The Fox in the Hen House

Chapter 8

"Morning, Peter," Bree called as she came out the front door of the conjoined cottages.  "Have you seen Beau?" she asked the young man as he was coming up the lane.

"Is that the huge wolf?" Peter asked in return.

"He's not a wolf."

"I haven't seen him.  I'm here to work."

"Nobody's ready yet," Bree informed him.

"What do you mean?" Peter asked with a frown.  "They told me to be here at seven."

"It's only quarter to seven and they all got a late start."

"How come?"  Usually these people were so punctual and demanding in a manner that Peter was totally not used to.  They never yelled like his father, but they made it clear what was expected of people.  They had never been late before.

"I don't know, but I woke up and was hungry.  I had some cereal before I thought I better call them all.  They're eating breakfast now."

"So, they're not ready for me?" Peter asked uncertainly.  He didn't know whether to knock on the door of the cottage or go back to Debbie and Carl's.

"If I can find Beau, you can come with me."

"Where are you going and why do you need that wolf?"

"He's not a wolf and I'll show you where I'm going when I find Beau."

Just then Beau came bounding around the end of the cottage and stopped short in front of Bree waiting for a pat.  Bree was happy to oblige, giving Beau a good rub.  Beau eyed Peter suspiciously.

"Why is he looking at me like that?" Peter asked.

"I don't think you've been formally introduced," Bree said with a grin.

"I don't want to be formally introduced," Peter said taking a step back.

"It's better if you do.  Then he will know who you are, and they'll all look after you."

"Look after me!  They'll probably eat me."

Bree heaved a sigh.  "Beau won't hurt anybody he knows.  Trust me.  Hold out your hand."

Peter looked like he was about to run, but he didn't want to appear to be a coward in front of this girl.  He tentatively stuck his hand out a little ways.  Beau cocked his head to one side and studied Peter.  He could sense the fear.

"It's okay, Beau.  Peter is a good guy.  Go greet him," Bree encouraged the big dog.

Peter managed to stand his ground as Beau took a couple of steps toward him.  Beau nuzzled the outstretched hand and Peter took a step back.

"He won't hurt you," Bree promised.

Peter held his hand out again and Beau repeated what he had done before.  This time Peter didn't pull back.

"Give him a pat," Bree encouraged him.

Peter tentatively touched the top of Beau's head.  "He's soft."

"Yes he is.  Give him a firm rub."

Peter stroked his hand along the top of Beau's head.  The big dog  stood patiently.  He didn't try to lick Peter or jump on him like Little Beau probably would have done.  He knew this human wasn't ready for that.

"See, now you are friends," Bree said.

"We are?"

"Yep."

"Well, that's good, I guess."

"Want to meet the other two?" Bree asked with an evil grin.

"Um, maybe another time."

"Okay," she replied letting him off the hook.  She realized this whole process had been a big step for Peter.

"Where were you and Beau going?" Peter asked as Beau sat down beside them.

"He usually comes with me when I go to the thinking rock."

"Thinking rock?"

"Yeah, it's a special place down by the stream.  I'll show you sometime, but you should probably go in now.  I think they'll be finished breakfast by now."

"Oh, okay," Peter agreed.  He watched Bree and the big dog head around the cottage.

"See ya later," Bree called as they disappeared from sight.

Peter knocked on the door of the cottage.  He heard someone call, “Come in,” so he opened the door and entered.

“We’re in the kitchen,” called a voice that he thought might be Justin’s.

Peter followed the sound of the voice and found Brian, Justin, Bobby, John and Gus sitting around the kitchen table.

“Reporting for work?” Brian asked with a smirk.

“Um, yes sir,” Peter replied.

“Have you had breakfast?” John asked giving his brother a look.

“Yes sir.”

“You don’t have to call us sir,” John reminded him.

“I don’t know what else to call you,” Peter replied honestly.

“John would be fine.”

“I thought since you were adults I shouldn’t call you by a first name.”

“Well, now I’ve given you permission to do just that,” John said gently.

“Okay … John,” Peter said.

“And you can call me Justin,” Justin added.

“Bobby,” Bobby said indicating himself.

“Gus,” Gus said pointing to himself.

“I already call you Gus,” Peter reminded him.

“Just testing,” Gus said with a laugh.

Peter shook his head and chuckled, while everyone else looked at Brian.

“What?” Brian asked trying to appear innocent.

“What do you want Peter to call you?” John asked.

“Hm,” Brian said rubbing his chin.  “Your royal highness might suit,” Brian said with a smirk.

“Ignore my egotistical brother,” John scolded.  “You have my permission to call him Brian, although, maybe you should just call him annoying.”

Brian snorted.

“He’s just yanking your chain,” Gus said.

“It’s okay to relax around us,” John emphasized.  “We’re not all like Brian.”

Brian snorted again.  “I am used to a certain degree of respect,” he said haughtily.

John balled up his paper napkin and tossed it at his brother.  Everyone else followed suit.

“Hey!” Brian griped as he batted away the paper missiles coming at him.  “What kind of respect is that?”

“Just what you deserve,” Bobby said with a laugh.  He stood up and started picking up the debris.  “I need to get to work.”

“So do we,” John said.  “Ready, troops?”

“Yes, sir…John,” Peter replied, quickly correcting himself.

“I’m ready,” Gus said standing up.

“Just let me grab the notes from our cottage,” John said heading to the sun porch.

Peter stood by the table waiting to be told what to do.

“Grab some plates,” Brian ordered Peter and Gus as he started to clear the table.  Peter picked up a plate and utensils and carried them over to the counter.  “Leave them on the counter.  I’ll handle them from there.”

“Yes, si… I mean 'Your Royal Highness,” Peter said with a smirk worthy of Brian Kinney himself.

Brian laughed out loud.  “Okay, kid, that just earned you the right to call me Brian.”

Justin beamed at his husband from across the room.

*****

Bree was settled on the big rock by the stream.  Beau lay beside her.  Her hand idly caressed Beau’s big head.  She stared out over the water.  She felt kind of lonely.  Patrick had already started baseball camp, but soccer camp didn’t start for another week.  She just wasn’t sure what she wanted to do in the meantime.

“Got any good ideas of what to do, Beau?” she asked.

Beau raised his head at the sound of his name, but nothing beyond that was forthcoming.

“You’re no help at all today, Beau,” Bree scolded.

Beau looked at her poignantly, asking silently what she expected of him.

“I know,” Bree sighed.  “I need to figure this out myself.”

She looked up at the clouds, staring at one big one that looked kind of like an elephant with its trunk raised. For quite a while she was silent thinking about what she might want to do.

“I guess we should head back, Beau,” Bree said finally.  She sat up and started to slide off the rock.

Beau leaped down ahead of her and waited as she got down and took a last look at the stream.

“Ashley!” Bree said all of a sudden.  “Maybe Ashley could come stay with us for a few days.  What do you think, Beau?”

Beau gave a woof of agreement.  He liked Ashley.

“Let’s go ask Daddy and Dada,” she shouted as she raced across the clearing to the path.  Beau bounded along behind her, sensing her excitement.

“Dada, Daddy!” Bree called as she came flying through the door of the sun porch.  “Where are you?”

“Up here,” Brian called from his office.

Bree ran up the steps.  “Is Daddy here?” she asked.

“No, he’s gone to the gallery for a few hours.”

“Oh, I need to ask both of you something.”

“What?”

“Can Ashley stay here for a few days?”

Brian raised an eyebrow.  “Have you asked her if she wants to come?”

“She will.”

“Bree,” Brian admonished, “don’t make assumptions.”

“I know,” she said with a big sigh. “To assume makes an ass out of you and me.”

“Got that right.”

“So, can I call her?”

“Of course,” Brian said handing her the phone.  Brian listened with half an ear to Bree’s part of the conversation as he reviewed another Kinnetik North contract.  The newest addition to the Kinnetik family was doing very well.  Cynthia and Melanie were currently up there and would probably be spending most of the summer.  Gus and Ray would be going next in the fall.

A squeal of delight brought Brian back to the here and now.

“Can I assume Ashley accepted your invitation?” Brian asked his daughter with a smirk.

“Yes you may,” Bree replied as she climbed up into Brian’s lap and returned the phone.  Brian hugged his daughter.  ‘Soon she’ll outgrow laps,’ Brian thought to himself.  He hugged her closer then gently pushed her off his knee.

“Do I have to get her?”

“No, Ashley’s mom will bring her over later.  School’s over for most of us but the teachers are still doing stuff,” Bree explained.

“I have a few more contracts to review.  Go make sure your room is ready for your guest,” Brian suggested.

“Okay, Dada!” Bree replied brightly, beaming her father a sun shining smile worthy of the Taylor name as she walked toward the spiral staircase.

“Bree, some of your clients have been asking for you.  Would you like for me to arrange a lunch meeting when soccer camp is over?  I can have Schmidt do something at The Plaza.” 

“Does Gus have any clients close by?” Bree asked.

“Close enough.  Why, what are you thinking?”

“A meeting with both of us at the same time so they get used to dealing with both of us,” Bree suggested.

“Did you speak with Gus about it?” Brian asked thinking that it was a great idea.

“Not yet,” Bree replied with a little pout.

“He’s probably still at the new cottage.  Go check with him and then I’ll start making the arrangements,” Brian stated.

“Okay, Dada,” Bree said.  She was down the stairs, out the sun porch door, then running across the meadow in a flash.   

*****

Lindsay waved Justin into her office, indicating he should take a seat.  She was on the phone with Charles Higgins from the London National Gallery.  Justin plopped himself down onto the comfy sofa to wait until Lindsay was free.  They were talking about showing more of Justin’s work. 

“You want how many pieces?  He’s not a machine, you know,” Lindsay stated.  “He’s right here, I’ll discuss it with him.”  Justin made a little wave.  “Justin says hello.  Charles says hi.”  Then Justin shook his hand at her.  “Hold a minute, please.”  Lindsay made a face at Justin.

“I have about twenty nature studies if he’s interested,” Justin said loud enough to be heard.

“Did you hear that?  I don’t know, nature studies.”  Lindsay gasped.  “I thought you were straight,” she sighed as she rolled her eyes and shook her blond head. “I’ll email you pictures.  Okay.  I miss you too.  Really?  It would be so nice to see you.  Okay, let me know.  Bye.”  Lindsay ended the call.  “Sorry about that.  I never know when he’s going to call,” Lindsay said by way of an apology.

“No problem.   I guess the time difference doesn’t make it any easier to do business.”

“We usually email but sometimes…”

“He wants to charm you with that suave sophisticated accent of his,” Justin teased as he waggled his eyebrows.  Lindsay blushed.  “And is he straight like you’re just a lesbian?” Justin inquired with a smirk and another waggle of his eyebrows. 

Lindsay’s blush deepened.

“You won’t be so full of yourself when I tell you what type of nature studies Charles is hoping you’ll send him,” Lindsay said smugly. 

Justin thought a bit then he began to blush.  “No, are you serious?”  Justin started to giggle.

“Yes, I am,” Lindsay said with a laugh.  “Charles wants to know if you’re sending any more nudes of Brian.  Apparently he’s still a hot commodity.  One of your studies recently started a bidding war.  Fortunately the proceeds went to a local children’s hospital,” Lindsay explained.

“Please don’t tell Brian; we’ll never hear the end of it,” Justin begged.

“He’s not that bad.”

“Normally no, but one of our new residents has been exceptionally good for Brian’s ego lately. He doesn’t need to know that he has another admirer lusting after him.”

“Brian would never…”

“Of course he wouldn’t.  I know that deep in my soul but sometimes I get tired of having to beat them off with a stick.  It’s hard work being the husband of a man that everyone lusts after.”

“Maybe you should stop painting him,” Lindsay suggested.

“Never.  I’ll never stop painting him or drawing him.  If it wasn’t for him art wouldn’t be in my life at all,” Justin said as he unconsciously rubbed his hand.  “Besides, he’s so beautiful, he’s a joy to draw and I love him,” Justin said with a slight shrug of his shoulders.  “No, I can’t stop painting him,” Justin said with love.

Lindsay nodded with a smile.  “And your nature study?”

“Mainly the wildlife around the lane.  We have several chipmunks living somewhere in the arbor.  I love watching them scamper around.  They look like they’re having so much fun.  And once a day a family of ducks travels the same path along the stream to a beaver pond.  Then there’s Beau and his family, they’re magnificent animals.  I have dozens more subjects that I can paint on the lane.  I’m never bored.  Charles can have them all.”

“And Brian?”

“Maybe one or two.”  Lindsay threw Justin a pointed look.  “Charles can have those too.”  Justin laughed.

“Charles said he may fly over for an extended visit.  He’s been working non-stop on a special exhibit for over a year.  Now that’s over, he wants some time off; let Henry run the museum for a while.  I was going to ask Brian if he’d get Charles a deal at The Plaza.”

“When was the last time you had time off?”

“Me?  I don’t know, I think it’s been a while.  Why?”

“So why don’t you two stay at the lane?  We have plenty of room,” Justin said.  “Unless you feel awkward about Mel.”

“Mel and I don’t have any special arrangements.  We’ve been dating off and on.”

“Uh huh,” Justin teased.

“All right, maybe more than just dating, we share a long history and we do share children.”

“You don’t have to explain to me.  And from what I heard from Brian, Mel will be spending most of the summer in Canada.”

“I know, and Mel knows Charles.  Do you think Brian will mind us taking over a room or two in the big cottage?”

“Not at all.  Believe it or not he’s happy when friends are staying there.  Just remember we don’t have maid service.  We all pitch in cleaning.”

“I remember and I don’t mind, although it might shock Charles.  I don’t think he knows how to handle a vacuum cleaner,” Lindsay said and the two laughed.  “Seriously, I think I’d like a few weeks in the middle of nowhere but you must promise me that if Brian doesn't want to barbecue that I get the chance to do the cooking.  You guys always cook.  Someone should be treating you for a change.”

“Deal!  I’ll let the guys know.  Linds, whenever you want to spend time on the lane you’re more than welcome.  Candy and Richie are there now.”

“She called.  She loves it.  She said she’s been sketching up a storm.  I’ll email Charles and make him the offer.”

Lindsay and Justin then talked business when Susan Taylor came rushing into the gallery and was shown into Lindsay’s office.

“Susan, what are you doing here?” Justin asked.  “Is something wrong?”

“Yes, no.  I’m not sure.  Justin, I called the cottage first.  Brian told me you’d be here so I took a chance and drove over.  I didn’t want to tell you this over the phone,” Susan began to explain.

“Susan, what are you talking about?  Did something happen to Craig?”

“Yes, about six weeks ago he fell.  He kept saying he was all right; you know how stubborn he can be,” Susan said to Justin and Lindsay, making a pitiful face.  “But he kept taking more and more painkillers.  Nothing prescribed, just the kind you can get at the drug store.  When he started complaining about his stomach hurting I insisted he see the doctor.  Not only does he have a broken hip he developed an ulcer from the pain medication.  He’s had surgery to fix the hip and they managed to get the ulcer under control but he won’t stay in rehab to complete his therapy.  I don’t know what to do with him,” Susan said as she sat down and began to sob.

Justin was overwhelmed and a bit shocked as he sat next to her to give her a hug.  Lindsay, on the other hand, knew just what needed to be done.  As she made a small pot of tea, she called Jennifer.  Within twenty minutes Jennifer was at the gallery and updated by Lindsay.

“Justin, honey, your father has always been stubborn, you know that but now we just have to go over his head,” Jennifer stated with clarity.  Both Susan and Justin looked at her with the same confused expression.  “If Craig doesn’t want to stay in rehab to finish his therapy, we kidnap him and bring him to the lane.  Then we hire a good therapist.”

Susan wasn’t sure what to say or to do.  Justin thought for a moment then smiled.  “I think I know a therapist,” he said as he stood and pulled out his cell phone.

“I’m not sure if I can do this alone,” Susan murmured.  Jennifer sat down next to Susan.

“You won’t be alone.  Seth and I having been planning a vacation.  We’ll just spend it on the lane,” Jennifer declared.  “And I was just talking to Molly; she and Owen were planning time at their cottage.”

“No, I can't ask you to get involved,” Susan insisted.

“You’re not asking, I’m volunteering,” Jenn said.

“Of course we can always sic Debbie on him,” Justin said as he burst out laughing.

“Oh good thinking,” Jennifer agreed.  “She won’t let the stubborn bastard get away with anything.”

“And then there’s our secret weapon,” Justin said with a smirk.

“Oh yes, our secret weapon,” Jennifer nodded.

“What are you two talking about?”  Susan asked in between sobs.  Justin looked at his mom and at Lindsay who immediately understood.

“Bree!” all three chimed in.

“If anyone can wear Craig down into submission, it’s Bree,” Justin said.

“How do we get him to the lane?” Susan asked.

“When do you pick him up from rehab?” Jennifer asked.

“Late tomorrow afternoon.  He threatened to walk out today but when he found out he actually couldn’t walk without using a walker he decided to stay another day.  He needs a wheelchair too.  They told him he’d have to pay for all his equipment if he left today,” Susan explained.

“When you pick him up, instead of taking him home, drive him directly to the lane,” Justin said.  “We’ll make sure the large suite on the main floor of the B&B is ready,” Justin said.

“Are you sure about this?” Susan asked.

“I am but I won’t be doing the hard work.  You’re the one who’s going to have to put up with Craig’s shit,” Justin said. 

“Justin’s right.  If you think he’s stubborn now, just wait until he realizes that you’ve been conspiring against him,” Jennifer said.  “Are you prepared for the repercussions?”

Susan thought about it and reluctantly nodded her head.

*****

“Sunshine, what the fuck have you gotten us into?” Brian asked as a large truck pulled up to the B&B early the next day and several fit men started bringing in therapy equipment and a hospital bed.  All under the watchful eyes of one Glen Wilder.

“I’m sorry, Bri, I didn’t know it was going to be this involved,” Justin said with a shrug of his shoulders as his face began to turn red.

“Have Alex and Glen completely moved into their cottage?” Brian asked as he jumped out of the way of a well built young man carrying a bunch of metal bars that would soon become a trapeze set up attached to the bed.  The man looked Brian up and down with an appreciative and hopeful eye.  Brian smirked but shook his head, no.  The man sighed with a disappointed shrug.

Justin rolled his eyes as he wished for a hefty stick.

“Yes we are,” Alex replied as he stepped up just behind the pair.

“Alex, I am so sorry.  You’re supposed to be on vacation and now it’s like you’re going back to work,” Justin apologized to Alex.

“Justin, we’re used to taking a busman’s holiday. Don’t worry about it,” Alex assured the younger man.  Justin gave Alex a perplexed look at the little used expression, making Alex and Brian chuckle.

“He means, Sunshine, that this happens to them all the time,” Brian explained.

“Only this time we get to do it in paradise.  Justin, I won’t be involved unless your father formally requests my services.  I will make myself available to your stepmother if she asks, just one lane guest to another,” Alex said.  Justin nodded.  “I do get the impression the women in your life will be in charge of your father’s rehabilitation one way or another.  My suggestion is that you steer clear.”

“Good advice, Justin,” Brian said.  Brian and Justin exchanged a look then Brian held open his arms; Justin went into his embrace.  Over Justin’s shoulder Brian gave Alex a poignant look.  Alex silently acknowledged Brian.

Within no time the ground floor suite of the B&B was ready for the latest family members to stay on the lane.

*****

A little later in the day Glen found John and Peter inspecting the work done in the meadow cottage.  If Alex and Glen were pleased before, they were now over the moon at how the little touches improved the look of their lovely cottage.  John was amused and impressed by Peter who found and removed minute bits of painter’s tape.

“John, I realize Peter is your intern for the summer but do you mind if I borrow him?  Providing, of course, he’s willing to be borrowed,” Glen said with a grin.

“And just what do you have in mind for my intern?” John asked with authority, his arms crossed over his chest and with that arched Kinney brow.

“I may need him to help out with Craig,” Glen stated, hiding an amused smile.  The Kinney brothers could be very much alike.  John made a face.  “Yeah, I heard.  Alex filled me in.  He can be a real bastard to his son and to Brian.”

“Bree and Taylor have found a way to his heart.  And he does love his wife,” John said.

“So he does have a heart.”

“So it seems,” John said.

“Right now Craig’s a wounded animal.  And wounded animals are one of the nastiest creatures on the face of the earth.  It’s going to take a lot of work to get him to cooperate.  Most likely he’ll lash out.  Alex and I both agree that Justin should stay out of it.”

“And yet you want Peter to be involved,” John accused.

“Craig won’t be intimidated or antagonized by Peter, not like he is by Justin or Brian,” Glen explained.

“He’s homophobic.”

“Well tough shit,” Glen spat out.  “I’ve had tougher clients than him, believe me.”

“I believe you,” John smirked.  He turned to speak with Peter.  “Peter, I realize this is not what you bargained for when you moved to the lane and no one is forcing you, but if you can be of help to Glen and Justin’s father, we’d appreciate it.”

Peter wasn’t sure what he had gotten himself into by coming to the lane but all he could do was say yes.

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