cHaPtEr 28

Brothers

Whitey was one of those men who had seen and heard just about everything. He wouldn't dare say he knew it all but it was rare for things to shock him. He'd seen the rise and fall of many heads of this city. He'd seen some of the most beautiful women in the world, even married one for himself. He'd lived a long life, sometimes happy and sometimes darker than the deepest parts of the oceans. Now he could add resurrection to his list. He'd seen the picture the informant had sent and showed it to Keith, who had become his partner in crime of sorts since they'd gotten pulled into this. Here was a man who had always trusted his own eyes but the solemn face staring back at him from his phone was the last thing he'd expected. The very last.

Dr. Marvin Mcfadden had been a doctor here in Vegas for years and transferred out to California to be closer to his girlfriend. He'd checked the boy out in great detail and knew that he wasn't lying and wasn't connected to anyone that could be considered an enemy. He'd met this man in a hospice he'd volunteered at. The man in question had woken from a coma he'd been in for years. The man had been moved to a hospice from the hospital a year prior. Marvin had taken to the man almost out of pity. Here was a man who didn't know who he was, where he was from but knew he'd been in danger. Marvin and Millie had helped him stay hidden for fear someone would finish the job.

However now the subterfuge was coming to an end. Whitey would make sure that after all this poor man had suffered, he'd finally know peace. He'd know love and most of all he'd help get him the revenge he so greatly deserved.

The Past

{Nathan}

The air whipped around her fiery red hair and for a moment he thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Too bad she was a lying, conniving, raging bitch. He knew caring for her was wrong but it didn't stop him one bit. He loved her. She loved someone else. When the fuck was he supposed to catch a break.

"I told you Nate we can't keep doing this" she spat out as she pulled on her jeans. They had given in to their passions on the deck of a "friends" beach house. It was a safe place for them to meet and discuss plans. However today's plans were something he wanted to forget.

"I know." He answered back watching as she fixed the remaining pieces of her clothing and fluffed out her hair. He really did love this crazy bitch.

"Stop looking at me like that! And stop doing it in front of Tyler. He's already suspicious as it is."

"Tell me again why we're still doing this Rae." Nathan asked with his head in his hands. The guilt was starting to eat him alive. Betraying someone, who was ultimately the mark but somehow became a close friend. Almost like a brother.

"Don't do this shit now Nate. I swear to god you are starting to get on my last fucking nerve!" she screamed storming into the house and straight for the liquor cabinet.

His face lifted to the picturesque view of the beaches crashing waves against the swirling sands, an ever present symbol of his current emotional state. He stood to pull his jeans up from around his knees and stalled to follow. His objective from day one was to sabotage any deal Davis had in the works, report back intel and ultimately undo any new ties he made in California. Working from the inside out was his father's plan. That had begun almost a year ago. When he was introduced to the young Tyler Davis he'd been surprised to find that even with what he did for a living, working with the scum of the earth, he still remained carefree. Light…himself. One more thing that Nathan envied.

Had it not been for his fear that his own little brother would be used to do what he was doing now, Nathan would pack up and disappear like his older brother had done. But he wasn't like Cooper. His big brother had been selfish and left him at the mercy of his father. Lucky for him Karen came along. No matter how short the time he got to spend with her as his surrogate mother, he was grateful someone cared enough to love him without strings. He remembers her asking, no begging to allow her to take him with Lucas when he tried to boot her out but his had refused. Said Nathan was never her concern and that she was nothing to "the boy".

That hadn't been true. Karen was the mother he never had and by far the best woman that had found herself in the revolving door that was Dan Scott's bed and graces. He missed her. He'd finish this shit in Cali and then he'd go back for his brother and say "FUCK YOU" to Dan Scott. He missed his Uncle Keith too. If his time with Karen was considered short his time with Keith had been a kin to a blink of an eye. No matter how short a time frame he still remembered the kind smile of his Uncle and how he carried himself as a man. Something Nathan had never really done by example.

Things would be different with Lucas. He'd grow out of this street punk lifestyle and he'd be a better man than him. Just like Keith.

Now was the time to start making these choices. He needed at that moment to choose who he would be from that moment on. He would choose to be the man he wanted to be instead of his father's pawn. Nathan Scott had a new plan that formed just as suddenly as the creating waves beyond the glass. The best plan to screw Dan Scott and hit him where it hurts. All he needed was to bide his time and play the part. Sadly Rachel would be hard to convince. He'd try though, just not now.

It had been four excruciating months of watching her get closer to Tyler. He'd stopped calling for private meetings at the beach house. He'd stopped confiding in the red head about his problems with the job. He'd turned his whole way of thinking around and his new objective was to protect Tyler.

In those four months he'd done exactly what his father wanted him too while covertly blocking anything Dan threw his way.

Case in point, they were supposed to lose a shipment, Nathan had the date changed. A list of Tyler's newly acquired contacts that should've been delivered by Rachel, mysteriously disappeared. Nathan was supposed to have drained one of Tyler's accounts by now, putting the blame on a local rival didn't happen because, surprise, the account number had been changed. It had looked as if Tyler was covering all his bases when in fact Nathan was stopping any and all moves Dan had up his sleeves. Nathan had begun to think it was time to put his cards on the table and figured he better do it soon.

Nathan was headed to the address on the back of the card Tyler had left him under his door that morning. First thing this morning he'd gotten a call that he was expected to show up to this unknown place to help take care of a problem. They'd been dealing with this new rival that had been trying to muscle in on Davis territory. No one knew a name or a face. This new rival was a fucking ghost on all accounts.

When he got there the place had been empty save for a dead body and a case of money. The whole thing stunk of setup but instead of being a greedy bastard he silently left as soon as he'd arrived, taking nothing with him. He had a feeling it had been a test.

The two men had sat in Tyler's apartment in the city of Los Angeles. They had all vetoed the idea of staying in Lancaster which was where they were doing business. Richard Davis had chastised his son for choosing comforts of home over supervision of the business at hand to which Tyler had responded saying, "If they don't respect me by now pops then I'm doing something wrong. People do business with people they trust and trust them in return, not people that micromanage them. Hint , hint. Besides, that's why I have spies to do my dirty work just in case a mother fucker wants to test me." Nathan was grateful to Tyler for picking LA. He hated the fucking desert. Fucking sun, fucking sand, fucking heat. It was unbearable.

Tyler reclined in the easy-boy chair with his red headed queen in his lap and Nathan or rather Coop, sat beside them keeping his eyes locked on the TV screen. He did his best keeping his jaw from locking up every time he heard a giggle from that damn recliner. He knew that giggle. It was a dead giveaway to something very un-"PG" like going on in his peripheral.

The giggling stopped when Rachel hopped up to announce she was going to go get something to drink when Tyler spoke.

"No alcohol for you baby-mama."

That one phrase had Nathan seeing red. That fucking bitch. His eyes wandered to the now shell shocked red head that hissed to Tyler about them keeping quiet about it.

"Tyler we fucking agreed that-"

"Chill the fuck out baby. It's Coop. He's my boy. He ain't gonna tell anyone. Right Coop?"

It took Nathan a moment to realize he had been asked a question. He'd been more focused on the woman quickly leaving the room with no fucking eye contact his way. The only thing he had on his mind was "is the kid his?"

"Nah man you know me. Secrets safe."

"See," he yelled in the direction his girl had disappeared to, "I told you." He finished his beer and rocked up to get out of the seat and walk over to the bathroom.

Nathan couldn't have bolted from that chair fast enough. He'd almost knocked her down going into the kitchen.

"What the fuck!" he whisper yelled in her face as his hands gripped her forearms tight, keeping her from getting away.

"Not here, he'll-"

"I don't give a fuck Rae. What the hell are you doing?"

"I didn't do it on purpose!" she whispered back in a hiss.

He searched her eyes and saw she was telling the truth. Maybe it had been an accident but he knew something was up.

"Is it mine?"

"Fuck you Nate. I'm not a heartless bitch."

His eyebrow cocked to convey his objection.

"Well, at least not all the time. I-"

The toilet flushed and the two conspirators separated and headed into the kitchen under the guise of talking over take out menus.

Nathan resumed his facade for the happy couple, soon to be a trio it seemed. He didn't look at her for the rest of the night, only talking to her when absolutely needed. She'd broken something between them that night. He was certain of it. All this time, he'd still held on to the smallest hope that somehow Rachel would come to her senses. That hope was gone. He wasn't even sure he'd be able to protect her from then on out. A baby complicated things.

Then again, knowing Rachel her plans more than likely had not changed. His respect for her evaporated that night. This evil woman was still going to betray the man she loved, the father of her child and all for what? Money? Power? The rest of the night he debated which was worst. Watching her fawn all over Tyler…or knowing the viper was only warming up to strike.

Three months ago, Nathan wrote her off. Three months he'd ignored her successfully, that was until she went and told on him to his father. Dan Scott did not like the report he was getting.

"Get your shit together Nathan or I'll do it for you!" he yelled over the line. That was his favorite go to "pep talk" phrase. What the hell was Dan Scott doing talking about getting shit together? The fuck up barely had his own house in order.

He'd heard things about Lucas acting out, his business partner from the west coast cutting ties causing him to lose a lot of financial backing and back channels he was using for deals. Then to top it all off this bullshit arranged marriage between that partner and his father fell through. Thank fucking god for that. He had a feeling it would be Lucas who was going to be the one made to jump the broom and if his brother was made to do some shit like that he'd pitch a fucking fit. Lucas didn't like being told what to do. Least of all who to marry. Last time he checked he was all about Peyton. Fucking slut. He remembered briefly how she'd come on to him when she and his brother had fought about some stupid shit. Nathan was hoping his little brother would see that harpy for the lying bitch she was before it was too late.

After zoning out on his father and listening for the "do you understand me" end he usually got to signify the conversation was over, he gave the obligatory 'Yeah Dad' and that was it for him. He handed the phone back to the nervous looking redhead and walked away. He heard her speak to his father for a few minutes and then hang up.

Rachel was more of an ass kiss than Owen. Owen Morello was the ass kiss to Richard Davis. Damn near worshiped the ground the man walked on from all accounts by Tyler. But Owen fucking hated Tyler. Jealousy could make people do stupid shit. Which is why for the past two months he'd gone to every deal with Tyler as back up. The moment he met Owen for the first time and red flags flew all over the place.

"Dan said to keep an eye on you…"

"Is that so" he said not facing her but instead looking out over the railing of the stupid beach house out into the ocean. The place once a haven for lovers, now no more than an empty dwelling.

"He seems to think we need to be concerned about your loyalties, is he right?"

"What the fuck would he know about loyalties?" Nathan scoffed.

"We have a job to do Nathan."

He spun around to face her and all he could see was the ever present round belly on her slender frame. It sickened him to no end to hear her talk about the baby's father as a "job".

"You really are a piece of work, you know that? You are carrying his kid for fuck sake!"

"It doesn't matter," she said, casting her eyes to the deck's sun tanned boards.

He watched her. Waited for her to say something…anything but when his ears heard nothing more he knew what he had to do. He had to tell the truth.

"Do us both a favor. Leave. Me. The Fuck. Alone. You're fucked up Rae. Real fucked up. I hope that kid lucks out and someone better than you raises him."

"Fuck you Nate!"

"Already been there baby, but then again who hasn't."

He watched her bottom lip quiver and if he hadn't known any better he'd feel sorry for her but he did know now. Rachel may have been innocent once upon a time but he realized now she chose to be this way. Why he didn't know but what he did know was that he was ending this shit tonight.

He pounded on the door till his fist hurt and an angry and tired looking Tyler answered the door.

"What the fuck man!"

"I need to talk to you" Nathan said, pushing his way in.

"Is it the shipment?!"

"No."

"Is it Rachel!?"

"No. Well, not in the way that you think… it had to do with us."

Nathan watched the concern on Tyler's face bleed into annoyance as he started to turn to leave the living room.

"Look Coop I was dead the fuck asleep and if someone ain't dying then-"

"MY NAME ISN'T COOP" Nathan yelled.

The only sounds that could be heard were the desperate pants of Nathan's breath as he tried to calm himself down. Letting that out and then watching Tyler's back tense made him tense. Whatever happened from here on out was out of his hands.

He wouldn't hurt Tyler. Not anymore, not more than he probably already had.

He braced himself and shut his eyes, being ready for a fight or to be shot or possibly both. Tyler could have a temper when pushed.

"I'll be damned. And here I was thinking Rachel would crack first." Tyler spun and Nathan noted the grim look on his face. "Guess I gave her too much credit."

"We both did."

"Did we now…Nathan."

He could see the look of amusement on Tyler's face as he was sure his shock was written all over his.

"H-…How did you-"

"I'm a lot like my father Nate. I don't trust many and those who I do, I trust because they gave me a reason to. I'd say you coming here is a step in the right direction. Have a seat."

Nathan stood frozen as Tyler went back to his room and came back shortly with a t-shirt on and photos in his hand.

Tyler sat in his recliner and quirked a brow, "Sit the fuck down Nate. I don't like people standing over me."

Nathan slowly made his way over to the chair opposite him and sat at the edge. He watched as Tyler spoke.

"I'm going to tell you what I know to be fact and then what I believe." He handed one of the photos to Nathan and it was a picture of him and his baby brother Lucas. "Information is power. No matter how cliché the saying is, it's true. If I want to achieve my goals I need to know as much about every player as possible, including the ones I surround myself with."

"What is this?" Nathan asked, almost afraid. He'd seen how ruthless Tyler could be when crossed after working with him for over a year now. He was afraid for his brother.

"That is your motivation." Tyler tapped the image of Lucas before he handed another photo to him. It was a picture of Brooke, his sister and her best friend. He couldn't recall her name at the time. Tyler rarely spoke of her. "This is mine."

"What is this about Ty?"

"You see Nate, you and I are in the same boat. We both have pieces of shit fathers that care more about money and power than they do their own flesh and blood. We care Nate. That's what we have in common. We still have enough of a soul left to care. You love your brother. I could tell from the times I heard the phone calls you guys had. I'm sure you know how much my baby sis means to me. That is where I'm starting this Nathan. You have one chance to show me I was right."

"What was it you were right about?"

"I …hope...I was right not putting a bullet in your face the day you showed up."

Nathan gulped down the knot that formed in his throat. So Tyler knew from the beginning. That was fucked up. They had been careful. He couldn't figure out how Tyler knew.

"Nate I'm going to share a few things with you now and the rest later but right now the only thing you need to know is my father isn't calling the shots anymore.

Nathan listened as he outlined his plan to use Rachel and keep the information flowing. How he'd make an "honest" woman out of her to protect the kid and when all was said and done he'd send her packing. He shared how he'd planned to dethrone his father to protect the people he loved and would help him in return if that's what Nathan wanted. Lastly, he laid it all out that when he was done, Tyler would be the last man standing.

Nathan believed him.

{Tyler}

Flashback

He couldn't stand the beach but his girls loved it. Brooke was off somewhere getting into trouble no doubt but he was glad because he had a moment alone with Haley. They had set up a place for the towels and Brooke had disappeared to play volleyball after some muscle bound prick invited her. Of course when he tried to intercede she growled at him and pranced off on muscle heads arm.

If he hadn't known she could take care of herself then he would have put his foot down but he had taught his girls a thing or two about self-defense. Didn't matter the size of the guy or guys…they'd be flat on their asses.

He glanced around to make sure the coast was clear before he looked to his left at the beauty tanning by his side.

"You put any sunscreen on their squirt" he smiled over his shades as she let out a growl of her own. He knew she hated to be called a squirt. "I'll take that as a no."

"That would be correct because I am tanning you ass."

He smiled more as he took her in. She lay on that white beach towel all spread out, looking like a feast in her barely there green bikini. His mouth watered at the things he wanted to do to her but he knew he needed to play this cool. Feel her out a little.

"Flip over hot stuff", he grabbed the oil by her side, "If you're tanning it's time to turn over and I'll get your back."

"Geez Ty. Don't you have some ditzy blonde to go annoy?" She asked but still turned over like he asked. Her head lay on her overlapped hands facing away from him. Which was a good thing because he had a look of pure lust on his face even his shades couldn't hide. Haley James had an ass on her and Tyler Davis was definitely an ass man.

"Don't get it on my suit. It's a bitch to get the stains out" she murmured as he moved to straddle her legs.

He poured a modest amount on his hands and had just barely touched her when she said to hold on. Her hands came to meet behind her and the knots that tied the top of her suit were undone in seconds.

He paused for a moment as she settled back into a comfortable spot, wiggling that tight little ass under him before she rested her head back on her hands. She bucked underneath him and asked what he was waiting for and he snapped out of his haze. He literally had to bite his hand to muffle the groan he wanted to let out. This girl was going to kill him.

He started on her shoulders first. Working as few knots and kinks out. He was only supposed to be spreading the lotion on but he was enjoying the little sounds she made as he worked her back. The lower he got the louder and lower those damn moans got. He was right on the edge of just letting go when she bucked under him again. He hadn't realized she was saying anything until then.

"What" he said dazed and lustfully confused.

"I said you're going a little low there aren't you. Least you could do is buy a girl a drink before you cop a feel." She giggled and it was then he realized his hands had moved right over her ass and taking liberty…still.

"Fuck Hales."

"I'm sorry" was on the tip of his tongue but he wasn't. He had never lied to her and he wasn't about to start now. What he was going to do was find out if she wanted him half as much as he wanted her.

He hopped off her and pulled her up with him quickly.

"TYLER" she screamed, clutching the top to herself and trying to keep up as he dragged her to the rocks.

Once he had her alone he pounced. His lips were on hers and his tongue in her mouth, claiming her in ways no one had.

He thought that kiss in his father's limo a few weeks ago was something, he was wrong. The fire he felt as her arms let go of the top and snaked around his shoulders set him a blaze. He gripped her ass and she hopped up into his arms, locking her legs around his waist as he pushed her against a rock.

Her short nails raked down his back as he bit her bottom lip and growled as he felt her chest plastered to his. He could feel everything; her nipples hardening on his chest, her heart beating wildly for him, it was all he needed to know. His lips trailed down her jaw to her neck before he sucked in a piece of her soft skin and left his mark.

She moaned loud for him and if he was being truthful with himself he was going to enjoy doing it over and over again. His hands ripped at the bottoms of her bikini and the ripping fabric was music to his ears. She managed to push his trunks off his hips enough to free his cock and before either knew what happened he plunged in.

They both stilled. Him because she felt that unmistakable resistance of hymn, her because losing your virginity hurt like a bitch.

He knew he should stop, should speak but he kept going. He was slow and methodical with his moves now. He may not have been able to make her first time special but he damn sure was going to make sure she came. He kissed her lips with everything he had and his fingers worked their way between them so he could strum her clit like the master of sex he was. He'd make her come in 5…4…3….2…1

"FUCK TY" she screamed and her walls clamped down on him so hard he saw stars.

That was the day he knew he'd love her forever. That was the day Haley told him was the best day of her life.

"Hello?"

"Hello sweetness."

There was a moment where he could literally see her smile stretch across her face. He knew that there were only two people in the world that loved him no matter what and she was one of them.

"Hello handsome. I was beginning to worry you had forgotten about me."

"Now how would I ever forget about my girl."

"Don't know but it has a been a while…"

He knew she hated it when he went MIA but more than anything he knew she understood this part of his life.

"I've been busy working baby. You know how it is."

"I do and you're lucky I do otherwise I'd think you were stepping out on me."

He heard the giggle afterwards but knew she was only partly joking. She had self-worth issues for some reason. If only she knew she meant the world to him. Everything.

"I promise all this shit is almost over…you remember what I promised you?"

"I seem to have forgotten. You promise so many, many naughty things."

He smiled at that. If he had known his little virginal Haley had a fondness for the dirty talk he would've explored that a little more.

"I have haven't I?"

"And if you know what's good for you, you'll keep those promises…especially the one about the hot tub and the ice cubes."

"Don't you worry about that sweetness. That promise is as much for you as it is for me."

There is a brief silence between them and He knows it because she wants to say something.

"What is it sweets…spit it out."

" I miss you Ty."

"I miss you too, baby. We'll be together soon."

"Brooke misses you too."

"Tell her…I'll call her soon. I just wanted to hear your voice for a minute."

"You know you can always call."

"But I can't. With all this shit going on I have to stay under the radar. Remember sweetness no one can know what our plan is. Not even Brookie cookie."

"I know. I just hate lying to her."

"It won't be much longer and before you know it we'll all be together and my dad won't know what hit him."

"You sure we'll be safe?"

"I'd never let anything happen to my girls. You know that right?"

"Yes."

"You trust me baby?"

"With everything."

"That's what I like to hear. I gotta go but send me my sweets."

"Okay. Love you Ty."

"Love you more sweetness. Sweet dirty dreams of me."

"Ditto."

He pulled the burner phone from his face and stared at the screen waiting. His "sweets" as they called it, was a picture of her in whatever she was wearing at bed time. It was pure torture but it was needed. He hated being away from her now that she was his. Never before had he wanted a girl like this.

His phone pinged with a message alert and he grinned. His tongue ran over the bottom of his lip as he took her in. She was in a damn near see through singlet that was the color of pink and a pair of boy shorts that showed way more than they covered. She lay on her stomach and the phone was at an angel where he could see her smiling face, the contour of her back and an ass he wanted to sink his teeth into.

He in return took a quick pic of the tented state of his pants and sent it with a message of "look what you did to me."

She didn't respond but he knew his little Haley was smiling ear to ear. He loved that girl something crazy. Only death would stop him from going to claim her when all this shit was over.

He relaxed back into his bed and stared at the ceiling. A new one. Ever since his fall out with the soon to be ex. He'd exercised that red headed demon from his bed when he realized she was more treacherous than he knew. In the days before his finalized deal with a new connection that was going to open a whole new lane of traffic in the west, the bitch had made a move he hadn't anticipated.

While a minor hindrance, Rachel had proven to be more formidable than he thought. No matter. Her little attempt at an end-run had only given him an opportunity to prove to his father that he was better than him when it came to gathering intelligence. He'd enjoyed turning the tables on his father and dare he say it, made the evil shit proud. In just a few days' time. He'd be done with all this shit. He'd be able to oust his father as King and secure his place in the hierarchy. He just needed this last deal to go through and the rest would fall into place. He hoped.

{Nathan}

He finally felt like he wasn't a piece of shit for once. Tyler had given him a chance to prove himself and he had. Tyler knew about the sabotaged plots of his father and was impressed. It was why he gave Nathan more power while keeping Rachel in the dark. Nathan thought he'd feel bad about betraying the red-head but the truth was she didn't deserve his loyalty or his love. She'd tried to sway him in the months following his allegiance to Tyler and he turned her down every time. Even at her fake shotgun wedding. Chick had no class.

She was showing way more now. That baby was due real soon and he just hoped that Tyler ended up with the kid instead of her. That baby wasn't his business though. He pushed her and it out of his mind to get a clear head on the task at hand. He'd discovered a few things that gave him cause for concern over the last few days.

His father was in California even though he and Rachel had told him otherwise. He'd witnessed a meeting between Owen and his father yesterday and that really concerned him. He knew Owen was a snake but openly meeting with a known rival was bad. It meant they were too close to the end that neither of them cared if they were caught. It meant they were sure their plan would go smoothly no matter what.

He'd asked to meet Tyler in a dive bar outside of town. That was where they were at the moment, in a booth in the back of the bar in the middle of nowhere. Both had dressed down considerably. The moment Nathan sat down however he knew something bad had happened.

"What is it?" he asked, sitting down and leaning forward to rest his elbows on the checkered table.

"I got a rat in my ranks."

"I think I know who."

Tyler cocked his head and motioned for Nathan to continue. The news that he'd had a rat had shaken him because he figured Rachel was one and therefore didn't give her anything substantial but he'd been backstabbed tonight and hoped it hadn't been Nathan.

"I saw Morello meeting with my dad."

"Whoa you're dad's in town! Why the fuck didn't you tell me!?"

"I didn't know till two hours ago and I'm telling you now asshole, quiet the fuck down. People are looking."

Tyler glanced around and waved for the waitress. He needed a fucking beer. "Tell me everything."

And he did. Nathan told them where and how cavalier the both of them had been. He told Tyler about how he had a bad feeling about things and that he should take Rachel and disappear.

"Why the fuck should I care what happens to that backstabbing bitch."

"You're not a cold hearted bastard Ty. Your baby-"

Tyler paused, figuring he probably should tell his right hand the big truth he'd held on to. "It ain't my kid Nate."

"What?"

Nathan was floored by that revelation. How could he be so sure though? How could he chance it on a hunch?

"How-"

"Look man, not that I owe you any fucking explanation but I learned a long time ago some women would do just about anything to tie themselves to me or my family. Tubes have been snipped since I was old enough to sign the papers" he took a swig from the beer that had just been deposited in front of him as he thanked the waitress with a wink. "First time my pops was ever proud that I had been smarter than him." He laughed as he finished with, "funny part is, it was my baby sister's idea. She makes sure I check ever so often it hasn't been reversed."

Nathan laughed along with Tyler knowing that idea was all Brooke Davis. He's met the feisty little thing. She'd flirted with him shamelessly to the point Tyler had threatened to take his balls off with a rusty fork if he so much as even thought of touching her. The warning had been received.

She was going to break hearts one day. Of that he was sure.

"Sounds like Brooke. Smart beyond her years and too pretty for her own good."

The table grew silent when Tyler added, "You know… my dad sold her off to the highest bidder to marry? Fucking sick man. He bragged about that stupid alliance he made."

"Well that's fucked up" Nathan shared but got a chill down his spine. The situation seemed a little too familiar and he didn't like the eerie feeling he was getting. "Who's the lucky guy?"

Tyler too a long drink and savored the chilled brew before he said, "Your little brother was going to be the lucky guy till something went down and the deal was canceled"

Nathan stared at Tyler for a moment, trying to see if he was being serious, "And you're just telling me this now? That shit happened months ago!"

Tyler shrugged, "Didn't seem important. Besides, I think she could've been good for your brother. He needs a woman that can put him on his ass."

They both laughed because Tyler knew about Lucas' troubles and the fact Peyton was less than loyal to him. They also knew if Brooke got ahold of him he'd be, "Peyton who?" in just a few hours. Brooke had that way about her.

"Maybe when this is all said and done it could still happen." Nathan drank and then turned a sobering look Tyler's way. "That kid could be mine."

Tyler nodded slowly and began playing with the label on his beer, unsure if the brunette beside him was ready to hear the truth, "Could be… could be Morello's too from what I've seen. Or even your Dad's."

Nathan spat out the mouthful he had and began laughing his ass off, Tyler laughing right along with him.

"You fucking asshole, that would be some sick shit…I wouldn't put it past her though."

Tyler looked back down at his beer and rolled the bottle between his open palms. "I know you loved her."

They both got quiet.

"I kind of fucked with her in front of you sometimes just to test you, see how you'd react. I'm sorry about that by the way."

Nathan thought about it for a second but realized there would be no reason he should be angry. He'd been lying to Tyler from the day he showed up. He'd deserved it, "Don't be, just leave it at that."

"You know this is probably going to end bad."

"Yeah, I know."

The quietness enveloped them once more as they each thought about the fall out of what was to come. There was already a rat working against them but Tyler's ace was Nathan. While he still had that he still had an upper hand. Tyler thought about his sister and Haley. Nathan thought about his brother and…possibly his child.

Tyler finished his bottle and slammed it on the bar before turning to Nathan, "Just promise me something?"

"Whatever it is you don't need to worry-"

"If I don't make it… I need you to promise me you'll take care of my sister… and my sweetness."

Nathan looked confused but then it hit him. He'd heard Tyler refer to Haley as sweets. He looked him in the eye, "I promise that if this goes sideways, I will personally go get them both and disappear."

Tyler nodded, but Nathan wasn't done. "I need your promise too. Anything happens and you look after Lucas. His mom won't let anything happen to him but there's only so much she and Keith can do to protect him."

Tyler nodded again, "Then I'll take care of the rest." He raised his empty beer, "To protecting family at all costs."

Nathan raised his bottle and clanked it against the other. That night however, things would be set in motion that neither of them could foresee. In the end, with all their good intentions, neither would be able to keep their promise. However, one would live to make it right.

The Present

{Keith}

From the moment he had even an inkling that Nathan was still alive, that hope had kindled something in him that he hadn't wanted to acknowledge. Mostly because he knew what news like this would mean for Karen and Lucas. Even Danny. Dan. Keith had done all he could for his little brother and still the man had gone from his innocent loving little brother to the piece of shit Dan. It hurt to remember who he was. Who he had hoped for him to be. The Scott family had been hell growing up. Dan and he had inherited mountains of problems when their parents retired to boca only to meet the business end of a shotgun.

Keith had had his suspicions on who had been responsible but never able to prove it. When he's been running the business, he'd had his own run ins with some close calls but again, he'd had no proof. This was different. He hadn't been allowed to know Nathan or Cooper once he got out. He'd been banished as far away from his family the moment he had decided Karen was worth it.

Still was. But seeing that photo and knowing it wasn't his nephew was heartbreaking. He looked over to Whitey and noted the ghostly while shade the man had become and knew his friend knew who it was. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel jealousy. At least one of those boys left the warehouse alive. He had wished it was Nathan. Had wished it with all his heart but it appeared that Tyler Davis was about to make a resurrection of the likes no one had ever seen.

Whitey cleared his throat and handed the phone back to Alex and said "Take me to him."