killed Kon outwright, like he had the others? He could do it. Rukia was sure he was both physically and emotionally capable of murdering his own son.

Rukia couldn't let any of that happen. She needed to find Kon. Help him. She couldn't sit by and do nothing, not when she was the one who was supposed to protect him and keep him safe.

"Fine," she told him just to get him to leave the room.

The moment he was gone, she pulled the IV out of her arm and used the tape to hold a wad of tissue against the wound. She was already dressed and out of the room before Renji came back.

AN

Review please and Happy Holidays! And I know I don't thank you all individually by name like some other authors do, but I really do appreciate each and every follow, favorite and review. So thank you and keep them coming! Also, look on for more chapters in the next two days.