Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:06:29 -0400
From: Jim <sojourn1950@yahoo.com>
Subject: Change of Heart chapter nine

This story is fiction.

The characters are adults in adult situations.

Warnings: The only person you can ever hope to truly know is
yourself. Trust no one; use condoms.

If you are not of legal age or in a jurisdiction in which this document is
illegal, go way.

This is my story. Please respect the copyright. If you enjoy it, let me
know.

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Ilya made it clear that what he was going to do with Paul and Jeff was to
familiarize them with; loading, drawing, firing and cleaning their
weapons. He was not preparing them to become spies, assassins or "American
cowboy gunfighters". They would "after much more hours of instruction" be
better prepared to counter the threat. "What you will be is better prepared
to survive an encounter with an adversary who wants to take your life. We
do not know who this killer is. We don't know when or where he will make
his next attempt. We do know that he is most assuredly an amateur. He may
have killed in the past, but it is not likely. While we don't know his
motivations, we know he is serious and poses a real threat to you Paul. So,
both of you, when you think to hesitate to take his life consider that he
has already tried to take your life and the lives of people you love."

He was impressed with Jeff's choice of sidearm. He encouraged him to carry
the 40 caliber compact version for it's greater stopping power. He also
insisted on providing Jeff with a Seecamp just like Paul's. He outfitted
Paul with his inside the waistband holster. As he did so he snugged it so
it was positioned just behind Paul's right side. In his opinion it was the
position least likely to "print". He then moved Jeff's to a similar
position. He then pointed out that Paul's ass looked like he was carrying a
normal wallet. Jeff was not pleased when Ilya patted Paul's ass a couple of
times to make his point. Jeff frowned, Ilya smirked and Paul blushed.

Jeff, was not at all happy with Ilya's casually having touched his
partner's ass, asked, "Exactly what gun do you carry?"

Ilya opened his black leather sport coat to reveal an inside the waistband
holster housing a gun identical to Paul's Chiappa 40 caliber Rhino
revolver. He then reached into his right hip pocket and withdrew a Seecamp
LWS 380 housed in a holster made to look like a wallet, again identical to
Paul's. Turning down range with a fluidity belied by his robust size, Ilya
proceeded to put seven bullets into the head of the paper target, seemingly
while still in motion.  While both Paul and Jeff gaped at the obvious skill
their instructor had displayed, Ilya simply offered a modest
shrug. Reholstering the Seecamp, in a flash he drew the Chiappa and fired
six rounds into that same head. Before Paul and Jeff could remark on the
speed and accuracy they had just witnessed, Ilya pulled a Sig Sauer P320
and fired ten rounds of 40 caliber, obliterating the target's
head. Returning it to the shoulder holster he explained, "You will not be
an expert. You will not be a professional marksman' a spy or trained
assassin.  You will simply be better prepared."

Then, as if his remarkable display had been an everyday occurrence he
reholstered the Sig and encouraged, "The noise, fear and adrenaline all add
to the chaos of war. Every man truly knows fear when he faces death. It is
simple to stand and put rounds into a paper target. Squeezing the trigger
when you face a man takes more opredeleniye... more determination."

"Try to always keep track of the rounds you've fired. You can never know
how many rounds your adversary has left. You must learn to make every round
count and count every round. I have 5 rounds left in semi automatic. It
will be the last weapon I will reload. It is small things like this that
will allow you to go home to your loved ones instead of to the morgue. The
noise, fear and adrenaline all add to the chaos of war. Every man knows
fear when he faces death. It is simple to stand and put rounds into a paper
target. Squeezing the trigger when you face a man takes more
opredeleniye... more determination."

For the next several hours Paul and Jeff were subjected to a crash course
on surviving a gunfight. Ilya was convinced that Paul's old Glock was not
the kind of gun he should bet his life on. While no gun was absolutely fail
safe, a revolver was more reliable than a semi automatic. A new,
mechanically well adjusted semi automatic was far superior to one that had
"belonged maybe to your grandfather". Paul was irritated that his pistol
had been dismissed in such an offhand manner. True, he had bought it used
and it did jam once or twice while emptying a magazine. But still, it was
his and that counted for something.

They had drawn and fired from various positions and distances. He impressed
upon them that they had to be prepared for any contingency. Pistols were
standoff weapons but they should be prepared to fire, "bad breath
close". He encouraged them to take advantage of their surroundings and to
present as small a target as possible. While many rounds today were armor
piercing many more were not. That being said "only a fool would stand
behind an opened automobile door and exchange gunfire unless armor plating
was involved".

After a few hours Paul noticed his hand was a little sore just from
recoil. Fortunately, the big Russian had demonstrated the proper grips to
avoid injury. Ilya finally decided they had learned all they could in one
lesson. He insisted they make time to shoot with him again the next day.

Back at Joe and Mellie's they were greeted by an enthusiastic five year old
talking about the dinner menu and how much she got to help. Paul grinned as
he saw Jeff's subtly defensive posture as Maria greeted him with her usual
hug and a sloppy kiss. She gave Paul an equally enthusiastic hello. When
picked her up he was careful to straddle her on his non gun side.

As he sat her on the floor he saw her suddenly become shy. Her clasped
hands with wriggling fingers let Paul know she wasn't sure if a hug was
appropriate for her new friend. Ilya must have noticed because he swooped
her up in his arms proclaimed, "Soon you will love me like your very own
BAH-bushka. My GranMama raised me from a small child just about your
age. She protected me and loved me very much. You will see, I do this for
you." Careful not to let her fall he tickled her as she squealed in
delight, before setting her back on the floor. Maria moved to her father's
side and took his hand even as she smiled warmly at the big Russian.

Paul thought how normal Ilya looked, not at all like a man carrying
concealed weapons. He had directed them for the last several hours with an
ease that had them follow without question. The man moved with a practiced
grace, like even if he was shoved in an awkward moment he could not pushed
off balance. Paul pitied the fool that chose to push Ilya Orlov.

Maria told them that the men were in Uncle Joe's office and Aunt Mellie was
in her room taking a nap. She confessed she had taken a nap also, just not
as long as Aunt Mellie.

In the office they found Joe shifting through some invoices while Raymond,
looking out the large picture window at the barn and corrals in the
distance, spoke quietly into his phone. Paul watched as Ilya approached
Raymond and some kind of exchange took place involving eye contact, lifting
eyebrows, and slight nods.

Joe had immediately smiled as they entered and put aside his
paperwork. Raymond ended his phone call, turned to greet them with a smile
and asked, "Well, how did it go? Ilya seems to think you did very well. Do
you two feel like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid?"

Jeff grinned and offered, "Ilya certainly knows his stuff. I been shooting
and hunting most all my life, as you well know. But, he taught me things I
had never even considered. I feel more confident than I did before." Jeff
stepped forward and offered his hand to Ilya in thanks. The big Russian's
bear paw swallowed Jeff's large hand as they exchanged friendly smiles.

Paul grinned as he recalled Jeff's look when Ilya had patted his
ass. Looked like all was forgiven, if not forgotten. Paul chuckled, "I
don't know about Jeff but I mostly feel like a walking National Guard
Armory. I feel like I have a sign around my neck saying `Don't tread on
me'. Though it did surprise me that a time of two, on the ride back, I
almost forgot I was carrying."

Raymond nodded in agreement, "I know what you mean. When I made the
decision to carry a concealed weapon it seemed like it took forever to get
used to it. Now, it's just like picking up your keys or phone as you get
ready for your day."

Raymond made no move to display a weapon. Paul wondered if that meant he
wasn't carrying or that he just didn't think it was necessary to show it.

"Jeff, Uncle Joe and I have been talking. We agreed, it seems like with you
coming back here we should move our Dallas office here. Not to the ranch,
but here in town. We would of course keep the majority of staff in
Dallas. But, set up something local. I'd keep my office there and use it as
needed. If you agree I'll have our people start scouting locations. I'm
sure we can find something suitable with an area for a helicopter landing
pad, if not adjacent then close by. The local economy being as it is it
would be a shot in the arm for our hometown. What do you think?"

"I think it's a great idea. Most of our business can be handled
electronically. But, what about you? You ready to give up big city life,
the corporate jet and all. I mean you won't find any Supercharging stations
for that Tesla out here in the country. Not only that but remember
nightlife out here is relegated to Katydids and crickets chirping and a few
redneck bars."

"Then too consider that once word gets around that Paul and I are a gay
couple raising a daughter we won't be the most popular family around. That
f, f..." Looking down at Maria Jeff stuttered, "That fat Fire Chief is more
indicative of the locals than we'd all like to believe. The majority of
folks around here are holy rollers who'd rather spit on a gay man than
offer than offer you time of day."

Paul stepped closer to Jeff to show his unspoken support. Maria watched and
listened carefully as Jeff was speaking, turning to her father, she asked,
"Are we a family with Mr. Jeff now?"

The room fell silent as each man considered how revealing Jeff's speech had
been. Jeff blushed as he realized he had forgotten Maria was even in the
room. Paul dropped to his knees and spoke softly to his daughter, "Honey,
how would you feel about Mr. Jeff becoming part of our family? It's been
just me and you for a long time now. You know I love you more than anything
or anyone. If I loved Mr. Jeff too it wouldn't mean I would love you any
less."

Maria seemed to grasp the seriousness of her Daddy's question. She looked
into her father's brown eyes then up into Jeff's bright green eyes. "I know
you already love me a who' bunch. You love Mr. Jeff a who' bunch too. I
like him alot and I think he likes me a lot and I know he loves you a who'
bunch. Does this mean that Aunt Mellie and Uncle Joe and Uncle Raymond will
be my for real Aunts and Uncles?"

Jeff knelt beside his partner and answered for Paul, "Yes Princess, they
come as part of my family. If you take me, you get them too."

Maria put her arms around their necks and pulled them into a group
hug. After a moment she pulled back and said if we are family, I can't call
you Mr. Jeff no more. You can't be Uncle Jeff, cause I got enough of them
already.... I know!" As her face lit up. "You'll be Daddy Jeff." Having
resolved her dilemma, she pulled them into an even more exuberant group
hug.

"I better go wake up my for real Aunt Mellie. She needs to know it's not
just pretend anymore." With that she rushed from the room with both Daddy's
calling for her not to run.

Jeff looked questioningly at Paul to see if he had crossed a line in
chastising Maria. Paul smiled broadly, "Welcome to the wonderful world of
fatherhood Daddy Jeff. I don't think she listens to you any better than she
listens to me." Everyone heard Jeff's sigh of relief.

Raymond, with accustomed ease, again took control of the conversation,
"Jeff, we all know there are a lot of homophobic bigots and just bigots in
general this town. We have the funds to combat that the way people combat
bigotry everywhere, through illumination, education and example."

Raymond was interrupted by a loud knock on the front door. Joe smiled at
Raymond and said, "Right on time." Excusing himself he headed for the
hallway where he was soon heard greeting guests. He entered the den
followed by Daniel Lovan and Bill Jordan. He closed and locked the door
behind them. Introductions all round were followed by Ilya acting as
bartender, providing warming libations on this cold December day.

Paul couldn't help but see a spark flare up in Raymond's eyes as he watched
the handsome Deputy enter the room. He could feel the sexual tension
between the two when they shook hands. Too embarrassed to check he felt
sure there were erections involved. Hell, even his own cock stirred as the
level of testosterone rose significantly. Raymond still holding onto
Danny's hand, in that sexy baritone almost whispered, "It's good to see you
again Deputy Lovan."

The Deputy, obviously relishing the contact countered, "It hasn't been that
long. Surely you remember it's Danny. Ray, I remember you quite
clearly. And it's really good to see you again." Paul searched Jeff's face
to see if he knew what was going on between the two handsome men. The
curious gaze Jeff displayed answered that question.

Seated at the conference table the men took a moment to sip at their
whisky. Turning to Joe, Danny said, "I'm not sure why you insisted I come
by Mr. Adams. But when you asked me to pick up Bill, well I figure it has
to do with the fire. Like I told your lawyer, the Sheriff and the Chief
insist there is nothing to investigate. I helped him out as much as I
could. He seems like a nice fellow and Bill here was real helpful in
getting copies of the Chief's paperwork. We both agree the fire was set on
purpose, but our say so don't count for much. So exactly why are we here?"
Danny carefully sipped the smooth, obviously expensive whisky, waiting for
a response.

Joe stared momentarily into the amber liquid in his glass. Meeting Danny's
gaze he started, "We pretty much have a handle on the arson
investigation. We got a lab out of Dallas going through everything with a
fine tooth comb. We got fingerprints from the can matched to a serial
burglar from up in Idaho. He apparently tried to kill a homeowner who
caught him in the act. So, that's not the reason you're here."

Twirling his glass slowly, he finally looked up as if making up his mind
about something. "The reason you two men are here tonight is to discuss the
future. The future of my family, the future of my town and most importantly
to each of you, your individual futures. I'm going to ask each of you to
keep what we discuss in this room among ourselves."

Every man nodded his head in agreement. Joe continued, "You may or may not
know my nephew Jeff has, with my heartfelt blessing, professed his love for
Paul here, and his lovely little girl Maria. Now Mellie and I already
looked on Paul and Maria as family so Jeff just made it more official. That
being said, if that son of a bitch was here in this room, I swear to god,
I'd him put down with no more consideration than i'd give a coyote or
rattle snake. We got men trying right to find that bastard and when we do,
it will not be one of his better days." Paul was impressed with the hatred
this man expressed toward one who intended to harm his family. Joe had
always been, in Paul's eyes, firm but fair and not one to anger easily. He
was no seeing a different side of the man. He had no doubt Joe meant every
word he said.

Joe continued, "The investigation is in professional hands." He took a
moment to nod to Ilya. "I won't tolerate anyone putting my family or anyone
else's family in jeopardy through stupidity or deny them justice because of
supposed budget constraints."

"I want to reiterate that what I am about to share will not leave this
room."Making eye contact directly with Danny, Joe said, "Some of what I
share may have been obtained through questionable means." Then shifting eye
contact to Bill, he said, "Some of this is very personal and could be
career ending." Then sweeping his gaze around the table, he continued,
"Understand if any of this gets out, through some casual slip of the lip to
friends or family, I will find out and the consequences will be dire. Do I
make myself clear?"

Again acknowledged with nods all round Joe continued, "I have evidence that
Fire Chief Bumpkis falsified and in three cases forged his firefighting
credentials."

Bill interjected, "I knew it! I knew that dumb son of a bitch didn't know
shit about fighting fires."

Joe waited until Bill regained control of himself. He was more than pleased
with the shit eatin' grin on the firefighter's face.

Joe allowed himself a self satisfied smile, "Not only that but there is
also proof that his brother in law, the less than honorable Mayor himself,
colluded in the falsification and forgeries in order to secure Bumpkis'
position."

"There is also documented evidence that all this was presented to the
sheriff. Who personally conducted an investigation and declared that there
were no grounds for further investigation. That declaration was followed by
substantial campaign contributions from the Mayor, Bumpkis and the preacher
at the holy roller church they both attend. We're still checking out the
preacher's connection."

"Now for more revelations concerning folks in this room." Paul watched as
Danny visible gulped. "Bill I know your oldest boy told you a couple of
years ago he was gay. I know that you and your wife stood by him and quit
going to church cause of their stand regarding homosexuality. I applaud you
obvious love for your son." Bill remained silent but nodded his head in
thanks to Joe.

"Danny, only a very few people in town know you're gay. I personally know
because I caught you and Jeff goin at it a few times here at the ranch."
While Danny blushed fiercely at Joe's outing him, his mouth dropped open at
the knowledge of having been caught, having gay sex, as a teenager. He
looked at Jeff only to find he too was in a state of shock.

Paul would have burst out laughing at the two men with gaping maws, if he
hadn't been too occupied imagining a young Jeff and Danny `going at it'.

Bill looked as if was seeing Danny for the first time. He was surprised but
he was not repelled. After all, all boys experiment.

Joe carried on as if he hadn't just dropped a bombshell, "I never said
nothing. It wasn't nothing I hadn't seen or for that matter, done before."

He rapped his knuckles on the table, "If I could have your attention
please!" After a moment everyone regained their composure. "My intention
was to establish this as a gay friendly environment. I think I've
succeeded. Does anyone disagree?" After looking around the table again,
"Seeing there are no negative actions nor comments, let's move on."

"It seems to me we will, if I have my say, have a vacancy to fill for Fire
Chief. Bill it seems you have excellent qualifications to fill this
position. You have stayed in this town out of loyalty to you family. I
intend to see that you are offered that position. I seldom wield the
influence my family holds over this town, but that is about to change."

"As to the Mayor, I want to see a more progressive, far sighted individual
to lead this town through new growth the likes of which hasn't been seen
since the oil boom at the beginning of the twentieth century. I intend to
foster that growth and I will consider supporting any man or woman any of
you might suggest. I intend to support that candidate with all the means at
my disposal."

"Now for the last vacancy. Danny, I've known you and your family since Jeff
first brought you to the ranch back when the both of you first started
school. You were a good friend to Jeff, a high school football star, a
decorated war hero, a well known and well respected, well educated law
enforcement officer. You have served your time as a Deputy and now you are
the perfect man to serve as County Sheriff. I will back you financially as
well as bring in a professional campaign staff to insure you have the best
chance to get elected. I will do this for nothing more than a sincere thank
you and nothing less than the promise you serve with as much integrity as
you display in your everyday life. You're a good man, Daniel Lovan."

Both Danny and Bill had been gobsmacked by what they had learned. Bill was
already mentally polishing up his resume. Danny on the other hand, was
simply too overwhelmed by the idea that he could become Sheriff this early
in his career.

Raymond had viewed the briefing with full foreknowledge. He had provided
the information that had been discussed. He too had known Danny while he
was high school. He too had seen Jeff and Danny jerking off together. It
was Raymond, not Jeff, who gave Danny his first kiss. A kiss that resulted
in Danny cumming in his wranglers. But, Raymond had been in law school and
Danny a junior in high school when they shared that first kiss in an empty
stall. As much as he wanted more, the age difference had Raymond avoiding
future contact with the younger man.

Now, now they were both unattached and gay and the age difference was not
insurmountable. Raymond thought maybe he should let Danny know he was
interested in more than another kiss.

Raymond stood and moved to stand behind Danny's chair. Firmly placing his
hand on Danny's shoulder, Raymond asked, "Danny are you ok?" Still in a
daze Danny didn't respond to either Raymond's voice or touch. Encouraging
Danny's hand holding the whisky glass, Raymond said, "Drink up. It'll
settle your nerves." Somewhere in the back of Danny's mind he must have
heard. He lifted the glass to his lips and drank it all down. Spitting and
sputtering, Danny became fully aware of his surroundings. Coughing to clear
his burning throat, he felt Raymond, his high school crush, slap him on the
back while firmly holding his shoulder in the other. Danny tried to stand
but Raymond's grip on his shoulder wouldn't allow it. Danny obediently
settled back into the chair. Raymond bent over and spoke softly in his ear,
"That's a good boy. Relax you're among friends."

Danny's mouthed again gaped open in shock. Not so much because of what
Raymond had said but rather the impact of his voice and words. Danny had
for years secretly admired and lusted after Raymond. He was sure that
Raymond was the most handsome cowboy he had ever met. That day they were in
the stall together making idle chatter while Raymond replaced some
boards. Raymond had caught him staring at his cock that was lying like a
snake inside the left leg of his wranglers. Danny's face flushed so hot he
thought his cheeks were on fire. He knew he had been found out. While he
and Jeff often jerked off together. He had told no one he preferred boys to
girls, or rather men to girls. Now Raymond knew. Now Raymond was backing
him into a corner of the stall. Teasing him with dirty, nasty words about
what they could do for each other. Danny wasn't sure if he was gonna cum or
blackout from hyperventilating. When he could backup no further and he
ceased trying to escape, Raymond lifted his chin and pressed his warm full
lips to Danny's, saying, "That's a good boy." Danny had never felt so close
to heaven. He moaned into Raymond's mouth as the man slide his tongue into
Danny's. Heaven exploded into shooting stars as he sucked on Raymond's
tongue like it was his first cock. His climax was signaled by his full body
shudder and his near collapse into Raymond's arms. His euphoria was cut
short by the approach of a cowboy whistling off key. Without a word he
wrested himself from Raymond's arms and literally ran from the barn. That
was the last time he was ever alone with Raymond. The man never spoke to
him except in passing. It seemed to Danny that he no longer existed as far
as Raymond was concerned.

He never focused on what Raymond might have thought of him after that
kiss. No, that was just too painful. Instead, for years afterward he would
jerk off thinking about the kiss itself and the overwhelming pleasure it
had given him. Every kiss he had ever shared was compared to and fell short
in comparison to that first kiss. And now, that simple phrase, "That's a
good boy." brought the whole experience back in vivid detail. So vivid in
fact he felt sure if Raymond continued to hold him in his seat he was sure
to cum just like all those years ago.

With a strength he didn't feel, he stood. Scooting his chair back and
forcing Raymond to release his hold and step back, Danny offered a feeble,
"Excuse me." He ignored Raymond and asked Jeff for the nearest
restroom. Jeff pointed to an almost invisible door in the far wall. Once
inside Danny locked the door, pulled out his cock and with just three
powerful strokes he ejaculated into the sink. Milking the last of the cum
out of his foreskin and cleaning up with toilet paper, he then rinsed the
sink clean. Without putting his cock away he rinsed his overheated face
with cool water. After drying with a plush hand towel, he pissed, put his
cock away and checked his look in the mirror. Figuring he could fake it
well enough, he took several deep breaths and rejoined the group. He spent
the rest of the meeting dead set on avoiding Raymond, more specifically
Raymond's touch.

For the most part avoiding Raymond turned out to be easier than he'd
anticipated. While he was in the john jerking off Raymond and the overgrown
bartender had left on some urgent business.

Bill confirmed he would get busy with updating his resume and seeking
letters of endorsement from prominent state fire officials. Joe asked that
he be allowed to review the package before it was submitted, so he could
run it by some professional consultants. Bill smiled broadly as he
expressed his gratitude for the extra help.

On the drive back to town Danny wasn't sure if Bill was more excited about
the possibility of being Fire Chief or simply getting rid of Bumpkis. For
his part, Danny wasn't sure which caused the most anxiety, the thought of
running for and being elected Sheriff, the impact Raymond had on him or
worse yet the thought that Raymond didn't care whether or not he impacted
Danny.

Author's Notes: If you enjoy this story please take a moment to email and
let me know. I just got an excellent suggestion that I am going to
incorporate in the next chapter. Once it is posted I will give proper
credit.

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