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*STANDARD DISCLAIMER* All characters ar propert of MGM/Showtime/Trilogy, in no way was any copyright infringement intended and no money was made off of this story. I promise to return the characters in as good of shape as I can manage when I'm done. ;-)
One Bad Day 1 of ?
by Marcaich-Shine (e-mail to Marcaich@aol.com)
*Journal Of Philip Callaghan
Today was a bad day. I can't seem to get over Nick's hatred of my choice. I had to chose, there was nothing else I could do to save them. So why is he so upset at my decision? I mean, it's not like he really cares about me anymore...he just seemed annoyed I had ursurped his prerogative! It's not like we're lovers anymore, I had destroyed that long ago when I left........
So here I sit in the hospital...alone.....with my Journal and nothing else to comfort me. I know someday people will read this and judge what I have done, and I really don't care anymore. I'm a Priest who loved a man....and left him. Not for anything as lofty as my faith...no , I'm not that special. But I left because I could no longer ignore Nick's growing attraction to Derek. I knew that compared to him I was nothing, and true enough, after I left they took up a relationship. I can see why he did, Derek is as good a soul as any man I've ever met, and he's so sexy too. I will never hold it against Nick to be attracted to him...never.
But here I sit...alone with my Journal while Nick is at Derek's side in another room. Alex and Rachel are with him too. Where they belong. And after what I did, I know they will never forgive me...ever....
Nor will I forgive myself. But if I had to do it all over again, I would choose to save Derek over the cost of my own life. I would die for him. For Nick, Alex, Rachel, and Kat too....
I didn't die this time, luck was with me. But Derek had been struck down while trying to reach me, and Nick blames me for that...I just never would have thought Derek would follow me to that building. But I had been wrong, as usual, and I had gotten him hurt...just as surely as if I had been that monster who struck him in the head.
I lay here with problems of my own...but I know I will be alright. I don't know if Derek is and it's killing me....that and knowing Nick will never love me again...
It's been a bad day.
End Journal.*
Philip put the Journal down and closed his eyes. He had been delaying his own healing sleep until someone told him Derek would be alright...or not. He didn't even want to think about that alternative. Philip shifted in his bed and grimaced as the stitches in his back and shoulder stretched, causing white-hot agony to burn throuh his nerves.
The doctors had said he was lucky. The Doctors had put 128 stitches in him, but Philip didn't feel a one. Still in shock over his botched attempt to save his only friends left in the world. He still remembered his horror when Derek's voice came out of the darkness.
///// "Philip!" Derek called. "Philip where are you! Don't do this. You'll be killed!"
Philip didn't answer, just made his way in the darkness to his prey, the monster that had once been a man, but was now a demon from Hell...and dangerous. It had been conjured and sent to kill the SF Legacy House, and Philip knew he had to exorcise it before it could succeed.
"Philip please!" Derek sounded desperate. Ever since Philip had snuck out of the house, Derek had seen visions of his friend dying in horrible pain....
"Go away Derek!" Philip finally answered, desperately trying to get him out of the way. He HAD to get him out of here, if only to get him back into Nick's arms where he belonged! "I know what I have to do. You'll just be in my way. I can't concentrate on it with you here!"
"Philip, I..." Derek's voice broke off as a dreadful roar filled the darkened room.
A sudden scream was all Philip heard, followed by a *thud* of someone hitting a wall. Philip shook in terror. What had happened to Derek? He made his way to where he had heard the noise, the attacker once more blending into the shadows. Philip's toe hit something soft. Philip reached down and touched clothing. It was Derek! Kneeling down, Philip felt until he found Derek neck and checked for a pulse. It was there, steady and strong. Philip sighed in relief...but the wasn't out of the woods yet!
Somewhere a demon who had just hurt his friend lurked...it was the last thing the demon would ever do! Philip started his exorcism, sure it would anger the creature, he wasn't disappointed. After being clawed and thrown about 10 feet through the air, Philip regained his breath and finished his chant...the demon shreiked and then all sound stopped except harsh breathing. Philip dimly realized it as his own.
With agonizing slowness he reached Derek's side once more and fumbled for Derek's cell phone. He dialed Nick's, getting an answer right away. Within a few minutes (Nick was close, having gone looking for Derek) Nick burst into the room with Rachel and Alex. Philip endured Nick's anger with resignation, befor epassing out himself. He had woken up in the hospital.////////
Philip pondered what was going to happen next. Would Nick ever forgive him. He doubted it.
* * * *
Nick paced outside Derek's door, wearing the carpet and his jangled nerves thin. He had been absolutely horrified when both Derek and Philip had turned up missing from the house. He had used all his connections and finally was given an address..he knew what Philip had gone to do. Let the fool kill himself, but why had Derek followed ? Why had Derek given a damn if that stupid idiot comitted suicide! I mean, what could be stupider than going up against a demon alone?
Then Alex had finished translating the note Philip had left for her. The demon had been sent to kill them all. Philip was going to stop it before they could be hurt. Stupid! What could HE possible do?
A doctor walked into the small waiting room and Nick turned to meet him. Instantly he knew the news wasn't good.......
*Journal of Nick Boyle
Derek is going to be alright....eventually. Apparently he sustained a nasty knock to his head, resulting in a rather nasty concussion. I thought I was going to die when I saw him lying on the ground, blood over his face. I thought he was dead. And it's all Philip's fault! That selfish little bastard. He wanted to save us all, but as usual someone else got the pain. I remember his resigned expression when I chewed him out for being so stupid. What the hell did he think he was doing? He couldn't hope to defeat that thing on his own....but he had with Derek's help.
I keep going over it in my head, Derek is my love, my one true soulmate...but I hadn't found that out until Philip abandoned me for the church. To this day I can't imagine what I had done that was so wrong for him to leave me like that. But then I had found comfort with Derek and I knew I was where I belonged.....so why does he still anger me so much, I should be grateful to him. But I'm not. I hate him for what he did, and I don't think anything will change that anytime soon.
The doctor said as soon as Derek dressed we could take him home, but he needs to be watched through the night. Rachel and Alex let out the breaths they were holding since the Doc entered the waiting room. All I heard was that he was coming home...soon. I can't wait! Alex said thet someone should let Philip know he was alright, as soon as I have time, I'll go tell him.
End Journal*
Derek slowly stood, feeling the floor tilt a little. A hand gripped his elbow when he swayed, keeping him upright. An anchor in the storm. We were in the hospitals parking lot and I was getting out of the wheelchair and into the Explorer.
"Easy Derek!" Nick whispered. "Take it slow."
"I'm all right Nick." He look up into Nick's worried face. Behind him Alex and Rachel hovered, ready to give assistance if needed. "I can walk to the car."
"Just be careful." Alex said, holding the door. Nick ushered him into the car and strode around to the driver's side, climbed in, and sat. "Ready to go home?" He asked smiling. Alex and Rachel were going to follow in Rachel's car, picking up Kat from school on the way.
"Ja!" Derek answered with all his heart, home had sounded good. His head was aching terribly.
He needed to talk to Philip. Since no one said he had been injured, he must be all right. Derek knew Nick barely tolerated his presence anymore, but Derek saw what he did for what it was. Philip had left so he and Nick could have a future, and Derek would never forget that. Philip sacrificed his love and life, he deserved his support. Since Derek hadn't seen him in his room in the last few hours, he must be at home. Leaning his head against the seat, Derek fell asleep, he was so tired.
Nick watched Derek as he slept, a tender but worried expression on his face. Nick had the uncomfortable feeling he was forgetting something as they drove away, but couldn't think of what it was. He drove on, keeping an eye on his mate the whole way.
"Awake again I see!" A pretty nurse smiled at him, breezing into the room. Philip just nodded and she took his temperature, checked his chart and handed him three pills. He took them without thought. "How are you feeling this afternoon?" She asked eyeing him skeptically.
"Sore." Philip admitted ruefully, "But I'll b' fine"
"Yes, you will. But it will take a little while for all those cuts to heal. What happened?" She was obviously curious as to how his injuries happened.
Philip swallowed and came up with a plausible lie, praying the Lord would forgive this little sin. "Well, nature and I had a long talk and it was ended a little abrup'ly by a large animal protection' it's territory."
"Yeah, read the accident report. I wouldn't have even believed it if it weren't for all those marks on your back. Your very lucky to be alive!" She shook her head.
"Could ya do me a favor?" Philip asked, he needed to know.... and when she amiably nodded "Please find out how Derek Rayne is, he was brought in with m'"
"Oh! He was released yesterday and sent home with the others, didn't they come tell you?" She looked puzzled, then got paged or a code and hurried off, leaving the stunned Philip behind.
They had left? Without so much as a word to him, they had left. And he was alone.....all alone.
It was good to have Derek home, and in a few days, Philip would be home too. On the trip home I wondered why we hadn't heard how he was from Nick, he was supposed to have gone down and told him Derek would be fine. Since waking up, Philip had no other thought on his mind. I still shudder to remember his rent and torn back. And the blood..... Never again will I doubt his courage. Nick had better wake up and smell the coffee, Philip isn't a screw up, he's a hero!
I can't pretend to know why Philip nd Nick can't get along anymore, true he left the Legacy, but smething tells me there is more. At least Derek and Nick are togather again, so something good came out of all this.
The note Philip left me in ancient Gaelic told of how he discovered that the demon was conjured, and the purpose of it's becoming. To kill every person connected to this House, and destroy the castle completely. When I read he had gone to destroy the demon alone, my fear got th ebetter f me and I ran down the stairs, finding a worried Nick. Together we called Rachel and sped to the warehouse where we found them.
But now we're home..... and I look forward to having the family togather again. Maybe Derek can convince Nick to give Philip a break. I hear an argument... I had better go see what it is.
End Journal*
"I tell you Derek! I just simply forgot! Now calm down or your going to hurt yourself." Nick was holding onto Derek's shoulders, preventing him from charging out the door.
"I can't believe you Nick! You told me, no... you PROMISED me you would check on him and tell him I would be fine!" Derek was as close to outright anger as they had ever seen him.
"What's going on down here!" Alex came down the stairs. "Derek, stop it! You have to rest in quiet surroundings."
"It seems our good friend here." Derek gestured to Nick in anger "forgot to tell Philip not only that I'll be alright, but that we were leaving today."
"What!" Rachel exclaimed from the head of the stairs. "He's got to know by now that we're gone!'
"We have to call him, Derek?" Alex touched his arm, still captured in Nick's hold. "Coming from you ,he might calm down...if...."
"Yes, your right , Alex. Let's find a phone." Derek yanked himself out of Nick's grasp and allowed Alex to guide him to a chair. Meekly Nick walked to the doorway, slumping against the frame.
Derek picked up the phone and dialed the number Alex got out of the Phonebook. "Yes, I would like to speak to Father Philip Callaghan in room 124 please. Yes, I'll hold."
They waited for what seemed like an eternity. Then....
"What's wrong?" Alex said as Derek suddely frowned.
"Yes, I understand." Derek spoke into the phone, his face suddenly pale. "No, nothing else, thank you."
"What?" Alex was suddenly gripped with fear. "Derek, what happened to Philip!"
"He checked himself out of the hospital and left." Derek covered his eyes wearily.
"We have to find him!" Rachel said, hoppping up to find the Church's phone number.
"Yes." Derek slumped back in his chair. "We must."
No one noticed when Nick left the room, grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
* * * *
Philip walked down the street, ignoring the pain walking caused him. They had left him. The message was clear, he was no longer wanted by any of them for anything. He had blown it well and truely this time. But where to go? He had given up his living space at the Church to live at the Legacy House, and to tell the truth didn't feel much like going there. The Legacy house was out....what was he going to do? Philip realized he didn't really care, as long as it was far from here.
* * * *
The man watched the figure slowly make it's way down the road. he picked up his cell phone and dialed his employer. "Target aquired." Then he hung up.
*Journa of Derek Rayne
Philip is gone. Where I do not know. I don't know why Nick forgot to talk to him before we left, but it's over and done with now. Alex and Rachel are still here, searching for clues to where he's gone. Nick is gone, I'm assuming to find Philip. I shouldn't have been so hard on him, but how could he forget! Oh what Philip must be thinking!
He is out there somewhere, lost and feeling abandoned. I hope Nick can find him, I have a bad feling. When I asked Philip to rejoin us, I knew it would be tough for him. I thought eventually things would work out , and he would be able to stay. It's been four months and Nick show no signs of letting his anger go...maybe I made a mistake?
I cannot go looking for him, Alex has threatened to sit on me if I even move out of bed, and her threats scare me more than facing down a hoarde of demons! I'l stay put..for now...
So I sit here alone with my Journal, wondering how that in less than 24 hours, our lives have been turned upside down. Who is trying to kill us? Where is my friend? And will he even want to come home. All I can do is sit here alone and hope....... no pray, that Nick can find Philip.
Journal Closed*
Nick drove with reckless abandon, Alex had called him on the car phone, the Hospital giving little information as to where Philip might have gone. Rachel tracked down the cab the staff had engaged for him. It had dropped him off on the far side of town, near the waterfront.
Nick realized suddenly where he was heading. Once Philip had been closer to him than anyone, and Nick remembered the park Philip went to when he needed to work things out. It was in that area.
Nick gunned the motor, racing to the location, hoping he was right. He remembered with vivid detail the night Philip confessed his greatest sin... that he preferred men. The night when all of Nick's dreams had come true... six months later, however, Philip had left. But right now, Nick was remembering that night.
//// Nick sat next to Philip on the grass of the park. It was night and no one else was around. Nick had followed Philip here and they had started talking and drinking togather. Ofter Philip would sit and listen for hours to Nick spill his guts out, now it seemed to be Nick's turn.
"C'mon Philip! You'll make a great Priest! You love helping people, and you have alot of faith.. what could possibly hold you back?" Nick expected the usual self-doubt, but he was in for a shock that night.
Philip leaned over and kissed him hard on the mouth. Nick had admitted to his friend weeks before he liked both men and women and was surprised at Philip's calm acceptance. Nick felt himself responding to the passionate kiss with abandon. He had been dreaming about this for some time now.
They broke it off, gazing into each others faces. "Whoa!" Nick whispered, floored with the concept of Philip returning his attraction. Philip's eyes fell.
"How can I be a Priest an' love a man?" He quietly asked.
"You.... love me?" Nick gulped hard,this was unbelievable! It had to be a dream!
Philip nodded, looking dejected.
"Then I don't see a problem." Nick tilted his head up, eyes memorizing every detail of his friends face. He couldn't get enough of looking at him. "I don't think God will mind....."
"An' how do ya know tha'?" Philip said wryly, not quite believeing himself, what was finally happening. That hat he had been denying so long was finally coming to pass.
"You told me God is love...how could any love if it's true be a bad thing?" Nick leaned forward and gently brushed Philips lips with his.
Philip smiled at Nick, knowing it may be wrong, but he had to try. He crushed their bodies togather in a rough , passion filled embrace. They didn't come up for air for some time.
It was the begining////
Nick pulled the Mustang into the parking lot of the Park and ran down to the waters edge. On a clear day you could see Angel Island. It was getting dark now and the fog was rolling in. Nick slung his jacked on as he raced to the spot. A figure sat on the ground, head in his hands.
"Philip?" Nick called out, fearing it wasn't him.
"Go away , Nick!" Philip said, not even bothering to raise his head.
"C'mon, buddy." Nick reached for his arm, but it was jerked away. "Derek's worried, let's get you home."
"Home!" Philip looked up at him and Nick took a step back at the pain in his eyes. "An' where would tha' be? With th' Legacy? With th' Church? Where do I belong Nick!"
So intent on his friend, Nick missed the men coming out of the fog. Before he could attempt to calm his friend down, they approached.
"Hey!" One hailed the two, "I was wondering if you could help me?"
"With what?" Nick whirrled around to face them. Something was not right. "What do you want?"
"We want him!" The man said, grinning. "Boys!"
Then the fight began, Nick held them off, but for every one he downed, one took his place. Suddenly he heard a pained cry and saw one of them grab Philip and yank him to his feet. Probably tearing stitches.
"Philip!" Nick cried out, but before he culd come to his friends aid, something hard slammed into his head, and he fell to the grass. The last thing he saw was Philip being herded into a dark van, before the darkness took him.
* * * * * *
Alex cried out as a vision hit her full on. She saw Nick lying on the ground, not moving and Philip bring hustled away from him. Before she could focus on anything the vision abruptly cut off, leaving her shaking. She bolted to her feet and ran out of the room, right past a startled Rachel. Maybe Derek had seen it too!
* * * *
The man looked into the rear-view mirror and watched as the prisoner was held and the sedative administered into his vein. He had fought, but was no match for them and they quicky administered the shot. As soon as he slumped to the floor, the man took out his cell phone and dialed a number.
"Targt bagged"
*Journal of Dr.Rachel Corrigan
Things have gone from bad to worse. I think this whole House is starting to fall apart. Derek is in bed, with a severe concussion, Phiip is walking aroud somewhere, lost, with over 100 stitches in his back, Nick is behaving like a child...and Alex just had a vision. Sometimes I think I'm the only sane one here. After hearing what her vision was about, I'm not sure if I WANT to be sane anymore!
I always respected the feelings of my colleagues, but I wish all the evil and horrors I have seen would just leave us alone for a day. Kat asked me today why everyone was so sad...I told her Derek and Philip both had gotten hurt. She just nodded like it was a regular occurrance. I wish my daughter would have a normal life! Not to worry about demons, ghosts and other things that go bump in the night stealing her and her friends away.
Sounds like unrealistic wishing on my part, but I can't change my situation, I can hope to make it better. If I can find out why Nick and Philip don't get along and help them, maybe things will calm down.
But according to Alex, both Nick and Philip are in grave danger...
End Journal*
Nick sat, groaning , in the dark corner of the park. All signs of Philip and the men who ambushed them were gone. Nick fumbled for his cell phone, he had to call Derek.... he had to know what happened. He found it in his jacket pocket, and quickly dialed the number.
"Nick?" It was as if Derek had known he would be calling.
"Yeah, it's me..." Nick grimaced as his head pounded, he could feel blood trickling down his neck. "Derek....I......"
"Are you alright Nick? Alex and I had a vision." Derek's voice was breathless in his worry.
"Yeah, umm...Derek?" Nick grimaced, hoping Derek would take the next bit of news better than he hoped.
"Yes?" Derek was obviously waiting for him to continue.
"I found Philip....." but before he could tell Derek what happened, excited talking interrupted. Nick hadn't realized he was on the speakerphone.
"Put him on the phone!" Alex sunded worried/relieved.
"Umm...I can't do that." Nick dreaded what was going to come next.
"Why not? What happened?" Rachel sounded even more concerned now.
"We were attacked by some guys, " Nick sighed, not at all wanting to be the bearer of such tidings. "They took him."
"Took him!!!!" Derek exclaimed. "What do you mean, 'took him'?"
"As in, 'knocked me over the head and dragged him into a van' took him! Geez guys! It's not like he actually did much to help me!" Nick let his anger get the better of him. "What do you think I did, let them take him? Even if it was only Philip, even he doesn't deserve that!"
"Nick!" The warning in Derek's voice was apparent. He was furious. "I never want to hear you speak about Philip that way ever again! Do you hear me!"
"But Derek..." Nick tried to explain what he meant, only to have Derek interrupt him.
"God Damnit Nick!" Derek was really mad now. "Start acting like the professional you claim to be! He was under your protection and all you can do is blame HIM! Get back to the House, we'll try to find him from here. I'l contact Frank and see what he can dig up."
Nick hung his head, all his anger gone in the force of Derek's reprimand. He knew he had gone too far this time, but he couldn't help the way he felt.... even if it might be wrong. But he hated the thought of Derek mad at him. Tonite of all night's, he needed Derek to be there. He hadn't meant for Philip to be taken, but because of his anger towards his ex-lover, he had set this whole thing into motion. If Nick had gone and talked to Philip in the hospital, none of this would have happened. It was all his fault. And it would be his responsibility to fix it, no matter what it cost him.
"I'm sorry Derek." Nick couldn't keep the hitch out of his voice. "I never meant ...."
"I know, love. Just come home." Derek's voice was softer, as if sensing Nick's remorse.
"On my way." Even to Nick's ears he sounded defeated.
He headed for his car, turning the events over in his mind. Who took Philip, and what could they possibly want with him? He climbed into his car and drove off. Wanting more than ever to be home safe in Derek's arms. Then he shuddered, Philip had no such luxury available to him, now. He was far from home, and away from all those who cared for him. Nick suddenly felt even more guilty for his good fortune.
* * * *
Philip awoke in a small room. He was on the floor, lying on his side. He sat up and cradled his right arm against him. When he had been pulled into the van, he felt the stitches in his right shouder pull out, now it was sore all over again.
The room was small, bare, no windows and the door very obviously locked from the outside. Philip stood and walked over to it and half -heartedly puled on the handle. It was solidly locked. There was no furniture in his 'cell', just four walls, floor, ceiling, and locked door.
He wondered where he was and if Nick was alive. He hadn't tried too much to help him. but every move he made sent pain shooting down his back. He was useless for fighting. I fact he felt just plain useless for everything lately. All he ever seemed to do was hurt those he loved, or let them down. Maybe it was for the best he was out of their lives. In some small part of his mind, Philip acknowledged his worst fear... maybe they should just kill him and end his miserable life.
In despair, Philip sat in the corner facing the door. He realy didn't care what happened to him anymore.
* * * *
The man looked at his newest posession with a calculating look. "I have you now Philip Callaghan!" he thought. "And if Derek doesn't force me to kill you , in a slow, painful way. I may just find someone to buy you from me. You would make such an interesting toy." The man chuckled . "Oh yes, such an interesting playtoy!"
"Sir?" A voice came over his speaker phone. "All is set up, when do you want to impliment the delivery?"
"Immediately." He barked, "Make sure everyone in that house gets our little message."
"Yes, Mr. Hitchcock!" The voice said, and closed the connection.
"And in the meantime..." Randolph Hitchcock purred. "I might just play with my new aquisition a little!"
*Journal of Derek Rayne
Nick is coming home. Philip is not. And God help me, I can't help but be relieved that it's Nick who is safe. He is my love and my life, but shouldn't I feel guilty for these thoughts? I do, actually. Philip has given more and more until he has almost nothing of himself left to give. I had always thought he was the strongest, but now I see him for what he is. A rock in the storm, an anchor. But things can tear those two thing awry and so has Philip been torn. I just hope we can find him. Get him back home and heal his troubled soul.
Alex and I both know there is great danger to not just Philip, but ourselves as well. Someone is gunning for us, as Nick so colorfully has put it. And that someone has Philip. I try to look into the murky future, try to consciously use my sight to see what might lie ahead, or who might be our torturer......
Nick is home, Time for a little talk.
Journal End*
Nick walked into the foyer with growing apprehension. The place was quiet.... too quiet. Nick felt like a teenager getting cought coming home late after curfew was up.
"Nick?" Rachel peered out of the piano room. "In here."
Nick made his way to the doorway and shuffled inside. He felt so tired, and fleetingly wondered why everything was so fuzzy.
"Sit before you fall, Nick!" Alex guided him to a chair. "Why didn't you tell us you were hurt?"
"Huh?" Nick looked up at her, puzzled.
"Your bleeding , Nick." Rachel dug out her first-aid kit she always kept in the closet by the front door. "I think you must have gotten hit over the head in the park harder than you thought."
"How do you know about the park?" Nick said, shocked.
"Both Derek and I saw it happen. We've been worried sick until you finally called." Alex looked tired and sad. Philip was one of her best friends and they were close.
"I'm sorry Alex." Nick apoligized, looking down at the ground.
"For what?" He missed the look Rachel shot at Alex, both were worried.
"I couldn't bring Philip home." Nick suddenly felt the weight of what happened pressing down on him. "I should have talked to him at the Hospital, then this never would have happened!"
"I think our enemy would have found another way." Derek's voice came from the doorway. He was leaning against the doorway, face pail. It was obvious he still hadn't recovered completely from his concussion.
Alex was about to call him on his getting out of bed when Nick flew into Dereks arms.
"Derek.... I........" Nick almost couldn't speak, he was so afraid that Derek would never forgive him.
"Shhh..." Derek soothed, Nick obviously didn't need recriminations. "Come to bed, we have alot to talk about...."
Before Derek and Nick can say a word, a rock comes crashing through the window. Alex cries out as a shard of glass cuts her cheek. Rachel was further from the window, but got pelted with shards too. Nick was set to run after the assailant, when Derek held him tighter.
"Wait!" There is something on the floor!" Derek steered both of them to the object that broke the window.
It was a large rock with some black cloth, a necklace of some kind, and a priests collar attached to it. It was Philip's cross..........
* * * *
Philip sat on the floor and din't even lift his head when the door opened. He heard steps coming towards him, but he was not prepared for the voice which spoke.
"Well, well, well." Hitchcock snorted disdainfully. "Not even a look for me?"
Philip's head jerked up, and his worst suspicions were confirmed. He felt a stirring of fear as he confirmed the identity of his keeper. "Randolf Hitchcock?" He said incredulously. "What....."
"Your powers of observation are astounding, dear boy." The 'boy' sounded like an epiteth. Hitchcock continued, "And here I thought the man who destroyed my Demon was intelligent! It seem, perhaps I was wrong."
Philip bowed his head again, resting his head on his forearms. "It doesn't matter what ya think, Randolf. Now wha ' do ya wan' with m'?"
"Oh.. nothing really." Hitchcock said mildly, making Philip lift his head and eye him speculatively. "I'm going to keep you here until Derek answers my summons...."
"An' then?" Philip swallowed, this sounded very bad.
"Then I cut you into little piecesd while he watches!" Hitchcock let his full hate for Derek Rayne show. "I already killed his little bed warmer..."
"Nick!" Philip stood, faster than he should and the room spun. "Wha' did ya do t' him ya filthy bastard!"
Hitchcock, pleased he got Philip to respond, none the less, threw his larger frame into Philip and pinned him against the wall. He grabbed and pinned his arm with his own, using his bulk to keep his prey at disadvantage.
"I had him killed at the park, I needed to teach Derek a lesson." Hitchcock enjoyed the pain in Philip's eyes at the pronouncement. "You know... I never would have figured Derek's preference for boys. Maybe I won't kill you. Your body would fetch a fine price at a slave auction. Perhaps I'll sell you to one of my contacts. He can show you the proper way to behave, and then sell you. But don't worry, he hardly ever damages his merchandise.... permanently."
Philip shook in fear, the man was insane! And Philip had NO trouble believing in anything he said. The only doubt was about Nick's death. For some reason it hadn't quite the ring of truth, but he wasn't sure he was alive either. His back was on fire, the wall was rubbing painfull against his back and he could feel himself losing consciousness. Philip hung on for dear life... what would Hitchcock do to him if he collapsed now. Where would he end up?
Hitchcock sensed his growing weakness and pressed the advantage. "Maybe I'll even sample the "merchandise myself!"
Philip struggled harder, tearing his stitches in the process. Hitchcock slammed his head into the wall and Philip spun down into darkness. Praying that someone would come for him. Praying it would be Nick.....
* * * *
Derek held the rock and cross in his hand, shaking from the powerful images he had just recieved. Philip was alive. Nick gripped his arm and asked again if he was alright.
"Ja." Derek finally answered. "I know where Philip is. And he's running out of time."
"Let's go!" Nick challenged Rachel's half-hearted attempt to dissuade them both from going. There was NO WAY either of them was staying home! Nick especially. He had to save Philip befopre anything more happened to him. It was all his fault and he HAD to make it right!
Derek just gave Rachel his icy stare and she desisted. He loved that she thought so much of their welfare, but even she should know by now that if one was in danger, then he HAD to go. The sheer intensity of Philip's fear had reached him through thte vision. Something was going to happen... and soon. As Derek climbed into the chopper with the others, he knew they were walking into a trap...
* * * *
The figure on the edge of the grounds smiled and opened his phone. He had been instructed to deliver the package and report when they left. He dialed the number. "Target on its way!"
Disclaimer in part 1 (WARNING , containes some non- consentual sex acts. Some consentual too ;-) so if your offended, remember...you chose to read it!)
*Journal of Alex Mreau
Something is very wrong. I'm sitting here in the helicopter wondering if any of us are going to survive the night. Derek looks like death warmed over and Nick his poorer cousin! Rachel is so worried abuot them both, she's not quite grasping the seriousness of our trip. But I know what's at stake. At the least, Philip's life. At the most all of our lives and souls.
It's hard to believe that not 24 hours ago everything was normal, and now here we are, fighting for our teammate and lives .....again. I don't know what I will do if Philip dies. He's been so torn lately, and nothing I do seems to help. He just smiles sadly at me and tells me he's fine. I wish he and Nick would patch things up. Nothing is the same since they started fighting.
It seemed an overnight thing. One minute they were the best and closest of friends, the next Nick couldn't stand to be anywhere near Philip. It's so odd! We are arriving at where Derek says Philip is. I wonder how he knew?
Journal End*
Nick got out of the helicopter and frowned. It was an odd place. A house and barn in the middle of a 100 acre cow farm. It looked abandoned, but on closer look, it wasn't. Derek worried him. He was pale and couldn't keep focus, but he had brought them here just as the watch chimed 10:00. Last night this time, Nick was just realizing something was up. In two hours he found Derek and Philip in the warehouse and the nightmare day had begun.
"Derek?" Alex was looking through a barn window.
"Ja?" Derek waked up to the window she was peering into . There was a chair in the center of the worn barn floor. Someone, their back was turned, was tied to the chair.
Nick muttered a curse, and without waiting for backup, bust into the barn. Derek and Alex following right after, yelling at him to wait, Rachel only a few steps behind them. Without warning the floor gave way and sent them tumbling down to the basement below, Rachel the only one to stop herself from falling in time.
* * * *
Philip was aware of being cold before he was completely awake. He was lying on his front, his face turned away from the door. As he became more aware of his surroundings, he began to make out a shape leaning against the wall, watching him. Hitchcock.
"With me again "Father"?" Hitchcock noticed his movements. "I must admit, you are even tastier than I imagined."
Philip wondered what he meant and why he was so cold then he looked down on himself and gasped. He was completely naked! He looked up into the evil glint in Hitchcock's eyes and then noticed that he was stroking himself through his pants. Philip paled. He tried to get up, but the pain slowed him down to a crawl and all he could do was scramble into a corner.
"Don't even think of escape, dear boy." Hitchcock, still fondling himself flipped a piece of paper at Philip. It landed at his feet. Philip made no move towards it.
"I now have Derek in my posession. If you want him to stay healthy, you will do everything I ask." Hitchcock raked his eyes over Philip's body hungrily, and his erection grew noticibly.
"You lie!" Philip whispered, as he reached a trembling hand and picked the picture up. He gasped as the picture of both Derek and Alex, lying unconscious on a floor , comes into focus. Philip closed his eyes and prayed for his nightmare to be over.
"As you can see I didn't!" Hitchcock unzips his pants and eases his cock out of the briefs. Philip trembles, knowing what might come next. He couldn't do this. He just couldn't. Making love with Nick, whom he had loved, was one thing. But willingly doing what this man asked? Philip was revolted at the mere thought.
Hitchcock watched the emotions play on the expressive face in front of him and smiled. He wanted him all the more. And he would have him! He stroked himself, waiting for the pleasures to come. He laughed at his little pun. Oh yes, he would have all the pleasure out of this one!
"If you do as I say, he doesn't get mutilated at the hands of my men. And I promise you , he will suffer greatly!" He knew he had him, at the pained look on the Priest's face. This would be delicious!
Philip gulped hard and closed his eyes. He owed Derek everything. If he didn't do this, his mentor and friend would be tortured o death. His feelings and morality were a small price to pay...weren't they?
"Come here!" Randolph commanded, Philip hesitated and Hitchcock strode over and grabbed him by the hair, causing Philip to cry out. "You will obey me, or Derek will not be the only one who suffers. Would you rather I bring our lovely Miss. Moreau in here to take your place?"
"No!" Philip croaked out, his mind crying out at the mere thought of Hitchcock laying a finger on her in this way.
"Then service me, slave!" Hitchcock hissed, pulling Philip's hair forward until his face was millimeters from his hard shaft. "Lick it!"
Philip choked down his revulsion and did as he was commanded. He could feel his soul withering away. He licked the hard shaft's underside, remembering the last time he and Nick were together. The first and last time.
//// Philip groaned as Nicks talented mouth engulfed his cock. It had been two months since Philip had confessed his love, but until this moment, he hadn't been ready for such an intimate caress. Now he wondered what the heck he had waited so long for!
` "Uhhhh...Nick........" He groaned as Nick reached up with one hand to caress his nippples, pinching them into a harder yet state. He moaned again, nerves overcome by the sensations.
Nick continued to lick and suck the shaft, playing with the head one minute then deep throating him the next, sucking for all he was worth. He had Philip writhing on the bed now, all control lost. Suddenly, Philip felt a finger inside his opening and shuddered. Nick had slipped one finger into him and was probing, reaching.
Nick continued his sucking as he probed and soon Philip was relaxed and enjoying the sensations. He was so close! He couldn't keep from thrusting his hips into the mouth that was pleasuring him so thorughly. Then Nick pressed into him harder, brushing his gland and Philip screamed as bright stars of pleasure swirrled through him.
Philip came with a loud howl nearly gagging Nick as he thrust his cock deep into the hot mouth. Nick sucked up every drop and then released Philip's softening cock, a mischevious grin on his face.
"Now.. wasn't that nice?' He laughed as Philip couldn't articulate a response other than a contented moan./////
A loud moan from the man gripping his hair brought Philip out of his reviere. Hitchcock. Philip tried to pull back, realizing while he had zoned out, he must have been licking his cock. But Hitchcock was not letting him go.
"More!" He commanded and forced the head of his cock between Philip's lips and thrust, cutting of the priests surprised scream of horror.
Philip nearly choked as Hitchcock thrust harder and harder. All he could do was hang on and pray for it to be over soon. He was forced to grab on to Hitchcock's legs for support and the man raped his mouth, clenching fists pulling his hair painfully. The with one final thrust, Hitchcock came, spilling his seed into Philip's resisting mouth, overflowing it.
Philip gags on the taste. Nick had never forced anything on him he wasn't ready for, and Philip didn't think Hitchcock was letting him off so easy. He was right. As Hitchcock recovered his breath, Philip noticed the man was still semi-hard and grew afraid at the hungry look in his eyes.
"Now for round two, Father!" Hitchcock chuckled as Philip started to tremble, wondering what he would be forced into next. Praying for some divine intervention.
* * * *
Nick groaned and stirred, he coud hear someone calling to him as he sat up. "Nick! answer me! are you alright!" It was Rachel.
"What happened?" He called up to her, standing. The next floor was feet out of reach.
"The floor was rotted, you fell through! How are Derek and Alex?" Rachel lowered the make shift rope she cobbled togather, as Nick checked them out.
"Alive, still out." Nick grabbed the ladder and pulled experimantally o it. It would hold him. "I'll climb up and help make a ladder, then we should be able to get them out."
"Hurry Nick!" Rachel suddenly hissed. "Someones coming!"
Nick walked silently into a shadowed corner, taking Rachel with him. A man approached, a camera in his hand and looked down into the gaping hole in the rotted flooring. He smiled, raised the camera to his face and snapped off a picture. It was a polaroid. Nick could see the man holding the picture. He seemed unaware of the two huddled, silently in the corner.
"Hitchcock's gonna love this!" The man said, and turned and walked back to towards the house.
Rachel breathed a sigh of relief, then she turned to Nick. "Did you hear what he said?" She asked as they made their way back to the hole.
"Yeah." Nick was tight-lipped in his fury. He wanted more than anything to get his hands on the man who tried to drive Derek insane. "He's mine."
"Nick, we still have to rescue Philip, and get these two out of here." Rachel noticed that Derek was begining to stir.
"You stay here and help them. I'll go find Philip.' Nick made the decision. He would find Philip, make sure he was safe, then Hitchcock was toast!
"Nick..." Rachel started to protest.
"I need to get Philip back, Rachel." Nick confessed to her. "And to do that,, I need to go to that house. o.k.?"
Rachel nodded. "Good luck Nick. Bring him home."
"I will." Nick slunk to the door and peered out. He noticed the man didn't go to the front door, but rather to the back of the house. So Nick followed him there. He saw him disappear into a recessed door in the ground and followed.
Down a flight of stairs into the basement, Nick went. He heard sounds of raucous laughter coming from the next room and stopped. Then one voice said clearly.
"Well, this is getting fun! I wonder how long the boss will hold out. He's got the hots for this boy!" The voice jeered. His companions laughed.
"Yeah, that little picture you snuck in to the boss just before he came to, really shook him up, Brad!" This voice sounded drunk.
"Yeah, no way those two are getting out anytime soon, so lets just sit back and watch the show." Nick recognized the man who took the picture's voice.
Nick barely controlled the impulse to go down there and kick them all to hell and back, but the voice of reason held. He needed to find out how many there were before he played his hand. He took his gun out of his holster and cocked it. Anyone who came through here would have a nasty surprise in store.
"So who is the Boss' newest toy?" The drunk voice said.
"He's a Legacy Priest. Catholic, I think." Brad said, sounding bored.
"Priest?" the other one shreiked, "Man he is making him go down on him though! He's got a hot bod for a Priest, wonder if the boss will let us have him after?"
Nick had heard enough. Philip was in trouble and he only heard three voices. He rushed down the last of the stairs catching all but one by surprise. He shot the first one who rushed him , taking him out of the way, but before he could move in the small room, Bart was on him and the fight was on.
The one who had mentioned 'seconds' ran down to the next doorway and disappeared. Nick wanted to follow, but this man was good. It was taking all he had not to get knocked down by this guy as they traded kicks and punches. Suddenly, Nick broke through his defenses and got him in a stranglehold. He held it until he was sure the man was down. Then he forced his tired body to follow the last one.
* * * *
Philip couldn't stop shaking as Hitchcock came towards him, stroking himself back to hardness, he had been telling Philip what was going to happen next and gotten himself excited. He was going to rape him. The mans eyes were positively glowing with evil intentions,and Philip shrank back further into himself. He knew he was powerlesss to stop whatever was going to happen to him. He didn't have the strength to stop it. His shoulder had been bleeding steadily since the park,and he was feeling really dizzy.
As Hitchcock reached out to grab him the door burst open.
"Boss, company! We got to go!" The man smirked as he met Philip's gaze, he leered as he looked Philip up from head to toe. "Want to bring him?"
"Yes, I do." Hitchcock had pulled his pants back up and was fastening them, then he stopped and threw Philip's at him. "Stand and get dressed, Father. Or I will let every man in employ have you when we get to our destination!"
Philip reached out a trembling hand and grasped his jeans. He slid one leg in then another, then pulled them up, zipping them. Hitchcock grabben his arm brutlly and shoved him towards the door. A short, stumbling walk later, they were at the chopper.
"Hold it right there!" A familier voice startled Philip out of his daze. No! It couldn't be....Hitchcock said he was dead! But it was Nick's voice. Slowly Philip turned around, Hitchcock roughly pulling him into his chest, using him as a human shield.
"Stand back or he dies!" Hitchcock pressed a gun to Philip's temple. But all Philip saw was Nick, alive. His relief caused him to sway, and Hitchcock pulled him tighter. Philip could feel the man's still erect penis pressing into this ass. Hitchcock noticed it too and rubbed his hips against him. The motion was not lost on Nick who snarled and took a step closer, only to be halted by the gun being pressed into Philip's cheek harder, bruising it. It was a stand off.
* * * *
Derek still had a pounding headache, but now it was multiplied tenfold. He had woken up shortly before Alex had and with Rachels help, they had gotten out of the hole. They made their way to the back of the house, where Rachel had last seen Nick go.
"Where to?" Alex asked, nursing her sore arm.
"Look!" Rachel cried out, pointing to the open field behind the house. A helicopter stood there and a standoff looked to be happening. Hitchcock held Philip as Nick threatened him with his gun.
Derek felt a stab of fear as he saw another man come up behind Nick. "Nick! Behind you!" Derek yelled.
Nick spun and shot the man. The assailent jerked and fell down. Derek, Rachel, and Alex raced towards them at full speed, all injuries ignored.
Nick turned back to where Hitchcock was pulling Philip into the chopper. The pilot startd to lift off. Withough thinking, Nick leapt and grabbed Philip around the chest, pulling him back out. Hitchcock held a death grip on his arm and wasn't letting go. The helicopter was rising.
Philip was being pulled in two, but it was working, they were all headed out the door. Hitchcock , realizing he was losing the battle and would soon be out the door with them, leaned forward and whispered something into Philip's ear.
"I'll be back for you, my slave. You belong to ME!" And let go. Nick and Philip fell 10 feet to the ground below, Philip landing on Nick's chest. It jarred his torn and bleeding back and he cried out in agony and slipped into the darkness that soon followed.
Derek had watched in horror as Nick and Philip fell, he raced to the pile of human bodies just as Nick started to stir. Gently, Rachel helped Derek lift Philip off of Nick's chest.
Nick nodded his thanks, unable to speak. He had the breath knocked out of him. Alex helped him to sit up as the all looked at Philip. He wasn't pretty. He only had his pants on , blood covered his back and side, and he was sporting a bruise on his right cheek. But they had him and Hitchcock didn't. He was safe. It had been 24hours to the minute that the terrible day had begun.
*Journal Entry of Nick Boyle
Philip came back from the hospital today, still silent and withdrawn. I know Hitchcock did some bad stuff to him,and I curse myself hourly for allowing this to happen. My pride and anger led up to his capture and state of mind, and I'll never forgive myself for it.
Derek told me last night to give it time, but I don't know if I can let it. I need to know that he forgives me. And if he doesn't........ Derek and I havn't made love since this whole thing started. Maybe he's mad at me too. Or it could be the concussion. He really can use the headache excuse! Today I broke down and asked if he still loved me. He took me in his arms and kissed me with such passion it made the room spin. I had no doubts after that, but when we looked up, a white faced Philip was in the doorway.
He asked Derek for some time off from the Legacy. He needed to rest, get away. Derek reluctantly agreed and Philip left without another word. So I guess he's leaving. I have one more chance to make this up to him. I have the Stout chilled and ready, I know he's probably packing in his room. Derek has wished me luck. Sheesh, now I'm chasing after him for forgiveness......
Isn't it amazing what one bad day will do?
Journal end*
Look for more in "A Matter of Forgiveness."
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