Summary:

"The world may not even recognize your name

You may not have fortune and fame

The world may not even recognize your face

But I believe because of you it's a better place

You're the wonder in what's wonderful to me

You're living proof that loving truth was meant to be"

-From "You're Just My Life"

Prompt: Fan Fic 100 #36- Precious Treasure (Alternate title- Beloved)

Inspiration: "You're Just My Life" by Smokey Robinson and India.Arie from his album "Time Flies When You're Having Fun".

Warning: Contains conversation about rape

Photographer Mike Ruiz stretched in his sleep and turned over. This stretch felt strange to him because when he stretched he usually bumped his into his husband's leg. This time there was no bump. Mike opened his eyes and saw that he was alone again in bed. He listened quietly to see if he may have been in the bathroom but decided against it when he felt how cold the sheets were. Instead of water in the bathroom, he heard the familiar sounds of the piano.

Mike walked down the hall and stood in the door of his husband's small, but efficient office/music room. Raymond was totally engrossed in his music. He was scoring his first feature film. It was a small indie film, but there were plans to enter it into several famous film festivals. Sometimes those underrated movies ended up being blockbusters and winner major awards. He stood in the door and leaned on the frame.

"So is the muse waking you up or keeping you up?" Raymond looked up at his husband and sighed.

"Keeping me up. Too much noise?"

"No," Mike replied as he entered the room. He walked closer to his workspace and sat in the chair. "I just woke up cold and alone."

"I'm so sorry." Ray replied. "But I just wanted to get these pieces written. What time is it?"

"After four." Ray winced at the time. He didn't realize that it was that late. Or early. "When are the pieces due?"

"At the end of the month." Ray stretched. "I made good use of my time though. I finished the three I started last week. And I wrote two extras. I just have a feeling that I'm gonna need some extra stuff."

"Are you satisfied with they way they sound?"

"Oh yes. Especially this one." He clicked on a file and waited it for it to start. "You can listen to this while I go to the bathroom and get some water." Mike sat back in the chair and listened to the piece. Mike didn't know much about music except what he liked and how he could envision it for the videos he directed. Ray was the same way with photography. But they supported each other. They asked questions about what they wanted to know and learned from each other. Raymond came back into the room with his bottle of water and watched his husband listen to the song with his eyes closed. As he sat down Mike opened his eyes.

"It's beautiful baby. You think this one will make the cut?"

"I don't know. I hope so but if not, it's ours."

"Ours?"

"Yeah. I named it 'Beloved', after us and how we feel about each other." Ray leaned over and kissed Mike.

"Wow. That's so sweet baby. Our own song. Have you written any others for us that I don't know about?"

"A few. I'll let you hear them some time."

"Could you make a CD of music just for us? Something that we could just listen to or make love to?"

"All instrumental?"

"If you want."

"Sure, I can make us some music. You saying we need something else to listen to?" They chuckled.

"I'm just thinking of how our lovemaking could be enhanced by your own music."

"Yeah, I can write a piece about your muscles and how they feel under my hands."

"That's what I'm talking about." Mike smiled. "Come on music man. It's time for you to rest your mind and your fingers."

"Ok." Ray replied reluctantly and began backing up his files so he could turn off everything. He turned off all of his equipment and the light on his desk. Mike grabbed his hand and led him out of the room, making sure he would not go back in. Ray put his pajamas on, placed his glasses on the nightstand and crawled into bed. Mike pulled him into his arms kissing him. He pulled the covers over them and they snuggled close, warmth and love lulling them to sleep.

Later that morning, after the sun had come up, both men were up and getting ready for the upcoming day. Even after showering, Ray stumbled into the kitchen in a zombie like state.

"I was going to ask if you wanted tea, but I see coffee is in order for you."

"Hmmm, yes and the stronger the better." Mike placed the hot cup of coffee in front of his husband. His closed his eyes and savored the aroma.

"Breakfast?" Mike asked.

"Yes. I'll have whatever you're having please."

"Omelets and toast?"

"Sounds good." Ray replied. He walked over to the counter and grabbed a banana to eat while waiting. "What's on your agenda for today?"

"Well, I've got a couple of meetings, one small photo shoot and a few photo reviews. Might be a light day today." Mike was preparing the eggs. "What about you?"

"Well, we are supposed to meet with the producers, engineers, cinematographer, and the director today. They're supposed to be listening to our musical selections and start making some decisions on what to use."

"When are you applying for your copyrights?"

"I'm mailing them today. When it comes to awards season, if anything of mine is nominated or wins, I will be the only person making the speech. Not the movie people."

"Do you think any of your music will be used?" Mike asked as he put the bread in the toaster.

"Well Darrel, the director heard two of mine that he wanted to use in some panoramic views and one he thought might be good in an action scene. He wasn't sure if he wants it in a fight scene or car chase."

"So three pieces maybe out of how many?"

"I've written fifteen in anticipation with three more to complete. It will be eighteen all together."

"That's a lot and you're not even sure if he's going to use them." Mike placed their breakfast on the table along with some jelly from the fridge.

"If he doesn't that's fine. As long as they are copyrighted, I can use them for whomever, whenever I want."

"Even your own CD? As an independent artist?"

"I hadn't really thought about that." Ray said as he took a bite of his toast.

"I could do a couple of videos for you. You can put them on YouTube, get them played at some local stations. And you know what ever is playing in New York, L.A., Atlanta and South Beach is what's going to be all over the country." Mike took a sip of his coffee.

"I'll think about it."

"Oh and don't forget we're supposed to meet Liz and Dale for dinner."

"I totally forgot. Where and what time?"

"Red Dragon about six or so."

"I should be done by then. What's the 10th anniversary gift?"

"Tin or aluminum, I think."

"Tin or aluminum? Sounds cheap."

"Did you have something in mind?"

"Not really. I could probably find something though."

"I already have a card and I'm gifting them a photo shoot." Ray laughed.

"How sweet! That should be an interesting shoot." Mike looked at the clock on the wall.

"I need to get going babe." He stood up and placed the empty plates in the sink. "Let me know if you need help finding something. And not too much coffee today. I know you're still sleepy; I can see it." Ray stood and stretched.

"I will try my best to be alert on my own. Maybe you could help me get to sleep tonight." Ray suggested as he stepped closer to his husband and placed his hands on Mike's chest.

"Oh yeah? And how do you propose I do that?"

"Ah, I'm sure we can come up with something." Ray gave his husband a kiss that quickly deepened. Mikes hands moved from Ray's waist to his buttocks. Then he reluctantly pulled away.

"You keep this up we won't be going anywhere." He smacked Ray on the behind. "I love you and I'll talk to you in a bit, ok?"

"I love you too." Mike left the kitchen to gather his things and be off to work.

Ray called the people he was working with to make sure the meetings were still on. After finding out they still were, he packed up the things he would need. He wasn't at all nervous. He was confident that the people in charge of the film would love his music and use all of it. But first, he had to stop by the post office to mail his copyright forms.

Once Mike was at the studio it was full on business. The photo shoot ran long but it evened out because the people coming to view their photos afterward were very late. He managed to fit in a couple of consultations between lunch and a meeting. He and Ray had had a few short conversations through out the day. Mike was anxious to see him after the film people had heard all of his music. He wanted people to hear Ray's heart and thoughts. It always sounded so beautiful to him, why not share it?

Across town, Ray was having an excellent day. He was able to actually see some of the scenes from the movie. These scenes would have his music playing in the background and could possibly be available on the soundtrack. While riding the subway, he managed to look up info on a 10th anniversary gift for Liz and Dale. He had a store in mind where he might find what he was looking for. That would have to wait a bit. He was anxiously waiting to hear which of his pieces would be used. He was so excited that he called and texted friends or family for support and to help keep him calm.

As the day wore on, Mike was happy that he and Ray were going out to meet Dale and Liz for dinner. It was always encouraging to be out with couples who had been together for quite a few years. There was a mutual understanding about marriage- paying bills, shopping, family, finding space in the schedule for quality time. Dale and Liz were celebrating ten years together. He smiled that in a few years, it would be him and Ray. In just a few months, they could celebrate their 5th anniversary. Ray said he wanted a small party. Mike just wanted something special for Ray.

As he walked to the restaurant, Liz and Dale were standing outside waiting for him. They hugged Mike and he hugged several other friends who were joining them. He asked if Ray was there and no one had seen him yet so Mike gave him a call. He got the voicemail and left a message.

"Maybe he's on the train and doesn't have a signal. I try again in a few minutes." They stood outside talking and laughing. After about twenty minutes, Mike was getting concerned.

"When did you last talk to him?" Liz asked.

"A little after three. He was leaving the studio and heading to buy you guys a gift."

"Do you think he's still shopping?" asked Preston.

"No, he was pretty sure about what he was going to get and where he was going to get it. I don't know what's going on."

"Do you think he went home to take a nap?" Dale suggested.

"I didn't think about that. Let me check." He called home and the voicemail picked up. "Voicemail. I wonder where he could be. It's not like him to be late and not call. Now, I'm really worried."

Mike got an uneasy feeling in his stomach. He tried calling a few more people who would have seen him through out the day. No one had seen him since about three that afternoon. He even called the store that Raymond said he was going to. They confirmed that he had been there and made a purchase. Nothing was making sense at the moment.

Then Mike's phone rang and it was a number he didn't recognize. He anxiously answered.

"Hello?"

"I'm trying to find Michael Ruiz. Am I speaking with him?"

"Yes, this is Mike. Who's this?"

"Mr. Ruiz I'm Kelly Franklin and I'm a nurse at St. Joseph's Clinic. Do you know man named Raymond Covington-Ruiz?"

"Yes, Ray is my husband. Has something happened?" Everyone surrounded Mike as the look on his face changed.

"Yes, he has severe injuries from being beaten and possibly robbed." Mike couldn't breathe and he dropped his phone. Dale caught him and Liz picked up the phone.

"Be...beaten?"

"Hello? My name is Liz Howell, I'm here with Mike. Is Ray okay?"

"He will be. He was severely beaten and we have him here at St. Joseph's Clinic. Is Mr. Ruiz okay? Is there anyway you can get him here?"

"My husband is trying to get him to breathe. Yes, we can get him there. Where are you located?"

"We're on Jackson Avenue and O'Neil." Liz looked up at the street signs.

"Uh...I think we're just a few streets over. We're on our way. Can you tell Ray we're coming?"

"Yes, I will."

"Thank you." Liz hung up Mike's phone. "Mike, are you okay?" There were tears in his eyes at the thought that someone could have hurt his husband.

"Somebody hurt him. I can't imagine..."

"I know honey." Liz comforted. "The good thing is that he's alive. We're just a few streets over from where he is. Preston and Andrew took the train. Give them your keys 'cause I know you can't drive right now. We'll walk and everyone will meet us there. Okay?" Everyone nodded and went their ways. Ben and Amelia stayed with Liz and Mike as they crossed the street headed to the clinic a few streets over.

They rushed to the front desk of the clinic. The nurse looked up and knew who Mike was before he even spoke.

"Mr. Ruiz?" He nodded. "Come with me." She led them down a hall to some chairs.

"These are my friends and there are a few more coming. We're supposed to be having dinner and waiting for Ray...when you called." His voice trailed off.

"That's fine. I'll let the doctor know you're here. Your husband is getting X-rays right now. You can wait here and I'll send your friends back when they get here."

"Thank you." Mike replied. They all sat in the uncomfortable chairs and waited. Dale, Preston and Andrew joined them about 20 minutes later after finding parking places.

"You guys alright?" Dale asked.

"Just waiting. We haven't seen the doctor yet." Liz replied. A few minutes later, a doctor appeared with two detectives.

"Mr. Ruiz?" Mike stood.

"Yes?"

"Hi, I'm Dr. Bowen. These are the detectives who responded to our call."

"I'm Detective Olivia Benson and this is Detective Tutuola. We're from the SVU."

"SVU? What's that?"

"It stands for 'Special Victims Unit'. And we investigate crimes of sexual nature." Replied Detective Tutuola. For the third time in less than an hour Mike's heart felt like it was swimming in his stomach.

"Sexual nature? I thought he was just beaten and robbed? What...what happened to my husband?"

"Your husband says that he was raped." Det. Benson said. Everyone gasped and their jaws dropped with shock. "And it looks like there is sufficient evidence to prove it." Mike's knees gave out underneath him. Dale and Ben helped him back to his seat.

"Raped? What?" He shook his head in disbelief as fresh tears flowed. "Raped. Oh my God, who could do such a thing?"

"I know this is difficult Mr. Ruiz, but I need to ask you if you know a Paul Graham, K.J. Woods or a Devon Thomas?" Fin asked. Mike's head was in his hands, tears falling through his fingertips. He thought for a moment.

"Yea, they're his friends, coworkers. He's working on a movie with them. He's writing the music for the score and soundtrack" He sniffed as the tears continued to fall. "Why do you ask?"

"He's says that they are the ones who raped him and he's filing charges." Det. Tutuola said.

"What?! They're his friends. Why would they do that? Why would he say that?"

"We do have evidence that your husband was raped. Our other partners are on the way to pick them up for questioning. We've put a rush on the DNA so we can make a match the evidence in the kit."

"Oh God, I just...I can't get my head around this. My husband was raped and beaten by his friends? People he trusted? This makes no sense." Olivia's phone rang and she excused herself to answer it. "I don't know what to think."

"Well, your husband is getting an MRI right now. We've looked at preliminary X-rays. We'll have some more done. He'll also have a CT scan. He was fortunate. With that many assailants, we always see broken bones. There are no major cuts and no broken bones. No cracks to his skull and no swelling in his brain. But he's bruised everywhere."Dr. Bowen said.

"From what?" Ben asked. Everyone could see that Mike was too distraught to ask questions.

"Possibly from being kicked while being held down or laying on the ground. There are visible shoe imprints on his clothes and his body." Everyone winced. "The MRI is to help detect the severity of the bruising to his organs. We're checking for damage to his kidneys, spine, lungs and brain. We want to make sure there isn't any internal bleeding, especially in his kidneys. More bruises will present themselves in the next couple of days and he will probably be extremely sore for about a week. He has a few small cuts in his head and a busted lip. All those will be stitched up. The left side of his face and both hands are swollen. His eye is almost swollen shut. No broken facial or hand bones."

Mike went pale as the first injury was reported and became paler with each one called after.

"The few cuts on his face look like they came from his glasses being broken. He may have a bruised pelvis and tailbone from being held down and the actual rape. We are also running blood tests now. We must follow a protocol concerning rape victims. It tests for STDs, HIV and Hepatitis B and C. We'll give you a schedule because he will have to come back and get tested again." Olivia came back to the group.

"Do you have any idea what kind of movie they were working on?" Mike shook his head no.

"Today was the first time he was going to see any scenes. But he seemed so happy and pleased with what he saw when I talked to him. He was going to tell us all about it at dinner." Mike wiped his eyes.

"Why does is matter?" Dale asked.

"They found kiddie porn on the computer at Devon Thomas's apartment. We've got some leads and some witnesses on where the other two might be. The CSIs will take the evidence and process it." She reached into her pocket and handed Mike her card. "If you hear of anything before we get to talk with you again, please call. If you have any questions, please call." Fin gave Mike his card too.

"Thanks." Mike said and the detectives left.

"The MRI should be done in about twenty minutes. Dr. Pen is suggesting a Doppler Test to check for blood clots. She says she saw something in the first MRI that concerned her. That will probably take about an hour once the machine is available. We'll keep you updated. If you can't reach me, ask for Dr. Shepherd. He's my resident." Mike nodded.

"Thanks Dr. Bowen." Preston replied. Everyone took a collective sigh. They were relieved that Ray was alive, but nobody expected this. Mike's phone rang and he gave it a sad, hurt look.

"Oh God, it's dad. I can't talk to him right now."

"I got it." Dale said as he took it from Mike and stepped away for privacy. Preston, Andrew and Ben went looking for food for everyone.

"My poor baby." Mike whispered. Liz and Amelia tried their best to comfort him. It was all anyone could do.

About three hours later, Ray was wheeled back into the ER where they began to stitch him up. The nurse wanted the couple to wait, but they each insisted on seeing each other. Mike braced himself for what he was about to see, but nothing could have prepared him for what he did see. Raymond's beautiful brown skin that Mike loved to see against his own, was black, blue and purple. He covered his mouth with both hands to keep in his scream, but his tears did it for him.

Ray had to look at him sideways with his right eye; the left was now swollen shut. His swollen hands trembled from fear and exhaustion. Mike immediately went to him and gently embraced him so he wouldn't cause more pain. Ray barely spoke above a whisper and with that, Mike could hear that his voice was hoarse and almost gone.

"Shhh, I'm here baby. I'm here." Ray buried his head into Mike's chest and his tears flowed. His body shook as he cried. Ray held onto Mike and grabbed his shirt as if his attackers were coming to rip him out of his husband's arms. Mike had never been in this situation before; he didn't know exactly how to comfort him. But Ray's words told him that he was doing the right thing.

"You're here. I'm here with you. I thought I was never gonna see you again. I thought...I tried with all I had... to fight...I tried to fight them off...I thought..." He sobbed. "I thought they were gonna kill me. Oh...God..." Mike managed to get him to calm down enough to look at him.

"I was so scared when I didn't hear from you, couldn't get you on the phone. I had no idea what had happened."

"Mr. Covington-Ruiz I'm ready to stitch up the wounds on your head now. I need you lie down on your side so I can apply the local anesthesia." Dr. Shepherd said. Mike turned to leave so the doctor could do what he needed to do. Ray grabbed his hand, pleading for him to stay. "It's fine sir. You can stay. There's a stool over there." Mike grabbed the stool and held Ray's hand as he sat.

"I have to tell you what happened."

"Now not baby; save your voice. You can tell me later; just relax so he can stitch you up."

"No, now. I have to tell you now." Mike silently nodded as Ray began to tell him what happened with the little voice he had left. During that forty-five minutes and tears flowing from both of them, Ray let his husband know what his so-called friends had done to him. They have even gone shopping with him. They pulled him into the alley, far enough where the crowd couldn't see and first beat him to submission. And when he could no longer fight them off, they raped him. All three of them. Mike helped him sit up and Dr. Bowen came in.

"Well, everything looks good considering what you've been through. I have prescriptions for you. Would you prefer our pharmacy or your own?"

"Our own." Mike replied and wrote down the number.

"Ok, I'll call these in and you can pick them up on the way home. Your friends outside would like to come in and see you if you're ready." Ray nodded. "I'll let them know." A few minutes later their friends walked behind the emergency room curtain. Ray gave a weak smile when they all came in. Everyone was trying not to show too many emotions, but these friends were like family and there was no way the emotions could have been stopped. Tear stained faces gave gentle hugs and kisses of comfort.

Ray pointed to his computer bag telling Liz and Dale that their gift was in there. Liz found a 9"x6" aluminum box with a decorative top. Inside the box was the word "Friends" formed in silver script, covered with diamonds and sapphires and a daffodil at the end of the word. Everything was representative of 10th anniversary symbols. More tears followed.

"It's beautiful." she whispered.

"I'm sorry about dinner." he squeaked out.

"Oh, please don't worry about it." Dale said. "We would much rather know that you are safe and sound." Liz nodded in agreement. There was a knock on the wall outside the room. It was Det. Tutuola.

"Is it ok if I come in?" Mike looked at Ray and they both nodded. "I wanted to give you an update. We got all three of them. One has already confessed. There are a lot of charges coming their way based on what we found in their apartments. We already know you had nothing to do with the kiddie porn so you don't have to worry about anything."

"Thank God." Amelia said.

"Who confessed? And did he say why he did it?" Mike asked.

"Devon Thomas confessed. He said he was jealous of your relationship with your husband and wanted a taste of what you have. His own words. Not sure about the others yet." Ray shook his head and sighed. "We'll probably have some more questions and have you make positive ids sometime tomorrow. All stuff you can do at home. I know how much you'll need your rest. I also wanted to give you this." He pulled a card out of his pocket. "I know you haven't thought about counseling yet but this a great person to see. I've been in this situation and it's not easy to go through."

"Your wife?" Mike asked, looking at the detective's ring. Fin shook his head as he fingered his ring.

"No, my husband. He was kidnapped and raped by an ex-boyfriend he helped to put in jail. This Dr. Lawson-Andrews is awesome. She only works with rape victims and their spouses. She helped us a lot. We might not have gotten married if she hadn't helped. We were a real mess."

"Thanks."

"Here's some advice and I know this will sound so common sense, but when the memories come- talk about them. Don't sit in silence; it'll kill your relationship. By filing charges, you're stepping up where so many men won't. They don't report their rapes. Thanks for being brave. When you get ready, please give her a call." He left as Dr. Bowen was coming back in.

"Here is the prescription list. We've already started him on the emergency protocol meds. The directions are here. The others are painkillers and a mild sedative to help with sleeping. Your muscles will heal better when you're asleep. His HIV testing schedule is here." He pointed to it. "I would like to see him back in three days just to check for infections, see how the stitches are healing and to check the swelling. That's all I have right now. I'm so sorry we had to meet under bad circumstances gentleman. If you have questions, please call me."

It was close to 2 a.m. when the husbands arrived home. Liz and Dale insisted to following them home to make sure everything was okay. Getting the medicine was the longest wait for Ray. The pharmacist couldn't release the meds without a consultation. So Mike and Liz went into the pharmacy while Dale kept Ray company in the car. Ray was visibly tired and falling asleep in the car. It was going to be a difficult task to get him into their apartment.

In the end, Mike was glad Dale hung around. Ray's legs and ankle were in so much pain that he couldn't walk without assistance. They got him into the apartment and led him to the bathroom. Mike thanked Dale and told him that he would call later. Mike thought a shower would be quicker for Ray but seeing as he was having trouble standing; it was out of the question. He started the bath water and Ray asked if they had extra toothbrushes. They did. While Mike left to get pjs, Ray brushed his teeth. The taste of vomit, semen and stomach acids were all over his tongue. Mike entered the bathroom with the clothes to find Ray brushing too hard and stilled his hand.

"Not too hard baby. You'll make your gums bleed. I know you wanna get that nasty taste out." Ray finished and threw away the brush. He rinsed his mouth and was finally starting to feel better. Mike helped him out of the hospital scrubs the nurses found and slowly into the water.

Mike hadn't seen the full extent of Ray's injuries and bruising. Now he was going to have a hard time getting the image from his mind. The hot water was soothing to Ray; the hotter the better. He hoped that the germs and nastiness of his attackers would just burn off his body. He had to call them attackers because friends just didn't do what they did to him. Mike knelt besides the tub, tenderly washing Ray's back. He helped Ray wash the areas that he was too sore to reach.

When the bath was done, Ray sat on the toilet lid while Mike applied the muscle cream. Both were glad that it didn't have a horrible smell. Ray was helped into fresh clean clothes. As he stood, he looked in the mirror at his eye, which was still horribly swollen, and his hair. There were now plugs, missing sections where his hair had to be shaved in order for his wounds to be stitched. He had spent a long time growing his hair into the natural style it was in; not quite an afro, not quite dreads. Mike loved Ray's "ethnic hair" as he called it. But there were too many plugs.

"Can you call Kevin for me please and see if he will make a house call? I can't look at me like this." Mike nodded.

"Yeah, I'll call him." Mike washed his hands form the cream. "Do you want to try sitting in the living room or the bedroom? You have to have food on your stomach before you can take these meds."

"The bedroom. I don't feel like a lot of moving." Mike helped him get comfortable in the bed. This would be the first time that they would use all the fluffy decorative pillows on the bed. "Should I call my parents now or wait?"

"I'd wait and call them later. My dad may have already called them. I'll check the messages later. I'm going to make you some tea and bring you some water. You can read these." Ray was handed the pamphlets that came with his meds so he could read their purposes and possible side effects. A few minutes later Mike returned with a tray that had sandwiches and fruit for them both. Ray was able to eat everything. A hearty appetite was a good sign. Although he would probably wake up super hungry anyway. He took his meds and sipped his tea as his body really began to feel the exhaustion.

The doctor had prescribed the weirdest ice pack either of them had ever seen. It was made to strap on to the side of the head to aid in reducing the swelling. Once it was in place and the tray was taken away, the couple tried to get comfortable in bed. Ray liked to fall asleep on his left side; that was going to be a problem tonight. But he was going to try it anyway. The icepack turned out to be a decent cushion.

Mike is the type of person who liked to make jokes to see people smile. He wanted so much to make their situation lighter; they needed to smile. But there was nothing he could do to ease them out of the hopeless, helpless feeling they had. Before Ray drifted off to sleep, he whispered something to his husband.

"Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for honey?"

"For being there and taking care of me. I know this isn't going to be easy. So I'm thanking you now for those days when I can't. I'm thanking you now for those nights when we'll have trouble sleeping."

"You don't have to thank me baby. It's in my job description as your husband. Sickness and health. I take care of you because I'm supposed to; I vowed that I would. I take care of you because I Iove you."

Ray had managed to find a comfortable spot, leaning slightly on Mike's chest, his arms around him. And whether it was physical exhaustion or the medicine, he was asleep before he knew it. Mike held him in his arms and prayed. He was thankful that Ray was safe, thankful that the attackers and been caught, and thankful for real true friends.