Chapter 10 (conclussion)
Chapter 10
Monday April 10th
6:45 p.m. P.S.T.
The small cough was almost like a cannon shot in the living room and everyone had turned to stare at the tall gangly youth nervously standing in the alcove. Jason McHenry could see the terror in the boy’s face and it made him feel ashamed, because he had never intended for anyone else to hear his argument; and even though he had a thousand questions still burning inside of him, he also was feeling guilty for putting his own son to this type of inquisition. Christ, he should be proud of his boy; and if the fight had been about a black kid being picked on would he be here yelling at his own son, or would he instead be patting him on the back?
The realization that his actions were less than honourable shook him deeply as he saw the pained hurt in his own son’s face; but he also saw it in the boy who had interrupted them and that made him sit back and question himself even more. Could he really be a closet case bigot or was he simply letting his own past cloud his judgement? Jason McHenry glanced for a mere instant at his wife and he noticed the small worry lines around her own eyes, the way her lips with almost white despite the lipstick coating; and for the first time since his arrival home, he realized that his wife was near tears and he knew it wasn’t from the fight either, as she had no knowledge of it. He grew sombre as he turned to face Justin.
Jason “Is there something we can help you with son?”
Justin “Uh, sorry Sir, uh, Tyler?”
Tyler could see the hesitation in Justin’s face and there was something else there too, sort of a pained expression but also one that wasn’t so easy to figure out; sort of like Justin was starting to come out of a fog or something, like maybe he was starting to see things in a whole new way and he wasn’t so sure if that was good or bad.
Tyler “What’s up Justin?”
Justin “Uh, well, uh, that gash on Zack’s face, uh, it still won’t stop bleeding and well, he’s getting kind of dizzy. Uh, he may need a doctor or something.”
The mention of the name almost made Jason McHenry scream, but somehow he held himself under control, not willing to make any more of a spectacle of himself in front of this boy; and yet he could tell, by the way the boy shuffled and looked that he had heard it all, that Tyler’s friends downstairs, including that Zack, had heard his anger and his tirade and a feeling of shame seem to well up inside as he kept his voice flat and calm, a lie as to how he was really feeling inside.
Jason “Zack? Is this the same Zack you had the fight about Tyler?”
Tyler “Yes Sir.”
Emily “Never mind that now Jason, you said that he is still bleeding? How, I mean, Jason?”
Jason “Where is he bleeding from?”
Justin “He got a gash on the side of his face, it looks pretty bad.”
Jason “How did he, I thought this was just a fist fight, Tyler?”
Tyler “Brian took the boots to him after he sucker punched him. It did look gross but we put a shirt over it, looked like it was stopping.”
Emily “Oh dear, why didn’t you, well never mind. Tyler you go bring your friend up here, I’ll see what we can do. Jason, maybe you should call the boy’s parents? Justin, Tyler, do you know his last name?”
Justin “Uh, Trailer I think Ma’am. He lives not far from here actually. Uh I should go help, he’s kind of dizzy.”
Jason “Bring him into the kitchen boys, we can uh, Emily?”
Emily “Yes, I’ll get some warm water. Go on, both of you now.”
The two boys left rather hurriedly, Justin just happy it seemed to get away from any further questions; or maybe it was just that he didn’t want to be around and outraged father? Jason McHenry watched his back as he followed his son down the hallway and he felt that same tingling of pride that he usually felt when he saw his son and he wondered what it was that had set him off so hotly? Could he really be worried that Tyler was gay; and okay, say he was, why should that change how he felt about the boy. After all nothing else had changed about him, he was still the same kid, so why did it matter to him?
He looked at his wife who was wringing her hands and he could see the worry written all over her face. It wasn’t easy being married to him and he felt so sad for all he had put her through, the way he had insisted on how they would always have to chat people up when going out, turning social evenings into business. He felt the regrets rising up inside, knowing that if he had only taken the opportunities he had when he was Tyler’s age; and as he thought about that, he realized that he was making the same mistakes all over again and he felt the shame growing inside.
Jason “He’s a good boy Emily, you raised him so well.”
Emily stared at her husband and for the first time since he had come charging into the house like a bull elephant in heat, she was able to recognize the man that she had married so long ago. Her heart swelled up with pride and she smiled, knowing how much it was costing him to face the possibility that they would be in for a rough time of things, all because they had taught their son right, and that was worth it.
Emily “You had a part in it too Jason, he is your son too.”
Jason “I know Emily, but you taught him the values. I just tossed the football with him. He’s so young and yet, he isn’t a child anymore, is he?”
Emily “No, he’s not a child, but he’s on the right track… come on, you see if you can find a Trailer in the school directory I have by the phone, Jason… this is serious isn’t it? I mean, what it could mean for Tyler’s college chances?”
Jason “Could be, and if this boy is hurt badly, well, it could get ugly Emily.”
The sound of a thin reed like voice protesting and slurred in texture intruded and they both looked at each and then moved to get on with what was needed. Emily McHenry bustled into the kitchen and turned on the hot water tap, reaching for a bowl from under the counter then tossing in some towels that were clean. She felt unsure of what to do next when the boys entered the kitchen. Tyler and Justin had a thin boy between them, his face was all puffed and purple looking except for one part, it was a deep bright red and was dripping down the side. A third young boy was holding a towel or something under it, and she felt the panic at seeing so much blood.
Jason McHenry was flipping towards the back of the directory when they came into the kitchen and he felt his heart almost stop as he saw the face of the young boy. You could just see his pain; it was written all over his battered face and the way his eye was swollen already, Jason knew that he had taken more than a punch to the face. Damn it, didn’t kids know how dangerous all this was; and then he let his anger cool because he saw the look on his son’s face, and he knew that Tyler was worried, and so was as he as he ran his finger down the page, looking for a listing for ‘Trailer.’
Emily “Put him over here, one of you pull out that chair. That’s it, now easy boys.”
It was strange but Tyler was surprised at the surprising calm voice of his mother as she directed them on how to place Zack. She normally was the worrying type, always looking like she was about to jump off a cliff or something but here she was, totally calm and in control too. He had seen her face go ashen white as they walked into the kitchen and he had to admit, Zack didn’t look good; but it was just the dried blood, least he hoped that was all it was.
He watched as his mom rinsed the towel and wrung it out and gently patted on the face of his friend, and he could see him wince with the pain as the warm water touched his face. He was squirming a bit and he saw how Casey held him back in the chair, his hands resting firmly on Zack’s shoulder. He knew how hard it was for all of them to stand there and see all that gore, worse than any horror flick not because it was real, well partly, but mainly because it was someone they knew.
Tyler saw his father dialling and he guessed that he had found Zack’s number listed and he could hear the same voice speaking now. It was kind of weird really, because it was the same person who had come storming into the house and had been yelling at him; and yet now, he was soft spoken, being very calm and matter of fact as he tried not to panic whoever it was that had answered at Zack’s place.
The sound of the doorbell made them all jump a little and he saw his father turn towards his wife and then over at him. With a gesture of his head he indicated that Tyler was to go get the door but just as he was about to leave, Zack started to retch and his mother signalled for him to reach for the bucket that she kept under the sink. She was holding his face, trying to wipe it and at the same time, talking to him, telling Zack it would be okay.
Justin “I can go if you want.”
Tyler “Thanks.”
Carl Reese saw the car pull into the driveway and he reached for his night binoculars that he kept in the glove box. He quickly jotted down the license plate number and then a short brief description of the driver until he realized it was that lawyer fella, the one who worked with kids, so he scratched out the description and wrote his name down and the time.
He wondered why a child lawyer would be at the McHenry home and then he realized that the kid he was watching was there too. Maybe the McHenry’s knew Tim and had called him in? Now that would certainly complicate Neil’s case, or would it? Carl still wasn’t too sure about all that was going on but if the kid did manage to get his own lawyer, well maybe he could do something about his situation. Maybe it also meant that he wouldn’t get snookered by some creep like this Paul.
Carl picked up his cell and thought about dialling the number on the card, squinting a little in the bad light of dusk. Maybe it wasn’t anything but he thought he should at least let Neil know that there was another lawyer around. Christ he sure hoped Tim wasn’t working for the other side, that would really be a pain; but from what he knew of Tim Withers, he didn’t handle adult cases, he only represented kids. Glancing up at the house, he saw the door open and a young face appeared in the light and he put his phone down. The face was familiar and he glanced down at the large glossy photo on the seat and he knew that it was Justin Patterson. Well, this was indeed different and something inside began to tick, his police instincts or something, but it wasn’t natural for someone other than a resident of the house to answer the door, unless something was wrong.
He felt the hairs on the back of his head standing on edge, and he rubbed his chin as he held the phone again in the paw of his hand. Something just wasn’t right, why would the Patterson boy be answering the front door, and to Tim Withers no less? It just didn’t feel right and he sat upright now, debating on whether to call Neil or to wait a bit longer, to see if anything else developed.
Tim stood by the closed door, waiting for the return of the boy who had answered or maybe Jason or Emily. He was a bit surprised that some strange boy would be answering their door but he kind of liked the kid. He didn’t just let him in, and he did close the door while he went to check to see if it was okay to let him in, which not many kids did these days, they just let anyone in, and he knew all too well how that turned out sometimes. He shuddered a bit as he just couldn’t shake the angry feelings he had tonight, and he was really scared of what the consequences were going to be for his two clients from today.
Justin “Uh, sorry, the McHenry’s said to come on in, they are in the kitchen.”
Tim “Okay, and don’t be sorry, uh?”
Justin “Justin, Justin Patterson.”
“Tim “Hi Justin, and like I said, don’t be sorry. You did what I wish most people would do.”
Justin “Thanks. Uh, you’re that lawyer aren’t you? The one Tyler told me about.”
Tim “Oh? Uh, yes, I think, what did Tyler tell you?”
Justin “You’re, uh, some sort of kid lawyer or something.”
Tim “Yes, I represent minors who need to have their side heard, or to at least help make sure they have a chance to have their side heard. Doesn’t always work out, but…”
Justin “Yeah, too many adults making the decisions.”
Tim “I suppose. Uh, what’s going on, is that blood on your shirt?”
Justin “Huh? Oh, guess so. Uh, a friend got into a fight, uh, it looks gory.”
Tim turned his head as they came into the kitchen and Justin’s words were an understatement if anything. He saw the bloodied face on the kitchen chair and he could hear Jason talking to someone on the phone, giving them directions to his place and the expression was one of, well it just wasn’t how he was used to seeing Jason McHenry, his high school friend.
Emily also looked different than normal; and if anything, she certainly didn’t look or act like the frazzled out of her wits person that she had sounded like when insisting on him showing up tonight. He had thought it was something about Tyler or maybe about her and Jason; but now he didn’t know what to think. There was a puddle of blood on the floor as well as several bloodied towels and he realized that they needed to get the kid to a hospital.
Tim “Uh, don’t know what I am walking into, but that boy needs to get to a hospital, Jason, Emily?”
Emily “Oh dear, but his parents are on the way, Jason?”
Jason “I don’t know, they aren’t far; but Tim, you really think we should not wait?”
Tim Withers had seen many kids with cuts and bruises and worse, and he had become an expert on what needed attention and what didn’t and the fact that the wound was still bleeding spelled trouble to him. God, to think that it was bad enough what some adults did to kids, now even the kids were doing it to each other; and once more he felt the revulsion towards life and he sighed as he could see the look on the young boy’s face. He was definitely starting to go into shock, and it was serious.
Tim “Yeah, uh Tyler, get a blanket will you. Uh son, what’s the boy’s name? You feeling cold?”
Zack “Kind of, I guess, I threw up a couple of times.”
Tim “Uh huh, when did all this happen?”
Casey “After school, couple of hours ago I guess”
Justin “His name is Zack.”
Tyler “Here’s the blanket. Uh, sorry mom, I grabbed that one of mine you had on the dryer.”
Tyler reached down and tucked the blanket around Zack and he looked down into his face, smelling that sweet scent of blood, and he could feel his stomach gurgling and the vomit rising up in his throat; but he also saw the way Zack was looking at him. He could see the trust in the eyes, could almost feel it too as if it was real, and instead of running to throw up, he swallowed the rising bile and managed to smile at Zack. He reached out and ran the back of his hand down Zack’s cold face and told him it was okay, that they’d take care of him and not to worry.
Tim watched the way Tyler covered Zack up and he heard the softly spoken words of comfort and he felt a sort of ache inside, wishing for one of the few times in his life that he had a child, and he felt envious of Jason and Emily. They had a fine young man, and he felt a bit less angry; and, maybe, just a bit more hopeful because if there were more Tyler’s in the world, well maybe things could improve, maybe.
Emily “That’s okay, uh, go grab some clean towels from the closet. Jason I think Tim is right, we should get him over to the clinic on 9th, it’s only a few blocks.”
Jason “Okay, uh, I’ll need some help here. Uh, Tim you behind me or?”
Tim “Behind, we can take my car.”
Jason “Okay, uh boys, Justin, right? You and Tyler here take Zack’s legs and I’ll take his head. Uh you, son, you keep holding the towel against his face and neck, okay?”
Emily “Let me go first. I’ll put something down on the back seat of your car Tim, he’s bleeding so much when he moves, it sort of comes and goes.”
Tim “Uh, I think you should try to keep him flat guys, least as much as possible, he may have a nicked artery or something like that. Has he been bleeding a lot all the time, or just when he’s in a different position?”
Tyler “Not at first, sort of like mom says, off and on.”
Tim “Okay, uh, what’s your name boy?”
Casey “Casey.”
Tim “Okay Casey, you watch him while we are moving him. If it starts bleeding a lot, turn his head back to how it was before, and keep pressing down with the towel, okay? Think you can do that?”
Casey “I don’t know, I mean, uh, I think…”
Justin “I’ll do it Casey, you take my place with Tyler.”
Casey “You sure?”
Tim “Okay settled, Justin you keep pressing down but keep your eyes on how much comes out, okay?”
Justin “Yes Sir, I got it.”
Zack “I am sorry, please, I… I mean, Justin?”
He didn’t know why, but he had to do this, had to be the one watching because he did feel responsible. He should have stopped Brian that time before, and he had whimped out, and now Zack was hurt bad, all because he had been a coward. Well he had to make it up to him, to Zack and to Tyler and even Casey too. It was his responsibility, or so he thought; and like his dad had taught him, a man will make mistakes, it’s what he does after that counts, if he continues to cut and run or if he stays and faces the music, that will tell if he’s a man worth knowing or not; and for whatever happened, Justin wanted Tyler and Zack to think he was worth knowing.
Justin moved in closer so Casey could get by and he saw the fear in Casey’s eyes and he smiled at him, sort of trying to let him know it would be okay. He saw the way Casey stared at him, a sort of glazed look in his eyes but as he passed the towel to him, their hands touched briefly and Casey glanced down at his red stained hands. He looked up into Justin’s face then and as their fingers touched, Justin could feel the terror inside of Casey, no less than what he too was feeling but he managed to quell the feeling and he smiled, his eyes digging deeply down into Casey and he knew that Casey would be okay, that he would do his part.
He glanced briefly over at Tyler and he saw his concern too; but he also saw something else, a sort of pride welled up inside of him as he saw Tyler nod to him, sort of like he was telling him that he, Justin, was doing good and for some reason it just made it all easier to handle. Justin really did want to do the right thing, and he felt scared, wishing his dad was here to help him understand all this, but he wasn’t and he’d have to make do with what he could; but as he looked down at Zack, he knew his own problems would just have to wait, his friend needed him and that too felt kind of, well, nice. It had been a long time since he had felt needed, and maybe there was hope, maybe it wasn’t all as bleak as he had been thinking before all this happened.
Justin “It’s okay Zack. We are just going to take you to get the bleeding stopped, couple of stitches most likely. No big deal, I had a few awhile back, doesn’t hurt at all, okay?”
Zack “Okay, if you say so.”
Justin “Trust me, okay? I won’t let it hurt, honest.”
Zack “I trust you Justin, I know that.”
If asked, he wouldn’t in a million years be able to explain it, except maybe to his dad, but he wasn’t here right now but one day maybe he would tell him. Right now he just needed to do what he could, to be the one next to Zack and to keep him calm, because he owed Zack. He still didn’t understand the strange feelings he had, but he also knew that when all this was over, well he and his mom were really going to have it out; and as they struggled through the living room, he stole a glance at Tyler and at that lawyer guy who was guiding Tyler and Casey through the room.
He had never really looked up to people before, other than his dad, but the way Tyler had taken charge at school and even stood up to the coach, so it seemed, made him glad that he knew him. Weird, it was how he wished people would look at him but he had so much to learn, and he just knew that he needed his dad around to at least talk to, so he, too, could be like Tyler. Staring at the lawyer he saw something that made him feel, well that Tyler was right, this guy might be able to help him and he vowed that when he could, after Zack was taken care of, that he would talk to the guy. May not get what he wanted but he had to try, he just had to and whatever had happened, he also realized that just maybe his dad had no choice in things. The way his mother acted, maybe she was stopping his dad from talking to him and if that was true, well then it was up to him. After all he wasn’t some 10 year old kid, he was 16 and it was time he started acting like it.
Justin looked down at Zack and saw the way his face was tilted, it had moved a bit and he looked closer, seeing the blood oozing a bit faster and he told everyone to stop for a minute, while he gently bent down and helped move Zack’s head a bit more towards him. He saw the eyes open wider and a thin sort of smile crossed Zack’s face as he recognized Justin’s.
Jason McHenry watched the way the two boys interacted and he wondered a bit about Justin, and then he shook his head a bit, trying to clear the cobwebs that seem to be clouding his thoughts. He could hear this voice deep inside and he heard the way Justin soothed Zack’s nervousness, the way he spoke to him and the way he just held the towel in place. It wasn’t sensual or anything like that, it was tender, but it was sort of like, well like Justin was a big brother helping out his kid brother. He glanced upwards, to see his own son’s face, to see how intense his eyes were and how he followed every move that either Zack or Justin made and he felt that pride inside, that sense that while he may himself be a total 100% jerk, at least he did one thing right and that was in teaching his own son a sense of what is right and what isn’t. How could he be angry at someone who was simply doing what he, Jason, had taught him?
He looked down at Zack, the boy who he held in his arms and he knew that boy couldn’t be more than 110 or 120 pounds and he felt so light. Yet as he stared at him, he saw the fear and the anxiety in his young face. He also saw something else, a sort of determination not to give in to the fear that had to be tearing at him and he was among strangers, letting them drag him around and tend to him and he knew how frightening that had to be. Jason didn’t know why, but he bent down and saw the eyes staring up into his own. He could see Justin’s own face looking at him with an intenseness that belied his youth. He could feel the boy’s protectiveness shining through and inside, Jason smiled because it was almost an identical look that his own son was now showing.
Jason “Zack, you just relax now son, everything is going to be okay.”
Zack “It doesn’t really hurt, it is just, uh…”
Jason “I know, it is all the blood; but you are in good hands son, you have your friends to help you, and your parents will be here soon, it will be okay.”
Zack “My parents? Oh, uh, please, don’t tell them, I mean, about why, uh, please Mr. McHenry, don’t tell them that…”
Jason “You don’t worry about that, you just let us get that cut taken care of, and as for the rest, well, they are your parents son, they may be upset at first, but I am sure they love you and it won’t matter.”
Justin “Yeah Zack, don’t sweat it, besides, we are all here, it’ll be okay.”
Zack “They won’t understand Justin, honest they won’t. They don’t know about this stuff. Shit, I am not sure I do either, please, don’t…”
Jason “There isn’t anything to understand son. You are their boy, that is all any real parent needs to remember. We may forget it for a moment or two, but look, you don’t worry about it, both Mrs McHenry and I will be here to help them understand it, okay?”
Zack “But I mean you.”
Jason “Adults get crazy at times Zack. We aren’t as quick as you young folk are, but I promise you, no one is going to be mad at you for who you are. Besides, any friend of my son, and I mean ANY friend, is welcome at our home, any time, okay?”
Zack “I don’t, I mean, yes Sir.”
Jason “Okay Justin, it slowed down now?”
Justin “Yes Sir, uh, thank you Sir.”
Jason “Don’t know what you are thanking me for son, but you are welcome, and Justin…”
Justin “Yes Sir?”
Jason “I am very happy you are one of my son’s friends too, that goes for you too Zack.”
Tyler couldn’t hear what his father was saying to Zack or Justin but he saw the way both of his friends seemed to just sort of, well, sort of like they were relaxed and no longer near a state of panic. He, on the other hand, felt like the world had come crashing down and yet despite the fear that he could lose the respect and support of the two people he cared the most for, he didn’t feel like he could do anything less than what he had done.
It just didn’t make much sense to him, the way he was feeling. The sight of all that blood was sickening, and he could feel the way his stomach kept twisting and turning and he kept struggling to keep what he had inside, and yet each time when he thought he couldn’t hack it, each time that he felt like he was going to upchuck everything inside, he would look at either Justin or Zack and that seemed to help him get it together. He also knew that Casey was really taking it all hard, that he was really scared too and he guessed that none of them had really ever come into this type of situation before.
You heard and saw so much on television, saw people splattered with blood and it didn’t really look any different than maybe they did right now, but it was different. Television didn’t let you feel the fear that seemed to just float all around you, and it sure as hell didn’t prepare you for the feel or smell of it either. The way the blood felt so warm and sticky, it didn’t seem to show that way and yet he could still feel it, even though what had splattered on his own clothes was long since dried, still he could feel its warmth and his hands were still sticky from it.
Then there was the smell too, that sort of sweet smell but it wasn’t really sweet, sort of sickly in a way and yet not, and he knew he would always remember that smell, that scent. Funny too, you never really realized that when a person was bleeding bad, it wasn’t really spraying out like they showed in some shows or movies, but it just sort of oozed out, sometimes fast, but never really like a geyser or such. It just flowed, almost like lava did from a volcano, slow and unstoppable or so it seemed; and he shivered a bit as he wondered just how much blood had Zack lost, and he also wondered why he hadn’t noticed it sooner, why didn’t he come home and tell his mom right off, but it hadn’t looked that bad, least not then.
Tim “He’ll be okay Tyler. I don’t think it is a deep cut, most likely just a nick, and you guys got to it in time, holding that shirt over it helped.”
Tyler “Thanks Mr. Withers. Still, he looks so scared, it isn’t right, why do people hate so much just because someone is not like them? It doesn’t make sense.”
Tim “No, no it doesn’t and if we could find the answer to that, well…”
Tyler “Yeah.”
Tim let his hand rest lightly on Tyler’s shoulder as he stared down at the procession, trying to keep them from bumping into furniture and stuff and yet his mind was elsewhere. He had heard Tyler’s words but more than that, he had felt them. He knew that the boy was right, that it was a question he must ask himself a hundred times in the course of his day and he didn’t have the answers, and that was maybe what was making him so exhausted, the not knowing the reason, not knowing why.
His face was taut as he felt the warm wind on his back and he knew that they were near the front door. He glanced over at Zack, to see how he was doing, and he could see the worried look in Justin’s face, yet there was a calmness too that was unbelievable. Here were a bunch of kids facing something they had never really been prepared for; and from what he had seen, they had done a damn good job of it. He stared up at his old high school friend’s face and he saw his look and it brought back many memories of a time that neither of them had ever spoken about, and never really explored. For whatever reason, something though seemed different in Jason’s face and as he looked at him their eyes met and he felt that same feeling now as he had when they both were just 16; only this time Jason didn’t look away, didn’t hide his face and Tim’s heart twisted a bit, as it too recalled the memories of that time.
7:38 p.m. P.S.T.
Carl Reese saw the McHenry door fling open and he watched as a short lady came bustling out. He felt a strange sickness at the pit of his stomach for some unknown reason. She was hurrying down the sidewalk towards that lawyer’s car and she had a blanket or something in her hand, which made him sit up even more in his car. Something wasn’t right, he could feel it and his police instincts were screaming at him, urging him to turn the car over and get over there but he held off for a few moments, watching to see just what he could.
The front door had remained open and he could see the hallway lights casting their yellow glow outwards, shining onto the front porch area; and he could see movement inside the house too, as if a whole bunch of people were moving towards him. He reached down and turned his car on. He listened to the even rumble of the car as he saw the lady, who had to be Mrs McHenry, open the back door to the older car and lay down the blanket that she had brought out.
His eyes moved back to the doorway and he could see backs of two or three people and recognized one as being an adult’s, the other were definitely young boys; and like most people in the community, he followed the High School football team so he was pretty sure that one of those young boys was Tyler McHenry. He had no idea who the other was but as they came closer to the door and the light, his heart was suddenly squeezed by the imminent sense of danger.
He reached down and put his car into gear as his mind grappled with the scene unfolding in front of him. They were carrying a body out of the house, or at least it looked like a body, but judging by the way they moved, stopping every few seconds, whoever was being carried was at least still alive but obviously injured. Well, he couldn’t not go and his car was already rolling up the street to lurch up the small indent of where the road and driveway joined.
Emily McHenry heard the car coming down the street and for a second she thought maybe it was the Trailer’s but the car was coming from the wrong direction so she put it out of her mind and tuned to watch Tim ease out of the front door. She saw her son and his friend coming out as well and she pushed open the door as wide as she could when she realized that the car she had heard was stopping in her driveway. She had to turn to see a car she didn’t recognize. Emily looked back at the house and then moved down to meet whoever was in the car, she had to get him to move it, it was blocking Tim’s car.
Carl slammed his car into park and felt himself lurch forward as the car came to an abrupt stop. He already had the door opening before he could settle back from the hard stop and his eyes saw the group coming out of the house and Mrs McHenry running down the driveway towards him. He had angled his car so no one could easily get by, accepted procedure when you weren’t sure what was happening. He had his wallet in his hand as he stood up, his other hand resting just inside of his windbreaker jacket, the butt of his service revolver just touching his fingers.
Emily “Please, whoever you are, move your car, we have an injured boy that we need to get to a doctor.”
Her words registered and he could see the procession of people as they slowly moved down the sidewalk. Carl could also see and feel the anxiety and urgency in Emily McHenry’s voice and he looked at her, seeing the concern written all over her face. Carl jumped back into his car and quickly moved it out of the way and as he climbed back out he saw them placing the prone figure into Tim Wither’s back seat. He also saw Tim recognize him and as he tossed his car keys to Jason McHenry he trotted over to Carl.
Tim “Carl, you show up in the strangest places.”
Carl “I suppose, uh, what’s going on Tim?”
Jason backed the car down the driveway, stopping beside Tim and the stranger who had pulled up. His wife stood there, uncertain if she should climb into the car or not. Her head moved from watching Tim to then stare down the opposite end of the street, hoping that Zack’s parents would come and she hesitated, unsure if she should go with everyone or wait here for Zack’s parents.
Emily “Tim, the Trailers, should I…”
Tim “Uh, no you go with everyone else, I’ll stay and lock up for you and meet you at the Clinic. Uh, either the Trailer’s will give me a lift or my friend here will, okay with you Carl?”
He hesitated for a second, unwilling to let his subject drive away but at the same time, he needed to find out what was going on; and it did look serious, least judging by the dark stains the boys had on their shirts and across Mrs McHenry’s blouse as well.
Carl “Sure, no problem Tim. You go ahead Ma’am, I’ll see that Tim gets to?’
Emily “Thank you, oh, the clinic on 9th street, it’s not far from here, thank you.”
She was in the car before she had even finished talking. Jason had Tim’s car moving down the street before she could even close her door properly but soon the car gathered speed and was gone from view. Carl could feel Tim’s anxiety and he wondered if he had done the right thing in letting them go, or at least in not following immediately behind.
Carl “What gives Tim?”
Tim “Not really sure I know. Seems there was a fight at school, the boy bleeding is a friend of the McHenry boy I think, someone took the boots to him. I think he’s got a nicked artery or something, looks worse than it is I think, I mean, well…”
Carl “Yeah, guess you have seen your share of bleeding kids, so who is this kid?”
Tim “Don’t know, his name is Zack Trailer, his parents don’t live far from here, they should be here any time now. Uh, what are you doing here Carl?”
It was a perfectly natural question to ask, yet somehow Carl felt uneasy and he didn’t really like having to lie either, at least not to someone who he respected and he did respect Tim Withers. The guy went all out for the kids he came into contact with and it was a tough job, one he sure as hell wouldn’t want.
Carl “Uh, rather not say at this time Tim, you understand?”
Tim “Huh? I suppose, you on duty?”
Carl “No, not official business; uh, sorry Tim, I’ll explain it to you another time, okay?”
Tim “Okay, say, you staking out the McHenry’s? Come on Carl, they are friends of mine, what gives?”
Carl “I can’t say right now Tim. Come on, just take my word that it isn’t about the McHenry’s okay?”
Tim “Okay, you never shined me yet, okay Carl.”
The sound of an older model car driving up the street gave Carl a chance to escape answering the lawyer, and Tim was right, he hadn’t ever not played it square with the guy and he hated not being able to tell him what he was doing here; but he also owed Neil too and he didn’t quite know what exactly had gone on here, but until he did, he knew it was better that he not say anything.
Tim turned to see the car pull up in front and he could see two very worried parents come out of the car. Both of them looked like any other set of parents who just got a call that their son had been hurt. He could feel their anxiety and worry as he put the nagging thoughts of why Detective Carl Reese of homicide was staking out the McHenry home.
Tim “Hi, are you the Trailer’s?”
John Trailer “Yes, you Mr. McHenry?”
Louise Trailer “Where is Zack? Is he okay?”
Tim “Please, just calm down for a second. No, I am a friend of the McHenry’s, they thought it best, and I agreed, that they not wait but take your son down to the clinic a few blocks from here…”
Louise “Oh my God, is he okay? Please, Mr?”
Tim “Tim, Tim Withers, yes I think he’ll be just fine. He got into a fight at school and…”
John “Zack? Zack got into a fight at school? But, he, I mean he never, the clinic, where is this clinic?”
Tm “Look, I know you are worried; uh, the McHenry’s took my car, how about if we all get into yours, and I’ll try to explain what I know on the way?”
Louise “John?”
John “He got into a fight? I don’t, uh, yes okay, where is this clinic?”
Carl “Uh, excuse me folks. Look Tim, why don’t you go lock up the house and I’ll drive everyone over to the clinic, that way you can explain things, okay? Mr. Trailer why don’t you go lock your car, Mrs Trailer, here, why don’t you climb into the front seat?”
Louise “Yes, yes, thank you, hurry John.”
John “Okay Lou, okay I am hurrying, uh thank you, uh?”
Carl “Carl, call me Carl.”
John “Okay, Lou you get in the car, I won’t be long.”
Tim “Thanks Carl.”
Carl “No problem Tim, make sure the door is locked.”
Everyone moved quickly and Carl already had his car started and backed into the McHenry driveway, waiting for Tim to get back from locking up. John Trailer was in the back seat, leaning forward with his hand on his wife’s shoulder. He could feel the love they had for each other and he felt that pang in his heart, the feeling he had when he realized how much he was missing out on in not having someone to share his life with. He sighed as he saw Tim come running down the driveway and pile into the back seat, puffing a little, and Carl realized just how out of shape the lawyer was, or maybe it just was nerves.
He pulled out and sped down the road, his eyes twisting and turning to keep everything in sight as he wheeled his car expertly down the streets, heading towards the small little shopping mall down on 9th street that also had a small community clinic. Traffic was relatively light and what there was, Carl expertly drove around or past as he kept the car moving quickly but safely, as he had been trained so long ago and he thanked God for that training and somehow he just knew that his training was still going to be needed.
The folder that had Justin’s pictures and other information was in the back seat, he had tossed it there so Mrs Trailer could get in and he didn’t think anything of it as he concentrated on his driving. He noticed, as he pulled up into the parking lot, that Tim had seen it, and he could feel the look, the questions that he knew had to be burning inside of the lawyer, but for now he kept silent and Carl knew he would have to say something, what he wasn’t sure as they all exited the car and headed towards the double wide glass doors of the clinic.
8:50 p.m. P.S.T.
It wasn’t a large waiting room, but the chairs were at least comfortable and between the McHenry’s, the boys, and the Trailer’s they pretty well had the place filled up. It was quiet, thankfully, and for the most part they all just sat there, lost in their individual thoughts as the Doctor attended to Zack.
He had called the Trailer’s into the treatment area upon their arrival and everyone waited for any word on the boy’s condition. Emily McHenry held her husbands hand tightly and he hers, but it was strange in a way, how Tyler seemed to be the one every turned to. He stood by Casey and the other boy, Justin, his hand resting on Casey’s shoulder and they spoke several times, Casey nodding mostly and the way Justin would look at Tyler made Tim feel like there was something happening here that he wanted to be a part of. He couldn’t explain it, but it was like all these pieces were suddenly coming together into one picture, sort of like the putting together of a jigsaw puzzle.
Finally the two parents came out of the treatment room alone, Mrs Trailer crying and cradled in her husbands arm as they slowly made their way to where the McHenry’s sat. It was kind of strange for him, to be standing off to one side watching this human drama unfold, and the way his mind kept watching, it was like he was waiting for his role to come up and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was about to embark on something that would be life defining, at least for him. He also saw Carl standing off and he had some questions for him too but first he needed to grab himself some authority for asking and so he made his way to where to the boys stood.
Tim “Uh, Justin, can I talk to you for a second? Excuse us guys.”
Justin “Huh? Uh, yes Sir, sure.”
He moved off to one side, making sure that they couldn’t be overheard and as he did, he could see the questioning look in Justin’s face but that would have to wait for now. He also saw the way Carl followed their movement and he somehow knew that it was important that he do this properly.
Tim “Uh, Justin, you said at the McHenry’s that Tyler had told you about me, right?”
Justin “Yes Sir.”
Tim “Okay, uh, can the ‘sir’ please, makes me feel old, call me Tim, okay?”
Justin “Yes s… sorry, okay, uh Tim.”
Tim “Good, now, just why did Tyler tell you about me?”
Justin “Uh, well, he kind of thought I should get one, it’s, well complicated I think, I don’t know.”
Tim “You in trouble with the law? You a runaway son?”
Justin “Huh? No, I live with my mother. She uh, she left my dad and well…”
Tim “Divorced?”
Justin “Yeah, it is just that I haven’t heard from my dad, and well…”
Tim “Okay, we’ll get to that later. No trouble with the police here or back from where you came from?”
Justin “No Sir, sorry, no I am not in any trouble with the police.”
Tim “Good, you have any money?”
Justin “Money, oh, to pay, no I don’t, but I can work and…”
Tim “That isn’t what I meant. Sorry, do you have any money on you now, couple of dollars, some change?”
Justin “I got some lunch money, 2 or so bucks, why?”
Tim “Good, hand me a dollar.”
Justin reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumbled dollar bill and some change, which he offered to the lawyer. He saw Tim reach down and take the crumbled bill and put it in his pocket; then the man took out his wallet and a pen and wrote on the back of a card some stuff, which he handed to Justin.
Tim “Keep that, it’s my card with my numbers on it, you can call me anytime, 24/7 okay?”
Justin “Okay…”
Tim “Also it’s a receipt for the dollar. Officially you are my client now, so anything, I mean anything you say to me is privileged. You understand what that means?”
Justin “I think so, means you can’t tell anyone, no matter how bad it is, right?”
Tim “Yep, now you see that man at the front door there?”
Justin “Yeah.”
Tim “Do you know him?”
Justin “No, should I?”
Tim “I don’t know, but I am going to find out. Now one last time, you in any kind of trouble, with the police, at school, drugs, anything like that? Remember, I am your lawyer now, you can say anything and it stays between us.”
Justin “No Sir, I don’t do drugs, and I don’t know, might be at school because of the fight, but my grades are okay, and I haven’t done anything that the police would want me for, honest.”
Tim “Okay, we’ll talk a bit later. Uh, by the way, you did real good in keeping Zack calm, that took a lot of courage Justin.”
Before Justin could answer him Tim walked away and headed towards the man standing at the doorway. Justin watched as the man at the door stood up straight at the approach of his lawyer and the words, ‘his lawyer,’ made him stand up tall too. He didn’t know exactly what had happened, or why even, but he didn’t feel so all alone anymore. The emptiness he had felt seemed to have gotten smaller and he turned around to see that Tyler was looking at him. He smiled and headed over towards his friend and he could see that Tyler’s folks were talking with Zack’s folks.
He sighed, wondering how they would take the news about Zack, or maybe they already knew? Justin didn’t know how a parent couldn’t know if their kid was gay or not; but then he thought about his own mother and realized that she sure as hell wouldn’t know if he was or not. Hell, she probably didn’t even know if he was home right now or not. All she cared about was cussing about his dad and making those weird sounds around that geek lawyer she was seeing.
Tim “Carl.”
Carl “Tim.”
Tim “That boy I was talking to just now, you know him?”
Carl “Can’t say that I know him Tim.”
Tim “No? He’s my client Carl. So maybe you want to tell me why you have a picture of him in your car; and while you are at it, why you were staking him out at the McHenry’s?”
Carl “I’d rather not at this time Tim. Now just a second, I put a call in to a friend, he’s on his way here now, and if that boy is your client, then maybe its best you just cool your heels until Neil gets here.”
Tim “Carl, you stringing me on?”
Carl “Tim, I have never lied to you, not starting now; but I really don’t know that much, I am only doing Neil a favour, so it’s best you talk to him.”
Tim “Neil? Neil who?”
Carl “Neil Henry, he’s a private investigator Tim, works free lance for a few lawyers in town. He’s good people Tim. I have known him a long time and he’s been a good friend, okay?”
Tim “Okay, when is he due?”
Carl “Not long now. How’s the boy you all brought in?”
Tim “Stable. They are waiting for the x-ray and started him on some blood. Guess he’s pretty scared though.”
Carl “Yeah, well at least it wasn’t knives or guns, too many kids fight their battles that way now, still…”
Tim “Yeah, okay, I’ll be back when this Neil shows up. I think I know him, not sure though.”
Carl “Could be, he handles a lot of domestic case work.”
Tim “Divorce?”
Carl “Yeah.”
Tim “Okay, I better get back.”
Carl “Okay. Uh, let me know how the kid does huh?”
Tim “Sure.”
Tim headed back to his waiting friends and everyone else. He could see that the Trailer’s were having a hard time of it, and yet he also saw the way Jason McHenry was talking to them, so earnest and so forceful really. As he got closer he could hear the conversation and he noticed how the three boys had come in closer too, so that they made sort of a circle around the seated adults. He walked up and stood just to the right of Justin Patterson and he wondered just what was it that Carl Reese didn’t want to tell him. There was something going on and yet he believed Justin when he said he wasn’t in any trouble, so it stood to reason it had to be something about the parents. His attention was returned to the scene in front as he heard Jason McHenry sigh and look at him for a second. Jason’s eyes stared deeply into Tim’s and he felt a slight tremor inside, but quickly pushed it back down. Yet as he looked back at Jason, he saw him nod ever so slightly and this time he couldn’t stop the feelings from rising up inside of him.
Jason “Look, I don’t know much about this gay stuff myself. My wife and I, well, we just don’t know much; but, what we do know is that your son is going to need your support more than ever, it isn’t going to be easy for him at school and…”
John “I suppose; but, I mean how long has he been, we had no idea, why didn’t he tell us?”
Emily “Boys are funny sometimes Mr. Trailer… they.”
John “Please, it’s John and Lou, Louise I mean.”
Emily “Okay John, Emily and Jason. Uh, boys have trouble telling their parents these things, and well, sometimes I guess they feel ashamed of things, or they feel we won’t understand what they have to tell us, so they just keep it to themselves.”
Louise “But we would never turn away from him, he’s our boy. I thought he could trust us. John what did we do wrong? Why didn’t he come to us with this? I am sorry, I just don’t understand this ‘gay’ stuff, he is still our boy, why…”
Casey “Uh, sorry, but it isn’t all that easy for a guy to tell his folks he’s gay. I mean, everywhere you look, people are making comments, or they snicker at you, and well, most parents, I am sorry, maybe I should keep quiet, it is just…”
Tyler “I think what Casey is trying to say Mr., Mrs. Trailer is that Zack does trust you, but it’s a big step to tell your folks that you are gay when everyone you know is straight and well, you just never know how some people will take the news. He didn’t want to lose your, uh, love, right Casey?”
Casey “Yeah, look, when I told my folks, uh, well my dad went nuts, and it hurt real bad. Heck we still don’t talk even, it’s kind of why I am living with my aunt, my dad just can’t handle that I am, well as he put it, being a sex deviant. So, you kind of have to, well, understand that Zack just wasn’t sure how you’d react. None of us really do until it comes out.”
John “But we wouldn’t, I mean, your father really says that about you?”
Emily “Oh you poor boy, that must, I am sorry, Casey is it? No wonder so many try to hide it; but, I mean you did tell them, right?”
Casey “Well, sort of, I was kind of forced to, it’s a long story. Just that, well I know where Zack is coming from. I never thought my parents would throw me out of the house. I always thought they would understand, and when it came to it, well, I was wrong.”
Jason “Well I can sort of understand your father being upset Casey, but surely he’ll calm down. How long ago was it that you told him?”
Casey “Calm down? Sorry Sir, but it doesn’t matter if or when he calms down, he shouldn’t have said or done what he did. I am still the same kid he had before he found out, and well, let me see, guess it was just over 9 months now, and well words hurt as much as fists, least when the words come from your own parents.”
Jason McHenry looked up and over at his son and he stared into his eyes, holding tightly onto his wife’s hand as tears welled up in his eyes. The words he had said just a short time earlier came rushing back into his head as he stared at the boy who was his son and he could see the pain he had caused him; and yet still he saw his son’s love for him reflected in his eyes. How could he still love him and yet, well, maybe that was it in a nutshell, he was Tyler’s father and so of course Tyler would love him. He may not like him at times, but he would always love him and as the realization hit him, so too did the fact that no matter what, he would always want Tyler to be his son.
Jason “My own father would never have understood any of this; but somehow I think that he wouldn’t have reacted as badly as I did earlier this evening. Tyler, boys, I guess maybe I owe you all an apology, I didn’t think things thru before I started hollering, Tyler…”
Tyler “It’s okay Dad, I understand. Guess it was a shock to get a call from the Coach. I should have phoned you soon as I got home. It was just, well, sort of like what Casey said, I didn’t know really how you would react.”
Jason “I know, and even though I should have said this a lot earlier on, I am proud of you for the way you stood up for your friend; and more than that, on how you stood up to the Coach, and I promise you this, no matter what happens, I am with you all the way, okay son?”
Tyler “Uh, thanks dad, I…”
Jason McHenry stood up and opened his arms up, and you could see the tears rolling down his face as Tyler more or less fell into the open arms. He could feel his mom’s arms patting his back too and for a second or two, Tyler felt like he was a small kid again, getting a hug from his parents; and deep inside he could feel the warmth of those times reaching upwards, comforting him now when he really did need it. More than that, he could feel the strength growing inside of him, and somehow he just knew that he would be okay, that he would handle whatever the Coach or his school mates could throw at him: after all he had the unconditional support of his parents.
The warm feeling felt good and everyone seemed to be able to bask for the moment in its glow as they all realized how important it was that parents and kids could rely on each other. John and Louise Trailer looked into each other’s faces, fearful of what might lay ahead for Zack; but as they stared into each other’s eyes, they also knew that they would be there with him, standing with him and supporting him in every way possible. They also saw that the three of them wouldn’t be alone, that Zack had found himself some damn good friends too. Their faces were stained by worry and yet inside, they could feel a strange hope growing even as the doctor came out from the treatment area and headed towards them, they still felt hopeful.
Justin “Is Zack okay?”
Doctor “Huh? Oh yes, he’s doing fine. We have given him a unit of blood and a sedative but he’s still a bit nervous, he is asking for you all, and well…”
John “Can we go see him?”
Casey “Could we?”
Doctor “Well, normally I’d limit it to just one or two but I think, well we want to get in and close that nick that he has, but he’s a bit agitated. He keeps asking if you are all okay, seems he’s more concerned about the trouble he has caused everyone than he is about himself, so…”
Tyler “He didn’t cause any trouble Doctor, he…”
Doctor “Well he thinks he has son; now you can all go in and see him, try to calm him down and then we’ll be able to stitch him up and you can maybe take him home in a few hours; but he needs to be calm, otherwise we’ll have to use a general in which case I’d suggest transferring him to the hospital, so…”
John “Should we maybe take him there anyways?”
Doctor “That is your choice. We can do it with just a local, it really isn’t all that serious; but well, why don’t you all go in and talk to him. If he calms down then we can either go ahead or arrange for an ambulance to take him to the hospital.”
It really wasn’t a large area but somehow they all managed to squeeze around the gurney that doubled as a bed. Zack looked a bit better and it was hard for Mrs. Trailer as she saw the plastic bag hanging down near her son’s head. The red blood slowly dripping down the long narrow tubing into his arm only made her catch her breath and raise her hands to her mouth, afraid to show her own natural fear before her son.
Zack’s eyes were wide and bulging as he saw everyone come into the room and he felt a sort of panic taking hold of him. He didn’t want it to but he couldn’t stop it and he felt like maybe they had all lied to him, that this was serious and that he wasn’t going to make it or something maybe just as bad. He felt the panic until he sought out Tyler’s face and he saw the way he looked and he felt a bit easier, not really sure why either but the thin smile was at least encouraging to him.
Tyler stood near him on one side, Justin right behind him and on the other side was his parents. Christ they looked so bad, and he felt like it was all his fault, too, and he tried to tell them that, but his lips were dry and he just didn’t know what to say. He turned to look at them and smile and he felt his mother’s hand wipe his brow and she smiled down at him. So did his dad and his heart rose a little, frightened and unsure because he had expected something else, what he wasn’t sure but he knew that they knew, and it scared him, the soft words and light touch only helping to drive his panic and fears.
Zack “I don’t want to die, please…”
Louise “You aren’t going to die Zacky, now come on, you will be fine.”
John “That’s right son, they just need to stitch a small artery, you won’t feel anything, honest.”
Zack “No, no I can’t, I can’t die yet, I mean, please, don’t let them touch me. Please Mom, Dad, I know I am a disappointment, I’ll change, please…”
Tyler “Hey, come on man, don’t go freaking on us, you are going to be okay, honest.”
Zack turned from the worried faces of his parents to stare at Tyler and he felt so cheated, so robbed because he had always liked Tyler, and Tyler had come to his rescue earlier. It wasn’t fair but the words still didn’t sound right and his eyes grew bigger as the fear raged inside of him.
He prayed silently as his eyes went from Tyler’s face to Casey’s at the foot of the bed and back to his parents and then over to Justin’s face and he saw so much worry. He prayed harder, wishing God would let him live, would not make him leave, not yet, not now. It wasn’t fair and he promised he’d change, that he’d stop having those thoughts, if only God would let him. He could tell that he was crying. He looked back into Tyler’s face and he felt ashamed of himself; but he couldn’t help it, he was so scared and he tried, he really did, but he just couldn’t stop.
Mrs. Trailer couldn’t take seeing her son crying and she turned away to place her face in her husbands shoulder. As her own wet tears began to soak into his shirt, she felt his tears on her head and she was so terrified of what might happen, all this gay stuff and all and it didn’t matter, not really, but Zack thought it did and she had no idea of how to let him know that it was okay. She wished she knew the words as she sobbed into her husbands shoulder, feeling the strength in his arms as he held her tightly to him and she knew he was feeling lost too. She could feel his body moving, the way his head was moving feeling maybe embarrassed or maybe he was just looking for help, but they didn’t expect it to come from where it did.
They all turned as they heard the young voice speaking and it grew silent around the bed as they all focused on the tall young 16 year old boy, who now held Zack’s hand in his and spoke to him, his face bent downwards so that he could look Zack straight in the eyes. So that Zack would know that he was speaking the truth.
Justin “Listen Zack, I told you, didn’t I? I mean I told you I wouldn’t let them hurt you, right?”
Zack “Yes.”
Justin “Okay, so you trust me don’t you? I mean I kept my word to you, about the other, didn’t I?”
Zack “Yeah, but…”
Justin “No buts Zack, I never lied to you, I kept my word, and I’ll keep this one too. I may not have helped you last time, but I was there this time. I know I should have been there before, but I screwed up, but I won’t screw up again, you have to believe that.”
Zack “You didn’t screw up. I didn’t really expect you to, you know, I mean it must of freaked you out, it was okay, still is.”
Justin “No, it isn’t okay, and it shouldn’t have mattered; and well, you have to hang around, I mean both Tyler and I need your help, but well, I don’t have any real friends, least not like you, so, well, can’t you see how it is, I am telling you the truth. So is Tyler and everyone else, you believe Tyler don’t you?”
Zack “Uh huh, but, I mean, why?”
Justin “Why what?”
Zack “Why did you both, you know… I mean Tyler has known me for a bit, but, why?”
Justin “I don’t know exactly, guess cause well, why did you come out that night and make like I was expected?”
Zack “I don’t know, you didn’t do anything wrong, and well, I guess cause it seemed like the right thing to do.”
Justin “Now you know why then.”
Zack “I suppose. Just, I mean I have never been with anyone, not surprising I guess. It is just, I am scared Justin. I don’t want to die and not even know what it’s like to kiss someone special. I mean, you guys all have, well, but I mean, it’s not fair, I don’t want to die like this.”
Tyler “Zack, you have lots of time to get kissed, and you aren’t going to die, honest; and well, Justin is right, you are our friend and you know me, you know I don’t lie to my friends.”
Justin “Neither do I. Uh, you really never been kissed?”
Zack “No, never. I mean, only you knew for sure; you know, Brian only guessed, or something, but no, never, it was my secret.”
The room seemed to be so quiet, and yet they could hear and see people moving around, though most had kept within range, wondering about the kid in the bed and wondering at all the people who were with him. Some had recognized Tyler and they were all watching, trying to guess at what they couldn’t hear.
Louise Trailer rested in her husband’s arms and Emily McHenry stood next to her, her own hand clasping her husband’s hand tightly as she tried to pat and comfort Mrs. Trailer. The boy was just scared but she knew that it was important he be calm. Looking at her son and at Justin she felt a strange sense of pride; and more than that, too, she felt a deep seated anger rising inside of her, not at her boy or at Zack but at the type of world that made such a sweet young boy feel so scared, so frightened at having to keep who was a secret.
Justin reached out and he wiped away a tear that was falling down Zack’s face and he held his hand there, just feeling the tears as they continued to roll down his friends face. He could hear Tyler’s breathe next to his head and he knew everyone was watching but it didn’t matter to him as he gently wiped away a few more tears with the back of his hand.
He spoke softly now, his own head lower and he stared long into Zack’s eyes and smiled at him. He saw the way Zack looked up at him and he could feel the hidden desire that Zack held for him; and unlike the last time, it didn’t feel bad or dirty even but felt good instead. Justin could feel the slight tremor in his own heart and he could hear his father’s voice now, telling him that if a man needed to know the truth he only had to look inwards towards his heart, that inside that beating muscle was where the truth always was, for everyone, but not everyone had the courage to reach inside and face it.
Justin sighed because he knew that his father was right, it really was there. He also knew that he couldn’t go on any longer without facing the truth, so he bent down closer and with his eyes firmly fixed on the ever widening eyes of the boy in the bed, he brought his lips to brush up against the pale thin lips of his friend.
He felt the sweet taste of nectar, and he felt his heart tremble a little as he could feel Zack’s terror now deep inside of his own body; and instead of recoiling, instead of pulling back, he pressed forward, pressing his mouth over Zack’s stunned lips and his tongue flicked out once, to touch and run up against the quivering flesh of Zack’s lips. He felt deep inside a strange glow, a strange fire beginning to crackle and warm his body. His own fears now felt less, his own doubts felt easier as his heart and soul fought with Zack’s own demons, giving Zack the strength and courage that he needed now. He placed both of his hands on either side of Zack, kissing him fully on the mouth now, his eyes seeing all the joy and wonder of knowing another person and with that hard press of their lips, he knew that he and Zack had begun to forge a bond of friendship that no man could ever break.
Tyler had a big huge smile on his face as he placed his own arm on top of Justin’s shoulder, holding him from falling onto the bed. He didn’t know if what he was seeing was what many would think it was, but inside, in his own heart, he kind of knew that he was seeing a friend reaching out for another friend, giving him something to hold onto in his moment of need; and he knew that maybe most of the adults around wouldn’t understand, that many would think that Justin was queer too, but all he really was, was a friend.
9:5 p.m. P.S.T.
Ken turned in his seat as the seatbelt sign came on and he knew they were maybe 40 or so minutes from landing. Mark had been very quiet throughout the trip and now as he turned to him, he saw a strange calmness on his lover’s face. It was almost like he had made up his mind about something and for a second or two he felt panic, not sure what it was that Mark had suddenly come to accept.
Ken “Mark, you okay?”
Mark “Yeah, better than I have felt in a long time. Uh Ken, I love you.”
He was surprised by the softly spoken words and even more stunned as Mark reached over and pulled him close, kissing him hard on the lips. Ken felt the desire welling up inside of him as the fires of his love suddenly burst forth, his body shaken by its intensity. He could tell that many had seen the kiss, and Ken just didn’t care, it was something he knew instinctively that he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Mark “Maybe I am nuts Ken, but Justin is going to be okay, I can feel it inside. I can’t explain it, but you were right, he is my son too, more than he ever was hers. I was the one who taught him how to be a man, how to be responsible and I have to believe that all those words sunk in… like you said, he is my son and damn it, I know I am proud of him, and always will be.”
10:18 p.m. P.S.T.
The police officer climbed back up the embankment, his head bent over a bit as the wind was kicking up some. He had turned the engine off and he signalled for his partner to come help him up over the cement railing.
Officer #2 “So, anyone there?”
Office #1 “Yeah, better call for the coroner, and get homicide down here too.”
Officer #2 “Homicide? What for, isn’t it a traffic accident?”
Office #1 “The guy has a ten inch knife sticking out of his chest, don’t think that was any accident.”
Officer #2 “Shit, any ID on the guy?”
Officer #1 “Nope, none that I can see, but it could be somewhere down there.”
The police officer left to place the radio call while the officer who had climbed down walked over to the silent sitting figure by the guardrail. He had flagged them down and hadn’t spoken a single word, only pointing down the hill. Now he would have to say something as the police office came to stand in front of him. He stared at the officer’s shoes for a minute or two then looked up into his face.
“He’s dead isn’t he?”
Police Officer #1 “Yeah, before you say anything else son, I need to read you your rights, okay?”
“Okay, doesn’t matter anyways, but I am glad he’s dead. He won’t hurt anyone else now, it doesn’t matter about me, just so he is dead. He is isn’t he?”
Police Officer #1 “Yeah, he really is.”
“Good.”