Chapter 72:

Hold the Mayo

Brian could sense the large form of Xavier standing behind him, much too close for comfort. Not wanting to show the alarm he felt radiating throughout him, Brian kept his back to him, taking his time as he searched for clean socks in his suitcase. He finally straightened up and turned, only to find that Xavier hadn't moved an inch.

Brian calmly edged around him, hoping his look of annoyance was believable enough to mask his uneasiness. He sat down on the edge of his bed and put on his socks and shoes, the only clothing he had not brought with him into the bathroom. As much as Brian hated the idea of taking a shower in that filthy bathroom, knowing all too well that a flimsy locked door was the only thing that separated him and Xavier, he braved it, wanting desperately to wash away the dust and grime of the Arizona desert.

Now feeling the burning eyes of Xavier bear down upon him Brian gave up all pretense of civility. "I hear that south of the border you can satisfy any weird craving," he insinuated nastily.

"Yeah, but what if I'm really hungry right now?" taunted Xavier, his eyes roaming.

"Go to Burger King. Have it your way…" he sang sarcastically.

Xavier laughed, amused. "I will," he promised. "You know I always do."

Brian stood up. "Yeah, right," he said scornfully. "Speaking of food, are we ever going to eat?"

Xavier opened their motel door with a flourish. "Yep. I've got a big night in store for us. A real night on the town."

Brian frowned at him as they exited the room. "Great," he muttered under his breath.

* * * * *

Brian watched helplessly as Xavier passed yet another restaurant, his stomach hurting past the point of aching. It was now a dull throb, an occasional spasm that made him want to curl up in agony. A vicious headache was beginning to take hold and it distressed Brian that he had forgotten to take some pain medication.

Another diner flew by and Brian was beginning to feel the threads of anger surged through him. "Xavier, we just passed by a place to eat! What's your problem? Come on, I'm hungry."

"Ah, poor baby. We'll be there soon enough. You'll like it, I promise, okay?" Xavier flashed him a fake smile.

Brian crossed his arms across his chest. "Whatever," he mumbled. He gazed outside the window, trying to forget the cramps in his stomach. Nogales was strangely fascinating, a border town that was struggling to keep American standards but failing miserably. Brian read several signs as they drove by, a combination of Spanish and English intermixed. He wished he had paid more attention when Howie has spoke Spanish, maybe even asked him a few pointers, because nothing seemed to make sense in this hodgepodge town. Brian shot a quick look at Xavier. Of course, the bodyguard seemed right at home, knew his way unerringly, and it made Brian apprehensive about where they were headed.

He picked at his fingers, edgy. The first day was not even over and he felt like he had been to hell and back. Six more days to go. I'm not sure I can do it. He thought about the next three games, trying to figure what Xavier might have in store. He said harder. Does that mean physically or mentally? He prayed it meant physically. In his own heart he knew that another mental game would probably send him over the edge.

They paused at a red light, waiting for it to change. Brian stared at a white stucco building next to him, Banco de Nogales. Even I can figure that name out, he thought as the light turned green and Xavier turned left. He wondered why they were going to cross the border tomorrow to do their money transaction. Tomorrow. Why tomorrow? The question raced repeatedly through Brian's mind. Think. There's something strange here…He shook his head. It didn't make any sense. If Xavier got his money tomorrow he'd be rich, so wouldn't he just disappear, vanish from sight? Yet Xavier spoke of three more games to play. Why would he be foolish enough to get his money, then still continue to play the games? Unless…Brian tensed his seat, feeling slightly lightheaded. Unless Xavier wasn't going to play the next game, that this was all a trick, a ruse to lead me on, make me think about the next challenge, to keep my mind occupied. With sudden clarity Brian saw through Xavier's plan. He's hoping I'm concentrating on the next three games, games he had no intention of playing because by tomorrow he'll be rich and in Mexico where no one can touch him. Brian now saw the clever strategy in completing the money transaction in Mexico. And I'll be with him, in a foreign country, out of touch…Brian felt numb, a sinking feeling enveloping him as he understood that whether he had won or not in Xavier's phony games, Xavier was still going to follow through with his planned surprise for one of the guys. Xavier would like nothing more than to hurt one of them, hell, he said he wished he could have gotten them all! Xavier wanted Brian away from them, not taking a chance that Brian could ruin his surprise. The surprise. It sounded ugly. Brian corrected himself. No, it would be ugly. Brian gulped in fear, thinking about the guys. Trying not to show the extreme agitation he felt, Brian kept his face turned towards the passenger window. He needed to get in touch with the guys, now, tonight. But how? Xavier had taken his cell phone and pager away, just after the gun incident and Brian understood why. Xavier was watching Brian like a hawk, 24/7, never leaving his side. Brian knew he had little chance of getting to a phone.

Brian sighed bitterly. Even if he did manage to reach them, how could he convince them? Do I say, watch out, be careful? Xavier is going to hurt you? Brian could hear the snort of disbelief and sarcasm in Nick's voice before hanging up on him. Aren't you a little confused there, Brian? Don't you mean you?

His best chance was with Kevin. He hoped that their family bond was strong, even stronger than their friendship. He knew Kevin was the most sensible, the most rational of the group. He would just have to make Kevin understand. Brian could feel the curious stare Xavier was giving him and he quickly snapped out of his musings, scared that Xavier could somehow read his thoughts.

He pointed to another restaurant that had just passed by. "There, right there, what's wrong with that one?" he barked, trying to mask his nervousness with anger. "Anything will do…"

Brian backed off on his outburst, alarmed that he had pushed the bodyguard too hard when Xavier suddenly swerved the car into a McDonald's parking lot and shut the engine off quickly.

"Here we are!" Xavier waved his hand expansively and jumped out of the car.

Brian crawled out, disbelief scrawled plainly on his face. "McDonalds? You hate McDonalds!"

Xavier laughed, his dark eyes enjoying Brian's incredulity. "Naw. Not this one. This McDonalds is the only one that serves jalepeno relish with their food." He rubbed his hands in eager anticipation. "Come on!" He bounded inside, almost boyishly. Brian shook his head, eyeing the busy restaurant before reluctantly following in. What was Xavier thinking? I'll get recognized for sure!

Brian opened the heavy metal doors and was greeted by a whoosh of warm air and the sound of various employees greeting the overflowing customers. They all seemed to be speaking Spanish. Everyone of them. Brian wandered over to Xavier, his mouth slightly open as he read the menu. Everything was written in Spanish too.

"Are you sure we aren’t across the border?" he asked suspiciously.

Xavier laughed as he stepped up to the counter. "Yes. Go sit down, over there," he pointed. "I'll get the order."

Brian looked to where he was pointing. Far away, tucked back into the corner was a table with two seats. Sitting down, Brian sighed as he viewed the sea of dark-haired people before him. He felt like he was the only American here, well light-skinned and blonde, that is. He realized he must stick out like a sore thumb...but as for being easily recognized he was pretty sure now, as Xavier was, that these customers hadn't the slightest idea or interest in the Backstreet Boys. Brian watched as Xavier gave the McDonald's employee what looked to be a lengthy order then gazed casually around at the milling crowd, all patiently waiting to be next. Looking down at his hands, he studied them, picking at his nails when suddenly he felt that unmistakable stare bearing down upon him. Sighing, he glanced up, wondering what Xavier wanted now. Instead he looked up into a pair of light brown eyes, belonging to a very pretty young face. The girl was on her cell phone, but not talking, her mouth hanging wide open in surprise as she stared directly at Brian. She elbowed her friend who was standing next to her, who in turn was standing next to Xavier.

Brian smiled weakly back at her, realizing he had been spotted. His smile faded as he zeroed in on her cell phone, his heart doing a flip-flop as an impulsive idea sprang to mind. On edge, he looked at Xavier who was still waiting for the order to be rung up. With a wave of his hand, Brian motioned the two girls over, putting his finger up to his mouth indicating for them to be quiet. The two girls nodded and hurried over.

"Oh my God, it's you isn't it?" she gushed.

Brian nodded, trying to be polite and keep a watchful eye on Xavier at the same time.

The dark-haired girl squealed a little and Brian gave her a warning look with his eyes.

"Oh, oh, sorry. I really am. Can I have your autograph?"

"Sure." Brian gave her a "anything to write with" look and she began immediately to scour her purse.

"Here," said her friend, handing Brian a pen, her eyes never leaving his face.

"Thanks, uh?" questioned Brian, indicating her name.

"Rosie. This is Lupe," Rosie pointed to her friend.

Brian smiled warmly, signing the paper as quickly as he could with out looking like he was in a hurry.

"You're here for the Tucson concert, aren't you?"

Brian nodded, looking over Rosie's dark head to locate Xavier. "Uh, yeah, you guys going?" The bodyguard was just now getting some of his ordered served up. Hurry! he screamed to himself. Ask them!

The two girls shook their heads unhappily. "Nope. Sold out before we could get tickets! And we were only 30 behind in line."

"Too bad," sympathized Brian. Now, do it now! "Say listen, I feel bad about that. Tell you what. See that large man over there? Yeah? Well, he's my bodyguard and he's almost got our order ready, so we'll be eating soon. He's not in a very good mood right now, so he won't be too happy seeing you guys here. But I want you guys to go to the concert." Brian had to hurriedly hush them up as they began to express their happiness. His eyes flickered nervously as he saw Xavier reaching for the condiments. He had only a few more moments. "I'm going to ask a strange request, so say no if you don't want to."

The girls wiggled a little in anticipation, nodding their heads. Brian took a deep breath. Here goes nothing! "I need to borrow your cell phone," he asked watching their faces intently. "Mine, uh, broke, and even though my bodyguard has one, his batteries are dead." God! Xavier was grabbing napkins! Sweating, Brian hurried on. "I'm planning a back stage surprise party for Nick," he heard their gasps of delight, "after the Tucson show. If I can borrow your phone, I can get you tickets to the show and the party. Interested?"

Please, please, please… begged Brian, closing his eyes, not wanting the girls to see the desperation in them. He felt a nudge on his arm and opened his eyes. Rosie was smiling, holding out her phone to him.

"Here," she offered, "take it. It's my dad's anyway," she said offhandedly, unconcerned.

Brian nearly snatched it from her hand, quickly shoving the phone is his jacket. "Thanks! I'll give it back to you at the concert." Noticing their hesitancy, he hurried on. "Front row seats okay for you and Lupe?"

Shit! Xavier was now on his way over, a curious look on his face. "I'll have everything ready and waiting for you at the arena, I promise."

Xavier placed the food down, his smile strained. "Girls?" he said sourly. "You're not bothering Mr. Littrell, are you?"

If Xavier's body wasn't imposing enough, his tone was. The girls backed away. "No, no, just talking. I got his autograph." Lupe smiled nervously, showing her scrap of paper.

"Well good for you," Xavier sneered, his sarcasm showing. "Now get lost."

Brian smiled apologetically as the girls moved even farther back. "Goodbye." His eyes conveyed thanks. Rosie nodded, understanding, and poked Lupe in the ribs. "Let's go."

She turned back in surprise. "Oh!" Rosie ran over to give Brian a hug, startling Xavier and Brian both. "The lock out code is 922," she whispered in his ear and pulled away, giving the bodyguard a victorious smirk. "Bye!" She waved playfully at them both, then ran giggling out the door with Lupe.

Xavier looked at her with disdain, Brian with relief. The cell phone had a lock out feature, meaning it was useless to use unless he had the code. He drilled the number into his brain. Smiling inwardly at Rosie's cleverness he began to eat what Xavier shoved at him, vowing to repay her a thousand times over.

* * * * * *

Kevin looked grimly at John Smith or whatever-the-hell-his-name-was, and wondered if he was doing the right thing. AJ, along with Howie, had rounded up five portable phones and Kevin leaned over, his posture threatening, as he handed one to John who was now sitting in AJ's living room.

"Remember, play it cool. Don't talk too much."

John nodded and grinned slightly as he saw AJ perched on the edge of the couch, waving more money at him. Kevin punched the number in and held his breath as he gave the ringing phone to John then covered the speaker on his phone, indicating for the rest of the guys to do the same. Howie, AJ, and Nick all clicked on, hearing the faint ring.

"Yeah?" came a rough growl.

John spoke up. "Hey, dude, its me, uh Jim." John, now Jim, flinched at Kevin's scowl.

"Did you locate him?" All four guys listened quietly as Xavier's snarled his command.

"Yeah, he's here, came in awhile ago." John/Jim replied calmly.

"Good." There was a pause, a lengthy one at that, and it made Kevin nervous. "Where the hell are you calling from?" All four Backstreet Boys froze, not daring to even breathe. Nick gazed wide-eyed at Kevin, a panicked look to his face. AJ waved dramatically to all and mouthed silently, my number is blocked

. John/Jim laughed easily. "Dude, from inside his house!" AJ rose out of his seat, alarmed, but Kevin waved him back, understanding the intruder's reasoning. If Xavier had any suspicions, it was better to tell a half-truth.

"His house?" Xavier tone indicated that he was not pleased.

"Yep, he and that blond kid went out, to go get something to eat, I think. I just picked the lock, so I decided to call you. Hey, can I steal something?"

"No!" roared Xavier over the line and everyone winced. "Did you say that blond kid?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Shit. I gotta call someone now, tell 'em he's not at his house. I didn't think blondie was going to stay with that punk. Did you see anyone else?"

John/Jim eyed Kevin who was following the conversation closely. Kevin gave him a heads-up sign and John decided to push a little further. "Like who?"

Nick heard Xavier snort in exasperation. "Come on asshole. You know who I mean. Any other fucking Backstreet Boys?"

"Nope."

"How come his alarm didn't go off?"

Kevin did a double take, surprise by Xavier's sudden question. He sensed the suspicion in Xavier's voice and found himself beginning to sweat, but John/Jim answered coolly. "Guess he forgot. He's got dogs, maybe they would alarm the sensors. Hey, are you sure I can't take anything?" he whined convincingly getting off the subject.

"Goddammit, no. I paid you to watch, not to steal. Don't fuck with me. And get the hell out of the house, now."

"Okay, boss." All five heard loud shrieks of girly delight in the background.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" snarled Xavier. "Brian, let's go!" he yelled faintly. In the background Nick, AJ, Howie and Kevin tensed as they heard Xavier yell Brian's name.

Xavier returned to the receiver. "Gotta go, fan problem. Get out of that house. And don't ever call me again, got it?" With a click the line went dead and all five hung up too.

Nick shook slightly, throwing the phone onto the couch. "Bri's with him. I hope he's okay." He placed two shaky hands up to his face and slumped into a chair. Kevin looked at AJ, Howie, then at their intruder.

"Well, Jim, you did good. Guess I'll let you live." John/Jim knew by the look on the dark-haired singer that he was not joking. Kevin eyed him up and down calmly. "By the looks of you, I don't think you stay in one place for very long, do you?" Kevin didn't wait for a reply. "Yes, I think a fresh start is just what you need." Kevin walked over to Howie who was sitting next to Nick. "Howie, grab AJ's keys and give Jim a ride to the airport. Pay for a ticket, I don't care where. Just make sure he gets on, okay?"

Howie nodded and caught the keys AJ fished out of his pocket then placed a hand on Jim's shoulder, telling him to get up. As they walked to the door AJ stopped them, stuffing a few more hundred into Jim's shirt pocket. Jim started to smile, then stopped as Kevin came up from behind.

"Hey, just remember this. We…are… the… Backstreet… Boys," Kevin spat, enunciating every word. "You do anything, anything to fuck this up and I will use every last dollar to see that your life is pure hell. And I've got millions," he whispered, his last sentence telling Jim everything he needed to know. Jim gulped once, seeing the looks of agreement on the other three. Right now, a trip out of Florida was looking pretty good to him.

***

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