Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2022 06:13:30 +1100 From: max dowling Subject: Ask Me 89 Ask Me Maxieplus Chapter 89 Billy Lane couldn't believe his luck when he walked the Richmond streets looking for a bar to scrounge a drink from, sometimes he wins, sometimes he doesn't but he had enough change on him to buy a bottle of cheap plonk in case he lucked out. On his way to his third hotel, he had picked up a disposable camera and thought nothing of it until his wife found it in his pocket and decided to be a good samaritan and have it developed, she may find a way to get it back to the rightful owners, maybe get a reward for her effort. She instantly knew the couple that were in the photos, being a fan of Rick Conner's for a long time she had followed his career and also had a very big crush on him. That crush was almost destroyed when she saw the wedding cake photo and two good-looking men cutting it with love in their eyes and perfect lips meeting. The cake read Brent and Conner, and she knew also how valuable these photos were to the media. She showed Billy and although he knew the star he wasn't a big fan preferring country music instead. Their three children were happily playing in the backyard of their government flat oblivious to the windfall their parents were about to receive. They argued into the night which wasn't uncommon in the Lane house and the surrounding apartments because each family was in the same position, unwilling to work and all looking for that quick dollar. A week later at the Richards house the mail was delivered as usual and Brent sifted through it as he does every day, fan mail usually went to Marty's office but some slip through the post office's forwarding process and end up at the house. Four such ones arrived on this particular day and one stood out, it was unstamped and whoever sent it had hand-delivered it, but it was addressed to Conner, Brent isn't one to open other people's mail so he sat it on the table. He threw advertising envelopes in the trash, and put aside the fan mail or requests for Marty's office to deal with. Billy Lane and his wife were shopping today, they needed a supersonic sound system and a very large television set, flat-screen of course. They picked out the goods they wanted then they placed them on a year free interest account, they were confident the rock star would pay them for the photos, they always pay. The four million dollars they were asking wasn't much to Rick Conner's and if he didn't pay up they would sell them on to the tabloids. Billy Lane and his wife were also quite thick and didn't consider the consequences when he was offered a credit card by one big store with a credit line of twenty thousand dollars. The salesman even threw in free delivery then Billy and his wife headed for the bottle shop and bought up big on their favorite drinks. They also had to buy the kids some new clothes and toys it's been ages since they had any new shoes or t-shirts. Brent was trying to feed Jack some oats while Curtis happily played with his toys in the playpen. "Jack, behave yourself and eat some more." Jack's face screwed up and there is no way in heaven or earth he was going to eat any more of that disgusting food. Young Jack had good taste, and he knew what he wanted to eat, those lovely muffins his grandad had been making this morning. "Perhaps he might like some scrambled eggs, Brent." John was trying to be helpful. "Perhaps I should just give him a muffin." John knows not to do any baking before the babies have had their lunch but today he was looking for something to do and forgot. Brent got up from the table and cut one in half. "Is that wise?" "He's got to eat something." He went back and handed the treat to his argumentative son who screamed as his little fingers tried to ram it all in his gob. "Take it easy Jack, bit by bit it lasts longer." "Not!" The little boy screamed. He passed the other half over to Curtis who at first smelt it then he broke a piece off to taste. "Ta." "That's okay baby enjoy your treat." He took Jack out of the high chair and placed him in with his brother. Sometime in the next two minutes Jack will forget his muffin and grab Curtis's, so he had better keep his eye on them. "Daddy!" Curtis yelled as the front door opened and both boys hauled themselves up to the side of the playpen and watched as Conner came in with Marty. He kissed me deeply then he knelt to greet his boys, they had a great catch up and the hugs from both sides were full of love. "Is it all done now Marty?" I asked. "Yes Brent, the cd will be finalized in a few days ready for the Disney movies release." He handed me a copy to play at my leisure, I will do that later on when the boys have their afternoon nap. Conner walked over to the kitchen bench and grabbed a muffin then threw one to Marty, the other one he broke in half to give to the kids, I looked at John who said, "So sue me." He then started going through his backpack and picked the envelope up to open it. "Is this all today Brent?" "Yes Con, some fan mail that Marty can take and a few advertising letters I chucked." "Where is Grant?" "He's talking to his guys out front, he won't be long, and Brent?" "Yes Con." "He still looks the same." I blushed because both Con and I have a big crush on Grant his minder. "These are nice Brent, I haven't seen these before." He was looking through some photographs that were in the envelope. I went over and placed my arms around his waist and looked over his shoulder. "Ah the missing camera, they are nice ones, I will have them for my albums." I smiled and kissed his neck. "How much do they want?" I asked. "Four million baby." "Aim high I always say." I smiled because his other hand snuck around and was holding the now fat thing in my jeans. He handed the letter to Marty who read it with a smile. "What do you want to do Conner?' "Come out before the payment date, then ride the storm." "Are you sure?" "Yes Marty it's been far too long, its time I told the world about Brent and myself." "Leave me out of it Conner," I said. "No." He kissed me. "Why?" "Because if my gay following think I'm single, the stalking will never stop." I heard Curtis moan. "Okay, Jack I told you not to take Curtis's food." He had done what I expected and taken his brother's treat, or Curtis had handed it to him he's always sharing something. I got a mighty fine telling off from him, then I threatened him with bed, so he shut up. "Dianna, we need Dianna in on this one Conner." "Why Di Brent?" "The spread she organized in the home magazine is perfect for your coming out. They were highlighting the apartment so if they slip a few of the photos in with it all dressed up for our wedding it will be subtle, and the gossip mags will miss out on an exclusive. Con you can do a small interview, now which photos will we use?" He started laughing at me. "I knew you would have the answer Baby." He kissed me again, he likes to do that a lot. "Well that's if it hasn't gone to the printers yet, we have to get onto Di." Marty pulled his phone out and rang her. Grant headed for the boys when he arrived and they screamed, he went to go to the kitchen bench but I was onto it. "Just one for yourself Grant, the boys have had enough," I said. "Not!" Jacks onto me again. "Yes, enough!." I yelled back at him in the only language he understands. His head hit the floor as he fell forward crying, my heart melted and I felt so awful for raising my voice at him, Conner went and picked him up to soothe him then he laughed at me. "He's going to be a handful Brent." "He certainly is." I pursed my lips. While all this was going on at the Richards household, at Billy Lanes he has just taken delivery of his nice second-hand car, he didn't have a license to drive it but his wife did, and she was taking the family on a picnic tomorrow. Their money will come through in a week so then they can have a big spend up and a much deserved holiday. "Can we trace the blackmailer Grant?" "Yes, he is a stupid one, the drop-off is a post office box in St Kilda." He laughed. "So you will be waiting with the cops then?" "Let's just see how this pans out Brent, Conner are you sure you want to come out?" "I am almost out anyway Grant, the rumors and innuendos have been relentless over the past years anyway." Dianna and Adam arrived with the kids, they were placed into the playpen with our boys and Jack watched me and I watched him. Don't get me wrong with Jack, he's adorable and I love him to bits, but he loves an audience and he also loves to rub me up the wrong way. When it's just him and myself he is the most adorable baby in the world, he loves our time together and so do I, moments to be treasured for sure. "So who is this fuck head that's trying to blackmail my friend?" Adam took over. "A no one Adam, we have it all in hand, we just need to talk to Dianna." He turned his head and looked at her, she was making coffee. "What's she got to do with it, we need Jill and a bunch of lawyers." He pulled out his phone and I couldn't stop laughing at him. "What's wrong Brent?" "We have it all in hand Adam, please put your phone away." He flipped through the photos and held one up. "I like this one of me and Rob can I have a copy?" "Yes, I will get them done." Why would I think Adam was only thinking about himself. "Di, we need you to get onto your friend at the Home magazine office and see if they would like the exclusive for Cons coming out." "Why Brent?" "They did the apartment spread, they can add a small interview with Conner and some photos of it all dressed up for our wedding. Then the gossip rags don't get to have the exclusive rights to whoever is blackmailing us. The note does say if Conner doesn't pay they will go to the tabloids." "Good thinking Brent, just give me a minute I will ring my friend Sally the editor." "So no Jill, no lawyers?" "Correct Adam, just relax will you." He was dying to get stuck into it but there wasn't any need. I did stare at him and say. "Mothers got this Adam." Then I laughed. "You're not a mother's nipple Brent, look at your kids filling them up with sugar, no wonder Jack is putting on weight." I looked at Jack he looked pretty normal to me. "He's just a healthy little boy Adam, and anyway there is no sugar in the buns they are sugar-free." "That's what John tells you." He leered at John. "And that's the truth Adam, stop stirring this situation with Conner it's serious, behave yourself," John said. "Well, you don't need my help." "Not at the moment you should be working on the press release and get Jill to help you with it," Conner said. "Yes, your lordship." Conner looked Adam up and down and laughed. "Have they moved in completely yet?" he asked Adam. "Who?" "Jill and Sarah, have they moved in fully Adam?" "Yes the furniture arrived today, Sarah's at Go Ship setting up her new office and Jill is hauling furniture." he laughed. I know bloody well Jill wasn't doing that, the movers will be on to it or there will be hell to pay. Jill and Sarah stayed after the wedding and are moving into one of our apartments in Richmond. Sarah is setting up her office at Go Ship she will be an asset to the company doing all the legal stuff, and some personal clients when she gets more settled, and Jill is flying with my boys, basically doing everything Adam used to do. Adam is moving over to Di's business. A big bonus for Teddy is he gets Lukey on his team and a new schoolmate to boot. Di finished her call and came back. "That's okay with Sally Marty, you and Conner have to go in for an interview tomorrow afternoon she was chuffed you thought of her mag first." "Well she did a lot of good work for Cody Mitchell's beach house last year so we know we can trust her," I said. "Take some photos the mag will come out in five days so she needs to do a rush job." "Adam, can you select a few photos from my albums?" I asked. "You would be better off using the blackmail ones so they can't reuse them again." He answered. "Good thinking, they are great shots," Conner said as he looked through them again. John started placing some sandwiches on the table it was after lunch for me but not for Con and the rest of the crew, I knew this because Conner took a handful for himself. "You had better ring Disney Marty they might not take kindly to Conner's coming out party, seeing the movie will be released on the weekend." Another thought from Adam. "I will do that, but they are very gay friendly and I doubt whether it will phase them too much." "Anything else anyone can think of?" "Leave the blackmailer to us, I will send a guy to check the post office out and maybe he can sit and watch if anyone checks the box. Knowing these dipshits he will be checking it every day for his easy money." "Make sure Teddy isn't getting bullied at school too Grant, I don't want him involved in any of this." "He will be fine if there is any bullying done at his school, he and his mates will be the ones to put a stop to it quick smart. He's truly loved and looked up to at that school I doubt whether he will get any trouble off the kids. But the parents are another story so we will watch him." "Also do a general email Adam, to Helen Jenny Mrs. Green Phil and Dave, and anyone that has dealings with Conner so they will be ready. I will tell Andy and the rest at the park today, oh, and let Geoff at Nans know also just in case." "Okay I will do that later on Conner, can you think of anything else?" "Yes, would everyone like to listen to my new album?" "Yes please," I said. He placed the disc in the machine and the music started, it was wonderful, the first song is the movie theme song and it caressed my ears as Cons songs have always done. A brilliant album and four kids asleep in the playpen. Hope had little Brenten in her arms and Jack had Curtis, all four were smiling I think. We huddled in John and Ray's place as not to disturb them and the music played softly, it was typical Conner he chose every word carefully and deliberately to get into my heart. We started making a list of people we should contact first and that must be done tonight, Adam finally had something to do and he will go to Jill's and they will do it together, let's hope her big move is over otherwise she will put him to work. "Well got to go if that's all there is?" "Yes Adam, and thank you, what's the rush?" "I'm meeting Rob we are buying a new coffee table and can't decide on which one, this will be the third time we have visited the shop." "Your slipping Adam, once upon a time you made instant decisions, this is not like you." "Brent it has to be perfect, not thrown into the room as you have done, I will talk to you later." He kissed us all except Marty then left. "We had better get to the park Brent, Ted will be finished school soon," John said. Marty picked up his son and placed him in his stroller then he gently took Hope and laid her over his shoulder to walk home. I kissed Di and thanked her and she reminded Conner his appointment was at three tomorrow afternoon. We had written down all the questions Conner was willing to answer, no mention of kids or where we lived. We bundled up the boys who were still sleeping and Grant helped us put them in the car, sometimes I think they could sleep through an earthquake, but I guess most babies are like that. Ted's the same and if it wasn't for his morning cartoons he would probably sleep all day. John grabbed his basket of sandwiches and muffins and we headed for the park. Conner drove carefully and parked in our usual spot, when he got out he lingered at Beth's rusty old car fountain and smiled. He was happy again and in his world, he was living the perfect life. Andy and Fran were waiting for us and because the babies were still sleeping they couldn't have a nurse as yet. Once Jack hears the boys screaming he will wake up and want to join in, he's going to be like his older brother I think, he loves kicking the footy around although he misses more than he touches it. Teddy Shaun Bubby and Brody ran across the schoolyard with a half dozen other boys, they were keen to get started on their practice. He kissed me and Conner then hugged his grandfather John then he rushed off without telling us how his day went. The others did the same and I got a good hug off Brody, he wasn't in a hurry to play today. Grant called them into a circle and started handballing to them his ass was magnificent, and my imagination was going at full speed thinking of doctor Mike destroying it. "We have some news for you both, Conner is going to come out of the closet finally." "Do you think that's wise Con, I mean sometimes it's suicide for famous gays to do that." Andy was concerned. "We found the missing camera from the wedding the photos turned up today with a blackmail note, I want to knock it on the head before it gets out of hand." "Okay, how much do they want?" "Four mil, I'm not going to pay it Fran I would much rather give it to Mary for the charity if it comes to that." "What do you need us to do?" Andy asked. "Just be yourselves and please don't talk to the media or about our kids, I won't be putting them in the limelight." "He has an appointment with the lady who organized the apartment write-up in Home magazine, we are going to add some photos of the wedding and the small interview to mix in with it. The tabloids will have a field day but we don't care about them as long as it's done tastefully first up, we aren't so much concerned." Jack was awake and wanting out of his stroller and little Curtis was already awake but he felt no urgent need to go and play. Jack on the other hand nearly strangled himself trying to get his harness off, I helped him then placed him on the grass. "Teds Ted's here." He screamed. He waddled at full speed over to the oval fence then onto the field, the boys loved the babies and the ball was pushed along the ground for him to grab and try and kick back to them, he will get it one day but for now, it's a whole load of fun for my boy. I got Curtis out and Andy immediately took him to say hello but he wanted me, he's still tired so he fell sideways with his arms stretched out. No running for us today because when Grant got the boys to do a lap of the oval Jack was left on his own so Conner sat on the grass and they rolled a bright red ball to each other. Eventually, Curtis wanted in so I placed him on the ground to have a go. "Is he worried about it Brent?" Fran asked. "No Fran I think it's a relief for him, he's got back into writing songs again, and I think he wants to spend more time at home with the kids. We haven't talked about it much, but will tonight when we are alone." "Will it ruin his career?" "Hardly, his career is solid gold, if anything it will target him for some very nasty homophobic comments, but we will meet them head-on if they arrive." "Well I wish you luck with everything you decide, and my lips are sealed if I come across anyone wanting any gossip." "Thank you both, Jill is going to send a memo around warning friends it may get a little bumpy over the next month or so. We have to wait it out until the next big newsworthy story hits the stands." The kids have nearly arrived back and John has placed their snacks on the table, they usually get a treat after doing all that exhausting work. They headed for the table and dived into the muffins but not many sandwiches were taken, I handed one over to Conner to break up for the babies, they have had enough today. "The guys have checked the post office box out so they know which one it is, they will start their surveillance tomorrow just in case." "Good, thank you." "My pleasure Brent." He grinned and turned around showing off his perfect behind. "Brent!" "What?" "Toss me another muffin and stop what you're doing." Conner was chastising me, I don't know why he did that because Grant's ass was nearly in his face he had a really good look at it too, and anyway I wasn't alone, Andy's mouth was nearly dripping with pleasure. "Mummy are we going to do it today or will we leave it until later next week? " Bubby said to Fran. "Maybe next week bubs, lots is going on today," He dropped his shoulders and sighed. "Okay." "What's the matter?' I asked her. She started smiling and winked. "The Go Ship contract is up next week and he wants to tie up the advertising rental, you know prices are up for that sort of thing now." She smiled, I giggled to myself and John had overheard her so I guess he will have another contract drawn up for the boys, it's for the advertising they have on their footy pullovers, Go Ship has to rent the space. "How are your investments going by the way, Mr. Bubby?" "They are in a slump Mr. John, but we will trade our way through it, so many new corporate businesses will hit the market soon, and I'm also looking into bitcoin, but I think at the moment I will stick to our tried and trusted blue-chip shares." Way to go Bubby bitcoin hey? "And Mr. John?" "Yes, Mr. Bubby?" "We need to talk soon, no later than the fifteenth please otherwise the contract will be null and void." "No problem Mr, Bubby, the same price as last year?" As if. "Absolutely not, I will come up with a figure when I merge it with the cost of living." "What cost of living, you don't pay rent or electricity, your dad does." "I have a cost of living, and I also have a duty of care to my shareholders, so please, don't try and play games with me." He stared John in the eyes. John blushed and I did see a slight smile on his face when the boys ran onto the field again. Conner was listening and laughing his head off, he thought it was funny someone pushing John around finally. I have no idea what figure Bubby will come up with but I can assure you it won't be five hundred dollars....each. A familiar lady with her young son was walking up to us, Luke looked excited he starts his new school tomorrow, Jill had been to introduce herself to Mrs. Green. The boys welcomed Lukey and after a few pats on the back they restarted their training again, more hand-balling, then some goal-kicking practice. "How did you go?' "Really good Brent she's a lovely lady, all Luke's records have been sent down and I have done the general memo it will be sent out when I get back home." "Did the movers help settle the furniture?" "Yes all done, I haven't seen Adam, he was supposed to help me. I did get his phone call about the memo though." "He's out shopping." She rolled her eyes. We told her to watch herself with Mrs. Green, she was surprised because she found her very accomodating, but yes she will watch her p's and q's. "When do you start flying Jill?" "Tomorrow Andy, I can't wait, although it will be a short day we are only doing two Adelaide runs." "Well say hello to my boys hopefully they will be coming for dinner soon, you and Sarah should come also." "I will do that Brent and thank you, my boys are more than happy to have me on board." She giggled. "Adam told you to say that didn't he?' "Yes." More laughter and the kids screaming made it a beautiful end of the day for everyone. I was a bit disappointed Con and I didn't run but the company was great anyway. When the boys finished their workout Bubby reminded John they had a meeting and I am guessing here but I think Lukey has been signed permanently to the team, he was already an honorary member but now it's permanent. "Okay, we will see you tomorrow Jill, and thank you." "Yes Brent, we have to get home I have a casserole in the oven. So much to do so little time." She kissed my cheeks. "Don't forget your homework mummy," Luke said. Jill blushed and looked at all of us. "Just one fucking word from you lot and I will lose it." "Have a nice night Jill, how many words?' "One thousand." She grunted. "My God, it must have gone bad for you that's the most I have ever heard of, ever, you are a legend, Jill." Andy laughed as his hands covered his mouth. We packed up and left the park, I drove this time and it was a bit cramped, I guess I will need a people mover next, there goes my lovely car again. On the way home, we giggled a bit about Jill's meeting and wondered if she will start her homework as soon as she gets home. I find if I hold two pens I get the job done in half the time. Teddy was put to bed around nine, I read him his story and he dropped off to sleep with no arguments. I didn't even look to see if he had done his homework but John and Ray assured me he had. We watched some more TV then it was time for us to lock up and go to our own bed. We checked the boys out and then he placed his CD in the player and we got into bed and listened to it. Conner wasn't in the mood for sex so we stared into each other's eyes and kissed a lot. Jack was restless during the night so I got up and checked him, sure enough his nappy was full, so I changed him and thankfully he went back to sleep. I stopped at my older sons bedroom door and watched him gently breathe into his pillow. I wanted to love him more than I did, but I couldn't come up with anything better than what I was doing, and wondered if it was enough for him. My man stirred when I got back into bed then he started dry humping me in his sleep, now he's randy. I kissed him and he smiled and turned over and snored again. I looked at the clock it was five am, so because I was now wide awake I decided to get up and go downstairs. I made coffee then turned the TV on to watch one of the mindless morning shows. It was Conner that woke me up and my coffee had gone cold so he had made me another one. Teddy raced down the stairs and quickly turned the channel over, he has things to watch. "Good morning son." I kissed his head then I went to sit with a giggling Conner at the table, I knew my son hadn't even noticed I did that, but I was warmed anyway. "So, the time has come and you have a very big day today Con?" "I have to go to talk to Marty about the casino then we have to go over the concert programme then make some announcements, Jill will do that for us." "She starts flying today." "I hope she's going to be able to cope with it all, you know Phil and Dave and their secret get togethers in the flight deck." "She will be fine, is Tan still doing the runs?" "No, they had him moved over to the bigger jet he need to be able to fly just about anything. But from what I hear he's blitzing the aviation school exams." I smiled to myself, Tan is a wonderful boy and I know he will do very well, and I was confident Jill could do the flight attendant and Cons pr jobs. I made us more coffee and spied John was up and about, so I sat at the table with Con again and he stated playing in my underwear. "Come back to bed." "I can't I got babies to get ready for the day." He kissed me again and john walked in. "Thank god the impressionable children are otherwise occupied, Brent you really should take that to your room." "Take what?" He pointed to Conner's crotch, he was sporting a big boner. I laughed so much he took my hand and said. "Come on, we both need to shower." And just like that Conner got me back into bed, but not before John and Ray both organised the babies for their day. Grant called by with Brody in tow, he had just dropped Mike off and thought John might take him to school with Teddy. "We have a good face photo of him Conner but he's not one of our crowd." He passed an envelope over to Con who opened it and looked. "No don't know him at all, probably just some layabout waiting for his chance in life." Conner didn't know how right he was. Grant advised him to try and stall it, he will have him followed when he goes to check the post office box. If he's a greedy person like we suspect he will be going to check the box every day if not three times a day, so they will catch up with him then. The reason he wants to stall the payoff is he wants it to happen after the magazine comes out then he will have him arrested. If it happens before, the tabloids will get onto it and there won't be any quiet coming out parties, so it was decided that Grant would slip a note into it saying it is taking time to get the money together. Jill has finished the friends memo, and the media address and now we sit and wait, Grant and his men will handle the blackmailer, Con will concentrate on his Casino gig and the Disney movie, I will be changing nappies which is a job I gratefully accepted nowadays. It wasn't Jack this morning it was Curtis that wanted to push everyone's buttons, he woke up out of sorts and that stayed with him for the next two hours, we tried everything but nothing calmed him down. Jack on the other hand was very quiet, He sort of played by himself on the rug but every now and then he would have a small moan. "I think we should ring Doctor Mike Brent, somethings wrong." John said. "We had better take him to the surgery." Conner started to get them ready for the short walk up the street by grabbing the stroller. I checked their nappies which were clear and we tucked both of them in. Curtis got worse, he's not feeling the best at all poor little fella. We almost ran up the street with John in tow and lucky we were able to get in under the emergency baby law, babies are to be seen before adults in surgery hours, I felt sorry for the other patients but if they were annoyed they didn't say, most of them were looking at Con anyway. "What seems to be the matter Brent?" "Well Curtis has been really restless and whiney since he woke up, I can't put my finger on it, his nappy was standard and he doesn't have a fever but he's acting like he's sick." He left Curtis in the stroller and took Jack. I was worried he was wasting time with him but he took his temperature then looked down his throat, plus he kept saying "I see, amazing." He then checked my other sick baby out. "What do you think Mike, is he going to be all right?" Conner was worried as usual. "No, no he's fine but Jacks got a red throat, maybe too much juice yesterday. I will do some tests he may be allergic to it what kind did he get?" "Apple juice and some orange about three small bottles." John offered. "Well lay of it for a few days and just use milk or sugar water, I will give him some antibiotics that should clear it up." "But what's wrong with our Curtis?" "Nothing, he's going out in sympathy for his brother, there no doubt he feels Jacks pain in his head, amazing I have read all about it but never seen it." He smiled at me. Well I suppose next time I won't just stop at one, I will have to diagnose both of them thats when I remembered Jacks full nappy last night and Mike said that maybe the worst is over. Grant went to get the prescription after he had a few intimate words with Mike and he met us back at the house. I fussed over Curtis but he wasn't interested, he wanted to sleep his day away with his brother. Con had to go and see Sally with Marty, and Grant tailed him as usual. I helped change beds and put another load of washing on. maxieplus@hotmail.com Please donate to Nifty if you can.