Mayor Kinney

* 50 *

"Two weeks, Brian," Cynthia said.

"I know," Brian grimaced.

"It seemed so far away a couple of weeks ago and now…"

"I have a lot of things to sort out before I leave office," Brian said. "The new mayor will be taking over soon, but I want to try to ensure that a few of the programs I've started will continue."

"Do you think that can be done?" Cynthia asked rather skeptically.

"I don't know Jamal Jefferson very well, but I've got a meeting scheduled with him before he takes over. It was supposed to happen before the election, but we couldn't fit it in. He's coming here on Tuesday, and Frank wants to have a few minutes of his time. Will you set that up?"

"Sure. Anything else?"

"You should start packing up anything you want to take with you."

"I should?"

"I think I've found the place I want for our offices when we open Kinnetik."

"Kinnetik?"

"That's the name Justin came up with for the new agency."

"I like it, sounds dynamic and full of promise."

"Yeah, Justin is a clever lad," Brian said with a smirk.

"That's exciting news about the new offices. Where are they?"

"Not telling. I haven't finalized the deal and I want it to be a surprise."

"You're mean," Cynthia reacted.

"You're just figuring that out now?" Brian asked with his tongue in cheek.

"Give me a hint," Cynthia pleaded.

"No."

"Asshole."

Brian chuckled. He enjoyed making Cynthia wait. Even Justin didn't know what he had planned. "Let's get some work done before we leave. I want the latest figures on public transit and any improvements that my changes have made. I need a report from the workmen at the homeless rehab, and any other updates that our new mayor might like to look at."

"I'll get right on it, but I still want to know where I'll be working after I leave here."

"You and Justin are two of a kind."

"You haven't even told him?"

Brian merely raised an eyebrow. Cynthia shook her head as she left the office. Brian smiled to himself. He was enjoying this.

-----

Jamal Jefferson sat across the desk from Brian. He surveyed the office that would soon be his and made a few mental notes about things he wanted to change when he took over. He and Brian had discussed some of the current initiatives that Brian had been working on. Jamal was in favor of almost all of them. They were waiting for Frank Jankowski to arrive so that they could discuss the homeless shelter. Apparently it was a pet project of both Mr. Jankowski and the current mayor.

"So, Jamal, do you think you're ready for this?" Brian asked.

"Being mayor, you mean?" Brian nodded. "I don't know if you can be ready. There really isn't much training for taking on a job in politics," Jamal said.

"It's on the job training. I learned that the hard way," Brian said thinking back to all the things he had had to deal with especially during the tumultuous first days of his term.

"Any advice for the new mayor?"

Brian snorted. "I don't think you need any. I saw the way you handled yourself during the campaign. You've come a long way from last time when we ran against each other."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Jamal said. "And I'll give you one in return. I watched how you handled yourself in the most difficult of situations. I learned a lot from you."

"Thanks, I think, although I certainly hope you don't have to deal with crap like that."

"You've broken the way for gays. Blacks are already an established fixture in politics. I don't think I have any other skeletons in the closet that people may attack me about."

"Don't be too sure," Brian cautioned with a shake of his head.

"What do you mean?" Jamal asked with a frown.

"There's always people out to get you when they don't agree with something you're doing. And no matter what side you take in an argument, there's always the opposing side ready to take offense and bite back."

"Sounds like a barrel of laughs."

"You don't know the half of it. Be careful, that's all."

"I'll try."

"And if you really believe in something, don't let them sway you. Stick to your guns."

"Just like in the westerns?" Jamal asked with a wicked grin as he pretended to draw two six-shooters from the imaginary holsters on his hips. He took aim at Brian.

"That'll get you in trouble with the anti-gun lobbyists," Brian said seriously.

"Christ!"

"Religious right will be down your throat," Brian smirked.

"Shit!"

"Waste management people," Brian grinned.

Jamal knew he was being had at that moment. "You're playing me," he grinned back.

"A little bit, but you need to think before you open your mouth, otherwise you'll be spending all your time trying to dislodge your foot."

"You know, you're scaring me," Jamal replied with a little grin. Brian actually was scaring him.

"See, that's exactly what you have to do. Say the truth, but don't let them see actual fear."

Jamal's eyebrows went up in surprise. Kinney could really nail what was going on. He hoped he would become as good at doing that as Brian was.

The phone buzzed and Brian picked it up, telling Cynthia to send Frank in.

Half an hour later Frank walked out of Brian's office with Jamal. He liked the new mayor and suddenly felt much better about Brian leaving when there seemed to be another conscientious and caring man to take his place. They stopped in the lobby to shake hands, and Frank on impulse invited Jamal down the hall to his office. There was something they needed to discuss.

-----

"Brian, are you ready for the council meeting?" Cynthia asked.

Brian looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "I'm always ready," he replied tersely. He knew something was going on but he hadn't been able to figure out just what. Cynthia never asked him a question like that. She knew he was always prepared. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh … um … it's your last one as mayor," she stumbled along. "I just wondered if you … um … had something special in mind."

"No, do you?" he asked staring at her.

"Me? God, no."

"Then go finish packing up. This is all I'm taking with me," Brian said gesturing to a single cardboard box that sat on his desk.

"That's it?"

"Yep."

"Okay, I'll call Chuck and ask him to take it down to the limo. You can make a fast getaway once you introduce the new mayor to the council."

"Sounds good to me, then no more limo," Brian said philosophically. "Justin's going to be pissed when I want the Corvette back."

"Do you think he'll give it to you?" Cynthia asked with a chuckle.

Brian glared at her. "Get your ass in gear. I'm going down to the council in five minutes."

"Yes, boss," she said as she walked out.

Brian looked around the office. He had spent a lot of time there over the last two years and there was a twinge of sadness at leaving. Not so much because he would miss the place, but more because of things he had wanted to do as mayor and hadn't had time to get to. He walked over to the window and looked out.

After the next few minutes there would be someone else standing at this window surveying his kingdom of greater Pittsburgh. He hoped Jamal would do it proud. He hoped he had done it proud for the short time that it had been his responsibility.

Brian took a deep breath, straightened his tie and opened the door to his office for the last time. He looked over at Cynthia's desk, but it was empty. She must be in the washroom or someone else's office. In fact it was strangely quiet on the whole floor. He shrugged and took the elevator down to the council chambers.

The doors were shut which was strange. They usually stood open while all the councilmen made their way into their seats. They were closed after the mayor entered. Brian frowned and wondered what was going on. All was quiet through the doors. He couldn't hear any heated discussions or general chatter. He looked at his watch. This was the right time and he was sure this was the right day. He pulled the door open.

The applause was deafening as he stood in the open doorway. The council room was packed with all the councilmen standing and applauding at their seats. The galleries were filled to overflowing and he could see Michael and Deb and Lindsay with Gus. He took a deep breath and tried to suppress the urge to run away.

"What the fuck is going on?" he said as the applause died down.

"Come on in, Mr. Mayor, and take your seat for the last time," Jamal Jefferson said directing Brian to his usual seat. Justin was already sitting in a chair next to his grinning at him.

Brian glared at Justin who shrugged and continued to smile. "What the fuck have you done?" Brian spat out not at all pleased with this turn of events.

"Be quiet and listen," Justin said sternly.

Brian was about to make some scathing comment when Justin touched his shoulder tenderly and turned him in his chair to look at the new mayor.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Jamal said, "would you please be seated and we can get this little shindig underway. I understand the current mayor is a little skittish about this kind of assembly, so we best hurry before he escapes on us." There was polite applause and some chuckles. "I'd like to start by saying that I am beginning to realize that I have big shoes to fill here at City Hall. I only hope I can inspire all the affection and hard work that has gone into this celebration. You're a lucky … and deserving man, Brian."

Brian felt the color rise in his cheeks. He had told them not to do this. How was he ever going to get through this without a public meltdown? He felt the panic rising, and then Justin's hand slipped into his interlacing their fingers, and he knew it would be all right.

Jamal had been saying something else and then had sat down. He was replaced at the microphone by Frank Jankowski. Brian looked over at Frank and shook his head.

"Don't shake your head at me, Mr. Mayor," Frank chuckled. He cleared his throat. "Brian Kinney is an acquired taste, and for those of us who have acquired it, it's hard to say goodbye." He glanced over at Brian who looked decidedly uncomfortable. "You'll enjoy this, so relax."

"You better be right," Brian said still not looking pleased.

"He's good at threats, and most of the time I listen," Frank explained. "I listen because I know his heart is in the right place."

Brian glanced over at the gallery and saw Melanie shaking her head at Frank's words. Some things never changed. He saw Debbie who gave him a little wave and a big smile. Lindsay was waving Gus' hand at his father. Brian smiled at Gus and the little boy giggled back.

"That's much better, Brian," Frank was saying seeing the smile on Brian's face. "We know you didn't want any kind of testimonials when you leave, but we all felt that we wanted to express our appreciation to you, so with Geoffrey, Justin and Cynthia's help, we've cooked up this little get together. So sit back and enjoy it."

Brian wondered what they had cooked up. He saw something covered by a velvet cloth sitting on the council table. He groaned inwardly. He didn't want gifts, unless maybe it was a giant sized tube of lube and a few thousand of his favorite condoms. He was going to have to be gracious and pretend he liked whatever monstrosity they had purchased for him. Then he was going to kill Justin and Cynthia and that fucking Geoffrey. He glanced around and spotted Geoffrey sitting smugly in the gallery beside Adam Pritchard and Louise. Shit! Were they all there?

Suddenly Adam stood up and Brian realized that Frank had called him up to speak. He directed his attention to the man wondering what he was going to say.

Adam cleared his throat. "Good afternoon, everybody. This is my second trip to this council chamber. The first time I came here was to talk about homeless people and their problems. I came because Brian asked me and because at that time I too was homeless." Adam waited till they all digested that fact. "I'd say I've come a long way since then. I'm superintendent of an apartment building, earn a decent wage and have regained my life. And that's all due to Brian Kinney. He got me started on the right track with a hundred dollars and more than a little faith in me. Since then I have become the director of the Angela Dubkowski Fund which provides a hundred dollars to homeless people who want to clean up and look for a job. We have eighteen success stories since we started that initiative. I have six of the people who have benefited from this fund here with me today. Would you please stand?"

Four men and two women stood, looking neat and tidy and sober, and rather like upstanding members of society.

"I am about to take on a new role," Adam continued as the former homeless people sat down. "I've been hired as the director of the new homeless facility that will be opened in a couple of months. I'm here to say thank you to a remarkable man who has made an overwhelming difference in my life. In fact he probably saved my life, because I was pretty close to the bottom when he found me. Thanks, Mr. Mayor."

Brian stood as Adam came over to him and they shook hands. "I'm sorry at this moment that I got you involved in all this," Brian said with a grimace. "But I'm proud that you're going into that new job."

"Me too," Adam said and turned to go back to his seat.

Frank was back at the microphone. "There were many people who wanted to speak today, but we knew that Brian didn't want endless speeches. Adam seemed the most appropriate person to speak since he had been at the heart of one of the Mayor's most successful initiatives.

"We wanted to get Brian some kind of token to remember us all by, but he made it clear he didn't want anything. So we had to do some intense thinking about how to handle this. And for some of us that was pretty difficult." Polite laughter followed that statement. "It was Justin who mentioned and reminded us of Brian's interest in the homeless. It seems that they, as a group, often get forgotten in today's society. With Justin and Adam's help and Geoffrey and Cynthia's expertise, we have come up with something we think you may like, Brian. Would you come over here?"

Brian stood and reluctantly made his way over to the microphone. "This better be good, Frank."

"Hold on," Frank replied shaking Brian's hand. "You'll like it. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to see the plaque that will be attached beside the front door of Adam's new workplace."

Frank threw off the velvet cloth and revealed a brass plaque leaning against a box. It said:

SANCTUARY

THE BRIAN KINNEY BUILDING

Brian gulped. "You can't do this, Frank. You have to be dead to have a public building named after you." Brian hesitated trying to get his breathing under control. "I'm not dead, am I? Although this sure feels like an out-of-body experience."

"No, you're not dead, Brian. We voted a special dispensation just for you."

Brian knew Frank was still holding onto his hand, and he was glad for the support. He felt slightly faint.

"Speech, speech," several voices called out.

Frank finally let go of Brian's hand and gestured to the mike. Then he went to sit down. Brian took a couple of slightly wobbly steps over to the microphone. He cleared his throat and stared out into the audience. He could see Hunter and Ben and Ted and Emmett and Chuck and Phydeau. He felt slightly sick. He cleared his throat again.

"I am royally pissed off," he began sternly. He saw people gasp and recoil slightly. "I told everyone that I didn't want this kind of thing. Apparently you people haven't learned to believe me when I say something." Brian paused dramatically for effect. He wondered if they thought he was going to walk out on them all. The thought was very tempting.

"I … guess I should say thank you," Brian continued after a bit. "I never expected anything like this. Having the building named after me is a real tribute that I don't think I deserve. But I'll be gracious and accept it because I know you thought you were doing something good. I couldn't think of anything that would mean more to me than that.

"The thing I'm most proud of is how Adam and his friends have turned their lives around. If this building can help to do this for others, help them to return to productive members of society, then I accept this gesture most gratefully.

"You all know that I don't like long speeches, so I think I'll stop now. I just want to add that you have a new mayor with whom I hope the council will cooperate. A lot can be accomplished … together." Jamal smiled fondly at Brian.

"And lastly there are a few of you that are going to have to be severely disciplined for taking part in all this. Justin!" Brian said. Justin blushed and scrunched down in his chair. "Come over here!"

Justin stood and moved slowly over to Brian. When he could reach him, Brian pulled his lover up close against his body.

"This one has been my strength and my support from day one. I couldn't have gotten through all of this without him." Brian leaned in and kissed Justin. When he released Justin's lips he whispered, "Spanking … later." Justin blushed and leaned against Brian. He knew he was forgiven for his part in the festivities and that Brian was at least somewhat pleased with what they had done.

Brian realized that the applause was continuing around the room. Frank stepped up to the mike and told everyone that there was cake and coffee out in the foyer. The next thing Brian knew people were streaming by and shaking his hand and wishing him well. He listened to their comments and their praise knowing that he would be forgotten soon enough. But it was kind of nice to hear some of these things, especially after the way his term as mayor had started.

As the line began to thin out Brian saw Geoffrey approaching. He gave him a stern look and then squeezed the man's hand in a warm shake. "Take care of things around here," Brian said. Geoffrey nodded and turned away. "And stay in touch," Brian added. Geoffrey turned for one last look and a big smile for his former boss.

"Brian, Chuck has everything in the car. It's all ready to go when you are," Cynthia said.

"I'll call you in a couple of days … about our new enterprise."

"You better," Cynthia said as she leaned up and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Want to take your son?" Lindsay asked.

Brian lifted Gus out of her arms and into his. "Having fun, Sonny Boy? Nothing like a day off school to make for a great time." Gus nodded enthusiastically. Brian kissed his cheek and set him down. He went off to get cake with his two mommies.

"He's a great little boy," Adam said coming up beside Brian.

"And you have a great new job. I'm so pleased," Brian said sincerely.

"Me too. And I'll really be able to help some of the street people."

"I know you'll do a great job. Thanks for being here today, Adam. Now go get some cake." Adam smiled and moved away.

"Brian," a timid voice said at his elbow.

"Louise," Brian said hugging the woman who had at one time been a protester outside City Hall, protesting against the new fag mayor. She was now a good friend and his most faithful advocate. "You're looking good."

"I'm engaged," she gushed. "And I'd like to invite you to my wedding."

"I'd love to come as long as it isn't tomorrow."

"A few months," she said as she held onto his hand for a moment longer and then moved away.

"You done good, kiddo," Debbie said stepping in and giving him a kiss on the cheek. Then she proceeded to wipe the lipstick off his cheek.

"We're so proud," Emmett added with a tear in his eye.

"You've been a great mayor, Brian," Michael told him and gave him a kiss. Ben and Hunter shook his hand nodding their approval.

"Thanks," Brian replied, "but you may be overstating the case a bit."

"Great work, Bri," Ted said as he went by.

"Theodore."

Brian's little family made their way out to get some cake. Brian looked around for Justin who had been trying to stay in the background.

"Come here, you," Brian ordered. Justin came forward and Brian grabbed him and kissed him heartily. "Ready for that spanking now?"

"Can we go?" Justin asked relieved that the celebration was over and Brian hadn't killed him or had a major meltdown.

"You bet," Brian replied dragging Justin out another doorway. He quickly led them to the front where the limo waited with both Chuck and Phydeau standing beside it. Chuck opened the door for them. "I'm going to miss you two," Brian said shaking their hands.

"We'll still be around, at the club, on Liberty. Stop by sometime," Chuck said and Phydeau nodded his approval.

"I will," Brian said. As he climbed into the car after Justin, he said, "Take us down Liberty." Chuck winked and got behind the wheel.

They pulled away and Justin leaned against Brian's chest. "Are you sad to be leaving it all behind?" Justin asked.

"No, I can't say that I am. I've enjoyed some of it, but I'm looking forward to the future."

Justin smiled. That was just what he wanted to hear.

"Did I tell you that Cynthia loved the name you came up with for our new ad agency?" Brian asked.

"I'm glad she liked it. I was pretty proud of it when it came to me."

"I had thought up a name too," Brian said with a twinkle in his eye.

"You did? You didn't tell me. What was it?"

"I thought we could combine our names," Brian said.

"Oh, like Kinney-Taylor Advertising? But I'm not a partner," Justin observed.

"I was thinking of reversing that order and shortening it down."

"Huh?" Justin asked trying to figure it out.

"As in Tay-Kin … and you are my partner."

"Taken? Oh! OH, my God! That's the sweetest thing you've ever said," Justin said leaning in for a kiss.

As the kiss ended Brian hit the button and the passenger window slowly went down. "There's our temporary office," Brian said pointing to an old building between Torso and the diner. It proudly bore the sign of Kinnetik above the door.

"Hey, that looks great, and it will be so convenient for food from the diner." Brian rolled his eyes. But why temporary?" Justin asked.

"I want to buy and renovate the old baths when I have the money, so we need to get to work and be the biggest fucking success Liberty Avenue and Pittsburgh and the whole fucking United States has ever seen."

"Can we start work tomorrow?"

"I suppose. Why?"

"I'm ready for my spanking now." Justin grinned.

"Or for a little … lovemaking?"

"Definitely," and Justin melted into Brian's arms.

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