THE ENDS REQUIRE THE MEANS
 

Chapter 10 – The Sting

Brian walked into Papagano’s and received his usual greeting from Marcel. “Mr. Kinney, always a pleasure. Although I have to admit that when you made a reservation for two I was somewhat surprised who arrived asking to be seated under your reservation.”

“Marcel, you are very observant and also very discrete. I’m counting on that.” Brian then slipped Marcel a hundred dollar bill and followed as he was shown to his table in the back.

Brian wished he could move the conversation along and get down to what needed to be said but he realized that patience and nonchalance were the modus operandi of the day.

“I see you’ve been waiting. Not too long I hope.”

“Good afternoon, Brian. I just got here a minute or two ago myself. I took the liberty of ordering the same wine you ordered last time. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, that’s quite considerate, especially under these circumstances.”

“Let’s not talk just yet, let’s order first.”

The two ordered and then sat back as their wine was brought out and poured.

Brandon raised his glass. “To fine wine and a fine plan for the not too distant future.”

Brian raised his glass and tried not to grimace.

“You know, Brian, I’d actually toyed with the idea of adding your boy toy to the mix. I thought that might be fun, but then, I don’t think he’s really my type.”

“I see,” Brian took another sip of wine to stop himself from punching this guy. How dare he talk about Justin in such a demeaning way…fuck, how dare he talk about Justin at all!

“I think our arrangement will work out just fine. You’ll get your son and I’ll get, well let’s just say, satisfaction that everyone’s needs have been met.”

It was obvious that Brian was going to have to steer this conversation if the wire was to serve its purpose.

The waiter brought their food and refilled their glasses then left the two to talk quietly.

“So Brandon, let’s get down to brass tacks. In my business I don’t like to waste time beating around the bush.”

“I think my position has been quite clear from the start.” What a fucking asshole! Did he know they were being recorded?

Brian remembered that any offers and their accompanying specifics had to be generated by Brandon otherwise it would be construed as leading and entrapment by Brian.

“I just want to know exactly what’s expected of me to insure my future with my son.”

“Well, I can certainly understand that. I’m not interested in any kind of attachment or public displays. How about I meet you at your loft?”

“And…” Brian wanted this guy to stop beating around the fucking bush already.

“And then how about if we start with a relaxing blow job…one for each of us to get warmed up?” Brandon put his hand under the table and Brian wanted to laugh. The guy was getting his rocks off in the restaurant just thinking about a night with him that would NEVER happen.

“Is that it?”

“Oh, Brian, you should know that shared custody of your son is worth much more than just a blow job.”

“No blow job I give is ever ‘just a blow job’.”

Brandon laughed, “Granted, I’m sure of that, but I expect to spend several hours fucking and getting fucked by the theoretical master.”

“It’s not theoretical.” Brian was working very hard, chewing his meat quite thoroughly, to keep himself calm and focused.

“I’ll bet it’s not, but that’s what I finally want to learn for myself.”

“And then what happens? I mean in regards to my son.”

“Well that’s simple Brian, if you deliver my night to remember, I’ll be happy to advise Ms. Marcus that after re-evaluating all the issues, it would be prudent for her to agree to share custody with you and that you’d be a fine example for your son.”

Bingo!

Brian had gotten everything. If he didn’t know it was time to leave, he would have liked to have stayed and toyed with Brandon some more as the asshole sealed his real future.

Brian remembered the code to remove himself from the situation and put the police into action outside the restaurant. “Excuse me, my cell phone is vibrating.”

Brian opened his cell, which was turned off. “What the fuck Ted? Can’t you handle anything by yourself? I’ll be there in ten minutes, just don’t let the client leave.” He slammed the cell shut and pocketed it.

Brandon looked at him and nodded. “Don’t you just hate incompetence in the work place?”

“You have no idea. Excuse me, but I have to leave.”

Brian began to take out his wallet again knowing this would seal the deal. “Please Brian, your services are worth much more than a couple of lunches. Besides I’ll just charge them to Ms. Marcus’ tab as a case-related lunch meeting.”

Brian looked at him with a sour face. “I’ll just bet you will.” Then he turned and left the restaurant.

Justin was waiting outside, just a few yards away at the corner of the sidewalk. He and Brian were given a location to wait with Melanie. All three wanted, no needed, to see Brandon Connelly get his just desserts.

It was less than ten minutes later when Brandon walked out of Papagano’s. As he approached his car the police took over.

“Brandon Connelly?”

“Yes.”

“You’re under arrest for …” the police continued the recitation, clearly remembering to read Brandon his rights. There was no margin for error.

Brandon looked right and left, dazed by what was happening, until he spotted Brian a few yards away, standing with his arm around Justin, and Melanie standing on his other side.

The three passed by as Brandon was being lowered into the police cruiser. Brian couldn’t help himself. He needed to have the last word; he leaned in slightly, towards Brandon, and in a loud voice said, “I guess this means our date is off.” Justin and Melanie both looked at Brian and couldn’t help but laugh as they let out all the anxiety that had been building for days.

 

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