Ray sat in stunned silence as Mikey told him about the visit from the LA police and his phone conversation with the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Alicia sat next to her husband holding his hand in an attempt to offer strength.

“Holy shit.” Ray muttered when Mikey’s voice grew silent.

Mikey waited knowing in a moment Ray would start asking questions once his brain had processed all the information.

“A tornado? They really think the bag might have been picked up by a tornado?”

It was Alicia who spoke. “A tornado could have carried it for miles.”

“But there was no sign of his car?”

“No” Mikey said shaking his head, “The officer I spoke to said the boys showed them exactly where they found the bag and they checked the area.”

Ray was visibly upset. “But what the fuck would Gerard have been doing in Kansas? Does he know anyone there?”

“Not in that area of Kansas.” Mikey sat back against the sofa cushions. “I don’t know what to do or what to think. I’m scared shitless. Should we go public with this?”

Ray sat back in his chair slowly, “Shit, I don’t know. What do the police think?”

“Until Gee actually doesn’t show up for a scheduled meeting he really can’t be considered missing. The fact that he took money with him points to the idea he was taking a trip.”

Ray could see the fear in Mikey’s eyes, “But now that the bag has been found? I mean that’s a bad sign.” He tried to choose his words carefully not wanting to upset Mikey any further.

Alicia spoke up. “The fact that the bag contained all that cash proves Gee wasn’t robbed. Yeah, some of the cash was missing but if someone had robbed him they would have taken it all.”

“So you think he lost the bag and somehow it got involved in the storm?”

She nodded, “That’s how it looks. And since his wallet wasn’t found he still would have money with him, about two thousand dollars more or less.”

“Are you gonna tell Tom?” Ray asked.

Mikey sighed, “I don’t know what to tell him. He called again yesterday demanding to talk to Gerard. I admitted I don’t know where he is right now and he wasn’t happy. The record company wants this shit with Karli handled.”

Ray nodded, “Yeah, we all do. But this shit with the bag…” He paused trying to hide his fear, “I don’t know what to think. If he’d just call and let you know he’s okay.”

“I’m guessing.” Alicia said slowly, “That he has no idea his bag has been found.”

Ray turned his attention to her. “What do you think is going on?”

She smiled clutching her husband’s hand. “I think Gerard took off needing to get away. Lindsey had just left taking Bandit to New York. He knew his marriage was over. I believe he decided to just take off, get some distance. I don’t know what happened about the bag like I told Mikey he could have stopped somewhere along the way, taken it out then forgot it, who knows? But since they haven’t found his car I think he’s still on the run.”

“On the run?” Mikey whispered.

She gave him a sympathetic look, “Yeah, on the run. Gerard took off because he didn’t want to deal with things, he ran.”

“But it’s been over a month now.” Mikey said shaking his head. “Gee’s never been out of contact that long.”

“Nothing this bad has ever really happened to him before.” Alicia reminded him softly. “I know he really believed he and Lindsey would be together forever.”

Ray nodded, “That’s true and these last few months…” His mouth snapped closed.

Mikey sighed, “You were going to say how much he’s been drinking these last few months, yeah I know. But we both know it’s been more than a few months. I see now that when his marriage started to fall apart the drinking got worse, he just tried to keep that from me.”

Alicia squeezed his hand, “Not just you, he tried to keep it from all of us.”

“So what’s gonna happen to the bag?” Ray asked still trying to wrap his brain around all of this.

“They are gonna FedEx it to me.” Mikey explained, “Should be here in the morning.”

“I want to see it.”

Mikey nodded, “Yeah, sure.”

Ray stretched out his long legs, “And Lindsey?”

“She said she can’t deal with this. That she hopes he’s okay but…”

“And still no activity on the credit cards?”

“No” Mikey shook his head, “The police asked that too. If he had used one they could possibly reviewed tape of the location to make sure it was Gee using the card.”

“And since they haven’t been used that just points again to the fact he hasn’t been robbed.” Alicia added.

“But how long would the money he has with him last?” Ray asked.

Mikey shrugged, “If he’s still traveling I wouldn’t think all that long.”

“Where the hell would he go?” Ray frowned.

“My guess” Alicia said softly, “Is that he’d try to stay away from places where he might be recognized.”

Mikey released her hand then stood. “Of course that’s assuming he’s really okay.”

Ray and Alicia exchanged a worried look. Mikey was now pacing nervously.

“Hey, I’m sure he’s okay.” Ray said trying to calm his friend, “Like you said, no sign of his car so I’m sure he’s okay.”

Mikey couldn’t keep the fear from his voice, “At least no sign of his car yet. If he was caught in a tornado in the middle of nowhere maybe they just haven’t found it yet. It could be in a fuckin’ field somewhere.”

Alicia’s heart ached for her husband, “I’m sure it would have been found by someone after all this time.”

“More than a fuckin’ month.” Mikey muttered, “What the fuck is he thinking?”

No one could offer an answer.

____________________________________________________

Gerard came awake with a start. He glanced down and saw Lucy was still asleep in his lap. For a moment he wasn’t sure what had awakened him but a moment later he heard the sound again…the wind was howling.

“Shit.” He whispered trying to carefully ease Lucy off his lap.

Her eyes opened and she looked confused.

“It’s okay.” He said softly, “Just gonna go check the weather, sounds like we got ourselves another storm.” As if to illustrate his comment a huge clap of thunder shook the house.

“Oh” Lucy sat up but a moment later she whispered, “Well shit.” Before she could stand another clap of thunder rocked the house.

“Stay here.” Gerard said as he stood. “I’ll go grab the weather radio."

“No way.” She said following on his heels. “I want to see the storm and we need to let Rex in.”

They both headed for the kitchen. While Gerard turned on the radio Lucy went to the back door. Rex was standing there with his nose pressed against the screen.

“Come on” Lucy smiled at him as she pushed open the door.

Rex licked her hand then walked over to where Gerard had taken a seat at the kitchen table. Gerard reached down to stroke the dog’s head, “Hey, Rex. So what do you think? Is it going to be a bad storm?”

Lucy was still standing at the back door her eyes searching the skies. “Some wicked clouds out there and the wind is really picking up.”

Gerard shook his head, “Please tell me the weather isn’t always this bad, seems like we’ve had one storm after another.”

Lucy walked over to the table then lowered herself into one of the wooden chairs. “Some Springs are like this. Last year we only had a few bad storms and believe me its not usually this hot until July or August.”

“So this is still considered Spring?”

Lucy smiled, “Yeah, summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20th.”

“So almost another whole month of this?”

“Uh hate to tell you but just because summer arrives doesn’t mean the bad weather goes away. Typically May and June are the worst months for tornadoes in this area.”

Gerard listened to the radio for a moment then sighed, “At least we aren’t in the warning area.”

Lucy nodded, “Sounds like the storm is going to skirt us.”

He smiled “Well if you’re not too hungry we can hold off on dinner for a bit until the storm passes then I can grill.”

“Sure, that’s fine.” Lucy leaned her chin on her hands and sighed.

“What’s wrong?” He asked reaching across the table to touch her arm.

“Remember how you said you’re gonna go to the grocery store tomorrow?”

He nodded remembering he’d mentioned that during lunch. “You don’t want me to go?”

Lucy smiled, “Okay I’m not that needy.” She giggled, “I was just gonna ask if I can go with you. I’m so tired of being stuck in the house.”

The truth was he really hadn’t wanted to leave her alone but the fact was they were in need of some groceries and chicken feed. “Well you’re not supposed to do anything that will tire you out but I suppose you could ride in the truck.”

Lucy clapped her hands, “Perfect.”

“But I mean it Lucy, I don’t want you to get worn out. That means you stay in the truck at Wal-Mart.” He suddenly grinned, “Unless you want to ride on one of those motorized shopping carts.”

“Oh, hell no.” She sputtered, “I’m not an invalid.”

“Didn’t think you’d agree to that one.” He laughed.

She frowned, “Problem is if it’s too hot tomorrow I don’t want to sit in the truck with the air running for too long. Old Bessie tends to overheat at times.”

“Old Bessie?”

“That’s what I call her.”

He grinned, “Well I wasn’t aware the truck had a name.”

“I like to name things.” She shrugged, “Hell even the girls all have individual names. Didn’t you get that?”

“I knew the evil one has a name, I didn’t realize the rest of the chickens had names too. How the hell do you keep them all straight?” He was surprised when her smile faded.

“I’ve had lots of time on my hands. Being alone gives you that. So the things in my life became important, I guess.” She sighed, “That’s stupid, isn’t it?”

He caressed her arm, “I think that’s adorable.”

Now she looked surprised, “Adorable? You think the fact I named all my chickens is adorable?”

“I think almost everything about you is adorable.” He said softly.

“Oh” She whispered recognizing the look in his eyes. While it wasn’t an unwelcome look to her the fact she hadn’t showered in two days presented a problem. “Well anyway.” She tried to get the conversation back on track. “About tomorrow.”

He realized for whatever reason she didn’t want what he did. “Let me worry about that.” He stood then reached down to help her up. “Now back to the sofa for you.”

“But…”

“Lucy.” He said pulling her close, “No more discussion on this.” He grinned, “Cause if you do I’m just gonna kiss you into silence.”

“Kiss me into silence?”

“Yeah, that seems to work the best.”

Her eyes narrowed, “So you think….” Her words were cut off when his lips crashed against her.

Lucy wound her arms around his neck as the kiss intensified. His tongue teased her lips begging them to open while his hands caressed her back. Then as quickly as the kiss had begun it was over.

“Sofa.” Gerard said frowning.

Lucy was still reeling from the kiss. “What?”

“Look, I get that you don’t want anything to happen right now.” He said running his hand over his face. “So back to the sofa for you.”

“It’s just…” She sighed, “Oh hell, it’s just because I haven’t showered in a couple of days.”

He smiled, “Oh, well unfortunately you’re not gonna shower now either. Don’t care what the radio says we still have a hell of a storm right now. So you’re gonna go lay that beautiful body of yours on the sofa.”

Lucy sighed, “Yes, sir.”

Taking her arm he led her out of the kitchen. “Damn I like it when you get all submissive.”

“Do you?” She grinned.

They had reached the living room.

“Now rest.” He said once she was on the sofa laying down. He walked over and switched off the air conditioner then opened the front windows. The cool air scented with rain filled the room.

“I’m really not tired.”

He glanced over at her. “Don’t remember asking you if you were tired. I told you to rest.”

She started to respond but changed her original retort. “Yes, sir.”

He groaned inwardly, damn he wanted her right now. “Good girl. Keep up that attitude and there will be a nice reward for you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

In his mind he was already making plans. “Yes, tomorrow.”

“But I want a reward tonight.” She whined.

“Well that’s too bad.”

Lucy’s bottom lip protruded, “You’re being mean.”

“And you’re being whiny.”

Lucy glared at him a moment then rolled over on her side to face the back of the sofa. She heard Gerard laughing. “What?”

“Just wondering if you realize what a nice view I have of your cute little butt.”

Her hand reached back to pull her gown down that had ridden up. “Crap.” She muttered.

Gerard took a seat at the desk, “Rest now until dinner.”

Her voice was soft, “Yes, sir.”

___________________________________________________

Before leaving Ray had agreed to call Frank when he got home. Mikey was grateful because in truth he didn’t want to retell the story again.

“So you’re not going to call your parents?” Alicia asked taking his hand in hers.

Mikey sighed leaning back against the sofa cushions. “Not yet. I know if I call ma and tell her she will freak. If I utter the word tornado…”

Alicia nodded, “Yeah, I understand. What about Joe?”

“I don’t want to tell anyone else other than Frank and Ray. At least not yet.”

“I hope Lindsey doesn’t tell anyone.” Alicia said softly.

“Don’t think she will. She told me she didn’t want to deal with any of this.”

Alicia leaned against him to lay her head on his chest. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m scared as fuck.” He admitted. “I don’t know what to think. One minute I’m sure the fact his car wasn’t found is a good sign, that he’s okay but the next…I can’t help but imagine something terrible happened to him.”

Alicia wrapped her arm around him.

“I just don’t fuckin’ know.” He whispered. “Should I be worried or pissed? I swear if he’s okay I want to wring his neck. It ain’t right putting all of us through this.”

“At the same time you hate feeling like that.”

“Yeah” He nodded, “Of course. I love my brother.”

“He’s okay.” Alicia whispered praying that was the truth. “So when he finally comes back I’ll wring his neck for you.”

Mikey smiled down at her. “I love you so damn much. Thank you for putting up with me and all my shit.”

“I love you and all your shit.” She smiled. “You know that.”

He pulled her up to gently kiss her lips. “Yeah, I know that.”

_________________________________________

After dinner Lucy had wanted to take a shower but Gerard had refused her request. While one storm had passed another line of storms was threatening. Lucy had grown angry telling him that he was worrying about the weather too much. The truth was he knew she was tired, he could see it in her eyes and now matter how much they both wanted it, he wasn’t going to get intimate with her, not tonight.

“I’m bored.” Lucy muttered from her spot on the sofa. “I’m going to sit out on the glider.”

Gerard looked up from his writing, “Yeah, okay. Go ahead.”

That was not the answer she’d expected. “Fine.” She got to her feet in a huff.

It was hard to let her leave the room but he stayed in place as he listened to her open the front door. In his mind he kept reminding himself about his plans for tomorrow. Yes, he definitely wanted her rested for tomorrow.

Lucy sat on the glider with her arms crossed as she looked out into the night sky. A suddenly flash of lightening illuminated the sky. So maybe he was right, another storm was coming but damn she wanted a shower. Briefly the idea crossed her mind that she should just go upstairs and take one. However she dismissed that thought. Gerard had been taking such good care of her it was wrong to go against his wishes.

“Damn” She whispered softly. She knew exactly why she wanted a shower it was because she wanted to make love with him. Her body craved his touch. “Double damn.” She muttered leaning back to close her eyes.

An hour later Gerard found her curled up on the glider sleeping soundly. When he scooped her up into his arms she stirred.

“Go back to sleep, Sugar.” He whispered as he carried her in to lay her down on the sofa.
Her eyes fluttered open.

“Go back to sleep.” He repeated. “It will be morning before you know it.”

Lucy smiled slightly, “And I get a reward?”

“Yeah, definitely. Tomorrow if you’re a good girl you get a reward.” He kissed her cheek as she eyes closed again.

Deciding if he stayed awake any longer the temptation with be too great he went upstairs, took a quick shower then returned to the living room. Lucy was still sleeping but she’d moved to the mattress they shared on the floor. His heart filled with love as he looked down at her.

Switching off the lights he slowly made his way over to the mattress. In her sleep she stirred as he laid down next to her then pulled her into his arms. Gerard closed his eyes trying to ignore his body that was responding to her nearness. When Lucy snuggled closer he groaned inwardly, why the hell hadn’t he just handled this problem in the shower? If he had he wouldn’t be laying here now with his dick throbbing.

Lucy slowly came awake as she felt his need pressing against her thigh. A moment later his body shifted away and in the darkness she could barely make out his form as he got up.
“Where are you going?” She asked sleepily.

“Go back to sleep.” He muttered, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Gerard was embarrassed and angry that he needed release but he knew if he didn’t there was no way he’d be able to sleep. Quietly he walked outside on to the porch then took a seat in the darkness on the front steps. His hand slipped inside his shorts to push the material down enough to free his dick while trying not to think about what he was doing. Sadly this was something too familiar. Over the past year as his marriage had started to fall apart this had been the way he’d found release more and more. As his fingers began to stroke his length he closed his eyes letting his mind imagine it was Lucy’s hands on him not his own.
A bright flash of lightning caused his eyes to fly open his hands to still. Out of the corner of his eye a movement startled him.

Without a word Lucy sat down next to him.

“Fuck,” Gerard released his dick completely embarrassed.

Lucy leaned over to brush her lips against his cheek. “Need some help?” She whispered.

“This is fuckin’ embarrassing.” He ground out angry she’d caught him in this position.

Her soft hands encircled his length, “No it’s not.” She said softly. Slowly she began to stroke him.

“Hey, you don’t need to…”

“Gerard be quiet.” She giggled softly, “I want to do this.”

“Oh” He leaned back slightly. “That feels so good.”

“Lean back on your elbows.” Lucy said gently. When he did she smiled. “Much better.”

He held his breath as he watched her head lean over his body, her mouth take in his length.
“Oh shit, Lucy. Yeah, Baby.”

Lucy’s tongue circled his tip teasingly. Then slowly she began to suck.

Gerard’s breathing was coming quicker.

Using one hand she gently cupped his balls while her mouth continued to make love to him.

“That feels so fuckin’ good.”

Sliding him in and out of her mouth her hand gently massaged his balls, her actions were rewarded by his soft moan.

“Don’t stop.” He begged feeling his release coming.

She continued her sweet assault feeling his rock hard dick in her mouth throbbing. Just knowing how much pleasure she was giving him urged her on. Gerard moaned again.

“Almost there.” He whispered brokenly hoping she understood. When she didn’t immediately remove her mouth he tried to push her away.

Lucy understood completely, she knew his release was coming but instead of removing her mouth she continued to suck.

Gerard exploded in her mouth but the fact that she continued to suck made his release even more pleasurable.

As his hot release filled her mouth she was startled at first but forced herself to continue. She didn’t raise her head until the last drop from his quivering dick was gone.

Gerard had sat back up in the darkness trying to look into her eyes, needing to see she was okay with what had just happened.

“What?” She smiled.

He was still trying to catch his breath. “Uh sorry. I did try to get you to stop.”

Lucy understood, “I didn’t want to stop.” She paused her voice husky, “I love your taste.”

He sighed feeling relief. “This was still pretty fuckin’ embarrassing.” He muttered.

Lucy reached out to touch his cheek, “Why?”

“Uh no guy wants his woman to catch him jerking off.”

For a moment she forgot to breath. He’d called her his woman.

“Lucy?”

“That’s what I am.” She whispered.

He put his arm around her pulling her to him tightly. “That makes me one lucky bastard.”

“Why didn’t we just make love?” She asked softly.

Gerard sighed, “Because I thought you were too tired so I didn’t want to bother you with my problem.”

“Your problem?” She sat up to look directly into his eyes. “Don’t you get it, your problem was because of me, right?”

“Well yeah holding you so close…”

Lucy giggled, “And you have no idea how knowing I effect you like that makes me feel. It makes me…”

“What?”

“It makes me feel desirable.”

“Oh woman you are desirable.” He lowered his mouth to hers tasting not only her sweet lips but a trace of himself. “Fuckin’ desirable.” He whispered against those lips.

Lucy sat back, “So you ready to go to bed now?”

“Yeah, I’m a bit more relaxed.” He grinned.

“Good.” She stood slowly. “But I’m thinking tomorrow I should get an even better reward.”

“Oh do you now?” He teased as he stood up pulling his shorts back into place.

Lucy took his hand as they walked into the house. “Yep, I definitely do.”