The following is a work of gay fiction. Do not read it if the subject is offensive to you or you are too young. See chapter 1 for copyright information.
John Tucker JETja@aol.com
EMPIRE
Chapter Seventeen
Sunday Morning, 8 AM, Ron and Matt’s estate
“I just opened the gate for Mr. Eric,” Parker announced to Matt who was having coffee with Ron at the breakfast room table.
"Thanks Parker,” replied Matt who then turned to his lover. “I need to go get into some work-out clothes before he gets up here. Are you going to call Wes Harper as you said at bedtime last night and ask for any news about Stanley Toms?” he asked as he walked to the breakfast room door.
“Yes, I’ll do that pretty soon, probably about 9:00. He obviously worked yesterday, so I’ll giving him the courtesy of calling late so he can sleep in a bit.”
“I’ll be in the exercise room,” Matt advised. “I’ll see you later.”
“K, hon,” Ron replied. “I’ll be interested in what he thinks about your idea for him.”
“Me too,” came the fading reply as the door closed.
Ron sat back in his chair, and after finding an article that interested him in the Sunday Review-Journal, picked up his coffee cup and sipped on it as he read. Twenty minutes later, Carl and Nathan entered the room.
“Hi Ron,” Nathan said with a smile. “Where’s Matt?”
“Hi guys. He’s in with Eric doing his physical therapy.”
“Looks like he’s going to be alright, huh?” Carl asked.
“It looks that way. It will take some time for him to be 100 percent, but not too long to get to 99 percent.”
“That’s good. What’s for breakfast?”
“There are some fresh bagels on the buffet table for a pre-breakfast snack. Mary said that she was going to make Belgian waffles, with ham, bacon and sausage on the side. She’ll also fix you eggs, if you want.”
“Mmmm,” responded Carl rubbing his stomach. “She made those last week and they were yummy.”
The two older boys went to the buffet, got their snacks and drinks and joined Ron at the table.
“Uh, Ron,” Carl asked. “You remember last week when you said you’d talk to us about sex?”
“I remember.”
“Uh…do you think we could do it today? Tomorrow you’re leaving for Washington and, if it’s okay, I’d rather not wait until you get back.”
“Sure,” Ron said with a smile. “Let’s do it around 10 this morning. That way Matt can join us.”
“Yeah, I’d like that,” Carl agreed. “Heck, Dan and Tyler can join us too, if you want.”
“We’ll see.”
“Tyler said that if we got our Nevada driver’s licenses, you’d let us use the jeep to get around,” Nathan reported.
“That’s a definite ‘maybe’,” Ron answered with a bit of surprise. “Tyler hasn’t talked to me about it yet, but since you will need to get around, you should get your licenses anyway. Have you given any more thought to what you want to aim for in the future?”
“I definitely want to go to school,” Carl replied. “I’m not sure that I’m ready for anything but math, but I’ll give it a try.”
“I’d like to go too,” Nathan said. “I never thought I’d have a chance so soon, but I want to go.”
“Great! We’ll get you a tutor Carl. There are a few months before the spring semester starts. If you’re ready and can score well on you SAT’s, you can start then.”
“Can I sit in?” asked Nathan. “I got good grades in school, but it never hurts to bone up.”
“I hope you’re talking about school,” Ron laughed.
“I didn’t mean that kind of bone,” responded Nathan, blushing. “I don’t need any help with that kind of boning.”
“Young guys seldom do,” Ron commented.
Carl turned to Nathan. “It looks like a nice morning Nate, let’s go out on the deck.”
“Okay, would you like to join us Ron?”
”No, go ahead boys. If the others get up and Mary is ready to serve breakfast, I’ll give you a shout.”
“Thanks,” Carl replied as the boys stood and headed out of the kitchen.
Ron again picked up the newspaper and had only begun to read when Douglas appeared in the doorway.
“Hi Doug,” Ron said in greeting.
“Hi Ron. What’s to eat?”
“There are some bagels over on the credenza and some drinks to tide you over until the others get up. Where’s Eddie?”
“I thought I’d let him sleep,” Douglas answered. “I have to do PT when Matt is through, so I thought that he might as well sleep. We were up kinda late last night.”
“How are you two getting along?”
“He’s the neatest guy I ever met,” Douglas responded. “He and I like the same things, he’s cute, and talented, a great writer, and smart, and….”
“I get the message,” Ron grinned. “You must like him a lot.”
“I do and I’m so lucky,” admitted Douglas. “He’s the first guy of my age that was ever really interested in me. He keeps telling me that he likes me, but I have a hard time believing it.”
“You should believe it Doug. I know that you’ve had problems with your body and had a rough life too, but that’s all over. You’ve managed to get through all of it and have still turned out to be a really good guy, not to mention, good looking.”
Douglas blushed. “I can’t imagine that anyone would think I’m good looking,” he replied in a hushed voice.
“Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?” Ron asked rhetorically.
“Not if I don’t have to.”
“Get over it,” Ron insisted. “You put yourself down when there is no need. Anyone would be proud to be seen with you. I know I would, as well as everyone else in this household.”
“It’s just pity,” murmured the youth, casting his gaze at the floor.
“Nonsense,” declared Ron. “Believe me. If any of us had not wanted you here with us, you wouldn’t be here now. And there is one character strength that outshines all your good personality traits and even your handsome appearance.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. You’re the bravest person I know. Not only have you endured hardship, but also you’ve come through it without it destroying you in the process. You could be sour on the world, but you’re not. You’re happy, looking forward to tomorrow, and taking the challenges of today in stride. I’m sure you’ve endured far more pain than I’ve ever dreamed about. Do you complain? No, you don’t. I have so much respect for you that it’s hard to express it all. You’re an easy guy to love, as we all will prove as time goes by.”
“You guys love me?”
“Yes. All of us. Matt and I love you as a son, and Ronnie loves you like a brother. That’s why Matt and I want to adopt you if you’re willing. We love you and want you to be a permanent part of our family.”
Douglas’ eyes filled with tears. “I…I… (sniff) I… I…. don’t know what to say.”
Ron moved his chair close to Douglas and wrapped his arms around the youth.
“ ‘Yes’ would be nice, son.”
“Oh yes! Yes! Yes!” Doug exclaimed in tear-sodden joy. “I never thought anyone would ever want me, and now you’ve told me that you do. The neatest men in the world want me! If I was any happier, I’d … I’d … I don’t know, but I’d do it!” he finished in ecstasy.
Turning to Ron he wrapped his arms around the larger adult and squeezed with all his might. “Thank you for loving and wanting me. I’ve got to go and wake Eddie and tell him! He’ll be so happy for me. He’s my best friend.”
“Okay Champ,” Ron said with a huge grin. “You might take a bagel for him and some juice. He may need some nourishment after your assault of happiness.”
Douglas got up as quickly as his braced back would allow, moved quickly to the buffet table, put a bagel and some cream cheese on a plate and after pouring a glass of orange juice, picked them up and headed for the door in a rush.
“Don’t forget a knife,” reminded Ron. “It’s kinda hard to cut a bagel in half or spread cream cheese with your fingers.”
“Oh yeah,” Douglas said sheepishly, as he slammed on the brakes and returned to the buffet. Grabbing a knife he again rushed toward the door, then through it, leaving Ron again alone. He warmed his coffee from the carafe sitting on the table. Picked up his paper and resumed reading. The smile on his face belied the fact that his mind was not on the article in front of him.
Meanwhile, in the exercise room
“Time for a break?” Matt asked as he put down the small hand weight.
“Sure, If you’re ready,” Eric replied.
Matt stood and moved to the small wet bar, extracting a plastic bottle of water from the under-bar refrigerator.
“What will you have?” Matt asked.
“I doubt if you have coffee in there,” Eric remarked.
“No, but I’d bet Mary has a fresh pot ready,” responded Matt as he picked up the wall phone and punched in three numbers.
“Hi Mary. Would you bring a carafe of coffee to the exercise room for Eric? …. Thanks.” He hung up the phone. “Consider it done,” Matt declared.
“It must be nice,” observed Eric.
“It is,” Matt agreed. “It is. Now sit down. I’d like to talk to you about something.”
“Sure Matt,” he said lowering himself onto a wooden chair. “What’s on your mind?”
“You remember I asked if you liked children yesterday?”
“Of course, and I said that I did.”
“What would you think if I offered you a job?”
“I guess I’d have to think of how I’d squeeze it in. I have three jobs already.”
“Oh, you’d have to quit at least two of them. I think we could still make the PT work fit in.”
“What do you have in mind?” asked Eric.
“It seems there is a vacancy at the Thornton Center for Gay Youths. It’s the Activities Director’s position. While school is in session there is a lot of empty time that you could work in your PT schedule. The summer is busy but that’s quite a ways away, at least 6 months or so. If you decide you really like it you could quit your PT work and concentrate on the job. Conversely, if your PT work develops and you can make a good living at it, you can quit the job at Thornton.”
“Wow! It sounds great! How much does it pay?”
“$42,000 a year and bennies,” Matt answered.
“That would be great! Exactly what does an Activities Director do?”
“Technically it’s a full time job,” Matt began, “but in reality, there is not much to do until the kids get home from school in mid afternoon. Your hours would probably be from noon to about 7 PM. The program is to keep kids active with sports or other activities, as well as make sure that their homework is done before dinner. There is a nice activities building as well as athletic fields, tennis and swimming. The building has it’s own computer room, library, gym, snack bar, and full kitchen for weekly group meals, etc. I think you’ll find it well equipped. Also you could work around your PT schedule if needed.”
“It sounds great! Who do I have to kill to land the job?”
Matt laughed.
“We’ll go over there tomorrow morning after our PT session and I’ll show you around and you can meet the Director, his secretary who handles personnel, and the staff. You’ll be impressed by the quality of the people, I’m sure.”
“I don’t know how to thank you Matt,” Eric said. “It’s been pretty rough for me.”
“No problem,” Matt responded. “You’re athletic, you like kids and are intelligent. I really like your easy-going manner. I think it’s perfect for the job. I’ll be honest, I don’t know what stage the hiring is in since I’ve been in the hospital for a week, but I’m almost positive that it’s still vacant. If not, I’ll find you another job. This one is perfect for you though, so if it’s vacant, I can almost promise it to you. I’m on the Board of Directors, and used to work there as a youth counselor.”
“I’ll have my fingers crossed,” Eric promised.
The door opened and Parker arrived with the coffee. Placing it on the bar, he poured a cup and inquired, “How do you like your coffee sir?”
“Cream and sugar,” Eric answered. A moment later Parker handed a glass cup of steaming hot coffee to the therapist.
“Will there be anything else sir?” Parker asked looking at Matt.
“No thank you Parker. Thank Mary too. “
“Very good sir,” Parker answered formally, “Breakfast will be served in about 20 minutes. Will Mr. Eric be joining us?”
“Sure,” Matt answered for his handsome friend. “Afterward he’s got a therapy session with Douglas and can’t work on an empty stomach.”
“Thank you sir, I’ll let Mary know,” Parker offered before departing.
“You really don’t need to feed me,” Eric said as the door closed.
“With eight hungry teenagers here this morning, Mary will not even notice the difference.”
“I suppose that’s right,” Eric laughed. “Kids can eat you out of house and home.”
“For sure,” agreed Matt. “We’re going to get Mary a delivery van for Christmas, just for groceries!”
“I’m sure she’ll appreciate it,” Eric responded to what he was sure was a joke. “I guess we’d better get back to work if we’re having breakfast soon.”
“Yep, you’re right,” Matt replied. “Let’s get with it.”
* * *
Ron put down the newspaper as Benny Young and Tommy Stanley entered the room.
“Hi Mr. Ron,” Benny said in greeting.
“Hello sir,” Tommy added.
“Hi boys. How are you guys enjoying the visit?”
“It’s really nice to get away from Thornton,” Benny admitted. “I mean, I like it there and all that, but it’s more fun to be here.”
“How about you?” Ron asked Tommy.
“I still can’t believe it,” the youth answered. “Your house is so beautiful, and everyone is so nice. I’m going to hate going home.”
“I’m sure your mother will be glad to see you,” Ron assured Tommy.
“Probly, but it’s been kinda hard lately, and she seems awfully tired. I thought that she would have a nervous collapse, when that bastard from work made her stay home without pay. After you came by, she seemed a lot better. She even smiled at me.”
“That’s good,” assured Ron. “I have a feeling that things will be better for you soon.”
“I hope so.”
“What are you guys up to today?” asked Ron.
“I don’t know yet,” Benny replied. “Ronnie and Jerry said they had some fun things planned while we were in the game room last night, but they wouldn’t say what they were.”
“I think I might have a clue,” Ron revealed. “I think they want to take you for driving lessons.”
“Driving lessons?” the boys both gasped in surprise. “We’re not old enough! You have to be at least 15 ½, just to get your learner’s permit.”
“I wasn’t suggesting that you drive cars,” Ron clarified. “It seems that we have 4 golf carts and probably a couple of miles of cart paths and drives.
“Way cool!” Tommy exclaimed. “I’ve never driven anything.”
“You’ll have to be careful,” Ron instructed. “The carts are pretty bottom heavy, but you can still turn one over if you’re not paying attention. I’d suggest that you not drive too fast until you get some experience.”
“You can be sure that we’ll be careful,” Benny said. “I was in one wreck. I don’t want to be in another.”
“You were in a wreck?” Tommy asked in surprise. “Were you hurt?”
“I almost died,” responded Benny.
“My dad did die in a wreck,” Tommy said.
Benny looked at his friend in sorrow. “I’m really sorry Tommy. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. He was an army soldier in Iraq. He was just coming home when he was killed in a car accident. I really miss him.”
“I’m sure you do,” Benny said sadly. “My folks are both alive but they don’t want me.”
“Oh man!” Tommy exclaimed. “How could they not want you? You’re such a neat guy!”
“Thanks,” Benny said, blushing, “My dad hates ga…. Uh, guys like me.”
“I guess he wouldn’t like me either then,” Tommy responded, catching what Benny had almost admitted.
Benny stared at Tommy momentarily with a strange look on his face. Suddenly he realized that Tommy knew what he’d almost said and that Tommy had just outed himself to his new friend.
“Uh, Mr. Ron,” Benny asked, realizing in his daze that he and Tommy were not alone and that he needed to talk to Tommy privately, “How long until breakfast?”
“About 10 or 15 minutes, I’d guess.”
“Uh… would it be alright if we went out on the pool deck. I think Tommy and I have some stuff we need to talk about.”
“Sure boys. Go ahead. Why don’t you take some hot chocolate from the buffet table. I’ll call you when breakfast is ready.”
“Thanks Mr. Ron,” Benny said with a smile.
“Yeah, thank you sir,” Tommy said almost before Benny’s words were out of his mouth.
The boys got up from the table and quickly retrieved their drinks before disappearing toward the pool.
“Where were those guys going?” Tyler asked as he and ‘Tip’ entered the room.
“I think that they just found out that each other is gay,” Ron laughed. “I think they’re putting their heads together.”
“Good thing they didn’t know that last night,” Dan offered with a grin. “Who knows what they might have put together?”
The four adults laughed at the thought.
“I suspect that they’ll be hitting you up for a return engagement,” Tyler said as the laughter died down.
“Wouldn’t surprise me in the least,” Ron agreed. “Where are our boys?”
“Jerry and Ronnie haven’t surfaced yet,” reported Dan. “I’ll give them a phone call, if you think it’s time.”
“I think that’s a good idea Dan,” Ron responded, “Breakfast should be soon. I think within 10 minutes or so.”
“Be right back,” Dan said excusing himself.
Ron watched his brother as Tyler helped himself to a bagel and some coffee. When he approached the table where Ron was seated, Ron said, “Wes Harper called last night.”
“Oh?” Tyler responded, suddenly interested. “Why didn’t he call me?”
“Mmmm, I think it’s because you had your cell phone off, and the extension put on ‘hold’”.
“Oh yeah, we were busy,” Tyler said with a blush. “What did Wes need?”
“Metro was extraditing Tom Stanley from Colorado and bringing him back here for booking and trial, but it seems that now the plane is missing.”
“Have we heard any more?” Tyler asked.
“No, Wes said he’d call if there was anything of substance. I thought we’d call him a bit later.”
“I’ll call him after breakfast for sure,” promised Tyler. “We sure don’t want to lose that skunk.”
“Wes said that the plane had been lost off the radar screens over the mountains in Colorado. He said that the controllers reported that the plane was flying pretty low for a flight bound for Nevada.”
“I can’t wait,” Tyler decided impatiently. “I’ll call him as soon as Dan gets off the phone.”
“Did I hear my name mentioned?” Dan asked as he reentered the room.
“Yes Babe,” Tyler responded. “Please bring in the cordless phone from the kitchen. I need to call Wes Harper.”
“Sure thing Ty,” Dan said as he returned to the kitchen. A moment later he returned with the phone in hand, giving it to his lover. Dan then turned to the buffet to get a bagel and some juice. Tyler dialed the number for Wes’ cellular phone.
“Wes,” Tyler said when his office manager answered. “Ron just told me about the disappearance of Tom Stanley. What’s the latest?”
Tyler paused as he listened to the known facts that his friend had gathered.
“Hmmmm. Could the plane have made it to Mexico or Canada?”
Again there was a pause.
“Alright then. Call me if there is any news.”
Ron waved his hand to get Tyler’s attention.
“Hold on Wes,” Tyler requested.
“Ask him if he will find out if they need our helicopter for search and rescue. I’ll call our guys and put them on alert.”
Tyler repeated Ron’s request, then said goodbye before pushing the ‘off’ button.
“Any news?” Ron asked.
“No, only that the plane has not been found. They have called all the major airports within range of the jet, but no one has seen or heard from it.”
“There are probably numerous small airports where it could have landed,” commented Ron, “Most of them are too short for a take-off but could handle an emergency landing.”
“Those are being checked out now,” Tyler said. “The plane didn’t carry enough fuel to make it to either Canada or Mexico. It could have made it to Phoenix and maybe even Tucson, if the pilots had a death wish, but that’s all. Even so, no one has seen the plane.”
“I’ll call Butch, and put him on the alert,” Ron informed his brother. “Hand me the phone please.”
Ron made the call and as he finished, Parker appeared at the kitchen door.
“Breakfast will be served in five minutes,” he declared.
“Thanks Parker,” Ron responded. “We’ll round up the troops.”
“Thank you sir,” he said as he turned back toward the kitchen.
“I’ll let Matt and Eric know,” Ron offered. “Tyler would you call in Nathan and Carl, from the living room balcony, and also Benny and Tommy who are out on the pool deck? Dan, I guess you get to call our boys again and also try Douglas’ room. I think that he and Eddie are probably there.”
“I think you should install a dinner bell,” Tyler laughed. “For now I’ll just help as you ask.”
“I’ll make the calls too,” Dan agreed with Ron’s request.
The men all set off for their tasks.
* * *
30 minutes later
“Are you ready Douglas?” Eric enquired as he pushed himself away from the breakfast table.
“I guess,” the youth replied. “I’m kinda full now. I hope we can start off easy.”
“Can I come and watch?” Eddie asked.
“Sure if it’s alright with Douglas,” Eric answered.
“Fine with me, my friend,” was Douglas’ response. “Hope you’re not bored though.”
“I’m never bored when I’m around you,” Eddie responded.
“Let’s hit it then,” Douglas said as he struggled to stand, thwarted by his back-brace.
“Let me help,” Eric offered, coming around to Doug and offering him his hand.
“I’ll be okay,” Douglas said, as he balanced himself to stand and grabbed the edge of the table using it to steady himself.
“I’ll see you this afternoon Matt,” Eric said as he led the two boys out of the room.
“Yes, about 4 o’clock,” Matt said loudly at the disappearing figures.
When the trio was out of hearing range, Ron turned to Matt.
“What did Eric say about Thornton?’
“He was excited at the offer. I sure hope the job is still open.”
“Let’s call Leonard and find out,” Ron suggested.
“Great idea Babe,” Matt replied. “Hand me the phone please, and I’ll call him. He should soon be with the boys for their Sunday morning get-together.
Ron picked up the phone from the table where Dan had left it, and handed it to Matt.
Matt paused, then punched in the numbers for Leonard Johnson’s cellular phone. After a moment, Leonard answered.
“Hi Leonard,” Matt said. “This is Matt Davidson.”
“G’morning Matt,” the Director responded. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your call this morning?”
“Uh, I was wondering if the Activities Director’s job was still open?”
“We have a list of applicants, but haven’t chosen anyone yet,” he replied. “Frankly I’m not too enthusiastic about the people on the list. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve got just the man for you,” responded Matt. “He’s young, personable, athletic and he likes kids.”
“I trust your judgment Matt. If you like him, offer him the job. Start him at $45,000 if you need to. We need a good person like the first two we had.”
“Thanks Leonard, I will. I’m sure he can start pretty quickly, as soon as he gives notice. He has two jobs that he needs to terminate, and he has another job that he can work around at Thornton, but I don’t see any conflict.”
“Wow! Three jobs? Well if he’s as good as you say, we’ll make every accommodation.”
“I’ll bring him by tomorrow to meet you and the rest of the staff. We should be there by 10 AM.”
“Good, I’ll look forward to meeting him. By the way what’s his name?”
“It’s Eric Chalmers”, Matt replied.
“See you in the morning then. Say hello to Ron for me. Goodbye.”
“I will. Bye, Leonard. Thanks.”
Matt pressed the off button and smiled.
“It’s a done deal,” Matt announced.
“Great!” Ron responded with a smile.
“I think I’ll go in and tell him now,” Matt announced. “Wanna come along?”
“Sure, let’s go.”
Matt got up slowly from the table before turning toward the exercise room.
“Having problems?” asked Ron.
“No, not really,” Matt responded. “It’s just that after my workout with Eric, I’m tired and feel weak. I’m sure that’s how I’m supposed to feel, but I have to be careful or I could fall.”
“I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen,” Ron offered as he put his arm around Matt’s waist.
The two men began the walk toward the exercise room, with Ron’s arm around Matt and Matt’s weaker arm on Ron’s shoulder. Entering the room, they saw Eric and Douglas engrossed in light warm-up exercises with Eddie looking on with interest.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Matt said.
Eric looked up. “No problem,” he said as he paused in the routine. “What’s up?”
“I talked to the Director at Thornton and the job is yours if you want it.”
“Wow! Just like that?”
“Yep, just like that,” Matt responded grinning. “I promised to bring you by tomorrow though.”
“If you think it’s right for me, I’ll quit my side jobs today.”
“Good idea,” Matt agreed, “The job is right for you and you’re right for the job.”
“I’ll let you know tomorrow if my two side jobs want notice. If not, I could start tomorrow.”
“Sooner is better,” Matt agreed, “but you should never burn any bridges behind you.”
“I won’t, for sure,” Eric agreed. “Thanks so much!”
“No prob,” Matt replied. “Well Eddie, I’d like you to meet the new Activities Director at Thornton.”
Eddie grinned and said, “Cool! The other guys are sure gonna like him. I know that I do.”
Eric blushed as Matt and Ron grinned.
* * *