Chapter 69:

Game One

Brian learned more than he ever wanted to know about the desert during the next few hours he spent driving in the car with Xavier. Too disturbed by Xavier's grim statement to talk, he sat in troubled silence, feeling Xavier glance his way occasionally, as if sizing him up. Brian kept his head turned towards the side window, his chin resting in the palm of his hand as he stared out at the passing scenic landscape. If scenic was the correct word. He knew many considered the southwestern desert to be breathtaking, its vast and untamed land picturesque, but to Brian it looked exactly the way he felt, dead and desolate.

He carefully considered Xavier's last statement, painstakingly going over any way he could thwart Xavier's mad little game from happening while also trying to keep everyone safe. In the back of his mind he heard himself vowing to continue on, to go for it, play the game so that he could be rid of Xavier once and for all. The temptation was alluring, the desire overwhelming to know that this insane bodyguard could be gone forever if he was just able to keep his wits about him and win. On the other hand, Brian wanted to take flight, to escape from Xavier's clutches anyway possible and damn the consequences. He hung his head, ashamed at his weakness, at his desire to finally concede defeat and accept whatever outcome, good or bad. He sighed inwardly and closed his eyes, praying for strength. It had been a long time since he had done that, his mind so filled with turmoil that he had given little thought towards prayer. Several passages came to mind and he reflected on them, discarding them one by one. He finally selected a verse. God is my refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. He repeated it over and over again in his mind, making it a mantra. A calmness surrounded him and he relaxed for the first time that day, his mind finally clear. He was not going to give up, he was going to fight, fight to win even if he lost everything dear to him. He owed himself that much. He owed that much to the guys.

Stomach growling in protest, Brian curiously glanced at his watch. 3:00 p.m. They had passed several diners on the way, none catching Xavier's attention. By the way he was driving, it looked like it would be hours more before they stopped, so Brian was surprised to see Xavier cut sharply off the highway, entering a dusty road that looked barely serviceable. The car bounced hard against the large and small potholes that dotted their path; Xavier not caring to adjust his speed as he hurried on and Brian soon lost sight of the freeway as they traveled further up and in.

Brian held onto his armrest tightly as they hit a particularly deep rut, then shot Xavier a startled look. Xavier seemed to be searching for something, his eyes darting back and forth along the road. With a quick twist of the wheel the bodyguard turned the car to the right then abruptly stopped. Brian peered out the window, noticing that they were positioned next to a dry river bed. Xavier popped the trunk release and then hopped out of the car, hands on hips as he scanned the area. Nodding in satisfaction, he waved for Brian to get out. Leery, Brian hesitantly opened the car door and slowly stepped out, noting that Xavier had still left the engine running. He walked over to find Xavier reaching into the trunk, humming cheerfully as he pulled out a small nylon bag. He hauled another bag out, a mesh one filled with empty beer cans. Xavier shot Brian a quick grin, holding up a hand to keep Brian's questioning look at bay. Slamming the trunk down hard, he knelt and zipped open the smaller of the two bags, bringing out a handgun. Brian drew a surprised breath as he found the large bodyguard shoving the weapon unceremoniously into his hands. Xavier withdrew another, an exact duplicate, handling it with practiced ease.

With a gleam in his eye, Xavier examined the gun admiringly. "A Glock. Pretty, ain't she?" He brought up his gun and sighted it, targeting a nearby sage bush. He turned to smile at Brian, who was staring dumbly at the large gun in his hand. "Ready for some target practice?" he asked excitedly. Xavier reached over to grab the mesh bag of cans, moving towards a fallen mesquite tree. "Be careful," he called over his shoulder, "it's loaded."

Brian stared thoughtfully at the weapon, then hefted the grip experimentally, feeling the weight press solidly into his hand. He clamped his fingers tightly around it, closing his eyes for a moment as a rush of wild desire flooded him. Quickly he snapped them open watching Xavier painstakingly line up can after can on the decrepit trunk limb. Shaking slightly, Brian slowly took a small step forward then turned to gaze back at the car, hearing the engine drone quietly in park, tempting him with sudden freedom. Tearing his attention away from the car Brian took another step forward, this time not so hesitant, and then another, gaining confidence with each step. He raised the gun carefully, sighting the middle of Xavier's back. Do it! Brian screamed to himself. You had your chance with the switchblade and you blew it. Do it, now! A small smile that turned into a wicked grin spread across Brian's face, high on the knowledge that he was going to kill Xavier. But first he wanted to see Xavier sweat, to see the expression of terror spread across the son-of-a-bitch's face before he pulled the trigger.

'Xavier!" yelled Brian, walking closer, pointing the gun directly at Xavier's heart as the large bodyguard turned around.

Xavier stiffened slightly, his eyes narrowing as he stared hard at Brian then at the gun held confidently in the young singer's hand. He glanced back to his own weapon, out of reach, having placed it down in order to set up targets. "You don't have the guts," he sneered, taking a menacing step forward, his eyes boring directly into Brian's.

"Oh, I think I do," grinned Brian confidently, his finger pulling the trigger when he saw Xavier take another threatening step.

The loud, empty click of the Glock snapped Brian instantly out of his bloodlust. Taken aback, he pulled the trigger again, then once more, the chamber clicking uselessly with each pull. Xavier began to roar with amusement, his laughter echoing loudly in the still desert air. He walked over and quickly snatched the gun out of Brian's slumped hand, holding it up like a victory prize.

"Damn! You did it! I wasn't sure you would, but I was hoping, I really was!" He grabbed Brian by the shoulders, giving him an affectionate hug, smiling at the incredulous look that was plastered over the young singer's face.

"Look, I want to show you something," Xavier revealed, still holding Brian firmly in his grip. He raised the gun and aimed at a beer can, pulling the trigger. The can exploded, along with another sitting next to it. "See? If you just had pulled the trigger once more, you woulda got me! I guess I didn't leave the gun completely empty." He roared again with delight, highly amused.

Stunned, Brian could hardly believe how close he had come to freedom, the bitter irony burning within him. This had all been a set-up, a test, a game, planned to down to the last exacting detail and executed to perfection. Enraged, he spotted Xavier's gun, lying perched a few yards away. Without thinking Brian viciously slammed his elbow into Xavier's midsection, ripping away from Xavier's grasp. Running as fast as he could, he scooped up the other gun and turned, hoping for a quick shot. Xavier tackled him, his flying leap knocking the gun out of Brian's hand. They both fell backwards, rolling together in the hot desert sand. Struggling upright first, Brian frantically searched for the lost gun, panicking as he heard the grunts of Xavier coming up from behind him. Catching the glint of the gun resting half-buried in the sand Brian dove for it, circling his fingers around the grip. Xavier slammed into Brian again, this time knocking the breath completely out of him. Brian lay flat on his stomach, his vision wavering as he gasped desperately for air. Xavier yanked him roughly up onto his knees then leaned over with one arm to reach for the fallen gun, the other massive hand clamped brutally onto Brian's wrist.

Brian watched in horror as Xavier slowly brought the gun up, carefully placing the end of the barrel against Brian's forehead. Terrified, Brian stared at Xavier, seeing nothing but sheer madness in the bodyguard's eyes.

A small smile formed at the corner of Xavier mouth as he felt the young Backstreet Boy tense, waiting until Brian closed his eyes in defeat before pulling the trigger.

Click.

Brian jerked violently, his eyes flying wide open as shock set in. Xavier released his hold and Brian slumped to the ground, too traumatized to stand upright. His body shook uncontrollably, the razor sharp pain of adrenaline making him grimace. A shadow crossed over him and Brian weakly raised his head to see Xavier standing over him, grinning.

"Oops. No bullets in this one either."

Xavier laughed uproariously, watching as Brian collapsed back down into the sand, then went over to gather up the two guns, stuffing them back into the bag and throwing the whole thing into the car trunk. He eyed Brian, still lying on the ground, not moving. He waited for a moment then walked over, frowning.

"Come on, rise and shine," he ordered, grabbing the collar of Brian's shirt and heaving upwards. He studied Brian, watching as some color returned to the young singer's face.

"You've done good," Xavier admitted, leading Brian towards the car. "You won."

"Won?" croaked Brian as he swayed unsteadily.

"Yeah. Game one. That was game one. Want to know who the surprise isn't for?" The animation was back in Xavier's voice and Brian looked at him in a daze, not comprehending.

"How…How did…" he questioned, before being interrupted by Xavier.

"Nope, not Howie," smirked Xavier, pleased at his joke. He opened the car door, shoving Brian in, then jogged around the other side, enthusiastically jumping in.

Brian slumped in his seat, his face resting sideways against the headrest, exhausted. Xavier gunned the engine hard, the car fishtailing in the soft dirt as they headed back towards the road. Without pausing to stop, Xavier recklessly entered the highway, giving a whoop of glee as he floored the pedal.

"Damn! We're gonna make some good time! Nogales, here we come!" He grinned gleefully at Brian, joyfully slapping Brian on the shoulder and ignoring Brian's wince. "I'm proud of ya, son!" he mimicked in a deep fatherly voice. "In fact, you deserve some brownie points! You're the first who didn't piss in his pants!"

Brian shuddered, wondering how many others had been victim to Xavier's cruel gun trick. Xavier carried on, full of enthusiasm. "Yes, brownie points are in order. Tell you what. Since the next game is going to be tougher than this one, I'll let you know when game two happens. Just so you'll be ready, okay?"

Brian turned his face away, not wanting Xavier to see the stunned look on his face. Game two would be tougher? The first one just about killed him. Numb, exhausted, and at the brink of despair, Brian wondered if he could survive the next three. For the first time since this whole nightmare started, Brian realized with a sinking feeling that he probably wouldn't.

***

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