Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Time for Healing ❯ A Little Bit of Hell ( Chapter 28 )

Disclaimer: We do not own FAKE or its characters. They belong to Sanami Matoh, lucky girl! Any original characters belong to either Irish or Wildefyre.
Warnings: Thus far just Shounen AI but then again that's what FAKE is anyway. It may become Yaoi further along. This may have the guys out of Character somewhat, so Gomen for that and we are taking some creative freedom on histories & backgrounds and lives as they are now... Deal with it! ^_~

No one saw her as she silently slipped in through the back door, hiding in what surely was a laundry room. She would wait for the right moment and then one by one, take them out. The dog almost became a problem, but one sleeping pill laced doggie snack did the trick, even if it did take almost 15 minutes to take effect. Then to make sure the beast wouldn't get up anytime soon, she simply slammed the bat over the damn mutt's head.

Now as she listened carefully, she could hear voices, kids voices, and that angered her even more. The sound of baby crying tore at her heart. Walking over to a darkened corner, she sat down, there was plenty of time to finish her task, but first she'd wait for the smaller kids to be put down. The children were the innocent ones, it was those men and their sick acts that she needed to put a stop to, and so she bided her time for when she could do just that.

"Hey Drew, Cal and I will put Annie and Keiry to bed. You and Dee take it easy for a little while." Bikky smiled as he picked up Keiry and signed to her. "Say goodnight daddy." He smiled when Keiry's little hands came up and did just that.

Andrew signed 'good night' to both girls, kissing each on the head. "Thank you Bikky." He grinned, sitting down carefully on the couch. His knees were killing him; it had been a long day.

Dee sat there, lost in thought, Ryo being the main thing on his mind. That and Marlo for some reason. He just couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger that was overwhelming him. "Dammit!" He spoke out loud. "That woman needs to be found! And when they do... I want a crack at her! Especially considering everything that woman has put my family and I through." Dee sighed heavily, yet laughing at the mayhem that he was hearing coming from upstairs.

"She tried to kill you but failed, just be thankful about that." Andrew said softly, listening to Keiry giving the kids a run for their money. "Remind me to have Lyn take those two out one of these evenings, they have been a huge help. Even Annie adores you guys, and she can be very shy."

"Yeah they have. Bikky and Cal are good kids all in all." Dee's knees popped and creaked as he stood to get up. "Let's go and have some tea. Just us two old men with creaky limbs 'kay?"

Andrew quirked an eyebrow. "Tea? Man you're loosing it Compadre! Coffee is usually your beverage of choice." He observed with some amusement as he stood carefully, getting his crutch under him. He had almost been tempted to find the other one; he certainly was sore enough to need both. But it was upstairs in the closet and Andrew had no intention of trying to make it up those stairs until he went to bed later.

Dee sensed Drew's hesitation and knowing that his legs had been bothering him earlier, stopped and waited for him. "Come on lean on me. I would have said coffee but all you got here is that decaf crap so I may as well drink tea." Dee chuckled as he had Drew swing his arm around his shoulders. "Does that help old man?" Even though he couldn't see, he still glanced at Drew and laughed. "Next thing you'll want a rocking chair for the porch papa!"

"Yeah, well you're not exactly a spring chicken there Hot Shot." Andrew chuckled leaning on Dee as they made their way to the kitchen. "I don't drink much coffee, and Lyn sure as hell doesn't need the extra caffeine." Once in the kitchen Andrew held onto the counter as he carefully fished out the teakettle and tea from the cupboard.

"Need some help grandpa?" Dee used his cane like an elderly person would, pulling his lips in over his teeth. "Yes sir when I was younger I used to boink like a bunny now I'm just happy if I can remember how to boink." Dee started laughing. "Had me a hot sexy detective, that I did... Best lay I ever can't remember." That sent Dee into a hysterical fit of laughter and he found that he had to hold onto the counter to keep from falling over. "Oh... Shit... That... That... Was funny... I... I crack... myself... up sometimes!"

"You are such a nut Dee." Andrew admonished, snickering as he set the kettle on the stove. "Hey have you seen Duke lately? Maybe he went to bed early." Andrew frowned briefly. Duke really rather thought that he was a lap dog and tended to tag after Lyn like a shadow. And Andrew when Lyn wasn't home. "We didn't leave him outside did we?"

"I can't remember. Bikky fed him that I do remember. He'll show up at some point, just get some food out... Like that left over pizza. Then you won't get rid of him." Dee smiled. "You know maybe if Ryo and I ever get a house, we'll get a dog. I hate to admit it but I kind like having one around. Just don't tell Ryo that or he'll want one right away." Dee listened carefully, the kids had settled down yet something didn't feel right to him. "Drew? Humor me okay? Is the backdoor locked? Don't ask, it's just a feeling that I'm getting."

Drew frowned even deeper. "I can't imagine it wouldn't be..." But he had been distracted, the kids, Dee's good news... maybe he hadn't? "I had better go check though. I can't say for sure." Something had him on his guard too and he wasn't sure what. Maybe it was just Dee's apprehension. "I'll be right back." Andrew headed out of the kitchen for the backdoor, leaning heavily on his crutch. "Duke! Here boy!" Drew called, whistling softly for the overgrown mutt.

Drew didn't see her until it was too late, she stood, bat in one hand the gun in the other, glaring at him. "Don't make a sound unless you want to be planning a funeral for those kids." She sneered at him. "Back into the kitchen, nice and slow." Marlo motioned with the gun, her eyes trained on the blond standing in front of her.

Drew blinked slowly, faced with a very serious problem. "Uh I would love to but I can't walk backwards." It was the Lord's truth too, especially with how sore his legs were.

"Fine then! Turn around jerk but you make one false move and I'll put a bullet in your back and then I'll go for the kids!" She stepped closer. "Move it!" Drew turned carefully, wary of his knees as he limped back towards the kitchen; heart beating frantically in his chest, praying Bikky and Cal stayed upstairs.

Marlo smirked when her eyes caught sight of Dee as she walked into the kitchen. "Well, detective Latener! It's a pleasure to see you again. Maybe we can pick up where we left off the last time. I still think you can be turned into a real lady's man!" Marlo laughed.

Andrew limped over to stand next to Dee, the mystery of the woman's identity solved as the mug Dee had been holding tumbled from his hands to the tiled kitchen floor, the color draining from his face. "Y-You! Marlo!"

"Oh you remember me? That's good." Marlo slipped closer to Dee. "Don't try anything stupid sugar because I've got a gun pointed at your... Lover? Though I was certain that that other detective was your lover. Doesn't matter he'll die tonight as well." She smirked and then slid closer to Dee again, taking the bat and sliding it between Dee's legs. "Maybe we'll hit a homerun tonight huh? We tried the last time but fouled out... Let's hope your batting average has gone up since then."

Trembling, Dee stepped away involuntarily. If he had his sight he would take this woman down, gun or no gun. But he was blind and damn near paralyzed with fear. He hated himself for feeling so afraid, so helpless, and most of all, for putting Andrew in this situation. "D-Don't bet on it baby." He ground out, trying to sound in control.

"Oh I think it's a safe bet. You see I'm going to eventually kill blondie here and then you and I are going to have some fun. After that? I'm going to find that other detective... What was his name? Randy? Yes that's it! Randy MacLean... He'll die tonight as well! The fag!" Marlo moved closer, keeping the bat between Dee's legs. "I bet you think of this as another man's dick, don't you? Well maybe if you're real good I'll stick this up your ass... Until then...!" In one swift move she flicked the bat up, catching Dee hard in the balls, laughing as he cried out and fell easily to the floor.

Despite his fear, Drew breathed evenly and calmly, repeating the mantra for calm in his head. He struck when Marlo was distracted by Dee's pain. Stepping forward and suavely executing a disarm maneuver... Well it would have been suave if his knees hadn't have protested loudly. He cried out in pain as he too fell to the ground, but he kept his grip on the gun, refusing to let go. If he could just remove it from the equation... It would at least start to level the playing field.

"You shouldn't have done that!" Marlo brought the bat down across Drew's back, causing him to release his hold on the gun. "Now just for that I will have to humiliate the poor detective even further." Marlo kicked Drew's crutch away and then looked down at him. "SIT UP! NOW! With your back against this counter!" She pointed the gun at him and then jammed the end of the bat into Dee's throat. "DO IT OR HE DIES!"

With teeth clenched in pain, Drew did as he was instructed, waiting for his next chance. This was all or nothing and he knew it. If she walked away from this, they would not. The only chance they had was divine intervention, or disarming her. She was much stronger than he had thought, that alone could spell trouble for them.

"Now put your hands behind your back sugar." She pulled out a pair of handcuffs from the back of her jeans. "I was going to use these on the nice detective here for a little kink factor but they're your bracelets now." She stooped down and grabbed a wrist. "Oh and Dee honey? Stay still will ya sweetie? You see, I have the gun against blondie's head. One move from you and he gets a bullet to the brain." She started laughing as she secured Drew's hands behind his back. "And just to make sure that you don't move..." She swung the bat just hard enough to cause some pain as she brought it down across Drew's knees. "Now that should keep you still for awhile. You can watch and learn sugar!" Andrew complied, for the moment, having no other solution.

"Pretty boy here is going to be my pet and do whatever I tell him. Right Dee baby?" She laughed then held the barrel of the gun against Drew's head. "Oh sugar. I have the gun against blond fag's head. Now be a nice little pet and get on your hands and knees sugar. Do it or I splatter his brains all over this nice clean kitchen. I'm sure that you don't want that now do you? I mean being the righteous lawman that you once were and all. Then I want you to bark like a dog for me! Got that? And do put something behind it okay? I really hate halfhearted attempts." Her laugh was purely evil as she cocked the hammer of the gun so that Dee would know that she meant business. "MOVE IT sugar! We haven't got all night you know!"

Drew was seriously concerned his heart would bruise itself against his rib cage, it was beating that hard. He couldn't let this happen. But if he did anything he would probably eat lead. "You know she will kill us anyway Dee." His voice was calm and quiet.

"SHUT UP FAGGOT!" Marlo screamed at him, backhanding him across the face in anger. "Do as I say Latener or those kids will leave this house in body bags! After they view your bodies!"

Andrew's head slammed back against the cupboard and he saw stars, but he refused to be detoured. "She won't hurt the children." Andrew said with a quiet assurance he didn't feel. Even calling a bluff like that made him sick to his stomach but if he knew anything about homophobia, it always had something to do with gay people corrupting children. She was probably doing all this in defense of 'family' and 'children. Drew just prayed that he was right.

"You don't get it do you? Dammit! Are all men as pigheaded as you two are? I'll prove to you that I'm not joking." Standing there, Marlo took the bat in one hand and brought it down across Drew's rib cage, laughing over the feel of it as it hit its mark and the sound of cracking bones filled the air. "Now Dee! Do as I asked or he gets it again!"

"She... Will... Kill us... Anyway." Drew panted; refusing to cry out as the woman wanted him to. He counted, he breathed, he chanted in his mind. He had learned to tolerate pain, and if Buddhist monks in Vietnam could burn themselves alive, he could take a few hits with a bat.

Dee's eyes were wet with tears, his heart racing with fear and his stomach churned with each sound of that bat meeting with flesh and bone. It was a sound he had come to know all too well and it was killing him from the inside out to know the pain his friend was surely in. Dee knew that what Drew said was true but his dignity seemed like a small sacrifice if it meant they got a chance... That's all they needed... A window of chance, and he knew that he had to find a way to bide their time until then.

"Come on Latener! What the hell are you waiting for? Do as I told you! NOW!" Marlo was beginning to get impatient as she stood there. "Still don't believe me? Still think that I'm joking around when I say that I'll kill this blond fag? Then try this." This time she raised the bat, bring it down across Drew's shoulder, dislocating it easily. "Want me to do more Latener? Maybe beat his skull in and then let his bloody body lie here for his kids to see?" Marlo felt the anger swelling in her soul. "DO WHAT I SAY OR ELSE!" A muffled yelp escaped Andrew's iron control as pain blossomed in his shoulder. Drew knew that pain all to well and that sound.

Dee flinched, the sound of a separating joints turning his stomach, remembering that sound when Marlo had done the same to him months before. "God Drew..." Dee wasn't sure what he was begging for. For Drew to stop trying to save his dignity and just let him do what Marlo wanted, or to give him strength to listen as Drew was beaten. Dee didn't know which was worse, which piece of his soul he would rather loose?

"Kill... us... anyway..." Drew managed through his pain, trying to keep the mantra focused in his mind, trying to slip into a higher state of meditation.

"Drew! I can't let her do this to you!" Dee slammed a fist into the cupboard. "Damn you and your stubborn pride!" He wept silently. He had to find a way to keep both of them alive!

"Crying ain't gonna help sugar! Now if you want to save your friend then get on those fucking hands and knees and be my little doggie!" Marlo waited to see if Dee would comply but when he merely stood there, frozen in place, her anger exploded.

"That's it! I have had it!" She raised the bat again, bringing it down again, this time across Drew's knees and harder then the first time. Then she brought it down across his ankles. "I'll shatter his fucking legs Dee! You know I'll do it! I have nothing to lose here!" Marlo screamed. The world swam. Blood seeped over Andrew's chin as his teeth bit through his lip, refusing to give this woman the satisfaction of his pain.

Marlo never saw Bikky peeking around the corner with tears spilling down his face over the sight he was now witnessing. Waiting until he was able to make eye contact with Drew, Bikky quickly signed 'Calling for help. The kids are safe.' Once he saw Drew nod slightly, Bikky quietly headed back upstairs, his heart tearing apart, wanting to help Drew and Dee yet knowing that Cal Keiry and Annie needed him more. Once upstairs, he grabbed Cal and told her what was going on, together they grabbed the girls and locked themselves in Drew and Lyn's bedroom as Bikky called for help.

"Christ! Drew! I'll do it! Just stop! Marlo! Please just stop!" Dee felt like he was going to be sick, he could only imagine the damage that that bat was doing to Drew's fragile legs. He moved wincing himself as he shifted to kneel on all fours.

"Okay Dee, my little pet. Let's see your best doggie impersonation and do put your heart into it... I so hate being disappointed! It makes me angry." Marlo emphasized that by poking Drew just hard enough in the groin to make him cry out as she waited for the show to begin.

Drew waited, forced thoughts through the haze of pain but it was getting harder. He wasn't sure there was a single place on his body that didn't hurt at the moment. Bikky was calling the cops but he would not be a helpless victim. As her sick fascination was focused on Dee, Drew lunged for her with what was left of his strength and endurance. Even if it wasn't much, he had to try... For himself, for Dee and for the kids...

Marlo nearly tripped as she jumped back, catching Drew's movement out of the corner of her eye. Drew almost had her but his movements were slow and awkward due to his injuries, and that gave Marlo the time that she needed to react. Raising the gun up to point between Drew's eyes, she glared at the blond, anger flooding her every pore. "Say goodnight blondie! You're a pain in my ass!" With one hand she swung the bat, watching and listening as it connected solidly with the side of Drew's head, the crack echoing throughout the kitchen. Drew slumped to the floor and she started laughing hysterically and then singing... "Oh there's one less faggot in the world today/ I've been sent by God to kill all those who are gay!"

Laughing harder, she turned towards Dee, taking the bat and shoving it in his face. "Smell that? You should know what it is... DETECTIVE! That's the smell of death... You fucking queer!" Laughter rang through the kitchen as Marlo watched the tears splashing from Dee's unseeing eyes. "Awww is baby crying over his faggot friend? Tsk Tsk! What a wuss!"

"Drew!" Dee choked out hoarsely. "Drew! Speak to me! Come on...! Please... Drew..." There was no answer and Dee knelt there, stunned, scared and praying for his life and the lives of those he loved. What else could he do? She had the advantage and he had four kids to protect, even if it meant giving up his own life to do so.

Ryo raced through the city streets, having to take detour after detour to avoid heavy traffic from various sporting and theater events that all seemed to be letting out at the same time. "Dammit!" Ryo shouted as he weaved through the cars and then jumping when his cell phone rang. Grabbing it, his heart in his throat, he answered. "MacLean here." He listened, his face draining of all color. "How long ago? Okay do you still have a line open? Patch him through immediately."

Ryo turned to Lyn and it was easy to see the worry and fear in his eyes. "Bikky just put a 911 call in. Lyn I'm sorry... Marlo's there. They're patching me into Bikky now." Ryo quickly turned his attention back to the phone, waiting for Bikky to come on line.

"Ryo! Oh god, Ryo, can you hear me, please!" Bikky's voice was a frantic whisper with Cal crying quietly in the background.

"Bikky calm down okay. Now I need you to speak slowly okay? Where are you, Cal and the girls?"

Bikky took a shaky breath, raising his voice slightly. "Cal is here with the girls and I. They are asleep but we're worried that Annie will wake up and start crying..."

"Okay now what about Dee and Drew?" Ryo cursed under his breath when he had to stop suddenly as traffic jammed up.

They... They are down in the kitchen. S-She has a bat and she's hurting Drew. She's hurting him real bad. She's trying to make Dee act like a dog... Dad I'm scared!"

"Shit!" Ryo punched the steering wheel in frustration. "Okay listen to me Bikky. Get into a room and lock the door. DO NOT open it for anyone. If you can get into a closet then do that. Just stay put. She won't hurt you guys. I'm fairly sure of that. Lyn and I are on our way. We'll be there soon." Ryo's voice sounded out confidently; he was in his element, even though the people involved were loved ones. This was what he was trained for and he was going to do it well.

"Bikky I need you to be strong for me okay? As long as Annie and Keiry don't pick up on your fears they'll be okay. Got that sport? If Annie starts crying, sing to her... That usually calms them both down." Ryo felt his heart lurching but knew that he had to stay focused now. "I'll be there shortly I promise."

"O-Okay... Please hurry dad, please?" Bikky tried to calm himself by taking deep breaths as he looked over at Cal and the girls. They were his responsibility now.

"I will son." Ryo chanted in his mind a Mantra that Drew had taught him, trying to keep himself calm. "Bikky? I love you... I promise I won't let anything happen to any of you. I'll get you all out, I promise." Ryo tried to remain strong himself. "I-I need to get off this line okay? Stay on the phone and the dispatcher will keep talking to you if you want?"

Ryo saw a narrow path between two rows of cars, knowing it was like threading a needle, he took it. There was no time to waste sitting in a traffic jam. Glancing over at Lyn, he wanted to comfort him, seeing the worry and then anger resting in his eyes but his hands were full with driving and the phone. Instead he used his eyes to convey his feelings, hoping that for now, it would do.

"I love you too. Hurry." Bikky said bravely, before he was shuffled back to the dispatcher.

Lyn's jaw was set, his eyes hard. He was holding on to anger now. If he gave into the fear that was gnawing in his chest, he would be useless. Anger though was a useful emotion. It could be channeled and it could be used. Lyn perched on the edge of the seat, endlessly turning the wedding ring on his finger as he caught Ryo's eyes, but it offered him little comfort. He couldn't hear Bikky's words but he could hear Ryo's tone and it was only fuel on the fire on his smoldering Irish temper.

Ryo clicked the phone off and dialed the number for Berkley's cell phone, quickly placing it in the holder on the dashboard as it dialed. Then Ryo reached over and grabbed Lyn's hand, hoping to calm him at least partially. "The girls are safe Lyn. Bikky and Cal are keeping them out of harm's way. Marlo has a baseball bat... Gomen but according to Bikky she has used it on Drew." He sighed, then punched at the steering wheel in anger. "I won't let her get away with this Lyn! She goes down tonight, either alive or dead... I promise you that much."

Lyn said nothing, only nodding once, whether it was in agreement or simply in acknowledgement of the fact that Ryo had spoken. 'Gods... Drew...' Not his An, not again. He sealed those thoughts off. Anger, anger was useful. He was Glad Ryo was the one with the gun. Ryo would use it only if necessary, whereas Lyn would shoot her down in cold blood without hesitation. He was breathing hard almost panting but other than the twisting of his wedding band, he was almost perfectly still as he waited. Waited to get to his love. Waited to exact justice.

Ryo heard Berkley come on the line and quickly turned his attention to him. "MacLean! Where are you?"

"Lieutenant, I'm about 10 minutes away from the house; we had to take several detours due to the traffic. I'm going to need back up and possibly a rifle!" Ryo shouted into the phone as he kept his eyes on the road.

"MacLean you're not even on duty! Leave this to us! You just get there and do a check to see where the suspect and hostages are then back it the hell off!" Berkley responded. "We're stuck in traffic, a major car accident up a head. JJ and Ted are with me and Drake is on the way as well. Ted is trying to get around this... Don't do anything stupid!" Berkley's voice was so loud that Ryo had to move the phone away from his ear as the screaming continued. Waiting until he counted to ten, Ryo put the phone against his ear again and took a deep breath.

"I don't give a fuck okay? I am taking this call! I will do what is needed to ensure the safety of all those inside but I WILL NOT just sit there and wait while Marlo tortures Dee and Drew!" Ryo's anger was quite clear in the tone of his voice. "Tell Drake that as soon as he gets here to load a rifle if he has one on him and have it ready for me! I'll also need a flak jacket! I won't let my feelings interfere you know me better than that!"

"Very well, I'll notify Drake. Just be careful." Rose rescinded, knowing that Ryo wasn't going to just be a spectator when his whole family was being held hostage.

"Thank you sir." Ryo clicked off the phone as he headed onto a road that led to Lyn's house. Turning his head briefly he looked at Lyn and sighed. This wasn't going to be easy, not when the people they both loved were being victimized. For him it was harder because now he had to be Ryo the detective and not Ryo the lover, father and friend.

"Lyn, you have to let go of the anger..." Ryo glanced at him, he was in full police character now. "Anger gets people killed in situations like this... The wrong people."

"Ryo, anger is all that is keeping me together right now. Controlled anger is a tool. I would think that you would know that." His voice was eerily calm, eyes never leaving the road before them.

"I do but I may need your help and I can't risk you acting out of anger." Ryo glanced over at him. "I can see it in your eyes that given the chance, you'd kill her and I can't let you do that. I have to do this by the book... If we screw this up not only could we lose those we love, but she could wind up walking away a free woman as well." Ryo sighed, he was trying to forget about the pain in his back for the moment.

Lyn turned to him slowly. "Swear to me on you parents' grave that if I play the game your way that she will not go free. Swear it." Still that deadly calm, that perfect stillness.

"I swear!" Ryo turned to him, teeth clenched, eyes darker then they ever had been, his face set in determination to show his friend that despite to softness he had been displaying lately, when it came to his job, he was as tough as could be. "If you feel that your anger is getting out of control though, you have to back down. Deal?" Lyn nodded, meeting Ryo's gaze for only a moment before turning his eyes back to the road.

Sighing softly, losing some of the anger he himself felt, Ryo reached out to grab Lyn's hand once more. "Lyn I'm sorry. I should have had Dee and Drew leave the house..." Ryo was tired, his back was hurting but he had a job to do. Silence fell over them as Ryo slowly made his way down Lyn's street, cutting the lights and engine as he drifted into a space right in front of the house.

Turning to Lyn, Ryo spoke softly yet sternly. "Stay put... You're a citizen and this is police business. Let me go check things out first. Move from this car before I give the word and I'll have you arrested for interfering with police business." Ryo opened his car door, staring up at the house, trying to work it out in his mind what his options were.

"You have completely lost your mind if you think that I'm staying here, or that threat of arrest would even phase me. I am in perfect control of myself Ryo."

Ryo merely sighed as he stepped out of the car, clutching his back. He knew that Lyn could be stubborn and this wasn't the time to argue. "Are any of those second floor windows unlocked?" He asked, trying to find a way in without going through the front door. "If you're going to help, you'll do it my way... And that wasn't a threat Lyn. I will place you under arrest if I have to."

Lyn slid out of the car as well and stood beside Ryo, looking up at the house and thinking for a moment. "The only possibility is the sliding glass door on the balcony of the master bedroom."

"Good, stay here while I check the perimeter." Ryo turned to him. "I won't let her get away with this... I meant that. Let me take a look around and then we'll see what to do next, 'kay?"

Lyn nodded. He didn't have room for anything right now. If he felt anything, he would feel everything and that would be too overwhelming. He needed to function and that meant being devoid of emotion. Ryo and he could sort things out later... after everyone was safe. "Go for it." He simply said.

Ryo nodded to Lyn before drawing his gun. Ryo crouched down as he ran towards the house. Easing his way around the outside, he checked in all the windows, looking for anything, any sign of where they were. Once he had done a thorough search of the perimeter stopping to check on Duke whom he found lying near the patio, he raced back to Lyn.

"Lyn, help me get this god damned brace off. It's constricting my mobility." He asked as he raised his shirt up. "Well have to climb up to that balcony. I didn't see them on the first floor but the cellar door is open. They may be in the basement." He said, his mind going through the many possible scenarios. "Also, Duke is back at the patio, he's alive but he's knocked out. I checked him and he's breathing steadily, we'll deal with him after we get the others okay?"

"Shit! Who the hell overpowers a Great Dane...? Fucking useless guard dog! Probably tried to lick her to death." Lyn grumbled untying the brace without question. "Let me give you a hand up to the balcony first. I will be able to jump up and just grab it but you're too short." Lyn tossed the brace onto the hood of the car, raking a hand through his hair. "Once we're inside let me lead down the stairs. We can't afford to give away our position. I know every squeaky floorboard and misplaced chew toy..."

"Fine but our first priority are the kids. We have to get them out first." Ryo holstered his gun, as they silently trotted over to the balcony. "Lyn if they are in the basement, you'll have to be careful. I won't risk your life as well. Got that?" Ryo was about to let Lyn hoist him up when JJ came racing across the lawn.

"Where's Berkley and the others? I thought you were with Rose and Ted?" Ryo asked, whispering, so as not to risk being heard by the occupants inside.

"They're still with the car. I hitched a ride with a civilian. Rose felt that you might be able to use me, and Drake got a flat." JJ held up his rifle. "They'll be here as soon as they can and several squad cars have been dispatched as well. There was a twenty-car pile up on the bypass; it's a mess."

"Damn!" Ryo looked at JJ and sighed. "Okay we think that they're in the basement. Check the windows again and set up someplace where you can get a clear shot but don't do anything unless I give you the word." Ryo explained, taking full charge of the situation. Then nodding when JJ handed him a two-way radio. "If you see them, let me know their status and position. Got that?"

"Got it sir!" JJ may not have liked Ryo at times, but this was business and time to be professional. "Be careful Ryo." JJ said and took off around the side of the house, crouching low as he neared windows.

Ryo nodded and then turned back to Lyn. "Okay let's do this." Ryo lifted his leg, letting Lyn hoist him up as he grabbed the rails and with a great deal of effort and pain, hoisted himself up onto the balcony to wait for Lyn. Once Ryo was on the narrow balcony, Lyn took a few steps back then ran and leapt, getting the air that he needed to grab the metal bars. It was awkward and rather painful but Lyn pulled himself up onto the balcony landing with almost no sound. Once helping Ryo to his feet, he crept over to the sliding glass door, closing his eyes in silent prayer as he gave it a tug... It slid open a couple of inches and Lyn let out a breath that he didn't know that he was holding. Silently, he pushed it the rest of the way open slowly. It felt weird beyond words to be breaking in to his own bedroom as he stepped inside and then waited for Ryo. Where would the kids be...?

Ryo crouched down, indicating for Lyn to do so as well. It was as they made their way around the bed that Ryo started relaxing. All four kids were hiding under the bed and had even fallen asleep huddled all together. Gently Ryo reached out to nudge Bikky whose eyes popped open. Quickly Ryo shushed him. "It's just Lyn and I. Is everyone okay?" He whispered softly, not wanting to alarm the other three. Lyn sighed softly in relief to see his daughters Bikky and Cal, alive and well.

Bikky nodded."We're fine... Just a little scared that's all."

Lyn beckoned for them to climb out, whispering, "Leave the girls, we'll lower you two out the balcony then hand the girls to you." He glanced over at Ryo to affirm that this was indeed the best course of action.

"I... I couldn't help them. I had the girls to worry about. S-She was forcing Dee to act like a dog. Then hurting Drew because Drew wouldn't let Dee do it. I-I'm sorry... I didn't know what else to do." Tears filled otherwise bright blue eyes and Ryo quickly pulled Bikky into his arms. It hurt him to see Bikky like this, a child who was normally so strong and cocky now reduced to tears and fright.

"It's okay Bikky. You did well. I'm very proud of you. You did what you were supposed to do. You protected those who couldn't defend themselves... You took care of the girls." Ryo responded though he was now trembling. Dee had suffered enough trauma because of Marlo. God only knew what this would do to his mentality now. "Let's go, okay? I want all of you to go to my car, get in it and stay put until back up arrives. Got that?" Ryo instructed Bikky.

Rethinking his plan, Lyn grabbed Keiry's kiddie pack and lifted her into it, careful not to wake her, then slid it on Bikky's shoulders. Annie, he put into her sling and tied her tightly to Cal before escorting the kids out to the balcony. Lyn stepped over the guardrail and then helped Bikky over, holding on with one hand as he lowered Bikky as far as he could before letting him drop gently to the ground. Next was Cal and he lowered her, with Bikky helping to bring her down safely. Lyn then waited a moment to be sure that they made it to the car before returning to the bedroom and looking around. "Okay, what's the plan?"

"W-We need to make our way to the basement. Then I try and talk her into releasing Dee and Drew. If need be, I'll let her take me in place of them." Ryo's voice was shaky now. What Bikky had told him had really shaken him up. "Damn her Lyn. Damn her!" Ryo hissed under his breath as he started for the door. He stopped suddenly, clutching the doorknob as pain shot through his back. Gritting his teeth, he cursed. "God dammit! Not now... I don't need this shit!"

"No way Ryo. We are all leaving here together. That's not by the book and you know it." Lyn whispered, untying his shoes and stepping out of them, to move more quietly. "By the book, remember Detective?" Lyn gave him a hard look.

"That is by the book. If one hostage needs medical attention a swap is in order so that hostage can be removed. It's something we have always done, not that we want to but when it becomes a necessity, we do it." Ryo removed his shoes as well, pushing them over to the side. Slowly they made their way out of the bedroom and down the hallway. "As soon as we make it down these steps, you get behind me and no hero shit or I will be thoroughly pissed." Ryo instructed him.

Lyn said nothing, falling silent as he crept down the hall, stepping over any number of obstacles and squeaky boards. The stairs would be the hard part. He paused at the head of them, his hands coming up he signed, "Don't touch." Indicating the banister, which creaked terribly from the weight Andrew put on it. He slunk down the steps quiet as a wraith, skipping the third and seventh stair before carefully stepping out about two feet in front of the last stair as he waited for Ryo.

Once down, Ryo moved in front of Lyn, his gun drawn and held up to the side of his head as he made his way through the living room. As they neared the dinning room, Ryo heard noises and his heart stopped. They weren't in the basement after all... They were in the kitchen! They must have been behind the counter. That's why he didn't see them when he looked in the window. Handing Lyn the two-way radio, he motioned for him to step inside the hall closet and inform JJ of this latest news and to change positions. 'Damn... This changes everything.' He thought as he moved closer to the doorway, a woman's laugh filtering to his ears.

Lyn stepped into the closet crouching down and shutting the door behind him as he whispered into the radio. "JJ, it's Hans. Target's in the kitchen, not the basement."

"Great! That gives me a better shot. I'll scope it out now. Tell Ryo not to do anything stupid or heroic! Rose should be here in less than five, I just heard from him." JJ responded and moved around to find a good spot.

Ryo turned to see Lyn walking towards him as he listened to the conversation going on in the kitchen. It was making him sick to his stomach to hear Marlo telling Dee how well endowed he seemed to be and how it was a shame to waste such a magnificent organ on another man. The whole thing had Ryo trembling. "Did you reach JJ?" Ryo whispered, trying to hold on to his calm anger.

Lyn nodded after stepping out of the closet, a situation he would have found ironic under any other situation. Or maybe it was ironic because of the situation. "Yeah he's getting in position for a better shot and says don't do anything stupid or heroic. Can you see them?"

"I-I see her... I think Dee and Drew... Wait..." Holding his hand up to Lyn, Ryo peeked around the corner again and then had to clamp his hand over his mouth. He could see Drew, lying on the floor, unconscious and blood staining the floor. "Damn... Drew's hurt. I have to get him out of there and quickly." Ryo stepped back, staying against the wall and whispering to Lyn. His heart was hammering so hard against his ribcage that he thought that it would get bruised. "I don't like this one bit... We can't wait for back up."

Lyn thought a moment. "One of us could distract her while the other hides in the closet and then get Dee and Drew out the back door while she's distracted?" It was a long shot but in this case it might actually work.

"You get them out. I'll stay and deal with her. That bitch is going to pay." Dark eyes turned black with anger. Ryo looked around the corner his eyes going wide. She had Dee on his feet, forcing him to touch himself. Ryo could see Dee's hands shaking, almost feel his dignity slipping away. "Lyn... Oh God... Not again..." Ryo moved back so that Lyn could see what had brought the worry to his face.

Lyn's face hardened. "You have a job to do detective. Besides whoever distracts her is the one who's going to need to be rescued. Let me distract her, it makes more sense for me to be coming home. She won't suspect anyone else is here. Then you come back and arrest her ass. It makes more sense."

"If we can get her away from Dee... Maybe JJ can get a shot off." Ryo didn't want to put Lyn in any danger. He knew all too well what this woman was capable of. He had seen the victims that didn't survive her attacks.

"I'll distract her; you go cover my dumb ass." Lyn crept over to the front door, opening it and stepping out onto the front step as Ryo crouched in the closet. Pausing Lyn took a deep breath and opened the door throwing on the lights in the main room. "Drew? I'm home baby."

Marlo grabbed Dee, holding the gun to his head. "Not a word fag or whoever it is dies." She hissed against Dee's ear, waiting for the voice to present with a form.

Putting his performing arts minor to good use, Lyn stopped in the entryway. "Duke, come boy! Where are you? Don't tell me everyone's out, car's in the street..." Lyn muttered as though confused. He wanted her to come to him so that Ryo could get his chance.

"Tell him to come out here and no funny business." Marlo moved slightly, looking down at Drew, unconscious on the floor at their feet. "Bend down and push blondie behind the counter." Marlo demanded, watching as Dee did what he was told. "Good now get him out here and watch what you say." She spat, pressing the gun into the small of Dee's back. "Tell him that I'm an old girlfriend." Marlo pushed the small throw rug that was in front of the sink over the bloodstain, hiding it enough not to arouse suspicion.

Dee trembled with humiliation and fear. How could he let Lyn know something was wrong? God could this get any worse? Why the hell wasn't he with Ryo? "Merlyn, we're in the kitchen." It was lame and dumb but maybe the use of Lyn's full first name would send up a red flag. It was his only shot and now Dee prayed that it would work.

Lyn damn near swore out loud as Dee tried to 'clue him in' to what he already knew. "Are the kids asleep?" He asked in his best everyday conversation voice as he moved towards the kitchen.

"Answer him dammit!" Marlo pushed the gun harder into his back.

"Y-Yes Merlyn, they are. Though Keiry was talking up a storm before going down. That girl never stops talking." Dee winced; his shirt hung open, his belt undone and the top button, as well as the zipper of his jeans was opened. Shutting his eyes, he fought back the humiliation of being seen like that.

Lyn had to restrain himself from clapping his hand over his forehead. 'All right, I got it all ready Dee.' He rounded the corner to the kitchen, smile in place. "So you guys... " He trailed off, going for surprised but not unpleased. "Hi, I don't believe we've met." He grinned widely at Marlo, striding forward and offering his hand. "I'm Lyn."

"Well hello Lyn, I'm Marlo, an old girlfriend of Dee's." Marlo smiled, making sure the bat was out of sight, and holding the gun with her left hand so that she could quickly shake Lyn's hand. Once done, she quickly resumed her former position, cursing to herself when she saw that Lyn was barefooted. "So do you always go out without shoes on?" Her eyes narrowed as she gazed down at his feet, all ready more then a little suspicious of him.

Lyn dropped his hand looking slightly shocked that she caught that. "Indeed, I do. I'm from Ireland, used to running around barefoot." He offered a big charming grin. It was true, just not in this time.

"Yeah well excuse me if I have a hard time believing that. I mean in this city that's dangerous." She smiled. "So Dee who is this charming fellow? Your lover?" The gun once again poked Dee in the back. "I hope not because I was really enjoying myself earlier and would hate to have to stop now. Unless your friend wants to join us?"

"Hey baby, you know I've only got eyes for you, but I do like to spice things up once in awhile." Dee tried to smirk at her, play the game, pretend his disarray was from a willing sexual encounter. "This is a friend of Andrew's. He's a real stud, if you get my drift."

"Oh that's good then. So he's a player too? Maybe we could get a threesome going. I know how much you love those." Marlo cooed and then saw Lyn moving closer. She had to step forward a bit to keep Lyn from seeing the other man on the floor.

"Yeah? You swing like that?" Lyn asked waggling his eyebrows and taking a step closer to flirt. "I got some pretty outrageous piercings, you into that?" Lyn raised his eyebrows suggestively. "I don't know though. I hear that Dee's dynamite in the sack. Are you sure that you can handle the both of us at once?"

"More like can you handle me sugar? What I think mean is... Can you actually get an erection being with a woman or are you like all the other fags in this city?" Marlo was starting to tire of the game.

Ryo listened to the conversation, crouching by the doorway while getting a detailed account from JJ who was watching everything through his rifle. It wasn't going down as planned. JJ couldn't get a shot off; Dee was just too damn close to Marlo. Now all they could do was to hope that Lyn could get them apart enough for JJ to get a clear shot. Berkley and the others were outside, waiting for the signal even though they had wanted to come inside. Ryo had warned them not to. Marlo was just too unstable and if she knew that they were there, Ryo was certain that she'd kill them if she could.

Lyn took another step forward, this was going poorly and he didn't know what to do but force her hand and get her in position for JJ to take a shot. "Would you like to find out baby? Might be a little too much for you though?" Dee tried to repress a shudder. Lyn was obviously in on the game. He sounded like a frigging prostitute. For the first time all evening Dee had some hope until he remembered Drew. Could Lyn hold his mask when he saw his lover's body?

"Sure! Whip it out baby and show me what you've got. I like to check out the merchandise first." Marlo licked her lips, waiting to see if he'd take the bait. "Come on sugar don't be shy. Dee all ready showed me his a few minutes ago so let's see how you match up to him."

Lyn laughed and shook his head. "Not unless I get to check out your wares as well, it's only fair." Lyn didn't let his eyes go to Dee, but his heart most certainly did. And where was his husband? Surely Ryo had to be hearing this as well, what was that doing to him, knowing that once again Dee had become her victim?

"You first sugar and then I'll be all too happy to show you. But if you insist..." Shifting slightly, Marlo managed to wedge the gun between herself and Dee, before unzipping her vest and allowing her breasts to fall out. "Okay sweetie, your turn. Show me what kind of pistol you're packing." Marlo grinned, as she retook her former position, pressing her exposed breasts against Dee's back.

Well, he had showed his dick to the better half of New York... "Not bad baby, not bad." This was a damn hard spot to force an erection but he figured it damn well better be at half-mast when he whipped it out or they were all gonna be in a world of hurt. Unbuttoning the fly of his ragged jeans he reached inside and pulled it out half hard... peircings and all. Dee could here Lyn unbuttoning his fly... This was just sick. Lyn tucked it away after giving Marlo a good look, snapping his fly back up. "So, what do ya think? Worth your time?" Lyn smirked.

"Sure is sugar!" Marlo was fast, too fast in fact. Pushing Dee out of the way, her hand swung around, the bat coming at Lyn full force catching his right wrist when Lyn automatically moved to ward off the blow. The sound was sickening as the wrist broke with ease. Now pointing the gun at Lyn, she smirked. "I really hate being taken for a fool! Next time, don't underestimate the enemy! Now strip baby! Let's see what else you've got going for yourself. Oh and Dee sugar, stay put my pet or I'll give him worse then what blondie got."

"SHIT! LYN!" Dee cried out, hearing the sound of bone breaking. This time he nearly lost whatever his stomach held but somehow, at the last moment, managed to hold it back.

Lyn dropped to his knees as his weak right wrist broke along old fault lines from a childhood injury. "I can't very well take my clothes off one handed." He growled, cradling the arm close to his body.

"Then Dee here will do it for you. Right my pet?" Marlo glanced at Dee. "Get moving now or someone else dies tonight." She smirked at Lyn. "Oh and Dee honey get him hard for me too. Use your mouth baby! After all isn't that what you queers like doing? That and shoving your dicks up each other's asses like the sick bastards that you are?"

Actually Lyn was relieved, with Dee that close, they could try and plot. Maybe she would step into JJ's line of fire. Lyn stumbled to his feet, keeping his injured wrist against his body. "Four steps forward Dee." His voice was ragged with pain.

"Hurry it up! She pressed the gun against Dee's head. "Take his pants off sugar... NOW!" Marlo ordered him, grinning at Lyn. "Oh and don't try any heroics sugar because that's what blondie over here did and he paid dearly for it."

Lyn gritted his teeth. Only one person who would still be in the house was blond and that was Drew. "Hey you know even fags need some foreplay." Lyn objected as Dee stepped forward, counting the paces carefully, his legs barely able to hold him. He couldn't imagine having to go down on Lyn...
Lyn rested his good hand on Dee's hip to stop his forward momentum, taking another step as he guided Dee into his arms. "Are you okay?" He breathed, audible only to Dee's sensitive ears.

"Yeah but Drew's hurt badly." Dee leaned into Lyn, his mouth against Lyn's ear. "Where's Ryo?" He asked, shaking as the hammer of the gun cocked.

"Less talking and more stripping." Marlo remarked.

"L-Lyn... I'm sorry... God I'm sorry." Dee's voice was shaky; his hands trembled as he lowered them towards Lyn's fly. "I-I don't know what to do..."

"No I'm sorry I haven't showered yet today." Lyn cracked, wanting Dee to know that he didn't blame him in the least. Lyn reached forward and started sliding Dee's shirt off, whispering as he kissed Dee's neck. "Ryo's nearby... We had a plan, it got shot to hell but there is back up. We'll get out of this Dee. Just go as slow as she'll let us." He slid Dee's shirt off, letting it drop to the floor.

Ryo peeked into the kitchen again and what he saw made his stomach heave. Catching Lyn's eye, Ryo quickly signed... "Count three then drop to the floor." He held up his hand to signal the start then dropped it.

Lyn blinked acknowledging that he had seen Ryo. He then continue to kiss Dee's neck whispering in Dee's ear. "One... Two...Three..." On three Lyn pushed Dee off to the side, falling with him, the two of them crashing to the floor and sliding over the tile and under the table. Dee gave a startled yell, then an 'oof' as Lyn landed on top of him.

Ryo took his cue, dashing as fast as could into the kitchen, yelling for Marlo to freeze, and with a leap, went sailing over the counter. What Ryo didn't count on was JJ using that moment to get a shot off. Glass shattered as Ryo flung himself at Marlo. Blood splattered over counters and floor as the two hit went down in a heap of screams and thuds.

"Holy shit!" Lyn exclaimed quietly as Ryo flew overhead. "Your koi has got wings Dee."

"Lyn what's going on? Who got shot? I can smell blood." Dee tried to sit up. "Ryo? Ryo! Answer me dammit!"

"Careful we're under the table. I don't know who got shot. Stay down Dee." Dee growled in frustration as Lyn pushed him back again. "Ryo's a damn good cop let him do his job."

"I know that he's a damn good cop!" Dee growled. "But what if that's his blood I smell?"

W ildefyre: Oh my! Now who's been hurt? And what about Drew? Has Dee been traumatized once more? What about Ryo? How is he faring and poor Lyn? The man's wrist has been shattered! Oh God are we evil!! Reviews get the next Chapter posted.

Irish: Once again I did something a little different with the music, two songs this chapter, both seemed appropriate and have very different feelings, please remember to check out the soundtrack at our Yahoo briefcase under Wildefyre Irish. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter muhahahahaha

Now onto answering a few questions...

gorillazgal86: Don't worry, Lyn and Ryo are just best friends and nothing more. Both are cuddle sluts if you haven't noticed.

MisoSoup106: Oh you'd better believe that Ryo will get his moment as seme with Dee! I (Wildefyre) am a big supporter of that!! ^_^

MarsMarmalade: This was to be the last before we started on the next part of the saga but I'm not sure if we will be starting a new saga or just continuing to post under this title. All I can say is keep checking here and our websites for any news on it! If we do start a new saga to this we'll try and retain most of this title and just add from there... (IE: Time for Healing-Aftermath)

Jexia: Now we all know that Ryo would be very happy being a twenty-four hour cop! Never fear though, he'll make time for his family though.

Swordy: I'm (Wildefyre) still around Swordy, just been super busy. Plus my kids have been hogging the computer playing on NeoPets, so I have to fight for computer time. I know that I have some reviewing to catch up on and I promise that I will as soon as I can.

Vrenda: Concerning Dee's sight? Well you'll just have to keep reading... ^_^

To everyone else that has reviewed... Thank you so much! You can't imagine how happy it makes Irish and I to see them. I would love to list all your names but then we'd be here for a long time... If you have reviewed, either at Mediaminer or FFN or through our guest books or even in emails, then thank you from the bottom of our hearts...