DISCLAIMER:

 

M/M, m/m, M/m

 

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

This story contains descriptions of explicit sexual acts of boys and men discovering their sexuality. It contains graphic scenes of sex between consenting underage boys, consenting adult males and boys with adult males (eventually). If this type of content offends you or you are under the age of 18, do not read it.

 

If it is illegal to read such material where you live or if you find the topic distasteful, then please stop reading now. You have been warned.

 

This story is the property of the author. It can be downloaded for personal reading pleasure or sending to a friend, but if you wish to re-post them at your own site, please contact the author for permission.

 

Copyright 2016 WSC, all rights reserved.

 

A copy of the story has been assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of its submission agreement. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to enderwiggin61@outlook.com

 

All flames will be politely ignored.

 

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Author's Note:

 

I started writing this story, never intending it to grow into what it has become. It seems to have taken on a life of its own. I hope you enjoy.

 

Also, if you are enjoying this story, my first story can be found here:

https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/moments

 

Chapter 56 – The End of the Road?

 

 

Back at the church, a few hours later...

 

I saw a flash of headlights in the corridor and knew it was time. I engaged the radio and said, "Looks like our first suspect, excuse me, guest, has just arrived. Places, everyone, and be ready to move on my signal."

 

Warren and Michelle headed for the front door to greet whoever was arriving, while my group of eight turned to the kitchen and stuffed ourselves into the pantry. It was a bit tight with eight of us in the smallish space, but we'd survive it. We had nothing to do now but wait for Warren to come let us know when everyone was seated. By the time we heard a hand on the latch to the pantry door some twenty minutes later, the temperature inside the confining space had risen about fifteen degrees and we were beginning to become quite uncomfortable. We all heaved a huge sigh of relief when the door was finally pulled open and we could breathe normally again.

 

"Okay, Sergeant Brock," Warren whispered. "Everyone is seated and from what Michelle and I could discern, no one suspects this get-together is anything more than a dinner at church with their friends. We'll stay out of your way and let do your job."

 

"Thank you, Pastor. We'll try to make this quick." I looked at my team and raised my eyebrows to see if they were ready. After receiving nods from all, I clicked my radio three times to signal the others it was time to move in and received one acknowledgment click in return. I motioned for Perry and Zach to take their position at the kitchen door, then tapped the other four on their shoulders for them assume their assigned positions. Derek and I remained in the kitchen, watching our people move quietly across the hall, until the exits were secured. Many of the `guests' faces revealed mild surprise at the sudden appearance of four uniformed police at their dinner, while a handful or others registered nothing less than stark terror.

 

Once our team was in position, Derek and I walked out of the kitchen. Several of the `guests' recognized me from charitable functions and began to point at us and whisper amongst themselves as we quietly stalked our way across the room to stand behind Frank and Iris. Frank was just starting to turn his head to look behind him when I put a hand on his shoulder. When he felt the contact, he whipped his head on around and looked up to see who was there. I saw a flash of recognition in his eyes that quickly morphed into something for which no words could ever do justice. It was mixture of terror, defeat, anger, defiance, all rolled into one hideously ugly countenance.

 

"Good evening, Mr. Mueller. Pleasure to see you, again. Nice to see you, too, Mrs. Mueller. We're so glad you could join us on this very special occasion," I said in greeting, with my most polite voice.

 

"What are you doing here, you unholy faggot lover?"

 

"I'm here to tell you and all your friends that your days as child rapists and sex abusers are at an end."

 

"I don't know what you're talking about," Frank protested.

 

"Sure, you do, Frank. There's no point trying to lie your way out of it. I know what's inside the file cabinets in the office just down the hall over there. I've seen the room where you forced children to do things no civilized human would ever do. I found the camera hidden in the wall all of you used to record your sick and sordid activities. I have an interview with one of your victims, recorded for posterity, where he explains in graphic detail the hell you and your wife put him through. By the time we get done with you and your friends here, you're going to wish you'd never been born." I could see his resolve melt with each statement and by the time I was ready to utter my final statement, he'd wilted like a flower in the middle of an August drought. "Frank Mueller, I'm placing you under arrest for multiple counts of child abuse, sexual assault of a minor, child endangerment, unlawful detainment, kidnapping and whatever else we can think of. Stand up you sickening sack of shit."

 

"What's going on here?" came a voice from the other side of the room.

 

"Please, sir, take your seat. Your turn's coming," I called back. Several other guests stood and searched for an open exit. But when they realized they'd all been blocked, they sat back down and nervously awaited their fates.

 

Looking utterly defeated, he placed his hands on the table and slowly levered himself upright. When I started to place the cuffs around his left wrist, his right hand suddenly left the tabletop, aimed directly at my face. I dodged the shot, and, since I already had his left hand in my grasp, I spun him back around and slammed his face into the table. "Frank, Frank, Frank. I tried to be nice, polite even, and you just had to go and ruin it." By now, Iris was screaming at full volume, going on and on about police brutality and how she was going to sue the department, blah, blah, blah. After both of Frank's arms were pulled behind his back and the cuffs securely locked around both wrists, I planted his sorry ass back in his chair. "Don't move a muscle you disgusting pile of filth," I growled.

 

I then turned to the screaming hyena named Iris and roared right back at her, "Shut your pie-hole you ignorant, child abusing bitch!" Amazingly, she did just that as she sat there, stunned that someone would ever deign to give back what she dished out. "Stand up, Iris." When she hesitated, Derek, um, assisted her. While he held her in place, I slipped a brand-new pair of shiny silver bracelets around her wrists, all the while telling her she was also under arrest for the same charges as her husband. Derek then assisted her, none too gently, as she sat back down. I turned back to Frank and lifted his chin so I could see his face. Upon seeing the blood flowing freely from his nose, across his lips and dripping off his chin onto what I was sure was his Sunday best white shirt, I said, "Oh, my, I am so sorry Mr. Mueller, but it appears you've somehow broken your nose. Well, look at it this way, it could always be worse. Guess you should be glad I didn't decide to turn you into a eunuch with a dull and rusty knife."

 

I finally turned my attention to the rest of the gathering and discovered my timing was impeccable as our reinforcements had arrived and were streaming into the room. I held up a hand to have them stop where they were. I then announced, "All of you are being arrested for the same charges as Frank and Iris Mueller, child abuse, sexual assault of a minor, child endangerment, unlawful detainment, and kidnapping. Please remain in your seats and we will be with you shortly to handcuff and lead you from the building. Your next stop will be the county building for booking. If anyone resists, you will be treated accordingly. Mr. Mueller, here, is an example of what could happen if you decide to be uncooperative. Get to work, guys and gals, everyone goes out of here in handcuffs, or wrist restraints if we run out of cuffs."

 

I stood back and supervised as the remaining twenty-four submitted to their fates, most calmly, but there were a few others, like Frank, who didn't appreciate missing out on their free dinner. Nothing too serious, though, as, apparently, nobody else wanted to see what a broken nose, or worse, felt like. It took almost forty-five minutes to corral all twenty-six individuals, but when the whole group had been loaded into vehicles like cattle going off to be slaughtered, Derek and I found Warren and Michelle waiting calmly in the kitchen.

 

"Pastor, we're done here for tonight. However, we'll be back tomorrow to continue our work in that office and the room below it. We'll be removing the materials from the file cabinets and obtaining evidence in the form of fingerprints and body fluids. We will also assist in putting your Fellowship Hall back to normal if you'd like. We will make every attempt to minimize our impact on your lives as we continue our investigation, but I can't make any guarantees. One request I have for you is to give me your key to that office. It's a crime scene and we need to control access to it until we are done here." Warren reached into his pocket, pulled out his keys and removed the offending key from the rest before pressing it into my hand.

 

"Thank you, sir. I want to thank you both for your help tonight. I truly hated to draft you into our nightmare and have you deceive people you thought you knew, but I felt it was best to get them all at one time and this seemed like the best way and place to do it. Had we tried to arrest them at their homes or elsewhere, it's possible that word of what was happening would have spread before we could have found them all. The risk of any one of them taking off was more than I was willing to allow. You have performed a great service to your church and your community and I intend to see you are recognized for your efforts. Before we go, is there anything we can do for you?"

 

"Will you please pray for our souls for allowing such wickedness to occur?"

 

"I will be happy to do so, Pastor."

 

"What should we do with all this food?" Michelle asked. "It seems such a waste to just throw it out."

 

"You might try one of the soup kitchens for the homeless downtown or the Salvation Army. I'm sure they would make good use of whatever you want to give them. We're going to get out of your way now. Please, go home and rest, for tomorrow's another day. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to call Derek or myself."

 

Derek and I turned and left the church, leaving Warren and Michelle to begin dealing with the fallout that was sure to come their way. As we settled in our car and buckled in, I said, "Now, that was a good day's work, Derek. Makes all those other days of doing nothing much seem worthwhile, doesn't it?"

 

"What happens now, boss?"

 

"Tomorrow, we come back and clean out that office. There are thousands of files in those cabinets. Every one of them is a kid who's been abused and had their lives screwed up by all those people. Some of them may remember it and just never said anything to anyone. I'd imagine quite a few have done what Max did, blocked it out. But, we still owe it to every one of them to let them know their abusers have been caught and will pay for what they've done."

 

"I'm not looking forward to that, Sarge. Opening old wounds, forcing people to relive that shit. After seein' what it's done to Max, I can't imagine the reaction some of these others will have."

 

"It's not going to be pretty, but it still needs to be done. The thing I want to find out is how and when this all got started. The oldest file I saw is over thirty years old and the most recent is two weeks. And that room had to be created when the church was built, so, to me, it sounds like the pastor at that time knew what was going on and was probably involved. We have to locate him, too."

 

"What if he's already dead?"

 

"Then good riddance to bad rubbish." We drove the rest of the way through town to the county building in silence. As we walked into our office, there was a line of suspects against the wall waiting their turn to be processed. I walked up to Kelly who was in charge for the moment and said, "Make sure these individuals are treated properly. I don't want to have to worry about lawsuits for excessive force or anything else. Also, we may have to move around some of the other inmates already inside to make room for all these new people. I want them in a safe location, so no other prisoner can get to them. Understood?"

 

"Absolutely, Sarge. Kid gloves, I promise."

 

"Good work, tonight, Kelly. Pass that on to everyone who was there to help."

 

"You got it. Thanks, boss."

 

I turned to head for my office and almost ran over Derek who had snuck up behind me. "Damn it, Derek, don't do that."

 

"Sorry, boss," he chuckled as if he wasn't sorry at all. "What do you want me to do?"

 

"Go home, give your wife and kiddos a kiss and some hugs and enjoy a peaceful evening with your family. Tomorrow, the real work begins."

 

"Thank you, sir. See you in the morning." Derek turned and took a hike just as quickly as his feet could carry him.

 

I started leave also, but turned back at the last minute to give a few more instructions to Kelly. "Kelly, a moment of your time, please." We walked a few feet away before I continued. "It's going to take several hours to get all of these people through intake and settled into their new accommodations. Send somebody out to McDonald's, Hardees or Wendy's and have them get some food. They did miss their supper, after all. Raid petty cash, take up collection, whatever. Just make sure I get the receipt so whoever pays can be reimbursed."

 

"Yes, sir. Anything else?"

 

"You know we normally separate the men and women into different cells. If couples want to stay together tonight, I'm fine with that and we'll deal with splitting them up tomorrow."

 

"Aw, aren't you the sweetheart?"

 

"Not really. I really couldn't care less, but for most of them, this will be their last night together. I'll let `em have that. See ya' tomorrow."

 

With that, I turned and left the building. I still had one more stop to make before I could go home. After climbing in my car, I pulled my phone out and sent another quick text, `On my way. Half-hour.'

 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

 

"That was a good supper, bubba. Thanks for cooking again, today," I complimented Tom.

 

"No problem. You feeling any better?"

 

"I'm awake, if that's what you mean? That's a whole lot better than earlier today."

 

"Hey, Dad," Alex started, "You were gonna talk to Mr. Brock today, weren't you?"

 

"I was and I did."

 

"How'd it go?" Joey asked.

 

"It was pretty rough reliving what I went through, but I managed to get through it in one piece, thanks to Pops sticking beside me. If he hadn't been there, I don't know..."

 

"So, what do they do now?"

 

"They'll have to search the church, talk to a lot of people to see who knows what, all kinds of things."

 

"Well, when will the Muellers go to jail?" Alex asked.

 

"It'll be months before that happens, guys. The police have to do their job first, then turn everything over to attorneys who'll decide what charges to press, next they go to a grand jury to get indictments, then they get arrested. Once all that's done, they'll finally go to trial, and if the police and the attorneys do their jobs properly, the jury will say they're guilty and finally, after months and months of legal maneuvering and wrangling, they'll actually get sent to prison."

 

"Geez, that sounds ridiculous," Logan commented. "After what I heard this morning, why not just get it over with quick and shoot `em now?"

 

"As good an idea as that is, Logan, that's not the way the justice system works."

 

"What do you mean `heard', Logan," Joey asked.

 

"Oops, shouldn't a said that."

 

"What's he talkin' `bout, Dad?" Alex asked.

 

"Logan managed to listen to my conversation with Dylan and Derek this morning."

 

"WHAT!? How come he got hear everything and we didn't?" Joey yelled.

 

"Because I didn't know he was doing it. He was sitting on the floor of your room, just inside the door."

 

"That's not fair, we wanted you to tell us everything, but you wouldn't."

 

"Dudes!" Logan yelled, "Chill out. Trust me, you don't want to know. It's some really sick shit."

 

"Listen up, all of you," Tom interjected. "We didn't want Logan to know any more than the rest of you do. We can't help that he eavesdropped. And just because he did, don't expect to learn anything more. It's not gonna happen. Now, we're gonna quit talkin' about it and move on, got it?"

 

"Yeah, we got it, Pops," Joey answered.

 

"Don't like it much, but hey, we're just kids. Guess we don't count," Alex bemoaned.

 

"Boys," I started, "you count more than you'll ever know. If you weren't here right now to help me through this, I'd be completely lost. I need all of you to guide me, to give me a reason to keep fighting. Promise me you'll do that."

 

"I will, Dad," Mike chirped.

 

"Me, too," Andy added.

 

"Three," came from Alex.

 

T.J. offered up, "Four."

 

"Five," said Joey.

 

"Six?" Logan asked.

 

"You bet, buddy. I'll take all the help I can get," I responded while ruffling his hair. "Now, can we please do something besides talk about my past?" I begged.

 

"I cast my vote for a swim. Who's with me?" Tom offered.

 

With cheers of agreement from all, we grabbed towels and headed outside. The boys immediately jumped in and started playing as they usually do while Tom and I headed for deeper and calmer waters at the opposite end of the pool. We'd been settled in for about fifteen minutes, just enjoying watching the boys' antics, when the drive sensor announced someone coming in.

 

I looked at Tom and asked, "You expecting anyone?"

 

"Nope, you?"

 

"Not hardly."

 

"I'll see who it is and get rid of them," Tom offered.

 

He got out of the pool, grabbed a towel and did a quick dry off before wrapping the towel around his waist and heading to the house. Since you can see the front door of the house from the pool, I watched intently as Tom walked through the living room and opened it. I was amazed to see Dylan filling the doorway as Tom let him in. I jumped out of the pool and as I headed to grab my own towel, I called out, "Boys, out of the pool, please."

 

"But we just got in!" Joey yelled back.

 

"I know, but Dylan's here and I have go see what's going on."

 

"Woo-hoo!" T.J. squealed. "Is he here to swim, too?"

 

"I don't think so," I answered while drying off. "Can you all sit at the table and chat for a bit, please? Tom and I will be back out soon."

 

"But we wanna say hi," Mike whined.

 

"And you will, right after Tom and I have talked to him. I promise, okay?"

 

"Okay," they all moaned.

 

"Thanks, guys. We'll be back soon." I wrapped the towel around me and ran into the house. "Dylan, what are you doing here?"

 

"Didn't Tom tell you I was coming? I sent him a text."

 

"Whoops, sorry, Sarge. I left the phone in the bedroom."

 

"No problem. I've got some news for you and I thought you'd like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. Can we sit?"

 

"Sure."

 

As we head headed to the living room, Dylan commented, "Nice wraps, guys. Very, uh, manly," he chuckled.

 

"Ha-ha, very funny, smartass, uh, boss," Tom laughed.

 

"Thanks, I try. And I'm not your boss any more, or did you forget you quit?" he cracked as we took our seats.

 

"Please, please, please, tell me you have good news," I begged.

 

"Oh, I could, but I'd be lyin' to ya'." My face sagged as I muttered several unintelligible bad words. "No, what I have is great news." I lifted my head back up and waved my hands telling him to spit it out already since I'd seemed to have lost my voice. "Frank and Iris are now long-term guests of the county jail. Looks like it's the end of the yellow-brick road for them," he grinned.

 

"Wha ... already ... how!?"

 

"I'd like to say it was brilliant police work, but these people were dumb."

 

"What do you mean, `these people'?"

 

"Let me back up a couple of hours and start over. It'll make a lot more sense to ya'." Dylan spent the next half-hour telling us how he, Derek and the others had spent the afternoon and early evening. I was absolutely floored when he told us about the file cabinets and their contents, let alone the other twenty-four people who were arrested with the Muellers. I was also petrified at the possibility there were pictures of me floating around out there somewhere and only god, scumbag that he is, knew where. When Dylan finally wound down, he paused for a moment and then added, "Oh, here, I have something for you." He reached into his coat, pulled out a file and handed it to me. A quick peek at the label on the folder told me I wanted nothing to do with it and I passed it on to Tom.

 

Tom took one look at the label, nodded gravely, then shoved the folder under his leg. "Uh, I hate to ask the obvious question, Dylan, but aren't you gonna be in deep shit for tampering with evidence?" Tom asked.

 

"Who the fuck's gonna know? Nobody saw me take it, I made sure of that. As far as I'm concerned right now, that folder and what's in it doesn't exist and never did. There're so many more, nobody's going to miss one. I figure I owe you that for helping us nail these fuckers."

 

"You didn't look inside?" I asked.

 

"Only for a moment, Max, just long enough to be pretty sure it was yours. I didn't want to invade your privacy any more than absolutely necessary."

 

"So, you don't know for sure that the pictures inside are me."

 

"No, I don't. I'm pretty sure they are, but not absolutely positive. I have no clue what you looked like back then."

 

"Give it to me, Tom."

 

"You sure about that?"

 

After a curt nod from me, he pulled the file from under his leg and passed it back. I flipped the file open and was horrified at the contents. There were ten pictures of me, Frank and Iris engaged in a wide variety of sex acts and not just one, or even two DVDs, but three of the damn things. I could only imagine what those discs contained and it was making me sick. After a few moments, I closed the folder, handed it back to Tom and he stuffed it back under his leg.

 

"Yep, it's me, all right. Those fucking scumbags! I can't believe this fuckin' shit! First, they rape me for what seems like forever, and even now, they're still fucking with my life. Is there any way to know who else might have these?" I asked.

 

"The truth? Probably not, Max," Dylan admitted. "We're going back in tomorrow to remove the other files and whatever else we can find. I didn't search the desk today, but will be doing that tomorrow, also. I'm pretty sure there's a computer inside the desk since the cable from the camera was run through the side of it. It has to be connected to something. I'm hoping we'll find some type of financial records in the desk or computer that will lead to others."

 

"What's going to happen to everything you find?"

 

"Well, we're going to turn it all over the FBI and let them deal with it. There's just way too much material for our department to deal with alone. I'm going to leave it up to them to track down all these kids, many of whom are obviously adults by now. Since I'm sure we're dealing with an international child pornography ring, investigative agencies all around the world will be getting involved."

 

"Oh, christ! Are you sure this is the only file with my name on it?"

 

"I'm assuming so. I didn't see any other files with duplicate names and by the date range on the label, since it covers almost three years, I'm pretty sure that's the only one you have to worry about."

 

"But since the investigation was started because of information from me, won't it be obvious to someone, somewhere, that there's no file that matches the name on the tape."

 

"I'll cross that bridge when and if we ever get to it. I know you want to dispose of that file as quickly as possible, but I have to ask you to hold on to it for a while, just in case."

 

"I don't know how I can ever thank you Dylan."

 

"Don't worry about it. I'm just doing my job and you made it easy for once. Well, those idiots did, too. I couldn't believe how stupid they were to keep all that shit in the church. Oh, there's one other tidbit I forgot to tell you that I think you're really gonna like."

 

"What's that?" I asked.

 

"Frank was the first person I tried to cuff. He, uh, wasn't being very cooperative and in the ensuing scuffle, I kinda broke his nose when I slammed his face into the table," Dylan said with an evil smile.

 

"Too bad you didn't just kill the bastard."

 

"I thought about it, believe me, but figured the piece of shit wasn't worth losing my job over."

 

"No, you're right, of course. We appreciate you coming back out tonight to tell us what's happened. It's a huge load off my mind. Just knowing I'll never have to worry about them again is such a relief. Of course, them getting arrested tonight means they'll probably never pay the hotline."

 

"I've got an idea on that," Dylan responded. "I don't know if the county's ever done it before, but I'm going to check into having a lien placed on their home and any other assets we can locate. Considering the size and scope of this thing, they almost have to be sitting on a fairly large amount money. Finding it could be difficult, but I won't stop until I do."

 

"Good thinking. As much as I want to see them in prison, I want those damages paid. I'll check with James in the morning, see if he can help you with that since he was going to be working on it anyway."

 

"That'd be great, Max. Well look, I better get going," Dylan said as he stood up. "I just wanted to give you the good news and that file."

 

"Oh, no you don't, you're not getting out of here that easy. We have six boys just dying to say hi. Tom, why don't you put that in the safe and I'll take Dylan out to see the boys."

 

"You got it, babe. Be out there in just a minute." Tom headed to the bedroom while Dylan and I went out to the pool. Bedlam reigned as soon as I opened the door to the shelter and all six lads scampered across the deck and wrapped Dylan in hugs.

 

"Hey, Mr. Brock. How ya' doin?" Joey asked.

 

"You wanna go swimmin'?" T.J. begged.

 

"I'm good and I think I'll take a pass on swimmin' tonight. I need to get home and relax," he answered.

 

"Oh, c'mon, Mr. Brock," Alex cajoled. "What's more realxin' than takin' a swim?"

 

"He does have a point, Dylan," I commented.

 

"Oh, what the hell, y'all talked me into it," he relented. He'd just started getting undressed when Tom rejoined us.

 

"You're gonna join us, I see," Tom chuckled.

 

"You know I can't say no to these munchkins," Dylan laughed.

 

"Hey, we're not munchkins anymore," Joey complained. "We're nine now, ya' know."

 

"I seem to recall something about that since I was here for your party," Dylan laughed.

 

As he finally removed his boxers, Logan's eye shot open in surprise and I caught him whisper to Alex and Joey, "Holy shit, man, his dick's huge!" I couldn't stifle my laugh.

 

As we walked to the pool, Joey asked, "So, what'd you do today, Mr. Brock?"

 

"I arrested the Mueller's and put `em jail."

 

"No shit!" Alex yelled.

 

"No shit, guys. They're gonna go away for a lo-o-o-ng time."

 

"Thanks, Mr. Brock," T.J. responded. "Maybe Dad can start workin' towards gettin' better, now."

 

"I hope so, too, son," I said as I wrapped an arm around his shoulder and gave him a light squeeze.

 

Once we were all in the water, the boys paired up and began their assaults, Joey and Logan going after Dylan, Alex and Andy coming after me and T.J. and Mike attacking Tom. We allowed the boys to frolic and have some fun for half an hour before I was worn out and excused myself from the melee and headed for calmer waters. Tom and Dylan followed suit and soon the three of us were comfortably ensconced in a corner well away from the sensational six-pack.

 

"Damn, those guys give you a helluva workout, don't they?"

 

"That they do," Tom agreed.

 

"I could almost give up goin' to the `Y' to work out."

 

"I'm sure the boys would welcome you with open arms."

 

"I gotta ask, though, are they always hard as nails like that?"

 

"When we're in the pool, pretty much," I answered.

 

"Oh, to be young and carefree, again," Dylan opined. "Look I gotta tell you two somethin'," he started with a sheepish grin. "Ever since that first night I came out here and told y'all about Malcom, I can't get him out of my head." Tom and I exchanged a furtive glance, but said nothing. "I never really realized how much I miss that dude. I've done a little searchin' for him since then, but can't seem to find a trace of his sorry ass. You guys know a competent investigator who could help me out? I'm willing to pay."

 

"Well, my office isn't ready yet, but when it is in a couple weeks, I could spend some spare time helpin' you out," Tom deadpanned.

 

"Really, you'd do that?"

 

"I'd be happy to, boss. Everybody deserves to have some happiness in their lives, even crusty old dudes like you."

 

"What the hell you takin' `bout, `crusty old dudes'?" Dylan asked indignantly. "I'm only a couple years older than your fiancé."

 

"Yeah, I know. He's a crusty old dude, too," Tom answered with a laugh. I splashed water into Tom's face and when he quit sputtering, he continued, "But I don't love him any less because of it."

 

"You two really are good together, you know that, don't you? It's almost like you complete each other."

 

"I knew that the moment we met at the Mueller's," I responded. "That's why I asked Tom to marry me. I know to everyone else it seems like we're rushing into it, but we know we're not. We really have known each other forever, it just took us a while to find the one we're supposed be with."

 

"I'm really happy for both of you. I can tell you're going to have a good and fulfilling life."

 

"Once my `drain bamage' is fixed, we will. I've got some work ahead of me to get my life back from Frank and Iris, but I'm gonna do it, come hell or high water. Having Tom here to help guide me through that process and the support of the boys and our parents will help."

 

"Wish I could expect a happy ending for me, too, but I just don't see that happening."

 

"Give yourself some time, man," Tom replied. "Remember, patience is a virtue."

 

"Guess I ain't too virtuous, then, `cause I got no patience," Dylan laughed.

 

"It'll happen, eventually," I said.

 

"Well, look, I appreciate the swim and relaxation, but I gotta get my tired ass home. Tomorrow's gonna be a long damn day and I need some sleep."

 

We climbed out of the water and I called to the boys, "C'mon guys. You need to say goodbye to Dylan and then hit the showers. We'll have a snack when you're cleaned up." They all moaned in defeat, but didn't argue as they climbed out of the water. We met at the table to grab towels and started drying off.

 

While we were doing that, Dylan asked, "How you doin' tonight, Logan?"

 

"Eh, better I guess. At least I can sit down without my ass hurtin'. I still look kinda raccoonish, though," he giggled. "Hey, did you talk to my old man today?"

 

"I'm sorry, Logan, I didn't have time. I will tomorrow, though, I promise."

 

"Thanks, Sergeant Brock."

 

Dylan wrapped his clothes into a ball, tucked them under his arm and said, "Well, I'm outta here guys. I'll talk to y'all later."

 

"Wait," Logan started, "you ain't gettin' dressed?"

 

"Nope."

 

"Damn, wish I could that. Drivin' `round naked sounds like fun."

 

"It is. Someday, you'll get to find out."

 

"Wait, Dylan," I called out before he could move. I stepped over to him, stood on my toes to make myself tall enough, wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a little peck on the cheek. "Thanks for believing in me and what you did today. It really means a lot. Maybe I can finally start putting all this shit behind me."

 

"Happy to do it. I'll call you tomorrow and let you know what's goin' on." With that, he turned and led the way to the house. As we crossed through the house, they boys all gave Dylan a hug before they turned towards their rooms to get cleaned up. Once they'd disappeared down the hall, Tom and I followed Dylan to the door and let him out.

 

When he was in the car and pulling away, Tom turned to me and said, "That was pretty ballsy of you."

 

"What?" I asked innocently.

 

"Givin' my old boss a hug and a kiss, right in front of me."

 

"I was just telling him thanks, Tom, no reason to get all jealous."

 

"I'm just hopin' you saved some for me," he pouted.

 

Without delay, I dropped my towel on the floor, wrapped my arms around my big teddy bear, and kissed him passionately, tongue darting between his lips as I did. I could feel his interest, among other things, rising the longer we kissed. We were still standing at the front door, lost in each other's embrace, when we heard a cough and Joey's voice piped up from behind us, "Oh, geez, they're at it again. Would you two get a room already?" We separated and turned as one to find Joey, Alex and Logan headed to the kitchen for their snack.

 

"And would you put those things away, please? There's young children present," Alex laughed.

 

"Not like you three have a lot of room to talk, is there? Maybe you should put yours away. There's old farts here, ya know? What makes you think we want to see that?"

 

They all looked down and immediately started laughing, "No, I guess not," Alex giggled. "Besides, we know you two like lookin' at us when we're hard." I shook my head chidingly, knowing we'd just crossed a line with Logan being there. "Don't worry `bout it, Dad. He's cool."

 

I turned to Tom, "Let's get our own shower so we can get their snacks and put them to bed."

 

"Don't take forever in there," Joey yelled at our backs with a laugh as we retreated to our room.

 

In our shower, we got busy washing off the pool and Tom said, "I need to tell you somethin'."

 

"What? That you really are jealous of Dylan?"

 

"Oh, hell no, that didn't bother me at all. No, and I don't want you to be pissed at me or nothin', either." I gave him a strange look before he continued, "Before I put that folder in the safe, I looked in it," he said, hanging his head in shame.

 

"That's all right, big guy. I'd be more surprised if you hadn't. You had to be curious."

 

"Well, yeah, I was. And as sickening as those pictures are, I gotta tell ya', you were one hot little fucker. That one shot of just you, naked, hard and hairless, I really like that one. One look at that one and I was hard, just like that," he said as he snapped his fingers. "That's what took me so long to join you guys at the pool. I had to will myself soft, again, and it wasn't easy to do."

 

"I guess I should accept that as a compliment, though considering the circumstances of when those pictures were taken, it's a bit difficult to do."

 

"I know that, and that's what's freakin' me out a bit. I know what was goin' on, but I can't get over how cute you were."

 

"I'd like to think I'm still kinda cute," I retorted with a bit of a pout.

 

"Oh, you are, in spades, but ..."

 

"But what?"

 

"I don't know, babe, that's my problem. I'm startin' to think I'm just like them, Frank and Iris, and all their sick friends."

 

"Oh, no you don't. You would never do what they did. Do you remember what you said to me the other night? What they did came from hate and the feeling of power they had, not love, and that's the difference between them and us. We know that if anything happens between us and our sons, it's going to come from our love for each other and it's going to be something they want, that they've asked to share something special with us. It's not going to be something only we want and we won't ever force them to do anything they don't want to."

 

"You seem so sure about that. How?"

 

"Because, even as sick and twisted as my mind is, I know I could never, ever hurt another person the way I was. I won't allow myself to repeat that. I will never dictate the terms because if I do that, then I'm no better than they are. Our sons will tell us what they want, and, if it's reasonable, I'll think about it. If they ask for something I know will inflict pain or damage, it won't happen, no matter how much they might beg for it."

 

"You make it sound so simple."

 

"And I know it really isn't, but that's the way it has to be."

 

"Agreed. Hey, we better get out of here before they come lookin' for us."

 

We quickly rinsed off, dried ourselves and joined the boys in the kitchen. All six were lined up on the five stools, patiently awaiting our return. We set them up with some milk and cookies and they wasted no time inhaling them. Typical eating machines, and now we have six of them. Time for another visit to the grocery store. With their plates and glasses empty and bellies full again, they rinsed everything and dropped it in the dishwasher.

 

"Y'all go get in bed and we'll be in soon to say goodnight," Tom said.

 

"We knew that, Pops. We're goin'." T.J. cracked.

 

The sensational six-pack headed towards their rooms without further comment. Tom and I were quite content to stand there and watch those six beautiful behinds jiggle and shake all the way across the house until they disappeared into the hallway. I wondered what it would be like to have ten, twelve or even more to watch and I shivered as the image flashed through my brain. We finished cleaning up the kitchen while we gave the boys a few minutes to go to the bathroom one more time and climb in bed before we followed in their footsteps.

 

We stopped in Mike, Andy and T.J.'s room first and they were all curled up in the middle of the bed, waiting for the covers to be pulled up. We quickly took care of that task, then leaned in from each side of the bed to exchange hugs, kisses, love yous and goodnights. As we left the room, I said, "Sleep well guys, we love you," then turned out the light and closed the door.

 

"Those three look so cute and innocent when they cuddle under the covers like that."

 

"Looks can be deceiving, big guy. Didn't you see the hands roaming under the covers?"

 

"No! How the hell did I miss that?"

 

"Not a clue, but it was happening. I think those three are about to catch up to their brothers in experience," I chuckled.

 

We entered the other bedroom currently in use to find Alex, Logan and Joey quietly enjoying each other's bodies. While not a big surprise, I cleared my throat to get their attention and after Logan had scrambled to cover up, I asked, "Logan, are you sure you're okay with this? The twins aren't pushing you into doing things you don't want, are they?"

 

"Oh, no sir! Besides, this is nothin' compared to what we did in the shower yesterday, and that was loads of fun. I ain't never felt so good as I did after that."

 

"Is that why you all were gigglin' your butts off when I came in to get ya'?" Tom asked.

 

"No, that was just `cause of somethin' Logan said after," Alex giggled.

 

"I don't need to hear it, okay?" I replied. "Logan, I'm glad you're enjoying your stay here, but just remember, you can say `no' to anything at any time."

 

"Thanks, Max, but I don't think I need to worry `bout that. They've always asked before they done anything. And I ain't said no yet," he added with a grin and a giggle. "But I am learnin' some really cool things."

 

"That's good to hear, I think. Do you think you're going to school tomorrow?"

 

"I might as well. My eyes aren't as bad as they were. I think I'll be okay."

 

"That's fine, but if you change your mind in the morning, let me know. Now get over here so we can get our hugs." All three waddled over on their knees, their erections bouncing freely with each movement. When they reached the two of us, they pulled us in for their hugs. When I started to kiss Alex's forehead, he suddenly lifted his face so I ended up kissing him on the lips. He eagerly returned the kiss, slipping his tongue through my lips as he did. I hadn't expected that and my reaction to it was sudden and uncontrollable as I rose to the occasion and started to stab Alex's bellybutton with my engorged cock. As I broke the lad's assault on my mouth, I looked to Tom and saw he was getting the same treatment from Joey, resulting in the same reaction for him.

 

From somewhere in the middle of the mish-mash of bodies came this small, muffled voice, "Hey where's my kiss?" Logan begged.

 

Tom and I turned our attention to Logan and planted a kiss on each cheek. "There, you happy now?" Tom asked.

 

"Yeah, thanks. I love you guys, too."

 

"Thanks, Logan. Now, all three of you, lay down so we can get the covers pulled up." They crawled to middle of the bed and curled up together, Logan in the middle of a twin sandwich. Thinking of where those erections were now nestled kept me inflated as we pulled up the covers, turned out the light and closed the door behind us.

 

"I wonder what that was all about," Tom commented as we headed to the living room to relax.

 

"Not a freakin' clue, big guy, but I'll admit, it piqued my interest."

 

"It piqued a hell of lot more than my interest."

 

"I can see that. Hell, the neighbors we don't have can see that," I laughed. I tossed a log in the fireplace and got a small fire going to help keep us warm while we read for a while. Though, after that last goodnight experience, we were both already pretty hot.

 

"So, what do ya' think, Logan," Alex whispered.

 

"That was pretty cool. I didn't think you'd really do it."

 

"You said you wanted to see `em boned up. Now tell us why," Joey whispered.

 

"Well, this is gonna sound stupid, but I seen my daddy naked a bunch, but never with a hardon. I just wanted to see how big it might get when he's hard."

 

"And?" Alex asked.

 

"When he's soft, I'd say he's between your dad and your pops, so probably `bout the same hard, in the middle somewhere."

 

"That still doesn't answer the question dude. Why you so interested?" Alex asked.

 

"Yeah, okay. My old man don't hardly talk to me `bout nothin, right? Homework, chores, how my day was, what's on TV, nothin' I tell ya'. How the hell am I s'posed to ask him about shit like that? I know some of what's comin' in a couple years when we all start changin', but I wanna know it all before it starts. And if I ask him `bout it, knowin' what he thinks about guys like you and your dads, he'd pro'lly think I was gay, too, and try to beat it outta me."

 

"Now, what about our question," Joey asked.

 

"Oh, yeah, that. I think you can forget your pops. If he tried to fuck you, he'd rip you wide open. No, his dick's way too big around for your tiny assholes. Now, your dad, that's another story. He's plenty long but he ain't that big around. I think if you work your way up to three or four fingers, he'd slide in real smooth and easy."

 

"You sure you're not gay?" Joey asked. "You seem to be enjoying the last couple days. A lot. And it sounds like you know a lot more about guys fucking guys than a straight kid should know or even think about."

 

"Like you said, I'm just gettin' off. And damn, it does feel good. But when I play with it at home, I always have one of my daddy's dirty mags, and I'm beatin' off lookin' at titties and pussies. He's even got a couple of gay mags mixed in with the others. Not a clue why, but I've read some of the stories in `em so, yeah, I pro'lly know more than any of the other guys in our class. The pictures just don't do nothing nothin' for me. No, naked chicks are what gets me hard."

 

"That ain't all that gets you goin', dude," Alex whispered in response as he wrapped a hand around Logan's erection and prodded at his hole with his own stiff member.

 

"M-m-m-m, that does feel good," Logan moaned, "but damn near anything that feels good will get me boned up. You, too, obviously," he added as he grabbed Joey's hardness and started to stroke him.

 

"But you liked havin' Alex's dick up your ass, dude, and that's about as gay as it gets," Joey countered.

 

"That may be, but it also felt great. Felt better than his finger. I never dreamed stickin' something in your ass could do that to ya'. When I get to move back home with daddy, I'll have to find somethin' so I can do it to myself."

 

"You can come here any time you want, and we'll fill your ass for you," Alex said.

 

"Don't fuckin' tempt me, man. Wait, on second thought, why don't I roll over so Joey can fuck me this time and I can fuck you."

 

Alex and Joey loved the suggestion and places were swapped around to properly arrange themselves. As hard dicks were slipped into willing assholes, moans of intense pleasure escaped all three boys. Logan snaked an arm over Alex's side so he could play with his otherwise unoccupied pecker. For the next twenty minutes, they rocked and rolled their way to sweet bliss. After all three had achieved their release, they quickly fell asleep, dicks still buried deep in an ass and Alex's gently wrapped in his friend's hand.

 

"Hey, you guys hear that?" T.J. whispered to his bedmates.

 

"What?" Mike asked.

 

"Don't tell me you can't hear the other three gruntin', groanin' and moanin' from down the hall. They must be really goin' at it."

 

"I can hear `em," Andy said. "Sounds like it's comin' from the vent in the floor."

 

"Well, I don't know `bout you two, but I got a boner from hearin' them do it," T.J. giggled. "Who wants to help me make it go away?"

 

"I'll suck yours if you'll suck mine," Mike answered.

 

"But if you two are suckin' each other, who's gonna do me?" Andy whined.

 

"Okay, how `bout we do it this way?" T.J. asked. "Mike can suck me, I'll suck Andy and you can suck on Mike's noodle. Does that work?"

 

"Yeah," Andy answered.

 

"Let's do it," Mike added.

 

The three quickly rearranged themselves and soon, faces were buried in crotches and the small, stiff cocklets located there were hidden from view as they were swallowed whole. As the threesome continued to pleasure each other, T.J. decided to try something new. He let one of his hands roam around to Andy's backside and he slowly started probing for the tight hole he knew was located there. After just a moment's search, he found his target and slowly started to wiggle his finger around to trace the pucker.

 

Andy pulled his mouth off Mike's cocklet and whispered, "Hey, what the hell you doin' playin' with my asshole?"

 

"It's something I saw from Alex and Joey. From what I could tell, they liked it, so I thought I'd try it. You okay with it?"

 

"Yeah, it kinda tickles, but if they're doin' it, it must feel good. Go ahead." After giving permission for T.J. to continue his exploration, Andy swallowed Mike again while T.J. slurped Andy's dick back into his own mouth. T.J. pulled his finger back, slipped it in his mouth next to Andy's pecker and got it nice and slick with his spit. That done, he began to search for Andy's hole again. When he found it, instead of circling the wrinkled dimple, he pressed his finger forward until the tip slid smoothly inside. Andy let go a gasp of surprise around the prize in his mouth at the sudden intrusion. T.J. continued to apply light pressure until his whole finger was as deep inside Andy as it could get. Once that was accomplished, he started slowly sliding the finger in and out of the snug confines of Andy's ass.

 

Despite the new feelings of having a finger filling his hole, Andy didn't stop working on Mike's dick for even a second. If anything, the new source of stimulation made him even more interested in the morsel in his mouth. After a few minutes, he decided that he really liked what he was feeling from his backside and it only made sense that Mike would, too. So, Andy slipped a finger into his mouth to slick it up and then began to probe Mike's cleft. After quickly locating the bullseye, he wasted no time in giving the push needed and he quickly impaled Mike's ass.

 

Unprepared for the assault on his rear flank, Mike nearly clamped his jaws shut but stopped just before causing his older brother serious pain. Once he became accustomed to the new anal invader, Mike started rocking his hips up and down. On the up motion, he was burying his cock in Andy's mouth and on the down motion, filling his ass with Andy's finger. The young lad was in heaven. Discovering the intense pleasure he was now feeling, it was now Mike's turn to assist T.J. Without bothering to moisten his finger, Mike searched for and found T.J.'s virgin pucker, and promptly shoved his finger deep inside.

 

"Hey," T.J. squealed as he pulled his mouth off Andy's dick, "that fuckin' hurt. Slick that finger up a bit, would you?"

 

"Sorry," Mike mumbled around T.J.'s dick. He pulled his finger back out of T.J.'s ass, slicked it up as requested and immediately returned it from whence it came. The boys spent the next ten minutes working each other over, all of them lost in the pursuit of sexual release. When the orgasms finally hit, their bodies were quaking with jolts of pleasure. The vibrations caused by their moans of delight only heightened the sensations their partners felt resonating in their cocklets. Dicks were dancing wildly in mouths as they spasmed in delight and with each jerk of their cocklet, they could feel their assholes clamping tightly around the fingers that were firmly ensconced within. As the feelings abated and a sense of deep contentment washed over them, dicks finally slipped from mouths and fingers were slowly removed from asses.

 

"Oh, fuck, that was fuckin' awesome," T.J. moaned.

 

"We need to do more of that," Mike agreed in a lustful tone.

 

"I gotta piss," Andy commented, "and wash my hand."

 

All three climbed from the bed and headed to the bathroom. After draining their bladders one more time and washing their hands, they got back in bed, pulled up the covers and curled together for a very good night's sleep.

 

"Did you hear something?" I asked looking up from my book.

 

"Don't think so," Tom answered. "What'd it sound like?"

 

"Like the wind moaning through the trees. But there's no trees close enough to the house that we'd hear it unless the windows were open. Then I thought heard running water."

 

"Well, ya' got me babe. Probably just the icemaker. All those years shootin' on the practice range has kinda numbed my hearing so I don't hear shit like that too well."

 

"Maybe it was just my imagination. Look, I'm pooped and have that doctor's appointment in the morning. You don't mind if hit the sack do ya'?"

 

"Nah, go ahead. I'm just gonna finish this chapter and I'll be right behind you."

 

I leaned over as I passed by and gave him a kiss, whispered `I love you' in his ear and headed for our bedroom. He joined me about ten minutes later and wrapped me up in his arms again and held on to me as I dozed off to another fitful night of sleep.

 

After turning off the alarm in the morning, I crawled out of bed to start the day. After a quick stop in the bathroom, I made the trip to the other side of the house to get the boys moving. Stopping in the twins' room first, I found Alex, Logan and Joey curled together in the middle of the bed, no pretzel this morning. They looked so sweet and peaceful I almost hated to wake them up. But, school wasn't going to come to them, so that meant they had to go to it. I brushed the hair out of Alex's eyes and kissed him on the forehead.

 

As his eyes fluttered into life, I whispered, "Mornin', buddy, time to get movin'."

 

"Oh, hey, Dad. Mornin'," he yawned.

 

As he started to move, Logan yelped, "Wait, that's my dick you're tryin' to take with ya'."

 

I gave a quick cough and said, "Morning, Logan."

 

"Shit! I meant shoot. Sorry, Max. Guess you pro'lly didn't want to know that."

 

"That's all right. Boys will be boys, but it's time to get moving."

 

"Yeah, all right," he muttered as he slipped a hand between him and Joey and gave Joey a little push backwards. "Oh, man, I'm gonna miss that feeling all day." Then he rolled over to face Joey and yelled, "Yo, dude, time to get up!"

 

"Hey, you don't have to freakin' yell. I'm right here and I ain't deaf. Not yet, anyway."

 

I giggled to myself as I left the room to continue my rounds. Popping in to wake Mike, Andy, and T.J., I found them curled together under the covers. I shook shoulders for all three and when I could see they were starting to move, headed back to get Tom going, also. As I reentered the bedroom, I called out, "C'mon, big guy. Time to get moving."

 

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," he grumped.

 

"I need you to run the boys out to the bus again this morning so I can call James, let him know about Frank and Iris's arrest and get him to work with the county's attorney on placing a lien on their house and whatever else they can find."

 

"You're serious about them paying up, aren't you?"

 

"Damn right, I am. They literally screwed the wrong motherfucker when they picked me and I'm going to make them regret they ever knew me."

 

"Babe, they're sittin' in the jail, I'm pretty sure they regret it already."

 

"They might, but not for the reason they think they do. They have no idea it was me who talked to the police. I intend to correct that misconception. When we're done with my appointment with Dr. Schaid, I want to go to the county building and say hi, just for old time's sake."

 

"Are you freakin' kiddin' me? You really want to confront them."

 

"I do. I feel like I have to. I want that to be my first step in taking my damn life back from them."

 

"If that's what you want, then that's exactly what we'll do. And I'll be with you for this step and all the others."

 

"I knew you would be and I love you all the more for it. Now, let's get out of here and feed some hungry boys. Don't want them missing the bus." We headed to the kitchen and got busy whipping up some scrambled eggs and sausage patties for breakfast while the boys set the table. As I finally sat down to eat, my mind was focused on one thing and one thing only this morning: make the Muellers and all the others pay for what they've done.

 

I'd arrived at the department early this morning, thanks to not sleeping well last night. I screwed up big time yesterday and now I had figure out how to fix it. I spent some time going over all the processing paperwork for our twenty-six new guests, making sure everything with that had been done properly, at least. I didn't want there to be any further mistakes on the part of the department that would allow these people to walk out of here, free as a bird. And I knew I had correct two major fuckups from yesterday or that's exactly what was going to happen.

 

When I saw Derek arrive for his shift, I stuck my head out my office door and called across the room, "Derek, I need you for a few minutes." After he'd joined me, I said, "Close the door, please, and take a pew."

 

"What's up, Sarge?" Derek asked.

 

"I wanted to talk to you about Pastor Warren. Did you think anything seemed a little off about him yesterday?"

 

"Damn, I was gonna ask you the same thing. I been thinkin' `bout it since we left the church last night, and in my book, I think he was way too helpful."

 

"Yeah, that's part of it, for sure. One other thing I've been thinkin' about is him having a key to that office. Since he says he was told by the board that only the elders had a key as they were the only ones supposed to use it, doesn't it seem odd that Warren would have one also."

 

"Well, I just assumed he'd have a key for everything in the building since he's the pastor. But I think you could make a case that he shouldn't have had it if he wasn't an elder."

 

"I also noticed when I was searching for the right key, there were several smaller keys on his ring. Those could have been to the padlocks on the file cabinets." Derek's eyes widened in surprise at the implication. "One more thing that pinged my scumbag radar `bout him was the phone calls he made while I sat there and listened. He was lyin' his ass off to those folks, but doin' it in such a way that unless you were used to be lied to all the time like we are, you'd probably miss it. I even joked to the bastard about him bein' an actor if the preachin' thing didn't work out for him. The more I thought about it last night, I think the only time we saw the real Warren was when I first opened his office door, arrogant and full of self-importance. After that moment and when he knew why we were there, the rest of it was all an act. He was doin' everything he could to avoid havin' us suspect him along with the rest."

 

"Oh, shit! He's one of them, isn't he? And we just left him there? That ain't good boss."

 

"I know. I've already got a team down there to keep an eye on things until we can get there. When Warren shows up, they're going inside to guard that office. We can't take a chance he's got another key stashed in some hidey-hole we don't know about. And if he does, we can only hope he hasn't already used it."

 

"Good thinkin', boss."

 

"Thanks. I need you to fill out an application for his arrest warrant, then hightail it up to Judge Corgan's office and get it signed. Explain our suspicions, and I don't think he'll have a problem with it."

 

"You got it, anything else?"

 

"Unfortunately, yeah. I pretty much screwed the pooch yesterday and I need you to help me unscrew it."

 

"I'll do what I can. What do you need?"

 

"Two things. Since those files cabinets are possibly not under church control or church property, I think we need a separate warrant to open and search them. I need you to get that from Judge Corgan, also, so we can do that today, legally this time. If we lose those files as evidence, we're fucked and all those assholes walk."

 

"Yeah, that would be beyond bad for us. What's the second thing you need done?"

 

"I need you to zip out to Max and Tom's."

 

"What for? You need some more information or something from him? I thought we already had everything we needed from Max."

 

"This is my really big fuckup, Derek, and I need you to keep your mouth shut about it, you hear me?" After a quick nod of acknowledgement from him, I continued. "After I had Zach open the locks on the cabinets, I took a quick look through every drawer, just to see what we were dealing with. In the third drawer, I found a file with a familiar name on it."

 

"Let me guess, Max Sanders. Right? What'd you do, you dumbass?"

 

"Normally, I'd bust your ass for a crack like that. But, you're right on the money as usual. I took the file, slipped it inside my coat and the next time I stepped outside, I hid it under the seat of our car. And to remove any further doubts from your mind about me bein' a dumbass, I gave it to Max last night."

 

"Jesus Christ, Sarge, that's tamperin' with evidence! What the fuck were you thinkin'?"

 

"I know, I know, I was a damn idiot, what else can I say? I was thinkin' I was protectin' a good friend's name from getting dragged through the mud. But, we need to get that file back to the church and in that cabinet before we start emptying drawers. Can you do that for me? At least get the fuckin' thing back to the church, anyway. I'll deal with it from there."

 

"Sure thing. I just hope it works. I'll get the two warrants first, then haul ass out to Max's and beg him for the file. Once I have it, I'll head straight for the church."

 

"I'll call and let him know you're coming. He's got a doctor's appointment this morning, so you need to be quick with the warrants. Get to it, Derek. I'll make the call and let them know you'll be out there in about an hour."

 

As Derek left my office to get to work, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Maybe, just maybe, I could pull this off and keep those people where they belonged. I picked up the phone and dialed Max's number.

 

"SW Ranch," Tom answered with a chuckle.

 

"Mornin', Tom. It's Dylan. I need to talk to Max."

 

"Sure, one second, he's right here."

 

A moment later, Max was on the phone, "What's up Dylan?"

 

"You know that file I gave you last night?"

 

"Of course. I told you thanks for that last night."

 

"Well, I hate to do this, but I need it back. Derek will be there in about an hour to pick it up."

 

"Well, shit."

 

"Yeah, I know, and I'm sorry, Max. But, about three this morning, I fully realized what I'd done. At the moment, you're the only complainant I have. If there's no evidence concerning you in those cabinets when we go to empty them today, then the case falls apart and Frank, Iris and the rest of them walk. I need corroboration of your story there. Without it, we're screwed."

 

"Guess it's a good thing I didn't throw it in the fireplace last night, then, isn't it? I sure thought about it, you know."

 

"Don't even joke about that. Getting it back is only half my problem. I've still got to figure out how to get your file back in the cabinet without anybody but me, Derek and you guys knowing it went missing. If I can accomplish that feat of magic, then, when this is all over, I'll see what I can do about getting it back to you."

 

"That's more than I should ask for, Dylan. We won't leave for my appointment until Derek's been here."

 

"Thanks, man. I owe you big time if we pull this off."

 

"Well, you can pay me back this morning."

 

"How?"

 

"I want to see Frank and Iris. This morning, after I've seen Dr. Schaid."

 

"Why the hell would you want to do that?"

 

"So I can tell them, face to face, that I'm the one who pulled the rug out from under their feet. I want them to know it was me that ruined their fucking life, just like they ruined mine. Granted, I'm gonna get my life back, but they aren't gonna be that lucky."

 

"I can probably arrange that for you, but it has to wait until I get your file back where it belongs. If I can do it before your appointment ends, I'll let you know."

 

"Thanks, Dylan. We'll wait for Derek. I'll put the file in a FedEx envelope so when he gets to the church, it won't be visible as to what it really is."

 

"Good thinkin', Max. I appreciate it. I'll send a text to Tom when the deed is done."

 

After hanging up the phone, I leaned back in my chair for a moment and puzzled over how I was going to make the impossible possible.

 

"What'd Dylan want?" Tom asked.

 

"He wants the damn file back."

 

"What!? Why?"

 

"He says since I'm the only known victim at the moment, if my file's not there when they start to take them all out, he doesn't have a case anymore. Since I don't want to touch the fuckin' thing, would you get it out of the safe, then put it in a FedEx envelope from the study?"

 

"Sure. Give me just a few."

 

"I'm glad you already took the boys out for the bus. They don't need to know about this." Tom disappeared and was back in about two minutes with a sealed envelope camouflaging the file. "Thanks, hon. Guess we get to wait for Derek, now. I hope he doesn't make us late for my appointment."

 

"I'm sure he'll get here as fast as he can." We settled in the living room and read until finally, at twenty after nine, the drive sensor went off. Tom grabbed the envelope and headed for the front door. He opened the door just as Derek stepped onto the porch. "Here ya' go, Derek. Good luck," Tom intoned as he handed over the envelope to Derek.

 

"Thanks, partner, we're gonna need all the luck we can get to pull this shit off. God, what a fuckin' dumbass. See ya' later." With that, Derek spun on his heels and got back in his car to leave.

 

"You ready to roll, babe?" Tom asked as he closed the door.

 

"No, but then, I never will be, either. Let's go get this over with," I answered as I grabbed my jacket from the closet.

 

We headed to the garage, climbed into the Shelby and with Tom driving, hit the road for town.

 

There was a light rap on my door, then Kelly popped the door open and announced, "Here's the prisoner you asked for, Sergeant Brock."

 

"Thank you, Kelly. I'll take it from here." After guiding my visitor to a chair and shaking his hand, I said, "Good morning, Mr. Campbell. How are you today?"

 

"I'd be a whole lot better if I was at home, takin' care of my son and my farm. I got cows and hogs to feed, ya' know."

 

"I'm sure you would be, sir. But, it's my understanding your neighbors are taking care of those chores for you right now, so don't worry about your livestock for the moment. I only have a few minutes this morning before I have to leave, but I wanted to talk to you about you and your son, if you don't mind?"

 

"You mean about how I lost my mind and beat the shit out of him the other night?"

 

"No, sir. I want to talk about your relationship with him and where we need to go from here. I talked to your son yesterday, Mr. Campbell. Logan is a very intelligent and sensitive young man. And he cares about you and loves you very much. But, he's tired of you hurting him the way you have been the last couple years and he's not going to take that abuse any longer. That's why he called us Sunday morning. He was very scared of what might happen after what had happened the night before."

 

"Well, he shoulda listened and come home with me Saturday instead of stayin' at them pervert's house. I was just tryin' to protect my son."

 

"Yes, that's what you told me then, but I know Mr. Sanders and Mr. Wright. In fact, until just a few weeks ago, Mr. Wright was one of my deputies here in this department. I can tell you right now, sir, that both are good, honorable men and they would never hurt a child. Your son could not be any safer than he was Saturday or right now, even, since he is staying with Max, Tom and their boys while we resolve your problems with the law."

 

"You mean my kid is actually sleepin' there with them fags."

 

"Mr. Campbell, if you don't stop referring to them with derogatory terms, I'm not going to help you. They're men, same as you me."

 

"Oh, no they're not."

 

"Please, I'd like to talk about Logan. He says he wants to go back home and live with you. He needs you in his life right now, especially after you two lost your wife and his mother a few years ago. From what Logan told me, you started changing when your wife got sick and you've changed even more after she passed."

 

"That damned leukemia," he spat. "And them damn doctors couldn't do a fuckin' thing to help her. Yeah, I changed. I got mean and nasty and fuckin `pissed off at the world for takin' her away from us. So, what? You would, too, if you lost your wife."

 

"You're right, I probably would. But do you want to know one thing I would never do? I would never, ever take out my anger and frustration at the world, its impotent doctors and its vicious diseases on my innocent son. A son who is feeling the same loss you are. Your son worships you, Mr. Campbell, he loves you with all his heart. And he's still hurting from losing his mother, just as you are. I'd like to help you, Mr. Campbell, if you'll let me?"

 

"And what do you think you can do for me?"

 

"I'd like to arrange some counseling for you and Logan to help you both learn to deal with the grief of your loss, and you to deal with the anger you have at how unfairly you've been treated. Would you be willing to do that?"

 

"Why do you want to help us so damn bad?"

 

"Because, sir, a boy needs his dad. And if his own dad can't help him, then he needs to find someone to take his place. I see how much he cares for and needs you. I believe you feel the same way about him. Am I wrong about that?"

 

"No, you're not," Mr. Campbell answered through quivering lips.

 

"Good, I didn't think so. Will you accept my offer of some help and counseling for you and Logan?"

 

"Yes, sir, I will. But why are you doing this? I should rot in hell for the way I hurt him. It was wrong and I know it. I don't deserve your help."

 

"Sure, you do. Everyone deserves a second chance to do the right thing. But let me tell you right now, if this works out the way we both hope it will and Logan does move back in with you, if you ever hurt him again, I will do everything I possibly can to ensure you do rot in hell. I want to make sure you understand that half of our bargain."

 

"Yes, sir, I do."

 

"Good. Look, I have leave shortly to deal with another case, but I'll make some phone calls late this afternoon to find someone to work with you. Once I have those arrangements made, and when we get to court, I'll speak on your behalf to let the judge know that you'll be getting counseling to help you with your problems."

 

"When will I be able to go home? And what about Logan? When will he come home?"

 

"You should be able to return home fairly soon, I think. As for Logan, it won't be immediately, I'll tell you that right now. That will be up to the counselor. When he feels that the danger to your son has passed, then he can recommend to the court that Logan be allowed to return home with you. That could be a few weeks or a few months. That will all depend on you. And until the judge says he can return home, he'll be staying right where he is." I stood and walked back around my desk to stand next to Mr. Campbell.

 

"Thank you for helping us, Sergeant Brock," Charlie said as he stood and shook Dylan's hand.

 

"I'm happy to do it, Mr. Campbell. Just don't make me regret it. I appreciate you talking to me this morning."

 

"Not like I had anywhere else to be this mornin', is it?" he chuckled.

 

"No, I suppose not. I'll have Kelly escort you back to your cell." We walked to the door and I called Kelly over. "Would you please return Mr. Campbell to his temporary lodgings?"

 

"Sure thing, Sarge. After you, Mr. Campbell."

 

As they walked away, I heard Charlie comment, "Ya' wanna know somethin' deputy, I ain't never had much use for cops, but your boss seems like a damn good guy."

 

"He's the best there is, Mr. Campbell," Kelly replied as they turned the corner and headed towards the detention area.

 

As I closed my door and turned back to my desk, I allowed a small smile of success to creep across my face. When my cell phone rang and I saw who was calling, the smile disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. "Speak to me, Derek," I answered gruffly.

 

"I have it and I'm on my way to the church."

 

"Good work. I'll meet you there in about twenty-five minutes. Here's what I want to do when we get there," I started as I laid out my plan for getting the file back where it belonged.

 

We walked into Dr. Schaid's reception room, and after registering with the young woman behind the desk, took a seat to wait the last ten minutes for my appointment.

 

"Do you want me to come in with you?" Tom asked.

 

"I don't know. Haven't you already heard enough of this crap?" I asked.

 

"And I'll hear it until the cows come home if I need to. Whatever you need, I'm here for you."

 

"I know that. Let me think about it while we wait. I'm just glad there's nobody else here who might recognize me. That would be embarrassing."

 

"I know it sounds weird, but I think you'll actually be relieved when all this comes out."

 

"To a certain extent, I think I will. I've hidden shit from people for so long, it's just a habit anymore, I do it without even thinking about it. I will be glad when it's over, when I can just be myself, again. At least I'm not worried about my career as an author. Those days are over."

 

"Oh, c'mon, don't talk like that. Maybe writing about your life would help with your therapy."

 

"Not likely," I chuffed. "If I don't want this shit in my brain, why the hell would I commit it to paper?"

 

"Mr. S, the doctor's ready for you."

 

I stood up and headed to the door separating the reception area from Dr. Schaid's office, then stopped and asked, "You comin' or are you just gonna sit there like a lump of cold mashed potatoes?" Tom jumped up from his chair and when he joined with me, I grabbed his hand and whispered, "Thanks for being here for me. And whatever you do, don't let go."

 

"Forever, babe."

 

I pulled into the parking lot at the church and found it was empty except for a couple of cars, one of which belonged to the surveillance team I'd sent out early this morning. I met the first of my people just inside the front door.

 

"Morning, Sarge."

 

"Morning to you, too, Henry. Where's Andrew?" I asked.

 

"He's blocking access to the office, standing right in the middle of the door. A tank couldn't budge him."

 

"Good. Stay here and let me know when Derek arrives. He should be here soon."

 

"You got it, boss."

 

I headed deeper into the church and when I turned the corner into the office's corridor, I couldn't miss Andrew. As big as I am, he's even bigger and he stood out like a sore thumb, or, more accurately, a huge slab of granite. As I drew closer, he acknowledged me with a curt nod just before I turned into Michelle's office.

 

"Good morning, Michelle. How are you today?" I asked politely.

 

"I'm still shaken by what's happened, but I'll get over it."

 

"Were you able to find someone to take the food last night."

 

"Oh, yes, sir. Pastor Warren and I packed it all back up and he took it to St. John's breadline last night. They were very happy to have it."

 

"I'm glad to hear it. And how is the Pastor this morning?"

 

"He seems pretty shaken up, also." Yeah, I bet he's quakin' is his boots right about now, thinkin' how lucky is to not be sitting in the jail with the rest of them. "He's been locked in his office since he got here."

 

"Well, we won't disturb him just yet, then. I'm waiting for Deputy Timmons to arrive before we get to work. Zach and Perry will be here shortly also. I'll let you know when we're ready to proceed." I left Michelle's office and headed back to the front door of the church. "I'm going to wait outside for Timmons," I said to Henry as I walked by him. I stepped out into the sunlight and headed to my car. After sitting inside, I picked up the radio to check on Derek's status. Just before I clicked the transmit button, I saw him pulling into lot and then taking the spot next to me on the passenger side of my car.

 

Derek got out of his car and joined me in mine. He held a FedEx envelope in his hand and offered it up to me. "Here's that delivery you were waiting on. And the two new warrants. You ready, Sarge?"

 

I slid the envelope inside my jacket and zipped it shut. "About as ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this."