Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2005 13:02:00 EDT From: JuilianJ@aol.com Subject: REDEMPTION chapter 3 REDEMPTION By: Julien This story is 100% fictional and is by no means depictive of the life of any person, place or thing. It contains sexual activities between males and should only be read if it is legal to do so in your area. Read at your own risk and enjoy. Comments are welcomed and would be very much appreciated. The reviews of the previous chapters has been luke warm and i'm not sure if you guys want me to continue with this. so please let me know what you think. This is for you guys. CHAPTER 3 Walter slipped on his coat as quietly as he could, trying his best not to wake Chris. He figured if he left earlier, the story he concocted would be more believable than if he left his usual time. But it was not to be. As he began to walk out of the bedroom, his foot caught unto a stray electrical cord and he stumbled, hitting the night stand with his right foot, and omitting a guttural cry. He looked back and saw that Chris had begun to stir and was already fighting away sleep, to get his eyes opened. "Hun, where are you going so early?" Chris questioned, his eyes seeping open slowly to look at the digital clock on their nightstand. The print out read 5:30 am. Walter cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair, nervously. He so wanted to tell Chris the truth but knew that now was not the time and today was most definitely not the day. He had to be focused today of all days. "I'm meeting Robert for a consultation this morning at 6:30." It was the most convenient lie he could come up with on such short notice, and it wasn't that unbelievable. Robert lived all the way in Jersey, in a town called Winifred, about an hour's car ride away. Chris knew that Walt and Robert sometimes put their heads together on a job or two, even though they each owned their own electricians business. It helped that Chris had only met Robert twice and didn't have a number or address for him. Chris was now fully awake upon hearing that and sat further up in bed, rubbing his eyes and staring at Walter, I look of disbelief plastered all over his face. But he didn't say anything and for that, Walt was grateful. "You can reach me at work after 11 hun, ok." And with that Walt walked over to where Chris sat and kissed him gently on the lips, something to which Chris responded well to, placing his hands on the side of Walt's face, pulling him closer. Walt knew that to get Chris started would be a mistake, as Chris was never one to leave things unfinished, so he gently pulled away, giving Chris one last kiss before he did. He truly did love Chris and wanted there to be no secrets between them. But to believe Chris would just brush what he had held in so deep for so many years, would have been na^Ėve on his part, so he kept it hidden, and after today, maybe he could finally put that part of his past away in a lock and put it in the darkest corners of his mind, never to revisit it again. Maybe that was why he could sympathize with Mike so much. He knew what it was like to have something so devastating taint your life and never being able to rid yourself of it. He knew only too well. "I got to rush Chris, but I love you and I'll see you tonight, ok." Chris just nodded silently and tried his hardest to deliver a nonchalant smile. But deep inside his mind was turmoil. He could sense when something was amiss, and right now, his senses were off the chart. Walt had never had to lie to him, but today he had, and Chris had no idea why. He didn't want to think about what the reason could be but his mind couldn't help but conjure up the scariest possibilities, ranging from an outside man to drug use. and as much he tried to tell himself that none of that shit represented Walter, his mind couldn't help but wonder if maybe.... Even though Walt was relieved to be out of the house, he couldn't help but feel guilty. He had lied to Chris. He had lied for the sole purpose to protect a part of him that had remained hidden for so long. In fact, it had been 21 years since the incident and yet still, it haunted his nights and days. he was paying for poor judgment on his part that day 21 years ago, and today was either do or die for him. He would either end the day as a free man or continue to be what he was labeled all those years ago, a murderer. Chris finished drinking his coffee and placed the empty mug in the sink, not even bothering to rinse it out. He had a lot on his mind today and it took all that he had to keep focused. He had a meeting with board of directors for the centre as well as a luncheon for CSNY, City Shelters of New York, a group of individuals not involved with the city, that saw to the fair and ethical treatment of homeless men, women, and children while they resided in shelters. Chris wasn't a board member of CSNY but his center was overseen by people employed by them. and even though he wanted to take the day off, and have some time to himself, time to think about what had transpired that morning, he knew that his number one responsibility while at work was first to the center, and then to everyone and everything else. Walter would have to wait. "Chris, you have a minute?" He looked up from his desk and towards the door, not surprised to see Jamie standing there. He and Jamie had met about three years ago at a CSNY conference and had found himself drawn to Jamie's outgoing personality. Jamie also headed a centre in the city and like Chris, he had a checkered past. He had worked in a dingy night club as a dancer since he was seventeen and only managed to get out of that lifestyle after a brutal attack by a customer. He was taken in by a New Jersey couple whose son had had a similar experience, and had begun to get his life together. He was now involved in a long term relationship with an older man and had been running a shelter for six years. Breaking out of his thoughts, Chris stood up and with his hand, ushered Jamie into his office. "Sure man, you don't even have to ask." Jamie grinned, walking in and closing the door behind him. "I know today is a busy day for you with the luncheon and all so I won't keep you. I heard through the grapevine that you guys didn't meet your quota for the month." Chris smiled sadly, "you heard right. It's just one of those things you know. And it doesn't get any easier with these politicians putting all of us under the umbrella of questionable charity organizations just cause a few assholes try to milk the generosity of the public." Jamie took a seat across from Chris and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm feeling the heat too man. We were short by almost three grand this month but I guess we can't complain too much. I mean, if worse comes to worse, we have our backers who are willing to help out, but I know you guys are pretty much on your own." And he was alone, for while Jamie's center had backing, his center was on the verge of being shut down. In fact, the city was hoping to save money by closing down shelters they deemed unfit for service or centers that relied too heavily on city funds. And throw in the fact that his center focused mostly on gay and lesbian homeless teens, the city was in no hurry to save it. Chris knew all of this but still, something in side of him refused to give up and give in to the pressure. At least not without a fight. "Don't I know it. I'm afraid if I can't show these idiots that I can get more outside funding, they'll use that as an excuse to shut us down. And if that happens, I don't know what I'll do. This place is my life man." Jamie reached over and squeezed his shoulder. "It's gonna be all right man. If the worse happens, you know you'll always have a job with us. We're always looking for PR people." And while Chris appreciated the offer, he wasn't ready to think of the possibility that he could lose the center, not even for a moment. "Thanks Jamie but we'll be fine. I'm working overtime to find donations and Walt has been terrific, giving as much as he can to keep this place from going under." Jamie nodded and managed a strained smiled. "Good, so how is Walter. I haven't seen him around lately." Remembering that morning, Chris but on a smile and tried to put as much pep in his voice as much as possible, "he's been good. He's been working a lot lately so he hasn't been able to come around as much. But we're doing fine. And how's Craig doing? I heard that he won another grant for his research team." Jamie smiled and nodded, "Yeah, they're trying to find a link between cancer and some on/off gene in the thyroid gland. It's been keeping him busy so we haven't had that much time to spend together, you know. But the good of all of this is that in two months, we're heading over to Madrid to visit some high school pal of his and we'll be gone two weeks. We haven't had a vacation in over four years so we're looking forward to it." And Chris was truly happy for Jamie, really he was. He and Walt did things like that early on in the courtship phase of their relationship but over the past couple of years, things had mellowed out and they became just like every ordinary couple that had found their niche and had settled into it. But he had to admit that he missed those spontaneous moments. "I'm happy for you man. Maybe when you guys get back, all four of us can get together for drinks and dinner. We haven't done that in a long time." "Sure thing man, and good luck with everything. I'm sure something will come through for you. But let me let you get back to work. I'll see you at the luncheon later." And with that, Jamie stood and reached for Chris's hand, shaking it, before walking out. When Jamie was gone, Chris got up from his desk, closed the door and perched on the side of the desk, before picking up the telephone and dialing those familiar numbers. After the fifth ring, a man other than Walt greeted him. "Hi Rich, is Walt in?" He questioned, looking up at the clock and seeing that it was after eleven. "Sorry Chris, he hasn't been in all morning." "Well did he say what time he was going to be back?" "No, but let me ask Shannon, she might know something, let me put you on hold." And with that, Chris was put on hold, or so Rich thought, for Chris could hear the conversation between him and Walter's secretary. "Did Walt say where he was gonna be today?" "Who's asking? He left specific instructions not to let anyone other than Mr. Goldstein know where he would be today." "Well it's Chris on the line." "I can't tell you anything Rich. Only Mr. Goldstein is privy to that knowledge. If you have him call back after two, he might be in then." "Thanks Shannon." And with that, Rich was back on the line with him, unaware that Chris had overheard anything. "Sorry Chris, he didn't leave a note with Shannon. Call back around two or try his cell, he never turns that thing off." "Thanks anyway Rich, just tell him I called if you hear from him." And with that, Chris hung up, his mind in turmoil. Walt had left home that morning without his cell and according to Shannon, had purposely hid his whereabouts from everyone except Robert, who he had supposedly gone to meet in the early hours of the morning. And as much as he wanted to believe nothing was out of the ordinary, in his heart he knew better. This was not like Walt. He put on his coat and walked out his office; briefly stopping to tell Cheryl that he was taking an early lunch and that he would be back at one to meet with the board and would then leave at three for the CSNY luncheon. And as perky as ever, she bid him farewell. He walked out unto the street and headed straight for home. He didn't know why he felt this overwhelming need to be there but he did. His heart was beating a mile a minute and his legs feel like lead each step he took. It took him twenty minutes, ten minutes more than usual, to reach home, but when he did, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He greeted the door man and took the elevator to the 6th floor. As he put his key in the door, he thought he heard the sound of voices inside, but quickly dismissed it. But no sooner had he opened the door, he discovered something that made his heart speed up once again. There in the living room stood Walt and another man, embraced in a hug. Walt's lips were planted on the man's cheek and they both seemed oblivious to the fact that he was standing there until the man's eyes greeted Chris and he nudged Walt slightly, causing him to look over and drop his hand from around his companion. "Chris, hun, what are you doing here?" He asked, his face displaying both looks of shock and guilt. "I live here remember." Chris stated, walking up to the other man and introducing himself. "By the way, I'm Chris, his partner, and you are..." And unlike Walt, the man was as cool as cucumber as he extended his hand and introduced himself, "I'm Dave, Dave Atwood." "Well Dave I've never heard about you until now, what's your claim to fame." And even though Chris knew he sounded childish, he was not about to have this man that he didn't know, coming up into his house and pawing his man, as if he were entitled to it. "Chris!" Walter called harshly, his eyes smoldering. But Chris ignored him and waited for a response from Dave. "I've known Walt since we were both in college, probably longer than you've been around." And if this man's purpose was to bring Chris down a peg, he had succeeded. "Dave, that's not necessary. Listen, you should go, thanks again for everything, really. I'll give you a call later in the week." And with that, they embraced quickly, and Walter let Dave out. Before the door even closed, Chris was at it, barraging Walter with questions, some not so nicely asked. "Who the fuck was that, and why were you kissing up on him like that and in our house!" Moments like this were few and far apart so when they did happen, they usually were big and out of control. And it was as if Chris was still on the streets, his bad mannerisms and crude language would come out with vengeance. "If you calm down maybe I'll tell you. That was totally uncalled for Chris! That was a very good friend of mine and you had no right to speak to him like that! Do you know he was considering contributing money to the center?" "I don't want his money and you still haven't answered my question! Why the fuck was he here with you in the middle of the day when you should be at work! Are you fucking around on me?" There, he had said it and he stood his ground, not sure if he really wanted to know the answer. Walter sighed and pulled a chair, sitting down and avoiding Chris' eyes. "Don't be ridiculous Chris. Have I ever cheated on you in the past?" When Chris didn't answer, Walter asked the question again, "Have I?" "I don't know Walt, have you? What the hell do you expect me to think? I can't get in touch with you today and then I come home and you're here all hugged up with 'Dave' the best friend I've never met. And it's not just today. For the past few months you've been acting differently so I know something's up. If you are fucking him you can tell me you know. I'm not gonna fall the fuck apart ok, and I'm not gonna end up back on the street." Walter was quiet and to Chris, this meant that what he thought had happened, really did happen. Walter and Dave had had some sort of intimate relationship. Tears began to well up in his eyes and he quickly wiped them away. "Chris, hun, come on, don't cry. It's not what you think." "Sure Walter, it's not what I think. It's not." And with that, Chris turned to walk out, only to be held back by Walter. "How could you fuck someone else Walt!? After everything how could you!? I know I'm not perfect, believe me when I say I know that. I've probably been with more guys than you have but you said none of that shit mattered! If you're not happy, why not say so." "I am happy Chris. And I did not sleep with Dave, and if you calm down and let me explain, you'd know that. Don't blow this out of proportion." And it was as if something in Chris snapped, he began screaming at Walter, calling him a liar and an adulterer while Walter stood there and allowed Chris to continue his barrage. He wanted so much to tell Chris the truth but now was not the right time and if having Chris think he was cheater allowed him to duck out from telling the truth, he would do it. This was nothing compared to truth. "I hate you for doing this Walter, I can't believe you!" And with that, Chris walked out of the apartment, slamming the door behind. "Oh Chris." Walter whispered to the empty room. He had dug himself into a bigger hole and didn't know he was going to get himself out. He had left that morning expecting to come back a free man but things hadn't turn out how he had expected. In a few weeks he would have another chance to take back his life but until then, he had to keep cool. Just a few more weeks and it would be all over. He and Chris could go on with their lives without all of this hanging over his head. But until then, he just had to keep it together. And even though he knew it wasn't going to be easy, he was going to give it his all. He had too much to lose not to.