Justin looked at Brian with a little smile as the man tuck in Gus. “Night, dada.” Gus said sleepy. “Night, baby.” Justin whispered and walked closer to the bed. Brian smiled and kissed his son. “Daddy.” Gus whispered before his eyes closed. Brian got up and Justin and him left Gus’s room. “He is really tired.” Justin said. “He didn’t want to go to bed because we were playing with him. He misses us.” Brian told him. Justin nodded. “We should talk.” Brian said not looking at Justin. “Okay.” Justin told him. “Did you eat? I can make us something.” “I’m okay.” Brian told him. They walked down to the living room. They were silent as they picked Gus’s toys up and tidied up the living room. Justin was the first one to sit down. He looked at Brian who was staring at the floor. “Brian?” Brian looked at the blond with an expressionless face. He walked to the sofa where Justin was sitting down and sat at the end of it, away from Justin. He looked at Justin and felt hurt all over again. He had managed to push the feeling down, but now it was coming back. “Why did you do it?” Brian asked. Justin looked at the floor. “I don’t know, Brian. I wanted him. At least I thought I did. I thought that I loved him. And I was confused because I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Then afterwards I just wanted to die. I realized the mistake I made. I wanted to turn back time.” Justin told him sincerely. “How do you know that?” Brian asked. “Maybe you do love him. Maybe I’m the mistake.” Justin shook his head. “No. Brian. I am in love with you. Chris was just a crush I had years ago and I wasn’t able to stop myself from fucking him now. Just because I wanted to know what it would be like. That’s the truth. I was just too stupid to see it. I realized it too late.” Justin said as his eyes filled with tears. “I was so afraid that I would lose you.” “I was a stupid crush too.” Brian muttered. “Never.” Justin told him. “You were always more than that. Even if we never had gotten together, you were still my friend. And part of me always was in love with. It was something I pushed away because I thought it would never happen.” Justin told him. Brian looked away. “I never wanted to see you again. I was so mad at you. I almost fucked another guy.” Brian said. “But I didn’t want to hurt you.” Justin closed his eyes not sure what he could say to that. Brian had been faithful to him and he had failed the brunet. “I forgive you, Justin. I do, but don’t ever fuck a friend of yours again, or an ex or anyone from the past that you might have like.” Brian told him. “I don’t think I can handle that. I don’t want to lose you.” “You are a friend.” Justin told him. Brian smirked. “Don’t be an idiot.” Brian told him. “I want to be in a monogamous relationship, Jus. Do you think you can do that?” Justin smiled and nodded. They stayed looking at each other not really saying anything. “I’m going to go to bed.” Brian said after a while and stood up. “Yeah. It’s late.” Justin said. Brian went up the stairs and Justin followed him. “Where do you think you are going?” Brian asked once he opened the door to their room. “Our room?” Justin asked. “I don’t think so. I’m not ready for this.” Brian told him. “Go to the guest room.” “I thought you forgave me.” Justin said frowning. “I did. But I’m still feeling kind of vulnerable.” Brian told him. “Just give me some time.” Justin took a deep breath and nodded. Brian then proceeded to close the door. Justin was angry and hurt. He wanted to go to his own bed with Brian. He took a deep breath and knew he was wrong for even daring to get angry. He was the one that had hurt the brunet and it was a miracle that Brian was back in the house. He turned around and walked down the hall. It was going to be a cold night. *** Hunter entered his apartment after he had forgotten his pack of cigarettes. He was about to go into his room until he heard someone screaming. “I said shut up!” A man screamed. Hunter stopped walking and kept very quiet. He wondered what the hell was going on. “I didn’t tell them anything.” Susie sobbed. Hunter bit his lower lip as he listened to what was happening in his room. “What about Justin Taylor? He has been here a few times.” The guy said. “I have never talked to him. I haven’t seen him. He talks to Jimmy, but he hasn’t said anything either.” Susie told them. “She’s lying.” Another man said. “Kill her.” “No. Please.” Susie screamed. Hunter didn’t hear anything for a long time and then there was a gun shot. He gasped and started running out of the place. The men in the room noticed that someone was outside and came out to follow whoever it was. Hunter didn’t know what the hell he was going to do. *** Brian came into the house to find Justin on the phone pacing from side to side. “What’s going on?” Brian asked. Justin covered the mouthpiece. “Chris woke up. He told Jeremy where Billy is and he is going to pick him up.” Justin told him. “Is everything okay?” Brian nodded. He hated that he had to leave Gus with someone else, but it was the smartest thing to do. “Okay, no problem.” Justin said then hung up. “He’s bringing him here.” Brian nodded. “And then what?” Brian asked. “Then we ask him what he knows and we find him a safe place.” Justin told him. Brian nodded. “So, what did Gus say?” Justin asked. “That we take too much daddies’ time.” Brian said smirking. Justin laughed and shook his head. He nodded thinking that the boy was right. He looked at Brian and walked over to him. “It will be over soon.” Justin said caressing Brian’s face. Brian smiled at him. Justin tried to kiss Brian, but the brunet pulled back. “Sorry.” Justin said and pulled away. “I’ll be right back.” Brian closed his eyes. He wanted to stop Justin and kiss him senseless, but was scared. “Where are you going?” Brian asked. “Out for a walk.” Justin told him. “I have my cell phone on if you need anything.” Brian nodded and stayed there feeling as empty as the house. *** Miller looked at the address he had quickly jotted down after talking with Chris. He had regain consciousness long enough to tell him that Billy was staying in a hotel not too far from where Chris and he had been staying. He wished that the night Chris had gotten shot he had been at the hotel and not following a hunch. He shook his head and knocked on the door. “Billy.” Miller asked. “Look, I’m a friend of Chris.” Still no one answered. “I’m a detective too. My name is Jeremy Miller.” Miller told him. “Chris was hurt and he told me you were staying here. He told me that you might not be safe here.” Miller took a deep breath. “I’m going to break in the door and drag you out if I have to.” Miller told him. Then the door opened and Billy stared at him. “I’m not here to hurt you.” Miller said. “I guess if you were one of them you would just have used your badge to get here and then killed me.” Billy said. “Can I come in?” Miller asked. Billy took a deep breath and nodded. Miller went in and saw the bags in the bed. “You’re going someplace?” Miller asked. “I was about to leave.” Billy said. “Chris said that he was going to come for me, but he didn’t. I waited for two days.” Miller nodded. “Okay. Grab your things and come with me.” Miller told him. “Where are we going?” Billy asked. “We are going to see a few people so you can tell them what’s going on.” Miller told him. Billy was doubtful. “Are they cops?” Billy asked. “Yeah. But they are good cops. Just like me.” Jeremy said and could see that the kid was not sure. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.” Billy nodded and picked up his things. He hoped that the people he was going to see were good. He looked at the detective next to him and could tell that he was a good man. *** Brian was eating a sandwich when there was a knock on the door. He thought it was Miller, but even then he didn’t let his guard down. He stood next to the door with his back to the wall and his hand on his gun. “Who is it?” Brian asked. “I’m…It’s me, Hunter. Uh, James. My name is James. I am…I am looking for Justin Taylor. Is he there?” Hunter asked. Brian moved slowly to the window and saw a guy who looked like he just seen a ghost. He could see that Hunter or James, or whatever his name was, was scared. He moved to the door and opened it. “What do you want?” Brian asked. “He gave me his card. But I lost it. Well, it’s at home…but I can’t go there. I really need to talk to him.” Hunter pleaded. Brian arched a brow. “Fine, come in.” Brian told him not letting his guard down. “What is this about?” “I can’t tell you.” Hunter said. “Justin is investigating something.” “I know. I work with him.” Brian told him. Hunter frowned. “You guys are everywhere. How do I know you are good?” Hunter asked. “I haven’t shot you yet.” Brian said. “But don’t test my patience.” “How do you know they are trying to kill me?” Hunter asked moving back. “You look like you’ve been running. You’re shaking and I don’t think pale is your color.” Brian explained. Hunter looked at his hands and saw the he was trembling. He took a deep breath and looked at Brian. “They killed Susie.” Hunter said as a tear ran down. “I didn’t know what to do. I’ll tell Justin anything he wants to know.” Brian nodded and took out his cell phone. “What’s wrong, Brian?” Justin asked. “You need to get here. I have a James guy waiting for you.” Brian said. “I’m on my way.” Justin told him. Brian hung up and nodded with his head towards the living room. Hunter walked there and sat down. Brian sat down in front of him, never moving his hand from his gun. *** When Justin got to the house everyone else was there. Billy and Hunter were sitting at the kitchen table as Brian and Miller stood behind the island. Hunter got up as soon as he saw Justin. “They killed her.” Hunter said. “Who?” Justin asked taking off his jacket. “Susie. They killed her. They were asking for you.” Hunter said. “I think they want to kill you too.” “What else is new?” Justin asked. “You have to be careful.” Miller said. “Chris wasn’t.” Justin nodded. “Am I going to be staying here?” Billy asked. Brian and Justin looked at each other. Brian shrugged. “Sure.” Justin told him. “What about me?” Hunter asked. “What about you?” Brian asked. “Where am I going to stay?” Hunter asked. “They are trying to kill me too, you know.” “I can get you a hotel room.” Miller said. “At least for a couple of days.” “Why can’t I stay here?” Hunter asked. Brian took a deep breath. “You cannot stay here.” Brian told him. “Why not?” Hunter asked. “We can’t watch the both of you.” Justin said. “I’ll stay with you.” Miller told him. “But you said you would protect me.” Billy told him. “And I’m staying here.” Brian took a deep breath and rolled his eyes. “I’m staying.” Hunter told them crossing his arms. “I’m not staying if he isn’t staying.” Billy said pointing at Miller. “Okay fine.” Brian said. “We’ll stay with Hunter and you can take Billy.” Miller looked at the blond teen and nodded. “Now can we sit down and talk about all of this?” Justin asked. “I want to know everything about Cody.” Hunter nodded and sat down. “We’ll be in the next room.” Brian said. “Billy can tell us about the guys that never made it back.” Billy got up and followed Brian while making sure that Miller was behind them. “So?” Justin asked. “Okay.” Hunter said. “What do I get out of this?” “What do you mean, what do you get out of this?” Justin asked. “You get our protection.” “Wow.” Hunter mocked. “Fine then, walk out.” Justin told him. Hunter looked at the door and frowned. He knew what would happen to him. “Am I going to get in trouble?” Hunter asked. “Have you killed anyone?” Justin asked. “No.” Hunter told him. “Have you seen anyone do it and kept quiet?” Justin asked. Hunter shook his head. “I heard it.” Hunter said. “I heard the gun shot.” Justin nodded. “Do you know who they were?” Justin asked. “No. I don’t.” Hunter assured him. “I pretty much think you are in the clear. Look, I’m interested in finding the killer and nothing else.” Justin told him. “Justin.” Hunter whispered. “What?” Justin asked. “I don’t want to die.” Hunter told him. Justin nodded. “I’ll do my best.” Justin promised him. Hunter nodded and then started telling Justin everything he knew. *** Justin looked at the time and frowned. Hunter still was telling him stories about everything he knew. “We are taking a break.” Miller said coming out of the kitchen. Billy and Brian followed him. “I’m hungry.” Billy said. “Me too.” Hunter told them. “I’ll go out and bring something back.” Justin said. “There is delivery.” Brian pointed out. “I’ll do it myself.” Justin told him. “I’ll go with you.” Hunter said. Justin shook his head. “Please, I don’t trust anyone but you.” Hunter whispered. Justin took a deep breath. “Fine.” Justin told him. “I want Chinese.” Billy said. “Italian.” Miller told them. “Pizza.” Hunter said. “Thai.” Brian said smirking. Justin rolled his eyes. “You’ll get whatever I bring back.” Justin told them and looked at Hunter. “Come on.” “Is he always this mean?” Billy asked once Justin was gone. Miller smirked as he looked at Brian. Brian rolled his eyes and left Billy and Miller alone in the room. He just hoped that Justin was careful and whoever was after Hunter didn’t find them. He wanted to tell the blond to stay, that it was safer if he went, but he knew how much that would have pissed off Justin. Justin wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything and that scared him. As hurt as he was, he just couldn’t lose Justin. *** They came back to the house about an hour later. While Justin had gotten the Thai and the Italian at one side of the street, Hunter had been ordering the pizza and the Chinese. “There is someone there.” Hunter said. Justin looked at Ethan leaning against the gate. “Shit.” Justin murmured. “Go inside. I’ll be there in a minute.” Hunter raised a brow and nodded. “Hey.” Ethan said as he watched Hunter go by. “Who is that?” “What do you want?” Justin asked. “I have been calling you all day.” Ethan said. “And?” Justin asked. “I’m busy, Ethan. I have a job. I don’t sit around all day.” Ethan nodded. “Does Brian know about your tricks?” Ethan asked. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Justin asked. “That guy that just went in.” Ethan said. Justin looked upward and shook his head. “Jesus, Ethan. He is just a kid.” Justin said. “And for your information Brian is home. Not that is any of your fucking business what I do with my life.” “Oh.” Ethan said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.” “Look, I really have to go. I’ll call you later.” Justin said. Ethan nodded and left Justin alone. Justin then went inside the house. He put the rest of the food in the counter where Billy and Hunter where already eating. “Where are Brian and Jeremy?” Justin asked raising a brow. “Brian is upstairs and Jeremy went to the bathroom.” Billy said. Justin nodded. “What were you doing with him?” Hunter asked swallowing. “What?” Justin asked opening a bag. “The guy that was talking to you.” Hunter said. Billy looked up at Justin. “Oh him.” Justin grunted. “He is my ex and just won’t leave me alone.” “He’s one of them.” Hunter whispered. Billy looked from Hunter to Justin. Things sure were getting complicated. “What?” Justin asked shocked. “Who is one of them?” Brian asked coming down the stairs that were in the kitchen. “Ethan.” Justin said looking at Brian. *** Emmett took out the key he had for Ted’s apartment and went in. He had been calling for hours and stood outside knocking forever. He found Ted sitting in the couch in his pajamas with a bottle of whisky. “Teddy.” Emmett murmured. Ted looked at Emmett and then back at the T.V. which was off. “What’s wrong?” Emmett asked as he sat next to his best friend. “I…I…” “What?” Emmett asked getting worried. Emmett knew that for a couple of months Ted had been stressed out, but he just thought it was because of work. His web site just had started to lift of the ground and he knew that Ted would be busy. But now that he was next to his friend, he knew something else was bothering the man. “You can tell me anything, Teddy.” Emmett told him, putting his arms around his friend. Ted took a deep breath and looked at Emmett. “I can’t do this anymore.” Ted said. “What are you talking about, Teddy?” Emmett asked. “It all started innocent enough. Well, as innocent as it can get.” Ted said. “You are not making any sense.” Emmett told him. “I met this guy one night at a party. He gave me his card and told me to come to this other party.” Ted whispered. Emmett nodded. “He wanted some of the guys from the site to come with me. So I asked around and they were okay with it.” Ted told him. “What happen?” Emmett asked. “One of them disappeared at that party.” Ted said. “Oh my god.” Emmett whispered. Emmett covered his mouth. “They told me he just left. He never came back and I really didn’t think much about it.” Ted said. “Then we kept going to these parties and another boy didn’t come back to work.” Emmett frowned and listened to what his friend was telling him. “One day, he didn’t come to work and I got worried. He was always punctual. So I started looking for him. Next thing I knew, my office was a mess and they left a note saying to forget him.” “Oh my god.” Emmett whispered. “I did. The boys that kept going to the parties came back. So I let it slip. But now this other guy named Tony Myers disappeared.” Ted said. “I don’t know what to do.” “Oh, Teddy.” Emmett said. “I’m scared, Emmett.” Emmett nodded and hugged him. “I tried to tell them that I wasn’t going to keep going to the parties and they threatened me. They had pictures of me and these guys. Oh god.” Emmett watched as Ted swallowed another gulp of the amber liquid. He knew he had to call the cops and report what was going on. It was the right thing to do, but he didn’t want to betray Ted. He would have to convince Ted to at least talk to Justin. Emmett knew the blond would know what to do.