A Tale of Four Queers
Chapter 15
On the last leg of their journey, it was John who took the lead. His senior class trip was to Texas, the Alamo the featured attraction. John knew where he wanted to go and where he wanted them all to stay. He booked them into the Holiday Inn Riverwalk Hotel. It was close to the Alamo and to Market Square. Brian appreciated the opulence with all the amenities and they all appreciated not having to deal with foreign currency. This was America, damn it! The boys were home.
It was a quiet ride from the airport to their hotel. Miguel, the cab driver traversed the busy San Antonio streets with ease. He helped the boys with all their bags and the extra suitcases they had purchased along the way to transport all the souvenirs they managed to accumulate. Miguel handed Brian his card stating if they needed a guide while they were visiting his city, Miguel was their man. Brian appreciated the gesture and planned to give Miguel a call. After a shower and a good old American meal, Brian wanted the group to sort out all their purchases and ship as much as possible to Kinnetik. Cynthia would then take everything to the loft. Over the next few days, the boys walked to the Market Square, shopped, had dinner on a riverboat and of course, went to the Alamo. John played tour guide.
Quietly they entered the mission, read the placards about the history of the events, the legends and about the hundreds of people who had fought for freedom and died for what they believed in. The rumors and controversy of how some of the dead were buried or not buried, piqued Justin's curiosity. They'd been following the Kinney/Patrick trail for weeks but Justin had no idea how or where they ended up. The journal abruptly ended at the point where Martha received the letter about the paintings and that they had to leave this part of the country. During Kinney and Patrick's time here, San Antonio was Mexican territory. The conflict took years to be resolved. Kinney and Patrick again, had no place to call home.
The day before weary travelers were to go home, Brian called Miguel. He asked Miguel to drive them to as many old chapels and churches as he could within a 50 mile radius around San Antonio. Miguel drove like the wind, taking the boys to chapels and churchyards that were all over a hundred years old. No paintings, sculptures or stained glass windows were to be found.
Brian leaned on the car having a smoke while Justin was checking out yet another chapel. Miguel questioned Brian trying to understand what they were searching for. Brian attempted an abridged version of the story. Half way through, Miguel asked to see the pictures of the portraits of Kinney and Patrick. Brian raised an eye brow then showed Miguel Justin's journal with the pictures. Miguel's face lit up with fascination and recognition.
"We have to go. My grandfather was educated by missionaries, as was his father and his father before him. I grew up hearing the old stories. The church that I'm thinking of is in the old part of the city. Not many go there but it still stands and the elders try to maintain it the best they can."
"Let's go."
Brian shouted for Justin, John and Bobby. He filled them in as he shoved them in the car. An hour later the group was slowly driving through a slum. It reminded Brian of the poor backward villages they had seen in South America, in all of the countries they visited. The travelers gazed at the poor conditions. They were sickened by it, embarrassed by it and angered by it. They were living in one of the world's richest countries and yet so many people starved. Brian worked hard for his money, he invested wisely, he was going to have a serious chat with Ted about charitable contributions when he got back to the Pitts.
Miguel drove slowly up the church drive. The chapel was visible at the end of the long drive. The churchyard was filled with headstones and monuments that dated back over two hundred years. The graves were all maintained. Many had flowers or small plants marking a loved one. The church too, was in surprisingly good repair. Miguel stopped the car and they all got out. An old gentleman came out of the church and Miguel ran up to greet him. They exchanged a few words then Miguel gestured for the boys to join them."This is my grandfather, Franco. It is his turn to close up the church tonight. I told him what you're looking for and he has something to show you."
The group followed Miguel and Franco into the church. Franco led them to the first station of the cross that was painted on a wall. Justin immediately recognized the brush strokes. He gasped then continued to follow along the wall of the church. There were seven stations on the wall in front of him and then another seven on the opposite wall. The paintings had been preserved. They looked as if Kinney and Patrick had painted them only a year ago instead of 100. Justin took out his camera but was unable to focus; the tears of joy had blurred his vision. Brian gently removed the camera from Justin's trembling hand. He asked Franco if it was okay to photograph the paintings. Getting a smile and a nod from the old man, Brian started to take the pictures.
While Brian continued to photograph the paintings, Bobby walked around the churchyard and photographed some of the more interesting grave markers. Most of the names on the markers were distinctly Hispanic, very few were Anglo. The ones that were had obviously married into the Hispanic family. Two markers stood out amongst the others. Not only were the markers a bit taller than the others, they were plain, not as ornate as some of the others. Bobby used the zoom feature to see if it was worth photographing the markers up close. They were at the far end of the cemetery. As he got one of the markers in his view finder he began to focus.
"Oh my god!" Bobby ran back into the church.
"Everybody, out here now!" Bobby shouted. Brian had finished the last station when he heard the redhead shouting.
"What? What happened?" Brian shouted back, thinking someone else was hitting on Bobby.
"They're here, they're here!"
Justin jumped off the bench he was sitting on and ran out of the church. Brian and John followed closely on his heels. They all followed the redhead who was still sprinting toward the tall grave markers.
"Look!" Bobby pointed at the monuments. Buried side by side were Kinney and Patrick.
Patrick Taylor 1807-1878 MY SOUL |
John Aidan Brian Kinney 1802-1879 He painted He loved |
"Brian, he couldn't live without his Patrick." Justin sobbed.
"No, he couldn't." Brian couldn't stop the tear that slowly slid down his cheek. Pulling Justin close, Brian whispered into Justin's ear. "And neither can I."
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A few days later the foursome sat on a plane as it descended into Pittsburgh. They felt good about their adventures and what they had found. Some of their friends were coming to meet them at the airport but they weren't sure exactly who would be there. They knew everybody expected a big party some time soon where they would all get their presents and a full accounting of the trip.
"Are you glad to be going home, Sunshine?" Brian asked.
Justin nodded. "I'll be so happy to see everybody, especially Mom and Molly. I've missed them so much. But this trip has been the best thing I've ever done. You liked it, didn't you, Brian?"
"Yes, Sunshine, I loved it," Brian smirked tongue in cheek. "And I need to get back to work so I can pay for this mega extravaganza sojourn."
"You're not going to be in debt, are you?" Justin asked with a frown. He knew how much of the trip Brian had paid for. He wished he could have contributed more.
"Don't sweat it. Besides, John and I have to get that trust set up for the church in San Antonio."
"That will be a fitting memorial to Patrick and Kinney."
"Who would have thought that I would actually want a fucking Kinney to be remembered?" Brian laughed.
"Yeah, but it is a side of your family that you never knew existed until recently," Justin observed.
"Jack would never believe it. He would have taken the money and gone on a celebratory drinking binge. That would have been his fitting tribute to his ancestor, if he chose to recognize him at all."
"What do you mean?"
"I've told you how Jack felt about fairies. It's pretty ironic that the most famous Kinney of us all was a fag."
"I think there will be another famous Kinney before you're through," Justin said leaning against Brian.
"I don't know about that. Advertising is hardly one of the fine arts."
"But you are an old master at it."
"Hey, watch the 'old' comments."
Justin giggled and leaned up to give Brian a quick kiss. "So we haven't broken the bank completely with this trip?"
"Not quite. Ted will have to work some of his magic to get everything straightened out though. I want that church endowment to come into effect as soon as possible."
"You're a good man, Brian Kinney."
"Sh, we don't want that getting around."
"Some day everyone will know the great guy that I know," Justin declared. Brian tried to glower at his partner but ended up smiling. Justin always had that effect on him. "You know it's only a matter of time till you win a Clio," Justin stated, "and after that the sky's the limit."
Brian beamed at his partner. "I think the Taylor side of this equation is going to be the one that gets all the recognition."
Justin's smile was radiant. He resolved to finish his schooling and make Brian very, very proud of him.
Brian and Justin glanced over at Bobby and John who were holding hands. All four smiled at each other content with their journey but happy to be returning home. As the plane touched down they all took deep breaths getting ready to reassume their old lives, lives they had almost forgotten in the weeks they had been gone.
When they emerged from collecting their bags, the first person Brian saw was Michael waving frantically and grinning like a fool. He rushed up to Brian.
"Hey," he said giving Brian a big hug. "I'm so glad you're home and you didn't get eaten by rabid frogs or anything."
Brian shook his head and gave Michael a kiss. He looked around to see who else was there, but he didn't see any of their friends. He raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Michael.
"Everybody's working," Michael explained as they began walking out to the parking garage. "Ben's got a class, Ma's at the diner, Jennifer's showing a house. I borrowed Teddy's car. He's involved with something at Kinnetik." Brian raised his other eyebrow. "I don't think it's anything serious," Michael said hastily. "Here we are," he added popping the trunk on Ted's car.
Luckily they had shipped all their purchases and so were able to get their luggage into the trunk. Bobby, John and Justin climbed in the back and Brian slid into the passenger seat.
"Mi casa, Miguel, por favor," Brian said with a chuckle.
"Huh?" Michael reacted. "What the fuck are you talking about?" He smiled fondly at Brian.
"Home, Miguel," Brian repeated.
"Who's Miguel?"
"You are. Miguel is Spanish for Michael."
"Hey," John said from the back seat. "Do you guys realize how many drivers we've had on this trip who were named Miguel, and now we even have one right here in Pittsburgh." They looked at each other chuckled.
"Yeah," Bobby said thoughtfully. "The first driver in Venezuela who took us to Santa Ana was Miguel."
"And Edna's driver was Miguel."
"And there was Miguel who directed us to Pablo and the great paintings in Pablo's house."
"And who could forget Agador/Miguel?" They all laughed at the memory of that one.
"And now we have Miguelito of Pittsburgh," Brian teased. "I think you missed your calling, Mikey. You should have been a chauffeur."
"Looks like that's exactly what I am today," Michael laughed.
"And following in a fine tradition, I might add," Brian observed.
It didn't take long to get them back to the loft. Michael dumped them out and said he had to get Teddy's car back to him. Brian told him to inform Ted that he would be in tomorrow and he was a dead man if everything wasn't running like clockwork.
"Are you trying to scare the shit out of him?" Michael asked.
"Of course! That's how I get the best out of all my staff," Brian smirked.
"Thanks for picking us up, Michael," Justin said. That was followed by thank yous from John and Bobby.
"Give me a call when you get settled in," Michael said opening the driver's door.
Brian pulled him into a hug. "Gracias, Miguel. I'll call you in a couple of days. I'm sure the gang will want to get together so they can collect their lovely gifts from this band of happy wanderers."
"You got us presents?" Michael asked with a feigned look of astonishment. "Sounds good," he called as he drove away.
They loaded their bags on the elevator and made their way up. Nothing had changed in the loft. The cleaning lady had everything spic and span for them.
John and Bobby were going to spend the night before heading back to the farm. They called Claire to tell her they were back. Jennifer called to say she had sold the house she was showing. She was glad to have her son back, but would see him the following day. Justin was just as glad to have some time to get back into the rhythm of life in Pittsburgh before he had to deal with family and friends. Brian called Gus and the Munchers to tell them he had arrived safely. Gus wanted to come over immediately to see his daddy, but Lindsay was able to convince him that he could spend the whole day with daddy and Justin if he would wait.
After all that was accomplished they ordered in dinner and had a good American Chinese meal. They all enjoyed it immensely. They discussed going out but nobody really wanted to. It was much better to be at home. They unpacked and all did laundry even though John and Bobby would be going to the farm the next day.
When all of that was finished it was still only midnight and they were working on Texas time. However, Justin noticed the look in Brian's eyes that unmistakably said that he wanted to fuck in their own bed.
"I think I'm ready to turn in," Justin said faking a huge yawn. "Must be jet lag."
"Us too," John said holding Bobby's hand. They spread out the futon cushions and started to undress. When they looked up Brian and Justin had disappeared. John smiled at Bobby and pulled him in for a long kiss.
"I hope they're not too noisy," Bobby said.
"Oh, I hope they're loud," John replied.
"You do? Why?"
"This is our last night to take notes. This trip has been quite an education in fucking."
"Yeah," Bobby laughed. "I'd like to try that thing they were doing in Acapulco."
"Need a demonstration," Brian called from the bedroom where he had already stripped Justin of all his clothes.
"No thanks," John chuckled. "I think I have it all figured out."
"I'm always happy to help my older brother broaden his horizons."
"Oh believe me, you already have."
"In that case, Justin and I are going to take a long shower."
"Sure," John said as he and Bobby settled onto the cushions.
"What do you suppose their water bill is like each month?" Bobby speculated.
"Astronomical!"
"What say we try out the Acapulco thing while they're in the shower? We can get advice if we need it when they come out."
"I knew I liked the way you think," John replied rolling on top of his partner and capturing his lips.
In the shower Brian had Justin in a kiss hotter than the water that was pouring over them. His hands skimmed the wet body sliding over skin so soft that his own body ached to rub against it. Brian's hand lingered on Justin's ass squeezing the globes and caressing the ample area.
"Want me to suck you off?" Justin asked as Brian released him from the kiss.
Brian shook his head. He wanted to possess his boy … in their own shower … in their own home … completely. Brian picked up a condom from the ledge and handed it to Justin. Justin smiled as he ripped it open knowing that Brian couldn't wait till they were in their bed. He saw the raw need in his partner's eyes.
Justin rolled the condom along Brian's straining cock. Brian pulled him against his body for another burning kiss. This time when Brian released him Justin turned and leaned against the glass. He felt Brian position himself behind him and waited for that initial pinch of entry. Instead he felt Brian's arms come around him and draw him back against his body.
"Thanks for thinking of that trip, and for making me go with you. It was … great."
Justin smiled up at Brian. "I didn't have to make you go, did I?"
"I guess not, but you always have been a persistent little shit."
"Only when I know it's for your own good."
"Yeah, like when you refused to go away every time I tried to push you off that cliff."
"It almost worked a couple of times."
"I know."
"But you don't have to do that ever again," Justin said confidently. "I'm never going anywhere."
"And I'm never going to let you."
"Then let's see some of the masterful cock work that has kept me coming back for more ever since that first night."
"Yes, my bossy little bottom."
Brian turned Justin and gently entered him leading them on that explosive ride that each of them loved so much. They would take a similar ride in their bed later, and then again, and then once again. John and Bobby smiled, listening, in their own cozy bed, and knowing that Brian and Justin were right where they were supposed to be … together.