Take It Slow Part 4

"Daniel, relax. It's okay." Mano made his voice as soothing as he could.

"How, how did you know my name?" Daniel was backing to the door.

"Wait, please." Mano put his hand out then took it back, saying, "I'm here with your father, Nick. He loves you and wants you to come home." He watched as disbelief filled Daniel's eyes. He had backed up to the door; now he just stood there, staring at Mano.

"I swear it's true. He's looked for you for two years, since only a few minutes after you left the house. We want to take you home, if you'll come. Are you happy where you are, with that man, Jack?"

The expression on Daniel's face went from disbelief to hope to fear in the few seconds it took Mano to say those words.

"Jack? No, he-I, he's going to, I mean..." Daniel stopped.

"If you want to get away from him, we're here to help you. If you don't want to see your dad, you can come with Easy and me. We'll help you. I swear we are not here to hurt you, but we've got to hurry before Jack comes after you. He will, won't he?" Mano hated using fear to get Daniel moving, but time was important here.

52."Yes, he will. He's probably on his way here now.

I've been gone too long. My dad is really out there? He hates me. He said," there was pain in the boy's voice, "he said I was no..."

"He said you were no son of his, right?" Mano had heard it many times now from an anguished Nick.

Daniel looked at Mano with surprise and confusion.

"He's told all of us how stupid he was and how sorry he was immediately after, but you were already gone and he's looked for you ever since. Will you let us help you? You and your dad can figure things out later, but we have to get you away from Jack now."

"How?" Daniel's hand was rubbing his stomach and suddenly they both heard loud noises from outside the bathroom, like chairs and dishes. .h.i.tting the floor.

Daniel's poor color got even worse, and Mano thought he was going to pa.s.s out. Mano saw the boy's legs shaking, and he stepped over to him.

Daniel looked up at him, with the most heartbreaking mixture of fear and hope in his eyes.

Mano held his arms out and said, "It's okay. Easy and Nick are taking care of Jack. I'm sure in a few minutes, it will be safe for us to go out there. Maybe get you some soft warm food, like that oatmeal you wanted and a pancake, huh? Come here. I can't wait for Mama Sasy to get her hands on you. She's going to just melt."

To Mano's surprise, Daniel let Mano wrap his arms around him. He just stood and shook from head to toe as Mano rubbed his back and whispered that everything was going to be all right now. He heard Daniel ask something, and he pulled back a little to ask what he'd said.

"I saw you all last week, didn't I? I b.u.mped into you.

But, how did you know about Jack and me?"

53."Diana, the waitress, answered some questions for us.

See, Nick shows your pictures to everyone he sees, begging them to look for you. We both thought we recognized you, and when we asked Diana and she told us your name was Danny, that was enough for us. Nick was down here the next morning, but he just missed you all. Hey, it's gotten quieter out there. You want me to take a look?"

Daniel froze, and Mano knew the courage it took him to pull away and let Mano open the door. Diana was standing right there.

"Not yet," she whispered. Mano closed the door again, wondering what in the world was going on out there. He wasn't worried. He knew Easy could handle one old man, but he sure couldn't wait to hear the story of how it all went down. Meanwhile, he wanted more information from Daniel.

"Diana says it's not safe just yet, so we'll hang tight here. Tell me, do you know why you're throwing up blood? Has he hurt you in any way? Do we need to call for medical help? Nick is going to freak when he hears you're sick."

"He won't care. He hates me." Daniel stood alone now, both arms around his stomach, looking lost again.

"Let me just tell you that you're wrong, but you will have time to figure that out. He knows you might not be ready to go home with him. He knows he blew it, big time. Trust me, Daniel, he knows. Just let us get you back to Nashville. There's a place you can stay where it's safe, I promise you. You can take all the time you need.

Let's get you to safety first, get you checked out by a doctor there, and with time things will look better."

Daniel just looked at him, big gray eyes wide, fear still lurking in them. "I don't know."

"Of course you don't. Do you trust me?" Mano asked.

54.Daniel thought a minute and nodded. "Yeah, a little."

Mano smiled and said, "That's good enough.

Nightmare's over, kid."

Tears filled Daniel's eyes, and he just stood there, looking at Mano, disbelieving.

For a few more minutes Mano looked over Daniel Webster. The boy's hair was dirty, long, stringy. He knew from the pictures it used to be almost white; now it was sort of dirty blond. He still had those big gray eyes, but Mano swore there were bones sticking out of his collar. Daniel was in dire need of nourishment and care, and a long hot shower.

There was a soft knock on the door, and Daniel jumped like he'd been shot. Fear shone in his eyes, but Mano knew things were going to be okay from now on.

"Trust me, okay?" He walked over and gently moved Daniel out of the way and opened the door a little, seeing Diana and Easy standing there, smiling.

"It's all clear?"

"He's gone."

Mano heard a whimper beside him and knew he would never understand what those two words meant to Daniel. Mano turned back to Daniel and reached his hand out to him.

"Do I have to...?" Daniel stopped, clearly scared still.

"What, hon?" Mano closed the door again, giving Daniel a minute.

"Do I have to go with him? I don't know if I can face him, see him. I'm so scared. I don't even know your name."

Mano smiled, realizing that now this information seemed important to Daniel. "My name is Mano, and my boyfriend is Easy, the big guy you saw me with before.

That's how I know it's okay to go out there now. I'm sure Easy sent Jack on his way. We came in two vehicles. If Take It Slow 55.you want to ride back with us and not have to spend hours in the car with your dad, that's okay. But, will you at least see him? Let him see you're alive and okay. He needs that so much. The rest you can work out later."

Daniel nodded slowly. Mano opened the door.

Easy watched Jack closely and knew the instant that the older man decided that Daniel had been gone too long. Before he could finish the scoot to get out of the booth, Easy was sitting down opposite him and, since the tables weren't studded into the floor, he pushed it forward, pinning Jack against the back of the booth. Jack tried to push back, but there was no way his strength was equal to Easy's.

"What the h.e.l.l? Who are you? What are you doing?"

Jack's voice held fury and maybe a little fear.

Easy held up a big hand and said, "Be quiet, Jack Basham. I'm going to tell you how this is going to go down. This," he said, pointing to Nick, who now stood at the end of the table, "is Daniel's father, Nick Webster.

We are here to take Daniel home. You are going to go outside, get in your rig, and drive away. If you don't, the police that we have standing by will be in here to arrest you for kidnapping, abuse, and any other charges we can come up with. Daniel is not coming out of that bathroom until you are gone. I can only hope that you resist so I can get me just a little piece of you. Do you have any questions?"

"I've got one,"Nick said, fists held by his side. "Have you touched my son? Have you raped him? Tell me the truth."

Easy was impressed with the calmness is Nick's voice. He wasn't loud, but he was...intense.

56."I don't mess with kids, and I ain't no rapist, neither. I took care of that boy. I saved him and took care of him."

"Yes, we can see how well you take care of him. Are you going to get up peacefully and walk out of here, or do we get to go a few rounds?" Easy asked, still putting pressure on the table, pressing into Jack's sternum.

Jack looked from one to the other of them and slowly nodded. Nick took a step back and Easy pulled the table away from Jack. Easy got out of the booth and waited for Jack to do the same. When he stood, he did just what Easy had hoped for. Evidently the man wasn't going to give up as easily as he'd implied.

He took a swing at Nick, obviously figuring him for the easier mark. Before Easy could step in, Nick ducked and came back up, fist flying straight into Jack's jaw.

The older man stumbled but didn't go down. The same couldn't be said for the table next to him. He jarred it, and dishes went flying onto the floor. Jack came back toward Nick. This time, Easy stepped over and took one swing. Down Jack went and stayed there. He wasn't out, but he didn't get up. He glared at them from the floor.

"Nick, call the police." Easy said, still speaking quietly.

Nick took out his phone and was dialing when Jack scrambled back up, faster than Easy thought the old man capable of doing.

"No! I'm going. Take him. He's not that much help, anyway. Good riddance."

Easy grabbed his arm and said, "Hold on. Nick," he asked, turning to his friend. "Are you sure you don't want to press charges? I don't feel right just letting this b.a.s.t.a.r.d go after the way he's treated Daniel."

Nick took a card from his pocket and handed it to Easy.

57."Get his information: name, phone, address, even his social security number. I want to be able to find him if I get a different story from Daniel. It will be up to him whether this man goes to jail or not. I just want to see Daniel."

Easy pushed Jack back onto the booth bench and said, "Write it all down, and don't you lie. I know how to find you."

While Jack took the pen Nick handed him, Easy looked around. He saw Diana at the bathroom door and she smiled at him, uneasily. He took the rest of the room in at a glance and realized everyone was watching them, but no one interfered. Some looked on with approval, others with mere curiosity. No one came to Jack's defense. Easy did notice the man who had been here before, the one who gave him the information on Jack last week, watching intently. He nodded at the man and got a nod in return.

When Jack thrust the card back at him, he handed it over to Nick and stood back so Jack could get up. He followed him out to the front of the diner and watched as he stomped to his truck. He was surprised to find the other man had followed them out.

"Give me your cell number. I will follow him and make sure he keeps going. If he stops or tries to turn back, I'll call you. I'm glad you all came back for the boy."

"Thank you. If you ever need anything, contact us at Mama Sasy's diner in Nashville, off exit 89." Easy gave the man his number and watched him go to his rig and climb in. He took a moment to admire the s.h.i.+ny black Freightliner cab. The man had a clean rig. That said a lot for him, unlike Jack, whose truck was dirty and belching dirty diesel. He watched the truck jerk and heard the Take It Slow 58.gears grinding as Jack pulled out of the parking lot, clearly furious. G.o.d help the people on the road.

He headed back in, anxious to see the reunion. When he got back inside, there was quiet applause, and he nodded, heading for the restroom door. He stood by Diana as she knocked. Nick was still standing by the booth, looking nervous and a little sick.

Daniel felt like throwing up again but knew there was nothing left in there, except maybe more blood. He was nearly more scared of facing his father than he was of going back with Jack. He knew his father wasn't going to hit him, but he was filled with confusion and indecision. How was he supposed to act? His father had said he was no son of his. He couldn't have a f.a.ggot for a son. How was he supposed to forget the last two years of fear, pain and loneliness?

"It's okay," Mano whispered from beside him. "You want me to go first? Or do you want to meet him in here without everyone out there watching?"

Daniel's eyes got huge, and he shook his head. He didn't want to be alone with his dad, not yet. He didn't know what he was afraid of, but he knew he couldn't face him without breaking apart totally.

"Okay, here, take my hand, and we'll walk out together. I'll introduce you to my boyfriend, Easy. He's the biggest, best-looking man you'll ever meet. And Daniel, he's the nicest person I've ever known, except maybe his mom. Wait till you meet her. Come on. It's just friends out there now."

Mano put a little pressure on Daniel's hand and tugged a little, pulling him out of the restroom. There was total silence. He wanted to run back in and hide in a Take It Slow 59.corner, away from everyone who was looking at him expectantly.

"Hey, Danny, I've got you some oatmeal and a pancake waiting. I even fixed you some warm milk. I know it sounds yucky, but I bet it will feel good going down. You're safe now, honey. Come here," Diana held her arms out, and Daniel walked into them. She had always been so nice to him, and she seemed like a safe haven right now.

He was wrapped in her arms, and he smelled perfume, coffee, and hairspray. He pulled away and tried to smile for her. She was being so nice.

He watched Mano go over to the big man and get his own hug. The man , Easy? , Easy? leaned down and kissed the top of Mano's head. Daniel felt like he was in the twilight zone. Wait, where was his dad? leaned down and kissed the top of Mano's head. Daniel felt like he was in the twilight zone. Wait, where was his dad?

Right then Mano and Easy stepped aside, and he saw his father standing by a booth in the back. Wow. He didn't look the same. He looked tired and sad and older.

There was gray in his hair now, Daniel could see it. He didn't remember his dad being gray. Daniel stood looking at the man who had disowned him, who had called him f.a.ggot with such hatred in his voice. What was he supposed to do?

As he just stood there, he saw tears running down his dad's face, and he was stunned. His dad didn't cry. His dad never cried. He looked so broken, standing there, head down now, tears dripping onto his s.h.i.+rt. Daniel took a step forward, then stopped. He wanted to, but how could he? He took another step and stopped again.

Mano stepped up to him and whispered, "Go with your heart, Daniel. He loves you. He's sorry. Go to him.

You don't have to go live with him right now, or forgive him right away, but I think you both need--" Mano got no further.

60."Dad?" It wasn't very loud, but in the silence of the diner, Nick heard it. His head raised, eyes seeking Daniel.

Daniel walked to him and into the arms that opened for him. There was a collective sigh throughout the diner filled with truckers and travelers who'd watched the whole scene unfold. There were many wet eyes in the place, many people reaching for napkins as Daniel was held tightly in his father's arms at last.

Daniel broke into sobs as he felt his father's heart beating rapidly against his ear. He was nearly falling with exhaustion and relief and hunger. He'd never felt such a war of emotions in his life. He wanted to hit this man over and over, and he wanted to hold onto him and never let him go. The battle raging inside him nearly tore him apart. He tried to pull away. He wasn't ready to-to...

"Just a few seconds more, please, Daniel. I promise I'll let you go, and I won't ask anything of you yet. But, I don't think I can stand up without you to hold onto."

Nick's voice was ragged, and that was something else that was totally foreign to Daniel. He stood still now, letting his father hold him. His dad was shaking but held Daniel firmly. He was beginning to feel numb, unable to settle on what he really was feeling inside. Finally, his dad pulled back and, thankfully, Mano was there to hold onto him and ease him down into the booth. Nick didn't sit down, and Daniel looked up at him.

"Is it okay if I sit with you?" Nick asked, and Daniel was surprised at the hesitancy in his father's voice.

Daniel could only nod. Mano scooted in with him, and he watched as Easy took Nick's arm and encouraged him to sit down and scoot over. Silence reigned at the table for a few moments.

61.Mano finally spoke up, saying, "Daniel, I'm sorry, but I have to tell them about you being sick."

At the gasp from Nick, he continued, "When he came into the bathroom he threw up, mostly blood. He's sick, Nick, and he needs a doctor."

Diana showed up then with a plate for Daniel and the coffeepot for the rest of them.

"Try to eat a little of it, hon, until you can get some help for your stomach. I'm so happy for you, Danny."

"Daniel," he said, "not Danny."

"Daniel it is," she said, and he could see tears in her eyes as she turned to leave the table. He was sorry, but he did not ever want to be called Danny again.

"Can you eat a little, or do you need us to take you to the hospital right away?" This came from Mano, who was sitting beside him.

"I, uh, I don't want to go to a hospital, but I'm not sure I can keep it down. What's," Daniel paused and looked around at all three, his eyes glancing quickly at his dad, then away, "what's going to happen now?"

Nick spoke up, quietly, as if not wanting to push Daniel too far.