Bara Produktions

Finding Refuge

Chapters 6-11

Chapter 6

It was an emotional moment for Rob. Steve was right. He wasn't into the BDSM or slave scene but he needed to prove himself to David as much as the others.

"We all defied the policeman," he said, "If we hadn't then David wouldn't have needed to make his point with Steve."

David shrugged, lifted his arm and swung. Billy grunted with the pain but otherwise he did not move.

"OK, Billy," David said, "Go and stand beside Steve."

Perry screamed and as he stood up there were tears in his eyes. Rob yelled as well but managed to avoid crying. They all stood, desperately trying to stand still when all they wanted to do was find some relief from the pain.

"Perry, if you're planning on staying here then report to Billy for instructions," David said, "Come with me, Rob."

Mr. Dayton and Geoff were visiting and it was already early afternoon. Billy had plenty to do. Perry seemed pleased to join in so David left them to it. They'd decided not to have a party but wait until the end of the month's trial but David knew that the boys were taking the promises very seriously. It was important to them, making them feel wanted.

David had Rob lay face down on the bed so that he could apply some salve to the welt. As lay down beside the boy, Rob pulled him close and hugged him as their lips met in a slow but passionate kiss.

David was surprised when Rob pulled back and said he needed to be with others.

"Don't worry," Rob said when he saw how upset and worried David looked, "It's just that I want to be a part of things around here."

David left the boys to it and spent time on his computer checking his accounts until Mr. Dayton arrived.

"It's ridiculous," David said while they were chatting, "I've gone all this time without anyone and now I'm looking after four teenagers. It's one hell of a coincidence meeting them all at the same time."

"It's not a coincidence," Mr. Dayton said, "I could say that God moves in mysterious ways but this time it's fairly straightforward. There are probably more kids than you can imagine who need help. You won't be able to help all of them and not all of them want your brand of help but plenty do. Your boys mix with others so word is spreading about you. I think you'll be taking in more waifs and strays over time."

"Yes but four in a week?" David asked.

"I know Perry's parents," Mr. Dayton answered, "I don't particularly like them but I give them credit that they do care about the boy and have tried to give him a good life. I'm sure that Mr. Miles has mentioned that Perry is reaching the age where he can make his own decisions which is Miles speak for moving out. Neither he nor his wife can paper over the cracks in their marriage for much longer. They've managed for Perry's sake but it's not enough any more. You're the catalyst that's brought things to a head. Mr. Miles is happy to dump him onto you and Mrs Miles sees the split as a chance to get him right into the heart of her family."

"You seem to be saying that they counterbalanced each other in Perry's upbringing," David said.

"That's right," Mr. Dayton agreed, "The mother's side is strong willed and decisive while the father's side is probably the more intelligent but my point is, if you hadn't had the trouble with Steve, you and the Miles family would never have heard of each other and they might have carried on together for a while longer. Personally I think that the feud was beginning to get to Perry and drag him down. That's why he risked outraging his family by coming here."

"And you think I'm a catalyst with the others?" David asked.

"In varying ways, yes," Mr. Dayton replied, "If anyone else had considered this contract thing and these promises, it probably wouldn't have worked but you made the boys feel that they belonged here and that have a right to say how things develop. I asked Billy about the welt on their backsides. His answer was a bit garbled but I got the impression that it had been necessary to submit to your authority.

"I don't know what he meant. I'm not sure that he did but he takes his rights and his duties very seriously. They like Perry and providing he agrees to the contract then he's staying whether you like it not."

David laughed.

"So much for calling me Master," he said.

"Oh, you're the Master if you want to work them or even torture and rape them, you can," Mr. Dayton said, "And I can't believe that I just said that but you're bound to the contract as much as them and if they say one of friends needs help then you will give it or the whole thing falls apart."

"I don't rape them, you know," David said a little embarrassed.

""You didn't mention torture then," Mr. Dayton grinned, "I don't know what you get up to in private and I probably wouldn't like it if I did know but we've been talking about the positive side of it all and the boys all love you. Geoff's a little scared of you but he trusts you and so I don't mind him staying here. You know, if he did sleep over I'd probably worry more about him having a problem that he couldn't talk to his old man about."

"I'm grateful for your support," David said, "I expected far more hostility than we've got."

"Oh there's plenty of hostility," Mr. Dayton replied, "Geoff's a little upset because he had to choose between some of his friends in the church and you. My wife and I've seen a bit of it too but most people seem to accept that your lifestyle centres around discipline and not sex. It doesn't stop them wondering and gossiping. It's what they see that counts. Instead of dragging the community down into a cesspit of perversion and depravity you expect good manners and respect. If you think about it then it's the stand most people want. What really throws them is you expect the boys to be shown the same respect."

"There's something else bothering me," David said when he and Mr. Dayton spoke again a little later, "Everyone's talking about the promises we all supposed to have made but I don't remember it like that."

"The boys are convinced that you made a promise to look after them," Mr Dayton said, "But no one can tell me what you actually said. They can't remember what they said either but they're all convinced that they promised to respect and obey you. I think it's just a case that whatever you did had a strong emotional effect and they needed something physical that they could describe."

David was thoughtful for a time, leaving Mr. Dayton to chat with his son by the pool. He was a bit shocked to realise the impact he was having on the boys, feeling that he had created a monster that was beginning to control him. Looking after Steve was one thing but he now had four boys and Mr. Dayton seemed to expect that he would have more.

Oh well, he thought, Let's see what happens next. Maybe they'll get fed up with the discipline.

In his heart he knew that it was not going to happen that night so he began planning the little ceremony the boys seemed to be expecting.

He lined the boys up, gave Geoff the master key to the chains around their necks, telling him to remove them. Mr. Dayton looked on fascinated.

"The time has come to decide whether you want to commit yourself to the way we live in this household for a month. I will help those those that don't want to continue, to find themselves a place where they will be happy and I will defend, protect and look after those that choose to stay until they are ready to make their own way in the world. In return those that stay will agree to accept the discipline I impose."

He paused, "There will be no spoken promises. The boys will make their promise by taking two steps forward and kneeling. I will complete the contract by placing the chain around their necks. Those that are ready, step forward. Steve, Rob and Billy immediately stepped forward and knelt. Before anyone could react Perry stepped forward and joined them.

David opened his mouth to speak but Billy interrupted him.

"Master," he asked, "Are you going to start asking Perry if he's sure or if he should try it for a day then a week like we did. Please don't. We've been talking about it for most of the day and he needs time to sort himself out."

David glanced at Mr. Dayton who, in a single shrug, seemed to say, I told you so then said, "I think Geoff has something to ask you."

Geoff was blushing bright red. David expected some sort of mumbled and garbled request but the boy spoke clearly and confidently.

"I couldn't do this a week ago," he said, "But you make it seem that we can do anything. I'd like to kneel for a chain but…" he hesitated, a little uncertain before continuing, "I love my family and want to be with them but when I'm here, I want to be part of your's as well."

David glanced at Mr. Dayton who remained expressionless.

"The chain simply proves that you belong here," David said, "Kneel beside the others."

As Geoff obeyed, David continued, "The others accept my discipline twenty four hours a day, every day. So must you. So my instructions are to obey your parents as you would obey me. If your parents care to report any breaches of discipline to me then I will deal with you along with the other boys. If they decide to keep infractions at home then it is their decision. You may not say or do anything to influence their decision."

Geoff was obviously not keen on submitting to his parents. Like most teenagers he was trying to gain his independence from them, not reinforce it.

"I'll give them a list of the rules I gave Steve," David added remorselessly, "It'll be a matter of honour for you not to shirk them."

It had been a pompous sounding little speech but Geoff had listened carefully.

"Yes sir. I understand and I accept," he said. He was nervous but a little excited as well. It was a bit like accepting a dare. He had to go through with it now or lose face with his friends.

"Even his Mother says that he's more confident," Mr. Dayton said later when the boys were in the pool, "She's more worried about upsetting the church and disapproves of gays but she's willing to see how it goes."

The two men had retired to David's study and were relaxing with a whisky in a comfortable armchair.

"In one respect, Mr. Miles is right," Mr. Dayton continued, "They are all getting to an age where they can make their own decisions. Both Shirley and I agree, we don't want to lose him because he can't accept all the church's teachings."

Mr. Dayton became a regular visitor.

"I tell my wife that I'm keeping an eye on things," he told David on one occasion, "The truth is I feel that I can relax here. I've been visiting Mrs Simpson. She's sinking rapidly but it's hardly unexpected at ninety seven. I prayed for the strength to comfort her and felt drawn here to be surrounded youth and life."

Perry felt equally at home. Like Steve and Billy he seemed to have lost a lot but like them he felt more secure. He had made the decision to stay when the the chain had been put around his neck and from then on he was treated the same as them.

Perry rarely visited his parents but he still wanted to see Karen his girlfriend.

"I can relax and have fun with boys," he said once, "But somehow I still think about girl's breasts and cunts when I'm horny."

While Rob settled into his role of David's companion, Steve decided on the rules concerning their conduct.

"If we go out then we only wear three items of clothing," he ruled, "That's a top, trousers or shorts and footwear. Wear the minimum for the weather. If you want to wear more then it's full uniform and you stay smart."

Perry was embarrassed when he visited Karen wearing shorts. His cock swelled slightly and was clearly visible when he sat down.

"Chastity devices can be worn as well," Steve decided, "I wonder if we find any that look like briefs from that angle."

It was nearly a month before David was ready to visit the school. One reason was that as it became known that Perry was living with David permanently so Mrs Grayson seemed to mark him more harshly.

David also needed written authority from Mr. Miles confirming that David was acting as Perry's guardian.

Although it suited him, Mr. Miles was reluctant to lose so much control of the boy. He delayed signing the letter for a while.

"I know from your letter that you have concerns about Mrs Grayson," Mr. Follet, the headmaster said after greeting David cordially, "I also have concerns about the boy's life style as well as their attitude to Mr. Hampton, their P.E. Teacher. That's why I've asked him to join us."

David stood up and offered his hand to Mr. Hampton.

"The boys like you," David said, "They appreciate you trying to keep an eye on them though they think it's funny that you're so uncomfortable about it."

Mr. Hampton looked surprised, "I don't deny that I'm concerned but I was trying to be discreet and not embarrass them."

"They're not embarrassed," David laughed, "Steve said it was sweet. I don't how it would fit in with educational guidelines but you'd be better off telling them to strip and present then take your time looking them over. You can tell them to bend over and grab their ankles if you wish to check their arses for injuries. By all means do it when they're changing for your class."

"It would be humiliating to single them out like that."

"Your needs are important as well. It's not good having a class thinking that you can be embarrassed," David said, "As long as the boys trust you then you'll have no complaint from me how you keep an eye on them."

"At the risk of repeating myself I'd still be worried about the boys being embarrassed," Mr. Hampton said firmly.

"Their classmates know that they have an unconventional lifestyle," David said, "There's no point in trying to hide it so we don't try. You want to keep an eye them then don't try to hide that either. Talk to them about it. They'll work with you."

"I must say your attitude is most surprising," Mr. Follet said, "Most parents of guardians would resent the intrusion."

"As I said, the boys like Mr. Hampton even if they laugh at his idea of being discreet," David grinned, "Their well being comes first. I know that basically he's checking on me but I'm unused to young teenagers. If he spotted a health problem with any of them then I'd be glad to know."

Mr. Hampton nodded thoughtfully.

"I'll do that, Mr. Watkins and thanks for your support."

As Mr. Hampton left, Mr. Follet said, "I gather from your letter that you're less happy with Mrs Grayson."

"I want her fired," David said bluntly, "She's abusing her position of trust."

"That's a very serious accusation," Mr. Follet said, "I'll need to investigate."

"Yes of course," David acknowledged pulling out a sheaf of papers, "I have a bit of a homework club and the boys involved have allowed me to have copies of their work independently assessed. It's been done over a few weeks. My boys and some of their friends have submitted work."

"And what did you discover?" Mr. Follet asked.

"The tutor did not see any of Mrs Grayson's marking so the two gradings are completely independent and completely different," David said, "I'm a layman but I find Mrs Grayson's marking erratic, inconsistent and unhelpful. I have the distinct impression that she marks the boys living with me more harshly than the others.

"I particularly dislike the comment on one of Steven's papers that the work was 'poor even for the likes of you'. The boys have said that she is rude and verbally abusive in class. That I agree can be harder to substantiate but given that written comment, I do wonder."

"You're not the first parent to complain about her," Mr. Follet said, "But it can be difficult to distinguish between an unpleasant manner and unacceptable practice. Leave it with me. I'll see what I can do."

"Fair enough," David said, "In the meantime I'm forbidding my boys from attending her class. They can work in the library following course work from their tutor."

"That's not possible," Mr. Follet said, "We can't allow students to pick and choose like that."

"How do you find their behaviour?" David asked.

"It's not only excellent but they seem to have a calming effect on the rest of their class."

"I do not expect them to tolerate adults who show them less respect," David said, "I'm instructing them to speak up for themselves in Mrs Grayson's class and I will not allow any punishment to be awarded for it."

"You realise that they could be suspended or excluded for disrupting lessons," Mr. Follet said.

"You realise that I could seek an injunction preventing it while this whole business is investigated and I could seek damages for the harm done to their education?"

Suddenly Mr. Follet grinned.

"You understand that I must follow the laid down procedures," he said, "I shall deny saying this but the bloody woman is a menace. I know what she says in the staff room as well as what other parents have reported. Her classes are below standard but not enough to warrant drastic action. She stays on just the right side of adequate. We could suspend her but it would be on full pay and our budget wouldn't stretch to a replacement.

He paused thoughtfully, "Maybe I shouldn't say this either. I should have done something about her but I was hoping we could hang on until she retires. I realise now that I was wrong."

"We don't always see what's under our noses," David said, "I can accept that there was a genuine mistake but she is still not going to humiliate my boys again."

"If you'll excuse me, I'll examine your file and contact the Education Department. They may answer rudeness or personal insults as they see fit but I will punish them if they incite a serious breakdown of discipline."

"Fair enough," David said, "Thank you for listening."

David left the Headmaster's office feeling that Mr. Follet would get something done. No matter how good a teacher he was, he was not a good administrator and needed strong support to stand up to his superiors.

As an epilogue to David's visit, Steven's class had P.E. with Mr. Hampton as their last lesson of the day.

Stung by the discovery that his checks on the boys was sweet and amusing rather than firm and decisive he decided to take action. Just before the lesson was due to end he called for the class to line up before calling 'Mr. Watkins' boys forward. He was slightly surprised to see Geoff join Steve, Rob and Perry but he did not show it.

"The whole class knows about these boys' lifestyle and that I'm concerned about it," he said, trying to speak as openly as David had done, "To check on them I need to see intimate areas which could lay me open to accusations of improper behaviour if anyone saw me without knowing what I was doing."

He paused uncertain how to continue. Perry pulled off his shirt then dropped his shorts before standing with his hands above his head.

"Anyone can look, sir," Perry said, "We're used to being naked. You just don't touch."

"Yes but he needs to look at your bum," someone called out.

Perry spun round, bending over to grab his ankles.

"It's nice that you're looking out for us, sir," Steve said as he stripped to stand like Perry. We've got friends in this class who want to know that we're OK too. They'll understand what's happening. If they want to laugh at us then they're not our friends."

Rob and Geoff followed suit. Mr. Hampton gave in.

Trying to stay in control he said, "I can't see anything wrong. Can anyone else?"

"Only that they're perverts and don't belong here," Craig called out.

"Shut up Craig," another boy yelled, others muttered in agreement, yeah shut up.

"Yeah," another boy exclaimed, "Mr. Hampton's only doing his job checking us out…"

He stopped as the class roared with laughter, "I mean seeing that we're not in trouble or anything."

It proved a master stroke to involve the entire class. They had a reason for checking their classmates out. They also understood how serious allegations of abuse or improper behaviour were so were flattered that they were included in something so important.

The four boys did not bother dressing before heading for the changing room. Most of their classmates gathered around keeping a polite distance from them.

Later Mr. Hampton returned to the Headmaster's office relating events.

"It's most unorthodox," the Headmaster said, "I take it you didn't find anything?"

"I'm not an expert but I think young Rob might have something. I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't looking but I think that his anus was a little red and dilated."

"I take it you don't look that often," Mr. Follet remarked drily, "It's very difficult to discuss this without finding innuendo. Is there enough to contact Social Services?"

"No," Mr. Hampton said, "He's more confident and relaxed. He's definitely fitter and his coordination has improved. They accept me at the moment. I'd rather keep an eye on things for the moment.

Two days later, the Headmaster announced that Mrs Grayson had left and would not be returning. A supply teacher would take over her lessons.

David was as surprised as everyone else. He had not spoken to the headmaster again and had not been contacted by the school authorities.

"It's a way of saving face," David explained to the boys, "Rather than admit they needed an outsider to stir them up they'll put it down to their own procedures and investigation."

"But that's not fair," Steve exclaimed, "You did all the work."

"Yes it is fair," David snapped, "It keeps the chain of command and maintains stability. It also avoids the allegation that we ganged up on the school and got a teacher removed. Maybe Mrs Grayson deserved it but it would be bad for discipline if the idea got around that we could remove anyone we felt like."

Neither the staff nor the students had any doubt who was responsible for Mrs Grayson leaving. Neither was it a secret that Mr. Hampton mistrusted their lifestyle and wanted to keep an eye on the boys yet he had the support of the Watkins' household.

It all helped reinforce the idea that David demanded the same respect that he and his boys showed others. It also resulted in another boy joining them.

A couple of days later a boy sidled up to Steve. He was about thirteen and looked scared.

"You get rid of bad teachers don't you?" he asked.

"It's only happened once," Steve replied then remembering what David had said, "The school did it all really."

"You can't help my friend then," the boy said sadly.

Steve was sure that there was something badly wrong. He did not want to come between a boy and his teacher if it was just a school matter.

"Supposing you tell me what's bothering you then I tell you what I think," he said.

The boy nodded.

"My friend's scared," he said, "He has private lessons and things happen but he's not allowed to tell anyone."

"Do you know who the tutor is?"

"Yes," the boy replied, "Mr. Ralton. Mum's taken me to see him because I need to brush up on my maths."

"So you know where he lives?"

The boy nodded.

"If the things are really bad we should go to the police," Steve said.

"No. He says that Mr. Ralton's friends are policemen."

"You mean that he has more than one?"

"I think so."

"Can I talk to your friend?" Steven asked.

"He's goes to a different school and he has to be home early for his lessons."

"OK," Steven said, "Can you tell me one of the bad things that happens to your friend?"

"He gets fucked."

"Suppose I didn't know what getting fucked meant. How would you describe it."

"The men shove their dicks up his arse."

"Last silly question. How do you know? OK he told you but have you see anything else?"

"He wanted me to sleep over. I saw blood on his pants."

"OK. Your friend is in real trouble. I think we should see Mr. Hampton then my guardian. They'll help."

Just then the bell rang and the students headed for their classes. Steven and the boy hurried to the gym looking for Mr. Hampton.

"Why aren't you in class?" Mr. Hampton asked sternly.

"Because we need to speak to you urgently and quietly, sir," Steve said as forcibly as he could.

Steven returned Mr. Hampton's angry glare as calmly as he could

"It is important, sir," Steven added quietly.

Mr. Hampton stuck his head through the changing room door.

"You lot. Wait in here until I send for you. I do not want to be disturbed for a few minutes."

He turned to Steven. "You two, gym."

He listened carefully to Steven's account. He turned to the young boy.

"OK Brian. Is this all true?"

"Yes sir. No one believes my friend because Mr. Ralton seems so nice."

"We should tell the police. At least Ralton will be arrested and the boy will be safe," Mr. Hampton said.

"And the others could be warned, sir," Steven said, "If we went now even Mr. Ralton could be warned. A doctor could confirm the boy's injuries but would have they have any DNA evidence?"

"I'm not allowing a boy to be raped just to collect evidence," Mr. Hampton snapped angrily.

"Neither am I but if they're all together in the house who knows what they may find?"

Mr Hampton looked towards the doors.

"Out," he roared.

Steven looked round in time a boy's head disappearing.

"I should call the boy's parents, Brian. What's his name," Mr. Hampton said.

"They'll kill him if he tells," Brian sobbed, "I can't let him down."

"They could kill him if you don't tell," Mr. Hampton said.

Brian burst into tears.

"I don't know what to do," he wailed.

Mr. Hampton listened to the increasing pandemonium from the changing room.

"I've got attend to my class," he said, "Any ideas?"

"Call Master David and get him and Billy here," Steven said, "Then ask Brian's parents to come as well. We've got time until Brian's friend has to go for his lesson."

"OK. Have you got a mobile?"

Steven nodded.

"Make your calls then go to the office. Tell them that I've told you to wait there. Ask them if there's a teacher to cover my next lesson."

By the time David, Billy, Brian's parents, Mr. Hampton and Mr. Follet had gathered the office was too crowded. Mr. Follet led the way to an empty classroom. It seemed natural that Steven stand at the front while the rest sat at the students desks. Steven outlined the problem and his doubts about calling the police.

"Brian, are you telling us the truth?" his mother asked, "This isn't just game to get out of extra lessons, is it."

"No Mum," Brian sobbed, "Timmy's in real danger."

"I don't know what to think," she said, bewildered, "Mr. Ralton was highly recommended and he seems so nice."

"I think that Brian believes what he's saying," Mr. Follet said, "However this Timmy boy could be confused and Mr. Ralton is also trying to help him after someone else has hurt the boy."

"Are we talking about Timmy Wilton?" his mother asked.

Brian looked at then reluctantly nodded.

"I should call his father," she said, "He should call the police."

Just then there was a commotion at the door. Rob and Perry with some of their friends were peering in. Steven waved them in, told them to sit and once again recounted the story, looking at Brian's mother as he finished up he said, "What worries me is that we tell the wrong policeman and he warns them."

"I should still call his father though," Brian's mother insisted.

Steven nodded. "And we do have to call the police but we need to do it in a way that'll avoid any cover up."

"Surely the police have procedures for this sort of thing," Mr. Follet said.

"OK, so what are they?" Steven asked, "We haven't got time to ask around because Timmy is in danger."

"Supposing we got them to turn up in force for another reason," Billy said, "Say there was a group of youths causing trouble in the area. They'd send at least a couple of cars and no one would be suspicious."

"I can't allow my students to become involved in something like this," Mr. Follet said, "Mr. Watkins what do you say?"

David was thinking of Mr. Dayton's remarks about the boys expecting help for their friends.

"My boys are going to do something whether I agree or not," he replied, "I agree with Billy. The more cops that are involved the more likely it is that the majority are honest and would hate what's happening."

"Yes but what happens if they're arrested?" Mr. Follet persisted, "I can't encourage my students to get themselves handcuffed and shoved into a police van."

"Why not?" Billy asked, "As long as we don't hurt anyone a bit of resisting arrest will look good."

"I think what Billy means is that he's not your student," David said, "Let's suppose that we went ahead. The boys scare the neighbours by making a noise, kicking a few dustbins over, leaning against cars and studying them a bit too closely. When the police cars start arriving then the adults phone in with their concerns about Timmy.

"The boys then say what they know and later we can explain what the boys were really up to."

"I do have some contact numbers," Mr. Follet said, "Others could dial 999 while someone else goes to local police station."

He stood up motioning for Steven to sit down.

"For the record, these students are excused classes for the remainder of the afternoon," he said, "If any boy knows that his parents would object to him being involved then he is not to take part. If Mr. Hampton is willing to help then the school bus is at your disposal.

"I do have the rest of the school to consider so officially, I have only heard suggestions. I must ask that the final decisions and planning take place off the premises and that the bus is returned before any action is taken."

"Except for Brian, I'd like them to stay in school until the proper time," David said, "I don't think the boys will be able to settle down to work. The rest of the class will be too curious about what's going on so. Could you organise some impromptu lesson in here, Mr. Follet?

"Billy will you take Brian and his mother out to our place and make them comfortable," David ordered, "If Mr. Hampton would come with me then I'll hire a bus and he can drive it.

"Mr. Follet you're welcome to join us as soon as your duties permit."

By six thirty everyone else already involved, plus Geoff's father, Mr. Dayton and Mr. Friday, David's solicitor were assembled as Mr. Follet arrived. Most of the boys had gone home and changed then were picked up by Mr. Hampton.

"Timmy's father can't make it," Brian's mother was saying. "Apparently Timmy was supposed to be staying with Mr. Ralton tonight and John doesn't want to cancel his date. He says he'll pay for a babysitter though."

"The call was on speaker phone so I can confirm that he has granted Mrs Blackmore locum parentis," Mr Friday said.

"Ah," David exclaimed, "I wondered how Timmy's parents could have missed everything. Now I know."

"He does give the boys coaching sessions until about half past nine in case parents call. After that time Ralton can claim that they've gone to bed. That's in case parents call unexpectedly," Mr. Hampton said.

"In Timmy's case that seems highly unlikely," he added bitterly.

"I've insisted that the new boys phone their parents," Mr. Dayton said, "I've assured them that the whole thing is being supervised. Geoff's told me the full story but I let them think it was more surveillance than anything else."

"In a way it is," David said, "Billy gather the boys around."

"If any boy wants to drop out then no one will mind," David said, "You've got a license to misbehave tonight but I think Mr. Follet and Mr. Friday have tried to explain the boundaries. If you stay inside them everyone here will protect you. If you step outside them then it will get harder.

"Perry. Stay on the fringes and phone when the police arrive. We'll start making our calls. Are their any questions?"

No one spoke. They were all looking nervous, realising that it was for real.

Mr. Ralton's house was on a quiet road of detached and semi-detached houses. They were set back from the road and some had high hedges which hid them from the road. Mr. Hampton dropped them a couple of roads away and they sauntered along filling the pavement and spilling onto the road around the parked cars.

As they turned into the road where Mr. Ralton lived Steven kicked a ball they were carrying down the middle of the road and an impromptu game of football started. They yelled at each other making sure every second word was fuck or cunt.

A man came out of a house a couple of doors down from Mr. Ralton on the opposite side of the street.

He approached Billy who was obviously the oldest.

"Can you quieten them down a bit?" he asked, "If you scare the neighbours too much someone will call the police."

"That's what we want, sir," Billy said, amazing the resident, "If I can push you back into your garden, I'll explain."

Just then a boy fell against a car setting off an alarm. Delighted, the boys set about shaking all the other cars seeing how many more alarms they could trigger.

The householder realised that Billy really was waiting for his permission.

"Go ahead," he said.

Billy poked him in the shoulder making the man step back and at the same making a punching action with his other. His arm was on the opposite side to Mr. Ralton's house and no one there could see that his hand stopped just short of the man who just turned and hurried towards his home. Billy yelled "Fucking Cunt" then followed yelling more expletives.

As they entered the man's garden and the hedge hid them, Billy stopped, putting his hands behind his back.

"We think that boys may be abused in one of these houses," he said, "We also think that police officers may be involved. We're trying to attract as many police here as possible. The majority will be genuine and the villains won't be able to warn their friends."

The man's wife had come charging out of the house holding a broom but was stopped by Billy's strange behaviour.

"Are you talking about Michael Ralton?" she asked.

Billy nodded.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked, "I've always thought that there was something wrong.

"Phone the police, please ma'am," Billy replied handing her a card, "Then would you phone this number and talk to Mr. Watkins."

He grinned, "This should have been long enough to beat your husband up. I'd better go."

"Throw a brick through the garage window," the man said, "It's OK. We've been talking about pulling it down. Do enough damage and we'll have to."

Billy grinned, picked up a brick and just as he stepped onto the pavement, threw it with all his force. The window shattered with a satisfactory crash. A couple of the boys looked at Billy and shocked hurried over only to see the man hurls another brick himself.

They couldn't have had a better invitation and soon the garage was being battered by a barrage of bricks and stones.

It was a bizarre situation. Billy and the others did not notice police vans arrive at opposite ends of the road and squads of police piling out.

"Drop the bricks," a voice roared out, "Drop them."

Billy relaxed, dropped the bricks and turned to the voice with his hands held away from his side. While officers hurried up to the boys, quickly cuffing them another headed into the garden looking for Billy's victim.

"We think there's a boy being abused in No. 42," Billy said, "There may be policemen involved."

"OK so what about the vandalism?" the policeman sergeant said, "You just worry about the trouble you're in."

The policeman talked to the couple returned and spoke to the others, just then the radios began to cackle. For a moment Billy was left alone.

"OK so what do you know about this boy?" the sergeant asked when he returned.

"We think he's going to be abused during the night and that police officers may be in there. We didn't know who we could trust so we got as many of you here as possible. You can't all be involved."

The sergeant grinned.

"Mr. Ralton has been on our radar but we've never had anything on him. Are you sure there's a boy in there now?"

"His name's Timmy. His father confirms that Mr. Ralton is supposed to be coaching him and babysitting him for the night."

"So where is the father?"

"Out with his girl friend," Billy sneered contemptuously, "It's all right though. He'll pay for a new babysitter."

"How old is the boy?"

"Twelve, sir," Billy replied.

"We'll have to contact Social Services before we move."

"Mrs Blackmore has locan parential… er no locum… " Billy tried.

"Locum Parentis. How do I contact her."

"The lady in there knows the number," Billy explained, "She's staying with my Master."

"Master?" the policeman asked suspiciously,

"He's got a number of boys staying with him so we call him Master of the Household. I'm his steward which is a male housekeeper."

"Are these his boys?"

"Not all of them. Some are our friends."

The sergeant was also finding the situation surreal and way beyond anything in his training.

"Police informers behave in character if they're arrested," he said, "You lot are too quiet. We'll start putting you in the vans. Start a little resisting arrest while I get things organised. I could do with getting a better look at no. 42."

"Easy," Billy said as he butted the policeman in the shoulder and ran off across the road. With his hands cuffed behind him he could not run very fast and was brought down just outside house.

It took two officers to manhandle Billy into the van. The sergeant watched him go then glanced around. He could have been checking that Billy had not dropped anything but he took in every detail of the house.

The boys followed Billy's lead and there was bedlam again until the street was eventually cleared. It was long enough for the sergeant to speak with Mr. Friday and arrange his teams.

Mr. Ralton and his cronies were as bewildered as the rest of the residents at the near riot in their quiet little street. No one could associate it with a police operation and it was just considered to be bad timing.

"Drug or gag the brat," one of the policemen said, "Make sure he doesn't make a sound. They might do a house to house but I reckon they've got them for assault and criminal damage already. Say you're here alone. We can't be seen here."

Just as everything went quiet and they were beginning to think of their evening's entertainment the peace was shattered by cries of "Police. Stay where you are," and the front was smashed open.

No matter what their motives, being locked in a police van facing charges of criminal damage, assault and resisting arrest was frightening. Even Billy looked scared as the doors opened and the police sergeant looked in.

"The boy's safe," he said, "We've got a Chief Superintendent, a social worker and Mr. Ralton in custody. While we were in there Ralton got a call warning him of the raid. We're tracing it back now."

He looked at them, "Well done boys. It's a good catch. I've got one last job for you. I'd like you to be driven to the police station before you're released. The residents don't know what's been going on and if we released you in front of them there'd be so many complaints you wouldn't believe."

Brian and his mother arrived just as the ambulance crew finished examining Timmy. They were allowed to go with him to hospital where he would be kept over night. Mr. Hampton collected the boys from the police station.

The following morning the residents came out to look at the devastation. They were amazed to find hardly any. The doors to a garage were smashed and police tape blocked the way into a house where a succession of police were going in and out carrying boxes of video tape and DVDs while forensics teams searched the place.

During the course of the day, they watched as the man supposedly beaten up and left for dead, together with his wife were collected by a smart Mercedes driven by an equally smart chauffeur who looked suspiciously like the rioter's ringleader.

Back at David's, jubilation at a successful operation turned into a party. Sisters, mothers and girlfriends turned up so for once the boys were allowed shorts and shirts indoors.

To start with the household boys worked hard preparing snacks and drinks as well as serving the guests. Gradually adults took over insisting that they join their friends.

Most of the guests had been warned and arrived with swimwear.

"If I'd realised I'd have worn Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt to work today," Mr. Friday joked, "Oh and don't worry. Today's work is pro bono."

Mr. Follet spoke to David briefly.

"Normally this would be an unacceptable breach of confidentiality but I think you should know that your household is flagged as at risk," he said, "I intend filing a report of today's events and it'll stress Steven's decisiveness in getting them started."

"Thank you for telling me," David replied.

"I know that your boys are wearing chastity devices for underwear," Mr. Follet continued, "Don't worry. Those shorts can be revealing and it was a good idea to allow them to protect their modesty tonight. No one has told me outright but I'm used hearing snippets of conversation before students try to look like innocent angels talking about the weather."

He paused uncertain how to proceed, "Obviously Mr. Hampton sees more of their bodies than the average adult. He doesn't constantly look for signs of abuse but he is alert and occasionally alarm bells rings if you understand what I mean."

Mr. Follet was unusually uncertain as he continued, "We're agreed in the case of your wards we can ignore vague signs of restraint or physical assault but we can't ignore anything that's too blatant."

"I understand," David said, "Steven does have a fascination for BDSM but the priority has been to get some order into his life and his education on track. So far his change in lifestyle has been challenging enough."

"Sooner or later he's going to want to experiment," Mr. Follet said, "It would be better if he did so with you rather than sneaking off to a stranger."

David nodded.

"I'll add your comments about him settling in to my report," Mr. Follet said, "Mr. Hampton is a good teacher. He's never thought about the sexuality of his students let alone them being er… kinky. He may want to talk to you."

"Yes of course," David said, "He has my number."

"It's lucky today's Friday," Mr. Follet said, "It'll give the boys the weekend to recover. The police may wish to interview them some more, possibly even the press. They may also be somewhat unsettled and tired. Let me know if they're not ready for school on Monday."

"Thank you. I don't expect it to be a problem."

Everyone was waiting for news. Each time the phone the party froze. The sergeant rang about midnight saying that the first batch of DVD's showed more of the gang who could be identified. He rang with more sombre news at about one o'clock in the morning that they were expecting to find bodies. He said that he wouldn't phone again. He suggested that they concentrate on the fact that they had destroyed a gang.

The sergeants change in mood quietened the party until Mrs Blackmore phoned to say that Timmy could go home in the morning. The party broke up, not long after and David's household fell into an exhausted sleep.

Chapter 7

The following morning David slept late which meant, so did Rob. The other three boys tidied the rest of the place until, about ten o'clock Billy knocked on the bedroom door.

"A Mrs Richardson rang," he said, "She wanted to know how Timmy is. Mrs Blackmore wants to visit and bring Timmy so I've suggested they come for afternoon tea. I did say you were unavailable and I would phone back to confirm."

"Yes that's fine," David said, "Fetch the others, will you, please."

David patted the bed inviting them all settle down.

"I'm very proud of you all," David said, "Steven, everyone thinks that you did a wonderful job and you saved Timmy.

"I've been talking to Rob this morning," he continued, "We both regret that we didn't understand our feelings for each other sooner but if we had then none of you would have been part of our lives.

"You're all so well behaved that discipline isn't a problem but I, Steven and Billy want a dungeon. So does Rob but he wants to learn to be a master not a slave. However the best masters start out as slaves so from now on he's just that. I want his body hair removed and in future he waits until I send for him before entering this room."

"Unless Billy puts him on cleaning detail or something," he grinned as he added, "If in doubt he has no special privileges.

"Perry, Geoff I want you shaved as well. Geoff, your Dad agrees. I think he's told you that you should be proud that you're allowed to wear that chain."

"I am," Geoff replied, "The trouble is, a lot of my family and church members don't understand. I seem to be letting them down for even wondering whether I'm gay. I don't like being in the middle like that."

"Have you told your Dad?" David asked.

Geoff nodded, "Last night he asked me why I might be ashamed of being part of saving Timmy. He still loves me."

"Shave," David said, "Tell your Dad that he can relax the dress code when someone might make life difficult for you. If he says so then you can wear long trousers or jeans and remove the chain."

"Thank you, sir," Geoff responded, "Is it crazy that it suddenly feels easier to tell them to fuck off now that I don't have to."

"You'll get a beating if you do tell them that way," David laughed, "Maybe it's because you don't feel trapped in the middle any more."

Geoff nodded thoughtfully as David turned to Perry.

"You can relax the dress code with your own family and your girlfriend," he said, "If you're into any sort of BDSM then we'll probably have to find you a Dominatrix to help with your training."

"What's that?" Rob asked.

"A female Master," Billy said.

"I've broken up with Karen," Perry said, "It happened last night. She kept saying that I shouldn't hang out with queer weirdos and I'm embarrassing her. She didn't mind everyone being proud of us though."

"I'm sorry about that," David said.

"I'm not," Perry said, "I like girls but I think there's more to sex than that. I saw a programme where a girl was being shown how to fuck her boyfriend with a dildo. I couldn't help thinking, why not have a threesome with another man."

"Yes but I still worry that we made you choose," David persisted.

"You didn't," Perry said bluntly, "I told her that I'm going to find out who I am and what I want. I did try an experiment though but I don't think you'll like it."

"Try me," David smiled gently, "At worst, you'll get a chance to learn a little bit about yourself – like your pain thresholds."

Perry gulped, managing a nervous grin, "I said that you had so many boys chasing you because you were rich. I could almost see her brain working. She asked me that if I stayed with you for a while longer would you pay for a holiday in Florida. That's when I dumped her."

David and the others laughed.

"Was she as clever as she was subtle?" he asked.

Perry laughed in relief.

"No sir," Perry replied, "It's something I realise now. She was only interested in fashion and getting one over on her friends."

He frowned as something occurred to him, "Supposing I only like gay sex stuff here because I'm like Geoff and not trapped in the middle any more."

"As long as you do like it then don't worry," David said, "If it ever makes you uncomfortable then you must say so."

Perry grinned and impulsively leant forwards and kissed David's cock before resting his head on David's thigh.

"I'm not edgy any more," he murmured peacefully as he seemed to doze.

"Off you go boys," David said, "Get shaved. Perry when you're done report back to me."

As Perry walked through the door, David called out, "Are you feeling edgy again?"

Perry thought for a moment, "No sir. You're teaching me something about myself. You're not saying I'm useless because I don't fit in exactly with what you want."

Rob had already thoroughly drained him and at his age, he needed a little time to recover so he lay back indulging in a fantasy concerning Perry when he returned. Perry would straddle him so that his cock nestled along the boy's crack. Perry would then put his hands behind his head while David jerked him off.

David would enjoy watching the boy's body, as it writhed and tensed and his muscles tightened and relaxed. After the boy came Perry would scoop the cum off his chest and swallow it.

For David it would be fun but it would also be tame and not very adventurous. For Perry it would be a massive step into the unknown, pushing him in a direction that he might not be ready for.

As Perry's arse muscles clenched and relaxed he would massage David's cock, feeling it swell and rub against his cherry. If he moved, it could spring up, pushing against his ring, seeking entry. As Perry had said, it would teach him a lot about himself.

Soon after Perry returned, David turned his fantasy into reality. He was satisfied that the lesson had been successful when Perry collapsed onto his chest, pressing both their cocks between their chests, allowing David to wrap his arms around him. He dozed for a time before beginning a gentle humping movement, rubbing their cocks together.

Both of their cocks were swelling, David was marvelling at how quickly a young teen could recover and thinking that he was ready unusually quickly when Billy hurried into the room wearing a pair of shorts.

"There's a couple of policeman to see you, sir," he said, "They apologise for arriving unannounced and will wait if you're busy. I showed them into your study."

Perry collapsed onto David as his giggles turned into laughter, both their cocks losing their hardness. David and Billy were laughing too.

"Tell them I'll join them in ten minutes," David said, "Sorry Perry."

"It's OK, sir," Perry replied, "I was enjoying myself though."

"Good."

"I haven't got any shorts handy."

"Then go for a swim," David said, "It'll calm you down as well."

Perry grinned, left the bedroom and moments later there was a splash.

Not long after David entered his study to greet his guests. Both men were in civilian clothes. The younger one was wearing jeans and t-shirt. To David's surprise he was standing with his hands behind his back, head bowed.

The other, older one was dressed in a smart suit lounging comfortably in an armchair. He stood up as David entered.

"Billy told me that you're policemen," David said accepting the offered handshake."

"My warrant card," the man said, "On duty, I'm Chief Superintendent John Lockerby and he is Constable Christopher Wellesley. Off duty he is usually Master Chris but sometimes, like now he is Slave Chris."

"I see," David said, "Please sit down."

"Chris, while we're here you will regard yourself as belonging to Master David."

"Yes Master John," he said before turning to David, "I shaved before coming in case you ordered me to strip."

"How come you know so much about us?" David asked.

"Research," the Chief Superintendent replied, "We need your help."

"Chris get someone to show you the changing room. You can strip and leave your clothes there," David said, "Then report to Billy."

"Yes Master." Chris replied and left.

"Chris was a thirteen year old street kid when I took him on," John began, "He's twenty seven now and we still live together when we can. He's passed his sergeant's exams and he's being fast tracked for Inspector. Sometimes he has to move around and then he comes into his own as Master.

"Please don't be offended but he is assessing your slaves. He's checking that they're as good as the reports suggest."

David frowned but contented himself with, "Go on."

"Thank you. I know that being spied upon is not nice," John said, "There's two types of masters. People like you who care about their slaves and people like Ralton who don't.

"I like to think that I'm one who cares as do my friends who share the same interests. Many of us work in areas where we have to deal with child abuse. In most cases it's in the children's best interests to place them in loving homes where they'll be cared for and get all the affection they need. Occasionally we have to deal with a child that doesn't respond well to such an environment.

"Even more rarely we have to deal with a child who would enjoy our life and has found the wrong sort of Master."

David nodded, "I can accept that. It's nice to think you care about them."

"If they go through the system they'll receive counselling 'to get to the root of the problem'. No one will accept that there is no problem. No foster parent is going to accept that a child in their care needs BDSM training."

David grinned, nodding in agreement.

"Even if we try to place them with Masters it can be difficult. A master used to handling a twenty year old is not necessarily able to handle a child of six."

"Did you say six? David asked.

"That's the youngest so far," John said, "He's fifteen now, already working for his A-levels and a top notch Master who can terrify Chris in the dungeon."

"Fair enough," David laughed, "So what does your organisation want from me?"

"We're not an organisation," John sad, "We're just friends who try to put it right If we spot something. We'd like you to become a foster parent to take on kids we think will respond to you."

"No. That's impossible," David said firmly.

"Let me guess. You've got your other boys to consider. You'd be in deep trouble if something went wrong. The authorities are already suspicious of your motives."

"Something like that," David agreed.

"Social workers have an impossibly large workload," John explained, "They don't notice if someone bends the rules slightly and a case gets transferred to another area. You're already noted as a possible concern. The flag would go away if you were down as a foster parent dealing with difficult children.

"There are thousands of children in the system. We deal with tens. Files do get lost, especially if a judge asks to see it or even in the Lord Chancellor's office."

"OK so what would happen to the kid if things went pear shaped?"

"He'd be moved to another district, be back in the normal system and he'd have to take his chances. Unless of course he really had been abused."

"So you act as your own judge and jury," David said.

"No. Remember we only deal with alleged difficult children. If all the usual tell tale signs are there then we're suspicious as well. If they're not present then the case can be a difficult one for the local police and they're only too pleased to hand it over.

"I repeat. We bend the rules. We don't break them."

"It sounds too simple," David said.

"Yes I know," John said, "We're cautious about you as well. I've given you general principles. You don't know enough to hurt us but there is something I can offer. Chris."

"He's entitled to a weeks leave," John said, "Keep him. He arrived as a slave. He's willing to stay as a slave so use him as you like. He'll answer any questions as they occur to you and if he has sex with any of your boys he'll be compromised as a policeman unless you accept what we're saying."

"OK I accept that you're serious," David said, "I'll have to consult with my boys."

"If I know boys they'll have asked Chris what's going on. Since you placed him under Billy's authority he would have answered their questions."

"I don't like being set up," David snapped angrily.

"I'm not setting you up," John replied calmly, "We're checking you out. In your case it's probably a formality but we still have to do it. Chris will spend his time here assessing the boys."

John leaned forward looking David in the eye, "My friends and I enjoy the Master/Slave scene. We want to put something back so we try to help kids when the authorities can't. If we're discovered then we lose everything. If you allow Chris to stay he WILL check you out. At the same time you can use him to check us out."

David pressed a buzzer. Steven entered the room waiting for instructions.

"Fetch Billy and Chris," David ordered.

When they arrived David asked Billy, "Do you know what this is about?"

"They want you to look after kids who would like our lifestyle, sir," Billy answered.

"What do you think?" David asked.

"It's what this place is all about, isn't it, sir."

"Chris will be staying for a week. Give him all the dirty and unpleasant jobs that the others don't like and tell the others that he is to give blow jobs or his arse on demand. Remember my instructions on bullying but if in doubt go hard on him rather than easy."

"Yes sir," Billy said, "Don't we try to make new boys welcome though?"

"Normally yes," David replied, "He's here to assess us and so we can ask about what'll be expected of us. Some of you may be unsure how to treat him. I think my instructions make it clear."

"Yes sir," Billy grinned.

"A break like this will do Chris good," John said, "The force expects a lot from him and he's under pressure to succeed. He'll be able to switch off."

Just then, Billy returned.

"Sergeant Meadows would like to see you, sir," he said, "He's in the conservatory. Shall I show him through."

"Do you know what it's about?"

"He's the one who arrested me last night," Billy said, "I assume it's about that."

Sergeant Meadows looked surprised when David introduced his other guest.

"We've arrested three police officers on various charges of perverting the course of justice, corruption and child abuse." Sergeant Meadows said as he accepted a cup of coffee from Perry, "Ralton, three social workers and two teachers have also been arrested. It's a good haul and we know it's down to you and your boys."

He looked apologetic, "There'll be a press release this afternoon that says the raid was carried out following tip offs from concerned neighbours. Officers in the area dealing with an unrelated matter launched an improvised but well planned raid. I'm sorry, there's no mention of your part in it.

"The orders come from above. I don't think that they like us being pressured to act by a group of kids."

"Let the others know, Billy," David ordered, "Remind them that enough of our friends know and remind them we had enough publicity when Steven was outted. I'll talk to them when my guests leave."

"It would be nice to see ourselves in the papers, sir," Billy said, "But I understand what you're saying."

"We can pour our own coffee now, Perry," David said, "Thank you."

"Are you here on official business, sir?" Sergeant Meadows asked John.

"Semi official," John replied, "It's on a need to know. It won't affect your investigations though."

"It's out of my hands now." Sergeant Meadows said, "CID will take all the glory, as usual."

John laughed, "It's the one time that you can rely on them. Don't worry, your part in this has been noted."

"Gentleman," David said, "I have guests this afternoon and I want my lunch. You're welcome to stay and make a day of it but otherwise you must excuse me."

The two police officers made leisurely and affable good byes declining lunch. He headed for the conservatory where he found all the boys lined up. Chris was hardly a boy, he thought but he wasn't fond of calling them slaves.

"Relax," he said, "Chris's told you why he's here and what they want from us. Comments?"

"Won't some of the boys be under age?" Billy asked.

"Technically so are Rob, Geoff and Perry," David said, "Chris is a police officer. Perry is fifteen and the youngest boy. I'm quite happy for him to initiate as much sex as he likes with Chris. It's not much but it will show what they're willing to tolerate."

"What do you say about that, Chris?" Perry asked with a grin.

"It is fair that you check us out." Chris replied, "I take it my cock is off limits this week."

"No," David responded, "If someone wants to handle it or take it then it's up to them. You don't ask for or try to start anything. Your needs don't count."

"You said that to me, sir," Billy said, "But you didn't mean it."

"This time I do," David exclaimed, "Chris is an adult who can look after himself."

"Any other questions?"

"I take it we won't be building a dungeon," Steve said.

"I don't see why not," David replied, "We'll be taking on boys who fit in with our lifestyle. Perry will know we've got it but he may not want to use it. It's business as usual this week. Let Chris and his friends decide whether we can help them."

The boys nodded in agreement.

"You've heard about the press release," David continued, "I think that Steven in particular should have some sort of award. However It's better that we stay in the background. Comments?"

No one spoke.

"OK then then let's prepare for our guests this afternoon. Once they're gone we'll relax for the rest of the day."

It did not work out that way. Timmy stood nervously beside Mrs Blackmore staring at David. Apart from that, the Richardsons enjoyed their visit eagerly listening to the full story of the previous night's events and praising the boys for their efforts.

As David was showing the Richardsons out he heard Timmy ask, "When do I start having to be grateful?"

When he returned Mrs Blackmore said, "I need your help."

Seeing David wince she hurriedly added, "No. You've done enough."

"I'm sorry," David grinned, "You're the second person to ask me that today and life's getting more and more complicated. What's the problem?"

Seeing her hesitate he added, "Brian, Timmy, go through to the kitchen. See if Billy can find you a snack."

When they were gone Mrs Blackmore said, "Timmy's father has turned his mobile off and I can't contact him. He could stay with me but he needs help. Brian's embarrassed because Timmy keeps trying to suck him. He keeps asking me how he should be grateful to a girl. He was quite OK in the hospital but once we were home… let's just say things got difficult."

"Did you talk to him about it?" David asked.

"I tried but I didn't know what to do when he said that he always had to be grateful to Daddy's friends for looking after him and I was a lot nicer."

"Oh" David said, "I think you need to call Social Services."

"So do I. But I wanted to talk to you first," Mrs Blackmore said, "I've heard stories about you, the boys and the set up here. From what the boys were saying aren't they usually naked indoors?"

"Yes. They dress in deference to our guests."

"Don't bother on my account," she exclaimed, "I'm a nurse and I've seen it all before. Don't you usually sit in the conservatory?"

David nodded and showed her through. He summoned the boys and told them to strip and to relax.

"Is something wrong?" Rob asked.

"By all means tell them." Mrs Blackmore said.

"Steven. Come and stand by my chair. Legs apart. Hands on your head."

Mystified Steven complied.

"Timmy would you come and stand on the other side of my chair, please."

Timmy was obviously scared but approached David's chair.

"OK, Timmy," David said, "Steven did more than anyone to save you last night. Are you grateful?"

Tearfully Timmy nodded.

"How should you show it?" David asked.

As Timmy stepped forward, David put out his arm. Careful not to touch Timmy, he blocked his way.

"No," David said quietly, "Just tell me."

"I should make his willy feel nice and suck it," Timmy said, "Or else he could do me."

"Steven. Did I rescue you?"

"Yes Master."

"Are you grateful."

"Yes Master."

"How would you show it?"

Steven hesitated, leant forward and kissed him on the cheek.

"I want to show everyone that I love you," Steven explained.

"Thank you, Steven," David said, patting the boy's hip.

He turned to Timmy.

"Being grateful is something you feel," David said, "Showing it, is something that feels right. It's not something that you have to do."

Mrs Blackmore had looked a little worried when David had started. Now she was nodding approvingly. Chris showed the barest trace of a smile.

"Yes but it feels right getting someone's spunk."

"Do you always get it because you want to get it or because someone makes you?"

"They tell me that I should be grateful because they're looking after me."

"So does it always feel right?"

Timmy thought for a moment then shook his head.

"Can you tell me a time when it feels bad?"

"When they say I'm a cocksucker and a dirty little boy," Timmy said.

"OK," David said, "Steven, you can relax now. Thank you."

He turned back to Timmy.

"Which of your Dad's friends expect you to be grateful?"

"There's Uncle Michael, Uncle Paul and Uncle Zeb."

"Are they really your Uncles."

Timmy shook his head, "Daddy says it's polite to call them that. He thinks it's rude to call him Dad but everyone else says I'm a baby because I call him Daddy."

"I want you to talk to Chris," David said pointing him out, "He hasn't done anything to help you so you don't even have to think about being grateful. Do you understand?"

Timmy nodded, "I'll do as I'm told but he's got a nice willy. I wouldn't even get any hair in my mouth."

"Take him to far end of the pool, Chris," David said, "I'm worried about these Uncles of his."

"So am I, Master, and his Daddy." Chris replied.

"Chris is spending his holiday with us," David explained, "He's a policeman and we were hoping that he could just relax after a difficult time."

"I see," Mrs Blackmore said, "Could Timmy stay with you over the weekend. It sounds as if he could be gay and you would be more sympathetic than Social Services."

"Could I stay with him, Mum?" Brian asked, "You said he'll feel better if I'm around."

"It's not possible," David said before Mrs Blackmore could answer, "Timmy's got some funny ideas and we can talk to him. Weren't you upset listening to him talk about sucking people?"

"No," Brian replied, "He's already told me about it and how he got tied up and everything. You do stuff as well. I don't mind. You help people. You don't hurt them. And you'll tell me stuff and won't get embarrassed like Mum."

"You'll have to get undressed," Geoff said, "All of us boys have to."

"Oh. Can I keep my pants on?"

"No," Geoff said, "You're either one of us or you can't stay."

"What about Timmy? He looks pretty bad down there. Won't you let him stay dressed?"

"He can wear shorts or something," David said, "Remember. He was forced to do things. He might feel safer covered up."

"Can I get undressed after Mum's gone?"

David looked at Mrs Blackmore and shrugged.

"You tried," she grinned, "His father left a couple of years ago. The mother in me believes he's a little boy that doesn't understand this stuff. The nurse side tells me he's already experimented a little and he approached Steven because he saw a kindred spirit. He can stay if you agree."

David nodded, "Billy can follow you to pick up his homework and school uniform. He'll need it when we go out to lunch tomorrow. Perhaps you'd care to join us."

He turned to Billy, "While you're out. Can you get clothes for Chris and Timmy. At least we can look organised tomorrow."

Billy grinned, "I think Geoff wants to stay. He'll need his stuff as well. I'll tell him."

The boys were still a little deflated after the previous days excitement. They were also a little wary of the way events were unfolding that day. They sensed changes were coming and did not like it.

Brian had been stealing glances at Geoff for most of the time. David was sure that their was something between them. It was certainly unusual for Geoff to take the initiative as he did. When David returned, Brian shyly approached him.

"Do I have to get undressed now?" he asked.

"No," David smiled gently, "You're a guest. You don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

"Oh!" Brian murmured thoughtfully, "If I went swimming I'd have to get undressed. Can I wear a pair of shorts though."

"Have you got any?" David asked.

"Geoff told me you have a pool." Brian said, "I put on a pair under my jeans."

"I'm on the swimming team," Geoff said, "We've met at the public pool a few times and I've given him some tips."

"We've talked a bit," he added shyly.

David looked at Brian with more respect. He obviously had a thing for Geoff but he was sensible enough to approach Steven for help. It was quite possible that Geoff suggested it knowing that he would not have the confidence to take action, himself. Either way it had worked.

"Stay at this end of the pool," David ordered. "Don't disturb Timmy and Chris. Geoff keep an eye on him."

"It's a funny old day, isn't it, Master?" Perry giggled.

"Too funny," David growled, "Those two boys are going to start the gossip off again."

"You'll sort it out," Perry said cheerfully.

David hoped that Perry was right. He was able to relax until Mr. Dayton arrived with Geoff's school uniform and bag.

"His mother's not pleased that Geoff's staying the whole weekend," he said, "She can't see beyond him being arrested and now choosing to miss church. Me, I'm so proud of him."

He looked around. "You've got two youngsters I see. Does the other one belong to you?"

David described the days events.

"You were right," David concluded, "I do seem to gathering up the waifs and strays."

"Do you think that Geoff and Brian are an item?" Mr. Dayton asked, "I'd be a bit concerned about the age difference."

"I've been watching them," David said, "Brian's latched onto someone who can teach him. In this case it's swimming. It's normal. Brian knows what he wants and will make all the moves.

"Fair enough," Mr. Dayton said, "Geoff said something about finding limits. I guess I'm finding mine. I suppose I should leave you in peace."

"Unless you'd care to join me in a drink," David said, "I could do with some adult company."

"Thanks but I'm driving."

"No problem. Billy will drive you home and collect you to pick up your car in the morning."

"In that case, thank you," Mr. Dayton said, "I like the church but there's more to life than a constant round of prayer meetings and bible discussions. There's something to be said for quiet contemplation and a friendly chat without someone reciting an obscure bible verse."

Mr. Dayton did relax though he was a bit concerned when Geoff and Brian climbed out of the pool. Brian grabbed Geoff's hand as they walked over to the towels. He insisted on drying Geoff's back before moving onto his legs and front.

Geoff saw his father watching, looking a little embarrassed as his cock swelled. Mr. Dayton shrugged and turned away to ask Steven, who was on waiter duty, for a refill.

Brian was hoping that he would be dried off in his turn.

"There's no point in drying your legs if you keep those shorts on," Geoff said, "Water's still dripping from them."

Geoff had already touched everything that they concealed while they were in the water. Now that they were out of the water the shorts felt wet and uncomfortable. He was relaxed now, reassured by Geoff's quiet unassuming manner. He put his thumbs in the waistband and pushed down.

Brian was a young man. He was slim with no trace of fat. There was a hint of adult muscle development but his naturally hairless body, silky smooth skin and long slender legs showed him to be the boy he was. Puberty was being kind to him. He had only the smallest of bushes above beautiful proportioned genitals. They were small, belonging to a boy but anyone looking at him could sense his sexiness. From behind he looked even more like a slender boy. His arse cheeks were firm and round, somehow boyishly vulnerable but definitely enticing.

Geoff's cock swelled even more in proximity of such beauty as he knelt down to dry the boy's lower regions. Brian's cock swelled, determinedly pointing outwards. It was aiming directly for Geoff's mouth as Brian pushed his hips forwards.

Geoff was uncertain what to do. He knew that David and his father were watching even if they were pretending that they were not. He also knew that Brian was offering himself. He leaned forward and kissed the tip of Brian's cock. He hesitated waiting for any repercussions before standing up and leading Brian to a lounger where he sat down before pulling Brian onto his lap.

"That's my boundary pushed a bit further," Mr. Dayton muttered huskily, "You were right. It was Brian leading."

"If you're not comfortable with it then say so," David said, "They shouldn't be embarrassing you."

"I am uncomfortable," Mr. Dayton admitted, "At the same time I'm glad that Geoff can be so open with me."

"I can still separate them," David offered.

"No. I'm having a real spiritual crisis. I really do believe that it's what's in your heart that counts. Brian obviously feels safe with Geoff so it should be OK but I keep coming back to their physical activity being sinful whether it's supportive and loving or not."

Mr. Dayton might have said more but Chris approached them.

"He's badly screwed up, Master," he said, "It almost sounded as if the father drove the mother away and has been pimping him ever since. He's going to need professional help. Please don't be offended but I don't think that he should stay here."

"I'm not offended. The boys do what they want to do. He watches and feels that he has to be doing the same. Is that it?"

"Yes Master. He understands that he has to be discreet with strangers so in his case a foster home may help."

"If my wife agrees then he could stay with us." Mr Dayton said, "I can't help feeling that I've found part of my answer. Sometimes physical taboos are needed."

To David's surprise, Mrs Dayton readily agreed. Partly, she was horrified at what had happened to Timmy and partly she saw it as a way of justifying her family's immoral behaviour. Her one condition was they all attend church as a family.

"It seems reasonable," David said, "Why don't you attend morning service then join us at The Bull for lunch. You can collect Geoff when you collect the car."

On impulse David also invited the Hamptons and the Follets. Mr. Follet had another engagement but the Hamptons agreed so it was a large party that gathered for lunch that Sunday especially since Rob had invited his family.

They filled the Lounge Bar, jostling with the regulars until Rob's mother asked what had really happened. The whole room became quiet as David recounted events. Even Keith left the other bars to his staff so he could listen.

"Who's going to pay for the garage?" someone asked.

"It was old and rotten."David said, "It needed pulling down anyway. The Richardsons have got a police incident number so they're going to contact their insurance company. The police's line is that the disturbance was genuine so they should get something."

"So why isn't the boy staying with you?" Mr. Masterson asked.

There was a gleam of triumph in his eyes as he thought he had caught David out.

"You know about our life style. At least you gossip about it enough," David replied, "It's not what Timmy needs right now. He needs the care and fussing that Mrs Dayton can offer."

"So you don't deny that you abuse under age kids," Mr. Masterson sneered.

"He doesn't have to admit or deny anything," Billy interrupted. "We're naked most of the time because we swim a lot. It's natural and we don't have wet shorts making us uncomfortable. It's not forcing kids kids to strip to have their pictures smeared all over the internet. Timmy's had worse done to him and he needs to be somewhere where it's natural to keep his clothes on without feeling awkward. Even you should understand I'm not talking about abuse at home."

Billy had emphasised 'at home', glaring at Mr. Masterson as if daring him to reply.

"Easy Billy," David murmured.

"No, Master," Billy snapped, "I don't feel like being easy. You're talking about buying me a piano. You've already got Steven that expensive camera and all the software he needs. You're going to see us all through college or university and all I hear is idiots twittering on about abuse. It makes me mad."

"Twittering?" Mr. Dayton grinned, "I like that description."

"So do I," said Keith, "You stand your ground, lad."

Just then David's mobile rang.

"Damn," he snapped, "I meant to switch it off."

He hurried outside rather than disturb the others but he left an uncomfortable silence. When he returned it seemed as if everyone was waiting for him. He knelt down and called Timmy over to him.

"The police have found your mother. She's staying with her parents. She wants to see you and maybe you could go and live with her. She's worried that you're angry with her for leaving you."

"I'm not angry with her." Timmy said, "I hated the way Daddy… Dad hit her. I like Gran and Granddad too."

David nodded, "I've also got some bad news. Your dad's been arrested. He's hurt a lot of children."

Timmy's eyes grew big and round.

"Do you mean I can't live with him any more?"

As David nodded nodded, Timmy burst into tears. David held out his arms and Timmy enveloped him in a hug.

Between sobs, Timmy asked, "He can't kill Mummy now if I like her better, can he?"

"No he cannot," David almost yelled.

"What happens if his friends get him out. He could still find us if I went to live with Mum."

The room was silent, expectant.

"You've got friends too. More than you know. They'll find him if he goes anywhere near you or your mum."

Timmy was still and silent almost as if he was standing there asleep. Suddenly his tummy rumbled. He giggled as he dropped his arms.

"I'm hungry," he announced.

"We all are," David said, "We'll go through as soon as out tables are ready."

Timmy suddenly bent forwards and kissed David on the cheek.

"Is that how I say thank you and mean it?" he asked.

David nodded, tears in his eyes, as he stood up.

"Your mum's coming to see you," he said, "We're going to eat then go home to wait for her."

They were cheerful but thoughtful as they sat down to eat. Mr. Masterson finished his drink and left. Except for Mrs Dayton, everyone else was on the pervert's side. He would have to find somewhere else to drink.

Mrs Dayton stayed quiet not involving herself in any of the conversation around the table. She was trying to convince herself that the confidence and cheerfulness displayed by the boys and young men around the table was a sham, created by the devil to lead them astray.

She was scared they were all trying to undermine her faith and turn morality on its head. Even Timmy's rescue was a satanic plot to confuse the issue. She watched and listened, waiting for the chink in their armour that would show their true colours.

The rest of the party were still enjoying themselves when the restaurant door opened and a striking woman walked in. Timmy caught the moment in the corner of his eye and glanced up. His face lit up as he screamed "MUM" and rushed over to hug her.

It was an emotional moment for both of them. Both were in tears, hugging each each other, unable to speak.

Timmy's mother gradually returned to reality, looking around for someone to speak to. As Mrs Dayton tried to stand, her husband put a hand on her wrist and nodded to David.

"I'm David Watkins. It was one of my boys who raised the alarm," he said offering her hand.

"Thank you so much for everything that you've done," she replied, "I'm sorry, I seem to be interrupting."

"Not at all," David answered, "We're celebrating the fact that we've all cleared away so much scum."

"Including my husband," she said, "I'll drink to that."

David found her a seat offering her a glass of wine.

"No Thanks," she said, "Perrier Water for now, please. I'm driving. I couldn't wait for the police to arrange something. Timmy do you want to come and stay with me, Gran and Granddad?"

Timmy nodded excitedly, "Can we go now, please?"

"You've scarcely finished lunch. It's rude to just rush off."

"No it isn't. David knows I'm grateful. I don't have to show it the way I did with Daddy's friends."

"No of course not," his mother said, "But we have to wait for the police. They'll let us into your dad's place so that you can pick up your stuff."

Timmy thought for a moment.

"If I want it Dad'll expect me to go on being grateful. I don't want anything from there." Timmy turned and looked at David, "Can I keep these clothes, please?"

"Of course you can," David said.

Timmy rushed round, kissed David again on the cheek then turned to his mother, "Can we go home please?"

The luncheon party broke up not long after Timmy and his mother had left. Most felt it had been a celebration of a successful venture.

The exception, Mrs Dayton arranged to meet up with Mr. Masterson, Perry's mother, her sister and Mrs Grayson. For once she did not complain when Mr. Dayton said he was visiting David.

"That man is threatening all our children," Mrs Dayton said as their thoughts turned to the business at hand, "We've got to get rid of him."

"You heard him in the Bull, today," Mr. Masterson exclaimed, "He's got got the school completely tied up in his threats to sue them if they touch his darling boys. They daren't say a word against them. They've had the police there often enough, why can't they see what he's like?"

"We wanted them to get Perry out of his clutches," Yvonne said, "Now he's dumped his girlfriend and living there permanently. They're useless unless you speak out for true English values. Then they're onto you fast enough."

"That's right," Mr. Masterson sneered, "If you're queer, a nigger or Romanian then you get your rights protected. Look at Craig. He says what's right and gets a detention. Those perverts can say or do what they like."

"I was sacked because of them," Mrs Grayson contributed, "Can you believe it? Their word was taken over mine."

"I know," Mr. Masterson said, "Craig's marks have dropped right down. They're giving those faggots preferential treatment. We've got to do something."

"Any ideas?" Mrs Dayton asked.

Mr. Masterson paused uncertainly, "Craig's got an older couple of cousins who know how to behave like men. They need a new pub to drink at, especially on a Sunday lunchtime. Let's see how those perverts face up to real men."

"Yes but that's not going to get Perry back, is it?" his mother said.

"I don't know." Yvonne said, "If he sees his so called friends running for the hills, he might see sense."

"He might call his lawyer." Mrs Dayton said, "And have them barred."

"She paused, "That wouldn't be so bad, would it? I can imagine what Geoff's true friends would say if he had to hide like that."

"Wouldn't the church consider it, turning the other cheek?" Mrs Grayson asked.

"No. Standing his ground but not retaliating would be but what's he going to stand his ground for?"

"If Craig's cousins started taking him to school they could show this Billy up," Mr. Masterson said thoughtfully, "I bet he'd be too scared to get out of the car it they were around."

"What about their jobs?" Mrs Grayson asked.

"With all the East Europeans in the country. What chance have they got of getting a job?"

"Maybe we could chip in and give them something for their trouble," Yvonne said, "Strictly cash. They wouldn't have to declare to the benefits people."

Chapter 8

Dan and Leon were only too glad to help. Their van needed new tyres to pass the MOT. The idea that they could get some cash dressing in their skinhead gear to terrorise a bunch of perverts appealed to them.

The following morning they arrived at the school a little early, loafing around, leaning against their van. As Billy arrived they sauntered over to crowd round his door while the others got out. Dan tapped on the window.

"Nice car," he said as Billy opened it, "It would be a pity if it got damaged. You can't trust these kids. I'd keep it out of the way, if I were you."

"Thanks for the warning," Billy replied, "But I wouldn't worry. I've not had any trouble so far. Besides, look at all these kids with their phones out. Any trouble would be on Youtube by tonight.

As Billy spoke, Steven and older boys grabbed their phones, pointing them at Dan. Startled by the united response Dan and Leon stepped away allowing Billy to get out of the car. He glanced at their beat up old van.

"We're clearing junk from the house and we've got a load of garden rubbish to be dumped. We need to hire a van. Interested?"

"We don't work for fucking poofs," Dan sneered, "You're fairies, wave your fucking wands."

"I wish we could mate," Billy chuckled, "I guess we're not fairy enough."

Far from being intimidated, Billy had somehow put Leon and Dan on the defensive.

"Just watch it," Dan blustered as he and Leon moved off, "We don't want your sort round here."

Billy described the incident to David.

"You handled it well," he said, "Are you willing to see how it develops?"

Billy nodded, "Yes Master. I'm worried about the car being damaged though."

"Don't be," David said, "If it's badly damaged we'll have to inform the police. We'll need an incident number for the insurance. If it's minor we'll sort it out ourselves."

For the rest of the week there was little trouble. Billy would find himself boxed in when he parked or would have to break suddenly or swerve as the van pulled in front of him unexpectedly. Billy remained calm and drove competently.

The school authorities began to notice, becoming concerned with Leon and Dan's driving skills or rather, lack of them was getting complaints from parents, staff and older students with their own vehicles.

It was enough to earn their daily fee so they ignored the complaints. Mr. Masterson and his cronies were surprised at their victim's resilience and disappointed that no one at the school appreciated their efforts to clean it up.

However they were determined to bring David down and hassle at the school had only been the forerunner to the plans to keep David out of the pub.

Geoff was pleasantly surprised that his mother agreed to drop him off at the pub after church. He had spent the previous day at David's place spending most of it in the pool with Brian. He was even more surprised when she suggested that they have a quiet drink while Geoff waited for David and the other boys.

Mr. Dayton was surprised as well and a little uneasy when he saw Leon, Dan and a group of their friends hanging around outside. He felt even more on edge when he noticed Mr. Masterson and Mrs Grayson having a drink with Perry's mother and another woman.

He noticed that his wife seemed to acknowledge them. Briefly he wondered whether he should phone David but decided against it. He was not sure if he was just imagining things. It would be difficult to phone without someone noticing so it seemed better to quietly keep an eye on things.

They chatted quietly between themselves. Mr. Dayton relaxed, everything seemed so normal and peaceful. It did seem though, that Keith, the landlord was keeping an eye on the youths.

Geoff was first to notice David's group arrive. He leapt up from his seat and hurried to greet them. By the time he got outside the two groups seemed to be squaring up to each other.

"This is our pub from now on," Dan was yelling, "You find somewhere else to go."

"I think it's still Keith's pub so it's his decision," David said quietly, "You're not conforming to the dress code for the lounge or restaurant so I don't think we'll disturb each other."

"Yeah. You're right on that one," Dan snarled, "We don't need to dress up like nonces to have a drink. Go and find some poofter bar."

Billy slipped off his jacket, loosening his tie before undoing his shirt buttons.

"You've been having a go at me all week," he said, "Let's go into the field across the road and settle things man to man."

"We'll flatten your lot," Dan sneered, "Just go and you won't get hurt."

"I said man to man," Billy said quietly, "My friends are kids compared to your mates or is that the only way you'll fight? How about it, just you and me?"

Billy was peeling off his shirt as Keith and some of his customers came out.

"I don't want any trouble boys," Keith said, "If you've got a grievance take it somewhere else."

"Unless you've banned us, they're trying to stop us coming in, sir," Billy said still calm and in control, "If Dan has a grievance I'm willing to take him over to that field and settle it there."

Keith turned to Dan, "You don't decide who my customers are, son. Settle this now or you're the one who's barred."

"While staying with David, Billy had enjoyed a healthy diet and an active life. He still had a little flab but his muscles were clearly defined. He stood confidently, alert but relaxed.

From being the aggressors Dan and his cronies had become the defenders, nervous and unsure of themselves. Normally they would have had no trouble beating up a gang of kids. It would have just served them right but Billy had made it sound cowardly. They relied on their leader being the tough guy and were waiting to see how he handled Billy.

So far he had been indecisive, allowing Keith and one or two other adults to stand with David, putting them more at a disadvantage.

David stepped forward, putting his hand on Billy's shoulder.

"It's your move," he said to Dan, "How about I buy everyone a drink and Billy takes you on with a game of pool."

Geoff had slipped off his jacket, giving it to his Dad then moved to stand beside David. Mr. Dayton found himself holding more jackets as the other boys followed suit.

"I think you'd better come home with us, Perry," his mother called out.

Perry glanced at her taking in the group she was standing with. He nodded as if understanding something. He removed his tie and shirt then stood beside Billy.

What Billy and David had separately discovered was that Dan was all front. He could talk up a good fight, look mean in his skinhead clothes and push the others into some sort of gang attack. He lacked the courage to face someone one to one.

His cronies had been surprised that he had hesitated to accept Billy's challenge. Now as he still seemed reluctant to accept it so his authority slipped and they backed away from the confrontation.

As Billy's friends gathered round ready to support him so Dan became more and more isolated.

"Come on," he yelled suddenly stepping towards Billy and raising his fists. Billy scarcely seemed to move but suddenly Dan was twisted round with one of his arms forced up his back while Billy's other arm was wrapped around his throat. Almost as quickly Dan found himself being pushed forward into his mates.

Dan was not hurt. He could see that no one had come to his aid. He was outclassed by Billy and the situation was completely different to the one he had been told to expect.

Yelling, 'Fuck you', he hurried to the van and drove off, leaving a startled Leon to stand with the rest of his mates.

"OK boys, get dressed," David said before calling across to the others, "My offer of a drink still stands. If that was your transport you'd better have something to eat before you start walking."

Leon hurried over to Mr. Masterson, glaring at the man, "I've got a lift, haven't I Uncle?"

Mr. Masterson nodded, embarrassed. There were a few other lads, standing looking defeated and betrayed.

David turned to Keith, "Will you take their orders, please. Otherwise we'll be standing here all day."

"Are you sure?" Keith said, "I don't want any more trouble."

"There won't be. Perhaps you can put our reservation back a bit. We'll wait in the Public. I don't fancy the company in the Lounge today."

David selected a stool in the the corner of the bar, propping his arm on the counter, carefully keeping an eye on things. Everyone gathered around him as Keith served the drinks.

"How did you learn to fight like that, Billy?" David asked.

"It was in one of the homes," Billy explained, "One of the carers was an ex-policeman. He hated the bullying that went on and decided to teach us self-defence."

Billy paused and grinned, "He never understood that he taught the bullies as well."

"How did you stop him so quick?" Steven asked.

"I didn't," Billy said, revelling in the puzzled glances he created, "He was just waving his arms around and his balance was all wrong. Once I'd grabbed his wrist, if I'd let go he would have gone flying. Instead he twisted and the rest just flowed on."

"Dan said that you were sickoes and perverts molesting kids," one of the newcomers said, "You're not though, are you?"

"I run a strict, disciplined household," David said, "The main rule for the boys is no bullying. Outside of that, the boys can be themselves."

"And they're all gay," another one said. It was not a hostile challenge but it was more than an innocent question.

"That is something you should ask them," David replied, "Of course, if you do they might want to know why you're so interested."

The boy took a sip of his drink trying to hide his embarrassment while his mates chuckled. One of the other boys drank up and prepared to leave.

"Thank you for the drink, sir," he said surprisingly polite, "I was wrong to get involved because you're not the paedophile I was led to believe. I can get to my girlfriend from here so I'll be OK."

His friends saw him off calling him Egg. David queried it.

"You heard him speak. He's an egghead," one explained.

David laughed, "Fair enough. Now who thinks that they can beat me at pool?"

Back in the lounge Mr. Masterson's group were not so cheerful.

"At least they didn't dare show their faces in here," he said, "So that's something."

"No. They couldn't stomach the company more like," Mr. Dayton said, "Neither can I."

He turned angrily to his wife, "I'll leave you to hatch more plots with your friends. I'll eat with mine.

Geoff noticed his father enter the Public Bar and sit quietly, not even getting a drink. He wandered over to join him. Mr. Dayton caught his worried look and smiled.

"I love your Mother," he said, "Sometimes I don't like her and I'm annoyed with myself. I knew something was up and I should have warned David."

Geoff nodded, still worried.

"She thinks that she's protecting you and I can't fault her for that," Mr. Dayton explained further, "It's the people she's trusting and their methods that I don't like."

"Maybe I should stop visiting David's," Geoff said.

"Then I'd have to, as well," Mr. Dayton grinned, "Once your mother realises you haven't sold your soul to the devil she'll start coming around. For now I'm wondering how David learnt to play pool like that."

Geoff relaxed feeling happier, watching as David cleared the table for the second time. He was surprised that the two remaining youths had become so friendly. One had slipped away unnoticed and Egg had gone of course, but those that stayed were polite and relaxed as they gathered around watching the games.

David had played on their primeval instincts. Billy had defeated their leader so for now he was their leader. However he deferred to David so Billy's new pack also deferred to him. It was not exactly hunting but David was demonstrating physical skills and by his body language displaying his leadership. It was subtle. The youths had been abandoned by Dan so they were a little vulnerable. No one involved realised what was happening

David had played enough and sat down leaving Billy to play. Keith approached him.

"Did I understand right?" he asked, "Were you inviting them to lunch?"

"If it's the dress code in the restaurant, I'll stand them bar food but I don't think that I want to miss my Sunday roast," David said.

"If you care to wait until the main rush is over I'll stretch a point," Keith said, "They're well enough behaved. I'm strict with the dress code because I'm more concerned with ensuring that youngsters don't just see it as another bar."

"Thank you," David said before standing up and addressing the group of youths, "We'll be eating later than usual. Keith will hand menus around so you can order in advance. He'll be able call us through as soon as he's ready."

David looked at Mr. Dayton, "Let's annoy the Lounge flies."

After the men had moved into the Lounge Bar, Keith presented everyone with menus as David had requested. The guests looked uncertain, turning to Billy who shrugged.

"Why not?" he said, "We're enjoying ourselves. Have you got anywhere to go?"

The Lounge bar was not so welcoming. Mr. Masterson and his friends glared at David as he settled on a bar stool beside Mr. Dayton.

"I didn't know that Billy was a fighter," Mr. Dayton said, "He seems such a gentle boy."

"I didn't know, either," David acknowledged, "I thought he was impressive. I should have stopped him though."

"Maybe but I gather that the ringleaders had been needling him all week. He didn't provoke anything though."

"Except by being here," Yvonne muttered just loud enough for David to hear.

"In that case, he'll be provoking you a lot more," David said, "He's made some new friends. It'll do him good to relax with them. I'm sure you had a part in introducing them, so on his behalf, thank you."

"Oh this has gone on long enough," Perry's mother exclaimed, "I'm going and I'm taking Perry with me. If you try and stop me, I shall call the police."

"I have no intention of stopping you," David replied, "Perry's free to do as he wishes."

"He's under age so he'll do as I tell him," she retorted.

"He might be under age but he might not appreciate being ordered around in front of his friends. Why not have a quiet chat with him, first. He may be more responsive."

"I don't need you to tell me how to handle my son," Perry's mother snapped angrily, "Just mind your own business. And I'll be getting out of him all the abuse you've done. Come on Yvonne."

David picked up his drink sipping it appreciatively while Mr. Dayton watched him quizzically while the two women stomped through to the other bar.

"She's right," David said, "I can't interfere. If she wants to embarrass Perry in front of his friends and alienate him more then I can't stop her."

"I didn't like that crack about making Perry talk."

"Neither did I," David said, "I think she meant put words into his mouth. Again, I don't think she'll find it that easy."

The bar was quiet. Everyone had heard David's comments. It was the closest he had ever come to denying that there was under age sex at his place. They also became aware of raised voices in the Public Bar. They recognised them as belonging to Perry's mother, Yvonne and Perry but could not distinguish what they were saying.

There was no look of triumph as the women returned. They glared furiously at David.

"I warned you not to try and block us," Perry's mother yelled, "I'm calling the police."

She paused, "On second thoughts, do you know who I am going to call? My Father."

"Who's her father?" Mr. Dayton whispered.

"I've no idea," David replied, "I hope we have time to eat before we find out."

Keith, disliking the row brewing in his pub, hovered nearby as if ready to serve. He was undecided whether to ban everyone involved or just one of the groups but which one? However, David was hosting a sizeable party in the restaurant and he was as curious as David to know what Perry's Grandfather could contribute.

"You'd better go through now," he said, "I'll let the lads know."

Mr. Dayton turned to his wife, "Are you joining us, dear?"

"I'm getting a bit of a headache," she replied, "Would you mind if I took the car and went home?"

"No not at all," Mr. Dayton replied, "I'll come with you, if you like."

Mrs Dayton grinned, "You're over the limit already so I'd still have to drive. I just want to be quiet."

As they entered the restaurant area, Mr. Dayton winked at his son, "I don't think she's too impressed with her new friends. She wants to think."

Geoff gave a deep sigh of relief as they joined their friends. Lunch was cheerful, only quiet as they ate. Towards the end of the meal a tall distinguished man entered the restaurant. He wore a smart blazer with a badge on the breast pocket. David did not recognise the insignia but guessed that it and the tie were regimental.

"Perry, I'd like a word please," he rasped out authoritatively. David mentally promoted him to ex-Regimental Sergeant Major.

Perry automatically began to stand then sat back down.

"Yes of course, Granddad," he said, "Why don't you come and join us."

"I'd prefer to keep family business private," Perry's Grandfather said.

"Family business or deciding where I live?" Perry asked, "I know you're worried about me but it's also David's business where I live nowadays."

"Unfortunately that is true. I cannot join you because I have no wish to associate with the perverts around that table. You will either come with me now or I will take Mr. Watkins to court. It seems to me that the fact that you dumped your girlfriend to live with these people is proof that you've been corrupted. If you wish to put yourself through the humiliation of medical and psychiatric examinations as well exposing your so called friends in court then so be it."

Perry looked far less certain, looking to David for guidance then grinned, "I broke up with Karen because she wanted money for a trip to Florida. She thought if I was nice enough to David then he would give it to me. She'll still get back with me if I agree. What do you think I should do?"

There was a trace of laughter as Perry's Granddad replied, "I'll concede that point. Come and stay with me, not with your Aunt Yvonne. We can talk man to man."

"Thank you, Granddad," Perry said, "You won't even sit with my friends so I could hardly invite them to visit. You can visit me any time you wish at David's so I'll stay there."

"Even if I was welcome by him, what makes you think I wish to see his depraved lifestyle?"

"How do you know that it's depraved?" Perry asked, "It's my home, my lifestyle and I'm inviting you to visit to see for yourself."

"Final chance. Are you coming with me?"

"No Granddad."

Without a further word, the man turned and marched out the door. As Perry relaxed, he seemed close to tears.

"I think it's time we went," David said, "We've had enough trouble today."

"Should I have gone with him?" Perry asked suddenly.

"No way," Steven exclaimed, "He was bullying you. He wasn't interested in what you had to say."

"That's right," Billy said, "Only you know what's right for you. Stick by it."

"What about threatening the courts," Perry asked.

"David will deal with it," Steven said cheerfully, "He could have dealt with your grandfather but he could have been accused of pressuring you."

Perry nodded feeling happier.

In the Lounge Bar Mr. Masterson's group had a different idea.

"Have you noticed how he takes the back seat," he said, "He never supports the boys unless he's got a lawyer or someone to back him up. I reckon we should concentrate on him. He'll fold quickly enough."

The others nodded in agreement watching angrily through the window as a cheerful group surrounding David left the pub.

One of the boys dropped back to walk beside David and Mr. Dayton.

"Do you take in anyone?" he asked bluntly.

"No," David said, "I'm not a guest house."

"Sorry. I meant anyone who needs help," the youth replied, "Billy's talking about us all going swimming at your place. I bet Ryan won't take his clothes off."

"I'm supposed to ask 'why not', aren't I?" David asked irritably.

"Yeah. Look I don't think he's a poofter… I mean gay but his brother beats him up. If he got a bedsit or something, his brother would be round there all the time."

"So he lives with his parents? How old is he?"

"Seventeen. His brother's nineteen and they both live with their father."

"OK so you don't like gays. Neither does he. So what makes you think he'd want my help?"

"We got the impression from Dan that you were some poofter queen going after every kid in the village. I don't tell Dan but one of my other mates is gay. Those two know about him as well. The others don't and they hate queers… I mean…"

"I know what you mean," David interrupted, "Just relax and speak normally. I'll help him if I can but he's got to make a move. I can't just barge in."

The youth sped up to rejoin the group around Billy.

"It's a good job Chris's gone," David said, "He slipped away on Friday while everyone was at school. I don't want to take in anyone else."

"You had Brian yesterday," Mr. Dayton said, "Geoff was saying something about him staying with you while his mother is on nights. It does seem to be getting a bit much."

"It's like you say though, it's what the boys want that matter. I just hope that Chris and Chief Superintendent Lockerby don't send us anyone. At least not for a while."

David saw a car in his drive, breathing a sigh of relief that it was Mrs Blackmore and Brian.

"Sorry to intrude," Mrs Blackmore said, "But I was wondering whether Brian could stay with you. I've been offered a promotion but I have to go away on a course. He could stay with his grandparents but I've talked to Brian and he wanted to ask you first."

"It's no problem," Billy said, "Won't his Grandparents mind?"

"They don't like the idea of him staying with strangers but I don't think that they were keen on the disruption."

"So when does this course start and how long is it?" David asked.

"That's the problem," Mrs Blackmore said, "Someone's dropped out and I have to go tonight. It lasts two weeks."

"Billy's the steward," David said, "He's the one who'll have to cope. Since he agrees then I see no problem. Do you want to come in?"

Mrs Blackmore glanced at her son who was frowning.

"No thank you," she said, "Brian's growing up. He doesn't want his mother involved in his world. We'll take a little walk up the lane and say our good byes in private."

While they were waiting, Billy approached David.

"We need a dormitory," he said, "With me, Steve, Perry and now Brian, it's getting harder to keep the conservatory ready for you. Brian especially will need to get to sleep before you're ready for bed."

David nodded, "We'll get sleeping bags and store them in the boys cloakroom. The attic space is usable you could sleep up there. The services are installed and it's insulated. We've discussed what else it could be used for. I'll call the builders and get the alterations started. Steve will need plenty of light in his studio so the we'll probably have to work around the windows we install."

"It's going to be expensive, sir," Billy said.

"What else am I going to spend my money on?" David asked, "I'm more worried about Brian. He's young enough to really get the police's interest if they wonder what we get up to."

"Everyone seems to talk about our behaviour and discipline more," Billy said, "But I see what you mean. That group in the pub are going to cause trouble if they can. I shouldn't have said that he could stay. I'm sorry."

"Don't be," David replied, "Let's see what happens. I think Mr. Dayton is more concerned about Brian's relationship with Geoff than anything."

Later there was something else on Mr. Dayton's mind.

"We were lucky that fight fizzled out so quickly," he said, "It could have been nasty."

"I was walking along the road where the pavement was edged by iron railings," Dave said, "There was a dog on the other side of the railings barking, lunging doing everything it could to intimidate me. I kept on walking while the dog kept pace. Suddenly we came across an open gate. We were face to face with nothing to separate us. I've never seen a dog look shocked before. Then it turned and ran."

David paused as Mr. Dayton chuckled, "It's the same with people. The more bull, the less action. It doesn't always work that way but it's a good guideline. Dan's barriers were his mates and his intimidating manner. Neither worked with Billy so for once he it was one on one. He couldn't even talk up a good fight because Billy was saying OK let's get on with it."

Mr. Dayton nodded, "I hear all this psychological stuff but I'm not sure if I believe in it," Mr. Dayton said.

"I don't believe in it," David said, "It's not a religion but it can make people's basic reactions fairly predictable."

The conversation might have continued but Billy and his guests wanted to speak.

"We were talking about the attic, sir," Billy said, "Scot's was working for a building firm but it went bust. He was doing a course on site management so he knows what he's on about. Another guy's worked on the sites as a labourer. Anyway we reckon if we don't touch anything structural we could could do the loft."

"Are you all out of work?" David asked.

The boys nodded.

"Which one's Scot?"

"I am," a fair headed youth of about twenty answered, "It was my father's firm but he had a heart attack. I was supposed to be learning the business so I could take over one day but Dad was useless with the paperwork and things were in more of a mess than he realised."

"Come back tomorrow, Scot," David said, "You can look around and come up with a plan. Billy, we've got the software that handles your employment details. Figure out how to take on Scot and the others on. You'll also need to find out the pros and cons of taking them on for a few week's work and how it will affect their benefits."

"I was just thinking of doing it on the side," Scot said, "It's going to cost if you hire us properly."

"I warned you," Billy said, "Master David doesn't work that way. He won't accept second best."

"Fair enough," Scot replied, "Hire me full time but we'll take on casual labour as we need it. We'll work the rules so everyone gets some extra cash but it can go through the books and be properly declared. How does that sound?"

"It's a one off job and it won't stop anyone getting a permanent job if they find it," David said, "I don't mind."

"Dad says it's the difference between found money and a regular wage," Scot nodded, "It'll be good to have a regular job, even it's only for a couple of weeks."

"What about transport?" David asked.

"I can use Dad's van," Scot replied, "He's not supposed to drive at the moment."

David thought back to how quiet his days used to be. Now the pool was full of youngsters enjoying themselves, he could enjoy the relaxed companionship of Mr. Dayton and his mind was full ideas for the future. He even found himself enjoying the new atmosphere.

He remained contented until the Billy took the boys to school the following morning, leaving him alone. The phone rang.

"Fuck off or we'll kill you," a voice screamed, "Pervert."

The phone went dead. David was a little upset of course but he was not worried as he prepared breakfast. He had arranged for Scot to visit when Billy was due back, allowing himself a quiet few minutes to start the day.

David did not mind when the front doorbell rang, assuming it was Scot arriving early. The pile of shit on the doormat shocked him and as he stepped round to open the door he heard a van driving off at speed.

He hurried down the drive to see if he could catch the number but the van was gone. As he turned to go back in he stopped and stared at the message sprayed across the front of the house.

'FUCK OF PERVET' it proclaimed.

David turned to the sound of Mrs Clivedon's voice.

"It's funny how they know how to spell that first word, isn't it?" she said, "Is there anything I can do?"

David shook his head, "No, thank you all the same. I'm just hoping it comes off easily."

"The van's coming back," she said angrily, "If I can remember how this damned mobile works I'll call the police."

"No. It's all right," David said, "I'm expecting this guy. Hello Scot."

"I saw Dan's van as I came through the village," Scot said by way of greeting, "I thought he was in a hurry. If you'd like to start scraping the windows, I'll go and get some cleaner for the brickwork."

"OK but they posted a calling card through the letterbox. I'll deal with that first."

"Billy's back," Mrs Clivedon said, "I'll get out of your way."

"Thanks for your support," David answered, "If you'd like to pop in for a coffee later, you'll be more than welcome."

"I'll do that," she replied, "I'm on flower arranging duty with Mrs Harrison. Her biggest problem is defrosting the fridge and she can make a two hour conversation out of it. I look forward to hearing about some real problems."

David smiled, "We'll tell you the full sordid story."

"Excellent. You're all so quiet I'm disappointed. How about a few orgies and other goings on to give me something to gossip about."

Billy and David worked hard clearing the mess until Scot returned with the cleaner and a power washer. David was impressed that he also brought the correct safety gear and sent David and Billy indoors while he worked alone.

By the time Mrs Clivedon returned, the graffiti was gone.

Scot joined them in the kitchen.

"You can't do it too often," he said, "It's abrasive but it's OK today."

"We'll sort the paperwork out from this morning," David said, "And treat this as your first day. Give Billy all the receipts and he'll settle up. Thank you for your help."

Scot shrugged, "It's no big deal. I won't be doing a full day's work today."

"There's a place I know that sells security equipment. If I phone though an order, I'd like you to pick it up. It's cameras for the drive and the lane outside. We'll install them after lunch."

"Yes but it's only a days work," Scot said, "Billy says you want things done right. You'll only need me tomorrow to measure up the attic."

"Billy's already busy," David explained, "There's not only the attic, there's the garden. The boys are supposed handle that but there's a pile of rubbish to be removed. We promised to help Mrs Clivedon around the village but Billy's running the house. With four boys staying and all their friends visiting it takes up most of his time. I'll hire you for a month."

David paused, "I can't do much more than that but if it works out we'll see if there's any way I can help you with a job. How about it, Mrs Clivedon, do you think we could find enough work to keep him out of mischief?"

"I've got plenty of friends who want work done," she replied, "As you say, let's see how things work out. Thank you for the coffee but I must go. The dogs will be getting restless."

"Billy's mentioned one of the rooms being a dungeon," Scot said cautiously, "Will you want me to help you set it up?"

"Your contract of employment will say property maintenance," David said, "Refuse anything that goes beyond that. I won't expect you until Billy is back from the school run."

Scot looked at him quizzically.

"In case Dan comes back tomorrow," David explained, "Putting up security cameras is OK. Risking a confrontation with your friends isn't."

"He's not my friend," Scot snapped, "I can't believe I wanted to hang out with him. I'm sorry I believed his stories about you. You know, how you, Billy and Steve were after all the younger kids in the village."

"Don't worry about it," David smiled, "I'll tell you my acts of stupidity one day. Believe me, you're a novice at them."

Scot smiled his thanks, "The only thing is, I'm not gay. I've got a girlfriend."

"I like Perry's answer to that," Billy laughed, "He reckons he can be gay when it's just messing around and playing. When it comes to thinking about his future, you know, settling down, finding a partner and all that, he's straight."

"Yeah but he's kidding himself, isn't he?" Scot asked, "It's not possible is it?"

"I don't know," David replied, "It's all about what gets the hormones going. Maybe here, it's the healthy food, exercise and companionship. Maybe with a girl it's something fundamental like having kids."

Scot nodded thoughtfully.

They settled down to work and by the time Billy fetched the others from school Scot and David were studying a new monitor in his study showing views of the front of the house and the road. Scot accepted David's invitation and stayed for tea so in the evening they were all gathered around in the conservatory discussing the events of the last two days. Steven looked at David.

"How did you know Scot was OK?" he asked, "I didn't like Tony much and Ryan was a scared rabbit."

"I didn't know," David replied, "I made it clear that I didn't want an argument with any of Dan's gang. Most couldn't handle it and slipped away. Tony was thinking you all had an easy ride here and lost interest when he realised how much you all put in. He still tried borrowing some money though. He didn't like me refusing either. I don't think we'll see him again.

"Like you say, Ryan is a scared rabbit. I do wonder why his older brother Frank isn't part of Dan's gang."

"He is," Scot said, "He was doing some sort of job with his dad and sent Ryan along."

He stopped and frowned, "I've never thought about it before but Ryan was only around when Frank wanted him to do something."

David nodded, "Changing the subject, I don't think this morning is a one off. Billy, make sure the garage is locked when you get the car out. Scot, I don't want you here before Billy gets back from the school run. You heard Mrs Clivedon. We've got all the help we need tomorrow."

The lane looked just as deserted the following morning as it did every other day. The only difference was Ron, the handyman and Mrs Clivedon's friend was working in the lane trimming her hedge. It did not sound like much of a plan but Ron could not let anyone pass without a chat. He would acknowledge every passing car with a cheery wave.

There was no way that Dan and his friends could enter David's property without being spotted. They could try and threaten Ron and in a city they might get away with it. However, Dan had been warned to be inconspicuous and not give David anything to focus on.

He phoned David, "We're coming visiting again, pervert. Didn't you get yesterday's message?"

David's house and Mrs Clivedon's house were separated by a small orchard so Ron was some distance from the van when it pulled up. He waved when he saw Dan look towards him. Ron began a leisurely stroll towards Dan and Leon as they got out of the van.

"Fuck off you old git," Dan yelled, "Mind your own fucking business."

Ron shrugged and turned, taking a mobile phone out of his pocket. On the surface he might be a typical elderly villager leading a slow unhurried life but he was also something of a computer expert, spending the evening in chat rooms or on social networks. It had started when his daughter had wanted to send pictures of his grandchildren from Australia.

Moments later Mrs Clivedon was outside and they were engrossed in a conversation about the hedge.

Thinking that their witness had been dealt with they turned their attention back to David's drive only to find him standing at the front door watching them. It seemed to Dan that there were too many witnesses and he paused.

"Still here then, pervert? Didn't you get the message yesterday?"

"What message?" Dan asked.

Dan turned towards the wall. It had registered that his graffiti had gone but it was only slowly dawning on on him just how completely it had been eradicated. He stared without appreciating how Scot had cleaned the entire surface so as not to even leave a light patch.

"Fuck off," Dan yelled as he headed back to the van, "Why don't you all just fuck off?"

For the rest of the week there were people in the lane whenever David was alone. As the week progressed the sentries became more conspicuous, sitting in their cars, sometimes holding a camera. Some of them openly disapproved of David's lifestyle but as Mrs Clivedon said, he's not trying to run the village, the yobs will if you give them the chance."

The phone calls petered out and by Friday there was no more trouble. Scot now arrived early so Dan knew that he was working for David.

When David originally had the plans drawn up for the house, he was planning on retiring and living as a recluse. What he had was sufficient for his needs and spent his time keeping house. However whether it was old habits, a reluctance to commit to retirement completely or an eye for an investment he allowed for the possibility of adding a second floor at a later stage.

The outer wall of the 'L' was high enough to allow a second floor behind while, for now the roof sloped down from its top to the conservatory. Scot had taken over a part of the attic, spread the original plans out and was now working on some plans of his own.

"We'll need an architect or a civil engineer to do the final plans but I reckon I could do most of it," he said over lunch on the Thursday. "I mean I could hire people who know what they're doing. Could I also hire Dad as a consultant?"

"If he's well enough," David replied, "I have been checking up on you and your Dad had a damned good reputation. You've got more done than I expected. Even the garden's looking better."

Scot smiled his thanks, "Dad reckons I'm taking too much on here. He doesn't think that I've got the experience. How come you don't mind me having to check everything on the Internet or go over it with dad?"

"Partly because you don't mind that Billy and I are going to spend some time in my bedroom, this afternoon," David grinned, "I like your attitude. You don't pretend that you know it all and you will listen. The final reason is your Dad's reputation. He would have been on my short list for this job if he had still been open for business."

On the Friday, David was surprised to see Ryan arrive with Scot.

"I've hired him as my assistant for the day," Scot said, "I'll pay him out of my wages. Ryan, go and find Billy. Tell him to put the kettle on."

"Sorry about this," Scot said, "I think he needed to get away and I still feel bad at the way I treated him. It's pointless paying him too much, his brother will take it anyway."

"I'll sort him some cash," David said, "How about some he can hand over and some he can hide in his shoe or something?"

Scot grinned, "Thanks. I'll come in tomorrow to make it up to you. I can help Ron at the village hall."

"Weekends might be a bit of a culture shock," David smiled, "The boys will be here and they won't be inhibited by you."

Scot shrugged, " I don't mind. Jemma's going away with her parents this weekend. "

"You're welcome," David said, "Rob reckons that Perry's getting very interested in what you have under your swimming shorts. He's said one or two things. I reckon he's hoping that you can help him explain his feelings about both boys and girls."

"I've always said that I'm straight," Scot said, "I'm not interested."

"So you deny that your cock ever gets hard here."

Scot blushed, stammering, "No, it happens anyway."

"The boys are used to being naked so they understand how easy it is to get an erection. They don't worry about asking for help to relieve it, either. Perry will probably get turned on by talking about boobs and cunts. If you get hard talking about females then get him to do something about it, is that gay or straight?"

"I don't know," Scot said, "I've never thought about it."

"Think about it," David said, "If you stay, someone may come onto you. I don't suppose you'll act with shocked outrage but how will you react? Reject it because you think straight boys should, accept it because you think you should here?"

"OK Supposing young Brian came on to me? I'd have to stop him."

"Why?" David asked.

Scot stared at him, startled.

"Physically you're an adult with an adult cock," David said, "He might be curious to see what's going to happen to him when he grows up. If he touches it, it could well react. Would you stop him or satisfy his curiosity and your balls?"

"I should stop him," Scot said.

"You asked about Brian coming onto you, not you coming onto him. The others would be keeping an eye on you. What would you be stopping?"

Scot stared again.

"I wouldn't pressure him," he said slowly, "No one else would think I was weird even if he made me cum. He'd understand what his body can do a bit better."

"And what about you?" David asked, "How would you feel if you discovered that a thirteen year old boy could make you cum?"

"So you don't think I should visit when your boys are home?"

"Like I said, you'll be welcome even if you're not working. All I'm asking is, are you willing to risk discovering things about yourself?"

"I might discover I really am straight and none of this turns me on."

David nodded.

Scot continued, "But I might discover that I'm into young boys."

"I would have thought that you'd have some clues about that by now," David smiled, "But you might discover something."

"OK. I'd like to visit. If I don't see Jemma this weekend then I still might not need my right hand. Is it OK to think that way?"

"Why not?" David asked, "As long as help's offered and not taken then I've got no problem with it. You're not being selfish, if that's what you mean."

Scot stared once again as his mind churned over his confused thoughts.

"Could I stay tonight, please?" he asked nervously, "If I do, Ryan might stay as well. He'll be out of the way."

"You'll have to make do sleeping in the conservatory with the others," David said, "I'll have a word with Steven. He may decide that Ryan rates a guest room."

Scot looked puzzled but seemed happy enough.

That night as they lay in bed David was quiet, deep in thought.

"What's wrong?" Rob asked.

"This place is turning into a youth hostel," David answered, "Taking Steve in was one thing. Brian's too young. How he manages to get to sleep in a corner of the conservatory is beyond me but we're not looking after him properly. Scot and Perry are straight yet we're supposed to be a gay BDSM household. Steve was trying to persuade Ryan to stay for a time so we'll have another irate family breathing down our necks and we'll have to tread carefully around a screwed up wreck."

"According to Geoff, Brian loves it here and Perry could stay with his family if he wanted to," Rob said, "Scot can jerk off to straight porn if he doesn't want anyone to touch him. That's why I like the discipline here. We can do our own thing without feeling weird."

"Yes but Steve is relegated to one of a gang," David said, "I wanted him to feel at home."

"He used to talk about going back to his step-dad's house," Rob said, "Now he talks about coming home. He's happy here."

"What about you?" David asked, "Are you happy here?"

"I'm happy but it feels weird at times," Rob replied, "Like when everyone sees us coming to bed. There's other things. Mr. Hampton reckons I'm improving in the gym. He's even said it must be because of the extra training I get here. I can sit on your lap and no one thinks I'm a cissy. I love you and it feels right, here."

"I love you too," David said, "I'm also a lot older than you and need my sleep tonight. If you want to play tonight go and join the others."

By answer Rob nestled in even closer and soon they were both asleep.

Chapter 9

Steve still managed his morning routine before everyone else woke up. He now fetched Billy a coffee to wake him. Billy would slide out of his sleeping bag and drink his coffee with his shaft firmly embedded inside Steve who straddled him. A deepening friendship was developing between them.

David had eased up on his no sex rule but insisted that they tell him about all new activity between them. It could have been a turn on but each time Billy in particular worried about whether David would approve. As a result their physical relationship was developing slowly without any pressure on either of them.

Scot had slept restlessly unused to the hard floor. He was dozing as Steve knelt across Billy and watched fascinated as Steve took Billy's cock with such obvious pleasure. Perry was fast asleep in the sleeping bag beside him. As the hormones surged round his body demanding that he attend to his own cock he found himself wondering what Perry would do for him.

Not long turned fifteen Perry still had a youthful smooth skin. Even with only his face and an arm visible outside the bag, he was so obviously masculine but Scot was seeing a warm sensuous body maybe willing to share his needs.

He leant across and touched Perry's shoulder. Perry was still fast asleep. He twisted away from the touch unaware of what it was. Scot snapped his hand back embarrassed and alarmed at being rejected.

Steve had noticed, waiting for Billy to drink his coffee, feeling the semi hard cock pulse inside him.

"He slept beside you for a reason," Steve whispered, "Wait until he's awake."

Billy glanced across and nodded approvingly before putting his coffee cup down. Scot watched as Billy flexed his muscles causing Steve to bob up and down until he caught the rhythm.

Gay or straight, Scot had never imagined a couple being so relaxed about sex. It had always been something to be hidden away in the privacy of a bedroom, something to brag about or something to snigger at when imagining what someone else was doing. Instead Steve managed to glance across to him and smile though as their activity became more intense so he just closed his eyes, grabbed his cock and stroked it.

Billy held his sides, guiding Steve until the rhythmic pumping became spasmodic thrusts and Steve suddenly shot across Billy face and chest while Billy arched his back, every muscle rigid.

As they collapsed into a loving cuddle Scot found his own rigid manhood softening a little. He had not been turned off by the scene in front of him. On the the contrary he found it amazingly erotic but for the first time in a long time he found himself uncertain.

He glanced back at Perry who was laying contentedly but now awake.

"They always wake me," Perry smiled, "Billy can't stop groaning."

Scot smiled back, "And we have to make do with our hands."

"Is it true girls give worse blow jobs than boys?" Perry asked, "It's supposed to be because they can't understand how it feels?"

"I don't know if boys can do better," Scot replied, "I've never thought about it."

Perry looked disappointed.

"Sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"You didn't," Scot replied, "I should have said that I've never thought about it until now. Do we have to get up for breakfast or anything?"

"Consider yourself on washing up duties with Perry," Billy replied, "Send Brian through to the kitchen when he wakes up. I'll get you some breakfast when you come through."

Billy grinned to himself, Brian was probably already awake but lying quietly watching the show the other boys were putting on for him. He was not exactly scared of sex with someone else but he had seen what had happened to Timmy. Over the last few days he had come to believe that the boys taking a cock were genuinely enjoying themselves. He wanted to do something with Geoff, sometimes flirting with him but then getting a little scared and pulling back.

Geoff had guessed what was wrong so he was patient but Brian was worried that Geoff would get fed up with his games.

That morning, the biggest emotional drama was in Scot's mind when he stepped into the kitchen. He was naked, finally abandoning the shorts he had been wearing, with Perry standing contentedly beside him. He stood nervously unsure of the reaction he should expect.

"Hungry?" Billy asked, "Or have you had your daily protein intake?"

Scot blushed uncertain how to answer.

"Shut it, Billy," Perry snapped, "And yes I'm hungry. I need more protein."

The others noticed the emphasis on more, exchanged knowing glances but did not say anything else. Billy sent Brian and Steven to clear the garden before sitting down while Perry and Scot ate.

"The one thing we don't have is privacy," Billy said, "I didn't like it at first but it's got its uses. We all know that you were sixtynining and you were both enjoying it. Don't worry. What happens in this house, stays in this house.

"Perry when you've eaten, take the tray into David and Rob. I'm going to see how Ryan is."

Ryan was awake but lying in the bed enjoying the peace and quiet. He looked round as Billy knocked and entered the guest room.

"Is there anything you need?" he asked, "Just let me know when you're ready for breakfast."

"Can I get dressed or do I have to stay naked?" Ryan asked.

"You can get dressed if you like," Billy replied, "I'll put on some shorts if you prefer."

"No, it's not that. I don't want the others to laugh at me."

"Why would they do that?" Billy asked.

"I'm a useless wimp who can't stand up for himself."

"I don't understand," Billy said cautiously. "What's wrong?"

Ryan sat up making sure the duvet still covered his lower body. Wincing with pain he pulled off the shirt he had been wearing. Billy gasped at the sight of the bruises covering his arms and torso.

Ryan caught his look of horror.

"I told you I was useless," he said.

"You're not useless," Billy said, "Whoever did that is a worthless piece of shit."

"I am useless. I should do you for calling my brother that but I don't think I can."

Billy was out of his depth. He had no idea what to say to Ryan.

"You are not useless," Billy said as firmly as he could, "I don't mean to insult your brother but he should be looking out for you, not half killing you."

Ryan stayed quiet. Frank had just been trying to toughen him up but Billy obviously did not understand. Billy did understand. He had seen kids withdrawn and scared in the homes. He knew that whatever he suggested would be turned around to show that Ryan was worthless.

"Listen Ryan," Billy said, "You should see a doctor to make sure that there are no internal injuries. While you're here no one is going to beat you up like that. However much you think you deserved it, you didn't."

Billy paused wondering if he was saying the right things, "You've heard the stories about us and you saw us together last night. Do you think any of us get beaten up like that? How about taking a shower and coming through to the kitchen?"

Ryan nodded. He would be noticed if he stayed in bed while everyone else was up.

"What should I wear?" he asked.

"Whatever you're comfortable in," Billy replied, "None of us bother with clothes but it's up to you."

No matter how strict the discipline, getting teenage boys ready for school tends to be hectic. Billy was not sure what a dietician would make of it but breakfast tended to be combinations of fruit, yoghurt, cheese and toast, sometimes with baked beans. Even seated at the table the boys could grab what fruit they wanted and Billy would prepare the toast or baked beans depending on how how early the boy arrived. Once the teenage rush was over, David would get up and have muesli and fruit. If Scot or Ryan wanted it, Billy could cook bacon and eggs.

Scot usually made do with a coffee, munching a chocolate bar on his way to wherever he was going. On that morning he was unusually hungry and was enjoying baked beans on toast with his usual coffee when Ryan appeared.

Ryan had compromised by putting on his jeans but leaving his top off. He held the shirt in case it was needed and stood self-consciously while the others took in the bruises, welts and cuts.

"Come and sit down," Billy commanded, "What would you like for breakfast."

"A coke or a beer will do," Ryan whispered.

Billy checked the fridge.

"We haven't got any cokes," he said, "Brian, will you run down to the shop and get some, please? Ryan, how about a glass of juice while you're waiting."

Rather than fading in the background everything he said or did seemed to make Ryan stand out. His stomach churned as he waited for someone to turn on him.

He nodded.

"Try some grapes," Perry suggested, "You can just pick at them all day if you like.

Ryan nodded again but did not move. Perry grabbed Ryan's plate and loaded it with a selection of grapes, strawberries, pineapple chunks and other small fruits.

There was food in front of him, a glass of juice and both Billy and Perry seemed to be waiting for him. Simply because he felt he should do something, he took a cautious sip of the juice. It was flat, not very sweet and tasted of oranges. It wasn't what he was used to but it was drinkable and he downed the glass.

Aware that the atmosphere around the table had relaxed slightly he nibbled at a grape.

"You all know your chores for this morning," Billy said, "I've got a few things I need to do so Steve will have to organise lunch. If no one wants burnt salad then he can ask David to help him."

As the chuckles died down he continued, "I want to have a word with David then I'm going to Banchester."

The boys guessed that it was something to do with Ryan and did not argue. Billy did not like disturbing David while he was still enjoying his lie in but he was worried about Ryan just drifting off.

Billy had never been able to do anything in the homes. This time he was in a position where he could help and was going to do the best he could for Ryan.

"Do you fancy a trip with me, Ryan?" he asked when he returned to the kitchen.

Ryan shrugged then nodded. He would have just gone along with things but he liked Billy and being alone in a strange town seemed a good way of hiding. He had enjoyed the calm quiet of yesterday and hopefully he would have another day.

His well being was shattered when his mobile phone rang. He looked at the caller and the colour drained from his face. Steve noticed and grabbed the phone.

"Ryan Haslit's phone," he said brightly.

"I'm sorry we don't have a Fucking Ryan here."

"We don't pass on belligerent callers. Perhaps you'd care to call back when you've calmed down."

Steven hung up while Ryan looked on, horrified.

"He's going to do me good when I get home you wanker," he yelled, almost sobbing, "Why did you do that, I thought you were my friends."

"Sorry," Steve said, "We just don't speak to people like that. You can stay here until he calms down."

"He doesn't calm down," Ryan sobbed freely now, "He may have needed me for something. I'd better go."

"It's your choice but if you go back then you'll never be free of him," Billy said, "The guest room is yours for as long as you want it. I wanted to talk to you about it while we were out. The phone call means you've got to decide more quickly than I wanted."

Ryan nodded realising that he was centre of interest again.

"I can't stay," Ryan said, "I'd have to go and get some more clothes."

"That's one of the reasons we're going to Banchester, to buy you some clothes and everything else you need," Billy said.

Ryan stared at him, "I can't afford it. My dole doesn't come for a week. Frank will need to borrow most of it. He always comes with me when I go to the post office."

"It's not a problem," Billy said, "We'll get you a new bank account and have it paid into that. Frank won't be able to touch it."

"And he'll come after me."

"Go on," Billy said.

"He'll do all of you as well."

"Then we'll be able to give him a little of what he gave to you," Billy said firmly then as something occurred to him, "How often were his mates around when he beat you up?"

"He'd have his mates round and I'd say something to embarrass him."

"You've got your mates now," Steve said, "He'd better not say something to embarrass you."

"Haven't you forgotten something?" Scot asked, "This is David's house."

"While we wear these chains, it's our house," Billy explained, "I've already cleared it with him."

Ryan was still the centre of attention and he wanted to hide. The easiest answer was to go home and try to make his peace with Frank. Maybe this time his older brother would understand. In his heart he knew that it was highly unlikely but Frank was still family and looked out for him.

He hesitated. If he said that out loud Billy and the others would laugh. It was true though. It had been drummed into him enough yet for the first time he had something to compare it to. Billy and even Scot seemed different. He was sure that Scot had always been a little uncomfortable at Frank's behaviour and he seemed much friendlier today.

Maybe he could stay until tomorrow. Frank would sleep late and when he woke up he would have a hangover or worse. He would be in no fit state to go for Ryan.

His phone rang again. He paused, looking at Steve who picked it up. In his turn Steve hesitated expecting Ryan to reach for it but he did not move.

"Ryan Haslit's phone," he said again.

"He's hung up," he added a few moments later.

"Can I stay until tomorrow?" Ryan almost whispered, "He might have calmed down by then."

"Fine," Billy said, "We'll take that drive into Banchester. You'll need a suit for lunch tomorrow. When we get back we'll go online and open your account."

"I told you, I can't stay," Ryan said.

"We'll set things up as if you are staying and the main guest room will always be ready for you. You can always stay for a few days at a time if Frank gets too bad.

Ryan sighed, "OK then. Thanks."

By the time David and Rob were up everyone was busy cleaning house or tidying the garden. Once they had eaten, Rob hurried off to clean the garage and valet the cars.

David still expected the boys to get fed up with their chores and the discipline but instead they seemed to take more on. He was also far more conscious of something that Mr. Dayton had said about the boys assuming that they would help anyone who needed it. David was uneasy about Ryan staying for any length of time. Like Timmy, Ryan might need more help than they could offer or, more likely, a different sort of help. Billy's conversation with David had been on lines of 'Ryan needs to stay' and 'I'm taking Ryan' to get some clothes. It had not been 'can we help' Ryan or 'may I take Ryan'.

David could still have countermanded Billy but he was just as reluctant to turn Ryan away.

David planned on spending the morning looking at the plans for the renovation. Scot surprised him on two fronts. First he had done an excellent job, not only in planning the layout but he had prepared lists of materials, labour required and plant to be hired as well as costs. The second surprise was that he had prepared detailed plans for the dungeon, including crosses, fixing points, punishment horses and the rest.

"It's a building project like any other," he said when David asked him, "I don't think that any of our regular workers would want to do it but we could do a lot between us. I've been talking to an accountant, something dad would never do, and he reckons that we could restart the business. I don't know how dad did it all in his head but we're actually solvent. I'm going to try to restart the business, hire a bookkeeper and dad can act as consultant."

He paused uncertainly, "I'm making this project a dummy run to see if I can make it work. Dad's a bit stubborn, he says that things have to change but I'm worried that he'll go back to his old ways."

"I wish you luck," David said, "Can I help at all?"

"If I can find a couple of decent handymen men who're fairly broad minded I'm wondering if we could include dungeon building as a side line. The thing is I don't have any contacts."

"I know one or two people," David acknowledged, "I'll have a word."

"I'm sorry I've dumped Ryan on you like this," Scot said, "I just meant him to hang with me for a while. Now everyone's talking about him moving in."

"The boys have got a bit carried away," David smiled, "It's Ryan's decision and he'll run if they try and force it."

"Fair enough. Dad's taken him on once or twice but if Frank wanted him to something he just didn't turn up for work. He was good when he was there though."

Despite Billy's absence, the day went smoothly. Mr. Dayton and Geoff arrived late morning.

"It's useful having an obedient slave," Mr. Dayton grinned, "We not only got the garage cleared last night but we managed the shed as well. It took two trips to dump it all this morning so I'm ready for a break. Mary's coming round slowly but I still use the excuse that I'm making sure Geoff isn't being raped by your gang of perverts."

David laughed, "Brian's been waiting for him and he's hoping for more than a swimming lesson. Brian remembers how Timmy was so he's still scared while Geoff's still very self conscious. I don't think that there'll be much raping going on."

"So I'll have a quiet day then," Mr. Dayton laughed, "I've talked to Geoff. I'm still not sure if he's gay or not, neither is he. Is it me or is this sexuality lark really confusing?"

"I don't know," David said, "I don't think that there are any hard and fast rules. We try to fit people into categories, you know, gay or straight and some even have trouble with bi. That's where the problems start. Even thinking about experimenting takes you out of the nice, politically correct straight category."

Mr. Dayton shrugged, "You could be right and I'm certainly relaxing. I'm not even worried that Geoff's penis got hard as soon as he saw Brian."

"Oh that's just youthful excitement," David laughed, "Nothing to worry about."

To David's surprise the door bell rang and Steven who answered it showed in another father and his son, obviously one of Brian's friends.

Hoping that Steven could manage in Billy's absence, David retired to his study. Mr. Dayton was quite happy to have another father to talk, explaining how the reality differed from the gossip. Rob joined him a little later and they spent time on David's business affairs. Rob was interested and willing to learn so the remainder of the morning of the morning passed quickly for him.

When Steven announced that lunch was ready, David found two more of Brian's friends, complete with fathers. While they ate, one of the fathers shyly explained that he liked swimming and had been a county champion.

Geoff and Brian tried to persuade him but he he was obviously concerned with getting too close to a lot of naked boys.

"David and I discuss this all the time," Mr. Dayton said, "We still don't know the answer. My advice is, strip off, jump in and if you come out of the pool as hard as a rock we'll put it down to the relaxing exercise stimulating too many endorphins."

All three fathers stared at him so he continued, "These things happen. You want to swim, the boys will be all over you just because you're an adult so the chances are you'll end up touching someone's cock. We're not going to start yelling paedophile if it's part of a game. We might get worried if you start stroking it, making it cum."

"I didn't think churchgoers could talk about such things," one of the other fathers laughed.

"It's part of life," Mr Dayton answered, "It's stupid that someone's scared of going for a swim because we can't discuss it. I've got an idea in my head but I don't know if it's right."

The others waited curious.

Mr. Dayton continued, "There's a difference between horseplay where it's just innocent fun and foreplay where it's leading up to something serious. I think that society's so scared of child abuse that it's forgotten the difference."

There was a thoughtful silence, until the father got up, very self consciously stripped and ran for the water. David thought that he was too hairy for a swimmer but had a nice arse. The boys thought more about a firm pair of shoulders to dive off and a pair of legs that made a fine underwater arch to swim through. He also found himself playing tag where his cock always seemed to be 'it'.

At first it embarrassed him, then he accepted that it really was just teasing and finally he made his own play grabs though he was careful to let them jump of the way in time. He even managed to swim a few lengths impressing the boys with his speed and power.

The day passed in a companionable way. Billy and Ryan returned late afternoon. Everyone who knew Ryan stared at him. He wore a white long sleeved polo shirt, with jeans and expensive looking trainers. His hair had been styled and he looked good. David did not know much about such things but he was sure that all the right labels were on display.

Billy had stripped then hurried to the guestroom with a mass of bags. Billy asked to speak to David in the study.

"There's a doctor I know in Banchester," he said, "He's one of Mr. Smith's customers. Anyway he always said if I needed anything to call him. We had lunch with him and he got Ryan relaxed enough to agree to an examination."

"Relaxed? How?" David asked.

"A couple of beers and a long talk about football," Billy smiled, "Don't worry. He likes rent boys and no attachments. He doesn't drug them."

David nodded.

"The doctor's worried about kidney damage and his spleen, also Ryan may have cracked his ribs at some stage. He does treat cases on the side where BDSM has got out of control but he wanted to call the police and have Frank arrested.

David nodded again, listening as Billy continued, "He chucked me out at the end and they talked for a while. Ryan looked scared when he came out. I'm to get an ambulance if he becomes ill."

"What about treatment?" David asked.

"He can't do much unless Ryan's registered as his patient," Billy said, "He's advising Ryan's present doctor and recommends plenty of rest. He says that all the signs are good otherwise he he'd have had Ryan in hospital already but he can't take much more of that sort of punishment."

"Has Ryan said anything to you?" David asked.

"He said something about fussing over a few bruises. The doctor took him down to his playroom and described some of the things he did to the boys. I stripped for him and got tied to a whipping post. The doctor showed Ryan how he fitted a wide belt to protect my kidneys. They spent some time checking me for injuries while the doctor went over what he had found on Ryan.

He gave me a couple of lashes and showed Ryan how he hadn't even broken the skin. Fuck they hurt though and Ryan could see the the welts."

"That's twice you've sworn, Billy," David said, "Do it again and I'll add my own welts."

"Sorry Master," Billy said, "I guess I'm a bit wound up."

"You've done well and I'm proud of you," David said, "It was a strange medical consultation though."

"That's the point," Billy said, "It would have been unethical for him to have examined Ryan because he was another doctor's patient. By making it a discussion on BDSM and discussing limits we were just guys with a mutual interest."

"And did he get through to Ryan," David asked.

Billy nodded, "At least Ryan understands that Frank crosses boundaries. He's talking about staying a few days so we went shopping. You can take it out of my wages."

"It's OK," David said, "And you understand now that when you shop, you get the best."

"Yes Master," Billy grinned, "Ryan couldn't believe how much we spent."

"As I said, I'm proud of you," David said, "We'd better get back. Some of our guests were hoping to stay and watch the match tonight. You'd better start preparing a buffet or something."

The following morning, Steven woke up first as usual. He counted the sleeping bags. Apart from the double one, he and Billy shared, there was Perry, Geoff, Scot, Brian and one of Brian's friends. Ryan was in one of the guest rooms while one of the fathers was asleep in the other. He had got a little drunk, nothing serious but once he had been convinced that he could not drive home, he promptly fell asleep.

It was going to be a busy morning. Steven dived in and swam his lengths before heading for the bathroom. He still enjoyed those quiet few moments before the house came to life. He was nervous about the trip to the pub for lunch, expecting trouble again. David had mentioned the need for smart dress to the newcomers so it seemed that they would be going and everyone was welcome to come along.

The father went home with his son but David still booked tables for a large party when he made his reservation. Keith the landlord was uneasy. The others who were against David and his boys had met up once or twice during the week making their own sizeable group.

They were obviously planning something and too much trouble would drive away the customers he was aiming for in the restaurant. However David's method of dealing with the trouble the previous week had been a good talking point amongst the rest of his regulars and he was sure that the bar would be unusually crowded to see what would happen next.

Sunday lunch at the pub had become special for the boys as well. They proudly wore their chains above their school uniforms or dress clothes and took it as their chance to be treated like adults. Ryan felt a little foolish dressed as smartly as Billy yet Scot felt under dressed in his only jacket and a tie borrowed from David.

They walked in pairs not rushing. Mrs Clivedon watched them go past. She did not see the boys that the gossip was about but saw one of them as the boy who helped Ron clear gutters on the village hall, another boy who dug Mrs Valen's garden and so on. She was repaying their kindness by sitting in her bedroom keeping an eye on the lane.

There was no trouble until they were near the pub when Dan pulled up and Frank jumped out.

"Ryan," he yelled, "What the fuck you been playing at? Get the fuck over here. I need you to fucking drop off some fucking stuff for me."

There had been no conscious thought but Ryan was pressed against a hedge surrounded by the other boys. Scot and Billy stood just in front of either shoulder. For a moment there was silence.

"I…'m s…pending the week… end with Billy," Ryan stammered, terrified.

"Like fuck you are. You fucking want me to fucking tell Dad you've gone fucking queer? We're fucking family and I fucking need your help."

"He told you," Billy said quietly, "He's staying with me."

Frank stood uncertainly. He noticed that David was standing on the edge of the group. Frank moved to stand almost nose to nose. He jerked forward as if to head butt David.

"It's not a good idea in public," David said unperturbed, "There's too many witnesses."

It was the calm confidence that unnerved Frank. There were no threats, no one was squaring up to face him and even if they did, he would be hopelessly outnumbered.

"Fuck you," he yelled, "Come on Ryan or you're going to be fucking sorry when I fucking get you fucking home."

Still Ryan did not move. Defeated, Frank leapt into van and it sped off. Ryan was trembling.

"I can't go home now, can I?" he whispered, "What do I do?"

"You stay with us," Billy said, "You need to rest and we'll make sure you do."

"What about you, David?" Scot asked, "How are you coping? You're not used to stuff like this are you?"

"I'm all right," David replied, "I don't like being on my guard all the time but they're just harassing us. They're not doing any damage. I'm surprised that they didn't say anything about you being with us."

"Dan's text me a couple of times during the week. I think he's got used to the idea."

"Maybe," David said, "They've stopped at the pub so it looks as if they're going to have another go."

The lounge bar was full. Dan, Leon and Frank were sitting at a table together. They looked a little self-conscious trying to look as if they dressed smartly all the time. Perry's family sat another table while Mr. Masterson, Craig and Mrs Grayson sat at another table. Mr. Dayton and Geoff sat alone, standing to greet David as they arrived.

"It's going to be difficult to sit together today," Mr. Dayton said, "It's a bit crowded."

"That's OK," David replied, "The boys want to play pool anyway. I'll take you on at darts if you like."

"Excuse me," Keith interrupted, "They've booked tables for just before your usual time. Our rooms aren't that big. If they spread themselves like they have in the lounge then I may have trouble seating you all together, especially if they're slow in eating."

"Let's not anticipate trouble," David said, "It's warm enough, we could eat in the garden. Let's play it by ear."

"Thanks," Keith said, "The military looking gentlemen seems to be organising things."

"Granddad!" Perry exclaimed angrily. Before anyone could stop him, he strode off into the lounge bar to stand in front of his grandfather.

"I'm very disappointed in you, Granddad," he said, almost a caricature of the older man, "I just can't imagine why you insist in associating with perverts, bullies and cowards."

"You are being very rude and insulting, young man," his grandfather retorted, "Try not to forget all your upbringing."

"I'm remembering what you taught me, Granddad," Perry replied, "I'm speaking to your face. I'm not the coward who makes anonymous phone calls. I'm not the pervert who shits in people's letterbox. I'm not the bully who uses their position to harm student's education, neither am I the bully who beats up his younger brother until he needs medical treatment. You've threatened legal action to get guardianship of me. Try it and I'll provide documentary evidence of what you and your friends are really like."

Before anyone could speak he turned and marched back to the public bar. He was trembling as sat down next to David.

"I'm sorry, Master," he sobbed, "I just had to stand up to my family the way Ryan did to his. Am I in trouble for being rude?"

"You spoke plainly and honestly," David said, "I'm proud of you for that."

Perry shuddered, wrapped his arms around David, crying freely. He was still hugging David when his grandfather entered the bar.

The older man frowned when he saw Perry but then his face softened and he nodded.

"That speech must have taken a lot out of him," Perry's grandfather said, "I'm proud of him for making it. I still do not like you or your kind but I agree with Perry. They have given him ammunition to use against me. I will continue the case because you should not be in charge of vulnerable boys."

He looked at Brian, "Especially that young man. However for now, it would be better if you went home and stopped parading your filth around the village."

"Look at these boys," David said, "They're parading nothing except politeness and good manners."

"On the surface. I'll not argue the point because I want to ask whether you'll allow Perry to come through to speak with his mother.

"You still don't understand, do you," David said, "Perry can go home with his mother if he wants to. It might even encourage him if you, her or even his father took the time to ask him how he is or how he's doing at school. Instead the only thing you all seem to worry about is whether he conforms to your family image."

By now Perry had recovered and was sitting up leaving a small gap between him and David.

"I miss you all," he said, "If I went through, how long would it be before Aunt Yvonne starts telling me what a disappointment I am because I don't believe that Master David's a weak minded pervert? She wants me to have psychiatric help because I believe that I should call him Master David."

"I agree that Mr. Watkins is not weak minded. I'll accept that he means well but he is a pervert. My offer still stands. Stay with me and I'll see that your aunt behaves."

"First, come and visit me at Master David's," Perry countered, "Isn't it a good military tactic to get to know your enemy?"

"Good point," Perry's grandfather grinned, "Camouflage is also a good military tactic. I'm not sure that I'd learn anything."

Perry grinned back.

"I miss our chess games," he said, "You always seemed to make them like battles."

"Come to tea one evening," his grandfather said, "We'll have a game. If one of the older boys would care to drive you then I'll make him welcome."

"I'd like that," Perry said, "But I don't think that I should all the time you're planning on taking me to court. I was caught between Mum and Dad. I don't want to be caught between you and Master David."

"Very well," Perry's grandfather held out his hand to Perry, "Good luck to you."

Perry's grandfather left without acknowledging David or any of the other boys.

"You could visit if you liked," David said, "I don't suppose a game of chess could do much harm."

"No," Perry exclaimed, "You heard him. He's only annoyed at what the others did because it spoilt his plans. He's OK when he relaxes but at the moment he's…"

Perry trailed off, uncertain what to say.

"I understand," David said, "Let's drop if for now. We seem to have stopped the pool game."

Billy and Scot had been playing pool with a couple of regulars. They had stood ready for trouble while Perry was talking to his grandfather. The two pool players knew the gossip about David and his boys and were curious rather than hostile. They were impressed with the way Perry had stood up to his grandfather, almost ready to help Scot and Billy if they needed it. They accepted the rounds that David bought and his invitation to lunch.

Ryan sat quietly with the other boys, nervously watching out for his brother or Dan. While they were waiting for a turn on the pool table the younger ones played darts.

Other young customers kept their distance but everyone was sociable enough.

The group in the lounge were less happy.

"We've tried it your way," Perry's grandfather said, "Now leave it to me. I'll speak to my solicitor again tomorrow."

"Forget it," Frank said, "First chance I get, I'm grabbing Ryan. Dan, Leon, you'll help. Once I've got him, I'll get him to talk about what goes on in that place."

"No," Yvonne said, "Let's bring Perry home. Delay that boy that collects them from school and tell the school authorities that we're collecting him. Once we've got him we can take him straight to the police station and get Watkins arrested. Ryan won't have anywhere to go then."

"You're underestimating David Watkins and the hold he's got over Perry," his grandfather said, "Perry will fight you."

"The police will get through to him," Perry's mother snapped, "Frank's right. We can't trust the courts."

"The courts, the police, they're all the same," Frank muttered, "If you're poor or white, they get you. They won't help us."

Much against his will, Perry's grandfather was beginning to envy David. He could not help comparing the quiet determination of David's boys to his own team of sulky, bickering individuals. If it was was not for his unshakeable belief that homosexuality was a filthy perversion he would have supported David.

"If you use force you'll be breaking the law," he said firmly, "Perry's right. Your stupidity is weakening our case. If you want to try it that way then I'm calling off my solicitor. I'll not waste money on a case that you're sabotaging. Call me when you've got a plan that's half workable."

As he left, he glanced into the public bar, seeing the cheerful chatter and everyone engrossed in their various games. Thirty years service in the army followed by a career in the prison service had left him with a very narrow view of discipline and order. It translated into an equally narrow view of who was acceptable. Having served with the Ghurkas he was almost a liberal when it came to colour but his knowledge of gays was confined to seeing the odd drag artist on TV and the perception that they were limp wristed, effeminate beings who could never keep up with real men.

That perception was being severely tested by David. As David glanced at him, he beckoned him over. David took the hint and quietly made his way to the door without anyone noticing.

"I do care about Perry and I'm proud of him for being his own man," Perry's grandfather said, "My daughters are driving him into your arms. Now they're talking about kidnapping him while those louts are talking about kidnapping another of your boys; Ryan, I think his name is. Whoever it is, it will only alienate Perry from his family further."

"I understand," David said, "If Billy acts as chaperone, for want of a better word, I'll see if Perry would be willing to meet you in a café or something. You know, neutral territory."

"Thank you. I must go. I don't want the others wondering what we are talking about."

There was no obvious warmth in Perry's grandfather's manner but David thought he sensed a little respect. In his turn Perry's grandfather was amazed at David's offer. He had expected David to be more worried about having the lawyers called off. Despite himself he found himself warming to David.

David's remarks about him not asking after Perry had also made an impression. He had enough respect for Perry not to doubt that he was doing well at school despite everything and his grandson certainly looked well. Their conversations had been brief with little time for small talk so he kept the pleasantries short.

He was also delighted that Perry was no longer under his father's influence. Perry's grandfather considered the boy's father to be a two-faced little weasel who was holding Perry back. However being gay was degenerate. He could not escape that fact.

He made his decision. The lawyers would be put on hold and Perry could stay with David temporarily. He understood enough about teenagers to accept that Perry wanted to find out about himself and he was rebelling against terrific pressure to conform. He therefore considered him to be at less risk if he had less to rebel against and could return home when he was ready.

It was not ideal and he was genuinely concerned for thirteen year old Brian and the way they paraded around but at that moment David seemed preferable to the deadbeats that his daughters were associating with.

Yvonne was not too clear why her father was so angry with them. Maybe they had gone a little over the top but why worry about the feelings of a gang perverts. Get hold of Perry, get him to a place that could cure him of any homosexual tendencies and then he would tell the police about how he was corrupted.

Frank did not care about any of that. Ryan knew a bit too much about him. Besides it was safer to let him deliver the drugs. Even if he was arrested he would have been more scared of Frank than the police, so he would have stayed quiet. He needed Ryan back and quickly.

As he got up to leave signalling Leon and Dan to follow, Keith breathed a sigh of relief. He never revealed what he overheard and his customers tended to be careless in front of him. Talk of grabbing youngsters disturbed him but he knew his trade well enough to know that plans made in a pub were rarely carried out when those concerned were sober. With one side of the confrontation breaking up he would be able to seat everyone for lunch and for him that made everything OK.

Lunch proved to be an anticlimax as did the walk home. Everything was quiet as David settled down and told Perry of his conversation with his grandfather.

"I like your grandfather," David concluded, "He's what I'd call a gentleman and he does care about you. Why not go out to dinner with him? Billy and Scot can eat at another table so you'll be perfectly safe."

"No I won't need minders. If Granddad says he won't try anything then I trust him. I just don't want to take sides against you."

"You won't," David said, "We're all here if you need us and if you decide to live at your Grandfather's we'll help you move. I'd like Billy and Scot to keep an eye on you though. It's not your grandfather that I'm worried about."

Perry's eyes widened but said, "They'll have to look out for Ryan, too."

David nodded, "Ryan, you're welcome to stay here but if you do then you'll have to be very careful if you go out for a while."

Ryan nodded glancing towards Billy.

"You're in the guest room for a week," Billy said firmly looking at David as much as Ryan, "Next Saturday we'll take you to see my doctor friend again and take it from there. David, will you cover his dole money please? He can do light work for Scott but just a couple of hours a day."

David nodded. Billy was increasingly in charge of the house, making the day to day decisions. The house was clean, meals were always ready and when he wanted to work he was rarely disturbed. He also had a selection of youths, ranging from thirteen to nineteen at his disposal, who enjoyed the lifestyle he had created.

Ryan was more relaxed as he sat in one of the loungers. He still paled if anyone noticed him but the dull nagging fear that he would make Frank angry was fading. He admired Billy for the quiet authoritative manner with which he handled everyone, including his boss.

He looked at Scot who was sitting naked on the floor with his arms round Perry who was sitting between his legs. Ryan wondered why Scot seemed so content to be sitting amongst a load of kids. Surely he should be expecting to sit with him and David proving that he was an adult. Scot unconcernedly slipped his hand between Perry and himself to adjust his cock. Perry glanced round and grinned before turning back to the conversation.

David had been talking about school.

"I don't think that they'll cause trouble there," he said, "There would be too many witnesses. Just be careful when you find yourself alone."

"Maybe I should go," Ryan said, "Frank won't like you standing up to him like this. He can be pretty mean."

"So can we," Billy said, "And you're staying. When you're fit you can make up your own mind. Until then, don't even think about leaving."

"You can't say that," David said, "You're making him sound like a prisoner."

"Billy's saying that Ryan'll be more of a nuisance if he goes than if he stays," Brian piped up.

"He's not a nuisance either way," Billy snapped.

He might have said more but to everyone's surprise Ryan spoke first.

"I am a nuisance and I'm causing you trouble," he said, "But I'd like to stay and work for Scot, though."

"OK boys," Dave said, "Let's drop the subject. Ryan can stay for as long as he likes and he's a guest for the next week as Billy said. You'll behave that way and show him the same respect that you treat our other guests."

"Scot has to go home," Billy said, "I'd like Perry to look after Ryan. That's providing Perry and Scot aren't becoming an item."

It took a little time for them all to work out all the implications of Billy's remarks. Scot, Ryan and Perry all blushed.

"I don't do that sort of stuff," Ryan exclaimed.

"Maybe not," Billy said, "However we do seem to pair up. There's David and Rob, Steve and me, Brian and Geoff. I'm just trying to work out whether Perry's a free agent or not."

"I want to see my girlfriend now she's back," Scot said, "I enjoy doing stuff with him but we're not an item."

Perry nodded wriggling his lower back, "Scot's cock feels nice but I reckon Ryan's could be just as good."

Steve nestled closer into Billy. He had noticed how Ryan seemed to look up to Billy and was becoming a little jealous. Billy's declaration that they were a couple and had warned everyone else off made him feel more secure and safer than ever before.

Chapter 10

The following few days seemed quiet though Billy noticed Dan's van parked along the route he took home. There was no trouble though David suggested he take a different route. Billy refused.

"Maybe they are planning something," he said, "But they're not going to give up and they'll try something else. I don't think that they'll kill me and if they beat me up you'll see that they end up in jail. It's the car I'm worried about."

"Push it off a cliff, if you have to," David exclaimed, "I know you're still a little scared of scratching it or something but it's only a tool and can be replaced."

It was on the Thursday and so far, he had not seen the van as he drove home along a narrow lane he used as a short-cut.

He glanced in the rear view mirror to see a large but old car following him. It was unusual to see another car but it was nothing to be suspicious about. As he approached a farm gate almost hidden by the tall hedgerows Dan's van pulled out and stopped blocking the lane.

Nothing moved until Leon appeared through the gate brandishing a sledge hammer. Dan leapt out of the van grabbing another hammer.

In his mirrors he could see Frank and another man similarly armed getting out of the car. Scared, Billy activated the door locks. He also pressed a panic button that sent an alarm via the tracker.

Dan looked at Billy, grinning and beckoning him to get out of the car. Instead Billy put the car in gear and accelerated forward, braking inches from the van as Dan and Leon leapt clear, startled by the the unexpected attack. They did not have time to react as Billy slammed the heavy car in reverse

He lost his nerve at the last moment and braked again but this time he felt the impact as he struck the following car and pushed it backwards despite the hand brake being on. Frank and the driver had also been forced to jump out of the way.

They stood confused uncertain whether to attack the Mercedes or leap for their own car and try to rescue it. It did not matter. The front wheels were not dead straight and it began a lazy arc into the ditch. Without a driver to control it the steering wheels turned more and the front swung out until it was wedged across the road. Billy shifted to forward gear and surged forwards again.

A quick glance in the mirror showed the other car's front wing firmly pressed pressed onto the wheel. Billy panicked for a moment at the amount of damage done to David's car but the sledge hammers would have done just as much.

There was a sudden crack and the passenger window starred, covered in cracks but the car was still drivable. Dan had made a big mistake. He had assumed that Billy would cooperate rather than risk his master's car being damaged. He had just swung the van out of the gate ready to bundle Billy into the back and the whole convoy would just drive off. Instead Billy turned into gate hoping to drive across the field. He knew the area well enough to be fairly certain that it was pasture but he breathed a sigh of relief as he entered. It was grass that opened up before him and not a ploughed muddy morass.

Even so he bounced alarmingly as he drove as quickly as he dared to the far side. He swung round to face the gate. He was still trapped but time was on his side. Sooner or later someone would report the wreck on the road or the tracker company would send help.

For the moment it stayed quiet. No one moved so Billy took the chance to phone David.

"OK," David said, " The insurers fitted a black box which records video front and back. You know that. Men with sledgehammers should cover us. You're on your usual route so the tracker people treated it as a breakdown and sent a breakdown service. I'll get in touch with the police. Try to record as much as possible but the car is expendable. Do what you have to."

David paused and when he spoke uncharacteristically uncertainly, "I should come out as well but I'm thinking of Scot and Ryan."

"Warn the school as well," Billy said, "If you all come charging out to me who'll be looking out for Perry? I've got to go. The van's coming into the field."

Only Dan was in the van. The other three were fanning out either side after closing the gate.

Billy briefly wondered whether he would be justified in running one of his attackers over but he had a better idea.

Although the rear of the Mercedes had been damaged, his first collision had been at relatively slow speed. The other car had been immobilised when the unprotected wing had been jammed against the wheel.

Billy had heard of hand brake turns but he never tried one before as he accelerated towards the van. His head almost hit the roof as he bounced over the field. The three approaching on foot stopped as Billy hurtled forward.

Hoping that he had not left it too late he turned the wheel and pulled on the brake. The car slid round. Dan saw the Mercedes expecting some game of chicken but did not know how to react to such an unexpected challenge. As the car skidded round and the rear swung towards him all he could do was brake then pull his arms in front of his face waiting for the crash.

Neither driver was an expert at these sort of manoeuvres and the two vehicles came to a stop about ten feet [3 m] apart. The gap had always been bigger than it seemed while it was all happening.

Billy's manoeuvre had worked better than he expected. He threw the car into reverse and rammed the van, hitting the rear wheel. As he pulled away again he could see that the wheel had bent, stripping the securing nuts and was hopelessly buckled.

The three on foot looked on bewildered. It should not be happening. Billy should not be throwing an expensive and luxurious car around like a battering ram. By now Frank should be on the phone to David offering Billy in exchange for Ryan. The rear of Billy's car was badly damaged but it was still drivable.

He pulled away from his attackers but stayed in shouting distance as he wound down the window, holding up his mobile.

"The police are on their way," he called out, "Are you staying to chat to them?"

Only Dan moved. He got out of van and stared angrily at the smashed wheel. It was enough for Frank. Raising his sledge hammer he charged towards Billy who simply drove away.

For a few moments the scene was one of pure farce as Billy drove sedately around the field chased by Frank who was turning an alarming shade of red. The others just turned on their heels watching.

Frank collapsed to knees, his chest heaving and making a weird rasping sound as he tried taking in great lungfuls of air. Billy continued sedately to the gate. Watching his assailants warily he got out to open the gate and still unopposed drove out into the lane.

He drove down the lane to the junction before stopping. Trying to sound relaxed he called the police.

"I'd like to report a road traffic incident," he said, "I couldn't remain at the scene because four guys with sledgehammers were threatening me. I'm at the junction of Old Barn Lane and the Chartbury Road. About two miles [3 km] from Chartbury."

"That incident has already been reported, sir. As long as you contact your nearest police station within twenty four hours you'll be fine."

Knowing he was safe, Billy relaxed. Suddenly he felt very cold and was trembling. Shock had set in as a reaction. He was scarcely aware of a police car pulling up as another two turned into Old Barn Lane, lights flashing. The policeman took one look at Billy and called an ambulance before fetching a blanket to wrap around him.

It took time to sort out all the details. The cameras helped as David had said. He had fitted them because of an increase in the number of faked accidents for insurance claims. They clearly showed the sledge hammers and why Billy felt threatened.

The police are never happy with someone who causes carnage in a car. They might have have charged Billy with dangerous driving on principle. However the recordings and the sledge hammers were pretty good evidence. Frank was still in a bad way when he was arrested and let slip their idea to kidnap Billy. When pushed he explained why.

Frank was a known dealer as was his companion. The wrecked car was clean but when Frank was questioned he was badly shaken by events. He admitted to having a lock up where they were going to hold Billy and when the police investigated they found an Aladdin's cave of stolen goods and drugs.

In his rush to cooperate he implicated Ryan. Suddenly the kidnapping made sense to the police who became very interested in talking to Ryan.

The irony of the situation was that if Frank had just accepted that Ryan had moved to David's he would have stayed free. Ryan would have got on with his new life and never revealed what he knew.

Frank's obsessional desire to control everything and everyone had been his undoing but finding his world collapsing about him he talked freely.

It was the day after that a police Inspector Davies visited David asking to see Billy and Ryan.

"This is the second time that you've started a major crime investigation," Inspector Munro said to David, "Normally we'd start thinking that you were some sort of vigilante organisation especially since your teams seem to operate outside the law. It doesn't help that in both instances the trouble stems from youngsters that you've taken in."

As David tried to speak Inspector Munro raised his hand to stop him before continuing, "We know the stories about what goes on here and we don't like that either. We've also had to investigate complaints concerning another of your er… guests.

"I don't know why but you're flagged and accounts of your activities go to very high levels. We're supposed to back off unless it is essential that we intervene, loosely to prevent death or injury."

"I don't like loose canons and you're a bloody great one that seems to attract trouble. As for you, Billy, playing dodgems on the highway is totally unacceptable. The CPS won't proceed because a solicitor will point out that you actually steered away from one of the men and those sledge hammers were life threatening."

Inspector Munro paused to take a sip of the drink he had been offered, "Officially that's it. We're warning you not to step outside the law and Traffic will be watching your driving very carefully from now on, Billy.

"Unofficially we're delighted to get Frank off the streets for a time. I don't know what the reports will say about him but he's a nutcase. He's not too bright but vicious enough to build up a little crime empire on the estate where he lived. We've got a suspicious death and a few beatings that we want to look into. We didn't know about the lock up garage. It was in the name of some youngster who kept out of trouble. Frank was clever that way. If anyone wanted to stay out of trouble Frank would help him, for a price of course.

"As long as he was in control, he was happy. He was talking about his brother Ryan. Putting it politely Ryan was an ungrateful runt who kept trying to betray him. Apparently Ryan wanted a regular job so that he could move away. Frank had to keep reminding him that his family came first."

The inspector looked at Ryan, "You're that Ryan and I've seen pictures of the bruises on your body. Is that how he reminded you?"

Ryan nodded nervously so Inspector Munro continued, "I don't understand the psychological technicalities about Frank's personality but he didn't understand you so you frightened him. Dan's one of his most loyal lieutenants but you destroyed him and broke up his team almost without trying. Frank tried to take you on personally and he still doesn't understand how Billy stopped him. You've got Ryan so he assumes that you've made Ryan talk. That's what he'd do. Once he'd got Billy, he might have swapped him for Ryan in the end but I don't know what state your boy would have been in."

"That's what I thought at the time," Billy said, "Surely he realised that Master David would have gone to the police?"

"Like I said, he's not that bright. In his world grassing to the police makes you the lowest of the low. Again as I said, he doesn't understand Mr. Watkins. He probably expected his gang to hit back in some way. By his gang I mean you lads."

"That sounds like Frank," Ryan said suddenly.

"With what Frank's said, we've got cause to arrest you," Inspector Munro said, "But I don't think that there's much point. You've got all your injuries recorded so you can hardly be described as willing. Your defence would play up the coercion angle. Quite honestly, you might be more helpful if you cooperate willingly. We know what he did and the big stuff because he thought we already knew. Is there anything that he may have let slip without realising it? Stuff he doesn't know you know."

"If I answer I can't go back, can I?" Ryan asked, not looking at anyone in particular.

"It would be unwise to go back anyway," Inspector Munro said, "I don't think that your father or family will appreciate your part in this."

"He staying here," Billy said, "He's settling in and Scot's willing to give him a permanent job. We'll look after him."

Inspector Munro looked quizzically at David, "I thought you were the stern disciplinarian."

"He is," Billy interrupted, "And he doesn't turn people away who need help, either."

"That's another thing Frank doesn't understand. You're all supposed to be terrified of Mr. Watkins. Billy should have been too scared of getting his boss' shiny status symbol of a car damaged. Anyway, we'd like to talk to you sometime, Ryan. Like I said, just a chat. No statements or anything, just to see if you do have anything."

Ryan nodded before almost shouting, "Ridgeway Woods."

He calmed down, "That might be where Al Weston is. It was about when he disappeared. Frank was yelling about being muddy then laughed. He reckoned that Al was muddier."

"It's a big place. Any idea where?"

Ryan shrugged, "Some track near the cliff. We cycled out there when we were kids. He used to pretend to throw me out onto the line. He liked to see what else he could throw out there."

"Cliff?" Inspector Munro asked, "Oh you mean the railway cutting. Anything else?"

"Yeah. Dad was moaning about the lack of rain and the hosepipe ban. It seemed odd that Frank had got muddy."

Not long after, Inspector Munro left.

"I shouldn't have grassed on Frank like that," Ryan whispered, "But I liked Al."

"The more the police discover, the longer Frank will be locked up and the safer Billy will be," David said soothingly.

Ryan looked wide eyed at Billy then nodded, smiling.

"I've ordered a new car," David said, "When you're feeling up to it I want you to fetch it. Scot can drive you in."

Billy looked in surprise, "I'm still allowed to drive?"

"Why not?"

"I wrecked the last one."

"No, you saved your life in the last one. That's all that matters. Scot's only driving today because you're still a bit shaken. You're taking Ryan to see your doctor friend tomorrow, aren't you."

Billy nodded happily. Ryan was surprised as well. He still thought in terms of how Frank would react. It was not long before a cheerful chatter announced the arrival of the boys from school and life settled down to a routine again.

Apart from worrying about how he was coping surrounded by so many boisterous and uninhibited teenagers, David had not concerned himself with Brian too much. In fact the the others tended to spoil him and so he was happy to be able to swim as much as he liked and have guys around that he could relax with.

Timmy's experiences still scared him, especially seeing his friends underwear bloody and Timmy in agony. It had not exactly put him off sex but he still felt safer with his fantasies and right hand. He liked his swimming lessons from Geoff but instinctively he knew that he would not learn much about sex.

His mother and the church Geoff attended considered homosexuality to be a sin so he had always been embarrassed that his body reacted to other males. It reacted to females as well which reassured him yet left him confused about his sexuality.

Against his will, he was attracted to Brian. Partly it was because it was his first friendship where he need not worry about the sexual connotations.

Their relationship may have been half-hearted but they shared a common interest in swimming. How did they end it without upsetting the other?

The question might have stayed unresolved for a time but Billy's adventure had excited them all. As they were playing in the pool, Perry suddenly asked, "When are you two going to do it?"

Both Geoff and Brian blushed.

"We don't have that sort of relationship," Geoff blurted out. He realised that he should have added 'yet' but in his embarrassment he forgot.

To his surprise Brian added, "That's right. He's my swimming coach and I want him to be my friend."

"Yeah right," Perry laughed, "With the hard ons you get when you're around each other?"

Embarrassment and anger guided Geoff rather than reasoned thought. His hand shot out and grabbed Perry's balls.

"I've got hard around you a few times as well but I bet you want me to stop, don't you?" Geoff snapped.

To Geoff's surprise, Perry pushed his hips forward a little.

"Not really," he replied quietly.

He grinned at the stunned silence. David who had been concerned that a serious argument might be developing, was as surprised as the rest.

"I've often wondered about you," Perry said, "When we had sleepovers I sometimes thought that I could tie you to the bed and pound your arse. We both thought that sort of stuff was wrong so nothing happened."

He jumped out of the pool to sit on the side with his legs dangling in the water, "If I'm wrong then I'm making myself look pretty stupid. If I'm right give me a blow job."

Geoff did not like being the centre of attention but he had learned enough to speak up for himself.

"If I get to take your arse sometimes you can tie me up and do what you want tonight."

Geoff was rock hard, content to let events take their course and glad that he was putting Perry on the spot just as he had been put there by Perry.

Perry thought back to a TV programme about sex where the girlfriend had put on a dildo to enter the boy. He had mentioned it before as an excuse to make being fucked acceptable and he was thinking of it again as he nodded, trying not to seem too eager.

"Out the pool and get dry," Perry commanded, "Then zip our sleeping bags together."

As Geoff complied, Brian felt relieved that events had moved on so dramatically.

As the games in the pool started again Brian edged closer to Ryan.

"Don't you ever do it with a guy?" Brian asked.

It had been an emotionally unsettling moment for Ryan and he was off guard, "No. Only a man fucks. Only a woman or something useless gets fucked."

Brian sensed that he had touched on something. He was not sure what but he sensed that it was important.

"So do you think Perry's useless then?" he asked.

Ryan looked at him before bursting into tears.

"No but I am," he sobbed.

Brian put his arm round Ryan's shoulder. He put his other hand on Ryan's thigh but Ryan pulled away.

"No you're not. Are you like my friend Timmy? He was raped and he wasn't strong enough to stop it."

"If Timmy's your age then he was too young. I'm supposed to be a man but I couldn't stop Frank."

"If I slept with you tonight would you want to prove that you're a man?" Brian asked. He was not sure where the question had come from. At one level he was hoping that the answer was yes. Sexually it was something he wanted but was scared of. Perhaps someone like Ryan would force the issue.

"No," Ryan replied, "Billy doesn't have to prove it, does he? He is a man. I can't prove it because I'm not."

The boys did not enjoy much privacy but they did understand when someone needed space. By now, Brian and Ryan were sitting on the edge of the pool and the other boys had moved to the other end.

"You look like a man to me," Brian said, "You stood up to your brother when you had the chance. That makes you sound like a man. Can you cum like a man?"

Ryan stared at him and nodded shyly.

"Then all you've got to do is make sure I'm stretched enough so it doesn't rip me."

Ryan continued to stare, now open mouthed in amazement before shaking his head.

"I'm not queer," he said, "Beside I couldn't do a kid."

Brian felt as though something was driving him. He was getting hard as he talked and the sensations spreading out from his cock was switching his brain into overdrive.

"Forget the name calling. I'm gay not queer. I want to get fucked and I thought you might know what hurts and not do it. That's not gay, that's being kind."

Ryan found himself reacting. It was not so much the sex but the idea that he had something to offer.

"OK, ask Billy if you can sleep with me tonight and in the morning you can give me a blowjob."

Brian complied. It was not what he wanted but in his heightened state of awareness he was sure that Ryan was testing him.

In one respect, Ryan was scared. He wanted to show Brian that he could be as gentle and as considerate as the others but he was scared that he would behave like Frank.

In another respect he was flattered that Brian had latched onto him. Frank had been so successful in making him feel bad about himself that he was not aware that his cock was a little larger than average and that Brian, never having seen an adult cut one before, was fascinated by it. Neither was he consciously aware that Brian had pricked his deep seated loneliness but suddenly he was finding himself willing, even eager to hold another human being.

He was not even thinking of sex but that night was promising to be an exciting period of discovery.

Billy and David were a little concerned that Ryan would have problems dealing with a young boy but were unsure how to intervene. The following morning Billy entered the guest room a little earlier than usual, anxious to know that everything was all right. He stopped and stared at the scene.

Ryan was laying on his back with his hands by side. The cord from the dressing gown that always hung on the door was tied to his wrists with the cord disappearing under his body so that Ryan could not raise his arms. He was gagged by a pair of shorts stuffed into his mouth.

Brian was straddling Ryan, enthusiastically bouncing up and down on his cock. They saw Billy at the the same. Brian smiled and ignored him. Ryan looked scared which was his usual reaction to being noticed. Rather than upset Ryan, Billy turned and left the room wondering what had happened.

It took him a little time to find out. Brian had woken first, had dived down to take Ryan's cock in his mouth. Ryan woke up confused and unused to the sensation of someone pleasuring him. Following Frank's way he called Brian a bitch, a whore, a boy cunt and a fag. Now some can be turned on by it but Brian remembered Timmy telling him how he had been called names like that just to make him feel bad.

He pulled off to ask Ryan stop but Ryan slapped him and forced his head back down. Brian struggled free, leaping to his feet, almost in tears. Ryan lay back muttering over and over 'I'm sorry'.

Brian was close to tears as well.

"Why am I those things?" he sobbed, "I just wanted to make you happy."

"I'm sorry," Ryan repeated, "Frank said that's what anyone who he fucked was like. I know it's wrong but I've got all his ideas inside me."

He stopped as a thought crossed his mind, "That's why I've never kept a girlfriend isn't it?"

Brian nodded, "Probably. You were nice last night. I liked being cuddled up to you and when I woke up a couple of times you seemed to know and rubbed my chest. You could have touched my cock if you'd wanted to. I wouldn't have minded but you weren't being nice then."

Ryan nodded uncertainly, "So what are you going to do?"

Brian felt his cock stirring as he thought about what the boys had discussed.

"How about I tie you up so you can't do anything nasty then let me play," he asked.

Brian held his breath wondering if Ryan would think that he just wanted to play a kids game. In fact Ryan was thinking that he had done something wrong so he should be punished. It was how Frank would have reacted to a mistake like that.

"OK!" he said meekly, "Make sure that I can't hurt you."

Initially Brian was content with licking and sucking but with Ryan trying to be so submissive to make up for his earlier behaviour Brian's confidence grew and he straddled Ryan.

Brian had only tied the knots very loosely so Ryan could have easily wriggled free but he did not want to.

There was something tender at how Brian smiled at him and sometimes leant forward to kiss him. It was not something he had ever experienced before so he just lay absorbing all the affection that Brian was offering.

Guests were told about the gel in the bedside cabinet and Brian was happy to experiment. To his surprise his own efforts to stretch himself, the gel and the complete freedom to work at his own speed had resulted in an experience he would never forget.

When Brian and Ryan entered the kitchen there was something different about both of them. Ryan seemed more confident smiling happily for the first time since his arrival.

Brian walked a little awkwardly. As he come down from his high he felt a soreness and a discomfort he had not experienced before and which he he had not noticed during his sexual high. Now it was evident but in spite of it. He too was happy, knowing that he would never be the same again.

There was obviously something between them, not love but a sharing of problems to be overcome.

For once Ryan selected his breakfast without being asked and when Billy mentioned his trip to the doctor Ryan announced that he would like Brian to come too. It was not so much the request but that he asked in the same decisive way that Billy spoke to David.

The visit proved to be routine and Ryan was pronounced fit. The doctor was surprised in the change in Ryan's attitudes, regarding Brian with some respect. The rest of the day passed quietly with the boys just messing around. Steve spent the afternoon sketching Ryan while Geoff gave Brian more swimming lessons. Rob visited his parents and Billy played the guitar.

Only Perry was at a loose end not being sure what he wanted to do. Like most teenagers he had a phone and could keep in touch with his friends. However while most of them would happily argue over football or even just describe what they had for breakfast Perry was just not interested. He thought about describing how Billy was nearly kidnapped and how his mother was threatening to do the same to him but he did not think that anyone would understand.

That afternoon, he was content to sit back on the lounger reading. David was surprised that they did not want to go out more, wondering if the threat of kidnappings was making them nervous. It was partly true for Perry but they liked the relaxed atmosphere and could be more relaxed with their friends around the pool than ever they could anywhere else.

They also liked to be able to sit around in the evening relaxing and chatting. David did not inhibit them. The opposite was true. They had dealt with too many intimate problems for them to feel embarrassed.

Ryan was the exception because he was new but that evening he was content to sit on the floor with the rest of the boys.

"I'm afraid Sunday lunch has become something of an ordeal," David said, "I thinking that we should do something else."

"No way," Steve exclaimed, "We get on with most of them down there. Why should we be driven out?"

"I think a couple of them only hang around for a free lunch," Billy said, "It's not all that friendly."

"I agree about the free-loaders," Dave said, "I've thought the same thing but I don't mind. There's one that looks as if he could do with a good meal. It's good of Keith to stretch the dress code."

Billy nodded, "You're right about Martin and you're helping him. His father's a drunk, he's on the dole and what money he gets, he and his mother have to make sure it doesn't get spent on booze. He's asking Scot for work. If he got it he'd find a flat for him and his mother."

"I'd heard much the same thing," David said, "He tidies up around the pub in exchange for a couple of beers but Keith can't do much more."

"So you don't mind standing him a meal. Is there anything that does annoy you?"

"Apart from you being kidnapped you mean," David laughed, "I get concerned about things. I promised to look after Steve and there'd be some sort of BDSM scene. I've barely got time for him and we don't do any of the stuff he's supposed to be learning about."

"I'm OK," Steve exclaimed, "I belong here, I've got Billy and I feel good. If I wanted a bit of BDSM I'd misbehave so you'd have to punish me but there's too much else going on."

"I want to wear a chain," Brian said suddenly, startling everyone, "So does Ryan."

"It not just apiece of jewellery," Billy exclaimed, "It's our contract."

"I know," Brian retorted, "It means that we belong here but we've got to do as we're told."

"That's about it," Billy laughed, "We were talking about BDSM just now. It's part of wearing the chain. Do you know what it is?"

"Torturing each other for fun," Brian replied, "It felt funny when Ryan tried getting rough but not when he wouldn't stop."

"That's called limits," he added brightly.

Ryan looked nervous but David intervened, "Two things. You'll be going back to your mother soon and Ryan hasn't said what he thinks."

"Mum's going to phone you. I'm going to stay with you and visit her when the shifts and everything are right."

"OK, you're sounding very decisive and organised at the moment," David said carefully, "But if you're thinking about Ryan getting a bit rough, do you want to be the one in charge?"

As Brian sat thoughtfully, his cock swelled to point firmly upwards. He shook his head.

"I kind of feel funny if I think about being a slave," Brian answered thoughtfully, "Geoff's nice but he wouldn't do that. Ryan's not so nice but he'd…"

Brian trailed off unsure of how to explain.

"I understand," David said, "What about you, Ryan?"

"I dunno," he muttered, "It sounds OK."

"Do you understand about limits, now?"

Ryan nodded, "Yeah but I can't do things to Brian. I'd stuff up."

"Let Brian be your slave," David said, "If you want punish him then redden his skin with some slaps. Not his head though or around his kidneys and never with your fists. Just the palm of your hand."

"Yeah but I might make him do something he doesn't like."

"That's OK," David said, "You mustn't do things that he can't cope with. There's a difference.

David could see that the conversation was affecting all the boys. Brian was rock hard and still seemed to be swelling. David wondered how much bigger it could get before it began to hurt but the boy just sat there, entranced.

Ryan's cock was bigger and he was listening intently as if he was attending a lecture.

I'm just lucky he's not taking notes. David smiled to himself, adding out loud, "Steve, bring me a tawse."

Steve complied, fetching the implement from the box in David's bedroom.

"Give it to Ryan," David commanded.

The atmosphere was electric. David could almost feel the sexual tension.

"OK," David said to Ryan, "Steve is into this sort of thing so how about pulling him over your lap and pounding his arse with that strap? If you ask him he'll tell that he's had enough but you'll be able to feel his cock against your leg and you can use your hands to test his reactions."

Ryan stared at David in disbelief.

"Look at Steve's cock," David said, "Do you reckon he's up for it?"

Steve was rigidly erect, flushed with a little nervous anticipation.

Ryan nodded uncertainly. Ryan was a teenager being placed in a highly sexual situation. A week of being amongst friendly caring people, the rest and the knowledge that his own tormentor was in jail, all helped cut through his fears and uncertainties, pushing his real persona to the fore.

He stood up, "Bend over Steve. Grab your ankles,"

Ryan felt Steve's arse, running his hand between the boy's legs. Steve shuddered with pleasure. He stopped and sat back down where he had been before. He leant back on his elbows.

"Brian, get my cock inside you," he commanded handing the tawse to David, "I can't use the thing without thinking of Frank. Maybe Brian wants it but I've got to sort it all out in my head. I might want to use it on Brian though, if he cums when my cock isn't inside his arse."

Brian looked startled but then grinned and chuckled with the others.

Steve thought he had been forgotten and tried to straighten up.

"Freeze," Ryan snapped, "Stay there until Billy wants you. Should I keep Brian as smooth as Steve?"

Brian was proud that a small bush was appearing over his cock. He did not like the idea of it going.

"I know I mustn't say anything at school," he said, "It would be hard explaining why I shaved it off."

"I'll give you a week to think of a reason, then I'll spank you every day you've still got hair down there," Ryan said.

Brian gulped but Ryan had found the conversation a turn on and he pumped vigorously into Brian.

Billy stared at Steve who was still bent double before laying back like Ryan.

"Over here Steve," he rasped, "Let's get my cock inside you."

For a time Ryan had been driven by his sex drive. Like everything else it had been crushed by Frank and was now reawakening. His fantasies centred around an odd mixture of a big breasted blonde barmaid who served him in the the pub he and Frank frequented and Brian. Now that he was down from his high, he looked nervously around, relieved that no one seemed to be paying him any attention.

They were all ready for bed if not for sleep. Rob and David had the privacy of their bedroom but for the others the best way of sharing a few moments of privacy and intimacy with their respective partners was in the sleeping bags.

Ryan and Brian were already drained but Ryan slept with his arms wrapped around Brian, one hand on the younger boy's cock, gently but firmly pressing him against his own pole.

Steve and Billy slept facing each other, arms entwined around their bodies.

Perry and Geoff did not say much, contenting themselves with a sixtyniner before settling down, not together but uncomfortable if they were not touching somewhere.

Next morning, Ryan was dozing happily as Steve headed for the kitchen. He nudged Brian awake.

"Go and fetch me a coffee," he growled, "That's your first job of the day from now on. Guess what your second one is."

Brian glared at him then flashed his trademark grin.

"Yes Master," he chirped cheerfully.

Scot and Jemma, his girlfriend arrived as they were getting ready to leave for lunch. David greeted them warmly.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Jemma," David said, "We've been having a bit of trouble over the last few weeks. You're welcome but I'm not sure that now's a good time to visit."

Jemma smiled, "Scot's already warned me. He also said something about being naked when he's here. I'm looking forward to that.

Scot blushed furiously.

"Seriously," she continued though she was laughing, "I can also make him blush when I tell about some of the things I want to do. I gather he has a lot of fun here. That's good because I don't have to claw another's girl's eyes out. I'll have to compare notes on what turns him on."

"Jemma," Scot muttered desperately.

Jemma laughed, "Don't mind me, Mr. Watkins. He's just so easy to tease."

"Call me David," he smiled, "He does work when he's here, you know. He wants to get his dad's business back on his feet."

"That's where I'm hoping that you can help me," Jemma said, "I'd like to take on the office side. I've got basic bookkeeping but I'd like to find out more about the background of running a building firm. You know wages, stock ordering, time management."

"I know a few people you can shadow," David said, "We'll talk about it, later."

Apart from regulars the pub was deserted. David breathed a sigh of relief as he settled in the lounge with Scot and Jemma while the others settled in the other bar playing pool and darts.

They talked business for a while before Jemma exclaimed, "What have you done to Ryan? He's a different boy. He's not a timid mouse any more.

She paused, "No I can guess. Scot, I told you that sex was good for you."

Scot rolled his eyes up in despair as Jemma winked at David. Lunch was a cheerful affair. Scot and Jemma did not stay very long after lunch making it very clear that her parents were out for the rest of the day and Scot had a few more inhibitions to lose.

The rest of the day remained equally cheerful and everyone started the week hoping that their troubles were over. In fact the week was quiet, everyone enjoying the chance to follow their own interests without feeling on edge. No one worried that Perry spent the evenings after his homework visiting Ron who was building an elaborate new computer system in his house.

"The laptop's a bit heavy if I'm in bed," he said, "It rests on my bladder and at my age that's not good. I'll have a tower and big screen up here, another one in the lounge with the printer, scanner and the external drive I've got for all my pictures on. I'll save the laptop for sitting in the garden,"

"Have you got many pictures?" Perry asked.

"Between the history I'm making of the village and the ones my daughter sends, a few thousand," Ron replied, "That digital camera I've got, bluetooths them straight to the computer. I've got one of them negative scanners so I'm scanning all my old pictures as well."

It fascinated Perry how Ron could switch from discussing the best way of planting potatoes to his favourite flight simulator programme in the same conversation. He used the same slow, measured rustic accent when talking about the history of the area and Perry found himself becoming more and more interested in Ron's projects.

It was about a fortnight after Frank's arrest that David phoned Ron asking what time Perry would be home as he had school in the morning.

"He left a couple of hours ago," Ron replied, He was worried about being late himself. I'm sure he was heading straight back."

Worried now David sent Billy and Ryan to check the route. All the boys were worried and he looked to him for reassurance as they waited. Billy and Ryan found nothing.

Just then the phone rang.

"This is Yvonne. We thought that we'd let you know that Perry has made it up with his mother and they've gone away for a while."

"I need to speak to Perry," David said, "What about his school work."

"Oh, he's transferring to another school. It's all settled and there's nothing you can do."

It was unusual for David to cut short a conversation but he simply hung up and after a moments thought, found Perry's grandfather's phone number and called him.

"It's the first I've heard of it," he said when David explained the situation, "I can't see Perry just going off without speaking to you first. I hope they haven't done something stupid. Would you mind if I visited?"

"You're welcome but could you keep your phone manned," David replied, "He might be allowed to speak to you when he couldn't contact me."

I wish I had a mobile though," Perry's grandfather said, "I could keep this line free."

"Good thinking," David said, "I'll send Billy over with a spare."

"Can you trust his Grandfather," Steve asked.

David nodded, "He sounded surprised and as worried as us. Anyway, we know he's not injured or anything and knowing how Perry stands up for himself I could almost feel sorry for his kidnappers."

He was glad he raised a few chuckles so that the atmosphere became a lighter.

"Can Chief Superintendent Lockerby help?" Rob asked.

"Good idea. I'll call him."

As David explained the situation John Lockerby added, "There's a couple of organisations that tries to cure youngsters of being gay, would you believe. This sounds like one of them. The problem is that they're as shadowy as we are. The kids don't get cured, they get neurotic, scared to get close to anyone and so twisted up inside that they never make a good witness. What with it usually being with parental consent they get away with it."

"I see," David said.

"Don't get me wrong, we'll do as much as we can but it'll take time."

"Thanks for that," David replied, "Let me know if you find anything."

It was the start of a tense wait. It was a couple of hours later that the phone rang again. Everyone jumped and were almost disappointed that it was only Billy.

"Patrick's terribly upset," he said, "He's phoned Yvonne but all she said was that Perry would be straightened out and would tell everyone about the abuse he had got. He can't get through to Perry's mother. Her phone seems to be switched off."

"OK," David said, "When are you coming back?"

"I'll be home for the school run but I think I should stay here tonight."

"I'll phone the school and tell them what's happened. It's Friday tomorrow so I'll keep them home. I don't think that they'll get much work if they did go."

David was right. It seemed as if they would refuse to get out of earshot of the phone, let alone go to school. Thanks to Ron word of Perry's kidnapping spread around the village. Even those who disliked David's lifestyle sympathised. Whatever the gossip, they were part of the village. Perry had being working with one of the village stalwarts so it was like an attack on them.

Mrs Clivedon arrived on their doorstep followed by Ron who struggled with a massive pot.

"We won't come in," she said, "The lads do insist on dressing for me. They forget I had four brothers. With young Billy gone, I wondered if you'd like this stew. It's hot so just heat it up and keep it simmering. You can eat when you feel like it."

Patrick, Perry's grandfather, and Billy arrived in the evening. He had arranged to have his calls diverted to David's phone.

"Have you called the police?" he asked as they were talking.

"Unofficially," David replied, "It's someone I know who's looking for a similar gang. I've called Mr. Miles but apparently he's taken a months leave and gone on holiday so I think I still have loco parentis. If I make it official then your daughters could be in trouble."

"Serve them right," Patrick exclaimed angrily, "I just don't know what's got into them. Unless that lot they started mixing with egged them on."

"You were with them too," Rob muttered.

"I met them two or three times and that was enough."

Rob noticed David frowning.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude," he said

"It doesn't matter," Patrick replied, "We're all worried about Perry."

"I'm not trying to be rude, sir but isn't this what you wanted?" Steve asked, "I mean Perry's away from here and making sure he's not gay."

"I'll not deny that I wanted him away from here," Patrick replied, "I still do but the rest smacks of brain washing. That'll destroy him."

David nodded, "That's right. We've talked about consent and there's no consent in kidnapping. That crosses a line."

They did not say much more, just waited in a worried silence. Saturday was just the same. Mrs Clivedon called with more food as well as delivering some sympathy cards and letters.

Geoff and Mr. Dayton visited around lunchtime.

"The others are staying on at my sister's," he explained, "I'll pick them up Sunday."

Rob's parents also arrived with Rob's brother, worried that they might be intruding but anxious to help.

In fact there was little they could do. Rob's siblings, Richy and Lucy were less concerned at events and their excitement affected the others. With such a large group the atmosphere lightened and the youngsters played around in and around the pool but they all kept glancing at the phone beside David.

However David was glad when the visitors left.

Patrick was going to stay the night. Since he was a guest, David did not want to rub his nose into their sleeping arrangements but he was not going to change their routines. Possibly as concerned as David he went to bed first after asking Billy to wake him in the morning with a coffee at about seven.

They would have all had a restless, disturbed night if the phone had not rung at about one in the morning.

Chapter 11

David was instantly awake grabbing the receiver and saying 'hello'.

"Zulu Hotel One Four Six Foxtrot D…," and the line went dead.

David scrabbled for a pencil and paper to write the message down before leaping out of bed and grabbing his dressing gown. He heard the hubbub outside and guessed that the others were also awake.

"Rob, put something on and go and wake Patrick," he commanded as he grabbed his dressing gown.

Billy was up, staring at the phone beside him, "I got the Six Foxtrot T. It was Perry's voice, wasn't it?"

David nodded reading back the message then adding, "It's the phonetic alphabet ZH146F then D or T."

"What is it?" Brian asked, "A car number?"

"No," David replied, "At least probably not. Billy, Rob, fire up the computer and see what you can do with post codes. The rest of you, try and figure out what else it could mean."

He looked at Patrick, "He didn't waste time with greetings or anything so he probably knew he didn't have much time. Does it mean anything to you?"

Patrick shook his head, "Nothing. A post code makes the most sense."

"I'm phoning John Lockerby then I'm heading in that general direction. Look after the boys will you?"

"Calm down," Patrick ordered, "Make this call then plan sensibly. You might need a jet to get there in time. You, Steve make some coffee please."

Steve was already in the kitchen before he realised that Patrick should not be giving orders but he had not even thought of disobeying that rasping voice.

Billy had found about fifty addresses which he had printed out. Now he was using GoogleEarth to check them out. He eliminated clusters of address, looking for one remote enough to hide kidnapped children.

"It's difficult to tell but I reckon this one is the best bet. The farm track is about two miles [3 km] long with a house at the road end. But look at the farmhouse itself or rather the shadows. It looks like a high fence all round it."

"I didn't realise that places could be so remote," David said, "That looks like a river behind them. It's probably not very wide but they'd still have to swim. Unless it was midsummer they'd have a hard time going in that direction."

Just then, Superintendent Lockerby phoned back.

"You're right about it being a post code," he said, "I can't go into details but the local station's keeps an eye on it but they've never had a reason to visit. This might be the excuse we want."

"Are we talking about Greendowns Farm?" David asked.

"Yes but you shouldn't know that. Traffic's sending a car to the farm now. We're organising something but it'll take a little time."

"It's about a hundred and fifty miles [225 km] from us," David said, "We're all be leaving in about fifteen minutes."

"We'll take both vehicles," he added after he had hung up, "Ryan and Brian can stay behind to man the land line. Don't pout Brian, someone's got to stay and you've known Perry the least amount of time."

Brian nodded reluctantly.

"Steve, Rob, you go with Patrick. I still trust maps more than I trust satnavs and I want to be able to take calls so Billy you drive Geoff and me.

Leaving Ryan with a list of people to call in the morning they were soon on their way. The drive took nearly four hours. Although they could make up time on the motorways much of the journey was through towns and villages along narrow roads and twisting lanes. It was an uneventful journey, passing without incident until they were stopped by the police as they reached the entrance to Greendowns Farm.

"My wards in there," David said, "His grandfather is driving the other car."

"Could I have your name, sir?" the policeman asked.

"David Watkins."

"Very well, sir. Would you come and speak to Inspector Hardcastle, please. The others should remain here.

"Billy fetch Patrick. He's coming with me. Then look after the boys will, please."

Patrick nodded, grateful to be included as they headed for the house. David thought of it as a gatehouse. They greeted Inspector Hardcastle and shook hands.

"It's an odd situation," the inspector said, "We moved quickly because we thought the boys might be in danger. We entered on the grounds that a crime might be about to be committed. We've arrested the adults and brought about eight boys out. However four boys have have barricaded themselves in an office and are refusing to come out. Your Perry is among them and seems to be the ringleader."

"Do you know why?" David asked.

"He's demanding that the other three come home with you. Even with your consent Social Services wouldn't be too happy about it."

"I suppose it would seem less of a rescue if you had to arrest them. Can I speak to him?"

"Yes of course."

"Will you put it on speaker-phone, please?" David said, "I'd like his grandfather to hear."

"Brilliant," Perry exclaimed, "I knew you'd get us out, Sir. I've got Bradley, Louis and Jamie here. They need to come home with us."

"Can you tell me why?"

"Bradley and Louis are in love. Everyone says they're too young and try to split them up. They got beaten up at school which kept them in at breaks and made them sit in separate classrooms. It wasn't doing them any good."

"And Jamie?"

"Everyone thinks he's weird because he keeps getting into trouble and lets himself get caught. The doctors keep rooting around for some psychological problem but I think he just likes being punished."

"And this place offered to cure them?"

"That's right," Perry replied, "I promised that you'd listen to them and take things from there."

"OK. Why don't you bring them down and we'll see what we can do."

"No. Social Services will separate Bradley and Louis. I promised that I'd do my best to prevent it. I don't suppose you agree do you, granddad."

Patrick was confused. He should agree with Social Services but Perry was standing for something he believed in. Pride in his grandson dominated even if it seemed wrong.

"No but I'm proud of you. So is Mr. Watkins. We'll do what we can to help in the short term. In the long run we might decide that the authorities are right though."

"I agree with your granddad," David said, "We can't decide anything here and now. I'll see what I can do and get back to you."

He turned to the Inspector, "All the boys will need long term assessment to check for any sort of post traumatic stress. I'll see that Perry and any boys that enter my care will get it. I suppose you are thinking that I should be telling him that he's done all he can, that he's only making matters worse and he should let the experts deal with it."

He noticed the Inspector's look.

"You've tried that approach?" David asked, "I hope he was polite."

Inspector Hardcastle grinned, "Barely. He was very forthright. I gather he has friends who've been in care."

David nodded, "I assume that there are rules for looking after kids in this situation and Perry wants you to break them. If you don't break them then he'll start yelling abuse on your part. How you only wanted the arrests on your record and gave no thought to the kid's well being. I would think in terms of disregarding possible Stockholm Syndrome and bonding in adversity. At best it would turn a nice piece of work sour especially if it seemed that you were ignoring institutional bullying at their school."

The inspector nodded unhappily as David continued, "Instead of carting them off to a police station, how about I take them all to the nearest hotel and get them to bed. The others as well if you like.

"It's already getting light so I'll phone my solicitor as soon as I reasonably can and tell him to apply for custody. If you can stall the Social Services until then we'll let the lawyers argue it out. You'll need time to get statements from them all and this way they won't be scattered through the system."

"It'll work. We're waiting on a minibus. I'll take you up to the house."

"We'll drive up. Billy can take Perry and his friends. Patrick can take Steve and three others and the rest can go in the bus. It'll help them back into the real world if they're out of here and not surrounded by police."

Inspector Hardcastle nodded, "OK, that makes sense but I'll send a car as well. We'd better keep an eye on them."

It took time to sort everything out. David and the boys did not get home until late Sunday night with the three that Perry was trying to help with them. The authorities were not happy that David had custody but with all the other boys they were stretched to the limits. With the staff at the farm arrested, and enquiries about how the boys got there only Perry could be returned to his guardian.

Since David had custody. Perry's mother had no right taking him anywhere without David's approval. Perry was in a highly emotional state. It took time for him to tell the whole story, even to the police. Since he was the one most clearly at the farm against his will the police spent the whole of Sunday getting his statement. When it was done, David was given a copy.

With Perry contributing his emotional reactions, David was able to piece together the story.

As Perry was cycling home, he saw a van stopped with the driver out of the cab studying a map. The driver called out to him and Perry stopped

"My satnav's playing up," the driver said, "Can you show me where I am."

As Perry bent to look at the map he thought he heard someone behind him and then he was grabbed and bundled into the back of the van. He felt a rag with something sweet over his face and he quickly became too woozy to fight back. He felt a prick in his arm then little more until he woke up in a bed with someone sitting beside him.

"Where am I?" Perry asked.

"At a counselling centre," the man replied, "I'm Jack and I'm looking after you while you settle in."

Perry's head was clearing guessing that his mother had arranged this and annoyed with himself for not being more cautious.

"When can I go home?" he asked.

"When we think that you're well enough, your mother will collect you," Jack replied

"And David?"

When you're ready, we'll take a statement from you and see that he's arrested. You'll be safe then."

"I wasn't very safe from you, was I?" Perry exclaimed angrily, "When can I make a statement about that?"

"We're sorry about that but your mother thought that you were too far under that man's spell to be reasonable. We did have her permission though."

Perry had been caught between too many rows between his mother and father to show his feelings or react. It was as well because Jack obviously did not know that David had custody of him. He was tempted to tell him but maybe Jack would not believe him and what would happen to him him if his kidnappers tried to cover their tracks.

Instead he snapped, "And so I'm a prisoner in this torture chamber."

"It's a medical room," Jack laughed, "You'll be sleeping in the dormitory with the others tonight."

"So when do you start brainwashing me?"

Jack laughed again, "We don't. You'll have therapy of course. It'll focus on your homosexual traits and you'll be persuaded to reject them. The more you resist, the more severe the therapy but that's all."

"So how about showing me around?"

Jack was still laughing as he answered, "I'm also an English teacher. It's not a good idea to start every sentence with 'so'."

"So why should I care?" Perry asked.

Jack frowned slightly, "We do instil discipline here. You need to show your counsellors some respect."

"Why?"

"We're trying to help you. The more you cooperate the sooner you'll be back with your family."

Again Perry managed to remain impassive. Instead he rolled up the leg of his jeans to stare angrily at the tracker on his ankle.

"I should have mentioned that," Jack said, "I'm sorry. It's activated when you try to take it off or cross the boundary fence. I should warn you that there's a lot of pools and streams around here. The ground around them gets very soft."

"In other words, don't try to escape."

"Even if you are picked up by the police you'll be brought back here. To escape you need somewhere to go."

"I like cross country runs. I need to keep up my training."

"Tell someone that you're going and we'll agree a safe route."

"Are we that far from another house? Where are we?"

Jack frowned again, "Stop playing games. Behave and I'll show you around."

Perry's grandfather had told him to keep his enemy relaxed and not on the defensive. Perry thought that Jack was naturally edgy and easily irritated.

"I'd like to get out of here," Perry said, "I'll behave for now if you find me a glass of orange juice."

"You need plenty of liquids while the sedative wears off," Jack said smugly, "So it's not much of a bribe."

Perry stayed quiet and impassive, meekly allowing Jack to lead out of the sick bay and out into the yard. Perry's eyes lit up at the site of an elderly Ford Cortina.

"Who owns that?" he asked, "It's a classic."

"I do," Jack replied, "Do you like cars?"

"I'd like a DB6, like the one in the old James Bond films."

"It's a pity you don't want the girls that he gets as well."

"No, they're a bit old for me."

Jack looked at him but did not say anything. Perry thought his answer had unsettled the man. However Perry watched and listened attentively as Jack opened the bonnet and described the engine to him. Suddenly Perry darted round to jump into the driver's seat.

"Hey!" he called, "You're not very security conscious, are you? You left the keys in the ignition. Catch."

As Perry threw, his arm seemed to knock against the door and the throw went wide with the keys landing in the mud.

"Sorry," Perry called out, rubbing his arm, "That hurt."

As Jack turned to pick up the keys, Perry quickly switched the satnav on. Perry did not know why Ron had one lying around the house. He never seemed to go anywhere but he had eagerly shown Perry how it worked. A couple of pushes on the touchscreen and Perry had the post code.

As Jack straightened Perry called out again, "Put the bonnet down and show me how to use the choke will you?"

As Jack complied, Perry switched the satnav off and sat fiddling with the radio.

Jack looked at him suspiciously but Perry seemed fascinated by the mechanical tuner.

"How do you change stations and keep your eye on the road?" Perry asked, "It doesn't work though."

"You need the ignition on," Jack explained.

"Is it tuned to the local station?" Perry asked.

Jack felt relieved. The boy had outsmarted himself. Tossing out the keys had immobilised the radio and he still did not know where he was. But Perry was delighted. He was not in the least bit interested in cars. His only pleasure was in seeing the satnav and hoping that Jack was as complacently smug as he seemed.

Perry was sure that all his remarks had focussed on the older aspects of the controls and design and Jack seemed to have forgotten all about the satnav. Maybe it was a bad idea to seem too innocent.

"Does the ignition have to be on for that?" Perry asked, feeling around for the switch. He deliberately checked in the wrong place and Jack grabbed his wrist.

"Nice try," he grinned, "I'm glad you didn't try driving off though. I'd hate you to wreck it on the barrier."

Perry shrugged, "It seemed too easy. I reckon you've got an immobiliser fitted."

"Very good but it hasn't," Jack beamed, " You can drive it around the yard as much as you like."

"So what's the point?" Perry asked.

"We find car maintenance is very popular with the boys. It's part of the lessons here. I was a bit careless with the satnav but I was driving it when we collected you."

And Perry had got the message. Cooperate and you have all sorts of fun. Resist and the staff are always one step ahead. He might have understood the message he did not have to act on it.

After removing the satnav Jack sauntered off leaving Perry to his own devices. Instinctively he headed for the gate and stepped through. It was pointless to run because of the tracker but it was a little bit of boyish rebellion. He knew it and he guessed that his captors knew it as well for there was no reaction. Instead he examined the advanced vehicle barrier which comprised of serrated flaps that would shred a tyre trying to bounce over it. Perry suspected that the jolt would severely damage the steering and suspension as well.

He walked a little way down the lane. Still no reaction but just then a bell rang. Thinking school more than alarm he sauntered back to find a dozen or so boys standing around. What shocked Perry was the the way just quietly stood. They were scattered and in no way was it a parade but they showed no life.

As Perry approached there was a glimmer of interest but their attitude puzzled him. Apathetic. As a young teen it was not a word that he used much and he was proud of himself for remembering it. It described the other boys perfectly.

He approached a boy about his age.

"Hi, I'm Perry," he said cheerfully. Teenagers usually treat a perfunctory 'Hi' as a warm greeting but to Perry this lot were taking it to new extremes so he held out his hand offering a handshake.

"Adam," the other boy replied, glaring suspiciously at the offered hand, "We must be careful of inappropriate body contact."

"Just being friendly," Perry said, "I thought everyone shook hands."

"No. We must be on our guard. We're vulnerable and any slip could cause us to slide back."

As Perry lowered his hand, a boy of about thirteen stepped forward to grab it, "I'm Bradley," he said formally, "And I'm very pleased to meet you."

Bradley winked, "And I've not been here as long as Adam."

"A friendly face," Perry laughed, "I feel like hugging you."

"Oh no," Bradley said almost reciting, "We're not mature enough to understand gestures like that."

"You should behave better," Adam said, "The more you rebel the longer you'll be here and the more it'll cost your parents in fees. Show some gratitude for the way they care."

Perry was beginning to see that his kidnappers used peer pressure to control the boys. He was content for the moment. He had no doubt that David would rescue him though he might have to help in some way and he was building a picture of how his prison worked.

His big problem was how to resist enough to retain his individuality and cooperate enough to keep his jailers off guard. Most importantly, he had to get to a phone.

"Do you ever phone your folks?" he asked innocently, hoping it followed on from the conversation.

Tears filled Bradley's eyes, "They've disowned me until I can prove that I'm a man."

Perry reacted as he normally would, wrapping his arms around the weeping boy. Jack came hurrying over.

"Let him go," he said, "That's not appropriate behaviour."

"He's homesick, you fucking idiot," Perry yelled angrily, holding Bradley tighter.

"Yes he is. He'll cope better if he faces his problems like a man. He doesn't need the wrong feelings being aroused by another homosexual."

"No and any self-respecting adult would comfort a child who's so upset."

Perry was both pleased and worried to see a flash of anger across Jack's face. He was pleased because he was needling the man but worried about the punishment system in place.

"Feeling better?" Perry asked Bradley who nodded.

"Good," Perry continued, "Just remember, the real men I've met comfort and help us. It's only scumbags who leave us miserable."

Jack was furious. Perry had completely undermined him and he had lost control of the situation. Worse none of the assumptions about controlling the boys seemed to work. He did not know that ever since Perry had stood up to his granddad in the pub, Perry no longer felt awed by any adult. He respected and loved David, he accepted David's opinion of his grandfather and could respect him as well but he now knew that he could disagree with an adult and be in the right. His chess games with his grandfather had taught him a lot. He was watching his opponent's strategy as much as he was planning his own. He would only have one chance to escape and he had to get it right and his primary plan was to get the post code to David.

Jack and his colleagues relied on the disorientation of the boys not knowing where they were. Even leaving them alone in the yard was planned. Mostly they did the obvious and ran. It was expected so they were easily intercepted and brought back. It all helped to build a sense of defeat and the idea that they were trapped.

The knowledge that they could not return to their parents added to their despair. What the staff did not know about Perry was that that he had David and he knew a little of the law, especially about his own case.

Perry was suffering pangs of fear, disorientation and despair but he was not showing them. It was a game of cat and mouse but Perry was a mouse with very sharp teeth.

Perry angrily strode away, through the gate and down the road. He was not trying to escape but just needed to walk off his anger. Adam came running after him.

"You saw the signs," he puffed, "You're not supposed to leave the grounds without permission. You have to go back. Mr. Jenkins wants to see you."

"Go and tell Jenkins that if I see him now I'll kick him so hard in the balls they'll pop up out of his mouth."

Adam stared, aghast.

"Go," Perry snapped, "Or I'll do the the same to you."

Seeing Adam's shocked expression did more to calm him than anything. He sat down beside the road to think, his feet dangling over the ditch that ran beside the road.

He had to continue being rebellious. It calmed his fears and he was sure that some of the other boys were more cheerful. He had to find a phone. If Mr. Jenkins warranted being called by his surname and Jack by his first then maybe Jenkins was superior enough to have an office and a phone.

He sauntered back asking as insolently as possible, "Where's Jenkins?"

"He's not at your beck and call," Jack snarled, "Wait outside his office there until we've all eaten.

Bed without my supper. Perry thought, I'm not very hungry anyway. Wondering if it was because of nervousness or the remains of the drugs he complied. The building became silent except or the sounds of scraping plates. Perry tried the door. It was locked. He shrugged, not very surprised or disappointed then headed for the sounds of eating.

The twelve boys sat along a long plain table. Four adults sat around a smaller table, one at each end and the others along one side so that they could watch the boys.

"You must be Perry," a weasily little man said, "Are you prepared to apologise for your behaviour and join us for some supper?"

Perry was still too wound up to be hungry. He grabbed the table cloth and pulled. Plates, a glass flower vase and everything else on the table crashed to the floor, the debris mixed among a pile of unfinished food. There was a stunned silence.

"You do not leave homesick kids alone without comforting them and you don't starve kids as a punishment. I expect a vast improvement in your behaviour if I'm going to stay here."

He heard a ripple of muffled giggles behind him. The adults were pushing back their chairs preparing ready to pounce on Perry who calmly said, "Hang on. Can I ask a question? If the idea is to stop us being gay why aren't there any girls for us to fuck?"

The laughter stopped in a puzzled silence then broke out again, unrestrained and releasing the boys' fears and tensions.

The adults were caught completely off balance. Again Perry had ignored the perceived wisdom that if he was not being guided by his cock then by his stomach. There was no defiant bravado or hysterics. Instead Perry almost seemed like the adult beating them at their own games.

Perry assumed that the weasel was Mr. Jenkins because he raised his hand to stop the others. He continued to raise his hand but now looking at the boys. Gradually the room became silent.

"You raised an interesting point," Mr. Jenkins said, "We teach boys to behave properly with other males. We would hope that your parents would teach you proper morals and guide you to find a suitable wife when your time comes but that is not for us to do.

"So far as starving you is concerned, it's your choice. Accept our ways and sit with us or be an outcast."

"I'll break bread with anyone," Perry said, "I would consider it most uncharitable to make it conditional on them agreeing with me."

Perry noticed that Mr. Jenkins looked sharply at the mention of breaking bread and again at uncharitable. He's a religious nut, Perry thought, I thought so.

"OK," Perry said, "You stop playing mind games with me and I'll not cause trouble until after the weekend."

"You've conceded that you're staying here. So we'll not begin your therapy until Monday. Now how about clearing the mess you've made."

"About my therapy," Perry said, "There's something my mother doesn't know. I dumped my last girlfriend because I wouldn't sleep with a man. She thought that he'd pay for a holiday in Florida. Oh and I've met a girl at school. The sooner I get back the less likely she is to stop waiting for me."

"Telling lies is not cooperating, young man," Mr. Jenkins said sternly.

"Whatever else you do, do NOT call me a liar," Perry roared angrily, "Clear your own mess up. I'm going to the kitchen and find something to eat. All bets are off."

He stormed through a door that had a small window in it, hoping that he was not marching in a cupboard. He was lucky. He searched the cupboards to prepare himself a large sandwich washed down with a cola. He was surprised that the adults did not come charging in to pin him to the floor or something.

Instead Mr. Jenkins strolled in and sat down beside him.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

Perry nodded, his mouth full.

"I should not have called you a liar. I apologise. You believe what you said to be true but you don't understand how these perverts can twist your minds. Now there's something more to your behaviour. What is it?"

Perry suddenly found it all too much. He burst into tears.

"I'm scared," he sobbed, "You're going to destroy my mind. I did tell the truth and you don't believe me. How are you going to convince me that I'm wrong?"

A part of Perry was still in control. True, all his pent up fears had burst through but he knew that he was still in a battle and had to fight.

"I do what I do because I do believe that homosexuality is an unnatural perversion," Mr. Jenkins said, "I also believe that David Watkins is a corrupter who ruins lives. I'm going to try very hard to convince you of that but we've got off to a bad start. Relax, get to know us and we'll take it from there. I have to admit that some of our treatments are unpleasant but we deal with some drastic cases. Maybe you have just fallen for some youthful experimenting and can be easily treated."

Perry nodded.

"Maybe, but I'm very tired now. I'd like to finish my sandwich and go to bed."

"Fine, I'll send Jack in to show you where everything is. We do insist on pyjamas that hide any physical reactions. Is that a problem?"

Perry shook his head, "I tend to kick them off but I'll be under the duvet. I'll stay covered."

"Fair enough. I'll get Jack."

As Mr. Jenkins left the room, Perry crept to the door.

"He's like the rest," he heard Mr. Jenkins sneer, "A bit of trouble and he's blubbing all over the place. He's worried that we'll send him mad or something. He doesn't realise that it's better than staying a pervert. Tread lightly this weekend. He'll have been isolated for three days by Monday and he'll be a lot more susceptible to what we tell him."

Perry hurried back eating his sandwich when Jack entered.

"How would you like to sleep in the sick bay tonight?" he asked, "You won't be disturbed when the rest go to bed."

Perry guessed that he meant, "You won't disrupt the others."

"It's fine by me though I might stick a chair under the door handle."

Jack grinned, "We treat you through therapy sessions. We only come for you if you fail to turn up to one."

Perry believed it was true. He still blocked the door though but dropped into a deep dreamless sleep.

The next day he was wakened by the sound of movements beyond the door. As he dressed he realised that he was going to become dependent on the staff in another way. He needed clean clothes which meant asking for the fashion-less grey flannelled trousers and white button up shirt the others wore.

He could make do for another day and with luck he would get to a phone.

He followed the sounds and was in time to join a line getting a plate of bacon and eggs from a serving hatch from the kitchen.

As he sat down Bradley sat beside him.

"If you try to escape, will you take me and Louis?"

"Louis?" Perry asked.

"We love each other and they're trying to make us hate each other."

"If you've got any plans, tell us and we'll help," Adam whispered who was sitting on the other side of Louis.

"It's getting the car across the barrier that's the problem."Perry said, "We need to sneak some heavy planks up to the gate so we can lay them over the flaps. Then we wait until everyone is asleep and drive out. The quicker we get to the road the better because if we're stopped we can scatter. It only needs one of us to get help and we'll all be safe. Just get at least five miles [8 km] from here before you trust anyone."

Perry was quite proud of the plan. He did not trust Adam and remembered something that his granddad had said about spies being planted among prisoners of war to discover their escape plans. He also figured that the staff would be suspicious if he did not plan something.

Perry spent the day exploring the site. It was a typical old farmstead. A large main house with a couple of smaller cottages, a barn and other outhouses. The barn had been converted into a garage for a couple of vans and a workshop. There were no suitable planks for his cover plan but his eyes lit up at the sight of a heavy sledge hammer.

Perry also wondered if it was a coincidence that Jack showed Adam, Perry and a couple of the other older boys how to remove the starter motor from the car and announced that it needed new brushes. He could not get them today so it would have to wait until Monday.

"Never mind," Perry said, "Those cottages look abandoned and the floorboards will be ideal. The back door of one of them has got a broken lock. It'll be suspicious if I spend too much time in there. Why don't you prise a couple up and stand them against the wall. Let's see if anyone notices."

Perry had watched many war films with his grandfather who happily pointed out all the technical errors and sometimes described what had really happened. He was also influenced by David's attitudes in particular not liking second best or half hearted attitudes.

Rather than get drawn into the life there, he saw himself more of the prisoner whose duty it was to escape.

Satisfied that his diversion was working he needed to get into Mr. Jenkins' office. He took the obvious course by waiting until Mr. Jenkins was in there and just walking in.

Mr. Jenkins looked annoyed, "Boys usually knock and wait. Surely you have some manners?"

Perry smiled, "You haven't got me yet. And I'm not winding the others up."

He sauntered over to the book shelves.

"Jules Verne? I didn't think that you'd be into science fiction buff. What do you do? Sit there and read while you guard the road? I'll just borrow this one. You don't mind, do you?"

"Of course not," Mr. Jenkins replied, "And no, I don't spend my time watching the road. I come in here to work. You're making an interesting break though."

"In that case I'd better go and let you get bored again."

Perry was satisfied. He had seen a standard set up of phone and computer and knew where to go once inside the office. The only thing that bothered him was the phone line. It passed through the window frame and up the wall. He would have to be quick before someone pulled it out or snapped it.

Mr. Jenkins was equally satisfied that Perry was planning an escape along the track and Adam would give him plenty of warning. When it failed, Perry would be thoroughly demoralised and his mind would be open.

Perry spent most of the day sitting under a tree reading. Bradley joined him once or twice. Every time Adam joined them as soon as he could but he did manage to speak to Bradley alone.

"If I get the chance I'll see if I can start one of the vans. They're pretty old and don't have immobilisers. If you hear any sort of commotion, get to the hall with Louis and wait for me. Keep it to yourself until then."

Bradley looked puzzled but nodded as Adam joined them.

"How are you doing with the floorboards," Perry asked by way of greeting, "They're watching me so don't stay too long and see if you can sneak a couple round the back. There's some long grass near the gate. See if you can hide one there."

Perry was pleased to see a flash of resentment at doing all the work but Adam nodded and hurried off.

That night everyone settled down to a comfortable sleep. Adam had instructions to be as slow as possible and the staff were satisfied that Perry's plans would take days to come to fruition. Only Perry stayed awake until he was satisfied.

He got out of bed pulling the pyjamas off and quickly dressing. The outer doors were alarmed so going outside was the point of no return. The system which along with the tags would operate an alarm in Jack's room and the cottage at the lane end of the track. Everything was geared to boys leaving the compound. There was a camera at the front door so that Jack could see what was outside but he just lay watching. If Perry was just breaking curfew he could leave it until morning before he dealt with it. In fact Perry was just measuring the response waiting to see how long it would take for him to be dragged inside.

There was no urgency as Perry strolled towards the cottages and waited inside for a while.

Perry assumed that he was being watched but since no one had come out to him he guessed that he was being allowed a phony sense of freedom. He didn't know it but Jack was just lying in bed watching him waste his energy on a pointless escape plan.

Still in no hurry Perry headed for the workshop to collect the sledge hammer appearing to return to the cottages with it. Suddenly when he had got as close as possible to the main entrance he darted back inside the main building.

This was the weak point in his planning. Was it as easy as it looked on TV? Taking a deep breath he lifted the hammer and swung. His aim was perfect and the head landed squarely over the lock. It was an internal door, weaker than an external security door and flew open.

Perry stared in amazement before hurrying through, hearing the sound of Jack's door crashing open. He had noticed the sliding bolts on the inside of the door and although stiff and little used he managed to shoot them home before Jack had reached the bottom of the stairs. He dived for the telephone and phoned David.

He was right about having little time. Jack had seen the smashed door, guessed what Perry was up to and hurried outside. Briefly they stared at each other through the closed window before the phone went dead. Moments later Perry could hear a whispered staff conference outside the door.

"Perry," Mr. Jenkins called out, "You've gone too far. You'll be punished for this. Now come out before you make matters worse."

"I'll come out for breakfast," Perry yelled back, "Plan B is I start a fire and you'll have to call the Fire Brigade."

"I take it that Plan A was to phone for help. You weren't on the line long enough for the call to be traced and you didn't have time to give any explanation. So what's the point in carrying on?"

Suddenly Perry understood a question that had puzzled him and his grandfather. Why was it in films that villains seemed so eager to stop their getaway to explain how clever they had been? Now Perry knew the answer. In the adrenalin rush he wanted to crush his enemies completely, demonstrating how clever he had been. It took a real effort to stay quiet.

"I told you, you haven't got me yet.," he said before raising his voice, "Bradley, remember what I said, stay in the hall until I can come for you."

Over the next few hours the tension grew steadily. He wanted to believe that David would come charging to the rescue but even he had begun to wonder whether Mr. Jenkins and his friends could be right. It might take more than a few hours for David to mount a rescue operation but he had to fight any attempt to weaken him more than they had done.

Jack was ready to burst in but Mr. Jenkins was willing to wait.

"Let him see how pointless it is. Get the other boys up and into the hall because he threatened to burn the place down. We'll skip breakfast because of the upset he's caused then leave him to them when they're tired, cold and hungry,"

It was just before dawn that Perry saw lights on the track.

"Hey, Mr. Jenkins," he called out, "There's something you should know. Mum doesn't have custody of me. David Watkins does. It was agreed by my Dad before he went on holiday. That means you kidnapped me and there's a lot of blue lights coming up the road. You haven't got me, I've got you."

He heard a gasp and an agitated conversation then silence as the boys rushed out to watch the approaching cars.

"I'm still here," Bradley called out, "It's just us."

It didn't seem to matter but Perry was still wound up. He opened the door and to his surprise, three boys piled in. Bradley held up a mobile.

"Jack dropped this," he said triumphantly, "Someone was warning him because he was looking very upset before you called out."

"I knew he had one. I just couldn't think how to get hold of it," Perry said, "Now let's make sure you and Louis stay together. We'll stay in here until I can talk to my master."

Perry smiled as Jamie turned to listen with even more interest than before.

Perry shuddered as he finished his tale.

"I could almost feel them eating into my mind," he sobbed, "I knew you'd rescue me but it seemed to be fading. I mean mean you seemed to be getting further away and only that place was real. I knew I had to fight but they all seemed to be so reasonable and fair. I felt guilty at causing so much trouble."

"They were clever," David said, "Why didn't you tell them that I was your guardian straight away?"

"I don't know," Perry said, "I knew you'd be looking for me and maybe we could stop them. I was also a bit scared of what they'd do to me if I was a threat. If Jack hadn't forgotten his satnav, I think I would have though."

"You kept your options open," Patrick said, "That was well done. There's always a feeling that you could have done things better after an operation but that's hindsight. You tend to forget what you knew at the time."

"You know that your mother and her aunt are being interviewed by the police," David said, "I don't know what's going to happen to them."

Perry suddenly looked very tired, "I had a feeling that if I had told them the truth then they would have that guilt trip on me. You know, I don't want my mother to go to gaol, do I? But it's not me, it's them and what they did. I'm sorry Granddad."

Patrick held out his arms. Suddenly Perry was hugging him tears flowing down his face.

"If nothing else, you've proved that you're a man, able to make your own decisions," Patrick said, "Will you stay with me while we see what's left of our family. You can have the guest room with double bed so that Geoff can stay when he wants."

"You approve, Granddad?" Perry asked in surprise.

"No I don't approve but as I said, you're a man and it's your decision."

They were all in the conservatory. For once, the boys were wearing shorts in deference to Patrick. Perry called Bradley and Louis over and had them sit on his lap, or rather on one to a leg. He took Bradley's hand and rested it on Louis' cock then resting Louis' hand on Bradley's cock.

"This is Bradley and Louis," he said, "They are very close but they've lost their families because their parents belong to some extreme political party that hates gays. That's my granddad over there. He doesn't like gay stuff very much and he'll never, ever do anything gay but he's lost some of his family too.

He makes a great granddad most of the time. He captained his regiments football team. He'll teach you to play chess, take you around the regimental museum where he sneaks you into the tanks and stuff. He doesn't like people knowing because it makes him seem a bit nerdy but you you should see the train set he's got in his attic. If he's not too old now then he'll take you camping and teach you all about survival.

"He'd love to have more grandsons but Aunt Yvonne scared her husband so much he could never get his cock hard enough."

Patrick looked shocked for a moment then chuckled, "You're probably right."

There was silence for a moment. Then Bradley stood up took Louis' hand and led him over to Patrick to settle on his lap.

"So what position did you play, granddad?" he asked.

There was one more thing Perry had to do. He stood up and peeled off his shorts.

"This David's place and we don't wear clothes. At your place we do. OK?"

Patrick smiled, ever more proud of grandson.

David settled back. The phone had been busy with calls from locals congratulating them on getting Perry back. He could relax, letting things settle down. With Billy responsible for the house he was seriously considering taking a more active interest in Scot's business ventures.

The next morning the phone rang again, "Hi, it's John Lockerby here. We've got a couple of kids who witnessed a gangland killing. They've been on the streets for a while and have gone a bit feral. Could you take them in until the court case?"

The End