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Author's Chapter Notes:
Here's the next chapter.
It was co-written with Lenni.
Enjoy =)
Chapter Fifty Four



Meanwhile, down in the basement of the Orphanage where Trevor used to hide out at, Tom was down there sitting at the desk and chair that Trevor had put down there and pretty much turned into his own secret office. He turned on his cell phone and he dialed Sean's number.


"Yes?" Sean spoke into the phone indifferently, right when he had answered the phone. He knows who it is.


"I called to tell you about Elenore."


"I thought you said you didn't want anything to do with me," Sean replied. "That you were just working there on your own mission, not to waste your time playing undercover for me." Tom rolled his eyes.


"Well I've changed my mind."


"You better not have touched my little girl. If I find out you've molested my little girl then I'll kill you."


"Why? You did it all the time," Tom challenged.


"That's not the point. She is mine not yours, I have the right to do so."


"Do you want to hear what I have to say or not?"


"Is it worth my time?"


"It is if you want your precious daughter back."


"Then what is it?"


"They're going to Disney World tomorrow," Tom stated. "The entire orphanage is going for a field trip."


"And what does that have to do with me getting my daughter back?"


"What better way is there to kidnap a child and Ashley in a crowded place like Disney World?"


"Kind of hard when they've got Backstreet security all around them now. Yeah, don't think I'm not keeping an eye on them. I have people hiding outside of the orphanage. They see everybody who comes in and out and reports it to me if they're of any importance to me. Some even follow them to where ever it is that they go."


"I can help you," Tom replied, and he suddenly heard whispering in the background - he recognized it as Trevor.


"Why the sudden interest in helping us? What's it to you? What are you getting out of it?"


"The pleasure of watching Nick suffer when he finds out that Ashley has been kidnapped. He pissed me off today."


"Why? What'd he do?"


"He got in the way of me molesting a child. He's on to me…he's not minding his own business, I want him to pay."


"Has he sent his daughter to spy on you yet? That's how Trevor was caught you know."


"Not yet but I will take care of her. She won't be a problem."


"So how are you planning on helping me then?" Sean asked, and Tom began to tell him his plan.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



Meanwhile, in the playroom, Riley and Brian had come back from Riley's office Brian's face a little flushed, and Riley slightly sweaty. Everybody looked at them as they came in and AJ raised his eyebrow.


"Where have you two been?"


"In Riley's office."


"Doing what?"


"Discussing things."


"Like what?" Nick asked, becoming highly suspicious.


"Just Riley's divorce," Brian answered, shrugging his shoulders.


"I see…" AJ replied, a smirk forming on his face. "Well it must've been a pretty heated conversation." Brian narrowed his eyes at the younger man and AJ just chuckled. "Don't try and deny it. It's written all over your face, Frick."


"What's he talking bouts Daddy?" Dakota asked curiously, looking from her uncle AJ to Brian. She doesn't find it very funny that Riley and Brian were just talking. Grownups do that all the time. Especially these ones. Nick who was just taking a drink of his dr pepper at the time, nearly sent the beverage flying out of his mouth but he managed to swallow it on time. Everybody else on the other hand were now laughing - AJ almost rolling on the floor.


"Nothing baby, don't worry about it." He then looked over at AJ with narrowed eyes. "Your uncle AJ is just crazy, that's all." Dakota looked around at everybody confused. All of her uncles seem pretty crazy to her most of the time. But she loves them nonetheless. She then went over and crawled into Nick's lap and rested her head against his chest and he enveloped her in his arms, hugged her close and kissed the top of her head. It never fails to melt his heart at how innocent Dakota is. He just hopes that he can keep her that way.


"Are you bored baby?"


"Uh-huhs," Dakota answered sadly.


"I'm sorry honey…but a nap for Ellie is probably the best thing for her right now. She needs her rest." Nick told her sympathetically, and he looked over at Ashley who is still lying on the bean bag with Elenore now snuggling next to her and the both of them are asleep. "Ashley too," He added, chuckling a little at how relaxed she looks for the first time all day. Nick sat there watching his girlfriend and his best friends soon-to-be daughter sleep for a couple of minutes, than he looked at Riley.


"Anyway Ri…earlier when Laney and I were taking Ashley upstairs we ran into Tom on our way to the elevator. He had my little Sarah with him." Nick announced, not looking very happy at all. He loves his little fan club almost as much as he loves Dakota - Sarah especially and he doesn't like it one bit knowing someone is messing with them.


"Yeah? He usually does. He's pretty much Sarah's caregiver."


"Well I strongly suggest you give her another caregiver. As soon as possible." Nick demanded.


"Why Nick? What's going on?" Riley asked, looking at him concerned, as was everybody else minus Laney who understands very perfectly.


"He's molesting her, Riley."


"Do you have proof of this?"


"Not yet but you should've seen the way she looked at me earlier, Ri. Her eyes were just screaming at me for help. You know she's normally all smiles around me right? And sometimes very giggly if around her friends? Well she wasn't when Tom had her. She was just standing there very quietly and distant as she held Tom's hand. I asked him what he was up to and he told me he was taking her up to her room so she could show him her new toy Alana had gotten her. I had this aching feeling in my stomach that something was right so I asked Sarah if she'd show it to me also, and invited myself to come a long. After that Sarah was her normal happy self when she saw that I was going to be there to protect her. I know he's hurting her, Ri."


"I'll inform Brooke of your suspicions but there's nothing we can do about it until we have actual proof. If Sarah confesses this is happening or if you actually catch him -only then can we do something about it."


"And I know he is the one who hurt Ellie earlier too. He hurt her and he threatened to hurt her puppy if she told - I bet you anything."


"You don't have to bet on it because I agree with you. But we need Ellie to confess that he really did."


"Good luck on that one…" Kevin grumbled. "She's sticking with the door excuse."


"Daddy," Dakota spoke up suddenly, as she still sat in Nick's lap snuggling up with him.


"Yeah honey?" He asked, looking down at her.


"What does molesting mean?" Nick looked over at Kevin for help on this one.


"Its when someone touches someone else in uncomfortable places that nobody should ever touch you in," he explained. "If someone does that to you Kota you should tell someone right away so that, that person can be stopped."


"Oh," Dakota replied, scooting into Nick more and Nick hugged Dakota close. He knows if Tom ever comes near his baby he will murder him. He then looked over at Sarah to see what she is up to and he found her, and her friends playing house in the dramatic play area. They hung out in the playroom until it was time for dinner and when it was they all moved over to the cafeteria. They ate dinner and afterwards they got ready for the interview, Kevin and Nick showering first so that they will look nice for their fans. During that time they had Q and Laney watch over Dakota, Ashley, and Elenore. When they were just getting ready to leave Nick was standing there waiting on Ashley to finish putting her shoes on as he holds Dakota - who has Lily in her arms. Sarah walked into Nick's room and he can tell that she has been crying.


"Hey sweetie…what's the matter?" He asked worriedly and he kneeled down in front of her as he still held Dakota. One look in Sarah's eyes and he saw so much pain in them - he has a feeling he knows exactly what's wrong.


"Will you come down to the playroom and play withs me?"


"I can't sweetie, I have to go to a interview right now." He told her, looking into her eyes sincerely and Sarah looked up at him like she is going to cry. He looked over at Kevin, his heart shattering as he does.


"Do you want to come with us sweetie?"


"Really?" Sarah asked softly. "You'll takes me with you?" Nick looked over at Riley who was sitting on the bed next to Brian and Josh is sitting next to him.


"You'll have to inform Tom your taking her," Riley told him gently. "He is after all, her caregiver." Nick stood up with Sarah resting her on his other hip as he still had Dakota and he walked into Sarah's room to find Tom lying on the bed staring up at the ceiling. He looked at Nick though when he walked in.


"I'm taking Sarah out for awhile. Riley says I can."


"What gives you the right to take, my child out with you? I don't go around inviting Dakota or Elenore to come with me to places."


"Riley does." Nick answered simply. "And besides…she wants to come. She's not very happy right now…only god knows why though since she has such a nice caregiver and all." Nick replied, eyeing Tom with a knowing look.


"Have fun Sarah," Tom replied, almost too quick for his own good. Nick grinned and kissed the top of both Sarah and Dakota's foreheads before turning and walking back into his room.


"Okay, we're ready." He announced cheerfully. He is highly amused with himself. He has Tom right where he wants him. He knows that one mistake could send him right to jail.


"I said ask him, Nick. Not say that I told you, you could." Riley replied quietly so Tom doesn't over hear her in the next room, though she was smiling.


"And then he would've said no," Nick insisted. He then looked at Kevin and the rest of the guys.


"Well? Are we going? We can't be late or Lou will have kittens." Brian looked at Riley then.


"Coming baby?"


"Nah, I should stay here. I'm gonna go downstairs and keep an eye on the rest of Nick's little fan club."


"Good idea," Nick replied, and he took Ashley's hand and began to lead her out of the room, Laney close behind him. Everybody else followed, Kevin holding Elenore and Riley and Brian walked behind everybody holding hands. When they got down into the lobby the two shared a very long good bye until it took all four of his band mates to drag him off.


"But - but, I…" Brian whined, as Howie and AJ had a hold of his arms and were ushering him out of the building.


"Oh give it a rest Bri, you spent all day with her!"


"Buuuut!" Brian continued to whine, coming very close to sounding a lot like Nick. Suddenly he broke free and he ran back into the Orphanage, gently grabbed Riley up by the arms and he pulled her into a passionate kiss. Howie groaned, and AJ rolled his eyes.


"And I thought Nick and Ashley were bad…" Kevin muttered.


"Hey! I resent that!" Nick called, as he had Ashley and the kids at his car already. Kevin jumped a little as he didn't think anyone other then Howie and AJ would hear him and he looked at Nick a little weirdly.


"Jeez…the kid has good hearing."


"Superman hearing! I can even hear and see through walls too! So look out!" Nick called from the car once again. Ashley giggled and AJ rolled his eyes.
"Well get your superman ass back over here and come help us pull lover boy away from Riley!" He replied, becoming very impatient. He knows Lou is going to bury them all alive. Nick looked at Ashley. He set the two kids down on the back of his car and he handed Ashley's hand over to Laney. Ashley tensed up a little bit at Laney's touch but soon relaxed some when Laney delicately rubbed his finger over it and looked at her with so much care in his eyes. Nick kissed Ashley's cheek.


"I'll be right back," He promised, and he went off to help his band mates. The four of them went back into the building and walked over to Brian. AJ and Howie grabbed his arms again and began to drag him off toward the door and Kevin and Nick followed making sure he doesn't escape this time.


"God, Frick, your acting worse then me." Nick admitted. "Its not like we're going on a long ass tour for a few months, its just a fricken interview."


"Easy for you to say since your taking your girlfriend with you," Brian pouted, as AJ shoved him into the drivers seat of his car and Kevin handed him his keys before shutting the door.


"Finally," AJ mumbled, and he walked off to Howie's car. Kevin went to Nick's and retrieved Elenore again and walked off to his own, and Nick got Dakota and Sarah situated in the back before getting in the drivers seat. Ashley got in the passengers seat, and Laney in the back with the kids and he headed off to the interview that they will be late for in another ten minutes. Soon enough, they all pulled into the studio parking lot and got out. The Boys making sure to keep the kids close, as somehow, some fans had found out about the interview and had showed up to greet them. Normally, they'd have stopped to sign autographs, but because they had the kids to worry about, they didn't - besides, some of the children had death grips upon them. Once inside the building, they were greeted and quickly ushered back into a green room, where they were briefed.


"Ellen will be calling you guys out in about ten minutes," the stagehand told them. "You're the only ones on the show, so you're going to have the full hour to do whatever."


"Alright. Thanks," Kevin nodded. Nick gently set Sarah down and kissed her head, then did the same with Dakota.


"All right ladies, play nicely while we're out on stage, okay? And you listen to Laney, Marcus, Q, and the others."


"Kay Daddy," Dakota smiled.


"Kay Nicky," Sarah replied timidly. She's had a horrible day, and she doesn't know these men well - but, if Nicky says they're safe - then they're safe. Nick smiled at them, then turned to Ashley.


"You think you can handle baby-sitting all these rug-rats?"


"Mhm," Ashley nodded, giving him a quick hug since they were alone with only their crew there. "I can take care of them." Nick kissed her cheek.


"I love you," he whispered softly. Ashley smiled and whispered back.


"Love you too." Kevin, meanwhile, was trying to set Elenore down, but having no such luck. She had one hand desperately clinging to him, and one hand clinging tightly to Lil' Rok. She'd been permitted to bring him, so there'd be no tantrums. Hopefully.


"Sweetie, you stay here with Q., Ashley, & Dakota, okay?" Kevin told her, crouching down and putting her feet upon the floor. "They'll keep you safe and I'll try not to be too long. And if you really need me, let them know and I'll come soon as I can. Promise." Elenore looked ready to cry, as she's still scared he's going to leave her - especially after what had happened earlier. Also, she didn't know security very well yet, and they were such big guys. Kevin kissed her forehead.


"You'll be fine. Just stick with Kota." The Boys were called upon then, and they quickly left Ashley with all the kids and security.


"We play," Dakota answered, sitting down on the floor and letting Lily out of her pocket. "C'mon Ellie!" Elenore didn't go over though, she remained rooted by the door, waiting and watching for Kevin, Lil' Rok hugged to her chest tightly. Meanwhile, Ellen was introducing the Boys.


"Now, here are the Backstreet Boys!" The audience screamed as they were mostly fans who'd somehow used their fan CIA powers to get there for the show. The Boys all smiled and waved as they came out, taking their seats in no particular order.


"It's nice to see you again guys!" Ellen smiled.


"It's always nice being here," Howie replied with a wink.


"So, I've been told you're here to discuss some rumors that are being spread around," Ellen began. "Is it true, that some of you are fathers?"


"Only one of us is a father right now, and that's Nick," Kevin answered, keeping his Christmas surprise secret.


"Nick? You're a father?" Ellen said, sounding a little surprised.


"Yes, I am," Nick smiled proudly. "I finally adopted Dakota, the child I've been taking care of ever since I found her lying in a garbage bin when she was only three days old. I've been her father all these years anyway, so I figured I'd might as well make it official."


"Are you worried about how this will effect your career?" Ellen questioned.


"No, I'm not," Nick answered. "If it was going to effect my career, it would have done so long ago." Ellen nodded.


"And who do all the other children you've been seen with belong to?"


"The other children are kids from the Orphanage where Nick and I work when we're not on tour," Brian answered. "You're seeing more of them now, because we have more time to spend with them. And we want to make every child happy - we even held a benefit concert for them last month, and we're taking them on a field trip tomorrow."


"Wow! That's great!" Ellen exclaimed.


"And Kevin, is it true you spend more time now at the Orphanage, than you did before?"


"Yeah," Kevin replied. "I happened to be there the day one child was brought in, and she spotted me and latched on. It turns out, she's a fan and had deemed me her protector long before we'd even met. So, seeing me when she first arrived made her feel a whole lot better about the situation at hand. I'm not on the payroll or anything, and I'm not doing it for publicity. I'm doing it, because that little girl needs me and I'm determined to be there for her." They had a short commercial break then, and came back.


"So Nick, whose the girl seen with you all the time?" Ellen wanted to know.


"She's also one of the kids from the Orphanage. I'm her caregiver, so she's my responsibility," Nick stated. "I'm helping her overcome things. I was chosen, as we're pretty close in age." During this time, backstage, Elenore was starting to grow worried.


"I's want Kevy!" She whined, as she stood near the doorway still. Ashley smiled at the little girl.


"Kevy's busy right now, Sweetie. But I'm sure he'll be back soon."


"No. Now!" Elenore insisted, stomping her foot.


"Ellie, why don't you come play with Kota and Sarah?" Ashley suggested, trying at all costs to avoid the tantrum that was about to be thrown - to no avail.


"NO!" Elenore screamed. "I'S WANTS KEVY!!!!!"


"Kevin is busy at the moment," Q. piped up. "But he will be back for you, as soon as he's finished. He doesn't break his promises, Ellie." Elenore scowled, and stood quietly, awaiting the right moment to escape. Soon as she saw that no one was looking her way, she quickly darted out of the room and ran off in search of the stage. Dakota saw her friend leave and gasped.


"Ashee! Ellie left!" She exclaimed in surprise. Ashley looked over to where the five-year-old had been standing and sighed.


"Well, we'd best go look for her."


"I'll do it," Q. stated, moving quickly.


"Buts you'll just scare her!" Dakota insisted. "I'm going too!"


"Fine," Q. replied, scooping Dakota up. "But leave Lily here, okay?"


"Kay. Watch her please, Ashee," Dakota said.


"Don't worry, she'll be fine," Ashley smiled, picking the little puppy up and giving her a kiss. "Sarah and I will watch over her."


"Hey! Where's she going?" Josh demanded, as he saw Q. leave with Dakota.


"They'll be back," Ashley replied. "They just have to find Ellie." Elenore ran and ran until finally she spotted the stage. She'd just reached it, when Q. and Dakota caught up to her.


"Ellie! You can'ts goes out there!" Kota told her friend urgently. "It's Backstreet stuffs."


"I's WANTS Kevy!" Elenore exclaimed through her tears - she'd begun to cry midst her search for him.


"Ellie, Uncle Kevy's nots gonna leave you. I promise," Dakota stated, squirming down and looking her best friend in the eyes. "He loves you." Elenore wanted to believe so badly, but she was scared - of Kevin leaving, of Tom hurting her again, of her Mommy and Daddy finding her - almost everything scared her now. She shook her head, and backed up until suddenly she noticed Kevin. He was onstage with the other Boys, talking to some woman.


"KEVY!" She wailed, turning and making a run for him. Q. sighed as him and Dakota followed her, though they remained off to the side of the stage. Ellen was just about to ask another question, when a lone, desperate wail was heard.


"KEVYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kevin quickly turned to look, as did the others, only to see Elenore come flying out onstage, Lil' Rok clutched tightly in her arms. Kevin quickly scooped the crying child up, and carried her back over to his seat.


"Shh....What's wrong, Honey?"


"You LEFTS me!" Elenore accused. "You saids you be rights back!"


"I'm sorry, Sweetie," Kevin soothed, hugging her and Lil' Rok close, rocking them some. "Shh....You're okay." Everyone watched silently for a few moments, while Kevin calmed the little girl down.


"Whose this?" Ellen asked with a smile.


"This is Elenore, but we call her Ellie," Kevin smiled, adjusting Elenore slightly, so she could see everyone, and everyone her.


"Hi...." Elenore sniffled softly, as she snuggled into Kevin.


"And whose your little friend?" Ellen asked, noticing the baby pug.


"Lil' Rok," Elenore answered. "I's named him afters Brian."


"Well, isn't he cute," Ellen said, leaning forward in her seat some. It was then she noticed Dakota and Q. standing off to the side. "Hey there Sweetie. Why don't you come on out, and tell your friend there he can go get the others too." Dakota grinned, looking up at Q.


"You heards her!" Q. laughed and turned to go back and get the other four still in the greenroom with the puppy. Dakota ran out to Nick happily.


"Hi Daddy!" She chirped, quickly climbing up into his lap with some help from him.


"Hi, Baby," Nick smiled, kissing her head. "You guys having fun back there?"


"I was 'till Ellie lefts," Dakota answered honestly. "I's had to comes and find her, so she wouldn't gets losted."


"That was very good of you," Nick praised, causing the audience to make an 'Aww' sound. Dakota looked at the audience then.


"Hi people!" She said, smiling wide, as she waved at them. The Boys laughed as almost everyone waved back. Suddenly, more kids came running out - three of them to be exact. And Ashley, who carried Lily.