Jim Bass: International Dad of Mystery
by Karen and LB
© 2002
Chapter 4: Never Say Choreographer Again
May 2001
Wade and JC stood looking at the toaster mechanism. "I know it's gonna be cool. But are you sure it's safe?"
"It's PERFECTLY safe. I tested it myself." Wade leered as JC walked away. Now all he had to do was get the little pet inside and watch him pop.
If anyone would know, it's Wade, JC thought, satisfied. He's one of our best.
"Joey, what are you doing?" Wade asked later, as Joey climbed in the box.
"We're doing the test, right?"
"Yeah, but you're supposed to be in that one. This is Lance's."
"What difference does it make? We're just going to see how this thing works."
"Guys, let's go," said Anthony.
As the other boys climbed in, Wade paced back and forth. Damn that Joey! He's going to ruin everything. But then, at the last minute, something needed to be recalibrated and the boys were told to take a break.
At the hospital, Lance stared at Joey's bandage. "That was scary, dude. Really scary."
What's scarier is that it was meant for YOU, thought Joey. He knew Jim must be fretting right then. JC fussed around Joey because he couldn't show Lance how scared he was. That night, he held Lance tightly, desperately, and the next day, he knew he had to tell Jim his suspicions.
While Lance was occupied with some Happy Place business, JC put through the call he had dreaded making.
"I want to know what the hell happened!" Jim, who rarely raised his voice, yelled into the phone.
JC kept his voice calm. "Wade said he tested the apparatus. He assured me it was safe. I was watching--no one else approached it. Wade also got angry when Joey climbed into the wrong unit--the one that was meant for Lance. Jim, I think we have to consider the possibility that Wade has gone over."
"I knew we couldn't trust him. He's Australian, after all. But we can't make him disappear. Not yet, anyway. I knew we couldn't let our guard down, not for one minute. The Russians are not letting up. Especially after Lance lost . . . never mind. The important thing is that Lance has become more valuable than ever." There was a pause. "Here's what we're going to do. I hate to use Lance like this, but I have no choice. I want you to watch Wade closely. If you suspect ANYTHING, you tell Lance to say something special during his band introduction. I don't care what it is--just something different from the script."
"He'll want to know why."
"Not if you ask him to do it. He, um, trusts you."
I know he does, and it's killing me. "I know. I'll do what has to be done."
Joey's leg was healing slowly but the tour began anyway. He and JC watched Wade closely, and Lance was none the wiser. Until the show in New Jersey. "You want me to do what?"
"Get the crowd to wish your dad a happy birthday. He'll love it."
"It'll totally embarrass him!" Lance laughed.
"That too."
"He's gonna kill me."
"Your mom won't let him."
"Speaking of my dad's birthday, you're coming out with us, right?"
"You sure your family won't mind?"
"My dad was the one who said you have to come."
"Cool. Then, yeah. Definitely."
Later, in the restaurant, while Lance excused himself to use the men's room, Jim turned to JC. "Good job, Agent."
"Thank you, sir. But I didn't DO much."
"You did what you were told to do. And he doesn't suspect a thing."
Lance approached the table to see his father leaning in, whispering conspiratorially to JC. He stopped and watched.
"Is there any way Wade can be pulled out without raising suspicion?"
"We're working on it--" Jim spun around when he felt they were being watched. For a moment, he and Lance just stared at each other.
Lance was the first to move, brushing off the incident. Until later. "What were you and Dad talking about?"
"My house. The renovations I did." JC said, as he and Jim had discussed. "He was mostly interested in how it doesn't fall off the cliff."
"I've wondered that myself."
"It's magic."
"So what other tricks do you have up your sleeves?"
JC peered up both sleeves. "Hmm. Nothing here. How's this, though?" JC drew Lance to him and kissed him.
"That was pretty magical." And it was, because Lance soon forgot all about the mysterious conversation at the restaurant.
July 2001
The project was progressing without incident. Jim was able to stave off any further attacks. There was one minor incident that Chris was able to thwart, resulting in his wrist being injured. And the "letters" worked brilliantly. The unsuspecting fans attending the concerts had no idea that within the planted letters were coded messages. Everything was fine, until Challenge for the Children. Jim made sure both he and Diane were there to see to it that Lance had all the protection he needed. Jim was beginning to suspect that JC was becoming too emotionally involved to really be on guard, so he made certain there were plenty of undercover agents at the event. Even so, the Russians still managed to get their spies involved. It was Justin who saved Lance from a near attack by cheating at the relay and holding Lance back. Lance suspected nothing. He was thrilled his parents were with him and would often look up at the stands to see them talking and smiling. To Lance, all was right with the world. To the Russians, the games were just beginning.
August 2001
It hadn't been until the Road to Celebrity that JC had really become aware of the Fan Bus Girls. They proved to be innocent, but not until Jim's office had worked overtime, checking out everyone from the SFX executives who had approved their ticket deal to Bob Barker. Everyone seemed to check out, but the crowds themselves were still a threat. In preparation for the Today Show appearance, and at Jim's special request, former agent Al Roker came out of retirement to provide additional support. The preparation seemed to have paid off, because the appearance went off without a hitch.
"Can I ask you something?" Lance asked JC over dinner that night.
"Sure," JC said, sipping his drink.
"Did you notice anything weird today?"
"You mean like kids sleeping on the sidewalk for days to get good spots weird?"
"No--they always do that. I mean, that IS weird, but that's not what I mean. Something's weird . . . "
The tour ended almost as quickly as it began, and the boys were back in New York for the VMAs. Rumors of a kidnap plot by Michael Jackson, who wanted to add Lance to his collection of pets, put everyone on high alert. The VMAs were uneventful, and everyone turned watchful eyes to the Tribute the next night.
"You watch EVERYTHING, understand Agent Chasez?"
"Yes, sir. Is there anyone working with us I should make contact with?"
"It's better if you don't know. We think . . . there's a mole."
"Besides Wade?"
"Yes. This thing has gotten bigger. There are going to be a lot of people there tonight. I don't want you to leave Lance's side."
"I'll stick to him like glue."
Lance couldn't understand why JC was so attentive. Usually, they worked the room at events like this and met up along the way, but that night JC never left his side. "You okay?" he finally asked backstage while they were changing for their performance.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know. It's like you're afraid to leave me alone."
"Maybe I just LIKE you." JC quickly returned Billy Gilman's nod, indicating that the sector Billy was responsible for was clear.
"Maybe?"
"Definitely. Did I tell you how hot you look in those pants?"
"Aw, no. They're just pants."
"Very, very, very hot. In fact, can we skip the afterparty?"
"It's a date." They were soon called onstage and the performance went off without incident. Billy Gilman watched from his seat, and it wasn't until it was over that he realized Michael was planning his attack after the show. Billy quickly retreated to the men's room and called JC on their special walkie-talkies. "JC, get him out NOW."
"Right." JC looked around desperately. Where the heck was Justin? He was supposed to be making sure the limo was at the ready. If he really left early with Britney, he's in deep, deep trouble, JC thought, slipping back to Lance's side. "C'mon, you," he growled seductively.
"Now? What about the afterparty?"
"I can show you a better time than some party."
"Oh my goodness. Better than Lotus?"
"Is Lotus gonna lick every inch of you?"
"N-no. Are you?"
"EVERY inch."
"What are we waiting for?" Lance led JC to the limo. The twitching between his legs distracted him all the way to the hotel as he imagined JC's tongue on his chest.
Billy nodded solemnly and put in a call to Jim. "I don't know how he did it, but he got Lance out of here."
He's better than we thought. Jim turned to Dr. Yerger. "You were right."
"Of course I was right. Um, about what?"
"You're gonna make me say it, aren't you--about Lance . . . becoming a man. JC seems to be good for him."
"I knew the closer we let them get, the more protective JC would become. It's his nature."
Lance soon discovered JC's nature that night. "You're an animal," he said, as the door closed behind them and they embraced.
"Rrrrrrrrrrrr," JC purred playfully.
"What's gotten into you tonight?" Lance asked as he peeled off JC's jacket.
"I told you. It's all about the pants. You in the pants."
"I've worn leather pants before."
"You're complaining because your boyfriend thinks you're hot?" JC said, running his hands over the leather pants in question.
"No complaints. You're just especially horny tonight." Lance discarded the jacket and was working on the buttons of JC's shirt.
"You know Liza Minelli gets me hot."
"Maybe you should be with her then," Lance giggled, pushing JC away.
JC pulled Lance back. "You're the only one for me."
"Is it me you want or my pants?"
"How about you OUT of your pants?"
Lance undid his zipper right then and there and lowered the pants to his knees.
"Better," JC growled, dropping to his knees and removing Lance's shoes.
Lance watched as JC carefully lifted Lance's feet. He braced himself by placing one hand on the wall. "JC, do you ever feel like we're being watched--like, when we're alone?"
"Turn that thing off NOW," Britney yelled, swatting Justin on the shoulder. They were three suites down, watching on the surveillance monitor.
"Ow! I wasn't gonna watch!"
"I only have eyes for you," JC sang, disposing of Lance's pants as well as the shoes.
"Just eyes?" JC turned his eyes up to gaze at Lance, all the desire building in him evident in their blue depths.
Lance cradled JC's head, mesmerized by the intensity of the gaze. "What did I do to deserve this?"
"Just . . . being you."
"That doesn't seem enough. I'm just a guy."
JC pulled Lance down so they were kneeling face to face. "You're not JUST a guy. You're Lance. You're special. At least to me."
"Don't you ever get sick of me?"
"Never ever."
March 2002
Lance tosses and turns on the bed, the memories of the past September flooding him. After world events rocked everyone's lives, he found himself focused on his friends and family. He and Laura grew closer, and by the time the premiere for On the Line rolled around everyone thought it would be a good idea if Lance announced she was his girlfriend. JC seemed to understand.
October 2001
"He'll be vulnerable. There will be a lot of people there, and it will be hard to keep track of everyone. I'm sending Laura with Lance, but I want you to be there too, JC."
"Isn't there anyone else who can do this?"
"Are you saying you don't want to be there?"
"I'm saying it's gonna be painful. But that doesn't matter, does it?"
"We didn't recruit you to fall in love, we recruited you to protect Lance."
"I know that. And I have."
The double meaning in JC's words didn't escape Jim. "This will be your last assignment. After tomorrow night, you're out."
"I'm OUT?"
"Your emotions are getting in the way. We can't risk it."
"When have I EVER not done my job?"
"All it takes is one slip-up."
"I don't slip up. And I will protect him anyway, whether I'm in the loop or not."
"We brought Laura in to do just that. After tonight, you're off the case."
"Doesn't matter. I will not abandon him."
"I can't stop Lance from seeing you. But just don't interfere in what we have to do to make sure he's safe."
"I would never do anything to hurt Lance. You must know that."
"Not intentionally. But if you're involved with Lance you can't be fully aware of everyone and everything around him. It's better this way."
"I'm more aware. Because I have more to lose."
Jim considered JC's words. He believed the boy was sincere, but he couldn't risk it. "You do what you have to do. Just don't interfere with the operation."
"I never have and I never will."
*****
"Before we go, I just wanted to say thanks for coming," Lance said, as he prepared for the ride to the theater.
"Of course I'm here. Why wouldn't I be here?"
Lance shrugged. "Justin and Chris didn't come."
"Justin and Chris aren't your boyfriend."
"I wish I could go WITH you."
"Me too, baby. Me too."
There were some close calls on the red carpet. Security made sure the fans were ushered inside before Lance, and any remaining fans were told to stand at a distance. All the reporters were screened in advance. Lance was none the wiser. He was puzzled that the fans were kept at a distance, but there was nothing he could do about that. Once inside the theater, before the movie began, Lance asked Laura to switch seats so he could sit next to JC. He laughed as the fans screamed and he whispered throughout the movie.
It was after the movie that JC was really able to prove his usefulness. When someone who was apparently an overzealous fan leapt over the barrier, it was JC who fended her off, getting badly scratched in the process. He brushed off any concerns, but inside he was seething. If Laura was supposed to be taking his place, where was SHE when there was a threat against Lance?
"What is your problem?" Laura asked JC when Lance was busy giving a sound bite.
"MY problem is that you're not doing your job."
"I'd do my job if you'd stop interfering."
"What's going on?" Lance asked, curious, when he saw JC and his "girlfriend" in a heated argument.
"Nothing's wrong. I wanted to check that scratch JC got, but he wouldn't let me."
"I don't need a nurse," JC grumbled.
Lance had become uneasy about JC and Laura's animosity all night, so when an opportunity arose he slipped out unnoticed. Well, almost. Mike, Lance's trusty bodyguard, caught Lance before he was out the door of Planet Hollywood and insisted on coming along. He managed to send a homing signal to Jim and JC as the SUV pulled away. JC followed as quickly as he could, putting in a call to Jim as he drove. " Any ideas where he could be going?"
"Where else? To get away from everyone. Maybe we've been smothering him too much. Just find him, JC. And bring him back."
"Am I reinstated?"
"For now. Just find him!"
JC glanced at the tracking device mounted on his dashboard and adjusted his course. "I'm your best hope of protecting him and you know it."
Jim ended the transmission and threw his headset against the wall. He hated JC then, because he was right.
JC silently trailed the SUV through the New York streets, trying to think of what he was going to say when he finally caught up with Lance.
"JC, what are you doing here?" Lance asked inside the bar he'd chosen specifically because fans didn't know about it.
"Stalking you."
"Careful, or I'll have to sic my bodyguard on you."
"I can take him."
Lance grinned. "You think, hmm? You'd risk it?"
"For you? You know I would."
"So, like, if someone wanted to kidnap me you'd come save me?"
"They wouldn't get near you."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Don't you know by now I'd do anything for you?"
"Would you eat a cockroach for me?"
"Well, I can't imagine why I'd need to, but if I had to."
"Would you jump off the Brooklyn Bridge?"
"How about we come back to the world of reality?"
"How do I know you're not really some super-secret special agent assigned to protect me?"
JC shrugged. "You don't."
"So you could be packing heat right now."
"I'm packing heat, all right. Just not the kind you mean."
Lance stepped closer. "Show me."
"Take me back to the hotel and I will."
Lance motioned to Mike that they were going to leave, and in the SUV Lance asked, "So where's Laura?"
"She and Beth went back to the hotel, I think."
"With Beth? Is there something I should know?"
"Yeah, they're super-secret special agents, too."
"So, like, everyone I know is an agent."
"It's about time you figured that out."
Lance laughed. "So you're undercover?"
"Yep. I'm a highly trained operative."
"I see. So I suppose your hands are registered weapons?"
"Don't be silly. I have gadgets."
"What kind of gadgets?"
"My cell phone is actually a transmitter which allows my superiors to listen in on me at any time."
"So they've heard every word we've ever said?"
"Every word."
Jim, listening in, felt his anger subside. He'd been furious when JC had started telling Lance the truth, but then he'd recognized the genius of the plan. The teasing, bantering tone. JC could tell Lance everything, and Lance would never suspect it was the truth.
"They're listening right now?"
"Right this minute," JC growled against Lance's ear.
"Oh my goodness. So if I told you I want you to make love to me right now, they'd hear that?"
"Do you care?"
"If they don't mind, I don't mind."
"Mike might mind. Let's get upstairs." Mike nodded his head but didn't say anything, and when Lance and JC were finally alone, Lance put a hand on JC's shoulder. "You're not really a spy, are you?"
"What do you think?" JC asked, with his sexiest look.
"I think you're a very mysterious guy, JC Chasez."
Jim gave a small sigh. Another crisis averted. The boy was right--he did take better care of Lance than anyone else.
March 2002
The answers were there, just beyond his reach.