Thorns of the Daffodils

Chapter 4

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Justin's POV

After leaving the bathroom a smile spreads across my lips when I think of Brandy's warm breath against mine. In that split moment I felt like we were one; connected somehow.

I turn my head and see Brandy walk into one of the bedrooms. I close my eyes for a brief moment wondering how I got involved in her life so quickly. Have I made the right choice by being here? Even though I feel this overwhelming connection I know with my past and my history, I could make things worse for Brandy. That scares the fuck out of me, knowing that I might possibly be the one putting her in danger. I know I could never hurt her and on some level I know I can protect her from the evil that lurks around her. I just don't know if I can protect her from my own demons.

I make my way into the kitchen to boil some water, turning on the kettle and grabbing a tea bag and china cup from the cupboards. My thoughts drift to the past, and I find myself reminiscing about all the late nights Marilyn and I have had just sitting drinking tea and chatting into the wee hours, about nothing really. Marilyn has really become one of my dearest friends

As I pour the water into the cup I am overwhelmed by a disturbing awareness of someone or something watching me. I turn my head to look behind me and even though I cannot see the being with my human eyes, I can feel the essence of them lurking. The air around us is cold and disquieting, and I nervously set the kettle down. My hands begin to shake while I prepare the tea.

A mist slowly forms all around me and the light in the kitchen flickers on and off suddenly, leaving me in complete darkness. The sounds around me are enhanced, and a loud whistle echoes through my ears. I squint trying to rid myself of the pain the sound causes me. Taking in a deep breath I focus and begin to open my immortal senses.

A crystal-like image of a human form glistens in the darkness, the being hisses and a sharp wind lashes through my soul. A deep and masculine voice growls,"I know your secret. I know who and what you are. Do you really think you can save him?" The being's face protrudes from the crystal image and I am staring into deep silver-blue orbs that hold sadness, but are also intimidating in many ways.

I do not want the being to see they have affected me in any way, though I am trembling on the inside. I hold strong and speak sternly to the spirit. "I have no intention of hurting Brandy. I'm more concerned about what your intentions are, so I suggest if you don't want me to do an exorcism on your ghostly ass you better get the fuck out!"

The entity laughs in joyous amusement, and then everything turns silent for just a moment, until the being speaks softly with compassion in his voice. "Fair enough. You passed my test." Then his next words take me off guard. "Do not break his heart."

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Mysterious Marilyn's POV

The club is so silent after everyone leaves. I make sure all the doors are locked and secure, and that there is no one left in the building. I walk into my office and sit down to go over the books for the evening. My mind is so unfocused, all I can think about is Brian. I glance over to the clock and I am a little worried. It's been over an hour since Justin said he would call and let me know if Brandy got home safely.

I look to the phone hesitantly, and as much as I want to call, I don't want Brian to feel I am hovering over him. I am startled out of my thoughts when I hear someone clearing their throat. I sit frozen in my chair and call out "Who's there?" I know I locked all the doors. There shouldn't be anyone but me in the place right now.

When I don't hear an answer I begin to stand up, and that's when I hear a deep voice through the darkened shadows of the hallway. "You do not need to worry about Brian this evening. He is fine."

I gulp and worry even more about my friend. How does this person know Brian is working here? I call out again as I feel the panic welling inside me. "Who's there?"

The voice is sincere and kind, making me feel a strong amount of love flood through me when he speaks. "I'm someone who cares, and is looking after him."

I stifle a breath and call back. "If you are truly watching over him, show yourself so I know who you are." I watch in awe as a tall sleek man, who is caressed by a bright white light, enters my office. His silver blue eyes are tender and full of compassion. I feel the tears forming in my eyes when I realize I am looking at Brian's deceased lover.

I gasp and sit back down, wondering how can this be. He moves forward and then sits down at the corner of my desk. He speaks softly. "I wish we could just shoot the bull and speak pleasantries but I will be honest. Brian's life is in extreme danger; even with the precautions you are taking by having Brian dress in drag." He chuckles softly. "I never thought I would see a day when Brian dressed like a woman. That is definitely a Kodak moment." He winks at me "Be sure to take tons of photos. It's worth a whole scrap book alone." He shakes his head and chuckles softly again "Please excuse me for getting side tracked. It is just too funny."

I smile at him kindly. "It's okay, and yes, I have photos."

He smiles and laughs good-naturedly, then continues to speak. His voice fills with worry and concern as he stands up from the desk and begins to pace the room. "Five men came into the club tonight that were involved in my murder." He then looks at me and I can see the pain in his eyes. "One of them recognized Brian's voice."

"Oh shit!" I gasp

"Luckily he did not tell the others his suspicion. He was going to confront Brandy tonight and make sure it was Brian before he took any action."

My body shakes and I feel weak. "Brian. Oh God, is he really okay? What happened?"

William walks over to me and sits back down, gently laying his hand on mine. "He's fine. A little shaken, but he did what he had to do to survive."

I nod my head in understanding and suddenly I think of Justin. "Oh my God! What about Justin? He was supposed to look after him."

William chuckles softly. "Justin is fine. In fact, I paid him a visit before I came here. "He smiles smugly. "He's got balls, and I have no doubt that he will do whatever he can to protect Brian." Then he whispers, "But that scares me too. I'm not sure if Brian is ready to know the truth about Justin."

It does not surprise me that Justin has secrets. We have become close friends, yet I could always sense he was holding something back. Curiosity gets the better of me and I have to ask. "What are his secrets?

He looks down, then back up, and his eyes are sober, his voice poignant. "They are not mine to tell, but his own cross to bear."

I nod my head, even though I don't really understand. "And what about the man who followed Brian tonight? "Will he cause any trouble?"

William smiles wickedly. "No, he is no longer a concern." He looks at me pointedly and speaks sternly. "The three of you need to be extremely cautious of everyone who comes in and out of the club. I emphasize that you do not trust anyone, or next time things could end badly."

William stands up and makes his way to the door, then turns back around and flashes me a bright smile. "Thank you for looking after Brian. I knew I could count on you. I know Brian was hesitant to come to you." I look at him questioningly and encourage him to continue. William sighs, and I can tell he has some reservation about saying any more. I'm thankful when he does. "Brian feels like he let you down all those years ago. In his mind he took your virtue and innocence, and he never forgave himself for that."

I shake my head. "That's not what happened."

"I know that, and you know that, but Brian, he sees it differently. "He smiles one last time. "I'll be in contact with you."

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Justin's POV

Shakily I make my way to Brandy's bedroom. My thoughts still playing over the events that just happened in the kitchen. I take a deep breath and knock on the door gently. I am relieved when I hear Brandy call out, "Come in."

I open the door and walk in, a little surprised when I don't see Brandy. Suddenly clothes start to fly through the air onto the bed, and that's when I notice that the closet door is open and she is rummaging to find something to wear. I chuckle to myself, and then decide to tease her. "Are you putting on a fashion show with all those clothes?"

"Ah yes, it is my dream to walk the catwalk," Brandy replies sardonically

I bite my lips for a moment to suppress my laugh. "I brought you some tea."

"Thank you. You can leave it on the dresser; then be on your way"

I laugh. "Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Is it working?"

"No."

"Then I guess I wasn't trying hard enough," she laughs

I walk over to the dresser and as I'm setting the cup down something catches my eye. It's a photograph and when I look closer I almost spill the tea. I recognize the face of the man in the picture. It's the same guy who just confronted me in the kitchen. I gasp in shock and pick up the photo shakily. I stare at it for awhile, taking in the features of the tall, lean, sophisticated man with piercing silver blue eyes. Suddenly I feel overwhelming sadness around the photograph itself. I am drawn out of my thoughts when I feel a hand lightly squeezing my shoulder. I turn around and look at the person before me through blurry eyes.

I feel my throat tighten and become dry when my gaze lands on a handsome man with tousled, chestnut hair, and hazel eyes that pierce into the depth of my spirit. He whispers to me softly. "Are you ok?"

"Brandy?" I gasp.

He wipes away a tear that is making its way down my cheek. "Shhh, it's okay. You can call me Brian while we are in the apartment."

I swallow hard and when I speak my voice cracks. "I thought Brian was dead."

I see a cloud of sadness cross over his eyes. "In many ways I am." I see the vulnerability and shame in his eyes that he has confided even that small amount of information to me.

Brian clears his throat, then delicately wraps one arm around my shoulders and neck, gently caressing my face with his other hand. He gulps and closes his eyes for a moment. When he opens them I can see confusion and kindness in his previously hardened eyes and then he speaks to me softly. "What has you so upset?"

Hesitantly I show him the photo I have in my hand. He looks at it and I can see the pain and torment in his soul. "Where did you get this?" He says sternly, stepping out of our embrace and grabbing the photo from my hand.

"I saw it on the dresser. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pry or upset you. I just… I've seen the man in this photo before. Who is he?"

Brian's face grows pale as he sits down on the side of his bed with his head in his hands. His body shakes violently and I sit down next to him, gently rubbing his back, wondering who this man is and why he confronted me in the kitchen.

Brian speaks softly. "His name was William. He was my life partner."

Tenderly I caress his cheek, understanding the circumstances better. "Would you like to talk about it?"

His expression grows cold and hard. "He's dead. What is there to talk about? I might be next. Any more fucking questions?"

I close my eyes tightly for a moment and then look back up at him. "I won't let anything happen to you."

He laughs nervously. "Like you're really able to promise me something like that."

"You're right, I can't promise, but I can try."

"You can't be around me twenty-four-seven."

"No, but I have my ways," I smirk.

"Well, you're definitely a confident little fucker, aren't you?."

"You have no idea."

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