Date: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:49:50 -0800 (PST)
From: Peder Pederson <pederdagreat@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Sacrifice: A trilogy 5 & 6

IV.


--4 March 2001--

	Washington was bleak--one of those cold, drizzly days that often
punctuate the early spring. The cherry trees were not yet blooming, but
their limbs indicated that the pink explosion was not far off. Every thing
was normal for this city where nothing is normal!
	Rick had returned over six months before, had been completely
debriefed, but had not been given a new assignment. Frankly his debriefings
had uncovered a subtle shift in his nature which the interrogators were not
able to identify. This, of course, disturbed them somewhat. It was thought
that intelligence analysis, for which Rick was eminently qualified, would
better suit him, for the present, at least. He, therefore, spent the time
since Singapore pouring over myriad documents, taped conversations and
televised snippets. He was busy, quite busy and relatively content
considering the passionate, sensuality which had assailed his being those
long six months past.
	At first his thoughts were centered on those few days in August,
and most especially upon Hamid. They had not exchanged addresses. At the
time, that was not an option to be considered. Therefore, there was no way
of contacting him or being contacted without breaching security. At first
his thoughts continuously roamed through those last days--days of passion
and intimacy, days of acceptance and exploration. But, after a time the
memories took their appropriate place in the history file of his memory,
dimmed by time. No longer were there the wrenching feelings of passionate
yearning when he happened to think about his counterpart/friend. Now, he
merely recalled from time to time, with fondness, those impassioned hours
together.
	Rick had, out of conscious choice, remained celibate since his
return. He felt no need or desire to seek out any contact that might lead
to a similar sensuous interlude. His work occupied him and he spent long
hours at his desk.
	The week before, Rick was alerted to the fact that he would be
going to New York City for a few days of temporary duty. Nothing was made
clear, merely an open ended assignment--he was told they need his
intelligence acuity for a short time. Having packed the night before, Rick
took a taxi to National and boarded the early shuttle to La Guardia. He was
met in New York City by a member of The Group and taken to his hotel. It
was a comfortable three star in midtown--his window overlooked Amsterdam
Avenue. Quickly he was briefed in his room and was told that he would not
be expected at the office until the next morning.
	It had been over a year since Rick had been in New York
City. Changing into something comfortable he decided to window shop. Rick
walked over to Fifth Avenue and began to casually stroll up the street. The
late morning traffic was not too heavy, and he stopped frequently to gaze
at the merchandise displayed in the various store windows.
	Suddenly the smell of hot dogs wafted by and he realized that he
was a bit hungry. Walking to the corner where a vendor stood selling the
warm, steamy franks with numerous toppings, he pointed to his choice and
waited until it was prepared. Accepting the large bratwurst, covered with
onions and Dijon mustard, he took a big bite and glanced around. The
streets were filled with a conglomeration of cars, taxis and an occasional
bus. A yellow cab rolled past and Rick casually glanced at the
passenger. His eyes widened and his body jolted with shock as his eyes
locked on those of the passenger in half recognition.
	"It can't be! Impossible," he told himself as the yellow cab
disappeared 'round the next corner. He shook his head to sweep away the
image--the apparition--and took another bite of the bratwurst.
	Across the street, on the corner was a large bookstore. Rick
finished his 'lunch,' deposited the paper in a trash container, crossed the
street and entered. He had always loved the smell of new books and stood
just inside the entrance and surveyed the vast interior with its various
departments. Walking past a number of display tables with the latest sale
items and he headed for the history section. Rick began to browse and was
soon lost in the warrens of time that history allowed, browsing from one
shelf to another. Taking out an occasional book and leafing through it,
maybe reading a few lines or paragraphs before returning it to its proper
place, became his temporary routine.
	While perusing an edition on recent Nepalese history, he heard:
"The Singapore section is more interesting."
	Spinning around, Rick was met with the expressive blue eyes of Jaak
Romke, a wry smile spread across his face.
	Quickly, Rick controlled his surprise. "What are you doing here?"
he asked, pointedly.
	"Looking at books!" came the quick reply.
	"Cute!" Rick parried, "You know what I mean."
	"It's a long story," Jaak murmured, his demeanor subtly changing
and then he added, "How about a cup of coffee? Or, are you looking for
something important?"
	"No, just browsing," came the noncommital answer, and then the
acknowledgment, "Sure, coffee would be fine."
	They walked down a side street until the came to a small cafe which
was filling up with the lunch trade. Jaak lead the way to a small booth in
the back and slid in, Rick followed suit.
	Almost immediately a waitress appeared and lightly demanded, "What
will you have?"
	Jaak, after glancing at the menu, ordered the lunch special, Rick
asked for apple pie and coffee. After the food was served, Rick asked in a
voice that did not carry beyond the booth, "What are you doing in New York,
Jaak?"
	"I'm here on business," he stated and then held up his hand to stop
the obvious retort and added, "But, not the kind of business you think!"
	"Oh?" was punctuated with disbelief.
	Jaak smiled, understanding Rick's incredulity, "In my country, I do
have a job at which I work--importing and exporting. All of us in Lithuania
don't have the luxury of being employed by our government . . . . like you
do." He smiled.
	"What do you know about me?" Rick hissed.
	Jaak merely continued to smile as he raised his eyebrows as a sign
of understanding everything.
	Rick continued his probing, trying to ascertain what Jaak'
assignment was, but he got nowhere. After some minutes, Jaak called for the
check and asked casually, "How about dinner tonight?"
	"That won't be possible, I already have an engagement," came the
lie.
	Jaak realized that the 'engagement' was a probable lie and shot a
little, knowing smile. "Well, if you have time, you can call me at the
Warwick Hotel. The name is Romke, Jaak Romke."
	"Yes, I know," replied Rick guardedly.
	They both stood up and quietly left the cafe. "Call me if you have
time," Jaak said, "I will probably be here for a few weeks."
	"Yes, of course," came his disingenuous reply and Rick walked off
down the street. His mind was racing, trying to piece together the
information he had gleaned and to make some sense of it.
	He walked for several more hours glancing into the passing
windows. However, his preoccupation was no longer in window shopping, but
with Jaak and the reason for his presence in the city. He ate a light
supper, took a cab back to his hotel, purchased a copy of the Times and
went to his room. He slept fitfully.
	The next morning he arrived at the agency's New York office, was
ushered into the regional director's office and, again, was informed of his
duties. "What redundancy!" Rick thought.
	Then, quite casually, the Warren Johnson, the regional director
commented, "I understand you had lunch with an old friend, yesterday."
	Without missing a beat, Rick replied, "He cannot be considered a
friend, merely someone I met and with whom I had some dealings in
Singapore," and, added, "But, then, you must have been aware of that!" To
himself, Rick commented, "He must have a tail on him, or me! Can't do a
damned thing anymore without everybody knowing."
	The director merely smiled. "Well, we have some interest in this
Jaak Romke. What did you discuss yesterday?"
	Rick recounted the meeting and lunch in complete, analytical
detail.
	"What do you think he is doing here?" the director queried.
	"I'm not sure. He said that he was here on business, as I said, but
what lies underneath his presence? I don't know."
	The director nodded thoughtfully. "Beside the work for which you
were brought here, might I suggest that you cultivate an
. . . . association . . . . with this Jaak. Don't be too obvious
. . . . Just something . . . . casual. See what you can find out?"
	"How fucking evasive!" Rick thought and added, out loud, "Yes
sir. Casual . . . ."
	"That will be all, for now. Thank you for coming in."
	Rick got up and left the director's office and went to his assigned
space and began to work. Later in the morning, Rick called the Warwick and
asked for Jaak' room, not expecting him to be there. He was mildly
surprised when the receiver was lifted and he heard the deep bass of Jaak'
voice, "Hello?"
	"Your business must allow you a lot of free time. I really didn't
expect you to be in," Rick quipped.
	There was a chuckle on the other end, "I had a lot of paper work to
catch up on," and then an equally pointed parry, "Is this a business or a
social call?"
	"Social," came the quick reply, "Sorry about last night, but
tonight I'm free if the invitation is still open?"
	"Of course it is. Tonight would be fine. We could meet at . . . say
8:00 . . . the La Petite Maison? Do you know it?"
	"Yes, I'm familiar with it," he lied while scribbling down the name
of the restaurant. "Eight o'clock then," Rick noted the time, "Bye."
	"Bye," and the connection was severed.
	Crisp and clean. No extraneous conversation. Not the kind of
conversation one would have with a friend or associate. But then the
meeting would not be strictly 'social' and both realized that. Besides,
Rick suspected that his call was being monitored--a normal occurrence. Jaak
surmised the same.


	La Petite Maison was one of a myriad small, relatively good and
moderately priced restaurants that dotted lower Manhattan. The twelve
tables were laid with crisp white linen, upon which faux crystal and
silverware rested precisely. A small vase held a single pink rose. The
walls were covered in pale green velour and a number of 'Impressionistic'
oils with lavish gilded frames were carefully spotlighted. The lighting was
tastefully subdued.
	It was precisely 8:00 when Rick entered the restaurant and
immediately saw Jaak sitting to one side. Both smiled in recognition as
Rick walked to the table.
	"I'm glad you could make it," Jaak said as he rose to greet Rick
with a warm handshake.
	"Thanks," came the answer, "And, again, I'm sorry about last
night."
	"I completely understand. No need to apologize."
	They both smiled warmly, the initial apprehension beginning to
dissipate. They ordered drinks which were quickly delivered and both men
began to relax, somewhat.
	"So," Rick began, sipping his martini, "How's business?"
	Jaak gazed intently at Rick, trying to discern the true direction
of the question, "Not too bad. There's always certain impediments and
difficult negotiations . . . in the business world, you know."
	Rick nodded his head and picked up the menu to consider his choice.
	"I was certainly surprised yesterday. You were the last person I
expected to meet in New York."
	"Oh?" Then Jaak stated, "I thought that your . . . company
. . . would have known of my presence."
	"They may have, but, I just arrived yesterday morning and would not
have been privy to all their information."
	"Yes, of course."
	"How long have you've been here, Jaak?"
	"About ten days, now."
	Quickly, Rick ran over the time frame and the recent chain of
events in his mind, including his 'sudden' temporary duty appointment and
considered the fact that his being sent here to New York City, might not
have been accidental. He made a note to contact a colleague back in
Washington to try to ascertain whether or not this 'transfer' had been part
of a larger plan. It would not be unheard of for The Group to 'use' one of
its numbers in such an operation. Still, he was somewhat angered, if that
were the case, at not having been briefed earlier.
	"Hmmm . . . the chicken sounds good," Rick commented, glancing at
the menu. Then, "Will your business keep you here much longer?" he asked in
an off handed manner.
	Jaak glanced up from his menu, "That depends, I'm not sure yet." He
smiled, recognizing the fact that he was being gently interrogated.
	Rick nodded, knowingly. "Business is always risky, I guess," came
his bland comment/question.
	"Look, Rick, I suspect that the reason you contacted me this
afternoon, and why you are here tonight is not out of any deep seated
friendship. We both know what we are, have been. The real reason I had
invited you yesterday is because things have been going slower than I
expected. Yes, business is problematical . . . always! I saw you, you were
a familiar face and I wanted to see you again. That's all. As for my
business here . . . I'm considering moving my office here. It would be more
convenient. That's all there is to it!"
	"Business? You mean your export-import business?"
	Jaak looked intently into Rick's eyes. "Yes." was all he said.
	There was a tacit truce for the rest of the evening. Rick ceased
his probing and they merely chatted while they ate their dinner. Over
cognac, Rick queried, "Jaak, can I ask you one more question?"
	A wry smile curled his lips as he answered, "Sure, only one more?"
	Rick smiled in return and then became serious, "Why did you leave
so abruptly from Singapore last August, without even a word?"
	A cloud briefly flitted across Jaak' face, "I received notification
after I got back to the room. The conference had been canceled. I was
ordered to take the next flight back. They had tickets ready for
me. . . . . Besides, any more contact between us might have been
problematical!"
	"You knew then about the cancellation?"
	"Yes."
	Rick was surprised and impressed. He had not received his
notification so soon! Either The Group had not known as early as Jaak'
contacts, or they had not bothered to inform him. In either case, he was
concerned. That was another point that he needed to clear up.
	They sat for a number of minutes in silence. "Well," Rick began, "I
need to stop back at the office to finish up some leftover business." They
both rose from their table. "Jaak, thanks." Rick reached across the table
to shake Jaak's hand. The clasp lasted a second longer than normal and the
clasp was a bit firmer. Both looked at each other, trying to telegraph a
message. Neither knew how to interpret the action!
	As they left the restaurant, Jaak asked, "Do you want to share a
taxi?"
	"Thanks, but I need to walk a bit, clear my head," Rick admitted,
"Too much alcohol."
	"I understand," the Lithuanian stated with an understanding smile.
	Jaak stepped into a taxi and Rick strode off, in the opposite
direction.


	His mind was whirling, categorizing the information he had gleaned
and attempted to give credence to his suspicions. After a some distance,
and making sure that he wasn't being tailed, Rick stepped into a phone
booth and dialed a number.
	"Hello?" was heard as the receiver was lifted on the other end.
	"Hi, are you busy now?"
	"Well . . . . yes, I am, but I'll be free in twenty minutes."
	"OK," Rick said as he hung up and glanced at his watch. Jim
Edwards, a colleague at The Group and Rick had established a contact
reference over a year ago. Jim and his wife, Colleen, were, at that time,
in the last stages of a messy divorce proceedings. Well after the marriage
had begun to disintegrate, Jim had established a relationship with the
woman to whom he was now married. He and Rick had devised a reference
contact so that Rick could inform Alice, Jim's present wife, of any message
or information Jim needed to impart to her. Jim wanted to avoid any
involvement of Alice in his heated domestic breakup. It was this contact
that Rick now made.
	Twenty minutes later, at another booth Rick dialed a second
number--a number that rang in an isolated booth on the outskirts of
Alexandria.
	"Hello?"
	"Are you busy now?"
	"No, every thing's OK. What's up?"
	"Jim, I need some information."
	"What is it that you need to know?" came the reply.
	"Do you know if The Group had any information of a Lithuanian, by
the name of Jaak Romke being in or coming to New York City?"
	There was a pause on the other end of the line.
	"Jim? Are you there?" Rick asked pointedly.
	"Yes," came the reply.
	Rick understood. "Did you hear my question?"
	"Rick, you know I can't answer that."
	"OK. Thanks. Bye then," and he hung up. The pause, followed by his
question and the answer told Rick what he needed to know. The Group knew of
Jaak' presence in New York City! He hailed a Taxi and went to his hotel and
to bed.
	The next morning, as he entered the office, he asked the
receptionist if the regional director was in. He was. Rick requested to see
him and was told that he could go right in. As he entered the regional
director's office he was surprised to see the associate director from
D. C. also in the office.
	"Good morning, Rick," Talbot Reeves, the associate director said
lightly, with a smile.
	"Good morning, sir. It's a pleasant surprise seeing you here this
morning." Rick answered, also with a smile. Rick had seen Talbot Reeves
both in conferences and occasionally, privately a number of times since
coming to The Group. He had admired him--his commitment and his honesty.
	"Sit down Rick," regional director Johnson said affably indicating
a chair.
	"Sir," Rick began, "I had dinner last night with Jaak Romke. I'm
sure you were aware of that.'
	Johnson glanced quickly at Talbot Reeves. "Go on," Johnson urged.
	"There were a number of things that we talked about that I see as
problematical," Rick stated flatly.
	"Oh? And what might they be?" the regional director asked
ingenuously, again glancing towards the associate director. Talbot Reeves
sat quietly watching Rick, his fingers tented and resting on his chin.
	Rick began, "As you know from my reports and debriefing, Jaak Romke
left Singapore on 18 August. He informed me last night that the reason for
his recall was that the conference had been canceled. I didn't receive that
information until the morning of 20 August. Now two things appear
possible. Either The Group was not aware of the cancellation of the
conference until a few hours before I logged on in the morning of 20
August; or, The Group knew a day or two earlier and for what ever reason
failed to inform me. In my mind both possibilities are quite disturbing,
the latter is especially so, since it involved me directly."
	Again Warren Johnson glanced over at his impassive superior. Both
said nothing.
	"I was also informed, last night by Jaak Romke, that he has been
here in New York City for some ten days. Was The Group aware of his
presence here?" Rick asked regional director Johnson, pointedly.
	Warren Johnson looked squarely at Talbot Reeves as if requesting
something. Associate Director Reeves gave an imperceptible nod.
	"We were aware of his presence," admitted the regional director.
	"For how long?"
	"Since the time he passed through immigration," Johnson admitted.
	"I see," said Rick. "Am I to assume also that my 'temporary'
posting here had something to do with Romke's showing up here?"
	Johnson sat back in his chair and stated, "Now, that I am not
prepared to answer!"
	The heretofore quiet Talbot Reeves spoke quietly, "Yes, Rick, we
sent you here because Romke was here. Since you had some contact with him
in Singapore, we thought that you're being here in New York, might be
helpful."
	"Then, why wasn't I informed of that when the assignment was made?"
	"We thought that it would be better. If you met him, your surprise
would have been genuine. That's hard to fake, you know!" he stated with a
brief smile.
	"Then why wasn't I informed of The Group's knowledge, day before
yesterday, after I had first met him?" Rick demanded.
	Johnson moved uncomfortably in his chair.
	Talbot Reeves turned towards the regional director and quietly
said, "Warren, do you mind leaving for a moment? Mr. Carson and I need to
discuss some issues. The 'need-to-know' does not apply to you."
	"Of course," Warren Johnson said and quickly left the office
unperturbed.
	The Group ran its total operation on a 'need-to-know' basis. Items
and information were compartmentalized. The lower down the ladder one was
the less they knew of the whole. Only the Director of The Group and Talbot
Reeves, the Associate Director, were privy to all the information the The
Group gleaned as well as all pertinent information about the members of
this tightly knit and highly secret organization. This, of course, could
potentially be dangerous as information equated, often times, with
power. For that reason the two top positions were reviewed regularly and
they served at the will of The President and the Senate's Intelligence
Committee--a unique balance.
	Rick looked fixedly at the associate director.
	Quietly, as always the associate director spoke. "Rick, I know that
you are aware of the nature of the beast for which you are working," he
stated with a knowing smile.
	"Yes, sir. I do."
	"Also, you know that all the office phones as well as your
personal, home phone is monitored."
	"Yes, I know that, too."
	Talbot Reeves smiled gently at Rick. "What you may not know, Rick,
is that frequently, our surveillance extends beyond that."
	Rick's brown knitted, telegraphing the fact that he did not totally
comprehend the full implication of the statement.
	"After you had reported Romke's presence in Singapore, we bugged
his room."
	Again Rick knitted his brows. This information did not come as a
complete surprise to him.
	Quietly the associate director continued, "We also had your room
bugged as well."
	Rick set his face in an impassive mask as an uncomfortable
awareness began to well up in his mind.
	Talbot Reeves continued in his normal subdued manner, "Rick,
we--that is The Director and I--are aware of your . . . . Ahh
. . . associations . . . . with Jaak Romke . . . and . . . with Hamid
al-Omar."
	The awareness of the direction of this quiet conversation now
blossomed fully. Rick flushed, yet his mask remained impassive.
	"Please, Rick, please, be assured that . . . that your sexual
preference is of no interest to The Group."
	"That was the first . . . . "
	"Please!" the associate director pleaded, holding up a hand to stop
Rick. "Please, let me finish. There are others in The Group that have
similar interests. Most we knew of when they were recruited. We recruit our
personnel based upon their superior qualifications to do certain jobs--not
on their sexual preference. It is our opinion that knowledge of this nature
neutralizes any attempt at blackmail. In your case, even though we were
aware of the unfortunate occurrence regarding your cousin, Rod Stearns, we
were not aware of this other facet of your life." The associate director
stopped and regarded Rick.
	The mask remained, the foreboding had lessened, "Sir," began Rick
in a controlled voice, "When I was recruited there was, there had been no
question of my . . . . preference. What happened in Singapore was as
disturbing to me as I am sure it was to you." He stopped as he rearranged
his thoughts. The associate director knew what turmoil Rick must now be
going through. "Frankly, sir, I am somewhat adrift. My "associations," as
you call them, were unique for me, however, . . . pleasant. If they are,
indeed, presage a preference, I am not at this moment willing to
unequivocally admit it. I do not deny the possibility."
	Talbot Reeves again flashed a warm smile of understanding as he
said, "Fine, we shall leave it at that! Be assured, Rick, what ever choice
you make, it will in no way affect The Group's assessment of you nor of
your position with us."
	Rick did not yet realize the implication of the load that had been
lifted off of his shoulders. "Thank you, sir," he said calmly.
	Talbot Reeves stood up, as did Rick. The older man offered his
hand. The hand shake was warm and sincere. Then, as an after thought, "As
to the first two issues of concern you raised . . . I am able to say that
no human organization is omnipotent or infallible. And, young man, as to
your third concern, we felt that your association with Jaak Romke might
yield important information."
	With a wry smile, Rick asked, "Sir, is my room at the hotel
bugged?"
	"You know I can't answer that!" He shot Rick a knowing wink.
	Smiling, Rick left the office quietly and went to his cubicle. As
he sat down, he realized that he now possessed a feeling of well being that
he had not experienced for a long time.
	Rick saw Jaak on a regular basis, always after work hours,
generally for evening dinner, once they went to a movie and once to a
concert at Lincoln Center. Carefully Rick either asked general questions or
guided their conversations towards areas in which he thought there might be
some tangible information. Jaak was aware of this gentle interrogation and
was either evasive or simply did not respond to certain questions. On the
other hand, there were times that they fell into easy conversation of
things that they liked in common--good food, Stravinsky and the out of
doors.
	Every morning, Rick would report to the regional director and
discuss his last meeting with Jaak. At the fifth meeting, Warren Johnson
informed Rick that he would be returning to Washington and his normal
duties the next day. Rick was somewhat surprised and a bit disappointed. He
had begun to enjoy his meetings with Jaak.
	That evening the two met for dinner and Rick informed Jaak of his
return to Washington.
	"I'm sorry to hear that," Jaak admitted. "I've come to enjoy these
meetings. I shall even miss your inept interrogations," he added with a wry
smile and a wink.
	Rick returned the smile, "Well we all have some things to do--some
things we like, some we don't."
	"How well I know that," Jaak stated as a cloud passed over his
face. Two dead bodies floated past his mind's eye, and the disappeared.
	That evening they both had a drink or two too many--a kind of a
parting celebration. The truth was: through these innocuous meetings, the
two men had developed a fondness for each other. They felt relatively
comfortable in each other's company. During this time, not a single
reference was made to that brief, passionate intimacy in Singapore. It was
forgotten, or, at least, had assumed its proper place in their respective
personal histories. After dinner, they shared a cab, as they had on a
couple of previous nights--Jaak being left off at his hotel first.
	As Jaak shakily got out of the taxi, he turned and said, "Good bye,
Rick. I've really enjoyed this time together." He reached out and they
shook hands warmly.
	"Good bye, Jaak."


	The next morning, Rick took the early shuttle to National and was
in the office by 10:00. As he walked in, his shared secretary said,
"Morning, Rick, Talbot wants to see you as soon as you come in."
	"Thanks, Marie," he said as he walked down the hall to the
associate director's office and knocked.
	"Come in." Rick entered. "Ah, good morning Rick, How are you?"
	"Fine, sir," came the reply.
	"Please sit down." Rick settled in a comfortable chair. "I've read
your reports of Romke. Quite detailed and complete, as usual. You've done a
good job."
	"Thank you sir."
	"Now, Rick, what I'd like to ask you this morning is: what is your
analysis, your impressions of Romke that may not tally with the man you
knew in Singapore?"
	Rick had been analyzing Jaak in his own mind, so even though the
question was not entirely unexpected, his answer was not slow in
coming. "Well, sir, the Jaak I met in New York was subtly different from
the Jaak I knew in Singapore. Of course, the situations were completely
different. That might account for some differences, but not all, I
think. First, he was more relaxed. That is understandable. Second, he was
more voluble, more open, that, too, is understandable. Third, Jaak, as we
know is highly intelligent. He was aware, or at least suspected that I was
assigned to glean whatever information from him that I could. It wouldn't
take a rocket scientist to realize that! He even made light, on a number of
occasions, of my interrogations--joking about it. Fourth, he's quite well
read--generally northern European literature; is knowledgeable about
classical music; and appears to have strong philosophical
predilection. Fifth, I had reported that his
 reaction to the 'sanctioning' of the Tamil seemed strange and deep
seeded. That was emphasized a couple of times in the conversations we
had. I have a feeling that that killing affected him deeply. I have a
feeling that he simply doesn't have the stomach for that type of action."
	"Does any body?" broke in Talbot Reeves for the first time during
this analysis.
	"I've met one or two that apparently enjoyed it!" Rick commented.
	The associate director merely nodded his head in agreement.
	"Finally," Rick continued, "As to his 'business' here in New
York--even though he stated that it is import-export, that's undoubtedly a
cover. I do know that whatever he is involved in is a bit problematical for
him. He made reference to 'impediments and difficult negotiations.'
Whatever he's doing here, I have the impression that it is important
. . . . to him."
	"Why do you say that?"
	"I don't really know. It's just a gut feeling I have," replied
Rick.
	"Sometimes 'gut feelings' can be important."
	"Yes, sir."
	"Rick, do you trust Jaak?"
	With a smile Rick answered, "In this business can you trust any one
. . . completely?"
	Talbot Reeves smiled at the answer. "Thank you for your candor,
Rick, and for your thorough reports. Very helpful."
	Rick realized that the interview was over and he rose to
leave. Half way to the door, he turned and with a half smile stated, "Oh,
by-the-way, sir, the bugs in the hotel rooms were a waste of time and
funds!"
	The associate director merely returned the smile, nodded knowingly
and returned to his work. Rick closed the door behind him and went to his
desk and slipped into the tasks before him. He felt a feeling of
contentment pervade his being.


--21 September 2001--

	Rick entered the office at 9:30. Marie looked up and said,
"Morning, Rick."
	"Good morning, Marie."
	"Don't forget the morning confab! 10:30," she reminded him.
	"How could I?" he said in a good natured tone.
	Every Friday the Washington segment of The Group met for general
announcements, to review the weeks work, and be apprised of upcoming
problems. Their workload since 9/11 had been quadrupled. These meetings
often were stressful beyond compare. The confabs were held in the
conference room. The large table was reserved for the Director, Associate
Director and department heads, the rest of the members were relegated to
chairs surrounding the main group. Rick was part of the latter.
	At 10:30 he entered the room which was nearly filled. The chairs
for the Director and Associate Director were yet to be occupied. He sat
down in the nearest chair and glanced about. He glanced around and was
suddenly shocked beyond belief. His face registered absolute, total,
unmitigated incredulity as his gaze focused on Jaak Romke's face in one
corner. Jaak smiled at him and winked. "What the hell!" Rick said to
himself as the Director and Talbot Reeves walked in and took their seats.
	Talbot Reeves as usual opened with the announcements. "First, I
would like to introduce a new member on our team. Jaak Romke," he nodded at
Jaak who half stood up and sat down again. "Jaak will be assigned to the
European section. His background and experience is basically the
Baltic. Please introduce yourself to Mr. Romke after we've finished."
Talbot Reeves briefly looked over at Rick and shot him a half-smile. Then
he continued.
	The rest of the meeting was a blur as Rick fought for
understanding. At the conclusion a number of the members gathered around
Jaak and introduced themselves.
	Talbot Reeves gathered his notes and as he left he said to Rick who
was waiting to greet Jaak, "I trust everything is now clear?"
	"Not really, sir, but I guess I just will have to live with it."
	Talbot chuckled, patted Rick on the shoulder and exited the room.
	After the last of the greeters had left, Rick walked over to Jaak,
held out his hand and said, "You are one devious, fuckin son-of-a-bitch!"
	Jaak smiled as he shook Rick's hand. "How about dinner tonight, or
are you otherwise engaged?"
	"If I am I'll break it," Rick said with a smile. "By-the-way, I
know a great Russian restaurant!"
	"Sounds exciting!" Jaak replied archly.
	They both laughed as they too exited the conference room. "Where
are you staying," Rick asked.
	With a mock flourish Jaak reached into his jacket pocket and handed
Rick a business card with his name, address and phone number.
	"You are prepared, aren't you?" he said as he looked at the
card. "I know the area, Why don't I pick you up at 8:00?"
	"That would be fine."
	As they passed Talbot Reeves office, the door was opened and Talbot
called out, "Rick, do you have a minute?"
	"Yes, sir," Rick answered and turning to Jaak, before he entered
the office, said, "See you later."
	"Sure," replied Jaak.
	As Rick entered the office, he closed the door and took a seat.
	"Rick there's a couple of things you should know. Jaak was
contacted in Vilnius with the idea of recruiting him by one of our
operatives . . . after the Singapore operation. It was to our contact there
that Jaak had confided his intention to leave Lithuania and sever his
associations with the Knights. We attempted to persuade him to stay and
work for us there. He flatly refused. When he came to New York, we
contacted him again. Naturally, and it was then that he suggested that he
work for us here as an analyst. Frankly we were skeptical. He has a fine
mind, but . . . . Well that's in the past now. He was vetted for months,
and was totally forthright in all his actions and answers. He will, of
course, as all of you, be regularly monitored--probably a little more
closely. As you probably now surmise, you were used as part of that
process." Talbot Reeves ended by saying, "Of course, you understand that
now."
	"Yes, sir. Thank you."
	"Thank you, Rick." The brief meeting was concluded and Rick went
back to his desk. The appearance of Jaak at The Group clouded his ability
to concentrate thoroughly.
	He decided to leave early. On his way out, he stopped by Jaak'
cubicle and handed him his card. "See you at 8:00 then."
	"Yes," was all Jaak said as he looked at the information on the
card. It contained Rick's name, address and phone number.


	Rick picked up Jaak at precisely 8:00.
	"Are you always so punctual?" Jaak asked with a smile.
	"Always," Rick said, also with a smile. "What would you like
tonight?"
	"You mean in the way of food?"
	"Yes," Rick answered glancing over at Jaak who had a grin on his
face. "Isn't that what we're supposed to be doing?"
	"If you say so."
	Rick was not prepared for the implications of this brief repartée.
	"I take it you aren't interested in Russian cuisine tonight?"
	"Frankly, not ever. I've had enough of Russians," he stated rather
bleakly.
	Again Rick glanced over at Jaak. His face now was an impassive
mask.
	Trying to lighten the mood, Rick suggested, "Well I don't know of
any Lithuanian restaurants, but there's an excellent Hunan restaurant close
by here."
	"Hunan sounds good to me. Besides, Lithuania is not known for its
great cuisine!" He said with a chuckle.
	"Hunan it is."
	They chatted casually throughout the delicious but spicy dinner.
	"This has been great," Jaak said, and added, "For over an hour, you
haven't even asked me one question!"
	Rick laughed, "Well, this dinner is not 'under orders.'"
	"I like it better this way."
	"Me, too."
	"But you are dying to ask me a question!" Jaak said with a warm
smile.
	Rick snorted, "How did you guess?"
	"I guess it's because I know you . . . a little, that is. Go ahead
. . . . Ask me!"
	"All right. Why? Why the shift?"
	"You mean coming here to the States?"
	"Yes."
	Jaak explained his reasons that led up to his decision, careful to
avoid particular reference to The Knights. They were rather innocuous--a
new life, new possibilities, economic security, personal freedom and the
like. Jaak watched Rick closely as he explained and was aware that even
though the stated reasons were valid, the basic motivation that would have
coalesced the whole was missing--Rick wasn't convinced.
	Jaak stopped for a second, took a deep breath and went on. "The
basic reason was mainly philosophic. . . . I mentioned to you in Singapore
that as a young boy I had been raped." Rick nodded his head. "The man who
did it was a Russian soldier. I saw him some years later in the process of
raping a young kid. The whole incident was suddenly made real again. I
killed the guy--slashed his throat. Afterward, I could not erase from my
mind that action. It made me sick--physically sick. I was seen by a friend
who was connected with the organization I was later to join. Then, in
Singapore, when I did . . . that thing to the Tamil--the whole dirty
business flooded back and I got sick again. My organization suggested to me
that my 'coolness' in such situations could be useful. They wanted me to
become an assassin. Little did they know of the aftermath of those two
acts. I simply couldn't continue."
	"I see," commented Rick quietly.
	"Then there was . . . my association with the Tamil . . . Shala."
	Rick shot a questioning glance towards Jaak which he recognized.
	Quietly he continued his tale, his confession. "I was ordered to
make contact with him. I was told that this contact was vital and that it
was to be nurtured. He was to be my control in Singapore. His . . . desires
were . . . unusual! He used me . . . sexually . . . or rather . . . I
allowed him to use me. At first I was repelled, but then I began to look
forwards to our meetings. He became . . . how shall I say it? My
lady. . . ."
	"You mean he was . . . submissive . . . the vessel?" Rick
suggested, sensing Jaak' discomfort.
	"Vessel? Yes, precisely. Although in his appetites he wasn't
submissive. . . ."
	"I see."
	"No! You really don't. I said that I looked forward after a couple
of days to our . . . couplings. That was true. Then came the order that I
was to make direct contact with you. I remembered that there was a certain
. . . interest . . . the first time I saw you . . . in the steam bath. I
decided to use that as our contact. But then in my room, things were
different. It wasn't just a command. I wanted it. . . wanted you." Jaak
looked up at Rick, his eyes mirrored his agony.
	"You realize, Jaak, I could have said. 'No.'"
	"That's not the point! I desired a man's body. I desired to be
possessed by a man! The thought hasn't left me."
	"You mean you have a same sex preference?"
	Jaak hesitated briefly, and then admitted, "Yes."
	Rick shrugged his shoulders as if tossing off this information as
being a non sequitur to their friendship. They finished their tea and left.
	As they drove up to Jaak apartment house, he asked, "Do you want to
come up for a night cap?"
	"I'd like to, but better not. I didn't get too much done at work
today and I have to go I early and dig through the pile on my desk. But,
thanks."
	"Sure, I understand," Jaak said as he got out of the car, "See you
tomorrow, and thanks for the dinner . . . an listening to me!"
	"Any time," Rick said genuinely, and drove off.


--2 November 2001--

	It had been over a month since Jaak had entered the employ of The
Group. He and Rick had met frequently--lunched together often, dinner
generally once a week, several concerts and one football game. Their
friendship had developed from rather stilted early conversations to dynamic
and open exchanges. Both possessed a lively sense of humor, however, on
occasion American slang was misunderstood by Jaak, causing great
mirth. But, Jaak was an avid student and quickly mastered the intricacies
of the language.
	That day, Rick had undergone his yearly review and generally had
received glowing marks. The review was always a time of some apprehension
for everyone involved. Rick was not without a bit of low level stress in
the week leading up to the evaluation.
	As he left Talbot Reeves office, he stopped by Jaak' cubicle and
asked, "How about dinner tonight? My treat."
	"What's the occasion?"
	"Had my evaluation today!"
	"You got fired!" Jaak said in mock concern.
	"Sure, but not until next year, you ass!"
	They both laughed. "Same time?" Jaak asked.
	"OK. See ya."


	As usual, Rick was precisely on time.
	"What culinary delight do you have planned for tonight?" Jaak
asked.
	"Good, old American! I feel like a steak tonight."
	"Hmmm," replied Jaak with a twinkle, "You don't look like one!"
	They both laughed.
	They arrived at the restaurant, ordered a drink, and perused the
menu. Both choose a large steak, ordered a second cocktail and waited for
their dinner, chatting amiably.
	As the salads were placed in front of them, Rick stated, "I think
we need a bottle of wine."
	"You're paying, since you're a senior member," chuckled Jaak.
	With relish they consumed their dinners and drank the wine chatting
between mouthfuls. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
	As Rick was dropping Jaak off the latter asked, "Want to stop up
for a night cap?"
	"Better not, I feel a bit woozy after the drinks and the
wine. Don't want to be hauled over for DWI!"
	"Well, then, how about a strong cup of coffee?"
	Several times Jaak had invited Rick in after their get-togethers,
and each time he had declined. In part, his logical mind had thought it was
imperative they maintain a professional relationship. The brief incident in
Singapore was also instrumental, coupled with the incipient affair that he
had engaged in with Hamid. It was not that Rick was carrying a torch, but
the pain of the separation at that early stage was still something he
wanted to avoid. Still . . . .
	"Sure," he stated, "Coffee would be good just now." He parked the
car and the two took the elevator up to the floor on which was Jaak'
apartment.
	Rick had seen the apartment on those times that he had picked up
Jaak, but never more than a step or two inside. The living room of the
apartment was spartan in its simplicity. Muted colors adorned the wall, the
carpet and the upholstery of the sofa and two chairs. A coffee table sat in
front of the sofa. On it was several magazines and a framed photograph.
	"Have a seat," Jaak invited motioning to the living room. "I'll get
the water boiling." He disappeared into the small, pullman kitchen while
Rick sat on the sofa.
	Rick lifted the framed picture and gazed at the couple standing
beside some flowering bush. "They must be Jaak' parents," he thought.
	"Say, Rick," came Jaak' voice from the kitchen, "There's a concert
next week--Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Would you like to go?"
	"What else is on the program?" Rick asked.
	"I think a Strauss and a Beethoven overture."
	"Sure. Sounds good, although I can do without the Strauss!"
	"Well you can't have everything," came the reply. "Besides, you
need to broaden your horizons!"
	"They're broad enough, thank you," Rick stated.
	Jaak laughed as he walked into the living room carrying two mugs of
hot, aromatic coffee.
	"Mmmm, smells wonderful," Rick admitted.
	"Sumatra Mandaeling, my favorite," Jaak acknowledged.
	Jaak sat in one of the chairs, across the coffee table from Rick
and sipped the steaming brew. Rick did likewise.
	"Delicious!"
	"Where did you find out about this kind of coffee? Vilnius?" Rick
asked with a bit of sarcasm.
	Jaak quietly put his mug down, "My dear friend, Vilnius was a city
five hundred years before your country was discovered!"
	"Sorry!" Rick apologized, lifting his hands in surrender.
	"As a matter of fact, I first tasted it in Singapore. One of the
positive things I brought back from that place."
	Rick wanted to ask, "What were the others?" But did not, as he knew
that there were freshly healed wounds from the distress that Jaak had
experienced. He remained silent, thinking of Singapore, the various issues
it had for him, and thoughtfully sipped the delectable, dark liquid. This
evening was to be punctuated with what is frequently referred to as
'pregnant pauses.' This was the first.
	Jaak, too, seemed lost in reverie. Then he looked up, "I'm glad you
came up tonight. I was beginning to think that you were avoiding this
place. Or maybe you thought that I had an ulterior motive in mind."
	"Do you?"
	"Do I what? Have an ulterior motive?"
	Rick nodded his head.
	"Well, if I do, it's not too obscure!"
	Not fully comprehending Jaak' reference, Rick smiled wanly and
quickly glanced down to Jaak' crotch. Jaak had the habit of always sitting
with his legs slightly spread. There he noticed the normal bulge, nothing
more. He quickly glanced away and took another sip of his coffee.
	Jaak was aware of the furtive glance. After a minute of silence,
another pause, Jaak was the first to speak. "Rick, I told you before, that
time in Singapore was not just part of a plan, of an operation--I found
that I really desired you. W hen we met in New York, that desire did not
disappear. It still hasn't."
	Rick looked deeply into Jaak' eyes, carefully digesting what was
being said.
	"Does that bother you?"
	Slowly Rick shook his head, saying, "No. But, I see many problems."
	"Yes, I do, too. There are always problems in life."
	Rick glanced away, chewing on his cheek as he carried on an
internal debate. "I don't know! It seems too complicated."
	Jaak knew enough not to pressure Rick. At least the cards were now
on the table. Rick knew about the way he felt and he thought that he had
read Rick's feelings correctly, but possibly he did not! After a minute of
silence, "Well, how about some more coffee?"
	Rick glanced back at Jaak, took a quick swallow of his coffee and
said, "No thanks. I should get going." Saying that, Rick set the mug down
and stood up to leave. Jaak, too, stood up and walked Rick to the door.
	"Thanks for coming up . . . and . . . putting up with me," Jaak
said quietly.
	Both men appeared as if in a tableau, silent, not moving, but minds
racing, unseen. Their eyes bore into the other's, trying to fathom an
unfathomable problem. The third pause!
	It was Rick who broke this silence, "I don't know," he breathed, "I
just don't know!" He shook his head in answer to an internal query or
possible in resignation. Then, "Oh, well . . . ." With that utterance he
stepped up to Jaak and enfolded him in his arms.
	Jaak responded and they merely stood there, locked in an embrace
that seemed to communicate everything. Jaak pulled back slightly and looked
into Rick's eyes. There he saw both confusion and resignation.
	Slowly he kissed Rick on the lips. Rick uttered an elemental groan
and returned the kiss. Their bodies melded and hands quietly moved over
backs.
	Without a word, Jaak took Ricks hand and led him to the
bedroom. There the two men unhurriedly removed their clothes as they gazed
at the other. They stood facing each other, nude. Their cocks were arched
away from their thighs, but not yet in a state of readiness. They came
together again, felt the warmth of the other's body and kissed deeply as
hands more freely roamed over warm, quivering flesh. Both men felt their
own cock springing to full erection and also that of the other! They fell
upon the bed, thus locked together and remain in that position for seconds.
	Rick pushed away, supported himself on his left elbow, reached over
and gently pushed Jaak until the latter was laying flat on the bed and
began to closely observe the Lithuanian. Jaak complied. His eyes never left
Rick's face. Slowly Rick traced, as if attempting to memorize, the various
forms before him--dark blonde hair , blue eyes, straight, strong nose, full
lips and strong jaw; then the broad shoulders, the heavily muscled and
hairless torso punctuated by pink aureolas with rigid nipples; then at the
base of the stomach the thick bush of hair from which shot up seven inches
of thick cock, covered with an ample sheath of velvety skin; this all was
supported by muscular thighs and equally muscled calves where a dusting of
hair was to be found.
	Rick reached out to grasp a rigid nipple in his fingers, gently he
squeezed it and rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. This brought a
sharp intake of breath from the recumbent figure. Then slowly his hand
moved downward feeling, sensing every muscular swell as it passed. When it
reached that thick stand of dark blond pubic hair it hesitated briefly and
then encircled the rigid, thick upstanding cock at its base. Slowly Rick
drew his hand upward and watched as the partially revealed, purplish-pink,
gleaming glans disappeared under the soft, elastic foreskin. Then he moved
his hand back downwards and watched with unparalleled interest as the
bulbous glans was completely revealed. He slowly repeated this action a
second and then a third time.
	Jaak never took his eyes off Rick's face. Both men, since standing
at the front door, had not uttered a word.
	Rick glanced up at the eroticized visage of this naked man
reclining before him and smiled. He returned his gaze to that opulent
member in his hand, its head completely uncovered, exposed. Slowly he bent
down, parted his lips and slipped them over the glistening, bulbous head.
	Again Jaak gasped in delight. Slowly, Rick began to move his lips
up and down that massive, firm pole. He would nearly withdraw, so much so
that the foreskin would slip over the head in his mouth. Then he would slip
his tongue into that puckered, elastic covering and circle the head. Again
Rick began a rhythmic motion up and down the shaft, reveling in every
sensation this magnificent tool produced. He concentrated on every
sensation, every movement and catalogues all in his mind.
	The sensation of his cock being thus sucked nearly brought Jaak to
the brink, He sat up, grasped the plunging head, lifted it off his cock and
brought it to where he could deposit a deep, probing kiss on those wet
lips. Both men groaned quietly.
	Gently Jaak rotated Rick and then laid him down on the bed, he bent
over that hard prick springing from a dark bush of hair and quickly took
the whole length into his mouth. He had remembered what Shala had said, "If
you want to take a cock as big as yours without gagging you have to open
your mouth wide as you go down on it, then clamp your lips over the base."
He remembered the incredible feeling when this action was performed on
him. Now he did it to Rick. One hand stimulated an erect nipple, the other
fondled the darkly haired ball-sack. Rick gasped audibly. Slowly he began
to piston that cock in his mouth. As he increased the speed, Rick's head
began to whip back and forth in erotic delight and abandon. Without
conscious volition, Rick reached his right hand and moved it over Jaak'
back and down over the firm muscular orbs of that hairless ass. Now it was
Jaak' turn to moan.
	Jaak lifted off Rick's throbbing cock, looked into his eyes and
began to speak, "I want to . . . ."
	Instantly, Rick covered Jaak mouth, stopping him in mid sentence.
	A surprised look shot across the Lithuanian's face.
	Rick carefully and with exaggeration mouthed the word, "BUG."
	Quickly, Jaak realized what was being transmitted, frowned briefly,
shrugged his shoulders in surrender and mouthed back to Rick, "FUCK ME!"
	Rick smiled. Jaak reached over to the bedside table, quietly slid
open a small drawer, reached in and extracted a tube of KY. He squeezed a
liberal amount on his hand and slathered it over Rick's quaking cock. A
second dollop was smeared over his tight ass hole and carefully he slipped
a finger inside. For a few seconds he fingered his ass, trying to get it
ready for the impending invasion.
	As before, Jaak straddled those hairy thighs, grasped the hard,
throbbing cock and positioned it beneath his quivering, expectant hole. The
first time had been difficult, partly because it was an action he had
always thought was completely unnatural and repugnant. This time was
different! He desired Rick. He longed to have his hard cock inside him! He
lowered himself until he felt pressure on that pursed opening. Then, as
before, he moved the swollen mushroom back and forth over his hole. More
pressure was brought to bear and Jaak willed himself to relax. Without
warning, the muscled ring gave way and the head slipped in. Maybe because
he was emotionally prepared, maybe because he desired this man so much, but
the initial entry was considerably less uncomfortable than the first time.
	As his cock-head slipped past the tightly muscled gate and into
that dark, hot place, Rick gasped audibly. The sensation, as the first
time, was incredibly delicious.
	Jaak smiled at his reaction and bore down further. For him the
discomfort of the first time Rick's cock slipped into his dusky tunnel had
now be ameliorated to the point that it was decidedly pleasant--even
desirable. Slowly he moved up and down on that hard tool and then increased
his speed.
	Rick simultaneously met each downward movement with an upward
thrust of his hips. Both men groaned with delight. As Jaak' ass fucked
Rick's cock, the latter reached for the bobbing, uncut cock and began to
manipulate it in time with the hip movements.
	Quickly both men mounted the mountain of carnal delight, upon
reaching the top Rick gave one last, violent and deeply penetrating thrust
upwards and exploded deep in the entrails of the Lithuanian. Knowledge of
that climax, coupled with the spasms of the cock deep inside him also
brought Jaak to the point of a cosmic explosion. Jet after jet of
opalescent fluid shot from his cock-slit and spattered over the hairy chest
and belly of Rick. Both men groaned with delight. Then their tensed bodies
and rapid breathing returned to normal.
	Jaak bent over and placed a kiss on the warm moist lips of that man
who had given him so much pleasure. Slowly he disengaged himself. Rick's
flaccid cock slipped from its wonderful prison and flopped across his
thigh. Jaak smiled, as did Rick, and he reached for the Americans hand and
they walked, wordlessly into the shower.
	There under the splattering of the water, Jaak whispered into
Rick's ear, "That was fantastic!"
	Rick whispered back, "Better than fantastic."
	They toweled off, dressed and went to the front door of the
apartment. Jaak quietly opened it and walked to the elevator with Rick. "Is
it safe to talk here?"
	"Ya, I think so."
	"Are you sure, my apartment is bugged?" the Lithuanian asked.
	"All of ours are!" admitted Rick. "Part of the nature of the
beast."
	"Is our making love a problem with The Group?"
	"No, but I just wanted you to know about the possibility."
	"Thanks," replied Jaak as he planted a light kiss on Rick's cheek
before he entered the elevator. "See you soon, I hope. That is, if you want
to."
	Rick merely smiled and winked as the door slid closed and he
descended downwards.


	Both men slept late that Saturday morning. At 10:30, Jaak' phone
rang, "Hello?"
	"Hi, how'd you sleep?" came Ricks voice over the phone.
	"Like a baby, and you?"
	"Same. Say, do you have plans for dinner tonight?"
	"No, I'm free," Jaak answered.
	"Good, then how about dinner at my place?"
	"Sure," Jaak answered, a little surprised. He had not been invited
to Ricks apartment before, "What time?"
	"8:00, Is that all right? I can pick you up."
	"No need, I can take a taxi. 8:00 it is. See you then."
	"OK," Rick said and hung up the phone.

	At 8:00 Jaak rang the door bell at Rick's fifth floor apartment.
	Rick looked through the security peep-hole, saw Jaak and opened the
door, shielding himself behind it. Hearing the rhythmic beat of some music,
Jaak stepped in and the door was quickly closed behind him. He turned and
surprise flashed across his face as he gazed at Rick.
	Rick stood there, staring back. He was completely nude.
	"What a pleasant surprise," Jaak said broadly beaming. "Do you
greet all your guests this way?"
	"Only the special ones."
	Jaak arched his eyebrows, "And, have there been many 'special
ones?'"
	"Only some guy from Vilnius," came the reply, again punctuated with
a smile.
	Jaak took a step towards Rick, who held up his hand, "Huh uh!" he
shook his head. "You have to take your clothes off first."
	"No problem." Jaak smiled and immediately began to shed his
clothes.
	This stripping was observed with ardent delight. He had shed all
but his briefs and stood facing Rick. White briefs bulged, cupping his
opulent cock and balls as he stood there.
	"That too," Rick said nodding at the briefs.
	Coyly, Jaak turned around and slid his underwear off, cupped his
cock and balls with one hand and turned back.
	"Since when did you become so modest?"
	Jaak smiled and walked to Rick, wrapped him in his muscular arms,
brought his lips to his ear and whispered, "What about the bug?"
	"No problem, they know about us anyway!" Not being too obvious or
exhibitionistic, Rick had placed in his player a modern, syncopated CD that
would mask most of their conversation. Rick pushed Jaak a step away, sunk
to his knees, grasped the brawny thighs and sucked the lengthening cock
into his mouth.
	Jaak gasped, partly because of the luxurious sensation and partly
because of the precipitousness of the action. Looking down he watched his
formidable cock disappear into Rick's mouth, only to be revealed again. A
hot hand grasped the base of his rigid pole and drew itself towards the
crest. When his ample foreskin had completely encased the glistening knob,
he watched as a hot, pink tongue darted into that frilled cover and laved
the obscured, mushroom head. The sensation was multiplied by the sight and
he groaned.
	Rick glanced into Jaak' eyes as he thus ministered to that
throbbing, hot implement. Again, the lips were parted and the complete
length disappeared. Rick's head began to move forward and backward along
the whole length of that shaft like some cosmic piston driven by unseen
desire.
	The sensation was more than he could bear. His legs began to
tremble. Jaak lowered himself down onto the carpet as the luscious sucking
continued. He was quickly approaching climax. Hastily he flexed his hips
and withdrew his wet cock from the equally wet lips, spun around, facing
Ricks similarly erect cock, sucked it into his mouth as his cock was itself
reinserted. The two were locked in a hot, pounding soixante-neuf
position. As their mouths did what came naturally, hands began to roam and
probe.
	Jaak cupped the tight, drawn up, hairy ball-sack, fondled it and
then a finger wandered backwards. He was both mildly surprised and
delighted when the finger encountered the puckered hole. It was slippery
with lubrication. He opined the reason for this anointment and carefully
slid a finger into that tight hole. Then in slow motion he withdrew it
partially, only to insert it even further. Soon he was finger fucking that
orifice. He knew Rick was delighting in this double action--mouth on cock
and finger in ass--because he continually groaned and sucked even more
ardently his pulsating instrument. Presently, he felt his own ass hole
invaded by a lubricated finger and he too relished the twin sensations.
	Raising to a kneeling position, Rick turned to Jaak, saying, "Now
it's my turn!" A glob of lubricant was smeared over that thick opulent
cock. As he reappointed his own ass hole Rick observed that this organ
jerked in anticipation of what was to come. He smiled and straddled those
sturdy thighs and grasped that cock in readiness.
	A thin cloud of concern flitted across Jaak' face. He was aware
that he was amply, maybe, even unduly endowed. He remember how Shala had
gasped when the Tamil first sat on his cock, a gasp at having this
formidable tool slide into his thoroughly accomplished ass hole. With
concern, he asked, "Have you done this before?"
	"Once," came the reply as he concentrated on what he was about to
do.
	With deep concern, "That was years ago, and under far different
circumstances."
	Rick realized that Jaak was referring to his cousin Rod and
explained, "No, I mean once since then . . . once in Singapore . . . with
Hamid," he confessed.
	Jaak smiled slightly in acknowledgment, "Still, . . . be careful!"
	"I will." Slowly Rick moved forward grasped that big cock and
rubbed the firm head back and forth over his tight hole. With unbelievable
will he focused on his breathing and felt his body relax somewhat. Lowering
his bulk he felt the pressure of the throbbing cock-head press against his
closed orifice. He breathed deeply, focusing and lowered himself even
farther. Without warning, the muscled gate gave way and the flared head
popped in, encased in that sensuous tunnel. Rick gasped. The pain, the
feeling of his hole being invaded by this muscle was almost more than he
could stand.
	"Why don't you stop?" Jaak pleaded. His concern for Rick
overpowered his desire.
	Rick, not uttering a word, closed his eyes to concentrate better,
held his position and continued to deep breathe. He bore down again
allowing a bit more of that formidable cock to slide deeper into that
sensuous tunnel. Beads of sweat, partly from the concentration, partly from
his all consuming desire popped out on his forehead. He rested there again
'til he became accustomed to that massive intrusion and then slid even
further down on that shaft. After several minutes he had enveloped the
whole length of that cock in his quaking ass.
	He smiled down at Jaak but saw a look of concern. That concern had
telegraphed its feeling over the miles between conscious reason and
impassioned, sexual desire and Rick sensed a slackening in that rigid,
impaling instrument.
	Smiling Rick admonished, "Don't you go soft on me now! I worked too
hard for this!" With that he rose partially off that invading cock and then
slammed back down again--once, twice, three times until he could detect the
original hardness returning.
	The gray look disappeared from Jaak' face and was replaced with a
filmy, sensuous smile. A rhythmic movement up and down could be felt as his
cock slipped in and out of that incredibly tight, hot opening. Soon Jaak
was meeting plunge with thrust. After a couple minutes the exertion began
to tell on Rick. His thigh muscles began to ache.
	"Let's try a different position," Rick suggested as he stood
up. "Stand up."
	Jaak complied. Remembering Singapore, Rick walked to the sofa, sat
on the forward edge and motioned Jaak to kneel between his legs. Again,
Jaak complied. He hooked his ankles over the broad powerful shoulders, then
reaching between his legs he regrasped and redirected that throbbing
implement to his hole. Slowly, carefully Jaak reasserted his cock. This
present position allowed him to look down and watch as his significant
cock-head pop into that hot hole. He pushed deeper and withdrew, watching
the whole tableau between Ricks spread thighs. Soon he had established a
fucking rhythm that was extremely pleasant and sensuous for both men.
	Rick began to wallow in the erotic feeling of that big cock
plunging in and out of his ass. Minutes of slow and easy fucking
ensued. From time to time Rick would fondle his own cock, or Jaak would do
it for him. When his impending release became apparent he would stop or
move Jaak' hand off his throbbing prick. He again became slightly cramped
in this position and again suggested a different position. Jaak withdrew
and waited for Rick to take the initiative. It was not that Jaak was shy or
retiring, but he merely felt that Rick needed to take control this time.
	Rick sat up, took Jaak' face in his hands and they kissed long and
probing. Again Rick rose to his feet, took Jaak' hand and led him around to
the back of the sofa. There Rick bent over and supported his elbows on the
back of the sofa--his vulnerable ass facing Jaak.
	Jaak looked at Rick and the color drained from his face. "I can't!"
he gasped.
	Standing and turning towards Jaak, he questioned, "Why not?"
	"That's the way Russians fuck!" he spat out.
	Understanding the implication and also understanding that Jaak
needed to purge that earlier horror from his being as much as
possible. "You're not a Russian you're a wonderfully sexy Lithuanian and I
WANT you to fuck me!" Saying that he turned back to the position.
	A gray fog passed before his eyes. Almost as an automaton, Jaak
stepped up to that muscular ass, grasped the hips, positioned his cock and
thrust inwards. Ricks eyes widened as he stifled a gasp created by the
force of that invasion. Again and again Jaak rammed his cock into that
exposed hole. Rick could hardly deal with the force of the
penetrations. Luckily the earlier, gentler penetration had somewhat
prepared him. He stood up slightly, his buttocks cushioning the force and
the depth of the onslaught.
	"Godddddddd!" Jaak cried out suddenly, without warning, after only
four or five violent thrusts. He jammed his spurting, spasming cock deep in
Rick's ass. Then, when the climax faded, he fell forward on Rick's back,
wrapped his arms about his torso, quaking and whispered, "I'm sorry." He
began to weep softly.
	Rick, supporting himself on the sofa back did not move. The
violence of that invasion had made his ass sore and tender. He too needed
time to recuperate, to get his breath back.
	Again, Jaak whispered, "I'm sorry," and asked, "Are you OK?"
	"Yes," was all Rick could say.
	Slowly Jaak stood up and with great care withdrew his now flaccid
cock. The removal was a relief for Rick who also stood up and turned to the
tear streaked face of Jaak.
	Without another word, Jaak turned, reached for his briefs and
unceremoniously put them on.
	Incredulously, Rick asked. "What are you doing?"
	"I think I should be going home."
	"Why?"
	"I should think it is obvious!" Jaak stated flatly.
	"No!" Rick shook his head, "It's not obvious!" He looked directly
into Jaak' anxious face and stated with some authority, "I think we need to
talk."
	Jaak sat leadenly into one of the chairs. Rick picked up a terry
cloth robe that he had flung over the back of the other chair as he had
gone to answer the door bell and put it on. He sat in the other chair.
	"Do you hate me?" Jaak asked, fully prepared for an affirmative
answer, and continued, "For what I did to you?"
	Rick's face softened and he quietly uttered, "No, I don't hate
you. But I must admit, it will be a few days before you can fuck me again."
He smiled wanly.
	"I'm sorry," he whispered as his head dropped and tears again
flooded his eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt you!"
	"I know that. But, I asked for it."
	"All I saw was myself and that fuckin Russian!"
	"I know . . . You must erase that from your mind . . . if you
can. At least, don't let it control you. All of us have experiences we'd
rather forget--some more difficult, even horrendous than others. What
happened to me may not have been as violent as what happened to me, but the
results were nearly the same. I hated my cousin. I wanted to see him
destroyed, and I did! I received no joy from it. It was a spiteful act of
revenge and it ate away at my guts for years. But it was revenge.
	"You hated what that Russian did to you, you hated what he was
about to do to that other kid, and deep inside, I think you hated your
reaction. What happened to you wasn't your fault in any way. You couldn't
control it. Please, Jaak, don't let it destroy you."
	Jaak sat quietly, looking from time to time into Rick's face. He
considered what was said, and would consider it further, later.
	"You know," Rick continued, as an afterthought, "The Group has an
excellent resident psychologist, it might help you to see him. It won't
hurt . . . and . . . it might help.!"
	Quietly Jaak nodded his head.
	"Let's take a shower!" Rick said, brightly, needing to break the
mood. He stepped over to Jaak, took his hand, and lead him to the
bathroom. There they showered, cleansing themselves and gently lathering
each other. Jaak was careful to avoid the violated ass, for which Rick was
grateful.
	After they had toweled down and wrapped the bath sheets about their
waists, Rick asked, "Hungry?"
	"Yes," came the simple and subdued answer.
	"Well, let's go," and he led the way towards the kitchen.
	The kitchen was good size for an apartment with room for a small
round table ant two chairs. Jaak saw that the table had been carefully laid
out. Rick motioned to a chair where Jaak sat. Within couple of minutes Rick
had presented two bowls of vichyssoises, and then set in the center of the
table an aspic of champagne, poached salmon with a caper and mayonnaise
dressing. After he had opened a bottle of wine, he sat down, poured ample
amounts of the pale liquid in both glasses and said, "Bon appetite."
	"This is truly impressive," Jaak stated with admiration. He then
ladled a spoonful of the chilled soup into his mouth, "And delicious too!"
	"Nothing but the best!"
	Quietly they ate the soup and drank most of the delicious Moselle
Liebfraumilch. Rick finished off the bottle between both of their glasses
removed the soup bowls and placed dinner plates down. He reached into the
microwave and removed a platter of lightly steamed, baby asparagus swimming
in lemon, peppered butter.
	"I think I've died and gone to heaven," came the appreciative
comment.
	Smiling, Rick opened the second bottle of wine and offered Jaak the
salmon aspic. Again they consumed the carefully prepared fare in wordless
delight.
	Later, as they sat in the living room, Jaak on the sofa, Rick in
one of the chairs still with their bath sheets wrapped about their
waists. A tray of fresh fruit rested between them on the coffee table. They
sipped the last of the second bottle of wine when Jaak commented, "You
know? You're one hell of a cook!"
	Smiling, "As I said, 'Nothing but the best'" came the reply.
	As they finished the wine, Rick asked, "Would you like a cup of
coffee?"
	"Yeah, That would be great."
	"Sorry, don't have any Mandaeling . . . you will have to do with
Kenyan dark roast."
	During the dinner and after, both men had relaxed and had slipped
into their usual, wry banter.
	With a grin, Jaak stated, "Well, if you can't have the best! Second
best will have to do!"
	Rick snorted, "You pompous Lithuanian ass."
	They both laughed. Rick retired to the kitchen and soon returned
with two mugs of steaming coffee.
	Sipping the hot aromatic coffee, they quietly regarded each
other. Jaak grieving to himself--the animal way in which he had used
Rick--unforgivable! Rick, on the other hand, marveling at the depth of
character in this man--from rough, almost violent behavior to unabashed
tenderness.
	"You know," Rick began, "You are one hell of a guy!"
	Jaak knitted his brows, trying to fathom his meaning.
	"You sure as hell aren't dumb, you're sensitive, got great sense of
humor, pretty well read . . . " Rick paused.
	"Don't forget moody and a bad temper!" Jaak added.
	Smiling Rick replied, "Moody, I've seen, bad temper I have
not. But, then we can't be perfect!"
	Jaak smiled, finished his coffee, set the mug down, stood up and
announced, "I've got to be going." He ambled towards the bedroom where his
clothes were.
	Rick did not try to intervene. Moments later Jaak returned, fully
clothed and appearing somewhat more relaxed. Rick walked him to the door.
	"Thanks for everything," Jaak said, and then quietly added,
"Please, forgive me for . . . "
	Rick placed his fingers over Jaak's mouth to stop the repeated,
heartfelt apology. "Nothing to forgive you for," he said.
	Jaak reached over and lightly kissed Rick, "Thanks." He opened the
door and left the apartment.
	Rick stood there for several moments considering this most
complicated man. He turned, surveyed the living room and the part of the
kitchen he could see and said to himself, "I'll clean up tomorrow," he said
to himself.
	He walked to the bathroom, turned on the water in the tub, adjusted
its temperature. Then he went to the linen closet, removed three small
boxes--one of epsom salts, one of powdered milk and one of sea salt--he
sprinkled liberal amounts into the steaming water. This was a family recipe
that his grandmother had sworn by. Rick had, on a number of occasions,
soaked in this mixture, particularly after a strenuous workout in the
gym. He found that it relaxed his aching muscles. He didn't know if it
really held any true medicinal value, but it always made him feel
better. He unwrapped the bath sheet and slowly lowered himself into the hot
water and just laid there, luxuriating and letting the mixture relax his
aching nether regions. From time to time, after the bath had cooled
somewhat, he would turn on the hot spigot. After forty-five minutes he got
out of the tub feeling considerably restored, toweled off and went to bed
where he quickly fell into a deep,
 healing sleep.
	Sunday mornings he usually slept late. Rick got up at 9:30, went
into the kitchen and fixed a cup of coffee. While the pot was brewing, he
stacked the dirty dishes into the dishwasher, wiped off the table and
counters and deposited the napkins into the hamper. He poured a cup of
coffee, sat on the sofa and flipped on the TV, turning it to CNN. He
watched and sipped.
	The doorbell sounded, breaking his reverie. Quickly he got up, ran
to the bedroom and donned his robe--Rick generally roamed his apartment
nude--went to the door, looked through the security eyepiece and saw Jaak
standing there.
	Quickly he opened the door. "Well, good morning," he said lightly.
	"Did I wake you?" Jaak asked and at the same holding out a small
bouquet of red roses.
	"No. I've been up for a while, and what are these for?" Rick asked,
taking the proffered flowers.
	"Peace offering."
	"I wasn't aware that there was a war!"
	"There was for me!"
	"Come in," Rick invited, "I was just having a cup of coffee. Want
one?"
	"I'd like that."
	Rick offered Jaak a steaming mug and said, "You'll have to excuse
me. I haven't had my shower yet. I'll only be a minute or two."
	"Take your time."
	After showering and toweling, Rick slipped into a pair of running
shorts, a polo shirt and reentered the living room. Jaak was lounging on
the sofa, perusing the morning paper which Rick had retrieved earlier.
	"More coffee?" Rick asked.
	"Sure."
	Taking Jaak's mug and retrieving his own, he entered the kitchen,
refilled the mugs, placing them on a tray, took the flowers, placed them in
water and also set them on the tray. He went back to the living room, set
the flowers on the coffee table and the mugs, as well.
	"The flowers are beautiful, but unnecessary."
	Jaak looked at Rick intently and said slowly, "Nothing is
unnecessary for you."
	Rick smiled.
	They sat there, silently, sipping their coffee and regarding each
other. Then, without a word Jaak got up and walked to the bedroom, Rick was
a bit confused, but after a minute he too stood up and followed. When he
entered the bedroom, Jaak was just removing his briefs, he stood upright,
turned to Rick and murmured, "I want you!"
	The appearance of this nude man as he stood there, resembled a
Roman god with its hairless torso. Dark blonde hair, blue eyes, full lips,
straight nose, broad shoulders, narrow waist and hips were exceeding
appealing to Rick. The thick bush of light colored pubic hair, from which
sprung that thick, uncut cock, flanked by muscled thighs created a sight of
unparalleled beauty and strength. Rick was transfixed!
	Quietly Jaak walked up to Rick, knelt before him, grasped the
waistband of the shorts and peeled them off. Rick had already begun to
swell, to lengthen. His burgeoning cock was quickly sucked into that hot,
moist mouth. Rick gasped and closed his eyes as the bead began to move on
and off his sensitized, hardening cock. Jaak hands roamed over muscular
thighs and up the laddered stomach to swelling pecs and grasped stiff
nipples. Rick moaned and began to slowly flex his hips in rhythm with the
sucking mouth.
	Jaak luxuriated in the feeling of that stiff, throbbing cock in his
mouth and he greedily sucked it. He had never thought that a man's cock
sliding in an out of his mouth would have given him so much pleasure. Yet,
here he was, sucking this cock with delightful abandon. Slowly, he
maneuvered Rick around 'til the back of his legs touched the mattress and
then he gently forced him down on the bed. Jaak knelt on the floor at the
foot of the bed between bent knees.
	Rick lay on the bed, his feet still on the floor, thighs spread and
his cock still buried in that hot, wet sucking mouth. He lifted his head
and watched as that blond head bobbed up and down on his cock. The sight
and the sensation brought him such ecstatic pleasure!
	Jaak pulled of that hard opulent cock and observed its wet, hard,
throbbing length. He bent forward again and began to lick the pendulous
ball-sack, anointing it with his tongue and gently slipping one ball into
his mouth. Again Rick gasped. This had never been done to him before and
the novelty of the act coupled with the inherent eroticism that it implied
was fantastic. Over, around, under, between that hot tongue explored.
	Rick's head began to move back and forth involuntarily as he
luxuriated in that lascivious onslaught. Spontaneously, he flexed his knees
and brought them towards his chest as if wanting to give that tongue free
and unimpeded access to his sensitized balls.
	Jaak smiled to himself. This was his reaction when, those many
months ago, Shala had done the same thing to him. He had planned this. His
actions the night before demanded this. He steeled himself and moved his
tongue downward towards that exposed tender opening. Carefully and gently
he laved his tongue back and forth over that puckered opening. This, too,
Shala had done and he remembered the unbelievable, astounding sensation
that it created. Back and forth his lubricated tongue gently massaged that
pursed opening. It brought Jaak no pleasure, he had originally rebelled at
the thought of it. Yet, the gasp and groans that issued from Ricks mouth
kept him going.
	The sensation became too much, and Rick gasped, "Enough! I can't
take any more."
	Jaak quickly stood up, walked into the bathroom where he rinsed his
mouth several times and stifled the gagging sensation. He returned to the
bedroom. Rick's feet had dropped back to the floor and he lay there,
panting with stiff cock standing like a flag pole in the middle of his
body.
	Jaak took a tube of KY from his pants pocket, squeezed out a dollop
and smeared it over, up and down that rigid, upstanding cock. Again, Rick
gasped. Carefully he re-annointed his fingers and slipped them between his
buttocks and into his ass hole--first one finger and then two fingers. He
maneuvered them in and out until he could feel his muscles relaxing.
	"Stand up!" he quietly ordered.
	Rick complied, eyes questioning.
	Jaak stepped to the bureau, grasped its edge and bent over. "Fuck
me!" he commanded again.
	Seeing his exposed ass and realizing the implications, Rick cried
out, "No! You don't have to do this, Jaak!"
	"Fuck my ass," Jaak again commanded in a raspy voice.
	"I can't." Rick admitted.
	"Why not?" Jaak asked as he stood up and turned towards Rick. Part
of the reason was evident.
	Rick stood there, hands at his side, distress registering on his
face and his cock at half-staff. "I can't. I know what it means to you, I
. . . . "
	"What it meant to me! What it means now is that I want you to fuck
me." Saying that he stepped over to Rick, grasped the slackening cock and
planted a probing kiss on his mouth. As his tongue probed and entwined with
Ricks, his hand gently moved over that cock until it sprung, again to rigid
life.
	Then quietly he said, "Help me, Rick. I want you to fuck me." He
turned around without loosening his grasp on that hard dick, bent over,
maneuvered the cock-head until it was pushing against his ass hole and
gently forced it in. His preparations had made the entry relatively
comfortable. "Please, my love, fuck me," he whispered. He bent further over
and grasped his knees for support.
	Rick wasn't quite sure he had heard the last statement
correctly. Yet, his cock-head, encased in that hot vestibule, demanded
further entry. Gently Rick grasped those muscular hips and carefully slid
his shaft a third of the way in.
	Jaak gasped. Not so much from any discomfort, but from a flashback
to those dark woods outside Vilnius. He quickly fought to suppress the
image. He opened his eyes and was met by his bent reflection in the bureau
mirror and the reflection of Rick behind him. Rick was watching Jaak in the
mirror.
	Jaak smiled back at the reflection and said, "Oh, yes. Your cock
feel so good in me!"
	Rick smiled back. "Yeahhhh! How wonderful your ass feels to
me. That beautiful, muscular ass!"
	He sunk another third of his cock into that hot, tight tunnel.
	"Ahhhh!" gasped Jaak, then he added, "Feels so good."
	Then, finally, all of it was buried in that tunnel. Slowly, gently
he began to fuck that lascivious opening--in and out, in and out.
	Pleasurable sensations began to infuse Jaak' being, and coupled
with Rick's verbal compliments, he began to find some pleasure. He stood
there, bent over and allowed Rick to fuck him. After minutes, the position
became uncomfortable, but he would not allow conscious acknowledgment. Then
his muscles began to twitch and then shake!
	Rick instantly realized what had happened, slowly he withdrew,
reached over and encircled Jaak' chest and pulled him up to a standing
position. Turning the Lithuanian around and embracing him, he uttered,
"Enough!" His awareness was buttressed by being aware that Jaak' big cock
merely hung , limply down.
	"But you didn't cum!"
	Smiling he answered, "No . . . it's not necessary."
	"But why?"
	"The gift in and of itself was enough!" Again he hugged Jaak and
the latter was also aware that the cock that a minute was proud and hard,
now, like his, was flaccid and soft. The kissed gently, but firmly,
reveling in the sacrifice given and received.
	Together, they lay on the bed, embracing each other and fell into a
refreshing sleep.  Epilogue


	Months had passed since that fateful weekend. Jaak and Rick's
couplings, there intimacy grew and deepened. After the New Year they
decided to rent an apartment together--a two bedroom in a secluded part of
Alexandria. There they continued to grow together.
	They spoke frequently of the past. These sessions were both
revelatory as well as healing. In time those old wounds had healed with
love to the point that they were mere scars that were noted from time to
time--nothing more.
	Rick had told Jaak of his brief, but pivotal association with Hamid
in Singapore--of the pain and emptiness in their separation. He had even
questioned, one time, if Hamid was now as happy and as content as he now
was.
	Rick would never know!

	He would never know that Hamid al Omar had returned to Cairo and
took up his management of the tea shop after his brief absence. He would
never know that Hamid leadenly went about the process of living and
working. He would never know how much their brief coupling had affected
Hamid.
	Ahmad was a frequent visitor and they spent long hours talking and
sipping aromatic tea. But Ahmad percieved a fundamental difference in his
long time friend.
	"You seem so different Hamid," he commented once.
	"Mmmm!" was all Hamid acknowledged.
	"You are so quiet! What happen while you were away?"
	Ahmad knew nothing of Hamid's assignment for el Amarna. Nor did he
know that Hamid had been in Singapore. He would not even deign to ask. Such
was the rule of the brotherhood.
	"Nothing important," Hamid lied.
	But Ahmad thought that was not true! But, he would probe no deeper.
	Hamid simply could not tell his friend what had transpired in
Singapore. It was beyond his ken, beyond the realm of what he thought was
acceptable, beyond belief. So they continued their friendship, but a
friendship with a wide gulf.
	Two months after his return to Cairo, Fatimah, his mother suddenly
took sick and passed away, quietly. Hamid was devastated. His normally
reticent demeanor, coupled with the passionate assault on his psyche that
he experienced with Rick, was compounded by the loss. He sunk into a deep
depression.
	Some time later, when the work day drew to a close, Ahmad stopped
by. He regularly visited his old friend. Hamid invited Ahmad to sample a
new tea that had just arrived. After carefully closing the shutters to the
shop they retired to the back and the tea was carefully prepered. They were
quietly sipping tea.
	As was normal of late, Hamid sunk into some dark recess of his
spirit as if he were on a different plane. Ahmad on numerous occasions had
tried to initiate the light conversations that they two had enjoyed years
before, but to no avail.
	Ahmad ached for the unknown wound, the unknown trouble that
afflicted his friend. Suddenly, with out conscous thought, he reached over
and tenderly cupped Hamid's face in his hands, "My dear friend . . . . What
is the matter?"
	It was the right action. It was the right moment. It was the right
question.
	Hamid looked at his friend, his eyes suddenly overflowed with a
lifetime of tears, gut wrenching sobs wracked his body. Ahmad was
surprised, even a bit shcked at this sudden emotional release. Still he
remained constant. Still he held his friends face. Still they remained
frozen in that attitude until the sobs had lessened. Then, as if propelled
by some unseen power, some unknown force, Ahmad bent forward and lightly
kissed Hamid's cheek. It was a totally uncharacteristic action. Neither had
even remotely been prepared--but it happened, it was done, it spoke
volumes. As he drew back, Hamid's eyes suddenly cleared as he looked deep
into his friend's soul.
	For the first time in months a slight smile insinuated itself
across Hamid's face. Then he clasped Ahmad's face in his hands and slowly,
deliberately, leaned forward and tenderly kissed his lips. The kiss was
tentative and when Ahmad did not recoil, they both moved into new territory
and kissed again, tongues tentatively explored.

	Hamid and Ahmad became lovers. They, too, were happy and content.
	But Rick would never know!
	The circle was now complete.