Twins Redux
part 6
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Aidan and Joey's townhouse
"Exactly what do you mean 'get serious'? I think everything you've done already has been pretty serious."
Feeling magnanimous and knowing that he will need Joey's full cooperation if he is to have his revenge on Brian, Aidan answers calmly, "Joey, I've only been toying with him."
"I don't understand. Why is it so important that you hurt him? What did he do to you?"
His calm short lived Aidan yells, "He ruined my life! From the first time I met him he has gone out of his way to take everything that should be mine away from me. No matter what I got he made sure that it was nothing next to what he had."
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1990 Harvard University Freshman Deans Office
"You can't be serious. You're kicking me out."
"Calm down Mr. Brady no one is kicking you out. We would simply like you to take a semester off and think about what you want to do with your life. You were admitted to Harvard because you had excellent grades, test scores and a superior intellect, but your grades for the last two semesters have all been below passing."
Raising from behind his desk the dean goes and sits beside Aidan. "I'll be honest with you. If not for you special circumstances I would be telling you that you are expelled and that you would have to reapply, but because of the hardships you faced last year we are willing to make some allowances for you."
"You have no idea what hardships I've been through. Fuck allowances, fuck Harvard and fuck you."
Muttering to himself as he leaves the dean's office. "I don't know how you did it 'Winner", but I know this is your fault. No way it is just a coincidence that I get expelled from college the day after you win a Governor's Medal and $5000 in scholarship money.
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Aidan and Joey's townhouse
"What do you mean he ruined your life? I thought you said that you hadn't seen or heard from him since high school? Nobody can ruin your life if they don't even know that you're alive. You have…"
The back of Aidan's hand silences Joey. Towering over Joey's prone body Aidan answers his question. "You want to know how he ruined my life. I'll tell you how he ruined my life. Once I was branded gay and run out of high school everyone treated me differently. Not just the students, but also my parents and everyone who met me. It's like he stuck a sign on my forehead that said FAGGOT and we all know that faggots are crazy and can't be trusted. It's all his fault. If no one had ever found out it would be me with the college degree, the executive position, winning awards and having people throw themselves at my feet. I would be the one that Michael loves. I would be the one with the beautiful teenaged lover. I would have a son. I would have…"
Joey realizing that Aidan is not only insane but also dangerous cautiously finishes his sentence. "His life." He also knows that it would be an act of suicide to point out to Aidan that Brian is openly gay and being gay hasn't stopped him from achieving his goals.
*Leave him now. Or else. Are you listening?*
Quietly Joey answers. "You win. I'll leave."
*When? Do you need my help?*
"No I can do it. I don't need your help."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing Aidan I was just thinking out loud…about dinner."
"DINNER! You were thinking about dinner while I was telling you about my life."
Joey only feels the first 2-3 blows after that he is unconscious.
One hour later when he comes to he is lying on the bed in the guests room and a note is pinned to his bloody shirt. He removes the note and read it out loud. "Joey I'm in the living room waiting for my dinner and an apology. They had both better be good or else."
*Joey enough is enough. Leave him NOW or else!*
"I said I would leave him, but I have to do it right or he'll kill me…And remember if I die you die. So just wait and no I don't need your help. I can do this on my own."
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Brian's loft
Now that it's been decided who will and will not be leaving Matthew feels that it is time to let everyone in on the plan to stop Aidan. Matthew turns to Brian and says, "Okay Brian let's fill everyone in on how we are going to get rid of this lunatic."
Addressing the "family" Matthew begins to fill them in on what has happened and what they hope will happen, "After the acid attack a couple of things happened. First, Brian had me do a background check on Aidan. Piecing together his life over the last 14 years. Usually one of these checks takes less than 48 hours, it took a lot longer to dig up the information on this guy. Mainly because he has been a guest at three separate state facilities-Juvenile Detention for two years in Pennsylvania, 29 months with the California Department of Corrections and until ten months ago he was a resident at a Massachusetts state mental hospital."
"The acid thing evidently is a specialty of his because that's what landed him in Juvenile detention. He pulled it on the son of the headmaster at a boarding school he was expelled from. The poor kid lost part of a finger and has permanent scaring. California was for domestic abuse. He beat his lover into a coma. He plea-bargained it down from attempted murder to a lesser assault charge and the mental institution was also part of a plea-bargain after he permanently maimed and disfigured his lover."
Melanie turns and looks at Lindsey and a now sleeping Gus and visibly shivers. "Our criminal justice system at work or should I say asleep. This guy should still be behind bars at least for another 20 or 30 years not walking the streets."
Brian who has been quiet until now begins to finish what Matthew has started. "Well you just hit on the foundation of our plan. Aidan didn't walk away from the hospital Scott free. Part of his plea bargain was psychiatric treatment and probation, so if we can catch him in the act or get him to violate his probation he is back in Massachusetts in a jail cell for 15 years instead of a hospital."
Matthew once again begins to speak. He turns to Melanie and Lindsey "I'm not sure if you are aware of the actions that Brian took to punish Aidan for confronting you and Justin outside of the school, but they were highly effective. He stopped coming after Justin and went after Brian. Of course…"
The room erupts with the sound of 10 people all trying to ask questions at once. Debbie's voice wins the contest. "What is he talking about? When did he come after you? What happened?"
Brian slowly and reluctantly begins to answer Debbie's question, "Well it started about a week after the acid and four days after he met up with Matthew and Luke…
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One week after the acid attack
9:00 a.m. Brian's office
Cynthia comes into Brian's office and is visibly agitated. "Brian I just called to confirm your appointment with your tailor and he said that your new assistant had called and canceled your appointment and told him that his services would no longer be needed. He also said that he would come by at noon and pick up all your garments and to have them ready. I also got calls from two of your credit card companies wanting to confirmation for several large on-line purchases. Brian what's going on?"
"Cynthia call the tailor and tell him that a mistake has been made and that under no circumstances is he to release my clothing to anyone but you or me. Tell the credit card companies that my accounts have been compromised and to close them and issue new cards immediately. Then I would like you to check with my other credit cards to make sure that no unauthorized purchases have been made and also check with my dry cleaner and cobbler to make sure that no one has picked up my things."
"Okay, but what's going on Brian?"
"Oh nothing. Just a high school friend playing pranks that's all. It's nothing to worry about."
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Noon the parking lot of Brian's office building
Brian, Bob and Brad are walking towards Brian's Jeep on their way to a 12:30 p.m. lunch meeting.
Bob exclaims, "Oh my God!"
Brad equally as shocked, "Whoa!"
Brian also stunned, but determined not to show any reaction to what he sees pulls out his cell phone and pressing an autodial preset waits for an answer and begins to speak, "Yes this is Mr. Kinney. My car has been vandalized and I'll need for you to come pick it up. It has four slashed tires, broken windshield, broken rear window, broken headlights, and the seats have been slashed…. Yes…also some graffiti has also been spray painted on with day glow paint. As you will be picking this up from my place of business I would like to request that you bring a cover so that no one will be able to view the graffiti as you remove the car from the garage. You should have the address on file…Yes that is correct. Oh and there is a $1000.00 bonus in it if you can have it ready by Friday…Yes I know that it is Tuesday. See you Friday at 6:00."
Brian hangs up and punches another preset on his cell phone and orders a rental car. He is in luck they have a black Jeep almost identical to his on the lot. Finished dealing with this latest crisis, Brian turns to his still stunned co-workers and calmly asks, "So which of you is driving?"
As the trio heads for Brad's car Brian once again surveys the epitaphs that Aidan has written on his car--YOU'RE A DEAD MAN; REVENGE IS SWEET; and YOU CAN'T HIDE, smiles and quietly says to no one in particular, "Cowardly son-of-a-bitch still hasn't changed."
3:30 p.m. St. James Academy
"Brian this isn't your Jeep. What's going on?"
"Someone scraped it today in the garage. Nothing major. While it's being painted I got this rental. Mine will be ready on Friday."
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Two days later Brian's office a scream can be heard echoing through the halls
Brian racing from his office arrives at Cynthia's desk to find her hovering in a corner crying and shaking. He looks on her desk just in time to see a fairly large black snake begin to slither out of a box of flowers. Quickly he uses the lid of the box to force the snake back into the box and seal it in. By now several other assistants and executives have come into the area and are tending to the still shaken Cynthia. Brian reads the unopened card that is addressed to him. "I love you. Justin."
Placing the card in his breast pocket and picking up the florist box Brian turns and thanks everyone for his or her help and states that he has a friend with a really sick sense of humor and apologizes for the inconvenience this practical joke has caused. He helps Cynthia up and escorts her to his office.
"Cynthia until further notice don't accept anymore unexpected packages. If you come in and one has been left let me open it. Take the rest of the day off. Go to the day spa down the street. Have a massage and get your hair and nails done…my treat."
"I hate snakes Brian otherwise I wouldn't take you up on your offer because I have a lot of work to do, but I really hate snakes so thanks boss. See you tomorrow." She then smiles and exits his office knowing that this is as close to an apology as she will ever get from Brian.
Brian picks up the phone on his desk and dials information. "Yes, I'd like the number for animal control."
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2:00 p.m. the garage in Brian's office building the day of the blood attack outside of Babylon
Brian is thinking to himself that he has only fifteen minutes before Justin is out of school. Damn these teacher workshops. This is the second one in two weeks and they are reeking havoc with my schedule.
As Brian steps into the garage he sees someone else is also approaching his car. Quietly, Brian draws near his car and then says, "Hello Aidan." His fist connecting with his old adversaries left jaw punctuates his greeting. Staggered Aidan runs before Brian can stop him. Realizing that he now has 10 minutes left before he must pick up Justin, Brian decides not to pursue Aidan.
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Back in Brian's loft
"So now that you know what has been going on for the last two weeks. I'll finish telling you what is going to happen. Tomorrow I am arranging for my company to lease the townhouse where Aidan currently lives at twice the current rental rate for an advertising and public relations campaign with the proviso that it be available for our use by the beginning of the month."
David who until now has shown almost no interest in what is going on voices the obvious. "But that's just three days from now."
Michael remembering how much Aidan hated being inconvenienced exclaims, "That's really going to piss Aidan off."
Brian looks at his best friend who he is still more than a little angry at for his questionable actions and for acting as if this is Justin's fault and does his best Justin imitation, "Duh. You think?"
This solicits the first and only group laugh of the evening. "As I was saying, Aidan will also find that he will no longer be welcome at his health club, tailors, and most of the more exclusive boutiques and haberdasheries in town. Also with David's help I have taken steps to ensure that will also be persona non grata at the majority of the exclusive restaurants in town as well as most of the local social clubs, societies, charities and committees. Justin's mother has seen to it that he will also no longer be welcome in polite 'straight' society or be considered a sought after dinner guest. As for the gay community Aidan's actions tonight have already made him a hunted man on Liberty Avenue. Gay or not he is now considered to be a basher and/or a certified head case. In other words Aidan is once again a social pariah and he will have no one to blame, but me."
Michael again voices the obvious. "Brian you know that Aidan has always valued his place in society. He always lauded it over us that his father was rich and that he was only going to public school because of the sports teams. He always felt like he not only belonged in high society, but that it was his birthright. You're taking away the only thing that he has always held as a constant in his life. Wouldn't a better way to handle this would be simply to send Justin back to his parents. Then Aidan won't have anyone to attack and…"
It is Matthew that responds to Michael, "Aidan is crazy. not stupid. He'll know that Brian would just be sending Justin away to keep him safe. Love doesn't go away overnight."
Ignoring Matthew Michael continues. "He'll try to kill you for this."
Again it is Matt that deals with the whining brunette. "Well that's the general idea, but don't worry. Contrary to what you all think Brian will not be alone. Several of my best men and I will be with him at all times. I promise you that the son-of-a-bitch will not lay a hand on Brian."
Anyone seeing the look in Matthew's eyes would know that the only way Aidan will ever get to Brian is over his dead body and even then he might rise from the dead to keep his word.
An hour later all the details of the plan to stop Aidan have been discussed, amended, re-discussed, and everyone begins to head home.
"Sunshine, are you staying here or coming home?"
Before Justin can answer, Brian does the honors, "He IS home…" Turning to look at Justin he adds, "For now."
Suddenly Emmett turns to Matt and says, "Wait a minute you said a couple of things happened after the acid attack, but you only told us about one. What was the other?"
Everyone having heard Emmett's question stops to hear the menacing bodyguard's answer. "He came after Luke and made me his enemy."
Luke looks over at his lover and once again sees that "The Pale Rider" has returned and like all the others in the hallway he shudders.
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A black Jeep 4:00 p.m. the following Thursday evening outside of Brian's loft.
"He eats catered meals from one of the best restaurant in the city, yet because of him I can't even get a reservation. Did you see them delivering the flowers? Dozen of fucking roses and orchids. Do you know how much one fucking orchid costs and what's with all the fucking candles? It should be me? I should be having people coming to my home and decorating for a party while I'm at work. This should be my life. My life. Mine!"
"Aidan! Please! Calm down! Let's just forget it and go somewhere else. Anywhere you want to. My treat."
"What's that supposed to mean? Your treat? I know it's all your money. I know that I'm a kept man. I know that I never finished college. I know that I spent my entire inheritance in less than four years. What do you mean your treat? Are you trying to remind me that I'm nothing and have nothing while he has everything?"
Terrified that Aidan has lost his fledgling grip on reality and his sanity Joey sits silently and listens and waits.
*That's it Joey. I'm taking over. I want out of this mess and now.*
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Thursday 8:00 p.m. at Brian's loft.
No less than 250 candles illuminate the room and there are orchids and white rose petals on every available surface. The atmosphere is one of romance and charged sexuality. Four undeniably beautiful men--two dark and two fair have just finished eating a sumptuous seven course meal catered by Baum Vivant, one of the best restaurants in town.
Tonight is about forgetting. It is about sharing. It is about love. It is just two couples enjoying a romantic evening, not bodyguards and clients. Nowhere is this more evident than in the attire of Luke and Matthew. For once, Matthew isn't wearing all black and Luke isn't dressed totally in white. Instead tonight Matthew is wearing camel colored pleated wool trousers and an olive green cashmere and silk sweater. While Luke has on black jeans and an ivory colored hand knit cable sweater. They both look totally sexy. This is no longer Matthew and Luke the bodyguards, but Matt and "L"-the lovers, the partners, and the best friends.
Brian and Justin are also dressed for an evening of relaxation and quiet entertainment. Justin is wearing a new pair of Diesel jeans and like Matthew a cashmere and silk sweater except his sweater is in a shade of blue that almost perfectly matches his eyes; both are gifts from Brian like most of the clothes packed for his trip to New York. It goes without saying that Brian is perfectly turned out in his black jeans and silk formfitting tee.
Brian, Justin, Luke and Matthew are all sitting in the living room enjoying the soft jazz permeating the air and drinking the Louis III Napoleon Brandy-$500 a bottle that Matt and L brought. Justin wishes that the evening would never end, but he knows that it will and soon since he and Luke are leaving on a 7 a.m. flight for New York.
Luke who is sitting on the floor with his head resting against Matthew's lower thigh breaks the silence. "I don't know about you Justin, but I think we should go away more often if this is how we get treated the night before we leave."
Justin who is cradled in Brian's arms on the sofa laughingly agrees. "I concur. So what other conventions and seminars do you have to attend L maybe I could go with you then, too and Brian might just give another dinner party like this one or maybe Matt will do the honors next time?"
"Um let me think. There is another regional booksellers' convention coming up in Atlanta next month and it wouldn't interfere with your classes since it's just a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday morning event. We could…"
"Look L, I am not paying for Justin to follow you all over the east coast to talk about drawing pictures for books, besides…" Brian gently kisses Justin's neck, bites his earlobe and then continues, "There are good reasons for you to stay in town. Or am I wrong?" he then renews his assault on Justin neck and ears.
Taking a cue from Brian, Matt removes the leather tie that is holding L's almost waist length hair in a ponytail and after using his fingers to comb the near white mane about his lover's face and shoulders he begins to massage the back of the younger man's neck. Concentrating on that one spot that he knows never fails to arouse L. "Well gentlemen, is he wrong? Would traipsing all over the country talking about poetry and illustrations be preferable to staying home?"
As if choreographed Justin and L respond simultaneously with moans of pleasure. "Brian I…ah think L and I will be leaving now…" He stands and pulls L up off the floor, "Come on and if you're a good boy I'll finish your massage." L smiles, "You really want me to be 'GOOD'?"
Giving L one of his patented "Toe Curler" kisses, Matt answers "Yeah, 'good and BAD'. Let's go."
Smiling L turns to Justin and Brian who are now passionately kissing and says, "Um sorry to interrupt, but Justin I'll pick you up at 5:00 a.m. sharp. "
Coming up for air Brian lifts Justin off his lap and rises to see his guests out. Justin then acknowledges L's statement, "See you at 5:00 a.m. sharp."
After Matt and L leave Brian locks the door, activates the alarm system, turns to Justin and says, "Let's put out all these candles so that I can show you just why it is better to stay here rather than run all over the east coast with L."
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Meanwhile in a deluxe suite at the Hilton Hotel and Towers
Aidan walks from the sleeping area of the suite and saunters to the bar to get some ice for his bruised right hand. Yelling so that he can be heard in the bedroom, "Joey if you've caused me to break my good hand you'll be sorry."
Aidan's threat is met with silence. It is not that Joey doesn't want to answer, but rather that he can't because he is unconscious.
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Brian's loft. As promised Brian is showing Justin just why it is better to stay in Pittsburgh than travel all over the east coast.
In a moment of deje vu, reminding both Justin and Brian of their first night together Brian lying on top of Justin whispers, "Don't cum." Thus begins the all-nighter to end all-nighters.
The air is punctuated with the alternating sounds of moaning and begging. Justin's body is covered in sweat, his hands are tangled in the bed sheets. His back is bowed off the bed as Brian mercilessly uses all of his sixteen years of experience to pleasure his young lover by once again bringing him to the brink of climax and back down again.
"PLEASE... I CAN'T BRIAN… PLEASE!"
"Please what, Justin?"
"Please. I need…" Before Justin can finish his statement Brian once again and without warning takes Justin's super heated and oozing cock into his mouth not stopping until he feels the tickle of pubic hair against his nose. His is rewarded by a sound that is half moan and half whimper from Justin.
Brian knows that Justin won't last much longer because it is taking all of his own considerable control not to cum. The sight and sound of Justin is better than any aphrodisiac. His member is super hard and oozing pre cum, but tonight is for Justin not for him.
"BRIAN! PLEASE! I CAN'T…" This time the words are uttered not just with lust and need, but also with desperation and Brian knows that he may have pushed too far. He sometimes forgets that while he and most of his sex partners have had years of experience Justin though very adept is a novice and isn't always equipped to deal with the sensations that his more prolonged lovemaking sessions can produce.
Brian quickly changes his tactics and backs off of Justin's cock until only the head remains in his mouth. Applying gentle suction all his actions are now designed to bring Justin to climax. Brian untangles Justin's hands from the sheets and intertwines their fingers.
Justin knowing that he now has Brian's permission gives into to his body's needs with a final joyous shout, "Briiiiiii"
The sound of his name rendered with such passion and need along with the exquisite taste of Justin's load pushes Brian over the edge and he too finds his release.
Justin is lying on top of Brian while the older man absently runs his hand up and down his back. Feeling guilty about the possibility of having pushed Justin too far too fast Brian begins to apologize. "You, okay? I didn't mean for it to get out of hand. You were supposed to enjoy it."
"Brian, you don't have anything to apologize for. I did enjoy it. If I had enjoyed it anymore I would have exploded. I'm going to let you in on a secret. People always describe me as being 'porcelain-skinned', but I'm not made of china and I won't break. At least not that easily and I'm a lot stronger than I look."
"I know that you won't break, but I also know that you didn't totally enjoy what I was doing and I wasn't apologizing. Apologies are bullshit. I was about to remind you that if I'm doing something you don't like, tell me."
Sitting up and straddling Brian, "I know that and I didn't say anything. Did I? Now L will be here in less than four hours to pick me up and I don't think that I'm ready to leave for a week."
Reaching out and gently pulling on the ring suspended from Justin's right nipple Brian jokingly replies "Oh and what else do you need before leaving for your trip?"
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Four a.m. Aidan and Joey's suite
"Aidan I don't want to do this. You're going too far."
"Shut up and get ready and I don't want to hear anymore about how bad you feel. I'm finally going to get my life back."
He knows what he has to do. Joey bruised and more than a little dazed slowly rises to dress. My head really hurts. I can't take this anymore. I'm not strong enough. I need help.
"Enough is enough. Okay Joe you win. I need your help."
*About time.*
"Here he comes. Let's do it now."
*No not now. You let him go too far. I'm going to help you and that cute little blond kid at the same time. Now be quiet he's coming back.*
"Okay, but Joe. Try not to kill him…I really do love him and it hasn't been all bad."
*You said you wanted me to handle it. Now let me handle it. Shh he's coming back.*
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Four forty-five a.m. Brian's loft
Justin removing his packed garment bag and suitcase, another gift from Brian, from the closet to the front door turns and addresses Brian who is sitting at the breakfast bar "You should go to sleep. You do still have to work tomorrow…I mean today."
"I can sleep in, I'm working from home and don't have anything scheduled other than a one o'clock conference call."
Knowing that Brian usually doesn't do goodbye kisses Justin nervously approaches Brian and hopes that this once he'll make an exception.
"You need some help getting your things to the elevator?"
"Nope. That's not what I need. I need you to say goodbye."
Rising and walking towards the bedroom Brian replies "Well that's easy enough. Goodbye. Have a safe trip."
Justin believing that he has already gotten more from Brian than he had a right to expect turns to move his luggage into the hall. Brian wrapping his arms around him from behind stops him. Turning so that he is now facing Brian, Justin smiles just as his and Brian's lips meet.
The sound of the buzzer and the need to breathe are the only reasons that the two end their passionate kiss.
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5:00 a.m. Long Term Parking at The Pittsburgh International Airport
"Do you understand what I want you to do? Well answer me? Joey, don't make me…"
His voice more forceful than usual Joey distractedly answers, "Yeah, I understand. You'll handle the bodyguard and I'll take care of the twink."
Aidan is too occupied watching for Luke and Justin to notice the change in Joey.
"Here. Take the chloroform and remember don't get it anywhere near your nose or you'll pass out. Understand."
"Yep. Wouldn't want that to happen now would we?"
"What's your problem?"
"You're my fucking problem."
Finally realizing that something is different. "What?...Joey who…"
Making the sound of a buzzer, "Wrong. I'm Joe. Joey stepped out for awhile and told me to tell you goodbye."
Before Aidan can respond Joe uses the chloroform meant for Justin to knock him out.
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6:30 a.m., first class Liberty Air Flight 5610 to LaGuardia
"Can I get you gentlemen anything to drink?"
"Yes, I'd like a Mimosa."
"That sounds good, make it two."
"Yes sirs, one Mimosa and one ORANGE juice, coming right up."
Luke and the flight attendant whose name badge reads Kevin laugh at the frustrated look on Justin's face.
"Well if this is any indication of how my trip is going to be. I might as well get off and go back to Brian's."
"Not a possibility, unless you have wings to go along with that angelic face of yours."
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Five days later Brian's loft
"Matt what the fuck is going on? Five days and nothing, it's like Aidan's dropped off the face of the earth and the worst part is that L and Justin are due back in two days."
"Brian don't worry. I have someone watching over our better halves. Nothing is going to happen to them."
Brian takes a deep breath and then suddenly turns to Matthew. "What the fuck do you mean 'OUR better halves'? Speak for yourself. Justin is just…"
With a mischievous gleam in his eyes Matthew decides to meddle is his friend's life and in the process maybe spare him and Justin some of the pain and wasted time that he and Luke had to endure. "What?…You can't even say it out loud. Your damned obsession with honesty won't let you lie. Admit it. You love him. Almost as much as I love L."
Brain turns and gives Matt a lethal stare.
"Okay I concede…You love him just as much as I love L."
Matt is once again gifted with another stare, but not quite as lethal.
"Come on admit it. If you didn't love him that fucking creep Kip Thomas would still have a job and all of his teeth and you wouldn't have to finally deal with your real enemy."
Brian smiles as thinks back to the events of the last five days and then cringes as he remembers the confrontation that has yet to happen.
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Brian's Loft Friday Afternoon
"Come on in Matt. Don't tell me that you can't find anything to do. Hell L has only been gone for eight hours. You are so…" Brian suddenly stops speaking when he sees the look on the older man's face.
"What's wrong? Is Justin…"
"No Brian. L and Justin are fine. As of 10 minutes ago they were having lunch in the hotel restaurant. By the way where the hell does Justin put all the food he eats?"
Laughing Brain gives Matt one of his tongue-in-check patented looks and answers his confused friend. "He sits on it. As if you hadn't noticed."
Smiling Matt nods his head throws up his hands in surrender and confesses, "Guilty as charged Your Honor. I'm married not dead."
The two once again share a laugh. "Okay, Matt enough stalling. What's wrong?"
"I finally tracked down the investigators that worked for Aidan and I also got a full report from my operative who has been tailing Aidan. Including the results of the wire taps and photo surveillance. Before I give you my report you need to know that I checked and then checked this again, but it came up the same way every time."
"Who was the spy?"
Brian's question is met with silence. "Fuck it was Cynthia after all. I'll kill her."
"No it wasn't Cynthia, although some of the information did inadvertently come from her. The rest was gleamed from office gossip and jealous coworkers. One person in particular willingly provided a bumper load of information."
"Who?"
"Does the name Kip Thomas ring a bell?
"What the fuck does that lying sack of shit have to do with this?"
"Well he provided chapter and verse about you, your business dealings and any company gossip that remotely had anything to do with you. That's how he found out about the 'Hugging Bears.'"
"I don't understand Cynthia would never tell anyone about that and she's the only person who knew about the bears."
"Wrong. The bears had to be ordered and delivered. Although Cynthia was very discrete, the employees of the shop where she got the bears from aren't on your payroll. Several months ago the company changed hands and the new owner couldn't wait to tell his boyfriend that Liberty Avenue's reigning stud sends his young lover teddy bears and balloons when he's out of town."
"And let me guess his boyfriend is Kip Thomas?"
"Give the man a cigar. The investigator saw the bear that you sent from Boston being delivered and started there eventually it led back to Thomas who for the tidy sum of $5000 spilled his guts."
"Fuck! And there's not a damn thing I can do about it."
"And here I was thinking that you had finally got with the program. I told you he gave the guy personal and business information on you. Do you remember the Guilford Academy account."
"Yeah, that was really weird. It was just a little nothing account, but the contacts would have been…Wait did that little fuck have something to do with them changing their mind about going with Ryder?"
"Well welcome back to the well informed."
"Do you have proof?"
Matthew removes one of several files from his briefcase and hands it to Brian. "Inside are pictures and transcripts of conversations between Kip and Aidan. One of the transcripts is of a call between Aidan and the Headmaster of Guilford which names Kip as the source of information on Brian and his supposed predilection for under aged boys.
"Perfect. I can finally do what I wanted to after he filed those false sexual harassment charges against me."
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Monday Morning The Ryder Agency
Kip was excited when he heard that Marty Ryder wanted to see him. He was sure that the success of his marketing plan for the local Chamber of Commerce's Annual Sale Days had finally earned him a return to the "A List" and the high profile accounts.
He was wrong.
When he walked into the office and not only saw Brian, but the Private Investigator, Tom…Tim…or something like that. He knew that not only would there be no promotion, but also after it was all said and done there would be no job.
Look at the smug son-of-a-bitch. Thirty minutes and he hasn't uttered a word, not one word. He's just sitting there and enjoying it. I should have listened to everyone. But no, I though everyone was wrong when they told me not to mess with Brian Kinney, especially after the shit I pulled with the sexual harassment charges. Shit why didn't I listen to them. I AM SO SCREWED!
Ryder was finally concluding his 20-minute diatribe. "…Security will escort you from the premises. Mr. Thomas I suggest that you try the West Coast for employment…not Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Diego or Seattle for that matter…On second thought may I suggest a change of careers because you have NO future in advertising. I have personally made sure of that."
Standing to leave at what he believes to be an empty threat. "Look MISTER Ryder. This may be the top firm in Pittsburgh, but the bigger firms won't give a damn about what the CEO of a rinky dink agency in Pittsburgh thinks."
"Well you show your true colors, even to me. Well Mr. Thomas you will find out just how rinky dink my agency is. Brian, do you have anything to say?"
Brian slowly stands and turns to Kip.
"Well Kinney? If you have something to say to me then say it! I have an office to clean…"
He never gets to finish his sentence as Brian's back handed blow connects with his mouth.
Kip awakens on the floor with Ryder's secretary and a security guard standing over him. Ryder, Brian and the investigator are gone. So is two of him expensively capped teeth.
"I'll see him in jail!"
Beverly, Ryder's secretary of 10 years looks at Kip with a bewildered look on her face. "What are you talking about? You had some kind of dizzy spell and hit your mouth on the desk and passed out."
"What you can't be serious? Kinney sucker punched me!"
"You poor thing you must of hit your head harder that we thought Mr. Kinney and Mr. Ryder weren't even here when you had your accident. Now Lee here will escort you to your office and then out of out of the building."
"They won't get away with this. I'll…"
With a self-satisfied smile, Beverly once again stops Kip's tirade by handing him a square composed of several folded tissues. These are you teeth. I took the liberty of picking them up off the floor for you. If you hurry to the dentist he may be able to replace them for you…Good day Mr. Thomas. Lee make sure that he leaves by the service entrance."
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Saturday evening in Brian's loft.
Brian, Luke and Matthew are discussing new strategies for dealing with Aidan if and when he resurfaces while Justin knowing that he will have to abide by any decisions that the three make thumbs through the daily paper.
No one can believe that after all the things that Brian did to Aidan he didn't come anywhere near Brian while Justin and Luke were away.
Justin reads his horoscope and the comics first and then starts to read the rest of the newspaper, starting with the local news.
"SHIT! BRIAN!"
"What? What's wrong?"
"LOOK!"
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The Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Son of former United States Attorney Confesses to Brutal Murder
April 30, 2001
PITTSBURGH-Two days after the discovery of the mutilated body of Aidan Patrick Brady in an abandoned warehouse police have announced the arrest of Harding Joseph Greer, V. Greer, 20 known to most as Joey, is the grandson of wealthy Boston financier Harding Joseph Greer IV and son of former U.S. attorney Harrison James Greer.
Greer has confessed to using chloroform to asphyxiate Brady, dousing the body with acid, covering the corpse with pig's blood and then castrating the remains. Greer is expected to plead not guilty by reason of diminished capacity when arraigned later today.
Greer and Brady are alleged to have been homosexual lovers. The two met while patients at a state run mental facility in Massachusetts. The accused was previously acquitted of murder, at the age of 16, by reason of diminished capacity. He was committed to a state mental facility following his trial for the murder of Charles B. White. White had just been released from prison after serving 5 years for sexually assaulting Greer. In a sealed conviction, state officials had also committed the victim to the facility. Repeated calls to the facility have gone unanswered.
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Justin visibly shaken by the news article makes it to the kitchen trash can just in time to avoid ruining the living room carpet. He wanted Aidan out of his and Brian's life, but no one should die like that and especially not by the hand of someone who is supposed to love you.
While Brian takes Justin into his arms in an attempt to calm him, it is Matthew who voices the obvious. "Well now we know why he didn't try anything while you were gone."
Luke and Justin look at each other and in unison say, "Duh. Ya think?"
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Epilogue-The Loft Several Days after Aidan's Death
Michael is all smiles because this is the first time in over a month that Brian and he will have spent any time alone. "God, Brian I know that you are glad that this is over. Now Justin can go back to my mother's and we can have our lives back."
Brian turns and drops several pictures on the counter in front of Michael. All the color drains from his face as he sees the subject of the photos-he and Aidan.
Brian still hasn't spoken. "Brian where…I mean I can explain. I got pictures like the ones that Justin got and I went to talk to Aidan to tell him to fuck off and leave us alone. That's all."
Brian pushes the play button on the mini tape recorder in his hand.
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Aidan: So Michael still cute as ever.
Michael: Thanks. You look good, too.
Aidan: I found your counter offer intriguing. Does the offer still stand?
Michael: Yeah. I help you get to Justin and you leave me and ma and Uncle Vic alone.
Aidan: So where's the info?
Michael: Here it is on one condition. I don't like the little shit for fucking up my life, but I don't really want him hurt. At least not too bad so there is one condition. You just scare him. No more acid or anything like that.
Aidan: Okay. That still leaves a lot of room for fun. So hand it over.
Michael: Okay. Here's his work schedule for the next two weeks. His best friend's address, phone number, and license tag. His school schedule and the Dates that Brian will be out of town or entertaining clients.
Aidan: Thank you and Michael…
Michael: Yeah.
Aidan: You're a fucking piece of shit and a coward for doing this. I always envied Brian because you were in love with him now I feel like I'm the one that got the better end of the deal.
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The machine clicks off and the only sound that can be heard in the loft is Michael's sobs and Brian's labored breathing.
"Michael, I love you, but Justin is my lover and 9 out of 10 days he and Gus are the only reason I don't crawl into a bottle of Jack and never come back out."
Finally looking his sobbing best friend Brian gives Michael hope. "With time I will forgive you for this, but know this, I will never ever forget."
Walking to the loft door he opens it. "Now get out. Justin will be here soon to cook a special celebration dinner for the two of us."
Michael slowly ruses and walks to the door. "Brian I had to. It was him or mom and Vic."
"No Michael. You said your note was like Justin's. His read 'You or them. Choose'. You are such a coward that you never considered sacrificing yourself. Justin is only 18 and he chose himself. Get out Michael. I need the company of a real man not a fucking cowardly child. And don't call me. I'll call you. Oh, and tell Deb that Justin is still staying with me.
Sobbing Michael exits the loft.
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One month later Brian's office
Cynthia walks in carrying a large package. "Brian this just arrived for you. It has a Boston return address and is marked PERSONAL."
"Thanks, I'll open it later. Right now I'm late for Ryder's fucking monthly staff meeting."
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Meanwhile at Deb's house
"Princess. There's a certified letter for you on the kitchen table."
"Vic, do you have to call me that?"
"Yep as a matter of fact, I do."
"Fine. Certified? Who would send me a certified letter?"
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Later that evening at Brian's loft the family is once again gathered, including a very sullen and quiet Michael.
Spread out on the table is Brian's life-yearbook photos, newspaper clippings, articles from trade magazines, and photos all about Brian. "I can't believe that Aidan was this obsessed with me. I don't even remember most of these things. I know the man is dead, but this is just too fucking weird for words. Shit, I was being stalked for over 20 years and didn't even know it."
Hesitantly Justin pulls the certified letter that he received from his backpack and begins to speak. "I got something from Joey in the mail too."
Everyone turns to Justin and waits. "It's a letter. It's not very long, but it is just as creepy as the stuff you got."
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Justin:
It feels funny to call you that. Aidan always just called you 'Brian's Twink'. Joey should have listened to you and walked away before things got too bad. You were right, people who love you don't beat you. By the way, the papers were wrong I didn't kill him and neither did Joey. See, you and I have never met. Let me explain. When I was 4 years old a family friend started molesting me and rather than deal with it I kind of retreated and let another person have all the pain. His name was Joey. Then when I was 10 another man started doing the same thing to me. That's when Joe was born. While Joey took all the pain, Joe was a fighter. Joe killed Aidan. I know what you are thinking. If I'm not Joey or Joe who the hell am I? I'm Quint. It's a play on being the fifth person to have my name.
The papers say that Joe killed him during some rough sex gone wrong or in a jealous rage. They're wrong he did it for you because of what he had done to you and because of what he wanted to do to you. In a way he planned his own death. Joe just did to him what he had planned for you. The doctor says that by killing someone whom was a lot like our abuser, Joey and Joe were able to rest. With a lot of therapy they believe that the two of them will "Rest In Peace", if you know what I mean and I will be the only one left.
Not to freak you out or anything, but I would someday like to meet with you. From what I can remember of your meeting with Joey you were very nice and I could use a nice friend.
I would really like it if you wrote to me, but I'll understand if you choose not to. Again I'm sorry for everything that Joey sat by an let Aidan do.
Sincerely,
Harding Joseph "Quint" Greer, V
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Melanie speaks first. "So let me get this straight. Not only did you have some whacked out stalker after you, but Sybil was helping him to do it?"
Brian and Justin simply look at her and shrug.
Emmett shivering asks, "And you actually talked to him and tried to help him? When?"
"The first time was in the diner, before I knew who Aidan was. He had a black eye and Aidan kept calling him names and he even hit him while I was serving them dinner. The next time was when Aidan picked me up from school. He was in the back of the Jeep that time he not only had a black eye, but he also had a split lip and bruises all over his face. He was so quiet that at first I didn't even know he was there."
Emmett gets up and gives the teen a kiss on the temple. "Baby, you have a good heart."
Justin is relived that Brian didn't ask to read the letter himself because then he would have seen what he chose not to read aloud.
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One time Aidan told Joey that people called him and Brian "The Twins." I'm sure that he wished that they really had been twins because Brian loves you and it shows.
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Michael's Old Room at Deb's House
What will it hurt? Brian is out of town and I won't get my bear until tomorrow. What could it hurt? Besides he's locked up in Massachusetts. Besides he saved me. Well here goes nothing.
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Dear Quint:
I hope this letter finds you well and alone, if you know what I mean? I really don't know what to write, so I'll just tell you about my day.
Today at school I had…
The End?
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Author's notes: I tried to make this story as authentic as possible and to that end the restaurant that Brian uses for his and Justin's romantic evening is an actual four star eatery in Pittsburgh-Baum Vivant located at 5102 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224-2302, 412-682-2620. Here is a little information about it:
With a menu offering a Mediterranean fare, this is a fine dining restaurant. Expect the average entrée to cost $20 to $30, and you'll be fine if dressed casual. The restaurant has a classic décor. Mirrors are used to accent the décor. The restaurant has a romantic atmosphere -- a favorite for professionals after work. Baum Vivant is appropriate (if not ideal) for anniversaries and other romantic evenings. Open for dinner. The menu here at Baum Vivant changes on a seasonal basis depending on freshness and availability. Reservations are accepted. Parking has been arranged for customers.
There is also a nod to Arabella and her story "Beg." I hope you don't mind that I decided to have Justin do it again for my story.
Joey, Joe and Quint are my nod to "The Three Faces of Eve." It was on Turner Classic Movies several times as I wrote this story. I do not in any way shape or form put forth the notion that I understand multiple personalities or any other psychiatric conditions.
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