"Mail for you, Sawyer…”

He sat up in his cell, looking forward to the letters he received from his sister Chloe, while in prison for armed robbery five years ago. Chloe was the one person who stuck with him from his whole family, she visited and called, wrote letters that made him feel wanted. He didn't feel like he belonged in that place, he felt the government was abusing their power once again.

Russell Sawyer harbored a lot of ill feelings for the California police, especially since his own brother Jason was a officer for the LAPD and arrested him when he'd robbed a bank, stealing a car from the parking lot to escape. His family never supported him, except for his dear baby sister Chloe. She was the only one who would even write. He often looked forward to her letters, which came almost weekly. Thinking of his brother and father, he shook his head. He'd never be some stinking pig like them.

"They'll get theirs one day," he chuckled to himself as he opened the letter, but soon his heart sank.

"Oh, my God..."

Dearest Russell,

I'm so sorry I won't get to see you to tell you this myself because by the time you see this letter it will be too late. I am tired of not being happy....I thought I'd found someone to settle down with...someone to help fill my broken heart from when Jamie walked out. I was wrong and knowing this guy just used me makes me so upset....the pain is too much, the distance is too much. Left me like that bastard did. So this is my goodbye dear brother, and I hope the best for you, I hope one day you'll come out a better person.

All my love,

Chloe

Russell felt the tears come straight away. His beloved sister had died and it was all because of some rat bastard hurting her...breaking her heart. Just like Jamie. He was about to crinkle up the letter but instead he punched his bed, feeling angry.

Whoever had broken his baby sister's heart would pay. Just like the last guy who'd done it.

He had not yet been charged with Jamie's murder, he knew what he was doing and could hide a body if need be. He went about his chores at the prison, thinking all the time about Chloe. He had just seen her about a month ago and she seemed fine, just a little distant. How long was she depressed for and how bad was it that she contemplated suicide before she followed through?

Russell read the letter once again before bed and noticed it was on Backstreet Boys stationery. He smiled, that band had always made her happy...then it hit him. He knew who had done it.

"You're seeing someone? Tell me all about it. I want to know all about him.”

Chloe smiled and giggled, her brown hair falling in her face the way it always did when she laughed.

"He's wonderful, sweet...and we met in a coffee shop. He's a singer..."

"That's great. You should bring a picture sometime."

She did, but he'd lost that photo a long time ago.

The blonde staring up at him from the paper, it was him.

Russ smiled, as soon as he could get out of this hell hole...this guy would regret ever touching his baby sister.

***********

Nick half listened to the television from his bunk, hearing part of a news bulletin. The guys were arguing over something, but he could still hear the program.  

“Russell Sawyer... wanted for armed robbery and possible murder…..escaped…..please be advised that this man is dangerous to the public and any information would be appreciated by the local and state police departments at this time….”

The television finally shut off and the others were chattering about the news that night.

“Goodnight guys.”

“Night Kevin.”

“Night Howie.”

Nick sat in his bunk on the tour bus, as the others turned off the TV in the back, sighing as he wondered if he could get away with smoking on the bus. He didn't like the taste cigarettes left in his mouth...but the feeling calmed him. It was about the only thing that calmed him down these days with all the drama.

"What are you pouting about this time?" AJ asked, plopping down in the bunk across from Nick and disrupting his thoughts.

"Not pouting. I need a smoke. When are we stopping?"

"We'll be there by morning, your little habits can wait until then." Kevin snapped. Nick rolled his eyes, something he was doing a lot lately. He always thought Kevin hated him the way he always ragged....scolding him more than the others.

Nick said goodnight but was met with AJ's curtain closing....leaving him to himself. None of the guys seemed to want him around lately, especially Brian. All Brian did was talk about his stupid girlfriend. He barely talked to him anymore and it hurt, like he was being replaced. His family didn't take much time for him, they were fawning over his brother's solo career.

Solo….

He thought about the solo album the record label wanted him to do....maybe the guys were better off without him. Nick laid down feeling anxious as he cried himself to sleep, not caring if anyone else heard. They wouldn't care anyway. Everyone was so wrapped in the drama and themselves they didn't notice their youngest member was drifting away.

Nick couldn't wait for tour to be over. For everything to be over and he'd be happy again.