Medallion
Part 2
Tony made it back to Chicago in record time. At Mary’s suggestion, he had telephoned ahead for his personal physician to go, and see Justin. By the time the private jet landed at Midway airport the teen had undergone a thorough examination. Tony’s doctor telephoned him with the results of his findings as the limo speeded down the highway. Justin’s MRI’s were negative for broken bones. He had however suffered multiple contusions, scratches, a bloody nose, and some minor rectal tearing. Justin was adamant with the police, insisting that it wasn’t rape, but Tony’s doctor begged to differ. He had seen cases of rough sex many times before, but this was a step above. This was abuse.
Mary met Tony at the front door. “How is he?” Tony asked immediately.
“He’s asleep.” she said. “The doctor gave him something for pain, and something to help him get some rest. Can I fix you some breakfast Tony?”
“No, I’m fine. Where is he?” Tony asked.
“He’s in his room.”
Tony ascended the stairs to what was once known as The White Room. When did it become Justin’s room? The teen had spent spring break there, and a few weekends. During those times when Justin was in town, and Tony was out working, Justin would amuse himself with the wall of electronics that Tony had installed for him. Mary had taken to the young man as well. She had even gone as far as stocking the fridge with Mountain Dew, and programming Justin ’s favorite pizzeria into the telephone. While double fudge chocolate cake was one of her specialties, she rarely baked it for Tony. Too much trouble was Mary’s excuse, still she gladly baked one for Justin whenever he was in town. The teen also had a growing wardrobe building in his closet, a white terry robe (Tony’s favorite), an assortment of casual wear, and a suit for formal dining. Tony carefully opened the door to Justin’s room, and peeked inside.
“I’m not asleep.” Justin said from underneath the covers.
Tony walked over, and took a seat on the edge of the bed nearest the teen. He then reached over, and gently stroked his fingers through the golden hair that peeked out from under the ivory sheets. “Good morning princess.” he said.
Justin immediately reached for him, and Tony cradled him in his arms. “I’m sorry.” Justin began to cry. “I didn’t want to bother you, but I didn’t know where else to go. I couldn’t let anyone see me like this.”
Tony kissed the blonde head, and hugged his princess tighter. “You came to the right place.” he said.
“It’s not Brian’s fault.” Justin whimpered between tears.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You don’t have to, I know what you’re thinking.” Justin sniffed.
“No you don’t.” Tony smiled, and kissed the blonde head again. “I’m thinking about how glad I am that you’re safe.” he said. Tony continued to stroke the teen’s hair, and gently rocked him, as Justin cried to his heart’s content. The older man waited until the tears had subsided before he reluctantly reached for the sheet. “May I see?” he asked.
It took all of Tony’s willpower to remain calm as he slowly lifted the cover that hid the extent of Justin’s injuries. There were prominent hand prints on the side of Justin’s face, his neck, and arms, as well as scratches on various parts of his body. The bruises on his wrists looked like colorful bracelets, with shades of red, and purple, and his thighs bore the imprints of finger nails, as if someone had embedded them into his flesh. “Please don’t tell anyone.” Justin begged.
Tony quickly pulled the sheet back over Justin’s battered body. “Who did this to you princess? I want names.” he demanded.
“It’s not Brian’s fault.” Justin said again.
“I didn’t mention that whore!”
“Don’t call him that.” Justin began to cry all over again.
Tony bridled his tongue. “Alright, alright I won’t call him that.” he promised. “Please tell me who did this.”
“He was just a trick.”
“Someone Brian brought home.” Once again Tony fought to hold back his rage.
“It’s not his fault, he didn’t know I was there.”
The older man quickly lost his battle. “What the fuck do you mean, he didn’t know you were there!” Tony barked. He stood, and began pacing the floor. “I knew this was going to happen. I knew that stupid whore was going to drag the wrong trick home one night, and you were going to be the one to get hurt!”
“Stop it Tony, please.” Justin begged.
“Where the hell was that whore when you were being raped Justin, fucking someone else on the sofa, or were they in the same bed with you!”
“I wasn’t raped.” Justin insisted.
The furious lover flung the ivory sheet back. “Take a good look at yourself Justin, and tell me that’s not rape!” Tony yelled. “What the hell are they calling it these days Justin? Is this some kind of Nuevo rough sex bullshit that I haven’t heard about? What’s next Justin, how much more can you take?”
Justin pulled the sheet back over his body, and rolled over into a fetal position. “You don’t understand.” he cried.
“No I don’t understand, make me understand Justin!” Tony roared. “Tell me why you’re covering for those bastards? Make me understand why I shouldn’t have those bitches cancelled tonight!”
“I couldn’t leave him.” Justin cried. “He was too drunk, to take care of himself, and they wouldn’t go. They had him all tied up, they were going to hurt him Tony.”
“BULLSHIT! That whore’s been fucking more years than you’ve been on the planet! You can’t hurt a slut like that!”
Justin looked at Tony. “You’re wrong.” he sobbed. “He hurts just like everybody else. I couldn’t let them hurt him Tony. I talked them into doing me instead. I told them I could handle them both. I didn’t know what else to do.” Justin wept. “I couldn’t let them hurt him Tony. I love him, I’d die for him if I had to.”
The impact of Justin’s confession caught the older man off guard. A visibly shaken Tony slumped down onto the bed, and wrapped his arms around the weeping teen. “My god.” he whispered. “I’m sorry princess, I’m so sorry.”
Justin continued to cry. “I couldn’t let them hurt Brian any more than I could let them hurt you. I love you both.” he sobbed. “I love you both.”
“Emmett Honeycutt, Brian Kinney, Michael Novotny, and Ted Schmidt, you’re free to go!” The fourth precinct bailiff announced. The four friends sifted through the crowded holding cell where they, along with a host of regular patrons from Babylon, and Meat Hook had spent the night following the brawl at the popular leather club. Debbie, and Ben, along with Mel, Lindsey, and Gus were there to receive them.
Gus immediately reached for Brian to take him. “Hi sonny-boy.” Brian said wearily, as he perched the toddler on his arm, and gave him a kiss.
Gus touched the bruise on the side of his father’s face. “Ou-wee.” he said.
“Yeah, da-da has an ou-wee.” Brian forced a smile for his son, before resuming the search for his other baby. “Has anyone heard from Justin?” he asked.
“Justin’s ok kiddo. Detective Horvak says he’s in Chicago with Mr. Massey.” Debbie said gently.
“How is he?” Brian asked as Gus continued to study his face.
“It wasn’t what you thought.” she said. “According to the statement Justin made to the Chicago police, he wasn’t assaulted.”
“You didn’t see the sheets.” Brian said.
“Maybe that wasn’t Justin’s blood that you saw on the bed.” Emmett suggested.
“Baby.” Gus smiled, and patted his hands.
“How did they find him?” Ted asked.
“Daphne told Jennifer that Justin might be with Tony. The police went to “The Plaza” to question Mr. Massey. When he wasn’t there, they contacted him at his home in Chicago.” Debbie said.
Brian handed his son back to Lindsey. “I have to go.” he said. “Mel will you take me to the airport?”
“Leave him alone Brian, he’s made his choice.” Michael said.
“He’ll have to tell me that, and I have to tell him that I’m sorry.” Brian said.
Debbie put her arms around Brian’s shoulders. “Come on Brian.” she said. “It ’s been a long night. You need to go home, and get some rest.”
“No.” Lindsey said. “There’s a plane leaving for Chicago in two hours. If you hurry, you can catch it Brian.”
“What the hell are you telling him?” Michael objected. “Justin chose Tony over Brian, and I for one say good ridden to the two-timing little brat. Who does Justin think he is, what right does he have to barge into our lives, and try to change everything?”
“Our lives?” Ben interjected.
“You...you know what I mean.” Michael stammered.
“No I don’t Michael, tell me what you mean.” Ben said.
Ted stepped in. “This is no time, or place to discuss this.”
“I agree with Teddy.” Emmett seconded. “Brian has a plane to catch.”
“Well I disagree, I think we need to discuss it now while I have the two of them here.” Ben insisted.
“Brian needs to go home, take his blood pressure medication, and get his rest. He’s been up all night?” Debbie said.
“You’re right ma.” Michael agreed.
While the others discussed Brian’s next move, Lindsey quietly walked over and gave him a hug, along with a secret message that she whispered close to his ear. “Go, and get your baby Brian. Fight to keep your family.” she said.
After being awake for over twenty five hours, an exhausted Justin, assisted by the sedatives Tony’s doctor had given him, finally succumbed to the events of the previous day. Tony eased away from Justin’s embrace, and replaced his arms with a pillow. With early morning temperatures already topping ninety, the mansion’s air conditioning system had kick into full blast. Tony pulled the sheet, and comforter up over Justin’s shoulders, and tucked him in on both sides. He exited the room, and quietly closed the door, then made his way down the long staircase, to his study. Tony poured himself a double scotch from the bottle on his desk, then took a seat in the oversized leather chair in front of the cold fireplace. His mind was a thousand miles away when Mary walked up behind him.
“Did he finally fall asleep?” she asked.
“Yeah.” Tony took a sip of his scotch.
Mary pulled up a chair, and sat down next to her boss. She removed the glass of liquor from his hand, and replaced it with a glass of orange juice. Tony looked at her, and smiled. “Thanks.” he said.
“Mr. Lennon has been calling you all morning.” she said.
“Who?”
“Bill Lennon, he said you were suppose to meet with him about selling “The Plaza” this morning.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him you were tied up with a family emergency, and that you would contact him as soon as possible.”
“Thanks Mary.” Tony said.
“You look beat. Why don’t you go lay down, and get some rest?” Mary suggested.
“I can’t, I need to stay awake in case Justin needs me.”
“Did he tell you what happened?”
“Yeah, he told me. Apparently his stupid boyfriend brought home two men, and for some reason Justin thought they were going to hurt him. Justin decided to protect him by taking on both guys himself.” Tony took a sip of his juice.
“Where was the boyfriend, why didn’t he help Justin?”
“Drunk, high, passed out, who knows where he was.” Tony sighed.
“So what happens now?”
“I don’t know.” Tony closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair.
“Go on upstairs, and get some rest. I’ll let you know if Justin wakes up.” Mary said.
Tony took Mary’s advice. After a brief stop to check on Justin, the troubled lover went to his room to retire. He took a quick shower, and laid down. Tony told himself that for the moment he could rest easy, Justin was safe in the next room, but he wondered how long that would last. How long would it be before Brian realized what had happened, and came looking for his baby? Son of a bitch, it would be so easy to just have that whore cancelled. One phone call would take care of everything. Brian was such a sucker for fresh meat, that any promise of new ass could lure him into a fatal encounter. Other than the fact that someone would be able to identify his body, Brian would be just like the dumpster boy who was found behind the Liberty Diner. The police wouldn’t give a shit. Brian would be just another dead fag, case closed. But then again Tony had to consider Justin. As much as Tony despised Brian, that was just how much Justin loved him. The teen would be devastated, and Tony couldn’t bear to cause his princess any more hurt. Tony crossed out his A-plan, and considered his B.
Besides his own dick, what was it that Brian Kinney loved most in this world? Things. Yes, Brian had a taste for the finer things in life. Tony could make Brian’s boss, Gardner Vance a lucrative offer for Vanguard Advertising that only a fool would refuse. If Vance wouldn’t sell, Tony would speak to several of his business associates, and talk them into pulling out of Vanguard Advertising. The company would go belly up, and Brian would be out on his well used ass. Starting all over again at Brian’s age? It would almost be impossible to reach the executive status, and salary that he now had with Vanguard. Brian would be reduced to just another grunt, fighting over small accounts just to make ends meet. The lifestyle he was now accustomed to would soon be a faded memory. How hot would Brian Kinney be without his new jeep, his yearly updated wardrobe, or his trendy loft apartment? How attracted would Justin be to a broke, middle aged queen, who forages the backroom of Babylon for a mercy fuck? Yes, the B-plan was definitely one to consider. Tony closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep.
Tony was awakened by a knock on his door. “Mr. Massey, you’re needed downstairs.” Mary softly called to him.
The formality of Mary’s request told Tony that his guest was not a friend. Mary only called him by his last name in the presence of strangers, and business associates. “I’ll be down in a minute.” he called to her. Tony quickly slipped into a pair of jeans, and a shirt. A quick peek into Justin’s room reassured him that his sleeping princess was still safe, before he ventured downstairs. Mary met him at the top of the stair landing. “It’s Brian Kinney.” she whispered.
“WHO?” Tony brushed past his housekeeper, and descended the steps with a vengeance. He pointed to the front door. “GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE KINNEY! MARY, CALL SECURITY!”
“I’m not leaving without Justin.” Brian said.
“FUCK SECURITY, BRING MY GUN!”
Mary looked up from the hall phone. “SIR?”
“To hell with the gun.” Tony hissed. “I’ll take this bitch myself.”
Tony charged Brian, knocking him to the floor. “Get somebody up here quick!” Mary yelled into the phone to the front gate guard, as both men exchanged blows, and jockeyed for position on the floor. “Stop it Tony!” Mary yelled, as she attempted to pull her boss off of Brian. Tony’s hands were locked around Brian’s throat when security arrived, and separated the two.
“GET HIM OUT OF HERE! GET HIM OUT OF HERE BEFORE I KILL HIM!” Tony roared, as Mary held his waist.
Brian struggled against the two guards. “I’M NOT LEAVING UNTIL I SEE JUSTIN!” he yelled back.
“HE DOESN’T WANT TO SEE YOU!”
“HE’LL HAVE TO TELL ME THAT, NOT YOU!”
“I don’t want to see you Brian.” Justin said.
Brian looked up at the top of the stairs where Justin was standing, and looking down on the loud commotion. Kevin had been right, Justin did look like a baby bundled up in Tony’s oversized robe. Brian walked over to the bottom of the long staircase for a closer look. He could see the reddened marks on the side of Justin’s face, and around his neck. “Oh god, baby I’m sorry.” he said.
“Go back to bed princess. I’ll be up in a minute.” Tony said calmly. “It’s time for you to leave now Brian.”
Tony watched the life leave Brian’s body as Justin returned to his room, and closed the door without looking back. Flanked by the two security guards, Brian headed for the mansion exit without protest. Just before he stepped outside, he reached into his front jean pocket, and pulled out Justin’s medallion. Brian handed the glistening piece to Tony. “Will you give this to him for me?” he asked.
Tony took the necklace into his hand. “I’ll give it to him.” he promised.
Brian got back into his rental SUV, and sat for an eternity. He stared at Tony’s front door, waiting for Justin to appear, but his baby never showed. Finally Brian turned on the engine, and started down the long driveway. Tony waited until he was past the gate, before turning to his security guards. “If he comes back , shoot the motherfucker.” Tony growled.
“Shoot him sir?”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“No sir.”
“Good.”
With his territorial instincts now kicked into high gear, Tony made his way back upstairs to Justin’s room. Mary watched as he lightly tapped on the door. “May I come in princess?” he asked.
“Sure.” Justin said.
Tony opened the bedroom door to find Justin standing near the sliding glass doors of the balcony. “Is he gone?” the teen asked.
“Yes princess, he’s gone.”
“Good.”
Tony walked over to Justin, and offered him the medallion. “He wanted you to have this.”
Justin glanced at the diamond pave necklace, then turned back to the glass doors. He looked out over the manicured landscape that decorated Tony’s backyard. “Throw it away. I don’t want it. It doesn’t mean anything.” he said.
Tony stood behind the teen, and wrapped his arms around his waist. Justin closed his eyes, and leaned back into his lover’s embrace, as the tears he so desperately wanted to hide began to stream down his face. “Please don’t cry princess. He doesn’t deserve your tears.” Tony said.
“Did you see his face?” Justin whispered.
“Don’t let his crocodile tears fool you, it’s just a ploy to get you back.” Tony said.
“I promised him that I’d never hurt him.” Justin cried softly.
“What about you Justin, what kind of promise did he make to you? You deserve to be more than just a trick. You deserve a man who is ready to commit to you, who’ll keep you safe, and not take you for granted.”
“I love him.” Justin whimpered.
“It’s a toxic love Justin.” Tony pointed out. “He took your innocence, then practically kicked you out of bed. He caused a riff between you, and your family, and almost got you killed at your own prom. You wouldn’t be hurt now if it wasn’t for him. He’s used you princess, just like one of his sex toys.”
Justin gently pulled away from Tony’s embrace. The teen appeared to be walking over to the bed when he stopped short, and wrapped his arms around himself. Tony watched as Justin doubled over, then let out a chilling wail that made the older man shudder. The teen’s anguished cry echoed through the top floor of the mansion, and across the backyard, causing the gardeners to look up toward the balcony, and sending Mary hurrying up the stairs.
A devastated Brian could barely see the road signs for the tears in his eyes. He had made it back to the highway, far away from the mansion, and any hearing range of Justin’s voice, when his heart homed in on his baby’s cries. “That’s Justin.” he uttered to himself. Brian wiped his tears away with the back of his hand, and dashed across three lanes of traffic. He maneuvered his way through the honking horns, to the next exit ramp, and headed back to the Massey estate.
Mary didn’t stop to knock. She pushed through Justin’s bedroom door to find a frustrated Tony standing over the teen’s crouching body. “Shhhhh, Justin please.” Tony begged, as Justin continued to bawl.
Mary bent down next to Justin, and placed her arm around him. “It’s alright honey.” she cooed.
“I love him!” Justin cried.
“I know you do baby.” Mary said.
Justin looked at Mary. “Brian calls me his baby.” he wailed even louder.
“Oh I’m sorry sweetheart.” Mary rocked him.
Tony reached for Justin’s arm, but Mary brushed his hand away. “Go downstairs.” she ordered.
“What?”
“You heard me, go downstairs Tony!” Mary said with authority. She waited until Tony had closed the door. “He’s gone baby. What’s the matter Justin?” she asked.
“I love him.” Justin whimpered.
Mary reached for the tissue box on the nightstand, and handed it to Justin. “Brian?” she asked.
“Both of them, I love them both. I can’t give either one up.” Justin sniffed, and pulled a tissue from the box.
“You’re only eighteen baby.....”
“Nineteen.”
“Nineteen.” Mary stood corrected. “That’s still too young, you don’t have to make any decisions now.” she said.
“Yes I do.” Justin blew his nose. “You saw what happened, they were trying to kill each other.”
“That’s because they both love you. You’re a very lucky young man.” Mary smiled.
Justin got up from the floor, and took a seat on the bed. “I don’t feel so lucky.” He sniffed, and wiped his eyes. “Mary, do you think it’s possible to be in love with two people at the same time?” the teen asked between tears.
Mary took a seat on the bed next to him. “Yes Justin, that’s very possible.” she said.
Mary had been with Tony for more years than he could remember. They met when he was a struggling accountant, fresh out of college, and she was a single parent involved in the Welfare To Work program. The program required welfare mothers to earn their public assistance, and Mary had taken a position with a housekeeping agency. Tony’s apartment was one of her Monday appointments. The two clicked almost immediately, and as Tony’s career took off, he took the older woman with him as his personal assistant/housekeeper. Today one would be hard pressed to call them boss, and employee, they were more like family. Tony had been there for Mary when her only child was murdered by gang violence, and he insisted that she moved into the mansion upon the passing of her husband, whom she loved very much. Mary was the mother that Tony never had, always accepting of his lifestyle, but ready to offer sound advice as needed, whether he wanted it or not. Tony looked up at Mary as she exited Justin’s room. From the look on her face as she walked down the stairs, Tony could tell that this was going to be one of those times.
Mary took Tony’s arm, and began to walk him toward the study. “Tony, how long have we been together?” she began.
Tony pulled his arm away. “Don’t start with me Mary. I hate it when you begin with, Tony how long have we been together.” Tony mimicked Mary’s voice.
Mary ignored his protest, and continued anyway. “Tony you can’t claim people just like you would claim one of your buildings.” she said.
“I didn’t claim Justin, he came to me?” Tony reminded her as they strolled toward the study.
“I remember, I also remember telling you that he was too young for you.” Mary said as she, and Tony took a seat on the study sofa. “As usual, you were hard headed. You went ahead, and began a relationship with Justin, knowing that he was in love with someone else.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “That was before, things are different now. Justin loves me, I know it.” he said.
“Yes he does. He loves you, and Brian very much.”
“I can’t send him back to Brian.” Tony said wearily. “I can’t send back to that kind of situation. You see what that whore allowed to happen to him. What’s next?”
“You can’t hold him Tony, he’s eighteen.” Mary said.
“Nineteen.” Tony corrected her. “Nineteen and in love, do you know how much harm the wrong person can do to a nineteen year old in love?”
“Tell me about it.” Mary sighed. “Justin kind of reminds me of myself.” she said. “I was in love with two men when I was nineteen. My boyfriend’s name was Ray, my man-on-the-side’s name was Leon.”
“Leon, your late husband?” Tony smiled.
“Yep.” Mary smiled, and continued. “The time came when I had to choose between my boyfriend Ray, and my man Leon. I chose my boyfriend Ray because he was my son’s father. I stayed with that bastard for three years. They were the worst three years of my life. The son of a bitch treated me like shit, ignored our child, cheated on me, and he didn’t even try to keep a job. I kicked myself everyday for choosing a boyfriend over my man.”
“Are you telling me that Leon waited for you all of that time?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, he waited for me all that time, but do you know what? All of that waiting made the twenty six years we spent together just that much sweeter. If I hadn’t spent those three years with my boyfriend, I wouldn’t have been able to appreciate my man the way that I did.”
“I love him Mary. I can’t give him up.” Tony said.
“You’re not giving him up, you’re giving him time. Justin’s a smart kid, believe me, he’ll outgrow that boyfriend, and when he does he’s going to come looking for his man. Let him go Tony, and he’ll come back to you. If you hold him, he’ll always wonder if he made the right choice.”
Tony leaned over, and kissed Mary lightly on her forehead. “You never cease to amaze me.” he said. “Are all black women as wise as you?”
The older woman smiled. “Yes.”
Suddenly the red phone on Tony’s desk that connected the guard house to the mansion began to ring. “What is it Daniel?” Tony answered.
“Mr. Kinney is back sir........”
Tony slammed the phone down. “SON OF A BITCH!”
“What is it Tony?” Mary asked.
Tony didn’t answer her. He opened his desk drawer, pulled out his gun, and headed for the front door.
“Open the gate!” Brian yelled at the two guards.
“Step away from the gate sir!” One of the guards yelled.
Brian grasped the rod iron enclosure, and attempted to shake it.” OPEN THE GODDAMN GATE!” he roared even louder.
“Sir please step away from the gate!” The first guard repeated, as his partner reached for his gun. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“Mr. Massey said to shoot him.” The second guard said as he nervously took aim.
“You can’t shoot an unarmed man outside the gate. What’s wrong with you? Call the police.” The first guard ordered his trigger happy partner.
“The Chicago police, what the hell do you think they’re going to do?”
“Sir please move away from the gate!” The first guard again pleaded with Brian.
Brian got back into his rented SUV. Both guards watched as he backed up, then came barreling toward the gate at full speed. “OH SHIT!” They cried out in unison as Brian rammed the gate once, then backed up for a second try. This time the fence gave way. “HE’S ON THE PROPERTY, SHOOT!” The first guard yelled.
“SHOOT WHAT!”
“THE TIRES, SHOOT THE TIRES!”
The loud screeching sound of rubber echoed across Tony’s front lawn as both guards opened fire on the rear tires of the SUV. Brian didn’t stop, he continued down the driveway, bound for the mansion. Justin heard the shots, and headed down the long staircase, as Tony stepped out onto the front door landing. Brian stopped the mangled SUV when he spotted the gun in Tony’s hands. He stepped out of the vehicle with his hands up. “I’m not leaving without Justin.” he said.
“The fuck if you aren’t!” Tony aimed, and fired.
Brian gasped, and closed his eyes.