Without A Trace

Chapter Seven A Living Hell

Chapter 7       A Living Hell
 
 
Orlando shifted on his make shift bed and drew his knees up to his chest in an attempt to keep warm.  He’d left the mattress shortly after Len had left the room and returned to his sheet on the floor, disallowing himself the comfort of the mattress in fear of provoking his kidnappers into physically abusing him again.  Not that any compliant action would actually prevent it.  Nothing stopped the abuse.  Tears stung his eyes as he thought about how helpless he was at stopping the endless rapes.  He tried to comfort himself with the knowledge of how the men had at least left him in peace all night, then scolded himself for thinking that they’d ease up on him. He then quickly deviated his thoughts to Viggo, and what his lover would think of him now that he’d been liberally used.  There was no way the man would ever want him now.  And if Viggo did, Orlando wasn’t sure he could ever be close to Viggo, or anyone for that matter, again. Something as degrading as the rapes was bad enough but to have his lover see what has been done to him was even worse.  He’d never be able to look at Viggo again and guilt rode him relentlessly as he pondered how his body responded, in a positive way, to his captors handlings regardless of his mental resistance.  Was he a whore for allowing himself to respond?  Would Viggo see him as one?  His mind was in a constant state of flux, shock, and confusion. And unknowingly to him, irrational.  He honestly didn’t know what to think so he banished his thoughts entirely and turned his exhausted gaze towards the closed door.  He hadn’t slept at all last night, every noise outside his prison flooded him with raw panic, his heart literally pounding in his chest.  His captors had apparently also given up sleep last night. And through the closed bedroom door, he’d heard them talking softly between themselves all night.  Orlando finally laid his head back down on the crumpled sheet and closed his eyes in a vain attempt to at least doze but that just drew his attention to the constant aches and pains of his body.  He could barely feel the dull ache of his ankle now.  It was obviously getting better despite the fact that he hadn’t received any treatment, but that mattered little, for there was more than enough other pains to take it’s place.  This thought no sooner occupied his mind and he heard the deadbolt outside his door slide back in it’s bracket.  He scrambled to his knees, being sure to keep his groin covered, and watched as the doorknob turned, indescribable terror flooding his senses and threatening to take his consciousness from him as he literally felt the blood draining from his head to pool uselessly in his folded legs.
 
The door swung open and Len walked into the room carrying a large glass of water with him.  He smiled down at his captive as he shut the door behind him. “Morning beautiful.  Miss me?”
 
Orlando just looked up at him warily, his dark brown eyes showing Len just how intense his terror was.  He said nothing but dropped his gaze to the glass in Len’s grip.
 
Len followed the young actor’s gaze to the full water glass he had carried with him.  He grinned sinisterly. “Oh, I guess I forgot to bring you water last night.” He said casually as he stepped over to his victim. “I would imagine you’re fairly thirsty by now.” 
 
Orlando let his gaze drop to the floor and slowly shifted away until his back was firmly planted against the wall behind him as Len squatted down right in front of him.
 
Len chuckled and with his free hand reached out and ran his knuckles tenderly against Orli’s cheek. “Would you like your water now?” he cooed.
 
Orlando fought to suppress the urge to draw away from the seemingly loving touch and without raising his gaze from the floor nodded silently.
 
“How about a kiss then, huh lovely?”  Len bargained. “Show me how thankful you are for my thoughtfulness.”
 
Orlando looked up with tear filled eyes, then very reluctantly leaned forward and softly brushed his lips against his abductor’s mouth.  Len grinned against the dry, chapped lips, snaked his tongue out and moistened them with his saliva.  He then worked his tongue against the seam of the young man’s lips demanding access and with a stifled whimper, Orlando parted his lips and allowed the offending appendage inside.
 
Len explored the moist sweet cavern thoroughly before withdrawing his tongue and catching Orlando’s bottom lip in a mock loving bite as he ended the kiss.  He then leaned back and held the glass out to the young Brit, who still refused to make eye contact.
 
Len sighed when Orlando made no move to take the glass. “C’mon kid, take your water. You earned it.”
 
Orli looked at Len, tears streaming down his cheeks, and with a shaky hand reached out tentatively and accepted the glass from Len.
 
Len watched as the young Brit took a cautionary sip, obviously testing to see if it was spiked with drugs, then satisfied that it wasn’t, drank thirstily, gulping it down rapidly.
 
Grinning, Len waited until Orli emptied the glass and set it down on the floor before speaking.  “C’mere, slut.” He commanded.
 
Orlando shifted forward on his knees towards Len who grasped him by the shoulders and drew him close. 
 
Len guided his captive’s head gently to his chest and stroked Orli’s hair as he spoke. “I think we can work things out, don’t you, slut?”
 
Olri didn’t reply and instead buried his face against the man’s chest and let his sobs take him as the terror of what was to come flooded through him.  He understood nothing other than he did not want to be taken by these men again.
 
Len let him cry for a few moments, stroking the young actor’s hair thoughtfully. Then. “I e-mailed your lover last night.” He started, feeling the lithe body in his embrace stiffen at the words. “I told him that if I can convince you to stay away from the police, I’d let you live. Providing, of course, you don’t go back on our other agreement. Now Mortensen has given me a most generous offer and you need to decide. He has offered to give me another million dollars and twenty-four hours so I can get out of the country safely.”  Len didn’t see the need to present the copy of the e-mail, that Denver had printed for him, to his captive as proof that he’d indeed received this offer from the boy’s older lover.  He continued. “I also told him I’d let you ring him this morning and give your answer.  Either you convince him to keep the police out of this and agree to the twenty-four hours, or else…..”
 
For the first time in a long while Orlando spoke softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I said I won’t go to the police. Please….let me go.”
 
“I will.” Len stated as he absently caressed the soft chestnut curls. “But you have to convince Mortensen to cough up the ransom money and give us the time he agreed to give us so we get out of the country, without interference. Going to do that?”
 
Orlando nodded.
 
Len gripped the Brit’s hair tightly in his fist. “I also expect to get everything I want from you until I let you go.” He warned as he pressed his lips to the top of Orlando’s head and released the grip he had on his hair.
 
Orlando shuddered and squeezed his eyes shut but he didn’t try to draw away from the man’s embrace.  No, he couldn’t resist any advance they made because if he did, for sure he’d never be let go.
 
Len smiled to himself when he felt the young man tremble against him. He widened the stance of his squat and keeping one hand wrapped around his captive, dug in his pants pocket with the other.  He pulled out Orli’s mobile phone and offered it to him.  “Here now, you ring your man and tell him that you are willing to agree to the offer.”
 
Orlando pulled away from Len, who let him go, and accepted the mobile.  He flipped it open and glanced to his abuser.
 
Len smiled and straightened up.  “Call him now and then we’ll have our fun, huh?”
 
With a very unsteady finger, Orli pressed the number corresponding with Viggo’s home phone and put the mobile to his ear.
 
 
_______________________________________________________________________
 
 
Viggo paced the length of the deck and impatiently kept glancing at his cell phone that he had sitting on the railing of Elijah’s deck.  He knew that Orlando would try his house first so once he’d found out his lover was going to be allowed to call, he’d phoned his house and changed the outgoing message saying he could be reached on his cell only, until further notice.  He looked at his wrist watch. 
 
A quarter to eleven.
 
He glanced at the mobile again and ran a through his tussled hair. “Ring! Damn it!” he swore in frustration.  He was almost in tears as he frantically waited for the call.  When were they going to let his angel call him?  What were they doing to him?  He strode over to the phone and snatched it from it’s resting place.  The ringer was on.  So that wasn’t the reason for it’s silence.  He checked his watch again.
 
Ten-forty six.  One minute had passed since he checked last. 
 
The door to the house quietly opening broke Viggo from his thoughts.  He looked up to see Elijah softly shut the door and start over to him.
 
Viggo dropped his gaze back to the silent mobile in his hand as the young American walked up to him.
 
“You all right, Vig?”  Elijah asked gently.
 
With tears blurring his vision, Viggo looked at his co-star. “It hasn’t rang yet.” He replied in a shaky voice as he held the cell phone out in his trembling hand for Elijah to see, as if the young actor could do something to change it. 
 
Elijah sighed and put his hand over the older man’s giving a reassuring squeeze.  “It will, they promised.”  He responded supportively.  He’d never seen the Dane look or act so helpless and insecure for as long as he’d known him and Elijah found it wrenched and tore at his heart. Other than giving money and offering emotional support, there was absolutely nothing else he could offer his friend.
 
Viggo shook his head as the tears started to trickle down his cheeks. “What are they doing to him right now?” he whispered, swallowing back a sob. “I can’t bare the thought of what they’re doing to him.”
 
Elijah drew his bottom lip in between his teeth and chewed anxiously.  He had no idea what to say because, in truth, he himself wondered what they were doing to his friend right at that moment.
 
“I should have stayed with him on set.  I should have waited for him….and he’d be here now, safe.  With me.”
 
Elijah shifted his hand to the Dane’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault Viggo.  Please don’t blame yourself.”
 
Viggo glanced at Elijah, then at the mobile phone again, then looked out over the back yard. “I can’t live without him, Lijah.” He said, his voice shaking under the strain to control his sobs.“He’s everything to me.  I can’t loose him.” And regardless what you think this is my fault. I should have stayed. I should have waited for him! Even if I get him back he may already be lost to me!  He cursed himself.
 
“You won’t.” Elijah reassured.
 
“It’s almost noon and they haven’t let him call yet.” Viggo said in desperation. “Those bastards.”
 
The door to the house opened again and Sean stepped out onto the deck. “Any word yet?” he asked as he made his way over to where Elijah and Viggo were standing.
 
Elijah shook his head. “No. How’d you make out at the bank?”
 
“I have complete access to as much money as I need.” He answered then turned to Viggo. “I got it with no questions asked.”  
 
“I just don’t understand why the kidnappers would ask for money from me when they could get it from Orlando.”  Viggo wanted desperately to know. “Orli would gladly have given them everything he has.”
 
Sean still wanted to involve the police but to bring it up now, would only send his friend into a complete spiral of despair and at this point, Viggo didn’t need that.  The Dane was well on his way there without his help, but at some point he was going to have to suggest it again, and that some point was approaching more quickly than he liked.
 
“They’re just doing it with intent to hurt.” Sean surmised. “They’ve obviously been watching Orlando for some time. They just wanted to get their hooks into him.  Considering what they’re doing to him I’d say the money’s a fringe benefit. An after thought. I don’t think ransom was initially on their mind.  They had no intentions of letting him live when they first took him, they just wanted him to abuse but as unstable as these sons of bitches are, they could very easily change their minds again and not let him go.” Then silently to himself.  ‘All the more reason to convince Viggo that we need the police involved regardless of any deals he may give those unstable bastards. We can not handle this on our own.’
“They had to have been…” Elijah started but right then the cell phone in Viggo’s hand started to ring.
 
Viggo looked at it momentarily as if stunned then suddenly snapped to and flipped it open. He was speaking even before he got the device to his ear. “Orlando!?” he cried out.
 
There was some kind of interference causing heavy static on the line and after a few agonizing seconds of silence in which all Viggo could hear was the hard pounding of his heart, he heard what he’d been waiting hours to hear.
 
“Vig?” The soft British accent of his lover called in a very unsure voice.
 
“I’m here baby, talk to me.” Viggo coaxed quietly and squeezed his eyes shut as the tears coursed down his cheeks. “Are you okay?” As soon as he heard his lover’s voice, the hold he had on his emotions collapsed.
 
“They told me what they want me to do.” Orlando’s voice shook and he ignored Viggo’s second question. “What you offered them.”
 
Viggo could hear one of the kidnappers talking in the background and his panic started to rise as he realized once again just how helpless he truly was. “Angel?” he breathed frantically. “Please, say something.”
 
No answer from Orli.
 
“Orlando?!” Viggo nearly screamed into the mobile. Intense cold terror suddenly washed over him in waves, enough so that he almost staggered from it. 
 
“They’ll let me go if we don’t go to the police.” Orlando’s voice hitched and Viggo knew, just knew, his lover was starting to cry and it tore him apart as he listened. “I-if I l-let them d-do what th-ey want to me……” Orli drew a deep breath but couldn’t continue and Viggo waited anxiously, his heart breaking as he heard the most precious thing in the world to him start to sob and fight to control it. “Please, Vig, please forgive me.”
 
Viggo walked unsteadily over to the deck railing and collapsed against it. “There’s nothing to forgive.  I love you no matter what those bastards force on you.  Nothing will ever change that.” He swallowed back his tears as he listened to his young lover apologize for things that were out of his control and not his fault. “Let’s do what we have to do so we can bring you home.”  He stifled his own distressing sobs and glanced powerlessly at his friends.
 
“I’m going to let them have the twenty-four hours.” Orlando stated barely above a whisper. “but……….” He let his sentence trail off.
 
“Baby, what is it?” Viggo pleaded encouraging Orlando to continue.
 
Orlando gave a shuddered breath. “But they still want me to cooperate……in other ways.”
 
Viggo wiped the tears from his face with the back of his hand. “I know that angel. No matter what they do to you it doesn’t change the fact that you are who you are. It won’t make you any less of the kind, loving, caring, human being that you are, that I fell in love with. And I’ll still love you with everything I have.”
 
Orli let out a strangled sob. “I don’t know if I can do this, Vig. I-I can’t stop them. I can’t stop what they make me do.”
 
Elijah and Sean stood silently, but it took a lot of effort on Sean’s part.  He was infuriated with the living hell the bastards were putting his best friends through and although there were many physical things he wanted to promise the kidnappers he’d personally carry out on them, he didn’t want to miss one ounce of the current conversation.  So silent he remained, but his hands balled into fists at his sides until his knuckles were white.
 
Elijah looked up pensively at Sean as he noticed him tense up and his brows furrowed as the older Brit slowly curled his hands into extremely tight fists. He let his eyes then drift up to Sean’s face again and saw the absolute fury settling in on the handsome features.  This was not good, Sean Bean was going to crack.
 
Viggo meanwhile, again strained to listen when he heard the kidnapper in the back ground speak to Orli.  When Orlando didn’t readily return to his conversation with the Dane, Viggo started on a whole new level of anxiety. “Orli?!” he begged softly, suppressing his sobs. “Talk to me, please.”
 
A deep breath from the young Brit came over the phone. “I-I have to go now Vig. I- they said to tell you that they’ll leave a note where you can pick me up.  They’ll leave it at the pier when you drop the money off tomorrow night. They say you know where and when.”
 
“The money will be there. Tell them that.” Viggo promised.
 
“I will.” Orlando tried unsuccessfully to stifle a mournful wail, but Viggo heard it, loud and clear and it tore his heart from his chest. “I-I have to go Viggo.”
 
“I know, angel.” Viggo spoke softly. “I love you so much. Remember that.”
 
“I love you too, Vig.” Was all Orlando got out before the line went dead.
 
Viggo listened to the silence on the line, then drew in a deep breath, took the mobile from his ear and slowly flipped it shut. The American had managed, up to this point, to keep himself somewhat together for Orlando’s sake, but now that the conversation was over, he let his emotions go completely.  He slipped the cell phone into the pocket of his jeans and slumped back against the railing of the deck and dropped his head into his hands. “Oh, God.” He muttered weakly as the sobs racked his body. “How much more do they think we can take? How much more are they going to put him through before I get him back?”
 
Sean snapped.  It took a lot to get the sandy blond haired Brit mad, but when he got mad he said his part and he was going to. Now.  He’d taken all he could handle of the situation and damn, Orlando’s life was at stake and possibly his best friend’s too, if he allowed the irrationality to control the show.  Since his friends’ emotions were obviously calling the shots, he felt it was his duty to take over and draw in the reins with the cold hard facts.
 
He quickly stepped over to Viggo and although his intentions were meant well, how it came out showed the pent up frustration he’d been suppressing since first being informed of this very, very, grim state of affairs. “I really think it’s time we contacted the police.” He firmly suggested as he placed his hand reassuringly to the trembling shoulder of his best friend and gave said shoulder a gentle squeeze.
 
Viggo jerked away from the man’s touch and looked up at him all the pain and anguish showing clearly in his tear stained eyes. “No! We’ve been over this before!” Viggo practically yelled.
 
Elijah flinched back, not expecting such a burly tone to come from the usually soft spoken older American.  He suddenly felt that this conversation was meant only to take place between the two older actors and abruptly turned and made for the house.
 
Sean pressed on, ignoring how shattered and fragile his friend was. “What makes you think these guys will keep their word?” he insisted. “These fuckers aren’t stable.  What’s stopping them from killing Orlando long before they drop his body off where you’re supposed to pick him up after you’ve left the money?”
 
Viggo fought to control his grief. “It’s what Orlando and I want.” He submitted softly.
 
“Neither you nor Orlando could possibly be thinking clearly right at this moment.” Sean tried to reason.
 
“The kidnappers gave me their word, Sean.” Viggo persisted as the tears continued to stream down his face.  He couldn’t believe this.  His best friend, whom was supposed to be supporting his decisions, was being so steadfast at going against him right now. “I won’t do anything to cause those bastards to hurt Orlando anymore then they already are! I won’t have the police involved.  Orlando and I agreed that this is the route to go.”
 
Sean was almost shaking with fury. Viggo Mortensen was his best friend but also the most stubborn man he’d ever had the privilege of knowing.  Sean had to get him to see reason but if he couldn’t control his own temper it would not bode well for any of them and he had to admit even to himself, that he had a temper, and right now his temper was being pushed to the limit. “You and Orlando are in no shape to make any rational decisions right at this point.” The British actor suggested in a controlled but calm voice. He then turned and started for the house.
 
“Where are you going?” Viggo demanded as he started after Sean. Rage was building in him quickly, churning all the helplessness, pain, fear, and frustration he had into a bomb that he was about to drop on Sean.
“I should have ignored you and got the police involved as soon as I found out what was going on here.” Sean stated sternly as he reached to open the door to the house.
 
Viggo had failed Orlando once already, and it had stolen his young lover away from him. He wasn’t about to fail him again. He grabbed Sean’s left forearm in a bruising grip and jerked him away from the door, spinning him around to face him.
 
Sean stumbled from the force of the pull, staggered back, then righted himself. He looked from the hand gripping his arm, up to Viggo’s face.  He could see all the emotions stirring in the Dane’s handsome features.  The fear, the guilt, the pain, the lack of sleep, but he paid it no mind. “Let go, mate. I really don’t want to have to hurt you any more than you already are.” He warned coolly.
 
“No police, Sean.” Viggo growled lowly. He’d been inadequate once already as a man and a lover.  That alone would haunt him forever and probably scar Orlando for the rest of his life.  Be damned if he’d fail again.
 
“I’m warning you, Viggo. I don’t want to hit you.” Sean grated between clenched teeth.
 
“No police. Let me do this my way.” Viggo was not going to relent.  He didn’t release his hold on the other actor’s arm either.
 
Sean saw the imaginary wall of stubbornness visibly rise around Viggo, and his temper broke. “You fool! Your way will get Orlando killed for sure! And possibly you along with him! Now, let go of me!” He snarled and jerked his arm free of Viggo’s grip.
 
Viggo lunged and made to grab Sean by the arm again but the Brit quickly sidestepped his friend’s advance, drew back his arm, and slammed his fist right into Viggo’s jaw, and causing the American to stagger backwards.
 
Momentarily stunned from the impact of Sean’s punch, Viggo stumbled back against the deck railing and grabbed hold before he went down on his knees. 
 
Sean stepped over to him breathing laboriously. “I promised I’d help you but this is way out of control. Someone around here has to have a clear head and it definitely isn’t you!” Sean said sternly.
 
Sean stormed back to the door and opened it. He then hesitated. “I’m going to contact the police.” He muttered with a hint of remorse before he quietly went into the house and softly closed the door behind him.
 
Viggo sat back on his folded legs and slumped against the railing.  His shoulders drooped and he broke down, crying hysterically.
 
 
****
 
 
Elijah was sitting on the kitchen counter top when Sean came into the house shutting the door softly.   “Where are you going?” The young man inquired as the older man started through the kitchen.
 
“Never mind. I’ll be back in about an hour.” Sean said bluntly without looking up as he exited the room. “Look after Viggo until I get back.”
 
Elijah waited until he heard the back door close before hopping off the counter and heading out the front door to look for Viggo.
 
 
****
 
 
Sean stepped out the front door and stopped cold on the top step when he saw Pete’s car pull into the driveway.  This was all he needed. Sean groaned to himself. A lecture from the best of them.
 
Pete got out of the driver’s seat and shut the car door. He took a deep exhausted breath and tried to relax.  He’d just made numerous phone calls to alot of the cast members very early this morning and arranged to meet them later this morning on very short notice, in the staff room on the Helm’s Deep set to give them an announcement.  The night Viggo had been looking for Orlando, Viggo’d called all cast members that he figured Orlando might possibly be with.  But when said cast members didn’t hear from Viggo or Orlando the next day, they’d started calling both actors’ homes and cells and continued to phone Viggo’s, Orlando’s, and Elijah’s relentlessly in concern for their friends.  Pete had to step in and tell them something.  There was enough stress for Viggo right now without the pressure of having to even think about returning his hurt friends’ calls. So Pete had silently prayed to God that he could appease them for now by telling them that Viggo and Orlando were just very busy working out some pressing personal issues and didn’t want to be disturbed. It had worked but for how long, Pete didn’t know.  It was only a matter of time before his explanations wouldn’t satisfy them and he’d have to explain everything.  That would definitely cause even more animosity between the cast, Viggo, and Orlando.  He ran a tired hand through his longish dark hair and breathed deeply, trying to calm his still rattled nerves. He’d deal with it then, right now he noticed he had something else just as pressing he had to contend with when he looked up and noticed Sean Bean standing on the front door steps.
 
Sean reluctantly made his way down the front steps and approached Pete as the director started walking up the drive. 
 
After years of dealing with fickle actors, and he’d dealt with a very large group of them this morning, Pete could read Sean’s face like an open book.  They stopped, looking at each other in the middle of the driveway.
 
“What is it?” Pete asked as his chosen Boromir shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably in front of him. “I told Viggo that this whole thing is beyond our abilities. I’m going down to the police station to notify the police.” The Bristish actor informed reluctantly.
 
Pete muttered a curse under his breath. He really didn’t need this right now. Sean was on another one of his tangents.  He looked up at Sean thoughtfully. “I agree with what you’re suggesting, Sean, but this really is up to Viggo and Orlando to decide what is best for them at this point.”
 
“Viggo and Orlando are not thinking straight.  Neither of them are capable of making a rational decision right now and Viggo’s plan could get them both killed.” Sean fought his rising frustration with the lot of them, down, not wanting to piss off the shorter New Zealand director.  The only one he wasn’t currently pissed at was Elijah.  The kid was staying out of it.  Wise kid. He mused.
 
“Maybe they aren’t thinking straight, but it is their choice and we have to respect that.  All we can do is be there for the both of them.  To fight with Viggo now would only pull us apart and he’d withdraw from us. This is a living hell for him and he needs us now more than ever to support him and help him in any way we can.”
 
Sean looked down at Pete all the disbelief showing clearly in his green eyes. “You can’t really be suggesting we go along with this ridiculous plan of his?”
 
“It would be no different if one of them had been raped on the street and refused to press charges.  It’s still completely up to Viggo and Orlando to decide what they think is best for them.”  Pete’s comment carried a stern tone that Sean knew he didn’t dare argue with.  The usually mild natured man tolerated a lot of guff from his actors but when he used this tone, there was nothing else anyone could do but shut their mouths and do as the director said or suffer the wrath he was more than capable of handing out.
 
And Sean was no idiot so he kept his mouth shut.  The director patted Sean reassuringly on the shoulder and headed for the house. “Let’s go inside and talk about this…….like adults.”
 
Sean sighed, slumped his shoulders acceptingly defeated and looked at the ground in front of him.  He hesitated at following Pete into the house.
 
The director sensed the stubborn and strong willed British actor wasn’t following and stopped halfway up the front steps of the house.  He turned and found Sean Bean still standing in the driveway, his back to him.  “What’s wrong?” he called gently but mildly irritated.
 
Sean turned and slowly walked over to Pete and stopped at the base of the steps.  The guilt was showing clearing on his face. “I hit Viggo.” He confessed.
 
“So I guess you’ll need to apologize to him then.  Correct?”  Pete replied flatly and motioned him to follow. “C’mon.”
 
Sean sighed. His anger and frustration instantly defused by the kind director’s calm rationality.  He reluctantly walked up the steps and obediently followed Pete back into the house.
 
****
 
 
Elijah softly closed the door and walked across the deck and kneeled down next to Viggo, who had finally managed to get a hold on his emotions. Unknown to the young actor next to him, Viggo was feeling comfortably numb.  The Dane glanced at Elijah as the youth knelt next to him. “I initially rang the police when Orlando didn’t come home the first night.” He explained in a distant tone, as the unshed tears pooled in his pale blue eyes, spilled over and trickled down his cheeks. “They told me I had to wait twenty-four hours before they would do anything.”
 
Elijah looked at Viggo silently, his brow furrowed when he noticed the healthy bruise forming on the older man’s jaw.  He’d heard the argument from inside the house and although he really agreed with Sean, he also understood Viggo’s refusal at involving the police.  This man was going through enough, and be damned if Elijah was going to make it any harder on the Dane by stating his opinion.
 
“They wouldn’t help then.” Viggo offered the information readily. “What the hell makes Sean think they’d be of any bloody use now.” It wasn’t a question.  He drew in a deep shuddered breath and looked blankly at the wall of the house across from him. “I should have stayed.  I should have waited for him.” he murmured.
 
So the main reason Viggo remained steadfast in keeping the police out of it was because, not only did he blame himself, he also blamed the police for Orlando’s current circumstances.
 
“Please don’t blame yourself Viggo. No one knew this would happen. The set parking lot is heavily guarded, everyone thought they were safe.”
 
Again Viggo looked to Elijah. “Orlando wasn’t.”
 
Elijah swallowed his own tears, shifted on his knees right close to the man he admired with all his heart, and slipped his arms around Viggo’s shoulders and tried to draw him into a supportive embrace.
 
Viggo stiffened and wouldn’t allow it at first, but eventually he allowed himself to be held against his young co-star. “No matter what you choose, Viggo, I’m here for you. Completely.” Elijah promised.
 
Viggo rested his head against Elijah’s shoulder and broke down completely again.  Elijah sighed and just stroked Viggo’s hair gently.  If something good didn’t happen soon, Orlando wouldn’t be the only one requiring the help of professionals if he was lucky enough to be sent back to them.