Chapter 22

Published: 4 Apr 2022

After checking out the clinic where Brent was being held, Matt and Bryan drove to a nearby hotel. They checked into a room and Bryan started making phone calls. He wanted to reach a friend that owed him a favor and that Bryan thought would be able to help rescue Brent.

“I think it’s faster if I try the parents,” Matt said after Bryan had left a voicemail for his friend to call him back.

“I would say that is worth a try,” Bryan said, “but I don’t hold out much hope of that working. We are better breaking the boy out of there and then figuring out a long-term plan.”

“I just hate to think of him being held in there for another day or two while we make plans.” In his frustration Matt was pacing from one end of the hotel room to the other. “Plus breaking him out feels a bit like kidnapping and breaking a bunch of laws.”

“Oh, it is definitely illegal,” Bryan said. He watched as Matt paused and looked at him. “Oh, please babe, you knew it would be.”

Matt sighed and knew Bryan was right. He just had not let himself consider all the legal or illegal aspects. “I would just call family services and let them investigate but Brent would be suffering while they did their paper pushing.” Matt and Bryan had talked about that and knew that the longer it took to get Brent out the more possible mental damage would be done to the teenager.

“Just try and relax.” Bryan wrapped his arms around Matt and kissed the back of Matt’s neck. “We will get him out. If it takes an entire platoon of Marines, we will break him out of there.”

“Your pal has that much clout?” Matt asked.

“Probably more than even I know,” Bryan said. “I’m just hoping he’s not on an operation somewhere. If he is…”

“We are on our own?” Matt said.

“Not entirely,” Bryan said and gave Matt a half smile. “I have some other options.”

“You know the fastest way would be to just get Brent’s parents to get him out of there.” Matt could not stand the idea of Brent spending one minute longer in that hell. The teenager’s panic had cut right through Matt.

“Try it babe,” Bryan said and kissed Matt again. “I’ll work on plan B.”

“Thanks babe,” Matt said. “I’ll call you if I get anywhere with them.”

Matt moved to the door. He paused and moved back to Bryan who was sitting at the desk opening his laptop. “I love you.” Matt bent down and kissed Bryan’s lips.

“I love you to babe,” Bryan said. “Be careful.”

As Matt drove towards Brent’s neighborhood, he tried to decide what he needed to say to get Brent’s parents to pull Brent out of that clinic. He was optimistic that once he told them about the fear and panic in Brent’s voice that they would get him. He could not imagine loving parents leaving their kid in that sort of place.

Matt pulled up in front of the Watson’s house. He could not stop himself from looking over at Devyn’s house. He still wanted to find out what had happened to Devyn. Once they got the Brent situation under control, he would dig into what had happened to Devyn. He still could not believe that the sweet and friendly boy had died.

Matt took several deep breaths before getting out of his car and walking to the Watson’s front door. He rang the bell and waited.

Linda was friendly enough when she opened the door to him. “Hello.”

“Hi Mrs. Watson,” Matt said.

“Brent is not home,” she said.

“I’m glad you remember me,” Matt said. “Do you mind if I come inside so we can talk?”

“I’m not sure why you are so interested in my son,” she said.

“He called me last night,” Matt said.

“He what?” Linda said.

“Can I come in and explain,” Matt said.

Stepping back Linda allowed Matt in the house. She led him into the living room. “Please explain what you mean about Brent calling you. He is not really allowed to contact people during his recovery.”

“Mrs. Watson,” Matt began trying to pick his words carefully. “Brent was frantic last night when he called me. He was scared. I am genuinely concerned for him.”

“I assure you, that he is fine,” she said. “I have visited him several times and he has adjusted well. Dr. Wilson is wonderful. She has told us how much progress Brent has made in his recovery. I’m not sure what we would do without her.”

“I wish you could have heard Brent’s voice.” Matt wanted to convince her to get Brent out of the clinic. He could tell that Linda Watson cared deeply for her son. “This place is performing some sort of twisted conversion therapy on Brent. He was frantic last night when he called me for help.”

“They are treating him for his memory loss and some behavior issues. You just misunderstood the call. I’m sure he is safe.”

Matt wanted to shake some sense into the woman. He could see the love in her blue eyes that were so much like Brent’s. “Mrs. Watson Brent is not safe. If you had heard his voice you would understand.”

“If Brent was in trouble, he would have called us,” she said. “They are taking very good care of him and he is getting better.”

“From the way Brent sounded, they are making any condition he has worse.” Matt knew he just needed to say the right thing and she would get her son out of there. He wished he could let her hear the panic and fear in Brent’s voice. That phone call would have been enough to convince this woman. “Just go check on him. Go visit him today.”

Linda was considering Matt’s words. She felt a sincerity in the man’s words and in the man’s eyes. She had been wanting to visit Brent anyway. She felt it had been too long since they had talked to him.

Matt could see it in her eyes. He could see she was going to go. He was almost ready to hug her. “I could drive you there myself. My car is right out front.”

“That is generous of you,” Linda said. “But not necessary.”

They both turned when the front door opened and Richard came into the house. “Hello,” he said looking at Matt and his wife.

“Hi honey,” Linda said. “You are home early.”

“I thought I would take you to lunch,” he said. “I did not expect company.”

“Hello Mr. Watson,” Matt said, holding out his hand. “I’m Matt Chancellor.” The two men grasped hands. “I was just explaining to Mrs. Watson…”

“He’s concerned about Brent,” Linda said, explaining to her husband.

“I think your son is in trouble,” Matt said.

“Brent is fine,” Richard said, looking from Matt to Linda.

“Brent called me last night.” Matt could see the guarded look on Richard’s face. “Brent told me about being in the clinic. He was very scared.”

“I’m not sure who called you but it was not Brent.” Richard’s voice was laced with his skepticism. “He is not allowed any contact right now.”

“It was Brent Mr. Watson,” Matt said. “He was afraid.”

“Why would he call you and not us?” Richard asked. “Just how is it you know my son?”

“We met a few months ago,” Matt explained. Looking from Linda to Richard. “His friend Devyn introduced us.” Matt knew as soon as he uttered Devyn’s name that it had been the wrong thing to say. He could see the opportunity evaporating before Richard ever spoke.

“That kid is the reason Brent is in the state he is,” Richard said. “If it weren’t for that boy Brent would be here right now. It is because of that Roberts kid that we had to send Brent for treatment.”

“I’m not sure you understand what kind of treatment he is having,” Matt said. “They are performing conversion therapy on him.” Matt received blank looks from both of Brent’s parents.

“They are helping him with his memory loss and helping him work through his disorder,” Linda said.

“They are going to cure him of what… what that boy did to him,” Richard said.

“I’m guessing that you mean Devyn,” Matt said looking from Richard to Linda.

“Yes,” Richard said. “He was nothing but a disgusting predator.

“I’m a little confused,” Matt said.

“You do not need to know our affairs,” Richard said, crossing his arms.

“You are right,” Matt said. “Right now, we need to concentrate on Brent and right now he is being abused.”

“Abused,” Linda said, shocked. Her left hand flying to her mouth.

“Yes,” Matt said. “From the panic I heard from Brent and the muffled conversation it sounds very drastic. You need to get him out of there right now.”

“We will not,” Richard said. “We need our son back. We need our normal son back.”

“Conversion therapy doesn’t work,” Matt said. “If you think you are treating him for being gay then you are sicker than the doctors at this clinic.”

“Oh, are you one of those progressive accepting of diversity nuts.”

“No,” Matt said, his green eyes flashing. “I am one of those homosexuals that knows there is nothing wrong with me. Brent would know that too if you had supported him instead of turning him over to be abused.”

“What the hell!” Richard’s blood pressure spiked at Matt’s words. “Were you and that Roberts kid working together to seduce Brent? Were you trying to molest my son?” Richard turned on Linda then. “How could you let him into our house?”

“Richard,” she began, “He’s just concerned about Brent.”

“Are you the one that manipulated Devyn? Are you the one that started this whole mess?” Richard’s face was growing red with the man’s anger. He was as taught as a guitar string and looked on the edge of snapping.

“God started this by making Brent gay,” Matt said. “He is a wonderful kid. He does not need anything but understanding and love.”

“Get out!” Richard yelled.

“You need to help your son.” Matt knew he was losing the battle but he had to keep trying. He had to make them understand. “Just get him out of there. Find some other doctor to help Brent.” Matt was hoping that another doctor would tell them that there was nothing wrong with their son. “Just help him and love him.”

“Brent is getting the treatment he needs.” Richard’s voice was low and the vanes along his neck were pulsing with every beat. “You need to mind your own business.”

“Please do what is best for Brent…” Matt’s words were cut off by Richard.

We are doing what is best for Brent. He is getting the treatment he needs.” Richard’s face was growing more red with each heartbeat.

“Please just get him out of this place and find someone else to treat Brent.” If Matt thought it would help, he would get on his knees and beg Richard to get Brent out of the clinic.

“He needs this kind of treatment. He needs to be where he is to be cured.”

“Put aside your prejudice and help Brent.” Matt could not believe anyone would put their child through what Richard was. He looked at Linda. Matt’s green eyes were pleading with her.

“Get out of my house!” Richard’s voice almost echoed in the living room. “Get the hell out of here.”

“Your son is being tortured and raped,” Matt yelled back. “You need to put aside your narrow-minded bigoted views and help your kid. You need to get him out of there. You need to save him.”

“They will let us know when he is better,” Richard said. “Now you get out of my house. You get out and don’t ever come around here again.”

“Your son,” Matt began but was cut off.

“And stay away from my son!” Richard yelled.

Matt clenched his hand into a fist. “You are a pathetic excuse for a father,” Matt said, his voice cold. “You have no right to have a son like Brent.”

Richard took two steps forward and was in Matt’s face. “You have no idea what my son means to me.”

“Then show him.” Matt was not backing down. He met Richard’s tIcy glare and stood his ground. “Go get him. Bring him home. Love him.”

“He needs help,” Richard yelled in Matt’s face.

“He needs love,” Matt spat back.

“Not from a fucking faggot like you,” Richard said.

Matt’s fist slammed into Richard’s jaw. Richard swung back but Matt moved and the blow missed him. He turned and in one quick movement swept Richard’s feet from under him. He looked down at the man. Matt’s green eyes were conveying his disgust.

“Get out!” Linda yelled. “Get out before I call the police!”

Matt could not believe what he had done. He was not usually the impulsive one. That was normally Bryan. He took a deep breath trying to regain his composure.

Linda had already pulled her cell phone from her pocket. “I’m calling them right now.”

That was all Matt needed was to be arrested. Turning he met Linda’s eyes. “Mothers are supposed to protect their children. You have turned your son over to rapists and torturers. I hope you are happy.”

Spinning Matt stormed from the living room. Slamming the front door so hard he caused the pane of glass to crack. He slammed his car door and for one moment he thought of driving the car right through their front door and into their living room.

Matt was pacing back and forth in the hotel room. He was still more mad than he could ever remember being in his life. Adding to Matt’s anger was that they were only a few miles from the clinic where Brent was being held.

“I can’t believe how useless his parents were,” Matt said again. “If I had not lost my temper…” Matt’s voice trailed off. He had replayed the conversation countless times. He knew he should have been able to articulate how serious it was to get Brent out of the facility.

“Don’t worry babe,” Bryan’s arms wrapped around Matt from behind. He pulled the man tight to his chest. He lightly kissed the back of Matt’s neck. “It is all set up. The cavalry will be here soon.”

“This is your Marine buddy?” Matt asked.

“We served together,” Bryan said. “He’s going to help us get Brent out of that hell.”

“I hope you are right and he can help us,” Matt said.

“Oh, don’t worry, he will be able to help us,” Bryan said, holding Matt tight. He could feel Matt’s tension and wanted to get his lover to relax. “With his help and resources, we will be able to put together a plan. We will get Brent out of there safely.”

Turning around Matt faces Bryan. “Just who is he?”

“He’s a good guy that owes me a favor,” Bryan said.

“And he has the clout to pull this off?” Matt asked, his eyes conveying his doubt.

“He does,” Bryan assured Matt. “Hell, he probably has more than even I know.”

Matt was watching as Bryan escorted two guys into the hotel suite. “Matt, this is my buddy Red,” Bryan said. “Red my husband Matt.”

“Nice to meet you,” Red said, holding out his hand.

“You too,” Matt said, taking the man’s hand and feeling the strength in the man’s grasp. It was not crushing but Matt felt something there that seemed to say this man could crush him if he wanted. In addition to the strength in the man’s handshake, Matt was struck by the man’s appearance. His face seemed chiseled by one of the great Greek sculptures. His emerald, green eyes seemed to X-ray you as he talked to you. Add to that the red hair, the guy’s height at six foot four, the broad shoulders, the powerful chest and narrow waist and he was any gay man’s wet dream. His deep voice was both powerful and reassuring.

“Red? Is that a nickname?” Matt was feeling a bit nervous about what they might end up doing to rescue Brent.

“It’s short for my code name,” Red said. “Which you do not need to know. This is Miguel,” Red indicated the shorter guy that had followed him into the hotel room.

Matt was struck by Miguel as well. His dark curly hair and Latin good looks made him a striking contrast to the other man. He was shorter than Red by half a foot but his shoulders were broad and well-muscled. The black t-shirt was stretched tight over his chest and showed off every muscle.

“We were able to pull up the blueprints on the way here,” Red said. “Security should not be much of a problem. It is all fairly standard civilian equipment.”

Miguel moved to the desk and started unpacking a laptop. He sat at the desk and as soon as the laptop was booted up, his fingers started flying across the keyboard.

“Thanks for coming so fast,” Bryan told red while Miguel was working on the computer. “I do appreciate it.”

“Not a problem buddy,” Red said. “I owe you one anyway. You are just lucky I wasn’t on an assignment.”

“I’m in,” Miguel said.

“That was fast,” Red said.

“Security is practically non-existent. Their firewall is a joke.” Miguel’s fingers were tapping away at the keyboard.

“In?” Matt asked. “In what?”

“I hacked their system,” Miguel explained.

“You guys don’t waste any time do you,” Matt said looking from the taller man and then at the other man. “Just what do you mean by, um, hack?”

“I mean, I have access to all of their files, security system and pretty much everything else.” The guy flashed Matt an impish smile that made the guy look younger and a little innocent. Matt knew that the guy was probably anything but innocent. “It really was not a very secure system.”

“Don’t worry,” Red said reassuring Matt. “Miguel knows his stuff. They will never even know they were hacked.

“Here’s a list of the patients,” Miguel said. “You said his name was Brent?”

“Yes,” Matt said, moving to the younger man’s side. “His last name is Watson.”

Miguel’s fingers danced across the keyboard. Turning the monitor to Matt he said, “Is this him?”

Matt saw Brent’s blonde hair and blue eyes looking back at him. “Yes.”

“We have two options here,” Red said. “We can get the Department of Children’s Services to start an investigation. I’m sure that the practices that this clinic is exercising are not legal.”

Matt looked from Red to Bryan. “We already talked about that,” Bryan said.

“That could take months.” Matt knew they did not have that long to wait. Brent needed their help now. “Brent is in trouble for his very sanity.” Matt believed that with every fiber of his being. He had heard the panic and desperation in Brent’s voice. “If you had heard his voice…”

“The other option is to just extract him,” Red said.

“You mean break in and kidnap him?” Bryan said, already knowing the answer.

“You got it, Bry,” Red said.

“Let’s break him out.” Matt had known that was going to be their best course of action. He had determined that as he was driving back from the Watson’s house.

“You understand that will be considered kidnapping,” Red said looking from Matt to Bryan.

“Yes,” Matt said, closing his eyes. He could not believe he was going to kidnap a kid.

“We could all face some criminal charges if things go south,” Miguel said.

“You did not hear the panic in the boy’s voice,” Bryan said. “We don’t have time to wait for the authorities to do this through regular channels.”

“Then we will look into breaking him out,” Red said. “But I’ll also place a couple calls to see if I can get the paper pushers moving.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking and making plans. “What about the guards?” Matt asked.

“They are amateurs,” Miguel said.

“Just average rent-a-cops,” Red said. “They pose no problem.”

“What happens to the other kids?” Matt was concerned that after they rescued Brent the other kids would continue to suffer.

“Then we let Children Services investigate them and get the other kids out,” Red explained.

Matt was not sure he liked that as it would mean the other kids would continue to suffer. He wished he could just snatch them all out of the hell hole.

“You know the place might not be as bad as Brent made it sound,” Red said. “He might have exaggerated to get your help.”

“You did not hear his voice,” Matt said, meeting the green eyes. “He was terrified.”

“He really was,” Bryan said, backing up Matt.

“This place needs shut down,” Matt said, his voice emphatic.

“Looks like we might have some help there,” Miguel said. “This lead doctor is already under investigation. “It looks like the FBI has been investigating her for a while. I think if Red can use one of his contacts at the FBI and let them know that Dr. Wilkerson has become Dr. Wilson. They might be willing to get this place shut down sooner.

“Can you pull up the FBI file?” Red asked, moving to just behind Miguel.

“Of course,” Miguel said. In a few minutes he had the file in front of him. “Looks like she had her license removed for experimenting on her patients. It appears this is not the first time she has abused teenagers. According to this she seems to have a particular fondness for blonde teenagers. Some of this stuff sounds damn close to torture.”

“Brent said he had been raped,” Matt said.

“If this shit is true,” Miguel said, “I think rape might be one of the better acts committed against him.

Red rested his large hand on Miguel’s shoulder. He leaned over and began reading the file that Miguel had on the screen. His eyes quickly took in the heinous acts that the doctor had committed in the past.

“This kid is definitely in trouble,” Miguel said, shaking his head.

After reading Brent’s file and the previous acts Dr. Wilson had committed against her subjects, Red was not going to leave Brent in the clinic. “I will make the call to the FBI but we won’t be waiting on them to get their legal shit together.” Red knew that even with all the pressure he could put on them, that it would still take them days if not weeks to shut this place down. He was not going to permit the boy to suffer any longer than necessary. “We get the boy out tonight.” His voice was cold and his eyes icy as he looked at Bryan, Matt, and Miguel. “You in?”

The answer was an affirmative from each of the men.

The four men were parked a few blocks from the clinic. They had gone over the plan several times in the hotel room. Each man knew what their role was going to be. Miguel and Red were going to distract the staff and guards and Matt and Bryan were going to rescue Brent.

“He will know the two of you and hopefully trust you more than me or Miguel,” Red had explained.

It had all made sense to Matt in the hotel suite. The plan was sound but Matt could not believe he was sitting there in the dark car in his black clothes. He could not believe he was doing this. He could not believe that it had ended up coming to this.

“You alright babe?” Bryan asked, squeezing Matt’s knee.

“Yes,” Matt said.

“Nervous?” Red asked. “Because you should be. We are about to pop your breaking and entering cherry.”

“Not to mention that kidnapping cherry,” Miguel added.

Matt could hear the humor in the two men’s voices. He knew they were trying to help him relax. He let out a breath that he had not realized he was holding. “I think you two horn dogs just like thinking about my cherry.”

“It isn’t every day we get to break in a newbie,” Miguel said.

“I think it’s time,” Red said. “Let’s go.”

They slipped from the car and through the night. In the shadows on the north side of the facility they climbed over the fence. Matt could not hear Red or Miguel at all as they were slipping across the clinic’s grounds. He felt like every step he took was loud and echoing in the silence of the night. He was waiting for flood lights to be turned on them and for all of them to be arrested.

“What happens if we are caught?” Matt had asked Bryan before they had left for the clinic.

“We get arrested,” Bryan had answered and shrugged his broad shoulders. “Don’t worry we won’t be in there for long. Red will have us out in a few hours.”

It had made Matt wonder just how much influence this almost total stranger to him had. The man was friendly enough but there was something dangerous about him. Yes, he was drop dead gorgeous but the way he moved made him seem like a snake ready to strike. Matt was betting this man’s strike was deadlier than any snakes. The only thing that relaxed Matt was how Bryan trusted the man. Matt knew his husband and trusted him completely. So, if Bryan trusted Red and Miguel, then Matt would as well.

The four men split up. Red and Miguel went towards the front of the facility. While Matt and Bryan went to the rear of the building. In their dark clothes they were like shadows moving from shadow to shadow. Matt and Bryan slipped behind a dumpster that was near the rear emergency exit. “Now we wait for Red and Miguel to get into position.” Bryan’s voice was soft and barely a whisper as he spoke next to Matt’s ear. The warm breath passing over his ear and neck sent a shiver down Matt’s spine. He felt Bryan’s reassuring hand on the small of his back as they waited there in the dark.

Matt could feel sweat trickling down his back. He could feel his heart racing and was not sure what he had gotten himself into. He took several deep breaths trying to relax. He could feel Bryan’s calm presence next to him so he tried to take comfort from how relaxed Bryan was. Matt would not panic. He would see this through no matter what. He was going to getBrent out one way or another.

The minutes seemed to stretch out into hours as they waited. Bryan checked the time on his watch. It was almost time to move. Instead of speaking, Bryan tapped Matt’s shoulder. Matt knew that was the cue that it was time and the two men moved silently to the exit.

Matt put his back to the wall next to the door to keep a lookout. Bryan moved to the electronic lock on the door. It had a keypad but it also had a card reader. Bryan pressed the device Miguel had given them to the card reader. It took the device only moments to trigger the lock. Matt heard the beep and the click of the lock disengaging. They sounded like beacons in the silent night. It appeared Miguel knew his shit when it came to electronics. Bryan pulled the door open and slipped into the dark stairway. It was lit only by dim emergency lighting.

Matt followed Bryan into the stairwell and closed the emergency exit door as silently as he could. He then followed Bryan down the dimly lit stairway.

According to the patient files, Brent was in a lower-level room. He had been moved down there shortly after he had made the phone call to Matt. Miguel had been able to retrieve the room number from the clinic’s files.

The two men reached the bottom of the stairs and pushed open the door that went into the hall. The hallway was deserted as they were silently slipping through the door.

Bryan’s eyes looked up at the security camera. He knew Miguel had already taken care of all the cameras. Every one of them was on a continuous loop of the past hour. If they were lucky none of the guards would be aware that they were just re-watching footage of the past hour.

Silently the two men moved down the hall. They moved to the room that the files had indicated was Brent’s room. “It’s locked,” Bryan said as he tried the door.

“Of course, it is,” Matt muttered.

Unlike the exterior door, this door only had a card reader. Bryan knelt and placed Miguel’s device to the card reader.

“This thing will get you through any of the doors at the clinic,” Miguel had said, handing the device to Bryan. “Just think of it as an electronic dildo as it will hit all the right electronic spots to pop that lock.”

“You are not right,” Bryan said but chuckled.

Matt had shaken his head. He could not believe how relaxed these guys were at what they were about to do. Miguel had just flashed that impish little smile causing his dimples to pop out. Matt bet the young man had used that innocent smile to get away with lots of mischief.

The click of the lock disengaging pulled Matt’s mind back to where they were and what they were doing.

Bryan quickly straightened up and slipped into the room. Matt followed him inside. It was dark in the room. Bryan assumed a position next to the door to watch the hall. Matt slowly approached the sleeping teenager. The boy’s back was to Matt as he silently approached the bed.

In the dim light coming in from the hall, Matt could only make out the boy’s sleeping form on the bed. He placed a gentle hand on the teenager and softly said Brent’s name. “Brent.”

The boy jumped and rolled over scooting towards the wall. “Who are you?”

Bryan pulled the door open a little wider to let in a little more light from the hall. It gave Matt just enough light to see that this boy was not Brent. The teenager looked young and scared. His red hair and green eyes reminded Bryan a little bit of red. “I’m looking for Brent.”

“Who, who are you?” The boy’s voice shook as he tried to speak. He was pressed back into the corner as far from Matt as he could get. His legs were drawn up against him as he huddled in the corner, his fear coming off him in waves.

“I am not going to hurt you.” Matt’s voice was soft and he hoped, calming as he spoke. “I came to get Brent Watson. Do you know him?”

“Yes,” the boy said.

“Can you tell me your name?” Matt wanted this boy to trust him. He wanted to help this kid as much as he wanted to help Brent.

“Steven,” the teenager said.

Matt was struck by how thin the boy was. He was only wearing a thin hospital style gown. His pale legs and arms looked frail. “Steven, can you tell me where Brent is?” Matt did not want to risk going from room to room. They did not have time for that. They had to get Brent and get out of there.

“Brent said you would come,” Steven said. “You are who he called right?”

“Yes,” Matt said. “I’m here to get him out.”

“He’s in the room next door,” Steven said, gesturing at the wall against which he was pressed.

“Thank you, Steven,” Matt said. He started to back away from the bed.

Steven launched himself from the corner grabbing onto Matt before the man could move away. “Please!” Please help me.”

Matt’s decision had been made before the boy had spoken. He had made his decision when he had seen the fear in those green eyes. He had known he would be taking Steven with them if the boy was willing to go.

“Take me with you,” Steven begged. “Please. I can’t take it any longer. I can’t take it.”

The boy started to sob then and Matt pulled him closer. Steven melted into his arms. He held the teenager as the boy sobbed. His hand slid up and down the smooth skin of Steven’s back. The gown the boy had been wearing was open in the back exposing the soft skin.

“We don’t have time for this.” Bryan glanced at his watch. He knows this is taking too long. They had not counted on a second boy. “We need to go.”

“Steven,” Matt said. “Pull yourself together. We still have to get out of here.”

Pulling on some reserve of inner strength Steven calmed his sobs. “Thank you.” He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Brent is right next door.”

The three slipped silently from the room and Bryan once again attached Miguel’s device to the lock. It clicked and the two men slipped into the room. “Keep watch,” Bryan told Steven. “Do you think you can do that?”

“But if I’m caught?” It was obvious Steven was afraid.

“You won’t set off an instant alarm,” Bryan said. “We will only be a minute. Don’t worry we will not leave without you.”

Matt moved to the bed and touched the back of the sleeping form. Like Steven Brent was clad in only one of those hospital gowns. Matt could only guess at why the boys would be so exposed.

“What!” Brent almost shouted and pulled away.

“Not so loud,” Matt said, placing a reassuring hand on Brent’s bare leg. He was surprised at how cool the skin was and the way Brent flinched when Matt touched him.

“Don’t touch me,” Brent said and moved back further into the corner.

“Brent it’s Matt.” Matt could tell the boy was scared. He could see the fear and panic in those eyes. “You called us and we came.”

“Matt,” Brent said finally understanding. “You came. You came!” Brent threw himself at Matt. “You came!”

“We got here as soon as we could,” Matt said, holding the teenager tight.

“If I’m dreaming, I never want to wake up.” Brent clung to Matt hoping beyond hope that this time it was not a dream. Matt had come to get him out. Matt would get him out.

“You are not dreaming.” Matt rubbed the boy’s bare back. The hospital gown Brent was wearing was like Steven’s it did not really close in the back. “We are getting you out of here.”

Brent took in a shaky breath. He could not believe it. After all the months here and then these last few days in this basement hell. “I can’t believe it. I wasn’t sure you would come.”

“Come on,” Bryan said. “We got to go.” He glanced at his watch and knew they needed to be closer to the exit before Red and Miguel started the fireworks. “Time is short.”

“Come on,” Matt said, taking Brent’s hand and pulling the scared teenager from the bed.

They joined Steven in the hall. They headed towards the stairs. They were almost to the door when it opened. One of the night guards on his rounds stepped out. He stared for a second in disbelief. That was his mistake.

Bryan reacted. He covered the last few feet and slammed his full weight into the man. His fist slamming into the man’s jaw. In moments, the man was out cold. A gash on the side of his head was bleeding from where it had hit the door handle on the man’s way down.

After checking the stairwell, Bryan motioned for the other three to come. He was leading the way up the flight of stairs. His ears listening for any movement. He paused at the door that he and Matt had entered earlier. Matt was bringing up the rear with the two boys right in front of them. He was a little surprised to see that the boys did not have anything on under the hospital gowns. He had expected them to at least be wearing underwear.

“We wait now,” Matt told the two teenagers as he pressed them back against the wall to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Checking his watch, Bryan knew that Red and Miguel were already in place. It was only seconds from Red beginning the distraction.

Matt almost jumped at the sound of the alarms. He had known it was coming and it still sent his heart racing.

“Follow me.” Bryan burst through the exit, his eyes scanning for guards. “Come on.” He motioned for the boys and Matt to come out.

“Go guys,” Matt watched the two boys dart through the door. The back of their hospital gowns flapping as they were following Bryan. “This way,” Bryan said, leading them towards the fence.

Matt could hear shouts coming from the front of the building. It sounded like the alarms were louder now. It sounded like Red and Miguel were drawing everyone’s attention to the front.

They reached the fence and Brent thought it seemed even higher than before. He knew that just had to be a trick of the light. Brent could remember all too clearly being caught by the guards and being dragged back to Dr. Wilson. “We have to climb it?”

He had been here only a few days ago.

“Come on, we will get you over.” Bryan grabbed the nearest teenager and lifted him up. “Grab and pull.”

Steven grabbed the metal and pulled himself up and over. He dropped to the ground. His flimsy hospital gown catching on the pointed metal of the fence and tearing.

Matt lifted Brent up and let the blond grab the iron cross bar and pull himself up. He slipped and nearly impaled himself on the spike but managed to drop to the ground landing with a thud and was momentarily stunned.

Matt and Bryan pulled themselves over the fence and dropped next to the two boys. “You alright?” Matt placed a hand on Brent’s bare back.

Brent could feel the cool night air against his bare skin. The hospital gown had fallen completely open leaving his entire backside exposed to the night. “I think so.” Brent pushed back to his feet. He shrugged the gown back into position. It was a bit nerve racking to be practically naked on a public street with two men that he had only met once before.

“Sorry we never thought to bring clothes for you guys,” Bryan said, helping Steven to his feet. Steven’s torn gown was barely staying on his slender frame.

“We had better get moving,” Matt said.

The four started off towards the SUV that was parked just a couple blocks away. They were slipping quietly through the night making their way down the street. They were trying to stay in the shadows to avoid detection.

“It isn’t much further,” Matt said. It was then they heard the sirens. They could tell they were getting closer.

“Shit they are coming this way,” Bryan said and pulled Steven over into the dark shadows. “Get down.”

Matt and Brent squatted down in the shadows. They watched as two cars sped by them.

“Do you think Red and Miguel got caught?” Matt asked Bryan.

“Red does not get caught,” Bryan said, his voice confident. They started moving again towards the SUV.

“Was that gunshots?” Matt asked, hearing the popping sounds.

“It wasn’t a car backfiring,” Bryan said.

They reached the SUV and the boys slid into the back seat. “What do we do?” Matt was worried about Red and Miguel. Miguel was just a kid himself and did not deserve to be caught up in a kidnapping.

“You drive,” Bryan said. “I’ll ride shotgun. We may need to rescue them.”

“I thought he doesn’t get caught?” Matt said starting the SUV.

“He won’t,” Bryan said, “but we also have to be there to make sure he doesn’t.”

“I’m sure there is logic in that statement somewhere,” Matt said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Bryan felt his phone vibrating and answered it. “Did you get him?”

“Yes,” Bryan answered. “We are back at the SUV.”

“We need an extraction,” Miguel said.

“Which gate?” Bryan asked.

“West,” Miguel said.

“West Gate,” Bryan told Matt, “and punch it.”

Matt gunned the car taking the turn too fast and swerving but regained control and took the next turn. There was a loud explosion as they were approaching the west side of the clinic. Matt could see flames licking through the administration offices of the clinic. He was hoping everyone got out safely. “What the hell was that?”

“I think Red is having a little fun,” Bryan said.

“Blowing stuff up?” Matt said and slowed noticing the gates were closed.

“Nope don’t slow down,” Bryan said, “Just drive through them.”

Matt punched the gas and the SUV shot forward slamming through the gates. Matt spotted Miguel running from a building. Matt slammed on the brakes bringing the SUV to a sudden stop.

The back doors were pulled open and Miguel and Red slid into the backseat next to the boys.

“We need to get out of here,” Red said.

As soon as the two men were in, Matt hit reverse and spun the car around. He was getting the hang of this crazy driving. He shot off down the street.

“Um, you know you guys kidnapped two kids?” Miguel said.

“We could not leave him behind,” Matt said.

“You were only supposed to get the one kid.” There was a disapproving tone in red’s voice. “The FBI was going to be in there in just a couple more days.”

“His room was right next to Brent’s,” Bryan was explaining. “He was probably receiving a similar treatment.”

“We really couldn’t just leave him,” Matt said.

“You won’t make me go back, will you?” Steven’s voice was soft and the sound of tears was just below the surface.

“No,” Red said. “You are never going back there.”

“See you are just a big marshmallow,” Miguel said, his voice light.

“Keep it up little man and you might just feel how hard this marshmallow is,” Red said, his deep voice menacing.

“Promises, Promises,” Miguel said.

The mood was lighter now that they were driving away from the facility. Matt was able to breathe a little easier.

“You might want to slow down a bit,” Bryan said and gave Matt’s leg a squeeze. “We don’t want to get pulled over with two almost naked boys in the back seat.

“Right,” Matt said, easing off the gas. He had not realized how fast he had been driving. He only knew he wanted to get as far away from that clinic as fast as he could.

The men had checked out of the hotel near the clinic before starting the rescue mission. Red had made reservations at a different hotel that was about an hour away.

“They’re almost naked?” Miguel said and for the first time looked closely at the two boys squished between him and Red. From the lights of the dash and the street he could see the boys were in pale blue hospital gowns.

“That is exactly how we found them,” Bryan said.

“It will be alright guys,” Miguel said, wanting to reassure the two boys. “You are safe now.”

The men joked and Miguel Bryan and Red teased each other about past poor judgements. The boys remained silent as the men talked and Matt drove. It was obvious the men wanted to keep the mood light to put the boys at ease. They could tell that the teenagers were shell shocked.

Matt only began to relax once they were checked into their rooms. He put Steven and Brent in the room that adjoined his and Bryan’s. Miguel and Red were in the room across the hall.

“Matt,” Brent said hesitantly after they were alone. Bryan was in the adjoining room with Red and Miguel.

“Yes Brent?” Matt studied the teenager. The boy looked drained. His blue eyes did not have the sparkle that Matt remembered.

“I’m sorry for all of this trouble,” Brent said. “I just didn’t know who else to call.”

“It is alright,” Matt said tenderly. “I’m glad you called me.” He lightly brushed back the blonde locks and felt Brent flinch away.

“You guys get some rest,” Matt said, not sure exactly what they were going to do with the two boys. His only plan had been to rescue Brent. He had not planned anything beyond that. “We will get you guys some clothes in the morning.”

Matt closed the door between the two rooms and let out a long breath. He honestly had no idea what he was going to do and how he was going to deal with the possible kidnapping charges.

“I fixed you a drink,” Bryan said, passing Matt the glass. “The bar was not well stocked but it had a couple items.”

“Thanks,” Matt said, taking the drink from Bryan.

“Congratulations babe,” Bryan said, holding his glass up to clink Matt’s. He saw the puzzled look on Matt’s face. “It’s a boy. Hell, its twins.”

Matt laughed and found he could not stop. The stress of the night had caught up with him. He laughed until tears came to his eyes. Once he got it under control, he took a long drink. “Babe, you have no idea how much I needed that.”

“I do know.” Bryan pulled Matt into his arms. He felt Matt rest his head on his shoulder. “It is over now. We will figure the rest out together.”

Matt knew he would be able to face whatever the consequences were as long as he had Bryan. He was only regretting not being able to help Devyn. He still did not understand why Devyn had not reached out to him like Brent had. He was hoping that Brent would be able to explain that. He was hoping Brent would be able to tell him exactly what had happened to Devyn.

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