Medallion
Part 1
Justin rested his legs on Brian’s shoulders. “Fuck me daddy.” he whispered.
Brian smiled, and leaned in for a kiss. “Do you want me to fuck you bareback baby?”
“Yes, do it.” Justin panted.
Brian bypassed the bowl of condoms on the nightstand for the bottle of lube sitting next to it. He squirted the cool liquid along his baby’s tight opening before placing himself in position. He then leaned forward, forcing Justin’s legs even higher as he guided his dick into the teen’s smooth tunnel. “Ummmm.” Justin moaned.
Brian kissed his baby’s legs, and stroked his thighs as he waited for his young lover’s signal. He could feel Justin’s warm flesh pulsating around the head of his stiff cock, as the teen slowly welcomed him inside. Brian found his baby’s mouth, and kissed him deeply, allowing their tongues to intertwine. Justin closed his eyes, and emitted another soft moan. “Let me hear you baby.” Brian whispered.....RINGGGGGGGGGGGG!
Brian hit the snooze button on the alarm clock for the third time. This time the damned thing wouldn’t shut up, he had reached his maximum snooze time. “Morning baby.” Brian mumbled, as he instinctively reached over to Justin’s side of the bed. The hungover executive lifted his face from the pillow to find only a cold empty space. Brian crawled out of bed, and stumbled to the washroom. He did his morning piss, before turning on the water in the shower. As the steam began to build, Brian took a look in the mirror. He felt like shit, and looked even worse. A morning shave was the first in order of what threatened to be a long business day.
Leaning against the glass shower wall, with the water splashing his face, Brian once again swore off drinking. Even the harshness of Listerine hadn’t been able to burn away the lingering taste of last night’s Jack Daniels shots, or was it Jim Beam? Brian glanced at his wrists as he lathered himself. Much to his surprise there were very prominent bruises on each one. Brian inspected the rest of his body, everything seemed to still be in place. Other than a throbbing headache, he felt ok. What the fuck did he do last night? Most of the previous evening was a blur, but Brian didn’t worry, it would come to him later. He continued with his shower.
Brian reached for the nearest suit in the closet, and quickly dressed for work. He looked over at the tangled sheets on the bed that was half touching the floor. There wasn’t time to change them now. He had a ten o’clock appointment, or was it a nine o’clock appointment? At any rate, he was running late. “Shit!” Brian yelped as he stepped out into the daylight. The blistering early summer heat, and glaring morning sun made his head pound even harder. “Oh fuck, my pills.” Brian uttered to himself, but there was no time to go back for them now. He slipped on his sunglasses, and headed for work.
“Is it hot enough for you boss?” Cynthia smiled as she followed him into his office.
“It’s like a goddamn sauna out there.” Brian barked. “Coffee, black.”
“Your first appointment will be here in twenty minutes.” she said.
“Brown Athletics?” Brian asked.
“No, Kevin took care of them yesterday, remember?” Cynthia reminded him.
“Who am I seeing?”
“Atta-Boy Pet Supplies.”
Brian took his seat at his desk, and clicked on his computer. For the life of him he couldn’t recall Atta-Boy Pet Supplies. Luckily his files were there to remind of him. Cynthia returned with his coffee. “Are you feeling better boss?” She asked cautiously, as she placed the mug on his desk.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks Cynthia.” Brian forced a smile.
“Michael called. He said it wasn’t important, and for you to call him back when you get a chance.” she said.
“You didn’t tell him anything about what happened yesterday did you?” Brian asked.
“Of course not, that’s boss/assistant privileged information.” she smiled.
“Thanks Cynthia.” Brian said again.
Gardner Vance peeked his head inside Brian’s office. “Good morning Brian. Are you feeling better?” he asked.
“I’m fine.” Brian said once again.
“I just wanted you to know that everything went well with “Brown Athletics”. Mr. Brown telephoned me personally this morning to say how pleased he was with the work you, and Kevin did. He’s looking forward to the two of you working on the new spring line next year.”
“That’s good.” Brian said.
Gardner handed Brian a package wrapped in brown gift paper. “Kevin stopped by this morning, and left this package for you. From the smell of it, I’d say they were Cuban.” he said.
Brian looked up at his boss. “Thanks Gardner.”
“Are you sure you feel alright? You don’t look well Brian, why don’t you take the rest of the day off? It’s Friday, go home and rest this weekend. We’ll see you on Monday.” Gardner suggested.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather work, if you don’t mind.” Brian said.
Brian placed Kevin’s gift in his briefcase, then went about his day. He met with Atta-Boy Pet Supplies, conducted his monthly meeting with his junior executives, and secured a new account over lunch. It was almost three o’clock before he was able to return Michael’s call. “So you’re still alive.” Michael said. “You were so hammered last night, I was worried about you.”
“I’m still here.” Brian groaned. He leaned back in his chair, and massaged the area over his eyes.
“How’s Kevin?”
“I guess he’s ok, he stopped by the office earlier.”
“Didn’t he spend the night with you?”
“No, at least I don’t think so.” Brian said. “Knowing Kevin, he probably spent the night carousing, and cruising the underbelly of Pittsburgh. He only has today, and tomorrow to be a heathen. He’s flying back to Chicago on Sunday.”
“I’m glad I got a chance to see him before he left.” Michael said. “How did you two manage to get rid of Justin?”
“Justin? Was Justin with us?”
“No. How did you get rid of him?” Michael asked again.
Brian danced around the real answer. “Justin’s not into leather. The “Meat Hook” crowd makes him nervous.” he said.
“Justin’s right. There were all kinds of leather freaks at “Babylon” last night. You and Kevin blended right in.” Michael laughed. “How did you enjoy your cowboy?”
“Cowboy?”
“Yeah, you snagged yourself a cowboy. You said you and Kevin were going to take him home to rope, and tie him. Don’t you remember?”
Brian looked at the bruises on his wrists. Well, that was one mystery solved. “I guess he was ok.” Brian said.
“I have to admit, you out did yourself this time. You’re bad enough, but you and Kevin together are a menace to the gay community.” Michael grinned. “Are the two of you still meeting us at “Woody’s” this evening after work, or are you planning on spending your last few hours together ravishing Pittsburgh again?”
“Is Kevin supposed to be coming?” Brian asked.
“He said he was.”
“Then I guess we’ll see you around seven.” Brian said.
After fighting through sweltering rush hour traffic, Brian finally reached the loft. He opened the door expecting Justin to leap into his arms, then remembered that his baby wasn’t there anymore. Brian sat his briefcase down on his desk, and checked on Ali. “What’s happening champ?” he said. “Did you miss me? I’ve got a new account you might be interested in, Atta-Boy Pet Supplies. They sell fish food. I’ll see if I can hook you up, no pun intended.” Brian smiled as he fed his pet, then proceeded to the kitchen. He wasn’t hungry but he sure as hell was thirsty. In fact he had been drinking water all day, which wasn’t unusual after one of his drinking binges. “My pills.” Brian reminded himself out loud. He opened up the refrigerator for a bottle of water only to find a chocolate cake sitting in the middle of the top shelf. “Justin.” he said softly.
Brian spun around, and called for his baby. “Justin!” The chocolate cake could only have come from him, Justin must be somewhere in the loft. Brian forgot about the water, and his pills, and headed to the bedroom. The sheets were still tangled, and half tossed onto the floor. No Justin there, maybe he was in the washroom. “Justin!” Brian called again, but his baby wasn’t there either. Brian tried to recall the events of the past night. When did he, and Kevin stop to buy a chocolate cake? Chocolate cake, cowboys, ropes, it must have been some wild party.
Brian walked back to the bedroom, and looked at the tangled bed. He removed his hot work clothing, and slipped into a cool pair of jeans, and black silk tee, before pulling out a set of clean sheets. As he walked over to change the dirty linens, Brian’s foot slipped on something laying on the floor. It was Justin’s pale blue, silk robe. Funny, Brian didn’t remember seeing it there before. He picked it up, and took a seat on the edge of the bed. Brian had made it through the day without crying even once, but the blue robe brought back a flood of memories. He could still see his baby prancing around, showing off the gift his lover had selected for him. Brian had bought the robe for Justin during their graduation day shopping spree. The teen had chosen a red one for Brian. “It matches your hair.” Justin had said.
Brian buried his face in the blue silk material, and allowed himself another brief cry. Somehow he had to pull himself together. Justin had made his choice. Kevin had been wrong when he said that boys didn’t fall in love with boys. Justin had fallen in love with Tony, and Tony loved his princess very much. It’s just as well, Brian told himself. Justin would be happier with Tony. He could give him the world, and the kind of love that Justin deserves, whereas Brian could only offer him Pittsburgh, and a promise to be home by three AM.
As he ran his fingers along the blue silk, Brian’s teary eyes were distracted by something shiny, and barely visible underneath the tangled sheet that was touching the floor. He reached down and picked it up. It was Justin’s medallion, still attached to its chain. Brian raised the piece to his eyes for a closer look. The chain was broken at the pave diamond clasp. The chocolate cake, the displaced robe, and now the medallion confirmed that Justin had been there. But when? Brian stood, and stuffed the necklace into his front jean pocket. As he did so, the rest of the sheet slid off of the bed, and onto the floor. Brian’s heart skipped a beat. Oh shit! The sheet underneath was smeared with red streaks of blood.
Brian followed the streaks down the side of the bed, to the droplets on the carpet, then on to the shower. He looked at the bathroom hamper, fearing what might be inside. Reluctantly, Brian walked over, and slowly opened it. Much to his horror, there laying on top of the laundry pile were two towels stained with bright red blood. “Oh my god, Justin.” he uttered. “No Kevin, please no.”
Brian rushed to the phone, and once again attempted to dial Justin’s cell phone number. The teen still wasn’t answering. His next call was to Kevin’s hotel room. Kevin wasn’t answering either. Brian pressed the operator button for the desk clerk. He looked over at his briefcase, and slid it close to him as he waited for someone to pick up.
“Willshire Hotel”, how may I direct your call?” the operator asked.
“I’d like to speak to one of your guests, Kevin McLauren please.”
“One moment please.”
Brian opened his briefcase, and pulled out Kevin’s gift. He tore through the brown wrapping as he continued to hold. Gardner had been right, inside were two dozen Cuban cigars. Laying on top of the cigars was an envelope.
The operator returned. “I’m sorry, but Mr. McLauren checked out early this morning.” she said. “Is there anything.....?
Brian hung up the phone, and looked at the envelope laying on top of the cigars. His fingers trembled as he picked it up, and opened it. Inside were three hundred dollar bills, and a note; Looking forward to seeing you next year. Have a cigar partner, and pass this tip along to your wild boy. Always, Kevin. The breath suddenly left Brian’s body. He slumped back in his chair, allowing the note to fall to the floor. “No, no, no.” he whispered. “KEVIN, GOD DAMN YOU! SON OF A BITCH, I’LL KILL YOU!” he shouted.
Brian’s thoughts quickly switched back to Justin. “Baby, where are you? I have to find you.” he said. His mind began to race. If only he could remember who he was with last night. Cowboy, Michael said he was with a cowboy. Brian left the loft, and headed for Woody’s. He found the gang in their usual spot at the bar.
“There he is. Yahoooo partner!” Emmett teased.
“Is Justin here?” Brian asked immediately.
“We haven’t seen him.” Emmett smiled.
“Did you and Kevin rope, and tie your cowboy?” Ted grinned.
“Where’s Kevin?” Michael asked.
Brian turned to his best friend. “Michael, do you know who I was with last night?”
Michael grinned. “You were with Kevin, don’t you remember?”
“Besides Kevin! The cowboy, do you know who the cowboy was?”
“What’s wrong Brian?” Ben asked.
“I think something may have happened to Justin. I have to find him.” Brian exited Woody’s, and returned to the jeep. He tried Daphne’s number. Yes Justin had been there yesterday afternoon. “Do you know where he is now?” Brian asked.
“No. He was suppose to stop at home first, then go by your place last night.” Daphne informed him. “What’s wrong Brian?”
Brian clicked off the phone, as his friends were reaching the jeep. “What’s happened to Justin?” Emmett asked.
“He must have been at the loft when we made it back last night. Oh god, I swear I didn’t know he was there.” Brian anguished. “Kevin, and whoever the fuck I was with last night got a hold of him. They hurt him, I know they did.”
“How do you know that? Maybe you’re wrong.” Ted said.
“There was blood all over the goddamn bed!” Brian barked. The tortured lover placed his hand on his forehead, and massaged the area above his eyes. “Oh god, I’ve got to find him.” he panted.
“Did you check the hospitals?” Ben suggested.
“What about his mom’s, maybe he’s at home.” Michael added.
Brian’s eyes darted back, and forth, as he contemplated his next move. Where would Justin go if he was hurting? He certainly wouldn’t go home to listen to Jennifer’s I-told-you-so. Daphne would be someone Justin would turn to, but she said that he wasn’t there. Who else would Justin trust enough to go to if he needed help? Brian started up the jeep, and headed for The Plaza.
The scorching summer day had now turned into a sultry summer evening. Brian wiped the sweat from his brow, and paced the receiving desk as the clerk announced his arrival. “Mr. Massey will see you.” she smiled. “He’s in penthouse four. Would you like an escort?”
“No, I can find it.” Brian said.
He took the elevator to the fifteenth floor of The Plaza, then followed the signs along the posh mirrored corridor in search of penthouse four. Tony greeted him at the door dressed in bronze silk pajama pants, with matching robe. “Brian, come in. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Tony smiled as Brian barged past him.
Brian scanned the spacious living room, then looked at Tony. “Where’s Justin?”
“He’s not here.” Tony said innocently.
“DON’T FUCK WITH ME!” Brian roared.
“I told you he isn’t here.” Tony smiled. “What’s the matter Brian, did you loose your boy again? Why can’t you keep up with him?”
Brian heard a rustling behind a closed door. He rushed over and open it only to find a tall dark haired man, approximately his age making his way toward the bedroom door. Brian turned back around to look at Tony. “Please tell me if you know where Justin is.” he pleaded.
“I haven’t seen him Brian, honestly.” Tony insisted.
The dark haired stranger walked up behind Tony, and wrapped his arms around his waist. “Is there a problem here baby?” he asked.
Tony turned his head, and gave his date a light kiss on the mouth. “No sweetheart, my friend was just leaving.” he cooed. The two men watched as Brian turned and headed toward the door. “Brian!” Tony called to him. “You might want to check back with me later, you know how your boy loves to come to me whenever you fuck up.” Tony smiled as Brian slammed the door.
“What was that all about? Is everything ok baby?” Tony’s date asked.
The smile was now gone from Tony’s face. “No, something’s definitely wrong.” he said.
Brian’s friends had spread out to expand the search. Ben took to the phones to call area hospitals, while Michael, Ted, and Emmett questioned the early Friday evening revilers that were beginning to file into Babylon. Word of their young king’s disappearance spread like wildfire, fanning the flames of a community already on edge due to the recent murder of an unidentified young gay man, who’s body was found in the Liberty Diner dumpster. Brian was bordering on hysteria when he met back up with his friends.
“A twink who works at the bakery says that he saw Justin yesterday around closing time. That was at six PM.” Michael said. “He picked up a chocolate cake for some sort of celebration.”
“I found a couple of guys who claim to know the cowboy you took home.” Emmett said. “He’s not a regular. Apparently he came over with a group of guys from “Meat Hook”. They were here last night for the leather ball.”
“Meat Hook”, I’m on my way over there.” Brian said as he turned to leave.
“It’s not safe to go alone Brian.” Ted warned.
“Wait Brian!” Michael called to his friend, but it was too late.
Brian was already out of the club, and half way to the jeep when he heard Tony’s voice. “Did you find him?” Tony asked as he stepped up his pace, and power walked along with Brian.
“Get the fuck away from me!” Brian barked.
Tony caught Brian’s arm, and pulled him to a halt. “What the fuck have you done Brian?” he asked.
Brian snatched his arm away, and swung at Tony with a hard right that barely missed his jaw. This time Tony fired back with a right of his own that landed dead on Brian’s chin, sending him reeling. Michael, and Ted rushed to Brian’s side, as Emmett placed himself between the two men. “Stop it!” Emmett said. “We don’t have time for this, we have to find Justin.”
Tony pointed his finger at Brian. “YOU STUPID WHORE! IF ANYTHING’S HAPPENED TO JUSTIN BECAUSE OF YOU, I GIVE YOU MY WORD, I’LL BURY YOU!” he roared.
“YOU SON OF A BITCH, BURY ME NOW!” Brian struggled to free himself from Michael, and Ted’s grip.
Tony positioned himself for battle. “Let that bitch go.” he hissed.
Word of the fight between Brian Kinney, and Anthony Massey quickly reached the inside of the club. Within moments Babylon had practically emptied onto Liberty Avenue. “Stop it! We’re wasting time, we have to find Justin!” Emmett attempted to reason with the two combatants.
“What’s wrong with Justin?” One of the Babylon regulars called out.
“Some cowboy over at “Meat Hook” did something to him!” Someone called back.
“Who?”
“I know the guy!”
“LET’S GO GET THE MOTHERFUCKER!” Another someone else yelled. And with that, the royal court of Babylon headed off into the steamy night, bound for Meat Hook, and determined to find the man who had harmed their missing young king.
Regulars at the popular leather club were equally appalled by the conduct of one of their own. With two factions of angry men assisting with the search, the cowboy was easy to flush out. Brian held him firmly by the collar, and slammed the cornered cowboy’s back against the wall. “WHERE IS HE?” Brian demanded.
“I..I don’t know, I left him in your bed. I didn’t hurt him Brian, I swear.......”
“LYING SON OF A BITCH, I’LL BREAK YOUR FUCKING NECK RIGHT HERE!” Brian again slammed the cowboy’s back against the wall, and choked his collar even tighter.
“Let him go Brian.” Michael begged his friend.
“It...it wasn’t me, it....it was your friend.” The cowboy stammered. Brian listened as the desperate man hastily pleaded his case. “I told him that he was too rough with the kid, but he wouldn’t stop, and neither would your boy. The kid kept edging him on, asking him if that was all he had. The kid was crazy, he wouldn’t back down, and your friend just kept slamming him harder, and harder. I never touched your boy Brian,.....I swear. I had to get out of there, the scene was too extreme for me.”
“You left him there?” Brian growled.
“What the hell was I suppose to do?” The cowboy struggled.
“Let him go Brian!” Michael attempted to pry Brian’s hands from the cowboy’s collar.
“GET HIM OFF ME!” the cowboy shouted.
“KICK HIS ASS BRIAN!” someone called out.
Emmett, and Ted joined in Michael’s struggle to release the cowboy from Brian’s grip. Meanwhile, fights were beginning to break out in the club between Meat Hook regulars, and the royal court of Babylon. It wasn’t long until a full scale brawl was underway, complete with flying chairs, toppling tables, and soaring bottles.
Tony had left the scene shortly after the crowd began to pour out of Babylon. He returned to The Plaza, and summonsed his house detectives, who immediately began their own search. Within minutes Tony knew that Justin was not in any local hospitals, and there had been no reports of any unidentified bodies of young blonde men turning up at the morgue. The desk clerk had tried unsuccessfully to reach Justin at Jennifer’s, and there had been no incoming calls made to Tony’s private number. The older man poured himself a double scotch, and took a seat on the sofa. He placed his elbow on the arm rest, and leaned his head over into his hand as he contemplated his next move. Suddenly Tony’s private phone began to ring. It was Mary, his housekeeper calling from Chicago. “Tony, you need to come home right away.” she said. “Justin’s here.”