Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:09:27 -0700 (PDT) From: Pete Bruno Subject: Potter's Wheel 11 This work fully protected under The United States Copyright Laws ? 17 USC?? 101, 102(a), 302(a). All Rights Reserved. The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the Author's consent. (See full statement at the beginning of Chapter One.) Author's Note: Thanks to all of you who have written to tell how much you're enjoying the story, I hope you stay tuned. For all the readers enjoying the stories here at Nifty, remember that Nifty needs your donations to help them to provide these wonderful stories. How about sending them $5 Bucks, just think of it as buying a hot magazine! The Potter's Wheel Chapter Eleven A Punch in the Gut Wednesday September 30, 2009 Barry opened his eyes. He felt as if he was floating and he was very happy. He hadn't seen Skipper since before he was wounded. He was standing next to the bed, talking about how lucky Barry was that he was going home. Barry couldn't understand why Skipper was saying that. "Skipper, you will have to come and visit me when I get home," Barry said. "I wish I could Bazza, but you were the lucky one. Don't worry though, I'm very happy here. I just wanted you to know you will be fine. It will be some time before we can have a beer together," Skipper said. Barry could see the love and caring in his mate's eyes. He felt the warmth spread through his entire body. And then Skipper was gone, but he still felt the warmth in his hands. When he focused, he saw Matt smiling at him, causing him to giggle. Then he felt his left hand being squeezed and when he looked, he focused on Jim's smiling face. He immediately felt angry that they made Skipper leave! Then he was happy that they were there, before he swung back to being agitated. "What the hell are you two doing here?" he demanded. "Who's watching the boys? Why are you two here?" His head was spinning. He loved that they were there and he was angry at the same time that they made Skipper leave. "Where else would we be baby? Our partner just had an operation, we wouldn't be anywhere else. The boys are with George and Frank, there're fine," Matt said. And then Barry remembered with an awful stab of pain that Skipper died in the attack that had injured him and he began to cry. His emotions were swinging wildly, an effect of the anesthesia. "I'm sorry mate. I'm just not sure about things right now." "You're fine baby," Jim said. "Mack will be in soon to speak to you so just relax. By the way, who is Skipper?" Jim asked but before Barry could answer Mack walked into the room. He gave the guys a tight smile and Matt felt his stomach lurch. Something about Mack and the way he was carrying himself made Matt uneasy. "Well I'm glad you're looking so well," Mack said attempting to appear cheerful but failing miserably. He took a deep breath before continuing. "Bazza, the surgery went fine. There is no other way to say this. I'm sorry; there were anomalies in your blood work. While we successfully removed your gallbladder which was necessary, we discovered that you have a tumor in your pancreas and it is cancer." Jim and Matt both held Barry's hand tighter. Jim actually had tears running down his face. Barry looked up and smiled. "Steady mate, it will be okay. I've been through worse. I have survived a roadside bomb, I've eaten your cooking, and you have met my mother," he said attempting to lighten the mood and succeeding, causing everyone to chuckle. "So tell me Mack, how long do I have?" Barry said amazingly calm. "I think you have a great chance. As far as staging we are calling this only stage two. We think you will have a great chance of a full recovery." At this point, Matt lost it and Jim moved around to the other side of bed and held him, whispering that he needed to hold it together for Barry's sake. "Barry, I'm sure you have good insurance and I know that you guys really don't have to worry about money. While I'm sure we could help you here, I have a suggestion. I would like you to go to the Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas in Houston. You will need an operation called a Whipple procedure to remove the tumor. I have a friend who is on staff there. They have a new procedure that shrinks the tumor before the operation and makes it easier to remove without damaging surrounding tissue. They also have an integrative program with conventional cancer care and focus on physical, mind-spirit, and healthy diet. I hope you will give it some thought," Mack said, looking hopeful. "Look guys, it was a gift from God that we found this early. Your chances of survival are much greater since it appears that the tumor has not metastasized. I'll get the contact info for you and be back in a flash," Mack said and hurried out the door. Barry looked at his two lovers and smiled. "Guys, things are going to be alright. Skipper told me so. He must know what he's talking about because he's up there," he said smiling and pointing to heaven. "So I don't want you guys being sad, we have to get moving. First thing, can we get Finn to the house right away? There are some things I want to take care of," Barry said firmly, extremely calm for someone who just learned he had pancreatic cancer. Matt had regained his composure and said he would go out and call him right away. Jim began to help Barry get dressed. Before Matt got out the door Barry called out, "Matty, Jim, I don't want anyone but Finn to know about this just yet. Just tell everyone else I need to take care of a legal matter ASAP." "Sure buddy, anything you say," Matt said as he left to room to make the call. Mack returned with the information and the name of his friend the oncologist. He gave Barry one last quick check and told him he could get dressed with Jim's help and head home. Barry should spend the rest of the next two days resting. Matt returned as Jim was helping Barry dress and told them that Finn would meet them at the compound after dinner. When Tim entered the house he could hear the music, sweet and melodic. Derrick was at the piano practicing his audition piece for the Curtis Institute. It was Chopin's Tristesse, http://youtu.be/ikBD3DcSGFM so Tim quietly sat on the loveseat and listened until he struck his finally note. "That was beautiful," Tim said, startling Derrick who spun around on the bench and smiled at his estranged boyfriend. "Hey buddy, I'm so glad to see you," he said as he got up and walked towards Tim with his arms outstretched. Tim stood and accepted the hug, but only a hug. "The piece is called Tristesse by Chopin. I'm planning to use it for my audition at Curtis." "It's beautiful but strikes me as a bit gloomy," Tim said. "Very perceptive, it's French and means sadness," Derrick said, looking quite sad himself. "Do you think we could talk?" Tim asked, taking Derrick's hand and leading him to the loveseat. "Sure, but before you say anything, it was entirely my fault." "Yes, well not entirely your fault. Scott had a lot to do with it." "I'm so sorry baby, I love you so much. I don't know why I did it." "I know why. Your cock was hard and he was convenient and he was cunning. Look, I've been having quite a few conversations with my dad, Uncle Frank, and your dads. What I've learned is that we need to take a break." The look on Derrick's face was one of panic and Tim noticed and quickly grabbed him and hugged him tight. "It's alright buddy, we are young, both in age and our sexuality. I think it may too much to ask for us to be exclusive." He noticed the look on Derrick's face and hurried to finish his point. "Look, I do love you and I know you love me. But we have never had relationships before. This is all new to us and we need do a little growing up before we decide that we will be exclusive." Derrick looked as if his world was ending. "What are you saying? Are you giving up on us?" "No, I'm giving us a chance! Face it Derrick, we have no experience, nothing to draw on. Not to mention, we're guys who think about sex every ten seconds." "Five seconds," Derrick said with a smile, and then frowned, "so what do you want to do?" "I think we should still date, we can be friends with benefits. In the meantime, if we meet someone and want to get to know them, we won't be under any pressure. Look buddy, we have four long years of school ahead of us and we are going to meet a lot of people. I don't want to give up on us, but at the same time I don't want to set us up to fail. We have enough on our plate with studying," Tim said, looking hopeful. Derrick was quiet for a moment and then smiled as he hugged Tim and just held him for a few minutes before releasing him. "You know, I think you are wise beyond your years," Derrick said smiling. "I agree! So can we get to the benefits part now? It's been a while and I'm about ready to burst," Derrick said while laughing and pulling Tim up. The boys ran all the way to Derrick's bedroom. Jim had just gotten Barry settled in bed when Matt came in with Ryan holding his hand. He smiled at his Dad and then looked up at Matt, "Uncle Matt, can I give my dad a hug?" he said in a quiet voice. "Sure buddy, but you have to careful not to hit him?" "I know, I can't touch him where he has stiches," Ryan said with authority as Matt lifted the boy up onto the bed. He crawled on his knees and hugged Barry around the neck and kissed him. "Hi Daddy, I'm glad you're home. I've been waiting all morning for you." Barry hugged the boy back and kissed his forehead. "I'm glad you're here too and I'm happy to see you too," Barry said and hugged him again. "Hey bud, how did you know I had stiches?" Barry asked. Ryan looked down at his hands as he rung them. Barry knew his son and that he was scared to answer him. This was the way he would act when he would ask Barry about his mother, "It's okay, you can tell me," Barry said quietly. "Skipper told me that you got stiches and I couldn't hug you hard," Ryan said in almost a whisper still looking at his hands. Barry's heart almost stopped and then began beating rapidly. He looked up at Jim and Matt, who were staring with their mouths open. He took a moment to calm himself and then took his son's hands in his. Looking into his eyes, he asked a question that he knew the answer to already but he couldn't get his head around it. "Alright buddy, can you tell me who Skipper is?" Ryan's eyes grew wide and then he smiled, "he's my guard angel," the boy said proudly. Barry was trying to process this. He had never mentioned Skipper to his wife or son. In fact, today was the first day he ever said his name out loud since he was wounded. "Do you dream about him?" Barry asked. "No, he comes in my room and talks to me and tells me stories." Then his face got sad again. "When mommy was mean to me and locked me in my room, he would come and see me and tell me not cry and read me stories." Ryan said, his voice becoming smaller as if he was embarrassed to admit that he cried. "When did he start coming to visit you?" Barry asked. "I don't know. I think it was when me and mommy moved away from you." He looked like he was concentrating, and then he smiled again. "He told me last night that I was special and because I was such a good boy, I had three daddies." Barry shot a glance at Jim and Matt who were still standing by the door looking shell-shocked. He gave them a questioning look with his eyes and they both shrugged. They understood what Barry meant but were too stunned to answer. "Matt, could you get me my lap-top please?" Barry asked. Matt brought the lap-top over and sat on the other side of Barry as they waited for the machine to boot up. Jim joined the group sitting next to Ryan, who smiled up at him and grabbed his hand. Barry opened up a file with pictures from Afghanistan that he had never shown anyone. There was one of him and three other guys in front of a Humvee. The shot was pretty tight so it was easy to see the faces of the men in their camos standing in a line with their arms draped over each other. "Okay sport, do you know any of these guys?" Barry asked. "Sure Daddy," Ryan said brightly pointing to the screen. "That's you," and then pointing to the man to Barry's right, "and that's Skipper. That's what he wears when he comes to visit me. He told me his name is Ryan too and that you named him Skipper but he never tells me why when I ask." Tears were streaming down Barry's face as he listened to his son and watched how happy he was when he talked about skipper. "Why haven't you ever told me about his visits before?" Barry asked. "'Cause he said it was our secret. When he came last night, he told me that it was okay now and that I could tell all three of my daddies. Skipper said that I was a good boy and that I always had to be a brave soldier like you and that I'm supposed to tell you?" Ryan had been talking a mile a minute and then he seemed to have forgotten and then began to cry. Barry pulled him close. "It's okay buddy, don't cry." "But he wanted me to tell you and I can't remember," Ryan sniffed. "Ryan, why don't you go play with Kelly for a while and maybe you'll remember," Matt suggested. "Okay Uncle Matt," Ryan answered and then looked puzzled. "Skipper keeps saying I have three daddies, should I call you Daddy or Uncle Matt?" The three men looked at each other communicating silently and then Barry said, "Skipper is right, you have three daddies now so you call all of us Daddy if you want." "Okay," was all he said and scampered off the bed and headed off to play with Kelly, leaving the three men in stunned silence, with Jim and Matt staring at their lover. "What?" Barry asked, "I'm just as shocked as you. I haven't spoken Skipper's name since I was wounded and I have never shown anyone these photos." "Whenever I've watched shows about this kind of thing, I always thought it was just made up for TV," Jim said. "What are we going to tell the boys about Ryan calling us dad?" "Really dog face?" Matt exclaimed, "That's what you're worried about? I think the bigger question is how we explain that a dead soldier has been visiting the boy." "Maybe we should talk to Jewell. I mean she has proven to have the 'gift of sight' as she calls it," Jim offered. "Now you're using that pretty head of yours," Matt said and leaned over and gave him a quick kiss and then one to Barry, "is that ok with you buddy?" "Sure, you know if he hadn't picked out Skipper in the picture I would have never believed this was real. My first thought was that maybe he heard me talking in my sleep and calling Skipper's name. But how can you explain picking out his picture?" Barry said. "Well after our experience with Jewell, I don't question any of it," Jim said, "so what are we going to tell the boys?" "Maybe we should wait until after Buddy leaves for the weekend. Then we can sit down with them and explain that Ryan feels just like they did when they wanted to call us dad. We'll keep it lite, and say he just wants to be like his 'brothers'," Matt said. "I think it's time to tell them about the triplets and give them time to get used to the idea." "Sounds like a plan," Jim said, "and now," he said kissing Barry on the lips, "I think we should let our man get some rest, I'm sure he needs it." They let Barry sleep through dinner, the pain meds seemed to work. Finn and Frank had come earlier and entertained the boys until Barry woke up and then Finn joined Jim, Matt, and Barry in his bedroom. "Finn, I'm sure my guys have told you about my diagnosis," Barry started. "Yes, I was very sorry to hear about it. From what Mack says, it seems you have a good chance for a full recovery," Finn said trying to remain upbeat. "Thanks mate, but I need your help. I want nothing left to chance. I want everything that can possibly be done to make sure that Matt and Jim have control over my medical decisions. If I'm not able to make them and that they get custody of Ryan. I want to name them his guardians in my will," Barry said with urgency. "Well the first issue is easily handled with a durable medical power of attorney. The second is a bit tricky," Finn said causing Barry to frown, but Finn continued. "The state of North Carolina law only allows parents to nominate the guardian who will care for their underage child should they die. They are referred to as testamentary guardians because they are nominated through the parents will. Guardianship would have to be approved by the court. That being said, the courts will give the parents' choice preferential treatment, although it won't necessarily approve the nomination in all situations." "Are you saying my parents could contest my will and be awarded custody of Ryan?" Barry asked getting agitated. Matt and Jim looked horrified as well. Considering how the last visit went, it would be almost guaranteed that the Parson's would fight them. "Yes, that is correct. However there is another option: second parent adoption. There are states that allow a second parent to adopt a child without the "first parent" losing any parental rights. This way the child has two legal parents and grants the adoptive parents the same rights as biological parents. Now this won't be easy but when Matt told me the news I figured you would want to do something like this so I've been thinking about it. North Carolina will not allow this, but New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware do. You guys have the means to relocate, at least temporarily, and set up residency in one of these states," Finn said. The three lovers looked at each other, Barry looked tired and the anxiety was apparent on his face. "Then that's what we'll do," Jim pronounced. "We can find a place very similar to this in Delaware and live there. We can well afford to keep this place, and I only need to be at the Potter's Wheel once or twice a month," he said, staying upbeat to help lessen Barry's anxiety. "Why Delaware and not back to New Jersey where you grew up?" Barry asked. "Because I know what real estate taxes are like in Jersey and I don't want to pay them," Jim said emphatically. "I can work from anywhere, as you know," Matt added. "With the plane, travel isn't a problem. Besides, Derrick and Tim will be heading up to Philly in the fall as well." "And there is one other thing," Finn continued. "I know that Mack has recommended a hospital in Texas that is rated number one. But I would also like to mention Fox Chase Hospital in Philadelphia. They aren't rated #1 but they are in the top 30 in the country. And they do amazing work and have a number of cutting edge technologies and trials. Not to mention it will be convenient to living in Delaware." "Right now, my only concern is keeping Ryan away from my parents," Barry said looking back and forth between his two lovers. "Bazza, we'll do whatever you want," and then choking back emotion, "the only thing you need to think about is getting well," Jim said as he leaned over and kissed Barry on the cheek. Finn left the guys to discuss their options. About a half an hour later the boys showed up and knocked quietly on the door, "Hey guys, what's up?" Barry asked. "Sorry Uncle Baz, but we wanted to say goodnight. Ryan has been bugging us to bring him in 'cause he wants to tell you something," MJ said. Ryan got up on the bed and hugged his dad's neck and then beaming with pride said, "I remembered Daddy. He told me to that you should read me my Fox In Socks book tonight when I go to bed. See Dad I remembered!! Did I do good?" The boy asked earnestly. "Yes you did. How about you ask MJ to read you the story? Daddy feels tired from the operation," Barry said with a smile and kissed his son. After the boys left, Jim started to hum the theme song from the Twilight Zone causing the other guys to chuckle. "Well it looks like Skipper is pushing me in the direction of Fox Chase and Delaware," Barry said. "You know, it's kind of comforting and spooky at the same time." "So are you going to tell us about Skipper?" Matt asked climbing in bed with Barry. "Sure, but only for a bit, I'm getting a little tired." Thursday October 1, 2009 Barry felt good when he woke in the morning, but not quite one hundred percent. Matt insisted he stay in bed. The morning passed with visits from Ryan and Kelly, a bit of studying and a visit from Finn. "I have the medical powers of attorney ready for you to sign along with an updated version of your will to you since you will nominate Jim as guardian of Ryan. This is just a temporary action until we can set you guys up in residence in Delaware and start the adoption," Finn explained. "I also have the name and number of my friend at Fox Chase for you, if you decide to check it out." While Finn and Frank were at the compound, they had a conference call scheduled with Declan to review the findings of the audit. Once everyone was assembled in the office and pleasantries exchanged, Declan began his report. "Besides Barry's heads-up about the Cayman accounts, I had noticed in my first review that the profits of the company were lower than they should be. With just a cursory reading of the books it appeared that operating costs were also higher than normal, so that is where we began our search. "It seems that there are a number of suppliers and service companies in the accounts payable that don't seem to exist. All of the invoices approved for payment of the fictional companies were approved directly by Junior and not the purchasing office," Declan reported. "I knew he was living beyond his means," added Jim. "It appears that Junior is using a very common embezzling scheme. All of the fictional company's addresses are located at various UPS stores and Post Office boxes in three different towns. All checks were deposited in the fictional companies bank accounts that happen to all be in the same bank. My guess is that if we were to get a look at those accounts we would find them nearly empty, with the money having been transferred to the Cayman Islands," Declan concluded. "So where do we go from here?" Matt asked. "I have a suggestion," Declan said. "We have two choices: expose the fraud now and let the owner handle it or continue on with the purchase as planned. After transfer of title we can introduce Junior to the new owners and then really watch him squirm. Of course we will then "discover" the fraud, fire Junior turn him over to the FBI and file an insurance claim for the monies that were not recoverable," Declan concluded. "Declan, you think like a divorce attorney," Finn said with a chuckle. "Hey, we can't let you guys get all the glory," Declan replied. And so the board unanimously approved the purchase and Declan's plan. "I can't wait to see the look on that prick's face when we nail him," Jim said in an uncharacteristically nasty tone. "I'd rather watch the look on your mother's face when she learns her golden boy is a bit tarnished," Matt said. "You're right buddy, I want to make sure dad is there to enjoy the moment as well," Jim said with a smile. "I really hate shopping in this place," Billy complained to Jasmine as he pushed the cart down the aisle of the Fresh Grocer. "We only need a few things and it's not worth the gas to drive anywhere else," she replied. "At these prices, we could drive to Jersey and pay the toll and still save money," Billy groused. When he didn't get a response he looked at Jasmine who was staring at her phone. She had a panicked look on her face. When she noticed Billy staring, she shoved the phone in her pocket and started to pick out apples. "What's going on Jas?" Billy asked. "You have been acting weird lately and it's always after you get a text. I know something's up, so out with it." "Nothing's going on, I just get prank texts now and then," she said dismissively. "Bullhockey," Billy said, "I want to know what's going on." Jasmine grabbed him and hugged him, "It's nothing baby, just let it go," she said in the sexy voice she uses to get her way. "Not this time sweet cheeks. Either you tell me or I'm calling your brothers," Billy threatened. Now she really had a panicked look on her face. "You wouldn't dare!" "Try me," Billy responded pulling out his phone. Jasmine knew he was serious, "Okay, just not here. I'll tell you everything when we get home." Satisfied Billy continued pushing the cart and when he turned the tight corner, ran into another shopping cart, he automatically called out "Sorry about that," and then regretted it when he looked up to see Keith pushing the other cart. To be continued? I receive many emails complimenting me on how well edited and easy to read my story is, the credit goes to Jim for that, he works very hard to make this story readable. Now most people are lucky enough to have the help of one dedicated person, and now I have two. You can also now thank Steve; from the land of OZ. By the way, we love to hear from our readers; but when you email us @ farmboy7456@gmail.com please make sure you put the title and the site name in the subject line.