CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN - ON THE ROAD

For being such a large man Xavier moved amazingly fast, quickly weaving in and out of the crowd effortlessly. Brian struggled to keep him in sight, infuriated that Xavier was making this into a racing game, angry at himself as he obediently chased after him. He followed Xavier out the south terminal doors, hearing the roar of a jet fly over them. Brian looked up, seeing the Gulfstream scream overhead and a wave of sorrow and relief flooded him. Brian sighed, thankful that at least the guys were safe. Out of sight, out of mind, he thought. Or so he hoped. He could never be sure with Xavier.

Xavier led him to their awaiting vehicle and Brian jumped in, wondering why their luggage was strewn haphazardly across the back seat and not placed in the car trunk. He frowned, remembering that Xavier hadn't said a word about where they were headed. He buckled his seat belt then took a good look at the car. Xavier had rented a white Chevy Lumina, a plain, non-descript car, the kind that blended in well, making it virtually unnoticeable. Brian knew Xavier had not rented the car without a specific reason and he shifted uneasily as Xavier exited the airport parking lot.

"So, mind telling me where we are going, or is that a game too?"

Xavier threw the blond Backstreet Boy an amused smile. "Do you want it to be?" he challenged.

Brian caught the note of anticipation. "No. Cut the crap, Xavier. Where are we headed?"

Xaiver glanced in his rear view mirror, changed into the fast lane and picked up speed. He silently drove on, saying nothing, oblivious to Brian's angry glare. Brian turned away, too stubborn to ask again. He watched road sign after road sign whip by in fuming frustration, not paying attention until Xavier merged onto a highway. Interstate 10. Brian paused, trying to gauge their location. As far as he could tell, they were traveling west, on the same route as the tour and equipment buses. The second half of the tour was scheduled to start in Tucson, weaving its way up to Phoenix and then onto Las Vegas. For all intents and purposes, it looked like Xavier was heading towards Arizona.

Tired, Brian leaned his head against the headrest and closed his eyes, trying to adjust to the contours of the passenger's seat. If Xavier wouldn't talk to him, fine. He wouldn't say a word either.

"Ever been to Mexico?"

Brian jerked awake, startled.

"Huh?" Brian looked around, noticing the unfamiliar scenery flying by. He must have fallen asleep, and as his aching body informed him, for quite some time.

"Ever been to Mexico?"

"Mexico?" he repeated weakly. Xavier's question came out of the blue and it took Brian a moment to register it. He felt himself tense up, suspicious. What the hell was in Mexico?

Xavier shot him a quick grin. "Yeah. Mexico. Nogales, to be exact. We've got some business down there." He gave the blond singer a quick wiggle of eyebrows. "Among other things."

Among other things. Brian caught the suggestive tone and felt his stomach twist into knots. Business he could handle. 'Other things' he could not. Brian fidgeted in his seat, anxious. Once again, Xavier had put him on edge, just as the bodyguard had intended to do. He mentally ordered himself to remain calm, not to play into Xavier's little sexual mind games.

"Business, huh? What kind of business can you do down there that you can't do here?"

"A money transaction. A big, illegal one. Courtesy of you, of course."

"Of course," replied Brian sarcastically, then sighed bitterly. "So that's it? That's why you had to cancel my break? Because of money?"

"Among other things." Xavier's mouth twisted comically.

There it was again. Brian bit his lip. He despised asking, but he had to. "Other things?"

"Oh, I'm so glad you asked," Xavier smirked, noticing the dark look Brian shot back at him. "I've been meaning to tell you all about it."

Brian's heart sank, listening to the mocking tone in Xavier's voice. He turned his head away. "Tell me what?" His voice was flat, emotionless.

The suddenly slowing of the car swung Brian's attention around to see Xavier maneuvering their car off the highway. They creeped into a small, run-down gas station and Xavier hopped out, Brian following, stretching stiffly.

"Tell me what, Xavier?"

Xavier ignored him again and began filling up the car with gas. Brian sighed and glanced around, shifting restlessly, viewing the god-forsaken area, the vast expanse of desert spreading barren and quiet for miles around. Feeling the burning eyes of Xavier bearing down upon him as he studied the landscape, Brian turned to face Xavier, not willing to play this asinine waiting game anymore.

"Dammit Xavier, what the hell were you going to tell me?"

Xavier hung up the gas handle with a snap and grabbed the receipt, stuffing it into his pocket. "I was going to tell you about our new game."

Brian hung his head for a second, then raised it, his face fatigued. "Our new game."

Xavier nodded, his eyes glowing, regarding the young Backstreet Boy with eagerness. "Our final game," he whispered dramatically. Brian stiffened noticeably and Xavier smiled in satisfaction, watching the young singer's self-control fade. Brian leaned heavily on the side of the car, drawing in a ragged breath. A vein of pure raw hatred surged through him.

"Okay Xavier, just tell me," he snarled. "Quit acting like an asshole."

Xavier grinned, grabbing a paper towel and squeegie from the station's well. He carefully cleaned the bug-splattered window, taking his time, enjoying Brian's discomfort. The large bodyguard leaned over and gently wiped a missed spot. Brian shoved away from the car, now livid at Xavier's deliberate stalling. "You said this is the final game?" he screamed in frustration. "Why? How come it's the last?"

"Because after this last game, I'm gone."

Xavier smirked, watching the stunned reaction on Brian's face. "You didn't think I was gonna stick around forever, did ya?" he cooed mockingly, reaching over to pat the side of Brian's cheek.

Brian abruptly smacked the massive hand away, his heart pounding. Dear God, could this be the end of the nightmare? He paused for a moment, reality rearing its ugly head.

"There's more to it than that, Xavier," he sneered. "I know you. There's always more."

Xavier shrugged nonchalantly, conceding to the fact. "Well, … this time the game has a little surprise in store for you." He watched as Brian's anger turned to worry before he continued on. "Or should I say, for one of the guys."

"A surprise?" Xavier's surprises were never the nice kind. Brian started to feel panicky, his last little bit of control slipping away. "What sort of surprise?"

Xavier sighed exaggeratedly, ignoring Brian's question. "Wish I could give it to all four, but it just wasn't possible."

Brian couldn't stand it. "Which guy, Xavier?"

Xavier wiped the corner of the window, cocking his head to view how clean it was. "Well, actually, that's what the game is all about. Which one."

Brian grimaced, hating Xavier's vague replies. "So, are you gonna tell what this game is about or not?"

Xavier grinned. "Don't I always?" He finished wiping another window.

Brian forced himself to remain silent, knowing from past experience that Xavier would soon be unable to contain himself. Staring straight at the bodyguard, he waited, watching. Xavier attacked another window, his movements becoming more animated. He leaned forward to reach the middle of the back window. "Well, this game… you see… is really… four games in one…"

Brian rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"One game per each guy. Each time you successfully complete one, I'll let you guess who my surprise is for. No, wait! Better yet, I'll tell you who the surprise isn't for." He nodded happily.

Brian gaped at Xavier in shock. Oh my God! Was Xavier just making this up as he went along? He felt himself start to tremble, realizing just how mentally ill this madman was standing next to him.

"Yeah! Each time you're successful, one of the guys won't get my surprise."

"Successful? What happens if I'm not?"

Xavier smiled, throwing away the dirty paper towels. "Oh right, thanks, I forgot to tell you." Xavier threw an encouraging arm across Brian's shoulder. "Listen, you gotta try real hard to win, okay?" Brian began to squirm and Xavier pressed closer, snaking his hand up to grip Brian's neck firmly. "Because the first time you fail," he breathed softly into the Backstreet Boy's ear, "the game is dead, and so is one of your buddies."

CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT – AGONY

Kevin grabbed the drink from Howie's offered hand and ordered AJ to down it one gulp. Needing no further prodding, AJ tossed it back, grimacing a little as the fiery warmth slid down his throat. He shook his head as another drink presented itself, then slumped dejectedly in his seat, viewing the concerned faces surrounding him.

"Jesus, man, I've never seen you look so upset," commented Kevin, sitting down next to him. "What's all this about Brian being in trouble?" AJ rubbed his forehead for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then motioned with a shaky hand for Nick and Howie to sit down across from Kevin and him.

Nick dropped into the leather seat, concerned. He spared Howie a quick look and Howie returned Nick's, apprehension written all over his face.

AJ sighed heavily. "I know what's going on," he began painfully, his voice so low all three strained to hear him. "It took me forever, goddammit, but now I know."

"Know what?" asked Nick quietly.

Shaking, AJ hoped he could tell them before he broke down. He clenched his hands as if in prayer, pressing them against his forehead. "Guys, …Xavier has been blackmailing Brian." Declaring it verbally proved to be too much for him and he leaned over, trying to choke back sobs of despair, but failed. AJ began to weep, rocking his body with cries of such anguish that Kevin grabbed him into a tight hug, afraid.

"Bone, Bone! Hang on buddy. It's gonna be okay." Kevin looked up to see the shocked faces of Howie and Nick.

AJ moaned, shaking his head. "No, no, it's not going to be all right." He wiped the tears away from his face with the back of his hand. "Oh God! Listen! Remember when we ate that candy? Well, it tasted so bad I went to the refrigerator to get some water. Brian had placed his duffel bag next to the refrigerator, so I shoved it away. Only it was so heavy I couldn't! So I opened the bag to see what the hell was so heavy." AJ turned tear-stained eyes to Kevin. "There was a lot of money stuffed into it. A lot. Thousands! What's Brian doing with that kind of cash? And then a few minutes later Xavier came in, went straightt over to the bag and took it! He knew! He knew what was in it!" AJ shuddered, remembering Xavier's little smile.

Nick, Howie, and Kevin sat in silence for a minute, stunned, letting the information sink in. "AJ," began Nick, "don't take this wrong, but are you sure?"

"Nick, I'm positive. I'd stake my life on it."

Nick saw the unmistakable firmness in AJ's eyes, the conviction in his voice and sighed heavily. He leaned wearily into his seat, convinced but troubled.

AJ stood up slowly, gripping the back of the seat tightly. "There's more guys."

Howie sucked in his breath and closed his eyes, not sure if he wanted to hear it. "More?"

AJ nodded. "Umm…" he started, not sure how to soften the news.

"AJ? Come on, tell us."

AJ took a deep breath and plunged forward. "I'm pretty sure Xavier has been abusing and threatening Brian too."

"What?" cried Howie, jumping up.

"Oh, God," Kevin moaned, shaking his head.

"No, no! We would have known! I don't believe it," stated Nick flatly.

"Why?" shot back AJ, suddenly irritated at Nick's denial. "Because you don't want to? Because you're afraid you'll see the truth?"

Nick shot AJ a look of pure acid. "I'm not afraid! Go ahead, prove it to me!"

AJ glared at Nick, then softened, realizing Nick was scared. "Look, let's think this one out, okay?" he reasoned quietly. AJ paused for a moment, glancing at Howie and Kevin. "All of us." He saw Nick relax a little, then nod to AJ.

"I'd like to think we all know Brian, probably better than anyone else," he began. "He's like a brother to me, hell, you all are! And we've never seen him change, never seen him stop being the Brian we all know and understand, until now. Until Xavier. Think back. When did all this shit start happening with Brian? After Xavier. Not before! I've caught the looks of disgust, the hatred Brian displays at Xavier when he thinks no one's watching. When I questioned him a while ago he was this close to telling me what was wrong, what was happening and then he suddenly backed off, afraid. I'm sure he was going to tell me Xavier was the problem. You know, I've hated that asshole from the start."

Howie shook his head. "But Xavier saved Brian from that intruder!"

"D! Think about it! Xavier was the intruder! Xavier was the one who announced it, not Brian. Xavier was the one who always had access to our rooms!"

Kevin nodded. "AJ's right. I woke up one night and found Xavier in my room, just staring at me. Scared the shit outta me."

AJ glanced sharply at him. "He did? You never told us that."

Kevin shrugged. "I forgot to tell you because of Sam…." He trailed off, remembering. "Oh God!" exclaimed Kevin, wide-eyed. "When Brian saw the mutilated picture of Sam he started moaning, saying over and over that he was so sorry, that he was 'going to get that asshole…' "

Kevin now understood and he looked at his friends, stunned. "Brian was talking about Xavier. Xavier killed my dog."

Nick jumped up, agitated. "Xavier killed Sam? When could he have done that?"

Kevin smiled grimly. "Remember our cancelled concert? He took some days off…" Kevin's voice faltered, a look of horror crossing his face. "Harold!"

The tall singer jumped up, pacing back and forth. "Mom told me a stranger had tried to run Brian's brother off the road. And Mom happened to mention that Xavier visited Aunt Jackie, to see if he could help them! Shit!" Kevin ran his fingers through his hair, angry. "Why didn't I put two and two together?"

AJ shook his head. "Kevin, don't beat yourself up, man."

Howie spoke up. "Could Xavier have torched my house? It was arson."

Nick groaned with understanding. "Remember the first thing Brian did when he found out?"

Kevin nodded. "He went to find Xavier. It pissed me off because he wanted to go see Xavier, instead of staying with us."

Howie looked at AJ. "What about your accident with the rope?"

AJ snorted. "That was no accident. Remember who investigated it?"

All four thought back to the near tragedy. "Damn," said Nick, shaken. He suddenly remembered Aaron's visit, how Xavier insisted on picking his brother up, how Brian instantly objected. As plain as day Nick saw the fear and frustration in Brian's face when Nick confronted him after finding out Brian was the cause of Aaron's sudden departure. Nick had been livid, wanting to beat Brian senseless for that. His mind flashed instantly to Brian's chest and stomach injuries and he groaned, his fear growing. "Brian's bruises," he said softly, catching Kevin, AJ's and Howie's attention. "Guys, Xavier caused the bruises. He's been beating Brian!" Everyone was silent for a moment, not wanting to think about it. Nick began to shake and sat down, covering his face with his hands. "Oh no, oh no," he moaned, his voice cracking from the strain as he realized who had caused the massive bruises. And he had added to them! He looked up at the three, his voice quavering. "I hit him! I hit Brian! I broke his wrist! I was angry, angry at all the shit he was doing, and all the time it was really Xavier!"

He broke down, shaking, tears silently falling in the realization of what he had done. Howie reached over to console him, only to find AJ shaking his head.

"Don't," he advised Howie, his voice cracking with emotion. "Let him get it out of his system." Howie nodded and sat quietly next to Nick, offering his silence and companionship.

Kevin waited in agony as Nick continued rocking back and forth, the youngest Backstreet member crying with ashamed guilt. Not being able to stand it any longer, Kevin reached out, grabbing Nick in a firm embrace. "Nick. Nick. I know. I hit him too." The enormity of what he had done to his cousin struck Kevin hard and he clung to Nick tightly, a wave of grief overwhelming him. Kevin felt Howie's and AJ's arm reach over for support and they all sat there, each overcome with emotion.

Howie finally let go, sighing heavily. He got up and found some bottled waters, along with some Kleenex and passed them out. He didn't want to bring up the subject of Xavier but knew he had to.

"So what are we going to do about X?"

Kevin rubbed his eyes, too overwhelmed to think clearly. "I don't know."

Nick finally raised his head, the anger in his blue eyes intense. "I'm going to kill that son-of-a-bitch!"

"Me first," said AJ.

"I have an idea," Howie said softly.

AJ smiled tiredly. "Good old D. What is it?"

Howie chewed his lip in contemplation. "I think we need to find out more about Xavier."

Nick nodded, listening intently. "Go on."

"Well, what do we know about him, anyway? That he's a bodyguard? What else? What about him, his past? Was he ever in trouble with the law? Just how dangerous is he?"

AJ snorted in reply and Howie went on. "We need to investigate, check him out."

Nick shook his head. "How can we do that?"

Kevin pressed his lips into a thin line, his self-control coming back with a vengeance. "Nick. We are the fucking Backstreet Boys. We can do anything." His voice shook with the assertion, his green eyes firm with determination.

AJ crossed his arms. "Damn straight. Let's use our influence. Let's get that bastard."

Howie cut in. "Not so fast guys." Kevin, Nick and AJ turned to stare at him. "You're forgetting one thing. Brian. He's with Xavier. And we don't know where they are." Howie's final sentence struck home, the ramifications of it hitting hard. "We need to be careful, go slow."

"We can't!" cried Nick. "Brian's out there, right now, somewhere with him, and we don't know what kind of trouble he might be in!"

AJ rubbed his hands nervously. "D's right. Xavier doesn't know that we know. We have to use that to our advantage. If Xavier discovers that we're on to him, God only knows what might happen to Brian!"

"Let's notify the police," suggested Nick hopefully. Kevin shook his head.

"No, I don't think so. The media would catch wind of it and then so would Xavier. I agree with Howie. We need to be careful, but we can't be slow. We need to find out, right now." He turned to AJ. "Looks like our vacation is going to be cut short."

AJ nodded. He sat down, motioning for the others to do the same. "Come on. We've got a lot of planning to do before this plane lands."

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE - 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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