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is a fictional story which contains scenes depicting sexual acts. All the
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~ PART
TWENTY FIVE ~ When we left the house
this morning I think we all felt that this would be a memorable day. Things
were heating up around our little town, but I don't think any of us had
any real idea just how hot today, or the coming days, would get. I travelled into Macquarie
Harbour with Tim and Guy, as I often did, while Matt headed into town to
work in his own car. As I was leaving the house I stuck my head in the door
of Aaron and Tony's room to tell them I would see them later, where I
found they were both still sleeping, totally out to it and wrapped up in
each other's arms, wearing only their boxers and contented expressions on
their faces. I had seen them up and
about earlier when they had both showered, but they had obviously felt like
making themselves scarce while the rest of the household readied ourselves
for the day ahead. Looking at them then, with the sunlight streaming in on
them they looked beautiful, like two innocent angels, but even I knew that
once they awoke and their minds and bodies fell prey to the teenage hormones
that were coursing through their veins, there would be nothing angelic about
them at all. The drive to and from the
university at Macquarie Harbour was always a pleasant one when I travelled
with Tim and Guy. I didn't go with them every day, of course, it was all
dependent on our timetables and commitments, but I did it often enough. On
the other days I might catch the bus service back and forth, though that was
sometimes more of a hassle than anything else, because of the timetables and
the odd times when the buses ran out to Thompsonville from the city. On
other days when none of those options was workable I would occasionally get
driven into town or picked up by Matt himself, or sometimes even take Matt's
car -- which I didn't actually like doing as I knew how precious it was to
him. We all pretty much got
along like a house on fire, and were always happy to help each other out, so
one way or another each of us always managed to get to where he needed to be
on any given day. Now it was growing late in
the afternoon, and after a day that had been long and tiresome, having to
sit through a series of tedious lectures, I was heading home with my
housemates and looking forward to being able to relax with my love and
compare notes on how our days had been. I was sure that Matt would have
plenty of news, but I also had something to tell him that I felt would be
sure to get his attention. 'Hey, did you remember we
were going to Scott and Justin's place tonight?' Guy asked me as we cruised
along the highway toward the turn off to home. I looked up from the book
I was reading -- a collection of gay themed short stories I had picked up in
the student's op-shop -- and found myself looking directly into his eyes,
which were studying me in the rear-view mirror. 'Damn!' I said. 'I'd
forgotten about that already.' 'I wonder how things were
in downtown Thompsonville today?' Tim wondered out loud. 'I hope Aaron and
Tony managed to get things sorted.' 'I guess we'll find out
soon enough,' Guy replied as he slowed the car and turned off the highway. The run into Thompsonville
was a relatively short one and it wasn't long before we were again slowing
down, this time to turn down Beachside Lane , before then bumping along the
dirt road toward our house. We found that nobody was
home when we got there and everything was quiet. I fished my phone from my
pocket and dialled Matt's number. 'Hey babe,' he answered.
'Are you guys home already?' 'Yeah, we just got here,'
I replied. 'Where are you at the moment?' 'We're on our way. It has
been a shit of a day and I'm royally pissed off, but I have Aaron and Tony
with me and everything is cool. We've just left Scott's place, so we'll be
there in a few minutes and we'll fill you in, then Scott is expecting us
back there in a little while.' 'Why? What has happened?'
I asked. 'Heaps. I'll tell you all
about it when we get there.' 'Okay. We'll see you
soon.' When we had disconnected I
told Tim and Guy what he had said. 'I wonder what has
happened? At least it sounds like they got things sorted out today though,'
Guy said. 'That's something at least. I can't wait to find out what's gone
down while we were away.' 'Let's just hope that the
creep has been locked up!' Tim added. 'Yeah, I hope so too,' I
replied. We headed inside and the
boys went straight to their room, coming out a few minutes later wearing
only their towels. `We might grab first shower, before the others get here. It might be a good idea if we clean ourselves up before heading out,' Tim said to me. `Okay. Just don't use
all the hot water,' I teased. `You can join us if you
like,' Guy joked, while making a playful grab at Tim. `Nah, it'll be right.
I'll just save it up `til Matt gets here,' I replied, with a laugh.
For anyone who didn't know us that would probably sound almost perverse,
but I have to say that it wasn't all that unusual for us all to tease one
another or make fun of each other, or our situation. As I've said already,
we all got on like a house on fire and after spending nearly a year living
together we were all totally comfortable with each other, with our sexuality
and with our lifestyle, not to mention being secure in our relationships. After they had disappeared
into the bathroom and closed the door I grabbed a Coke from the refrigerator
and headed out onto the verandah to wait for Matt and the boys. It was a
bright, warm afternoon with just a hint of a breeze blowing in from the
ocean. When I looked out across the scrub that lay between the house and the
nearby beach that we often frequented, I could see a bank of dark clouds,
looming ominously off in the distance, far out to sea, giving promise of a
lively evening ahead, should they make it to the mainland. I didn't have long to
wait until I heard the familiar sound of Matt's Commodore cruising down
our road and when I looked up I soon spotted it between the distant trees
which lined the road, coming at speed and with a plume of dry dust trailing
out behind it. As he came to the open gateway into our house yard Matt
slowed, then turned in sharply, before crossing the yard and coming to a
stop near the garage, leaving the dust trail to drift on without him, before
eventually dissipating, settling across anything and everything within
reach. As soon as I saw him turn
I noticed that something was wrong with the car, or at least with the
appearance of it. The usually gleaming paintwork was somehow damaged;
tarnished and dull. I jumped to my feet and walked over toward the vehicle
as the three of them climbed out. `What the fuck happened
to the car?' I exclaimed. `What does it look like?
Some asshole has poured something all over it. Brake fluid I think,' Matt
replied. `It happened sometime this afternoon . . . right after Red was in
the shop buying some. Is that a coincidence, or what?' `But why would he do
that . . . apart from the fact he's just an asshole?' `I don't know, but
I'd sure as hell like to find out! We showed it to the sergeant this
afternoon when we spoke with him, so he's going to see what he can find
out. Apparently our pal Red is related to Thompson somehow, so maybe it has
something to do with what's going on there.' I looked at Aaron and
Tony, who were standing back, each with their arms folded across their
chests and looking concerned. `So, how did you guys
go? What happened?' I asked. `It's all good now,'
Aaron said. `We went to the hospital and found the kid . . . his name is
Paul and he's the brother of a kid I go to school with. He was beat up
pretty bad, and was in a bit of a state, but eventually he told us it was
Thompson, after I had told him he'd done it to me too, then, just as he
did the Sarge showed up. He got Paul to say who it was that attacked him and
as soon as he did the other cop that was with him put out a call and
Thompson got arrested almost straight away, apparently.' `Wow. They sure didn't
waste any time then,' I said. `No, they didn't,'
Matt added. `They then spoke with Aaron at Scott's place, then with me
and Justin and Tony as well, so they seem to think they have enough to make
the case against him stick.' `Why did they talk to
you?' I asked Matt. `They wanted to know
about the day when you and me found Aaron . . . to back up his story I
guess,' he replied. `That makes sense, I
suppose. So, what happens now?' `He has to go to court
and face the judge. If he pleads guilty then that's it, it's all over
Red Rover. If he pleads not guilty then I guess all of us will have to front
up and say what we know, or what we have seen. The Sarge reckons he'd be
mad to plead not guilty though, because if he does and is found guilty
anyhow, which we all know he is, then the judge will likely come down on him
even harder than he otherwise would.' `So, it really is just
about all over then?' I asked. `It just seems far too easy to me. It's
almost as if there is still more to come.' `Yeah, I know what you
mean. We both know how the system works, but I think that's all. I guess
we will still have to see whether or not he pleads guilty. If he doesn't
do that, then I'm afraid it really has only just started,' Matt
answered. We all chewed that over in
silence, each of us no doubt hoping that this was indeed the end of the
story; yet somehow we all knew deep down that it couldn't be this easy. `So, how was your
day?' Matt eventually asked. `Did anything exciting happen?' `Kind of,' I replied.
`Cassidy wasn't there today and rumours are rife that he has been
suspended, pending investigation.' `What? What the hell
for?' `An inappropriate
relationship with a student, or so I heard,' I answered. I hadn't ever
told him the full extent of the issues I'd had with Cassidy previously,
only that I'd had a few problems. I had hoped he wouldn't ever find out,
as I was fairly sure that I knew what his reaction might be. I did admit I
felt a bit guilty about not ever reporting Cassidy, however, but now that it
appeared Cassidy had dug his own grave, or put the noose around his own
neck, or fallen on his own sword, or whatever cliché you wanted to use,
then that was his own fault and no one else's. He'd had the chance to
clean up his act and had ignored that warning, so as far as I was concerned
he was deserving of what was coming to him. `Getting it on with a
student, eh? Male, or female?' `Male, I think.' `Fuck, what is it with
this area . . . is there something in the water or something? Did he ever
try it on with you?' I didn't answer him
immediately, which was all he needed. `Jeessus!!!' he
exclaimed, his face suddenly disfigured with rage. `When did that happen?
What did he do? And why the fuck didn't you ever tell me?' `It was nothing, really.
He put the hard word on me, I told him to back off and if he ever tried
anything like it again I would go to the authorities. That was the end of
it, and I didn't tell you because I was afraid you might over-react.' `You think! I'd have
belted the bastard!' `My point exactly,' I
answered as calmly as I could. For a moment he looked at
me with visible anger seething just below the surface, then all of a sudden
the rage subsided and a new calm seemed to come over him, before eventually
he smiled. `It seems you know me
too well,' he finally said, as he reached out for me. `I reckon you
probably did the right thing.' `I have to admit I
wasn't sure of it at the time, but still, I'm glad I handled it that
way.' `And that was the end of
it? He didn't try again?' `Nope. Never.' `Lucky for him!' he replied. `Now, it seems that all is finally right with the world, how about we get out of here and enjoy ourselves!' * * * * * It was one of those steamy
summer evenings when we arrived at the caravan park, in two cars, with the
air being hot and humid and with the threat of the looming storm hanging
heavily about us. It was Scott's turn to
have the barbeque fired up. It was usually sitting on the verandah of his
house, but when we arrived we found Justin and Scott carrying some plates
and dishes out from inside, descending the steps at the end of the verandah
and heading around to a screened off courtyard at the side of the house and
beyond the car-port, which at least provided some privacy from prying eyes. `Hey, you're just in
time,' Scott called to us as the six of us walked through the gate and
started toward the house, carrying the humble offerings of alcohol and other
drinks we had collected at the drive through bottle shop on the way here. Justin looked like he was
taking care of the cooking, as he set the plates he was carrying down on a
garden table then attended to the sausages that were already sizzling away,
while Scott busied himself with setting everything up on the table. `There are some beers on
ice already,' Justin said as we joined them. `Help yourselves.' `You should be careful
saying things like that,' Tim said. `Some of these guys might just take
you at your word and drink you out of house and home.' `I think we'll be able
to handle them,' Scott said, as he started passing some drinks around.
`If they give us too much trouble just remember that I'm on first name
terms with the local sergeant; and he's already been here once today!' `Yeah, so I hear,' Tim
replied. `Everything fell into place as we all hoped, eh! That was great
news.' I looked across at Aaron
and Tony who had found themselves a seat not far from the barbeque, although
hidden behind the brushwood screen, safely away from the prying eyes of
anyone who might pass by on the road down to the cabins or caravans. As Tim
finished I saw Tony reach across and place his hand over Aaron's, before
they looked at each other and smiled. `Yes. I think it was a
good result all round,' Scott said, while smiling at the two boys himself,
with an almost fatherly expression on his face. `I went and visited young
Paul up in the hospital tonight and he is quite relieved now. I've told
him if he wants to talk about anything he can pop around here any time he
feels like it.' `That's good of
you,' Matt said. `The same goes for us as well. We're only too happy
to help if needed.' `I'm sure he'll
appreciate that,' said Scott. `It can't be easy for a kid like him to
handle something like that. First of all having to come to terms with being
who they are, then just when they think they have it all figured out someone
like Thompson comes along and fucks everything up for them.' `Yeah, and it happens
far too often as well,' Matt replied. `What about you guys?
Did any of you ever have to go through anything like that?' Scott asked. Matt put an arm around my
waist and hugged me closer. `I guess in some
respects we were fairly lucky,' he said to Scott. `We had all the usual
issues, of course, like figuring ourselves out, along with having our
families and friends finding out as well. That was all quite challenging in
itself. I know at times I was a quivering mess, but we somehow managed. I
think it ended up being much harder for Luke than it was for me, even though
at the time he was the strong one out of the two of us.' `Really? How so?'
Scott enquired. `I was bashed . . .
twice,' I answered. `First off, at the local park. Then by my own dad,
who just flipped out at the idea of having a gay son.' `Holy shit!' Justin
said. `Yeah, Justin. That's
about it,' I replied. `Still, what doesn't kill us only makes us
stronger, or so the old saying goes, so despite everything we're still
here, and we're together, so that's all that matters really. Matt might
have thought I was the strong one . . . but that was only because I had come
to terms with who I was a lot earlier than he had. Inside I was just as
confused and insecure and anxious as any other teenage guy faced with coming
out to his family and friends.' `But it all worked out
in the end though, didn't it?' Justin asked. I glanced across at Matt
and found him smiling at me, looking proud and happy. `Yes Justin, it worked
out even better than I could have dreamed,' I replied, before leaning
across and kissing Matt. Scott passed around some
beers for us, although I think Aaron and Tony were disappointed with the
Cokes they received, and we all sat down, while Justin continued to slave
over the hot barbeque. `So, what about you
guys?' Tim asked, directing his question toward Justin and Scott. `What
happened when you two hooked up? Was it a huge scandal, or was it all smooth
sailing?' Scott looked back toward
Justin and smiled. `Have you ever heard
about the old saying that goes something along the lines of, if you save
someone's life they become your responsibility, or they owe it to you?'
he asked. `Well, I'm sure you've heard before how Jay kind of fell
into my lap . . . so now it looks like I'm stuck with him.' `Go on, tell the truth.
You love it!' Justin teased. `Yeah, I do,' Scott
replied. `Well, you sure as hell
could have done a lot worse,' Guy chuckled. `That's true,'
answered Scott, `but I also know I couldn't have done any better.' We all watched as Scott
and Justin embraced and kissed briefly, their love for each other obvious. `So, you haven't had
any hassles from anyone in town, then?' Matt asked. `No, not really,'
Scott replied. `We get the occasional odd look from some of the
old-timers, or sneer from the likes of Red, but since Jay moved here I think
everyone has been fairly accepting. It was almost as if people had expected
it or something, given our past. And we also try to make a point of not
trying to flaunt our lifestyle in front of everyone. Discretion in a place
like Thompsonville can be a life saver. That's something that you all
should take on board. `I think we already
have,' Matt answered. `And what about your
parents?' Guy asked. `Mine have always known
about me,' Scott answered. `Well, at least from the time I was a
teenager, but Jay's parents were a little slower in coming round.' `Oh?' `Part of the reason I
came back here,' Justin began, `was because I was way off the rails. My
shrink told my folks that it might be a good idea if I was brought back to a
place where I was happy, so the olds packed us up and brought me back here
for a holiday. Despite my hatred of the world, which at the time was caused
by my father's homophobic attitude, Scott was the first person to be able
to get through to me . . . so I
convinced my folks to let me stay here with him for a while. I haven't
officially come out to them yet, but after a while I think they figured it
out for themselves . . . or at least I think mum did at first, and despite
the constant shit that my dad always sprouted all my life about anyone who
was gay, I think that even he eventually put two and two together. The rest,
as they say, is history.' `Nice,' said Tim. `So, how about you and Guy?' Justin asked, directing his question toward Tim. `Was there anything different, or were there any problems, with the two of you getting together? They simply looked at each
other and grinned. `To be honest,' Guy
said. `I think we had it way easier than most gay couples.' `We had some of the
usual problems, of course, like issues with family members,' Tim added.
`But there were no big scenes, no fights, no one getting bashed or
anything like that. I think our biggest problem was ourselves and our
pussy-footing around each other, not knowing what we should be doing . .
.' `Or jumping to the wrong
conclusions when things didn't quite go as they should have,' said Guy. `Yeah . . . we had our
moments. Although there was also one other problem that seemed to keep
rearing its ugly head all the time,' said Tim. `Which was?' asked
Justin. Tim and Guy both laughed, then together they simply said one word; `Ben!' `Ha! Why am I not
surprised?' Matt snorted We all knew what Ben was
like. He was a fun loving guy, who we all loved dearly, but he was also a
guy who wasn't backward in coming forward and who could sometimes get
offside with folks simply because he was such a straight shooter, who always
spoke his mind. We also knew that he and
Matt didn't always see eye to eye; yet despite that, I knew that Matt
missed having him around just as much as the rest of us did. We were just
glad that he was getting his life back together after his accident and that
he and Samantha were still together and doing okay. `Yes, I can imagine it
would have been interesting having him around when you were all living
together. I guess it's a bit quieter out at the house now, is it?' Scott
said. `Yeah, a bit quieter,'
Tim answered. `But no less interesting with these two new young love birds
hanging around. We all looked over at
Aaron and Tony, who seemed oblivious to the conversation and were too busy
snogging each other. `Ain't love grand?'
Justin said as he turned the sausages once more. This only made us all
laugh, causing Aaron and Tony to stop what they were doing and look our way. `Don't stop now, guys,' Matt teased them gently. `We were enjoying the show.' * * * * * The early part of the
night passed us by quite pleasantly, as we sat around in Scott's yard
enjoying the food, the beer, the conversation and the company. Thankfully,
even the pesky little bugs that could usually be found hanging around after
dark seemed to have been kept at bay, thanks to the strategic placement of
citronella candles around the barbeque area. Justin showed himself to
be a dab hand on the barbeque, while Scott proved, as always, to be an
exemplary host. We were all so glad that we had hooked up with these two and
become their friends . . . or was it that they had hooked onto us? Either
way I think that we all felt we had made friends for life and the
relationship between us all was only growing stronger. The situation with
Thompson was discussed only briefly, early on in the evening. To say we were
all surprised that things had worked out so easily was something of an
understatement, but everyone knew that the real test would be still to come,
when he actually faced the courts. It was Scott who put
things into perspective for us, however, when he told us that it would still
be possible for Thompson to be out on the streets, and quite soon. `I know that he has been
charged,' Scott said, `but you should all know that it's quite likely
that the judge will grant him bail, or possibly even adjourn the case when
he first appears in court, in which case he could let him out between
appearances.' `What?' Matt said,
sounding quite incredulous. `It's true,' Scott
answered. `Despite everything, it's still possible that he could be let
out on bail between when he first fronts the judge and when his trial or
next appearance is. Personally I don't think it's likely, particularly
because of the seriousness of what happened to young Paul, but it is a
possibility.' `Man, that sucks!' Tim
added. `The cunt should be locked up and have the key thrown down the
sewer or something,' he said forcefully. We all looked sharply at
Tim. None of us could be described as innocents, and the language that
flowed around our house at the best of times was usually quite colourful,
but I don't think any of us had ever heard him say that before. `What?' he asked when
he say us all staring at him. `You've heard that before haven't
you?' `Yeah, often enough,'
Justin said, laughing. `But just not from you.' `And there we all were
thinking what a sweet young lad you were,' Scott added. `Sweet young lad?'
Matt offered. `Christ, you should hear the sounds coming from their
bedroom some nights! There ain't nothing sweet about that, I can tell
you!' `Fuck, you ought to
talk!' Tim shot back, grinning. After that things went
strangely quiet for a short time, as we digested what Scott had said to us.
The thought of Thompson being let loose again wasn't one which sat easily
with any of us, but we still had to face it that it was a possibility. `So, Scott, do you have
any idea when he might get to meet the judge?' Matt finally asked. `Well, the sergeant said
he was in the lock-up this afternoon, so it depends on when a judge or
magistrate is available. I think I've heard before about there being
special hearings out of normal hours, so that might happen over the weekend.
Either that or he'll have to wait until Monday morning.' `I still think it
sucks!' Tim said. `I agree,' Scott
replied. `But that's just how the law system works.' `Then the law is an
ass!' Tim added. `So people keep
saying!' said Scott. `I'll check with the police station in the
morning and see if anything has changed.' After that the party
continued for a while longer, with at least six of us participating in
telling stories and jokes and laughing, while the remaining couple seemed to
have eyes only for each other. A few times we teased them about the fact
they should have booked in and gotten a `van for themselves, but they
seemed to be content just where they were, unconcerned by the fact they were
putting on a show that was having an obvious effect on the rest of us. At one stage I looked
around and the eyes of everyone seemed to be locked on Aaron and Tony, as
they continued to lock lips and run their hands over each other. At about
the same time I felt Matt's hands slide down my body, before soon starting
to massage my lower regions. I glanced at his face and found him grinning
broadly at me. When I looked again at the others I saw Justin rubbing
himself through the board shorts he was wearing, while even Tim and Guy were
getting in on the act. In the end it was Scott
whose cool head prevailed and restored some sanity to the scene. `Okay guys, I think we
had better start wrapping this party up; before the cops get called back
here again today . . . or the fire brigade!' he said as he dragged himself
to his feet and started gathering up stuff to take back inside. That seemed to snap us all
back to the present and when I glanced around at the others again I could
see more just a few guilty looking faces, all looking rather sheepish. `We are so busted,'
Matt whispered into my ear as he let go of me. `It sure could have
become interesting if he hadn't said anything,' I answered quietly. `I
think even Justin was starting to get excited.' `Hmmmmm . . .' `What the fuck!' I
joked, jabbing him in the shoulder as I did so. `You just keep your eyes
looking this way, pal!' `C'mon, surely even
you would have to agree that he's pretty hot?' Matt gently teased. `Well . . .' `Ha! I fucking knew
it!' `Well, what else would
you expect? What self respecting gay nineteen year old wouldn't half fancy
him?' By this time all eyes were
turned our way, which I soon noticed when I looked away from Matt for a
moment. `And just what the hell
were you pair whispering about?' Guy asked us. `Errr . . . nothing
much,' I said, before Matt cut in and really dropped us in the shit. `If you must know,'
Matt offered. `We were discussing how hot Justin looked.' `What?' squeaked
Justin. Everyone turned his way and even in the pale light I was sure I
could see him blushing. Scott walked over to him
and put his arms around Justin's waist. `Sorry guys, but he's already
taken, or hadn't you noticed?' he laughed. `Yeah, yeah, we know
that,' Matt replied. `You're safe Scotty, or he's safe . . . or
something. We were just admiring from afar.' `Jesus. It must be
interesting living in that house!' Justin added. `Jay, you have no
idea,' I replied. `You should just consider yourself lucky you have
Scott to keep you on the straight and narrow.' `Straight? Ha, now
that's funny!' *
* *
* * It was later than I had
thought when we eventually arrived back at the house, with the bright red
display of the clock in the kitchen saying it was almost midnight. How time
flies when you're having fun, eh? Once inside we all said
goodnight before then heading straight to our own rooms, each of us, no
doubt, with our own ideas as to how the rest of the night would be spent. After I closed the door of
our room I turned to see the silhouette of Matt against the window, backlit
by the faint glow coming from outside. Without a word I walked over to him,
pulling my shirt off as I went, then when I reached him I tugged at his
shirt also and soon had it on the floor beside mine. `If I didn't know
better I would say that your cousin has been putting some wicked thoughts
into your head,' Matt whispered as we embraced. `Wicked thoughts?' I
asked. `What is so wicked about the most natural, most perfect act that
two human beings can share?' `Is that what you really
think?' `Absolutely,' I
replied with some conviction. `Now why don't you show me just what you
think about it too!' Even in the dim light I
could see him grinning, his white teeth being the only thing shining in the
night. Then, placing his hands on my hips he hooked his thumbs in the
elastic of my shorts and underwear and in one motion pushed them down around
my ankles, releasing my cock from the confines of my clothing and allowing
it to spring free. Immediately I felt his hot
breath blowing over me, followed by his lips wrapping themselves around me,
which only served to excite me further. `Easy, fella,' I
whispered into the darkness. `I want it to last.' He mumbled something in
reply, but with his mouth filled I had no idea what he said. All I could do
was placed a hand on either side of his head, run my fingers through his
hair, and let him work his magic. * * * * * The town was buzzing when
we finally made it to the main street the following morning. It was Saturday
and it was one of those bright, early summer days, cloudless and warm, which
brought people to the beaches and the water from all areas, near and far.
With the influx of visitors there was almost a carnival-like atmosphere,
which was something I hadn't before experienced here. Right along the main
street there wasn't a car parking space to be found, while all around the
lake cars were crammed onto every spare spot of grass available. Over at the
beach it wasn't any better, with the car parks filled and the roads
leading to them lined with cars also. Tim and Guy had stayed at
home, but for the rest of us our plan had been to spend a lazy day in town
and on the beach, and for Aaron and Tony to pay a visit to the hospital, but
given the activity downtown I think it was highly likely that those plans
were about to be changed. `This is
unbelievable,' Matt said as the four of us walked along the main street
towards our favourite coffee shop, at least thankful that we were able to
park behind the shop where Matt worked. `I've never seen the place
jumping like this.' `Well, we've only been
here about ten months, and it wasn't until the summer holidays were almost
over when we arrived . . .' `Yeah, I know that, but
this really is something else, isn't it?' `I guess so.' `What do you reckon
Aaron? Does it get like this very often?' `Not that I can ever
remember,' Aaron replied. `Maybe sometimes in the middle of the school
holidays.' When we reached the coffee
shop we found that it was already full, so Matt suggested that he would
order some for us to take-away and we would go down to the lake and sit
under a tree. While he went inside to the counter the three of us waited out
on the footpath, watching the crowds come and go. `Damn, for a small place
it sure is busy,' I heard Tony say. `And look at all that skin! I think
I'm gonna like spending my summers in this place.' THUD! I spun around at the sound
to see Tony rubbing the back of his head vigorously, while Aaron looked on
at him, appearing slightly pissed. `What the fuck was that
for?' Tony asked. I could only laugh at him.
He obviously still had a lot to learn. It was sometimes okay to look and
enjoy, but if you're in a fledgling relationship it is best you watch out
for jealousy and insecurity, lest they come along for the ride as well.
Matt emerged a few minutes
later carrying four coffees, perched precariously on one of those cardboard
take-away trays, with each of us taking one, then we headed off down the
street toward the lake. We hadn't gone more than a block, however, when we
came to a small crowd gathered on the footpath. In the midst of them we
could see a smartly dressed young woman standing in front of a shop window,
while holding a microphone in her hand. Someone else was holding up a bright
light and shining it on her, while yet another person was standing there
holding a camera to his shoulder. I could only hear bits and
pieces of what she was saying to the camera, but it didn't take Einstein
to work out what it was she was talking about. `.
. . idyllic seaside town . . . darker underbelly . . . several vicious
attacks . . . sexual assaults . . . teenage boys . . . man charged . . .
favourite son . . . special court sitting . . . remanded in custody . . .
upcoming court case . . .' We were quickly stopped in
our tracks, not only by the small crowd but also by what we had heard being
said. It looked like Andy Thompson was making the television news. Matt and I glanced at each
other, then at Aaron, who seemed to have suddenly gone pale. Tony placed an
arm around his shoulder briefly, before realizing they were out in public
and that might be pushing it just a bit too far. `You okay?' I asked
Aaron. `Yeah, I think so,' he
answered. `Did you hear what she
was saying, guys?' Matt asked us. `I think I heard her say that Thompson
was remanded in custody' `Yeah, I heard her say
that,' Tony added. `Does . . . does that
mean he's still locked up?' Aaron quietly asked. `Yes, mate,' I
answered. `That's exactly what it means.' Immediately I could see the
relief flood over him when I answered him. As we were talking they
reporter and her crew were packing up their equipment and by the time I had
answered Aaron they were just starting to walk off, toward a station wagon
parked nearby which was emblazoned with the television station logo. When they moved out of the
way we looked across at the few people who had been standing on the opposite
side of them to us and immediately my heart sank when I spotted a familiar
face there glaring back at us. Matt spotted him at about
the same time I did. It was Red, standing there
with one of his goon mates, their arms crossed in front of them and both
looking stony faced and as menacing as they could be; which wasn't
anywhere near as dangerous looking as they thought it was. `Well, well,' I heard
Matt say. `If it isn't our old mates from Paint Strippers R Us.' At hearing this, my head
jerked sideways toward Matt, but when I looked back at Red I could have
sworn that I saw the makings of a smile dancing across his lips. `Whatever are you
talking about?' Red sneered. `Did you know there are
security cameras covering the car park behind the store?' Matt added.
`Apparently the cops already have the video . . . and it doesn't look
like your cousin is going to be around to help you out this time, does
it?' Suddenly Red and his mate
looked uneasy, but when he looked across at Aaron and sneered it was my turn
to feel uneasy. `You and your little fag
buddies should watch out,' Red seethed, as he stepped up closer to us.
`We know who ratted on Andy and they're first on our list. And seeing as
you're on their side, you're next.' `Is that right?' said
Matt. `This ain't over! Not
by a long shot!' Red said forcefully. `Yeah, you're right.
It's not over. You're about to get what's coming to you,' Matt
added. `Only you're too fucking dumb to realise it!' With a final, `Hmmppff,'
Red turned and walked away, with his pal in pursuit. Neither one of them
bothered to look back at us. `Are you sure that was
such a good idea?' I asked Matt, once they were out of earshot. For what seemed like a
long time he just stared after them, but just as I was about to ask him
again he turned to look at me. `I have no idea,' he
said. `But if it's war he wants, then that's what he's going to get.
We had all just better make sure we keep an eye out, that's all.' `I . . . I don't like
the sound of this,' Tony said. `We thought we got rid of the cause of
the trouble, but now we have this guy to deal with too.'
EDited by Ed |
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