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Case Closed Part 3

The Right to Remain Silent

 

"It's pretty obvious your hunch was right, Captain. He's heading right towards the Zoo."

Francis glanced across his desk towards the Police Chief as they listened to Carl over the speaker phone. "It's his victory lap, Chief. He wants us to know."

"Yep, the Smyth case, I remember that. It was some of the best police work I've seen in my years on the force."

"He was so proud figuring out who murdered Mrs. Smyth. He had a hunch it wasn't a natural death, and many on the force scoffed when he pursued the investigation."

"I'll admit I was one of them, Captain. God, Gordy was a good policeman. It's a shame his personal life ruined his career."

"I need to avoid that trap, Chief," the Captain whispered.

"You will Frank, I have faith in you. When this is all over with, I'd like to meet the man who is making you happy."

FC was about to respond when he heard Carl's voice. "He has stopped the car. K.C. and I will be proceeding on foot. I'll have to be quiet."

********************

I was clicking through my emails, trying to get a handle on the day. The office was running smoothly, so I checked my private email. Skyler's email heading said "Thanks" so I clicked on it.

Kyle

Thanks for the hug. The wife enjoyed the afternoon delight I gave her. I'm really working on being honest with her, so I told her about your hugs. We also talked about the upcoming Softball tournament. She is worried about me being two-plus hours away, with a bunch of horny men. I invited her along, but she can't find someone to take the kid. You'll never guess what we did. She ordered me a chastity device. I only hope it arrives in time. I've told her all about you Kyle. She wants you to have the other key.

I hope this isn't TMI. But just think. Me, in a chastity device, at a tournament with hundreds of sexy, athletic men. I'm gonna erupt like crazy when she finally gets a hold of me.

You're a pal for doing this.

Skyler.

I was so engrossed in Skyler's email, I didn't realize anyone entered my office, until I felt Charlie's hand on my shoulder.

"Got a minute for a friend?"

I closed the email, and then swiveled my chair. "Always."

I could feel Charlie trembling, so I gestured to a chair to my right, he sat down. "I don't know where to begin," he said. "Seems like life was hurdling forward, but I almost lost everything in the matter of seconds. I know you meant to be generous, but I am not sure I can accept your generosity right now."

"So, you wait until you figure this out, and you continue to pay rent. Which is due today, by the way."

"I know, I know. Got it right here."

He pulled out his checkbook, signed the check, and handed it to me. "This will go into the same account as the others, Charlie. When it is time, we can start the paper work."

"But how do I save face? I had a party for Christ-sakes. And all through the fucking party I wanted a drink. I have been so fucking good for so fucking long. Six months plus without a drink, and I was willing to throw it away. I knew it wasn't just my sobriety I was throwing away. I would also be losing my house, and job and most of all, my man, Angelo."

"You just be honest with your friends. They will support you no matter what you do. Tell them you want to be more secure when you make this step. They'll assume you mean secure financially. You don't have to tell them the real reason. Although many of them probably know. Hell, even Claudia knew."

"Did she tell you everything?"

"Enough, Charlie. She loved you, and probably still does."

"I tried to make it work. She was the one that helped me realize I was gay. She even tried to help me move on, I realize that now. But I treated her with – how can I say this? I guess I ignored her. Damn, Kyle. Part of the process with this addiction of mine, is that I am supposed to come clean with the people I had wronged while I was a drunk. I think she needs to be high on that list."

"She's coming to the game tonight. This might be your opportunity."

********************

"About fucking time you guys caught me. Fucking amateurs." Gordy fidgeted with his hands, which were handcuffed to the bench. "Do we really need these?"

"I've had enough of your attitude," K.C. said. "We'll let The Captain make the call. Or if you want, I can call The Chief in."

Gordy turned towards Carl, who was wearing his county deputy uniform. "Why did they call you in anyway? Getting tired of arresting cow-fucking farmers in that little podunk county you call home? You look familiar. Didn't I used to beat your ass in softball?"

Carl rose slowly. He walked deliberately towards Gordy, getting close enough to whisper. "To think I had respect for you. I have worked with your son, Jason for a while now. I thought whoever raised this boy up, did it right. I now see how wrong I was. Anything Jason has going for him, is all because of him."

"You talk about respect?" Gordy looked at Carl's badge. "Tell me Carl, why isn't The Captain, or Jason here to arrest me? Don't they have the balls?"

"You aren't worthy of their time. Looks like you aren't worthy of mine. K.C., I think Gordy here needs to rest a bit before we proceed. Don't you?"

"I agree, I could use a cup of coffee."

********************

Charlie left my office in much better spirits than he entered. With my help, he had gotten enough nerve to call Claudia, and set up a pre-game dinner. I gave him one of my patented hugs, and sent him on to his job site for the day. "I only hope I don't run into the owner," he said. "I don't know, but I get strange vibes from him. Let me tell you. Fred has built these amazing cabinets. It will be a treat to do the final plumbing in that kitchen."

This was the Charlie I knew. Frankly, the Charlie I had seen at the party, and in my office earlier, was a bit of a surprise to me. I felt that his sobriety was smooth running. I take pride in my intuition, but yet I missed some major warning signs in a friend.

I had been so quick to offer solutions before I knew the problem. This was always a part of my DNA. I only wanted to make people happy. I didn't always listen to them thoroughly, before offering a solution.

I sat in front of my computer screen. I pulled up one of my graphics programs and typed in the word LISTEN. I stared at it for a moment and my mind started to deconstruct it. My creative process, isn't always linear, and it clearly has its own timelines, but soon I saw another word. SILENT.

I found a better font for the word LISTEN. From there I animated the graphic, so that LISTEN dissolved as the = sign appeared, then the word SILENT formed.

LISTEN = SILENT

I thought for a second of making this into my screen saver, but realized it shouted out a message that begged to be whispered. It was more appropriate to print it out, mount it on foam core, and place it on my computer monitor. I hoped my new mantra would help me catch the clues when others in The Pack, needed me.

********************

"I don't know what it is Frank, but something about him made me lose it."

"We saw that. He's a smart cop. He used to work here, remember. He knows this precinct forwards and backwards, and he knows we are watching him. I've seen you work before Carl. I know you usually are the silent one, holding back, letting them talk. You heard him. He's impatient to brag about this fucking wild goose chase he has led us on."

"Get him to tell you about the dildo left at the Grand Avenue exit," The Chief interjected. "We'll be here watching. I trust you Carl. I know you can make him talk. When he's said enough, we'll join you and make the final arrest."

********************

Gordy sat quietly on the bench when K.C. and Carl returned with a map, and easel. K.C. set up the easel, then placed the map on it. She sat off to the side, while Carl pondered the map. He finally looked at Gordy. "Before we move on, I want to remind you that you have been read your rights, you are being recorded and observed, and we'll get you an attorney if needed."

"No, I'm fine. Sorry about earlier."

Carl paced in front of the map of Duluth. He touched the various pins that represented places where dildos were found. He scratched his chin as if he was deep in thought. He finally touched the one flesh colored push pin on the Grand Avenue exit. "I just don't get this one," he muttered, shaking his head.

"Gotcha stumped? There might be a reason for that." Gordon went on to explain. He had moved back to Duluth, hoping to get back in contact with his son Jason. He had some money set aside from his casino security job, but couldn't find a comparable job in Duluth. After living in a West End boarding house, his money ran low, so, when the weather got slightly better in March, he officially became homeless.

He found shelter under the freeway, setting up a makeshift space under a tarp, using an all-weather sleeping bag. During the day, he'd dumpster dive for items he could turn into ready cash for food and essentials. At night, he'd return to his spot under the freeway.

"I was often looking in garbage cans up in the Kenwood area. I tell you they have a better class of trash up there. I got so I knew who had the most profitable trash, and when their pick-up date was. Then one day I found this foot-long dildo and threw it in the back of my truck with my other scrap. I was taking the Grand exit when I had to swerve to miss a cat. I saw the dildo get ejected from the bed of my pick up. I had an appointment with a junk dealer in Gary New Duluth, so I went there. On the way back from the junk dealer, I turned on my police radio. I had to laugh to myself, hearing the story of the squad who responded to the dildo that was left along the side of the road."

"I was shitting bricks for a while. I didn't want my son to find out that I was in town, because of a dildo. Then after I heard some more chatter on the police band, I realized it was my opportunity to leave my mark on the town, and maybe even make my own son reassess my contribution to the force."

Carl had been listening, but he wanted something clarified. "So how did you get the dildos?"

"The same house in Kenwood. I started to stake out the house. I thought it might be a gay couple because of all the dildos. However, it was your typical family; husband, wife, one kid. Typical yuppie household, you know. He'd come home, there'd be movement in the room I assume was the master bedroom, and then later, the husband would throw away another dildo. It was the strangest thing I ever saw."

"Then I started to plant them, one by one. It was almost immediate that I heard about them on the street. When I heard that the police were taking notice, I knew I had my chance. I could mark the scene of the crimes that I had been involved in. I was reliving my years on the force, and then I would wait for them to be discovered. I bought a map of Duluth and plotted out where I left the dildos just in case they were found, but I took extra care to make sure they were found. All you'll need is a search warrant of my truck, you'll find the map."

********************

The Chief and Frank had seen and heard enough. With a flick of the switch, The Chief's voice boomed over the speakers in the room. "We're coming in."

The two policemen entered the room. Immediately Frank got into his power position. His legs were set wide, strong arms crossed on his chest, his back arched, thrusting his strong gut forwards. He stood there, shook his head and uttered one word. "Why?"

"Because you abandoned me. I was invisible to you."

"Because you abandoned your boy."

"It isn't like that, Captain. About these?" Gordon rattled the handcuffs which were still connected to the bench.

The Captain nodded towards Gordy's bound hands. "Go ahead K.C., I trust him."

The policewoman unlocked the handcuffs. Gordy rubbed his wrists, then spoke. "I gave this force so many great years, but that was all washed away because I made some bad decisions in my personal life. I wonder how many of the current force would hold up to such scrutiny. I know someone who makes a lot of trips to the home improvement store, and yet never does any improvements on his home. And Chief, I thought the force had a zero-tolerance policy on freebies. It's amazing what you can see when you become invisible."

"So, explain the threatening notes to Jason, your own flesh and blood."

Though his voice sounded calm, Carl could feel the anger in Frank's words. "I think we all deserve an answer to that," Carl said. "Especially your son."

"Then he deserves to hear it from me. Bring him in here."

"I'd rather not. Don't you think you've done enough damage to him?"

"He's strong. He's an adult. I've seen enough of him recently to know this."

"So, that explains the photos, the home break-in, and the missing camera?"

"FC, I have the right to remain silent. I am gonna use that right, until you bring my son in."

The Captain looked at The Chief. He raised his eyebrow, questioningly. The Chief nodded. Frank got back into his power position, and lowered his voice. "Okay, but if what you say, hurts your son in anyway, you are answering to me, and me alone. I will quit the force today, and make your life a living hell."

"There will be no need. I came back, trying to win my son back. Along the way, I found out I am going to be a grandpa. I realize things aren't cut and dried as far as Jason is concerned, but I won't jeopardize the love I have for him and my future grandson."

********************

The driveway of the Lakeside home of Charlie's client, was empty, just as he wanted it. He could install the kitchen fixtures, and get on with his day. He entered the house through the kitchen door. Daylight streamed in through the windows that faced Lake Superior.

Fred had really done a job on the custom kitchen cabinets. There were still many doors to install, but the countertop was in place, and ready for the fixtures. From the installed doors, Charlie could envision the result. Van had challenged Fred to evoke Lake Superior in his cabinetry. He gave him carte blanche, if it felt organic.

With all this artistic freedom available to him, Fred chose simplicity. Charlie remembered how Fred sold his vision to the architect. "I see the upper cabinets as the lake, the countertop as the rocks, and the lower cabinets as the earth." Van and Fred worked closely to ensure they got the details right.

Century-year-old wood salvaged from depths of Lake Superior, was used on the door fronts. For the upper cabinets, Fred set the grain on the horizontal and rubbed in some blue pigment, leaving only a trace before sealing them. The woodgrain was subtle on all the cabinets, save the ones that flanked the window. There, the woodgrain chosen was livelier, reflecting the waves, that lapped the shore.

The lower cabinets had woodgrain that was vertical, and detailed with an almost imperceptible green pigment. At first Charlie wondered if Fred was too subtle in his approach, but as he saw the doors in place on the cabinets, he saw the total picture. Charlie sat down at the tarp-covered kitchen island, and started to unwrap the kitchen fixtures.

********************

"Now Jason, before we enter, are you sure you are okay with this?"

"I'm really not sure Frank. In my mind, I've rehearsed this a thousand times. But you never know how you'll do in a situation like this, until it happens."

"I'll only tell you that The Captain and I have your back, Jason."

"You may hear things about me that'll make you regret it, Chief."

"I'm ready if you are." The Chief held the doorknob, waiting for Jason's response.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Jason wasn't ready for the man who was, once again, cuffed to the bench in the interrogation room. His scruff, had filled out into a full, ungroomed beard. His body was more lean, less muscular than he remembered. It was only when his father looked up, that Jason saw the father that he remembered. His smiling eyes revealed the man Jason remembered.

"Damn, you look good son. I am so proud of you."

"Wish I could say the same."

"Jason, I am still your father. Treat me with respect."

"You taught me that respect should be there from the beginning, until it is lost. You'll have to work hard to get it back, Dad."

"Tell me how I can do that. Damn, Jason, I want to be back in your life."

"I'd say the best way to win your son's respect, is to be honest with him and us," FC said. "You promised you'd tell us why you wrote those threatening notes to your son."

"It might also cause him to lose some respect for his Dad. But if being honest, screws that up, so be it. However, can a man be able to hug his son he hasn't seen for almost a decade?" Gordy rattled his handcuffs again. The Chief nodded and K.C. unlocked the cuffs.

Gordy stood and hugged his kid. Jason was tentative at first, but soon relaxed in his dad's arms. "I love you bud, remember that when I tell you what happened," he whispered in his son's ears.

"I was watching you Son. It started out with me tailing you. My old truck was invisible, just like me. I was so damn proud of the man you had become. I saw you strutting your stuff as you patrolled my old beat. You guys mention the threatening messages I sent him. But you are forgetting the emails I sent him when I thought he was the stud of the force."

"It's all evidence," The Captain said.

"Jason, I was following you while I could. I saw the man you had become, and I saw that you were going to be a dad, and I was going to be a grandfather. I was so proud of the man you had become, without my help I might add. I saw your strut, so I encouraged it with the emails. It was a chance I took."

"I sent the first email from a computer at the downtown library. I soon realized I couldn't leave a cyber-trail, so I switched things up. Remember the cock ring I encouraged you to wear? I sent that email from the West Duluth library, and then headed out to watch. I parked my truck down the street and waited. I almost dozed off, but you finally checked your mail box."

"I was so proud of you, young man. I could tell you had your shit together and were going to be a great father to my grandson. But then two things happened, which made me worry about the future I saw for you. First, you left the dildo that I planted in the park, up near our fort on Skyline Parkway. What kind of cop does that? Secondly, I followed you to the Sauna that one Saturday. I worried for a bit that you were following in my footsteps and getting some action on the side when your wife, couldn't give a stud like you, the sex he needed."

"Then I found out the real reason. I dropped that dildo near your truck while you were in the sauna. I was waiting for you. I watched you and Bub leave the sauna. I saw you kiss Bub. I saw the love you had for Bub." Gordon hesitated, then whispered. "I never saw you look that way with Ashley."

"You love him, don't you?" Gordy waited.

"Dad, I do, but I love my son too much."

"And I love my son too much, which is why I freaked out. I went to the library and sent you the emails. I knew Bub from when I'd go to the sauna while your mom was in the hospice. We'd grab a beer or two afterwards and he told me his story. I remembered how he was in love with a married man before. When the guy went back to his wife, it was traumatic for Bub. I think that is why he liked young men, because he knew they'd eventually move on."

"I was out of my mind when I sent those emails. I didn't want my son to make the same mistakes, or possibly end up like Bub, or worse, end up like me."

Jason saw his dad slump down in his chair. He couldn't help but walk over to him as his dad started to cry. "It's okay dad. Tell me the truth, I can take it."

"Jason, I warned you about Bub, made him look like the bad guy and I sent them from a very bad place in my life. I regretted them immediately. Jason, you are man enough to make your own decisions about who you love. I had enough money saved up at that point, I sprung for a night at a cheap motel and took a long shower just to wash it all away."

"I laid low for a while, figuring out what I could do to make it up to you. At first I thought of camping out in our old fort near Skyline Drive, but Jase, when I saw you and The Captain, stake out the place, I knew that was off limits. I did my penance by sleeping under the freeway. What I had done was so low, I felt I needed to stay low."

"However, I couldn't help but stick my nose in. I found out about the softball chat room, stumbled on it in fact. I created the user name DreamField which was inspired by the baseball movie I took you to. I thought I was being obvious, but you didn't catch on. In the heat of the chat room, where it seemed like everyone was yanking their friends' chains, I let a few comments slip. I realize now that was a big mistake."

"I had one dildo I could leave as a calling card, so it had to be a spectacular gesture. I remembered the biggest cold case of my life, the two bodies that were in a submerged car that was pulled out of Lake Superior by a ships anchor. I grabbed the dildo, took a Sharpie, wrote FCH on it, and then left it the docks where we found the car."

"I went by the couple's house later, and found two dildos there. I quickly hid one in an obvious place. I decided the last dildo should be hard to find. I remembered the kidnapping case, and decided to hide it in the spot where the woman was tied to a tree in St. Croix State Park. This wasn't a case I was involved with, but it always intrigued me that so little of the million-dollar ransom was found."

"I always intended for the final dildo to be placed by the Smyth house. It was the last big case I worked on before I screwed up my career and my life. When my dildo pipeline dried up, so to speak, I was ready to just give up. Then I saw you and Ashley at the State Park. I realized that one of the Park employees got me in the background of a picture. I had to break into your house to retrieve the evidence. I saw the box I left for you. I saw the nursery. I saw the future I wasn't going to be a part of."

"I should have left the camera and the film there, but I was already in too deep. I dug deeper. I took it, developed the film, and returned all but the picture with me in it. That picture made me realize I wasn't ready to be back into your life. I wasn't worthy of the family you were starting."

"What makes you say that, Dad?"

"I was less than five yards from you, and yet, I was invisible. I saw a picture of me in your house. I am no longer that man. Look at me, Jason. If I was someone you could look up to, I woulda been back years ago. When I finally do try to get back into your life, I create nothing but drama. I saw Ashley's parents. That is what grandparents should look like. I can't compete with that."

"Little do you know," Jason muttered under his breath.

"So, Captain, Chief, do what you need to do. I'd say that breaking and entering is a given."

"Before you go any further, and implicate yourself in more crimes, I think we should get you an attorney, Gordy," The Chief said. "I'd hate to think that this case could blow up even more, when we could just do some plea bargaining."

"I'll contact someone for you, Gordo," The Captain said. "I know of at least one other person who'd like for this to be over and done with."

"I'm willing to take whatever is thrown at me. I have nothing, without Jason's respect, so I gotta win it back somehow."

"We'll determine that, after lunch," The Chief said. "C'mon Frank, call the lawyer you know. Maybe we can figure this out and save the taxpayers some money."

********************

"Looking good my friend."

Charlie bolted upright, hitting the back of his neck, on the doorframe of the sink. "FUCKKKKKK!"

"Damn, I didn't mean to startle you. But I do like what I see." Russ held out his hand to the plumber who was rubbing the spot where his neck hit the cabinetry. He licked his lips quickly. Seeing Charlie's reaction, he clarified. "The fixtures I mean."

Charlie appraised the banker from his freshly shined shoes, to his tailored suit, and well-mannered beard. "Hey Russ, can ask a favor of you?"

"As long as it's legal and doesn't involve the bank."

"Listen, I hope this doesn't cost me, or Fred, the job, but, damn, I don't know how to say this." He thought for a moment. "Russ, I think we have something in common. I know you are married and all, and you are one handsome man."

"You can stop right there Charlie. I'm sorry. I just have to put up this wall in the business world, and I sometimes forget when I see a hot man outside of work, I sometimes am not appropriate."

"Me hot? You flatter me."

"You are hot, Charlie. Doesn't your boyfriend think so? Do you know you are lucky, unlike me. Damn, I have to play around behind my wife's back. Hell, she thinks online porn is cheating on her. If she only knew what else I do."

"I never thought about that. Damn, Russ, you do have issues. I'm so worried that everything good that is happening to me is going to end soon. All it takes is one drink. The problem is, I don't know what can make me want to take that drink. Fuck, Russ, even the sexual tension between us has been weighing heavy on my mind. That is why I had to say something to you today."

Russ backed against the kitchen island, leaning on it. "I'm so sorry, Charlie. Damn my ego can get in the way sometimes. I work in a world of suits. Everyone is well tailored, groomed, respectable. But damn, nothing gets me going like a handsome working man. It reminds me of my high school wrestling days. The fact that I can land a guy like you or Fred, for just a blow job even. Damn, it feeds my ego."

"It feeds mine too, but I can't fuck up what I have with Angelo. I can't lose the man I love, because the two of us are busy feeding our egos. Hell, I almost lost a chance to buy my first house recently. I have put that dream on the back burner until I feel more secure in what and who I am."

"Damn, I am sorry. Is it anything to do with finances? You know you have an expert here."

"No, I just have to be sure of myself, before I sign on the dotted line. If I am not ready, I would be taking down Angelo too."

"Well, when you are ready, get a hold of me. I will ensure you get the best rate possible. You have been nothing but a professional for me, I will do the same to you. Say, it's about noon. Why don't I take you to lunch? It is officially a business lunch, so it's on me."

"We'll have to pick someplace where my attire is okay."

Russ thought that Charlie looked fine, no matter what he would wear, but he caught himself. "We'll go to Sir Ben's. You are more than appropriate for the outdoor patio."

********************

Gordy ate the last of his fries. With his free hand, he crumpled the box, and set it on the table. "Do you have any kids, Carl?"

"Two, a boy and a girl. Although I should say, a young man and young woman. You know how it is. You look away for a moment, and they are grown-ups."

"Tell me about it."

Carl laughed. "Yeah, especially in your case. I don't know, how you did it. I couldn't imagine not even trying to get a hold of my kids."

"I fucked up completely when I had that affair. There was no way I could face him."

"He's a good man, Gordy. I know I said earlier that he did it by himself, but you laid the groundwork."

"Do you think I have a chance?"

"If you are the man, Frank tells me about, yes you do. But I'll be honest. It will take a lot to earn my respect, and more importantly, your son's respect."

********************

"I think we've seen enough, haven't we Francis?"

"Yes, Chief. You know I'm strong enough to move forward. We've both read his notes, and we both know what dirt he has on me and someone in your office. None of it is career ending. However, I think the sooner we deal with this, the sooner he can become a father again, and eventually a grandfather."

"So, we make him spend the night in the jail, while we hash out his community service as part of a plea bargain. I know just the judge to present this to. He's training for the marathon right now and he's always looking for volunteers."

"Okay, I'll get the others, then we can present the plea bargain to Gordo. I see no reason why he won't agree."

********************

Within twenty minutes at the restaurant, Charlie had been introduced to half a dozen high powered business people. "Always have your business cards with you, Charlie," Russ said. "You never know when you'll meet someone who could use your services."

"I guess that is true. I always rely on Mike or another contractor to send work my way."

"Your work and Fred's work speaks for itself. I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be sending work to Mike or any contractor. That's a good position to be in."

"You know, Russ. I'm glad I finally spoke up today. The hard part about being a drunk is you think you are unworthy of anything good that comes your way. I tend to forget that I am damn good at my job, and that I have someone who loves me for who I am."

"I hate to admit it, but you did me a favor by addressing how I was treating you." Russ leaned in, "You know how easy it is for us men to think with our dicks. I was only seeing you as a conquest. But talking to you now, I see you are a very competent businessman. I've also seen how you talk about your house. You already own it in your mind. When it comes time to finance it, I'll be there to help you."

"And I'll be there for you if you ever need someone to talk to – you – know – if," Charlies voice trailed off. "I lived in my own closet for a long time, Russ. It isn't easy, but once I had a friend I could confide in, my life changed."

"I know." Russ looked towards Lake Superior. "I can't say I will take you up on that offer any time soon. But it's good to know it's there, when I need it."

********************

"I trust you Chief. I remember him from the force. I wasn't aware of his personal problems at the time, but I am sure we can work something out that will benefit the city and its tax payers. I'll meet you in my office at three today."

Judge Jeffers closed his phone and placed it by his plate. He looked up and caught the eye of the men at the next table. "Russ, how is work coming on your kitchen? Van told me he's proud of the plan he has for your house."

"I was just over there with Charlie, here. It's looking great. Charlie's my plumber and his co-worker Fred is a master carpenter. Both men are quite the craftsman. I know you are thinking about working on your house, so keep them in mind if you need anything done."

"Really Charlie? I got an old place near 21^st and Superior. I'm planning to upgrade most of the plumbing and electrical. Got a business card?"

"I was just talking to Russ about that. I don't have one right now, but if you have one of your own, I'll give you my contact info."

"I'd really like to start this after the marathon. If you got time today, we can discuss this in my office. I just have something I need to address at three this afternoon, but I am free until then."

********************

Everything was laid out in front of Gordy. The table was filled with pictures of the dildos, his copy of the map, his notebook, and finally, the photo of him, his son, and daughter-in-law.

The Chief finally spoke. "It's like this, Gordy. We've pulled some strings, and we really want this behind us. The city has spent too much energy on this – this – this, for lack of a better word, crime. Everyone involved, your son included, wants this behind us. I'm meeting with Judge Jeffers later, and I think we can work on a plea bargain that you will agree with. But tonight, I think you'll have to sleep in the jail."

"Do you know about this, Jason?"

"Dad, I think this is important if you want to earn my respect."

"You can talk it over with your lawyer," The Chief added.

"The only person I have to discuss this with is my son. If Jason says it is what I should do, then I will do it."

********************

Charlie left the judge's office, but quickly found himself short of breath. There was a mission bench in the hallway, so he sat back. The scope of what he had just agreed to, was beyond his comfort zone. In a little over two weeks he was going to be meeting Judge Jeffers at his home. There, he would have to be ready to walk through the home, look at blueprints and offer a proposed budget for plumbing upgrades.

This was all beyond his skill set. He tried to tell the Judge that, but he kept on saying "If Russ says you can handle it, you can handle it."

Charlie felt his pulse slow down as he sat. For some reason, he thought of what was said to him earlier. "Your friends will support you no matter what you do."

For once in his life he wasn't alone in what he was doing. He grabbed his phone from the belt-clip and punched in a familiar number. "Angelo, we're meeting a friend before the game tonight."

********************

Images continued to flash through Frank's mind as he drove towards Rolf's home in the converted church. All of the details of the Mad Dildoer case, suddenly made sense. In his mind these images came together like a white jigsaw puzzle, that unexpectedly produced a vivid landscape.

The adrenaline that flowed through and exhilarated his body due to this closed case, was the same rush he'd feel when he was seeking anonymous sex in the years before he met Rolf. It struck him as odd, that the known in one case, equaled the unknown in another. He'd often feel himself harden as he arrested someone. He'd notice pre-cum ooze as he would interrogate them. He'd have to remain calm, thus his preferred power position. However, blood was coursing through his system, he could hear his own heart, throb.

He had the same symptoms when he'd seek out men or women for sex, especially anonymous sex. Something as simple as a billboard for an adult bookstore, along the highway, would start these feelings. By the time, he was at the freeway exit, he'd know he had to take the ramp. He often chalked it up to the rush of doing something taboo.

Heading towards the Grand Avenue exit, Frank realized he was getting these feelings while heading toward someone he loved. It wasn't just exhilaration and the anticipation of sex. Somehow the rush was more intense, knowing that he was getting this high from heading home to the man he loved. Compounding it was the idea that he cleared a hurdle at work. In the end, his sexuality wasn't a factor in the case

As he turned onto his street, his heartbeat was back to normal, the rush had gone. He didn't know what was in store for him at the church. He parked his car on the street, unconcerned about hiding it, and put his church key into the door. When he wasn't greeted by Rolf, using his best 60's-sit-comdad-voice, he yelled out "Honey, I'm home."

"I'm up here, STUD," Rolf responded, sounding more like someone from a 70's porn, than 60's sitcom.

Frank took the stairs two at a time. When he got to the loft bedroom, he saw Rolf naked, and partially handcuffed to the bed. "I've been a bad man, Frank."

Frank assessed the situation. He walked to the other side of the bed as he slowly unbuttoned his uniform shirt " You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions." He took off the shirt, folded it, and laid it on the ledge of the church loft. "Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law." He slipped off his t-shirt and started to fold it as precisely as his uniform shirt. Instead he stopped, turned, and twisted it, and used it as a makeshift gag on Rolf. He then attached the second handcuff to the bed post.

Seeing the excitement in his lover's eyes, Frank unbuckled his belt as he walked around to his side of the bed. "You have the right to consult an attorney, before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future." Frank put his revolver, and belt on his nightstand. "If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish."

Frank assumed his power position, legs spread wide, arms folded over his furry chest. He looked at his bound and gagged lover, then rubbed his crotch. He could feel pre-cum ooze, so he forced more out, spreading it on his uniform pants. Though gagged, Frank heard Rolf's muffled moan. "If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present, you still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney."

Frank sat on the edge of the bed, and removed his shoes and socks, one by one. He got up, turned away from Rolf, and hooked the waistband of his pants, dropping them to the floor. "Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?"

Frank heard a garbled reply, so while he was still turned away from Rolf, he put his thumbs into the waistband of his boxers, and slowly slipped them over his ass as he bent forward. "I said, knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?" Frank's voice was clear and strong.

Rolf's muffled "Yes" reply, was stronger.

Frank turned slowly, seeing the lust in his man's eyes. He moved slowly toward Rolf, repeating himself as he got nearer. "Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?" He knew the answer, but he loosened the gag to hear it.

"FUCK YES, CAPTAIN."

********************

"Listen Charlie, you don't owe me any apologies. If anything, I should be thanking you. Sure, I wasted a couple years of my life trying to hook you, but I got a good friend out of the deal. And hell, have you seen the talent around here? You probably saved me from marrying some man who'd end up as a fat slob. Now don't get me wrong, I like a little extra on a man, more to love I say."

"So do I," Angelo said, smiling.

"I'm not talking about that, Ange buddy. Though if I remember correctly, you must be pretty damned talented to – umm – accommodate him."

"Hey, I'm right here, I'm not a piece of meat," Charlie protested. "That's the second time today I've been objectified."

"Objectified? That doesn't sound like a word my Charlie would use."

Charlie contemplated his salad. "Claudia, now that I'm sober, I noticed details more. My friends are rubbing off on me. With friends like Rolf and Kyle, the topics go beyond sports and sex. When I was drunk, words I didn't know would fly right by me. But now that I'm sober, I remember what my mom would tell me when I didn't know something. She'd tell me to look it up."

"So, old Charlie is getting edjumacated," Claudia winked. "I always knew you were smart."

"Smart ass is more like it. Though I know you can take the joking. Claudia, I sometimes think life would have been better if I would have been able to fake a relationship with you. But I realize I would be selling you short, and only robbing myself of the love I have right now. You deserve someone who can give you the kind of love you need."

"I wonder if I need love. The men I am attracted to all turn out to be gay. It's like I have the best gaydar on earth. I thought I had one exception, but from the scuttlebutt I hear, he is spending a lot of his time on his knees in a church, and no praying is involved. But who knows. I think I had a spark with Mario's friend, Jed. However, that is often the kiss of death." Claudia looked up. "Well would you look at that. They're bringing the entrée, and I have been talking so much, I barely touched the salad."

********************

Rolf laid spread eagle on the bed. Though he was connected to the bedposts by handcuffs, Rolf squirmed on the rumpled comforter. Frank walked around the bed, slowly stroking his dick. He stopped with his back to Rolf, then looked over his shoulder at his bound and gagged lover. That same rush was coming back to him. The intensity could be measured on the Richter scale.

"The right to remain silent. My man has been bad, and I don't think he can remain silent without some help." Frank turned slowly, continuing to stroke his lubed-up dick. "I suppose I could silence him with this, but I have other plans. Tell ya what. You use your ass to please me, and I'll ungag my bad man. Then you can use your tongue to toss my salad, if you know what I mean. Nod, if you know what I mean."

Rolf nodded, then used his legs to lift his ass off the bed. "Mmmfff" he groaned as raised his butt. His ball-belly was quivering.

Frank grabbed the lube from the loft ledge. He coated the fingers of his right hand as he got onto the bed. He slowly crawled his way forward, then lifted Rolf's legs with both hands. It was a fluid motion as Rolf's ass was elevated, meeting Frank's well-oiled fingers. Without the strength and leverage of his handcuffed arms, Rolf used his considerable back and gut muscles to thrust back on The Captain's invading digits.

"I can tell my bad man won't need an attorney present to plea bargain this case," The Captain said as he thrust his fat fingers into his lover's butt. "I'm pretty sure we can settle this out of court." Frank removed the two fingers, and added a third to Rolf's succulent hole. "Damn, you're ready, I'm ready..."

The rush Frank was feeling was forceful. It was every stimulus he ever felt in similar situations, increased exponentially. His heartbeat echoed in his brain as his pulse quickened. His felt the pangs in his stomach, as his cock let loose a long stream of pre-cum. His ass spasmed, as his fingers hit pay-dirt, thumping on Rolf's prostate. His gut heaved as he withdrew his fingers. He was certain he'd cum without entering his lover, the feelings were so intense.

Without warning, he pushed forward, penetrating his bound, lover. Rolf's "MMMMFFFFFF" was loud, the gag barely contained it. For a moment, Frank worried he had gone too hard, too fast. However, he saw the need and satisfaction in his lover's eyes.

With all the power available from his tree-trunk legs, Frank thrust again, then fluidly moved himself so he was eye to eye with the man he loved. Rolf's shaved head was sandwiched between the bed pillows. Frank smiled as he leaned an inch closer. The smile that was visible on his gagged lover, caused Frank's intensity to abate.

Frank got closer as he slowly rocked his cock into his lover's hole. He kissed him lightly on a flushed cheek, then whispered hoarsely. "You know, there's good and bad in all of us. What makes us work is that we help each other face the bad." Knowing he was getting too philosophical during a hot moment, Frank thrust forward with his hips, and leaned back. "Now you got something GOOD, deep inside you. I'm gonna show you how BAD I can be."

Rolf's head thrashed between the two pillows that bracketed it as Franks started to nail his lover's ass. The rush of the taboo was coming back to him as he sensed the many ways he was breaking away from what was expected of him from society. His policeman's uniform was strewn throughout the loft bedroom of a converted church. Early evening light played through the stained-glass windows of the church, casting a multi-hued glow on his furry, bearded bear of a lover. His police revolver sat on the bedside table, ready if needed.

Finally, he saw Rolf's softball glove on the other nightstand. They were competitors on the field, but worked as one in the sheets. He was tired of hiding his feelings for the big man while they were at the ballfield. That would end tonight. He leaned forward and loosened the rolled t-shirt that gagged his lover.

"Rolf, we got a couple of games to make tonight. How about we give up this façade and we arrive together?"

"Oh, FUCK YEAH, Francis. Gonna be so hot to play a game knowing the Police Captain's load is deep inside me."

"Chalk up one more taboo," Frank thought as he jackhammered into his lover's ass. He could feel the jolt that ran up his spine, and caused his ass-hole to spasm. He knew he was close to seeding Rolf's furry butt. Though he knew it was anatomically impossible, Frank would gladly sire his lover's child.

Just that image alone, was enough to bring Frank to the precipice, and throw him right over. With Rolf's legs and ass at a right angle to the bed, Frank thrust forward one last time and seeded his man. His body was still, yet his dick continued to jerk in Rolf's cum filled butt.

Frank held his man's legs as he continued to enjoy the warm ass that enveloped his dick. He glanced down at Rolf who was beaming. A triangle of stained-glass colored light, highlighted Rolf's bushy beard as he spoke. "Yeah, I feel it too, m'man. I've been riding this rollercoaster all day, needing you. You read me right. The good and the bad are within me and you bring out the right one, when needed."

"Likewise, babe," Francis said, wiping his brow on Rolf's leg. He then slowly withdrew his dick, allowing Rolf to lower his legs. "Got time to cuddle? Then we can grab something to eat, before the game."

"We'll grab something after the game. I've got something to tell you, and I think it's time you know it."

********************

Gordy started to empty his pockets into the tray. One by one the reminders of his meagre existence accumulated in the tray. There was nothing to speak of in his wallet, and the loose change, was even less. Sure, he had a check due from the Gary, New Duluth junk shop, but he'd have to wait `til late the next day to get it. He was going to get out of jail after one night, but his future looked bleak, considering everything.

How was he supposed to get his son's respect back as a homeless, unshaven man? He then pulled out the last item from his pocket. It was a card he received the last time he was at the sauna. He was told a barber left it for him, to be used for a free haircut, and shave, whenever he felt the need. He looked at the front of the card

Rudy's Barbershop

King of the Flat-top

*******************

Check out my other story J&J and the 5-Be's in the Incest section of Nifty. It's a present-day story that is becoming intertwined with my Snowplow/Year In The Life Series.

 

FYI: The first four months of my stories are available as a Kindle friendly e-book at Amazon.com. Search for me under Bix Meister. It is easier to read, and has some artwork to enhance the story. Reviews and feedback are appreciated if you happen to buy.

With these chapters I am utilizing the HTML method to make my story easier to read. I am looking for feedback on this in addition to any feedback on the storyline. Personal emails might also get a sneak peek at artwork for an upcoming story. Continue to email me at Bixmeister57@gmail.com. Thanks.