Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2018 22:39:35 +0000 From: Clive Westwood Subject: Life's Illusions - Book Four, Chapter 1 Relationships Please remember to donate to Nifty, it gives so much to all of us. Any amount, large or small, is welcome in order to keep this free site available. Thank you, donations to the address below. Http://Donate.nifty.org/donate.html Life's Illusions - Book Four - Chapter 1 For what seemed like an eternity, but was probably only seconds, no one spoke, Ary, Bobby and Trevor just stared unbelievingly, each was running the same set of thoughts through their head, was this actually happening, dare they let themselves believe it was him, was he really standing right here before them. In their eyes, part of the shock was how he'd changed, the only reference point they had was ten years ago, a boy when he ran away, now he was almost twenty, a man, but as Trevor's mind told him, a beautiful, handsome man. Then Ary broke out of his trance, rushing forward he pulled Dillon into a hug, both of them sobbing uncontrollably, that was the trigger Bobby and Trevor needed to follow suit. When their manager Danny walked in he found them as a group, still hugging, all of them crying. "Oh my goodness, this isn't him is it?". The boys just nodded, with Ary saying. "Danny, this is our brother Dillon, don't say anything to anyone, he gets to decide how we move forward, whatever he wants to do is okay, so long as we know he's alright". Danny nodded his understanding and left them alone. They'd been hugging for a while, all of them content just to be holding each other after all that time, it was Bobby who broke the silence. "So Dil, do you think you would like to come home with us?, it's completely up to you, it's just, I can't help but think, there are people there who would give their right arm to hug you like we're doing now, people who are hurting as much as we were until a few minutes ago". His answer was a mixture of happy and sad for them. "I'll come home with you, but I can't stay, I have to get back to Philly, it's where I live, where I work, I'm due in at work the morning after tomorrow, my bus leaves at midnight, it's about a thirteen hour journey. Ary nodded before replying. "Okay, we understand, just as long as you don't disappear again, you get to call the shots, I'm going to call ahead, tell them we're bringing a guest home for dinner, that's all I'm going to tell them". The limo driver had raised an eyebrow at the scruffy looking teenager, dressed in what could only be described as thrift clothing, accompanying them when they exited the Arena, Ary saw his look of disdain, and immediately saw red. "Wipe the look buster, unless you'd like to be looking for a new job". Dillon giggled, saying. "Still the one in charge then Ary". Bobby and Trevor laughed openly, with Bobby replying. "Only difference these days Dil, we let him think he's in charge then we slap him down occasionally to keep him in line". At the house, everyone had taken their places in the dining room as soon as the gate staff had advised them the boys car was on the property and entering the underground garage. Walking into the dining room alone Ary said loudly. "Sorry we're late folks, but you might want to delay dinner just a little longer whilst you meet our guest for the evening". Mel replied calmly. "Ary, we can say our hello's whilst dinner is being served". Ary was almost laughing as he replied. "Okay Momma, have it your way, but don't say I didn't give you the opportunity". Bobby and Trevor walked into the room beaming, on either side of Dillon, each with an arm around his shoulders. Everyone except the gremlins, who'd been to young when he left to remember Dillon, did a double take as Ary was asking. "Still think we should carry on with dinner Momma?". Mel didn't answer him, she jumped up so quickly her chair toppled over, she ignored it, her only aim was to get to Dillon, her Dillon, the baby she hadn't held for nearly ten years. Within seconds he was being pulled from one to another, tears of joy were flowing. Finally he was wrapped in a hug between Jace and Mel, and Jace found his voice. "My dear, sweet boy, we've prayed for this day for so long, tell me you're home to stay". Dillon looked nervously to Ary and Bobby, it was Bobby who answered for him. "Poppa, Dillon lives in Philadelphia now, he has a life there, he needs to be on his overnight bus at midnight, he has to be at work the day after tomorrow, we promised him, no one would pressure him to stay". They could see both Jace and Mel processing that information, in the end it was Mel who answered. Gently turning Dillon to face her, she said. "Your brother's right Dillon, I'm content to be holding you right now, we won't ask anymore of you than you feel able to give, just promise me son, you won't hide away from us now, visit as often as you can, that's all I'm asking". Dillon, who until now hadn't spoken a word, looked into his Momma's eyes and said. "I've missed you all so much, I promise, I won't be a stranger, but I can't just drop the life I have in Philly, I have to go home, I'll come back as soon as I can". Jace hugged him tighter saying. "That's all we can ask son, except for one thing, forget the bus, we'll arrange for a car to drive you, if you agree, your big brothers, your Momma and I, will travel with you, it gives us a little more precious time before we have to say goodbye". Dillon appeared to be considering his Poppas request when he saw Ary's expression, it was one of sheer desperation, he knew what Ary was thinking, don't let them push him away. "I can do that Poppa, it will give you a chance to see where I live too, reassure you I'm doing okay, can Trevor come too?". Jace agreed, Trevor could definitely travel with them. They'd finally sat down to dinner, the meal consumed with hardly anyone able to say what they'd eaten, all eyes remained on the Prodigal Son. In the large lounge of the main house after dinner, Dillon sat on the sofa, Mel on one side, Jace on the other, each with an arm around their son, just content to stare at him, to the extent, Bobby thought it must be creeping Dillon out, so he acted, completely independently, but nodding to Ary beforehand, a sign that meant, 'we need to talk'. They'd met in the lobby, no sooner had Ary exited the lounge than Bobby started talking. "We need to do something, they're going to frighten him off, and he needs some time with Trevor, it's only fair, he heard everything Trevor said, it didn't put him off, I'm guessing Trevor's prayers just might be answered, but it's not fair that we're monopolising Dil, Trevor needs some time as well, so when we go back in I'm going to drag him away from them, tell them he needs to freshen up, you get Trevor up to my room before we get there, the rest is up to them, agreed?". Ary nodded and vanished back into the lounge. Bobby reentered the lounge, heading directly for Dillon, but addressing his parents. "Okay, I'm stealing him from your clutches, he needs to shower, if we're going to be sharing a car ride, he definitely needs to freshen up". Before anyone could object, Bobby took Dillon's hand, dragging him out of his parents clutches and onto his feet. The look of gratitude on Dillon's face said it all. Heading out of the lounge and through to next door, Dillon became lost in the familiar surroundings, he jumped in shock almost, realising Bobby was talking to him. "Your room is exactly as it was when you left, I'm not taking you there, I think that would be too creepy for you, use my room, and Dillon, so you know there's nothing hidden from you, Trevor's waiting there for you, talk to him, he's probably hurting the most of all of us, he's always blamed himself, he loves you, I mean, really loves you, are you okay with meeting him, or do you want me to stop it?". Dillon didn't need to think. "It's okay Bobby, you're right, Trevor and I need to talk". Ary was waiting outside Bobby's room when they got there, looking decidedly nervous. "He's inside, but he's so wound up I think he's ready to pass out, are you sure about this Dil?". Dillon smiled. "Yes I'm sure, I'll see you both back next door". Entering the room he found Trevor, sitting on Bobby's bed, his head in his hands, covering his face. "I'm sorry Dil, for everything that happened, it was all my fault, I should have listened to Jermain, he wanted to talk to you, I refused, I wanted to protect your innocence, in the end I destroyed your life, there's no point in my asking for your forgiveness because I'll never forgive myself, but you have to know how sorry I am for what I did". Dillon had listened, not answering until Trevor paused. "I don't have much time, I need to shower, so we'll have to talk while I'm showering, you seem to think you should shoulder the blame for what happened, so me being a total tit, not waiting for an explanation, not thinking to ask why, and listen to reason, that was sensible was it?". Trevor heard the words but he didn't understand, it seemed Dillon was giving him a get out of jail card. He uncovered his eyes, meaning to disagree with Dillon, but all he could utter was. "Holy shit". Dillon was naked, he'd been undressing whilst he spoke to Trevor. "I'm gay Trev, I may not have really understood it then, but I knew one thing for certain, and I can tell you that one thing has never changed, however angry I was then, or since, you should know, I was never wrong, I might have been really confused about a lot of things back then, but when I said I loved you all those years ago, I wasn't lying, I knew exactly what I was saying, that's what hurt me, I thought you were laughing at me, I was laying my heart out for you, well nothing's changed for me, I'm going back to Philly, the rest is up to you, you'll know where I am". Trevor just sat there speechless, staring, as Dillon disappeared into the bathroom, leaving him with the memory of a beautiful round bubble butt. The shower was good, the hot water refreshed Dillon, and the words drifting through the glass screen instilled a sense of hope into him. Trevor had followed him into the bathroom, giving him time to be inside the shower cubicle, safe from anything that could mess this up, before he spoke. "I know you heard what I said to Ary and Bobby in the dressing room, I've always loved you Dil, but back then I thought you were too young to know your own mind, everything I did was to protect you, nothing more, I always hoped against hope you could feel the same, I'm so sorry I got it so badly wrong, I never ever wanted you to feel hurt, but if I understand what you just said correctly, you're giving me a green light to court you, and I will, go home Dillon, but know this, I won't be far behind you, I'm going back next door now, whilst I'm still able to exercise some restraint, I love you Dillon Thorn, I always have and that will never change". If Trevor had been able to see what was happening inside the shower cubicle, he wouldn't have left, Dillon was quietly sobbing, realising after all these years, everything he'd ever fantasised about was actually a reality, Trevor really did love him, really did want him, but he also realised, there would come a time when he had to confess, he wasn't Dillon Thorn, not any more. He'd spent four years on the streets, sleeping rough, in alleyways, doorways, stealing to eat, begging for small change, washing when he could in public bathrooms. The first year had been the worst, he couldn't bring himself to leave Chicago, leave them behind, dreaming, praying, one of them would spot him, wrap him in their arms and take him home, end the nightmare he'd created for himself, but it didn't happen, so he had no choice, he was on the streets of Chicago when winter came, and it had nearly killed him, days without food, the temperature constantly so far below zero, but he'd made it through to Spring, and he'd reached a decision, he had to leave Chicago, he knew he couldn't survive another winter, on the streets there, he had to head for where it was warmer. He'd been heading for the Midwest, he remembered from his school geography lessons, they grew massive fields of grain, it was warmer, that was his objective, to get away from the cold, but he had no idea how to get there, and so by some strange twist of fate, he'd ended up in Philadelphia, and he liked it, plus, it was where he met Jonny, the man who would become his saviour. He'd gone most days to a small park. There was a lake, with ducks, geese, and a few swans, but more importantly to Dillon, there were people who threw bread and biscuits to feed the birds, Dillon scooped it up, stuffed his pockets, like a squirrel, he gathered as much as he could, it was his safety buffer, if he had enough stored away, a bad day begging didn't seem quite so bad. He'd met Jonny just after he got to Philadelphia, in that little park. He'd been sat on a bench by the lake, waiting patiently for a family to walk away, so that he could swoop in and steal the birds dinner, when an old man sat next to him. Oh great, thought Dillon, all the benches in this park and you choose this one, and then the old guy spoke to him. "Can I make a deal with you?, let the birds have their dinner and I'll buy you yours". Dillon just looked at him, old guys didn't just buy you dinner without they wanted something in return, and Dillon had learned a lot in the time he'd been both on the streets, and on the road, he knew exactly what most of them wanted, well he hadn't given it up yet, and he had no intention of losing his cherry for a bite to eat. "Let me guess, you'll buy me dinner, all I have to do is drop my pants and bend over, well no thanks, I can feed myself". The old guy started laughing, but he was laughing so hard he started coughing and Dillon was afraid he was going to choke, so he started patting his back saying. "Calm down old man, before you do yourself a mischief". When the old guy finally got his breathing back under control he said. "That should tell you, in the interest of self preservation, although the thought of you dropping your pants and bending over is a nice one to imagine, if you did, it would probably kill me, so if you don't mind, I'd prefer you kept your pants on whilst we have dinner, and whenever we're together for that matter, now, to clear up any misconceptions, you let the birds have their dinner, and I'll buy you dinner, no strings, you can leave whenever you want". Dillon would never be able to say what it was that made him trust Jonny that day, but he felt he could, so he'd nodded his head, with Jonny asking. "I suppose this is a stupid question, but here goes, do you fancy a burger?". Dillon hadn't forgotten his manners, even with his mouth salivating, and his stomach growling at the thought of a real fresh burger, all of it, just for him. "Yes please sir". The old guy held out his hand. "Jonny Strelloe, pleased to meet you". Dillon didn't hesitate, he took the hand and shook it vigorously, in a genuine act of friendship. "DJ, pleased to meet you Mr Strelloe". Dillon had deliberately used only the initials of his first names, it would have a decided benefit in time to come, from that day forward, DJ became how Jonny would address and describe him. The old guy hadn't hung onto his hand, nor had he looked him over as if he were mentally undressing him, like so many others had done, he simply shook it and let go, saying. "I'm just Jonny to my friends, so you call me Jonny, now lets go get that burger before we get arrested for causing too much noise, I reckon most of Philly can hear that stomach of yours rumbling". Dillon giggled, he didn't know why but he felt safe in the old guys company. That had been six years earlier, thinking of it had sent Dillon to a sad place, he missed Jonny's company so much. When he went back next door he could easily have walked into an awkward discussion, if he hadn't approached the door to the large lounge and heard Ary giving the occupants of the room a high powered roasting, so he'd stood outside listening. "I'm warning every one of you, if you do anything to scare him away, believe me, I'm gone too, I've lived ten years of hell without Dillon, I'm not losing him again because you lot want to smother him, what happened is thankfully in the past, don't ask me why he's chosen to forgive us, but he has and he has his own life in another city, he had that life forced on him because of what we did, that life is because of us, and I see a boy who has been successful in surviving what we did to him, I won't ever stand by and let anyone mess with his life again, if he wants to interact with us it's his choice, not ours, we owe him big style, it's time we started paying our dues, and the number one rule is, no telling the family, maybe one day, but only if Dillon agrees, do you all understand?". At that point Dillon definitely understood, they'd wanted to tell the wider family he'd come back, and it terrified him, there would be hoards of them, they'd descend like locusts, then he'd have to reveal his secret, he'd turned without even thinking, walking out of the front door, heading down the long driveway toward the gates, only one thought dominating him, get away, or you'll have to tell them. In the lounge the phone from the front gate rang, Jace answered it, listening for a few moments before almost shouting at Ary. "He's been listening to us, he's heading for the gates". Ary didn't hesitate, looking directly at Trevor. "This is your gig cousin, go convince him there's nothing to fear, just you, no one else". Trevor was up and out of his seat like a bolt of lightening had hit him. He could see Dillon approaching the gatehouse, with an extra sprint he caught up. "So, an evening stroll, but I'm confused, I thought you preferred an over the wall exit, losing your touch, not as agile these days?". Dillon was ignoring him, walking with a determined pace toward the gates, so Trevor gave it his all. "Dillon, I don't get it, okay so there's more going on here than I understand, but don't run, we've been here before, done this, please I'm begging you, you've got this far, just tell me, I'll listen I promise, but please don't run, that won't make it right". He didn't stop walking but he did speak. "I'm not Dillon Thorn". Trevor was baffled, he knew he'd heard him right, but he definitely didn't understand. "I don't understand, what is it Dil, I've told you how I feel, what I haven't told you is I'll do anything to help and protect you, trust me Dil, don't leave again, I'm begging. Dillon stopped, turned toward Trevor and spoke so quietly Trevor had to strain to hear him. "I'm not Dillon Thorn, it's not my name, not anymore, I might as well go now, they'll never forgive me for giving up their name, I heard them, they're so proud their son Dillon Thorn came back, well I'm Dillon Strelloe, I'm not who they think I am". Trevor almost laughed. "That's it, you think they'll reject you because you changed your name?, oh Dil, you've still got a lot to learn, right now they'd lay down their lives for you, it won't matter at all what name you have, they just want the boy they love, the boy they've been yearning to hold for ten years, come back, trust me, I'll prove it to you, if I'm wrong I'll drive you back to Philadelphia myself tonight, deal?". Trevor could see him thinking, then he watched with relief as Dillon nodded his agreement. In the lounge the atmosphere was electric, they were visibly worried, terrified in fact, that they'd found him at last, only to lose him again just as quickly. When they entered Trevor started to explain. "Dil was worried you wouldn't accept something about him.........". He didn't get any further, Dillon put a hand on his arm, shushing him. "I was on the streets for four years, the first year I was here in Chicago, but I had to leave, the winter was so hard, I knew I wouldn't survive another one, when spring came I wanted to head west, to the mid west, I thought it would be warmer". He paused, no one spoke, he seemed deep in thought. "I still don't know how I ended up in Philadelphia, but I did, and I liked it, I used to go to the park every day, to steal the bread people threw to the ducks, it helped out my budget, that bread plus whatever I could get from begging, and stealing fruit, kept me alive" I met Jonny in the park, they say we all have a guardian angel, he was mine". When he paused this time they could see the tears. "Jonny was the perfect gentleman, yes he was gay, sixty eight when we met, but he never laid a finger on me, he gave me a job, a place to live, on condition I agreed to go to night school, I was thirteen, tired, cold, dirty, malnourished, I'd been on the streets for four years, it was like I'd won the lottery". The tears were getting more obvious as he drew his arm across his face to wipe them away. "His house in the suburbs had a studio apartment over the garage, I lived there for five years until last year". He gulped a couple of times to stop himself from openly crying. "He looked after me, he was like a dad, uncle and grandpa all rolled into one, then last year, my cell rang, it was him, he'd collapsed in the house, I held him in my arms waiting for the ambulance, he died before they got to him, it's still my worst memory since I ran away, I was alone again, in my mind, I'd lost the one person who cared if I lived or died". He was sobbing now, unable to go on. It was Jace who stopped him, getting up and wrapping his sobbing child in his arms. "There's no need for this son, I'm guessing you're trying to tell us you changed your name, if that's what it's about, it doesn't matter, you could have called yourself anything, I don't care, you're my boy, you're here with me, it doesn't get any better than that, we made a pact while you were out, you get to call the shots, none of us will ask you for anything, you decide what you want to do". But he was determined, he had to tell them, this thing had to be said. "I'm Dillon Strelloe". Jace held him at arms length, staring at him, and grinning, all he could say was. "Fuck.......ing........hell.... Not Strelloe Brokers and Claim Management, Jonny Strelloes' company?". Dillon just nodded as Jace went on. "I met Jonny a couple of times over the last few years, did he know who you were, I can't believe he wouldn't have told me, he came across as a really decent guy". Jace seemed to be trying to remember something. "I remember he did tell me he'd adopted a boy who was working alongside him, who he hoped would take over from him one day, but the boy had cried off those meetings for various reasons, I remember he referred to you as DJ". They could all watch as realisation struck, Jace gasped. "Dillon Jayson, DJ, it didn't register". Jace looked at his son, seeing the tears forming. "You cried off deliberately didn't you?". Dillon was nodding, the tears now flowing for real, his voice little more than a squeak. "I'm sorry Poppa, I wanted to be there, I just couldn't do it, I chickened out, invented an illness, a meeting, anything, I managed to get Jonny to go alone each time". Jace reached out, putting an arm around him. "Hey, it doesn't matter now, that's all in the past, we have tomorrow, and every day going forward, don't be upset, that's all water under the bridge, I just can't believe it, my boy is our biggest competitor, Absolute Fucking Magic". Mel was hesitant, Dillon could see his Momma wanted to say something so he prompted her. "What is it Momma, you look as if you want to say something but don't know how to get it out". Mel looked decidedly guilty, but she went ahead. "I don't want you to think this was planned, well it was, but before we knew anything about you being here, I promise you it wasn't arranged because of you". Not just Dillon, in fact all of them were smiling at Mel, she looked flummoxed, not understanding why they were all staring at her, on the verge of laughter, and she said as much. "What?, what's so funny?". It was Ary who answered her. "Momma you're talking in riddles, what wasn't planned?, but was, but not because of Dillon". Mel realised, in her haste to explain it wasn't planned as a sneaky way of bringing in the wider family, she hadn't actually said what she was referring to. "Oh, sorry, it's just that Woody and Jacqueline are due here in the morning, they're bringing your grandparents home, I sort of wondered, I know it's a lot to ask, but perhaps you could consider staying overnight, then we could fly to Philadelphia, you'd still be there by mid afternoon, but only if you were comfortable with the idea, it doesn't matter if you're not". Mel stopped talking, she was just staring at Dillon, everyone else was staring at Mel, convinced she'd gone too far, hoping her request wouldn't send Dillon into another escape attempt, but he smiled, saying. "I'd like to see the Gramps, I've missed them too, if you think we could do it, I really do need to be home by tomorrow evening at the latest, I have a lot of work to catch up on before the following morning". So they'd spent a relaxing evening, catching up. There had been times when Dillon was close to tears, and times when he couldn't stop them, it brought so much emotion to the surface as he recounted his first few days, weeks, months, then years of being away from his family. At one point Jace was seething with anger, when Dillon described the events of the night he'd fled. All the boys knew about the tree, not far from the main gates, they'd been climbing it for years, looking over onto the Avenue. That night it had been Dillon's escape route, dropping down the other side of the wall, he'd run, as fast as he could, for as far as he could, until he got to where the roadway had no sidewalk, just banks of trees on either side, this allowed him to keep going, through the trees, unseen from the road. When the trees thinned out he was back to walking on the roadway, tired and dirty from trudging through the closely packed trees, there was a light misty rain falling so he was wet through as well. He'd been debating with himself, was it a stupid idea, should he just go back and face the music. He'd almost jumped out of his skin when a siren sounded only a few yards behind him. The officer had used the loudspeaker on his cruiser to tell Dillon to stand still. He'd had no idea what would come of that meeting, he'd imagined the officer taking his name and address then hauling him back home. Instead the officer searched him, took the money Dillon had in his pockets, around two hundred dollars, nearly half of his savings, then bundled him into the back of the cruiser with Dillon protesting, throwing Dillons rucksack into the trunk. A little further down the highway the officer pulled into a truck stop, turning to Dillon he'd said. "Very good of you to buy my dinner". Dillon was beginning to realise, he was in deep trouble, as the officer opened his door to get out, Dillon had blurted out. "Where are you taking me, my family will be looking for me, I have to go home, I'm Dillon Thorn, I live on The Avenue, Barrington Hills". The officer didn't even turn to look at him as he answered. "Yeah, of course you do, well you're not going anywhere near Barrington Hills, you're going to the Young Offenders Unit, sit tight, I'll be back when I've had dinner". Dillon had panicked, he was scared, he'd left his phone in his bedroom, it had been an act of defiance because his parents had always drummed it into him and his brothers, never to be without it, it could track their location, right then he regretted that decision. He'd waited for over half an hour, before noticing the crack in the rear window of the cruiser. Turning around and bracing himself against the cage which separated the front and rear seats he'd started kicking the window, repeatedly until it gave way, bursting outward, shattered, but still in one piece, it fell onto the trunk then slid noisily down onto the parking lot. Dillon didn't hesitate, he scrambled to climb out of the vehicle, taking off at a run towards a wooded area on the edge of the truck stop. He'd stayed there, hidden, all night, cold and wet, terrified if he went any further, the officer would find him again. Jace had asked why he didn't try to call home. He'd told them he was frightened, he didn't have his phone, and he couldn't risk going out into the open to use a pay phone. He'd admitted, by the following morning his fear had turned to anger, he'd blamed them all for the position he was in, losing his money, and his rucksack, it had held a few bits of clothing, his diary, but more importantly, it held all of the family pictures he'd gathered from his room, and the baby name bracelet from when he was born, his name written by his big brothers in a child scrawl, the loss of that one item had fuelled his anger more than anything else, they'd made a fool of him, now they'd caused him to lose what he'd always believed to be his most prized possession, it had been like a sign to him, carry on running, they don't love you. Jace now had a personal vengeance mission. He wanted the head of the bastard who could have returned his son, safe and sound that night, the bastard who'd chosen to rob him, and drive a wedge between them for ten years. Finally, it was time to turn in for the night. There was a discernible air of worry as his Momma mentioned bed. Dillon didn't want to have to face his old room, not now, he knew it would be too much, it could, and probably would, bring back so many memories. It was Ary who solved the problem. "Dil, I don't think you're ready to go back to your old room just yet, you can use one of the guest rooms, or share with one of us, whichever you prefer". Trevor looked directly at Dillon, his expression almost one of pleading. It wasn't lost on Dillon as he said. "For old times sake Trev?". Trevor could feel himself close to tears as he answered. "I'd like that Dil, we can talk some more, and I'll get to be first to see you in the morning". The wider family didn't get it, but Ary and Bobby did, and they were silent, grateful for anything that would keep their younger brother here with them longer. As the family turned in for the night, Jace was in his study, talking to Josef in Torremolinas, where a sunny afternoon had suddenly become quite dark and cloudy for Josef, despite the brilliant sunshine. "I know you can do it, so don't bullshit me, if you can't, then I'll do it myself, I won't let this be, whoever that person is, he deprived me of my son, deprived my son of his rightful life, he could have signed Dillon's death warrant, I want that bastards head on a platter, so don't play politics with me". Joseph was head in hands as he replied. "Okay, I hear you, let me look further into it, but promise me you won't do anything rash until I've had time to investigate?". Jace was in no mood to be civil, he barked his reply. "Forty eight hours, then all bets are off, I'll do it my way, you do have competitors". The line going dead was Josef's ultimate answer. In truth, Jace had called Josef hours earlier, as soon as he'd learned the facts from Dillon, Josef had been upbeat, positive they could track back to that night, find out who the officer was, there had to be a report filed for vehicle damage. But Josef had been really shocked by what came out of Guardian's investigations. Everything pointed to the officer driving the damaged cruiser that night, now being The Superintendent of Police in Chicago, the man who controlled the entire Chicago Police Department. Josef had no idea what to do with the information, so he'd stalled on answering Jace. TBC Allan Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com. Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.