Eff Del

Flights of Angels

Book 2 of Young But Daily Growin'

Chapters 23-27

Chapter 23

To act with courage is deemed to be a virtue because a courageous man is a man who faces life fearlessly. This of course is in conflict with the truth.

Courage is not demonstrated because fear is absent. Courage is displayed when we are filled with fear, but make the conscious decision that something else is more important than that fear. Courage might be considered the most significant of all possible virtues, because without it, it would often be impossible to practice any of the others.

The four of us were laughing as we walked across Deegan's parking lot headed back to the blue BMW. Jack had just taken Sean and me for a wonderful ride along the winding roads through the hills around Joyous Gaurde. With John, silent and smiling as he sat in the 'shotgun' seat, the boy had confidently handled the automobile with ability and skill that belied his age and the short time he'd actually been behind the wheel.

We'd celebrated his first 'run with passengers' by stuffing ourselves on Deegan's wonderful hamburgers, mountains of fries and onion rings and milkshakes.

The conversation was all about Jack, and his grin of pride and accomplishment was the most beautiful thing I'd seen so far today. Not only had he received effusive praise from Sean, John and me over his driving skills, we'd discussed his boxing match tomorrow and his first dance at the Club on Saturday.

I privately relished the fact that, in such a short time, his life had changed so positively and he seemed so genuinely happy. I'd joked with him concerning the proximity of the fight in relationship to the dance;

"You have to try and not take too many punches to the face Rufus. You don't want to look like some palooka when the girls check you out."

"Don't listen to him, Jack," John interjected with a big smile. "A small bruise or cut, especially just at the eyebrow will make you look dangerously attractive. The women will love it!"

We were still joking in that manner as we got back into the car and the blushing, but smiling redhead steered us out of the parking lot and headed us back towards home.

We'd only gone about a quarter of a mile when my cell phone rang. I could see on the display that the call was from Walter. I answered in a hushed tone and we had a very brief guarded conversation. After breaking the connection, I spoke, "Sean and Jack, when we get back to Joyous Gaurde before you guys go up to the classroom with Professor Swaim, I need to speak with you both in my study alright?"

"Sure Dad. Is everything OK?" Jack responded. I noted with satisfaction that he never took his eyes off the road as he answered. John was a wonderful driving instructor.

"We're not in trouble or something' are we Dad?" There was a bit of concern at the edge of Sean's voice.

"No boys. Nothing's wrong, nothing like that. I just need to talk to you that's all."

***

The three of us were sitting in the corner of my study sipping on tall icy glasses of lemonade. It had been Jenny, who'd brought the pitcher and glasses down from the kitchen and I had to resist the temptation to make a comment to her. I knew John was planning on popping the question sometime soon, but I didn't know if she had an inkling he was going to do something so significant.

I smiled to myself as I watched her leave the room, noting that, even though I was completely gay, I had no trouble appreciating how attractive she was. On top of that, though, she was a wonderful sweet person.

After some small talk, I got down to the point. "Boys, I think you know how I've come to think about the 'special training' and the 'contracts' that nest boys have been forced to participate in. Sean, you never had to go through that ordeal because, by the grace of God, we found each other before you were subjected to it. On the other hand, Jack, you of course weren't so lucky. I know a great deal about what you and boys like you have been forced to endure and I've begun the process of bringing about some serious changes in that regard."

I had their attention, especially Jack's.

"You're both aware that something significant and secret has been going on around here for a while now, and while I'm not going to try to confuse you with too much information or talk about things you don't need to really understand yet, everything that is happening is because of You." They were both staring at me with wide opened and slightly worried eyes so I tried to tone things down a bit. I smiled at them as I continued, "Let's just say that having the two of you in my life has convinced me that something has to be done for all of the nest boys. They should ALL have bright futures without the dark prospect of 'contracts' and such terrible things. Do you understand me so far?"

"Only kind of Dad." Sean's face was serious, but he was obviously confused. He wasn't actually aware of the horrific future he had avoided because I'd fallen in love with him and had chosen to make him my Son. His memories and impressions of the nest were, by and large, all happy and pleasant.

"I hadn't started any of that stuff before you brought me home. I only know a little 'cause (of course) we all talked and asked questions and stuff."

Jack, on the other hand, was glassy eyed, almost as if he were on the verge of crying. He knew what I was talking about all too well. "Well, Dad, you certainly know I understand. I've been through it all. I told Doctor Swaim all about it when I first got here and I suspect he's told you a bunch huh?"

I nodded in acknowledgment. I wasn't ready to tell him that I'd read his entire transcript. I didn't know if he'd be comfortable knowing that I knew such intimate information about him. I knew I'd tell him someday, but not now… not when he was so newly happy.

"It was horrible Dad, but, I can't help thinking that if there were no contracts, then I never would have met you. Being here with you and Tadpole makes everything I went through worth it."

I smiled and reached over and squeezed his knee and then, on second thought, I got up, hugged them both tightly to me and kissed them each on the forehead. We shared warm smiles as I sat back down.

"Well then, in simple terms, let me tell you what has happened so far. I have purchased the majority of the shares in the Nestwell-Turnbridge Academy; what you've called the nest all of your life. I know you don't fully understand shares, stocks and what that all means, but putting it simply; I own the nest now or at least enough of it that I call all the shots."

"Director Coleman is gone, as are a lot of the Proctors… mostly the ones who'd been involved in the 'special training'. Commodore Tipton is in charge now, but pretty soon Ricky Flores will take over because the Commodore wants to be through in time to get ready for next year's season of Camp West Wind."

"Doctor Scott will continue to work with Ricky as what we're calling a Curriculum Adviser. Uncle Phil is there helping out as well but, in a couple of weeks, he'll be returning home to Joyous Gaurde. Taylor… Tip… is away on a special assignment, but in a couple of days he'll return to Houston and stay there as Ricky's assistant running the school."

"Effective about a week ago, all 'contracts' were canceled. There are no more contracts; there is no more 'special training'. That's very hard for the clients and the nesters that have been involved with that stuff to understand, but we're working on an alternative kind of 'special training' that will help nest kids get ready for exciting and productive lives without having to put up with all of the sex stuff… all of the abuse they've been subjected to."

Sean of course didn't really understand what I was telling them, but Jack nodded his head affirmatively.

"As you can probably guess, all of the clients and a lot of other people who've been involved in the operation of the nest for a long time are not very happy about these changes and some of them are reacting very badly. I've got to tell you that some of these people, including a few of the ex-proctors have actually kidnapped some of the boys in order to keep them available for contracts."

I could tell from their faces that this news frightened and horrified them. Violence was completely foreign to their nature and their upbringing. To learn that people they'd grown up automatically trusting so implicitly could do such a thing was genuinely shocking to them.

"Just last night Barry and some of our people rescued twenty three of those boys and they're on the way back to the nest. There are four boys still out there and we're working on a plan to get them back. That plan will require the help of one of the boys we rescued last night."

I retrieve a photograph from a folder on my desk. It was a screen shot from last night's secondary rescue and it was a clear picture of the boy Bobby wrapped up in a blanket. I offered it to the boys and asked, "Do you know this boy?

Jack's eyes opened wide.

"Of course I do, that's 'Scooter'. He's a tier lower than me. Mine was the first cock he… I mean I was the first person that he ever gave a blow… I mean he and I did some stuff during special training and… Well yes, I know him."

I knew what he was meaning to say here. I remembered that part of Jack's memoir, and recognized the nest name as being the boy that was assigned to give his very first blow-job to Jack as part of his 'special training'. I further recalled Jack mentioning that he'd taken the boy aside later and given him advice and guidance.

"I know him too a little, Dad," Sean added. I nodded.

"Well, then, I'm going to ask Professor Swaim to make today's school day very short. I'm going to talk to Bobby… I mean 'Scooter' for a while and then, you boys can entertain him until dinner time OK?"

"You mean he's HERE? Here at Joyous Gaurde?"

"Yes, but only for a short time. I'll call for you when I'm through talking to him."

***

The man was named Gary Sellers. It turned out that we knew each other very slightly. I actually didn't recognize him until I heard his name. On the other hand, he recognized me at once.

My Skuggor team had barely given them time to get dressed before whisking them out of their condo and delivering them to Joyous Gaurde in less than three hours. I'd arranged for them to be put in a very nice suite in the guest wing and, while they didn't know it, they were under tight security. They were both quite obviously confused and frightened over the events of the past few hours, but I was informed that they did manage to eventually get some sleep and they had been served a very nice brunch upon awakening.

I entered their rooms and found them sitting together on a couch in the sitting room. Mr. Sellers had his arm around Bobby and they were talking in low earnest voices. They stopped their conversation as they saw me enter the room and it only took a glance to recognize that I instantly had their complete attention. I smiled and tried to look friendly and reassuring.

"I must apologize to both of you for not talking to you longer when you arrived this morning, but I judged you to be fatigued as well as under stress. In that regard, I must also apologize for the anxiety, but I'm hoping everything that has happened will be adequately explained and that you'll understand what is going on."

I crossed the room and activated a secret panel in the wall. While it looked like an enormous gilt framed painting of a mountain lake scene, it was actually a pocket door which, when opened, revealed a recessed fully-equipped bar. "I suspect that you could use a drink Mr. Sellers? What's your preference?"

He smiled nervously and replied, "Scotch would be very welcome right now Mr. Tucker."

It became my turn to smile. "You're a man after my own heart, Sir. Single Malt? Glenn Fiddich?" He nodded appreciatively. "Ice?"

"Just two please."

I smiled again. "Water? Soda?"

He fixed me with a scowl that was obviously intended to be humorous. "Don't be a barbarian." His smile was far more natural and comfortable now.

I made an identical drink for myself and then looked to the boy. "And you Bobby, what can I get you to drink?"

The boy turned his gaze from me to the man beside him and it was Mr. Sellers who answered, "When he's with me, I allow Bobby to enjoy a beer, a glass of wine or a weak whiskey and soda."

I nodded and asked the boy, "What would you prefer son?"

"A beer would be nice Sir." I opened the small refrigerator and took out a bottle of Sam Adams Boston Lager and wondered as I poured it into a glass if it might not be too sophisticated for a youngster's taste, but I noticed him smile at Mr. Sellers as I poured.

"Was that just luck, or did you know that's Bobby's favorite beer?"

I grinned and simply answered, "You know what? Some things just turn out the way they're supposed to I think."

After handing the boy his beer, I took my own glass and sat in a chair facing them. I took a slow sip and thought to myself that the single malt certainly tasted so much better now that I wasn't guzzling it as if it were soda-pop anymore.

I settled back into my chair and spoke directly to the man sitting cautiously across from me, "So then Mr. Sellers…"

"It's 'Gary' Mr. Tucker."

I nodded and smiled. "Great, Gary, but then… I'm 'Eric' OK?" He returned my smile and raised his glass in a small salute.

"Gary, why don't you tell me about the two of you? It certainly doesn't appear that you've got a typical 'Client/nest Boy relationship'."

He watched me intently and I realized that he was sizing me up; attempting to determine just how far I could be trusted.

I could see in his eyes the exact moment that he chose to tell me everything.

He took a long pull at his drink and leaned forward and told me the full story of the relationship that existed between the boy and him and how it had come to be. There were heartbreaking similarities between his story and my own and on several occasions I had to fight back the impulse to interrupt him and share my own experiences. I didn't interrupt him though. I just listened and absorbed the information.

Gary had inherited his father's mildly successful electronics manufacturing company on the occasion of his father's death after a prolonged bout with cancer. He was twenty-seven at the time, and had, through skill and creativity, turned that modest enterprise into a major international manufacturer of electronic components. In a mere five years, he had elevated his financial status from fairly comfortable to that of a multimillionaire.

Shortly after taking over the company, he had married his childhood sweetheart and a couple of years after that, their son, Gary Junior, was born.

Gary's life was almost storybook-happy for the next eight years. His business expanded and grew; he and his wife were blissfully in love with each other and with their bright young son. He smiled bitterly as he said, "I might have guessed that the gods don't let anyone stay that happy for too long."

"One night, while I was up in San Francisco on business, Sandy; my wife, returned to our home after dropping little Gary off at a friend's house for a birthday/sleepover party. She surprised a man who was in our home committing a burglary. He'd somehow by-passed or otherwise negated my home security system."

He… he overpowered her and then he…" Gary drained his glass and sat therewith a look of pain on his face that I related to instantly.

I took his empty glass and moved to the bar and refilled it. He accepted the new drink from me almost as if he were in a trance. He blinked his eyes and swallowed hard before I saw life and recognition return to his eyes. His story had, for a moment, forced him to revisit a very wicked place in his life, but he was back now and seemed ready to continue talking.

"Sandy was… she was SUCH a little thing Eric. He could have just grabbed her and tied her up… or locked her in a closet or something. He didn't have to… he BEAT her Eric! He beat her senseless and then he raped her… The coroner couldn't tell me if she was conscious or not when he raped her, but… he didn't do it just once… he did it repeatedly and it was hard and it was brutal. When he had at last finished with my poor little wife, he… he took a knife and cut her throat."

"He didn't have to do ANY of that, Eric… he'd invaded my home to rob me. It was an accident that she came home and interrupted him. He just… he just…"

Gary swallowed hard again and took a long pull at his whiskey. "The police tried to sound reassuring and professional… you know; all that crap, but I knew Eric… I knew that even if they eventually caught him… well, the law doesn't always provide justice.

After the funeral, I left little Gary with my mother and did what I had to do."

I arched an eyebrow quizzically and wiping the back of his hand across his lips, he fixed me in his gaze. "By then, I was rich Eric… oh not rich like you, but I was qualified to call myself a billionaire. He… that slime, that fucking animal… had unleashed something within me that I'd never known existed."

"I had resources that most men in my situation wouldn't have. I made discreet inquiries and slowly, secretly hired the very best men that money could buy."

"It only took them six weeks to locate the son-of-a-bitch and less than twelve hours to grab him. I had him brought to a very remote place that I had access to out in the Arizona desert. Oh fuck, he was cocky and arrogant! When I confronted him, he didn't even flinch. He smiled at me… no he SNEERED at me… and never stopped smiling as he admitted everything!"

"When he got through with his despicable confession, he laughed at me. I remember what he said to me, 'Now cut the crap shit ass. I know my rights. Nothin' I just told you will hold up in a court of law. Untie me and take me back home or I'll sue your fucking ass 'til you won't have a pot to piss in. On second thought, I want to see my lawyer right NOW! You're gonna be so fucking sorry you violated my rights this way you fucking cock-sucking shit ass!' I didn't laugh back, I didn't even smile. I didn't even move.

"I just looked him in the eye and asked, 'What in the hell makes you think that you're in a place where you would have access to a lawyer? And… What in the hell led you to believe that you've got any rights?' It took a minute for that to sink in, but once it did, I could see the terror overtake him."

Gary took another sip and his gaze shifted to Bobby, who was now sitting close against him holding his hand. "The men I'd hired were VERY good Eric… they were professionals… masters of their trade. It took him twenty eight hours to die and believe me, they were twenty eight hours of pure agony."

"He screamed for the first six hours almost nonstop and, God help me, I drank in those screams as if they were a fine wine! Finally, though, he'd screamed himself hoarse… he'd shrieked his throat raw and after that, he only made harsh rasping sounds and pathetic little squeals. Even though he couldn't scream anymore, I could see the excruciating pain in his face. Oh, my guys were so good. Every time he'd pass out, they had him revived in minutes and then, they'd start in on him again."

"By the time he died, he was almost not recognizable as a human being, but he was aware of the pain right up until the moment when I finally allowed my men let him die. That body is out there in the desert where it will never be found. That whole endeavor cost me three million dollars and, to this day, I consider it excellent value for the money."

"When it was over, I returned home, retrieved Gary Jr. from my mother and devoted my time to being the best father I could possibly be to my son."

I realized that I'd literally been holding my breath as he told that part of the story. His glass was empty so I took it and made us each another. I even poured Bobby another beer without giving it a thought.

"Eventually, the love of my little boy helped heal the pain of Sandy's loss and we had a wonderful relationship… a fantastic life. The joy of watching him grow and helping him become a fine young man almost erased the agony of Sandy's murder. He was everything to me and I know he loved me just as much as I loved him."

"He should be a sophomore in college right now, but, those pesky damned gods… or whatever they are… Gary was driving home from a high school dance with his girlfriend… man, they were a cute couple! He and I had a really serious conversation about love, respect and relationships that very evening before he left to pick up his date."

"Seems he really liked this girl and didn't want to do anything to hurt her or make her feel she had to do anything improper. He was really cute. I tried so hard not to laugh as I offered him the best advice I could; even though I knew my Gary could no more hurt another person intentionally, than he could flap his arms and fly."

"I didn't even wait up for him because he was a safe driver; a careful kid, you know? Sensible, levelheaded and good… just plain good."

"It was about four in the morning when the State Police woke me up to tell me that a drunk driver had t-boned Gary's car on the Sky Crest Drive. Both vehicles careened off the road, down a cliff and into the canyon below."

"They were all dead; Gary, his girlfriend and the drunken son-of-a-bitch that hit them. Just like that, my life came to an end. I'd lost everything I'd ever loved. There was nothing left to live for."

"I started drinking hard. By then, my company was practically running itself. I could stay drunk and still continue to get rich… what a fucking deal eh?"

"Eventually I tried to return to life. I dated a few women, but they were either superficial or uninteresting. I tried Call Girls, but that was a completely hollow experience; useless for me. I was empty. I was lost. Then, one evening, an associate suggested that I try something completely different. He explained about the clandestine side of the famous Nestwell-Turnbridge Academy for Boys. He even gave me the URL for their secret WEB site."

"I was probably drunk the first time I signed on, but as I looked at the photos of the boys they were offering as… 'companions', Bobby's sweet young face just jumped out at me."

"I was well known enough in the circles that matter, that I had no problem getting instantly approved. After being added to their client list, I contracted Bobby for a three day weekend."

It turned out that I was only Bobby's second client… some Chinese guy had gotten him first, but that didn't matter to me."

When he said that, I thought of Jack's first contract and the infamous Mr. Chang. It had to be the same person.

"I took Bobby to my ranch up in the mountains and pretty much all we did was talk. Oh, we got naked and cuddled… initially I went along with that because being naked with his 'client' was something Bobby was conditioned to do. So, I allowed it… hell, Eric, I ENJOYED it, but it was simply hugging, touching and we did sleep alongside each other naked… pretty harmless shit when all is said and done, we didn't once… in fact we've NEVER done anything that I'd classify as SEX. That's not the nature of our relationship."

"Bobby's intelligence, his good nature… his sense of humor, somehow brought me back into the living world again Eric. Perhaps we simply needed each other or found something between us that filled a hole in our individual souls. Whatever it was, affection turned to love and I think I can speak for Bobby as well as myself when I tell you that we adore each other."

The teary eyed boy looked up at me and nodded his head in heartfelt agreement.

"I want to share my life with him I want him to be my son… not a replacement for Gary Junior; I want him to be Bobby… but my SON Bobby. I've tried three times to petition the Academy to let me adopt him, but was politely told that adoption is not one of their policies, but that I could book regular contracts which, while not assuring me exclusivity with him, would at least ensure I could be with him anytime I wanted to be… all it took of course, was money. Luckily for both of us, money is not a problem."

Almost absentmindedly, he pulled the boy into a hug and ruffled his thick blonde hair.

"I've tried since then, for us to be together at least once a week, but that hasn't always been possible. Often, he'd been contracted out for extended periods of time and I learned quickly that they have a waiting period between contracts so that the boys can recover from their ordeal."

"The mother fuckers! Do you have any idea what these poor boys go through when they're out on these so called 'contracts'? Bobby has told me about them… what this poor kid has had to put up with from some of those men… It's… well… thank god when he's with me, he gets to be just a boy… a boy who is loved and respected and not required to… to…"

His eyes were teary and he was having a hard time speaking. I noticed that Bobby was silently crying as he leaned against the man. It was evident that they were seeking mutual comfort through their physical closeness.

"Then, last week, I pulled up the WEB site to contract for Bobby and, to my horror, I saw that instead of the expected gallery of available boys, there was a simple message saying something to the effect that the services formerly offered on this site are no longer available."

"I felt like I'd stopped breathing. For a moment, I thought I was having a heart attack. I gathered my wits and located the actual telephone number for the Academy. A polite, but firm man explained that 'certain practices' formerly conducted by the school had been permanently discontinued. I was frantic and I suspect a bit rude to the guy on the other end of the phone, but somehow, my sincerity must have been obvious because the young man made an appointment for me to fly to Houston and meet with the new Director of the Academy, a Mr. Tipton. That appointment will be for next Thursday."

"I figured at that point keeping the appointment was the best thing I could do and I hoped the fact that I couldn't contract Bobby out also meant that NO ONE could contract him out."

"Then, the very next day, I received a telephone call from a man who identified himself as Martin Longstreet. He explained that he knew about my fondness for Bobby's 'company'. Eric, the way the man said 'company' made it sound slimy and dirty. In any event, he explained that Bobby was no longer associated with the Academy, but was still available for contract. If I was interested, the new situation was going to be that I could arrange for 'visits' which would take place in very private, very comfortable cabins on a secluded estate in Montana. He wanted to know if that sounded like something that would be satisfactory to me and if so, would I like to make arrangements to meet with Bobby."

"I became distraught and enraged at the same time. I explained to this Mr. Longstreet that I had a unique relationship with Bobby and I wanted to see him at once. I told him that money was no object and that, after speaking with the boy, if everything he'd just told me seemed legitimate, then we could discuss arrangements for regular 'visitations' at the resort in Montana."

"This Longstreet fellow said that for me to meet with Bobby off the estate (especially so early in the formation of their new organization) was going to be very expensive. He threw out a number and he was right; it was DAMNED expensive. I didn't care. I accepted his terms and we arranged for Bobby to be delivered to a condo I owned where we could be together for a week and discuss the latest situation. The condo was private and… Well shit… I don't need to tell you. That's where your people found us."

He sighed deeply and then looked into my eyes. "So… that's MY story Eric. What's yours? What the hell is this cloak and dagger stuff, including your kidnapping Bobby and me all about?"

I nodded and handed him my now empty tumbler. "Fair enough Gary, it's your turn to play the bar tender and I'll talk."

He smiled agreeably and I proceeded to tell him of the tragic accident that took my family from me, my ensuing three years of drunken madness and the wonderful circumstances that led to my finding Sean and how he had saved me and changed my life.

Initially, I was going to start off by presenting the manufactured story of my mother and Sean's grandmother that Barry had so skillfully concocted, but something about him and his narrative made me want to share my information honestly and un-garnished.

As I finished, the similarities in our stories obviously touched him deeply.

"How was it Eric, that you were able to circumvent all of the Academy rules and regulations and eventually adopt Sean?" I smiled gently because I knew that deep inside he was not just curious, he was angry.

"In the first place, Gary, you're very rich, but you're not even remotely 'Tucker Rich'. In the second place, I was able to by-pass the director and all of the rules because I had a personal relationship with the chief stockholder and chairman of the board of the school. You know the old saying, 'It's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know'. That essentially sums up how I was how to adopt Sean and now, with-in a week or so, Jack as well."

Gary was looking at me with an almost fiery intensity. "Do you think I might be able to persuade you to intervene with your friend on behalf of Bobby and me?"

"I would have been happy to do so Gary, but that would no longer be advantageous for you. Bernard Turnbridge is no longer associated with the Academy. There is a new chief stockholder who pretty much decides what will or will not happen."

He looked crestfallen at this news. "You don't happen to know this new man do you?"

"Oh, indeed I do. I know him intimately."

He looked both curious and hopeful at the same time.

"So you know him well then?"

I had to chuckle a bit as I answered, "I certainly hope so Gary. He's me. I'm him."

The poor man didn't know whether to be hopeful or devastated.

Rather than leaving him in a complete state of confusion, I related my feelings about the child prostitution aspect of the nest and what I'd done and intended to do in that regard. I explained about the financial and physical takeover of the school. I told him about the resultant kidnappings and last night's subsequent rescue missions.

While I didn't go into great detail regarding the Skuggor, I did imply that I had a quasi-military group at my disposal and I think he understood that well enough based upon his experience last night.

"I always knew that making this change in the school policy and denying some of these people access to a fresh supply of compliant boys might turn into an ugly situation, but these people seem to have been prepared for this contingency."

"I'm certain they were taken by surprise by last night's rescue of the twenty-two boys from Atiu and that's going to put a major damper in their future plans. Today, those boys will be back on the Academy campus and they'll be safe. The computer system is now completely under our control and the school is well protected by my own security teams."

"They still have four boys at the Montana Ranch… five if you count Bobby." I looked pointedly at both of them. "Those boys will no doubt be used to raise funds for their new child prostitution ring while at the same time being utilized in training any new boys that they acquired from God knows where. The men providing the muscle for this operation… especially your Mr. Martin Longstreet are ruthless but skilled and dangerous."

"We know that the security provisions around the ranch are very hi tech and the layout of the place has been very well designed. Gary, they've been planning for this possible turn of events for quite some time. They obviously intend to create a 'service' such as the nest used to offer without any of the benefits the school provided for the boys. This will be child prostitution at its sleaziest and worst. I need to stop them before they can get any further and I've got to recover those four boys."

Gary had mixed two fresh drinks and I paused in my narrative to take a sip. I leaned back in my chair and looked at the two of them. They were nervous and agitated. It was obvious that they were wondering what they had to do with what I'd just told them.

"What we know about the Montana compound so far is that it has been extremely well designed. Security is absolutely first rate. There's nothing there that my people cannot override of course, but speed and efficiency will be paramount. I greatly fear that if we don't retrieve all of the boys quickly and together, then, we may not get a second chance at these people."

"From what we can determine, the boys are never kept together for too long. Is that right Bobby?"

He was looking at me in an anxious but helpful manner. "I was only there for a couple of days Mr. Tucker, but you're right. They pretty much kept us in groups of two or three. They didn't do anything scary or nothing like that. In fact, it was pretty much fun. They said it was an adventure and a new part of our special training. We were all together at night and for meals. We ate and slept in the loft of the big ranch house. It was kind of neat, actually, and they told us that soon we'd be learning to ride horses and stuff just like in the Western movies."

"That's what we gathered from our observations. The big house is on top of a hill and it commands an unobstructed view of the surrounding property. That building has its own secondary and highly sophisticated radar system. My people have very tiny drones that normally we could fly remotely into the building and render the inhabitants temporarily unconscious. The problem is that regardless of the fact that they are very small, they could be detected by radar."

"Since, thanks to the Atiu raid, Longstreet and his people are now alerted to the fact that someone is after them, they'll be watching out for any anomaly and even a tiny blip on their radar may alert them into some defensive action. These are not stupid people and we believe they're using state of the art Chinese technology."

"I'm pretty certain that the entire operation is financed and, perhaps, masterminded by a gentleman named Chao 'Charles' Chang. I suspect he was Bobby's first 'client', he was certainly Jack's first and, for the past few years at least, was probably every boy's first."

"He is a sort of 'Ambassador at Large' and is very wealthy. We're only just now beginning to investigate just how extensive his reach is into the former nest organization and child prostitution in general."

Bobby was nodding his head in agreement. "That's right Mr. Tucker! That was his name. I had to call him 'Mr. Chang' and I know from talking to the other guys, he was the first client for most of them."

I nodded and then continued, "Due to their extensive security and the tight control they have on these boys, our only way to be certain of a complete rescue depends upon complete surprise. If we tried an overland assault, they'd see us coming for miles and their radar is the best there is. We'll probably have to try taking them down initially with 'shadow flies'… that's what we call our little drones… but if they detect them coming in, the whole operation may be blown and by the time we'd be able to react, some or all of the boys would be gone."

Gary, I don't just want to rescue those boys, I want to capture Longstreet and his men. A perfect situation would include our Ambassador Chang as well."

"Sadly, the only safe way to assure a successful mission would be to plant some of our 'shadow flies' in the main house and around the compound using insiders." I again looked pointedly at both of them. My expression was not lost or ignored.

"What are you getting at Eric? I'm almost afraid to ask." He pulled Bobby closely against him and held him lovingly. There was fear on his face. I believe he knew what I was going to say next.

"Gary, let me be just as honest with you as you have been with me. You've been through a great deal in your life and you've suffered the worst kind of loss and pain a man can be expected to endure. You now know that I understand what you've gone through because to a large extent, I share your experiences."

"Although, on paper Longstreet and his crew have legal custody of Bobby, I can have that changed in a matter of minutes. After I bring him back into the custodial care of the Academy, I would then have the legal right to open the way for a smooth and quick adoption. Just say the word and I'll begin those proceedings and in a matter of a month, you'll be father and son and you'll never have to think about any of this again."

"You'd do that for us?"

"In a New York minute Gary. It would be a great pleasure."

"Eric, I sense a 'but' in there somewhere," he said and I nodded grimly.

"Gary, there are still four boys on that ranch in Montana. Four boys that no more deserve the life that's in store for them than Bobby does. Some inside help could really stack the cards in our favor. They don't know that you were brought here last night… my people are VERY efficient."

"If you were willing to let them take Bobby back to their compound at the end of the week as per your initial agreement, while at the same time, you arranged a visit to the ranch for yourself in order to spend more time with him in one of their cabins, we could equip you each with a couple of unique pieces of 'jewelry' that contained some of our remote control devices."

"We'd instruct you both in how to deploy them and where to do so and you'd have a small device that could signal us when the placement was complete. We'd do the rest and in a couple of hours we should have a successful mission."

"It sounds simple I know, but there are risks. These are ruthless, intelligent predators. From their point of view, arrest and prosecution would be a horrible situation. They have absolutely no idea of the far worse alternative I've got in mind for them. They wouldn't treat you kindly if you were detected, Gary."

"There are no strings attached to my earlier offer. Just say the word and I'll do everything that is required to smooth the way allowing you to adopt Bobby and you'll never hear from me again. Or, you can both bravely agree to help me in my intention to rescue the other boys and hopefully put an end to this despicable group of men for good."

"You can get on the bus or stand on the curb. Either way, I'm driving to my destination."

I stood up and squeezed them each on the shoulder. "I'll leave you alone to talk about it. It's a big choice I know and it would certainly be a difficult decision for me to make if I were in your shoes. I'll respect whatever you decide to do."

I turned to leave them, but I never even reached the door.

"Wait Eric! You don't need to give us time to talk. We both know that there's only one thing we can do if we expect to ever have a life together with shared self-respect. Whatever you need us to do, we're ready for it."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I was speechless. I did the only thing I was capable of doing at the moment; I wrapped my arms around them both and hugged them tightly for what seemed like a half an hour.

***

After calling for Jack and Sean, Gary and I both enjoyed watching the happy reunion of 'Rufus', 'Tadpole' and 'Scooter'. Eventually, Sean and Jack loaded our guests onto the 'Red Kitty' and took off for a tour of the estate as only Sean could provide.

I got together with Walter and Barry and put things in motion so that Gary and Bobby could be secretly returned to their condo tomorrow night. While my boys didn't understand why their friend's visit was going to be so short, they also now had some idea that secret things were going on and they didn't pry.

When Sean pulled his golf cart back into the car park and plugged it in, he suggested that everyone head off to the pool for the rest of the afternoon. Regardless of the fact that it was early October, it was still quite warm and it was very pleasant weather. I did think to myself though, that soon we'd be closing down the outdoor pool and begin using the one inside.

Bobby of course, had the expected reaction, "But, I don't have a bathing suit!"

"It's ok, Scooter. We don't usually wear swim suits here." Sean wasted no time in cutting to the chase.

Bobby looked a bit bewildered but Gary smiled broadly and said, "Great! There's nothing more wonderful than skinny dipping. Whenever I'm in San Diego, I make it a point to spend at least one afternoon at Black's Beach even though the goat trail leading down the cliff can be quite a workout. Once we're together full-time Bobby, I'm putting a pool in at our house and we'll be doing just what these guys do. You'll love it."

In the pool house we all stripped down and I noted that though he was at least ten years older than me, Gary had a wonderful body and kept himself in very good shape. There was small wonder why he enjoyed clothing optional beaches and swimming nude; he had nothing to feel embarrassed about. I thought to myself that it was a damned shame that he seemed to be essentially straight. I would have been quite interested in exploring a relationship with him.

Bobby was like every nest boy I'd encountered so far… beautiful.

His thick blond hair hung down the nape or his neck and his dark eyes were shaded by equally dark lashes that were all the more striking due to his light eyebrows.

He was built sturdier than either Sean or Jack. He had sturdy, broad shoulders and the long muscles of his arms and legs were strong but not over-developed. He cock hung limp below a healthy bush of dark pubic hair which contrasted nicely with the blond hair on his head. The rest of his body was essentially smooth with the expected light down on his arms and legs.

If he had been shy initially over the idea of swimming naked in a pool with other people, he certainly got over it quickly.

After horsing around for about a half an hour, the boys talked us into a game of water polo. Regardless of the fact that Gary and I fought valiantly to keep the score close, youth triumphed this time and in the end we were beaten by five points.

As Gary and I sat together in the library sipping on before-dinner drinks, the three boys were huddled together in the far corner talking softly but enthusiastically. Occasionally, they'd glance over at us and there would be a stifled giggle.

I leaned over and whispered to Gary, "Don't look now, but I think those there are up to something."

He smiled and nodded his head. "I don't care what it is Eric. I could die happy right now."

"For chrizzakes, don't think about doing that Gary!"

He laughed and replied, "No, no! I just mean that it's been a long time since I've felt so comfortable and so human and Eric, I've never seen Bobby laugh like this. This is all I want for him. He deserves to be happy like this. I can afford to give him the best of everything but… as tempting as it is to take this happiness and run… we've got to do our part in rescuing those other boys and in ending this horror. Do you believe in God Eric?" I shook my head.

"Well then what about fate? Kismet? Destiny?"

"Gary, I don't really believe in much stuff like that. I do believe in the human spirit and the inherent kindness of the human heart. I guess that I've always believed… or hoped at least… that good always triumphs over evil. More than that… I don't know."

"Well, don't worry. I've got faith enough for both of us despite everything that I've lost in my life. I believe in a God that loves us and has a plan for us."

I shook my head in quiet surprise. "I don't know how someone like you, with everything that's happened to you, can think that way. If there was really a God, how could he let you suffer everything you've endured? Why does He allow the world to be so full of horror and cruelty? "

He grinned and reached over and patted my knee. "See, here's how I look at it; He loves us so much that he gave us a gift that he didn't give any of his other creations. He gave us free will. He's got a plan for each of us but that plan is not a railroad track and we're not choo-choo trains. We can leave the track, we can blaze our own way and do whatever we damn well please. That's our right and He understands but, every so often, he gives us a nudge back in the right direction and, if we pay attention to that nudge, we're going to be all right."

"Bringing us together was that kind of nudge Eric. I won't pretend I'm not frightened, but I feel this is the right way to be moving. I felt that as soon as you laid it out for me."

"This is supposed to happen Eric."

***

Martha has an instinct about food that never ceases to amaze me despite the fact that, by now I should just take it for granted. Dinner was heaping platters of her buttermilk fried chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans with baby carrots with a side wedge of iceberg lettuce covered with her own creamy dressing.

Gary and I shared a very nice bottle of sauvignon blanc from a small winery in Modesto that I owned stock in. The two older boys each had beer while Sean was very happy with his root beer.

As we were finishing our desert of pots-du-crème, Sean announced, "Soon as we're done here, we're going down to the music room. When you guys are finished with your coffee, come down… you too Mrs. Edwards, you come too please."

***

After Jack had arrived and I'd learned that he was an accomplished violinist, I'd taken him to the music room and opened the climate controlled cabinet that contained my Grandfather's violin. I only had vague childhood memories of his playing but I'd been told that he was so accomplished that he'd often give concerts for charity and had been invited to sit in and play with orchestras all over the world.

It had been Pa Pop who had the music room designed and it was he who'd started the tradition that every child in the family had to play a musical instrument. My father had been more than proficient on the saxophone. Mine had been the piano and Kyle's had been the guitar. My mother had played the flute and when I was young, she and I would entertain family and guests with our duets.

My grandfather's violin was a Bergonzi manufactured in 1738. Carlo Bergonzi had been apprenticed to Antonio Stradivari as a youth and is generally considered the Master's greatest pupil.

Many great violinists… Paganini being not the least of these… actually preferred Bergonzi instruments to those of Stradivari. My grandfather was one of these, and though he most likely could have afforded a Stradivarius, he'd located and acquired a Bergonzi.

When I'd first placed it in Jack's hands, he'd trembled. He knew more about the value and greatness of the instrument than I did. He'd gently tucked it under his chin and drawn the bow across the strings and, within fifteen minutes, I'd realized the little violin was in competent and safe hands. I'd asked Jack several times if he wanted to pursue advanced lessons and every time, he'd avoided the question. I suspected that he was still overwhelmed by his new life and wasn't yet ready to commit to anything that felt permanent… at least until his life did as well.

I understood that and had decided to allow him to adjust at his own pace.

Jack greeted us at the door to the music room. Bobby was seated at the piano and Sean, guitar in hand, was seated near the Steinway.

After we were seated Jack explained, "Tadpole, Scooter and I would get together sometimes and we'd fool around with some of the music. Proctor Maestro and most of the kids seemed to like it. I hope you do too."

He nodded and I could see the three of them do a silent 'three count'. After a shared chord, Sean began with his little fingers flying up and down the neck of the old Martin guitar.

I recognized immediately that he was skillfully playing the Bach E-major Prelude. I was marveling at how he accomplished the quick staccato notes. These would be hard enough on a piano… to my mind they should be unattainable on a guitar. Shortly, Jack and Bobby joined in and I realized that this was no classical rendition but rather, a very contemporary re-working of the piece that they had obviously contrived upon their own.

The lead was tossed in a seemingly random fashion between them as they each, in turn, took up Bach's driving, maddening rise and fall of notes. As each boy, in turn, toyed with the actual melody, the other two provided a very non-conventional, but appropriate, backup to the piece. It was very pops in feeling and just when I thought I'd gotten it figured out, they slid smoothly from the fugue-like prelude into a slow almost one chord rest before Jack, grinning like a little wild man, called out, "Freude, schöner Götterfunken!" and the three of them launched into an enthusiastic rendition of the final movement of Beethoven's ninth… most commonly known as; "Ode to Joy".

The boys played with this music in such a fun original fashion… tossing the lead amongst themselves and interspersing it with strange contemporary interludes until, suddenly, the music stopped.

Sean jumped to his feet and, with both arms thrust into the air, he shouted, "One, two three…" And he slashed a plectrum down across the strings of the guitar and his two fellow musicians immediately joined in a clashing rock and roll chord:

As I was motivatin' over da hill
I saw Mabellene in a Coupe de Ville
Cadillac rollin' on the open road
Ain't nuthin out runnin' my V-8 Ford…

The transition was smooth and musically hilarious. The idea of a Chuck Berry song performed by what, just seconds before was a classical music trio, was astonishing and wonderful. By the time they had finished, we were stomping our feet and clapping our hands in delighted enthusiastic appreciation.

Gary had tears in his eyes as he looked to me. "Bobby has mentioned that he played the piano, but I never had any idea that he was this talented… These boys should be professional entertainers! My God Eric, this has proved to be a most wonderful day!"

The boys played us two more pieces and then it was time for bed. I urged them to say goodnight and good bye to Gary and Bobby. "They'll be leaving tomorrow. They have to spend some time with Walter and Barry before they leave, though."

"Don't worry guys, they'll be back and, if everything goes as we've planned, the next time we get together. Scooter will be 'Bobby Sellers' just as Jack will be 'Jack Tucker'."

I wasn't all that surprised that night when I found two naked boys under my comforter. I'm not sure how much information they'd exchanged with Bobby, but they were very subdued but very affectionate. Four little hands were all over me as we cuddled and whispered silly words of endearment. The touching was far more important than the words right now. I slowly took the time to explore them each individually. As I did so, the other one kissed and caressed my bod. The shared touching was every bit as loving as it was erotic and eventually we fell asleep in a tangle of flesh.

In the almost dark of the bedroom, I felt as though I could sense the warm glow of love shimmering above the bed. But of course, that could have simply been an illusion created by the onslaught of sleep.

***

I was with Gary and Bobby as Walter and Barry instructed them on how to extract the remote devices from the pendants, rings and wrist bracelets we'd created for them. While in place in the silver jewelry, the little drones looked like perfect little onyx studs but when properly removed, they would become fully functional 'shadow flies'.

After they had become proficient in manipulating the little devices, we spent time reviewing maps of the Montana compound and determining strategic places to leave the little machines.

"Exact placement won't be critical," Walter had advised them. "Just leave them in the approximate locations and, once we activate them, we can place them right where we want them."

By late afternoon, they were ready to be delivered back to the condo we'd snatched them from. The same team of Skuggor who'd brought them was going to return them via clandestine means so we said our goodbyes on the front stairway.

We'd barely known each other for forty eight hours, but my heart felt as though I was sending part of my family into danger.

In the end, it was Gary who comforted me, "I couldn't help but notice the inscription on the mantle of the fireplace in your library Eric. 'Noli Timere'… I'm a bit of a classics scholar so I know that it means; 'don't be afraid' in Latin. That's good advice at the best of times don't you think?"

When they were gone, I walked back into the house.

Tonight, Jack had a fight and then tomorrow he was going to his first co-ed social event. On Monday, Walter had his first chemo treatment and about the same time, if everything went as planned, Gary and Bobby would be placing shadow flies strategically around the Montana ranch compound.

I looked up towards heaven or whatever was up there. "Dad, how come I can't think of any of your words of wisdom right now? Am I doing the right thing or am I just screwing up badly? "

I'd no sooner had that thought, than a sudden beam of sunlight streaming through the window caught a bit of crystal in the chandelier. Through a complete set of unique circumstances, it reflected a large bright rainbow right on the floor at my feet.

What a strangely random coincidence! I thought to myself and then I remembered Gary's conversation yesterday. "Thanks Dad. I needed that right now. "

I smiled and walked towards the kitchen to find out what Martha might have for my lunch.

Chapter 24

We were sitting across from each other in old comfortable leather chairs in the library. He was still wearing his grey Deer Run Club blazer though his blue and red tie was loose and very askew. He wore a typical goofy Jack grin as he sipped his beer and his handsome face was aglow with pleasure.

He flushed into a magnificent blush as he quietly confided that at different times during the dance he had sneaked off with Alicia and later Amanda, to make out in one of the dark corridors of the big club house. It was almost as if slowly but certainly, he was shedding the reptilian skin of his past existence and was emerging as a wonderful happy boy of sixteen. The truth of course, was that aside from the enforced homosexual conditioning of his nest 'special training', he was actually quite innocent.

I was pleased and proud as he sat with me and told me of his evening. "Amanda said that I was so sexy, I made her pants wet. What's that mean Dad?"

It was an honest question because, being raised in the nest, Jack had very little understanding about girls and was just beginning to understand the existence of heterosexual relationships in general.

"Well Jack, I think that was her way of saying that she likes you a lot,"I smiled and hid my grin by taking a sip from my beer.

"Know what Dad? John was right. All the girls made a huge deal over the bruise on my left eye-brow."

I chuckled as I reflected on our conversation yesterday. I had urged Jack to protect his face and John had implied that a bruise or a cut would in effect make Jack appear sexy to the girls at the dance.

Jack had won his fight last night although it had taken him all three rounds and a judge's decision to do so and the husky African-American boy he had fought had landed two strong punches to his face. Had it not been so violent, it would have been almost cute to watch Jack's reaction. He was almost surprised anytime an opponent landed a good punch and thus the other boy's two quick shots to the face had actually startled him.

He had reacted quickly though, and soon had the kid against the ropes and was punishing him with body blows when the final bell rang.

Richard was still overseeing the confinement of the captured outriders within the confines of 'Slida av Stall 4' but, he'd teleconferenced us in order to congratulate Jack. Walter had apparently called him and told him all about the bout and it seemed that Jack and Richard had a big brother/little brother relationship going on, though Richard never mentioned it to me.

We had planned to spend Saturday in a lazy manner. While Jack was out on his driving lesson with John, Sean and I had taken the Red Kitty out to the far end of the property to see how the construction was going on. This newly acquired real estate was originally going to be the site of high-end condominiums. After I had purchased the land, I'd decided to allow the construction to continue in that manner because I felt that, over time, I would certainly need quality living arrangements for key employees.

I'd realized pretty early on that I was unlike my father in this regard. I felt a need to keep my important people close to me… almost like a family while my father had (as a rule) kept them distant and apart from his personal life. He had exceptions to this, of course, specifically, Walter, Uncle Phil, Martha and, to a certain extent, John.

I'd noted that the gate between the new property and the original boundary of Joyous Gaurde seemed a bit flimsy but I did not give it that much thought because, in a few more months, the expanded perimeter wall would enclose all of the new property into the estate.

As I walked around examining the construction, I felt Sean closely at my side. At first, he didn't say anything but I could tell from his clingy behavior that something was on his mind.

I found a large boulder that looked comfortable enough to sit upon and I pulled him up onto my lap. He cuddled up against me and buried his face into my chest. I gently stroked his back feeling the vertebrae of his spine through the material of his polo shirt.

As I ran my fingers through his thick black hair, I heard him emit an almost silent little squeak and his chest heaved ever so slightly. All of the nest boys were enigmatic because, while being unnaturally experienced and skillful in carnal matters, they were almost childlike in normal social and emotional development. I'd often considered that Jack, for example was in many ways, sixteen going on fourteen.

Sean was even more of a conundrum. I had removed him from the nest before he had been exposed to all of the sexual training and abuse and therefore, he was a remarkable innocent. He was wise beyond his years so far as knowledge of facts went, and he was certainly a remarkably athletic and highly competitive boy.

He had a heart and a capacity to love that was astonishing but he was truly pure… like an angel fallen from heaven, he had no concept of malice or spite or jealousy. Even the horrible kidnapping he'd been subjected to up north was really something he'd been unconscious through and, therefore, was a very vague memory to him.

He presented himself as so mature and well-rounded that it was easy even for me to forget that though he was twelve, in many ways, he was more like an eight-year-old. At this particular moment, I sensed the eight-year-old was surfacing.

I grasped him and gently pulled him up so that he was looking directly into my eyes. His were glassy, shimmering in the subdued light we had in the shade of the tall live oak tree we were sitting under. "I'm so bad Eric… Dad. Sometimes I wish it was like it was when all you were thinking about was me. We didn't even have our whole year contract together an' sometimes…"

He was trying so hard not to cry and as he snuggled tightly against me he let out a series of little hiccups and squeaks. "I know how bad it is to think like this but I can't help it. I miss when it was just you an' me Eric and not alla the kids in the world. I'm so bad, so selfish to think like that I know but, I do sometimes Eric… I just do."

I hugged him tightly against me and ran my hand through his jet-black hair. "Oh, Sean, I know… I understand so well and I miss those times too, but, can you understand why everything is happening? Can you understand why I am doing what I'm doing?"

"It all arises from my love for you. It's all about how much I love you and everything that you've taught me about love. Before you, Sean, I had lost that entire concept from my life… I agree that it was so much simpler and so sweet when it was just you and me but Sean… my little man… our love has made everything since then necessary… made everything important. It was you my little love… it was all you that made everything that is about happen even possible."

I put my hand on his chin and raised him so that he was looking straight at me. "Sean, I will never love anything in this world more than I love you. You are my angel… you are the one who saved my life. As you get older, you'll understand all that, but until you do, just believe that to me, there is nothing more important… more loved… than you."

His body softened as he clung to me and after a short while, he asked in a soft gentle tone, "Could we maybe… sometimes… go some places together just you an' me? Could we maybe just do a few things together just sometime?"

I held him against me and took a deep breath. "My sweet Sean. Sometimes you are so good and so wise that I make the mistake of forgetting that you're still just a little boy. You have kind of been getting the short end of the stick these past few weeks and I'm so sorry about that. You're not unhappy that we're going to adopt Jack are you?"

"Oh, no Dad! If I could have had a wish after you adopted me, it would have been that you would find Jack and make him part of our family. An' then you surprised me 'cause you'd already found Jack."

"No, it's nothing' like that, it's just that I miss OUR time a whole lot. I'm just so selfish."

"No, you are not Sean and we're going to fix this situation. Now, starting Monday, Walter has some important stuff to do with his doctor and at the same time, there's some critical stuff happening with my secret project that you don't know about." I tickled his ribs as I said this and he giggled and squirmed on my lap. We both knew that he understood what I wa salluding to.

"Of course, in another week there's soccer try-outs and it will be your turn back in the spotlight… but I know that's not what you're talking about. I've got to hope you can be patient for one more week. If everything goes according to plans, we are going to the courthouse to adopt Jack into our family next Friday. We will not be having a big party as I gave you for a few reasons; mostly because Jack does not yet know as many people as you did, but we WILL be going out to dinner and having a celebration amongst our Joyous Gaurde family."

"After all of that is finished, you and I are going to spend a week together doing some just 'Sean and Eric' stuff. OK?"

He sniffled a little and gave me a tight little hug. "Thanks Eric… Dad. Uhhm, can I sleep with you in our bed tonight?'

"Sean, you're always welcome to sleep with me little man, in fact, I actually miss you in bed with me a lot. You're the best cuddler I've ever known." That caused him to raise his face and flash me a 'Sean smile'.

"So, today, how about you and me go to a movie or something?"

"Nah, I'd rather do something more special… how about we go for a hike together… maybe up to the top of Hawkes Hill and we could go into the cave? I told you, I think I was there with Kyle. I'd like to see it again with you Dad, before you get too old to hike up there."

He flashed me an evil version of a 'Sean Smile' and burst out into an almost uncontrollable fit of giggles. I didn't help the situation as I tickled his ribs in retaliation for that 'old' comment. When I'd finally let him go. He dropped to the ground breathing heavily and totally exhausted from the ordeal. He was none-the less smiling and I knew that 'WE' were all right.

***

I had to hunch over as we entered the enclosure that Kyle and I had named 'the cave'. It seemed essentially unchanged since Sean and I had been here those many months ago when he was still 'out on contract to me'.

I was curious as to why he'd been so insistent that we hike up here. I knew that, while in his chemically induced coma during his kidnapping, he somehow believed that he had met and interacted with my dead brother Kyle.

Sean insisted that it was Kyle, who had more or less stopped him from following the path to the light, which I interpreted as meaning death. Before the time was right for him to go down the path back to me, the two of them had sat around the fire pit laughing and talking.

Then and now, I was ready to believe anything. Far too many miracles had happened in my life since Sean had entered it for me to doubt anything.

Sean fussed over the fire pit and seemed a bit exasperated by not finding anything. Finally, he sat down on one of the log benches with his chin in his hands. After a few moments, he looked up at me. "Dad, if this was just a dream, then that's OK. But somehow, in my heart, I know it was real."

"Sean, just because you can't find physical proof of something, doesn't mean it's not real son… three are all kinds of 'real'. Baby boy, even if it's only in your mind, it's still there. Honest, I believe everything you've told me."

He gave me a cute little puzzled look and then… suddenly… he seemed to freeze like stone. "T-there… Did you feel it?"

And I did. I felt it just as surely as I'd ever felt anything in my life. It was a distinct warm loving kiss planted firmly upon my lips. My fingers flew to the spot and I could see that Sean was touching his own mouth in wonderment.

"What… What in the hell?" I fell down flat upon my ass and sat there completely bewildered. Sean was still sitting on the other side of the fire pit looking at me with those wide beautiful eyes. "Kyle! It was Kyle did it," Sean said without a trace of humor. "He wanted us both to know he remembers and that he loves us! You see, it WAS real… he just kissed you too didn't he Dad?" He was looking at me with a very serious expression on his face and his eyes were glassy. He got up and walked around the fire ring and was standing looking down at me.

"See, Dad? I told you. I really was here with Kyle the whole time. You believe me now right?"

I reached up and pulled him down to me. I wrapped my arms around him and I rocked us slowly as I felt the tears dripping down my cheeks. "Of course I believe you Sean. I always believed you but THIS… I don't know how to explain other than to accept it for what it is. You are a very special little boy, Sean, and so was Kyle. I knew from the first moment I laid eyes on you that you two would have hit it off and had a special relationship. It seems like you managed to make that happen despite the fact that everything I know about the world makes that completely impossible."

"The other night, Gary… Mr. Sellers… was trying to explain to me that he believed in a world where anything was possible if you just listen and believe. I just never… I just couldn't… I…"

The violent sobbing washed over me like a tidal wave… sudden and completely unstoppable. I hugged my little boy tightly as I rocked back and forth howling like a lost and empty soul. Through it all though, I knew that I wasn't crying out of actual grief, it was more like I was emptying myself of dark, bad, useless baggage so that I could then be refilled with lighter more positive things. In some minor and undeserved manner, I felt as though I was experiencing an epiphany.

Sean sat with me wordlessly and uncomplaining for I do not know how long. Eventually, I stood up raising the boy with me as well. I looked down into his wet blue/green eyes; he had been weeping along with me it seemed.

"Sean, I… I'm so sorry little man. I don't know what came over me."

He rewarded me with a magnificent 'Sean smile' as he reached up and flicked away a residual tear from my cheek. "It's OK. Even big tough Dads are allowed to cry sometime you know."

I had no words. I ruffled his hair, took his hand as we left the cave, and walked back down the path to Sean's 'Red Kitty'. "We have to come back here more often Sean. This has become a place for real love."

***

We were all sitting on the patio by the wildflower garden. John had announced Martha was getting the evening off, and that everyone was invited to a barbeque hosted by Jenny and him.

John was manning the barbeque and the ribs were sizzling slowly over the very low heat. The aroma was driving my two little boys crazy. They kept sidling up to John who, without an iota of mercy, shooed them away.

"They'll be done when they're done!" he'd exclaimed waving a long set of tongs at the retreating young men. Jack had attempted a feeble protest and received stern marching orders as his reward. "Jack, you get your butt inside and see if Jenny needs some help with the potato salad and the beans."

Sean had been wiser in his own plans and had sat down next to Walter, who was quietly enjoying his whiskey. "Dad said you got a port installed today Walter. What's that?"

"It's something the doctors install so that when I go for my chemotherapy, they just plug in a tube and don't have to stick needles in me all of the time." He unbuttoned his garish Hawaiian shirt and pulled it opened to show the appliance to Sean.

"See here? This little lump on my chest with the little hole is the port. It was minor surgery because, inside me, this little guy is connected to a big vein so the medicine gets right into my bloodstream. Monday, I'm getting my first dose of chemo and I can't wait to see how well this works. They say that I just sit down in a comfortable chair and they plug me right in."

"You know Sean; I always figured that the day was going to come when people would just be plugged in for whatever they needed, I just didn't expect to be around to see it. I asked my doctor if I could plug my iPhone into the port to recharge it but he didn't find that very funny."

He took a sip of his drink and turned in my direction, "I'm certain that I'll handle the chemo just fine Eric, but, just in case, Richard is flying in tonight. Our 'guests' are currently getting used to their new accommodations in the Steel Cunt… OOPS! Forgive me Martha that was rather crude of me."

She smiled at him and said, "Crude? Why Walter, it's always a wonderful day when I get to learn a new word. You'll have to tell me what it means later." That was as far as she got before she broke out into a fit of giggles that turned her usually rosyred complexion into a dark shade of crimson.

"Sean, are you going to give us the pleasure of singing for us all after dinner?" Doc Swaim had placed a huge hand on the little boy's shoulder.

"Sure Professor. If everybody wants to hear that is"

"Oh, I don't think you should have any doubt about that young man."

Suddenly Jenny was standing at the door and she surveyed us all in one swift eagle-eyed glance. "Chris and Sean, come help Jack and me carry everything out to the table. The rest of you have got time for one more very quick drink."

Chris hopped to his feet and, followed quickly by Sean, marched into the kitchen to do the behest of 'she who must be obeyed'.

While this was all happening, John had removed the many slabs of baby-back-ribs from the grille. As he lifted each rack, the pungent juices and sweet barbeque sauce dripped down onto the fire causing impatient hisses of smoke to rise from the coals. Setting the ribs onto large platters to 'rest', John walked behind a hedge and wheeled out a cart that he'd hidden there.

It contained four bottles of champagne chilling in buckets of ice and several crystal champagne flutes. I raised an inquiring eyebrow at him and he just grinned at me in answer.

He filled each of the glasses just as the kitchen slaves emerged with bowls of beans, potato salad, loaves of bread and carrot sticks with a bowl of ranch dressing. When these were properly placed upon the table, John called for everyone's attention. He was grinning like the famous Cheshire Cat.

"Jack and Sean, would you please pass out these glasses to everyone and make certain that you each have one also."

"You are all like a family to me… but I didn't have to say that because you already knew it. My life changed forever one evening when a lanky confused teen-aged boy was about to get himself beat up in a pool hall and didn't even know why it was happening. The next thing I knew, I was living here in this wonderful place with this wonderful group of people… even new people like you, Chris."

This elicited polite laughter from everyone and I suspected that I was the only one who knew what was about to happen.

"Well, as most of you know, about a year and a half ago, Mrs. Edwards… Martha… hired on a beautiful, bright, wonderful young college student as her part-time assistant. Moreover, she must have envisioned some possibilities because that crafty woman kept finding reasons to bring us together until I finally got up the nerve to ask her out on a date."

"Things developed after that."

"Last night, while Mister Jack here was driving us both home from his first dance, I decided the time was right. Right here in this wildflower garden, Miss Jennifer Crane made me the happiest man in the world by consenting to become my wife."

I don't know how much of that last sentence was even heard by most of the people on the patio because they were after all, very quick on the up-take. Little Jenny was mobbed by well-wishers and those that couldn't get near her initially were all over John; pumping his hand and hugging him.

Sean, though smiling, was confused, I could tell. The concept of marriage, not to mention hetero-sexual relationships, was currently out of his range of experience. He certainly knew that it was considered a reason to be happy for John… Jenny as well, and he responded accordingly. I suspected I'd be fielding questions in the bedroom tonight.

I claimed the right to the first toast which was followed by a round of others until finally, we'd finished the champagne. I'd noticed that John had certainly not scrimped in that regard; 'Veuve Clicquot, la Grande Dame 2004', was certainly not something a poor man could afford. John, however, was not a poor man. None of my key people were, if the truth be told.

Dinner was served chuck wagon style and, therefore, everyone was soon served and enjoying the feast the two of them had prepared.

I loved watching the boys attack their individual rack of ribs like only boys would possibly do. It seemed as though it had only taken seconds for them to be covered fingertips to elbows and lips to ears with barbeque sauce but their grins of appreciation were unmistakable despite all of that culinary camouflage.

The sauce itself turned out to be Jenny's grandfather's secret recipe but she quickly agreed to share it with Martha. but only her.

Desert was a simple three-flavor drop-cake topped with generous scoops of ice cream. While we adults enjoyed modest helpings, Chris joined Sean and Jack in going back for seconds.

After we'd all finished, the table had been cleared, and everyone had had a drink, Sean was urged to go get his guitar. He returned to the patio a few moments later and sat on a stool in front of John and Jenny. After checking his tuning, he began a slow but driving finger pick rhythm as he changed through strange but not discordant progressions. This continued for a while until his raised his face to look at John and Jenny.

He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts
Rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits, here, has caused Him to remain
For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
There is Love. There is Love.

We listened as Sean's sweet voice wove a lyric of love and joy. I realized that he'd chosen this song instinctively from his almost encyclopedic knowledge of music. He had no idea that this sweet Noel Paul Stookey song was really intended to be sung at a wedding, he just knew it was something that felt right tonight.

'As it was in the beginning it is now until the end
Woman draws her life from man and gives it back again.
And there's Love. There is Love.

He drew a slow upward fan of his little fingers across the strings and then damped the instrument to a sudden silence. It took a moment for everyone to react… to actually realize that the song was finished… but soon everyone was clapping and expressing their appreciation and there were very few dry eyes on the patio. Jenny was up in a flash wrapping her arms around the bewildered little boy.

"Oh my God Sean! That was so beautiful! You were almost my first friend here and now…" She hugged him so tightly that he almost had to fight not to drop the guitar.

It was Martha who finally leaned forward and though she was still wiping her eyes with a tissue exclaimed, "All right then my sweet little Nightingale… give us something to stomp our feet to. I'll bet you don't know 'The Wild Rover' do you?"

Sean grinned up at her. "Mrs. Edwards, you're so silly. 'Course I do.' He'd taken up a pick in his right hand and almost violently slashed it down across the strings.

And it's NO, Nay, NEVER
No nay never no more…
Will I play the Wild Rover
No, never no more.

As he launched flawlessly into the only slightly bawdy Irish folksong, the mood on the patio changed from one of joy to just plain happiness. I noticed, for only the second or third time that I'd known him, John had most certainly overindulged and with a sweet smile, Jenny excused them as a couple and guided him back to the garage apartment.

Poor little Sean wasn't allowed to put his guitar down for another two hours. Everybody left happy and I felt so wonderful for my friend John.

Jack must have sensed that something had happened today because as the three of us left the elevator up in 'bedroom land', he simply smiled and bid us both a goodnight before entering his own room and shutting the door.

***

With a smooth and elegant grace, he was out of his slacks and shirt and stood grinning at me in the half-light of the bedroom. "Do you ever remember the first time we slept together in this bed? After all the time I'd spend finding you and choosing you like you were some… some experiment, there you were and I just loved you so much that I was almost afraid to get into bed with you… like I was afraid you'd disappear or something."

"I think about it alla the time Dad. I just had my first ever bath an' you carried me in here and I wondered if we were gonna' sleep in jammers or underwear and YOU told me that we weren't gonna sleep in nothin'. I knew that, as long as I was with you, life was gonna' be wonderful. I just never knew how wonderful Eric… Dad. If I think too hard about it, I'll 'happy cry' I just love you so much!"

I turned the lights down and for long hours that night, we'd shared the smooth, hot feel of our flesh against each other as we shared pleasure in our own private way. Eventually sleep over-took us and, if I dreamed that night, they were not retained in my memory when I woke up to his dazzling smile as he straddled my body looking down at me.

***

Sean was going to spend the morning helping Martha prepared dinner. His Sunday-morning pool lesson had been canceled by mutual understanding of John's exuberant partying last night. Likewise, Jack was not going to have a driving lesson and so, he chose to spend the morning working out in the gym.

In the afternoon, both boys were going out to Fish Camp to help Professor Swaim with a project he was working on and then, the three of them were going to meet Andy at the gun shed and murder a bunch of clay pigeons. I headed up to the Control Center.

I passed a few rooms that had young men busily working over moniters and, if they even noticed me, they didn't make any acknowledgment.

As usual, I was the last one to show up. Walter, Richard and Barry were huddled over the big screen and Barry had a big tablet on the table and was making motions as he was talking to the other two in his typical high-speed fashion. I smiled to myself and wondered if he ever slowed down.

They noticed me at the same time. Richard and Barry smiled in acknowledgment. Neither of them were yet comfortable to speak to me first; before I'd spoken to them. Walter on the other hand, had no such qualms, "Well, Good morning Sleeping Beauty! Glad you could join us."

His sardonic grin tempered the otherwise unkind words and, for the thousandth time in my life, I looked at him and thought what a magnificent looking man he was. Not for the first time, I considered that if he were not like my uncle… or even second father… I'd jump his bones in a second.

Strangely though, Walter's sexuality was as mysterious as most of the rest of him. He was, from my childhood, an almost super-hero type figure, shrouded in mystery but exuding strength and confidence.

The more I'd become familiar with the scope of my family 'organization', the more my respect and awe for him grew. None of what I knew in anyway lessened the love I had for him. I remembered when I was little, when I'd somehow felt I'd angered or disappointed my father, it was Walter that I'd run to for comfort and assurance. He'd only allowed those to be private moments. He always maintained his cool professional demeanor in front of anyone else.

"Hell Walter, you know I've always been one for being fashionably late as well as a big fan of dramatic entrances." Before he had an opportunity to retort, I strode over to the coffee bar. "Anyone else need a cup or a refill?"

Receiving no reply, I poured myself a cup and walked over to where they were grouped over the computers. "Let's sit down and brief Eric on what we've got," Walter said.

As I took my chair, I smiled at them and said, "Well, welcome back Richard. That was a smooth and well done adventure on Cooks Island. All of the boys are safely back at the campus in Houston. We'll talk about our 'guests' later. Right now, we've got a rescue to finish."

All eyes turned to Barry. In this situation he was in his comfort zone and easily took over the briefing. "Our friends have done very well. As we'd assumed, no one knew about their brief little visit with us here at Joyous Gaurde. Right on schedule, they picked up Bobby and took him back to the Montana ranch. Gary did his part by insisting that he be allowed to 'schedule' time with Bobby as soon as possible. He arrived at the ranch last night and the both of them are together in a cabin about a quarter of a mile from the main house."

Bobby; bless his brave heart, has already done the most important part. He's placed six 'shadow flies' in different places around the main house. Gary has placed his six 'flies' around the exterior as he 'took a little walk'. These are two brave guys Eric."

"We're ready to move. We're only waiting for the signal from Gary that he and Bobby are safe. Not knowing how this is going to unfold, they both know that they may come under the influence of our knock out chemical, but they understand."

"We've got the power of numbers on our side because there are really very few of them. Despite their hi-tech defense system, they really still think that they're up against a small group of amateurs. We've got an assault wave ready to move in from all sides just waiting for our signal."

"Will that be soon Barry?" I asked as I took a sip of my coffee.

"That will be NOW Eric… or at least as soon as we get the safe signal from Gary. We want them to be as far from possible harm as we can."

"I'm going to activate the twelve 'shadow flies' right now so that we can slowly get a realtime idea of what's going on there. I won't move the four carrying the 'go to sleep juice' until it's time. I'm going to move over to my multi-port station and you guys can watch from this big screen here. You know you'll get the best view."

"Thank you Steven Spielberg," Walter said. Barry grinned and, in a matter of minutes the big screen was filled with an image that slowly moved through what I realized must be the big house on the ranch.

The image changed and the view became confusing but Walter assured me that Barry hadn't yet decided upon a 'master view' between all of the images he was receiving.

Suddenly the screen was filled a picture of Gary and Bobby, "Hello guys, we've planted those little peanuts like you asked so everything is ready to go. Bobby and I are together in this cabin… the only problem might be that he's got to go to 'assembly' at six o'clock and I've got to leave tonight at nine. So I'm pushing the button NOW."

Barry turned to me waiting for my order. "Goddammitt… let's go. And make certain everybody knows getting those two out is the first priority."

"I've activated the 'sleepy time flies," Barry said and seconds later the screen showed the big house was filled with people (including the young boys) slumped down into sudden unconsciousness. In a matter of minutes, the screen was filled with gray clad Skuggor. I sat back in my comfortable leather chair and took a nice long sip from my cup. There was absolutely no resistance from outside the building. It seemed that we'd struck at a time when everyone was inside.

"Mission accomplished, "I reflected. I hoped we'd got all the boys and, hopefully, all of the men involved in their abduction.

It was Barry who finally told me. "Eric, we've got all the boys out of there and we're hustling them back to Houston but, Eric, Martin Longstreet and Gary and Bobby are not accounted for. Unless something changes in our assessment, we've got to assume that Longstreet has taken them."

I looked at him… brave competent Richard… and I had no words.

We spent the next three hours making certain that the boys were comfortable, un-traumatized and ready for transport. No one had been killed during the entire operation but our brave couple… the two who had given up certain freedom and future happiness in order to help this mission… where gone, along with the most dangerous of the Outriders. That could not be a coincidence.

I kept thinking to myself that probably, Gary and Bobby, knowing what was about to happen, had hidden themselves and soon they'd turn up. That would be the normal and clever reaction after all. I was certain that they would turn up shortly just as I was sure that Martin Longstreet would be found hiding someplace in the compound.

I was pouring myself a cup of coffee when Richard approached me. "Eric, there's a telephone call for you and I think you need to take it." I could tell from his look that this was not anything ordinary, and I accepted the instrument from him. "Hello, this is Eric Tucker."

"Mr. Tucker. You are a selfish son-of-a-bitch. You think you can enjoy the fruits of the vine of youth but not share them. You think you can destroy the grand old source of pleasure while you still sip from the wine of its vintage. Well you arrogant fucker, you have just learned you cannot do that."

"I've got some people that you want and you've got some people of mine but, much more important, you've taken over and are trying to destroy something very important to me and a great many other people. I'll give you some few hours to taste the ashes of your defeat and then we'll discuss the return to normalcy that these lives will cost you."

"Oh, I know it will only take you seconds to find out so let me simply tell you that my name is Choa… though you stupid westerners can never get that right so I move through the world as 'Charles'. I am Charles Chang and I demand my source of joy be returned. We will talk again in three hours and after that, strictly upon schedule, I'll be sending you your people part-by-part and bit-by-bit. I'll enjoy that but they won't Eric Tucker."

I hung up the phone feeling angry, outraged and full of despair. Despite the intricate network that my Skuggor had created, this man had discovered who I was and the fact that I was behind the entire take-over and reorganization of the nest. Immediately more important was the fact that he held Gary and Bobby and intended to use them as tools or weapons.

"I don't know how this happened Eric but rest assured we'll find out," Richard was standing as close as he dared to be. Something came over me and for the first time I felt like a man in charge of a large worldwide network of many powerful tentacles. For the first time, I think I felt like my father felt… I felt powerful and ruthless.

I took a deep breath and it somehow felt wonderful. I turned to my three commanders of my secret army. "Walter, nothing is more important than your health. After your chemo, we'll talk about your new position in the organization. Until then, Richard is in charge of physical ops and Barry is in charge of Technical… EVERYTHING… for chrizzakes, he's Barry… there aught to be a whole term for him."

"Guys, we rescued the other boys but we fucked up and let our friends down. I won't settle for anything less than total victory and I know you understand what that means."

As I got up to leave, I noticed that I had a voice mail from Bernie Turnbridge. I touched play, "Uh… Hi Eric… I just membered that that I probably shoulda' told you that I mentioned you were involved in the take-over when I told the… fuck I'm sorry Eric… I guess the whole board knew. Well since it all went well it's ok… uh… bye."

If I could have reached through the phone and strangled him to death I would have but of course…"So now we know, and we know what we've got to do. I expect results by the time we meet tomorrow gentlemen."

Walter's facial reaction was all that I needed to accept his approval. I knew that in that instant I had taken over control of the Skuggor and, therefore, the empire my father had created. At this point though it was not good to be king.

There was an anger in me that I hadn't known existed and I knew I was going to end this evil forever.

In even the best lived lives, there are cases where we become lost due to the pressures of living, emotional misgivings, doubt, fear, anger and confusion. These bring us to a place that is beyond anything we had imagined. In these places of darkness, despair, loneliness and confusion, we can, of course, surrender our will and be consumed by the emptiness.

The other choice however, is to reject negativity and draw from within our core, the strength, will and knowledge required to rise above the lost existence we have stumbled into, and discover the way out.

It is a choice we must make and how we choose makes all of the difference. Sometimes we find ourselves in the middle of nowhere. But, sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, we actually find ourselves.

I'd left the Command Center primarily because I'd needed to get out into the fresh air and clear my head.

I was astonished to discover it was nighttime. A quick look at my Rolex revealed that it was actually one thirty in the morning. Going into the main house, I was surprised to spot Terry in the hallway. I made a mental note that I needed to familiarize myself with the staff schedules when this nonsense with Ambassador Chang was over.

"Terry, do you have the night duty today?" I purposely tried to look and sound friendly because, I'd become aware that, for some reason, I seemed to be curt with this particular young man and he always seemed so eager to please me.

"Uhh… yes, yes I've the duty tonight Mr. Tucker. You're sure burning the midnight oil eh?"

"Yes, several of us are currently working on an important project up on the third floor of the North Wing. Do you have any idea if the boys are in bed?"

"Actually, sir, Doctor Swaim said that if I ran into you, I should let you know that he's got Sean and Jack with him; spending the night at Fish Camp."

"Good. That was a great idea."

"Now, Terry, I need you to rustle up whatever kitchen staff is on call this late and I need a mountain of sandwiches, chips, maybe some fruit… gallons of iced tea and lemonade put together and brought up to the conference room in the North Wing."

"I'll get right on it Sir." He smiled as he spoke.

"Thanks Terry. I'll probably see you up there. I'm running up to my room for a quick shower."

Instinctively, I'd peeked into the boys' rooms just to confirm that neither of them was there and then, stripped down and entered my shower with each of the multiple spray heads set to full blast. I luxuriated for about twenty minutes before getting out, drying off and changing into clean clothes. As I headed downstairs, I reflected that I hadn't been alone without at least one of the boys for quite some time.

***

As I walked back into the command center, I noticed that Walter and Richard were leaning over Barry's shoulders as he worked furiously at his multiscreen computer.

"Any leads yet as to where they might have been taken?" I asked as I walked up to them. Barry's head shot up from his keyboard and he shot me a big grin.

"We've got a hell of a lot more than leads Eric." Richard was also smiling as he answered. "We know exactly where they are."

My look of puzzlement must have been obvious. It was Walter who responded, "That guy Gary is the smartest, brassiest, most resourceful son-of-a-bitch! Too damn bad I hadn't met him years ago… he'd have made a hell of a Skugga. I don't think that I'd have thought to do what he did I'll tell you that!"

I continued to be completely confused. "What? What did he do? What are you guys talking about?"

"He swallowed a bug Eric!" It was Barry who answered this time, and he seemed on the verge of breaking out into a fit of giggles.

"What? Will somebody please provide me an answer that makes sense?"

"It seems that our friend Gary, must have realized that he and Bobby were about to be captured, because he swallowed one of our 'shadow flies'," Richard explained.

"Not only have we traced exactly where they are, we can even listen in on what's going on. Of course, it sounds funny because it's being received and transmitted from inside Gary's stomach, but with some adjustments from Barry, the wonder boy here, most of it is pretty understandable."

"Man! That's amazing! I know I'd have never thought of doing that either. Will it hurt him? Will he need surgery to remove it?"

"Nah!" said Walter. "These things don't emit as much radiation as a glow stick and they're far too rugged to be affected by human digestive acids. He'll lose it next time he takes a crap… so we've got to move before his bowels do."

That was enough to send Barry into the fit of giggles he'd been trying to avoid. Walter moved over to try and snap him out of them while Richard continued my briefing, "They've left Montana and are now on a private estate in Ketchum, Idaho. Based upon the conversations we've overheard, that Chang guy is there but there's no indication that Martin Longstreet is with them. We're suspecting that he may have dropped his hostages off and gone somewhere else but we're not certain."

"I've dispatched 'Wolfman' with a large assault contingent and they should be in place in less than an hour. 'Wolfman' is as good as they get Eric, so unless a problem should arise; I've given him orders to move in at his own discretion. Walter has informed every one of your command decision and told them that, effective immediately, I am in charge of Skuggor ops and, therefore, my instructions are second only to your own."

"Good Richard. After Walter kicks the crap out of this cancer nonsense, I have other plans for him. "

I was looking at the images on Barry's monitors that essentially were just showing exterior views of the Idaho estate when Terry and two other young men entered with the food that I'd ordered. "Great work Terry. Would you and your associates mind setting up a kind of buffet for the guys on that table over there by the wall?"

I had no sooner spoken than the lights in the entire room flashed on and off three times and a warning alarm began to sound. I was momentarily stunned, but the many Skuggor in the room sprang to immediate action.

Barry's fingers were flying furiously over his keyboard and Richard was talking frantically into his handset.

"Walter… What the hell is going on?"

"The perimeter has been violated! There are intruders on the property. I'm sending Skuggor to secure Martha and the boys' rooms!"

"Walter, the boy's aren't in their rooms! They're spending the night at Fish Camp with Doc Swaim!"

"Shit! I'll grab a few guys and get over there right now."

"Calm down you guys! There's nothing to be concerned about. This is just a test of the security system." Every eye in the room suddenly turned upon Terry who was smiling and waving his arms in order to focus attention.

"What in the hell are you talking about Terry? " Walter and Richard were both in his face and his smile quickly disappeared.

"It's… it's a routine test of the security system. The company that maintains the perimeter security just wanted to see if there were any weak spots and tonight was their scheduled check. It's nothing to worry about."

Richard had him by the neck and had backed him against the wall. "The… 'company that runs the perimeter security'? There is no fucking company that runs perimeter security you dick wad… WE'RE the ones who run the fucking perimeter security! What did you do? What do you know?"

"I… I… I but, he told me they needed to run this test! He… he said he was even authorized to pay me a bonus for helping them… he… he said they have to do this every so often in order to detect soft spots in the security. When I told him about the soft spot in the fence out by the construction on the new property, he told me I'd done a very good thing and… and he was even going to mention a commendation for me in his report to Mr. Tucker. I told him I could give him my gate code if that would help and he said it would be a big help… he told me he was sure Mr. Tucker was going to be very pleased with me for all my help. I don't understand what you're all soupset about. This is just routine. He TOLD me so."

"We caught a break by their using Terry's code." It was Barry speaking though his eyes and fingers were still madly engaged with his computer.

"See, Terry is on night duty in the house tonight and so he's not supposed to have access to any of the gates. Our system runs a self-check every fifteen minutes and it must have just recognized an improperly used code and set off the alarm. If they'd broken in on a night when Terry was on regular duty, the system would never have suspected anything was wrong. Whoever they are, they've been on the property over fifteen minutes already without us knowing it."

"What else did you tell this guy Terry?" Richard was actually lifting him up off the floor by his neck. Walter interfered with this and after gasping for breath, Terry, who now looked like the famous 'deer in the headlights',managed to answer.

"Nothing important. He wanted me to tell him where the boys sleep because they didn't want them to be disturbed by this exercise and I told him he didn't have to worry about that tonight because the boys were spending the night in the cabin by the lake. He told me that was very good and that I…"

Walter's punch caught him square on the chin and he dropped to the floor like a rag doll.

"Richard… secure the perimeter! Nobody leaves this property! Place security around Eric, I'm taking some men and heading to the cabin. Barry, get more Skuggor out here onto the property and around the perimeter."

"I'm five minutes ahead of you Walter."

I grabbed Walter by the shoulder.

"I'm coming with you. This is my property and those are my boys! Don't waste time trying to stop me Walter!"

He didn't. Instead, we went down the stairs and out into the yard just as twelve grey clad Skuggor converged in the parking lot. Walter, eight of the Skuggor and I took off in three golf carts while the other four grey shadows' followed on foot.

I swear that I didn't know a golf cart could go so fast. Of course, that was most certainly an illusion caused by adrenaline and my racing heart.

There were lights on inside the little cabin as we pulled into the clearing. The building only had a front and back door and the Skuggor silently split up and we entered the building in unison.

Doc Swaim was sitting on the staircase holding a towel to his head. He appeared to be bleeding profusely. At his feet lay two unconscious men dressed in black shirts and slacks, their faces were covered with black ski masks.

The Doc was glassy eyed but seemed coherent. He didn't seem to notice me, but he recognized Walter at once. "Well, I got two of them at least… I had the boys jump out the window… I told them to run to some place safe… I held the fuckers off for at least five minutes so the boys have a head start and besides, they know the property. There are another six of these bastards out there after them though."

Just at that moment a cart with two medics pulled up to the cabin. One of our contingent must have called them. Walter had dispatched our team out into the darkness and was calling in re-enforcements.

"If we only knew where the boys were running to, we could close in on these bastards quicker."

"I know… I know exactly where Sean would go Walter… the place he'd feel safest in all of Joyous Gaurde." I had dawned upon me like a flash of light. Sean would be leading Jack up Hawkes Hill and, if they could make it… into the cave.

Lying on the floor, next to one of the fallen invaders was a large Glock. I picked it up, checked the clip and quickly retrieved two more from the man's belt. "Follow me Walter, I even know the shortcut Sean will be taking."

We traveled like Indians in a hokey old Western Adventure. I knew the property by heart and Walter was ghost like as he and I moved swiftly through the darkness. We were almost surprised when we spotted two of the intruders moving along the pathway obviously out of breath.

I heard a metallic click and just caught the slight gleam from the blade of Walter's knife as he glided, silent as a shadow, behind the two men. He took the first down so swiftly and silently that the second didn't realize anything had happened until he also felt Walter's sharp steel.

"Now there're only four to worry about." There was no mirth in his whispered comment.

Shortly, we reached the steep path that led up the hill. The boys had obviously gotten at least this far because I could see the beams of flashlights as the four intruders were pursuing them up the trail using a great deal of caution.

Walter had been listening to information he was receiving through his earpiece, after a few moments, he drew me down into a crouch and whispered to me, "There are more of them than the Professor thinks. We've captured twelve at the gate by the condominiums and our guys are tracking and engaging at least twenty more on the property itself. Three others were probing around the executive condos… probably looking to take out Barry. Instead, they encountered Chris who seems to have mauled one of them while still in his underwear. I'm told he broke both of the creep's arms and one ankle and the other two fuckers ran away right into the arms of our Skuggor. I guess we'd better keep that kid on board Eric."

I smiled in the darkness and my heart felt warm thinking about Chris defending himself so well. "Walter," I whispered. "Let's assume the boys have made it to the top of the hill. They will go to a place that no one could possibly find in the dark. There is another path on the other side of the hill. Let's loop around and take that. I'll bet we get to the boys long before Longstreet and his thugs do."

Walter tapped my arm in agreement and he followed me as I worked my way over lifetime familiar paths. It never seemed like we were moving in the dark of night because this land was so well known to me and Walter was a magnificently trained 'shadow'.

As we topped the hill, I could see the beams of flashlights working along the far side of the crest. They were quite a distance from the cave and I silently led Walter to the entrance. Like myself, he had to stoop as we entered the private enclosure.

Walter finally turned on a light and there they were just as I'd anticipated. They were sitting together on one of the benches around the fire pit hugging each other tightly. They were naked which wasn't a surprise because they had been sleeping at the time the cabin had been invaded. Thanks to Doc Swaim, they'd at least been able to put their shoes on so they'd run swiftly through the rocks and the bramble.

They were on their feet at once and into my arms. After we'd hugged and reassured each other, both boys were wrapping Walter in their arms in a loving and happy hug. To my surprise, he didn't react aloof or formally, instead, he wrapped his arms around both boys and drew them close into a tight hug all the while assuring them that they were very brave and that he was so proud of them.

"We've got a small problem Eric." He finally whispered to me. "Our guys behind us are suddenly engaged with boogeymen we hadn't realized were there. I think it's going to be up to us to take out these four guys on this hill. You stay here with the boys and I'm going out there to try to flank them. Remember that we're playing for time. Our guys know where we are and they'll be up here as soon as they can… it's just that… I'm ashamed to say it… we've been caught with our pants down."

With that he was out of the cave silently and swiftly. I sat on the bench with the two boys at my side and the big Glock resting at my feet. Time was almost at a standstill. It could have been minutes and it could have been hours. All I knew was that I heard a voice calling, "Mr. Tucker, it's OK! We've got them. We have a team out here waiting to escort you and the boys back down to the residence. Just come out and follow our lights. We're all set to protect you Mr. Tucker."

I hugged the boys tightly and then stood up. "Let's go guys, we'll talk about this when we get back to the house. This hasn't been our best night ever, has it?"

They both hugged me and headed to the short opening that was the door to the 'cave'. I was the last out and walked into a circle of flashlight beams. "Thanks Mister Tucker. We weren't really sure there was anybody in there behind those rocks. You're co-operation is truly appreciated."

I was stunned and frightened. "What? Who? Who are you? What do you want?"

"I've already got what I want, Mister Tucker. I've got these two boys and, after you pay the price we'll be asking, I'll REALLY have what I want."

In the dancing illumination of the flashlights I barely was able to make out Jack and Sean in the grasp of two men on the other side of the clearing. I could hear noise from down below the hill and I knew a battle of sorts was taking place.

I didn't think, I just lunged toward the boys and was rewarded with a sharp pain in my left leg. I fell face first to the ground.

Almost at the same instant, two loud pops emitted from the bushes and two of the invaders dropped like rocks to the ground. Despite my pain, I rose to my feet and lurched in the direction I'd seen the boys being held but they weren't there.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Follow as soon as you can."

It was Walter's voice and I staggered to my feet and followed the sound more than anything else. I realized that we were heading to the rock pile that was essentially the top of Hawkes Hill.

As I topped the hill I saw the scene and my heart was cold with pure horror. On the pinnacle stood a stocky man who I vaguely recognized. This must be Martin Longstreet, I thought to myself.

He had a gun in each hand and one was pointed in a forward direction but the other was pressed against Sean's temple.

"Well boys, what's it going to be? Either I slide out of this place with this kid as my hostage or this kid dies right alongside of me."

He didn't react well to the silence and suddenly and belligerently, he snarled, "I'm going to show you how serious I am. You're stupidity just cost this other kid his life."

He turned his gun in Jack's direction and that was when Walter made his move. He almost flew across the clearing and dived directly at Longstreet's knees.

Just before he made contact, Longstreet reacted and turned his pistol in Walter's direction.

Among the rocks at the top of Hawkes Hill, the detonation was astonishingly loud. Time seemed to freeze for me.

In complete slow motion, I saw the crimson eruption from Walter's shoulder. In horror I watched him crumble into an agonized bloody pile.

I had been trained since a youth to react quickly to situations and I pulled up my pistol and quickly fired at the black clad man to the right of Longstreet. Walter had trained me well and I noted the red explosion in the center of his chest. Taking advantage of the darkness, I slipped left and attempted to flank Longstreet but I'd forgotten the other man. Suddenly and violently, I fell almost face first to the rocky floor as my legs were yanked from under me.

As I regained my senses, I looked up at Longstreet. He was grinning and his gun was pointed at my head.

"Well Tucker… Charlie Chan or whatever the fuck his name is, said I wasn't supposed to hurt you but that don't mean I can't teach you a lesson by hurting these kids. That old fucker you had as your guard was a tough son-of-a-bitch, but youth beats age every time. I gotta say though, I'm sorry I had to kill him."

"Now you, You've gotta learn a lesson. I just don't know which it's gonna because I know Jack… an I kindda always liked his spunk so maybe it's gotta be the little one eh?"

Or maybe, I should just tell Charlie Chinaman to go fuck hisself and kill you huh?

"T-That's the right choice Martin," I somehow managed to say. "Me… certainly not the boys."

We were lined up at the edge of the steep cliff and I was mentally weighing the odds of a successful jump for all three of us but suddenly he was standing upright with his pistol pointed at me. Good, I thought. Let it be me and not one of the boys.

For some reason, I stood there staring intently into the barrel of his gun when suddenly it erupted into an explosion of red pink and grey.

As soon as I realized that I wasn't dead, I looked around. There was enough new daylight to see that Longstreet was crumpled over grasping his arm, another eruption sounded and suddenly on the stone floor another black clad man was writhing in pain.

I turned around and in the dim morning light, perched upon a pile of rocks was Andy. There was smoke pouring out of the barrel of his shotgun. As I passed into unconsciousness, the last thing I remember to think was, What a strange world I live in.

Chapter 26

Sometimes, our most significant demonstrations of strength occur privately. When we smile through pain that we are silently enduring. When we choose to weep behind closed doors. When we fight battles that no one else even knows about. At these times, we are exercising our strength.

It is one of the great truths of life that we never know how strong we really are, until we've reached a point where being strong is the only choice we have.

The light was attractive. Behind it, there was some intangible thing that was so very alluring that I was drawn to it without even pausing to wonder why. I never stopped to wonder where I was because this place felt so comfortable and appropriate. Yes, that is a silly term but, for the life of me I just felt like it applied.

"Eric stop!" The familiar voice actually froze me in my tracks. He moved between the distant light; and me creating a perfect silhouette.

I recognized him at once. How could I not? If I lived to be a thousand years old, I would still instantly know my brother Kyle. He hadn't changed a bit. His hair… those full brown unruly curls cascaded onto his shoulders that were somehow not naked but not actually dressed. I should have been confused but I wasn't. I was calm, peaceful, and happy. I was so happy to see and hear him.

He'd taken me by the hand and was leading me away from the captivating light that had so attracted me. "You're not going there Bro… not now anyway." I looked down at his smiling face. I'd always loved his devilish smile.

I sat down and pulled him down with me. "Kyle… Kyle, I've had the strangest dream. Some of it was devastatingly sad and some of it was wonderfully happy. I dreamed that I'd lost you Squirt… and Dad and Mom too. I went nuts but then, I found this wonderful little boy and he saved me from going totally crazy and then I… but it's all OK now because it was just a dream and now, you're here with me. OH, Kyle, you don't know what it was like to think that I'd lost you! The dream… it felt so real."

His wonderful face continued to smile but his eyes filled with melancholy wisdom. "It was no dream Eric." He reached up and stroked my cheek with his hand."You know it was no dream and you also know that you've got to go back. Two other boys need your love and protection. There is a lifetime of things you need to do."

"When it's time, Eric, I'll be here waiting and we'll walk through the light together but not now brother. That's your way now."

He pointed over my shoulder and I turned in that direction. My vision filled with two watery turquoise globes.

"He's awake! He's awake! Oh man! Oh man! Dad's eyes are open! Dad, Dad, can you hear me?" It was Sean grasping me by the shoulders and tears were welling up in his eyes. I was slowly focusing upon the room. I was obviously in a hospital. I was confused but didn't feel as though I were in any pain. I reached up to pull my boy down close to me and quickly realized that an IV in my arm encumbered me.

"You're safe and will soon be well Mister Tucker," a green clad doctor or nurse leaned in attempting to be assuring as he gently but firmly removed Sean from my bedside.

"I think if I were you, that I'd rather cut my arm off than try to keep that boy away from Mister Tucker right now." I recognized the voice as Richard's and immediately, Sean was back staringdown at me.

"D-Dad I was so scared and so worried and then when you…"

"Sean… my little Sean… I'm so happy to see you… Jack… where's Jack, Sean?" I was startled at how difficult it was for me to speak.

"He's with Walter, Dad." Tears were now pouring from his eyes and his shoulders heaved as he sobbed. "T-That guy killed him Dad. Walter's dead and Jack won't do nothin' but sit with him until you or Richard say what's gonna happen."

I felt my heart stop and my breath catch in my throat. The full memory came back to me in a burst of horror. My worst fear was true and Walter was dead. I blinked my eyes rapidly trying not to shed any tears in front of the already traumatized boy.

Taking in two deep breaths I smiled at him and said, "Sean, I need you to bring Jack here to me. Did I hear Richard? Is he in the room? Would you tell Richard I need to see him and you please go get Jack. OK?"

"Kay."

Richard's handsome face wrought in anguish filled my vision.

"Damit Richard! Am I dying or can I sit up?"

He quickly worked the controls on the hospital bed until I was in full sitting position.

"You've got a concussion from a near miss to your head and your left leg is broken. Sean wouldn't leave your side even though we all told him you would be OK. Funny thing, though, at one point about a half-an-hour ago, your heart just stopped for no reason and we thought the worst was going to happen and then suddenly you came back to us."

"Jack has been with Walter's body since the whole thing was over. He won't leave until you or I tell him to and I didn't want to do anything until I'd spoken to you Eric."

I nodded and took his hand. "Before the boys get back, Richard, tell me what the hell happened."

The look of pain never left his face as he explained the entire events of that night.

It turned out that Martin Longstreet who was the head of the 'Outriders'… the muscle of the nest… had been in the employ of Mr. Chang for several years. It had been Longstreet that made certain that Chang got first shot at the best new boys. It was he, and Chang that created the plan of action for the occasion that the nest should either close or be re-organized.

With Chang's financing, Longstreet had put together a rather large paramilitary group after our take-over of the nest. It was his idea to kidnap the older boys out on contract while a much smaller group simply took the younger boys away on a 'field trip'.

Our successful rescue of all of the boys on Cook Island apparently had taken Longstreet and Chang by complete surprise. While they were holding the older boys at the Montana Ranch, Chang had reviewed information he'd received from the dissolved board of directors of the nest. Thanks to Bernie's big mouth, it didn't take him long to figure out who he was really up against.

Just before our assault on the ranch, Longstreet, having received communication from Chang, had escaped with Gary and Bobby as his hostages. Sensing things were going wrong, Gary had cleverly snatched up one of the 'shadow flies' he'd stashed and swallowed it. This allowed us to locate them precisely.

We'd been so concerned with the next stage of our assault, we never figured upon treachery or betrayal.

Chang had quickly decided to attack me right at home. From his point of view, if I gave in or surrendered, the nest would be back in the boy-whore business in short order.

Somehow, Martin Longstreet had identified and approached Terry. Terry was a good young man who wanted nothing more than to please and be recognized for his work. I'd never really done that, neither had Walter. I suspect only John had been encouraging to the young man.

Longstreet had found him quickly and zeroed in on his need for recognition and appreciation. It had taken just a few conversations and some phony credentials for Terry to buy into the fact that he was helping the security and therefore the estate by cooperating with Longstreet.

Thinking he was helping, Terry had revealed the weak spot in the property perimeter, the location of both of the boys and even his security code.

Knowing where they were going but not knowing they would be detected in fifteen minutes, they'd swarmed through the breach.

As soon as the intrusion was detected, the Skuggor were out in force. A few scattered fire-fights occurred but, in reality, these 'guns for hire' were no match for the trained grey-clad army that they suddenly faced.

The fight at the top of Hawkes Hill might have been less of a debacle if it hadn't been for my stupidity. Richard explained that I'd been duped into coming out of the cave before Walter had taken an advantageous position and, certainly, before further help could arrive.

Thanks to my inept heroics, Walter had been able to take out two of the attackers before Longstreet and the others dragged the boys further up the hill.

"So, my stupidity got Walter killed." I was barely able the choke out the words.

"Oh no Eric! Not at all. It was love that got Walter killed."

I know my face showed my complete confusion.

"See, Walter was still alive when I got to the top of the hill and he told me what happened. He'd put himself in a perfect position to gain control of the situation but when he saw that bastard holding a gun to Sean's head, well, his professionalism went out the window. Eric, right after you promoted me and Barry, Walter told us privately that he thought he was getting too old and too emotional."

"He really loved the boys Eric… I don't know if you realize how much. It was when the sonofabitch turned the gun on Jack and said he was about to kill him, that Walter made a desperate and actually stupid move."

"Yeah, Richard, but he got to him… he knocked him down. I saw that and it gave me time to get a shot off."

"Yes he did and that probably saved Jack's life and you took out the next man with one shot but Eric, remember that you were suffering from a concussion and believe it or not, you were running around on a broken leg."

"The craziest part of this thing, though, is what saved your life. For all of our glorious training and hi-tech gadgetry, it was an old Welshman and a shotgun that got there before we did. The noise had obviously awakened Andy and, being the lifetime grounds keeper that he is, he instinctively followed what he sensed to be the heart of the disturbance."

"He reached the top of the hill just in time to blow Martin Longstreet's hand off and then destroy the other thug standing by him. Andy gathered the boys into a crag in the rocks and was standing in front of them… shotgun poised… as we finally crested the hill."

"You didn't have anything to do with Walter's death, Eric. He'd have died a dozen times to save those boys and the real trigger was Jack."

"I don't know why, but Walter and I… we both have this thing about Jack. That great kid has been through so much… Oh fuck… I know we're not supposed to know about that but REALLY Eric… at our level in the Skuggor we… well just know that Walter had a real soft spot for Jack. He once told me that if he had a grandson, he'd want him to be just like Jack. He never mentioned 'if he had a son' because to him, you were always his son Eric."

"Oh fuck Richard!" My body was heaving from sobs but I fought to regain control. "What's the butcher's bill on this terrible evening?'

He pulled his iPhone out, tapped it a few times, and looked me in the eye. "We lost Walter and five other Skuggor. There were forty-one of them. Twenty-six are dead and the rest are on their way to the 'Steel Cunt'."

"Longstreet was dying as we got there. I had him kept alive long enough to learn that this was pretty much their 'hail Mary' shot and there were very few left back guarding Gary and Bobby."

"Did he say why he did it Richard?"

"Yeah, he did. It was certainly for the money but also, it turns out, he was a scrawny little kid and he got bullied a lot so when he grew up to be as big and strong as he did, he enjoyed the power trip. He liked the clients being intimidated by him and he loved the boys being in awe of him… he was a real scumbag Eric. I could have probably saved his life but… Walter had just died in my arms and well… I let the fucker just bleed out. Probably better than he deserved."

"So when will Wolfman make his move to rescue Gary and Bobbie?"

He smiled for the first time and said, "It's a done deal Eric. We have them both and we have that Chang guy. I took the liberty of having Gary and Bobby brought to Joyous Gaurde. Chang is already being held in the 'Steel Cunt'

"So, where are we now Richard and what is going to be our damage control on this all?"

"Well, right now we're in a medical facility that Walter and your Father created about twenty years ago. If you insist I'll tell you its exact location but for now, let's just say I can have you home in about an hour."

"As to damage control, the FBI under the command of Claire Dunn… you know her right? She's Wolfman's daughter… well they're handling this as a 'frightening terrorist attack upon an upstanding American family famous for its philanthropy'… Claire is very good Eric. Of course, she had great teachers."

"So did you Richard." I smiled and squeezed his hand.

Just a few moments later the boys arrived. It was obvious that Jack had been weeping and I pulled him down to my chest holding him tightly. When he'd finally cried himself out, I drew them both close to me.

"So, we've had a very frightening night and we've lost a very beloved friend. Evil can never win boys. Cruelty can never overcome goodness. I'll try to explain what happened last night but first, we have to do our duty to our beloved fallen."

"Jack, Walter… like my father and mother… chose to be cremated. That is going on right now. When it is finished, I think he'd like it if you carried and guarded his cremains until we inter him. Is that something you're comfortable with?"

"'Course Dad." His green eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

"Walter was my good friend and my… Oh God, he was like I always thought a Grandpa would be like when I dreamed about what it would be like to be a normal kid."

"Well then, in three days, we go to court and make this family of ours legal. I'd like to bury Walter the next day if you don't mind."

"No Dad, Walter is more important than anything."

I ruffled his thick red hair and whispered, "No Jack. If that were true he'd still be alive." I know he didn't understand but I hoped he would remember it.

***

Judge Gardner smiled as he entered the courtroom. "I know that you're all sad over your loss during the terrorist attack but today, I hope you can focus upon a more positive and happy event. I've read all of the documents and I see no objections and so… if you will stand before me. John William Reilly, is it your wish to become a son to Eric Tucker?"

Jack looked at me almost bewildered and I suddenly realized we'd never had the chance to talk about his origin. In all of the grief and confusion, we were actually rushing into this adoption proceeding.

I realized with a start that this was probably the first time Jack was actually hearing his birth name. "That's you Jack." I whispered. "I'll tell you all about it later… just say 'yes' and it's over"

"Yes sir… Yes your honor," he squeaked.

"Eric Tucker, is it your wish to become parent and father to John William Reilly?"

"It is your honor."

The judge then turned to Sean. Of course this wasn't a part of the legal requirements but, Judge Gardner was a family friend and he understood the significance of this ritual. "Sean Michael Tucker, is it your wish to become the legal brother of John William Reilly?'"

"Oh yes Judge Gardner… ooops I mean yes, your honor!"

"John William Reilly, it is also my understanding that you wish to have your name legally changed to John William Tucker. Is that true?"

"Yes sir… Yes your honor, yes judge"

There were only two real legal documents to sign but Uncle Phil had several important looking pages prepared for both boys to sign. When the signing was finished, judge Gardner grasped Jack's hand and said, "Congratulations to you John Tucker!"

Jack looked at me almost bewildered.

"My son… I can finally say that legally… I love you my son my little John William Tucker." He was sobbing as he clasped me tightly and I just held him and let him cry.

Sadly, there would be more tears to shed on the next day.

***

The small hole had been dug and prepared just where Walter had indicated it should be many years ago. It was when my grandfather had been buried. After the funeral, my father and mother had walked with me, my brother, Walter and Uncle Phil. Dad had selected the location where he and Mom would be interred and also pointed out the location of Kyle's eventual grave as well as mine.

Walter had pointed to a spot beyond the one my father had chosen for himself and indicated that he should be there and then pointing down a bit he said, "You Phil, should go there so you and I can keep an eye on these folks forever." He'd joked that when all of us were gone, our monuments would be almost like Stonehenge.

The hill was cluttered with people… not just Skuggor and staff, but also military and other folks who'd been involved with Walter, I didn't know most of them.

Walter wasn't a religious man and so, Doc Swaim had asked to conduct the ceremony and I'd agreed. The big man nodded and from the bottom of the hill came the sad lament of a lone bagpiper wearing dark tartan. I recognized the tune at once; it was 'The Flowers of the Forest' and, as he piped, he climbed the hill leading Walter to his rest. Behind him walked Jack clutching the simple earthen urn that contained Walter's ashes.

I'd lifted it earlier and the whole thing weighed less than ten pounds… a man like Walter reduced to a mere ten pounds… it didn't seem possible. Once the cremation was over, Jack hadn't let the urn out of his sight except for his adoption ceremony. I watched my new son with a heart bursting from grief and pride.

Tears were streaming from his green eyes, but he walked tall and straight carrying his burden with love and pride. He placed the cremains in the cradle over the grave just as the piper finished his lament.

Doc Swaim talked for about fifteen or twenty minutes. I don't recall very much of what he said. I was seated between Martha and Uncle Phil and I think, for all three of us, the reality of a life without Walter was just sinking in.

When Doc finished speaking a military firing squad took the symbolic volleys and a meticulously folded flag was presented. I'd chosen Martha to accept it and she did so tearfully but gratefully.

Finally, at the bidding of Doc Swaim, all those in attendance filed past the grave-site. Most people dropped a handful of flower petals upon the mound of earth. As this procession began, I was surprised to see Sean and Jack stand up and walk to the edge of the interment area. They both had their musical instruments.

Jack drew the bow across the strings of the fine old violin and almost immediately, I recognized the haunting lovely notes of 'Ashokian Farewell' I'd been bewitched by this piece of music since I first heard it played as the theme to Ken Burns' brilliant PBS series 'The Civil War'. Like most people, I'd believed it was a traditional piece of Civil War era music but I later found out it was a contemporary piece written by fiddler Jay Unger in 1982.

Following the traditional manner of the piece, Jack played a brilliant violin solo moving through the entire piece twice before Sean took over playing a shorter guitar solo and then both instruments combined in a sweet, mournful duet. How in the hell had these kids learned about that piece of music? It was so appropriate that they were almost finished before I realized I'd been weeping and sobbing.

Uncle Phil helped me to my feet and handed me my crutches. I made my way to the grave-site just as the boys were putting their instruments into the cases.

"If it weren't for you Sean, I'd probably be already buried over there. If it weren't for the both of you now, I have no idea if I would have made it through this event. I loved Walter like a father and he loved the three of us more than you can imagine. I'll think of him every day but the best tribute we can pay him is to get on with living happy and productive lives."

***

I was not surprised that night when both boys followed me into my room. We were all three naked in a matter of seconds and were kissing and groping each other with an extreme sense of urgency. The cast hampered me but the boys' youthful agility made up for my lack of mobility.

As we calmed down a bit, I slid down Jack's long torso and nudged his legs apart. My need was too great for any pretense at love-play. Instead, I bent over and engulfed his hard cock in my mouth swirling and licking the hard flesh with my tongue as my lips slid rapidly along his length. I think he was taken aback by my urgency and he gave into the pleasurable stimulation quickly. His hips were soon thrusting up from the bed in perfect union with my oral ministrations and almost too quickly, his hot boy-cum was filling my mouth.

I didn't waste a second. As soon as I was satisfied that he was finished, I turned upon Sean and, just as quickly as I'd done to Jack, his little rod was in my mouth and being lovingly devoured. Sean never tried to prolong any sexual pleasure and his sweet nectar was soon coating my tongue.

They both moved as if they were performing a dance that they'd rehearsed together. Almost instantly, each of my nipples was being nibbled and sucked upon by a boy's mouth while four hands stroked and played with my torso.

Eventually, Sean was straddling my chest and his lips were locked against mine. Over time, the boy had become quite a kisser.

Seconds later, I felt Jack's lips wrap around my cock as he took me into his hot wet mouth. I give a damned good blow job but Jack was far better than I'll ever be. He brought me to the verge of climax four times before skillfully backing off and bringing me down. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore and had to beg, "Jack… PLEASE!"

He giggled and then finished me off in such a way that I saw stars.

We kissed groped and sucked for hours that night. We couldn't get enough of each other but in the end, sleep claimed us and in the morning I awoke to find myself just one part of a massive tangle of arms, legs and one cast.

We met Gary and Bobby downstairs for breakfast. The boys were enjoying Bobby's company and they were giggly over breakfast. Something was obviously bothering Gary however, and he asked if we could speak privately after breakfast.

Sitting in the corner of my study, it was apparent that he was having trouble collecting his thoughts. "You know Gary, sometimes the best way to say something it to just say it."

He nodded his head. "Something happened last night that has me doubting my fitness to be a father to Bobby or, for that matter, to even be allowed to be near him. I know we've been through a great deal of stress but that shouldn't excuse inappropriate behavior."

"We were lying in bed talking about… well, everything. He began telling me about the things he was made to do when he was out on contract to other men and then… well, Eric… he got down between my legs and I let him… I let him blow me. Is that horrifying?"

I smiled and reached over and grasped his hand. "It's only horrifying if he didn't do a good job Gary. Did you at least return the favor?"

"Well… no, no I didn't I was so shocked that it never occurred to me to do that I mean I…"

"So, now we know what you ought to do tonight eh?"

"Gary, just because those other men used and abused Bobby doesn't mean that all sexual contact is abuse. You've proven your love for Bobby over and over again. Last night, he just took the bull by the horns and tried to show you how much he cares for you. It's not a thing to be ashamed or frightened of. It's a thing to be cherished and nurtured."

"If the world is kind, you two are going to have long lives together. You should explore every possible avenue of love and affection. This is new to you and you've been conditioned to find such actions repugnant but the fact that you allowed the boy you love to do that proves that, in your heart, you don't see it as wrong. In this case, Gary, let Bobby be your guide. He'll show you that love is a many sided, but always-wonderful thing."

"I just buried my best friend in the world yesterday, Gary. You've buried a loving wife and a wonderful son. Life is too short and too unpredictable. Don't deprive yourself of one moment of joy and love because somebody else tried to tell you it's wrong. The only thing that could possibly be wrong would be to reject love because, in some way, it violates some other moron's set of rules."

He nodded at me and his eyes were glassy. "For a young guy, you certainly are wise Eric."

"I had good teachers. Now on to other matters, I've taken the liberty of having Commodore Tipton submit the necessary papers so that you can adopt Bobby if that's still what you want."

He was on his feet and was shaking my hand. "What? Oh my God! Really? How can I ever thank you Eric?"

"Just keep loving that boy, Gary. It will take about three weeks to process the papers; I'll have the Commodore contact you in plenty of time. Meanwhile, if you'll sign those papers over on my desk, you'll be Bobby's legal guardian until you finally become his legal Dad. I don't see any reason for him to have to go back to the Academy even for a few weeks."

I moved over to the wet bar and threw a couple of ice cubes into two tumblers and filled them with single malt. "I know it's early but let's toast the two of you and your lives together and at the same time let's toast my friend Walter who died helping to make all of this happen."

We clicked glasses and downed the amber liquor in one swift pull.

"Why don't you go track down your boy and give him the news? Hell Gary, you might also think about taking him upstairs and pulling his pants down… but that's entirely up to you."

He grinned at me as he turned to leave.

***

Richard and Barry were sitting across from me in my study. My broken leg made the idea of going up to the command center out of the question and, besides that, I wasn't yet ready to go into that room with Walter missing. "Do you have that report for me Barry?"

"Right here Eric." He handed me a file folder. I opened it and casually perused the names.

"Good. Now in a couple of days, I'm giving this list to you, Richard. These are the names of every man who has been a client or a supporter of the nest. Based upon the information that Barry has acquired, I'll make a notation alongside each name that will give you specific directions on how I want you to treat with each of them. This shit is ending forever."

"Now, next week, we're flying out to the 'Steel Cunt' and dealing with Mr. Chang and Proctor Nick. Too bad Andy didn't have either of them in his sites as well as Longstreet. That would have saved us some trouble. This broken leg is going to take some of the pleasure out of it though; I'd have liked to do some hands on conversation with both of them. We'll deal differently with the captured Proctors than we do with Longstreet's hired guns. I need some time to think about it."

"I think we should just send them all into the cornfield," Barry said and Richard laughed. I recognized the reference to an old, but classic episode of the 'Twilight Zone'.

"It may come to that guys but I don't want to make any hasty or emotional decisions." I tried to stand up too quickly. I'd completely forgotten about my cast but thanks to Richard's quick reflexes, I didn't fall.

"Well, one thing's for certain. The surprise New Year's skiing trip I'd been planning for the boys is out eh?"

***

I was sitting in bed that night studying the report Barry had compiled for me. I almost never read or worked in bed but with the broken leg, it was actually more comfortable than sitting at a desk. I sensed more than heard the bedroom door open and he was standing at the side of my bed gloriously naked.

I smiled up at him. "Why, hi my son, John William Tucker."

"Hi my Dad; Eric Tucker."

"What brings you to my bedside so auspiciously attired Jack?"

"The need to be loved by you Dad. I know we said we'd never do it again, but I've been so sad and afraid and… E-Eric please don't send me away tonight please let me… please."

I placed Barry's report on the bedside table, reached over, and cupped one globe of his lovely ass. "Why John William… are you attempting to take advantage of a crippled man? I've got a broken appendage after all."

He smiled down at me like a little wolf and reached between my legs. "There's nothing wrong with THIS appendage as far as I can see."

Within moments, the lights were out and so was the tube of lube I kept in the drawer of my bedside table. He was straddling my chest and he bent over giving me a passionate kiss while at the same time working lube into his hot little rosebud.

For the rest of the night, I forgot all thoughts of grief, revenge or anger. When I awoke in the morning, he was sitting at my bedside offering me a steaming mug of coffee.

"Jack, do you know how truly loved you are?"

"Every minute of every day Dad." Then, he kissed me.

Thanks for all of the response to the last chapter. I know it was a cliffhanger but it was supposed to be.
Deciding that Walter was dead has been one of the most difficult things I've done since I started writing these stories.
Walter was real to me and I actually wept when I finally committed to his death.
As you can see, there's still some clean-up to take place before the nest situation is resolved.
Thanks for hanging in there, thanks for all of your comments and most certainly, thanks for your warm concern over my health.

Chapter 27

There are times in life when personal progress seems to have stalled ormoving too slowly. At these times, it is easy to despair over ever achieving our goals. At such times, it is important to change our perspective;

Remember how far you've come not just, how far you have to go. Even the slightest forward motion is progress. You may not be where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be

The atmosphere in the conference room was thick with melancholy as the five of us sat at the big table. Walter's absence was a presence in its own right; a desultory palpable thing that hovered around us and refused to leave us alone.

My personal discomfort was increased by the inconvenience of having to sit in such a way that my leg cast allowed me even minor access to the table's surface. I sipped from my large coffee mug and tried desperately to appear 'all business as I scanned the faces of those sitting nearby; dear, trusted faces. Each of them attempting to conceal their own private agonizing grief.

I took them all in;

Uncle Phil who had entered the 'Great Game' along with Walter. They had both (along with my father) been the men who had shaped, built and maintained the entire empire. Everything that existed under the vast dome of 'Magnus Venatus' was their work and now Phil sat; the sole survivor.

How must that hurt? I wondered silently. Surely, it's as bad as the pain I felt when I just lost my entire family.

Barney 'Wolfman' Dunn. 'Wolfman' almost never attended meetings here. He'd always take his counsel and instructions from Walter who had personally hired him and developed his considerable talents.

Barry; whose brilliance was only rivaled by his wit and humor. There was not any trademark grin this morning. His face was very hard and stone-like. Walter had found him and nurtured him over the years and now his mentor was gone.

Richard whose fate would now be to try to fill the shoes of the man he worshiped. His attempt to emulate Walter in every detail had been humorous at times. Walter had often joked that he'd 'raised Richard from a pup' and the love and respect shared between the two men had been obvious. Richard's grief was eclipsed only by the rage he was trying so desperately to conceal behind a face that he was deliberately keeping expressionless.

I scanned the table and became aware that they were looking to me for leadership. At the same time, I realized that I could actually provide it.

Something had happened inside me; it was as if… it was as if I'd suddenly grown up. I felt a strength and a determination inside me that I'd never felt before. The loss of Walter had somehow pushed me into a level of life that I'd been avoiding.

"Our five tragic lost Skuggor; where they attended to properly?"

"Yes, Eric," Richard answered at once.

"Tell me something about them Richard."

"Well, like most of the Skuggor, they were loners with little or no family. Ex-military, each of them enjoyed the commitment and excitement of service with us. Of the five lost none had families in the traditional sense though two had aging parents and one left behind a sister who is raising a young daughter. He was providing major support for his sister and that child. All of the families will, of course, receive the very generous benefits provided to fallen Skuggor."

"Though no one actually knows about the Skuggor, those family members know that their loved one was a member of a private paramilitary organization and that he was killed in the course of the well-publicized terrorist attack upon these premises."

"Since there was no family preference Eric, they were all buried at Shadow Field, the Skuggor cemetery we maintain in Indiana. All family were transported and taken care of during the ceremony of course. "

"Thanks Richard. I'm so sorry that I was not able to attend the services. Now, as to the sister with the little girl… we must ensure that she wants for nothing for the rest of her life. Uncle Phil, check on their housing situation. If they're renting, either buy it… NO… scrub that… find them a house that is better and move them. The little girl gets scholarships and annuities. God dammit I want that child to know that her uncle was a hero… a great man!" I sighed suddenly not actually realizing how exhausted I was.

"So, let's get down to brass tacks guys. I'm making some changes. Trust me that these are not emotional decisions; I've given them a great deal of thought."

"Uncle Phil, I want Chris at all of our meetings from now on. His learning curve has to increase quickly because I want you to be closer to me and more involved as my personal advisor. Chris is required to step up and takeover the heavy lifting. You are now my 'consigliore' if you will all excuse the 'Godfather' reference."

"Richard, from this moment, you move into Walter's place. Aside from me, you are in total command. All Skuggor will answer to you. Unfortunately, though, you must also assume his public role as my 'Butler' and head of the household staff. We have to start working quickly finding you an assistant in that regard so that you can concentrate on your more important responsibilities."

"Not very long ago, the logical choice would have been Terry but that isn't going to happen obviously. What Terry did was not done out of malice, but it was betrayal in the worst sense. I don't want him hurt but…"

"Too late for that Eric," Richard cut in. "When John found what he'd done and how it resulted in everything including the deaths of Walter and the other five, he went crazy. Remember, John was the one who'd sort of taken Terry under his wing; made him the back-up driver and encouraging Walter and Martha to give him more responsibility. I suppose he took it more than personally."

"Before we'd decided to confine Terry to a secure room, John came upon him and calmly asked him why he'd done what he did. Terry was already in denial of the horror he'd had a hand in and his answers just enraged John further."

"He lit into Terry like a mad man and beat him to a bloody pulp. John is a big strong man. It took four highly trained Skuggor to get him off. By then, Terry had a broken nose, a few shattered teeth and many facial lacerations… he'll survive but he won't be a pin-up candidate anymore. We're confining John to his own residence for safety sake."

I nodded my head. Considering the situation, it didn't surprise me. No one treasured loyalty as much as John did. After everything he had done to bring the young man along, Terry's inadvertent treachery must have been particularly painful.

"Alright Richard, how soon can Terry be mobile?"

"Oh, he looks like shit, but he can get on down the road right now Eric."

"So then, after this meeting you go to him as his superior. Tell him his time with us is done forever. He will never look for welcome here. Though his betrayal was unintentional, stupidly well-meaning and ignorant, its price was too high… remind him what the price was Richard."

"I need him out of here by morning. Uncle Phil, find him a place in one of our companies… nothing big but something that will allow him to sustain himself. And get him an apartment there… you pick the place. Cut him a check for two year's salary. Richard, have one of our guys put him on a plane but first you tell him that I'm never to see his face again. Got it guys?"

They all nodded in agreement.

"As soon as this meeting is over I'm going to see John. I hope he hasn't been mistreated in any way and he'll certainly be released from confinement but not until after he and I have talked in private."

Their faces were solemn and in total agreement. Richard assured me that John was being treated with complete courtesy and respect and that he was remorseful about what he'd done to Terry.

That was John.

"Barry, you now rise to number two in the Skuggor chain of command but, actually, you just settle into the unique position you've already held. You just no longer have Walter as your mentor and guide. In many ways, you've got to rise up and be your own guide now."

That was the first time I had seen Barry crack. The tears suddenly welled up from his eyes and his body heaved in sobs for several minutes before he got himself together. He looked at each of us. "W-Walt was like a father to me. I-if he hadn't found me, I'd probably be in prison or even dead instead of here doing what I'm doing. W-what the hell AM I doing now Eric?"

"You're in total charge of those 'Barry things' you are so magnificent with. We'll be talking soon about some ideas I have. This world is moving in a direction that I don't think even my father imagined it would and we've got to be on top of it. For now though, I need you to stay on top of things like you have for so long."

He nodded his head in agreement and I knew that I didn't need to say anything more.

I turned to the hairy bearded, almost stranger, sitting next to Uncle Phil.

"Barney…" He quickly put his hands up to stop me.

"Eric, NOBODY… not even Walter… calls me 'Barney'. It's a long story but, please I'm 'Wolfman'."

"Sorry. A lot of this is new to me and I'm still on a learning curve. So then, 'Wolfman', I know that you're grooming Claire to move into your place and that she's waiting for the proper time to retire from the FBI. I must tell you that sooner would be better than later. I need you to move up to assist Richard in the overall scope of Skuggor because I suspect we're going to be very busy over the next few years. We'll talk about my plans for the future soon but now, we need to settle with what is at hand."

"The nest is secure. Next month the Commodore will leave his post as Director and return to his boat before the next season at the camp. Ricky will assume that position and I expect he'll excel at it."

"The basic curriculum will continue but instead of the 'special training' that has been going on, the boys will receive REAL special training in things that interest them. They can participate in internship programs we've started and they can also explore the programs that Walter and Richard and Barry set up. Actually, if things go the way I think they might, the nest may turn out to be the West Point for the Skuggor."

So, here's your marching orders Richard. THIS list contains the information about casual clients of the nest. Scare the hell out of them… they're all either 'curious' or 'almost pedophiles'. Either way, they're harmless and certainly easily frightened."

"This list are regular clients and hardened pedophiles. They each need a personal visit from a Skuggor with photos and threats. They should collapse easily."

"This next list Richard, are the damage people… the ones who made this all possible. They are public officials and political hacks. I need them quietly removed and placed in the Steel Cunt." I noted with interest that one of the names on the list was Senator Henry Prusset; the same sleezebag that I'd bumped numerous times at the national park. I wondered how many of his times out there included nest boys.

"We'll go there to deal out our level of justice soon but now, my concern is my sons and the security of this property."

Richard quickly replied, "Eric, the failure was allowing someone like Terry to have as much access as he did. You can blame John, you can blame Walter… it doesn't matter… there was too much trust and a weak link was allowed to get too deep into the household. Terry wasn't evil; he was just weak and too willing to please."

"As of now, all current staff are going to be gently investigated and any future staff will undergo ridged scrutiny… even the janitorial workers. Terry's level of betrayal will never happen again."

"OK then, I've thought about the people we've already got in 'Steel Cunt'. Here is my decision which is up for debate before you."

"The Outriders we captured on Cook Island are morons. They should be treated as such. Give them each a thousand dollars in twenty-dollar bills and drop them off at some remote location like the Dakotas. I want them dazed and confused but, also, I want them neutered. Painlessly as possible but I want them to know what has been done to them and why."

"The Outriders that held the boys at the ranch and, later on, the ones who held Gary and Bobby knew exactly what they were doing. They're going (as Barry once said) 'into the cornfield'… the same with every one of those mercenaries that violated this property… into the cornfield."

"That means dead right?" Wolfman asked.

"I guess you didn't ever watch the Twilight Zone, eh Wolfman?" It was the first time I'd seen Barry smile in a long while. "Yes, that means dead. Don't make it cruel and don't make it painful. Just make them … dead."

I felt myself shudder as I said these words and realized that somehow I had changed physically and that I was a much different person. That night, the losses and the terror had affected me forever. I knew that I wasn't even second-guessing myself anymore and I also knew that whatever I'd become, forgiveness wasn't currently a part or my nature.

"Those 'proctors' from Cook Island are to be physically castrated with just minimal pain relief. Then, like the jerks they were in league with, a thousand bucks and dump them in nowhere."

Now, there's the famous 'Proctor Nick" and, of course, Chang himself. I've got ideas for them but they're cruel and inhumane. I'm filled with rage and don't fully trust myself so, I've had this proposal drawn up and I want you to review it. My hate against these two is blinding my judgment so, if you decide just a quick death… sending them to the cornfield… is the better option, I'll go along with it."

"I know you'll have questions about everything so I'll leave you to talk and we'll meet this afternoon."

I hadn't actually been up in John's apartment for a very long time. The two grey-clad Skuggor at the door eyed me with curious trepidation. "Gentlemen, you are dismissed from this duty and you need not return." Without question they nodded and left. I opened the door and called out softly, "John, may I come in?"

He was in the kitchen with an apron on and was apparently kneading dough. "Of course Eric." He wiped his hands on a dishtowel as he walked towards me.

He wrapped me in his big strong arms and I felt his body shudder in deep sobs. I just rubbed his back and said nothing as his grief passed into me and I suspect mine passed into him. I'd shared so much of my life with this strong man who was now weeping into my shoulder.

"I fucked up. Huh Eric?" his voice was muffled against my chest.

"Nah John, you just took it all out on the wrong guy. That little punk was just a fool but he had no idea what he was doing was so dangerous. He was just eager to please and had no regard to security. He's gone and forgotten."

He raised his head suddenly and grasped me by the shoulders. "You didn't kill him did you Eric?"

I smiled at him. "No John, you almost did but I didn't finish the job. He's just gone from us. Now, are you planning on beating up anyone else or is it safe to allow Jenny in here?"

He grinned like only John can grin and I pulled out my cell phone. "Better let her in before they both beat us up."

It seemed an instant before the door flew open and John and Jenny wrapped themselves in each other's arms.

"Obviously, you've got the day off John." He turned with a snigger and pushed me towards the door. I hardly missed a beat with my crutches.

***

It was soccer tryouts and I was not going to miss them like we had for baseball.

Jack and I were in low lawn chairs at the side of the field. We were both sipping cans of beer though Jack's was cleverly disguised.

The air was crisp but still comfortable. Winter was coming but not yet, and the happy screeches out on the green pitch declared that despite the threat of winter, there was sport to be played.

"Wait until you see this Dad," he said as he indicated Sean out on the green field. "I promise you that they've never seen anything like him."

I was stunned as I observed his magical body work through all of the tests and then devastate the other boys in the four on four scrimmage. When he was finished he walked to me glowing like a little crystal god. His arms and legs glistened in a patina of sweat and his long, thick hair was plastered against his forehead.

His smile told the entire tale of his pleasure and he wiggled as I wrapped the warm-up towel around him. "I think I did good, Dad." He was so happy it was hard to be serious.

"Yep, Son, I think you did very good. Now, though, we've got to get you into warm, dry clothes and then into a shower. You're the stinky boy I was afraid of when I first brought you home… Ewwwww."

For just a moment, he took me seriously and then realized I was kidding and threw himself into my arms. "Dad, I love you so much!"

"Yep, me too little man. More than you'll ever know." As we broke our hug, coach Cramford was standing in front of us. "Hi Frank, we haven't met in a long time. What do you think about my little tiger here?"

"Well, Eric, I think enough to tell you guys that he's on the team, but also… you Jack… you didn't try out but I've watched you out on the field with Sean. Surely you'll play on the division two team? We actually need you son." He gave Jack a shoulder squeeze and Jack looked at me. I grinned.

"Hey Jack, the way I see it is that once you get your license, neither me or John would have to drive either of you to practice. Seriously, Jack, if you want to play, then play. I think I've got an exciting season ahead of me."

His smile was dazzling but he tried to contain his excitement. "Thanks Coach! I'm not as good as Tadpole here, but I'm pretty darn good."

"I'm more than certain that you are Jack. I'll see you both on the fields next Saturday and I'll give you your practice schedules."

As we walked away I pulled Jack close to me. "Why didn't you tell me you wanted to try out for soccer Jack?"

"Well, cause I was doing the boxing and W-Walter was so involved with that and…" He suddenly broke into sobs that wracked his body. "I'm so sad that Walter is dead Eric… Dad… I'm so angry and so missing him. He w-was so good to me and so interested in everything I did. He was s-so special to me. I miss him so-so much."

As I pulled him into me, Sean wrapped his arms around the older boy and hugged tightly. We all miss him Jack. We all m-m-miss him and…"

I gave into the tears that my eyes needed to shed. We three hugged and wept for quite some time before Sean actually broke the moment. "OK you guys, deep breath… one, two, three GO!"

That did it and we smiled and laughed and then headed to the car. It was Jack's blue Beemer. He hadn't driven it since the invasion. I grinned as I inadvertently headed for the driver door. "Sorry Jack, this is your side I guess."

He smiled back at me but it was a sad smile. "W-Walter told me that he was looking forward to me giving him his first ride and n-now I c-can't…"

"But you CAN drive Sean and me home now right?" He smiled up at me and I walked around to the other side of the car.

His driving was flawless.

***

At the afternoon meeting, I was pleased to notice Chris was in attendance. "Well, guys, you've had the chance to talk things over. Any questions or comments or suggestions?"

"Eric, I've talked to Claire. She's putting in her resignation with the FBI and will be fully on board in about a month. Shortly after that, I can move into my new position."

"Thanks Wolfman, now how about the other things?"

Richard stood up. "Almost everything else has been dealt with. The other guys have been 'sent to the cornfield' quickly and as gently as possible. The ones you wanted cut loose need a few days to recover from their 'alterations' and then will be out on the road."

"Terry begged to speak with you but I let him know that wasn't possible before we sent him off. Do you even want to know where he is?"

I shook my head.

"All of the others you wanted rounded up have been captured and encased in the Steel Cunt. I assume we'll deal with them at a later meeting. Please remember, though, that three of them are US Senators and several more are pretty high ranking politicians."

"Now, as to the two major detainees, we've talked about your idea for most of the afternoon Eric, Your plan is barbaric and horrible but, having said that, we've all lost a beloved friend and mentor as well as five trusted brothers. Our anger and pain equals yours. We hate the men. Who knows how many children have suffered and how much pain they've endured."

"A quick bullet to the brain would be merciful and get the job over with but the pain of the pyramid would certainly produce some sense of justice and personal satisfaction."

"Good Richard. Get everything ready for Thursday. Make sure that my cast won't be a problem."

I turned and left for the elevator. Chris was there as I reached it. He held the door as I flopped in. I hadn't seen him in a while and I smiled at his handsome face. "So, you didn't tell me you were such a martial artist. Taking down two guys while in your underwear is pretty impressive."

He grinned and said, "If I'd known they were after the boys and not just me, I'd have taken out more but… but you Eric…" He shook his head and we were at the ground floor. "Eric… could I… would you ever… is it possible that you would…"

I felt what he was feeling and the old urge was rising in me. My feelings for him clicked into high gear. "Chris, I'm a bit wobbly on these crutches. Do you suppose you could help me up to my bedroom?"

***

The morning light took me by surprise. It had been a very physical night. Sexually I am decidedly a top and, while I try to be gentle, at times, I can be very rough and overpowering. That was how I'd been last night and Chris apparently sensed that I needed to be that way and he allowed me to use him in that manner.

I looked over at his wonderful body, his lovely face peaceful with his lips slightly parted as soft little snores snarked out of him. I bent over and kissed his forehead. Sliding out of bed, I walked into the little kitchen and woke up the coffee maker.

With two cups in hand, I returned to the bedside and, as I'd suspected, the aroma of the hot java had awakened him. He looked so cute with his dazzling smile and his hair mussed up as he reached out and accepted my offered mug. "Anybody ever tell you that you're the best boss in the world?"

"Only the ones I fuck like hell and then make coffee for." I sat down on the edge of the bed and he snuggled up against my back. "So, Phil has told you. Are you afraid of the challenge?"

"Now that I know you don't hate me, I'm not afraid of anything Eric. But…"

"What's the 'but' Chris?"

"That pyramid thing. Are you really going to do that to those men Eric?"

I placed my mug on the bedside table and turned around so that we were looking eye to eye.

"Chris, you know better than almost any other person in the world how powerful I am. You also know better than any adult in the world that, by nature I'm loving and caring… but, Chris, I can have anger and hate at the same level as I can have love."

"Those two men have caused pain to so many little boys and Chang has caused the deaths of five trusted Skuggor and… W-Walter." I almost lost it then. It was hard to think of Walter without crying.

"They are going to die horrible deaths and it will all be recorded and sent to anyone else I consider a threat to me or to my boys or to my boys at the Academy."

"I'd like you to come with me on Thursday."

He stared up into my eyes. "Do I have to Eric?"

"No, you don't have to., but I'd like for you to be there… OK?"

"Sure, I'll go there with you but I'll probably puke my guts out."

I pulled him tightly to me and smiled. "Yeah, I'll probably be right next to you."

***

His wonderful smile lit up my heart even as I noticed the flour on his chin and the tip of his nose. "Hi Dad! Mrs. Edwards is teachin' me to bake bread. I'm makin' baskets for dinner tonight!" I smiled over at Martha.

"I suspect that your making baguettes not 'baskets' but I bet they'll be good."

"This little boy is becoming quite the chef Eric. He'll be preparing entire meals on his own in a very short time. If you'd just leave him with me, I could enjoy him in the kitchen and then pack him away in the cupboard." She squeezed him into her and kissed his forehead.

"Mrs. Edwards!" He was giggling. "You wouldn't never lock me in the cupboard." He danced away from her and she swatted his wonderful little butt.

"No, but in the pantry perhaps you cheeky little boy."

He giggled and walked over to hug me. I noticed he was wearing the apron from Big Bear cabin that LC and Windy had made for him and that made me smile. He snuggled into me and whispered, "Dad, can I sleep with you tonight? Just us like we used to do?"

"I miss you too, Sean. Of course you can. Then we can play our shower music game… whose turn is it?"

"Mine." He spoke softly into my chest.

"Sean, is something wrong? Is there something I should know about?'

"N-no it's just that sometimes I miss being just your boy an I miss Walter and s-sometimes I'm afraid an s-sometimes… I just want you to hold me like you used to."

Something in my chest snapped. I pulled him so close that I was afraid that I'd injure him.

"Sean, Sean… my little boy… If you had any idea how much I loved you, you'd never have said those words. You are the love of my life… you are the sweet angel who saved me from damnation. It isn't possible for one person to love another as much as I love you Sean. You are the sun and the moon and the stars to me. I love you that much."

He raised his face up into mine. "You are the Earth Wind and Fire to me Dad… the elements not the group. I don't really like the group." His giggles shook his whole body and I was forced to let him go.

"He's all yours Martha. Can't wait to see what kind of bread this little worm produces."

***

He was not happy to be confined in the big house, but twelve stitches to the head convinced him that he needed to behave.

I handed him his favorite Jack and water and taking my own tumbler in hand, I sat next to him. "Doc, that was brutal. I never guessed that you were so formidable. What you did for those boys was…"

"What I did for those boys was what any decent man would do Eric. I love those two as if they were my own sons and nothing was going to harm them if I could stop it. Performing the ceremony for Walter was one of the most important things I've ever done. We joked and kidded but Eric, I loved that man."

"We all did Doc but now to news… you will be free to go back to Fish Camp tomorrow. I'd like you to take the boys with you because I've got to leave to do… something. I love you Doc and I trust my boys with you."

"And yourself Eric? Do you trust yourself to anyone?"

"Oh, Doc, I don't even know anymore."

***

They were each defiant in their own way.

Proctor Martin spit his invectives as he tried to justify his actions. Chang was defiant as we walked him into the room. Both cried for their lawyers or for legal representation. I had the pleasure of using Gary's response… 'what makes you think that you have any rights here?" The bafflement and despair that crossed their faces was worth it.

The tall thin cones were slick with lubricant. Richard's idea for cones rather than pyramids was probably right. At my nod, each of the two naked screaming men was hoisted up and placed upon the tip of the cone which was inserted carefully into their rectum.

"Since you think little boys like having their ass penetrated, then you certainly will understand this. You can fight it as much as you want but, gravity will certainly take over and soon or later, you'll be dead."

I turned to leave the room. Chris was shuddering and Barry was stone-faced. Richard had a cold, hard look and I knew that, though Walter was dead, he'd picked his successor well.

***

The small beautiful thing standing in the room, like always, took my breath away. I pulled him into me and cuddled him against my flesh… treasuring the feel of his sleek warm skin.

"Dad, will you fuck me soon?" His turquoise eyes gleamed up at me. "Nope. My sweet boy, you're way too young for that but I will cuddle you and suck that little cock of yours and try to let you know how much you are loved… Deal?"

He pulled me down into a great hug. I accepted that as a 'yes'.

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