Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 10:22:38 +0800
From: "solark36@yahoo.co.uk" <solark36@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: 15 Harford 16

Disclaimer: This story is entirely fictional and not intended for minors or
those judged unable by law to read this material.  Any resemblance to
actual people is purely coincidental and not intended.

The author reserves all rights to this work.


15 HARTFORD

The story so far: Martin proposed to Michael.  Michael accepts and decides
to come out to his family before the wedding.  Adam objects to Michael's
and Martin's relationship.  However, he appears at the weddiing and accepts
Martin as brother-in-law.


Part 16 - Full Circle

Both Charlene's and Mrs. Watson's faces went pale.

Adam's eyes showed a depth of emotion as he continued, "If you'd remember
the time I had trouble looking for a job?"

After Charlene and Mrs. Watson nodded their heads, Adam continued, "It was
all pretend.  I'd actually applied to be in the police force."

"You didn't say anything!" exclaimed Mrs. Watson.

"There was a problem regarding my academic results.  I wanted to apply for
a scholarship to do forensics.  I know that Mom'd never allow me to be a
regular policeman like Daddy.  I didn't know if I'd a chance during the
interview."

"What about the job that you had the last few months?" asked Charlene.

"If you'd be patient, Charlene, I'm coming to that.  The inspector who
interviewed me knew Daddy.  When he saw my application form, he asked me
about Daddy and the family.  Then, he told me to wait in the outside for a
while.  When he called me in, he asked me if I was willing to go undercover
for Scotland Yard."

"But you're not a trained policeman!" protested Mrs. Watson.

Adam smiled.  "This was the kind of protest I had expected.  It was
precisely because I wasn't a policeman that made me a good candidate.  The
Yard suspected some corrupted people on the force, worse, they suspected
someone high up.  They needed someone who wasn't in the force to fish for
information.  He said that it was dangerous but he said he knew of a good
motivation for me.  He explained that one of the people involved was one of
the suspects of Daddy's death."

Adam looked around and saw the full attention he was getting.  He
continued, "I only remember Daddy vaguely.  I don't think I really knew
him; I was too young.  But I do know that if he hadn't died, I'd know him
now.  I didn't really consider it much, I just said 'yes'."  Adam could see
his mother's eyes light up in exasperation.  "Anyway, I was given an
address to write to to apply for a job.  The inspector said that I'd
probably get the job because of the employer's, the one whom they suspected
had a part in Daddy's death, twisted sense of irony.  Seeing my name on the
application would probably up the probability of getting in.  So as to keep
up appearances, I'd have to apply to some other places the inspector
supplied.  They were also connected to the case.  True to his expectations,
I was asked for an interview.  I was asked to be truthful regarding my
identity.  So when I was asked about Daddy, I answered truthfully.  You
should have seen the guy's face when I said that I was angry that I lost my
father at such a young age.  He seemed almost elated.  A few days later, I
got the job as an orders clerk."

"It really sounds exciting," remarked Danni, Gary's wife.

"It sounds too dangerous," said Mrs. Watson with a glare.

"Well, that's where I met Gillian," Adam continued.  "The business looked
very legitimate up front.  My job was actually to describe everyone who met
the boss to the inspector.  I was actually tailed a couple of times by the
bosses people, but I was careful.  I wrote the descriptions by mail to the
inspector under an assumed name and email at an internet cafe.  I sent
descriptions by mail to a post box.  I communicated with the inspector with
different means so as not to look too obvious.  That didn't really help
until I discovered that the boss actually wrote his appointments down in a
special note book.  I knew he kept it under lock and key and I took a risk
in making a mold of the key.  When I did that, I managed to hand the mold
to the inspector.  Then, the inspector told me the time he would enter the
office to search for things.  That was illegal, of course, but it would
give the inspector some information regarding the coppers involved.  I
needed an alibi during the illegal and clandestine search and so I decided
to bring Gillian back for dinner.  I mentioned this to my boss, to make my
alibi more solid.  That was when he informed me that he was glad that I was
interested in girls.  He said he did not like gays and told me what he
thought of them."

"And I thought Gillian was your girlfriend ..." moaned Charlene.

Adam grinned, "We've become very good friends.  There's still hope, sis."
Adam continued, "When you revealed your relationship to me, Mike, I just
had a inspiration.  I pretended to be unhappy with the situation and
telephoned my boss.  It was just to give me an opportunity to be nearer my
boss.  He took the bait and he set me up in a boarding house, one of those
bed and breakfast places.  He knew that someone had gone through his things
but didn't know who.  Since he knew I was with Gillian that night, and in a
tiff with my family, he didn't suspect me.  I don't know how he did it,
but, the inspector managed to gather enough information to arrest this
boss."

"Did they managed to pin Daddy's murder on him?" Michael asked.

"Those who were working in his office were all brought to the station house
for questioning.  It was there that I found out that only the inspector
knew about me, there was no one else.  I was given a thorough interrogation
but I was afraid of saying anything that might link myself to the illegal
search of the premises.  I was given the full treatment, bright light and
all.  It was a scary experience."

"Were you mistreated in anyway?" asked Mrs. Watson worriedly.

"I don't think so.  Anyway, back to the story, the inspector managed to pin
the killing of several drug couriers on the boss.  The boss'd found out
that these drug couriers were giving information to the police, no doubt
from the corrupt officials in the Yard, and he took care of them.  When he
knew he couldn't back off from the situation, he made a ironic remark about
the son of the first person he took care of working for him.  When pressed,
he admitted to be one of the young men who was involved in Daddy's death.
He did swear that I had no knowledge of his underground activities."

Michael's eyes were wet when Adam finished.  He felt that the truth was
known finally and a great weight was lifted off his shoulder.

Adam noticed Michael's expression and continued, "I also found out that he
was the drug boss that killed your first love, Mike.  Jimmy Mitts worked
for him."

MIchael's relief was overwhelming.  He broke into tears.  Martin, knowing
what he was feeling, held him close.  Martin's eyes were also getting wet.
He felt relief also, knowing that the broken pieces in his husband's life
were coming together.

No one said anything for the next two minutes or so.  The only sounds were
the soft sobbings of Michael and Mrs. Watson.  Both Adam and Charlene
comforted their mother.  Even Danni's eyes showed some emotion.

With his timing being perfect as always, Gary broke the silence by saying,
"Folks, we've not only the joy of the wedding, but also the joy of loose
ends tied up.  Shall we order?  I'm starved!"

Everyone smiled.  Martin took over the ordering and the wedding celebration
started.

-----

That night, the newly wed couple went to the Bed and Breakfast they visited
six years before.  They slowly made love.

When Martin took out a condom for himself, Michael stopped him and said,
"Martin, I know you've never been unfaithful to me ..."  Martin opened his
mouth to say something, Michael stopped him, "That thing with Will doesn't
count to me.  We've been a monogamous couple.  This is our wedding night
and the beginning of our life together as a married couple.  I trust that
you'll not be disappointed when I say that we don't need to use that.  I
trust you."

Martin's face glowed with joy, but he frowned and said, "but I was exposed
..."

"Martin, you've been testing yourself every year!  Unless you've been
sleeping around, give me one reason why you'd be infected with HIV!"

Martin looked at Michael foolishly.  Michael smiled, "Love, I know that
you've not been sleeping around.  I know I've not been sleeping around
either.  I'm showing you my complete trust.  We're married now.  I won't
force you to give up wearing the rubber.  I just wanted to show you that I
trust you."

Martin smiled, "This is something new for us.  I trust you also."

Martin made slow love to Michael.  His dick was not a giant and Michael was
not really concerned about size.  All the two men knew was that they loved
each other.  For Michael, it was not the dick that was moving in and out of
his arse that told him Martin loved him.  It was the tender manner which
Martin held him and made love to him that made him feel loved.

In the many years that they had made love, they had come to know the
technique of coming together.  The bareback fucking had given them very
intense orgasms.  Martin cradled Michael in his arms as they basked in the
afterglow of their climaxes.  No words needed to be said, each felt loved
by the other and for the first time in many years, they did not feel the
immediate need to get up and clean themselves.  It was when Michaels semen
started to harden a little did he reach out to grab his undershirt to clean
up the mess on their chests and elsewhere.  Somehow, there did not seem to
be the need for Michael to return the favour to Martin.  Their relationship
had taken a new dimension and it was not the sex that was the zenith of
importance but the giving and receiving of love.

They made love again the next morning.  This time they satisfied each other
orally.  They surprised their hosts by appearing for breakfast at nine.

"Hey, you're supposed to be fucking like rabbits!  You're supposed to be on
your honeymoon!"

"I'm sorry to disappoint you Marc.  My 48 year-old body just can't seem to
be able to get it up too soon after one ejaculation."

Marc frowned at Martin's technical way of explaining things.  His partner,
Tony, was more understanding, "You've been together for five years or more?
I guess, there is more to love than just sex."

Michael grinned, "Actually we've been together for just a little short of
seven years.  You're right about the love thing.  I find that sex doesn't
enhance love but the love enhances the sex.  We had fantastic sex last
night and this morning, but it wasn't because we came many times or that we
were truly wild or anything.  We just felt so loved during the sex.  That
was the fantastic part."

Martin frowned at Michael.  He felt that Michael should not have revealed
these intimate things.  Michael could guess why Martin frowned.  He smiled
and gave Martin a peck on the lips.  "I'm sorry, love.  I'll keep my mouth
controlled.  I felt so good that I had to say something.  I'm sorry."

Martin could not help but smile.  He realised that Michael was telling
people about the kind of relationship he had with him.  Michael was not
embarrassed to tell these people because they were open.  Michael was proud
to be his spouse.  Martin realised he should have appreciated it instead of
frowning on it.

"No, Mike, I'm sorry.  I love you so much!"  With that he planted a full
kiss on Michael.  He held nothing back and even did some tongue action.  It
was Michael's turn to be surprised.  Stuffy Martin actually expressed his
love in the presence of two people he did not really know.  "Perhaps there
was hope for Martin yet!" he thought.

When Martin released Michael, the couple turned to see their hosts clapping
their hands.  "Good show, Martin.  We're sorry for teasing you."

"No offence taken," Martin offered.  "Can we have some normal breakfast
now?  I need to keep my energy levels up," he said with a wink.

-----

When the couple reached home in Martin's place, Nelly greeted them with
kisses.  She had aged gracefully but she was showing her sixty-eight years
on her face.  Still active, she was slower and Martin and Michael treated
her with the respect given to a parent.

"You had a call from a Mr. Duncan," she said.

Gabe Duncan had kept in contact with Martin and Michael though not
frequently.  He would send an occasional card or email, and sometimes via
telephone.

"Hello, is that Gabe?"

"Yes.  It's good to hear from you Martin.  I heard the good news.
Congratulations!"

"Thanks for your wishes.  Mike thanks you as well."

"Actually, I'd call to ask a favour.  I know it's not opportune, but I
don't know what to do?"

"What is it?"

"It's Will."

The mention of Will's name brought silence to Martin's heart.  Though it
had been seven years, Martin still felt a chill whenever the name 'Will' is
mentioned.

"Yes, Gabe," Martin continued cautiously.

"He's lost a lot of weight recently.  The doctors don't think that it is
the disease showing up, but they need to do more tests.  He's been wanting
to see you but he's been afraid to.  He's still able to walk and all that
and I was hoping that you - and Mike, too - would agree to meet him.  I
think he's put off asking for your forgiveness long enough.  He needs to
make peace before he goes.  I do not know how much time he has left."

"Gabe, can I call you back?  I need to think about this.  I know I've told
you that I've forgiven him, but I need to discuss this with Mike.  I'll
call you when we come to a decision.  I promise you we'll discuss this
immediately."

"Thanks."

"Bye."

"Bye."

After putting down the phone, Martin explained what Gabe had said.  Michael
had no problems in seeing Will; it was really Martin's call.  After
discussing this a little while longer, Martin called Gabe up and they set a
time and place for the meeting.  Will was to come to the house the next day
with Gabe for tea.

It was a tense moment when Will appeared at the doorway.  He had indeed
lost weight.  He was on the stocky side seven years ago.  He must have lost
at least thirty pounds.  He did not look pale and had a healthy glow in his
face.  However, his expression was one of uncertainty.

Martin shook his hands with a smile.  "It's good to see you, WIll."

Michael did not offer his hand.  "Heck, Will, I think I need this more than
you ..." he pulled Will in for a hug.

Will's eyes brimmed with tears.  "I'm so sorry for the pain I caused you
...  I'm so sorry ..."

Michael held him tenderly and said, "What's past is past."  Then pushing
Will slightly away so that he could look him in the eye, Michael continued,
"I confess that I was really angry with the situation you put us through,
but it became a blessing in disguise.  We realised how much we loved each
other.  I learnt to put what's past behind me.  Will, I can't control
what's in the past, but I can decide what to do now.  I choose to be your
friend, not out of pity because of the AIDS you have, but because I believe
that your courage to admit your mistake is a quality of a true friend."

Martin looked at his spouse with Will and smiled.  He had always been
afraid of his emotions taking over if he came face to face with Will.  He
had long decided to forgive Will but he was not too sure about the emotions
such a meeting might evoke.  Michael's action had just allowed him to move
past those emotions.

"Will, I'm less expressive than Mike is, but I also have forgiven you.  I
must admit that I wondered if it was a good idea to see you but I know now
that it certainly was.  Come ..." Martin put his arm aroung Will's shoulder
just as Micahel released Will from his hug.  "Come and let's sit down for
tea.  Nelly's made some scones.  They're fresh from the oven."

The couple accepted Will as a friend, strengthened by the crises they had
braved through.  By the end of the tea, Will had felt forgiven.  He was all
smiles as he bade them good-bye.

"Do you think he is going to make it?" Michael asked Martin when Will had
left the house.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, will he live?  He seemed awfully thin.  I wonder ..."

"Mike, all I know that he will live, however long it may be, with the
knowledge that he has two more friends who love him despite his medical
condition.  I hope that the weight loss is not a sign of something ominous.
I hope he lives his life to the full, and I hope he has hope, too."

Michael looked at his lover quietly.  His eyes showed Martin the affection
he had for him.  They drew close and kissed.  Then, Michael whispered to
Martin, "I wish we could make passionate love right now."

Martin smiled.  "Not here," he whispered back.  "I know of a better place."

Michael cocked his head, looking puzzled.

"I think we should go back to town, we won't want to keep Nelly up all
night, do we?"

Michael caught the hint and smiled.

The couple informed Nelly of their pending absence and drove to their
destination: 15, Hartford.

THE END

Author's note:  Here ends the long story of Martin and Michael.  Thanks for
all the notes and mails of encouragement.  It's been a interesting
experience writing about these two characters.

Will this be the absolute end of my writing?  I hope not.  Please accept my
gratitude to all who have been following this story.  I hope to write some
more stories in the future.  Thanks again.

Soul Lark