laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Sitting in the white walled cell, Ryan stared at his hands through reddened eyes. He kept replaying the scenario Saturday night, watching her leave with him, knowing that he could've stopped them. Somehow, he could've saved her.

Loud clanking of keys announced the guard as the prisoner didn't even look up until he recognized the black dress shoes. Rising, his eyes looked into his father's as arms wrapped around him and drew him close. "We're going to get you out of here, alright?"

"I'm sorry," was all he could muster as tears resumed.

"Edward told us everything, it's okay. Don't worry about that now. Alright?"

After a few moments, Ryan backed. "I've got to get to the hospital to check on her."

Serious eyes stared back. "Alright," he nodded. "Come on."

Together they rose and headed out into the booking area as fingers tapped keys and other offenders pleaded their case. Through the lobby, he walked out into the waning daylight and looked across the parking lot and tall skyline to see the green rolling mountains beyond and he wished he could escape with her up there somewhere. Take her away from all this.

"Where's mom," he asked.

"At home with Don. You hungry?"

Ryan shook his head. "Not really." Dodging cars, they made it to his white sedan and got in. So many emotions welled at once as nervousness peaked with the realization of the trouble he was in now. "Where's my car?"

"Impounded. We can pick that up in the morning on our way to see the lawyer. I've called Brother Webber and he's agreed to see us. Don't worry, we'll do what we have to."

A long silence was nearly deafening as Ryan glanced to the digital clock above the temperature control. 6:47. Visitation would be over soon but, he would have enough time just to look in on her.

"Does she know how much you care about her?"

Ryan glanced to his father, hospital nearly in sight. "No," he shook his head as brown eyes gravitated back to the tall buildings as they passed by.

"I think you need to get it off your chest. Just be prepared that she may not feel the same."

"I know. All these years have been a silly crush," he blurted without thought. "But this is different."

"How so?"

"Now she just needs a friend."

They turned to the familiar entry that led to the ramp, near the scene of his arrest as they rose into the garage filled with cars until they arrived to the third deck. Pulling into the empty spot, Ryan nearly ran from the car towards the glass-lined hall and doors. Pulling them out of the way, he jogged towards the elevator and hit the 'DOWN' button and waited. Sighing, his father caught up as the doors slid aside revealing her cousin, Lisa and several others. Stunned, he stepped aside as they exited and she eyed him in confusion as they passed. Entering, he pushed the '2' and eagerly waited.

"You know she may not be alone."

Ryan nodded. "I know." He hadn't thought of that but, it didn't matter right now. Soon, the doors slid aside and he moved quickly to the facing desk. "Lana Johnson, please."

Large brown eyes scanned the clipboard and the nurse looked up. "Room Two-Thirteen. Visiting hours are nearly over, you better hurry."

"Thanks," Ryan stated as he scanned and noted the numbers and arrows, following to her room and noting the butterflies emerge within his stomach again. Within each passing room, some lay quietly watching television, others visited with family or friends until he found the open door to the darkened room. He stopped, suddenly blank with what to say or do.

"I'll wait out here," Charles smiled as his father motioned to a small alcove lined with seats and vending machines.

Ryan's legs disappeared and with each moment, he knew that his chance would again pass him by if he didn't act. "Father, give me the strength," he mentally whispered and took his first step, then a second until he found himself approaching the curtain lined bed. A thick white blanket covered her feet and he could hear hushed voices talking beyond. Too far to stop now, he thought as he approached to notice Lana talking to Sarah as they both glanced to him. Thoughts flowed like a tidal wave at the conversations overheard, his thoughts of what occurred and his own regrets as he stood there quietly, eyes glossed.

"Yes," Sarah interrupted as the blonde straightened, wiping her cheeks.

He sighed as he gazed into those green eyes. "I'm sorry," he pushed out as his hand went to his mouth. Sniffing, both girls eyed him in confusion through reddened eyes.

"For what," Sarah asked him. "You weren't there."

"I was at the dance," he nodded. "I should've stopped him..."

Rising, her friend approached, placing her hand on his arm. "She's been through enough today, alright."

Ryan nodded sympathetically. "I know we never met but, if there's anything I can do..."

"Thank you," Sarah continued to push as Ryan relented, the shattered look in that face etched in his mind.

"Alright, I'm going," Ryan moved towards the door and turned as Sarah pulled it closed. "You're going to stay with her?"

Sarah nodded, then pushed it shut.

* * *

The trip home was quiet as Ryan couldn't get the look on her face out of his mind. Chin resting on his fist, he gazed out into the blur of spots of light that broke up the darkness.

"You alright, Ryan?" Charles asked quietly.

"How could someone do that to someone else? What kind of person could do that?"

"Unfortunately, there are many like him. Remain on the solid rock and we can pull those like her to safety."