Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2012 08:57:29 -0600 From: Michael king Subject: Lives changed 5-C Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. The people do not exist except in my mind. This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission. If you are too young to be in here or it is illegal in your state then please leave, as I do not wish anything bad to happen to you. NOTE: I know that we all enjoy these pages and wish for them to be here for a long time. We, the writers, take pride in being able to give you all a few minutes of pleasure. So please think of the time spent putting these pages up and donate just a bit to Nifty so we can keep going. I want to take this time also to thank everyone that has sent me a note. A special thanks to Larry in California also to a great writer and friend, Miguel Sanchez. Lives Changed 5-C The Truth begins to show. Late Saturday night, after everyone else in the Daniels family had gone to bed, Malcolm and Patrick spent a little time talking before Malcolm headed upstairs to his room. Patrick, who was still troubled by the talk he had with his dad, told Malcolm he would be up shortly, then grabbed his light jacket and went out and stood on the back porch. Patrick could hear the security team walking around, though he couldn't see them. Slipping on his jacket, he walked down the driveway. "Where are you going, Patrick?" one of the agents asked. "Just for a quick walk. I need time to think; I won't be too long," Patrick answered, staring into the dark trying to see where the agent was standing. "Okay, but stay on the lighted roadways." Leaving security behind, Patrick walked off, his shoulders slumped and deep in thought as he shuffled slowly along the sidewalk. While Patrick was out walking, the Daniels' house grew quiet as the family fell asleep. Others, like Patrick, were not so fortunate. Jamie Marshall was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling of his room, irritated by strange noises he could hear coming from his dad's room. He didn't know that Maurice Marshall was busy packing his bags, getting ready to leave town. Maurice knew that Brady was likely to fail, that killing the Daniels brat was going to be nearly impossible, so Maurice was leaving; he wasn't going to jail. He had spent the previous Friday clearing out and moving his bank accounts and selling his stocks. In the vacant house behind the Daniels' home, Brady Martin was staring out over the back yard at the darkened windows of his target. His eyes caught movement as someone stepped out of the house onto the back porch. He could tell it was Malcolm's friend, the one that spent so much time with him. He watched closely as the kid stepped off the porch and walked around to the front of the house. Grabbing his own jacket, Brady slipped out of the empty house and hurried down the street, hoping to catch sight of the kid. At the corner, Brady caught a glimpse of the kid as he shuffled his way along. As Brady watched the kid, a plan formed in his mind. Stepping back into the shadows, Brady waited until Patrick walked past him and then stepped out and hit Patrick in the back of the head, stunning him. Before Patrick could do anything, he felt strong hands grab him and start dragging him down the street, and into the house Brady was using. Brady pushed Patrick onto a hard wooden chair, tied him down, and then went back to watching the Daniels' house. The morning sun was just touching the tops of the trees when Tony Marchand and Donnie Osbourne stepped out onto the back patio, a fresh cup of coffee in their hands. Both men were quietly talking when a gunshot shattered the quiet morning air — and the upstairs bathroom window. Tony's eyes quickly scanned the area as he turned his head towards the source of the sound, an adjacent house that he knew was vacant. Tony's first thoughts were to get to Malcolm and the family, but he knew the best way to protect them was to take out whoever it was that was shooting. Making his choice, Tony threw his cup aside and, with Donnie at his side, took off running through the house, calling the local police as he moved. Malcolm was his first priority and he needed to make sure that he was all right. Two other agents came running into the back yard looking around to find out who was shooting. Brady Martin had taken his shot and had heard Malcolm's scream, but whether the shot was fatal or how badly the kid was hurt he didn't know. Standing back at the window in case he could get a second shot he saw two of the men that were guarding Malcolm running across the back yard. "Damn," Brady thought, "they were all supposed to be inside." Bringing the rifle back to his shoulder, Brady shot at the running men. The two agents dove into the cover of bushes behind the fence separating the two houses. With the agents pinned down, Brady again took a look at the Daniels' home hoping he might get one more shot before the cops showed up, that is if they did show. He hoped that Danvers had been successful in stalling or diverting them. All Brady needed now was a chance to get out of the house and make his escape. Inside the Daniels house, Malcolm's scream had brought everyone running upstairs. Malcolm had fallen out of the shower and had just grabbed a towel when the door slammed open, just missing his head. Tony burst into the room, his pistol drawn and covering the window. "Crawl out of here Malcolm," he whispered. Malcolm moved slowly out of the bathroom with Tony behind him. Malcolm's arms and back were dripping blood all over the carpet and he was scared. The rest of the security team rushed to get everyone else out of the house, then Malcolm, still just in a towel, was pushed into the back of a Hummer. "Relax, Malcolm, we will have you at the hospital in a flash," Donnie said from the driver's seat. "Where are my brothers and Patrick?" Malcolm asked. "Your brothers are in the other car, along with your dad and grandfather, and I thought Patrick was in your bedroom," Donnie answered. "No, he never came to bed last night. Did you check the house? Were my brothers hurt?" Malcolm asked as he tried to sit up. "Yes, we checked the whole house, and no, your brothers were not hurt. Now stay still." "I need some shorts." "Don't worry about that right now; we will get some at the hospital." "Okay." Back at Malcolm's house, Tony, who had stayed behind to supervise the other agents, had just sat down at the kitchen table when his cell phone chirped. Tony knew full well that it was Ace on the other end. "Marchand here." "Tony, just what the damn hell is going on down there?" Ace yelled. "Sir, someone fired a shot into the Daniels' home. We have everything under control and, sir, may I ask how you found out there was a problem here?" "Under control, do you realize that the President is up in arms?" "I don't know why, sir." "Then you haven't seen the news, they are saying that multiple shots have been heard in the area. Now just what is going on?" "With all due respect sir. Please give me a chance to explain." "You had better, since your job is hanging by a thread." "Ace, there was a single shot fired into the Daniels' house through the bathroom window, and Malcolm is on the way to the hospital. I can tell you that he wasn't hit, but he has a lot of cuts from flying glass." "HOW THE HELL DID THIS MANAGE TO HAPPEN?" Ace yelled into the phone, obviously upset. "Sir, calm down and please let me explain," Tony calmly replied. "And where were your agents? Why weren't they out there watching?" "We were watching, and we have been searching the area and checking out the houses that we knew were empty. Sir, I have two agents outside pinned down by the shooter. The Daniels family is away and safe. Now, if you will let me get to work, I just might have a chance of catching this son-of-a-bitch." "Well, you obviously missed something." "Yes, sir, we did, and I take full responsibility for that oversight." "All right, get the shooter, and then I want a full report on this." "Yes sir, just as soon as I can." Hanging up, Tony was just about to leave the kitchen when his phone chirped again. "Marchand," Tony snapped. "Tony, this is Donnie. Have you checked the whole house? It seems that Patrick is missing." "Yes, everyone is out of the house, and what do you mean Patrick is missing?" Tony asked with apprehension in his voice. "Well, he isn't with anyone here, so I called his parents' place and Patrick isn't at home. He was supposed to be spending the night with Malcolm. "WHAT? Tony screamed. "He was staying here last night so he should have been protected. Who's responsible for this?" "I don't know. Malcolm was just saying that he didn't come to bed last night." "So what the hell happened? Was he allowed to walk off unescorted?" "Again, I don't know. I wasn't on duty; in fact, I was sleeping. So were you." "Damn it, I want to know the agents who were on duty last night and I mean like NOW!" "Hey, how the hell am I supposed to do that? I have Malcolm and his family to look after." "Donnie, you're my number two here. Find out. There has to be a schedule." "Check the office, damn it. Look, I know you're worried, so am I, but just calm down and think." "You're right and I'm sorry I jumped on you. Call me back when you know how things are with Malcolm." "I will; now just go do your job." Hanging up, Tony went to the office, found the roster for the evening shift and discovered that the two men on duty last night were the same two that were now being pinned down outside. Checking his weapon, Tony was just about to step out the back door when another shot was fired at his men. Stopping short, Tony turned and ran to the front door jerked it open and ran outside and down the driveway. He had just reached the end of the driveway when he heard someone yelling. "You people out there listen. I'm gonna leave this place and you are to stay away." "We can't do that," one of the agents yelled back. "We can't let you run free to try hurting others." "You don't understand, I am leaving, or..." Tony didn't hear any more as he ran down the street and around the block, his phone stuck to his ear as he again called for the police and now for a swat team. At the corner of the street to the house from which the shots were fired, Tony stopped and waited. News crews quickly gathered around him and all wanted to know what was going on. "Ladies and gentlemen, please move away from this area." "Why? We have a right to be here," one reporter bristled. "Yes, you do, but I am ordering you to move. You have all heard the shots; this is not a safe place right now." Tony spoke up, louder this time. "Sir, my name is Amelia Jenkins. Can you tell us if anyone has been hurt?" "Lady, I told you to move back, now do it or face being arrested for not following a lawful order. Also, I cannot tell you anything at this time, but when we have things fully under control I will let you all know." "Thank-you," Amelia called out as she started to walk away. Tony was still clearing the reporters away when the Naples police started to show up. As he waited, he was steaming inside. He had called the police when the first shot had been fired and that had been almost forty minutes earlier. As the first officer, a sergeant, exited his vehicle, Tony strode over to him. "What the hell took you so long? I called over forty minutes ago," Tony yelled, shoving his Secret Service ID in the officer's face. "Sorry, but we just got the call five minutes ago." The officer replied staring at the credentials and the gun in Tony's hand. "What about the SWAT team I asked for, where are they?" "Sorry sir, we were just told to send a couple cars over, no one said anything about SWAT." "Just what kind of police department are you people running? Get a swat team over here NOW." "Yes, sir." Sgt. Sam Johnson stood six feet even. Sam had spent eight years with the US Army Rangers; he knew how to follow orders, so when Tony told him to get the swat team Sam didn't even think twice about it. Sam grabbed his radio and called for the SWAT team, only to be told by Sgt. Danvers that the team was unavailable. Tony, hearing that the team wasn't coming, grabbed his phone and called the Naples Police Department. "Naples Police, how may I help you?" the dispatcher asked. "This is Secret Service agent Tony Marchand. I would like to speak with the watch commander, please." "One moment, please, sir." "This is Captain Jerome Harris, how can I help you?" "Captain, this is Special Agent Tony Marchand with the Secret service. It seems that someone in your department is refusing to follow through on my request for your SWAT team." "Sir, I heard the call, and I can assure you that the team is available. I will personally see that it is dispatched immediately." "Thank-you, sir. I also request that the person who took the call be arrested and charged with obstruction and perhaps even aiding and abetting attempted murder." "Sir, those are serious charges." "Sir, I have someone shooting up the neighborhood, and your officer is refusing to send me a SWAT team. Also, when I called it took almost forty-five minutes for the first car to arrive. Now you tell me just what the hell I am supposed to do." "Very well. I can understand that you're upset, but please relax. I will find out what is going on." "Thank-you, Captain." Hanging up, Tony turned to look over the house from which the shots were fired. As soon as got off the phone with Tony, Capt. Harris walked out of his office and cornered Danvers. "Danvers, my office, now!" he snapped. He then walked over to the dispatcher and told her to dispatch the SWAT team to the area of the Daniels home. "Tell the Lieutenant that she is to ask for Tony Marchand with the Secret Service," Harris ordered. Walking back into his office, Harris was about to sit when Danvers walked in, followed by a tall Native American. "Sit down, Danvers." Harris ordered, then looked at the tall Native American. "Can I help you?" he asked. "Captain Harris, I am Jase Walkingtall with Internal Affairs. I am here to inform you that there has been an on-going investigation of one of your officers. We have concluded that this officer not only has been complicit in the obstruction of justice, the conspiracy to commit murder, and numerous other offences, but has also attempted to gain entry into numerous Federal computer databases," Jase stated. "Do you have the name of this officer?" Harris asked. "Yes, sir, we do. I also have a warrant for his arrest. Sgt. Danvers, please turn over your weapon and badge to the Captain immediately. Sgt. Danvers you are hereby under arrest, you are charged with obstruction of justice, conspiracy to commit murder, and numerous other offences. `Mister' Danvers, you have the right to remain silent. If you give up that right, anything you say can be use against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak with an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you. If you choose to answer questions without an attorney you can stop at anytime and an attorney will be appointed for you. Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?" Walkingtall recited. "Go to hell!" Danvers snapped. Walkingtall placed handcuffs on Danvers and led him away to the holding cells, Danvers swearing the whole way. Sam Johnson was standing with Tony when he saw the SWAT van pull up. "Sir, SWAT's here," Sam spoke as he pointed out the team van. "Okay, let's go deal with them," Tony replied. He was just stepping off the sidewalk when his phone chirped. "Marchand." "Sir, this is Morrison, my partner and I are pinned down, but we are safe for the moment. The reason I am calling is because the shooter just showed us that he has a hostage. Sir, it is Malcolm's friend, Patrick." "Are you sure?" Tony asked. "Yes, sir. I remember the young man because he said he was just going out for a quick walk last night. I didn't think he was in any danger, so I let him go." We'll talk about that later. Right now, we need to get him out and safe," Tony replied with a bit of anger in his voice as he realized what happened to Patrick. "Yes, sir." Tony was still speaking when a short woman stopped in front of him. "You Marchand?" she asked not waiting for him to finish his call. "Yes, just wait a minute," Tony answered. "I don't have a minute, I was sent to do a job and I plan on doing it," the woman spoke surlily. Finishing his call, Tony looked at the woman. "First off, that was one of my agents," Tony started. "Secondly, the situation has escalated as I just learned that the shooter has a 14-year-old male hostage, so my main concern now has become his safety." "Sorry, sir, and if we are going to work together please call me Liza, and you're right about the hostage's safety coming first. Now can you show me where the shooter is?" "Liza, I was informed that I would be dealing with a Lieutenant." "That would be me. Now let's go save some lives, or do you want to stand around all day." "Do you have a sharpshooter with you?" "No, he went home sick." "Are you telling me that your team has only one, I find that unusual. Tell me, what type of rifle and scope does your team carry?" "We carry the AR-15 with a Leopold 3x9 scope." "Excuse me, sir, but if the Lieutenant would let me, I can be your sniper. That's what I was trained for in the Rangers," Sam interrupted. "Well, Liza, can Sam here use your rifle?" Tony asked. "Sir, with all due respect, Sam is not part of our team," Liza answered. "I don't give a damn about that; you both work for the same department. If he can cover my men and does so without risking himself, then I say give him the weapon, or do I call Captain Harris?" Tony snarled. "Okay, he can use it, but one of my team goes with him," she snarled back. Taking Sam over to the SWAT team's van, Liza gave Sam the rifle and a partner then called her dispatch and asked them send out a couple of ambulances, then stormed off. As she walked away, Liza slowly calmed down. She was the team leader and had worked hard to be where she was, and she disliked having to take orders from a Fed. Without realizing it, Liza walked right into the crowd of reporters. "Lieutenant, can you tell us what is happening?" Amelia Jenkins asked. "At this time all we know is that there is a suspect shooting into one of the homes," Liza answered. "Has anyone been injured?" another reporter asked. "At this time we don't have any information on anyone being injured." "Rumor has it that Malcolm Daniels is the target, can you confirm this?" Eric Stobbel asked. "As I said, we do not know who the shooter is nor who he is shooting at, and we cannot and will not work based on rumors. That is all I can say at this time; when we learn more so will you." In the White House residence, Bennie Jacobs had just turned on his TV when a news flash came on. Watching closely, Bennie knew that someone was going crazy, but what really drew his attention was the fact that the shooting was taking place in Naples, Florida. Jumping up off his seat, he raced over to Ace's room. Seeing him on the phone and hearing him yelling, Bennie knew that someone was in deep shit. "Ace, Bennie called out, is it..." "Let me finish this call, then I can talk to you," Ace replied. Several minutes later, Ace ended the call and turned towards Bennie. "Now what were you trying to ask?" "Well, I just heard the news, is it true someone is shooting up Naples?" "Yes it is, and before you ask, yes, it was Malcolm's house, but Malcolm will be fine." "Do they know who did it, or why?" "No, they don't, but the team that is protecting the family is good, so try not to worry," Ace said as he gave Bennie a gentle kiss. "How badly was he hurt?" Bennie asked, sensing that Ace wasn't telling him everything. "From what Tony told me, Malcolm has a few cuts and possibly some hurt pride," Ace replied just as his phone sounded. "Mason." "Ace, would you come over to the Treaty Room," Ben asked. "Right away, sir," Ace answered. In the Treaty Room, Ben was pacing. The TV was on CNN and the news wasn't good. Ace knocked on the door before opening it. "Ace, would you care to tell me just what is going on?" Ben asked as he stared at the TV screen. "Sir, all I know right now is that someone has been shooting into the Daniels home. The agents there are doing the best they can. Tony Marchand is keeping me up to date." "Ace, I've always said security was your job and you do great work, but I like young Mr. Daniels. He has a lot of guts, so I want he kept safe. Now, is he going to be here for Wednesday?" "Right now I honestly can't say, sir. All I can say is that, knowing him, he'll be here — and I like the kid also." Ace was about to say more when the sound of a woman's voice came over the TV. "This is Amelia Jenkins with a news update. We have just learned that Malcolm Daniels has been injured in the shooting that has been heard throughout the morning. We have also learned that the shooter has a hostage, but as of right now we are unable to confirm this." "Where the hell did she get that information?" Ben stormed. Ace, ignoring the question, was already punching in Tony's cell number. "Marchand here, can you wait a second?" Tony said as he answered the call. "No, I can't wait." Ace yelled. "Tony, just what is going on and what is this the news is saying about a hostage." "Ace, I'm sorry, but I really can't talk right now." "Why not?" "Because I am doing my job! Now let me do it and I will call you back." "All I want to know right now is if it is true that the shooter has a hostage." "Yes, damn it, now let me do my job and save him," Tony snapped. "All right Tony, get the hostage released, then I want you to call me back with your report." "Okay, but I don't know what time that will be." Hanging up, Ace spoke for a few more minutes with Ben then left to go back to his room. Twenty minutes after leaving the Daniels' home, Malcolm was in the emergency room. Donnie was standing outside of Malcolm's room as the doctors started pulling glass from his back and arms and a nurse was running a comb through Malcolm's hair to make sure that there was no glass left. For three hours the doctors cleaned and stitched. Some fifty stitches later, Malcolm was dressed and slowly walking back out the hospital doors. Security was there holding back the reporters, allowing Malcolm and his brothers to get into the cars without a hassle. Donnie was just getting into the car when his phone chirped. Not recognizing the number Donnie was about to ignore it when it chirped again. "Osbourne here, who is this?" "Sir, it's Jamie, I need your help," Jamie answered. "Jamie, what's the problem?" Donnie asked as he noticed a flash of anger run across Malcolm's face. "Sir, it's my dad. He took off, plus I know the guy that is shooting up the Daniels place. His name is Brady Martin. I told you that before, but there's more. This morning when I was going through the house I found a list of names in a notebook my dad must have dropped. Sir, it tells a lot about what is going on." "Okay, Jamie, I want you to slow down," Donnie started. "First, are you still at home?' "Yes, sir." "Okay, then how about I come pick you up and we can talk." "Okay. Can you tell me if was Malcolm hurt?" "He'll be fine, and Jamie, this isn't your fault, so stop thinking that way." "How did you know what I was thinking?" "That is easy most people do think that way when something goes wrong and they couldn't stop it." "Oh, I didn't know that. How soon will you be here?" "Well, I have to drop Malcolm and his brothers off, then I will come and get you." "Okay, I'll see you soon." "Malcolm, since it isn't safe at your house right now, where can we go?" Donnie asked. "We can go to Mike's Place. None of us have had breakfast, so I know everyone is hungry," Malcolm answered. "Uh huh," Aaron mumbled, and Zeke just nodded his head. "Sure, we can do that; these men will stay with you while I go get Jamie. Malcolm, I know you don't like or trust him, but please just try and get along for now," Donnie spoke with sincerity. "No problem, just keep him away from my brothers and me." "Well, I will have to bring him back with me, since my main job is protecting you and your brothers." "Well, he can sit at another table. Does he have any money?" "I don't know. I can find out when I pick him up, but if he doesn't then I'll pay for his meal." At Mike's Place, Maggie was working and when she had a free minute she would glance at the wall-mounted television. Ever since she first heard that someone was shooting at a house she was worried, hoping that this had nothing to do with the school strike or with Malcolm. She had just stepped into the kitchen area when the front door opened and in walked three men dressed in suits. Maggie was uncomfortable; these men didn't fit in. They looked the place over as if searching for something or someone. Walking over Maggie stopped in front of them. "Can I help you gentlemen?" she asked, arms akimbo. "No, we are just looking the place over. Actually, you can. Where does Malcolm Daniels sit when he comes here?" one of the men asked. "Why, and what concern is that of yours?" "Ma'am, our concern is for the boy's safety. We are part of his security team from the Secret Service," the agent spoke as he showed Maggie his ID. "What has that boy done now?" Maggie started. "As for his table, it is in the far back corner by the window." "We'll have to move it, and there will be eight of us. Ma'am please make sure there are no windows close by." "I can do that, but it will take a few minutes to set." As Malcolm and his troupe were sitting down to eat, Donnie picked up Jamie. "Thanks for coming, sir," Jamie said as soon as he was in the car. "Not a problem, Jamie. Tony and I both told you to call if you had trouble," Donnie replied. "Well, I was going to phone my friend Travis, but then I remembered that Brady is his older brother." "What can you tell me about Brady?" "Let's see, he's always been in trouble, but his dad managed to keep him outta jail, except for the last time. I know that whole family hates the Daniels family and now I know why. It really has nothing, yet everything, to do with Malcolm." "Okay, that's as clear as muddy water. Can you explain?" "I can try, but I might not make much sense." "Just do the best you can." "Okay. From what I started to read in the notebook it looks like this all started when Mr. Martin and his buddies were in high school. They, like Brady, his brother Travis, their cousin and me, were bullies and always beating up on whomever they chose to. Dad wrote that they could get away with it cuz Stan Wiley's dad was the principal at the time." "Hang on Jamie, are you saying that Senator Martin used to beat on people?" "I am just telling you what I've read so far." "I know, sorry, please go on." "Well it seems like in high school Marcus Daniels stepped in and stopped a few fights, then after college Mr. Daniels borrowed like two-and-a-half million dollars from the group to start his own company. Mr. Daniels paid every dime back with interest within two years, but everyone still wanted a piece of the company, even after they were repaid. First, The Daniels Company went national, and now it is global. When Mr. Daniels died and left everything to Malcolm, Mr. Martin and everyone else thought they again had a chance to get the company so they have tried everything they could to steal it from Malcolm. Hell, his own mother is in on it. They figured that if Malcolm was in jail the judge would give his mother control of everything, so she pushed him to kick her out just so she could say he was crazy. Hell, this group has a senator, a governor, a Secret Service agent, a principal, a teacher, a school board chairman and even a couple of cops in it. I am surprised Malcolm is still alive." "Does your dad's book have the other names in it?" "Everyone's name is in it. There is something else you should know: I was adopted. I don't know who my real parents are and now with my dad gone, I'm alone again — no family, nothing. I don't know what I'm going to do." "Jamie, I don't know if I can help, but I will try my best. The first thing, though, is that with you having that book and knowing what you do, you will have to be protected. Once your dad discovers it is missing he will come looking for it, and for you. I think I'd better talk to my boss Tony, and while I am doing that you get something to eat. Oh, does this Brady have a cell phone?" "Yeah, I even have his number. Why?" "Well, if he is the one shooting up Malcolm's home, Tony will want to call him and try to stop him, maybe get him to give himself up." "Oh, I never thought of that. I figured you'd just shoot him." "We try not to do that unless we have no other choice." After seeing that Jamie was settled at the table and he had ordered something to eat, Donnie took Malcolm aside and told him how Jamie's dad had taken off and left Jamie behind. "Why are you telling me this?" Malcolm asked. "Why doesn't he call one of his friends? They can put him up. You know I don't like him, even if he is trying to help." "Malcolm, I am telling you this because what he told me means he is in the same or more danger than you are right now," Donnie whispered. "Oh yeah, he has a nice quiet morning, probably a nice long hot shower and I get shot at, cut up, frozen, and sewn together and you're saying he's in danger. Don't make me laugh." "Look, just treat him fairly. Now I have to phone Tony, so I'll be just outside." "Whatever." Standing just outside the restaurant, Donnie punched in Tony's cell number. With just the first ring the phone was answered. "Yes, Donnie?" "Tony, I have Jamie with us. His father abandoned him this morning and has probably left town, but that's not the reason for this call. The shooter's name is Brady Martin. Jamie gave me Brady's cell number. Do you want it?" "Of course, give it to me. What else did Jamie tell you?" "He told me a lot of things, more than you have time for right now. I can tell you that this whole mess started before Malcolm was born." "Damn, that was over fifteen years ago." While Tony and Donnie were talking, Malcolm had gotten up from his seat and walked over to where Jamie was sitting. "Jamie we need to talk, please?" Malcolm asked. "Sure, what's on your mind?" Jamie answered as he stared at Malcolm. "It is no secret that I dislike you and that I don't trust you, but lately you have gone out of your way to help the police. Donnie also told me that your dad has taken off, so maybe you can let me try and help, and maybe we can learn to trust each other." Jamie looked down, staring at the tabletop. "I'd like that. Malcolm, I know what I did was wrong and have no excuses for it, but trust me when I say that I'm really sorry I took part in it." "Jamie, we all messed up in school last year. You ended up being the lucky one that didn't get hurt. Yes, I am sorry that things happened, but we can't change them now. Where are you going to be staying?" "I don't know. Donnie says I know too much and need to be protected, but no one can do that." "Malcolm, can we get out of here?" Zeke walked over and whispered. "I'm getting bored and so is Aaron. "Yes, Zeke, just give me a few more minutes and then maybe we can all go to the arcade for a while," Malcolm said as he looked over at Jamie. Jamie shook his head. "No, I don't want to be anywhere near Brady, but I don't like the idea of being alone either. Why don't I just leave so you can take your brothers to the arcade. I can find a place," Jamie said as he looked at Zeke and smiled. "You just said you didn't want to be alone. You also said that Donnie told you that you needed to be protected. Do you think Donnie would let you just walk out of here? I don't. Besides, I did say we can all go the arcade," Malcolm said as he placed a hand on Jamie's shoulder. "I don't want to be in the way of you and your brothers, Malcolm." "You won't be in the way, and can you honestly tell me that you have a safe place to go? I know you don't. Take a look around; you will be safe with us and get to have some fun at the same time," Malcolm said as he pulled Jamie towards the front door. "Are you sure about this?" Jamie asked, a little confused. "Yup, now let's go before my brothers start screaming." "All right," Jamie said as they headed for the door. As the boys and their security detail left the restaurant for the arcade, Tony helped Sam onto the roof of a house that overlooked Malcolm's back yard and the house where the shooter was holed up. Sam had a clear view of the back windows, and when he looked through the scope he could see the hostage sitting tied up in the middle of the room, a look of fear on the boy's face. "Tony, I can see the hostage, but so far he just looks scared," Sam said through the headpiece he was wearing. "Can you see the shooter?" Tony asked. "I can just make out what looks like a shoulder, but the way he is standing could put the hostage in the line of fire." "Okay, Sam, hold off. Marsten and Real, when I tell you to, I want you to draw the shooter's fire. Sam, if you get a clean shot take it. Right now I don't care if he is alive or not." "Sure, Tony," Sam replied, "but if we can take him alive it would be better." "Not at the risk of the hostage. If you think you can put him down and keep him alive then do it, otherwise..." "Boss, when do you want us to move?" Marsten asked over his radio. "When I give the order to move, and not until then," Tony replied. "Liza, let's get the team together in front of the house, and Sam, take him down as soon as you get the shot," Tony ordered. Quietly everyone got ready to move. Marsten, lacking both judgment and an order, sprang up and ran closer towards the back of the house. Brady saw the movement and quickly stepped into the window and raised his rifle. Seeing this, Sam quickly pointed his rifle, sighted through the scope, placed his finger on the trigger, and gently squeezed. The echo of the shot echoed between the houses as Sam kept watch through his scope. "Tony, suspect is down, I can't see movement," Sam whispered. Still looking, he could see the look of terror on the hostage's face and a large wet stain forming on his pants. "Tony, you better get in there if you're going," Sam said. When Tony heard the shot, he turned and looked at the men with the ram. "Bust it down!" Tony snapped. Once the door was broken open, Tony took off running up to the second floor. "You men search the main floor; I will cover Tony's back," Liza ordered as she too ran up the stairs. Tony had just reached the second floor when he heard a soft voice calling out. "In here," Patrick called with quiver in his voice. "Patrick, this is Tony. Are you okay?" "Y..Yeah, but Brady is still moving, not much, though," Patrick answered his voice still shaky. "Okay, don't worry. I'm coming in." "O..Okay, but umm Tony I..." "It's okay, Patrick we'll have you out of here in a minute." "Umm, Tony, I sorta had an accident," Patrick said now totally embarrassed. "That's okay, I understand. That can happen when you are scared." "Tony, why don't I go and get a blanket for Patrick so he won't feel embarrassed when we leave," Liza whispered. Tony nodded and made his way into the room where Patrick was. He moved the rifle away from Brady, his voice calmly talking all the while. "Patrick, why did you leave the house last night?" Tony asked, trying to get Patrick's mind off the image of Brady laying there." "I needed to think," Patrick whispered. "I didn't know this was gonna happen." "No son, you didn't, and it isn't your fault. I'm just glad you're safe, and I know someone else that will be happy also." "Malcolm?" Patrick asked. "Tell me he's okay, please; he's gotta be." "He's fine. He is with his brothers right now, and Donnie is with him." "Malcolm's gonna be angry with me isn't he?" Patrick said as tears started to fall. "I don't think so. I think he is just as worried about you as you are about him. In fact, we all were pretty worried about you." Tony managed to get the ropes off Patrick and was going over to check on Brady when Liza walked in. "Here, Tony, you take this and I will look after the perp," Liza said as she handed Tony the blanket. Tony covered Patrick with the blanket, picked him up and was just about to leave the room when Liza spoke up. "Tony, this guy's still alive." "Then get him to the hospital, I want him kept that way until I have a chance to talk with him," Tony said as he left the room. "And you, my friend, are on your way to the hospital, too; I want a doctor to check you over," Tony whispered as be carried Patrick out of the house. "Where's Malcolm? Can we go see him, please?" Patrick asked. "Maybe after you're checked out, and we get you a change of clothes," Tony whispered. "I have some clothes at Malcolm's place." "In that case, I'll go get you some, and we can have one of the EMTs look you over. If he says you're okay, we can go join Malcolm." Giving Patrick to one of the EMTs Tony went over to Malcolm's house and got a change of clothes for Patrick. As he was heading back, he called Donnie. "Osbourne here, how can I help you?" Donnie asked. "Donnie, this is Tony. Where are Malcolm and his brothers?" "We're at the arcade in the mall right now. Is it safe to bring them home?" "Not for a while, we still have to clean up, and I don't want the boys to see anything." "What about Patrick, have you found him?" "Yes, I have him and he is safe. I'll bring him over there in about 30 minutes." "That will make it just about dinner time." "Sounds about right. Now, care to tell me how badly Malcolm was hurt?" "The bullet missed him but left a long burn crease near his left shoulder. He has a few deep cuts on his arms and quite a few, a couple deep, cuts on his back. It took about 50 stitches to close them all. There are some smaller cuts over his lower back and butt, but other than that he's fine." "That is good news. Now what about Jamie, is what he going to give us going to be of any help?" "More than you would ever guess, but we can go into that later." "Yes, I guess we can. Now I have Patrick to bring over, and I need something to eat." The EMT told Tony that there was no reason to transport Patrick to the hospital and that he was released. Thanking the EMT, Tony walked up to Patrick, handed him his clothes and told him to get changed so they could join Malcolm for dinner. "Good, because I am starved," Patrick said. "You're not the only one! Now hurry up," Tony laughed. In the privacy of the ambulance Patrick changed, putting his wet clothes into the bag he was given. Jumping back out, Patrick walked over to where Tony was standing. "Come on, let's go." Patrick said "Okay, squirt, let's go." It was a short drive to the mall and Patrick stared out the window the whole way, lost in thought. Once Tony parked, Patrick sat for a few more minutes. "Hey buddy, don't be so down," Tony whispered. "But Malcolm is going to be upset. How do I tell him I just needed to be alone and think? That is why I never came to bed last night." "Tell him just like you told me. He will understand." "I hope so. He's the best friend I have." "Malcolm will never give that up. You're his best friend, too. Just remember that." Inside the mall, Donnie kept everybody together in the arcade; Donnie had not told Malcolm that Patrick was on his way. When his phone chirped, Donnie knew that Tony and Patrick were just walking into the mall. As soon as Patrick saw Malcolm he rushed over and gave his friend a gentle hug and a quick kiss on the lips. "I missed you," Patrick whispered. "I missed you too, where have you been?" Malcolm replied. "I went out for a walk; I needed time to think. Then I got hit from behind and the next thing I knew I was being dragged along the street and into a house where I was tied to a chair. I watched as Brady shot through your window, I heard you scream and started to cry, I thought I had lost you." Patrick said as he started crying again. "Hey, none of that, you won't lose me. I have a lot of cuts but I am okay, I was just worried about you." "What the hell?" Jamie snapped. "Are you two fa... " "Get a life, Jamie," Patrick snapped right back. "Jamie, you started to change for the better. Don't fall back into what you were. Patrick, chill! My brothers are watching and we shouldn't let them see stuff like you and Jamie fighting," Malcolm interrupted. "We can all talk about this later, but for now lets just act like pals and have fun." "Sorry guys, it's just... well, never mind," Jamie said as he stared at the game in front of him. "You're right, Malcolm, but it's hard after what he and his buddies put me through," Patrick said in a frustrated voice. "I know, but he's trying to change. Give him a chance, besides there are some things you don't know yet," Malcolm replied. "Okay, if you trust him..." Patrick whispered. "I don't yet. He has started to earn my trust, but not for now. Jamie's different when he's not with that bunch, though. You'll see." Malcolm was going to say more when Tony walked up with Donnie and the other agents. "Malcolm, let's go eat, and Jamie, I have to inform you that you are now under a Federal Protection Order." "Does that mean I'm going to jail?" Jamie asked, fear showing on his face. "No, it just means that for right now you cannot go anywhere without one of my agents with you." "Oh, then can it be Mr. Osbourne?" "No Jamie, I have chosen Agent Stillwaters to be your protection." "Why, I trust Mr. Osbourne." "Jamie, Ian Stillwaters is a fine agent and I need Mr. Osbourne with me. That is my decision." "Fine, whatever, my life is screwed anyways." "Don't talk like that Jamie," Donnie said softly to him. "I have other things that are just as important. Please trust Agent Stillwaters." At the crime scene, the paramedics managed to get Brady on a gurney and off to the hospital, where doctors were waiting. Once at the hospital, Brady was rushed right in for X-rays and then prepped for emergency surgery. The emergency room doctor that first started working on Brady was the same one that had first looked at Malcolm before handing him off to one of the resident doctors. Now here he was treating a gunshot victim. As he worked, he wondered if these two cases were in any way related. Email me if you wish me to continue. thewriter1@live.ca Lot More Too Come Just Please Be Patient. P.S. NyMatt, please no more lynch mobs, haha.