The Curse of Chindi Springs

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Part III

Chapter 23

Brandon couldn't believe how friendly the other kids were toward him during practice. Tommy and Derek actively talked to him about doing some fun things, and a few of the others spoke to him as if they really wanted to get to know him better. Even his talking to 'Hector' to get insights on how to play better at practice was accepted as no big deal by all but a couple of the kids. Those two didn't make fun of him, however. Instead, they just rolled their eyes and nodded when Brandon made a good play.

It was clear, that while Brandon was one of the younger ones on the team, he was among the best. This become even more apparent as he moved up to the plate for the second time to take batting practice. Greg decided it was not only good fielding practice for the others, but it also gave Brandon practice with batting as a switch hitter. Since neither Greg or Steve had seen another team in the small desert league with a kid who could change batting hands, they wanted Brandon to be as good as possible. Both men figured it would come as a shock when used and would hopefully throw the other team's pitcher off enough to gain an advantage.

Brandon moved up to the plate and hit the first pitch deep into left field. He followed that up with five more sharply hit balls before swinging wildly to a very unexpected curve ball thrown by Coach Greg. As he took a step back and sent a frown at his coach, he heard Alex's voice from the stands off to the side, "Oh, come on, you didn't even look for the spin, Brand!"

Brandon glanced over and smiled at seeing his brother, "First time he's thrown one! It won't happen again!"

"Better not!" Alex shouted back with a smirk.

Brandon moved back up to the plate and hit two more fast balls, both to left, before he saw the change in the throwing motion and caught the spin on the ball. He adjusted his swing and nailed the curveball, sending it skipping between first and second base.

Greg's left eyebrow arched up as he saw the boy give him a smirk. He threw another fastball and followed it up with a slider. Seeing boy swing as if he was expecting a fastball followed by the look of total confusion, he held up a hand, "First time seeing a slider, Brand?"

Brandon nodded, and cocked his head to the side, "How'd you do that?"

"It's a curveball grip thrown more like a fastball and with a different wrist release. It's very hard to pick up and extremely hard on the arms of younger pitches, so I don't teach it. But… Well, I just wanted to see what you would do with it."

Brandon shook his head, "That was totally not fair!"

"Nothing unfair about a good pitch, Brand!" Alex called out from the bleachers. "Keep your eye on it!"

"I was!" Brandon complained as he moved back up to the plate. He quickly hit three of the next four, including another curveball, before swinging too soon at another slider. He backed off and muttered, "Hector, I can't see the difference between that and a fastball."

"You have to look at the fingers, Brand. It's a curveball grip. I know it's hard to do that and track the ball to the bat, but it's all I got for now. I'll look for something else, but he's got a real good delivery."

"Yeah, well, there has to be something…" He moved back up to the plate hit two more and managed to just barely foul off a slider. He shook his head and finished his at second at bat, and the practice by hitting three more before missing a super hard fastball that left Tommy wincing and shaking his hand.

Hearing the loud smack of the ball hitting leather behind him, Brandon looked back, "Tommy, you OK?"

Tommy dropped the catcher's mitt, but nodded all the while wincing. "Yeah, but I think I just found out what it was like to catch a bullet!"

Greg moved up on the heavy set boy, "Oh, Geesh, Tommy, I'm sorry! You sure you're OK?"

Tommy let out a long breath and nodded, "I've felt worse in the last few days…" He stopped and cringed, "Um, you know… Ah…"

Greg moved up and ruffled Tommy's hair while whispering something to him then pushed him over toward the fenced in dugout. Greg quickly turned his attention to Brandon. He looked at the boy and grinned, "I told him to put some ice on it and blame you."

"Me? You're the one who threw the missile!"

This got some laughter out of several kids and a few adults. Greg chuckled, "Yeah, your fault. My arm was getting tired and you kept hitting even some of my harder pitches. I also wanted to see how close you could come to my hardest pitch."

"Not close at all! But you could have really hurt him!"

Greg nodded, "You're right. To be honest, I really wasn't thinking about Tommy when I threw it. I just wanted to get this practice over since I'm sweating like crazy, we have a game tomorrow, and judging on some of the adults, they want to get your teammates home, cleaned up, and spend some time with them."

Greg turned to the kids and adults, "Remember, our first game tomorrow at six thirty and Saturday's first one is at seven fifteen in the morning. We leave from here at eleven tomorrow and we have team check-in between one and five with an optional hour on the field at three. The hour on the field will be blazing hot, but I would like those of you taking your own or others at the field. Also, we have until eleven, when we leave, to finalize the team roster. This means if anyone knows of someone who can sign up by then, we will get them on the field and at least one time at bat per game."

As this was said, Brandon noticed Coach Steve nod in the direction of Alex. Brandon gave a single nod, realizing the man was reminding him that Alex might be able to join if Brandon did what the coaches expected and not tell anyone else. He was still confused about this, but seeing Alex at the practice told him there was a good chance, so he would just have to see what the men wanted.

Once Greg saw Brandon nod, he turned his full attention back to the others on the team. "Guys, we haven't played there since last year, so it'll be good to get some time on the fields. But that means sun lotion, and water; lots of water. I don't want anyone getting heat sickness before we play our first game. Also, multiple games in consecutive day means keeping trips to the hotel pool short. It is a weekend of games, so pitch counts are per game, no extra days of rest, but limited to fifty. If a pitcher goes over forty, they can't pitch until the next day, either. I will do my best to keep everyone below forty per game, but that means we need quick outs. Also, with two games on Saturday getting to bed early tomorrow night is a must.

"Right now, I have one staying in my room and Steve has one… Um, two, since Brand is probably with him. Ray is also taking two in his room. Holden has also agreed to help, since this is going to be a multi day trip, and is taking one. Any or all of us can take another if needed, so let's get everyone there. Last I heard, rooms are still available on the hotel strip along Hobson Way, but not in our hotel.

"Ray, Holden, Steve and I will take the kids with us to the Sizzler as soon as we finish our first game for a good dinner tomorrow night. I'll pick up the tab for anyone else who shows up. Also, keep in mind, we do have one guaranteed game Sunday, but time will depend on placement. Then, should we win that, we will have the final at six Sunday night. Monday is the trip to Hauser geode beds. Ray is taking a day off for this, so we would really like everyone to join us, but we know most of you will want to some time with your kids by then. We totally understand, but it will be a nice break, and I am sure most have earned a short outting. We'll be back here around dark Monday, maybe a bit later, depending on our luck at finding the geodes and when the kids give out… or we give out on them."

This got some laughter out of the adults and smiles out of several of the boys. Only two of the boys didn't look happy about this. Brandon noticed this and guessed they had been told 'no' about the geode hunt.

On the other hand, hearing the geode trip was really going to happen, and was not just talk, brought a big smile to Brandon. His priority, however, was to go see Lex. To this end, as soon as the couches dismissed the team, Brandon moved up to his brother and gave him a hug, "Missed you!"

Alex returned the hug, noticing most of those around them were watching with a great deal of interest. It was almost too much curiosity for Alex's liking. He did his best to ignore the looks and stares. "You looked good out there, Brand."

"Until he threw that stupid slider!"

Alex laughed and nodded, "I couldn't have done any better. What a wicked pitch, huh?"

"Yeah…" Brandon dropped his voice to a whisper, "Coaches are still looking for more players. Can't you join the team?"

"I don't know if I'm allowed… I guess it depends on who takes me in… I think there is going to be a meeting about it tonight, though. I guess I could ask if you really want me to."

Brandon nodded and whispered, "I don't know if I will see you if you don't! Hector doesn't like this place. He says something is wrong and both 'Hector' and me don't want me alone all the time."

"Yeah, I get that, and I'll ask. But I think you and 'Hector' are over reacting, Brand. It's weird here, yeah, but doesn't seem too bad to me…"

"'Hector' says it will…"

Before more could be said between the two, Sheriff Eaton moved up and cleared his throat. As soon as both kids turned to look at him, he put a hand on each of their shoulders. "Boys, I've spent the day working on a few things and think we came up with some kind of stable living situations with the people you already know. Brand, you're sweat soaked. Why don't you head down to the pool area and get a quick shower? Then I can take you and Lex over to Buck's for dinner and a meeting to see what you think of my idea."

Brandon "Um, I need to get my bag out of…"

Terry made a slashing motion with his hand, "It's in my truck already. Just tell Jan at the pool store I said you could grab some trunks. I'll grab you a spare shirt from my shop on the way to Buck's and stuff all your dirty junk in the bag. We'll meet you in the pool parking lot."

As Brandon hurried off, Terry looked down at Alex, "How about you? You need to get cleaned up?"

Alex shook his head, "Miss Wood took me out shooting at a couple of old cars then had me shoot at launched disks. That was real fun! I like shotgun shooting way better… Um, anyway, she had me take a shower at the range and got me this shirt." Alex pulled on a new shirt. It was similar to the other shirts he had been given, but had the newer nicer scorpion on it and no target.

Terry ruffled Alex's hair and nodded, "Heard you even hit a few. Real good for a first timer!"

"Real hard and I shot a whole lot of air!"

Terry busted up laughing, "Everyone does the first few times, Lex. You'll get better. Heather's a great teacher."

"She sure is… but kind of grouchy, though. She doesn't like the way I do anything!"

"Heather?" Terry shook his head, "No way. I think you are mistaking her making sure you did everything safe and proper, like. Shooting skeet can be dangerous, especially for someone new to firearms." He patted Alex on the back and pointed toward his blazer while angling across the parking lot toward it. "She's really a sweetheart." Seeing Alex really wasn't buying it, he guessed when given the choice between Buck and her, it would be Buck. He shrugged. It wasn't his problem. He would get the cash either way. To this end Sheriff Eaton changed the subject, "So, you didn't look to surprised to hear about me taking you over to Buck's."

Alex shook his head, "I heard her on the phone talking about you talking with us tonight… Is Joey and Riet going to be there?"

"Riet, yes, Joey I think so, but he found someone to take him in on his own and was sleeping when I talked to Bruce."

"Wow!" Surprise could clearly be seen and heard as Alex looked up at the big man. "Joey really found someone to take him in… like on his own?"

"Yeah. Took me off guard, but he met a younger kid by the name of Sammy at the mini golf, and asked me if he could stay with Sammy's uncle. Bruce seems to be a good guy, so I said yes and our child welfare supervisor, Shirley approved it today after a quick chat with Joey. We just need to get paperwork finalized. From what I heard, Joey was a bit under the weather this morning, so I'm not sure if Bruce will bring him or not. One way or the other Bruce will be there to fill out the last of the paperwork, so you'll at least meet him."

"Joey's sick?"

"Sounds like he ingested something that didn't agree with him, but he'll be fine once he gets used to everything including the heat and the need to drink lots of liquid while he's here."

Alex let out a long breath, "Yeah, everyone I've been around makes sure I drink lots. It's even hotter here than at the ghost towns we visited, and we were in the desert there."

"One of the hottest place in the country is often times around these parts, Lex. But with Joey not really doing great, we changed where we were meeting. The original plan was to have the meeting over at Bruce's, but Bruce spent the day tending to Joey. So instead of going to Bruce's house, Buck offered his place."

"Hope he got the bathroom done!"

"He already warned me it was still in pretty rough shape, but some of us are going to help him tonight while we are there. And I know you noticed this, but his place is right on the edge of town, so if you go out and play, keep an eye on your brother and stay within sight of the house. Going one hill over, until you get used to this place, can mean easily getting lost. Actually, you got to be real careful and not wonder until you really learn the area with someone who can teach you the lay of the land. We've had kids and adults both, who were new here, get outside of view of the buildings and got disoriented. More than one didn't make it."

Alex nodded understanding, "Miss Wood showed me already. On the way back to the range after shooting at the cars she told me to find the way back. I thought I knew, but we ended up at a dead end close to the rocky hills and I had no idea where I was. It was kind-a scary. I'm glad she knew the way back from where I told her to go!"

"Nice way to learn safely. I'm going to recommend that for others. But keep in mind it is even worse at night. We don't have a single streetlight or stoplight so there is no light signature like there are in many desert towns and cities. Now let's get your brother and get to Buck's."

Chapter 24

By the time Alex and Brandon entered Buck's house Harriet was already there with the female child services worker, Shirley. Alex also noted Buck had gotten quite a bit of new, albeit fairly cheap, furniture. He had a trio of futons and a pair of love seats along the outside of living room. Harriet was sitting on a folding chair next to an end table with snacks and had a bottle of soda in front of her. She wasn't saying anything, but was picking at some nachos. Alex could tell right off, since she wasn't inhaling the food and drink, she was tired and wasn't even slightly happy.

Sitting across from Harriet was Nancy, Nancy's husband, Robert, and Mather. The three adults quickly introduced themselves before returning their attention back to talking to the unhappy girl, with very limited success. At the same time, Alex noted the sheriff shake his head and roll his eyes as he glanced over at Harriet. The body language, alone, told Alex his sister had caused some problems. The fact the man moved right over her and told her to stop pouting, only verified it.

Next to Alex, Brandon nudged him, "Sounds like Riet's got in trouble already."

"Mom isn't here to cover for her, so I bet she actually had to do chores and complained about it or something. Constable Eaton said she had to stay in a shelter while we got to say in homes because she wasn't nice to people who tried to talk to her, too. I think she finally got what she deserves."

Brandon snickered, "She probably threw a fit about having to make her bed or something."

Alex snorted, "Yeah, and I don't know about you, but I'm not about go over there and listen to her complain all night, either."

Brandon cringed, "No way! Besides, I don't want her to get me in trouble for something… Um, do you think I can get a soda? I'm still real thirsty and don't really want more water."

Heather nodded at Alex as he moved over to grab sodas out of an open ice filled cooler sitting next to the snack table for himself and Brandon. He was kind of surprised to find both grape and cream soda in the cooler, but a nod and smile from Buck reminded him the man had asked what he liked to drink and he had mentioned Brandon's like of grape during the conversation. He returned the grin with a smile and nod of thanks even as he handed Brandon a bottle of grape. He also took note as a frown crossed Heather's face, followed by a shrug and smirk on Buck's.

Greg and Steve showed up several minutes later, clean and in nice clothing. The men seemed to overlook the kids as they made small talk with the adults. Alex noted right off, the man and wife talking to Harriet eyed the men with a great deal of distain, but it was totally ignored by both coaches.

Everyone was enjoying corn chips and chili-cheese dip when Bruce showed up with a very sick-looking Joseph. The boy's eyes were red, and he was walking with his head down, while shuffling his feet and holding his stomach.

Even as both Alex and Brandon tried to talk to him, Joseph waved them off and winced as he swallowed some saliva.

Bruce spoke while pulling Joey close. "He's got a really raw throat, and it hurts for him to talk, but I told him to come and hear what Sheriff Eaton has to say. Hopefully he'll be able to chat with you after he gets some cold liquid down his neck to sooth it. If not, I am sure you'll see him around some."

Buck quickly dug deep into the ice and found a lemon-lime soda. He tossed it over to Joey, "I got a good idea as to what you're dealing with. This is a hard place to get used to at first, but you'll adjust. That'll sooth it some. Keep in mind, the dryness of the air doesn't help either, so feel free to grab more, but drink slow. If you start getting real sick, my bathroom is in the same spot Bruce's is."

Bruce ruffled Joseph hair, then motioned him over to the couch while formally introducing himself to the two boys and let them know Joseph was going to be staying with him. He then went on to tell the two boys about Joey getting to work with a local artist and even being allowed to sell some of his drawings. Brandon looked over, "You get to sell your stuff, Joey?"

Joseph started to speak, but stopped. Instead he nodded. He then pulled out his drawing pad.

Bruce took it from Joseph, looked at it, nodded, then handed it over to Brandon. At the same time, he put his hand on Joseph's shoulder. "The rattler he drew is already in a frame and up for sale already. He is working on the smoke around your plane now. Take a look."

Alex moved over even as Brandon flipped back and forth between what Joseph had tried to do when they first got out of the plane and a new set of drawings. Both Alex and Brandon could see the difference and gave their brother high praise. This got a hint of a smile out of Joseph, but he pointed to his throat again.

Alex nodded in understanding, "No need to talk, Joey."

Brandon gave his older brother a quick hug, "Yeah, get better and good job on the smoke; it's way better and I don't even see why. It sure looks more real though!"

Joey almost said something, but caught a stern look from Bruce and nodded instead.

Alex scowled at this, but quickly shrugged it off, "Let's give Joey a chance to drink. Besides, if he is sick, we don't want you getting it. You have a game tomorrow."

Bruce nodded at this, "Your brother's got a good point, and I hear you are a star player!"

Brandon shot Bruce a shy grin, "Just at practice…"

"Oh, I'm sure you'll do this whole town proud! Hell, just help get us a win at the tournament and you'll be the little town hero!"

Steve looked over and spoke with a hopeful tone, "I think we can get a win this time. Most of the kids are getting some rest, so we'll be in better shape than normal."

Brandon nudged Alex and nodded at the man.

Alex rolled his eyes, not really wanting to be on the team, but did want to spend time with his brother and didn't want to disappoint Brandon by telling the truth. To this end, he took a deep breath and spoke up, "I can play if you really want and whoever I stay with will let me."

Sheriff Eaton glanced over at both Heather and Buck. Seeing non-committal looks from both, he glanced back at Alex, "I think something could be worked out, Lex. We'll talk about it more later, OK?"

Alex nodded, "OK, but I'm not bad, really."

Steve took a sip of a beer, "Good to know. We'll talk it over once decisions are made." He then looked over at Brandon, "I'm sure when the time comes the proper choice will be made."

Alex shot Steve a questioning look, but the man didn't seem to notice. Instead he turned his attention back to Buck, and some of the house remodeling the man was working on.

At the same time confusion rippled across Brandon's face, but even as he frowned, 'Hector' spoke to him. "Brand, I'm sure whatever he wants will be real clear when the time comes. When given a choice about something, just make sure you take your time and think it over."

Brandon moved away from his brother and angled over to the chips while mumbling very softly, "OK, but I gotta do what they want so Lex can join the team."

"Even if they say yes, someone still needs to say it's OK for Lex to join."

"So even if I do what they want, Lex might not be able to play?"

"It's possible. Oh, and I really don't like the way Joey looks. I want you to stay away from Bruce."

"You think he caused Joey to be sick?"

"I think it is very possible. Just stay away from the guy. OK?"

"OK, sure… but…"

"Brand, trust me, and stay away. Joey is four years older than you and should be able to take care of himself. Besides, if the guy did something to Joey, what do you think he would do to you?"

"But the constable…"

"Is right there, and Joey isn't asking for help. I know. I don't like it, but it is what it is. Now stick close to Lex, and stay away from Bruce."

"OK." Brandon reluctantly acknowledged even as he shot Joseph another look, noting Bruce was sitting right next to his oldest brother. With a silent sigh, he moved back over to Lex with a small plate of nachos.

Even as Brandon did so, Richard came in holding a big dish of steamed butternut squash and green bean casserole. He put it on the table and glanced over at Brandon, "For a kid who has several games to play over the next couple of days, this would be way better for you than what you have in your hand."

Brandon eyed the glass dish, then what he was holding. Not liking the look he was getting from the man, and being somewhat afraid since he knew the guy was carrying a gun, he handed the plate over to Lex. With a sigh, he moved back to the table and scooped some of what Richard had brought onto a fresh plate. He took a fork and munched it. As with everything the man fixed, it wasn't awful, but if it came down between the squash and bean dish or nachos when the man wasn't around, the nachos would win every time.

Lex looked at his brother in astonishment, but didn't argue. He scooped some of the dip with a big chip and shoved it in his mouth.

At the same time Buck spoke into his cell phone then hung up, "Allen isn't coming. So it's just us. I got lasagna and or brats on the kitchen counter. The blue plate has cheddar brats and the black has jalapeno cheddar. The others are beef only. Rich, the small dish on the stove has whole grain and is all yours, so don't be giving me any more guff!"

This got some hearty laughter out of most in the house as Richard gave Buck a nod and a thumb up.

Buck smiled, "I got potato salad and baked beans as well. It's self serve folks and if you go home hungry, you got no one to blame but yourself!"

Richard moved over and patted Brandon on the shoulder, "There is plenty of whole grain lasagna. It's still not great for you, but better than regular noodles.

Brandon looked up and sighed.

Rich let out a long breath and forced a smile, "Ok, eat unhealthy if you really want. But I didn't get this body by putting crap into it."

Brandon looked at the mounds of brats and decided on middle ground. He took a beef brat and used a whole wheat bun, but did take a large helping of baked beans.

Richard snickered, "Ok, I'll give you that one. More of my squash and green beans would be better, but at least you are using good bread." He moved back into the main room, striking up a conversation with Nancy.

Behind Brandon, Alex poked him, "You stay with him or something?"

"Yeah," Brandon nodded, "and he may not look it with those baggy clothes, but he has muscles in places I've never seen them before on a real person. He had me use his workout room with him, and he has like bulges of muscles where his stomach is and his arms and legs are… He's just like those men we saw in that Spartan movie we downloaded when mom and dad went out that one night." He then switched to a whisper, "He's also a guard at the mine and carries a gun in his back."

"Don't want to make him mad, huh?"

"That's why I ate what he brought!"

Alex snickered, "Good choice if you ask me."

Brandon and Alex moved to a card table and ate. They noticed Harriet found her appetite once she got a hold of the lasagna, but still didn't look content. They were both glad when she sat by herself at the snack table well away from everyone else. They also noticed Bruce had gotten Joey a plate of lasagna and beans and was rubbing their brother's back while encouraging him to try to eat.

The two finally went out and played catch while the adults helped Buck move some boxes of new furniture around and helped him patch the stairs and put in a new railing.

After nearly an hour and a half, Sheriff Eaton called the boys in and handed both a large bottle of water. Once he was certain the boys knew they were supposed to drink every drop, he turned to the rest of the group, "Buck, first off, thanks for hosting this." Once he got a nod, he moved so he could see the four kids. He made eye contact with each, noting Joseph's held the look of a boy pleading for rescue. It was certainly a sad look, but figured the others would have a mirrored appearance in their own eyes in short order. When he first saw the helpless stare in the kids brought here, it bothered him far more than now. He had long since accepted the desperation written on the kids' faces. Most would learn to deal with it and many would be able to smile and act like kids again once they resigned themselves to the new living arrangements. Those who didn't… well… the money was far more important than a kid who would eventually come to grips with reality. All but a few had, the others found out the hard way they should have. Old Town had a way of ripping the tenacity out and rendering them docile in very little time. Still, he could do small things to help some, and that was at least something. Even as he thought this he fingered a small black pouch in his pocket.

He quickly shrugged off theses stray thoughts; since the sooner this group was situated, the quicker he could find others to pad his ever growing bank account with. "As all of you know, this get together is for the Parsons. By now all four of you know your father is back in England. Just so you know, my contacts told me he spent only a night in jail there and is now living with your grandparents under some kind of limited house arrest. All of you have talked with your grandparents, and know he cannot see or even talk to you, so any calls to your grandparents will have to be monitored to make sure he doesn't not try to jump in and say something.

"I don't want to dwell on this for too long, but Shirley wanted me to spell it out real clearly. You four have no other family, so you are all here until your mother is able to care for you." He paused as he saw Alex start to speak up, "Lex, I'll get to questions in a bit. I am sure some will be answered in the next few minutes, OK?"

Seeing Alex nod his head, he let out a long breath. "I am sure all four of you have the same question. That being when will your mom be better." Seeing all four heads nod, he pulled out a pad from his breast pocket and let out a long breath. "I understand, but before I go into that, let's get you with people who can give you some support. Joey, Bruce already knows what I am about to say, so this is for you. I know you are not feeling well, so if you want to go home…"

Bruce shook his head, "Sheriff, I think it be best if he hears it from you. I can then talk him through it more as he has questions. Besides, I still need to sign a few things so I can get him to the clinic if he doesn't make some progress in the next day or so."

Terry nodded, "Fine with me. So, Riet, Lex, and Brand, I really think it best for you to decide who you are going to stay with and be close to them while I talk about your mom, OK?"

Lex was first to speak up, "She's going to be OK, right?"

"Lex, one thing at a time… I will then answer all your questions, OK?"

Alex could tell by the man's tone, it wasn't really a question. "Sure…" Realizing the quicker they all found someone to take them in, the sooner he would find out about his Mom, he quickly looked around, "So I have to pick who I live with or something?"

Terry blew air out with his lower lip over his top, forcing his breath to blow his hair upwards, "You don't have to live with Buck or Heather, kiddo, but… well they are both approved, you know both of them, and they have both offered to take you in. If you really don't want to, we could stick you in the shelter and see if we can find someone else…"

Off to the side Riet noticeably shuddered, "Pick one, Lex, you don't wanna go there!"

Alex eyed his sister with some bewilderment at the sincerity and fear of her tone, but just as quickly shrugged off the comment. He bet she had been forced to do chores and hated the place or something. He looked back and forth between the two adults. After a few seconds, he glanced back at the sheriff, "What about Mr. Morris?"

Shirley spoke up, "I'd have to do some more background on him first and see about your care during the day. He works long hours at a car shop and I really don't feel comfortable with you being alone for ten to fourteen hours some days. Both Buck and Heather work less and can take you with them during the day if needed."

Alex looked a little disappointed as he nodded in understanding, "His basement is awesome."

Buck looked a bit frustrated, but spoke up, "I bet either Heather or me could keep you until they get Todd approved if you really want to live with him."

Heather quickly nodded, but didn't look happy at all. If anything she looked angry at Buck for making the suggestion.

Alex took a deep breath, "No, I just really liked his basement and I want to try him at air hockey again. He killed me!"

This got some snickers and both Heather and Buck noticeably relaxed. Terry grinned, "I'd like to get him approved to take care of kids as a back-up, so we'll still be doing the paperwork on him. I bet he'd be happy to take you for a day or two here and there once you get settled in, Lex. But for now, let's keep to who is here. Who would you prefer to say with?"

Heather and Buck focused on Alex as he looked back and for a couple more seconds. It was a tough decision, since he didn't want to hurt either of their feelings, but he couldn't help but notice Heather was staring at him with the same harshness she showed when he was shooting. He also had to give Buck credit for remembering what type of drinks he and Brandon liked. Finally, he liked Buck's offering to take him until Todd got approved. He looked down so he didn't have to see either of their eyes as he spoke. "Mrs. Wood, I really thank you for everything, and I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I'd kind of prefer to stay with Mr. Stowe."

Heather looked noticeably saddened as she spoke, "You got to do what you think best, Lex. Just remember you chose, so don't get mad at Buck or me if you have second thoughts."

"I understand… Maybe if I had stayed over at your house… I really don't know you other than from the range. Sorry."

"No need to apologize. I'm sure I'll see you around."

Seeing the look of regret in her eyes almost made Alex change his mind, but after a few more seconds, he looked over to Buck. "Thanks for taking me in."

"I'm glad to have you, Lex. But I just want to make sure: you'll follow my rules, right?" Buck asked with a serious look.

"Yeah, um, yes sir. I'd kind of like to be on the team with my brother though…"

"I'll talk to Steve and Greg. I don't see a big problem with it as long as you are willing to help me out getting the rest of this place put together and behave as good as you did the one night you stayed here."

"I will!"

"Welcome home, then. He then slid over on the love seat and motioned Alex over. "I'm sure we can get you to the tournament as long as we can get you on the team. It will be a good break for me and allow me focus on you this weekend without thinking about the brewery. Why don't you come over here so your brother can decide without looking to you. It really should be his choice without relying on you."

Alex gave his brother a hug and a reassuring smile. "Your turn."

Brandon swallowed hard as Alex moved over to sit next to Buck, "Um… Can I use the bathroom first?"

Terry pointed to the hall and nodded.

As soon as the door shut, Alex looked up at Sheriff Eaton, "You may as well ask Riet; He is going to be a while."

Richard glanced down the hall with some anxiety, "Did he tell you he was scared or something?"

"He didn't have to. I could tell he doesn't want to choose. I bet he doesn't want to hurt any feelings, but he really went in there to talk it over with 'Hector'."

Steve couldn't help but shake his head, "He really believes in his friend, doesn't he."

"More than you could possibly know…" Harriet grumbled. At the same time Joseph nodded in total agreement.

Terry glanced over at Harriet, "OK, so let's move on to you. It is either back to the shelter, for what could be a very long time, since I had to make a note in your files about your first night there, or… well you are one very lucky girl. Mather is still willing to take you in. Nancy and Robert also filled out the paperwork and got approved, so you, amazingly enough, have a choice, too."

Alex eyed his sister with a raised eyebrow, "Geesh, Riet, what did you do?"

Terry glanced over at Alex even as Harriet's lower lip started to tremble, "She got a little crazy, but it's between me and her and hopefully it's over, got it?"

Even as Buck put an arm over Alex's shoulder and very lightly tapped his lips with an index finger, Alex nodded.

"Good." Terry then stared right at Harriet, "So, young lady?"

Harriet felt totally trapped. She didn't really want to go with anyone, but there was no way she was going back to the shelter to get locked in the dark room or pissed on again. She wanted to shout out what had happened, but was sure the sheriff wouldn't believe her. She also didn't see how it could be worse than going back there. She also didn't want to live with a guy alone, not after what the man in the shelter had done to her. This left her only one real choice, "I'll stay with the Butlers."

"And follow their rules and not lie?" Terry asked with a near snarl. "Otherwise, I can arrange a semi-permanent bed at the shelter…"

"I won't say nothing bad about them, no matter what! Really, I won't!"

Nancy moved over and put her arms around Harriet, "I'm sure you won't sweetheart. We will have rules, though, understand?"

Harriet nodded even as she forced herself to speak without sounding as dismayed as she felt, "Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Then come over here and sit between me and Robert."

The very last thing Harriet wanted was to sit right next to a man she had just met, but seeing the look in the sheriff's eyes told her it was do as she instructed, or go back to the shelter. She quickly moved to sit between the two, but pushed closer to Nancy.

In the bathroom, Brandon's voice took on a bit of a pleading tone as he spoke to 'Hector', "Come on, I know you don't want to be the one to make the wrong decision, but I need you."

"Brand," 'Hector' finally spoke, "I am here, but this is exactly the situation I cannot help you with. I really don't like either choice and you know it. But, I also know you really want my opinion, so let me try to remind you what you already know.

"Steve and Greg tricked you to get you on the team and into their house. The boys in the shower told you as much. On the other hand, there is no question the geode trip is going to happen. They hinted they would let Lex play on the team if you did what they wanted when given a choice, and this has got to be what Steve was talking about. You also heard Buck say he will let Lex play. I know you really want to be able to see Lex and I think it would be good if you could, too. The problem is, once you say you will live with the coaches you are stuck there, and it sounds like it will be for quite a while. Because of how early they handed you over to Richard the next morning after we talked, you never got a chance to talk about using one of their shirts at night or using your money to buy more clothing either. It's almost like they knew you were going to ask questions and prevented you from getting the chance.

"Now look at Mr. Hill. He will make you eat healthy and seems very interested in getting you strong. He is not a total rule monger like Steve either. I know you like some of those things. He also taught you how to work with wood, and his shop says he could teach you a whole lot more. Even though you were inside, you had fun, I could tell.

"The problems I see are two big ones and several smaller ones. To me the worst part is he pretty much used you like a living teddy bear after the cot broke. You didn't like it any more than I did. The second major issue I have is his house is one step away from being a jail. There are bars on the windows; he has handcuffs, tasers, and guns everywhere. The weapons, even if you knew how to use them, and you don't… but they are locked in a way only he can get to them. His whole place is really is creepy when you look at it. If you ask me, the man is suspicious or anxious about something. I'm also pretty sure he took pictures with his phone of you and your teammates when they were talking to you in the shower, but on this I could be wrong.

The other negative things are he has a very set schedule and isn't much of an outside person. Those are big minuses for you personally.

"At both houses you weren't allowed to wear much. Actually, you wore less at Mr. Hills. I really don't like it. As I mentioned, you know the coaches tricked you. They knew about your love of rocks and pretended they didn't. If they were willing to deceive you once, there is no reason to believe they will not do so again. Also, being super clean and following a tome full of rules is not your list of strong suits.

"Now with all of that in mind, you have to make the choice. I won't try to sway you any more than I just did. There is a chance I would pick wrong, assuming there is a right, and I am not sure there is… Regardless, you could get hurt by me telling you what I think is best. As I have told you before, the one thing I will never do is be the one to put you in a more dangerous spot."

"Will you be mad at me if I just pick the coaches?"

"Brand, I will never be mad at you. You are my friend. Just make sure you are willing to accept neither option as a good one and be ready to do what they want and follow the rules no matter who you pick. You have nowhere else to go right now. Also know this: I am afraid some things are going to be very bad at either place."

"Maybe the shelter is the best…"

"OK, on this I am going to speak up. I really don't think going to the shelter is in your best interests. First off, Riet was there and wants nothing to do with it. That isn't grumpiness, it is fear. Plus, if you go there, it won't be to stay. The sheriff will then stick you wherever he or Shirley decides. This whole place is tainted and bad, Brand, so you could easily end up with someone even worse. Besides… and let me be honest; I am being a little fearful and suspicious here… I would not at all be surprised if they suck you with Mr. Hill or the coaches who then might be angry at you for not picking them. Even the way the Sheriff talked about the shelter tells me this could happen. When he spoke to Lex, he said they could look and see IF he could find someone else. This tells me he could flip a coin and put you with one of the two a week from now. The choice is bad enough without having them irritated at you for refusing to pick one or the other."

"Oh, crud, I never thought about… the constable really could put me with one or the other even after I said no…"

"It is possible, yes."

"Gee, thanks for the warning, 'Hector'!"

Brandon quickly used the toilet and washed his hands before moving back into the living room. Seeing all eyes on him, he looked over at Greg, "I'll stay with you."

Off to the side Richard let out a long sigh. "I'd be happy to watch him if you ever need a break, guys."

"Thanks Rich," Steve responded even as Greg motioned Brandon over and pulled the boy onto his lap.

Terry waited until Brandon was on the man's lap before he rolled his head and let out a very long breath. "Kids, I'm probably not the one who should be doing this, since I'm not the greatest words, but yeah… Um, look, this is not easy for any of us. You are all real worried about your mom. However, as sheriff it falls to me to tell you the full situation…"

He glanced at the pad in his hand, "I know you all noticed your mom was bleeding after she got off the plane." Seeing the kids all focused on him with a great deal of worry, he glanced down, "The thing is, kids, the injury to her head was not the only problem. She was also bleeding on the inside."

Joseph looked up and spoke sounding like he had a frog in his throat as he did. "Internal bleeding?" Seeing Terry nod, he frowned, "but we didn't land that hard…" He stopped talking as he felt Bruce clamp down on his shoulder hard enough to hurt. To cover up for not saying more, he put his hand up to his throat. The wince, however, was real, both from the sore throat and the fingers pushing into his shoulder.

Terry held up his hand, "Man, you really don't sound good Joey." He moved up to the cooler, grabbed another lemon-lime soda and tossed it to the boy. He then backed up so he could see all four kids again, "Nadine, um, Physician's Assistant Finch, told me it was most likely from something hitting her when your plane went off the runway and stopped so suddenly in the soft sand."

Even though Alex felt stunned by such grave news, he spoke up as he saw tears well up in Brandon's eyes, "I know I got hit with a few things when the front wheel sunk into the sand and we lurched… But not real bad…"

At this Joey nodded, but kept his mouth firmly shut.

"I guess something hit her in the wrong spot at some point." Terry stated with a sigh. "I'm also sure you all noticed your mom wasn't doing well by the time we got her to the hospital." He again looked up and saw four very concerned sets of eyes on him, but all also nodded. "Well, that could have been because of the bleeding on the inside as much, probably more than, the head injury. While the clinic took care of the her head, at some point they realized there was other problems when she got suddenly worse. By the time this happened, she had gone into something called Hypovolemic shock. I'm no doctor, but from what I understand, it comes from losing too much blood. The clinic managed to get it under control, but there was damage to some organs."

Seeing Harriet about to speak, and Joseph open his mouth only to cringe again as Bruce applied some extra pressure on the boy's shoulder, Terry quickly held up his hand, "Kids, she is alive and we had her flown out so she could be in an intensive care unit in a very good hospital. I'm told there is every reason to believe she will pull through, but this cannot be guaranteed at this point. Right now she is purposefully being kept in a coma and is isolated for her own protection. They don't want any chance of germs getting to her as weak as she is. The next important thing you need to understand is, her getting out of the hospital will not be soon and even when she gets released, it will be a long recovery in a physical rehab unit before she can take care of herself, let alone you all."

While this hit the kids extremely hard, it also had the desired effects. Since they were already with those who they were going to be living with, they turned to those people for support, even a very reluctant Joseph found some comfort as Bruce pulled the boy's head into his chest.

Terry noted Alex and Brandon handled it better than the others, but still got some support from the adults. This came as no real surprise, since he knew the younger brothers were closer to each other than their parents. However, having them away from each other meant they had to draw strength from those who were close, so all in all, it worked out very well. Terry let the kids calm and allowed them to ask questions. There were very few, which was exactly what Terry hoped. He then let Shirley take over.

She had the new 'guardians' sign some paperwork then went on to produce another form from her laptop and portable printer. This one was for the kids and guardians to sign. It was worded like a legal document, so some of the language was a well beyond the understanding of four children. However, the point of it was clear enough. Each one, by signing, was agreeing to place themselves in the care of the adults they had chosen. Also, by signing, they agreed to follow all rules of the home they would be going to live in. Failure to do so could result in a short placement at the youth shelter for minor rule violations or much longer time span in a group home in 'Old Town' for anything the adults decreed as major infractions.

Harriet figured if she didn't sign, she would have to go back to the shelter. Because of this, she didn't bother to even look it over. She flipped to the last page and signed.

Joseph glanced it over, but another hard squeeze, this time to the back of his calf, was all the warning he needed. He had been told very bad things would happen to Sammy if he didn't keep his mouth shut and do what Bruce wanted. He figured he'd already screwed up by accidentally talking, so he didn't want to make it worse on the kid. He briefly toyed with the idea of writing 'help me' on the paper, but didn't. Bruce had warned him about trying any tricks. Sammy was with Maggie and if Bruce didn't call her with the right password, she would do awful things to the kid. Besides, Joseph wasn't sure if the constable knew about Bruce and the others or not. If the man did and he said something, then… there was no way he could trust anyone at this point. He also realized it didn't matter what the paperwork said. He would have to take Bruce's penis in his mouth over and over no matter what. After just a minute or two Joseph signed.

The two younger boys took longer. Hector talked Brandon through the whole thing. This took some serious explaining, but by the time Brandon got to the end, neither wanted anything to do with it. On the other hand, Brandon really felt he didn't have a choice and just wanted to get the whole thing over with. However, 'Hector' managed to at least get Brandon to ask if he had to sign even though Brandon was overwhelmed with the news, the wording of the document, and the whole situation.

Shirley responded with little to no emotion, "No, I could rip yours up and take you to the youth shelter instead. If you want a home to stay in, signing is required."

Hearing this, combined with the uncaring tone of the woman's voice, Brandon shook his head and almost signed, but was stopped by Alex.

Alex glared at the woman, "Hold up, Brand! I didn't think kids could enter into a contract."

"They can with a guardian present Lex," Terry stated calmly, yet with a firm voice. "Right now Shirley is your guardian, since she is the court appointed welfare officer over the four of you. So by her being here, and witnessing you signing, it makes it legal."

Alex blinked as his mind tried to wrap around this non sequitur. The woman was making them sign, yet was there to witness it and be their guardian and guide over the matter. No matter how hard he tried, it simply didn't make sense to him. Yet there was nothing he could do about it. Since he was being forced into it, he decided he better find out what exactly he was agreeing to. To this end, he read the full thing a second time. This clearly annoyed the woman. Seeing this only made him slow down. The look in his eyes told those watching he was enjoying the nasty facial expressions directed at him.

Buck actually found it humorous. He even helped Alex on several words the boy didn't understand and the parts that were outside of his cognitive grasp. Still, it didn't take long for all the adults in the room to realize Alex understood more than any of them expected. The look on the boy's face as he struggled over a couple of most difficult paragraphs told them he wasn't content until he had at least a base level of understanding. They could also tell he didn't like what he was reading in the slightest.

After almost fifteen minutes Alex let out a long breath. Even as he admitted to himself, much of it was on the upper edge of his understanding, it scared him. The truth of the matter was he didn't like what the document expressly said and even less what it implied. It was basically saying he belonged to Buck and had no real say in anything once he signed. The paper gave Buck almost unlimited power, including living arrangements, sleeping arrangements, behavior requirements, nutrient decisions, garment selection, recreation time and activities, all education related decisions with the exception of him having to be enrolled in the academy, rest and sleep allotments, entertainment decisions, hygiene requisites, and even hair style. He was somewhat confused on what was meant when it said Buck's perspicacity gave him full rights over Alex's 'decorum; public and private', but with Buck's help he gleaned enough to figure out it had something to do with how he acted.

The paperwork also had a muddily worded section stating 'Buck's sagacity' gave him 'full disciplinary discretion' for 'any infractions real or perceived'. While he didn't know the exact meaning, it was apparent enough to where he didn't bother to ask. The only thing Alex really had rights to was 'proper medical and dental care', 'a secure living environment', and to 'attend all academy classes physically or remotely'. To him it sounded more like he was about to become a slave than a foster kid. He almost didn't sign, but realized not doing so wouldn't change much. He actually guessed it would make things worse. Someone would end up taking care of him and he knew enough to recognize his guardian could sign for him. He wasn't positive, but since his mom and Dad had singed stuff for him many times, he figured a new guardian's signature would still make it binding. He also bet the woman would make his life a living nightmare if he balked at this. Finally, he was sure he would not see Brandon much, if at all, unless he signed.

He also realized for the first time there really was something really wrong and off with this place. What 'Hector' had warned his brother about was pretty much written on the paper in front of him. Once again he found a reason to believe in his brother's 'friend'. He had to find some way out of this, or at least mitigate what he was reading. After nearly two more minutes of pretending to read the last page, he looked up as an idea hit him.

With and uneasy breath, he looked over at Greg and Steve. "I'll sign if I can be on the team with Brand and we both get to attend all games, practices, and other team stuff including trips. Not just for this time, but the winter team too. I heard the others taking about it while I was watching. I'll sign if it is in both contracts."

Shirley's eyes narrowed and she started to speak, but was cut off by Terry, "Greg, Steve, and Buck, any of you have a problem with the added stipulations?"

Buck answered without any hesitation, "Not from me."

Steve looked over to Greg, and got a shrug. He glanced back and forth between the two boys for a couple of seconds, noticing a firm stare from Alex, and a smile on Brandon. He chuckled and nodded, "Sure, we can use another player and Lex is young enough to where he can be on the winter team and the team next year with no problem. We haven't seen him on the field, yet, so playing time may be limited, especially at first."

Greg agreed but stared right back into Alex's eyes with a surprising amount of strength, "I agree with Greg. However, Lex, Brand is under our roof and you are under Buck's. This means treatment between you two may not be the same and rules certainly will be different. We best not hear either of you try the game of saying: But Brand gets, or but Lex gets. If Brand wants something he comes to us, if you want something, Lex, you go to Buck. If the answer is no from us and yes for you, then so be it. The same if it is the other way around. Any arguments on this will void us keeping you on the team."

Terry glanced over to Alex, "Acceptable?"

Alex expected someone to say no, but since that wasn't the case, he felt even more trapped. To him, it was almost like the three men had used what he wanted and turned it against him. He was getting what he wanted, but still wouldn't be able to help Brandon out if he saw something he didn't like. He nodded even as he wished he had come up with a couple of other things to make things better for him and especially Brandon, "Yeah. Thank you."

Terry looked over to Shirley, "Add it in very clearly, with no ambiguity, and reprint them for Lex, Brand, and their guardians."

Shirley looked totally pissed, but the sheriff's tone made it clear it wasn't a request. A few seconds later she typed in a single addendum stating 'Brandon Parsons and Alex Parsons are to be placed on the local baseball team together, as teammates, for summer and winter seasons as long as their ages allow. Attendance of all team functions including practices, outings, and games by the kids is mandatory. All other parental and contract decisions are at the discretion of the individual guardian/s listed above and are not to be questioned by either Alex Parsons or Brandon Parsons.'

Alex compared his contract to Brandon's and noted they were identical except for the names of the kids and the guardians. They were so exact, he guessed they were actually forms with blanks for names. He then looked up at Terry only to see the man's face had a hit of a satisfied smirk on it, but his eyes were boring right into him. Finally, he relented and scribbled his name as unreadable as he could without making it too obvious. Alex then reluctantly printed it in the line below. This got a him hair ruffle and a smile from Buck, who signed his name to it without any reservations. The man's willingness to sign off on the change eased some of Alex's concern, but not all of it.

Terry finally broke the meeting up by escorting each child out with his or her guardian/guardians. As he patted each child on the head, he made it a point to remind each to follow the house rules of those they would be living with before closing the door to the car they were getting into. As he moved past the front window of each car, he took an envelope from the driver and bid them an enjoyable night.

The only variation of this was Brandon. He handed the boy a black pouch. Inside was a nice silver necklace with a glass encased rattlesnake rattle in it. He patted the boy on the back, "There is a Navaho jeweler I know who turned it around for me quickly. Take good care of it. Rumors has it the Navaho used natural items like this to ward off spirits when outside of the home. Do me a favor though, don't wear it when just hanging around the house and never to bed. I have heard of kids accidentally strangling themselves with necklaces worn in bed or when taking a nap."

Brandon nodded understanding even as he eyed the glass encased rattle and shook it. He was surprised to find it still could be faintly heard. He also noticed silver markings around the rattle yet carefully put inside the glass. It was a truly awesome looking piece. With a wide smile he thanked Terry for it even as he showed both Greg and Steve. He went on to relate how he had helped the constable take care of the snake catcher.

Terry noted neither of the coaches looked thrilled by the gift, but also knew they wouldn't take it away. Both men were too fearful of him to even think about doing so. Besides, Terry knew the basics of what they wanted out of Brandon. To this end, he made sure the necklace was made in such a way it wouldn't mess with what they wanted out of the kid too much, so it really wouldn't inconvenience them if Brandon wore it outside of the their house.

Once he made eye contact and got nods out of both men, he accepted the envelope, then went back inside. He made it a point to have an 'obey the rules' talk with Alex before helping Buck and the remaining adults to clean up while Alex was directed to the room right across from Bucks so he could organize it to his liking. As the last of the plates were placed into the dishwasher, and the others left, quietly regretting the kids had not selected them, he accepted the night's final envelope from Buck.

Terry headed out to his Blazer and gazed up at the stars. It had been a profitable night and with any luck wouldn't have to deal much with any of the four kids for a while. They were no longer his concern and he really didn't want to see them as they were molded into what they would become. He already knew the next time he saw any of them, their eyes would not be as bright and even if they smiled, it would not be with the same child's enthusiasm.

His thoughts turned to happier feelings as he turned the ignition. He patted the considerable sum with satisfaction. His two contacts would get their finder's fee and would be motivated to locate other promising candidates. He would pocket the rest. He would also eventually get a percentage from the parting out of the aircraft, since the greatest majority of what the Parsons saw had been special effect smoke and fire put in by the mechanic who had worked on the aircraft. The two female scouts, the FAA inspector, and the mechanic would split the rest. All in all not bad for a few days of hassle. Even better he was much closer to being able to buy property up in Montana well away from all of this.

Chapter 25

Joseph glanced out the back window as Bruce pulled away from the house. What little of his world that remained, his brothers and sister, rapidly faded into the night. The ride was only a few blocks. Joey wished it was longer, simply because he didn't want to get there. He even found himself hoping for some car to smash into the one he was in, so he wouldn't have to go in. Killing himself even crossed his mind, but the fear of doing so only allowed the idea to briefly pass through his thoughts.

As the garage door closed behind him, he fought back tears. Even as he pushed open the back door of the car and walked into the house, he knew what was expected. The rules, Bruce's rules, were few and ultra clear. What to do when coming back to the house was one of them. He made his way through the living room and into the master bedroom while only giving Sammy and Maggie a glance of despair. He toyed with the idea of not doing what he had been told, but realized the man would make him then he and Sammy would get hurt, probably bad. Resigned to his new existence, he moved to the back corner and waited with his eyes closed.

Bruce followed, but paused to speak with Maggie, "He did speak, but only when he found out how badly his mom was hurt."

Maggie's voice came back sounding somewhat disappointed, "So you're giving him a pass?"

"No," Bruce stated. "He needs to understand when told to do something, he needs to obey. But we'll lower the consequences. Take Sammy to the bar here, not Old Town. Put him up on the board for twenty four hours, nothing permanent and no medical bills. We'll split my cut. "

Sammy shook like a leaf as he let out a desperate shrieking plea, "No! Not the bar! Pease! I'll do anything!"

Bruce snorted, "Yes you will, just not with me."

Even as Sammy's cries were cut off by a wad of cloth being stuck in his mouth, Bruce shook his head, "Tell them I will pick him up tomorrow night. I'll have Joey with me. He needs to see the place, but I'll kill any motherfucker who so much as touches him without my permission."

Maggie smirked as she grabbed a struggling Sammy by the hair and dragged him toward the garage, "Understood."

Bruce quickly made his way into the bedroom and moved over to Joey, "Arms up."

Joey put his arms straight up, already knowing what was going to come next, "I'm sorry. You don't have to hurt Sammy! I didn't mean to talk…"

"It doesn't matter what you meant to do, you did. What were you told?"

"Not to say a word and grab my throat if asked a question."

Bruce roughly pulled the boy's shirt off and tossed it off to the side. "You were told Sammy would pay if you fucked up, so it's on you. I cut him a great deal of slack, though. He is going to the bar here instead of Old Town." He then smacked Joseph's ass hard, "Left foot first."

Joseph winced, but lifted up his foot by bending his left knee. Even as he did so he tried one more time to help Sammy, "I'm the one who messed up, take me down there instead."

Bruce busted up in laughter, "Joey, you wouldn't last an hour down there yet. Now enough whining about Sammy. He's been through it for longer than a day, and will live." Bruce yanked off the shoe and sock, then played with the boy's toes for a few seconds before letting go of the foot. He did the same with the right foot before undoing the button on the shorts and pulling down the zipper. He let go, allowing the shorts to fall around the boy's ankles. "Step out of them, back toward me."

As soon as Joseph stepped back, Bruce's arms wrapped around him. The man's hands slowly moved down his front until the fingers slipped under the waist band of the briefs. Joseph knew better than to fight or even protest the process. The one time he had, Bruce's hand had shot down, circled his balls and squeezed until he had screamed himself horse. Rule one at Bruce's was all dressing and undressing was done by Bruce at Bruce's pace. He could talk, but he could not complain about the process or struggle in any way. As with the dozen or more other times the man had done this, sometimes dressing him, just to undress him a few minutes later, the man found ways to make dealing with it difficult. This time was no different. For even as the man's fingers ran all the way around the waistband over and over, going further in each time, Bruce started licking at the side of his face, neck and left ear. A few times Joseph cringed as the man took a nibble. It was not enough to do more than sting, but each time Joseph found himself terrified because there was no telling if the man would just suddenly bite down.

After nearly twenty minutes, Bruce finally pulled Joseph's cock and ball out of the front opening, spun the boy around and planted a kiss on the boy's mouth.

This was a first, so out of instinct the fourteen year old turned his head away. He instantly regretted it.

Bruce grabbed Joseph's right tit and twisted.

Joseph screamed and thrashed, only to find the more he howled and struggled the harder the grip and twist became. As the agony built Joseph started begging even as he tried to pull the offending hand off his tortured chest. It did no good.

After nearly two minutes Bruce let go and shoved the boy to his knees. He grabbed the discarded shirt, moved back over and wiped the boy's snot and tear filled face, then pushed the boy's chin up so he could look into the tear filled eyes. "You don't want to kiss your new daddy, then I guess you'd prefer a dick down your neck. Get started!"

Joseph sobbed as his hands covered his nipple, "No more… please… my throat…"

"Buck told you you'll get used to it, and you will. Besides, after all that screaming, you can obviously handle more than you let on. Now do I play with your other nipple, or do you want to get started?"

Joseph whimpered as he reached up and undid Bruce's jeans. He already knew the man wanted his pants and boxers below his keens and it was his job to expose Bruce's cock and balls. There was also no question on what to do and how to do it. This was the fourth time today alone. He first licked then man's hairy nuts until he got a tap on the top of his head. He then edged closer and took the man's semi-hard penis in his mouth and started using his tongue around the head. It didn't take long to swell.

At this point, Bruce took over, grabbing Joseph's ears and pulling the boy all the way into his pubic hairs. He pushed back then pulled forward again. Each time he would hold himself buried deep into Joseph's throat longer, before pushing back to give the kid some air. The boy was gasping by the time the last few intrusions were made. Bruce then pulled back so just a couple of inches were inside the boy. He wanted to make sure his cum was on the boy's wonderfully soft tongue before letting loose.

Bruce finished, then pulled out while quickly cupping a hand over Joseph's mouth. He smirked as the kid gagged and fought not to vomit. Once he was sure his seed would stay down, he let go and pushed the boy to the floor and put a foot on the side of his face. "Until I decide to change you, you're nuts and cock stay out just like they are. You can use the bathroom, but as always the door stays open. If you need to take a shit, come to me for removal of your underwear. Once done, make sure you clean with soap and washcloth, then come back with your underwear in your mouth and stand next to me until I decide to dress you to my liking. Also, I am going to give you until tomorrow to stop trying to expel my sperm gift. If you can't, then I'm going to have to find other ways to get you used to it."

He glanced over at the clock, "Bed is in ninety minutes and since you sent Sammy to the bar, you get to sleep with me for the first time. I expect your mouth clean so we can turn you into a good daddy kisser. Also, remember, tomorrow you get to draw Charlie in diapers and a crib, and I expect it to look good. If not, you keep trying till you get it right. Until Carl is happy with the way it looks, you will draw nothing else, and Charlie gets to live in diapers. If it goes too long he'll piss himself and I'll put the diapers in your mouth. If it takes that long we move on to stage two. Do a good job quickly enough, and we can stay on stage one for another day or so."

Joseph stayed on the floor clutching his throat and taking deep breaths. Sammy had warned him that Bruce did things in stages, and each one got worse. Joseph had a some ideas about what would eventually happen, but this was only stage one and it was bad enough. He didn't even want to know what nightmares would come with stage two. To this end he knew, like it or not, he was going to do his absolute best to draw the diapered kid in a crib.

Chapter 26

Harriet entered the Butler house without saying a word. She was tired, confused, and scared. Hearing her mom was really in bad shape, combined with knowing she couldn't go back to England, she realized what Sheriff Eaton had told her was true. This horrible place was home and would be for the foreseeable future. There was no where she could go. In reality she couldn't even run away, even if she knew what to do out on her own. There was nowhere to run to. This place was out in the middle of a damned desert!

Harriet followed the couple into the house. She firmly expected to get a tour or something, but her expectations were quickly shattered. Nancy directed the girl down the steps. She then took her to the large room with the furnace, and water heater. Both were behind a newly built wall, with a locked door, effectively cutting off half of what was normally a storage room. A very small obviously newly constructed square room without a door was in the far back corner and small room was in the back and had a door. "Here you are honey. Your room is back there. Your bathroom is through the doorway." She pointed to the small square room without a door.

Harriet shook her head as she walked over to the room with the door. All it held was a cot, a sheet, a single thin blanket, a small folding table with a chair, and a footlocker under the cot. The walls were all slab concrete and not painted. The wall with the door was sheet rock and just as dull as the concrete. A single very bright blub was in the ceiling and it had a very short pull cord that would take a chair for her to reach. The problem was, it would be near pitch black in the room if she did, since the door was on a spring. There were no other lights.

The small area between the walled off water heater and furnace held a treadmill. It had a light and a fan on it along with an instruction book. This she ignored.

A glance in the bathroom was all she needed to see what was in it. There was a duplicate pull cord light that was already lit. It was way too bright for the small space, which showed off the scarcity of what was in it. A small empty towel stand was pushed up next to shower with a clear Plexiglas door. This took up almost half of the tiny space. The toilet was plain white with twin push buttons on top, one for a big flush and the other for a small one. The sink was right next to the toilet, also white, and there was no mirror. The rest of the room was rounded out with a what was on a single shelf. It held a single role of toilet paper, a small box of tampons, a washcloth, towel, a plastic cup, bar of soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. She looked at the lady with shock, "But…"

"Our house, our rules sweetie." Nancy smiled as if nothing was wrong. "You will get the chance to earn more and much better, but you have to prove you will follow our rules first. Good night."

Even as Harriet raced to the door out of the room, the door shut and she heard it lock. It was then totally quiet. She couldn't hear anything other than her own breathing. She stood stunned and unmoving for several seconds. As panic took over, she moved to the door and verified it was indeed locked, she then checked the only other door, where the furnace and water heater was. It was not only locked, but double dead-bolted. The walls were also sheetrock. It was in essence a stone prison. Another quick pass did nothing to help her calm down. The only thing she hadn't seen was what was in the foot locker. It held a pack of three new panties, two sets of mid waste shirts, a pair of very small skirts, slippers, two sets of sweats with socks and running shoes. Taped to the inside lid was a single note with writing. She pulled it off and looked it over with wide eyes.

The note simply stated:

You signed the paperwork, so you here is your chance to show us you really will follow the rules:

Rule one: Exercise more. Use treadmill. Reward food. Readout must show 1000 calories burned for anything other than water.

Rule two: Stay clean. Shower and put dirty clothing by the door for pick up and replacement.

Rule three: Do not try to run when the door opens.

Remember, failure to follow the rules will result in you going to the shelter.

Once you show us you can follow basic rules you will get more and better things and more rules will be put in place. We look forward to showing you a great deal of love.

Nancy & Robert

Harriet read the note several times. This had to be some kind of trick. They couldn't do this to her, she would tell… Her eyes went wide as she realized there was no one to tell. Even if she could figure out how to get a hold of the sheriff, he would not believe her!

With tears streaming down her cheeks, she checked the whole place over one more time and found it even more bleak than she originally thought. It was a beyond dismal. There were no windows, TV, radio, or even books. It took her a while to realize the place didn't even have a clock. She couldn't even find an exposed plug! The only one she saw was in the floor under the treadmill and it was way too heavy to move. She couldn't believe it at first. They had locked her in! Even as she tried to tell herself this couldn't be happening, she went up to the door and pounded on it. As her fists impacted on it, however, she could tell it was thick and even her hardest pounding was muffled to near nothing. She doubted someone on the other side would even be able to hear her. After nearly five minutes she gave up, totally exhausted.

She slid down the door wracked with sobs, "No… No… No…"

In the rec room the Butlers monitored the girl through the small spy cameras hooked into the security monitoring system. Nancy kissed her husband, "Isn't she just perfect?"

Robert smiled warmly, "We need to trim a few pounds off her, but yeah. With a little work, she'll get my blood flowing nicely. How long do you think it will take?"

Nancy shrugged, "I talked to Shirley about sensory deprivation when we first got here and the whole set was built to her recommendations. According to her, time varies, but when I talked to her on the phone she said Harriet was emotionally weak and protected, so results will be fast. Right now she has water, so other than monitoring, we do nothing unless she tries to hurt herself, which Shirley doesn't expect. The whole room area is sound proofed to the rest of house, so she will only be able to hear when the water heater kicks on and it is very quite. I'm not even sure she can hear it though the wall we built. The toilet and sink can't easily be used for sound, since the faucet is motion sense and the toilet can only be flushed once every thirty minutes. The shower only sprays while she is under it, so she'll have to stay standing there to use it for sound, and it will not say warm forever.

"With all of this going against her, Shirley said to give her until tomorrow morning before we come down with a bucket of cleaning stuff. You will make sure she can't get out while I check the readout on the treadmill."

"Why, we can see it…"

"She doesn't know we can see her, and we want to keep her thinking as much. I will go in with some low-cal food dinner food, and some junk food. She will also think we kept her in there for far longer since the next meal she sees will be dinner. With no way to tell time and no windows, she will think it's dinner time again. At that point, her internal clock will be reset by what we feed her, not when."

"We don't want her to eat much though. She needs to lose a good fifteen to twenty pounds just to be on the edge of attractive!"

"Oh, don't worry." Nancy smiled as he watched Harriet try the door again. "She has to get the meter on the treadmill to 1000 to get anything. No matter how much she works out, though, she will only get part of the low-cal, but will see the rest. This should motivate her to work harder. If not, she gets even less food while seeing stuff we know she likes. We won't say anything. All instructions will be by note telling her how she can earn her way into better and give her a list of things to do. By Tuesday, when we actually speak to her, she'll have lost all track of time and will be willing to do extra small things for any contact and noise. A day or two more she'll offer to do stuff if it means time out of there. We need to do it during the day so she gets some sunlight. I guess we all need sunlight to stay healthy. I didn't even know that."

"I read about vitamin D deficiency or something like that for people kept out of the sun for too long." Robert verified. "But it sounds like it takes a real long time."

"No reason to risk it. We'll get her some sun and give her a taste of what we expect. She'll probably balk at first, so we punish her by instantly putting her back in the room. Shirley assures me it will only take once or twice before she licks your cock and sucks up some of my pussy juices.

"From there, we'll set gift levels. With some give then take back, it will not be long before she starts looking for things to do to make us happy. A week or two from now she'll be giving us both full oral for a clock and just to have someone to talk to, and I bet she'll willingly give you use of her ass for a radio and a night lamp.

"Once she does that, we'll make a play for what we really want. If she refuses, we start over. If she surrenders, then she gets to live upstairs with the constant threat of moving her right back down. The better she does in bed, the more she works out, and the more chores she does will combine to get her closer to where she wants on a creature comfort level. We will eventually give her access to a TV, then DVDs, and finally cable. Any backpedaling on her part or problems verbally or physically, she starts totally over. It will only take one or two of those before she totally breaks."

Robert leaned back and continued to watch as the girl jumped back up and scrambled around for a third time, hoping she had missed something. "To be honest, hun, I'll just be happy to not give you oral as often. I know you enjoy it, but it just isn't my thing."

Nancy shrugged, "Neither one of us likes to pull pubes out of our teeth, so we'll both be happy. But, I don't want to hear you mention wanting to back-door me ever again. That is what she's for."

"I still think you might like it if you tried it."

"Not unless I get to shove a dildo up your ass, buddy!"

Robert laughed, "Nope, exit only!"

Nancy chuckled, "Same here!"

Chapter 27

Brandon had already stayed the night with Greg and Steve, so he knew what to do as he got out of the car and made his way into the house. He took off his shoes and put them on the rack before looking back at Steve who he saw as the rule's guy. "Mr. Hill didn't do any laundry, so most of my stuff isn't clean."

Steve shrugged, "I can't say I'm surprised. Toss it all in the hamper."

"I still have a clean shirt and…"

"You really think anything in your bag is clean after sticking what you wore at practice in the same bag?" Brandon chewed on his bottom lip for a few seconds before reluctantly shaking his head

"I'll get everything in the wash tonight." He then pointed to at the boy, "Your shirt is new, so you can use that for bed tonight. Give me the rest so I can wash it all in one load." Steve moved up and took the bag from the boy.

Brandon looked up, "Can I ask a question?"

"Sure!" Steve stated with a smile, "But while you are doing so, get out of the swim trunks so I can add them in."

Brandon had already been through this once, so he pulled down the new trunks off as quickly as he could then pulled down on the front of the shirt with his right hand while handing the swimwear over to Steve. "Can I get one or yours or Coach Greg's shirts for a night shirt for now?"

Steve eyed the boy for a bit, then ran a hand over his chin. It was clear he didn't care for the request, but after a few more seconds he scratched at his nose. "Let me find out what Greg thinks. In the meantime, go brush your teeth. You ate bratwurst and lasagna with lots of tomatoes plus drank two sugar filled drinks; not at all great for your teeth.

Even as he kept the shirt pulled down as much as he could and moved into the bathroom, Steve went into the master bedroom. Once he was sure the man had moved out of earshot, Brandon muttered, "He couldn't just say yes or no?"

'Hector' snorted, "Makes me think Steve isn't really the rules guy after all, Brand."

"But he tells me what to do…"

"Brush your teeth like he wants while I talk to you," 'Hector' commanded. Once Brandon was in front of the sink and using a toothbrush, 'Hector' continued. "I'm betting Steve is the enforcer, while Greg is actually behind the rules. It is also possible they decide everything together, but I really don't think so. Remember, Steve said Greg paid for his dentistry school, and is a millionaire so Steve owes Greg. If I'm right about this, than staying on Greg's good side is more important than it seemed at first."

"So if they want me to do different things, I should do what Coach Greg wants?"

"If I were you, I would try to keep them both content, but if you have to choose, I recommend you lean in the direction of Greg. Don't go too far, though, just in case I'm wrong. However, I really don't think I am. After all, you ended up sitting on Greg's lap again after dinner."

"I thought it was because he liked me more."

"I am pretty sure there is more too it Brand. I talked you through the whole living agreement you signed. They have pretty much unlimited power over you, but when Lex demanded the change in the contract, Steve looked to Greg and Greg added in the last part."

"So Greg is like dad, and Steve like mom or something?"

"Pretty sure they are both more like your dad, but Steve probably does what Greg wants most of the time." 'Hector' seemed to sigh, "Brand, before Steve gets back, there is one more thing you need to think about."

"What?"

"Alex made sure you would be spending time with him, but you can't complain if you don't like what is happening with Alex. If you do, it will only be worse for both of you."

"You think that guy is going to hurt Lex?"

"Honestly, yes. Even if he doesn't hurt him, he is going to make him do stuff he doesn't like. You know what the contract says. Greg and Steve are going to do things you don't like, too."

"So what am I supposed to do. I can't let anyone hurt Lex!"

"Brand, Lex went way out on a limb for you. You had to have seen how angry the woman was at him. He may have made this whole thing worse for him by doing what he did for you. Don't let what he did be for nothing."

"OK… but, he is always getting hurt for me…"

"I know, I know…" 'Hector' grumbled. "Look at it this way. You will get to see Lex and there is a winter league, so it isn't just for a month or two. All I am asking is: for now, until I see another way out of all this, you need to do what you can to keep these two men happy and let Lex deal with whatever his situation is on his own, in his own way. If you try something, anything, things will most certainly get worse for both you and Lex. Just look for the up sides."

"What up sides?"

"You will see Lex, and if you had picked Richard, the food wouldn't be as good. Also remember what I read to you. If the sleeping arrangements were up to him, you would probably be a human teddy bear every night and you might have ended up inside his prison-like house most of the time."

Despite the situation Brandon chuckled, "Yeah, but I'd end up strong enough to fight back at some point."

"Yeah… I don't see that turning out real well, Brand. But anyway… right now, I need you to focus on yourself and setting your mind to dealing with lots of things you won't like. Also, and at times this will be hard, but the better you obey the easier it will be on you in the long run. When you see Lex tomorrow, I'd recommend you tell him the same thing. If you both comply with what they want, deal with the bad as best as you both can, you will probably get to spend more time around each other."

Before Brandon could respond Steve came into the bathroom with an old adult button up shirt. He put it on the counter, turned Brandon's head, pulled down on his jaw and gave the boy's teeth a quick inspection. "Not looking very clean there, Brand. Do you know how to floss?"

"Kind-a sir."

"Fair enough. Hop up on the sink counter and open up. I'll do it while talking you through it."

Brandon obeyed without hesitation. The guy was a dentist after all.

He opened the medicine cabinet and pulled out a small bag of disposable floss picks while continuing to speak, "I'm going to get you in my office and give you a good cleaning sometime next week and see about getting those lower teeth a bit straighter. From now on, I want you to get the floss part between each and every tooth every morning and night." The man expertly moved the floss between the boy's teeth and rinsed it off several times. "I am getting some bleeding gums. It's not uncommon, but it still isn't great. The more and better you do this, the less bleeding will occur. Make sure to get the floss all the way to the gums and go back and forth like I am doing now, especially with the bottom teeth, since they are a bit crooked and there is some trapped food stuffs."

Brandon suddenly gagged as Steve's fingers went deeper into his mouth, but held as still as he could. It become even more difficult as he felt the man's fingers lightly running over the inside of the top of his mouth giving him a tickling sensation. The man's fingers continued to probe. Just when Brandon thought it was done, Steve rinsed his hand and used his index finger and moved it over Brandon's entire mouth, from the tongue to under it, around the outside of the gums, then the inside, and finally deep into his mouth. This caused Brandon to struggle some.

Steven pulled his finger back out and grabbed the boy by the shoulders, "Knock it off, Brand."

"But I was choking!"

Steve rolled his eyes, "You could still breathe, so you weren't choking. Now open up again, and let me check your mouth or you can forget about the shirt we were going to offer you!"

Brandon swallowed hard and opened his mouth again. He braced for the fingers to go deep in his mouth, but instead he had to endure the whole process all over again. The man's finger left no spot untouched. Then, just like the prior time, the finger went in deeper when he didn't expect it. He gagged and almost puked. But even as he started to trash a little, Steve's other hand pushed his head back slightly. "Hold still, and tilt your head back. It will help open your airway so I can finish up."

Brandon felt bile rising a couple of times as the man's whole hand entered his mouth and at least one finger went well beyond his mouth. With tears in his eyes, he gripped the edge of the counter tightly and concentrated on trying to breathe. It wasn't easy, but keeping his head back slightly helped a little.

After over a minute the hand was removed and Steve grabbed the boy's head with both hands and used his thumbs to wipe the tears. "I know that is not fun, but you did pretty good for the first time. You'll get better at it."

Brandon took in a few breaths. His whole mouth hurt from having his mouth open so far He badly wanted to pull away, but the man was holding him by his face and it was abundantly clear he wasn't letting go and didn't want Brandon to pull away. Brandon blinked to clear his eyes, "Get used to it?"

"Oh, yeah. It's a good breathing exercise. You'll do it a few times a day for the next few."

"Why?"

"Because I want you to get better at it."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes."

"But…"

"Following our exercise requirements was part of the contract you signed, Brand. You aren't already balking, are you? If so, we can void the contract and you can forget about Lex joining the team."

Brand shook his head, "No, please. I'll let you!"

"Good. Just to make sure you are serious, let's do it again without complaints."

Brandon's eyes went wide, but he opened his mouth as Steve let go of his face and moved his hand back toward his mouth. Once again, it was awful. He couldn't figure out what kind of exercise this was. It didn't make any sense. He went back to gripping the edge of the counter to fight the urge to struggle well before than finger stopped rubbing inside his mouth and moved deeper. He discovered the second time was slightly easier than the first as far as breathing, but he still gagged and had to fight bile. His jaw, however, started really aching.

Steve finally withdrew his hand, and wiped the boy's teary cheeks again. "Better, but you got a ways to go, kiddo."

Brandon gulped in air and moved his chin back and forth with his hand.

Steve let the boy get his bearings before he put the shirt into Brandon's hand. "You can sleep in that for now. It's missing some buttons, but it's the best I'm willing to come up with. My other shirts are too expensive to be a boy's night shirt. Might as well give me the shirt you have on, so I can wash it with the others. That way everything you have will be clean for the trip. We'll pick you up a few things while we are down there, too."

Brandon almost asked the man to leave so he could change, but stopped himself. It was clear Steve wanted the shirt right away, and he didn't desire the man to do the finger in the throat thing again or change his mind about the longer shirt. It was Steve's house and Steve's rules. He changed as quickly as he could, only to find the top and bottom two buttons were gone, leaving only three in the middle. This left it hanging open a quarter of the way down his chest and at the bottom just below his hips, but it was still way better than the shirt that had to be pulled down to cover his groin and butt. At least while he was standing, it hung down to just above his knees.

Steve took the shirt other and nodded in satisfaction, "Since you are going to be living with us long term, we want to go over some more rules with you. When you are done washing up, go down to rec room."

Brandon wiggled his jaw for a second then nodded, "OK."

Steve pulled Brandon into his chest and gave him a hug. "Welcome home, Brand."

Brandon accepted the hug which lasted way too long for his liking. He then turned back to the sink and used a washcloth to wipe his face.

As soon as Steven was gone, Brandon took a deep breath and shuddered as he lightly touched his upper neck. "That was really gross!"

'Hector' spoke, "Brand, brace yourself. I don't think it is going to get any better."

"If I have to do that over and over, it's already real bad!"

"This is why I didn't, couldn't, recommend who to stay with. However, I don't want you to blame yourself either. You made a choice between two very bad ones. But you are here now, and it's what he wants, so you best learn to deal with it. Now let's go find out what the rest of the rules are before they get annoyed with you for taking too long."

Brandon finished washing his face and used a towel to dry off. "Yeah, let's get this over with."

He started down the steps only to find both men sitting on bar stools drinking mixed drinks. This instantly worried him since his father tended to get meaner when he drank and he knew both men had drank beer at the meeting. "Oh, boy…"

Hector chimed in, "Brand, take a breath and don't come into this looking like you are ready for a fight. Be nice, otherwise you will give them a reason to not be. Smile and look like you want to make them happy."

Brandon forced a smile as he finished coming down the steps. When neither man turned he spoke up, "You wanted to see me?"

Steve didn't even turn as he spoke firmly, "Yeah, Brand, have a seat."

Brandon did his best to keep a smile, but the man's tone made it hard. Brandon decided on not getting too close, but also not picking a place on the far side of the room. After over a minute of silence Brandon became fidgety, but was told to calm down by 'Hector', "They are doing this on purpose. You getting jumpy is not going to change what they are going to do or say."

A couple more minutes past before Greg turned in the stool. He eyed Brandon for a few seconds, clearly surprised the kid didn't look more nervous. He quickly shrugged it off. "So, first off I want you to know Steve and I are very glad you picked us to live with. We are curious, though. If your brother hadn't wanted to join the team would you have made the same choice?"

This was a very hard first question. It really didn't have a good answer because being able to see Alex was a huge part of why he decided to come live with the men. At the same time, there were things he didn't like about Richard, so he didn't really know what he would have done If Alex hadn't played in to the decision. Seeing Steve turn to look at him with a harsh stare didn't help matters.

After a few seconds he shrugged, "I'm not sure Coach. You both said to make the right decision if I wanted Lex on the team, so I did what I thought you wanted."

"Oh, you were right, Brand," Steven nodded, "but if Lex joining the team was not part of living here, would you have picked us?"

"I… I don't know…"

Greg nodded, "Honest answer: I like that. Let me try this a different way. What did you like and not like about both us and Rich?"

Brandon really wanted 'Hector's' help but as often happened when he was confronted with things he had done, there was only silence in his head. He thought it over for a few seconds and decided to tell them what he liked about both and try to stay away from what he didn't like. "I really like your cooking and you said I could play outside lots. Mr. Hill had way less rules and wanted to make me strong. He also showed me how to fix wood, and has a really nice wood shop. You know baseball and are taking the whole team to find rocks. More than anything I wanted to be able to see Lex, though."

"And the bad about both places?" Steve demanded to know.

Realizing he wasn't going to get out of it as easily as he wanted, he looked down and figured he'd just toss it all out there. He was hoping the men would hear what he didn't like and change some things, but didn't expect it. "I didn't like only having a shirt to wear to bed here and not wearing much at Mr. Hill's. His house is kind of scary. There are gun safes all over and bars on all the windows. You keep your place too nice and have lots more rules… Um… he held on to me in his bed after the cot broke. I didn't like it at all… You tricked me into joining the team. You knew before you talked to me I collect rocks and pretended you didn't know who I was… Mr. Hill likes to do the same things at the same times and doesn't really like to be outside… he carries a gun too… I don't really like the way you make me sit on your, but I'd like to learn more about the money stuff… You blackmailed me by saying you would not let Lex be on the team unless I chose to come here…"

"Blackmailed?" Steve snickered. "There is a word I sure didn't expect to hear come out of a ten year old."

Greg shrugged and nudged Steve while smiling, "We have him now, so let's be honest and just say it. He's right. We wanted him and we blackmailed him into giving himself to us."

Brandon's eyes went wide and his jaw dropped. The last thing he expected was for either man to admit it, let alone do so openly.

Greg then looked right at Brandon, "That's right Brand, We set things up so you would belong to us."

"I don't belong to…"

Steve Stood and moved right up to Brandon, "The hell you don't!" He looked down at the suddenly fearful eyes, "Don't lie to us or yourself. You gave yourself to us."

"But I didn't have a choice!"

"Sure you did. No one put a gun to your head and forced you to sign."

"But… I would have gone to the shelter then that lady could have made me life with someone, maybe even with you or Mr. Hill…"

Greg's eyebrows went up as he also stood and motioned for Steve to back off. "Very perceptive and extremely insightful. You are correct, she would have placed you somewhere without giving you a say, possibly even with us. However, you chose us and you signed yourself over to us."

Brandon looked back and forth between the two men with tears welling in his eyes. "I know… but I wanted to see Lex…"

"And you will," Greg responded. "In fact, your brother had it built in to the contract as long as you follow through with the rest. First time a kid has gotten it edited that I know of, so he really went out on a limb for you. The question is, will you follow through with the rest of it?"

"I will… I just… I know what it says; you decide all sorts of things… can't you… um… I mean… do I have any say on stuff?"

At this the men exchanged glances. Steve spoke after a few seconds of uneasy silence. "Just how much of the contract you signed did you really understand?"

Brandon scrapped his upper teeth over his lower lip several times while fighting hard not to cry. "All of it."

Even as Steve turned away with a disgusted snort, Greg stroked his upper lip with his thumb and index finger for a few seconds, "We know you are very intelligent, Brand, but I find it very hard to believe you understood the whole thing." "There's no way." Steve snarled, "Shit, we barely do!"

"I do…" He stopped himself from saying 'Hector' made sure. He then added, "I really do."

Greg moved over to the bar, grabbed his copy of the contract and sat in a nice lounge chair. He motioned Brandon over. "Then come sit on my lap and talk us through this so we can see how much you understood."

Brandon's shoulders dropped as he did what he was told. He had hoped by saying something about not liking sitting on his lap, it wouldn't happen again. He was also starting to see what 'Hector had warned him about. Greg really did seem to be the one in charge, not Steve. Even as he was pulled onto the man's lap, he could feel Greg adjust how Brandon was sitting, so his butt crack was over the man's erect manhood. This wasn't the first time, but only having the thin shirt on, he could really feel it.

Brandon tried to shift, but was quickly grabbed and repositioned back to where he was.

"Brand," Greg stated with a demanding tone, "You are where I want you, understood?"

Brandon gulped, "Uh huh, but…"

"No arguments Brand. I know what you are feeling, and I'm pretty sure you do to. Right now this is what I want, and what Steve and I want is all that should matter to you. If it isn't all that matters to you, then you better change your thinking so it is, and I mean right now."

Brandon stopped trying to move. In fact he all but froze. He didn't like this at all. The sudden change of tone of Greg scared him and a glance over at Steve told him the man was glaring at him. 'Hector spoke up, "Brand, I know you are scared. Take a deep breath and try to calm them both down. Tell them you will be good or something. I'd also recommend the sooner the better."

Brandon took the advice. He took a couple of breaths and turned his head so he could look at Greg, "I'm sorry. I'll do what you want."

Greg wiped at the tears threading to spill out of the boy's eyes, then stroked Brandon's shoulders. Good, very good Brand. Now take the contract and tell us what each section means in your own words."

Brandon calmed a little as both men seemed to ease some. He took the paper and talked his way through it all. "The first part says you decide where I live and how. I guess like what bathroom I use, and how you want the room door open all the time. The next part says I have to act the way you want. I have to follow your rules, like with shoes and where to put dirty cloths. The big section after that give you power over what I eat, when I eat, how much, and says you get to decide how much I should weigh, but I can't be starved or get sick."

"Impressive." Greg nodded approval. At the same time his left hand moved to Brandon's knee and started rubbing it. It was obvious Brandon took notice as he flinched slightly, but didn't complain. Greg lightly ruffled the boy's hair with his right hand before moving it to the boy's back again. "Continue, Brand."

Brandon glanced down at the man's hairy hand for a second before looking back at the contract. "The next part is super long, but it really means you decide what I wear. You can't make it dangerous like too hot or cold. You decide everything else."

"This time Steve spoke up, "Damn, you really do get it! Like tonight, you can ask, but once we tell you, it is not up for debate. You wear what we want, got it?"

"Uh Huh?"

"Good!" Greg stated while moving his hand up and patting Brandon on his thigh then kept it there. "Go on."

Brandon once again looked at the hand. Actually he looked at the lower arm since the hand was now under the shirt he had been given. He was liking this less and less, but also realized there was no point in complaining. He tried to take his mind off of this by turning his attention back to the papers in his hand. "The second page is all about deciding what I can and can't do for fun. I can only go out if you let me, I have to play the games you want, and join you whenever you want to have fun. It also says you decide what is fun, not me. I guess the only thing you really have to let me do is play baseball with my brother, but that is at the end, and I have to everything else by your rules for there to be a contract."

Brandon took a long breath, "The bottom of the second page talks about where I sleep, how long, where I sleep, were I take a nap and when. All of it is up to you. You have to let me rest enough to get good grades when school starts and not get sick from no sleep… I didn't know someone could get sick from no sleep. Is that even possible?"

"It is," Steve responded, "You would have to a very long time to get to a point of being dangerously tired, but if you don't get some after just a couple of days you would be dangerous to yourself because you would not be able to focus on what you are doing. Even walking can become a problem for someone who is too exhausted."

Even as Steve was talking, Greg's hand started rubbing Brandon's leg, very slowly moving futher up with each stroke. Again Brandon looked down and started to move his leg even as he reached down. His hand only made it to his waist.

Greg lightly flipped the boy's right ear, "Don't worry about me, Brand. You keep your hands on the contract and talk us through the rest."

Brandon turned to the next page, but couldn't help it. He eyed the movement under the shirt as he felt the hand rub up around his hip and move round to his inner thigh. He closed his eyes for a second, but as the hand started to grab and apply pressure, he focused back on telling them what he got out of the written words. "The whole next page is about how I look. You both get to decide how clean I am, how my hair is cut, when to change clothes and junk. You can't make me stay real dirty or smelly."

Steve smiled, "That will not happen, not here. Clean is king in this house."

"I didn't really worry about that part," Brandon admitted.

Greg snickered at this, "I've heard a few kids do, but you will not be one of them. Continue."

"The next part is really the hardest. There are super hard words and lots of extras, but I guess it basically means you as adults know what is best so I have to behave the way you want both when alone with you and out around other people. I have to follow your rules on how and when to speak, how to talk to others, and even who I can talk to. The same thing goes for how I act around people. I guess that means you tell me if I am allowed to go talk to kids I see or not, and if not, how I am supposed to act if they try to talk to me and junk… Maybe even more. It's really hard to get."

"You pretty much nailed it," Steve responded with a look of astonishment. "But you are also correct. It includes things like if we want you to look people in the eye when talking to them. Where and how you stand when we are talking to others and even if you can touch stuff in stores. One thing I will tell you right now, you ask us before taking something off of a shelf in any store unless we say otherwise first."

"OK…" Brandon suddenly jerked hard and reached down as Greg's hand slid up and made contact with his groin.

Steve reacted instantly. He moved up and grabbed Brandon's hand by the wrist and applied a very strong grip. "Hold still."

"But he is touching me!"

"Yes he is, and he has every right."

"No! It's bad!" Brandon shouted as he started thrashing. "Stop!"

Steven grabbed Brandon's other hand and held it, "He is not going to stop and you never tell us what to do!"

At the same time Greg's hand cupped the boy's testicles and penis. "Knock it off, Brand or I squeeze real hard. I don't want to hurt you before a tournament!"

Feeling enough of a grip to make it painful Brandon stopped trying to pull free, but did squirm as he felt fingers moving around his balls and butt crack. At the same time he started to cry, "Your aren't allowed to touch me there!"

"Of course we are!" Steve laughed even as he continued to hold onto the boy.

"No! It's wrong. Please… no…"

"The answer is yes, not no, Brand," Steve stated. "Remember what you signed. This is fun for us, and we decide what is fun. You even told us you knew it was in the contract."

"No it's not!"

"Yeah, it is." Greg responded as he let Steve hold the boy's hands while he let go of Brandon's crotch while his other hand wrapped around the boy's neck. Once he was sure he and Steve had the boy secured, he used his free hand and undid the three buttons on the shirt Brandon was wearing."

Brandon tired to pull free, but there was no way. He didn't stand a chance against one, let alone two. "Leave me alone! No! Stop!"

Greg let the shirt fall open then reached down and started playing with the boys' exposed cock. "Oh Brand, settle down. you agreed to all of this and so much more."

"I didn't… I didn't…"

Greg's hand continued to roam over the boy's groin, chest and legs. Nothing was said until Brandon's protests and struggles drastically died down. As this happed Greg nodded for Steve to let go.

With his hands free Brandon moved them to cover up his privates. He stopped as Greg's arm pulled back into his neck, making breathing difficult. Instead then moved up to the arm pressed up agaist his throat.

"Put your arms down or I will choke you out!" Greg growled.

Feeling even more pressure on his neck Brandon and hearing 'Hector' telling him to stop fighting, he finally did as he was told. "I… can't… breathe…"

"I am going to let up a little, but if you hands move to back to cover yourself up, things will get much worse. Understood?"

"Yes…" Brandon managed to gasp out.

Greg eased up the pressure. As soon as he was sure the sobbing child had enough control to obey he eased up even more, before finally releasing the neck. He then moved his hands bock to the boy's legs chest and groin.

Brandon reached up and grabbed his neck while weeping. It was very hard to get enough air in at this point so he did nothing other than cry and rub his neck.

Greg let the kid bawl until he composed himself to some extent. He used the time to explore most of Brandon's body.

Steven stayed close for a few minutes then went back to the bar, poured a couple more drinks. He put one on the end table by Greg along with a hand towel, then stood back and smirked as Brandon wept and endured the fondling. He finally took a seat, sipped his drink and waited.

Once Brandon was down to an occasional sob, Greg reached down, retrieved the papers, and spoke again. "Now Brandon, get your act together."

"I wanna go home…"

"And you are. Now stop."

"But your touching me!"

"Yes. You agreed to it." Greg held up the paper. "It's all right here."

"No… I didn't… not this!"

"Sure you did. Now I am going to take you though all of this. You tell me where you didn't agree."

Brandon snorted donw some snot even as Greg wiped his face with the hand towel.

"OK, first… didn't you tell us you know the contract says we decide how to live?"

Brandon let out a sob, "Uh huh."

"Well, sitting on our laps is part of how you live when you are here."

"But you did bad touching!"

"Maybe it is bad to you, but you don't decide what is bad. We do. You just told us before you tired to fight me, you have to join us when we have fun, right."

Brandon gulped as 'Hector' quickly talked him through where this was headed. He liked it less and less by the moment. "Yeah…" he sniffled and fought hard not to cry.

"Well, buddy, this is fun for us. So you have to join in. Got it?"

Brandon's chin when down to his chest. "Yes…" his whisper was barely audible.

"Now as I rub you some more becase it is fun, I want you to tell us what else that is going on right now is in the contract.

Brandon closed his eyes tightly as Greg's hand went back down and started fingering his penis. This was so wrong. It had to be against the law… But it was in the contract… this couldn't be right…

"Brandon, What did I just tell you to do?"

Feeling some pressure building on his nuts, Brandon whimpered, but finally started speaking. "I have to wear what you want how you want… so you can unbutton the shirt if you want…"

"Good. What else.

Tears started coming down his cheeks again. "I have to act the way you want in and out of the house…"

"Right and I want you to let me touch you all over. So you have to let me. Now keep that in mind, because you also didn't act the way I wanted, so now we get to the next part. Do you know what I am talking about?"

"You choose how to punish me?"

"Excellent! You are most correct!"

Brandon didn't have a clue what the men were going to do, but after this he was certain it would be awful. "Please, I'm sorry! I didn't know!"

"You just told us you did," Steve countered. "You knew the whole contract!"

"But I didn't know this was part of the rules! Please don't hurt me. I want do it again!"

"I hope for your sake you don't. The first consequence is one of the easiest. You really don't want to move deeper down the list we put together." Steve moved up, "Now I am going to pick you up and you best not fight me!"

"I won't… but please…"

"Stop, Brand. You are going to get the first punishment and you are going to thank us for it. If you don't you get the next one. Understood?"

Brandon looked horrified as Steve picked him up and put his hand around the boy's bare ass. "I have to thank you for hurting me?"

Steve carried him back to the water heater room and put him down over the floor drain. "Not for hurting you, for disciplining you. You should be very grateful for being taught how to behave. Now stand there."

Greg kept a watchful eye as Steve exited the room. Brandon tried to say something a couple of times but a shake of the head was all he got the first time and the second time Greg glared, "One more word, Brand, and you get two punishments. Now be quiet and stand with your feet on the drain."

Brandon badly wanted to know what was going to happen. He also wanted to talk to 'Hector' but since he couldn't talk there was no way he could, not with Greg standing so close.

Steve reappeared with a briefcase. He opened it up pulled out a large IV like bag with a thick tube hanging off. He handed it to Greg ten held up the case. Inside was a dozen metal tubes with a large hole in one end and a smaller one at the other end. Bigger end had a wire loop attached and had an obvious lip in the metal. The smaller hole was covered by a metal flat on small hinge. Steve selected the second to the smallest tube, got a nod from Greg, and flipped up the small hinged cap. He showed Brandon the small gasket in it and how it was spring loaded to close on its own.

"Touch your toes," Steve commanded.

Brandon glanced over confused at the order, but the look in both men's eys made it clear he didn't have a choice. He quickly did as instructed.

"Stay like that, Brand." Greg ordered, then turned to Steve. "Lube dude, lube."

"Oh, sure."

Brandon wanted to see what was going on but couldn't see what was happening since both men had moved behind him. He found himself wishing he could button up the shirt, since it was hanging open, but didn't dare. A few seconds later, as his legs starting to hurt, he heard the squirt of something coming out of a squeeze tube. Then, Suddenly, one of the men grabbed him, pulled up the shirt so his butt was fully exposed and gripped him tightly. A moment later he felt the cold of the tube pushing up into his hole, "What are you doing?"

A second later there was a flash of pain as the thin tube penetrated his virgin hole. He let out a shrill howl and bucked hard. It did no good, One of them was holding him firmly in place by his hips while spreading his butt cheeks while the other continued to push the tube further in. He felt it move back out a couple of times only to get pushed deeper in. He also heard Greg say they should have used the smallest one, but to continue. The whole time he begged for them to stop.

After nearly two minutes the intrusion stopped. his hips were released but the tube was left in. Since it wasn't being moved in and out combined with the fact it was not getting pushed in deeper the sharper pains faded, but it still ached and made him feel like he had to take a dump. He tried once but found it didn't budge. A moment later a hand crashed down on his ass.

"It stays there until we are done!" Steve snarled. "Try that again and I will take it out and get one of the bigger ones just to make sure you can't shit it out!"

Greg spoke up, "Easy Steve. You should remember from the first one, these things take time. This is clearly a first for him and the last thing we want is to damage him."

Greg wiped some tears off of Brandon's face and stroked his hair until the boy calmed. "OK, Brand, this next part can get scary, but it isn't dangerous to you. However, if you push too hard or try to take a dump and you somehow managed to dislodge the plug, we will have to start over with a thicker and longer one. Understood?"

Brandon whimpered, "Please… take it out. I'll sit on your lap and let you touch me!"

"Brand, I'm sure you will. However, this isn't just us disciplining you. It is also a hygiene session. You will do more of these, but this one is going to be worse than normal ones since you tried to break the contract. Keep this in mind, so you can start to learn what happens when you don't do what we want."

"I'm sorry! I'll let you touch me! Please… take it out… please… I'll be good."

Greg ruffled the boy's hair while pushing him so Brandon's head was almost touching the floor and his butt was up in the air. "Trust me, you will get plenty of other chances to behave the way we expect. Now stay like this while Steve finishes hooking you up."

"No more… please… I'll do anything… just take it out, please!"

"Not going to happen until we are done, Brand. When you mess up you will always get the full penalty. This is your first time, so we are already being nice. In the future, you begging us to stop us from correcting your behavior will result in more discomfort for you, not less. Also know this. The next time you try to fight us or go back on your agreement in any way, what happens to you will get worse each and every time. Now no more complaints and answer me. Do you understand if you manage to dislodge the plug, we have to start over with a thicker and longer one?"

Brandon's lower lip trembled, "Yes."

"Good. I'm also sure you realize this, but I am going to warn you since this is the first time. If you try to pull it out, not only do we start over with a bigger one, you get another discipline session as well. So don't even mover your hands back toward it."

"I won't," Brandon whined.

"For your sake you better not," Greg proclaimed as he turned to Steve. "OK, fill him up."

Steve spoke up as he lifted up the bag over his head, "Time to get clean inside as well as out. Oh, and I added extra soap and it stays in longer since this is also a punishment. Have fun. We sure are!" Even before the man finished, Brandon felt very warm liquid enter his bowels. The liquid was hot enough to make the metal tube painfully warm, but not burning hot. It didn't take long for that to become a distant secondary concern. In horror he watched as his mid section extended outward. Moments later the first cramp hit. He grabbed at his waist and took some deep breaths. They did no good; the next cramp was even worse. with each passing moment his gut got bigger and the cramps got more intense. After what seemed like an eternity, he felt something going on behind him. Steve appeared with the bag and the tube hanging off it. The bag was empty. As another wave of pain rolled across his midsection, Brandon rolled onto his side and clutched at his gut. "uh… uh… uh… It hurts… it hurts… make it… uh… uh… uh… stop!"

Steve pulled out his phone and pulled up a countdown timer. He showed it to Brandon. There was twenty minutes on the clock.

Brandon looked up with panic and agony, "Uh… no…"

"Oh, Brand, you don't get off that easy. The discipline part comes first. the clock only gets started after you give me twenty-five jumping jacks, twenty pushups, and thank both Greg and me. You also need to promise both of us that you will be good and sit on our laps the way we want when we want. If not… well you can find out what the next ordeal we have lined up will be."

Brandon forced himself to stand. He only got six jumping jacks done before he went back down to his knees. It took almost ten minutes to get through them, and another five to do the required pushups. He then laid on the rock floor and held his stomach with both hands panting and moaning"

Greg moved up and poked Brandon's stomach with his foot, "I think you are forgetting something, Brand. Normally we wouldn't remind you and start all over, but this is your first time, so I'll be nice this time. Weren't you supposed to say something to us?"

Brandon quivered in agony. His mind drew a blank. Fortunately 'Hector' remained him of what the men were expecting. "Thank… you…"

"For what, Brand?" Steve demanded to know as he showed the boy the timer still not counting down

"For… punishing me… for being bad… Thank … you…"

"And?" Greg asked while tapping his foot next to Brandon's face.

"And… uh… owww… I will… sit on… your laps and… uh… sit like you want… you can touch me…"

"We can, yes." Greg chimed in, "the question is will you let us without complianing and fighting us?"

"Uh Huh… yes… I'll let you touch me… It hurts… it hurts…"

Steve let out a humor filled snort, "I'm sure it does by this point. But I want to hear a bit more. Where can we touch you and how?"

Brandon took a coupe of deep breaths, "I'll let you touch… me… anywhere… everywhere… whatever way you want…" His voice got more desperate and took on a pleading tone, "Anywhere… everywhere… I'm sorry… I won't fight you again… owwwww…"

"Perfect." Steve knelt and pushed on the boy's belly just to watch the flash of misery ripple across the boy's face. "Now the timer can start!" The man knelt and put the phone down so Brandon could watch the timer as the numbers slowly dropped toward zero.

Brandon stayed on the floor with his hands wrapped around his stomach. each minute seemed to take forever. His gut started making weird noises and he almost puked from the intensity of some of the cramps. Everything about this was horrible and he really needed to take a dump. He fought hard, trying not to crap out the plug, but each and every cramp caused him to lose control. Time and time again, he was sure the thing in his butt would suddenly pop out, but fortunately it didn't. Twenty agonizing minutes later the timer finally hit zero and the phone made a chirping sound.

Steve was there next to him moments later. "OK Brand, you did good. We are going to take you to the bathroom and get you over the toilet. If it comes out before we get there, you will have a whole lot of cleaning to do, then we start over, so keep your ass cheeks tightly clenched."

Brandon could do little but nod in understanding. He clenched his firsts and gritted his teeth as he struggled to comply. Clenching his ass cheeks caused some extra pain around the metal tube, which only made it harder.

The two men helped him to his feet and led him to the downstairs bathroom. Steve spoke with some compassion in his voice for the first time since Greg had first touched his penis. "Brand, this is going to be messy. I need you to crouch over the toilet while I pull out the plug. There will be a flash of pain as I wiggle the ridge out. You will then shit. We want it all in the toilet so we can flush it down with water and bleach. If you spray all over, you will be the one cleaning it. Understood?"

Brandon nodded and winced as yet another cramp rolled across his midsection, "Uh huh… please just take it out!"

Seconds later an intense flash of pain ripped across his anus as the plug was dislodged. This was followed by an uncontrollable flow. Even though this was the worst thing ever, he still found himself thankful when Greg steadied him so, as he uncontrollably let loose, everything splashed into the toilet. After just a couple of seconds he sat, sucked in deep breaths of air, and leaned forward in relief as his insides drained.

Greg flushed the toiled a couple of times while Brandon sat and recovered. He rubbed the boy's shoulders. "OK Brand, we'll give you a minute or two. Finish up and make sure there is no more leaking. We don't want any poop on us or the furniture. Once you are recovered and clean, come back in the rec room so we can go over the rules."

Brandon waited until both men left before he spoke, "I can't live here!"

"Brand," 'Hector' responded with a great deal of compassion and sadness, "I'm very sorry, but you have no where else to go. I will look for a way to get you out of this, but for now… I know it won't be easy, but you have to do what they want."

"But they should go to jail…" Brandon pouted.

"I agree, but do you really think you can go to the constable?"

"He gave me the necklace…"

"Yes, but he also took an envelope from Greg. I was hoping I was wrong, so I didn't want to worry you in case I was, but there was money in it."

"You think they paid for me?"

"As horrible as it is, yes. Up till now they have admitted to tricking you, so you could ask. But for now make sure you are done, clean up, and go see them so they don't get angry with you again."

"They're going to touch me again, aren't they?"

"I am sure they are. I know it's hard but try to find some kind of positive aspect of this."

"Find something good about them messing with my privates and forcing water up my butt?"

"Brandon, the water thing is called an enema. It has been used for almost all of written history, and is still used. They can easily say giving you an enema is good for you and may even be right. I'm not sure they could say the same thing about the metal plug, but even that might be OK. As far as them touching you goes, keep in mind as long as they keep it to just touching, you aren't getting hit or beaten."

"And what's to stop them? Coach Steve hit my butt!"

"Once and Greg scolded him for it. I don't know what else they have in store for you, but fighting them is not going to get you anywhere."

Brandon nodded in resigned understanding, "I'll be good, but don't leave me for letting them do bad things to me."

"Not going to happen, Brand. Now get in there and be prepared to sit on Greg's lap. I don't want you really hurt."

Brandon entered the rec room and saw Steve motioning for him. There was only a moment of hesitation. He moved across to room and hopped up on the man's lap. Brandon closed his eyes as the man quickly undid the buttons on the shirt and pulled it open.

Greg nodded in satisfaction as Brandon bit his bottom lip and shut his eyes tightly as Steve's right hand started fingering the boy's ball sac, but otherwise did nothing. "Much better, Brand. I am thrilled you learn so fast. Life will be much easier if you follow our rules.

"From this point forward, don't expect me or Steve to apologize for anything we do to you. All the things you mentioned that you didn't like are going to be part of your life, most of it daily. Dealing with what we want and how we touch you is rule one. Understood?"

Brandon swallowed hard and fought hard not to cry, "Uh huh."

"Excellent! We do have a list of other rules, and you will follow them. We'll only go over the basics tonight, since we want you to get a full nights sleep before our tournament, and it is already getting late. Are you ready to listen?"

Brandon nodded even as he took a deep breath quivered as Steve's hand moved behind his ball sac and touched the edge of his sore butt hole.

"You get used to this, Brand. However, it is not the only thing we will demand. If told to do something, we expect you to do it. When told something, it isn't a request. You can try to talk us out of it, but it will do you no good. Also, if your are told to stop talking, you best do so. Are you following me so far?"

"Yeah," Brandon whined.

"I hope you do understand, for your sake." Steve growled into the boy's ear.

"And this talk is for your sake, Brand," Greg stated. "I also know you now know neither Steve or I will tolerate any fudging on our rules. Now I want you to open your eyes and look at me while I talk you through the key things you need to know right now. If you don't understand now is the time to ask. Got it?"

Brandon forced his eyes open, but did his best to only look over at Greg. The last thing he wanted to see was Steve's hands moving all over him. Feeling it was bad enough. "Yes."

"OK, good. First you will call us Uncle Greg and Uncle Steve." Seeing a nod of understanding, he moved on. "You already know we like a clean house and you will help keep it that way. Your areas will be spotless and dust free. If you bring any dirt into the house, you will clean it. If you are not sure how, ask us. Next, and this is very important, so pay close attention. What you wear and when you wear it is no longer up to you, it is up to us. From now on, Steve or I will set out clothing for you. You will wear what we set out without complaint. Right now we don't have much for you, but we will take care of that very quickly. Whatever we give you to wear is what you play in. I know you are proud of the necklace, so you can wear it when you want. We'll get you a nice safe place for you to put it. As soon as you switch to a nightshirt, it comes off. If you are told to or you ask and are allowed to take a nap, you switch back to a night clothing. There is no sleeping in regular clothing. Is all that clear enough?"

"What about baseball?"

"When it is time for games or to change into practice clothing, we will tell you when it is OK to do so. There may be other times where we tell you to go change without having clothing laid out for you, especially when you come in from playing outside. We'll tell you what room to go to and you can change with what is in that room."

"What room?" Brandon asked with confusion.

"Yes, the room right across the hall from ours and the room you have been staying in so far are both yours. The one across from ours isn't ready yet, but will be soon enough. You'll understand as soon as you see it."

"OK." Brandon responded then closed his eyes again as Steve started actively playing with his penis with one hand and rubbing his upper thighs with his other hand.

"Keep your eyes open so I know you are listening Brandon," Greg ordered, then nodded as the boy obeyed. "Better. I know I don't have to tell you this, however, I expect you to sit on my lap often. So will Steve. When we want you to it isn't a request, either. While in our laps you are to deal with any and all touching. Actually let me back that up, ANY and ALL touching we decide to do to you is to be accepted without any pulling away or struggling on your part, understood?"

"Yeah… I got it." Brandon stated with a resigned whimper.

"Next, no door is ever to be closed by you in this house or in any hotel, cabin, or other structure you share with us."

"Not even the toilet?"

"Not the bathroom, not your room, not any shower door, not any door at any time. You will aim the shower spray at the back wall and have a towel in front of the tub to get any overspray. Even if we let you have friends over, the doors stay open at all times unless we close them. The only exception is to close the door when you leave the house. All inside doors stay open."

Greg reached over and pulled a black band out of a case on the end table next to him and held it up. "This is the last thing you need to know about tonight. This goes around your upper thigh thigh. Steve or I will put it on you every morning before you get dressed and take it off once you are inside for the night. From what we have been told, it is hard to get used to at first. Because of this, Steve is going to put it on you tonight, so you aren't too distracted by it during the game tomorrow. There are seven things you need to know about it. First is, it takes a special key and a code on our phones to take it off. Second, once it's on, it is active. Third, if you try to take it off it will inject you with a powerful drug that will make you super sick. Fourth, we will show you where you are allowed to go when not with one of us. If you leave the area we set on our phones it will inject you: you will get a warning shock when you get close to the edge of the area and a much harder one if you leave it. A minute later it will inject you if you don't get back into the area we set. Our phones will also tell us every time it shocks or injects you. Fifth, both of us are able to see where you are at all times on our phones. Sixth, we can push a button on our phones and it will inject you. Finally, if you are not given the antidote… the cure, within an hour you will start going blind. After twenty-four hours you will be blind for life unless you are not given the antidote by then.

Brandon looked shocked at hearing this. In fact, he was so overwhelmed and terrified he didn't even fight or struggle as Greg tossed it over to Steve who slipped it over the boy's foot, pulled up Brandon's leg, and maneuvered it till it was way up on his thigh. Greg came over, put some sticky gel under it while Steve pulled out a small peg with notches in it and started turning it.

New tears rolled down Brandon's cheeks as he felt the gel firm up. It then became tighter with each spin of the peg until it was firmly attached to his leg, yet was loose enough to so didn't cut off circulation. "I don't wanna go blind!"

"Then all you have to do is stay in the areas we tell you and do what we tell you, when we tell you while outside of the house. It is easy enough." Steve snickered, "Now, turn to the side so I can play with your butt cheeks for a while before I tuck you into bed."

Chapter 28

Alex tried to listen to the adults as they talked in the kitchen, but all he caught was bits and pieces since the room he had been given was at the far side of the house. Most of the talk was about who he and his siblings had picked and it was clear those who were not picked weren't happy about it. The one thing he did catch was some talk about how well behaved Joey was. This didn't make sense to Alex. His brother had been sick. He hadn't done anything and had stayed with Bruce the whole night.

The other bits he managed to overhear surrounded his demanding the change in the contract. There was some laughter about how angry Shirley looked. The man who offered to take Brandon mentioned it was a first and that "all of the others hadn't been smart enough to try." This got a smirk out of Alex as he looked over the room, but also gave him pause. How many others had signed the same contract?

At some point the talk become more hushed, so he figured one of the adults must have noted Alex had left the room door open and wasn't doing much. This caused the topic of conversation to change to things like poker, beer, and home repair. With a shake of his head, Alex finally focused on the room. The man had also done a massive amount of work to the house and this room in particular. The walls were all freshly painted, a new wooden floor had been installed, and there was a door in the wall which lead to the bathroom. He noticed the window had also been replaced and could only be cranked upon a short distance.

The room also had new, albeit, inexpensive kid furnishings. There was twin sized bunk beds, a computer desk, two, three drawer, plastic dressers, a small entertainment stand with a flat screen TV and a PS3 with two controllers and ten games. There was also a mini refrigerator with a dozen bottles of water in it, a digital alarm clock and a laptop computer. Finally the closet had a shoe rack, and an old looking empty sea chest in it. Alex eyed the chest and frowned, wondering if the man thought he needed a toy box. He also found the bunk beds odd. But an hour and a half later, he gave the room a once over and nodded in satisfaction. It didn't look too bad. As he turned he noticed Buck leaning against the door frame of the master bedroom silently watching him.

He gave the man a nervous smile

Buck returned the grin as he walked into the room, "Wasn't sure if you would be staying or not, but I got approved to take in someone, so I got the basics. Looks like you got it set up pretty well."

"Yeah, I don't like where the refrigerator is, and I wish I could put the TV so I could watch it from the bed, but there are only two plugs and the cord for the refrigerator was too short to put it next to the bed. I wanted to have it to put the alarm clock on so I could reach it, but I didn't want the bed on the west wall. I already noticed how hot the west and south walls get and I don't like to be hot when I sleep."

"We need to find you a fan and an end table then. I can also show you some electrical over the next week or so. We can install a new plug. Not a problem there. Other than the lack of plugs, what do you think?"

"I like it…"

"Oh, I hear a but coming."

"Not about the room…"

"Come on out to the dining room so we can talk, then."

Alex followed the man out to the main room, noting it was just the two of them. The others must have left while he was organizing the room and moving things around until he got it as good as he could. Seeing Buck point to a chair at the main dining table, Alex took a seat.

Buck grabbed a pair of water bottles out of the kitchen, handed one to Alex and sat across from him. "Ok, Lex, what's going on in that head of yours."

Alex took a deep breath, "How bad is it?"

Buck's let eyebrow shot up, "Not sure I get the question, Lex. How bad is what?

"The contract," Alex sighed. "You talked me through what I didn't get. How bad is it?'

"For you?"

"Yeah, and for Brand, Joey and Riet."

Buck took a swig of water and eyed the boy for a moment. This was the last thing he expected out of the kid. "Lex, I am going to be very open and honest with you. Before I answer your questions, what do you think. How bad do you expect it?"

"So you're not going to tell me it's going to be alright or something?"

"No. No I'm not. First off, there is now no reason to lie to you. You selected me to live with and you not only signed the contract but understood what it said. Second, I can tell you are very bright child, probably the smartest I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Finally, you have to know there is nowhere for you to go. We are in the middle nowhere and even the roads out of here wouldn't get you very far before you were brought back. Going overland…"

"I know. Mrs. Wood let me get lost out in the desert today."

"Exactly. So there really is no reason for me to use deception to keep you here. With that in mind, I want to know how bad you think it will be."

"I'm not sure. I think you all wanted us for some reason. It's why you got to know us before tonight. I just don't know why… I'm almost sure something bad already happened to Joey. He wasn't sick tonight was he?"

"Again, I will answer, but I want you to tell me what you are expecting based on what you know."

"I guess… I am wondering…"

"Lex, those are questions. I want to know what you think about your situation, otherwise this conversation ends now."

Alex let out a long breath and looked around, "Lots of thing are spinning in my head. You can do what you want and I can't say much about it, so there are all sorts of things… Part of me even thinks you all set up the plane breaking down… I think you all somehow made us tell on our dad… I think mom shouldn't be as hurt as bad…" Alex rubbed his hand down his face, "I am pretty sure everyone out in the desert was there to see me. Everyone wanted to get to know me. Only you, Mrs. Wood, Mr. Morris, and the tall thin guy stayed interested. The rest moved further away. You even had gloze in my size, so you expected me to show up. Did you spill those kegs on purpose?"

Buck smirked, "Once again you are proving to be remarkably perceptive. Yes, I swerved back and forth to get the kegs to go all over. But you are talking about us, not you. Last chance. I want to know what you think about you and you living with me."

"I don't know what you want, not really." Seeing a frown on the man's face Alex shrugged, "OK, I think you all made sure while I was being handed back and forth I never got a chance to get my clothes. The first night here may have been all my fault, but the next night I was at Mr. Morris and he made me wear a towel like you did. Mrs. Hill also made me take a shower and stay in a towel until she got me a shirt and shorts form the shooting range store. Are you like…"

"Not about us, I want you to talk about you."

Alex gulped as it fully dawned on him, "You are all sick-o's and you want to do bad touches on me… I am not going to have clothes on lots and…" Alex looked up with a great deal of fear, "Is this where you get mean and tell me to take off my clothes?"

"No. When the time comes, I'm going to strip you down and put some things on you to help teach you how to be my good little boy. I'm hoping you will be smart enough to let me, so I don't have to get mean." Seeing the boy look toward the front door, Buck pulled his keys out of his pocket and set them on the table. "If you are going to run, you'll need these. All the doors are key locked, both inside and out. The glass is reinforced Plexiglas, too so it wouldn't be in your better interest to try to break though the sliding glass door or one of the windows. Of course, as soon as you run, this chat is over. Also, running will cause me to be much meaner than I really want to be."

Alex felt his heart hammering in his chest as he looked at the man with wide eyes. "I'm supposed to just let you do stuff to me?"

"I really don't like the words 'supposed to'. Its meaningless. Right now Heather is saying to herself, you were supposed to pick her so she could enjoy your body. At the same time Todd is telling himself he wasn't supposed to drop out of taking you in. If he hadn't you would have picked him and he would be getting ready to put his hand on you. Instead, I believe you should be deciding if you are or are not going to let me strip you down and do things to you, or are you going to try to fight me. While you decide, you can now ask other questions, since we have covered your near future."

Alex fought back tears as he stared at the man with terrified eyes, "It didn't really matter who I picked, then did it?"

"Sure, it did, Lex. What I am going to do is totally different than Heather or Todd. I'm not real sure about Todd's desires, but I know Heather would have turned you into a house boy. Your outfit would have been a black bow tie and maybe a thong. You would have served drinks at her parties, dressed and undressed her daily, mad her bed, slept with her, given her baths, and well… you get the idea."

Alex lowered his head wondering if he should have picked her instead. He also realized there was nothing he could do about it, so he decided to ask the next most important question running around his brain. "Can you tell me if Brand is going to be OK?"

"Lex, as you can see and have heard, I am very new here. I really don't know those who took in your brothers or sister well. In all honesty, I met Nancy and Robert at a meeting right at a week ago and we talked for maybe five minutes. I really have no clue about either of them other than they are here, so they have been vetted and are like all of us… what did you call me… Oh, yes, a sick-o. The men Brand is staying with I know a bit better, but nothing to really tell how they will treat your brother. I know the baseball coaches are a gay married couple. I also noticed tonight Nancy didn't care for them at all and Heather isn't fond of them either. However, Heather recommend Greg to me for investment strategies, so I know she trusts him with her money. I can also tell you their house is super clean and their downstairs is built to look like you are in an old sailing ship.

"Greg put up a huge amount to make this all happen. He was one of the original partners and put up a massive sum to help buy the mine and surrounding town. Steve is a dentist who I have heard through the grapevine, used gas on boys to knock them out so he could fondle them, but I cannot confirm this. He was never charged. Neither seem mean. So if I was a betting man, and I am, I'd say Brand will be fine once he get used to having men's hands on him. I also know they will not be too harsh, since they really like the way he plays ball and while you two were throwing a ball around, talked about getting a few wins this summer because of him. They are hoping you the same potential."

Alex clenched his fists, but realized there was nothing he could do for Brandon at this point. He also decided he would kill both men if they really hurt his brother.

"So are you as good as your brother seems to be?"

Alex was finding it hard to talk since he was both furious at hearing Brandon was going to have to endure bad things and super scared about what the man across the table was going to do. "I'm good, but gramps paid to have a batting cage made for Brand and got him an American pro player to work with him. I just used the batting cage and spent a day with the guy and Brand."

"I really am looking forward to seeing you play. Also, as long as you behave appropriately and in the way I want, I'll spend extra money on you so you improve. I will also make sure you get plenty of rest before practice and games. I want my boy sharp. Any other questions before we move forward with my enjoyment of you?"

Alex eyed the keys again, debating if he should make a run for it. To give himself a little extra time to consider his options while he used what his marital arts teacher taught him about controlling his anger and fear, he took the bottle of water with trembling hands and took a drink. "Can you tell me if Joey was sick or not tonight?"

"I certainly can." Buck smiled and gave a little snort, "In a way of speaking he was, but you are also right. He wasn't sick from a virus or a cold, no."

Alex's eyes narrowed to mere slits. "What did the guy do to Joey?"

"Lex, let me give you a fair warning here. I know you know some self-defense and are tough enough to take abuse meant for your brothers and sister, but you best drop the attitude right now. I don't like to use a super heavy hand, but I will if pushed. Do yourself a big favor and don't push. Joey belongs to Bruce, and I can assure you, Bruce is enjoying him a great deal."

Alex stared at the man, "But if he is really hurting Joey…"

"What Bruce is or isn't doing to your brother is between him and Joey. Like you, your brother picked Bruce signed the contract. He didn't have to do either, but did. Also, I think it is only fair for you to know, Bruce is one of the few I do know and I can tell you he will not go outside the contract. He will take it to the very edge, though. Joey probably didn't make a good pick, but I don't know the others who took an interest in your brother well enough to know for sure. One thing I will tell you, Joey will be given time with the artist and will be given all the tools to become a world class drawer and painter. Bruce has already told me he loves your brother's work and will do whatever is needed to help him become better at it."

Buck stood and took a few steps back from the table and the keys. "Now it is time for you to make a choice, son. Either come with me or go for it. I will give you a full minute head start if you wish to attempt an escape." Buck then chuckled, "Your third option is to do nothing. If you go that route I will come over there grab you by your hair, rip your clothes off and beat your ass until my hand can't take it anymore. I will not tolerate a fence sitter."

Alex eyed the keys one more time, but tow things stopped him from grabbing them. First, he was pretty sure he would be breaking the contract and he would not be on the team. The team was the only place he could help Brandon. Second, and he actually didn't think this was the case, but it was possible the keys on the table didn't even contain the key to the door. With a resigned sigh he stood on shaky legs. "Where do I have to go?"

"My bedroom."

Alex found it hard to walk as fear gripped him.

Halfway down the hall Buck grabbed him and steadied him. "Easy, Lex. Take some deep breaths while I hold you up. You're a brave kid to chose this path, but I can't have you passing out on me."

He let the man support him for over a minute before he finally started waling again. He was light headed by the time he made it to the room.

Buck took him by the shoulders and guided him over to the bed. "Lay don't and don't fight me, Lex."

A few seconds later tears started running out of his eyes as the man untied his shoes and took them off. His socks were next. Since he was wearing shorts, Buck's hands moved up and down his legs and all the way down to his feet several times before unbuttoning and unzipping his shorts. As the man started to pull them down Alex listed up his butt to make it easier for the man while letting out his first sob.

Buck pushed him down, leaned over and kissed Alex's left cheek then licked at the tears, "No, Lex, don't help me unless I tell you. Don't fight me, but don't help either. The same thing goes for your shirt when the time comes. I will move your arms if I want them moved."

"O…O… Kay…" Alex managed to blubber out.

"Good boy," Buck whispered into Alex's ear, the gave the boy another kiss. He then returned his attention to the shorts, wiggling them down, then pulling back up on the boy's briefs over and over until he finally had them down over the boy's ass. From there he slid the all the way off and tossed them off to the side. The shirt was baggy, so it was easy. he slowly rolled it up, revealing more skin inch by inch. He moved the boys arms so he got the arms out while keeping the shirt around the boy's head. His fingers circled the tiny nipples several times before he leaned over and sucked on the right one. he then took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of boy-fear. At last he pulled the shirt over the boy's head.

Me moved over to his dresser and pulled out a couple of items, put them on the bed and ran his hands down the boys chest and legs before taking a minute to put his fingers under the leg whole of the boy's briefs and feeling the soft skin. He smiled as Alex quaked under his touch. "OK, Lex, you need to hold very still while I put a few things on you."

Alex kept his eyes closed. He didn't even want to know and this was so disgusting and horrible he didn't want to look. He felt the man take hold of his right and play with his fingers he then felt a tongue on them, followed by nibbling of teeth. his crying increased, but just as suddenly as it started it stopped. Suddenly he felt something go over his hand and something tighten around his wrist. He looked over, just as his other hand was grabbed and subjected to the licking and nibbling. Through his tears he noticed his had was in a thick mitt. He started to pull it closer, but Buck pushed his arm back down.

"I move you and you stay how I put you Lex. Don't do that again."

Alex closed his eyes again and stayed as still as his trembling body and sobbing allowed. It didn't take long for the other hand to get put in a mitt and secured in place.

Buck moved up on the bed and stroked Alex's hair for a several seconds, the spoke, "This next part is really scary the first few times. You'll eventually get used to it. Now don't move."

Alex fully expected for Buck to pull off his underwear, but instead something was put over his face. He tired to jerk, but Buck was ready.

Buck quickly rolled over on Alex and pinned his arms in place with his knees. He then adjusted the face mask and pulled the buckles tight even as Alex thrashed his head back and forth and screamed. Once he was certain the mask was in place he rolled off the boy and hopped off the bed. He activated the camera sitting on the tripod and enjoyed the show.

Alex shook his head and tried to grab at the mask to take it off, but the mitts prevented it. It didn't take long to discover even as he moved his hands inside the mitts, the outsides barley wiggled. Next he tried to pull the straps securing the mitts to his wrists up to his mouth, only to find the mask had a zipper over his mouth and it was closed. the material let him breath though it, but he didn't have access to his mouth. The mask also covered his eyes so he couldn't see. He rolled around, shook his head, screamed and finally fell off the bed and landed hard. The mask started to get wet from his saliva and tears which made it harder to breath too. total terror gripped him as he wondered if he was going to drown. Just as he was about to pass out, he felt a hand over his mouth. A moment later the zipper was pulled open giving him access to badly needed air. He sucked in air in gasps between sobs.

Buck picked up Alex and deposited him back on the bed. As expected the boy stayed put. He sat in his recliner and le the boy calm. It took almost thirty minutes before Alex stopped sobbing. All things considered, it was sooner than most he had done this to, but others had done better. those who did better, however, were harder to fully train. Alex was in the trainable window. Most of the smart one were.

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