The Captain of My Dreams

This story is a work of fiction. The events in this story are fictional. The characters in this story do not exist and any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. Any use of celebrity or other real persons is entirely fictional and in no way reflects upon their actual sexual orientation. This story contains erotic and/or sexually explicit activities between consenting adults. If you are under age, find this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not read it.

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The Captain of My Dreams – Part 28 By tmabare ©2015

• • • From Part 27 * * *

"Mommy, I don't want to go out to eat." Dylan was sitting in his car seat leaning as far forward as he could. "Can't we just go back?"

"Dylan, you'll have fun. We won't be long and there isn't anything at the condo." Laura couldn't understand what was wrong with her younger son. This wasn't like him and she thought he hadn't been acting like himself this entire trip.

"We're almost there kiddo." John looked in the rearview mirror at Dylan.

"Hey babe, that was one wild party this afternoon."

"I know, I need a damn nap. Going to drop this load and then I'm coming home. Damn, I'm still buzzed, but if I can get home in time I'm going to get hammered instead."

"I wish you didn't have to work. Everyone is here and still drinking. You need to hurry home."

"Sucks that today was supposed to be my only day off in weeks and I got called in. Least no one was around to see I'd been drinking. Only have this one load and I'll be done."

John was watching the red light, over the roof of the car in front of him, and the snow slowly falling. He had finally realized today that it was time to come clean with his wife and cousin. There was so much he needed to tell them and so many decisions he was going to have to pay for now. He was scared he was going to lose them both when they realized the lies he had told all these years. When the truth came out about him and what he had done, he knew his life was going to change for the worst. "La, I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what, John?"

"Traffic sucks, these people need to get the fuck home. Don't they realize there's a storm and I have someplace to be?" As he finished his question, Joe Miller dropped his cell phone and reached down to pick it up. He never saw the traffic light turn yellow or red as he approached the intersection at fifteen miles an hour over the speed limit.

When the light turned green, traffic started to move. As John moved forward, he never saw the tractor trailer run the right light to his left.

Laura looked over just before the impact, "Oh my God!"

• • • Part 28 * * *

Teddy sat straight up in bed. He was drenched in sweat and felt like someone just walked over his grave. There was something terribly wrong, but he didn't know what or where. He looked at the clock and then picked up his phone.

"Babe... Edward..." Ted placed is hand on Edward's arm, who instantly woke up.

"What's wrong?" Edward had heard it in his voice.

"I don't know, but something's happened. I can feel it." Ted was scrolling in his favorites looking for the names he needed to check on. He sat there as John's phone rang and then went to voice mail. He then tried Laura's, with the same result.

"That's not like them. One of them will always answer."

"Maybe they're busy, babe, nothing to get worried about yet. Why don't you call Devon?"

Ted didn't say anything, just hit Devon's name in his contacts and the speaker button. After the second ring it was answered.

"Hello, Ted. Shouldn't you two be busy making babies or something?" Devon sounded in good spirits for a change. He was better than he had been when he last saw his boss and friend, and Ted instantly hoped Vladimir was responsible for that happiness.

Ted tried to laugh, hearing Devon's voice sounding so happy, calmed some of his nerves. "We had to stop. The neighbors were starting to complain about the sound of a wild animal coming from our bungalow."

"Ah, yes, we have that same problem at my flat in London. The neighbors apparently have a large gorilla that's always in heat or something." A genuine laugh escaped from Devon, and he smiled as wide as he had in a long time.

"I heard that Baker." Edward too was laughing at the banter.

"Devon, I'm trying to get ahold of John or Laura, are they there?"

"No, they left earlier to get something to eat with the kids." Devon looked at his watch and realized they had been gone longer than they should have, much longer.

"When they get in, please have them call me."

Devon tried to not sound as worried as he suddenly was, "No problem. Talk to you soon."

Hanging up the phone, he tried to call John and Laura himself and got no answer. "Vlad, they should have been home by now."

Vlad looked at his own watch, "Yeah, let's get out of here and get dressed."

As Devon started to stand, Vlad quickly stood and pulled Devon towards him. Devon turned and found himself face to face with the young Russian. Vlad leaned closer and softly kissed Devon. He was rewarded by Devon practically falling into his arms and returning the kiss with more passion.

"Devon, I have to tell you something." Vlad paused and looked into Devon's eyes. "This is the happiest week I've had in a very long time."

A smiled formed quickly on Devon's face, "I know what you mean." He leaned in and kissed Vlad again. He couldn't get over how incredible it felt to be held in Vlad's muscular arms.

After a moment, Devon pulled himself away from Vlad. "As much as I'd like nothing more than to continue this, we need to find them."

"You're right, I didn't mean to... I just wanted to show you how I feel about you."

Devon felt himself blush, "Thank you. As soon as we find them, I plan on showing you just how I feel."

They both quickly dried off and headed to their rooms to change out of their suits. After Devon was done he headed towards the living room, as he entered the room there was a knock at the door. He opened the door, "Did you guys forget..." He stopped dead as he realized he was looking at two police officers.

"Are you Devon Baker?"

"Yes, ma'am. W-W-Would you like to come in?" Devon knew this was something horrible and he needed to sit down.

Vlad was right beside him in a second and put his arm around Devon's back. "Come on, let's sit down."

They walked straight for the dining room and sat at the large table. Devon just sat and Vald turned towards the officers, "Please, sit down."

The female officer sat across from the guys, "I'm Trooper Wilson and this is Trooper Amerson, do you know John and Laura Hillsgrove?"

Devon could feel himself start to shake, "Yes." It was taking everything he had to not start crying right there. He was holding out hope his instincts were wrong.

"I'm sorry, but Mr. and Mrs. Hillsgrove, and their children, were involved in a traffic crash this evening."

"Oh my God, are they alright?" Even as he said it, he saw the look on the two Troopers' faces.

Vlad put his arm around Devon again, leaning closer to Devon's ear. "Be strong. They're going to need us."

"The children are all in stable condition, two of them are at Aspen Valley and one of the boys was flown to Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora. Mrs. Hillsgrove was flown to St. Anthony Hospital's Trauma Center in Lakewood. She is in critical condition and it doesn't look good."

"What about John?" Devon knew what this meant, why they left him for last.

Amanda Wilson hated this part of her job, "I'm sorry, but Mr. Hillsgrove was killed instantly."

Devon couldn't speak, he felt like he was just hit with a bat in the chest. Devon turned towards Vlad and buried his head in Vlad's chest. He just sat there, trying to breathe. Then something in him suddenly changed, his military training took ahold of him. He knew he had to get to the kids. He pulled back and took a deep breath. "Ok, I will take care of notifying the rest of the family. I need to get to the kids."

"I can take you both to the hospital." She was amazed at the quick turnaround in this young man. "Mrs. Hillsgrove was able to tell the Troopers on-scene that you were to be given custody of the children, until a Mr. Jackson arrives."

"Thank you ma'am, but I can get us to the hospital." Vladimir already had his phone in his hand and was sending text messages. "I have a car downstairs."

"Let me grab my wallet and coat." Devon walked towards his room and dreaded what was to come next. He thought about waiting until he got to the hospital, but at the same time he knew he needed to do this now. Reaching for his phone and dialed.

Edward was sitting on the deck, while Ted had taken a walk to the resort office to arrange dinner on one of the secluded private beaches. As his phone rang he looked at the name, "Didn't we just talk to you?"

"Captain, I need to tell you something..." He was trying to not let his voice show how upset he was. He knew this would be the hardest part for him.

Edward sat up in the lounge chair and swung his feet onto the deck. He could already sense what was coming from the sound of Devon's voice. "Devon, calm down and tell me."

"Babe, I'm back. You're never going to believe what I booked for us tonight." As he walked into the bungalow he heard noise from the bedroom. Entering the bedroom he found all of their luggage on the bed almost completely packed and Edward on the phone.

"Yes, thank you. Sorry guys, but can you take care of that?" Edward hadn't even noticed Teddy was back. "No, I haven't been able to tell him yet."

"Tell me what?" Ted could hear the tone of Edward's voice and the look on his husband's face.

"Jake, I'll see you at the airport as soon as we can get there." Edward hung up and moved quickly to Teddy. "Babe, you need to sit down."

It was as if all of the air had suddenly been removed from the room. Ted could feel himself get light headed. There was no way this was happening. Without realizing it, he had sat on the edge of the bed and was looking into Edward's eyes.

Edward wasn't sure how to tell him. He didn't know the best way, this was something he never got used to and it was so much worse since it was family. Kneeling so he was in front of Ted, he grasped both of his hands. "Baby, there's been an accident."

Ted just sat there, he had so many questions but he wasn't sure where to start. Part of him already knew, he had known earlier, he felt it. He couldn't think of what he wanted to say. He wasn't sure where it came from, but he heard himself ask, "Are they okay?"

All Edward could do at first was shake his head. "No, baby. Devon called me while you were at the office. They flew Laura and one of the boys to two different hospitals. The other kids are okay at a hospital in Aspen. Devon and Vladimir are on the way to be with them."

When Edward stopped, Ted knew. "Oh God! John!"

Edward wrapped Ted in his arms as he cried. It felt as if his own heart was breaking as he held the man he loved. It helped knowing Bess was okay, but he still wanted to be with her. He felt the loss of John and was worried about the boys; it was even worse not knowing which one was hurt.

"Babe, it's going to be okay. We need to get going. We have to be there for the kids and Laura." Edward knew this was incredibly tough on Ted, but he had to do something to pull him out of it. "You can mourn on the plane, babe. We have to go."

"Okay." Ted knew he had to pull it back together. There was so much he had to do.

Standing up, Edward headed for the door. "I'm going to head up to the office and let them know we have to go. I'll be back. Can you make sure I didn't miss anything?"

Ted just nodded his head.

Heading to the airport, Edward's phone rang. "Smythe."

"Daddy, where are you?" Bess's voice was weak and Edward could tell she'd been crying.

"Oh, baby, we're on our way. We'll be there as fast as we can, but it is still going to be a while. How are you doing?"

"I'm okay, I miss you and Mr. Ted."

"We miss you too. Is Mr. Devon there with you?"

"Yes, sir, and Mr. Vlad." She handed the phone to Devon.

"Hi, Captain."

"Devon, how is she doing?"

"They're going to release her and Matthew to us shortly. What do you want me to do?"

"Go to the condo. Stephanie has arranged for someone to come and pick you guys up and fly you to Denver. She already has a hotel arranged and there is a car service set up also. We'll meet you in Denver as soon as we can. Any news on Laura or Dylan?"

Hearing what was said, Ted instantly knew it was Dylan who was the child hurt the worst in the accident. The thought of him in the hospital alone suddenly made Ted sick to his stomach.

"They aren't telling me anything. Both hospitals have asked for Ted's contact information, so I think they'll be calling him."

"Okay, I'll call you when we're in the air." Edward ended the call and looked at Ted. "Still no real news. They should be calling you, Devon said."

Ted just nodded his head.

A short while later, as they were headed up the stairs to the jet, Ted's phone rang. "Ted Jackson."

"Mr. Jackson, my name is Dr. Walter Reynolds. I'm treating Laura Hillsgrove and you're listed as the next of kin."

"Yes, Doctor, I am. I'm headed to Colorado now. Is there anything you can tell me?"

"I don't like to do these things over the phone, but under the circumstances I have to. Mr. Jackson, I'm sorry but Mrs. Hillsgrove's injuries are severe and they're complicated by her pregnancy. The first question I need to ask is if it comes down to it, who do you want us to save, her or the babies?"

Ted stopped dead in his tracks, this wasn't something he was prepared to be asked. He regained his strength as best he could and walked further into the aircraft before he collapsed in a seat. "Doctor, I don't know how to answer that. I know what Laura would want..." His voice trailed off.

"Mr. Jackson?"

"If it comes to it, the babies. But they're so young, is it possible?"

"Very well, I'll call you back as soon as I have an update. We're headed back into surgery again." He was interrupted by a nurse yelling in the background, "Mr. Jackson, I'm sorry, I have to go." With that the phone went dead.

Within minutes, they were airborne and Ted could feel Jake climbing as fast as he could. He fired up his laptop and started sending emails to everyone he could think of that needed to know what was happening or who could help. The first went to his and John's lawyers. There were thing that needed to be handled quickly in case things got worse.

Just after they leveled off, Jake appeared in the cabin wearing shorts and a t-shirt. "Boss, we're going to be able to fly direct to Denver. As long as the weather and winds hold we should be good. Otherwise, we are going to have to refuel in California, but I think we should be good all the way, should be there in a little over ten hours."

"Thanks, Jake. Sorry to cut your vacation short."

Jake waved his hand, "Hey, this is way more important than any damn vacation. If you need anything, we'll be up front." He walked back towards the cockpit.

Ted's laptop started beeping with the incoming emails. His lawyer was the first to respond and Carlos was the second. There was also an email from John's brother saying he would meet Ted in Denver as soon as he could, but he was in Hong Kong and would get there after Ted. He was sure to point out that Ted should take whatever actions he needed to. He said that John, Laura, and he had talked about this situation many times and he knew their wishes and would respect them.

For his part, Edward was on the phone with his parents bringing them up to speed. He made them promise to stay where they were and he would let them know if they needed to head to Denver. He then called Harry and left a message when he couldn't get an answer.

"Babe, mum and dad said they love you and for us to let them know what they can do to help."

Ted nodded his head, "Are they still at the house?"

"For another two days, I told them I'd let them know once we are in Denver." Edward sat on the couch and looked at Ted.

Standing from his seat and setting his phone on the desk, Ted moved to Edward on the couch. Sitting down he leaned into Edward and buried his head in the big man's chest. "I don't know how I'm going to get through this."

Edward held Ted as he cried. It was breaking his heart to see the man he loved so much in pain. "We'll get through this together."

"I'm sorry, you're right. I can't tell you what it means to know you're going to be here with me."

Edward smiled and laughed, "You're stuck with me now."

Almost six hours into the flight, things had settled down to the point where Ted was able to just relax some. He made food for everyone, which helped to take his mind off of what was going on. As he settled back into his seat and watched television, the phone on his desk rang.

"Ted Jackson."

"Mr. Jackson, Dr. Reynolds again." The man's voice sounded tired and Ted could tell already where this call was going.

"We're about four hours away, Dr. Reynolds."

"I'm sorry Mr. Jackson, but Mrs. Hillsgrove didn't make it. We did everything we could."

Ted just closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "And the babies?"

"They're in the NICU. They're both alive and stable."

"Thank God for that."

"Is there anyone you need us to notify?"

"Thank you, but I'll take care of everything. Will you be there when we get to Denver?"

"If I'm not in the hospital, I've left instructions they're to page me when you get in."

"Thank you, Dr. Reynolds. I'll see you when we get there." Ted placed the phone back in its cradle and looked out the window.

Edward walked over and knelt down beside Ted. He grasped his hand and looked into his eyes. "I'm so sorry. Babe, are you going to be okay?"

"I don't have a choice right now. Later, when this is all over, I'm not so sure." Ted shook his head, "We have a whole new set of problems I need to deal, like we now have four sons."

Up until Ted said it, Edward hadn't thought anything about the boys and the fact they were theirs now. "I need a drink."

"I'll take a double of whatever you're having."

Edward stopped, "Let me call mum and dad first."

The weeks following the accident were hard on everyone. Dylan had broken his left arm and leg, but other than that he was doing well. He was in a wheelchair for the time being, but that would change shortly and he could start using crutches.

After the newborns were deemed stable and ready for travel, they relocated to Savannah so Ted and Edward could arrange everything and prepare to move their new charges to London. It was a hard time for everyone as they had to go through so many things and deal with the feelings that being in the house without John and Laura brought.

The children were having daily appointments with a counselor. They were doing much better than when they first came home, but it was still going to take some time. Dylan seemed to be handling it much better than Matthew for some reason. He wasn't acting as if the accident didn't happen, but he was much more focused on the future than his brother. Matthew was still having nightmares about the accident.

Thankfully, Edward was able to get emergency leave and didn't have to return to London immediately. Carlos was staying with them and was able to help John's attorney with the paperwork. His presence made both Edward and Ted feel better.

A memorial service was scheduled, which Rose and Stephanie were handling the arrangements for. Edward's mother had taken the lead in many day to day family issues over the past few weeks. Ted wasn't sure where he would be if it wasn't for the support of Edward and his family. It was now that he was feeling the loss of his mother more than he had before.

"So, have you two decided on names for the babies?" Rose was standing in the kitchen holding her cup of tea.

"I think we finally decided last night." Ted took a sip of his tea and then put the cup down. "Trevor and Henry."

"Good choices." Rose was smiling, "Did Edward tell you that Trevor was my father's name?"

Ted's face showed the surprise, "Yes, he sure did. That's why we picked it."

Rose blushed and leaned in to hug Teddy. "Thank you."

Ted just smiled at her. His phone started ringing and he moved towards the counter. "Ted Jackson." As he said it he couldn't get over how he was starting to act like his husband.

"Mr. Jackson, this is Darlene Whitmore, I'm a colleague of John's. I'm very sorry for your loss."

Ted remembered back to his last few conversations with Laura. "Thank you, it's nice of you to call. I was hoping to see you at the memorial service."

"I am hoping to get there, but I needed... Well, there are two reasons I'm calling. The first was to give you my condolences and the second... I'm sorry, but I need your help."

"My help?"

"Yes, I have taken over John's patients, but..." Darlene paused, and Ted thought it was as if she had more bad news for him.

"Laura told me some of the situation surrounding the one patient. At least, as much as she could, she didn't seem to know much."

"Well, I've completely changed the medication this man is on and he is starting to react much better. Did Laura tell you he had been asking to see you?"

"Me?" Ted was once again starting to try to figure out who this mysterious patient could be. There were no members of the family that he knew were hospitalized.

"Yes, it started before their trip to Colorado. Since I've changed his medication, it has been increasing and he is practically begging to see you."

"I'm sorry, but I just don't know why he would be asking to see me."

"I know this is highly unusual, but if you have time before you leave I'd be so grateful if you could stop by. I think seeing you could be a major step for him."

Ted turned and looked out the window, Edward was in the back yard with the boys and Bess. Dylan was in his wheelchair, but he was still right there with the other two. They had adapted well to how Dylan's injuries limited what he could do and both were trying hard to include him in everything still.

"Dr. Whitmore, my schedule is pretty busy right now..." He changed his mind mid-sentence, "Okay, I'll find some time before we leave. I'll call you with a time and make arrangements to come by."

"Thank you so much. I can't tell you what this means. I think you could be the turning point in this patient's recovery. I look forward to hearing from you. If you just call John's office number and ask for me, they'll find me."

"Okay, thank you for calling." Ted hung up the phone and turned towards Rose. "Well, that's just one more thing I need to do this week."

"Edward was telling me. I'm sure it will be good to figure out who it is."

As Ted sat his drink back on the table, there was a knock at the door. "Excuse me. I better see who that is."

Walking to the front door, Ted could feel the pressure he was under. He wasn't sure he could stand anything else right now. Just something good would be nice.

Opening the front door, Ted was greeted by a familiar face. "Hey, Ted, I'm so sorry."

Being wrapped in a set of arms and held tight, Ted smiled even as the tears were flowing. "Harry!"

The service went by quickly for Ted. He was more focused on the kids than he was on what was being said, so it actually helped him. He was sure if he had listened to the whole thing, he would have lost it. Walking out of the church, they were stopped by almost everyone wanting to console them. As they made it to the sidewalk, Carlos was standing by the car.

"Ted, we need to talk, right now."

Ted and Edward were more than a little shocked at the tone. Ted looked at Edward and then back to Carlos. "Okay, why don't we ride together?"

Edward turned towards the kids and his parents, "Can you take the kids back to the house?"

Edward's dad could sense something was wrong and just nodded his head.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Harry had been walking beside Ted and Edward.

"Please." Ted was quick to answer and noticed the look at Carlos's face when he said it. Something told him Carlos had been hoping for a more private meeting.

Climbing into the car, Harry sat up front, with Edward and Ted sitting in the back with Carlos. Vladimir started the car and pulled away from the church.

"Ok, Carlos. What the hell is going on?" Edward wasn't in the best of moods and this was making it even worse.

Carlos turned and looked at Ted, "I'm sorry but there are some things I need to ask you. They are going to be extremely personal, but we've found letters and journals left by John and they're pretty disturbing. On top of that I just got a call from Dr. Whitmore."

"Disturbing?" Ted was trying to focus on Carlos as he listened. "I'm sorry, you're being cryptic. Carlos, you can ask me anything you need to. If it's something I don't want to answer, I'll tell you."

Taking a deep breath, Carlos looked at Ted and then Edward. "Can you tell me what happened to you in college?"

"Carlos, I don't think this is the time and certainly not the place." Edward could feel himself switch into protection mode of his husband. His arm had already been around Ted and he brought it down further, creating a barrier between Ted and Carlos. "I'm sorry, but this isn't something we need to discuss right now, not with what has happened over the last few weeks."

For his part Carlos didn't seem the least bit offended, "I completely understand your reservations about discussing this subject. However, the journals bring into question many things about John and what happened to Ted."

Ted was becoming more confused as this conversation went on, "What do you mean, about John?"

"I think the easiest thing may be to show you some of what we've found out."

Ted didn't speak, just nodded his head.

Carlos reached into his briefcase and removed a file folder. He didn't open it completely, but he pulled out a photo. "Do you know this man?"

Looking at the photo, Ted could feel himself tense up. It was a photo of David, just after they graduated from high school. He couldn't speak, but he nodded his head.

Edward looked at the photo, "Yes, that's David Marinelli."

"Ted, I know this is difficult, but what happened to David?"

"He was killed, or rather he killed himself, why?" Ted looked up at Carlos from the photo and couldn't quite place the look on his face. "What's going on?"

"I'm not sure where to start." Carlos was shaking his head, "Who told you he killed himself?"

Ted sat there quietly trying to remember back to that time of his life. It took him a few minutes, "John."

"No one from the police ever talked to you?"

"No, I didn't want to rep..." Ted had never thought about it before. "No, never."

For his part, Edward was completely lost. He decided he was going to just sit there and not say anything until he needed to.

"I know that David was physically abusive, but I need you to try hard to think about that night. I know it's painful, but it's important."

Teddy just nodded his head. Part of him didn't like where this was going, but he didn't know why. Harry hadn't heard any of this before and maybe that was why he was having a hard time talking about this.

"Did you ever think it was strange the police never contacted you?"

"I never really thought about it, but now that you mention it..." Ted realized his thoughts were going everywhere, trying to remember the events after that night.

Carlos took the photo back and put it in the file, "I've searched police records for that time and there is no mention of David at all, nothing. I've checked with the state and they have no death certificate for him. There is nothing actually, it's almost as if he vanished from the face of the Earth that night."

Ted was now completely confused, "I don't understand, John told me..."

"I know he did."

"Have you ever talked to David's parents?"

"No, David's father died of a heart attack shortly after that night and his mother moved away suddenly."

Carlos pulled another file from his briefcase, "Ted, do you remember Thomas Berry?"

He didn't have to think hard, the name was burned in his memory. "Yes, I went to school with him." Ted didn't say it but, he had been the one who started bullying him in middle school, the reason that everyone had picked on him.

"Did you ever know what happened to him?"

"No, never heard of him after I changed schools."

Carlos pulled a photo from the file and handed it to Ted, "Is that him?"

The photo alone made Ted want to throw up. All of the feelings from his childhood came rushing back. "Yes." Ted looked at the photo again, "Carlos, what the hell does he have to do with any of this?"

"He's dead."

"Huh, when? How?"

"He went missing after you moved, apparently. His body was found a few weeks later. They never found a suspect or a motive."

"How about Felicia Arnold?" He asked as he pulled another photo from the file.

"Is she?"

"Yes. Kevin Galloway?" Another photo came from the file.

"Oh my God. What the fuck is going on?"

"They're both dead also. Within weeks of you moving, the three people who were most responsible for your problems at school were found dead."

"You don't think that I..."

"Of course not, I'm just laying the ground work for what is coming next." Carlos then pulled another photo from the file. "Do you know who this is?"

"His name is Malcom Fortney. He was John's best friend growing up. I haven't seen him in years, what ever happened to him?"

"When was the last time you saw him?"

"He came by to see John, the night I..." Ted felt his whole past suddenly slamming into his present. "No... Oh my God... He... How come I never remembered that? How could I not..."

Edward wished he knew what Ted was thinking, "Babe, are you okay?"

All Ted could do was nod. He looked out the window and wondered how much of his life would have been different and what the hell is really going on.

"I think you tried to block most of this out and your mind filled in what John told you. I'm sorry, but there is more." Carlos wished he didn't have to keep going, but they were quickly running out of time. "John left some pretty eye opening journals. I've read some of them, that's how I was able to figure out so much of this so quickly. I also had some help from Vladimir."

"I don't understand." The confusion was evident in Ted's voice.

Vlad looked into the mirror, back at Ted. "My father had looked into some of this over the years, quietly. I gave Carlos everything he had collected."

"I always wondered why your father disliked John so much. He would never tell me why." Ted paused and looked back at Carlos, "So, am I understanding what you're saying here? Malcom is the one that attacked me and John knew about it?"

Carlos looked down and nodded slowly. "Mr. Fortney was very unstable apparently. From what John had written in his journal, he realized Malcom had become obsessed with you. It was after John told him about your problems in school and that was the reason you were moving, he killed the people responsible. He saw them as taking you away from him."

"And John knew this?" Ted could hear his voice get louder.

"Babe, calm down." Edward was worried about his husband. He knew this was incredibly difficult for Ted to hear. He was trying to hold him tightly, letting him know he was there to support him.

"Sorry." Ted leaned into Edward slightly, he needed the feeling of him being there.

"For some reason, John knew and didn't do anything about it."

"Did any of the journals talk about that night?"

"Yes, do you want to read them?"

Ted shook his head, "No, just tell me."

"Apparently you went to the library?"

"Yes, I had an exam that week. I went to the library to study and John was at the apartment with David."

"Well, John convinced David he needed to get help. He told him if he got treatment, he would help him to win you back. With the help of John's father, he got him into a facility. Sometime during their packing, Malcom showed up unannounced. John tried to get him to leave and not tell him what was going on. He did tell him that David was your boyfriend and he was going to take him to the airport. He didn't realize it at the time, but that conversation set everything in motion. Malcom convinced John to let him take David to the airport and John agreed."

"Where is Malcom now?"

"He's in prison for murder. He killed a man in a bar fight a few years ago."

That was one weight lifted off of Ted's shoulders. He didn't want to have to wonder if Malcom was going to show back up in his life at any moment. His mind suddenly shifted to what happened to David, why had he never heard from him. His thoughts turned back to John and what was going on.

"Apparently sometime after you came home is when Malcom showed up at the apartment?"

"Yes, I mean, I think so. I remember him coming but not much else."

Carlos nodded in understanding, "From what the journal says, Malcom told John he had come back to the apartment to wait for him and found David assaulting you. He told John that David had fled and he had chased him."

"And John believed him?"

"At first... It seems that changed later, but he kept it secret for some reason. From what I gather, he was scared of what would happen to all of you if he ever came forward with the truth. He seems to have become immensely scared of Malcom, and that fear grew as the years past."

Ted sat there quietly, trying to process all of the new facts of his life. "Were you able to find anything out about David?"

Carlos looked sad, and nodded his head slowly. "He never made it to the plane. Malcom assaulted him, leaving him for dead."

"Oh my god, is he alive?"

"Yes, he is."

They were pulling up in the circle in front of the hospital as Ted looked at Carlos, "Does this have something to do with the patient Dr. Whitmore was talking to me about?"

"Yes, everything."

Dr. Whitmore was waiting in the lobby as they walked in. She extended her hand towards Ted as he walked forward. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"You too, doctor."

"This way," extending her arm, pointing towards a doorway to their left, she led the way.

Ted stopped and looked at Edward.

"Babe, it'll be okay." He took a step forward and reached for Ted's hand. Grasping his husband's hand he smiled, "I'm right here and I love you."

Feeling his strength return, Ted smiled back and turned towards Dr. Whitmore. "Okay, let's go."

As they walked down the hallway, Ted could feel himself grasping Edward's hand more tightly the closer they got to the end of the hall. Dr. Whitmore reached and opened the door to the last room on the right, and knocked softly.

"I brought some visitors to see you."

Walking into the room, Ted felt his heart stop. The man sitting in the wheelchair was familiar but so different. "David."

I know, I left you with a cliffhanger... I'll start writing the next "book" in this series shortly. Sorry it has been a long and drawn out process, which is not what I had planned. Unfortunately, life has gotten in the way. We've been through a lot over the time it has taken to get this far. I want to thank each of you for taking the time to read this and my other story. There is a new story about to be released along with another chapter in Something Close to Life.

T