Candidate 9

The Candidate

Part 9

The phone rang continuously the day the picture of Brian and Justin appeared in the paper.  The first call came from Michael.

 

Brian answered early in the morning just after he and Justin had finished reading through the write-up with the picture.  The reporter had been fair in his statements.  He said that most people applauded this revelation from Mr. Kinney, but there had been a few dissenting voices that thought that Mr. Kinney was taking things too far, rubbing people's noses in the fact that he was gay.

 

"Hey, Mikey," Brian said.

 

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Michael demanded.

 

"What's eating your ass?"



"I saw the picture in the paper.  Since when are you and Justin 'life partners'?"



"Since I announced it last night.  What the fuck is your problem?"



"You could have told us first."



"I didn't see the need."

 

"Well thanks a heap, best friend!"

 

Brian could tell that Michael was really ticked at him.  "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings by not telling you first," Brian said somewhat sarcastically.

 

"Thanks a lot, asshole!"

 

"What is your problem, Mikey?  Jealous!"

 

"No, I'm not jealous," Michael pouted.  "I think you're making a big mistake going public like this.  Look what happened when you went to Justin's prom."



Brian winced.  "Shit, Michael!  Why are you bringing that up?"



"Do you remember what that judge said at Chris Hobbs' trial?  He said you and Justin were flaunting yourselves.  This could be construed the same way."



"This is very fucking different!" Brian declared.

 

"I don't see it that way, and I think a lot of other people will agree with me."



"Well, fuck you!  I haven't exactly seen you out in the front lines supporting me.  In fact I don’t think I've seen you at even one of my appearances."

 

"I've been busy," Michael said sheepishly.

 

"Then keep your opinions to yourself."



"Ben and I have been looking after Hunter.  We'll try to get to your next appearance.  Where is it?"



"If you had finished the article with the goddam picture, you would know that it's tonight at an all-candidates meeting at the Italian Club."

 

"I'll try to be there," Michael said sincerely.

 

"Well, don't waste any sleep over it.  Bye, Mikey."



Brian hung up. He couldn't believe that his best friend would say that he was flaunting himself.  He shook his head in disbelief.

 

Justin had left for school while he was talking to Michael, but the phone rang again as soon as he hung up.  Call display revealed that it was Lindsay.  Brian wondered what words of wisdom he would get from her.

 

"Linds," he said into the phone in his sickly sweet voice.

 

"Bri," she replied in the same tone.

 

"What can I do for you this fine morning?"



"I saw the picture in the paper."



"What picture would that be?" he asked in his most innocent voice.

 

"Don't play games," she commanded.  "It's about time you gave Justin some credit, and made an honest man out of him."



"We're not married!  We'll never be married," Brian declared horrified.

 

"I didn't say you were married.  I'm really pleased that you finally told him that you love him."

 

There was a long dead silence on the line.

 

"You did tell him that, didn't you?" Lindsay asked.

 

"It's none of your business."

 

Lindsay knew by the reaction that he hadn't told Justin that he loved him, but she also knew that to push Brian on it was asking for trouble.

 

"Well," Lindsay continued, "I'm glad you made it public that you two are together, that he's your partner."



"You mean you didn't call to tell me that I'm flaunting my relationship?" Brian asked sarcastically.

 

"No, I didn't, but … Mel did say something like that when she saw the picture."

 

"Fuck!" Brian reacted.  "Why can't people mind their own fucking business?"

"Brian, when it's on the front page of the newspaper, it becomes everyone's business."

 

He had no answer for that.

 

"I hope it doesn't damage your chances."



"If it does, then they don't deserve me as their mayor," Brian stated.

 

Lindsay giggled.  "Glad to see your ego is still intact."

 

"Bye, Linds," Brian said and hung up.

 

He heard from Emmett who was still weepy and from Deb who was over the moon about what he had done.  There were several calls from reporters wanting a statement from him or another interview.  He referred all of them to Charles' assistant who was still coordinating all that for him.  Charles called a little later in the day and was mostly supportive of Brian's move.  He did say that they needed to wait for the next batch of polls to see if there was any fallout from the announcement.

 

Brian was perplexed.  He believed he had done the right thing in presenting Justin as his partner.  He wanted the young man to attend functions with him.  He relied on Justin's integrity and honesty to keep him on track.  He found it hard to stomach the negativity he was receiving and the concern about losing votes that went along with it.

 

Wasn't the world ready for a faggot mayor?  Christ, it wasn't like he was running for governor or the President of the fucking U.S. of A.  He knew there were gay congressmen and maybe even a senator or two, but when he thought about it, he was hard pressed to think of seeing one picture of them with their partners.  That never made the papers.  Did they live alone or in celibacy?  Jesus fucking H. Christ, is that what they expected of him?

 

Maybe he had made a big mistake.  Maybe the world wasn't ready for Justin and him as a couple.  Then fuck the world!  He was what he was.

 

******************************************

 

Brian had the day to himself to prepare for the candidates meeting that night.  He read over the information Charles had given him.  He thought he had already stated his views on most of these topics.  Nothing was going to change between now and then.

 

He found his mind wandering to the night before last when he had asked Justin to stay and be his partner.  He had trouble believing that he had actually said those things.  That kid could make him do anything.  Only he knew in his heart that Justin hadn't made him do anything he didn't want to do.  If he had been brave enough, he would have told Justin a long time ago.

 

He was such a coward about anything involving emotions.  He thought about their fuck after Justin had agreed to stick by him from now on.  He shouldn't call it a fuck, however.  Justin had been right.  It was love, making love, not fucking.

 

Brian shook his head.  Talk about timing!  He probably couldn't have picked a worse time to ask Justin to be his partner.  He would have liked to have private time, weeks or months, when nobody knew about it.  Then they could get their feet under them, know what the fuck they were doing.  Instead it was all over the media and everybody knew their business.


Brian sighed.  Justin would be home soon.  They had to get ready for the all-candidates meeting.  He knew there would be questions about their relationship.  He hoped the press confined their questions to him and left Justin alone.  He realized that probably wouldn't happen.  He hoped Justin was ready for the barrage of reporters and flashbulbs that were sure to greet them at the Italian Club tonight.

 

******************************************

 

At ten minutes to eight Brian and Justin entered the Italian Club ballroom where the all-candidates meeting was being held.  Immediately flash bulbs went off and they were surrounded by a horde of reporters.  There were actually three, but it seemed like a horde to Brian and Justin.

 

Charles caught Brian's arm and rushed him up to the stage to take his seat.  The other three candidates looked at him somewhat sympathetically.  Brian wondered if they too thought he had screwed himself by what he had done last night.

 

The moderator made the introductions and explained the format.  He would ask the first series of questions, giving each candidate a chance to express their views on that topic.  The audience would be able to compare what each candidate said.

 

The questions began and Brian thought he was doing pretty well.  His answers drew some laughs and generally he thought he gave reasonable, responsible ideas about each issue.  Several times he heard rumblings and an occasional derisive remark after he had spoken.

 

He listened to the other candidates.  Janet Ferrino actually had some good ideas, but she was too timid to really get them across, especially to a large group like this.  Jamal Jefferson was still funny and interesting, but not really ready to run a city as far as Brian could tell.  Allan Billings was his main competition.  The man was self-assured and spoke very well.  He had selected a few topics that he focused on every chance he got.  He wanted more law and order, stricter schools, tighter regulations on just about everything.  Brian got the theme of his campaign loud and clear.

 

Once the moderator had finished with his questions he asked those in attendance with questions for the candidates to line up at the microphones on the floor and they would be given their chance to speak.  There was quite a rush as many people headed for the three microphones situated around the hall.

 

"First question … over here," the moderator said pointing to one of the mikes.

 

A man looked up at the stage and stared straight at Brian.  "What kind of lesson are you teaching our children, Mr. Kinney, by bringing your male lover to a political assembly and allowing your pictures to appear in the newspaper?" the man asked, scorn clearly evident in his tone of voice.

 

Brian was shocked.  He hadn't expected this tack.  "Justin is not just my lover, he's my partner.  We have a life together, like the other candidates have lives with their wives or husbands," Brian said.

 

"Not at all like their lives, Mr. Kinney," the same man continued.  "You disgust me."


"I'm sorry you feel that way," Brian said and was silent.

 

He looked at the other candidates.  Janet Ferrino looked shocked and Jamal Jefferson shook his head.  Allan Billings stared straight ahead trying not to smirk.

 

"Next question … mike two," the moderator said.

 

"Mr. Kinney, I am an example the law abiding, church-going citizens of Pittsburgh, and I agree with the last gentleman.  You disgust me."

 

"How Christian of you!" Brian retorted.  He looked around desperately for Justin but couldn't see him anywhere.  Once Charles had whisked Brian to the stage Justin had been lost somewhere in the crowd.

 

"Microphone three," the moderator said hoping for a different line of questioning.

 

A woman stared up at Brian and he knew it was going to be another attack.  "Shit!" he thought.  "What had he done?"



"I don't have a question.  I merely want to state my total disbelief that someone with such a prurient lifestyle can even be sitting up there trying to get decent citizens to vote for him."



Brian groaned inwardly.  The moderator looked at him silently asking if he wanted to respond.  Brian shook his head.  He really didn't know what to say.

 

"I think this line of questioning has been covered quite well," the moderator stated.  "Is there anyone who has a different question they would like to pose, perhaps to one of the other candidates?"

 

Brian let out a breath.  He hoped someone would ask something intelligent.

 

Someone called out from microphone one, "We're not going to let this pervert get off so easily!"

 

"That's right," other people shouted.

 

"We don't want you as mayor."

 

"Drop out, Kinney!"

 

"Nobody's going to vote for you now!"

 

"Ladies and gentlemen," the moderator shouted trying to regain control.  "We cannot allow these outbursts.  Please follow the rules I set out."



There were more shouts and general disorder.  The moderator had lost control and shrugged his shoulders.  Brian glanced around nervously.  This was taking on all the aspects of a mob.  He wished he could see Justin.  He hoped he was all right.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the moderator shouted to no avail.

 

Brian had had enough.  He grabbed the mike in front of him and whistled into it.  Three quarters of the people in the hall covered their ears in pain and suddenly there was silence.

 

"Now that I have your attention," Brian said.  "This has to stop.  The moderator has control, not you."



"Get off the stage, you fag!" someone shouted.

 

"Shut the fuck up, Asshole!" Brian yelled.

 

There was a collective gasp from those present.

 

"If that's the kind of language you understand, then that's what you'll hear.  I don't intend to be part of a mob scene, so if you refuse to follow the rules laid out for this meeting, I'm leaving."



Brian slammed down the microphone and started for the steps.  He saw Charles waiting for him at the bottom, and he was quickly whisked towards the doors at the back of the hall.

 

He heard some shouts of anger and words of derision as they passed by.  He wanted to shout out what a pack of bigoted shitheads they were, but decided that would just cause more trouble.  It was best to get out of there.

 

Finally they slipped through the doors and heard them bang shut behind them.  No one seemed to be following them, thank God!  Charles gently shoved Brian towards his waiting limo.  Suddenly Brian stopped dead.

 

"Justin," he said.  "Oh my God, Justin!" he yelled.  "Where's Justin?"



"Calm down, Brian.  He must be around here somewhere."

 

"What if he's still in there?  I have to go back."  Brian turned and started towards the hall.  Charles grabbed his arm.

 

"I don't think it's wise for you to go back in there.  Stay here!  Get in the car.  I'll go."



Brian started to protest, but Charles was already almost at the doors.  He knew the man was right.  His appearance inside would probably rile everybody up all over again.  He stared as Charles disappeared through the doors.  The driver opened the limo door.  Brian shook his head and started pacing back and forth.

 

Where the fuck could Justin be?  Brian hadn't seen him since they stepped into the hall.  Please let Charles find him.  He has to be all right.  These thoughts and many more poured through Brian's brain as he paced around the parking lot.

 

He couldn't stand it any longer.  He didn't know how long it was since Charles went back inside, but it seemed like forever.  Brian decided he had to go in there and see where Justin was.  He started towards the entrance when he thought he heard his name.

 

He turned and looked between two cars as he passed.  A large black lump lay on the ground.  He heard it whisper, "Brian."

"Justin?" Brian called and ran to the body lying on the ground. 

 

The man struggled to get up but slumped back to the ground.  Brian was at his side immediately and gently turned the boy over.  "Justin," he whispered afraid of what he was going to find.

 

"Brian," the boy moaned.

 

"What happened?  Are you hurt?  Justin, please talk to me."



"My head," Justin moaned.

 

"Shit!  Did you hit your head?"

 

"Fell down," Justin managed to get out.

 

Brian saw Charles come out of the hall looking around in desperation.

 

"Charles, over here," Brian shouted.

 

"What happened?" Charles asked arriving at Brian's side.

 

"We need to get him to the hospital," Brian said.  "Help me get him to the car."



Charles and Brian carefully lifted Justin from the pavement.  They half dragged the boy who tried his best to walk to the limo.  The driver helped them get in the car and Charles ordered him to get them to the hospital as quickly as possible.

 

An hour or two later Brian had finished speaking with the doctor who had examined Justin.  He told Brian they wanted to keep Justin overnight for observation.  They thought he had a slight concussion, and in light of his past history of brain trauma they didn't want to take any chances.  They were moving him to a room in a few minutes and Brian would be able to stay with him if he wished.

 

Brian told Charles to go home.  He said they would talk in the morning once Justin came home.  Both of them knew they were going to have some reevaluating to do.  Maybe this was the end of Brian's campaign for mayor.

 

Charles left and Brian slumped in a chair in the waiting room.  Someone would let him know when Justin was in his room.

 

Brian didn't know what had happened to Justin, but he knew it was his fault.  He should never have made their relationship public.  Shit!  Michael and Melanie had been right.  Look at the disaster that he had created tonight.  Maybe he actually had flaunted his homosexuality and now he was going to pay for it.  But it was one thing for him to pay, and quite another for Justin to have to pay.

 

Finally a nurse appeared and told him what room Justin had been moved to.  Brian took the elevator up and quietly pushed open the door to Justin's room.  He lay in a bed, pale and ethereal, like he was hardly there.  Brian felt tears well up as he looked at his partner.

 

"Justin," he said softly.

 

Blue eyes fluttered open and a wan smile turned up the corners of Justin's mouth.

 

"Hey," he replied barely audible.

 

"Are you all right?" Brian asked.

 

"They say I am."



"How's your head?"

 

"They gave me something for it.  Instead of cannons going off it's merely muskets now."



"I shouldn't have taken you there tonight."



"We agreed that we were going to do this together."

 

"But it got out of hand."



"Did it?" Justin asked.

 

"What do you mean, did it?  Don't you know what happened?  How long were you laying in that parking lot?"



Justin winced as the volume of Brian's voice rose.  "I don't know how long I was there.  I had to use the restroom part way through your Q and A with the moderator."

 

"Glad I can help your regularity," Brian said sarcastically.

 

Justin made a face at him.  "So I went out to look for the washrooms."



"How did you end up in the parking lot?"



"I had finished going to the toilet and stepped outside for a breath of fresh air," Justin said and then he started to shake.

 

"Justin," Brian said taking the trembling boy in his arms.  "What the fuck happened?"



"I was at the edge of the parking lot when I heard someone say, 'Taylor!'"

 

"Who was it?" Brian asked concern written all over his face.

 

"Chris Hobbs."

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