ATF Alternate Universe
FIVE
Nathan pulled his Cherokee into the parking area for the state park ranger station. It was already filled with various cars from different agencies. Nathan had to show his badge just to be able to pull in. He parked the SUV and they got out. Ezra glanced at his watch and it read 6:00AM; they had made good time. They walked inside to find chaos. The rangers had been pushed out of their small offices while state police took over. They started walking over to the desk when a state trooper stopped them.
"The park is closed," he said stepping in front of them.
"We are here to inquire about our friends who went hiking up to the lake," Ezra said flashing his badge.
"What is it Tom?" asked another officer.
"Captain, they're here to check on some friends that went hiking up to the lake," he explained. "They're ATF agents."
"Are you're friends agents as well?" asked the Captain.
"Yes they are," Nathan answered.
"Well don't worry, we have more than enough personnel out in the field," he said. "I'm sure we'll come across them. So why don't you just go back home. We don't need anyone else getting lost out there."
They walked away from them and went back to looking at the map of the area. Ezra was stunned and for once he was at a loss for words.
"Those trooper boys couldn't find a needle in a haystack if it stuck them in the ass," said the older ranger as they walked passed.
"Now Hank is that any way to talk about your cousin?" laughed the other.
"Damn college boy," he said. "Are you boys looking for Vin?"
"Yes we are," Josiah answered.
"I'll take you boys to him," the ranger said. "The name's Hank Wilson."
"Pleased to make your aquantence," Ezra said shaking his hand. "How do you know where Mr. Tanner is?"
"Vin goes to the same secluded spot every time," he answered. "I saw him once when I made a patrol with the sea plane."
"How long will it take to get to them?" Nathan asked.
"Why you think they're in trouble?" Hank asked.
"We're not sure," Josiah admitted.
"I can have you out there in thirty minutes," Hank said as he got up and headed for the door.
"Well brothers, it appears we are going for a plane ride," Josiah smiled.
"Oh wonderful," Ezra said dryly as he followed the others.
Good to his word, Hank was coming in for a landing on the lake a half-hour later. They had followed him to the small airstrip inside the park. The small seaplane was used to watch for forest fires and for rescues out in the backcountry. Ezra closed his eyes as the small plane plummeted towards the water. He opened his eyes as Hank taxied the plane to the shore. When he was close he cut the engines and they glided the rest of the way to shore. The plane stopped on the small beach and Hank climbed out.
"OK boys this is it," Hank announced.
"Brother Vin has good taste," Josiah commented as he looked around.
They each spread out along the shore looking for any sign of a camp. Josiah found it next to the fallen log and called the others over.
"How are we supposed to know if it's theirs?" Nathan asked.
"Whose ever camp this was, someone was injured," Ezra said pointing out bloody gauze on the ground.
They wandered around the camp looking for anything that would indicate it was Vin and the others. Hank found a trail leading to the clearing. He said at least four people had come in that way. Josiah was over by the fallen log when he saw something white underneath the fallen leaves. He bent down and brushed them away to reveal a plaster cast of a bear's footprint. Close by was another one and he picked them up. When he turned them over he saw JD's initials carved in one and Vin's on the other.
"It was their camp all right," Josiah said showing them the casts.
"I wonder where they went?" Nathan asked.
"Let's look along the woods," Hank suggested. "See if they hiked out."
They spread out along the woods and searched. Ezra saw an area where a lot of branches had been broken and he called over the others. Hank took a closer look.
"With all the damage my guess would be at least six or seven passed this way," he said.
"Are you gentlemen thinking what I am?" Ezra asked.
"Hank, if they keep going in this direction where will it go?" Josiah asked ignoring Ezra for a moment.
"A lot of rough wilderness but eventually it will come to the highway."
"Damn!" Nathan cursed.
"Hank you better head back," Josiah said. "Let them know what's going on. We'll follow the trail."
"Right," he agreed. "Take the radio. It has a special frequency so it can reach park headquarters."
They watched as Hank headed back for the plane. Once he had climbed into he cockpit they turned to the trail and started to follow the tracks. Josiah was in the lead followed by Nathan. Ezra brought up the rear and turned back as the plane took off over the peaceful lake. Ezra dreaded what the might find ahead as he turned to follow the others.
+ + + + + + +
Buck watched as the convicts settled down and got some sleep. They left Ron awake to watch them. He moved off a short distance so he could watch the way they had come and keep an eye on the hostages. Buck tried to get comfortable but it was no use. His legs had been bent back at the knees and his arms securely attached to them behind his back. When Buck realized nothing was going to happen he closed his eyes and dozed. He wasn't sure how long he had slept when he heard a soft murmuring. He opened his eyes to see Vin twitching in his sleep. He glanced over at Chris and saw he was awake also. JD was still sleeping peacefully. Chris tried to move closer to Vin but it was no use. Buck was in the way.
"Vin," Buck called. "Vin, wake up."
"Come on, cowboy, wake up," Chris added.
Chris could see Vin was trying to move his legs and was afraid he'd pull something. Whatever dream Vin was caught in, it was a violent one. His leg jerked violently pulling on his arms and Vin woke up with an oath.
"Aw hell!" Vin yelped and lay still.
"Sorry, Pard, we tried to wake you," Buck said.
"It's alright," Vin said as he lifted his head to look at their captors. "Doesn't look like their getting ready to leave soon. Guess I'll go back to sleep."
"Try not dreaming and waking the rest of us up," Chris suggested with a smirk.
"Can't promise nothing," Vin said with a smile as he closed his eyes.
"Chris, I'm sorry I fell asleep," Buck apologized.
"Forget it," Chris said. "I don't think I could have stayed awake tied up like this either. Besides we might need all the sleep we can get for later."
"Thanks, Chris," Buck said.
"You boys done?" Vin asked opening one eye and looking at Buck. "Can we get some sleep now."
Buck chuckled and closed his eyes. Vin did the same but couldn't go back to sleep. He couldn't remember any of the dream but he knew it had frightened him. The convict Carl also scared him but he couldn't figure out why. He wasn't any different than the others. Vin was trying to figure that out when sleep finally claimed him.
Chris woke up to Ron pulling on his ropes to untie his feet. He looked around and saw that the others were already awake. Marcus and Carl were talking a short way off and Butch was keeping an eye on Vin, Buck and JD. Marcus walked over towards the hostages.
"We'll be moving out soon," Marcus announced. " Butch, make sure they get some water before we set out."
"How ya doing Vin?" Chris asked.
"Better," Vin said. "It doesn't hurt as much as it did."
"It's a good thing you have a hard head," Buck laughed.
Butch brought over the canteen they all took a drink.
"Hey! I need to water a tree," Buck said and Vin laughed. "Well I do."
"I didn't say anything," Vin smiled.
"How can you guy joke about this?" JD demanded.
"It's OK JD," Chris said.
Butch grumbled as he took Buck by the arm and led him away from the others. Marcus asked what was going on. He wasn't happy when he heard but he let them go. Carl moved closer to Chris, Vin and JD to keep an eye on them. Butch brought Buck back then led Vin off followed by Chris. When he went to JD, Carl stopped him.
"I'll take him," he leered as he grabbed JD's arm.
"Butch will take him," Marcus said in a hard voice.
Carl glared but didn't push the issue. Buck could see JD was reluctant to go and looked towards him. Buck nodded and JD went. A short time later they returned and the picked up the packs and put them on. Their hands were tied behind their back except for Vin. Marcus handed him the compass and the map and told them to move out. The going was a little easier during the day and Marcus kept them at a fast pace. They had been hiking for a few hours when he called a halt. Vin guessed it was around 3:00pm. He couldn't be sure since they had taken his watch. Marcus had told Vin to find a stream so they could refill the canteens. Vin brought them to the edge of small brook and Marcus told them to take a seat. Butch watched over them while the others filled the canteens. Once they were filled Butch joined his friends and they ate the jerky they found in the pack. They rested for an hour then Marcus had them move on. Around 6:00pm Marcus decided to call a halt for the night. He said they would move out again around 1:00am. He didn't want to stay in one place too long. The clearing they stopped at was surrounded by tress and they tied the hostages to separate trees. Ron and Butch went to gather firewood while Marcus told Carl to set out the sleeping bags. Chris took a look at the others. Buck was watching JD to make sure he was OK. JD had his head down on his knees resting. When Chris turned to Vin he could see he was trying to get his hands out of the ropes. They had tied them so they were sitting with their back to the tree. Their hands were behind them and around the tree. The one Vin had been tied to was fairly large and Chris could see his arms were stretched out.
"It's no use Chris," Vin whispered. "I can't reach the knots and I can't get my hand to slip through. They tied 'em good."
"I know, I already tried," Chris said.
"What the hell do we do now?" Buck asked.
"I know what I'm going to do," Carl said as he walked over. "I'm going to have me some fun. Hey Butch, Ron you want to join me?"
"No thanks," Ron said. "I like mine a little older. Maybe when you decide to have fun with the long haired one I'll join you."
"What about you Butch?" Carl asked.
"Yeah I'd like in on the action," he leered.
Marcus just shook his head but said nothing. Carl walked over to JD and untied him while Butch held on to him.
"Get your fucking hands off me!" JD yelled.
"Shut up boy!" Carl yelled as he viciously backhanded JD.
"You heard him," Buck warned.
"And what are you going to do about it?" Carl laughed as he pulled JD past.
Buck kicked out at them as they went by, but it was useless. They tried dragging JD over by a tree but he fought them like a madman. Carl punched him in the ribs a few times while Butch gave him hard punch to the kidneys. JD couldn't fight them as he tried to get his breath and they dragged him over to the tree and laid him on his stomach.
"You touch him so help me God I will kill you!" Buck screamed.
"You god damned bastards!" Chris yelled.
Carl laughed as he pulled JD's head around and kissed him on the mouth. When JD bit him Carl slammed his head on the ground and JD saw stars. Carl flipped him over and undid JD's pants and pulled them down around his ankles. JD panicked and tried kicking him but he couldn't. Carl grabbed his face and kissed him hard. Buck strained on the ropes to get out but it was no use, they were too tight. He watched helplessly as they continued assaulting JD. JD screamed and tried pulling away. Carl backhanded him again and JD was stunned. He turned him back over so he was on his stomach and Butch held his shoulders. Carl unzipped his pants and his already-engorged cock sprang out. He grabbed JD's hips and viciously shoved inside him. JD and Buck both screamed at the same time. Buck in anger and frustration and JD in pain. Buck pulled on the ropes again but he was only making them tighter. Chris's mind was racing but he couldn't come up with anything. He had been trying to get his hands free ever since they took JD but it was no use. He looked towards Vin and saw him with his head back against the tree. Chris could see he had his eyes tightly closed and he was shaking. Chris knew he was terrified because they said he was next. Suddenly everything was too quiet and Chris jerked his gaze back to JD. He was lying frozen as Butch raped him next.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!!" Buck screamed in rage.
When Butch was finished they cleaned themselves up and redid their pants. They dragged JD back over to the others. Carl purposely dropped JD just out of Buck's reach. They had left his pants around his ankles and retied his hands. Carl walked passed the screaming Buck and over to Vin. Chris watched as he stroked Vin's hair and he flinched but didn't cry out.
"Oh the silent type," Carl laughed. "I like them even better."
Chris watched as they untied Vin and he didn't put up a fight. Carl laughed and said he must be willing then. Suddenly Vin went berserk. He karate kicked Carl and sent him flying on his back. He grabbed Butch by the head and gave it a vicious twist. Chris cringed when he heard the sound of breaking bones and watched as Butch dropped to the ground like a marionette with its strings cut. Ron had come over to join them in raping Vin. Vin went after him next and broke Ron's nose with a vicious punch. Carl was getting up from where Vin had laid him out and was mad. Chris watched in horror as he pulled the gun form his pocket and aimed it at Vin. Carl pulled the trigger and Chris watched as blood erupted from a wound to Vin's shoulder. Chris stared as he fell to the ground.
"You fool!" Marcus yelled. "The search teams would hear that for miles."
"I've had enough of you," Carl said and shot Marcus between the eyes.
+ + + + + + +
A few miles away Ezra, Josiah and Nathan were still following the trail. They had stopped to take a break when Ezra stood up to listen.
"Do you hear that?" Ezra asked.
"I don't hear nothing except the birds," Nathan said.
"Why what did you hear?" Josiah asked.
"I could have sworn I heard someone scream," Ezra answered. "I must have been mistaken."
He sat back down and got comfortable. Suddenly they heard a gun shot.
"I heard that," Nathan said.
"So did I brother, so did I," Josiah agreed.
Another shot was heard and they grabbed their packs and started running in the direction it came from.
+ + + + + + +
Chris pulled on the ropes and felt his hands slowly slip through. He could feel they were slick with blood but he didn't care. If the blood helped him get his hands free it was worth it. Chris took a break for a minute to see what was going on. He watched in horror as Carl walked over to Vin and pulled down Vin's pants. When they were down he flipped the younger man over on his stomach.
"I'm going to enjoy this," he snarled.
Chris didn't even realize he had been pulling on the ropes when his hands shot free. He jumped up and ran over to Buck and untied him. Once he was free Buck charged like an enraged bull and tackled Carl. Chris did the same with Ron. In no time Chris had knocked Ron senseless and he lay unmoving on the ground.
When Vin realized their wasn't anyone by him any more he began to crawl away towards the undergrowth. As he got closer, he slowly sat up and pulled his clothes back on. He saw a wild rose bush and knew if he crawled underneath there would be an opening in the middle. A guide had pointed that out to him on a hike. He ignored the thorns as they scratched his face and hands. Once towards the middle Vin pulled his long frame into the small space. He pulled his knees up and lowered his head to his knees. He wrapped his arms around his knees and started to rock back and forth. He kept repeating to himself, I have to stay quiet, I have to stay quiet, I have to stay quiet.
Buck tackled Carl and they landed in a tangle. Buck was the first one up and gave him a mean right hook. The punch exploded Carl's nose and blood flew everywhere. Carl tried to fend off the punches but Buck was in a blind rage. He kept hitting Carl until he was finally down on the ground. Buck grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled his head up and kept punching him and punching him. Buck finally felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to attack.
"Buck, it's me, Chris! He's had enough. Go help JD."
Buck dropped Carl and ran over to the sleeping bags and packs. He grabbed one of the sleeping bags and some of the clothes out of one of the packs then went over to JD. He also grabbed one of the canteens. JD lay crying where Carl had dropped him. Buck went to touch him and JD cried out.
"Shhhh, JD, it's Buck."
"Stay away from me Buck," JD cried.
"I can't do that son," Buck said as he got closer. "Let's get you cleaned up
JD tied to move away from Buck as he poured the water over him to clean off the blood. JD started to cry more when Buck wiped the blood from his ass. Buck tried to be as gentle as he could, but he knew it hurt. When he got most of it off he pulled JD's jeans off the rest of the way and replaced them with a loose pair of sweat pants.
"How can you even look at me, Buck?" JD asked.
"You're still the JD I know and love," Buck said as he cleaned the blood from the cut on JD's lip.
JD cried harder and Buck pulled him into his embrace. JD clung to Buck like he was a drowning man and kept asking Why me? Why me? Buck just held him close and let him cry.
When Chris saw that Buck was helping JD he turned to help Vin. He was shocked when he didn't see him. Chris turned in all directions but couldn't see him. It was starting to get dark in the clearing and Chris got frantic.
"Buck!" he yelled. "Have you seen Vin?"
"He's right over there," Buck pointed then lowered his hand when he realized he wasn't there.
"Shit!" Chris cursed. "VIN!"
Just then they heard a sound coming in their direction. Chris pulled the gun he took off Carl as Ezra emerged from the bushes.
"Hold on there now," he said as he held up is hands.
"Ezra?" Chris asked in shock.
"In the flesh," he smiled.
His smile quickly faded when he saw JD in Buck's arms. He could hear him crying and realized what happened when he saw the bloody pants. Nathan came in to the clearing right behind him and headed straight for JD. Josiah arrived a short time latter huffing and puffing.
"What the hell is going on?" Ezra demanded. "And where is Mr. Tanner?"
"I don't know," Chris said. "They shot him and he was right here."
"Where could he go?" Josiah asked puzzled.
"He couldn't have gotten far," Ezra observed. "Where was he shot?"
"In the shoulder," Chris answered.
Ezra and Josiah pulled out their flashlights and started looking. Chris went over to the pack and grabbed another one and searched where he had last seen Vin.
Nathan moved immediately to JD. When he went to touch him JD wouldn't let him, yelling that he didn't want anyone else near him. Buck held JD tight in his arms and looked at Nathan. Nathan didn't know what to do in a situation like this. He knew JD had been raped. The evidence was all around. Nathan could see he was still bleeding because the seat of JD's sweatpants was turning a brown color.
"JD listen to me," Nathan said. "You have to let me help you. You're still bleeding."
"Oh god, Buck, please," JD cried. "I don't want Nathan to see me."
"JD listen to me," Buck said, taking his face in his hand. "None of this is your fault, do you hear me? None of it! Now I'm going to take you over to the sleeping bags and your going to lay down so Nathan can look you over."
"JD" Nathan called and JD looked at him. "What Buck said is true. I don't think any less of you. I'm still your friend."
JD nodded and he let them help him over to the sleeping bags. They laid him on his stomach on one of the bags. Buck got the fire going then came back to help Nathan.
The others had been searching the clearing when Ezra noticed drag marks heading towards the rose bush. As he shined the flashlight on the ground he could also see a trail of blood. He went closer to the rose bush and tried to peer inside but couldn't see anything. He tried to part the branches with his hand but he pulled back when the thorns stuck him. He tried another tactic. He picked up two sticks and pushed the branches apart. He was surprised to find Vin sitting in the middle of the bush with his knees up and his arms wrapped around them rocking back and forth.
"Over here!" Ezra called.
Chris and Josiah ran over and Ezra pointed to the bush. When Chris looked inside he was just as surprised.
"Vin," Chris called. "You can come out now, everything's all right."
They watched as Vin started to rock faster. Chris looked at the others and Ezra shrugged.
"How do we get him out?" Ezra asked.
"I guess we cut him out," Josiah said. "Unless one of you wants to crawl under there and get him."
Josiah went back to his daypack and puled out a small ax. He walked back over to the rose bush and started to hack away at it. By the time they had an opening big enough they were all scratched and bleeding. Chris knelt down next to Vin and could hear him murmuring over and over I have to stay quiet. He touched his uninjured shoulder to get his attention. Vin pulled away from him and hugged his knees tighter.
"Vin, come on out," Chris said taking his hand away. When he got no response he turned to the others.
"Mr. Tanner!" Ezra said sternly. "You will come out of there this instant!"
Chris almost decked Ezra but Josiah stopped him and pointed to Vin. He had looked up at Ezra's command. Ezra walked towards him and held out his hand. Vin looked at his hand, then up at him. He said nothing as he took Ezra's hand and stood up. Chris moved in to help but Vin backed away from him. Ezra kept a hold of his hand and started to lead him towards the fire. Vin followed him willingly. Chris turned troubled eyes to Josiah. Josiah just shook his head and followed Ezra. Ezra led Vin towards the fire and told him to sit. Nathan had finished with JD and he was sleeping with his head in Buck's lap. Nathan moved towards Vin and he backed away moving closer to Ezra.
"It's OK Vin," Nathan said in a calming voice. "I ain't going to hurt you."
Vin looked towards Ezra who nodded. Vin just turned his head and starred straight ahead. Nathan cut away Vin's shirt to clean the wound. He could see that the bullet had passed through. He cleaned the wound and wrapped it in sterile bandages. Nathan pulled the bandage off his head wound and cleaned that as well. Vin didn't say a word the whole time Nathan touched him. He knew his shoulder was hurting but Vin said nothing. He glanced at Ezra and saw Vin was still holding his hand.
"Nathan what the hell's wrong with him?" Chris demanded.
"I don't know Chris," Nathan told him. "He's pulled into himself to escape what happened to him."
"Nothing happened to him," Buck said angrily. "They didn't even have a chance to touch him."
"What should we do Chris?" Josiah asked. "We have a radio that can reach the ranger station. Hank also said it acts like a homing beacon."
"First we tie up those two scumbags then we call the rangers," Chris said. "They might want to wait until morning to come get us. Nathan are they OK if we have to wait?"
"I think so," Nathan answered. "JD's bleeding has stopped. We'll just have to keep and eye on Vin."
"All right, let's get those two tied up and the bodies taken care of," Chris said.
Ezra tried to get Vin to let go of his hand but he only held tighter.
"It's alright, Vin, I'll be back," Ezra said as he tried again.
"Stay, Ezra," Chris said. "We'll handle it."
Once they had Carl and Ron tied securely they moved the bodies off a short ways. Nathan was surprised to find Butch's neck broken. When he asked Chris what happened he said Vin had gone berserk and snapped his neck. When they were finished they called the ranger station and were told they would come for them in the morning. Josiah moved off to gather more firewood while Nathan and Chris walked back over to the fire. Buck had dozed off and JD was sound asleep. Vin was sitting exactly as they had left him, starring off into the distance. Chris walked over and offered Vin some water. He held the canteen to his lips but he wouldn't drink. Chris told him it was alright but still nothing. Finally Ezra commanded him to drink and Vin obediently did as he said. Ezra looked into Chris troubled eyes. Nathan told them to try to get him to lie down. Chris decided to try Ezra's tactic and commanded him to do it and Vin did. He lay on his back and starred. Chris took Vin's other hand and Vin held it tight. Chris told him to close his eyes and he did. They all tried to get comfortable; it was going to be a long night.
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