Chapter 8

Part 1

He watched as the young skinny 13 year old went racing away, his little legs pumping as fast as they could and he smiled, knowing that his secret would be safe, the little kid way too scared to even mention that he was down here, let alone that some stranger had scared him away. Mind you, the idiots below should have posted someone; after all it could have been the pigs coming down instead of him. He waited, as the noise of thundering teenagers came closer and he got a frown on his face as he waited. Business was business and he reached inside to feel the cold heavy handle of his colt, letting it soothe his nerves a bit as he waited.

Beth was worried, and even though Josie had told her to leave it alone, she thought maybe she should tell Kip. After all, he was more like their father than their real one, and besides, Kip did a good job of taking care of them all, and Bobby needed a guy’s hand instead of nothing but girls. She had this wild idea that maybe Bobby could spend time at Kip’s trailer, and maybe the state would pay for that, it might be a way for them to get some added state welfare but Josie said it was a waste of time.

More than likely they’d wind up losing what they already get, which would only make it harder for Kip. She liked her older brother, even if he was gay, but she didn’t let on she knew, she didn’t even tell her sister Josie about that, but she knew and she felt bad for Kip. He did so much for them, and on top of all that he had to keep who he was secret. It really wasn’t fair but she couldn’t come up with anything to make it any easier, except that she might be able to get some part time work over at the diner. That would help but she’d have to talk to Kip about it first.

Thinking of Kip she wondered if maybe that guy he brought over was a boyfriend or something. He sure kept staring at Kip whenever he was in the room, and she could see exactly where his eyes were going. Funny, she never really thought about Kip being attractive but that night, she could see how that Jesse guy kept his eyes on her big brother, and it was kind of neat watching Kip too, as he snug glances when he thought no one was watching. Guess gays weren’t any different, because it was how she would look at some hot guy in school.

Josie “What are you smiling about?”

Beth “Nothing”

Josie “Are too, you dreaming about that Hanson boy again aren’t you?”

Beth “Am not, besides, he has bad breathe.”

Josie “See, I knew it, he did try to kiss you that time.”

Beth “Did not, geez, if you must know I was thinking about that friend of Kip’s.”

Josie “The one he brought over?”

Beth “Yeah.”

Josie “Isn’t he a dream? God, he is so cute, and all that long hair, its almost red in certain light, he sure was cute though.”

Beth “Yeah, wonder if Kip will bring him around again?”

Josie “He’s too old for us, Kip would shoot him then us, but he is fun to stare at.”

Beth “Yeah, he is, you see Bobby?”

Josie “Yeah, what’s eating him? He’s all locked up in his room again, thought we were over that stage.”

Beth “I don’t know, he won’t talk to me, I tried knocking, thing I should cycle over to get Kip?”

Josie “Nah, let’s leave it till supper, if he doesn’t come out for that, maybe, but Kip needs some time to himself, he’s been here a lot lately, mom sleeping?”

Beth “Yeah, those new pills really put her out, the pharmacist said it should wear off in a few weeks at best, but geez, its kind of scary.”

Josie “Yeah, you didn’t tell Kip did you?”

Beth “No, you said to wait, but geez Josie it has been like almost a week now, maybe we should?”

Josie “Not yet, let’s see if it changes any next week.”

The knock on the front screen door startled both girls who turned their head to stare out and see who was knocking. They didn’t usually get many visitors, and those they did get were the doctor, welfare people or some delivery. They weren’t expecting any deliveries, and the doctor wasn’t due till later in the week.

Josie moved over to the window in the living room and she dropped back the forever-closed drapes and started to shake a little. She could tell that Beth had noticed and she turned her head, shaking it a little as she stood back up to head towards the front door.

Josie “It’s the sheriff, now what?”

Beth “Bet it has something to do with Bobby running in, damn I knew I should have gone straight to get Kip.”

Josie “We don’t know that, let’s just wait and see first okay?”

Beth “Yeah okay”

Josie and Beth headed towards the door and opened the main door, keeping the screen door on its latch as they stared out at the tall Sheriff. He stood tall, at least an inch or so over 6 feet but his beer belly was what you first noticed about the man, that and his sort of moustache. Everyone joked about that, as it always looked like he had painted it on, which he hadn’t but he did look rather funny with it. The kids always joked about it and maybe that was why he kept it, something to make the kids less afraid though there really wasn’t much crime in this small town, least not that most people seemed overly concerned about.

Sheriff Dante Miller “Hi girls, your mother up?”

Josie “She resting”

Sheriff “Resting or sleeping?”

Beth “Sleeping, why?”

Sheriff “No reason really, uh Kip around today?”

Josie “No, he’s at his place, something wrong Sheriff?”

Sheriff “No, should there be?”

Beth “No, just you never come by unless there is, like when you came to force Kip out, so what is it this time Sheriff?”

Sheriff “Look girls, I didn’t want to do that, I argued for your brother, but sometimes, well sometimes I have to do things I don’t like, so, is Kip coming by later?”

Josie “No, he’ll be at work, you trying to see if he moved back or something?”

Sheriff “No, you notice any strange trucks or cars around the place lately? Old one’s, like maybe an old dirty blue pick up?”

Beth “No, why?”

Josie “What’s going on Sheriff?”

Sheriff “Just checking, we had a report of some stranger in an old truck, just going around to everyone, making sure they haven’t seen it, and to make sure they take care, that’s all.”

Beth “That could be why Bobby…”

Josie “Shut up Beth, no we haven’t Sheriff, but we’ll make sure to call if we do.”

Sheriff “What about Bobby? Beth?”

Beth “Nothing, he was in one of his moods, that’s all…”

Josie “Yeah, ever since Kip got forced out, he gets into these moods, good thing the new pills make Mom sleepy”

Sheriff Miller stared at Josie, and he could feel her anger at him, and in a way he didn’t really blame her, but he was doing what he was elected to do, which didn’t make it right either, but he had no choice at times. He liked the Tanner’s, except for the father, and despite him the kids never really gave him any trouble, and too bad the townsfolk weren’t so understanding. Might have made it easier for him to at least get the state welfare office to look the other way.

Trouble was, he thought Kip, or someone, should be here, least for the time being and he had no idea how he could do that, would be nice if Kip had a friend or something that could help him out, but Kip was a loner, too busy working for Boone and then that damn night club job of his. He wished he could get Kip a job elsewhere, but he understood Kips’ needs. He also understood that $200 to $400 for a nights dancing was something people like Kip couldn’t refuse, not in his circumstances.

Still, it did make him wonder a little about the tall young man, his quiet nature for the most part, and his rather singular lifestyle. He didn’t think Kip was doing much more than dancing, not like some of those girls that were out there most nights, but it wasn’t in his jurisdiction really, and so he had mostly left it up to the state patrol. Trouble was, he sure hoped Kip would eventually move on to something else, least then his own mind would rest easier.

Sheriff “Well, sure that’s all? Maybe I should talk to him?”

Josie “Don’t think he’d like that much, you aren’t exactly one of his favourite people these days.”

Sheriff “Yeah I know, well, okay, you girls make sure you keep the doors locked, and if you do see anything, you call me? Okay?”

Beth “Sure thing Sheriff, some stranger or you not telling us everything?”

Sheriff “Come on Beth, don’t get your imagination working overtime, just a stranger and you know how this town gets, so just keep the doors locked, okay?”

Josie “Sure thing Sheriff.”

Sheriff Dante Miller left and as he walked off the front stoop he turned and was sure he could see the daggers both young girls were aiming at him. They weren’t stupid either and he thought that their minds might tumble to the truth before long, which meant he should go see Kip now, before he left for work. Damn, he had been hoping to put this off, after all Kip wasn’t exactly happy with him either.

He shook his head and turned back to head to the patrol car and he realized he also had to meet with the local state trooper who was patrolling the area. They did need more patrols, but he was already stretched thin and he was starting to get concerned too, there were more cases of drugs starting to show up that had him worried. He was also pretty sure that it had something to do with the nightclub, but he just couldn’t prove it nor did he have the manpower to investigate it.

The Sheriff drove off and headed towards the outskirts, towards Kip’s trailer and he hoped he would at least not haul off and slam the door in his face like last time. He really did like Kip, and he really did wish he could have done more, but he was caught in the system. His mood didn’t get any better as he saw a small group of local teens moving up from the lake region and the back of his head ached as he recognized them. No way did he like them all together and he slowed down, making sure they knew he had seen them all. Somehow it didn’t seem to bother them anymore, which made him even more nervous as he wheeled his patrol car down the dusty road towards Kip’s trailer.

Part 2

Andy pulled the khaki slacks on and buttoned them up, looked at the crease in the leg and then he walked over to his semi-unpacked luggage to try and figure out what shirt to wear. He really wasn’t all that interested in going for lunch for the great Grant Waddington but it was easier to appease than to argue. He really didn’t feel much like having to deal with that shit today, not when he had an evening that promised to be beyond his wildest imagination.

God, he just couldn’t get enough of thinking about what was in store for him tonight. It was like a dream coming true for him, and to think it was because he walked in on a guy in the bathroom, man was he lucky or what? The idea of Jesse and him grew as he struggled with trying to find the right shirt, and he could feel that ache between his legs as his mind refused to leave the images of a naked Jesse for very long. Even the images of Bailey, paled each time he would see Jesse’s lips coming towards his mouth or his hands reaching down for him.

It really was nerve wracking too, because he just couldn’t unzip or unbutton his pants and jerk off. For starters, Bailey seemed to be constantly at his elbow, and secondly the bathroom was not a private place, even if he did hide in a cubicle. Besides, jerking off to images of Jesse deserved more than standing over some institutional porcelain bowl.

Thinking of Bailey also was making him rather nervous. What had happened last night seemed like a good idea at the time, but in the light of day, it just felt sort of cheap and tawdry really. He thought that maybe he was kind of being unfair to Bailey, making him thing that he was this cool guy who was taking pity on him, when really he was thinking about Jesse and needed his dick sucked. That kind of irked him too, because he really didn’t want to hurt Bailey, he actually did like him but did he like him that way?

That was the rub for him, at times he thought maybe he did, even last night he was kind of leaning that way but that was because he didn’t think Jesse would be interested in him other than in a business relationship, but what if that wasn’t so? What if Jesse could or might want him the way he wanted Jesse? Thinking like that and he felt all interest in Bailey rushing away and the twist in his heart made him ache, half in desire for Jesse, but half too for being a shit. He hated that guilty feeling, and he realized that it could be that he was really no better than the Grant’s of the world, using people for their own needs, not thinking about the harm they might be doing.

Well, that certainly was getting his dick to soften and he reached for the light blue polo shirt and pulled it on over his face. He was frowning as he pushed through and when his eyes opened, there was Bailey looking at him with his big sad brown puppy eyes staring at him. He felt a sudden hitch in his heart beat, and even his pulse seemed to sort of skip a little as he saw the devotion in those eyes, and he felt scared a little, knowing he hadn’t been fair or honest with Bailey.

Bailey “You okay?”

Andy “Yeah, why?”

Bailey “I don’t know, you had a frown on your face, seems like everyone around here is frowning.”

Andy “Oh? Who else is frowning?”

Bailey “Chris, that guy Grant was with, he was in the john, man was he ever frowning, it was kind of freaky really.”

Andy “Yeah? Shit, if you were hanging out with Grant Waddington all the time, wouldn’t you be frowning?”

Bailey “Haha, yeah I suppose, so what’s your excuse then?”

Andy “Gotta have lunch with him, isn’t that enough? So, come on, you ready or going to change?”

Bailey “Uh, can I go like this? I really don’t want to wear my good pair so soon, kind of like to save them for later on in the year.”

Andy “Fine with me, you look okay, well let’s go.”

Bailey “Really? I do?”

Andy “Yeah Bay, you do, now come on, I am hungry and big shot said he was paying, so order whatever your heart desires, got it?”

Bailey “Yeah right, he’ll hate me more if I do that.”

Andy “Fuck him, his loss, so make him pay, maybe then he won’t invite us anymore? Didn’t think of that did you?”

Bailey “No, haha, guess not, okay I’ll order something super expensive, satisfied?”

Andy “Haha, yeah I am, come on, let’s go.”

They drove up to the restaurant entrance, and Andy noted they had valet parking, which kind of surprised him a little. He really didn’t expect to find such extravagances in this locale, but it seemed that the prestige of the academy must make for good business. His eye travelled to the parking area and he could tell that the place definitely catered to the academy, as he could see all of the fancy new sports cars dotting the lot. Well, it was a compromise he had to get used to, this was his lot in life but it didn’t mean he had to come here often.

Walking inside was like walking into 21 at New York or something. The place was buzzing and he could see all the young customers, dressed in sports coats and some even in ties. Even he felt out of place dressed in khaki slacks and shirt, poor Bailey was already sweating, and trying to hide behind Andy. It really was quite a stuffy atmosphere, and Andy was finding it hard to move forward towards the table where Grant was seated.

He was a bit surprised to note that Chris wasn’t yet there either, and he wondered just what was the purpose behind this so called ‘get acquainted’ lunch. Grant wasn’t the type to lavish his favours on people like Bailey, and it made him a bit nervous. For a second or two he had this nervous notion that Grant knew his secret, but then he managed to shake it off, knowing it was impossible for him to know. Another reason for him to regret last night with Bailey, and he hated himself for thinking like that too.

This whole scene was exactly why he didn’t want to come to this school in the first place. There was just too much pretence and social status involved, when it shouldn’t be about how rich your folks were, but what kind of person you were. No one should have pre-conceived notions about a person simply by the clothes he could wear, car he could drive, or bank account of the old man. He cringed a little as he made his way thru the whispered comments and sideways glances and he could feel Bailey’s own discomfort as if it was his own.

Grant “Well, right on time too, welcome, come on, sit, relax.”

Andy “Thanks, looks like a busy place.”

Grant “Oh it is, specially now with school staring, so, how about a drink first? Bailey, what would you like?”

Bailey “Huh, oh uh root beer if they have it.”

Grant “Root beer? No, no, I mean a drink, vodka, rum, or wine? How about a nice wine? They have a good selection.”

Andy “Uh, don’t think so Grant, besides, we are underage.”

Grant “Oh that doesn’t matter here, they never ask for ID, come on loosen up a little, how about some wine?”

Bailey “Uh, not for me thanks, alcohol doesn’t uh, I mean…”

Andy “No thanks Grant, iced tea for me is fine.”

Grant “okay, just trying to be friendly, so one ice tea for you and a root beer for Bailey it is then.”

Bailey kept looking around at everyone, noticing all the sports coats and even some in ties and jackets. It made him feel very uncomfortable and his eyes kept glancing to Andy and Grant and then to the door, as if he was wondering if he could just run out and get away. Andy felt the same unease as the waiter brought them their drinks and Grant was being just too smooth. It was bugging Andy too, and the conversation was quite stiff.

Grant “So, Bailey, I understand you are a ‘scholarship’ student? That right?”

Bailey “Huh? Oh, uh, yeah it is.”

Grant “Well, you have to be a real brain to get one of those, bet your parents are proud of you.”

Bailey “Yes, they uh, yeah, they are.”

Grant “I suppose a scholarship doesn’t leave you much room for other things though, does it?”

Andy “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Grant “Nothing, just that I know how hard it must be for Bailey, not easy without resources, that’s all.”

Bailey “I am okay, I mean, uh, I can manage.”

Grant “I am sure you can, sorry, I just thought, being a brain, that maybe you’d be interested in taking on some tutoring clients, not everyone that has money is also smart like Andy here.”

Andy “Huh? Just what did you have in mind?”

Grant “Well I know a couple of kids here, they can use a lot of extra help, wouldn’t do for them to flunk out, and I thought maybe your room mate could help out, say two or three nights a week, helping them, that’s all. Of course they’d pay, could add up to a nice sum actually.”

Bailey “Oh? Uh, well, I could use the added money, uh, I wouldn’t know what to ask though, uh Andy?”

Andy “I don’t know, how about it Grant, you seem to have it all worked out, so?”

Grant “You know, really, I am only trying to be friendly, you sound so hostile, look Andy, I am sorry for how I sounded when we first met, it was just one of those days, come on, you aren’t going to hold that against me for the rest of the term are you?”

Andy “Well, no, of course not Grant, just that it seems, well, it is a rather wide change is all, but, fair enough, so how much can he charge?”

Grant “Okay, well, depends, can you spend say 2 or 3 hours a night?”

Bailey “Yeah, I can do that.”

Grant “Okay then, say three nights a week?

Bailey “I suppose.”

Grant “Well, don’t want to over tax your own needs, well knowing the guys I have in mind, I think you could easily get about two or three hundred a week, and before you object, I know its low, but they are friends of mine, so…”

Bailey “A week? Low? Are you serious? Two or three hundred dollars? A week?”

Grant “Yes, is that too little? I mean I know the going rate is around $30 an hour, but they would need help all term long, so I was thinking maybe $20 $25 an hour? Andy?”

Andy “Well, sounds more than reasonable to me, Bailey? If you can spare the time, it does sound like an answer for you.”

Bailey “I know, wow, I mean, uh, yeah sure I’d like that, I mean, this for real?”

Grant “Haha, yes Bailey it is, look, why don’t I get a hold of the guys, and have them come see you, or better yet, how about you guys join the big party this weekend? My treat, and you can meet them there, and set it all up? They are pretty decent sorts, what do you say? Saturday night over at the night club on the freeway turn off, 8 o’clock?”

Bailey “Really? Gee, that would be kind of neat, Andy?”

Andy looked down for a second and then stared at Grant. He had been manoeuvred into the corner very nicely, and he could see the small glint in Grant’s eyes that made him feel very nervous. Despite his own misgivings, he also saw the excited look in Bailey’s eyes and he didn’t want to ruin his chance to enjoy his time at college. If going to some fancy party was what it took, well he could at least do that for Bailey.

Andy “Well, I really don’t drink all that much, guess we could go for a little bit though, these guys going to be there?”

Grant “Oh sure, hey you can have ice tea or soda, not a problem Andy, and it’ll give Bailey here a chance to meet these guys, oh everyone really will be there, it’s the 1st party of the school term, just about everyone shows up at some time or another.”

Andy “Guess we’ll be there then.”

He hated the way Grant smiled at him and then at Bailey. It really was a neat set up; he did have to give Grant credit for that. To work through Bailey was a smart plan, put him on the defensive and what could he do, say no? Well, they’d go but he sure as hell wouldn’t stay long, just long enough to make his appearance, let Bailey meet the guys he was to tutor, work out the details and then they could head off. He was hoping he’d be able to see Jesse again but that would depend on tonight too.

Bailey it seemed was oblivious to the whole plot, and Grant made a point to be extremely friendly and charming to Bailey, yet at times, Andy was sure he could see the real Grant showing. The way his eyes would spark or he would lower his eyelids at a particular moment, as if his mask had slipped. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing up each time and Andy wasn’t fooled, but he was trapped into playing the game.

It kind of got on his nerves as the lunch progressed. He couldn’t stand the way Bailey was falling for it all either, and he could feel his anger rising as he listened to all of the bullshit that Grant was spewing. For a guy who was supposed to be smart, Bailey sure seemed like he was easily taken in. It pissed him off too, because he knew that if he didn’t go along, Bailey would be the one getting hurt so he wasn’t really sure who he was more angry with? Was it Grant for using Bailey as a way to get to him, or was it Bailey for not knowing better and letting Grant play the game? Or, maybe it was himself, for not simply being honest with Bailey in the first place?

Either way, when it came time to leave, he was almost out of the front door before Bailey could even finish thanking Grant for the lunch. He knew he was being a bit of a dick, but he just didn’t have the stomach for the phoney routine. Grant had fawned all over Bailey, and it made him sick, and for a brief moment, he wondered if Grant really did know, maybe not about him but maybe about Bailey? God, that would be a disaster if he did, and he could imagine just how Grant would use that information to keep Bailey in line.

Andy couldn’t stop thinking about all that could go wrong with his life if he didn’t find a way to get Bailey’s head out of the clouds. He was so stoked by being sought after by the likes of a Grant Waddington, Andy was sure that it would only lead to hurt feelings if he did say anything, but shit, he couldn’t let Grant get away with all this. He kept his mouth shut but the white knuckles on the steering wheel were evident of just how angry he was feeling.

He really should cool down, it wasn’t going to help things but damn it, why couldn’t he just have a life he wanted? All he wanted was to snuggle in Jesse’s arms, feel his long strawberry blond hair across his naked chest, why did he have to deal with this other shit? It just didn’t seem fair, but at least in a few short hours, he could have some of his fancy, some of his dream and Bailey would be happy, he’d be with Kip talking about gardens or stuff.

Bailey “You mad at me?”

Andy “Huh? No, why would you ask that?”

Bailey “Cause you are driving like you are mad, plus you haven’t said a word since we left the restaurant, did I do something to embarrass you? I mean, did I use the wrong fork or something?”

Andy “What? No, not like I care if you did or did not use the right fork, geez.”

Bailey “So what then? You pissed because Grant is getting me the tutoring jobs?”

Andy “Hell no, look, guess I just don’t like Grant, he bugs me for some reason, has nothing to do with you, and for the record, I am glad you are getting those tutoring jobs, it’ll be good for you.”

Bailey “Good in that I’ll be busy for at least three nights a week so you won’t have to have me tag along? That it?”

Andy “Shit, no, it isn’t that at all, fuck Bailey, why do you make out like no one wants to be around you? Haven’t I shown you that isn’t true?”

Bailey “Yeah… guess it is just, well, I don’t know, something is bugging you, I just don’t want it to be me, that’s all.”

Andy “Look, if you start to bug me, I’ll tell you, okay?”

Bailey “Yeah, but you wont, you aren’t like Grant, you aren’t a phoney always running a scam, like he does, you really care about people.”

Andy cast a quick glance at Bailey as he wheeled the car down the school’s long driveway and for a second he saw something totally different. It was almost as if he was seeing a different person than the insecure scared person he had come to associate with Bailey. It was almost as if there was a lot more to him than at first impression, and he felt a little uncertain not to mention confused.

Part 3

Kip could feel Jesse’s body next to his, and he could almost hear the soft hissing sound as he breathed out and for the most part, it felt good to have someone next to him, someone who really didn’t want anything from him or more importantly, someone who he didn’t feel like he had to perform for. That in itself was nice and as he lay there, in that state between being awake and being asleep, he wondered if Jesse was the one? Was he that special person his mom had told him about a long long time ago?

He couldn’t stop himself from wondering, trying to figure it all out at once, because it was something he knew he wanted, desired above just about anything else and that was to have someone who would care for him. It was hard, his entire teen life had been spent assuming duties that really weren’t meant for a kid to do, but he had no choice. His mother had never asked him too either, but he couldn’t stand to see her struggling to make a home for them and not help.

The pain she must endure, just to sit up in a chair at times he could only imagine, because he had never been really forced to suffer that type of pain. Sure he knew what pain was, after all he was Keith Tanner’s boy, and you didn’t live with that man for any length of time without knowing pain. Mental or physical, it didn’t matter to Keith Tanner, he was an expert at doling both out and Kip was one of his favourite targets for the few years that he was married to Kip’s mom.

His body shivered as his mind flashed it all past his eyes once more, as it always did. Kip could see the dark pubic hairs of his father’s groin as his head was being held tightly between two massive hands. His father’s long hard cock was being roughly pushed between his lips and his dad’s angry voice still echoed in his ears, calling him a pussy boy, a girl with a dick, and several other cruel and nasty words.

Kip had been caught, reading a gay magazine and instead of talking to him, his father had smacked him hard across the face, sending him reeling into the far wall of his bedroom, and then he had grabbed him by the hair, forcing him to his knees, and in a rage that scared him, that made him actually wet his pants from fear, his father undid his pants, exposing his own organ to his son’s scared eyes.

Blood had begun to drip from the corner of his mouth as his father continued to shout at him, telling him that seeing as how he liked cocks, he might as well take a man’s cock, telling him that his mother was useless as a wife, and her pussy son could fulfill her duties. He had shoved his cock deep into Kip’s mouth then, making him choke and gag on the huge thick piece of meat and despite his best efforts, he could feel the vomit rising in his throat as his father stuffed his growing cock further down the young boy’s throat.

Even now, 5 years later he still felt the pain and he could still feel and even taste the hatred that was in that room back then. Not just his father’s hatred, but also his own, at his father and also at himself for letting himself get caught. It wasn’t a real option actually, not like he had planned it, but still the image of his father’s tall figure reaching for him, the 6ft 220lb man lunging and screaming, veins in his forehead sticking out as his big huge meaty hand had swung and caught him square in the jaw and face.

The pain was just as fresh to him now as then, and he could feel the cold chill as it ran up and down his spine. He could feel the swelling organ in his throat now, just like then, and even the smell seemed to suddenly come wafting up to his nostrils and panic once more gripped at his heart, but he knew it was only a dream, a horrible dream that would soon end. His memories were too fresh and he felt his hand reaching out, touching the hot flesh of Jesse who lay peacefully sleeping next to him.

His mind turned away from Jesse and he saw the pubic hairs coming closer to him, and that smell was making him gag even more as he could taste the raw flesh being buried inside and then it happened. He still didn’t know how, but it was loud enough to even silence his father. The pressure on his head was suddenly gone and he felt the almost hard penis pull away as his father turned to face the new threat.

The sound of the gun going off had scared them both and he leaned back, shaken and frightened, tears rolling down his cheeks as he turned towards the doorway, to see his mother leaning against the door frame, his two sisters and younger brother clutching at her swollen legs and he looked into her face, seeing the fire there, seeing the pure hatred that just flew from her eyes towards his father’s face.

Kip could still hear her soft voice as she ordered her husband of almost 20 years to get out, to leave her and her children alone. He could still feel her fire as his dad tried to talk to her, but somehow, despite the pain she had to be feeling, she kept the huge weapon trained on him and it was cocked, ready to fire again and she made no bones that she would sooner pull the trigger than let him stay one second longer in their home.

It really was an amazing display of courage and he still couldn’t imagine how she had pulled it off, but somehow he never did see his father again. The divorce had made the local papers, and yet there never was a mention of the incident in the basement, where the gun shot hole was still visible, his mother refusing to let anyone fix it. She claimed it was a reminder of how stupid she had been, to ever love a man like Keith Tanner.

The fear was once more retreating from his heart, as if the gun shot had also forced it back, had shown that sometimes people could rise up and fight off the evil that surrounded them. He really didn’t know how but ever since then his whole life had changed and sure, it was tough, but he felt safer, knowing he had the unqualified love of his mother and that in itself was enough to get through the days.

Kip opened his eyes to feel the warmth of the sun across his face and he felt the pain easing a little. It usually took him a few minutes after one of his dreams but he knew it was likely to never end. He wished he could love someone like that, or have someone who would go through hell for him other than his mother. It was his dream and he had even talked about it with her, and he was surprised at how certain she was that he would one day have that person, that love in his life.

Jesse “You okay?”

He was startled by the soft whispered voice next to his ear and he lurched back a little, his memories still a bit too fresh in his mind and the fear was still there, the panic still close at hand as he turned his face to look into the questioning eyes of Jesse.

Kip “Yeah, sorry, just dreaming I guess.”

Jesse “Yeah? Can I have my hand back then?”

Kip looked to find that he had a vice hold on Jesse’s lower arm and he didn’t even realize that he had gripped it, he could see the white of Jesse’s flesh around the press of his fingers and he quickly let go, feeling awkward at the whole thing. He hadn’t a clue how or for how long he had been holding Jesse’s arm like that and it was kind of nice though, because Jesse hadn’t said a word until he knew he was awake. Maybe she was right, but if so, was he the one?

Kip “Sorry, I didn’t, I mean…”

Jesse “Hey, it’s cool, least its not broken haha.”

Kip “Thanks, I think.”

Jesse “Want to tell me about it or should I mind my own business?”

Kip “I’d rather not, do you mind?”

Jesse “No, it’s okay, this whole day, it was nice wasn’t it?”

Kip felt the pain that was suddenly in Jesse’s voice, like he seemed to know that this day was just that, it was this day and he knew it too, even though he didn’t want to admit it to himself, let alone voice it to Jesse. Why couldn’t it be though? The sex was sure as hell good, and they got along, they could feel each other’s needs, so why couldn’t it be what they both were seeking? Why?

Kip “It was more than just nice, it was exactly what I needed, and, I think what you needed too.”

Jesse “I suppose, but it was just this day, wasn’t it?”

Kip “Yeah, for now I guess it was… I wish it wasn’t though, I really do.”

Jesse “Me too… it isn’t because I want to still do Andy is it? If it is, I mean, I don’t have to trick him, really.”

Kip “I know that, but no, that isn’t it, least not all of it, maybe part of it is, but come on, the money is good, and hell, you deserve that too, you like him though, don’t you?”

Jesse “Huh? Andy? Shit, I don’t know, maybe a little, shit I don’t know what I want anymore, I mean, I kind of was hoping, well…”

Kip “Me too, guess it just wasn’t meant for us to be like that, doesn’t mean we can’t be the best of friends, does it?”

Jesse was leaning on his elbow and staring at Kip. His one hand was lightly touching him, feeling his skin as they talked and despite the words, he still felt this fire deep inside of him, for Kip and all that he had suddenly began to mean to him. He couldn’t explain it but it was as if they were actually getting closer to each other and yet he felt a pain inside, of wanting to hold and caress Kip but he knew it wasn’t right, not for beyond this time.

Jesse “I don’t think I could handle not being friends, I mean, I know after today, we’ll probably never be like this, and I suppose I can accept that, but not being next to you, as a friend, no I don’t think I could handle that Kip, I really don’t.”

Kip could feel the depth of emotion that Jesse was feeling, as he too was feeling the same waves of sadness and yet closeness that he just couldn’t explain. He too had wanted this to be more than just a romp in bed, but his heart and soul knew that it wouldn’t work, that it wouldn’t last and that if they went beyond today, it would damage something just as precious as two hearts joining in bonds of love, it would damage a true friendship.

At least, if he couldn’t have Jesse as a lover, he could have him as a friend, and maybe he needed that a bit more right now than he needed a lover. He also could tell that Jesse did have feelings for Andy, and maybe that would work out. Maybe Andy and Jesse were meant to be together, and he was meant to be the one who supported Jesse, who gave him that push when he needed it, and that really wasn’t so bad, was it?

He felt the fires inside, and he knew they still had one piece of unfinished business to take care of, and he could feel the excitement growing inside as he turned so that his own body was facing Jesse’s. He saw the pain in his friend’s face as he reached out with his own hand and lightly touched the soft warm face, wiping away the one small tear that was rolling down and he looked deeply into Jesse’s eyes, willing him to reach out, to reach forward.

Jesse “Kip, I… it isn’t…”

Kip “Yeah, it is right, for now, for this day it is right Jess, I can’t explain it, but it is right.”

Jesse “Yeah, it is.”

Jesse reached out and he took Kip’s hand, that was on his face and he brought it around to his lips, where he kissed the back of the hand and then he moved it down, to let it rest lightly on the beating part of his chest, where his heart was thundering and he could feel Kip’s own heart racing as it roared to catch up to his. He smiled as he moved the hand slowly down his quivering chest, letting Kip’s fingers touch him all over, letting him feel the friendship that was flowing in his veins and he knew that it flowed as hotly inside of Kip’s own body.

Kip could feel the fire burning within Jesse’s heart, and he could feel his sorrow too, and he knew they were both kindred spirits, thrown together out of their own need to feel the love, the wild passion that had laid buried for so long or dampened by the world’s lack of understanding. They may not be destined to be the next Romeo & Juliet of the gay world, but they maybe were destined to be great friends and that gladded his heart as he felt his hand move down the shaking body, feeling the trembling muscles as they shook to his light touch.

He felt the connection as Jesse slowly guided his hand downwards, until it brushed past the thick manly growth of pubic hairs. Kip’s hand stayed a few seconds longer, lingering to touch and play with the wiry hairs, feeling them sway under his touch, feeling them tingle as his fingers passed over and in turn, his own heart began to thunder, began to roar as it felt the passion ignite once more deep in his soul.

For a few seconds, Jesse felt strange as he guided Kip’s willing hand down his short frame, feeling his muscle twist and tremble to the soft touch of a man’s hand that actually wanted him, but not for his body, but for what he was inside and the pain that was ever present felt lighter, no longer a heavy burden and he knew that with Kip at his side, he could maybe have a chance at what they both so desperately wanted. Jesse could feel his heart as it reached out and he moved his face forward, letting his own warm mouth brush lightly against Kip’s waiting lips.

The jolt of fire passed thru them like hot steel thru butter and yet they weren’t shocked or even swayed from what they knew was to come. Both of them sat back for an instant, their eyes sparkling as their mouths once more resumed to join them together. The bolts of lightning flashed through and around them both as they pressed harder, feeling the desire now as it rolled into their young bodies and their souls slowly began to feel the joy of their passions, as it came flooding inwards.

No more were they alone or empty, the hollow of their existence was being filled by something warm and tender and they no longer felt the emptiness of despair as their mouths crushed hard into each other. Jesse’s tongue flicked out and pressed hard against Kip’s mouth and suddenly the lips parted, letting him inside and he shook as his tongue touched and felt the raspy tip of Kip’s own probing fleshy tongue.

They locked lips as they used to say when they were 14 or 15 and this time it held meaning for them. It was more like they were together, that their union wasn’t something to be lightly tampered with and the taste of each other rolled down their throats and filled their empty stomachs with the burning desires of their passion and their needs. Together they stayed close, kissing and feeling all the wonderful emotions that a true friendship and kinship could ignite.

Every part of his body tingled with a strange excitement, not a fierce fire but more like a roaring inferno that steadily marched onwards, consuming all that stood in its path and yet he held no fear of it, for it was what he wanted and he felt his hand reaching down, touching the hard thick pole that jutted out from between Jesse’s legs and as his hand moved softly all down and up the throbbing shaft, he felt his heart murmuring to him and reaching out to whisper softly into Jesse’s own ears and heart.

He could feel his own fears of a future empty and alone depart from his body as his hand lovingly caressed the throbbing cock and with each soft touch he could feel the pulse of Jesse’s heart echo deep within his own soul. This was his friend, the one who would stand with him and suddenly the future didn’t look bleak or hopeless, but it held meaning to him as his fingers began to wrap around the thick pole, slowly, finger by finger it wrapped around the living organ, the trembling pole that held a small measure of what they had for each other.

Jesse began to tremble as he felt Kip’s hand slowly wrapping around his 1 ¾ inch thick cock and he opened his eyes, to see the stars shining and yet he knew it was only afternoon. He stared into Kip’s own liquid pools of shimmering heavenly bodies and he felt the desire only grow stronger inside of him, the need to reach out and fill Kip with his own love, to share with him what Kip had shared with him earlier. He shook as he felt the strong bond of their friendship suddenly blossom and fill the room with its power and he realized that what he had felt before was love, but the love of a true friend and not a lover.

The thought brought a tear to his face, but it also brought joy to his heart because he knew that it was right, that it was meant for them to be friends and not lovers and that with Kip, he would have a chance at much more, that the world no longer was all against him, because he now knew that there was at least one safe harbour, one safe port and that was worth its weight in gold. His body shook as he reached upwards, to take hold of the thin plastic condom and bring it down, to place the thin dark coloured package into the waiting hand of Kip.

The press of the condom into the palm of his open hand wasn’t as he expected, instead it only made him tingle more, shake more as he watched his hand shake and his body quiver. The excitement was making his own 8 inch cock drip and he felt like a schoolboy for a second, and then he saw the love and trust that was in Jesse’s eyes and he smiled, feeling the peace that was slowly filling his soul. His nervousness suddenly past and with a new found strength, he tenderly began to unroll the condom down Jesse’s throbbing cock. All 7 inches of it shook as his hand rested lightly on the dripping swollen cock head and before he started to unroll it, he looked once more into Jesse’s warm eyes.

Just as if the ocean itself was there, he watched Jesse’s sea green eyes turn shade and grow dark and then light, changing in the mere blink of an eye, and yet just as the sea itself was turbulent, he could see that his touch slowly was containing the wildness of the oceans itself. He felt the calm as Jesse’s heart thundered at a steady even pace, growing faster as his hand gently slid the thin plastic down the long pole, and yet he could feel the fires, steadily roaring, coming closer and closer to breaking free, and still he felt the calm.

Kip’s fingers pressed down harder now, his tips digging into the warm belly and wiry pubic hairs as the condom was totally unrolled and yet he didn’t want to let his hand leave. Not yet, anyways, and he let his fingers twirl the small almost red hairs around, wrapping them between his fingers as his soul slowly started to dance. The fires inside of him grew hotter and he glanced back up, towards the smiling face of his friend and Kip could feel Jesse’s desire rising in time to his own and he knew that it was time.

His hands left the hot steaming flesh and he let himself fall onto his back, prone now on the bed, his eyes staring up at the flaking paint on the ceiling, as he waited for Jesse. His heart quickened and he could feel the sweat beginning to form on his forehead as the bed squeaked and moved all around him as Jesse moved over.

Two strong hands ran down his chest, and he opened his eyes to see Jesse’s face above him and he watched as Jesse’s hands moved down his lanky tall frame. He felt the power in those hands but he also felt the love, and he sighed as Jesse’s hand moved down, ignoring the hot burning region of his groin and it moved down to gently press all along his legs. His muscles shook as Jesse’s hands caressed his legs and then slowly moved underneath, to press the hot flesh of his legs that rested on the bed.

The touch of his hands made his legs jump and he felt his muscles forcing his legs upwards a bit, no longer laying flat on the bed and now the hands moved and gripped him harder, pressing against the calf muscles and then up towards his knees which moved up so that now his legs were up and off the bed, the flat of his feet resting firmly on the mattress and all he could do was sigh and moan softly, knowing that soon he would feel the passion of their friendship ignite the fires inside of him.

Jesse’s hand rested in the hollow of the back of both of Kip’s knees and he could feel his heart stuttering as the immense power of his feelings began to overwhelm him. Tears of joy were rolling down his cheeks already as he stared down at the dripping hard cock that pointed at him. He could feel its heat even this far back and yet nothing looked more beautiful to him than the solid throbbing pole that was waiting. For a second he wished he could once more ride it, once more feel the enormous power of that 8 inch long monster of hidden passion but he knew that Kip needed to have the same memory, the same warmth that Kip had so lovingly given him earlier.

His fingers tightened on the legs, moving closer now and he shifted his body so it was now in between Kips’ open legs. Once more his eyes stared down at the waiting body, and it was almost as if he could see the reach of Kips’ soul, the very hands of his spirit as they reached up towards his own heart and the racing engine of his very being only roared harder and pounded faster against the thin fabric of his mortal body. His flesh grew hot and the sweat of his desire began to form steady streams as his fingers dug into the wet flesh of Kips’ thighs and in one motion, one heave, he felt the two legs on either side him swing upwards.

As the legs rose Jesse moved in closer and with his hands he placed both long limbs on his shoulders and then dropped his hands fast, so that his body now leaned far over Kip’s own trembling body. The palms of his hands were planted firmly on either side of Kips’ own shaking shoulders and his face now loomed over Kips and he stared down into the waiting face, feeling the love reaching up for him.

He moved his own short frame upwards, feeling the hard press of his own cock as it moved up and the tip of Kip’s hard cock now rested on his belly, heavy sticky gobs of pre cum smeared across the hot flesh and he felt himself groan a little as the fires inside began to burn hotter and brighter. His heart now roared so loudly it was deafening to him and was all he could hear. Not even the harsh gasping sounds of his lungs struggling for air could penetrate the hard thundering roar that echoed in his ears and his eyes became glazed, no longer his to command and instead he could feel Kips will, Kip’s desire as it slowly began to take over.

Jesse slowly moved his body upwards, until he felt the dripping tip of his own 7-½ inch cock slide into the warm moist trembling valley of Kips’ cheeks. The touch of his own throbbing organ surrounded by the quivering flesh made him flinch, his whole body seemed to just twitch and shake and he felt Kip’s warm wet cock head grudgingly slide along the shaking flesh of his stomach as his body came closer to Kip’s own waiting body.

His eyes flickered and he felt the deep penetrating love that Kip had for him come flooding into his body, not just through his own eyes, but also through every pore in his body. He felt the desire and passion flooding in from the very tip of his cock, and more than that he could feel that very same passion rumbling through Kip’s own fiery and steamy cock. His flesh was melting as he felt the deep love oozing across his belly and for the first time in ages, he actually believed that there was someone for him, for Jesse McKnight and not just for his dick or his young smooth body, but for him, the whole package and it made his heart sing.

He felt the warmth filling him, chasing away all of the dark thoughts and memories and as he stared down once more into Kip’s soft warm face, he felt the love and as he did, he saw Kip reach up towards him, both of his hands now resting lightly on his trembling chest and their eyes locked and slowly Jesse lowered his head, bringing his soft lips down to brush up against Kip’s. As he did he felt his buttocks squeezing together and as his body came down, he slowly pushed down with his hips, the hard throbbing pole slowly forcing its way past the silent quivering sentinel of Kip’s inner sanctum.

Jesse felt the fire leaping up inside as his lips touched Kip’s, and as Kip’s tongue licked out and began to press pass his lips, his one hand moved down the shaking heaving chest and down between their two bodies to grab hold of his own throbbing pole. He had it wedged in with half of the cock head already pressing past Kip’s sphincter muscle and he slowly pushed inwards, the heat burning the tips of his fingers as his hand moved away to once more provide support for his shaking body. The rush of passion was making him dizzy even as he continued to slowly press down, gradually forcing Kips’ rear to open wider.

The muscles inside protested feebly as Jesse’s hard thick cock slowly began to press inwards. His guardian of his inner secret, of the secret passage to his soul and spirit tested and then slowly began to grant entry to the long thick probing intruder, only it didn’t feel like an intruder, instead it felt to Kip like it belonged there, like it was the one missing piece to his entire life and so he began to welcome its arrival. His muscles inside grew hard and wrapped around the throbbing pole, hugging it close as if it was a long last relative returning from afar.

He felt the sudden release as all of Jesse’s cock head was now buried within his body and wave after wave of pure pleasure suddenly began to roam through his whole body. Kip felt the joy of his own soul suddenly released and his spirit soared high and burst free of its mortal shackles. The room began to spin for him as his head rolled from side to side as he let Jesse slowly fill him with his tender love and with his passion. His heart ached as his body suddenly trembled and then shook and then twitched. The muscles reacting to the loving touch of Jesse’s love and friendship and he felt the hard slap of his balls up against his own cock and the smile grew wider on his face.

Nothing in his past had prepared him for the strange and wonderful feelings that now controlled his spirit. He could feel it singing and dancing above as it reached out and took hold of Jesse’s own bubbling spirit and together they danced above the two trembling bodies. The pain in his groin grew harder and he could feel his body shake as the long thick pole continued it slow steady march inwards. Continued to dig deep into his body to reach for and to touch the deepest part of his body and to let his soul know that it was not alone in the world.

As Jesse’s cock bore inwards, his mind grew blank as his heart took over, and he could hear the thundering roar of his own desire meet that of Jesse’s desires and together they boomed outwards, filling the room with their new found existence. Together the room shook as Kip’s body exploded quickly and fast. His long thick 8 inch penis began to slowly tremble and rumble as the coming explosion gathered power from deep within Kip’s body.

He could feel the steady march of his milk as it emptied from his balls and he couldn’t stop it, even if he had wanted to, instead he reached up and around with both of his long strong arms and he gathered the shaking body of Jesse into them and he pulled down, bringing Jesse’s face even closer, the press of their lips grew hot and hard and his tongue rammed inside, pushing past the resistance and as it began to drink deeply of Jesse’s mouth, his cock reared back and suddenly it raced forward, searing Jesse’s flesh with its fire and the stream of his love came flooding out as his tongue licked deeply in the back of Jesse’s mouth.

Jesse choked a little as the thick fleshy tongue suddenly arched inwards and he felt his whole body tremble as long hard waves of passion flowed within his body. His blood began to boil in its own desire and his breathing was already short and laboured as he felt his body pulled down tightly. The hot sticky grip of Kip’s arms held him tight as he felt the rolling thunder coming closer and closer and his body shook as the first stream of love hit him hard in the lower chest and began its inexorable drive up his trembling body.

The hot bullets of Kip’s love splattered all across the heaving, panting chest of Jesse and with each strike, Kip could feel a shudder race through Jesse’s entire body. His arms tighten as he drew Jesse in even tighter, holding him and covering him with his own sweaty body as his body continued its long hard explosion against Jesse’s body. There was nothing in his past that could come close the wondrous feelings that filled his body as he felt the force of his explosion and the deep power of Jesse’s own body filling him. IT was like being in heaven and he knew that there, he would be safe and the smile only grew across his face as his body screamed for more and his voice shattered the sound barrier with its own strident shriek of joy.

Jesse could barely hear Kip’s cries of passion as his entire body shook to the hard strike of Kip’s love. The hot splashes only driving him to push in slower, and he could feel the balls shaking as they came closer, the tiny hairs that covered his sac now stood on end, and as the tips came into contact with the fine blond strands of Kip’s buttocks, he felt the deep power of love wash through his whole body. His legs twitched and shook and the muscles coiled up even tighter as the waves of love filled him with their glowing warmth and the fires inside were suddenly unleashed.

He cried now, tears rolling down his face as his body moved in further and he felt the deep love reaching for and finding his heart. The huge thundering power of that love only added to his own desires and passions and he felt it reaching for him, holding him tightly in its grip and the cold embrace of society and its narrow views no longer troubled him. The miserly affections of a family who had turned its back on him no longer haunted him as he felt Kip’s over powering love fill him and chase all the fears away. He no longer stood alone against the assault of ignorant vocal minority as his body finally came to rest deep inside of Kips’ exploding body.

Jesse felt the power now as his own cock began to shake and quiver while it was deep inside of Kip. He could feel the blood flowing around inside, as it warmed and coated his own throbbing organ through the pale thin flesh of Kip’s muscles and insides. The soft lining was wrapped fully around his shaking penis and it held it close, letting the distant thrum of Kips’ heart reach out and join the hard throb that flowed through the long thick pole.

As the head of his cock touched the very soul of Kip, he felt the love Kip had for his family roll across him, and he felt the same deep unyielding love for him suddenly grab hold of his thick throbbing cock and grasp it firmly in its grip. He could actually feel it as it held him tight and squeezed him, and in that instant he knew that Kip was right, he needed this now as did Kip and that together they had secured a bond of friendship that no man could ever sever. It was a bond stronger than steel and yet as pliable as elastic, and he knew that they would always have this time, this moment to help lighten the burden, to help ease the burden of life and he felt himself shuddering as his balls slung upwards, pressing hard into the root of his cock and his eyes flickered as the love of a true friend was now forged in an unbreakable bond.

The hot milk came flooding out and back down his shaking cock as the thin plastic sheath barely held itself together. The force of his explosion rivalled any nuclear bomb burst as the two souls were now joined forever and his spirit was free, no longer bond or chained by guilt or despair and with Kip’s own uncompromising spirit, he felt the weight of the world roll off his shoulders, no longer a burden he was forced to carry alone as his body shuddered, shook, and simply melted into Kip’s.

His own cream came flooding back, coating the still shaking and jerking cock that had reached deep inside and which now filled Kip’s soul with its love and hope and power. Together a bond that would be unbreakable now joined them, and still their young bodies shook as their physical love exploded and filled them both with its warmth and tenderness. Kip felt his legs go numb and he could no longer feel his lips pressed against Jesse’s as the force of first his explosion and then Jesse’s had ripped them apart.

Their loud cries filled the room as they shook to the violence of their explosion and yet they felt nothing but a deep tender warmth for each other. Jesse could feel the joy as it swept across his trembling body and he no longer had the strength to stay upright, his body collapsed on top of Kip’s own heaving frame and yet it was as it was meant to be. Their chests rose and fell together, as both struggled for air and as Jesse’s cock slowly stopped its jerking, stopped its wild explosion of love, they slowly felt the easing inside, the gradual slowing of their racing hearts.

Kip felt the soft wet touch of tears from Jesse’s face and each drop made his heart sing and feel warm, as he knew that Jesse was crying for him, for them. It was more than any lover could give him and he knew that it was right, that they have this day together and that from it, he would never feel alone again. The pain in his heart eased as his arms struggled to hold onto Jesse’s heaving body but all of his energy was gone and yet somehow, he managed to keep his long arms around the shuddering body of his friend.

They lay there; their breathing slowly returning to normal and Kips’ legs now stretched out on the bed, and in between his still quivering legs, lay Jesse. His warm breath wafted gently across Kips chest and it cooled the stilled pools of sweat that had run unheeded down both boys’ bodies.

No words were needed between them as the passion cooled but remained waiting for the next summons. Both knew that when needed it would come, not in this manner but it would never be far away and they would always have this to draw on. Their bodies were spent, totally exhausted by the love they had for each other and together they lay on the bed, letting a restful sleep overtake them both, letting them both have the sleep of someone no longer haunted by the past.

Part 4

The dirt encrusted pick up truck moved slowly down the small street, slowly moving along as if it was looking for a specific address and was in unfamiliar territory but that was only how it looked. The driver knew exactly where he was and he kept his eyes open, keeping a close eye on his rear view mirror, making sure no one was watching him as he drove slowly down the street.

His eyes were dark and anyone who looked into them would step back out of fear from the burning hatred that filled them. There may have been colour to them once, but now nothing but blackness reigned supreme within just as it did where once beat a heart. Now all that was there was a mere organ that pumped blood through a chain of arteries and veins, no wisdom, no emotion was left inside and it just beat, slow and steady, just as the truck drove slowly down the street.

Off in the distance the driver spotted his quarry and he gave the old truck gas and made it speed up until it pulled up level to the 20 year old young man. The kid was solidly built, and he could definitely take care of himself, or so the driver thought as he stared at him. A slight curl to his lip as he waited for the 5ft 11in young man to come up to the driver’s window.

They looked into each other’s eyes and both of them were satisfied with what they had seen. The young man reached into the insides of his jacket, and the driver of the truck felt his own hand tighten on the butt of the gun that rested on his lap. His fingers were reaching for the trigger as he stared at the young man, sure that the kid wasn’t going to pull anything but not taking the chance. He just waited, his finger aching to circle and hold the long dark metallic trigger.

The kid pulled out a small envelop and offered it to the truck driver, his eyes swivelling around, making sure no one was watching and yet he still kept a guarded eye on the driver, not willing to relinquish the envelop quite yet.

Kid “You got the money?”

Driver “Yeah, you got all I asked for?”

Kid “It’s all here.”

Driver “Okay”

The driver let his hand leave the cold weapon and he handed over his own envelop to the kid, taking the offered one in his other hand, the trade almost simultaneous. He gave a thin smile and then gunned the truck a little, his foot still on the brake and he looked once more as the young man stepped away from the door and he gave him a thin smile and then drove off.

The young man watched the truck disappear down the road and he relaxed, letting his hand go back to his pocket where his fingers played lightly with the long barrel of the gun that he had there. His heart stopped its racing and he smiled, as he opened the envelope to count and make sure he hadn’t been ripped off.

Counting the bill, he felt another smile crossing his face as every penny was there, but then he knew it would be, just as Jimmy had said it would be. He really didn’t like these deals, but it at least paid well and he continued along with his walk, wondering why the driver in the truck wanted a map and layout of Kip’s trailer and family home.

He really didn’t care why, but he was curious and he knew one thing, whatever the reason was, it most likely wasn’t good. He thought that maybe Kip had been fucking around with some broad, and the mean ugly dude in the truck was her old man, but then, he really never did see Kip with any chicks, he was such a loner.

The young man shrugged his shoulders and continued along his way, no longer interested in the man in the truck or even in Kip and what kind of trouble he may have gotten into, it was none of his business, at least not until someone was willing to fork over some cold hard cash, then it might be, but for now, he just didn’t care.