Chapter 38:

 

A Battle

It wasn’t difficult for Brian to locate Xavier - the bodyguard’s room was always located next door to his. Brian tried to keep his building anger down to a minimum; to explode with rage would only get him a sore stomach and no answers. The door was ajar, and suspicious, Brian cautiously pushed it farther open. He saw Xavier, sitting down, phone in hand. He looked up, waving Brian in with a friendly gesture, his posture relaxed, his face peaceful. Brian walked in a few feet and stopped, his nails digging into the palms of his hands for control.

Xavier finished his conversation a minute later. He replaced the phone in its cradle and turned to look at Brian, lacing his hands behind his neck. "So, what’s new?" A small smile twitched at the corner of his mouth, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The smirk was what got to the young singer and Brian felt his control evaporate.

"You know damn well, what’s up. Why did you torch his house?" Brian watched in surprise as Xavier nimbly jumped up, coming over to shove Brian’s arms up in the air. It took no more than a few seconds for the bodyguard to frisk him. Satisfied, Xavier nodded, and returned to his seat. He noticed Brian’s angry look.

"Checking to see if you had a tape recorder. You don’t. So, you were saying again?"

Idiot! Brian cursed himself thoroughly, upset that he had never once considered doing that. "Howie’s home. Why?" He kept his voice low, even if he couldn’t keep the anger out of it.

Xavier yawned, studying his fingernails. "The explosion was rather overdramatic, wasn’t it? Hired help. You can never get good hired help."

Brian hated him. Pure, unconcealed hatred shown from his eyes, enough anger showing to make the bodyguard raise his eyebrows. Xavier’s face slowly turned cold, his eyes matching the same intensity as the young singer standing before him.

"Judging by last night, it seems like you forgot our agreement. I just thought you needed a little reminder." Xavier smiled, enjoying the reaction he caught on Brian’s face. He arose from his seat, turning away from the young singer. Needling him further, he sighed. "The hard part, the really hard part, mind you, was not being able to torch his mom’s house. She wasn’t there that night, so I figured, why waste good gasoline?"

The smash to the back of the bodyguard’s head came suddenly and violently. Xavier dropped like a stone and Brian stood in shock amazement, the heavy metal flashlight that he had grabbed lying on Xavier’s dresser, dropping from his hand. He gave an uneasy laugh, nervously running his fingers through his hair. I did it, he thought, an overwhelming sensation of relief and delight flooding him. Looking down at the still figure, Brian edged away, apprehensive. Feeling on the verge of panic, he first eyed the phone then decided instead to go get help. He ran to the door and paused, turning to view the prone figure. Tie him up first! rushed through his mind, and he glanced frantically about the room. He noticed a black carry-on bag slid half-way underneath the bed and dropped to one knee to retrieve it. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he shakily opened the zipper, rummaging around. He fingers closed around a heavy roll of duct tape and he yanked it out with jerk. Yes. With grim determination Brian stood up, and went over to Xavier, kneeling next him. Ignoring the blood that seeped from the back of Xavier’s head, he ripped off a long length off the silver roll, grabbing the bodyguard’s massive left hand. Quickly he wrapped the length around Xavier’s wrist a few times, reaching across his back to grasp the right hand. That was as far as he got. With a mighty heave, Xavier turned over, knocking Brian’s grip loose. Unsteady, Xavier managed to stagger upright and Brian seized the opportunity to sweep kick at the bodyguard’s feet, sending the giant of a man crashing down. Brian jumped up, leaping over Xavier to escape. A vise grip encircled his left ankle and Brian tripped, falling hard to the ground. Stunned, Brian felt his body being roughly dragged backwards, closer to Xavier. Fear gave him extra strength, and with a desperate wrench, Brian broke free of Xavier’s grasp, scrambling to stand. He almost made it to the door. Grabbing the collar of Brian’s shirt, Xavier jerked him savagely back and spun him around. With a well-timed punch, Xavier lashed out, bringing his fist to smash into the singer’s midsection. His mind groggy with pain, Brian looked up to see the face of Xavier looming over him.

"When you don’t play the game," he said softly, as if lecturing a child, "you have to take the consequences." Wrapping his large hands around the singer’s throat, Xavier began to apply pressure. Brian gagged, trying to pry the thick fingers away. His vision began to blur and he saw two faces, both looking at him with a mixture of anger and regret. "Now Brian, I need you to promise to obey, otherwise something else bad might happen. You wouldn’t want that, would you?"

Given the chance, Brian would have immediately agreed but the pressure increased and Brian struggled, fighting to breathe, fighting to stay conscious. He looked at Xavier, his eyes trying to convey his plea, willing to do anything asked. Xavier finally released his hold with a satisfied grunt, pleased at what he saw in the singer’s face.

Brian swayed, his vision wavering. His body screamed for rest, his mind demanding to be released into the welcoming arms of oblivion. The temptation was overpowering, the allure too sweet to resist. He closed his eyes willingly, thankful for the closing darkness that would surround him and bring relief.

* * * * * *

Kevin tore the offered drink to Howie away from AJ’s hand, irritated by the amount AJ was pushing. "I really don’t think D needs anymore," he commented with a frown.

Nick jumped off the bed, rubbing his face tiredly. "Ditto. Howie needs to be somewhat sober if we’re gonna get him on the next flight out." He glanced at the guys, concerned. "How are we going to get him to the airport? Our bus is leaving soon."

AJ waved that off. "No sweat. We’ll have Harry make a detour." Nick raised his eyes skeptically.

"Oh, Harry will love that. He hates unexpected stops."

"Too bad, who’s paying his salary, anyway?" Kevin said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He gave a large sigh. "Anybody willing to volunteer to go find Brian and tell him what’s happening?"

AJ gave him a sour look, Nick throwing up his hands and shaking his head no. Kevin sighed again. "Yeah, me neither."

 

***

 

 

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