Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2014 17:00:03 -0500 From: Eff Del Subject: Flights of Angels-Chapter 26 Flights of Angels-Chapter 26 By Eff Del Sometimes, our most significant demonstrations of strength occur privately. When we smile through pain that we are silently enduring. When we choose to weep behind closed doors. When we fight battles that no one else even knows about. At these times, we are exercising our strength. It is one of the great truths of life that we never know how strong we really are, until we've reached a point where being strong is the only choice we have. The light was attractive. Behind it, there was some intangible thing that was so very alluring that I was drawn to it without even pausing to wonder why. I never stopped to wonder where I was because this place felt so comfortable and appropriate. Yes, that is a silly term but, for the life of me I just felt like it applied. "Eric stop!" The familiar voice actually froze me in my tracks. He moved between the distant light; and me creating a perfect silhouette. I recognized him at once. How could I not? If I lived to be a thousand years old, I would still instantly know my brother Kyle. He hadn't changed a bit. His hair...those full brown unruly curls cascaded onto his shoulders that were somehow not naked but not actually dressed. I should have been confused but I wasn't. I was calm, peaceful, and happy. I was so happy to see and hear him. He'd taken me by the hand and was leading me away from the captivating light that had so attracted me. "You're not going there Bro...not now anyway." I looked down at his smiling face. I'd always loved his devilish smile. I sat down and pulled him down with me. "Kyle...Kyle, I've had the strangest dream. Some of it was devastatingly sad and some of it was wonderfully happy. I dreamed that I'd lost you Squirt... and Dad and Mom too. I went nuts but then, I found this wonderful little boy and he saved me from going totally crazy and then I...but it's all OK now because it was just a dream and now, you're here with me. OH, Kyle, you don't know what it was like to think that I'd lost you! The dream...it felt so real." His wonderful face continued to smile but his eyes filled with melancholy wisdom. "It was no dream Eric." He reached up and stroked my cheek with his hand. "You know it was no dream and you also know that you've got to go back. Two other boys need your love and protection. There is a lifetime of things you need to do. When it's time Eric, I'll be here waiting and we'll walk through the light together but not now brother. That's your way now." He pointed over my shoulder and I turned in that direction. My vision filled with two watery turquois globes. "He's awake! He's awake! Oh man! Oh man! Dad's eyes are opened! Dad, Dad, can you hear me?" It was Sean grasping me by the shoulders and tears were welling up in his eyes. I was slowly focusing upon the room. I was obviously in a hospital. I was confused but didn't feel as though I were in any pain. I reached up to pull my boy down close to me and quickly realized that an IV in my arm encumbered me. "You're safe and will soon be well Mister Tucker" a green clad doctor or nurse leaned in attempting to be assuring as he gently but firmly removed Sean from my bedside. "I think if I were you, that I'd rather cut my arm off than try to keep that boy away from Mister Tucker right now." I recognized the voice as Richard's and immediately, Sean was back staring down at me. "D-Dad I was so scared and so worried and then when you..." "Sean...my little Sean...I'm so happy to see you...Jack...where's Jack Sean?" I was startled at how difficult it was for me to speak. "He's with Walter Dad." Tears were now pouring from his eyes and his shoulders heaved as he sobbed. "T-That guy killed him Dad. Walter's dead and Jack won't do nothin' but sit with him until you or Richard say what's gonna happen." I felt my heart stop and my breath catch in my throat. The full memory came back to me in a burst of horror. My worst fear was true and Walter was dead. I blinked my eyes rapidly trying not to shed any tears in front of the already traumatized boy. Taking in two deep breaths I smiled at him and said; "Sean, I need you to bring Jack here to me. Did I hear Richard? Is he in the room? Would you tell Richard I need to see him and you please go get Jack OK?" "Kay" Richard's handsome face wrought in anguish filled my vision. "Damit Richard! Am I dying or can I sit up?" He quickly worked the controls on the hospital bed until I was in full sitting position. "You've got a concussion from a near miss to your head and your left leg is broken. Sean wouldn't leave your side even though we all told him you would be OK. Funny thing though, at one point about a half an hour ago, your heart just stopped for no reason and we thought the worst was going to happen and then suddenly you came back to us. Jack has been with Walter's body since the whole thing was over. He won't leave until you or I tell him to and I didn't want to do anything until I'd spoken to you Eric." I nodded and took his hand. "Before the boys get back Richard, tell me what the hell happened." The look of pain never left his face as he explained the entire events of that night. It turned out that Martin Longstreet who was the head of the `Outriders'; the muscle of the NEST, had been in the employ of Mr. Chang for several years. It had been Longstreet that made certain that Chang got first shot at the best new boys, it was he, and Chang that created the plan of action for the occasion that the NEST should either close or be re-organized. With Chang's financing, Longstreet had put together a rather large paramilitary group after our take-over of the NEST. It was his idea to kidnap the older boys out on contract while a much smaller group simply took the younger boys away on a `field trip'. Our successful rescue of all of the boys on Cook Island apparently had taken Longstreet and Chang by complete surprise. While they were holding the older boys at the Montana Ranch, Chang had reviewed information he'd received from the dissolved board of directors of the NEST. Thanks to Bernie's big mouth, it didn't take him long to figure out who he was really up against. Just before our assault on the ranch, Longstreet, having received communication from Chang, had escaped with Garry and Bobby as his hostages. Sensing things were going wrong, Gary had cleverly snatched up one of the `shadow flies' he'd stashed and swallowed it. This allowed us to locate them precisely. We'd been so concerned with the next stage of our assault, we never figured upon treachery or betrayal. Chang had quickly decided to attack me right at home. From his point of view, if I gave in or surrendered, the NEST would be back in the boy whore business in short order. Somehow, Martin Longstreet had identified and approached Terry. Terry was a good young man who wanted nothing more than to please and be recognized for his work. I'd never really done that, neither had Walter. I suspect only John had been encouraging to the young man. Longstreet had found him quickly and zeroed in on his need for recognition and appreciation. It had taken just a few conversations and some phony credentials for Terry to buy into the fact that he was helping the security and therefore the estate by cooperating with Longstreet. Thinking he was helping, Terry had revealed the weak spot in the property perimeter, the location of both of the boys and even his security code. Knowing where they were going but not knowing they would be detected in fifteen minutes, they'd swarmed through the breach. As soon as the intrusion was detected, the Skuggor were out in force. A few scattered fire-fights occurred but in reality, these `guns for hire' were no match for the trained grey clad army that they suddenly faced. The fight at the top of Hawkes Hill might have been less of a debacle if it hadn't been for my stupidity. Richard explained that I'd been duped into coming out of the cave before Walter had taken an advantageous position and certainly, before further help could arrive. Thanks to my inept heroics, Walter had been able to take out two of the attackers before Longstreet and the others dragged the boys further up the hill. "So, my stupidity got Walter killed." I was barely able the choke out the words. "Oh no Eric! Not at all. It was love that got Walter killed." I know my face showed my complete confusion. "See, Walter was still alive when I got to the top of the hill and he told me what happened. He'd put himself in a perfect position to gain control of the situation but when he saw that bastard holding a gun to Sean's head, well, his professionalism went out the window. Eric, right after you promoted me and Barry, Walter told us privately that he thought he was getting too old and too emotional. He really loved the boys Eric...I don't know if you realize how much. It was when the son of a bitch turned the gun on Jack and said he was about to kill him, that Walter made a desperate and actually stupid move." "Yeah Richard, but he got to him...he knocked him down. I saw that and it gave me time to get a shot off." "Yes he did and that probably saved Jack's life and you took out the next man with one shot but Eric, remember that you were suffering from a concussion and believe it or not, you were running around on a broken leg. The craziest part of this thing though, is what saved your life. For all of our glorious training and hi-tech gadgetry, it was an old Welshman and a shotgun that got there before we did. The noise had obviously awakened Andy and being the lifetime groundskeeper that he is, he instinctively followed what he sensed to be the heart of the disturbance. He reached the top of the hill just in time to blow Martin Longstreet's hand off and then destroy the other thug standing by him. Andy gathered the boys into a crag in the rocks and was standing in front of them shotgun poised as we finally crested the hill. You didn't have anything to do with Walter's death Eric. He'd have died a dozen times to save those boys and the real trigger was Jack. I don't know why, but Walter and I...we both have this thing about Jack. That great kid has been through so much...Oh fuck...I know we're not supposed to know about that but REALLY Eric...at our level in the Skuggor we...well just know that Walter had a real soft spot for Jack. He once told me that if he had a grandson, he'd want him to be just like Jack. He never mentioned `if he had a son' because to him, you were always his son Eric." "Oh fuck Richard!" My body was heaving from sobs but I fought to regain control. "What's the butcher's bill on this terrible evening?' He pulled his iPhone out, tapped it a few times, and looked me in the eye. "We lost Walter and five other Skuggor. There were forty-one of them. Twenty-six are dead and the rest are on their way to the `steel cunt'. Longstreet was dying as we got there. I had him kept alive long enough to learn that this was pretty much their `hail Mary' shot and there were very few left back guarding Gary and Bobby." "Did he say why he did it Richard?" "Yeah, he did it was certainly for the money but also, it turns out he was a scrawny little kid and he got bullied a lot so when he grew up to be as big and strong as he did, he enjoyed the power trip. He liked the clients being intimidated by him and he loved the boys being in awe of him...he was a real scumbag Eric. I could have probably saved his life but...Walter had just died in my arms and well...I let the fucker just bleed out. Probably better than he deserved." "So when will Wolfman make his move to rescue Gary and Bobbie?" He smiled for the first time and said; "It's a done deal Eric. We have them both and we have that Chang guy. I took the liberty of having Gary and Bobby brought to Joyous Gaurde. Chang is already being held in the `Steel Cunt' "So, where are we now Richard and what is going to be our damage control on this all?" "Well, right now we're in a medical facility that Walter and your Father created about twenty years ago. If you insist I'll tell you its exact location but for now, let's just say I can have you home in about an hour. As to damage control, the FBI under the command of Claire Dunn...you know her right? She's Wolfman's daughter...well they're handling this as a `frightening terrorist attack upon an upstanding American family famous for its philanthropy'...Claire is very good Eric. Of course, she had great teachers." "So did you Richard." I smiled and squeezed his hand. Just a few moments later the boys arrived. It was obvious that Jack had been weeping and I pulled him down to my chest holding him tightly. When he'd finally cried himself out, I drew them both close to me. "So, we've had a very frightening night and we've lost a very beloved friend. Evil can never win boys. Cruelty can never overcome goodness. I'll try to explain what happened last night but first, we have to do our duty to our beloved fallen. Jack, Walter... like my father and mother chose to be cremated. That is going on right now. When it is finished, I think he'd like it if you carried and guarded his cremains until we inter him. Is that something you're comfortable with?" "'Course Dad." His green eyes were glistening with unshed tears. "Walter was my good friend and my...Oh God, he was like I always thought a Grandpa would be like when I dreamed about what it would be like to be a norman kid." "Well then, in three days, we go to court and make this family of ours legal. I'd like to bury Walter the next day if you don't mind." "No Dad, Walter is more important than anything." I ruffled his thick red hair and whispered; "No Jack. If that were true he'd still be alive." I know he didn't understand but I hoped he would remember it. ********************************** Judge Gardner smiled as he entered the courtroom. "I know that you're all sad over your loss during the terrorist attack but today, I hope you can focus upon a more positive and happy event. I've read all of the documents and I see no objections and so...if you will stand before me; John William Reilly, is it your wish to become a son to Eric Tucker?" Jack looked at me almost bewildered and I suddenly realized we'd never had the chance to talk about his origin. In all of the grief and confusion, we were actually rushing into this adoption proceeding. I realized with a start that this was probably the first time Jack was actually hearing his birth name. "That's you Jack." I whispered. "I'll tell you all about it later...just say `yes' and it's over" "Yes sir...Yes your honor." He squeaked. "Eric Tucker, is it your wish to become parent and father to John William Reilly?" "It is your honor." The judge then turned to Sean. Of course this wasn't a part of the legal requirements but, Judge Gardner was a family friend and he understood the significance of this ritual. "Sean Michael Tucker, is it your wish to become the legal brother of John William Reilly?'" "Oh yes Judge Gardner...ooops I mean yes your honor!" "John William Reilly, it is also my understanding that you wish to have your name legally changed to John William Tucker. Is that true?" "Yes sir...Yes your honor yes judge" There were only two real legal documents to sign but Uncle Phil had several important looking pages prepared for both boys to sign. When the signing was finished, judge Gardner grasped Jack's hand and said; "Congratulations to you John Tucker!" Jack looked at me almost bewildered. "My son...I can finally say that legally...I love you my son my little John William Tucker." He was sobbing as he clasped me tightly and I just held him and let him cry. Sadly, there would be more tears to shed on the next day. ***** The small hole had been dug and prepared just where Walter had indicated it should be many years ago. It was when my grandfather had been buried. After the funeral, my father and mother had walked with me, my brother, Walter and Uncle Phil. Dad had selected the location where he and Mom would be interred and also pointed out the location of Kyle's eventual grave as well as mine. Walter had pointed to a spot beyond the one my father had chosen for himself and indicated that he should be there and then pointing down a bit he said; "You Phil, should go there so you and I can keep an eye on these folks forever." He'd joked that when all of us were gone, our monuments would be almost like Stonehenge. The hill was cluttered with people...not just Skuggor and staff, but also military and other folks who'd been involved with Walter, I didn't know most of them. Walter wasn't a religious man and so, Doc Swaim had asked to conduct the ceremony and I'd agreed. The big man nodded and from the bottom of the hill came the sad lament of a lone bagpiper wearing dark tartan. I recognized the tune at once; it was `the flowers of the forest' and as he piped, he climbed the hill leading Walter to his rest. Behind him walked Jack clutching the simple earthen urn that contained Walter's ashes. I'd lifted it earlier and the whole thing weighed less than ten pounds...a man like Walter reduced to a mere ten pounds...it didn't seem possible. Once the cremation was over, Jack hadn't let the urn out of his sight except for his adaption ceremony. I watched my new son with a heart bursting from grief and pride. Tears were streaming from his green eyes, but he walked tall and straight carrying his burden with love and pride. He placed the cremains in the cradle over the grave just as the piper finished his lament. Doc Swaim talked for about fifteen or twenty minutes I don't recall very much of what he said. I was seated between Martha and Uncle Phil and I think for all three of us, the reality of a life without Walter was just sinking in. When Doc finished speaking a military firing squad took the symbolic volleys and a meticulously folded flag was presented. I'd chosen Martha to accept it and she did so tearfully but gratefully. Finally, at the bidding of Doc Swaim, all those in attendance filed past the gravesite most people dropped a handful of flower petals upon the mound of earth. As this procession began, I was surprised to see Sean and Jack stand up and walk to the edge of the interment area. They both had their musical instruments. Jack drew the bow across the strings of the fine old violin and almost immediately, I recognized the haunting lovely notes of `Ashokian Farewell' I'd been bewitched by this piece of music since I first heard it played as the theme to Ken Burns' brilliant PBS series `The Civil War'. Like most people, I'd believed it was a traditional piece of Civil War era music but I later found out it was a contemporary piece written by fiddler Jay Unger in 1982. Following the traditional manner of the piece, Jack played a brilliant violin solo moving through the entire piece twice before Sean took over playing a shorter guitar solo and then both instruments combined in a sweet mournful duet. How in the hell had these kids learned about that piece of music? It was so appropriate that they were almost finished before I realized I'd been weeping and sobbing. Uncle Phil helped me to my feet and handed me my crutches. I made my way to the gravesite just as the boys were putting their instruments into the cases. "If it weren't for you Sean, I'd probably be already buried over there. If it weren't for the both of you now, I have no idea if I would have made it through this event. I loved Walter like a father and he loved the three of us more than you can imagine. I'll think of him every day but the best tribute we can pay him is to get on with living happy and productive lives." *************** I was not surprised that night when both boys followed me into my room. We were all three naked in a matter of seconds and were kissing and groping each other with an extreme sense of urgency. The cast hampered me but the boy's youthful agility made up for my lack of mobility. As we calmed down a bit, I slid down Jack's long torso and nudged his legs apart. My need was too great for any pretense at love play. Instead, I bent over and engulfed his hard cock in my mouth swirling and licking the hard flesh with my tongue as my lips slid rapidly along his length. I think he was taken aback by my urgency and he gave into the pleasurable stimulation quickly. His hips were soon thrusting up from the bed in perfect union with my oral ministrations and almost too quickly, his hot boy cum was filling my mouth. I didn't wait a second. As soon as I was satisfied that he was finished, I turned upon Sean and just as quickly as I'd done to Jack, his little rod was in my mouth and being lovingly devoured. Sean never tried to prolong any sexual pleasure and his sweet nectar was soon coating my tongue. They both moved as if they were performing a dance that they'd rehearsed together. Almost instantly, each of my nipples was being nibbled and sucked upon by a boy's mouth while four hands stroked and played with my torso. Eventually, Sean was straddling my chest and his lips were locked against mine. Over time, the boy had become quite a kisser. Seconds later, I felt Jack's lips wrap around my cock as he took me into his hot wet mouth. I give a damned good blow job but Jack was far better than I'll ever be. He brought me to the verge of climax four times before skillfully backing off and bringing me down. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore and had to beg; "Jack...PLEASE!" He giggled and then finished me off in such a way that I saw stars. We kissed groped and sucked for hours that night. We couldn't get enough of each other but in the end, sleep claimed us and in the morning I awoke to find myself just one part of a massive tangle of arms, legs and one cast. We met Gary and Bobby downstairs for breakfast. The boys were enjoying Bobby's company and they were giggly over breakfast. Something was obviously bothering Gary however, and he asked if we could speak privately after breakfast. Sitting in the corner of my study, it was apparent that he was having trouble collecting his thoughts. "You know Gary, sometimes the best way to say something it to just say it." He nodded his head. "Something happened last night that has me doubting my fitness to be a father to Bobby or for that matter to even be allowed to be near him. I know we've been through a great deal of stress but that shouldn't excuse inappropriate behavior. We were lying in bed talking about...well, everything. He began telling me about the things he wade to do when he was out on contract to other men and then...well, Eric...he got down between my legs and I let him...I let him blow me. Is that horrifying?" I smiled and reached over and grasped his hand. "It's only horrifying if he didn't do a good job Gary. Did you at least return the favor?" "Well...no, no I didn't I was so shocked that it never occurred to me to do that I mean I..." "So, now we know what you ought to do tonight eh? Gary, just because those other men used and abused Bobby doesn't mean that all sexual contact is abuse. You've proven your love for Bobby over and over again. Last night, he just took the bull by the horns and tried to show you how much he cares for you. It's not a thing to be ashamed or frightened of, it's a thing to be cherished and nurtured. If the world is kind, you two are going to have long lives together. You should explore every possible avenue of love and affection. This is new to you and you've been conditioned to find such actions repugnant but the fact that you allowed the boy you love to do that proves that in your heart, you don't see it as wrong. In this case Gary, let Bobby be your guide. He'll show you that love is a many sided but always-wonderful thing. I just buried my best friend in the world yesterday Gary. You've buried a loving wife and a wonderful son. Life is too short and too unpredictable. Don't deprive yourself of one moment of joy and love because somebody else tried to tell you it's wrong. The only thing that could possibly be wrong would be to reject love because in some way it violates some other moron's set of rules." He nodded at me and his eyes were glassy. "For a young guy, you certainly are wise Eric." "I had good teachers. Now on to other matters, I've taken the liberty of having Commodore Tipton submit the necessary papers so that you can adopt Bobby if that's still what you want." He was on his feet and was shaking my hand. "What? Oh my God! Really? How can I ever thank you Eric?" "Just keep loving that boy Gary. It will take about three weeks to process the papers; I'll have the Commodore contact you in plenty of time. Meanwhile, if you'll sign those papers over on my desk, you'll be Bobby's legal guardian until you finally become his legal Dad. I don't see any reason for him to have to go back to the Academy even for a few weeks." I moved over to the wet bar and threw a couple of ice cubes into two tumblers and filled them with single malt. "I know it's early but let's toast the two of you and your lives together and at the same time let's toast my friend Walter who died helping to make all of this happen." We clicked glasses and downed the amber liquor in one swift pull. "Why don't you go track down your boy and give him the news? Hell Gary, you might also think about taking him upstairs and pulling his pants down...but that's entirely up to you." He grinned at me as he turned to leave. ************************* Richard and Barry were sitting across from me in my study. My broken leg made the idea of going up to the command center out of the question and besides that, I wasn't yet ready to go into that room with Walter missing. "Do you have that report for me Barry?" "Right here Eric." He handed me a file folder. I opened it and casually perused the names. "Good. Now in a couple of days, I'm giving this list to you Richard. These are the names of every man who has been a client or a supporter of the NEST. Based upon the information that Barry has acquired, I'll make a notation alongside each name that will give you specific directions on how I want you to treat with each of them. This shit is ending forever. Now, next week, we're flying out to the `Steel Cunt' and dealing with Mr. Chang and Proctor Nick. Too bad Andy didn't have either of them in his sites as well as Longstreet. That would have saved us some trouble. This broken leg is going to take some of the pleasure out of it though; I'd have liked to do some hands on conversation with both of them. We'll deal differently with the captured Proctors than we do with Longstreet's hired guns. I need some time to think about it." "I think we should just send them all into the cornfield." Barry said and Richard laughed. I recognized the reference to an old but classic episode of the `Twilight Zone'. "It may come to that guys but I don't want to make any hasty or emotional decisions." I tried to stand up too quickly. I'd completely forgotten about my cast but thanks to Richard's quick reflexes, I didn't fall. "Well, one thing's for certain. The surprise New Year's skiing trip I'd been planning for the boys is out eh?" ************* I was sitting in bed that night studying the report Barry had compiled for me. I almost never read or worked in bed but with the broken leg, it was actually more comfortable than sitting at a desk. I sensed more than heard the bedroom door open and he was standing at the side of my bed gloriously naked. I smiled up at him. "Why, hi my son John William Tucker." "Hi my Dad; Eric Tucker." "What brings you to my bedside so auspiciously attired Jack?" "The need to be loved by you Dad. I know we said we'd never do it again, but I've been so sad and afraid and...E-Eric please don't send me away tonight please let me...please." I placed Barry's report on the bedside table, reached over, and cupped one globe of his lovely ass. "Why John William...are you attempting to take advantage of a crippled man? I've got a broken appendage after all." He smiled down at me like a little wolf and reached between my legs. "There's nothing wrong with THIS appendage as far as I can see." Within moments, the lights were out and so was the tube of lube I kept in the drawer of my bedside table. He was straddling my chest and he bent over giving me a passionate kiss while at the same time working lube into his hot little rosebud. For the rest of the night, I forgot all thoughts of grief, revenge or anger. When I awoke in the morning, he was sitting at my bedside offering me a steaming mug of coffee. "Jack, do you know how truly loved you are?" "Every minute of every day Dad." Then, he kissed me. (to be continued) Thanks for all of the response to the last chapter. I know it was a cliffhanger but it was supposed to be. Deciding that Walter was dead has been one of the most difficult things I've done since I started writing these stories. Walter was real to me and I actually wept when I finally committed to his death. As you can see, there's still some clean-up to take place before the NEST situation is resolved. Thanks for hanging in there, thanks for all of your comments and most certainly, thanks for your warm concern over my health.