The Private Journals of Isaiah Watts

Volume Two

 

Copyright© 2020 – Nicholas Hall

 

Chapter Twelve

The War Years

"People can say what they wish about those of us from Decker's Corner, but Decker's Corner does as Decker's Corner is, keeping secrets large and small and protecting its people, young and old."

(The Private Journals of Isaiah Watts)

 

Isaiah looked toward Cordell and Eddie. Their faces, their eyes, even the slight shivering of their young bodies, clearly expressed their fear of what they thought would be a terrible fate if they were found. All at the table were quiet, appetites suddenly lost, the reality of the harm which might befall their "brothers," their family, skyrocketed into their minds, filling them with dread and fear as well!

In an attempt to alleviate the fear and calm the boys, not rid them of it since a little fear was a good thing, but to channel it, Isaiah said softly, "Do you not think, boys, we cannot provide you protection from those who might think to do harm to those we love?"

"Perhaps," Conley interjected, "we should clear the table and retire to the living room where, instead of Isaiah reading from your story you've so diligently listened to and enjoyed, I will tell a couple of stories I think you might find interesting."

Conley settled in his chair in the living room, waited patiently while the boys seated themselves on the floor or on the couch where Cordell and Eddie took up residence on either side of Isaiah or on the floor where Tommy sat between Jim's outstretched legs and his arms around him, and Monty sat with his arms around Andres and Carlito, both snugged tight to his side assuring themselves of his warmth and protection. All anxiously awaited Conley to begin.

"Once upon a time," Conley finally intoned, much in the nature of a fairy tale, but with the assurance to his audience the tale was true, "there was a young lad, a comely, handsome boy, almost too pretty to be thought of as boy, but his maleness hanging between his legs belied any thought otherwise, came to live, through no fault of his own but happily so, with his parents and siblings on the family farm with his grandmother."

"It was a new life, filled with adventure, fun, and love until one day his absent grandfather, released from jail, returned and attempted rape and other brutalities again. The boy stopped the attack on his family members by bashing in the head of his grandfather with a shovel and feeding the body to the hogs!"

"Oh my god!" exclaimed Jim as all eyes swiveled to Isaiah, while Monty muttered with a gulp, "No shit?"

Conley continued; "A ha, my fair lads, the tale is but half told! This same young hero of exceptional beauty, exceeding calmness in the face of calamity, and in possession of deadly skills, when marauders came to loot and pillage the home where he resided in relative tranquility, watched, along with his equally beautiful and talented boyfriend, the get-away car parked on a darkened country road and driver, absorbed and engaged in pumping his cock with visions of sexual fantasy rocketing through his mind while the others attempted a raid on the house. When the young lad and his boyfriend heard shots coming from the house, they reacted swiftly and with deadliness! At the same time the boyfriend drilled the driver's brain with a steel ball-bearing propelled by a special slingshot, our hero, having sneaked up, unbeknownst, the side of the car, reached in and with one swift swipe, sliced the driver's throat as one would a fat hog readying it for butchering."

Conly illustrated the action with a swipe of his finger across his own throat, for dramatic effect!

The silence was almost deafening!

Conley raised his eyebrows, panning his inquisitive, yet demanding, gaze from one member of his audience to the next and asked, when the inspection was complete,

"I now ask, after hearing this tale of daring do, are there any here who'd doubt they would be unprotected or unsafe under his," pointing at Isaiah, "watchful eye?"

Every head, with the exception of Conley, Ramos, and Isaiah, waggled from side to side with vigor and positivity.

"So, I thought," Conley concluded. "It's up to bed now, my beautiful young men, to sleep in safety," pausing to add, "after enjoying each other's company or various body parts as each would permit and desire."

The story and the reality of it assured the boys of their safety, but didn't hinder Eddie and Cordell from sliding their naked bodies into bed with Isaiah and rest their nakedness up against his. Cuddled close to his sides, their hands across his chest and stomach, near one might add, to that large appendage defining him and growing stiffer as their hands moved toward it.

"We're kind of scared," shivered Eddie, maneuvering so his body rested over one half of Isaiah's with one of Isaiah's legs between his two smaller ones giving Eddie's cock and balls a place to rest.

"Me too," echoed Cordell taking a similar position on the other side of Isaiah, positioning his maturing cock and balls so they too rested on one of Isaiah's legs, and pushed up and down a couple of times, just to make himself comfortable,

"I'm not hurting you, am I, Isaiah," Eddie asked concerned since he was resting on Isaiah's bad hip and leg.

"No problem," Isaiah responded, dropping a hand to cup Eddie's small butt to secure him in place.

"If truth be known," he continued, "I'm more than a little concerned myself, but we'll think of something!"

The boys nodded their understanding and confidence in Isaiah, both of their young hands gripping Isaiah's rock, hard cock.

Isaiah wasn't quite certain what they might do, but there were a couple of stop-gap measures he could take until he could visit with his Dad in the morning.

 

Isaiah was wakened in the dim light of early dawn by a familiar, rhymical rocking motion of the bed, a small hand delicately tracing, with one finger tip, up the underside of his erection to the head, around the slit on the end, and back down to the base where it'd tickle his balls. Isaiah opened his eyes, looked down his front where Eddie's face rested next to his stiff cock, and it was Eddie's hand doing the tantalizing, erotic dance up and down his cock.

Cordell's head was over Eddie's shoulder, his face up against Eddie's, and from the look on Cordell's face and the action of his brown butt, was the one doing the fucking!

"Lean over and suck it, Eddie," Cordell instructed and Eddie did, enclosing the fat, plum-shaped head of Isaiah's cock in his mouth.

"That's so fucking hot," Cordell exclaimed and fucked faster!

Isaiah watched as Cordell reached his climax, thrusting forward, pushing his maturing cock as deep as he could into Eddie, and moaned softly, "I'm cumin', I'm cumin', several times as he shot his young seed into Eddie.

"Okay," Cordell panted, "it's your turn to get fucked by him," slid off of Eddie, and helped Eddie straddle Isaiah, and when in position, lined up Isaiah's cock with Eddie's twitching butt-hole.

Eddie grinned at Isaiah, leaned back, and settled about half of Isaiah's cock in his butt with little effort, and began rocking back and forth riding the big stiffy toward his own climax.

Isaiah felt the weight grow heavier on his body, looked up, and Cordell's face showed up over Eddie's shoulder again. He also felt a smaller, but quite hard young cock slip into Eddie's hole and ride up the underside of his own. Cordell was giving Eddie a double-fuck and both seemed to enjoy it!

"Oh, my god!" Cordell exclaimed, "I'm cummin' again!
"Me too," squealed Eddie, spurting his young, thin load onto Isaiah's chest.

"Well," Isaiah groaned, "so am I!" and flooded Eddie's love chute with several, strong, voluminous spurts of semen.

 

Breakfast, after all chores were completed, was not only nourishing to the body, but Isaiah's calm demeanor while confidently outlining his plan to protect his charges and Ravenwood and involving them in the process, was met with enthusiasm and settling to the anxiety all of the boys felt the night before when they discovered they were going to be targets for a deadly assault.

"I'll be going to Grandpa Watt's this morning," he explained, "to discuss how the residents of Decker's Corner can help protect us here at Ravenwood and rid us of the thugs posing our present danger. I know for a fact, my young men are greatly loved, appreciated, and treasured for what you have done and continue to do for the people in Decker's Corner."

Isaiah heard talk around the community how the boys would make certain this person or that family were "gifted" with an "extra" pound or two of butter, a quart of cream, a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, or a chicken or two (dead or alive depending on the need and purpose). Limited ration stamps or scarcity of items on the market because of limited supply caused need and the boys tried to fulfill those needs. They expected nothing in return, but instead gained the love and respect of the community! Widows and widowers and those with large families were taken care of and the boys were hugged and thanked in return, spoiling the boys but doing a hell of a lot for their ego and self-esteem. A couple of older bachelors loved them as well, hugging and gently fondling their boy parts, to which the boys had no objections. Had Jimmy gone along, he might have objected, but would've accepted their thanks, boning him up to the point Tommy and Monty would have a stiff cock up their butt before morning. Even if he didn't go along, they still would feel the "prickly prick of the prince."

"In the meantime, until we get everything in place," Isaiah advised, "Monty, you will stick close to Eddie and Cordell when they make deliveries. I'll give you a .38 caliber revolver to strap to your waist until the situation is resolved. Jim, you'll keep your eyes on Andres and Carlito, as well as Tommy, when they're at home. With your eyesight, I have a double short-barreled .12ga shotgun you can use. If Andres and Carlito make deliveries, Monty will go with them and you will keep your eyes on Eddie and Cordell."

After pausing to let the boys understand and digest his temporary plan, he said, "I don't think it'll be long before the bastards show up here! It depends on if they drive or take the train. My bet is, they'll drive, since they can carry more weapons with them and have a quick get-away available. I'm going to have Grandma Watts make some special sheaths, much like the one I wear under my shirt, for your knives so you can conceal them. The only time anyone would see them is if you have your pants down fiddling with your cock."

The boys laughed and laughed even harder when Eddie said, quite solemnly, "Yeah, if you're gonna fuck, take off the knife or you'll give the other guy two jabs in the ass at the same time."

"Also," Isaiah warned, "none of you are good enough at throwing the knife yet, so you have to do your work close up and personal."

"I like that kind of work," mused Cordell.

"With the knife," admonished Carlito, "not your stiff prick."

Isaiah wondered if there were any questions and the only question came from Eddie afterwards. He wanted to learn how to use Uncle Gio's special slingshot and Isaiah promised to teach him.

 

Isaiah met with his father and his brothers, mother, and Grandmother Watts, outlined his plan, and received their agreement and cooperation. His mother and grandmother would enlist the help of Sabrina Russo and Grandmother Lovell to spread the word throughout the community and alert others to the danger the boys were in. Mad Dog and whoever was with him would be under observation from day one until they were no longer a threat.

Isaiah spent the rest of the morning calling on customers the boys made deliveries to, stopping at a couple of places where single gentlemen of questionable background but known experiences, lived to enlist their support and actual assistance. He knew, from listening around the house, these men enjoyed, over the years and now with the boys of Ravenwood, the company of young boys in an intimate way.

Over the next several days, Isaiah and his brother Joshua diligently instructed Eddie, Cordell, Andres, Carlito, Tommy, and Monty on the use of their knives in a close encounter with an attacker, not only to do him harm or injury, but to cause his death. They also made certain the four younger boys, along with Tommy, knew how to load, aim, and fire a pistol, rifle, and shotgun.

Thomas and Jerome, along with Joshua, were trading night watch duties with Gideon and Jared. Although too young to stand watch alone, Gideon and Jared wanted to help so they were paired up with one of their older brothers, causing the younger boys to swell with pride, knowing they were part of the "protection" barrier their friends needed.

On the fifth day, the phone began ringing at Ravenwood, and Conley became the "traffic manager" logging the information coming in. The thugs, three in number, were driving an out-of-state four-door car, were spotted at Decker's Store, and were seeking directions to where Ramos' farm. Of course, no such place existed so they were at a dead end. One old gentleman, when offered a substantial cash bribe, let "slip" Ravenwood was the place Ramos lived along with a couple of boys, a white one and a black one.

"Cute boys," he admitted and with a furtive look around as if he feared someone might overhear what he was about to say, licked his lips in an appreciative and suggestive manner, and rubbed his crotch, "both are more than cute, if you know what I mean and can really make a man happy. If you know what I mean!"

"Really?" the leader asked.

"Yeah, really! Only costs a dollar apiece. They be comin' over day after tomorrow in late afternoon to make another delivery to me and earn a couple of bucks," the man smiled with a couple of winks and a nod of knowing. "If I can get it up and keep it up, maybe one or two will earn a dollar or two more."

This was too good an opportunity for Mad Dog and his crew to pass up. All three wanted some of the action but didn't intend on paying for it. Fifty dollars later, they had directions to Ravenwood and to the old man's "shack" in the bottoms where he purported live.

"Ain't much," the old duffer admitted, "but it's all mine and private. Sometimes that's pretty important if the boys get too loud, if you know what I mean."

They did and told him they'd be there ready for action- "if you know what we mean."

Proud of what the three of them "pried" out of the old man, they failed to notice, walking back to their car, the satisfied smirk on the old timer's face. They spent the rest of the day and part of the night not far down the road from Ravenwood, watching, observing, and planning how they'd first take their pleasures and then kill the two boys.

"First we fuck'em," Mad Dog announced, rubbing his crotch and smiling, "then we kill'em. Leave the bodies and drive away. Who the hell is gonna care or know we killed a couple of fuckin' street kids."

Mad Dog and his two companions, on their way to Decker's Corner, made a couple of large "withdrawals" from a couple of small-town banks located well off of the beaten path. In addition, they hit the jackpot when they "persuaded" a rather wealthy gentleman in Kansas to open his safe and allow them to relieve him of his wealth. Of course, having his young son by a second marriage skewered on Mad Dogs cock helped in the pressure. It did little good if the man thought they'd spare their lives. Wife, husband, and young son were killed!

 

"So," Conley pondered, sipping a brandy as Ramos, Isaiah, and he considered the execution of the plan to eliminate Mad Dog and his associates, "the trap is set, now it's time for the bait."

Cordell and Eddie left the next morning, with Betts pulling the donkey cart to make their regular deliveries. Riding with them were Andres and Carlito. All four were clearly in high spirits, visible to all who cared to look, laughing, joking, and anxious to get the day going. Hidden, laying on his back, was Monty, pistol strapped to his waist, fly unzipped, and Andres sat impaled on Monty's stiff pecker, bouncing up and down as they rode along. It didn't take long for Monty to empty his balls up Andre's love tunnel. Andres lifted himself off and asked, "Feel better now? Not so worried, Monty?"

Cordell, watching from the front seat where Eddie was handling the reins, said, "Hope you're up for a ride tonight, Monty, `cause I intend to dip the wick, okay?"

Interrupting the conversation, Eddie asked Cordell, "They still back there?"

"Yeah. Nobody bounced out of the cart, although I thought Monty was going to shove Andres out when he pushed up when he came."

"No, you dumb shit; the asshole killers!"

"Yeah", laughed Cordell, "about a half mile back, moving slow. If they think they're going to get a shot at us today, they got another think coming. We'll be in too many places making deliveries. Someone will see it and they don't want that."

The deliveries went well that day, albeit both Andres and Carlito had a tender ass. The boys received encouraging remarks almost every stop they made. The discovery how much their customers, friends, and neighbors like them and would abide by the unwritten doctrine of Decker's Corner to protect their own, gave them a real sense of "belonging" and of "home."

Isaiah checked in on the boys before retiring for the night. Andres and Carlito were sound asleep. In the next bedroom, occupied by Monty, Eddie, and Cordell, Monty was sprawled out on his stomach and Cordell was stretched across his back, belly to back, his ass cheeks thrusting and jabbing into Monty's willing ass. From the soft sighs and encouraging grunts, Isaiah determined all was well. He didn't bother checking on Jim and Tommy; he knew what they'd be doing, at least twice before dawn!

"Glad we don't raise sheep," Isaiah mused to himself. "They'd not be safe from Jimmy's eager cock!"

Late, the next afternoon, the young, good-looking boy baits climbed into the donkey cart and with a "giddy-up" Eddie and Cordell started on the journey to rid themselves of a menace. Only this time, Monty wasn't hiding in the back of the cart; Isaiah was, well armed with pistol, knives, and sawed-off shotgun!

They didn't spot Mad Dog's car until they turned down the lane to the old shack they were to make their "delivery" to the old man who told Mad Dog where he lived.

The boys stopped in front of the small building, climbed down, and noticed Mad Dog's car bouncing down the rutted lane. It skidded to a stop and Mad Dog and his two accomplices leaped out, brandishing pistols. Mad Dog ordered the boys to stop and stay where they were, some twenty-five feet from the donkey cart.

Eddie and Cordell stepped back a bit when Mad Dog and the other two approached them, but did so in such a manner the three thugs were between them and the cart. With their backs to the cart, there was less chance they'd spot Isaiah until it was time to end this bullshit.

Mad Dog, waving his pistol at Eddie, stepped to within one to two foot of the young innocent looking boy.

Eddie looked up at him, frowned, and growled defiantly, "You're the guy who killed my grandma!"

Mad Dog smiled and acknowledged he most certainly did. Tucking the pistol into his belt, he declared, "And you know what, you little fuck?" pointing a finger at Eddie, "after we're done fucking you and your little black buddy, it's going to be," again using the finger to represent a gun, "bang, you're dead as well!"

"Now turn around and drop those pants of yours so I can get a good look at that little white fuckable ass of yours!"

Eddie turned, dropped his pants, and heard a zipper being lowered, with Mad Dog muttering, "I can't wait to breed that!"

His hard cock out, just as he was about to ram it up Eddie's ass, Cordell shouted, "Shit! I've seen bigger cocks on seven-year-olds," and laughed raucously!

Angered, Mad Dog spun his head toward Cordell and shouted back, "Shut the fuck up, you little black ...!"

He never finished his comments as a sharp, deep pain under his breastbone and up into his chest silenced him. Turning his head back slowly, looking down, Mad Dog saw a knife rammed up, hilt deep into his chest, and a smiling Eddie pointing a finger at him saying "Bang, you're dead!"

Mad Dog never heard the gurgling last breathes of one of his gang as Isaiah slit his throat or the two gunshots muffled by a silencer that tore two holes in the chest of the third, or felt the hot piss as Eddie and Cordell emptied their bladders on him.

"Eddie? Cordell? You okay?" shouted Isaiah.

"We're fine, Uncle Isaiah," Eddie responded, shaking his cock to rid it of the last couple of drops. "Only Mad Dog seems a little worse for wear."

"Clean your knife well, then," Isaiah instructed. "I'm going to check out the car."

As Eddie leaned over and extracted the knife, Cordell commented, looking at the small, shriveled penis poking out through Mad Dog's pants, "Some are blessed and some are not!"

The boys heard Isaiah give a whistle and saw three bandana-masked men emerge from the trees. As the men neared, the boys could see one carried a pistol with an extension on the barrel, a silencer to muffle the sound of shots.

Cordell and Eddie, even though the men's faces were covered, recognized two of them. One Eddie recognized from the scent of "Old Spice" aftershave and knew he had a nicely shaped, uncut six-inch cock with low-hanging ball sac, and loved to take him on his stomach, his small butt thrusting up in the air to meet the older man's dripping cock. The other, Cordell recognized by a slight limp, brought on, the man claimed by arthritis. If so, Cordell thought, it settled in his short five-inch, fat, sausage-shaped uncut dick which was stiff most of the time. He loved to suck Cordell to a climax before taking him doggy-style, rabbit-fucking the lad for a first come before easing back and slow-fucking him for the second.

"Thanks, guys," Isaiah offered as he walked over to the outlaw's car. Isaiah's own leg was bothering him so, walking with a distinct limp, slowly made his way to the vehicle. Inside he found a number of weapons including pistols, shotguns, a "Tommy-gun," and the newest rifle developed for the army, the M-1 Carbine. They'd only been in production a couple of months and Isaiah added it to his stash of the Tommy-gun and three pistols.

He also discovered a pillow case stuffed with cash, jewelry, collection of gold coins, and silverware and other items from someone's home. He figured the men made at least one burglary on the way to Decker's Corner. He sorted through the jewelry, taking the most valuable, appropriated about a third of the cash, and added the gold coin collection to his take. The rest he left for the three men to divide up among themselves.

Isaiah carried his items to the donkey cart, waved to Cordell and Eddie it was time to leave, and with instructions to the three men, to "take the cash and other stuff and divide them up," and to remember to leave no evidence (only "ashes" as Isaiah put it), instructed Cordell to drive them home.

"What now, Freddy?" one of the men asked the man with the pistol.

"We do what we planned to do."

The dead were stripped of all clothing and identifying items, the loot gathered up and divided, and decided the car would be torn apart and sold for parts.

The shack burned to the ground later that night. There was no evidence of any occupants in it at the time of the fire. Mad Dog, aka Sam Hopkins, and his two cohorts rested in heavily weighted, slotted wooden boxes at the bottom of the Mississippi River providing nourishment with their decaying carcasses for turtles, crayfish, and other flesh-eating creatures inhabiting the river.

The incident was never spoken of throughout the Decker's Corner Community and as far as other law enforcement agencies determined, the various bank robberies, burglaries, and murders were never solved.

****

Chapter Thirteen

The War Years

"His picture I keep on my night stand; our photo album I keep in our dresser, and; his love I hold in my heart."

(The Private Journals of Isaiah Watts)

 

The "incident," as it was referred to by those living at Ravenwood, seemed to fuse the boys, Isaiah, Ramos, and Conley into one cohesive supporting family group even tighter than they'd been before. It was more than a family, working together, supporting each other, and loving one another, adjusting more and more to farm life, living in Decker's Corner, and adopting its way of life and unspoken code of silence. Farm life suited the boys. They not only enjoyed it, but prospered as well, selling their produce.

In the fall, school opened and after some "persuasion" from David Watts, now on the school board and support from a sizeable number of the residents of Decker's Corner, Carlito, Andres, Eddie, and Cordell were admitted even if some of their records might be considered as "suspect" by some school personnel. Cordell was the first (and only at the time) black student in the country school, but little fuss was made of it. Isaiah doubted it'd change once he attended high school in Logansport. Being from Decker's Corner, living at Ravenwood, and the reputation of Isaiah Watt's would be reasons enough for others to refrain from harassing or treating him unkindly. After all, who'd want to get their head bashed in or throat slit?

There were some changes, however, at Ravenwood, in terms of numbers of people there at any one time. Gio's Uncle Freddy started stopping by, shortly after the "incident" for visits, centering his attentions on Carlito and Andres. Isaiah recalled, quite correctly, Uncle Freddie liked his boys young, hairless if possible, if not, then willing. Andres and Carlito didn't turn away from his advances, in fact, seemed to encourage them. Freddie had the equipment to more than adequately tend to any needs they might have and to do so quite deeply and thoroughly.

Carlito and Andres would take every opportunity to bare their butts and welcome a good rogering or wrap their lips around Freddie's rampant and larger than average cock. Licking, sucking, and massaging the fat cock-head and thick staff, along with the low-hanging sac of walnut-sized balls, would bring giggles of satisfaction to the boys and moans of desire and ecstasy to Freddie. They knew once they'd "turned his crank," they both would be in line to have their "salad tossed" with an abundant supply of dressing. If Freddie stayed for a supper meal and an after-supper visit, after their shower, they'd take turns sitting on Freddie's lap (with his cock buried deep) while listening to a story being read by Isaiah. They were not adverse to having their small, uncut penises suckled and worshipped by Freddie before sleeping for the night.

Freddie took all four boys on fishing trips, swimming (bare-assed naked) at the gravel pit, and other activities. He didn't pass up the chances to fuck one or all four boys on such trips. However, Andres and Carlito were the primary recipients of his generosity and loving attention. Eddie and Cordell had each other, Monty, and Isaiah to satisfy their needs. Well, not always Monty since Larry St. James began making visits every couple of weeks to Ravenwood.

Monty would squeal with glee when St. James drove down the drive to the house, anticipating what was going to happen over the weekend. St. James would barely be in the house, until Monty had him upstairs, dropped his pants, wiggled his sweet ass at him, and begged (it took no begging since St. James was just as eager) St. James to loosen his britches, pop out his average, but sausage-fat cock, and fuck him! Although it may appear abnormal to some, St. James did truly love the younger boy and would do anything to please him. No harm would come to Monty with St. James as his lover and protector. Both were as happy as a tick on a fat dog!

Isaiah continued to send Gio a letter twice a month informing him of how the crops were doing and how much the boys were growing and how they were doing in school (quite well, in fact). He indicated how proud he was and Gio would be knowing how the boys grew their income from sales and what they were anticipating in the coming year. Isaiah also mentioned, almost off-hand, Freddie was a frequent visitor and St. James was a regular as well, leaving out why they visited, but hoping Gio would understand from the subtle inferences Isaiah made in his letters.

He noted, in one letter, Conley's prediction came to fruition concerning the sales of ducks and geese over the holidays. The boys sold out of their available birds. Orders were taken, the bird dispatched, plucked, cleaned, and either delivered fresh or frozen for delivery later, depending on the customer's wishes. Isaiah encouraged them to keep track and begin planning for another year, perhaps even Easter, if birds would be ready, and increase their flocks.

Isaiah knew Sabrina and Agosto wrote to Gio on a regular basis and also knew they also received no replies to their correspondence. Even though he didn't either, every evening before settling down to sleep, Isaiah would spend some time looking at Gio's picture on his nightstand, telling him of the day's activities, sharing concerns with him, and telling him how much he loved him and missed him.

Winter, with snow and cold weather, was a new experience for Eddie, Cordell, Andres, Carlito, and Tommy. The first snowfall seemed to be miraculous to them and they enjoyed it immensely. The cold took some getting used to, but they were dressed adequately and warmly. After a few more snowstorms and the problems associated with them such as shoveling, doing chores, and frozen stock waterers, they soon decided winter could be a hardship as well. However, the rewards of sledding, snowball fights, and just plain playing in the snow seemed to offset the less pleasant side of winter.

For Monty, raised in western Iowa, winter offered another season for him to enjoy. He loved to hunt and did so, keeping the larder supplied with pheasants, quail, and rabbits throughout the seasons and winter. Monty decided another year, he'd like to begin trapping again, especially as he saw the number of muskrat houses in the backwaters, the evidence of bank Beavers, mink tracks, raccoon tracks, and fox.

Christmas was a fun time for all at Ravenwood. Cutting, setting up, and decorating the tree in the living room and hanging stockings were a large part of it. Christmas morning, the boys were up early, waiting near the tree for Isaiah, Conley, and Ramos to appear and give the nod to opening presents. The stockings contained candies, an orange, and for each boy, a watch. Conley also gave each boy two new silver dollars. Warm clothing, along with special gifts for each were wrapped and under the tree. It wasn't a rush to rip and tear, but each lad carefully opened his presents and made sincere thanks for them. Eddie and Cordell teared up in light of missing their now dead loved ones.

Conley, with health deteriorating, enjoyed the day as well. It was his "family" and he loved them all. Ramos was pleased to have a "permanent" home and people to "fuss" over.

Isaiah put on a brave front, but he did miss Gio so much!

Mid-January 1943, he received a phone call from Sabrina Russo urging him to come to their place as soon as he could since, "there was a man here with letters from Gio."

 

The man, who'd waited patiently for Isaiah's arrival, was dressed in a civilian suit of clothes and only identified himself as "from the War Department." Isaiah did notice he wore a badge of some sort attached to his belt as well as a service revolver concealed in a shoulder holster under his suit coat.

His information was limited and given briefly as he produced two letters for Isaiah and two for the Russo's. Under questioning all he'd reveal was Gio was assigned to the European Theater and wasn't on front line duties. Beyond that bit, he wasn't permitted to say more because of "national security." He added, before leaving, Gio was serving his country as a true patriot and looking forward to the war's end, adding, "because of dedicated men like him and others serving, we'll end the war that much sooner."

Isaiah saw him out to his car and in doing so, picked the man's pockets, relieving him of an envelope marked "Top Secret." As the car drove away, Isaiah quickly read the contents and tossed the envelope on the road near where the car had been parked. He walked back to the house, walked to a window, and waited for the car to return. It did within a couple of minutes, the man from the War Department leaped out, spotted the envelope in the road, scooped it up, and the car tore back down the road.

"I heard you were good," Agosto commented with wonderment in his voice, as he stood behind Isaiah. "I just didn't know you were that damned good!"

Pausing just a moment in thought, he added, "I'd love to see you and your brother Joshua work a crowd!"

"You wouldn't see a thing," Isaiah returned, turning to face Agosto, and handed him his pocket watch.

"Well, shit!" snorted the older man. "Anything in that letter we already didn't know?"

"Not much! Only reinforced how difficult it'll be for us to contact him and him to contact us. I'll know more once I go through my two letters. He may have left a clue or two there."

What he didn't tell the Russo's was Gio wasn't on the front lines, he was behind them, working not only as a spy and saboteur, but as a liaison with a couple of Italian Partisan fighter groups. He made occasional radio contacts, in code, with Allied Forces, especially those identified only as "OSS," to pass on to higher ups and get supplies. Otherwise, he was on his own. The letter did make note Gio, identified only as "Knobby," was one of their most versatile and talented operatives and his identity and locations must be kept secret; so secret, only a few really knew.

Gio's letters to Isaiah would appear to be banal and relatively trite, speaking only of how well he was and hopeful the war would end soon. He made inquiries about family members, weather conditions, crops planted, and other such personal things. Most all of it would easily pass muster from censors, but Isaiah had the code they worked out before he left. Gio was in Italy, currently, at the time of this writing, on the Adriatic Side, but would be moving to the West side of Italy soon. A cousin was involved somehow, but no hint given what his or her role was. Gio noted he'd be out of contact for perhaps months, but "don't worry; I'm fine and intend to stay that way."

Isaiah, Conley, and Ramos talked long into the night after the visit from the government man. Conley decided, just in case Gio would send a message via radio and Conley's powerful shortwave receiver could pick it up, he'd purchase a wire recorder so he could record it. Gio's voice would be recognizable to him, but finding someone who could understand and decode Morse Code might be difficult.

"That wouldn't be a problem," Ramos volunteered, "if what I hear from the boys is correct."

"And what that might be?" Conley posed.

"Our local in-house genius, Jimmy, knows it well and he's been teaching the boys."

So, it began; Jimmy's lessons turned into practice. As he listened, the boys practiced their code, and wrote it down. Nothing made sense, but it didn't take long to figure out if Isaiah couldn't decipher or make sense of the first few words or sentence of the message. If he couldn't, it wasn't Gio sending it to Ravenwood.

Winter, slowly winding down, decided to let loose one more blast before relenting to spring. Caught, on his way to Ravenwood, in a late winter blizzard, St. James was incredibly lucky! Barely making it to Ravenwood through roads clogged with mounting snow drifts driven by strong northwest winds, his cock hard and leaking in anticipation of snuggling up to a naked Monty and slipping his erection into his teen lover's secret place, he pulled his car into a sheltered spot near the machine shed. Although the trip was difficult, St. James thought it was well worth it. He thought Monty was the most beautiful, desirable, willing, and responsive boy or man he'd ever met. St. James was in love with the teen and knew he was more than just a passing fancy to Monty.

St. James struggled, carrying his one piece of luggage through the snow to the house. Isaiah and the crew were just preparing to do the evening chores. Rather than peel off his winter coat and boots, St. James decided to help them.

Fortunately, Jimmy and Monty paid close attention to the radio weather forecast early in the morning and made preparation before the storm unleashed its fury. The hogs were herded into the hog house, the poultry confined to their respective houses, Bett's and the horses put in stalls, the cattle herded into the stockyard near the barn where there was a three-sided, roofed shelter for them, and the milk cows brought into the barn. Extra feed and straw for bedding was hauled in as well.

Chores concluded with gathering any eggs, milking the cows, and making certain adequate feed and fresh water was available. Done, the crew and St. James headed toward the house where a hot supper awaited them.

Preparing for bed, St. James stripped naked, his cock, stiff and twitching as he stepped toward Monty's bed, where he already lay naked, face down, with his butt slightly raised in anticipation, St. James couldn't help but notice how much Eddie and Cordell, also naked in preparation for bed, had grown and matured.

Eddie was still small framed, deceivingly delicate in appearance concealing his true capabilities, and a nice five and a half inch to six-inch cock settled over a nice set of balls. Cordell, lean, trim and fit, definitely had grown! His uncut, smooth, fat, and almost seven-inch magnificence was about the same size as St. James, but fatter! St. James just couldn't resist giving it a squeeze as he walked by, commenting, "Nice, Cordell, really, really, nice!"

He crawled into bed, topping Monty, settling his cock into a familiar hot, moist tunnel, hearing a soft, appreciative, "God, that feels good," leaned forward, pushing his cock deeper until his pubic bush rested on Monty's smooth butt cheeks, slipped his arms around Monty, settled his front on Monty's back, and nuzzled Monty's neck and ear, proclaiming, "I love you so much!" and started fucking!

Winter finally loosed its grip and spring planting season, farrowing season, gardening, and time for little chicks was upon them. There was work to be done and the spring and summer to enjoy.

Around the first part of July, Conley mentioned he'd heard over the short-wave radio of the assassination of a top German general and several high-ranking officers in a mysterious bomb blast. The partisans seemed to be taking credit for it. The partisan radio claimed the Germans murdered a large number of civilians in retaliation and was offering a large reward for the leader or leaders of the band of partisans. Little else was mentioned, according to Conley, but he did notice Partisan radio traffic seemed to increase. He figured the broadcasts were made from highly secret and/or mobile locations so the Germans wouldn't find them.

"I'd be willing to bet," Conley concluded in conversation with Ramos and Isaiah, "there's something big about to happen in Italy."

Ramos, who had more experience living in and around warring factions over the years, agreed with him.

Sicily was invaded in July of 1943 and the Italian mainland in September.

It wasn't all work and no play at Ravenwood during the summer. The boys kept growing, learning and enjoying themselves. There was much to do and to enjoy. Isaiah, Conley, and Ramos made certain they had plenty to eat, exercise, and time to play including swimming, fishing, riding in the donkey cart, and visiting their "grandparents."

It was the time, while visiting "Grandma and Grandpa Lovell," Bill Lovell discovered Eddie's special and well-developed art skills and natural talent.

"This," Bill confided to David Watts and eventually to Isaiah, "is a talent that needs to be cultivated and developed since it could be extremely handy for us. I haven't seen this kind of talent since my youngest son, Garrett."

David agreed, but Isaiah, although reluctantly, agreed as well, but conditioned his agreement and permission with the caveat, only if Eddie can be allowed to develop his art talent to include those conventional aspects learned in various art classes and programs at school. David and Bill agreed and so began Eddie's training and introduction to the world of forgery. He also learned oils, watercolors, graphite, and other mediums in various genres.

Cordell, on the other hand, couldn't draw a straight line, but could sing like an angel and had a mind that never seemed to stop being curious or asking questions. He had a propensity to wonder and ask "why" about almost anything. When he watched "Grandpa" Lovell take apart a lock one day, he asked if he could put it back together. He did and another lock pick was born.

It was more than just locks! Cordell wanted to know how everything worked. Around Grandma Lovell he wanted to know why the ointment she prepared for "Uncle Isaiah's" sore leg and hip worked and what plant or plants did she use to make it. How did she make it? What medicines did she give Mr. Conley and how did she know it would work? How do X-rays work? How do doctors know what disease you have? How do they cut someone open and not kill them? Why did salt and smoke preserve something?

When with Isaiah or Grandpa Watts, he asked such questions as why does a car jack lift a car to change the tire? How do airplanes fly? Once, when it was only Eddie and him with Isaiah, he wanted to know how a stallion could fuck a mare with such a big cock and not tear the mare apart.

Cordell and Eddie were top-notch students and Grandma Lovell predicted they'd go beyond high school and hopefully, college. It certain gave Isaiah reason to double his efforts in salting away funds for their future education.

The county fair was a big event for the boys of Ravenwood. It had a carnival with it providing rides and other fun. The exhibit barns took special interest and after looking over the various entries, collectively, they decided they'd enter some items in future years.

"Shit!" Cordell snorted going through the fresh vegetable exhibits, "our cucumbers and carrots are every bit as big and good to look at as some of these."

"At least your cucumber is bigger," snickered Andres.

"And tastier," complimented Carlito.

Along with the county fair, its exhibitors, attendees, and carnival, there were others who would naturally or by means of making an income, follow along. Isaiah was surprised and extremely happy to discover several of his cousins and a couple of his aunts (with husbands) arrived to spend the time the carnival was in town, visiting and camping at Zoe and Bill Lovell's. They set up camp in the yard, their caravans (trailers) providing their living quarters, and a place to visit. Bill and Zoe were delighted some of their children and grandchildren came to visit.

Isaiah was just as happy since there were some cousins his age and some older, who also had their families with them, and gave him the chance to visit and showoff his home and the boys. He had no doubt they'd be readily accepted, but Ravenwood boys held back at first, uncertainty concerning their place foremost in their minds. It sure as hell didn't bother Eddie once he found out they were Romani! He chattered in Romani, introducing the boys of Ravenwood and paid especial attention to Cordell, naming him as his "boyfriend." Cordell, by now, understood enough of the language to generally follow the conversations and speak some of it. By in large, however, English was the preferred method of communication.

The extended Lovell Family stayed two weeks and when they left, at Bill and Zoe's invitation, promised to return and let the others in the family know their parents and grandparents had a nice place to camp and were more than welcome. Before they left, one of Isaiah's older cousins, when visiting Ravenwood, posed an interesting question to Isaiah.

"So, you accept and provide a home for boys, orphaned and otherwise, queer mostly, or not, right? No matter what?"

"Yeah, we do," was Isaiah's response curious where the conversation was going. "Anyone in mind you might want to send here?"

"Nope! Just curious."

 

By fall, St. James decided he'd really like to make Ravenwood his permanent address and home so he could be closer to Monty and he really liked it there. Isaiah thought it also meant St. James would also enjoy an occasional fuck with Eddie, Cordell, Carlito, and Andres as a bonus. The move would entail switching up Monty's single bed for a double one. Eddie and Cordell had no objection.

"It'll be more comfortable for us then," Cordell commented, unabashed at the inference.

St. James couldn't see any problem with sharing the room with Cordell and Eddie either. In fact, there were many benefits. If, for example, while he was pleasantly fucking Monty, he'd look over and watch Cordell, his long brown cock buried deep in Eddie's firm butt cheeks, slowly pushing forward and back, his belly fitting into the curvature of Eddie's back, chin resting on Eddie's shoulder, and discovering his own cock seemed to stiffen even more, increasing his ardor and Monty's pleasure.

It wasn't at all unusual, if Freddie Russo wasn't around to see Andres and Carlito being plugged by Cordell and Eddi, their smaller bodies full covered by the older teens, either doggy-style or face-to-face, urging the older boys to slow down and make it last.

The night Cordell asked to fuck him so Eddie could fuck him, after checking with Monty and receiving a nod of approval from him, St. James rolled over onto his stomach and felt Cordell slide inside his asshole, sink pubic hair deep, and Cordell's hand begin stroking him as well. The fucking action and the masturbation while watching Eddie fuck Monty, caused him to fire several large spurts of his thick white man-juice into Cordell's hand while feeling Cordell's teen cock swell several times when he pumped his teen-juice into him.

St. James would help around the farm while he was in residence and continue his photography business when away. In addition, he'd assist the boys in their education, especially Monty. He was convinced Monty could learn to read much better once he was better able to compensate with his "reversals." St. James admitted it was challenging, but would do anything and everything for the young lad he so fiercely loved!

 

Conley, after the invasion of Italy, began picking up radio transmissions in English indicating Partisan fighter groups were seeking revenge on the Nazi's for the heinous crimes they were committing, including rape, mass murder, and sexual perversive acts on children, on the civilian population. Their acts of retribution included a warning to Nazi Troops and officer including a warning of "an eye for an eye." In one example, some twenty Nazi officers and troops, their head impaled on rifle bayonets, lined a road the Nazi's were using to transport troops and supplies to the front.

In another case, the Partisan radio reported someone sneaked into a Nazi camp during the night and slit the throats of every other man in a sleeping squad and left just as silently as he or she entered.

Isaiah found the latter incident suspiciously familiar, but said nothing.

 

Isaiah hoped, with the Allied Invasion of Italy in September 1943, they might be able to hear from Gio more often since it was touted American Troops did receive their mail from home whenever possible.

Russo's and he received letters in December 1943, January 1944, February of 1944. There was a break until April of 1944. In that letter to Russo's, Gio offered his sorrow his grandfather's cousin, Leo (the same age as his grandfather), and his entire family "moved away." He knew his grandfather would miss their company a great deal!

Tears streamed down Agosto's face, knowing the only cousin named Leo, his age would be in Italy, he choked out, "Isaiah; this means he's in Italy, doesn't it?"

Isaiah nodded solemnly.

"What does he mean by `moved away'?"

Isaiah hesitated for a moment before replying sorrowfully, "He means they are no longer among the living- all of them!"

Agosto sobbed, "Those fucking, murdering, sons-a-bitching, Nazi's killed my cousin and all of his family?"

Isaiah said nothing but nodded it was true.

"I hope," Agosto groaned, "the L'angelo vendicatore, (the Avenging Angel)", revenges my family. I wish the Angelo della Morte, (the Angel of Death)" visits those murdering bastards sending them all to hell!"

Isaiah could only wish so to, but more so, Gio would return home safe and sound.

Isaiah received the last letter he was to receive from Gio, dated in late August. It said little, noting all was well and words of encouragement to Isaiah not to worry. He also, in their own code, referred to "The Art of War," specifically to the number three one on their list. "Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt." Isaiah had a feeling it meant something omnivous and didn't bode well for Gio or for their future.

The war waged on, the Allies pushed the Germans father north, Mussolini was deposed but continued to fight in the north, and still no word from Gio. In October of 1944, the same War Department man who was their source of contact, appeared at Russo's house unannounced, accompanied by two Army Officers, one a Captain and the other a Major. Happen-chance, Isaiah was at the Russo's at the time.

Isaiah, visiting with Sabrina while Agosto answered the door, heard him give a low, mournful moan of despair and grieve, sat as Sabrina rushed to Agosto's side. He heard her also gasp a "Oh, no!" and immediately rose to join the couple.

The three men were invited inside and offered a place to sit down. On the request of one of the army officers, they sat as well. Isaiah knew in his heart and in his mind, the news they were about to receive wasn't going to be good news, in fact, news which very could ripe his heart out!

The War Department man, cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and said, "There's no easy way to say this....." as Agosto and Sabrina's eyes filled with tears and Isaiah's stomach lurched, ready to spew its contents out without some control on his part. His fists clenched, his jaw tightened, and his resolve to stay as calm as he could strengthened.

"Mr. and Mrs. Russo, Isaiah, its our sad mission to inform you Captain Giovanni Russo is missing in action. We've not made any contact with him for well over a month."

"Captain Russo," Isaiah interrupted, "he was an enlisted man, just an ordinary G.I."

"I understand your concern, Isaiah, so I'll let these two Army Officers explain, what they can concerning Captain Russo."

The Major began the conversation noting, "Giovanni Russo was temporarily granted a commission as Captain, due to the type of operation he was involved in, in hopes, should he be taken captive, he'd receive preferred treatment. It is our hopes, even as we declare him missing in action, he has either been taken captive and is detained in a prison camp or perhaps injured and is convalessing in a hospital somewhere. We aren't giving up on finding him. Captain Russo was an invaluable member of the special team gathering information concerning our enemies in Italy."

"Just what was his mission?" Isaiah inquired. "Where was he last contacted?"

"There are many things I'm unable to tell you," the Major answered, "but I'll answer any questions I can without divulging any information which, if should get back to the enemy somehow, would endanger our troops or compromise national security."

Sabrina invited the men to sit with them and offered them coffee, which they declined. Isaiah, calming himself on the outside, in a turmoil on the inside, began asking the questions the distraut and emotionally drained older couple, the Russo's, were either unable to or not aware of to ask.

"Can you tell us where Gio went missing and approximately when?"

The Major, noting Isaiah's concern, not wanting to reveal more than he could, responded Gio was stationed in Eastern Italy in an area where high Partisan resistance fighting against the Germans was taking place.

"Shortly before and afterwards," the Major offered, " we were unable to make any radio contact with Captain Russo. We contacted the Partisans and our own people in the area and they were unable to locate him or make any contact with him. It was suggested to us, from several sources, he may have been taken captive."

"Oh, no!" sobbed Sabrina softly, worry over the fate of her grandson in German hands might not be so good. Too many stories were filtering back concerning the atrocities of the German forces.

He offered no more information on the location or event, except to say their original reason for trying to locate him was to rotate him out of that particular theatre of operation, give him some rest, and reassign him. Trying to reassure the Russo's, the Captain offered,

"I'm very familiar with Captain Russo and how he operates. We believe he has been captured and being held for exchange. If I know Captain Russo, the Nazi's have no idea how valuable a resource he is to us or how dangerous an operative he is to them."

Isaiah and the Russo's learned little more, only that the'd be kept apprised of any new developments. After they left, Isaiah took a deep breath and revealed where he thought Gio was last heard from.

"In September," he began, "there was a large battle involving Partisans near the seaside city of Rimini. Conley and I heard about it, originally, over his shortwave radio system. It was quite the battle!"

"Rimini?" Agosto asked, receiving a nod from Gio. Agosto hugged Sabrina comfortingly, saying, "Rimini isn't too far from Porti Sicuro where some of my people live."

There and Sicily, Isaiah thought. Knowing Russo had relatives there gave credence to the reference in Gio's last letter about the cousin "moving on."

The drive home seemed to take forever, since Isaiah stopped on a deserted road, stepped out, raised his fists into the air and screamed his loss into the skies! His other half, his life-mate, his love of his life, was torn from him, either laying or wandering in a distant land, and he was helpless to do anything about it. He shouted his anger at those who started the war and continued it knowing old men start them and young men and women fight them. Going to war was a conscience decision on Gio and his part, knowing there may be a tragic end to it, but Gio was willing to sacrifice to save Isaiah.

It was almost suppertime when he arrived at Ravenwood, having stopped at his parent's house to give them the news, knowing they'd immediately go to the Russo's to offer them any assistance they could. Isaiah waved to Ramos to follow him into Conley's office where he broke the news to Conley and him. Conley took it the hardest and Isaiah feared he might collapse from shock and grief, but he didn't.

"Best tell the boys," Conley said softly.

 

The winter of 1944 seemed extraordinarily long, cold, and lonely as far as Isaiah was concerned. The boys seemed to be adjusting well to the loss of Gio, much better than he was. Each night Isaiah spent some time looking at Gio's photo talking to him, encouraging him to return, stay safe, and how much he loved him and missed him.

Each day, he hoped for word from the War Department or by mail of Gio's status. Nothing really encouraging came to fruition except "we're not giving up the search." The war in Germany and Northern Italy continued, although the end appeared to be in sight.

April 8, 1945 Conley didn't appear for his usual before breakfast coffee. Isaiah went to his bedroom to check on him. Bill Conley, the Patriarch of Ravenwood, died sometime during the night and his body rested in the deep repose of lifelessness.

He was buried in the township cemetery with members of the Watt's, Russo, Lovell families in attendance, along with a large crowd of community members. His family mourners were Isaiah and the boys of Ravenwood, who, as much as they wished otherwise, accompanied his casket to the gravesite and stood sorrowfully by as prayers were read and he was committed to the earth. Isaiah acted as Conley's son since he had no other family and Isaiah and Gio were the closest to him of any. They loved him dearly and would miss him so. Isaiah grieved not only for the loss of Bill Conley but for the absence of Gio as well.

Conley's Will was quite forthright and unambigous; all of his property, including all farms, buildings, partnerships, and other such agreements, personal and otherwise, wealth, investments, and holdings was bequeathed to Isaiah and Gio to be shared equally with rights of survivorship. If neither survived, it was to be divided equally among Paul Ramos, Tommy, Andres, Carlito, Eddie, Cordell, Monty, and Jimmy.

 

The Germans surrendured Italy May 2, 1945. Isaiah, hopeful now somehow he'd receive word concerning Gio's welfare now that part of the war was over, happened to re-read Gio's last letter, as he had several times before.

Smoothing out the paper, he began to read and stopped! It was addressed to "Isaiah" not Cousin Isaiah, meaning there was a coded message in it. He knew that since he ferretted out the quote from "The Art of War" previously. He wasn't certain what it meant, but there was a reason it was referred to. No matter how often he'd read the letter he could ascertain no more. The only other hint was the death of a fellow officer combatant, who was thirty-four when he was taken to the angels.

Isaiah looked at the number of the letter he'd received from Gio noting it was number 210 written in the upper right hand corner. For some reason it never registered the number on the letters sent between them was always written in the top left hand corner. There was no way they'd written that many letters. Why the hell hadn't this tumbled to him before? The more he thought on it, the more he came to the concluion, although the letter was dated as August 1944, it was written and sent before that month, possibly two or three. Certain references, he'd not noted and interpreted previously, pointed strongly in that direction.

"Tis a puzzlement!" he muttered aloud to no one in particular, scruntizing the letter with more intent than previously.

He looked closer at the number 210. It was this close scrutiny, aided by a magnifying glass, which enabled him to spot just the tiniest mark of a period between the 2 and 10. He paused in thought and then scrutinized the number 34, the age of the other soldier. He saw the same faint mark between the 3 and the 4.

"What the hell does he mean?" Isaiah muttered, puzzled as the mystery seemed to deepen, if there was one.

He was seated behind the desk in Conley's office, now his own, as he sorted out his thoughts. Scratching his head, for some reason he remembered some Bible verse the preacher read at Conley's funeral about beating swords into ploughshares.

"Where did that come from?" he said aloud, before spinning the desk chair so he faced one of the bookshelves in office, rose, walked over and pulled out the Bible. He flipped pages until, in the Old Testament, he came to the book of Isaiah. It seemed to be so simple; he thought. Could Gio be guiding him to the book of Isaiah by using his actual name in the salutation of the letter rather than "cousin"?

He read down until he found Isaiah 2:19. Reading further, he located Isaiah 3: 4. He set the Book aside, smiled to himself, and said aloud, confidently and with hope,

"So that's what the hell you're up to!"

The End- Volume Two

***

Thank you for reading "The Private Journals of Isaiah Watts Volume Two-

Chapters Twelve and Thirteen."

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