The rest of the story you know about the deeds of the Baxter brothers is really true. One last point to make clear is the reason why, when they decided to settle, they choose Phoenix and why the Governor granted them exclusive rights to the weapon's commerce in all the territory.
Well, the eight brothers were in Phoenix when Mel, now thirty years old and Jack, the youngest, was twenty two, made a speech to the others.
"Listen. Now, we are rather rich. Why not stop? We could buy an estate somewhere, and start a horse breeding program or a plantation... or even another business. We can build a nice house and have a quiet, and less dangerous life. What do you think?"
They discussed everything. They all basically agreed. The discussion was mainly about where to settle and what activity to start. Each of the brothers voiced his opinion, trying to foresee all the pros and cons, but still a single choice didn't emerge. They were just talking, when somebody knocked at the door of the hotel room where they were gathered. It was the owner, who told them that downstairs was a man from the Governor with a message for them. Peter went down to see what was going on.
After a short while, he returned -- It was an official invitation from the Governor for a party that would be held in his new residence at the town's city limits. It said that, having so much heard about their exploits, he would like to meet them and to introduce them to the influential people of the town and the surrounding area. The party was to be held three days later, at seven p.m. But he invited them to come to his residence around five p.m. to have some time to get acquainted with them and talk awhile before the party started.
They decided to accept the invitation, so Peter returned downstairs to bring their answer to the Governor's man. Jeff pointed out that none of them had clothes really fitting for such an occasion, so all eight of them at once left looking for the best tailor's shop downtown to order clothes. The tailor said that he could not cut, sew, have the fittings and give the finishing touches to eight suits in just two days, even if he made all his helps work night and day. Mel told him that they were ready to pay him well, and that he could ask for help from the other town's tailors; but that he had to satisfy them. Reaching an agreement, the tailor took the measurements of all eight brothers. They all choose the same model, just fabrics of eight different colors, that complimented the color of their skin and hair. Then they went to buy eight new white hats, of course identical.
The next day they visited the tailor's shop three or four times for fittings. Early the morning of the party, they all went to the barber shop for a hair cut and shave. Later that morning, they picked up their new suits. They went back to the hotel and helping each other, tried on their new suits. After adding the final touches -- they were eight beauties, dressed in the latest fashion.
At the appointed time, they were dismounting their horses in front of the new residence of the Governor. The servants took their horses to the stables and a butler in livery introduced them in the residence hall. They looked around admiringly at the beauty and wealth of the ambiance.
Peter exclaimed, his eyes widened: "Holy Shit! I'd like living in such a place!"
"Yes, but just think how many servants we would need to keep it tidy!" Red observed.
A door opened and the Governor entered. He was an elegant man, rather handsome, about thirty year old. He went towards the octet with a wide smile.
"The Baxter brothers, right? I finally have the pleasure of meeting you. I am Governor Martin Mac Bride."
Rufus' eyes widened and he uttered a small shocked gasp. The Governor looked at him and his smile instantly froze for a second.
But he at once recovered and asked: "May I know your first names?"
Mel was about to make the introductions, but Rufus interrupted him: "This is Mel, the oldest. After him, comes Red. Then Leo, that's him, and then me, Rufus. Then..."
"Rufus?" the Governor interrupted.
"Yes, Martin, I'm Rufus." the mulatto said with a gentle smile.
"I don't understand... you are the Rufus who... that I'm thinking?"
"Yes, the very same... Rufus of Gila Bend."
"Yes... I thought so, but... then, you're not a Baxter."
"I am. If you like, I can explain everything to you."
"I never expected to see you again... certainly not here."
"Neither did I. We thought that the Governor was Reynolds..."
"He was, until last year. Then I was appointed governor and so... But you, Rufus... I'm really glad to see you again."
"Me too, Martin."
"But I would like to understand, to know... Can you come with me into my studio, please?"
"We'll all come together... What I have to explain to you, concerns all of us, my brothers."
"Yes, certainly... please, come..."
They entered the studio and Rufus told him how, just at the moment they were about to hang him, Mel rescued him. He told how he became Mel's lover, and then how, slowly, they "found again" all the other "brothers". How and why at one point they decided to pass themselves as brothers, and then the rest of their story... to Jack joining them. He explained how, even if they all made love among themselves, in reality they were bound as open couples, and now his lover was Jack.
Martin listened, asked questions, nodded. When he ended his narrative, Rufus asked Martin what happened to him after they were caught by his father.
"As you probably know, my father locked me up in the space under the staircase while they were dragging you away to hang you. I felt I was going crazy -- not being able to do the slightest thing while they were going to kill you, my boy! Then I heard that a stranger rescued you and in my heart I thanked that stranger, to whom I can now finally give my personal thanks... My father searched for you for months, but finally he gave up. They kept me under control for about two years, so that I could not repeat my 'mistake'. To be able to live, to breath, at a certain point I started to court a girl... who now is my wife. So, finally, I was left in peace. I studied law, then started my political career with some success. I have four children -- Mary is seven, Rufus... yes, of course Rufus, is six years old. Joel is three and Liz is two years old. My wife is a good person, and pretty... she knows nothing about me and you, of course. In all these years, I've had some men... But all of them were just short flings, ones that couldn't last, as a politician is always under everybody's eyes. At this moment I have no lover. Nobody. I've often thought of you, Rufus... I loved you, I swear..."
"Me too, Martin. But it's an old story now, ten years ago. Anyway, I am really more than happy to be able to see you again."
"The same for me -- glad and excited. Life was cruel to us, ten years ago..."
"Yes, perhaps. But then its repaid us very well. I'm now a very happy man. Aren't you?"
"I can't complain. My wife is delightful, the children... well I'm proud of them. My career has been quick and successful. I'm rich... respected... and wear a golden mask. And now I've found you again, but it's too late."
They talked some more.
It was almost time for the other guests to arrive, when Martin said: "I'm really glad to have met you all. I would like to do something for you... for you, Rufus, of course. For Mel who saved your life, but also for your very likable... brothers. You told me that you were planning to settle somewhere... Well, after the party I could possibly offer you a proposal. But I have first to talk with some of my guests, especially two who are coming from Washington. After the party, please, stay here, be my guests. I will tell the servants to prepare your rooms. I would really like to have you all as my guests. If you agree, I can send my staff to the hotel to retrieve your belongings."
They willingly accepted.
Martin introduced them to his wife and children, then the party started. As they clearly became the guests of honor, they were confronted by many guests, and not a few girls of good families, who did all their best to attract their attention. Much to the embarrassment of Leo, Jack and Red, the indifference of Jeff, Rufus and Mel, and the amusement of Mark and Peter.
That evening, when the party was over, Martin bid good night to his wife and withdrew again to his studio with the eight brothers.
"Good, I have a proposal to make to you. Washington wants all legal commerce in firearms, ammunitions and explosives to be centralized and entrusted to qualified and trustworthy people. If you agreed, I intend to get the Government's license for you eight. You are well known, admired, respected and your past deeds are the best letter of introduction. My guests from Washington already said that they agree with my project. You should have a very good profit, and a respectable and honored position. Of course, you would have to settle here in Phoenix. I can help you find a good piece of land where to build your house and your depots. What do you think?"
They clarified some details, then asked the Governor to allow them some time to reflect and to make a decision. One of the problems was that none of them had any legal documents, of course. But Martin took care of that, and got them all the necessary papers with their data -- so now even in front of the law, they were really brothers. They accepted the Governor's offer.
The Government license arrived by return mail. They started to build their villa and depots. Meanwhile they remained Martin's guests. They became friends with his wife and, especially Jeff, Leo and Peter, also with the Governor's children.
One day, Rufus and Martin met alone in the latter's studio to check some papers.
At one point Martin interrupted his talk and said, almost in a whisper: "Rufus... I have something to tell you..."
"Yes, Martin?" the mulatto quietly answered.
"I... it's difficult, but... in all these days I've done nothing but think of you... of us. I would like so much... making love with you again, Rufus."
"But, what for? Past is past... Now, you have your life, I have mine. I like you, Martin, and I still love you in a way. But I think it would be dangerous thinking to start again from where we were forced to stop, don't you think?"
"But I desire you..."
"Me too, somewhat, but..."
"At least once... My last memory of you is when my father caught us... a painful memory. I would like you to help me erase it, change it to a different memory..."
"Yes, I can understand that. For me too the last memory is the expression of terror and despair in your eyes... Martin, we could make love once more, if you need it. But just once, the last time. I am now a Baxter, don't forget that. For the others it just means that I am bound to my brothers by the ties of blood... but you know that it is not so. And I want to remain a Baxter, Martin. Forgive me, but that's that."
"Yes, I understand. But just for once, would you make love with me? It would not only please me so much, but also do me so much good, believe me."
"Me too. One time, I would be pleased. But it will really be the last time, do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand. When?"
"When do you like, for me there is no problem."
"Then... now. My wife is out with the children and they will be back just before supper... And you too, now, are free..."
"All right. Will you come upstairs to my room?"
"Yes, it would be better."
"Then, come."
They went to Rufus' bedroom and locked themselves inside. Rufus approached Martin and started to unfasten his jacket.
"Do you remember, Martin? It was always me to begin to undress you..."
"Yes... and I let you, a victim of strong excitation, until I was completely naked and I was a little ashamed, to be so in front of you while you were still completely dressed. Then, you started to undress for me..."
"Yes... let me undress you, Martin."
Like in a dream, they repeated the ancient gestures, the one for the other. Rufus undressed Martin and felt him quiver like at that time. Ten years had passed, they were no longer boys. They were now mature men, but for both of them it was exactly like ten years before. Rufus was uncovering Martin's body, caressing it, making him feel his desire and absorbing Martin's. Then he slowly undressed himself, looking at his friend, into his eyes, and letting Martin admire him. Then he took his hand and guided him to the bed, he gently pushed him on it, French kissing him and intimately caressing him. Martin, like then, was all a shudder. Lying on the bed, he caressed his mulatto lover's back while Rufus bent on him and kneaded his blazing genitals. Martin spread his legs and girdled Rufus' sides, stretched his hand to take the fully erect member of his ancient lover and drove it towards himself, between his thighs, offering himself in a silent prayer. Rufus smiled and lowered to kiss him in the mouth while Martin continued to guide him to the penetration. Then Martin took his spit and spread it on his hole, then spread his buttocks with both his hands.
Like ten years before, he murmured, excited, upset: "I'm ready, Rufus. Take me, make me yours."
"Here I am, Martin, I'm coming to you... Here... I'm taking you..."
The same words. The same gestures sprouted spontaneous, not by thought. Rufus felt Martin opening under his push and started to make his firm and big pole slowly slip inside him. He relentlessly sank inside him, while he was kissing him in his mouth with all the passion that, renewed, was devouring him.
Then, when it could sink in him no more, Rufus whispered: "Here I am, Martin. You are mine!"
"I feel you... I like it... But I would like feeling you even more..."
So Rufus started to slightly rotate his pelvis and Martin sighed with pleasure. Rufus retracted a while, slipping out, then suddenly plunged inside again.
"Yes, so... I like it... Let me feel I'm yours!"
"You... are... mine... Martin... mine... Yes... you... are... mine..." Rufus panted, accompanying each word with a powerful thrust.
Martin at each stroke jerked, and smiled with happiness: "Oh, what a great male you are, Rufus! What a beautiful male in heat. Oh, fuck me, yes, fuck me... so, harder..."
"You are my man, Martin, you are all mine. Do you feel how I'm taking you?"
"Yes, I feel you... and you drive me crazy with pleasure. You have a wonderful cock, big, strong... God, how good you fuck me!"
Rufus increased his rhythm and Martin jolted under his methodical strokes. Then Rufus glued his belly against Martin's imprisoning between them his friend's erect member massaging it with his back and forth movements. Martin was enraptured and caressed his back, sides, firm buttocks, thighs. Their mouths again searched each other and joined in a kiss full of fire. Their excitment was very strong.
"Oh Rufus... I'm near... cumming... You drive me... crazy..."
"Me too, my handsome male! Me too, my sweetest man. Now I'll flood you with my jism, I'll fill you. Here... here... here I am... you are mine... mine..."
"Yes... yes... yes..."
They both cummed, holding tight each other, adhering to each other, shouting with hoarse and choked voices all their pleasure.
Rufus, still firmly embedded inside Martin, caressed and tenderly kissed him.
Martin murmured: "Thank you, Rufus. It has been wonderful. I really needed it. You are the man of my life, the fabulous male to whom I gave my virginity. Your body has ripened, you are even more handsome than before. But you remain for me the Rufus of old."
Rufus gently answered: "Martin, not only my body has ripened... I made love with you like we used to, because I knew it was what you desired. But I am no more 'your' Rufus. Yes, it has been very pleasurable, it's true. But now I'm with Jack, and my other brothers. I liked taking you, sure, and you too liked it, I could feel it, and I'm happy for that. But the past is past, remember."
"But I... I still want to make love with you..."
"We agreed that this was our last time, my tender Martin."
"That's true, But I can feel you still inside me, still hard and strong... Take me again, please... At times you did it, do you remember? At times you took me twice in a row. When we leave this bed, I'll never again ask you to make love with me, I swear. But now... take me again..."
"I too still want you, that's true. All right, then, let's make love again. But this time with the Rufus I became, in my way..."
The handsome mulatto slipped out from his companion, took a cloth and cleaned up himself and Martin's belly. Then went again on the bed and started to caress and to kiss him all over his body. Martin was in bliss. Then, maneuvering so that they were in a sixty-nine position, he offered his member to Martin's lips, while he started to suck that of his ancient lover. At first Martin was startled, but the pleasure that Rufus' mouth was giving him, soon involved him in this way to make love, so new and unknown to him, so that he reciprocated. They continued for a long while with exhausting passion, with renewed desire, in a sweet and gentle crescendo, until both quenched their mutual thirst at their companion's spring.
"It's so, how you make love with your Jack and the others?"
"In this way, and in a thousand more..."
"It has been wonderful, also in this way... I loved having your hot rod inside my mouth. I didn't guess it was possible, it was so beautiful."
"Yes, Martin. But now perhaps it will be better if we dress again, and we go back to our business, before the others get worried for our disappearance. Let's go, go on!"
"Thank you Rufus. Thank you for having given me much more than just some sex..."
They dressed and went back to Martin's studio.
Rufus asked him: "Why don't you try to find a steady lover?"
"Where can I find another like you? And then, with the life I have to carry out, how could we manage to be really together without raising suspicions, here at home or elsewhere? See each other in a hurry, in secret... and where? At my place no, it will be impossible. At his place... my regular visiting him would seem strange. In hotels... never to think about it. I can not offer such a relationship to someone I love, it would not be right. So, you see, my fate is to have, when I am lucky, some fleeting adventure, nothing more. One night stands, as they say..."
"Yes, it seems an almost impossible situation. But not insurmountable. First of all, stop searching somebody like me. It's not possible. Everyone is a different person and even if you thought you found him, you would only be deceiving yourself. And then, who knows, it could be possible to find a solution. He could become your private secretary, living here with you in your home, and following you on your many journeys. And it would just be logical that your hotel rooms are communicating. Sure, he has to be somebody understanding your situation, willing to adapt himself to it, and helping you to overcome it. But if he loves you, he will do that, it would not be hard for him. Don't lose heart, Martin. Keep your eyes open, not to let the occasion, when it comes, slip away."
Martin nodded in agreement.
When their house was ready, they furnished it and settled in. On the first floor there was a wide hall with a great staircase in front of the entrance. On its right there were the offices for their new activity, directly linked to the depots. On its left a wide studio, the library, the dining room and the kitchen. On the second floor the guests' rooms and on the third floor their rooms. Making a wide L with the villa at its back, there was the building having on the first floor the depots and the stables, and on the second floor, the servants quarters, linked with the second floor of the villa. Between the two buildings there was a wide and nice inner garden.
Now, even if not in a rigid and exclusive way, four couples had formed -- Mel generally was with Leo, Rufus with Jack, Red with Peter and Jeff with Mark. Following the advise of Martin, not to make the servant gossip and therefore all the town, they made eight bedrooms all communicating, all with king size beds. Even if they normally used only four of them, each of them kept all his belongings and clothing in his own room. The corridor going to the great staircase was closed by a door, and the servants could enter there only when they were not there, and the door was left open.
Jeff and Mark took care of the correspondence and the accounts of the Baxter Company, as they were the more learned, anyway they helped to teach all their brothers, who were not able to do so, to read and write. Mel was tacitly recognized by all as the head of the family. Rufus supervised the smooth running of the house, and Leo of the depots. They were a perfect organization, functional, mainly for the perfect harmony that reigned among them.
Their wealth was rapidly increasing so they decided to invest some of their money in the building of a railway line, the new means of transportation. It was mainly Red to take care of the railways sector.
A couple of years had elapsed since their settling in Phoenix, when at last Martin, thanks to the Baxter's, found his "personal secretary". He was a cousin of his wife, a fascinating young man twenty five years old that Martin liked very much.
Martin knew him since when he was a fifteen year old boy and gradually, as the boy was growing older, Martin felt more and more attracted by him. They were soon bound by a strong reciprocal liking. Martin started to suspect that the youth could like making love with men, as he never had a girlfriend, but he could not at all be sure of that. And anyway, if even the youth was as he suspected, he couldn't know if he would ever accept to make love with him... And he didn't feel like risking and exposing himself.
So, he decided to talk about that with Rufus, and asked him for advise. Rufus told his brothers. So, they started to invite the young man, whose name was Noel, to their parties. And Peter started to work on the young lawyer. So once, when they were alone in the library Peter, who in the meanwhile got the impression that Noel could really be the right man for Martin, and having noticed how Noel was throwing more interested glances to the handsome men than to the pretty women, decided to slowly play his cards.
"Noel, would you think odd if I tell you I find you fascinating?"
"Thank you Peter. You too are very likable."
"I meant also... physically. You are a really handsome man, with a fine body. You must play many sports..."
"Yes, mainly riding and swimming."
"God only knows how much success you have with girls..."
"Well, in fact they seem to hang willingly around me. Even too much."
"Is there among our guest at this party some one you like?"
"For an agreeable conversation, more than one..."
"No, I meant, on a... physical level."
"No, not one."
"And yet, many are... tasty, It seems to me."
Peter, continuing to talk, was making him drink, hoping that the alcohol could help to untie his tongue. Noel, sitting on a small armchair near Peter, his slightly parted legs tightly wrapped by his beautiful silk trousers, lightly brushed his hand between his legs and, smiling, said: "Not one of the girls made it awaken, anyway..."
"And yet, to look where you have your hand, it seems rather the opposite -- there is a generous bulge, I must say."
"No, no, now it is at rest, believe me." the young man giggled.
"I can't believe you! Let me feel." Peter said stretching his hand and slipping it under the hand of his neighbor, fingered it. Noel made a light jolt backwards, and looked at him amazed, but didn't try to escape from him or complain. Peter added: "You are right, and yet I can feel it is swelling, awakening..."
"Of course, if you continue to touch me this way..."
"And yet, I'm not a pretty girl. Do you like how I'm touching you?"
"Well... I'm not insensitive..."
"Mine too is awakening now... would you like to feel it?" Peter asked. Noel blushed, but after a short hesitation he stretched his hand and very lightly and gently brushed Peter between his legs. Peter smiled and said: "So lightly, you can feel nothing. Push a little more... feel how hard it is becoming..."
Noel pushed a little harder, and blushed again. Peter stood up, then sat on Noel's lap, his legs widespread, facing him.
The young man tensed and asked in an alarmed voice: "What are you doing?"
"I like you Noel. I want to kiss you..." Peter answered and kissed him. Noel for a moment resisted, but then yielded and reciprocated the kiss with wild passion.
But then he pushed away Peter, his breath heavy, red like embers, and he confused murmured: "Stop it... if we are caught..."
"I locked the door with the key..."
"Even worst, if somebody tries to enter... would understand!" he said standing up nervously.
"Come upstairs to my bedroom, then. I want you... If we pass through the kitchen's stairway, nobody will see us... Come..."
Noel was troubled. Peter took his hand and said again: "Come, go on!"
Noel nodded and followed him. As soon as the bedroom door was shut behind them, they feverishly undressed each other, reached the king size bed and started to make love. Peter understood that the young man was all but new to this experience. He was hot, wild, uninhibited. A real thoroughbred stallion. They took each other, enjoying very much their intercourse. Then, reaching an intense orgasm, they were relaxing on the bed upset like a battlefield.
Peter, caressing him, said: "It has been great, Noel. You already made love with men, haven't you?"
"Yes. And only with men." Noel admitted.
"And... do you like best men younger than you or older?"
"Mature, like Mel or Rufus, for instance. Or you."
"And a man like your cousin Martin? Would you like him?"
"Martin Mac Bride? He is a splendid man. But unhappily he is married, as you know. He's just a forbidden dream, unhappily."
"You already dreamed of Martin?"
"Well, I did, I must admit. Since I was a lad, I did..."
"Do you have a man, now?"
"No. It's almost two years I could not make love, you know. It's not easy at all to find, to understand with whom... But you, how did you guess about me?"
"Intuition. I observed you for awhile. The way you look at men, more than women. And how, while looking at them, you were... undressing them with your eyes."
"My god! Was I so visible? I didn't think..."
"For me who observed you hoping you were like me... But I don't think that the others could be aware. But, tell me, would you like to became the lover of your cousin Martin?"
"Why are you continuing to insist so much about Martin? Sure I would like, but they are just hopeless fantasies..."
"Do you really think so? In my opinion... I noticed that he also looks at you in a certain way... you understand me, don't you?"
"Are you serious? Are you sure of that?"
"As much as I felt sure about trying with you."
"It would be wonderful... but... I cannot risk to revealing myself to him. Can you guess what a scandal it would come out if I was wrong?"
"But if I am right... it would be a lot easier between you two than with others, wouldn't it?"
"Ha, fantasies... just nice fantasies. He is married, he has four children, he fits nicely with my cousin, and she with him... It is so clear he likes women."
"It means nothing. I met more than a few fathers with a family who in reality prefer being in bed with a nice man or boy, rather than with their wives!"
Noel shook his head and repeated that it was just a nice dream. Peter didn't insist -- he now knew what he needed to know. When they went downstairs, he told Rufus that the way was free, completely free.
We don't exactly know how things went, but it seems that Martin's wife, a few days later, suggested Martin hire her cousin Noel as his personal secretary and, she added, he could live with them, in their home.... Of course Martin at once embraced this suggestion. And Noel at once accepted the job offer.
Some time later Martin told Rufus that Noel and him were now happily in love and lovers, and that they wonderfully fit together...
Years passed, and the Baxter's, now famous and respected, faithful and powerful allies of Martin, were often coveted guests not only in the Arizona Territory, but also in the neighboring States as well as in Washington. And very often during the parties in their honor, they told about that womanizer, their late father, and how Mel went in search of his brothers and they met, and about their adventures and exploits...
And so their legend, the official one, had its beginning.