“Lucy…honey wake up.” Gerard whispered as his fingertips stroked her cheek. They had both fallen asleep after making love but now the cool night air had caused Gerard to wake. As wonderful as it was, lying with Lucy in his arms under the stars, he was worried about her getting cold.

“What?” Her eyes slowly opened.

“We fell asleep.” He explained, “And it’s getting kind of cold.”

“Oh” She smiled, “Wonder what time it is.”

He lifted his arm to check his watch. Pushing the button to light up dial gave him the answer. “Just after 3.”

“It is chilly.” She snuggled up closer wanting to feel the warmth of his body. “Guess we better head home.”

Gerard helped her get her dress back on then slipped into his clothing. He jumped out of the bed of the truck first then lifted her out.

Once they were back inside the vehicle he asked, “Uh so do I try to turn around?”

“Nope, you can just keep going forward. We’ll end up behind the house.”

“Really?” He started the truck.

“Yeah but I’ll warn you it’s gonna be bumpy.”

She was right, it definitely was bumpy but soon the truck emerged from the field. In the headlights they saw Rex racing towards them.

“Bet he’s wondering why we’re coming home this way.” Gerard laughed.

Lucy was smiling, hearing him call her house home touched her heart. “Well you did tell him to guard the place. See, he’s on patrol.”

Gerard eased the truck across the back yard to park in the driveway. “Okay woman, time to get you to bed.”

Lucy waited until he got out and came around to her side. “Hey, Rex.” She giggled as Gerard lifted her out of the truck. Rex was happily barking at Gerard’s feet.

Instead of putting her down he carried her to the house. Once inside the kitchen he set her on her feet.

“I’ll be just a minute.” She said moving towards the bathroom.

Gerard was waiting in the kitchen when she came back out. “Wanna sleep down here or upstairs?” He asked.

“Well my mattress is still in the living room.” She answered looking down.

He was about to point out that while her mattress was in the living room his was on the bed upstairs however noticing she wouldn’t look up made him pause. It was then he realized she still didn’t want to share with him the bed she’d shared with Rafe.

“That’s true.” He said talking her arm to lead her to the living room.

Turning on only a small light by the sofa he helped her out of her dress while Lucy stood silently.

Then he started to undress.

When Lucy moved towards the sofa for her gown he spoke.

“You don’t need that. I’ll keep you warm.”

Her smile was sad. “You know why I don’t want to sleep upstairs, don’t you?”

He stepped out of his jeans then answered, “Yeah, I understand and it’s okay, Lucy.”

“It’s silly.” She whispered.

Gerard moved to take her in his arms, “No, it’s not silly.” As he led her to the mattress on the floor he continued, “Besides I like out little mattress. We get to cuddle.”

Once they’d both laid down Lucy snuggled up to place her head on his chest. “Snuggling is nice.” She whispered with a yawn.

“Very nice.” Gerard stroked the arm she’d placed over him. “Damn nice. Now close those beautiful eyes and get some sleep.”

“What are we doing tomorrow?” Lucy asked.

“We’re going into town.”

“Why?” She lifted her head to look into his eyes.

“Gotta get some supplies.” He wasn’t about to mention right now that one of those supplies was a cell phone for her.

“Oh, okay.” She lowered her head again.

“I’m thinking we should pick up some steaks. How’s that sound for dinner tomorrow night?”

“Good.” She murmured sleepily.

He smiled, “Good night Lucy. I love you.”

“I love you too, Gerard.”

A few hours later when the early morning light streamed through the windows Lucy stirred. Moving slowly she slid out from under Gerard’s arm that was draped over her. Deciding to let him sleep she snuck out of the room to make coffee and tend the chickens.

She was just retuning to the house from the chicken coop when a rumble of thunder in the distance caught her attention. “Damn” She muttered, “Another storm.”

Rex, who was walking along side her, barked.

“Yes” Lucy said “ That’s right, another storm.” She paused to shift the basket in her hand so she could pet him. “It’s been a wicked storm season.”

Rex barked again as if he was agreeing.

“Hey, what are you two talking about?” Gerard asked from his spot at the top of the back porch steps.

Lucy giggled, “We’re discussing the weather. So why are you awake?”

“Why are you doing my job?” He asked nodding towards the basket of eggs.

“You’ve been taking care of the chickens for weeks now. Figured it was time to give you a break.”

“But I like taking care of the chickens.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, “No, you don’t.”

“Yeah actually I do.” He admitted surprising himself. “Never imagined I’d enjoying taking care of chickens but…well, I sorta do.”

She smiled, “Well sorry I did your job this morning. The girls sorta looked surprised when I walked in. Guess they were expecting the handsome man to collect the eggs.”

By this time she’d reached the steps. Gerard quickly took the basket from her. “So” He asked as they walked inside. “What would you like for breakfast this morning?” Before she could answer he continued, “I was thinking eggs, bacon and toast. Oh, maybe hash browns too.”

Lucy laughed as she walked over to the sink to wash her hands. “My, someone sounds hungry this morning.”

He nodded, “Yeah, I am. So, sound good?”

“Only if you let me help.”

“You can help by sitting down and talking to me.” He said talking her arm as she finished drying her hands.

“Gerard.” She sighed, “Really, I much better now. Let me help.”

He hated to admit it to himself but while he was glad she was better he had come to like the fact she depended on him. “I really want to do this myself.” He said moving towards the sink to wash his hands. “So you just sit there and be beautiful.”

Lucy laughed, “You’re impossible.”

He turned to face her, “Nope just a guy in love who wants to take care of the woman he loves.”

Lucy’s heart was filled with happiness, “And you have been. And the woman who loves you truly appreciates it.”

After breakfast Gerard told Lucy to get ready to go into town while he washed the dishes. She offered to help but he waved her away.

He’d just finished the last dish when Lucy reappeared.

“You look very nice.” He said taking in her jeans and snug tee. She’s pulled her hair into a messy bun and applied a touch of eye shadow and liner.

Lucy gave an uncomfortable shrug, “Don’t usually wear makeup but I figures since I’ve looked sick for so long…”

“You were the most beautiful sick woman I ever saw.” He said softly. “I honestly mean that.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “If you say so.”

A loud clap of thunder made them both jump.

“We better get going before the rain starts.” Gerard said as he grabbed the cowboy that was hanging on the back of a kitchen chair. “Ready?”

Lucy tried to hide the fact that seeing him wear Rafe’s hat still slightly unnerved her at times. While she believed he looked nice she really hadn’t pegged him as a guy who’d wear a cowboy hat. It was almost as if he did trying to disguise himself. She quickly put that thought out of her mind wondering briefly where it had come from.

Another loud clap of thunder made her hurry to the door where Gerard stood waiting.

_______________________________________________________

“Mr Way.” Alan Comb’s tone was all business.

“You’ve found something?” Mikey asked quickly.

Instead of answering Alan asked, “Am I on speaker phone at the moment?”

Alicia and Mikey exchanged a surprised look.

“Yeah” Mikey answered.

“Perhaps it would be better to take his call privately.”

Mikey’s heart began to race. “Uh, it’s okay. Only my wife is with me.”

“Up to you.” Alan said as his eyes reviewed the notes he’d taken. “I just finished speaking to Julie Albert, she’s the motel clerk here in Carson City.”

“What did she say?” Mikey asked nervously.

Alan began to explain the situation. “She remembers Gerard checking in but unfortunately not in a good way. Seems he signed in as Joe Waters”

“That’s his friend’s name.” Alicia said speaking for the first time.

“Yes, I know.” Alan responded, “Seems he checked in just after one am. I saw the registration. He used a fake license plate number, name and address. He paid in cash.”

“So why is it bad she remembers him?” Mikey asked as his stomach started knotting. “Is it because she knew who he was?”

“Actually she remembers thinking he looked like Gerard Way at first but she said that once she got a closer look at him she knew she’d been wrong. She said Joe looked older.”

“So Gerard looked bad?” Alicia asked softly.

“According to Ms Alert he looked very haggard.”

“What else?” Mikey asked bracing himself.

“Ms Albert said she was invited to Gerard’s room.”

“Oh shit.” Alicia whispered.

“What happened?” Mikey asked dreading the answer.

“She says she got off work then went to his room with a bottle of whiskey. According to her, they had a few drinks then…in her words… he went psycho on her.”

“Psycho?” Alicia repeated.

“Yes that was her exact word. She claims things had just turned…” He paused, “romantic when he started yelling at her telling her to get out.”

“Fuck” Mikey muttered.

“It’s my guess having spent some time with Ms Albert chances are she invited herself to his room. She seemed very impressed with Gerard’s expensive sports car and she repeatedly asked if his family was offering a reward for his return.”

Alicia moved over to place her arm around Mikey’s shoulder to offer comfort.

“Are you sure she doesn’t realize it was Gerard?” Mikey asked.

“She seemed convinced of that.” Alan answered. “However in speaking with her I’m now concerned about your brother’s state of mind. What I gathered is he was and possibly still is drinking heavily. This can make locating him much more difficult.”

“So what happens now?” Alicia asked.

“Just before I called you I received notice from my office that we got another hit on the photo of Gerard’s vehicle from a motel in Provo Utah. While we’ve gotten several responses from motels some were in areas of the country he couldn’t possible have been at the time.”

“You mean because they were too far?” Alicia guessed.

“Yes, since we now know he stayed to first night in Carson City we can rule out places that he couldn’t possibly have driven to during the time frame.”

“But the one in Utah?” Mikey asked.

“He could quite possibly have driven that far by the next night after leaving Carson City. It also moves him in the correct direction to be in Kansas during the time of the tornado.”

“Are you going to handle this next lead?”

“Yes, I’m flying into Salt Lake City. I have an appointment with the male clerk who says he remembers the car for this evening.”

“And you’ll call as soon as you speak to him?”

“Yes, I will call you with my report once I’ve spoken to him.”

The said their goodbyes then Mikey turned to Alicia. “I’m really starting to have some hope he’s gonna find Gee.”

She nodded but remained silent.

Mikey sighed, “Sounded like he thinks Gerard is just drunk holed up somewhere, doesn’t it?”

She’s been afraid that would be his take on the conversation. “No, I don’t think so but let’s face it we all know Gee’s been drinking to excess for a long time.”

“I wonder what happened between him and that clerk?”

Alicia too was wondering the same thing. “Well she says he invited her to his room…”

“Look I know Gee screwed up royally with Karli but I honestly don’t think he’d do something like that again. He’s a married man for fucks sake.”

She tried to soften her words, “Yes, he is but Mikey, we both know Gee isn’t himself when he’s drinking.”

He refused to believe his brother would do what she seemed to be suggesting. “No, Gee’s not going across the county screwing women along the way. That’s not who he is, drunk or not.”

Alicia could see he was getting upset. “It’s just good she doesn’t believe it was Gerard.”

Mikey felt his anger fade, “Yeah, that’s the last thing we’d need right now. News of Lindsey filing for divorce is all over the fan sites. Gerard could really screw up right now and fuck, I don’t even know if he understands that.”

“You mean if Lindsey found out…”

“Yeah” Mikey nodded, “If he really did invite that woman back to his hotel room to party …shit.”

“Well” Alicia said standing up, “I’m gonna get dressed. Ray and Frank should be here in about an hour. Uh, any idea what you guys are going to do?”

“No fuckin’ idea.” Mikey answered looking down. “Guess I keep hoping we’ll find him soon before we have the meeting with Warner.”

“Baby that’s less than a week now and even if they do find him you don’t know if he’ll agree to come back.”

Mikey gave her a shocked look, “You honestly think Gee would leave me and the guys hanging like that? You think he wouldn’t come back to deal with all this shit?”

She hated that he was so upset, “I honestly don’t know.” She said softly. “But I think you all need to realize there is a good chance he might not. Especially if he’s drinking. He took off because of what happened, so who knows?”

Mikey shook his head, “No, they’ll find him and when they do I’m gonna bring him back.”

_______________________________________________________

“Damn” Gerard muttered as he turned off the engine. They had just arrived at the Wal-Mart when the rain began to fall in sheets. His eyes were looking out through the windshield. “We should have been listening to the radio. No telling how bad this storm is.”

Lucy sighed, “Ever been in a Wal-Mart when a tornado is spotted?”

He turned to give her a surprised look, “Uh, no. Have you?”

She nodded, “Yep. Happened a couple of years ago. The twister was spotted just outside of town so they moved everyone to the back of the store. I just wanted to leave but they wouldn’t let me.”

He frowned, “You wanted to leave knowing a tornado was coming?”

“Yeah, I did. I just wanted to get home.”

“But Lucy…” he paused, “That was dangerous. I mean I can understand why they wouldn’t let you leave the store.”

The memory wasn’t a happy one for her. “I was pissed, almost made a scene when the young clerk told me to head to the back of the store.”

“Why didn’t you?”

She sighed, “Because I felt bad, I mean the girl was just doing her job, doing what she’d been told to do. I figured if I stood there and argued with her there was a chance she could get hurt if the tornado really did hit the store.”

“You didn’t care about your own safety?” While it was a question he sadly already knew the answer.

Lucy glanced out at the storm. “No, I didn’t care at all.” She whispered.

He started the truck again. “I’m gonna let you off right in front.” He said shifting into gear.

“You don’t need to do that.” Lucy protested. “I can walk.”

“You’ll get soaked.”

He pulled up to the front doors.

“In you go woman.”

“Gerard, you’re gonna have to walk.”

“Yeah” he grinned, “But I’m not sweet like you so I won’t melt.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, “Oh Lord.”

“Hurry up.” He said noticing several cars were now behind the truck. “I’ll be in in a minute.”

Lucy quickly opened the door then ran into the store.

She was waiting by the doors when he reached the entrance after running across the lot.

“See?” She shook her head, “You’re soaked.”

He laughed, “Just a little. Now grab a basket, we’ve got stuff to buy.”

Once they had a basket and started through the store Gerard spoke. “Okay, first off we need more movies.”

“But we still have several we haven’t watched.”

He leaned over to guide the basket to the electronics department. “Don’t argue with me.”

“Wow, someone is very domineering.” She teased.

He grinned at her. “Yep, I’m in charge.”

Lucy felt her body blush at the memories that suddenly filled her mind. “I do like it when you take charge.”

“Me too.” He nodded also recalling certain memories. “Now be a good girl and you won’t get into trouble.”

“Since meeting you I like to get into trouble.” She rubbed her hand over his that was still on the shopping cart.

“Stop that, woman.” He whispered, “We’re in a public place and if you don’t…”

Lucy giggled, “Okay I’ll wait until later.”

God, he loved this woman. “Yeah, you hold those thoughts until I get you alone.”

By this time they’d reached the electronics department. Gerard immediately pushed the cart to the bin of reduced DVD’s. “Okay, start picking out some movies.”

Lucy dug in, “Oh look.” She held up a copy of “Three Amigos”

Gerard smiled, “A good movie for sure.”

“I just love when Chevy Chase asks if they have anything beside Mexican food.” She giggled happily recalling the scene.

While it had been years since he’d seen the movie he remembered it well. “Yeah, or how about when she says he can kiss her on the veranda and he says the lips will be fine.”

Lucy laughed, “Oh yeah.” She took a step closer to him, “You can kiss me on the veranda or anywhere else you’d like.”

“Gonna take you up on that offer.” He whispered.

For almost twenty minutes he watched as Lucy happily poured over the movie choices however he noticed that the only movies she’d seen here ones over ten years old and that made him sad. It was like her life had truly stopped ten years ago when she’d lost her husband.

“Hey, be back in a minute.” Gerard said suddenly. “Pick out a few more, okay?"

Lucy nodded without looking up.

When he returned a few minutes later he placed an item in the basket hoping she wouldn’t notice. No such luck.

“What’s that?” She asked her eyes narrowing.

“Prepaid cell phone.” He answered, “So think we have enough movies?” He noticed she’d added several more to the basket.

Lucy sighed, “I really don’t want that.”

“And I really want you to have it.” He started to push the basket towards the grocery section of the store with Lucy following slowly behind.

“Not gonna use it.” She muttered.

For now he decided to ignore her comment but as they started placing groceries in the basket he noticed her mood had definitely changed.

“Lucy” He took hold of her shoulders forcing her to face him. “Don’t mean I’m planning on taking off any time soon. Besides I already told you, I can’t begin to imagine my life without you in it. But it’s important to me that we both have a way to reach the outside world if there’s an emergency, okay?”

She refused to look into his eyes “Okay” Suddenly she asked, “Why don’t you have a cell phone?”

He blinked rapidly trying to come up with an answer.

Lucy was staring at him. “Seems weird you don’t. I know I asked you that first night but I kinda just thought you’d left it in your car and it got trashed.”

He decided the truth was the best way to go. “I do have one back in LA but I left it behind when I took off.”

Lucy tilted her head as she considered his words, “So you were traveling without one? Wow, no wonder you got lost, bet you have one of those phones that can tell you where you are.”

Gerard smiled, “Yeah, it’s a smart phone.”

“Smart phone.” Lucy giggled then looking down into the basket she added, “So I suppose this is a dumb phone?”

He wasn’t truly sure about her mood, she seemed like she was almost trying too hard to be happy. “It’s a phone that you’ll have just in case you need it. That’s what’s important.”

“So” She said turning away, “Someone promised me a steak dinner”

He knew she was changing the subject but he was okay with that. “Then I guess we better head over to the meat department.” As they walked he put his arm around her, “So what kind of steak would you like?”

“You choose, sir. You’re the chief.”

In the end they both decided on two T-Bone steaks. After they picked up several other items in the meat department they headed towards the produce. It was there, while Lucy was choosing several ears of corn that Gerard noticed they were being watched by a young girl.

“Okay, do we need anything else?” He asked nervously wanting to leave the store as soon as possible.

Lucy placed the corn in the basket. “Oh” She suddenly remembered, “I need more typing paper.”

“I’ll go grab that why don’t you head towards the check out lines.”

The fact that she was beginning to tire made her agree. “Okay.”

She watched as he started down the aisle a smile covering her face however it was then she noticed a young girl seemed to be staring at Gerard and as he took off across the store the girl moved in the same direction. Curiosity got the better of Lucy, she slowly followed.

When she arrived in the office supplies area of the store she saw Gerard was talking to the girl. Not wanting to make it seem she was spying she quickly pushed the basket towards the front of the store without stopping.

She was in the check out line when Gerard returned with the typing paper. “Okay, think we got everything.” He said placing the paper in the basket.

Lucy was surprised to notice he seemed almost nervous. “Everything okay?” She asked softly placing her hand on his arm.

“Sure” He forced himself to smile. “Why wouldn’t it be?” He kept his attention on Lucy not allowing himself to look around.

“You just seem sorta..upset?”

Gerard took a deep breath, “Nope, just ready to get out of here.” He hated that Lucy wasn’t smiling. “How are you feeling? Tired?”

“A little” She admitted.

He couldn’t stop himself from gently cupping her face. “I just want to get back home.” He whispered the truth.

This brought a smile to her face. “Me too.”

Once he’d paid for their purchases they pushed the cart to the entrance of the store. When he saw it was still raining he told Lucy to wait while he pulled the truck up to the doors.
She watched as he ran across the lot dodging puddles.

When he reached the truck he quickly shoved the key in the ignition. His mind was in turmoil, how much longer would he be able to hide the truth from Lucy? He backed out then slowly drove towards the entrance of the store. Through the glass sliding doors he could see her leaning against the basket. Now his thoughts shifted to her health, she was still recovering and he knew she was tried. However when he got out and started for the store he almost froze in his tracks. Lucy was talking to the same young girl who had confronted him while he was getting the typing paper.

“Shit” He muttered forcing himself to walk into the store.

When the doors slid open Lucy smiled and the girl walked away.

“Okay, lets get you in the truck first.” He said grabbing Lucy’s arm.

“Hey, let me grab a few bags.” She tried to protest but he was already leading her away from the basket.

Gerard pulled open the passenger door. “In” His tone left no room for argument. Once she was seated he ran back to begin to carry the bags out.

Lucy twisted around so she could take them from him and place them behind the seat while he went for more. It took four trips to get all the bags in the truck and by the time he finally slid behind the wheel he was soaked.

“Fuckin’ rain.” He muttered as they started out of the lot.

Lucy was surprised by his anger. “Sorry.”

He took a deep breath trying to dispel his anger. “Hey, not your fault it’s raining.”

“I could have helped you with the bags.”

“You did.”

She sighed, “Not really.”

They drove in silence for several minutes.

“Would you like to stop for lunch?” Lucy asked softly.

Right now he just wanted to get back to the farm. “Uh, not really.” He said slowly, “I really wanna get out of these wet clothes.”

“Oh, right.” She fell silent.

Gerard tried to lighten the mood, “When we get home I’ll unload all the groceries and make us lunch. I was thinking maybe a nice roast beef sandwich.”

“Sounds good.” Lucy nodded wondering why something suddenly seemed very wrong.

As the miles passed Gerard started to feel the tension in his body lessen that was until Lucy spoke again.

“Did you see that girl I was talking to?”

He forced his voice to sound normal, “Uh, no. Not really.” He lied.

“She thought you are very handsome.” Lucy smiled.

Gerard cringed inwardly, “Oh really?”

Lucy knew the girl was the same one she’d seen him talking to while he was getting the typing paper. She wondered why Gerard seemed upset. “Yeah, and she’s right of course, you are.”

He tried to make it look like he was concentrating on the road because of the weather conditions.

“Is something wrong?” Lucy asked innocently.

He exhaled the breath he’d been holding, certain the girl had said something about who he really was. “Nope, just concentrating on my driving.” He smiled, “I’ve got precious cargo, you know.”

Lucy giggled, “The steak?” She teased.

“You know better than that, woman.” He answered reaching over to briefly squeeze her arm.

“I love you.” Lucy said leaning her head back and closing her eyes.

“Love you too.” He whispered knowing instinctively she’d be asleep before they reached the farm.

Through the downpour they drove back towards the place where Gerard felt safe. The place where he could hide from the world. When he heard Lucy’s even breathing he knew he’d been right, she’d fallen asleep. It gave him time to think, time to try to formulate a plan. Not understanding why, he felt soon things would change and he wanted to be ready. He had no idea just how soon that change would come, he had no idea a photo had been taken while he stood cupping Lucy’s face in the check out line.