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Nowhere To Run: Chapter 1:
The end of April 2002 saw the last tour dates of the Nsync Celebrity tour ending in the band�s hometown of Orlando, Florida and the start of a hiatus for the 5 group members. Several years of touring and non-stop work left the 5 members exhausted and ready for a break, each venturing out on projects separate to being the collective Nsync.
Lance stayed after the last concert only long enough to have a quick late dinner with the rest of the guys at a restaurant near the airport and then promptly hopped the redeye out to Russia to start his space training. While he was going to miss the guys and his family the last couple of weeks of the tour saw him as a ball of nervous energy and extreme excitement over the possibility that he would be shipped off into space by October of that same year. It was certainly a dream come true and he was going to work his butt off to make sure it happened.
Justin stuck around until the next morning when he was scheduled on a flight back out to Memphis to spend a couple days at his mom�s house out there, catching up on some sleep and relaxation before he started his world wind tour, getting ready his very first solo album. He was really excited about the opportunity and while he didn�t tell anyone, not even the guys he was extremely nervous about doing the whole record process alone.
The other three while having a few solo things lined up to do over the break decided to hang around for a couple days and just hang out. It was agreed that in three days time, when JC had booked a flight out to L.A. the next day that they would all meet once again for one more dinner together before going their separate ways for the unknown amount of time. They had picked a small out of the way diner that while the food wasn�t the greatest it was empty enough that they knew no one would be recognizing them and therefore could have the time together without fear of being swarmed by fans.
�So C, looking forward to getting back home?� Chris asked as they left the diner and started walking down the street. It was a beautiful night and there was no need for a cab.
�Well yeah. But you know how it is coming off a tour. It is always a little strange. But I�m certainly looking forward to getting back to my own bed. I think I just might sleep the first week away.�
�Well there�s a shock.� Joey muttered ducking JC�s hand that had been intended for his head and sticking his tongue out at his skinny friend.
�That�s really mature there Joe.� JC said rolling his eyes.
�Hey Joey remember that time in Germany when he fell asleep during a break in rehearsals and we stole some of Lynn�s make up and drew all over his face�� Chris started taking off with Joey down the street as JC made a move to tackle him.
JC standing looking in shock at the place his two friends were formerly standing for a full minute or two before gaining his wits again and taking off after them.
***
Skidding around the nearest corner and stepping back into the shadows hoping that JC hadn�t seen them turn the corner they prepared to jump and scare their band mate as he passed by.
As they stood silently waiting raised voices from deeper within the alley caught their attention. Turning a taking a few steps further into the alley Joey and Chris could see two men fighting, one wearing all dark clothing with dark hair and the other in what appeared to be normal business attire.
Unsure of what to do Chris went to open his mouth to ask if everything was alright when the man wearing all black suddenly pulled out a gun and shot at the other man repetitively, very obviously killing him in the process.
Startled at the turn of events both Nsync men took several rapid steps backwards managing to get back into a lighted area of the alley before Joey accidentally stumbled over a trashcan drawing the attention of the man holding the gun.
�Stop right there!� The man said watching as the two young men before him froze in place and started to walk towards them gun at his side but ready just in case. �How much did you just see?�
Looking quickly at each other exchanging silent agreement Chris spoke up.
�See? I don�t know what you are talking about man. My friend and I just came running around the corner.�
They stood still debating their options of running away as the man cocked his head to the side and studied them from about 15 feet away, not willing to come into the part of the alley where light from the street still shone.
The man was about to open his mouth to replied when JC came stumbling around the corner and bumping into Chris.
�Hey here you are, I�ve been looking for you two�� JC started noticing that neither man was looking at him.
The man in dark clothing startled by the new arrival quickly raised his gun taking aim at the new person. Chris seeing this reacted quickly pushing JC out of the way and back behind the wall of the building just as the man pulled the trigger. Unable to move out of the way of the bullet himself it struck him in the shoulder and he collapse to the ground with a scream of pain.
�Chris!� Joey yelled quickly kneeling beside him and taking off his jacket pressing it to Chris�s bleeding shoulder as JC watched wide-eyed.
�JC! GO GET HELP!� Joey yelled not looking at his other band mate.
�Wha..?� JC said in shock.
�RUN! Get Help!� Joey said taking no notice of the dark man now closing the distance between them. �NOW!� he bellowed when the smaller man still hadn�t moved. Watching briefly as JC finally snapped too and took off running; Joey quickly turned his attention back to Chris.
�Chris? You already buddy?� Joey said trying to keep the panic from his voice.
�Yeah I think so� damn it hurts Joe.� Chris said softly
�I know man hang in there, JC is getting help.� Joey said moving his jacket slightly then pressing it tightly against the wound again. �Where is Lance when you need him huh? He is the one who takes care of this stuff.� He said smiling at Chris when the smaller brunette laughed at his comment.
Joey went to move into a more comfortable position only to freeze in place when he felt the cool metal of the man�s gun pressed against his forehead.
�You can do that all you want but you and your friend are still going to die here tonight. Seems kind of pointless doesn�t it?� The cool voice said from somewhere above him. �Your other friend got away for now be he of course is going to have to die too, its just going to take a little more work for him.�
�He didn�t see anything man. Leave him out of this.�
�No can do I�m afraid. I don�t like having loose ends. Ever.�
�Look we aren�t going to say anything. My friend has gone to get help and probably will be back with a ton of police and emergency officials any minute, take off while you can and we will just say we saw nothing.� Joey tried looking down at Chris�s face to see that the older man had passed out from either pain or blood loss. Wincing slightly and closing his eyes as the gun was pushed harder against his forehead.
�I�ve already told you I don�t leave loose ends. Now say goodbye.� The man said stopping as a voice shout out.
�Freeze! This is the police! Drop the gun and come out with your hands up!�
�Damn it!� the man faltered. �Guess I�m going to have to deal with you two later.� He said to Joey and then swiftly took off back through the alley somehow managing to dodge the police bullets.
Two officers quickly passed by Joey taking off in pursuit of the man as JC came running up and kneeling beside Joey.
�Stay with us man� Joey mumbled to Chris�s still form.
�Is he going to be alright Joey?� JC asked with a voice full a fear causing the slightly younger man to look up and see the paleness of his band mates face.
�I hope so Jace. I hope so.�