Small Town II
Title: Small Town II -The Exploding Truth
Author: Katri
Author for Greg/Jeff chapters and beta: The EmpressAR
Rating: PG to 17+
Word Count:
Summary: Sequel to Small Town 1
Colin lay down in a bed. It wasn't his own bed and he was no where near home. He was on another assignment, in Canada this time. They had followed murderer’s trail to Ontario and caught him here because of Colin's infallible discernment. Colin was tired. They had chased him for seven weeks and he hadn't gotten much sleep while on the case. Now he was biding his time waiting to go back home.
Colin thought that coming home after the Boonsville case several months ago, would make him feel better. He was wrong. He felt emptiness. But when he thought of the big life change that waited for him in that small town back there made him restless too. He couldn't eat or sleep. He just took long walks around his neighborhood and tried not to think the situation.
He had called and spoken with Ryan regularly for a long while after coming home from the case, but when Colin couldn't give any promises for when their next meeting would be, Ryan stopped answering his calls, and stopped calling altogether. That made Colin very sad but he couldn't do anything about it for the moment. He had this new assignment and couldn't back out of it.
Colin thought about his life as of late. He had fully given it over to his work. He had come to realize that although it made him happy that he could help people find out what happened to their love ones, it wasn't enough for him anymore. He wanted a different happiness in his life now, a happiness of his own.
He thought about Ryan. His long fingers running along his back, tickling and teasing him, brought a smile to his face. Ryan's deep warm laugh when he was happy. Colin missed him so much that he felt an actual acute pain, all over from time to time.
His main thought, the one he had left with Ryan standing alone at the airport terminal, of losing his freedom and tying himself down to someone, had now changed. He still felt frightened of it, but it was a far worse feeling to be alone, without Ryan. He felt the need to call him or go and see him, but he was afraid that he had ruined everything. He was afraid that Ryan would act like he never heard of him.
The decisions of changing his lifestyle had become even stronger a couple of days ago when Colin had his birthday. He didn’t even remember it until Detective Proops called him in the evening and congratulated him. Colin was in this same sterile hotel, alone, listening party noises from the room next to his.
Proops was the only one who wished him a Happy Birthday. Even the few relatives he had remaining didn't call…again. He realized that Greg was his only friend. It was in that moment he made his decision. If he could ever get home from this place, but there was still time until his lift to the airport would arrive. Colin decided to sleep for awhile and hoped the time would pass faster.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The flight landed in the morning. Colin took a cab to Headquarters. He marched into Greg's office and gave him all the files related to the case. He sat opposite in the worn old chair in front of his desk and handed him an envelope.
"What's that?" Greg asked.
"My resignation, I'm leaving." Colin told him without hesitation in his voice.
Greg read the paper and asked if Colin was serious. Colin told him of his weariness of traveling and lonely nights in hotels. Greg knew Colin well enough that he knew to take his words seriously. He told Colin that he would pass it on to the higher ups. Then he dropped his official character and spoke freely.
"Are you OK Colin? You've been losing weight and you look tired. Are you sick?" Greg asked worried.
Colin told him that he wasn't sick. He lied. He was love sick and it gnawed inside of him, but he didn't say that to Greg. Colin told him that he wanted to move away from this town. Greg made him promise still keep in touch with him. Colin had called Greg everyday for the past ten years, since Greg had joined the department, so that habit wasn't easy to break.
Colin stepped outside the building. He breathed deeply this new kind of freedom. He knew the boss would try his damnedest to get him not to quit, but Colin decided to be strong and stand behind his decision. Thinking of Ryan gave him a great strength.
Next he went to the local Real Estate agency. He wanted to sell his condominium. He gave all the information on location and measurements. The agent told him that they could sell it quickly. They already had clients who were looking at homes on Colin's block. Colin made an appointment with the agency to get a home inspection and an appraisal so that he could get an accurate quote on the value. Then he could determine the price for which he wanted to settle on.
When he arrived back at home sat down and opened his laptop. He searched for affordable apartments in Boonsville. He located the town’s one and only Real Estate Company and flipped through their offerings. He clicked accidentally onto the houses link. The page opened showing a beautiful two story house near the sea. Colin liked it immediately. The price was also reasonable. Colin could afford it easily with the money he would get from his condo. He called the agency right away.
After a brief chat with the perky agent, who sounded more southern than she needed to be, considering her location, he put a hold on the house and told her to take it off the market, while he thought about it. She promised to email pictures of the inside of the house to Colin. While he waited for them he looked around his condo and thought about the things he would take with him to his new home. He decided to call the Salvation Army and donate his furniture to them. He wanted a fresh start.
Soon the pictures came through his email and Colin could see that the house was in excellent condition. Colin was really excited about it now. He made a decision. He called the agency back and told them that he wanted it. Since there were no other offers they settled most of the business over the phone. He still had paperwork to sign, but the agent told him that there wouldn’t be any problems especially with his excellent credit rating and the selling of his current home as collateral. The agent informed him of the closing date and time and said he could move into the house then. He ended the call and felt great relief. Things were rolling now.
Everything went lot easier than Colin thought. His boss consented to his leaving but not without a fight. He didn't want to give up one of his best men that easily. But Colin stayed firm and told him he was moving. They agreed finally, but only under the condition that if they needed Colin he would assist them via the phone for a while. Colin promised to do that. He was going to need income and this was a reasonable solution.
His condominium was sold three days after putting it on the market and he got more money than he originally thought. He simultaneously closed the sale of his home and used the money as a down payment for the purchase of his new home. It was a quick and easy procedure with both the seller’s and buyer’s attorneys. He really didn’t even need to be there except to sign the paperwork. He gathered a lot of his personal things and packed them in boxes. He had gave up most of the things but saved those which was valuable to him and sent them into his new home. So when Colin arrived at his new house they were there waiting on him.
Colin looked around. The house looked even more beautiful than in the pictures. There were three rooms and a kitchen downstairs. There were four more rooms upstairs. Colin had gotten rid of all of his furniture except for his bed. It was waiting for him upstairs and Colin began to remove the plastic cover off of it.
He lay on the bed and thought about what he had just done. He had left everything behind him, he had given up his home, his established life and everything that meant something to him for a man he didn't think even wanted to see him anymore. But he had no options. He needed Ryan's closeness.
He only then realized that he was actually close to him now. He didn’t have to walk more than twenty minutes and he would be at his apartment. He just couldn’t face the man yet. He wasn't ready for the possible rejection. But he couldn't just lay there, so he changed his clothes and headed outside.
He walked to the center of the town. A light snow covered the sidewalks already. It looked like they would have a White Christmas. Usually Colin spent his Christmas vacations somewhere warm, but this year he had different plans. If they ever would come true...
The Villa Rosa tavern was still open. Colin went in and sat at a table near the window.
He looked out of the window over to Ryan’s apartment. He could see that there were lights on inside. He remembered his being there. Happy memories of Ryan's kisses and the first time they made love flooded his brain and Colin breathed a heavy sigh. He suddenly lost his appetite and had to leave the restaurant. He stepped out into the street. He tried to push all the thoughts of the past deeper into the back of his mind and rushed back to his house.
When he arrived back home, he looked around the empty rooms and decided to buy some furniture the very next day. He figured it would at least fill this emptiness. He hoped that the one inside of him would be filled easily too.
It was getting late. Colin tried to sleep but after tossing and turning for over an hour, he knew he couldn't so he gave up and got out of bed. He found his cell phone and searched for Ryan’s number from its saved numbers. When he found it he couldn't press the call button. He stared at Ryan's name and it made the whole situation a little more real to Colin. After a while Colin went downstairs and drank water straight from the tap. He dried his mouth on his sleeve and sat on the floor. Moonlight shown through the window and illuminated the floor. Colin lay down on the hard floor and after a while he had fallen asleep.
Colin woke up and groaned. He felt stiff. It was already light outside. He was freezing in his pajamas. He still lay in the kitchen. He stood up went over to a box marked ‘kitchen’ and fished around for a kettle. He filled it with water and set it on the stove and turned the heat on.
He tried to swallow and realized his throat felt sore. The next thing he knew he was sneezing. He went to his room and opened one of his suitcases and found his favorite light blue sweater inside. That didn't help much. He was shaking and his head ached. He put a hand to his forehead and felt how hot it was. He knew then that he was coming down with something.
Going back to the kitchen, Colin poured the hot water in a mug and sank a teabag in it and headed back upstairs with the steaming drink. He placed it next to the bed and then slipped under the covers. He shut his eyes only for a moment but soon dropped into a deep sleep.
When Colin awoke the next time he was burning up. He removed the covers. He reached for his mug, but the tea was already cold. He drank it anyway. Colin tried to stand up but the room was spinning so fast that he had to sit down back. He reached his phone and decided to ask a favor from a friend.
"Jeff." a lively voice answered.
"Hey, it's Colin! How are you?" He muttered to the phone.
"Colin, is that you?! Wow, man, long time no hear from! I thought for sure I wouldn’t hear your voice again!!" Jeff said excitedly into the phone.
Colin smiled despite the pain in this throat and the dizziness in his head, told the young man that he just moved to town permanently and Jeff took the news enthusiastically. He promised to drop by immediately and would bring food and supplies with him.
When Jeff rang the doorbell Colin had to gather all his strength to go downstairs and open the door. Jeff had dropped what he had been carrying and hugged Colin closely to him. He felt the heat in his body and instantly led him back to bed. He prepared warm fish soup, made from crappie,for the patient and made him eat every drop of it. While Colin sipped his soup, liking it in spite of the name and smell, they caught up on everything that had happened during the last few months they were apart. After Colin finished with his soup, Jeff told him that he should get some rest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three days later the fever finally decided to give up and Colin was ready to get out of the bed. Jeff had taken care of him very well during his illness. He had dropped by everyday and kept him company, attending to his needs. Jeff told Colin that he needed to get some furniture in the house and they decided to go shopping for some the next day. Jeff promised to borrow a van from his friend.
Colin asked carefully about how Ryan was doing, but Jeff didn't have much information. He had been staying at his parent’s house until he recovered after his kidnapping. When he finally went home, he didn’t go outside much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day Jeff arrived in his friend’s van in front of Colin’s house. Colin jumped in and they headed to the largest and not surprisingly only furniture store in town. Before they left, Colin had made a list of what he needed immediately and what he could save for later. He had already settled for a few book shelves and a couple of dressers. The store promised to bring them to his house in a few days. A kitchen table and four seats they purchased and took with them immediately.
They were walking down a long aisle which had nothing but couches. They decided to test a few out. Colin wanted something comfortable and cozy. Colin sat down on one and Jeff threw himself across it laying his head on Colin’s lap.
"Oh this is cozy enough for two, even though one is a giant." Jeff said looking up at him winking his eye.
Colin laughed at Jeff’s playfulness and patted his head fatherly. While they enjoyed the moment neither of them noticed a tall, heart-broken man behind the shelves.
Jeff drove the van back to Colin’s home and they carried in the table and chairs and a few other odds and ends into the house. They rolled out the new carpets on the polished wooden floors and set the table on a rich burgundy one in the large dining room. Jeff was a big help and Colin wanted to reward his friend for all his efforts. He promised to take him out for dinner but as it was already late, they settled for the next day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning Colin woke to the realization that all he had done since he arrived in town was sleep. He missed his work and he missed using his brain. He decided to drop by the old police department later that day and ask Chief Carey if they had anything for him to do. He got up, showered, dressed warmly and headed into town.
He walked along the streets looking at the familiar surroundings once again and smiled. Yes, he could call this place home. He stopped in front of the department and looked at it for a moment from the outside. It looked the same except snow covered its roof now. Colin was nervous. Part of him wished that he would see Ryan and part of him was terrified. He just decided that he had to face him at some point anyway.
He stepped inside the lobby. He smiled when he saw Officer Esten behind the counter.
"Oh, what a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?" The younger energetic man asked.
Colin told him briefly about his moving to town and Chip had wished him welcome. After a brief chat, Colin headed to the Chief’s office.
Chief Carey sat behind his desk and looked stressed. He had rolled up his sleeves and was examining some files in front of him. When he noticed who had come in to distract him, his concentrating eyes brightened.
"Mochrie, Colin Mochrie, I can't believe my four eyes! Is there murder somewhere that I didn't know about?" He said smiling.
Colin laughed at the man's joke and was glad that the reception was so welcoming. He told him about his resignation that he was tired of traveling and had found a perfect little house by the sea.
Chief Carey looked surprised.
"I didn't know you liked to live in such a backward small town." The Chief said astonished.
Colin didn't tell him the real reasons behind his moving there. Instead he turned the topic to the local news. He offered to work in the department occasionally if needed, and that amazed Chief Carey even more.
"Well, we don't have much work here and it's a wasting of your skills to work with these car jackers and graffiti artists but if anything interesting comes up I’ll call you." Chief Carey promised.
Colin asked if Deputy Stiles was in his office, but Chief answered in the negative and said that Ryan had called in sick this morning. Colin worried and wondered if it was something serious.
Soon after, he left the department and headed over to the tavern. He was supposed to meet Jeff there in five minutes. When he stepped inside he saw Jeff sitting at a table not looking happy. He was looking behind him and darting his eyes everywhere nervously. When he saw Colin he calmed down and motioned him over to join him.
They ordered their drinks and food. While they were waiting, Colin brought up Jeff's nervousness.
"Jeff, do you still have nightmares about what happened?" He asked carefully.
Jeff looked at him frightened and ready to flee, but when Colin took hold of his hand, the younger man broke. He sighed deep and tears flowed from his eyes. Colin gave him a tissue went to the waitress and asked for their meals to go.
When they got their food wrapped and ready, Colin helped Jeff from his seat and escorted him out of the building. He held his arm around Jeff and stepped out to the chilled air. Colin instinctually looked up to Ryan's window and thought he saw the curtain swinging or maybe it was his imagination. Worrying over his young friend made him forget what he saw and concentrate on Jeff.
Colin told Jeff that he could stay at his house for the evening. Jeff was grateful. They ate the dinner on the new kitchen table. After their meal, which seemed to do Jeff a lot of good, as well as being alone with Colin in his home, he felt much safer, they went into the living room to relax. It was still empty, the only things in there were the carpet and TV set. Colin went upstairs and fetched a few pillows and they lay down on the carpet. They watched a movie on TV and when it ended it was very dark.
Colin went to the kitchen and started to make coffee. He was just measuring out the grounds with a spoon when he froze. He had a feeling that someone was watching him. He switched off the light and went to the kitchen window. At first he couldn’t see anything until his eyes adjusted to the darkness. Then he saw the outline of a car in the yard. A tall figure leaned against and watched the house. Colin's heart skipped a beat because he knew it was Ryan. Colin didn't know what to do. He just followed his instincts and ran out the door, calling for him. When Ryan saw the door opening he quickly jumped in his car and drove away. Colin stood on the top stair until Jeff came and brought him back inside. Colin’s hands were shaking when he tried to pour the coffee grounds into the machine. Jeff stood in the doorway and watched Colin. He came over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. Without saying a word, he took the spoon away. He put the spoon on the counter.
"Do you have any alcohol here?" He asked.
Colin took a bottle of red wine from the cabinet and Jeff found to two glasses in another and brought them over to Colin. Colin poured the wine, his hands a little steadier. He handed a glass to Jeff and looked down at the tiles on the linoleum. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to toast to, but his mind and thoughts were somewhere else. Jeff studied him thoughtfully.
Colin rolled over in his bed. His hand landed across a smooth hip. He touched warm skin lightly and whispered Ryan's name. Ryan moved and Colin gripped his hip and pulled him closer. He began to nuzzle into the back of Ryan’s neck and placed a few small kisses there.
"Colin, wake up." Jeff's voice filtered into Colin’s head and after a moment of confusion, he opened his eyes.
A half naked Jeff in nothing but his skivvies, lay next to him and Colin's hand was still tightly around him. Colin moved away fast from Jeff. He felt himself blush a deep shade of red.
"Pretty good dream, huh?" Jeff laughed tiredly.
Colin's head ached. He tried to remember why Jeff was sleeping in his bed. He thought about the events of last night. They went through about four bottles of red wine until they could forget their nightmares. They had talked for hours telling each other anything and everything that came to their minds. Colin told about what happened between him and Ryan. Jeff told him how he was still scared because of the shooting.He told Colin that he had been seeing a therapist.They drank until they couldn't keep their eyes open. Colin had offered the couch to Jeff but he reminded that it wouldn’t arrive until the following week. They had laughed about it and then wound up in Colin's bed and passed out there.
Colin drug himself downstairs and filled two large cups with fresh cold water and found a bottle of aspirin. Jeff was holding out the covers for him when he came back up the stairs and he threw himself back into the bed shivering. It was cold outside and not much warming inside. Jeff stretched out his hand and Colin put his cup in it. In no time both men were in a deep sleep again and the day was already darkening when they finally got out the bed. Jeff thanked for letting him stay over and although Colin promised that Jeff could stay as long he wanted, Jeff told him that he was OK now.
After Colin walked Jeff back to town, he went to the front of the Villa Rosa and looked in Ryan's windows. There were no lights on in the dark apartment. He decided to call him. The phone rang and rang and after while Ryan picked up and shouted his name in the receiver. Colin heard loud music in background and several voices.
"Who is it?" Ryan rumbled.
Colin couldn't say anything. Even Ryan’s voice made him shiver. After yelling several hellos without getting an answer Ryan ended the call. Colin decided to give up and headed over to the local pub. He opened the door and his eyes caught sight of Ryan immediately. He sat alone in a booth with several empty glasses in front of him. Colin approached his table. When Ryan noticed that someone was standing next to him, he slowly raised his head. He didn't recognized Colin at first, being quite drunk, but gradually he focused his gaze and saw who was there.
"Ryan..."
"Why are you here? What do you want from me?" Shouldn't you be at home with the kid?"
Colin didn't understand what he meant by ‘with the kid’ but then he thought that Ryan had to have seen Jeff at his house.
"Ryan..."
He didn't have a chance to say anything more because Ryan stood up and grabbed his jacket.
"You weren't in Canada. You were with Jeff somewhere in the Bahamas weren’t you? You didn't want me after all. You just wanted a young boy to play with." Ryan threw his accusations right into Colin's face.
Colin looked at Ryan. He was still trying to understand all of Ryan's words when Ryan pushed past him and headed to the front door. Colin went right behind him. He had to run so that he could catch up to Ryan who was walking quickly away in front of him.
"Ryan wait..."
But Ryan just kept walking. Colin didn't reached him until they were in front of Ryan's front door. There he grabbed Ryan turning him so that he was now face to face with him. He looked at him desperately wanting him to understand, wanting to explain. He pushed him gently against the door but couldn't say anything. He finally felt Ryan’s warmth under his hands. It felt so good, so real, so solid. He needed Ryan. He was willing to throw himself in his arms if only Ryan would see, would stop being so damned stubborn. He rested his head against Ryan's chest and took a deep breath of Ryan's familiar scent. He pushed himself tighter against the man. Ryan didn't do anything, in return, but he didn’t try and remove himself either. He just stood there staring blindly at the pavement behind Colin.
"You and Jeff. You’re with him, aren't you?" Ryan whispered. His voice was tight, strained. He could feel the tears welling in his eyes.
Colin shook his head against Ryan's chest
"Ryan, it's a long story. Jeff is just a friend. When I got here, I…I...couldn't call you just yet. I was scared. God, Ryan I missed you." Colin sighed. He wanted to melt into Ryan’s arms, but his body was still stiff.
Ryan trembled at the urgency in Colin’s voice and the strength of his words. Colin felt it and tightened his hold.
"I came back to your house. Jeff never left. He spent last night there, didn't he?" Ryan asked suspiciously.
Colin nodded. He knew the situation looked bad but he couldn't lie to Ryan. Besides he knew nothing had happened there.
"Did he sleep on your new couch you bought yesterday?" Ryan continued and his voice growing rougher.
Colin lifted his head from Ryan's chest. Ryan still had not put his own arms around him.
"How did you know that we..?" Colin realized that Ryan had seen them in the store "No, the couch doesn’t arrive until next week." He continued.
"So where did he sleep? In your bed?"
Colin looked back at Ryan trying to figure out the best way to approach the answer to that question, but didn't dare say anything. Ryan had already read the answer in Colin's eyes. Ryan broke away from Colin's hold and rushed to the stairs of his apartment without looking back.
Colin was shattered. How could he ever get this stubborn hard-headed unreasonably jealous man to realize that there was no one else in Colin's heart but him? He still tried to call after Ryan but the door had slammed shut. Colin decided to go back home and try to sort things out later.
On Monday Colin headed back to town. It was lunch hour, so there were lots of people around. Colin had just passed City Hall when he got the shock of his short life. There was a massive explosion. The blow back from the blast caused many people to go flying. The City Hall's windows broke into thousands of pieces and rained in the street. Alarms, blaring loudly screaming into the smoke-filled air combined with the shouts and cries of the townspeople as the clutched their ears. There were injured people everywhere. The panic was growing. Colin, who had fell to the ground and rolled behind a parked car, stood up and shook himself. Dazed, he took his cell phone and called the emergency center. He shouted into the phone for the emergency units to get down here as quick as they could. He told them to get a hold of the fire department and send more trucks. He immediately called the Police Department and told Officer Esten to get all the men out there now!
Colin rushed into the building pushing people who were pushing their way past him, frantically running for the exit. He saw thick black smoke coming from a window on the second floor. More people ran past him, soaking wet. The sprinkler system had gone off in the hallway, making the walls and everything around it a dull grey color. It had put out a lot of the fire but the smoke was still billowing throughout the building. He led a few more people through the doors to safety. He wasn't big help there because the building was unfamiliar to him. He stood outside for a brief moment gasping for fresh air and saw Officer Sherwood running to him. Together they ran back inside. They carefully ran up the stairs to the wing where the explosion appeared to have happened. Brad said that the mayor’s office was there.
The bomb had taken out part of the outer wall. When the reached the entryway they could see through it to the streets below where people had already started to gather around. The Mayor's office door was blown to pieces. They pushed their way past the door and found the mayor lying on the floor. His face was cut by tiny shards of glass and he was unconscious, not breathing. Brad started the mouth to mouth resuscitation and Colin began the chest compressions. Soon they heard the ambulance sirens approaching. Colin told Brad to continue CPR and ran into the hallway to guide the medics to where they were.
The medics rushed in carrying all of their equipment and immediately got to work on the Mayor, politely but firmly escorting Brad out of the way. They got a pulse from the Mayor and got him on a stretcher and rushed him to the hospital. On their way back downstairs they found more victims and did everything they could to save their lives.
Colin and Brad were instructed that they needed to leave the building as soon as possible before they required a trip to the hospital. They stepped outside the building and after a thorough check from the medics still on site, they were released. Outside it was still chaos. Some people were crying; others just stood in shock looking up at the building. Others walked back and forth screaming. Several officers calmed them and moved people away from the emergency vehicles.
Chief Carey drove up in his personal vehicle. Colin and Brad found him and told him that Mayor McShane was hurt seriously. He had already found that out. The local media had pulled up shortly behind the fire trucks and had begun to ask questions from the eye-witnesses.
After the proverbial smoke had cleared, they learned that there were several victims. Four had died and eight had serious injures. In all, there were 50 people who had some need for a medical assistance. Luckily it had been lunch time so the building had been quite empty.
After collecting their statements, the officers passed out their business cards with phone numbers to all the eye witnesses informing them that they should contact them at any time if they know or had seen anything that would be helpful. An investigation would need to be formed immediately.
Chief Carey, who had been trying to contact Ryan, tried to reach him again but Ryan’s phone had been turned off for some reason so he had to make a quick decision. He hired Colin as the temporary chief of police until the case could be solved. Chief Carey had to taken the position as acting mayor and prepared his official statement for the town’s people.
Colin sat behind Chief Carey’s desk that was now his for the time being. He reached for the department phone book and started to make calls. He ordered Esten to gather all the men who were available in the conference room in an hour. He asked Brad to go and pick up Ryan and bring him to the department immediately. Brad went.
He turned the TV on. There were live reports from City Hall. Police had already roped off the area with the crime scene familiar yellow tape. There was no new information but he left it on. He phoned for the bomb squad in the nearby Gull Town and asked if their experts would come to investigate the crime scene as soon as possible.
His phone rang. It was Jeff. He asked if Colin was ok and if he had heard the news. Colin told him about his new position as acting chief and that he was preoccupied at the moment and asked if he could call back when things were calmer.
"Ryan phoned me this morning." Jeff said quickly before he ended the call.
Colin froze.
"What did he say?"
"He asked if we were having a relationship. I told him that maybe we were. He hung up on me. A little jealousy isn't bad, right?" Jeff tried carefully.
Colin sighed. He told Jeff that wasn't a good move and he said he was sorry. Colin promised to call Jeff later and they ended the phone. Colin was disheartened but he had to gather himself. He had a serious case in front of him. He headed to the conference room where the other officers had started to gather.
Colin gave a summary of the events. He told everyone that he was in charge now and that Chief Carey was at City Hall taking Mayor McShane's position. Nobody seemed to have anything against having a new boss.
In the middle of the meeting Brad entered the room and whispered something into Colin's ear. Colin nodded and Sherwood left. Colin made sure that everyone knew what they had to do in the upcoming days and ended the meeting.
Brad told him that he had found Ryan in his home. He had taken him back to his office. Colin took a deep breath and stepped inside. The first thing Colin saw was Ryan lying on the couch. He lifted his head and looked at his visitor with red-rimmed eyes. Colin went over to the portable coffee maker and poured him a strong black coffee and handed Ryan the coffee mug and told him to drink it.
"So here’s the situation. You have to clear your head quickly. I need you here now." Colin started.
"You don't need me." Ryan said not accepting the proffered cup and turning his head away.
"Drop it now, ok? We have lots of things to do and you know this town. You know where we should begin looking to find out who dropped the bomb here." Colin said seriously holding back all of his personal feelings.
"You don't even work here, who made you the boss?" Ryan said ignoring him clearly picking a quarrel.
"Well..."
Colin decided not to continue. He asked Ryan to try and get some sleep and clear his head. When he had enough rest he was told to come to the chief's office. Then he left the room turning out the lights and shutting the door behind him. Ryan didn’t have a chance to protest. He muttered darkly and turned his head and fell into a restless sleep.
After four hours of collecting all the information they could for the victim’s families, Chief Carey made an official statement from City Hall. Colin was at his desk still sorting things they had to do today.
He looked up when the door to his office opened and Chip guided a big figured man in.
"Here is the Bomb Squad unit’s Chief Specialist Stephen Frost." He said while the tall man walked towards Colin with an outstretched hand. After a hearty handshake, Colin asked him to sit down. He made a quick call to City Hall and asked if the fire department had already left so that they could come down and research the crime scene. The answer was affirmative.
Colin asked Specialist Frost to wait in his office, needing to check on Ryan. He took another large cup of coffee with him, hoping that Ryan wouldn’t refuse, and carefully opened Ryan's office door. Ryan was still asleep. Colin put the cup on the desk and bent over Ryan. He shook his shoulder lightly. Ryan moved and opened his eyes.
"How are you? Do you think you can work now?" Colin asked.
Ryan sat up and looked around. Colin handed him the coffee and he took it gratefully.
"Yeah, I'm good to go." Ryan said silently.
Colin handed him a packet of Altoids as they walked out of the office. Brad escorted them in the squad car back to City Hall. Colin sat next to Ryan in the back of the police vehicle. He told him everything that had happened during the day. Ryan nodded every so often. He wouldn’t look at Colin; instead he chose to stare out of the window.
They climbed the crumbling staircase up to the second floor. According to the fire department the explosion occurred right below the Mayor's office. There was no immediate danger of collapsing structure so they could approach near the actual spot.
Specialist Frost laid his briefcase on the floor and opened it. He took out a pair of plastic gloves and a flash light.
"Looks like the explosion took place in this spot." He said in a heavy English accent. It seemed out of place, but he didn’t let that faze him.
They all looked the hole in the ceiling. Frost took tweezers and started to lift carefully some papers and fragments which were all over the place. Some of the pieces he found he slipped into little plastic bags that Colin held open. Ryan shined the flashlight on them.
After they left the building it was midnight. Brad drove Specialist Frost to the hotel. Ryan and Colin stood outside the building. They spoke about the findings and the case. They didn't have any clues or assumptions yet. They needed more information and hoped that they would get that tomorrow from Frost.
They started walking and when they were at the street crossing where they had to part ways, they stopped for a minute. Colin was really tired and didn't want to argue with Ryan. He quickly wished him a good night and was just turning to go when Ryan stopped him.
"Col..." He said.
Colin just looked back at him.
"Good night!" Ryan said and rushed away in the opposite direction of Colin.
Colin looked after the tall deputy. If he wasn't this tired he would want to solve things between them right then and there but he just stood there until Ryan's back disappeared from view. Then he turned and started to walk back to his house.
When he entered his darkened home, he sat his house keys on the hall table and wearily made his way to bed. He had called to Jeff on his way home and told him briefly, as much as he could, what they had done during the day. Colin remembered that the furniture would arrive in the morning and asked if Jeff could be there to meet the movers at the door and take charge of the situation. Jeff promised and they settled that he would stop by and pick the keys from the department tomorrow.
The next day was rainy. Colin called the department to see if Brad was available to pick him up. On the way over he called Frost. He was already at the Forensics lab examining the pieces they gathered yesterday. He needed more time and they settled to meet back at the department after he finished.
Colin went into his office. Nothing new had happened during the night. Tired cops were on duty around City Hall. Chief Carey called from the hospital and told Colin that the mayor was now conscious but still seriously injured. Colin said that everything was in good order so Drew could take a little rest after being up through the night. Chief Carey thanked Colin for jumping in on such short notice.
About 15 minutes later, Ryan walked in. Colin followed him to his office and shut the door behind them. Colin gave a brief report, updating him on the latest news.
Colin felt enormously unprofessional but he needed to bring up their relationship now if there was anything left of it. He asked Ryan to sit down. Ryan looked like he didn’t want to talk but sat on the corner of his desk and folded his arms. He looked at Colin warily.
"Ryan, I just want to make this clear to you, right now, that Jeff and I have nothing going on. He is friend of mine and I feel like I have to protect him. He stayed overnight at my house because he is still having nightmares from the shooting." Ryan looked at him suspicion still in his eyes. They softened only a little at the memory of Jeff’s ordeal in the hospital.
"I moved to this town because I couldn't be apart from you anymore. Oh and by the way, it was you who gave up on me." Colin said softly looking up into those green angry eyes.
"How can I believe you? I saw you and Jeff. I saw how close you are" Ryan said trying to stand up, ignoring Colin’s revelation, the pain and truth of his words coming back to his eyes, making him squint.
Colin pushed him gently back against the desk and came closer to him. He split Ryan's long legs and moved to stand between them. He looked at Ryan with warm brown eyes pleading for him to understand. He took Ryan's arms and wound them around his waist. Ryan stiffened and hesitated, but did not try to get away. Colin smiled up at him placing his arms around Ryan bringing his face to his neck, snuggling into his chest.
"Can’t we forget about Jeff now and try to focus on what we can have?" Colin whispered softly into Ryan's ear.
Ryan closed his eyes feeling Colin’s body so yielding and warm in his arms and he closed his eyes, all the good memories of what they shared flooding back to him. He tightened his hold around Colin, finally allowing some of the wall of hurt to crumble and he sighed. Colin felt the sensations reach his body, he was getting hard but it felt so good to finally be held by his lover that he didn't care. He had waited for this moment forever.
"When this case is over I wanna sit down with you and talk and..." Colin started, placing tiny kisses on Ryan’s neck just below his ear. Ryan, still with his eyes closed, leaned his head to the side, allowing him better access. They were interrupted by a knock on the door to Ryan’s office.
Colin quickly removed himself from Ryan and eased behind his back so that his reaction to Ryan's closeness didn't show. Chip opened the door and announced that Specialist Frost was waiting for them in the conference room.
They walked to the conference room, Colin studying Ryan’s back letting his eyes travel down to the length of Ryan’s legs and coming back to settle on the firm rear and he blushed hard. This was not helping matters especially since he remembered what it looked like in a more intimate setting.
Frost was standing in the corner of the room. There were photos of his findings spread all over the big table.
"This is the information I have gathered so far. The bomb that was detonated was a plastic explosive. It's easy to make but it takes time. I found remnants of Calcium Chloride so I am pretty sure that this was the material that was used in constructing it. Anybody can make it. You just need a stove and Vaseline and some chemicals. But what makes this a little more special is that the amount of the substances used was calculated exactly. The reasoning behind this, in my opinion, was to harm the Mayor but not destroy the whole place. Is it hard to gain access to the third floor?"
"The third floor is only one with surveillance cameras." Ryan said.
"Well then we now know why it was there in the second floor. I also know there was a remote detonator. So the launch happened from the outside, not very far." Frost continued.
Colin tried to remember if there was anything or any one looking suspicious when he had approached before the explosion. Nothing special crossed his mind.
"You can obtain the necessary bleach products from any store that sells it. You can really get the instructions from the Internet to construct the bomb, but the detonator needs a little more knowledge. So what my recommendation is that this is someone who knows chemistry and physics and has something against the Mayor." Frost said frankly.
Colin took that lead and called Chief Carey. A sleepy voice answered and Colin apologized for waking him up.
"Do you have a chance to talk to the Mayor or can you think anybody who has something against him?" Colin asked.
Chief Carey couldn't think any reasons now but promised to call back soon. Colin then requested an officer to be placed on surveillance in the Mayor’s hospital room
There was a knock on the door and Jeff stuck his head in. "Hey Col..." Jeff stopped abruptly seeing Ryan in the room. He couldn’t help but have a sly smile cross his features. He looked back at Colin with a questioning look. Colin went to the door and handed his keys to Jeff and thanked him for the help.
"Sorry to interrupt." Jeff said pointedly, smiling and nodding in the direction of the other to men.
Colin pushed him out the door with a sigh and a shake of the head. When Colin turned around he saw Ryan leaning against the table a hand to his eyes, which were pinched shut. He was breathing heavily.
"I got my new furniture today and obviously I can't be there, so I asked a favor from a friend."
Colin directed his explanation to the older colleague, Frost hoping that it was enough for Ryan, who was still looking downcast.He chanced a glance in Ryan's direction and saw that he was looking back at him suspiciously. Colin smiled at him a little.
"So where do we start? Stiles this is your specialty so let's let it roll." Colin encouraged the tall man, distracting him from the personal matters lingering above their heads.
Greg Proops sat in the same restaurant. The same restaurant that he has dined in for over three years, almost daily. He ordered the same dish that he always ordered on Tuesdays. He watched the same view from the same window that he always watched from when he was eating. For the first time this troubled him. He was happy with his life before because work was enough for him. After ending a long term relationship he decided to be alone. At least that spared him from the heartache. Now that the season was growing colder and getting settled, he realized that he was missing company. Besides the fact that when his very best and only friend announced that he was moving away from him to go to some little no-name town, Greg felt the emptiness acutely. Usually they called each other on a daily basis. He hadn't heard from Colin in days.
He was proud of his friend for making such a decision in his life. Colin hadn't told him, but Greg knew that he had someone there. After Colin came back from the murder case he wasn’t the same man he was before. His eyes shined with a new light. Greg didn't dare to ask why when Colin came back from Canada he was suffering. Greg could clearly see that. It was then he realized that Colin announced he was leaving.
Greg hoped that he had that kind of courage to change his life. He didn't know where to start. He had worked long hours for so long. He had a well deserved coming up in three days. He didn't know what to do or where to go, but he decided that he couldn't spend it inside, staring at the bare four walls of his modest duplex, sipping whisky again. He decided to call to Colin and asked what he thought he should do.
He glanced at his watch. It was already six in the evening, so he dialed Colin's number.
"Mochrie!" an urgent voice answered.
"Hey it's Proops. Are you busy?"
Colin told about the situation going on there, much to Greg’s amusement.
"And you wanted to live there?" He asked sarcastically.
Colin huffed and told him that he didn’t understand himself, most days. He spared a few minutes for his friend and asked him to what he owed the pleasure of this conversation. It was good to hear Greg’s voice. Greg told that he wanted to go somewhere over the holidays. Colin didn’t hesitate in inviting Greg to stay at his house. Greg took the invitation with enthusiasm. It was just what he realized he had been missing, regardless of the seemingly dangerous situation he was walking into.Colin assured him that they had everything under control. They settled calling later about the details.
After Greg hung up he allowed himself to feel excited for the first time in a long time. He had made the first move in breaking his monotonous routine.
Colin ended the call. He went back to the matter at hand. They had made much progress in the case, but there was still a lot to do. They had called to the markets asking about bleach products if anybody had bought them large amounts. They had questioned eye witnesses and watched the surveillance tapes from the Mayor's floor. They had come up with nothing so far. Specialist Frost was back at the Forensics lab researching more.
Chief Carey called and told them that he talked with Mayor McShane at the hospital. McShane said that he couldn't name anybody in particular as being an enemy. Colin called the clerk of courts and ordered the records of the city government meetings for the previous year. He wanted to research the new laws and recommendations from the citizens. He thought if there might be some reason found within for unhappy residents.
Brad came in later saying that he had the files but there were several boxes of them. Colin asked him to wait and went to Stile’s office.
"Do you want to help read a load of files with me? At my place?" He interrupted Ryan who was going through the reports of the questioned eye-witnesses.
Ryan looked up at him and tiredly accepted. He seemed to have had enough of office life for the day. They transferred the box of files to Ryan's car, and after saying their goodbye’s to the evening staff, he drove them and Colin to Colin's house.
Colin took the keys from the mailbox, where he had told Jeff to leave them. They carried the boxes of files inside. Colin looked at his living room. Jeff had done a beautiful job of decorating and assembling the furniture. The couch was placed and the pillows were in order. The bookshelf was put together. A dozen fresh red tulips were placed in a vase on the coffee table. Colin bent and took the little card that leaned against it.
`The room needed some color…J.´
Ryan looked at Colin, studying his face. Colin felt a blush creep into his cheeks again and he quickly dismissed the card hiding it under a pile of newspapers on the coffee table.
"Jeff did this?" Ryan asked.
Colin looked at him looking sorry and covered his face with his palms. Ryan grabbed the flowers and ran outside. In a minute he came back without them. Colin looked at him in shock.
"I left a little gift for the garbage man, I hope he likes them." Ryan said striding over to Colin and yanking him close his hand around his waist.
Colin couldn't help laughing. This was the Ryan he knew. This was the Ryan he wanted to meet after getting back in town. Ryan was so close to him now. He was looking down at Colin, the little mischievous air he had about him, still showed in his glimmering eyes. Colin couldn’t resist. He tilted his chin, looking at Ryan seductively, waiting to be kissed. Ryan hesitated at first, lingering doubt in his eyes, but Colin looked so kissable, so adorable that he felt his resistance leaving him like a big heavy winter’s coat. He licked his lips and brought them slowly to Colin’s. They both instantly closed their eyes to the touch.
It felt so very good, so like coming home. It was something they had both been waiting for, for so long. Ryan moaned softly and eased his tongue through Colin's lips tasting him. He pulled their bodies closer together and searched Colin’s mouth until he found the tip of his tongue. Colin was gripping the back of Ryan’s shirt whimpering as he kissed Ryan with as much fervor back. He rolled the tip of his tongue around Ryan's causing hundreds of ripples of pleasure to wash over their bodies
With trembling hands, Ryan lifted Colin's shirt out of his pants and slipped them underneath feeling his bare back. Ryan moaned again and worked his way down the side of Colin’s neck. He scratched his nails along Colin’s back causing a breathy gasp to escape his mouth. Colin’s eyes were half-lidded and they watched Ryan tenderly as the man continued to give him the passion he had been holding back. It was making Colin hot. He gasped against Ryan's mouth, when he brought it back up for another kiss. Ryan, overwhelmed with Colin’s body, began to thrust himself against Colin's thigh. Colin moaned when he felt it and moved his leg, so that they were now brushing up against each others hardness. Ryan gasped.
"Colin, I never gave up on you. I just couldn't handle the lonely nights after your calls." He said with husky voice.
Colin drew away but Ryan pulled him back and kissed him passionately. The held on to each other for dear life.
The phone rang. They both sighed. If there was anyway to break a good mood, that would be it.
"You think the garbage man needs a cell phone too?" Colin asked leaning his head against Ryan’s shoulder.
Top of Form 1
Bottom of Form 1
Chief Carey was on the phone. He asked if there were any new developments.
Colin told him that they were about to start checking the court records now.
Colin and Ryan put their feelings aside for now and concentrated on the case. They sat on the brand new couch and piled the files on the table in front of them and started to go through them.
Boonsville wasn’t very prosperous. When the fish factory shut down it left many people unemployed and there were still several out of work years later. The town had to cut their exports and that showed, especially in public expenses. Social security, Public day cares, Schools, Mental healthcare system, Pensioners, sports field repairs. They all had to take major cuts. Colin asked Ryan if he remembered if there was any unkind treatment resulting from that. Ryan remembered that parents were angry because they had to pay for school books after that. Colin thought about his words. Would any parent risk their liberty for the schoolbooks? Then Ryan remembered that a wing of the mental health facility was shut down due to the budget cut.The worst cases were moved to another city and some of the more competent ones were released back into society. At the same time they closed four job categories in the fields of psychological and psychiatric treatment.
Colin thought of something and grabbed his phone.
"Hey Jeff! Colin said into the phone after Jeff picked it up on the third ring. "After you got home from the hospital you told me you were consulted by a therapist. How many times did you see him?"
"It was actually a woman, and I went there only once. Her calendar is pretty much booked and my next appointment is in March. Why do you ask?"
"I was just thinking on the case. Do you have her name and her phone number?"
Jeff gave him the information and they ended the call. Colin called Drew’s cell phone and he answered, saying he was at the hospital. Colin asked if he could talk to the Mayor. He asked if there were any protests after cutting the therapist vacancies and Mayor McShane told him the whole story around it.
It was last March when they had to end the jobs. At the same time we had to cut our mental health budget severely, the state only allowing us one therapist to take care of it now. It caused a major panic and the Mayor had to step up to bat for the situation. He gave an official statement about it through the media. He had promised to check the status of the situation in the next year's budget and things calmed for the time being.
Colin told Ryan his doubts. Ryan agreed that there might be something to his concerns. At least they should check into it. Ryan said that he knew the therapist and offered to call her at this late hour.
"Quentin?" a cheerful voice answered.
Ryan greeted his friend warmly. He told her about the suspicions that they were concerned with and asked her to think if she had any patient whose mental health had suffered from the situation. Also if she knew of any patient that happened to be a teacher or student of Chemistry or Physics, or had anything to do with those sciences. Caroline couldn't remember any cases right away but promised to get back to him the following day after going through the files back at work.
Ryan and Colin both were exhausted. Their eyes were sore of reading through the hundreds of papers in the files. Colin asked if Ryan wanted to stay over night but Ryan had the night shift at the hospital still. Since the Mayor’s round the clock watch was still in effect, most of the officers were burning the midnight oil and now it was Ryan's turn to be there.
Officer Brad Sherwood had a secret. He looked at his watch for the tenth time in 20 minutes. Deputy Stiles should come soon and relieve him from duty. He leaned back in his chair which was settled against a wall outside the Mayor's room at the hospital. He heard the glass doors in the hallway swoosh open and he immediately turned his head toward the sound. It was Deputy Stiles. They exchanged a few words and Ryan took his position.
Brad put on his jacket and headed outside. He drove back home. It was midnight already and he was waiting on a call. When the phone rang he cleared his voice and answered.
"Hey babe. How was your day?" He asked smiling.
He sat on his armchair and listened to his lover's news from the past week. They couldn't call each other that often. Their working schedules were so incompatible, that they hardly found time together even on the phone. They were excited now. Christmas was near and they both had settled on having their vacation at the same time. They hadn't seen each other in 5 months and it was much too much for both of them.
They spoke to each other for over an hour and then wished the other a good night.
Around five am, the next morning Colin's phone rang. It was from the hospital. Something had happened five minutes prior to the call. Someone tried to break into the Mayor's room with an axe and an explosion belt. The situation was still in progress and Colin was called there immediately. They had sent a car already to his place. Colin quickly changed his clothes the ride was already out front waiting on him. He jumped in and they sped off to the hospital.
Colin ran through the doors. He stopped in his tracks seeing Stiles who had just knocked out the intruder. He lay on the floor unconscious. Nurses and doctors stood on the outskirts of the scene and Specialist Frost was checking the belt around the suspect. He took it off carefully and medics lifted him onto a stretcher. Ryan stood there holding the axe. Colin ran to him asking if he was alright.
"Yes, he didn't hit me. I got this away from him. While we were struggling, he slipped and hit his head on the floor."
Frost checked the belt and said it was harmless. The identity of the perpetrator was still unknown but they were searching it already. Every officer in the hospital was exhausted. Ever since the explosion there were too little sleep and too much work for everybody. After the sudden burst of energy the attacker caused Ryan to exert, he was totally without strength. Colin could tell that from the wandering look in his eyes. He promised to replace him in his watch, but Officer Siegel said she could handle that and for Stiles to go home and rest.
Colin and Ryan exited the hospital. They felt the bitter, morning air bite into their skin despite their warm clothes. They hunched their shoulders and walked to the police department They had so much to do but Ryan had stayed up all night so Colin sent him to his office couch again. Ryan looked at him thankfully.
Colin sat behind the desk and thought of where to start. Was this the suspect who set off the bomb at City Hall? Specialist Frost walked into Colin's office. He told him that the belt didn't have any explosives at all. Just a brown paper rolled over toilet paper tubes. No traces of the plastic explosives used on the current case.
They felt quite sure that this wasn't the same bomber, but they had still treat this situation as a potential possibility until they could sort it out specifically. Colin phoned to the hospital to check on the suspect, but he was still unconscious.
There was nothing much else to do in these hours but wait, so Frost left and went back to the lab and Colin steeled into Ryan's office. He locked the door behind him and lay down next to Ryan. Ryan was already in sleep but opened his eyes, drowsily and took Colin under his arms. The couch was extremely narrow for two men but they didn't mind at all
Colin opened his eyes momentarily disoriented. Then he remembered where he was. Ryan's soft breathing tickled his neck. He moved his head a little burying it in the juncture of Ryan’s shoulder and neck waking Ryan from his dreams. Ryan brushed his nose against the fringe of hair at the base of Colin’s neck. Colin turned around that he was facing Ryan. They were so squeezed into the couch that Colin’s face had no place to go but against Ryan’s. He smiled his lips brushing Ryan’s as he did so.
"Morning" He said kissing his lover's sweet lips.
"And what a Good morning it is." Ryan answered rolling on his back dragging Colin in top of him. Colin liked this infinitely better, he didn’t think they could have gotten any closer. Apparently he was wrong.
"We should get up, it's nine a.m. already." Colin sighed reluctantly, kissing the tip of Ryan’s nose, trying to bring them back to reality.
"I am up alright, but maybe we should get back to business." Ryan said letting Colin feel exactly what he was implying.
He watched Colin blush and close his eyes.
"I want this case solved as quickly as possible. I’ve got more important things to do with my time." The good humored police officer said slapping the rear playfully of the man on top of him.
Colin sat behind his desk. He was looking through the database with the captured intruder's picture, half-awake. Ryan was on his way to the consultant’s office after getting up from the couch.
The myriad of pictures scrolling through the database stopped. A red "match" text blinked its warning on the screen. Colin compared the pictures. It was him. His file showed that he was a mental health patient and he lived in town. His social security and medical benefits had stopped five months ago so there were no records after that. The man was described as a secluded man with schizophrenia. With the medication he was taking it was under control. Colin quickly called the hospital and asked if they were checking his blood. After a few minutes waiting on the lab technician he explained that the lab results had arrived early this morning but there was no indication of needle use or any kind of drugs or medication. After hanging up Colin sent some officers to the man’s apartment to search it.
Specialist Frost stepped in. He looked tired and his thin, grey hair pointed in every direction. He had been at the lab ever since the action at the hospital. Colin felt a little guilty about his pleasant nap earlier with Ryan. Thinking back on it he smiled and thought a "rested" officer will be more able to function in his duties. He reminded himself to tell Frost to take a break.
"I might have found something."
He was a man who had little time for games. He didn’t make introductions just came in and got to work. Colin liked his brusque manner, but he had to quickly switch gears to keep up with him.
"I think the remote for the detonator was actually a cell phone. I found pieces of that kind of equipment. It's new technology so I called to the university upstate and spoke to a bloke of mine who happens to be in the field. He’s conducted a recent study on the technical aspects and is due to have a follow up course instructed on it. Here’s how he explained it. It works like this."
The older man took a pencil from his pocket and started drawing on Colin's papers.
"First you got this plastic explosive. You can mould a little hole in it and pour the gas in it. Then place this detonator in it. Any kind of cell phone will do it. You put cables from the battery into the gasoline. When you place a call to it and it connects…KABOOM!" Frost manically gestured, making the explosion with his big hairy arms.
"Do we have the Sim-card from the phone?"
"I’m afraid it's destroyed. I found a little piece that gives a hint of a Sim-card. That's how I got the conclusion but that's an only piece so the owner is impossible to check."
Time passed slowly. Colin was pretty much sure that the unconscious man in the hospital wasn't behind the bomb attack. . He had sent Frost in his hotel to get some sleep. While he waited for Ryan's call, Brad opened the door.
"Hey! Can I talk to you a moment?" He asked.
Colin motioned for him to sit down.
"Say, I have this Christmas vacation coming up in five days. You think I can keep it with the case still going on?" He asked with a worried voice.
Colin couldn't answer that. He didn't know about the employees work schedules. All he knew that there were too little personnel to spare. He promised Brad that he’d ask Chief Carey when they talked next time. Carey was settled in his temporary office at City Hall and took care of everything from there.
Brad thanked him and left the room. Colin wasn't really sure about the dark, serious, young cop. He could tell that he held himself back. Like he wasn't showing his full personality. Colin was sure that he was a totally different person outside the working hours.
Colin dropped outside to the local deli to get sandwiches. Ryan was holding on a call for him when he re-entered his office.
"We've been through files for the patients of this year. There are four possible cases which are related to chemistry and physics. I'll bring copies of them with me. He ended his call briefly.
He arrived 30 minutes later and they sat down to review the cases.
Angie Tipps, 30, Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. Birth of first child over a year ago, resulted in severe post-partum depression. Her medication helped control the depression and her required counseling sessions had been shortened.
Malcolm Hudson 19, student. Was expelled from University five months prior for hitting the University President. University legal committee ordered him to be expelled from the campus until he received the recommended ten counseling sessions from appointed psychiatric advisor. Kept regular appointments, every two weeks before budget cuts. After the cuts he maintained his visits every two months. Within the diagnosis Hudson was described as an intelligent, talented student but with a lack of communication skills.
Frank Anderson, 53, retired physics teacher. Needed counseling after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Was suicidal but after successful operation is currently in remission but still felt the need to continue counseling twice a year.
Michael Natter, 41, Former inmate. Took college level courses in chemistry and physics there. Incarcerated for raping a female in his 30's and spent 10 years in prison. After his release, the county ordered him to the state’s mental health facility for treatment every two months. After the downsizing, it was reduced to four times a year.
Colin studied the files thoughtfully. His fingers tapped the desk. He was thinking what would be the best way to approach the individuals on the list. He asked Ryan's opinion of how they should proceed. Should they go and interview them individually, or place them under surveillance?
They settled on going to meet them. Colin took the first two names and Ryan the rest. Ryan drove him in front of Tipp’s house and then left to Anderson's house.
They had interviewed all four in 2 hours. Angie was stable again and her life seemed to have settled down. She was adjusting to being a mother and found that she enjoyed it. Hudson lived with his parents but wasn’t actually at home at the moment. His parents told Colin that he was ordinary boy, spending lots of times on the Internet .
Ryan went to Anderson's house and everything seemed to be fine there too. The teacher had found a younger woman in his older days and was happy in his new life. Natter was a more difficult case. When Ryan pulled up in the squad car he saw him flee from his back door and take off down the alley. Ryan heaved an exasperated sigh and took off after him. He threw him to the ground and straddled him, Michael struggling and trying to break free.
"You’re not going anywhere, buddy." Ryan said sitting firmly and easily on his chest. Through gasps Michael told him that he thought Ryan was after him because of the pot he had been smoking. Ryan questioned him and realized that Natter didn't even know who was the town's Mayor at the time, let alone was coherent enough to attempt a bomb threat. He released him with a warning.
When Ryan met up with Colin at the department, they admitted that their leads could possibly be wrong. They were again back at square one. Ryan was so frustrated and tired. He paced back and forth in Colin’s office. Colin watched him saying nothing. He kept his quiet calm about him, but he was feeling the same way Ryan was looking. Ryan growled in frustration and finally stopped in front of his desk, placing his hands on the smooth hardwood surface. His eyes sparked fire.
"Col, do you think that the security of the city can wait if I take you now to my place and make love to you until you can't walk?"
Colin cocked his head dropping his mouth open, looking shocked. Ryan’s words instantly made his insides turn to jelly and he felt a hot flash wash through his body. Ryan looked dead serious but a tiny mischievous quirk at the side of his mouth, caused Colin to smile, little dimple showing. Ryan walked around the desk to him and grasped his arm and started to drag him to the door. At the same time it opened Chief Carey stepped in.
"The axe man is now awake. I want you to talk with him. His therapist is already there. I just dropped by to pick up some papers."
They left the hospital in the evening. The axe man wasn't the City Hall bomber. The officers who searched his home didn’t turn up anything of any importance either. He was just a loner who saw the bombing on the news and heard voices that had told him to take care of the Mayor. He hadn't taken his medication for weeks since he had no one to make sure he was taking it. He was under surveillance at the hospital and after recovering from the concussion of the brain, he would be transferred to the mental health facility.
Ryan and Colin both spoke briefly with the mayor, turning up no new information. Mayor McShane’s condition was commendable. Although he had lost his hearing in one ear, he was otherwise recovering well. It would still be a while before he would be able to return to office, but it looked as though there would be no problem of him making a comeback.
Colin sat in front seat of Ryan's car. It was getting late and Colin thought that they should call it a day and go home. He looked over at Ryan who was concentrating on the icy road. He looked tired and weary. His hands were gripping the steering wheel and he let out a small sigh. Colin bit his lower lip and placed a comforting yet lingering hand on Ryan's thigh and squeezed it. The man gasped and the car swerved on the road.
"You can't do that without warning!" Ryan yipped loudly.
His words echoed in the car. Colin studied him, a sly smile spreading on his features. He saw that Ryan was blushing.
"OK…consider this a warning." Colin whispered into his ear, easing closer to Ryan pressing his body against the warm solid strength of Ryan’s while moving his had further up his thigh.
"Colin, the road is icy, you shouldn't do that." Ryan said his voice low and breathy. He was smiling and allowed his shoulders to relax a little from their hunched state. Colin had a way of knowing just how to make him feel good. He briefly glanced in his direction.
"OK. As you wish…Deputy Stiles." Colin said, pouting his adorable bottom lip, and he let his hand slide off his thigh. At the loss of contact, Ryan groaned. It was as if Colin had took all the warmth and heat with him in just that single gesture.
"Oh don't you dare to stop now!" He said with a growl.
Colin giggled and whispered in his ear.
"I thought it was dangerous?" He teased his voice soft and mellow, almost sing-song.
Colin smiled so seductively at him that Ryan almost lost control of the vehicle again just by the thought of what was behind the smile. Colin nonchalantly put his hand back and massaged slowly up Ryan’s thigh until he came to the juncture between his legs. Ryan gasped at his boldness, and the car brushed along the side of the ditch. Ryan corrected his steering just barely, until he felt the pressure of Colin’s hand as it found the hard thick bulge in Ryan’s pants.
He stroked it gently but firmly enjoying Ryan’s moan of appreciation. Colin watched Ryan’s face as he felt the heat rise in his own. He brushed his nose against Ryan’s shoulder and whispered into his ear.
"It’s been too long, Ry."
Ryan’s hands trembled on the wheel. He so wanted to stop the car and take Colin right there, but the thought of a nice warm house and bed made Ryan put his foot on the accelerator. Ryan drove faster and they were at Colin's house in no time.
Ryan didn’t even shut the ignition off as the slid into the driveway. He turned to Colin who had been toying with Ryan’s shirt, under his coat, feeling his chest beneath the material and bringing a cold nipple to hardness by his touch. He had teased Ryan so naughtily the rest of the ride home, urging him to drive faster and saying all kinds of things that would make the man lose his control. He knew it was dangerous but he needed Ryan that bad.
Ryan grabbed Colin’s coat with one hand and the back of his head with the other. It took less than a second for their cold, eager mouths to find the others, instantly warming them with hot kisses. Colin dug his hands into Ryan’s hair as he felt Ryan’s tongue dive into the warm cavern of his mouth. They broke away, gasping.
"Inside…now!" Ryan said knowing Colin would understand him. It was too cold for this outside, no matter how much the car’s temperature seemed to increase.
Ryan got out and ran to the other side of the car yanking the door open faster than Colin could open it on his own. He drug the man up the stairs and waited impatiently as Colin fumbled for keys. He was beginning to disrobe him on the porch and Colin could feel the cold bite of Ryan’s chilled skin on his heated flesh.
"Hurry…" Ryan urged.
Colin got the key in the lock and Ryan nearly kicked the door in. He had wrapped Colin in his embrace and was kissing him moving him backwards into the house. He slammed him against the wall and grabbed the waistband of his jeans, tugging him close to his own so that Colin could feel his need as it pressed achingly against his own. Colin whimpered softly as he rocked against Ryan, resting his forehead briefly against Ryan’s. His ragged breathing was letting Ryan know that he was driving him right to the edge.
"Oh god, Ryan you are so hard." He said in awe and amazement.
"It’s what you do to me." Ryan said haltingly still trying to do five things at once.
He needed Colin out of his clothes. He took Colin by the hand and led him upstairs, stopping along the way for kisses and the shedding of clothes. They both needed to see the other naked. It was a desire that was eating away at the fabric of their beings.
The room was dark and Colin barely had time to flick on the bedside lamp. They looked at each other for a fleeting second.
"Oh Col…"Ryan said in reverence.
His body was just the way he remembered it. It had been so very long. Colin closed his eyes to the tone of love in Ryan’s voice. He stood still and let Ryan come to him. Touching him lightly on the shoulder, with trembling fingers, Ryan looked at him and smiled. Letting all the love he had bottled up inside of him shine through. Colin was becoming dizzy. It felt like waves washing over him. He needed to feel Ryan’s body then and now.
He clung to Ryan then without further word and kissed him hard. He gasped into Ryan’s mouth as he felt their hard cocks rub against each other.
Colin turned Ryan, pushing him onto his back on the big wide bed. Colin straddled his thighs. He pushed himself back until he felt Ryan’s cock brushing his ass. Colin moaned in want. He rubbed against it, re-familiarizing himself with the feel. Ryan was lost in desire. He watched Colin’s face as he felt his lover enjoying the feel of his hardness.
"I can’t wait any longer Col…" Ryan sighed bringing his long fingers around the curve of Colin’s ass positioning him on top of his now dripping cock.
Colin eased his way down on Ryan's cock inch by inch until he felt Ryan totally inside him. They both were breathless. The feelings they both were waiting for months finally happened. Colin pressed his chest against Ryan’s and kissed him deeply. He had tears in his eyes. He had missed this so much. Ryan put his hands on either side of Colin’s hips and began a slow steady rocking inside the man. Colin stared into Ryan’s eyes darkly, the lust growing the more the rhythm increased. It drove Ryan crazy. Colin leaned down to kiss Ryan's hot wet lips once again.
Colin felt sensational and when Ryan brought his hand between their chests to squeeze over his needing cock he called out Ryan's name and rode him faster. They couldn't handle it for long. Colin’s hips rocked and bucked against Ryan needing and wanting to feel him as deep and as filling as he could. They've been waiting this moment so long and had been frustrated so many times during their reunion, they so needed this to last. Ryan started to push faster panting and begging for more pushing deeper into Colin’s body. Colin answered his passioned plea by swinging his hips in the same quickening rhythm.
He felt Ryan's cock brush against his prostate and he shuddered pleasurably against him, seeing stars swimming in his vision. Ryan’s hand, hot and warm and persistent continued to tug and tease him. Ryan rocked into him one last time and he filled Colin, warm juices spouting deep inside of him. Colin moaned frantically and came at the insistence of Ryan’s pumping hand on his throbbing cock. Ryan felt the white hot liquid coat his belly and chest and he rubbed his thumb over the now sensitive flesh, soothing it with some of the remaining traces.
They lay against each other catching their breath. Colin held Ryan close to him hugging him tight. He fumbled for Ryan’s mouth in the semi-darkness. Ryan raised his head and their tongues met and danced with each other. Colin tried to move from the top of Ryan's body, But Ryan wouldn’t let him go. He rolled over with Colin keeping him in his warm and cozy embrace. They were still face to face. Colin looked at him with love before burying his forehead into Ryan's neck and closed his eyes for a moment. The day was two long for the two lovers and soon they both drifted off into a deep sleep.
Two hours later Colin's phone rang. He reached for it and went to another room. He didn't want to wake up Ryan now that he finally was getting some real sleep. It was Greg. Colin smiled into the phone as Greg told him that he could arrive at Monday 17th of December if it still was ok for Colin.
Colin counted the days. It was Thursday now so Greg would arrive in three days. He surely hoped that the case was over by then. He promised to pick him up at the airport when he got there. They ended the call and Colin was even happier.
At that time he decided to call Jeff and update him on the news. He told Jeff that he was good now with Ryan, and that he was there with him. He could hear the pause on the other end of the line and when he called Jeff’s name, the voice that answered sounded a little odd. Jeff said that he was happy for them, but Colin couldn't hear that feeling in his tone. Maybe he was just tired, it was pretty late in the evening..
After the call Colin went back to bed and buried himself under Ryan's warm arms. He sighed in total contentment. Things were finally looking on the bright side.
Early the next morning Ryan rose. He needed to go home to change his clothes and get a shower before work. Colin sleepily walked him to the door and placed a sincere kiss on his lips. Ryan held him tightly to his chest and smiled down at him. They were happy. Colin finally let him go and then he went to shower too.
After his usual morning routine, he went to the department and started to think about the case again. They had nothing and it was weekend ahead. Colin called Chief Carey and asked if he should be on duty over the weekend but Carey told him to take a rest and come back on Monday evening if there were any new leads to follow. Colin told that they had no information that they could continue with. Colin remembered Officer Sherwood's earlier visit and asked if he could begin his vacation on Monday as it was on the schedule. Carey said that would be fine.
Colin found Brad in the restroom and told him Chief Carey's message. The young officer smiled and thanked him.
A little later Ryan came in from duty. He walked into Colin's office and sat opposite of him.
"Should we go through all the details again?" He asked.
Colin nodded and they went through all the files again. Colin thought hard. There must be something they missed; he just couldn't see what it was. At five p.m. they gave up and left the department.
They went to the Villa Rosa and ordered dinner. Finally they had time to sit down and eat in peace. Just when they were leaving Jeff entered the restaurant. Colin went to greet him while Ryan remained in the background. Colin saw that something had changed in his young friend’s face. He looked more reserved and the smile that Colin was used to seeing on his face was not there. He didn’t want to talk to Jeff about it while Ryan’s presence was hovering over him, so he just promised to call Jeff tomorrow. Jeff looked at him with intense, piercing eyes that Colin could see held the briefest hint of pain, glanced at Ryan and nodded his head. He said not a word but brushed his way past Colin and without looking again at Ryan found a seat in the corner of the restaurant and turned his back to
Colin looked after his friend, confused. He shrugged his shoulders and left with Ryan close behind him.
They went back to Colin's house. Ryan had a 12 hour shift ahead of him the following day so they relaxed on the couch and just watched TV. Colin didn't want to ask about Jeff but he was worried for his friend.
"So you haven't told me about your relationship to Jeff yet." Colin began carefully.
Ryan looked away from the television sharply at Colin but noticed that there weren’t any double meanings in Colin's question so he relaxed and leaned back into the couch cushions.
"I told you earlier that I was involved in with Jeff's mother in high school. She got pregnant. I knew I couldn't tie myself down with her or the child and her parents didn't like me either. I wasn't that popular among mothers back then if you know what I mean. So Ben Davis married her and raised my kid as his own."
Colin watched Ryan as he spoke. Ryan was looking at the carpet and although Colin could hear his lighthearted tone on the surface, he felt and heard the bitterness underneath.
"Do you think he knows that you are his father? He acts differently when you are around." Colin finally asked putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Colin, he has a crush on you. That's why he acts like that." Ryan said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"What? No way. He never said anything like that to me. I don’t think that is the case so don't start with that anymore, OK?" Colin said getting nervous. He didn't want to argue anymore about the Jeff Ryan situation.
"I know the look in his eyes. I see complete adoration and awe. Sometimes to the point of desperation. I don't want to argue, but maybe you should talk with him about it."
Colin was thoughtful. He went through all the talks he had with Jeff and tried to remember if there were any signs of him showing anything but friendship towards him. He recalled that Jeff didn’t seem to mind all the touching and even offered some of his own more than friendly touches in the past. He admitted to Ryan that he could be right and decided to ask Jeff about it the next time he saw him
Ryan yawned and stretched and told Colin that he had better go home now. He had to be up at four am and he needed sleep. Colin was disappointed. He thought that Ryan would have wanted to stay overnight with him. Now he had a lonely night ahead of him in this big house.
"Can’t you stay and sleep over with me?" He asked softly and sweetly rising with Ryan as he headed to the door.
"Oh Colin, I really need a good rest before my duties and if I stay here...in your bed…with you beside me…looking at me the way you do now, and touching me the way you are now…I’ll be a walking zombie, a happy zombie but a zombie nonetheless." The taller man said and smirked at his pouting lover
Colin smiled as he put his arms around Ryan and buried his face into his chest breathing in his uniquely wonderful scent. Ryan bent his head down and sought Colin’s mouth and they kissed each other and wished the other goodnight, Ryan reluctantly pulling himself from Colin’s arms.
Colin closed the door to his now empty home. He already began to feel the loneliness creep in and take over. Before he allowed that to happen he placed a call to Jeff. He invited Jeff to come over and have lunch with him the next day. Colin knew that it would be a good opportunity to talk to him then. Jeff laughed happily into the phone, causing Colin to swallow the lump in his throat. Jeff promised to come over promptly at noon.
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Bottom of Form 1
Saturday morning came after a very restless night. Colin had several nightmares. In one, someone shot out the windows of his house, but it wasn't his house. It was much bigger. People screamed, and ran about. Big flames and fire came out of the windows. Colin watched in disbelief as Ryan stood next to the house, smiling. Colin tried to reach him but he couldn't move his legs. He woke up with a start and looked around. The screams and voices still echoed in his head but they stopped after a moment.
He went downstairs to make coffee. Jeff was supposed to be there in a couple of hours. He had promised to make them lunch so he began to prepare for it now.
A few minutes into the chicken salad he was making, the phone rang and it was Ryan calling to wish him a good morning. Colin told him that he was meeting with Jeff for lunch today. He heard Ryan’s voice take on a nervous tone, so Colin changed the subject and asked if there was anything new? With a disappointed sigh, Ryan told him that nothing had come up with the case. Colin sighed as well and Ryan promised to come over in the evening. Colin was so happy and he told Ryan that would be great! They hung up the phone and Colin’s mood brightened.
The hours passed quickly and soon there was a knock on the front door. Colin opened it to a grinning Jeff. He eased his way comfortably into the house, almost like he owned it, and remarked on the improvements Colin had made. Colin put a hand on his back and led the way to the dining room. He served his lunch, thick hearty sub sandwiches and chicken salad. Jeff ate with a good appetite, complimenting the chef with appraising words. Colin observed his young friend. He couldn't see any signs of a crush in Jeff. Maybe Ryan was wrong.
After eating, they moved to Colin’s living room and sat down on the couch. Jeff stretched his long black jean clad legs out deliciously and almost purred like a cat. His belly was full and he put a hand down to it, rubbing it under his t-shirt. Colin watched as his tee rose up giving a tiny view of the fine trail of hair on Jeff’s abdomen starting at his belly button. He propped his feet on the edge of the coffee table. ‘He’s gorgeous.’ Colin thought, then shook his head. He carefully started his conversation asking Jeff why he looked so sad when they met him the other day at the restaurant.
Jeff looked at Colin thoughtfully and skirted the issue by saying that he was just tired. He shifted on the couch and Colin put his hand on Jeff’s knee coming straight to the point. He could have thought of many other ways to put it but he always went for the direct approach.
"Jeff, do you feel more than just friendship towards me?"
Jeff looked down at the hand on his knee then back up into the soft brown questioning eyes and he swallowed hard. It was now or never.
"I...um...well...I...I oh I don’t know. Jeff said the color rising to his pale features. I guess I do a bit, maybe. Yes." He said finally.
Colin moved his hand and put it on Jeff’s shoulder giving him an encouraging squeeze.
"How can I not, Colin? I do, I like you a lot, but I know you are with Deputy Stiles and everything. It’s just, you are so nice to me and I feel good when I'm around you. Please don't let this ruin our friendship. I can get over it and I'm not gonna do anything." Jeff looked at him with pleading eyes full of pent up frustration. He rubbed a hand through his raven black hair and it settled back into its familiar spike.
Colin pitied the young man. In the short time that he had come to know him, he knew he had lost his lover, faced his murderer, and nearly died by the same fate. Now he had a crush on someone who couldn't give him anything more than his friendship. He wanted to comfort him in some way, and did the only thing he could. Colin leaned into the young, complicated man and hugged him.
Apparently Jeff misinterpreted what was happening. He whimpered softly in Colin’s arms when it became too much and he lifted his head brushing his lips against Colin’s own. Jeff closed his eyes to the sweetness and before he could control what was happening he deepened the kiss pushing Colin back into the cushions, fingering the soft fringes of his snowy white hair, marveling at its texture. Colin eyes widened underneath the man. It was all happening too quickly. He gasped and pushed Jeff away, hard. Colin put a hand to his mouth in shock. Jeff blushed a deep red and stood up.
"Oh…oh Colin…I'm sorry. I thought…I have to go now!" The younger man said apologizing, running to the door.
"Jeff, wait!" Colin yelled.
"I can't see you for a while." Jeff said frantically, "I'm really, really sorry." Jeff put a hand on the door knob after fighting to get his jacket on.
"Jeff, it doesn't matter what happened. Everything is alright. I am still your friend!" Colin said trying to convince his fleeing form.
Jeff turned and looked thankfully at the older man, but he felt so humiliated that he just couldn't stay any longer. With a pained, broken-hearted look, he rushed through the snow without looking back.
Colin watched as Jeff hurried away from the icy curbside and felt awful. He knew he shouldn’t have said anything or even brought up the painful subject but he had to know. Ryan’s suspicions were not unfounded. Colin sighed. He wasn’t looking forward to this drama. He was anxious and needed something to do. He washed the dishes and packed all the leftover food in little boxes and headed to the police department. He could as well spend time there. Ryan would be off duty in two hours and they could spend some time together. He needed to see if anything could be done for the case while he had the free time. Colin was never one to sit by and let the world go idly by in front of him.
Colin entered the department shaking snow from his boots. He walked down the hallway with a bag containing the food in it and noticed that Ryan's door was open. Smiling, Colin stepped inside and saw Ryan behind his desk, talking on the phone. Ryan noticed his visitor and his face lit up. He looked delighted to see him. He motioned for Colin to sit down and continued his conversation. Colin shut the door behind him and placed the food on the desk. He removed his winter coat, rounded the desk and sat in Ryan's lap. Ryan gasped into the phone in surprise. He looked up at Colin, who gave him the most innocent of smiles, little dimple showing coyly in his cheek, eyes twinkling.
He leaned down and kissed Ryan’s neck, small little kisses while Ryan tried desperately to maintain coherency as he talked to the other person on the line. He tried to pull his head away from Colin, but Colin didn't care. Colin chuckled softly under his breath as he moved his lips to Ryan’s jaw line swirling little patterns into the skin along its length with the tip of his tongue.
Ryan squeezed his eyes shut and tried to focus on the conversation. He was beginning to lose all thoughts of concentration and was in an awkward situation. He tried to push Colin away but Colin didn't take no as an answer. Ryan nearly moaned into the phone as Colin’s hand found its way underneath Ryan’s uniform shirt and cold fingertips were touching their way deliciously on the heated skin of his chest. He had no option but to end the call.
"Colin that call was important." Ryan said putting his hands on Colin’s shoulders and easing him away from his body.
He tried with his last remaining strength and resolve to be stern.
"It was a concerned citizen who wanted to make a report about a missing animal." Ryan said seriously.
Colin looked at the tall man challengingly.
"Was it a stallion? Because I know where there is one with enormous horse power." Colin said and placed Ryan's hand on his crotch. Colin looked at Ryan daring him to make the next move.
Ryan couldn't resist anymore. He stood up nearly toppling Colin off of his lap and pushed him against the desk. He caught Colin's lower lip gently with his teeth growling in his chest as he unbuttoned his shirt. Colin stared back at him, lustfully, propping his arms up on the desk, licking Ryan’s lips and kissing him when he could. Ryan saw Colin's bare chest in front of him now and he brought his long slender fingers up to touch and tease his nipples. He lingered in the baby soft hair on his chest, loving the feel. Colin moaned under the strong deputy's hands. He gasped in Ryan's hair, brushing his nose along the temple and breathing in Ryan’s arousing scent. Ryan lifted his face and looked into Colin’s eyes. His heart melted at the half-lidded look of love he was receiving in return
"I want to come inside of you Ryan." Colin said breathlessly.
Ryan looked at Colin feeling insecure and he dropped his eyes to Colin’s front. Colin lifted Ryan’s chin with his finger and brought his lips back to his own. He kissed him sweetly putting as much love as he could into the touch. Colin continued to kiss him as he undid the button to Ryan’s jeans, and he didn’t resist when Colin pulled them down. He took Ryan's already hard cock in his hands and stroked it with long, languid, sure strokes. He stopped kissing Ryan gauging his reactions, just looking at him.
Ryan’s hands trembled along Colin’s sides really beginning to enjoy his attentive treatment. He closed his eyes panting heavily as Colin teased him, reading his cock like a blind man reading Braille. Colin watched the excited man. He bent forward a little and slid his other hand down to Ryan's sac, playing and teasing there, still listening to the man above him as Ryan’s breathing became labored and he hissed between clenched teeth.
"Feels…so…good…Colin." He sighed. Colin smiled wryly and continued forward. He placed warm wet kisses on Ryan’s clothed abdomen. How he wished the shirt was not there. Ryan’s hands were gripping Colin’s hips moving on their own accord to Colin’s hardened bulge straining in his pants. Ryan felt the outline and watch it quiver under his touch. Colin’s fingers found his opening and Ryan tensed, involuntarily squeezing Colin when he tried to enter his finger in.
"Ryan, relax. I promise to be gentle and if you don't like it just say it."
Colin guessed that Ryan was very inexperienced with the receiving end but he was so over heated that he couldn't go on much longer with the foreplay. He felt like he needed his lover around his cock right away.
"Colin, I ..." Ryan hesitated.
"I know...just tell me if you don't want it..." Colin said a desperate plea in his voice.
Ryan struggled for awhile but came to a decision. He saw the hungry look in Colin's eyes and that was all the debating he did. With a look of trust and a squeeze of Colin’s hand he offered himself by bending over his desk and taking the hand he still held, placed it on his buttock.
"Oh Ryan…" Colin whimpered softly. A tear formed in his eye.
He bent over his desk and placed Colin's hand on his rear. He looked back at Colin eyes full of trust. Colin swallowed the lump of emotion he was feeling. He knew what a step of faith this was for Ryan. He stroked the smooth tanned skin lovingly, and gave Ryan a smile of reassurance. He would not hurt him for anything in the world.
Ryan turned and steadied himself against the desk. He heard the sounds of Colin unzipping his pants behind him and he trembled with anticipation. There was a pause as he heard Colin shuffling through something in his wallet. He looked back at him curiously. Colin had produced a little packet of something he never left home without and began to coat his erection with it. He hissed as the cool liquid hit his skin. Ryan moaned as he watched Colin stroke the length of himself. It was quite erotic to see him touch and feel himself. Colin’s eyelids fluttered. It felt so good. He had not stopped his seductive massaging of Ryan’s ass as he continued to prepare himself. He was more than ready.
Colin placed both hands on Ryan’s ass, calming and soothing and murmuring endearments as he separated his cheeks a little. He could see Ryan's opening. He moved Ryan's other leg wider with his foot and placed cool fingers still coated against Ryan causing him to gasp at the sensation. Colin was almost swept away with the need to feel Ryan to be inside, to have him completely. He eased his fingers inside gently stretching him.
"Colin…hurry…" Ryan said desperately. He was beginning to sweat and was rocking back on Colin’s fingers. The sensation was like none he had ever experienced. He wanted more.
Colin guided his penis at the opening and carefully started to push into Ryan. Ryan moaned pleasurably. There was a slight dull pain, but the warmth and liquid smoothness of being filled replaced that sensation and he allowed his muscles to relax. It gave more room for Colin to enter. He pushed until he was deep inside of his lover. He paused briefly gauging Ryan’s reactions. He felt the sleek skin of Ryan’s back, massaging and placing small kisses there.
"Shh..it’s ok…It’s ok…Oh Ryan…" He breathed softly against him. He was near tears. He needed to move soon. He needed to quell the heat that was causing his temperature to rise.
"Ryan…please talk to me…tell me you’re ready." He said mouthing his way down Ryan’s spine.
"Yes…Colin…yes now!!" Ryan said steadying himself against the desk and rocking back unexpectedly on Colin’s dick. Colin gasped in surprise.
He chuckled softly when he could breathe again. The deputy never ceased to amaze him. He started to push and created a slow rhythm.
"God you feel so good…" Ryan said between his groans. He felt Colin as he eased in and out of him slowly to the tip and then plunge back inside. It was making his mind swim. He began to wonder why he had held out for so long.
Colin sped up and Ryan responded to the rhythm. Colin dug his fingers into Ryan’s flanks and began to babble incoherently all the things he had been building up inside of him. How great Ryan made him feel. How hot he was how much he needed this. He repeated Ryan's name over and over as he felt himself begin to climax. Ryan cried out as he felt Colin slam against him several times until he relaxed. Ryan turned to him all blushed and heated.
"Colin, that was hot!" Ryan muttered against his lover's mouth, as Colin pulled him in for a long deep kiss.
Colin answered him by pushing Ryan back onto his office chair and without further word lowered himself backwards on Ryan's hard cock. Ryan cried out in as it sank easily in Colin's wanting ass. Colin started to ride it wildly. Ryan took him by such force fucking himself cross-eyed. It didn’t take long and in no time Ryan came deep inside of him. Colin pressed his perspiring back against Ryan’s chest and laced an arm around the back of his head pulling him down for another long, lingering kiss that took even more of their breath away. Ryan brought his hand up and placed it over Colin’s rapidly beating heart. They laughed and held each other close for many moments.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later, Ryan sat on his desk and ate the food that Colin had brought for him. Colin was lying on his back on the couch.
"Did you speak with Jeff?" Ryan asked between bites.
"Yes, and you were right."
"What happened?"
"I...we...he admitted and..."
Colin didn't want to tell Ryan about the kiss, but on the other hand he didn't want to keep secrets from Ryan.
"He admitted and?" Ryan continued Colin's sentence, noticing his pause.
"Well he kissed me but it was a misunderstanding so ..."
Colin almost saw the dark clouds that gathered over Ryan's head.
"He kissed you and you got excited and had to run over to me and get your dick taken care of?" Ryan said bluntly, crossing his arms.
Colin saw this coming. He knew Ryan so well and that's why he didn't want to say anything but Ryan knew him just as well so he would notice anyway. Colin wondered at how this intelligent man could be so primitive when something threatens his "property".
"No Ryan", Colin said calmly. "I didn't get excited because of him. I got excited on my way over here because I realized that the only man I wanna kiss or be close to is you."
Colin propped himself on an elbow and looked at Ryan smiling a most adorable smile at him. He dropped his voice low and alluring. "And I went hard because of the thought that I was going to see you soon."
Ryan placed his fork on the table and stood up. In a couple of long strides he was at Colin’s side. He lowered himself on top of Colin covering him in his warmth and Colin immediately opened his arms to Ryan giving him a long passionate kiss. He could never get enough of them.
"I’m sorry. It's just so hard to think of sharing you with anybody. I still can't believe I have someone like you in my life." Ryan said with a tender look in his eyes.
"Just get used to it. I'm not letting you go Ryan and I don't want anyone else. Just keep that in your mind when you get those doubts." And with that, Colin reached up to flick off the light behind them. He had some more convincing to do.
The Sunday morning sunshine shone brightly through Colin’s bedroom window. Colin stretched and sniffed the air. It smelled like breakfast. He crinkled his nose in confusion replacing it with a lazy smile. He patted the empty spot on the mattress beside him and frowned again. He opened a pair of bleary brown eyes and saw a breakfast tray in the place where a warm body should be Ryan had surprised Colin with breakfast in bed. After the night he had, he found himself famished and the food was delicious.
When he finished he noticed that there were two tickets to a concert in town where they were at now, along with a more than naughty note describing the after show entertainment.
The Red Lantern club was a very cozy place with a big stage. Colin and Ryan found a private table not so far from the performer. Wayne Brady, the featured artist, sang Frank Sinatra's songs with a smooth tenor voice.
The very thought of you…
and I forget to do
the little orrrrdinarrry things
that everyone aught to doooo……
Colin was enjoying himself. The music had a sleepy quality to it and the atmosphere was hypnotizing. He glanced over at Ryan who sat next to him and saw him dreamily gazing back at him.
"What?" Colin asked flirting, tracing little patterns into the back of Ryan’s hand that was resting on the table.
Ryan didn't answer, he just leaned over to Colin and pretended to whisper something is his ear. Instead he gave a little kiss there. Colin felt happiness. He blushed and stared into Ryan’s eyes as the song continued.
I’m living in a kind of daydream…
I’m happy, as a king,
and foolish, though it may seem,
to meee, you’re everything…
After Wayne had finished the set and the evening was drawing to a close, Colin and Ryan got up to leave. Ryan told Colin that Wayne was originally from Boonsville and he was now a famous performer in New York. They knew of each other but only as someone in town. Colin asked if he wanted to go and greet him.
Ryan knew the janitor of the Red Lantern as someone he used to go to high school with. He asked if he would do his old buddy a favor and let him talk to the star of the show. With a genial grin of one who was proud of his "special privileges", Bob, the janitor, led them to Brady's dressing room. Ryan knocked on the door and opened it.
Colin and Ryan took a step back. They both had a surprising view in front of them. Two shirtless men were all over each other, kissing and groping. Ryan and Colin looked at each other. Ryan pulled the door closed quickly and left. Apparently the two involved men didn't notice them.
"Did you see...?"
"Yes, it was Brad..."
"Good for him."
And they smirked at each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Colin was supposed to get Greg from the airport. He was asleep tucked in beside Ryan. He had still an hour to go before needing to get up and get a move on.Colin took full advantage of having a warm body next to him.
Colin awoke to the sound of a ringing phone. It was eight in the morning. Ryan was asleep next to him but moved when he heard the noise. Colin groaned and tried his best not to disturb him any more than the annoyance of the phone had.
"What? OK...I'm on my way...!" Colin said groggily, still not awake to the world, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
Then Ryan's cell phone rang. Colin reached over and gave it to him from where it lay on the table.
"Something’s happened…" He said preparing Ryan.
Ryan growled into the phone swearing loudly as he got the news. They both rushed outside throwing their clothes on as they ran. Ryan started the car and Colin brushed off the snow that had covered it during the night.
"You think it's the city hall bomber?" Ryan asked while driving as fast as he could given the hazardous weather conditions.
"I don't know, but it’s possible. Colin said putting on his gloves and tucking in his shirt. "Actually I hope so, because if not this town is full of lunatics." Colin dug into his coat pocket for his cell phone and hit Greg’s speed dial button.
Greg didn't answer. He must have shut off his phone already. He needed to have left for the airport in an hour if he would be there on time. He had no other options, except one.
Jeff rolled over. He was always a hot-natured man. Even in the dead of winter he slept in the nude with only a sheet covering him. Right now the sheet was tangled between his legs and he was clutching his pillow like a long forgotten teddy bear. His pale smooth back had goose bumps on it but he didn’t mind. He was deep in sleep and his hair was even more bed head than it intentionally should be. The ringing of his phone cut into his disturbing dreams. He shot up in bed a name on his lips, long forgotten, his heart racing. "WHAT??!!" He said confused, dazed.
He brought the palms of his hands up to his eyes resting his elbows on his knees, pushing away the memories.
"Hey Jeff." Colin’s soft but urgent tones reached Jeff’s muddled brain.
"I'm really sorry but can I ask you a huge favor?"
"Colin…" Jeff’s voice was high and sad, and Colin paused briefly. When Jeff didn’t say anymore he continued.
"We have an emergency situation now, it’s really tough and my friend is due to arrive at the airport in about five hours. Can you pick him up for me, please?"
"Colin…I…" Jeff breathed into the phone. He twisted the cord around his finger. He wanted to do anything to make up for the way he acted the other day to his friend. How could he tell him how sorry he was?
"It’s ok, Jeff, really." Colin said understanding. Ryan looked at him briefly before turning his eyes back to the road.
Jeff exhaled deeply and consented. Colin promised to leave the keys to Ryan's civilian car at the front desk of the department. They reached the station and rushed inside the building and headed over to the weapons closet. Ryan took out bulletproof vests and riffles. As they ran back outside Colin threw the car keys to Esten.
The tires squealed and spun on the snow, as they headed toward the destination of the crisis. They were on their way to the local University. There were already units parked around the entrance. Ryan jumped out of the car and rushed over to Chief Carey who was already at the opening of the building.
Jeff pulled up in a screeching halt in front of the airport terminal, his tires skidding on the snow that the plows hadn’t removed. It had taken him a while to find the right gate, this airport being the biggest in the state. The five hour drive had given him time to reflect on many things. He had cautiously navigated through the winding forest roads, being a native driver in winter conditions, he could drive and think at the same time. One thing was for certain, he was not feeling good. The revelations Colin had brought to him over the weekend were not sitting well with him.
He replayed over in his mind the discussion and the feelings of helplessness hit him in waves each and every time. Why? The question kept repeating. Now he was here lost in an airport, doing him a favor. He looked for directions to the parking lot and slowly inched his way along with other traffic, looking for their eventual destination, a lonely desolate spot in the middle of asphalt nowhere. He sighed for the 100th time and put his car into park, conveniently in lot 12 almost a mile and half from the terminal. Jeff put his head to the steering wheel, opened the door and stepped out. His long tapered legs clad in black jeans, felt the chill of the December winter wind blow through his thin body. He wrapped his overcoat tighter around his chest and repositioned his scarf. He hated to put anything on his head. He could not be seen with hat hair, it was a mortal sin. So he suffered the snow beating down on him, accumulating, stark white against the rich raven blackness. Damn he hated winter. He slipped a couple of times crunching his high tops, (the hell if he was wearing snow boots), in the old snow, that a thousand cars and a thousand feet had trampled on before him. His thoughts turned to the passenger he was to pick up and remembered the description that Colin had given him. This should be interesting.
Greg paced impatiently in the long hallway of the airport terminal. He had been waiting there almost 2 hours and he was hungry and tired. He stared out into the fast approaching darkness, searching. The flight had been brutal. Lots of turbulence, lots of screaming kids. If it was one thing he couldn’t stand it was a baby’s piercing cry at 3000 feet. He had asked the flight attendant repeatedly for something anything to block the noise and some aspirin, but to no avail. It was a coach flight and he was trapped securely between some guy weighing at least 500 lbs give or take a pound or two and an asthmatic elderly woman, who coughed hacking globs of mucus every other minute. ‘God, where was his service revolver when he really needed it.’
Now he stood there looking at his watch for the bajillionth time, waiting for someone he didn’t know, going solely on the promise from Colin that he was fine and that he’d enjoy good conversation and a change of pace. Greg had contacted Colin when the plane landed but got a hurried explanation of what was going down and who he should expect. Greg sighed and wondered again why he decided to do this. Every time he called chaos seemed to be befalling the city. He highly doubted one of its town members would make that great of an impression on him. Greg sighed in frustration as a family of five pushed their way rudely past him on their way to their flight, the mother trying to hush a screaming infant in her arms and yell at her two other children as they fought with one another. The dad was maneuvering his way through the crowd throwing a rushed "Sorry" in Greg’s direction.
Greg decided to go and sit down. After getting a cupful of swill someone had mistakenly identified as ‘coffee’ he plunked down in one of the plastic, extremely uncomfortable airline seats and cursed himself again for agreeing to go through with this. The ‘coffee’, of course, proceeded to slosh itself over the edge of the cup, and although no one could deem it drink worthy, it was hotter than liquid magma on an off day. "FUCK!" Greg screamed loudly causing the terminal to pause in an eerie silence, the kind where if you stood too long tumbleweed might just roll by.
Greg ducked his head pretending to study his shoe and looked around for the nearest bathroom exit. The liquid was burning a hole through his pants and coating his unmentionables. He winced, thinking of the damage it was doing. Could this day get any worse? It was a good thing his pants were dark and he thanked his lucky stars that no one was in the restroom when he entered, because he needed to assess the situation. "Something cold, something fast." He said scrambling.
Jeff felt the cold blast of circulated air as the electronic doors whooshed open. Didn’t these people know it was the dead of winter? Maybe they thought the combined body heat of frustrated passengers would keep the terminal warm. He could see his breath as he stood in the doorway. He squinted his eyes in the brightness of the fluorescent lighting, trying to focus from the darkness outside. ‘What do you do when you look for someone?’ The funny thought flittered through his mind as he looked around the slam packed terminal searching for as Colin had dubbed him ‘a slightly out of place character with more style and class than any man should be allowed…’ then he remembered fondly and chuckled as Colin amended, ‘He looks just like Buddy Holly.’ He remembered giving him one of his patented confused quirks and laughed as Colin nodded sagely.
Jeff looked down one end of the long hallway to the other, watching the myriad of tired frustrated families and businessmen push their way past each other almost in assembly line fashion and ran his hand through his hair. He now knew why he mostly stuck to hitching rides or just taking the bus. ‘Must be something about breathing recycled air.’ He mused. He really needed to pee. He hadn’t stopped much on his ride and now nature was making itself known in the most painful of ways. He looked for the nearest restroom and easily maneuvered himself through the crowd to the other side of the building.
He pushed open the door and was greeted by a hopping blue-clad ass that in any other given situation Jeff may have found instantly hilarious. If it wasn’t for the fact that if he sneezed he’d overflow the dam, he would be rolling on the floor laughing. The man in front of him was hopping on one foot, pants around his ankles, cursing to beat the band. His pants leg was caught on a very expensive looking shoe. Jeff covered a hand over his mouth and went to a urinal. Having second thoughts he stepped into a stall. He didn’t want to run the risk of a bad aim.
He barely made it into the stall with the sounds of "…goddamn pants!" ringing in his ear. He laughed hard until he felt himself begin to lose it. "SHIT…" He cried out as he hurried his pants down.
The man outside the stall stopped hopping long enough to turn incredulously to the sounds of laughter and rustling coming from within. "I hope you got what you were aiming for." He said to the partially opened door.
Jeff clamped a hand over his mouth still snickering. He finished his business and nonchalantly exited the stall. He looked at the now righted man, who was looking at him with a raised eyebrow and curled lip. His hands were on his fashionably dressed hips and hell if he didn’t resemble a dead rock and roll singer. He stared at him mouth agape as the other man continued to size him up.
Greg was beginning to feel uncomfortable as the young man continued opening and closing his mouth like a fish. He cocked his head to the side and pushed his glasses up on his nose. If he hadn’t been so pissed he would have taken more time to study the boy’s more than handsome features. He looked like a man-child. Too grown up to be wearing the scruffy attire of a teen but not to grown up to be tied down to the conventionalisms of a suit, ‘But he’d sure look nice in one I bet.’ He couldn’t stop the thought from crossing his brain.
"Greg?" Jeff said, taking a stab at it. He knew he couldn’t be wrong.
Greg took a step back. No way this could be the kid that Colin was talking about. That would be just too fucking unreal. He straightened his tie.
"And you must be Jeff." He said turning toward the sink to fix the bits of hair that had come loose from his coifed poof. He didn’t let the boy know that he had knocked the wind out of his sails for the second time in as many minutes. He had to get a little of his own back.
Jeff reached out to shake the man’s hand. Greg looked at it for a moment and gestured towards the sink. "Oh…right…" Jeff said smirking and went to wash them. Greg pushed his way past him and out of the restroom.
"This is going to be fun…" Jeff said shaking his head and following the uptight man out of the restroom.
Greg found his way to the revolving conveyor belt and tried to pick out his bag amongst the twenty-five other identical ones in the rotating merry-go-round nightmare. They were all piled on top of one another and people were looking through them the way one would look through a rummage sale. Greg sighed in frustration and dove into a pile of people seeing the corner of his bag sticking out from under a suitcase that looked like someone’s old couch. It had floral prints and a questionable stain on the side.
Jeff watched him from behind, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. One thing was for sure the man in front of him knew how to hold his own. He was pushing both little old ladies and punk teenagers out of his way with the greatest of ease, and with a battle cry, lifting his bag over his head throwing himself out of the fray. Jeff thought it best just to let him handle his business until Greg thrust the bag into his hand and marched off down the hall. "Hey what’s this?" Jeff said rushing after him. Greg was already pulling on his long trench coat and gloves.
"I thought that’s what you’re here for." Greg said smugly looking for the nearest exit.
"No way, man. You can carry your own bag." Jeff said trying to shove the bag back at him. Greg just kept walking.
"This thing is heavy. What do you have in here?" Jeff said lugging the bag over his shoulder and noting that Greg didn’t have a hat for his head either. ‘Must be a hair thing.’ He smirked but then blocked Greg’s path bringing him to a halt.
Greg reached into his pocket and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. He tapped one out annoyingly slow and put it to his mouth.
"What are you doing?!" Jeff said looking around him for the security he knew would be fast approaching. There was no smoking in any buildings and he hated the habit himself.
"Keep your shirt on, Ace. I’m not lighting up in here." Greg said exiting the building trying to light the cigarette against the cold, fumbling his lighter in gloved hands.
"You’re not smoking that in my ride." Jeff said matter-of-factly as he maneuvered his way through the crowded parking lot. It had gotten significantly darker, and the snow had continued to fall, blanketing the previous snow plows efforts to clear the roads. Greg’s shoes were ankle deep in slush and he lit up anyway. "Fuck. If I gotta wade my way through this shit, then I’m smoking whereever I feel like. How come you couldn’t bring the car around?" He said kicking his shoe against the side of another vehicle. "Awww..damnit! These are $300.00 shoes, man!"
Jeff smiled wryly. "Maybe you shouldn’t have decided to go all GQ when you knew you had this kind of adverse weather conditions to look forward to." Jeff put the key in the lock with shaking red fingers.
"Yeah well I could have stayed at the terminal and spared my shoes the agony. You apparently don’t seem to have a problem with adverse fashion conditions." Greg said blowing a puff of smoke in Jeff’s face.
"Let’s get one thing straight." He said coming even with the man who was now taking deep drags off of the trembling cigarette in his mouth. "I’m not your ‘manservant’ and I’m not having your carcinogens polluting my lungs on the ride back so I suggest you get rid of it now or you’ll be taking a cab back to Boonsville." Jeff said shoving Greg’s bag back at him, getting into the car and starting it up.
Greg ran a hand through his now snow dampened hair and stood there in the snow debating. Jeff looked at him through the window, the heat cranked on in the car rubbing his hands in front of the vent. Greg was too stubborn to give in that quickly and stood there smoking his cigarette his cold breath mixing with the smoke, weighing his options. He walked over to the other side of the car and tried the lock. Jeff had locked the door and was looking at him passively now through the window.
"Open it." Greg said in a menacing tone. Jeff revved the engine and shook his head.
"Open the fucking door, man, I’m freezing." Greg said hopping up and down.
Jeff mimed pitching the cigarette and gave himself a hug patting the warmth into his body, and resting his head back on the headrest.
"Shit!" Greg mouthed and pitched his cigarette into the snow. Anything, even backing down was better than standing out here freezing his balls off. Jeff unlocked the door and Greg opened the back one throwing his bag in. He opened the front door and jumped inside.
"Lll-et’s mm-ove this bbb-ucket of bolts." He chattered, rubbing his hands against the vent.
"Whatever you say boss." Jeff said backing out of the parking lot and moving toward the terminal exit.
Greg turned on the radio and the blasting sounds of grunge music issued forth and Jeff shouted "ALL RIGHT!! Now we’re talking!" and started to tap his hands to the beat on the steering wheel.
Greg groaned. "You’ve GOT to be fucking kidding me man!!!" He said flipping the radio off. He leaned back in his seat and tried to close his eyes.
Jeff looked over at Greg and thought to himself ‘this cat’s got to loosen up. What does Colin see in him?’ He took note of the tense body, the rigid way he sat in his seat and the nervous tapping of his foot. "Yeah this is going to be fun." Jeff said as he cranked on the radio again.
"A student is holding the principal as a hostage. We assume it’s Malcolm Hudson, an expelled student. We’ve heard gunshots already. About 30 students have already been evacuated, but there are over two hundred still left inside. The principal announced that everyone should either remain in their classes or find a room and lock the doors. Some of the students climbed out from the windows when they heard that someone opened fire." Carey told Ryan and Colin.
"We know him. He was one of our suspects." Colin said.
Ryan glanced at the building. There were students on the second and third floors waving for help from the open windows.
"Do we have contact with the suspect on the inside?" He asked anxiously.
"Nobody answered in the principal off..."
"It's the shooter now!" officer Siegel said rushing up and handing a phone to Chief Carey.
Chief listened carefully and then put his hand over the receiver, covering the mouthpiece.
"He wants to make a statement." Carey said and continued talking into the phone "OK, what do you need? We are not going to send anybody inside right now, you have the principal, so how bout you let the other students leave the building?"
Ryan tugged on one of the Chief’s sleeves and motioned that he was going inside and then he went.
"Stiles, STILES!!!!" Carey tried to stop the tall cop but Ryan had made his decision and didn't listen.
Colin started after him.
"Colin, STAY BACK!" Ryan ordered him.
Colin stayed behind looking frustrated and helpless. He didn't want to let Ryan leave like that. Neither he nor Ryan knew what to expect when they went inside the building. Colin thought the best thing to do now was to help Ryan.
"OK, as soon as the media arrives, we'll send in a TV camera. Carey said, still negotiating over the phone.
Colin ran around the building. The back door exits burst open as he skid to a halt and panicked students ran out, screaming. Colin waved his arms motioning them to be quiet and stay low. He guided them away from the building. Colin looked back at the schol and asked some students why they were able to leave. They told him that an officer came to their doors and said it was ok to go but to do so with extreme caution. Colin knew what Ryan was doing now and went back to the doors. Soon another bunch of students came out. He ushered them carefully away and went back to wait for more.
Then someone opened fire. Colin didn't hesitate. He ran in to the building with his riffle. Ryan ran towards him.
"GET OUT!!!!"
Both men headed to the door.
"What were you thinking?!" Ryan yelled. "I told you not to follow!"
They ran back to the other side of the university where others were waiting. The Chief's phone rang. It was the gunman.
"I understand...but we had to figure out the way we are going to get the camera in there...just remain calm now...they are on their way." Drew convinced the caller.
And as they were speaking, the local TV station van drove into the field. It was settled that Colin would go back inside with the camera. And Ryan would be backing him up. Ryan didn't want to let Colin do this, but admitted that he was the best option in this situation . They checked the Principal's office location from his blueprint. Before Colin left with the camera he looked at Ryan, they didn't need words, they knew.
Colin took Carey’s phone and called the captor and said that he was on his way. After he disappeared around the corner, Ryan took a couple of officers and went to the back of the building keeping an eye on the back door.
Ryan's phone rang. It was from Carey’s phone. Ryan opened the line and didn't hear anything but the sound of footsteps echoing along the corridor. He knew Colin left it open so that he could hear everything. `Good thinking.’ Ryan smiled wryly.
He listened as Colin entered the room. The shooter asked him to go to his knees. Ryan heard a rustling and then something banged on the floor. It must be the camera. Ryan knew now that Colin was in the Principal’s office so he stepped inside the building. He started to sneak toward the office where Colin was. He heard the Principal crying softly and then Colin spoke.
"You don't have to point the handgun at her. I don't think she's going anywhere. Now go over there, to the left of the window so we can get a good light for the camera."
Ryan heard Hudson speaking but he couldn't understand what he was saying. Ryan reached the second floor. Looking down a long hall he saw a door ajar. He went next to the wall and started to approach quietly. He didn't need the phone anymore. He could hear the voices from inside.
"I am a citizen with rights! I have the right to learn and study. The system shouldn't approve these kinds of teachers who kill all the creativity. She kicked me out of school just because I didn't agree with her. She terrorized me and I'm sure that she manipulated the Mayor too to cut the mental health funds so that I can't get back in. All I wanted to do was to graduate and leave this stupid town!"
Ryan heard Hudson losing it. He snuck closer. He had straight line of sight on him now. He couldn't see Colin but guessed he was on the right side from the door because the boy was looking in that direction. He held a gun to the principal's head and his eyes were sparking with rage.
"You made your point so now we can ..."
"Don’t interrupt me, I'm not finished!!" He bawled at Colin. "Therefore, I'm releasing this school and its students from their pain and getting rid of Mrs. Redforest. I don't have future in front of me, so I don't have any reason to live..."
As he spoke he pushed the gun tightly against the back of Mrs. Redforest’s head and pulled the trigger. Her loud scream echoed in the hall and her lifeless body fell to the floor. The crazed young man then turned the gun aiming it in Colin's direction. Ryan didn't hesitate. He shot once and Hudson dropped instantly.
Colin went over to the principal’s body and checked for a pulse. He then went to Hudson’s. There was nothing more they could do. Ryan took Colin's hand in his own and squeezed it tightly as the sudden silence surrounded them.
"OH NOOOO…." Was all that Jeff had time to say. The car rolled against the side of the embankment and came to a thudding halt. The snow piled along the side of the road softened the impact only slightly. Jeff was thrown forward, his head slamming against the steering wheel hard. Ryan’s car apparently did not have an airbag, or it had been removed.
"What the hell…" Greg said as he was tossed from his reclining position. He didn’t have his seat belt on due to being out in the middle of no where and no threats of immediate danger. He now wished he had followed his instincts. The impact threw him to the side and he landed on Jeff’s less that yielding body. He was bony and hard and his shoulder caught Greg squarely under the chin. "SON OF A…" Greg said as he rolled away to the other side of the car, holding his jaw.
The car idled noisily, but everything was quiet on the inside. Jeff shook his head dazed. He must not have hit the steering wheel very hard because he didn’t get knocked out. He tentatively touched his forehead and winced. ‘That’s not going to be pretty.’ He thought with a sigh. He looked over to Greg who appeared as if he was trying to set his jaw back into place.
"You ok man?" He asked putting a hand on his shoulder.
"What the hell just happened?" Greg said shaking the cobwebs from his head. It was quite the rude awakening.
"I..I think I hit a deer or something. Something jumped in front of the car." Jeff said trying to recall just what he had seen in front of the headlights. It was dark now and snowing again. The lights were now reflecting in the snow drift bouncing back and blinding them if they looked in that direction. Jeff shut off the engine to save the gas.
He opened the car door to the biting cold air that hit him in the face and shivered. Greg watched him for a moment as he rounded the car, looking for the damage. He looked almost angelic, haloed in the car’s headlights but as he moved the shadows cast an evil glow on his face and he almost sneered back into the car at Greg.
"Great…just great." Greg said as he continued to watch Jeff circle to his side. "I’m out here in the middle of fucking no man’s land with a complete stranger and he’s about ready to eat my liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti. I really must sit down and have a chat with Colin." He decided as he allowed his door to be opened.
"This doesn’t look good." Jeff said softly as he motioned for Greg to follow him around to the front of the car. Greg stood in front of the car and groaned.
The left axel looked as if it had been bent and was sticking at an odd angle out of the snow. Greg kicked the tired a couple of times with his shoe and the hubcap fell off in front of him and rolled back into the street. "Absolutely perfect." He said looking up at Jeff who had his hands shoved deeply in his pockets looking all the more boyish in the light of the car’s high beams. He stood on the opposite side of the car and looked off into the distance. He didn’t see a streetlight or a house or anything. Nothing but woods, and white. He exhaled his breath and watched as it clouded in front of him. He shook his head, shaking off the accumulating snow.
"What do we do now?" He said to Greg, hoping that since he was a police officer, he may have a relatively good idea for what to do in a situation like this. Greg had by that time fished another cigarette from the pack and was about to put it into his mouth when he looked up at Jeff noticing his instant disapproval. He didn’t want to know what the man had planned next for him and he didn’t want to find out, opting not to be left out here in the wilderness where all the critters could take a real liking to him. He put the cigarette back in the pack, with a wary, ‘don’t try anything funny mister’ look on his face. Jeff in spite of the situation smiled warmly back at him.
"Gotta spare?" He asked, inspecting the tire again.
"I don’t know. This isn’t my car." Jeff mumbled.
"Not your car?" Greg said with a whine. "Tell me you have insurance and a license to drive." He said all his citation training eagerly bouncing its way unwanted to the forefront of his brain.
"Uhm…" Jeff said rubbing his hands together, and blowing some warmth into his thin gloves.
Greg sighed loudly and told himself to just get this show on the road and he’d deal with all of the technicalities later. He went around to the trunk and popped it. There was nothing back there. He lifted the secret compartment. Nothing. "Who the hell owns this car?" He growled up to the front where Jeff was beginning to pace.
"Uhm…the town’s deputy, actually." Jeff said smirking and brushing off the snow away from the front of the car. It didn’t appear too bad. They didn’t hit a rock or anything underneath.
"I need a drink." Greg said returning to the front with nothing to show Jeff but empty hands. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the saving-grace-item-to-never- leave-home-without-so-thankful-for-the-GRAND-fucking-mother-of-invention-come-on- give-him-some-sort-of-break-in-this-lifetime piece of equipment that he held closer than a lover. His cell phone.
"Come on baby…daddy needs a new pair of shoes." He whispered to it caressing it before flipping it open. Jeff looked at him with anticipation. He mentally crossed his fingers. He was starting to feel numbness in his legs and arms and he honestly didn’t feel like spending another minute freezing his rear off out here. He walked over to Greg and tried to peer over his shoulder, crossing his arms tightly around his chest to keep some of the warmth inside. Greg’s teeth had begun to chatter and he took a step away from Jeff who had invaded his personal space just a little too close for comfort. "I can’t see man, back up." He said feeling the rail thin body brush up against him. He pressed the on button, listening for the one sound he needed to hear to reach the part of his brain that spelled relief. For a second he was elated because he KNEW he just knew he heard it. But this couldn’t be right. Why was the light not coming on? Why couldn’t he see any of the numbers lighting up? WHY did he feel like screaming into the darkness? He pressed it again. Nothing.
He looked at Jeff and let out a sort of half whine, half laugh, half sob and wiped at his eyes. The snow was really starting to bother him and his glasses. He kept trying to brush away the accumulation and it was the icing on the cake to an all too frustrating day. He pitched the phone on the ground.
"Why did you do that for?" Jeff said loping over to the phone and picking it up and tapping the snow off of it. "It could be just a bad signal." Jeff said making sure there was no other damage to it.
He went back to the car and started rummaging for a few things. Like his wallet and he thought he saw a flashlight under the seat. Coming out once again, he started walking off in the same direction that they were heading. He knew whereabouts where they were and if his memory served him there was a little gas station and a few buildings not much further up the road. Any place that had a phone and a tow truck would be nice. He looked at his watch, shining the flashlight on it. It was almost 8pm.
Greg watched as Jeff began walking down the road. He stared after him for a few seconds. He couldn’t believe that he just left him without saying a word. Here he was almost up to his kneecaps in snow, freezing, red from head to toe shaking and shivering and the man just walks off leaving him standing there. He runs back to the car, switches off the lights, and grabs his bag. Pissed does not even begin to describe the mood he is in now. He has no idea how far the next town is or even if there is a next town. He tries to jog a little bit to catch up to Jeff but he slips in his loafers along the slick road that has little to no traction.
It took two seconds for his feet to be where his head should be. Greg could do nothing but sit there and let the pain shoot up his spine. He clenched his teeth against it and bit back a cry. Jeff stopped and turned around. The full moon was out and there was a pale white glow casting itself against the snow, calming and peaceful. It was deathly silent, except for the loud explicative coming from Greg’s mouth as he tried to act somewhat cool despite his sprawled situation. "Damn it." He sighed again.
Jeff came over to him and extended his hand. He allowed himself to feel sorry for the man in front of him. It must be so hard, he thought, to have to lose that careful wall the man in front of him had to have built. Even now he can see it as Greg looks up at him, cocking a smug eyebrow in his direction, as if taking his hand would be beneath him. He held his hand there patiently for a moment and offered him a shy smile of truce. Greg still hesitated. Jeff shrugged and said "suit yourself" and started to turn away.
Greg reached out and clasped Jeff’s gloved hand with his own. They looked at each other in the glow of Jeff’s flashlight, borrowed from Ryan’s backseat, and nod once. For now they would be civil. It was a life and death situation after all. Jeff hoisted Greg back to his feet as Greg brushed snow off of his dampening backside. They were in each other’s personal space again, Jeff breathing softly against Greg’s forehead. He hastily dropped Greg’s hand and picked up Greg’s bag and without another word, walked on.
Greg cocked his head in curiosity and followed after Jeff now keeping a step or so behind the younger man.
Soon the pair passed a lone lamplight and a small glimmer of hope rose as they approached. They had begun to lean against the other trying to gather as much warmth as they could between them. Greg had put his glasses into his coat pocket along with his temporarily out of commission cell phone. They had become useless, near freezing to his face, the condensation from the snow making a thin layer of ice on the lenses. ‘He needed Jeff’ he relented. Jeff said nothing, just offered him a thin arm for him to latch onto as he continued to guide them on. Greg hated being so vulnerable and defenseless. Seeing the fuzzy myopic glow of the lamplight meant that civilization couldn’t be too much farther off.
They came upon a series of buildings. One building had a rusty gas pump in front of it, its glass windows darkened, presumably closed for the evening. Jeff went to the window shining the flashlight and peering inside. He sighed, disheartened and turned around, searching. The other buildings were just as dark accept for one at the end. It had a small porch light on. Greg had by now started wandering aimlessly toward it, his beacon of hope growing. He clutched his bag tightly against his chest as if to ward off anything that might jump out at him. Jeff trotted up silently behind him and pushed at the door hoping it would open up and not be another disappointment.
To their surprise it did open with a loud protesting squeak. Jeff and Greg looked at one another and finally allowed themselves the luxury of a smile.
It was warm inside the building and it was all that Greg or Jeff could do to stop themselves from jumping up and down giddily and clutching each other like girls at a slumber party. Jeff clapped Greg soundly on the back nearly sending him into the front desk area of what appeared to be a motel lobby. Greg turned and frowned at Jeff rubbing the spot on his shoulder.
"Don’t be such a wus, dude." Jeff said smiling wide and rubbing his hands together trying desperately to get some feeling back into his numbed fingers.
Greg was really ready to kill at this point but decided to let it go. He looked around the small room flapping his arms against his body trying to welcome and soak up all the heat the room had to offer. There was a lamp on in the corner but it wasn’t providing any light not that he could see at the moment anyway. He took his glasses from his coat pocket and his handkerchief from his suit and proceeded to clean them. He was very meticulous and methodical in the care of his ‘specs.’ Jeff shook his head and went to the desk and dinged the silver metal bell that had seen better days. Most of the silver had pealed leaving just a rusty metal behind.
It took a moment and another ding or two before a protesting grumble came from the back room. Jeff looked back at Greg who raised his eyebrow and continued to swipe at his glasses. A crotchety old geezer hobbled his way toward the glass separating his visitors from himself.
"Help you boys?" He said the phlegm building in the back of his throat.
Greg made a face like ‘ugh…now THAT is disgusting’ and settled his glasses on his nose. He stood close behind Jeff and watched as the young man slipped into causal with ease.
"Yes sir, we’d like a couple of rooms for the night, and a number to the nearest towing station. We broke down about two miles back."
Greg listened to Jeff’s soft, smooth even tones. He had a sleepy quality to his voice, with just the right inflection to make it seductive. It was if Jeff savored the words he used to speak with and he made sure that his listener enjoyed what he had to say. Greg felt a little compelled to listen more.
"We ain’t got but the one room left." The old man grumbled, hawked and spit into a yellowed cloth he had produced from his pocket. Greg shuddered and nearly gagged. Jeff swallowed hard.
"Are you sure, because I could have sworn I didn’t see anyone in the parking lot." Jeff tried again.
"We got one room, take it or leave it." He said again bringing a hand to his stubbled, scraggly chin. He put some tobacco that was in a can on the front desk down into his gum and Jeff turned an interesting shade of green. Greg paled but came back bristling as his usual ‘cheerful’ demeanor took over.
"Let me guess just one room and just one bed." Greg said putting his hands on his hips.
"Yep." the night man said with a wicked gleam in his eye.
"How fucking convenient is that?" Greg said running a hand through his hair. "Sounds like an all to well used plot device in some sort of cheesy movie. What’s next are we going to have to shower together?" Greg said looking at Jeff giving him a suggestive wink. He turned back to the night clerk.
"I’m sure no one else is staying in this hole for the night. Just give me another room. I’ll take anything." He said. He really didn’t want to have to spend the entire night keeping his arms and legs in an upright position. He was a man who loved his sleep and the space to do it in. Judging the gangly man in front of him he could see that he very well might be dealing with the same thing.
The night clerk looked at the two of them coming to his own conclusions. He smiled slyly and stuck the key underneath the glass. "Take it or leave it." He said again.
They both sighed. It could be worse. "How much?" Jeff said coming to the desk again.
"Forty." The man said, spitting sloppily into the can beside him. "Each."
"Oh my god…" Greg said really starting to lose his composure. "You’re shitting me old man."
"Greg, let’s just pay it ok?" Jeff said reaching for his wallet. He looked weary and worn and he really didn’t think either of them wanted to sleep outside under the stars.
"But, Jeff…"
"Look, you love birds, I got more important things to do than to listen to you have a lover’s spat." The old man said tapping his pencil on the glass, his other hand out stretched underneath the slot.
"Of all the…" Greg said as he approached the glass with his wallet. He flipped open the top cover flashing the man his badge and tapping the glass with it, the old man’s eyes instantly coming to fine sharpened points.
"There, now I think we have an understanding." Greg said confident smug smirk casually playing over his lips. "I don’t believe I heard you accurately. Twenty? Did you say? For the both of us?" Greg said nodding his head making the geezer behind the glass do the same, reluctantly. Greg smiled wide, almost a leer. "Pay the man, Jeffrey." He said flipping his wallet closed and tucking it back into his back pocket.
Jeff smiled in amazement and handed the man the twenty and took the keys. Greg slung his bag over his shoulder and held the door open for Jeff and they braved the winter wind once again. He tipped his imaginary hat to the old man behind the desk, who frowned and stuck a gnarled middle finger back up at him. "You ladies enjoy your stay." He muttered under his breath.
"Don’t you think that badge flashing could have gotten us two rooms?" Jeff said shivering and puffing his way to what the key’s chain showed a faded room number 3.
Greg slapped his hand to his forehead. "Shit!"
"It’s ok…" Jeff said a little relieved. "Maybe I don’t want to sleep alone tonight."
He left a bewildered Greg Proops standing on the doorstep as he pushed his way into the dingy, musty motel room.
After the final shot, Ryan called Chief Carey and informed him of the details. The other officers rushed inside and released rest of the students from their scary prison.
As they left the school, the Media had gathered all over the place. They tried to interview the students who rushed through the doors but officers blocked their way. The place was in chaos. Ryan led Colin to the car and drove away.
They didn't say a word until they were back at the department. They stepped inside Ryan's office and shut the door behind them. Ryan went to his desk and took a bottle of scotch from the drawer. He unscrewed the top and passed it to Colin. Colin's hands were shaking badly, so Ryan sat next to him and raised the bottle to Colin's trembling lips and helped him get the liquor in his mouth
Colin took a gulp and let it flow down his throat. Ryan took the bottle and winced as he swallowed the liquid hard. He shook his head and put his arm around Colin's shoulders.
"It's just…I've seen a lot but...it effects when you see someone’s life disappearing from them right in front of your eyes. It's something you never get used to. She looked straight into my eyes and then…she was gone..." Colin started talking quietly; mostly to himself…the tears rising to his eyes.
Ryan tightened his hold and gave the bottle back to Colin who took another sip.
"I’m sorry you had to see that, Colin."
"Think about this boy’s parents. The whole city will accuse them and they were completely unaware that their son was so unbalanced. They lost their son, and they are going to feel guilty over this for the rest of their lives...I should arrange protect to them." Colin continued.
Ryan stood up and called Chief Carey. They agreed to send two officers around to Malcolm’s home to make sure that the parent’s were protected from the media and the town. They also needed to search the boy's room.
"Drew said that there will be a press release in two hours in the conference room. He asked us to be there ready to answer questions. You think you’re up for that?" Ryan asked with concern on his face. He rubbed Colin’s shoulder.
"Yes, I can. I'm sorry you saw me like this Ryan." Colin said looking still sad.
"Oh, Colin, come here." The tall deputy pulled his lover into his arms tucking his head under his chin. They stayed like that until it was time for the conference.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Media was crowed in the conference room. When Chief Carey, Colin and Ryan stepped in front of the small podium set up at the head of the table, flashbulbs temporarily blinded the trio and reporters began to yell questions. Chief Carey motioned for everyone to quiet down and he took his place at the podium.
"Welcome! We are here again, unfortunately, with this unpleasant event. Today we lost two of our town’s citizens. The principal of the university and a former student. Let me assure you that we did everything we could to prevent this tragedy from happening." Chief Carey said to the press.
"Were there any messages from the shooter?"
"We found a letter in his room addressed to his parents where he explained why he did it. At this time we will not be releasing the contents to the general public. He had also left messages on the internet's video sharing service site where he had filmed himself placing the bomb at city hall." Chief Carey spoke calmly.
"So he is also the city hall bomber? What were his motives?"
"Yes, we can now assume that he did it. And as to the motive, we suspect that he was angry at the school for expelling him. He thought the mayor and Miss Redforest were in a conspiracy against him. We know he had severe mental issues, but it would go against the patient/therapist privacy agreement to disclose that information as well to the public, at this time." Carey said and looked at Colin, who nodded agreeing.
An hour and a half later the conference was over. Things started turning ugly when the reporters began to accuse the city's mental health budget cuts and Mayor McShane. Colin personally agreed with them that without those cuts this situation may have never happened, but he wouldn't say it out loud of course.
On the walk back to Ryan’s office they talked more about how disappointing everything was. It was a sad day. Colin thought if he could have just seen this coming when he visited Hudson's home, but Ryan told him that he shouldn't blame himself. They had so few clues at that time.
Chief Carey stuck his head in Ryan’s office. He told Colin that he was released from the chief’s duties and said that he and Deputy Stiles could take it from there. Colin still promised to help if needed. Drew thanked him for all his efforts.
Colin sighed and decided to leave for home. He then remembered that Greg should be arriving soon if he wasn’t there already. He looked at his watch and cursed the timing. All he wanted right now was to be held by Ryan in his house. He had told Ryan that he would introduce tomorrow after Greg got settled in.
When he arrived at his house he dialed Greg’s number. At first he got a buzzing noise in the dial tone but then a weary voice came on the line. Greg told Colin the short version of what had happened to them and Colin sighed in frustration into the phone. It had not been a good day for any of them. Greg told him that a tow truck would be arriving in the morning and that he should expect them back by mid-day. Colin asked Greg what he thought of Jeff but received a snide huff, in response and a begrudged "We’ll talk." Colin chuckled lightly and hung up the phone.
Greg flipped the cover of his cell phone closed and put it on the nightstand, wearily. He didn’t know why his phone all of the sudden came back to life. He figured it may have had something to do with the freezing temperature outside. It may have frozen the cell temporarily. That sounded plausible. He heard the sounds of the shower turning off and rustling from within the small bathroom off to the left.
He was propped up at the head board of the queen-sized bed, dressed in his pajamas. He smirked at himself. He was a pajama man, the whole nine yards. There was just something comforting about being clothed at all times. He picked up the remote and flipped idly through the stations not focusing on any one channel.
The door to the bathroom opened and Jeff exited the room still dripping. He had one of the motels towels snuggly wrapped around his waist. "You ever notice how these damn towels are never the right length?" He said turning his back slightly to Greg as he tried readjusting the towel. Greg briefly glanced up at him and then had to shake his head quickly to block out the thought that had come in for a landing inside of his mind. He looked at the young man standing before him. His smooth bare chest, dusty pink nipples constricting with the coldness of the room, the play of muscles just above the edge of the towel, the trail of chest hair starting at his navel working its way down…down…down…
‘Get a hold of yourself, Proops for god’s sake. He’s a kid.’ Greg said still trying to drag his eyes away.
"You’re staring."
"What?"
"I said you’re staring. I asked you three times if you heard anything from Colin." Jeff said moving about the room, shaking droplets of water from his hair. For a moment Greg looked sideways at him; Jeff looked funny with his hair hanging down in his eyes.
"Oh, Colin said that the situation in town had been contained and he’d fill us in on the details later." Greg said yawning and stretching, turning off the tv and tossing the remote aside.
"Well I’m sure Ryan will take good care of him." Jeff said bitterly and went over to the dresser where he had left his wallet.
"What do you mean?" Greg said sitting up, intrigued by the tone in Jeff’s voice.
"You do know they are together, right?" Jeff said turning to look at Greg now, taking in his shocked features. Apparently he didn’t get the memo.
"What?! When you say Ryan, you mean…"
"Deputy Stiles, yes."
"You’re full of shit…no way Colin is…" Greg paused. He looked at Jeff and saw the pained look in his eyes. He saw how his lips closed into a tight line and the way his trembling hand scruffed through his hair. "Sorry." Greg said softly.
Jeff was miserable. He didn’t like bringing up hurt feelings that he didn’t have control over anyway. Bringing up the situation only made him miss someone being close to him even more. It had been a long time since Jonathan…He stopped that train of thought before it even left the station. Instead he cursed his fate of what was happening now. He should have been home and not stuck in some shitty motel, a snow storm raging outside with a man he barely knew. The water from his shower had been lukewarm at best, Greg having used most of the hot being in there a good hour before emerging with the steam curling under the door. He didn’t have his hair care products or anything to wear but the clothes he came in and he certainly didn’t want to risk sleeping in his towel with this man beside him, even if he did happen to be somewhat appealing with his own hair sans style. He had to stifle a grin at the way Greg was all buttoned up like a good little boy in his light blue pajamas his soft curls framing his face.
"Now who’s staring?" Greg asked as he reached for his cigarettes. He excused himself, threw on his coat and went outside for a long, long smoke and Jeff had to at least thank him for sparing the room that delightful lingering scent.
Jeff looked around for something to wear. Greg returned and noticed his forlorn look and went to his bag. He pulled out a clean pair of boxer shorts and tossed them at Jeff. Jeff looked at him suspiciously.
"You sure you don’t want me to sleep in the nude?" He said starting to remove his towel. Greg swallowed hard and pulled the covers down from his side of the bed.
"Only if you don’t mind my handcuffing you to the bed and conveniently misplacing the key." Greg said, hopping into the bed, turning on his side and shutting off the lamp.
"Not on the first date, babe." Jeff said dropping the towel casually, pulling on the boxers and crawling under the sheets. The gasp he heard from the man beside him had been well worth the quip.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"NO JONATHAN…GOD NOOOOO…"
"What the hell??" a mumbled curse and fumbling around on the nightstand.
Jeff screamed sitting upright in bed, his hands gripping the sheets almost ripping them in two. Jeff’s heart was pounding so hard in his chest it almost burst through and stared, disoriented into the darkness of the motel room. He didn’t know where he was. He couldn’t see and he was scared. He whimpered bringing his knees up to his chest and rocked back and forth. He screamed again when he felt a hand touch his bare shoulder.
"Jeff…Jeff…it’s ok man…it’s me!" Greg said as he tried to keep the flailing arms from coming into contact with him. He put his arms around the shaking man and held him close.
Jeff stopped fighting Greg but he was still breathing hard. He allowed Greg to pull him over to his body stilling his agitated form. "Some nightmare…man." Greg said putting an arm awkwardly around his shoulder giving him a brief pat.
"Yeah…" Jeff said pulling away and putting his elbows on his knees. He rested his eyes in the palms of his hands and willed the horrible thoughts to leave his head. Greg switched on the lamp and put on his glasses. He studied Jeff for a moment.
"Wanna talk about it?" He said with concern in his voice. He didn’t like being woke up from a deep sleep but he decided now was not the time to snark.
"Nah…man…I’ll be fine." Jeff said still feeling the beating of his heart hearing the drumbeat loud in his head.
"Who’s Jonathan?" Greg said ignoring Jeff and continuing on. It only took a second for a small flicker of light to burst into flame in Greg’s mind. "Hey…wait a minute…you’re not…?" Jeff turned to look at him. His eyes were welled with tears threatening to fall.
He put his hand back on Jeff’s shoulder giving him a consoling, comforting squeeze. ‘Of course…he had to be….’ Greg thought and looked with pity at the young man this time. "That must have been a horrible time for you man, I’m sorry." Greg said, not moving his hand, letting it rest there, brushing his thumb ever so slightly across the pale skin.
Jeff nodded lying back down his arms behind his head. He stared up at the ceiling and Greg watched him, giving him time. Jeff began talking and everything rushed forward. He didn’t know why he felt like he could share the things he was saying to Greg, but he didn’t seem to be able to stop himself. He even told Greg things he wouldn’t and couldn’t tell his therapist. He told Greg how scared he had been when he was kidnapped. How helpless he felt. How trapped. All his words came in jumbled run-on phrases and Greg listened to him leaning back against the bedpost taking everything in. This poor boy had been through hell. And now he was here lonely and desolate with no one to comfort him. Greg knew of loneliness but he had not felt Jeff’s pain. He had not lost someone. He had walked away. He looked at Jeff who had now grown quiet. Silent tears making their way down his cheeks.
Greg went back to his trusty bag, this time pulling out something he knew they could BOTH use. It was a bottle of whisky. Greg unscrewed the cap and tipped it in Jeff’s direction before taking a healthy swig. He winced and yelped as the fire hit him in the back of the throat. Jeff laughed a little. He felt somewhat cleansed, somewhat relieved. Greg climbed back into the bed and handed the bottle over to Jeff who only mildly protested.
"Look dude, you’ve just downloaded some serious shit, and you definitely could use it. Live a little." Greg said shoving the bottle into his hand. Jeff relented, taking the bottle and throwing his head back. He swallowed several times letting the alcohol do its thing.
An hour, and an empty bottle later, the pair lay sprawled on the bed laughing crazily. Greg was wiping tears from his face and slapping his knee. Jeff smiled. His lazy grin widened as Greg tried to catch his breath. They had been talking about all the funny things Colin had done in Greg’s headquarters. Greg admired his balding friend, but he sure didn’t know how to take a practical joke, often at his expense.
"And then we bought him some Rogaine as a gag gift…." Greg said breaking out into laughter again. It was cut off by a bone rattling yawn from Jeff. "Dude…you’re harshin’ my buzz."
"I guess I’m tired and we gotta turn in for the night." Jeff said looking at the bedside clock it was 4:30 in the morning. Greg agreed and with a final snort, he again clicked off the light and the room was in shadows.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The body in front of him is eager. Warm, willing, and inviting. He sighs; a small, pleasurable sound. The body had always been out of reach before. His hands always reaching forward, grasping, wanting, needing. How did he manage to catch hold of it now? So long, oh so long he had wanted to touch to feel this warm soft skin. The back pressed close against his chest, his hand rubbing, touching, caressing the chest in front of him. His dreams had always left him feeling, hollow, empty, frustratingly far away so many, many times in the past, why was it different now? He didn’t question. He didn’t want to know. He just wanted this. "MMMM…" he says against the skin of his neck.
He knows it’s a man. It’s what he wants. It’s who he is. His lips traverse the pale column of flesh at his neck and his hand reaches up to grab hold of a handful of thick hair, yanking it back, exposing more skin for him to lick and suck and tease. "God you feel sooo fucking good." He whispers in his ‘dreams’. He is moving against the body his hips finding an easy rhythm but he knows, he knows for certain that there is no one with him, only his dreams. And his dreams had never brought him this far. His fingertips caressing a nipple sliding down the smooth chest, playing in the trail of hair leading south. He bites his lip as he hears the gasp of desire in front of him and it urges him on. He needs to touch himself. He needs to feel himself. He is so hard now that it would be a crime not to bring him to the very edge and throw him over giving into the erotic rush he had been denied.
He brings his hand down, ‘seeing’ his own erection and he can’t help but lick his lips. He wants it to be the mystery man’s and his mind again gives in to actually allow him to feel, to take, to hold, to touch, knowing that it is his own, and it will not take long tonight before he is satisfied. The moans grow louder and he could have sworn he heard himself say "yes..." but no sound had escaped his lips. He wrinkled his brow. Why didn’t he feel his hand on himself, yet he was certain he felt ‘something’. Something was very wrong here.
Greg’s eyes opened instantly. A sharp pain shot through his head as he moaned loudly. The body in front of him moaned just as loud as he felt an upward thrust of something hard and throbbing in his hand.
"AAAACKKK!!!" Greg screamed then, pulling his hand out of Jeff’s boxers and scrambling to the edge of the bed falling off with a loud thump, soundly on his ass. Jeff jumped five feet and went sailing over the other side. Sunlight began to play around the edges of the curtains, lighting the room in a predawn pale light. They both cautiously peeked at the same time over the edge of the bed. They looked at each other and Jeff turned away, Greg thinking it was in disgust. "FUCK…" He said and hit the nightstand with his fist. It was going to be another very long day.
Colin sat in his living room alone. After learning from Greg that there had been some car trouble and he and Jeff needed to stay overnight, Colin had nothing more to do but wait. Colin went to the window. The snowing has increased. There were several inches of snow on the ground already. Colin picked up his phone and called Ryan. He was still at the department. Colin asked if he would come over but Ryan had to stay there a while longer to complete the paper work.
Colin had absolutely nothing to do. He wandered all over the still half empty house. Colin had a question in mind for Ryan but he didn’t think it was good to ask just yet. He couldn't believe himself. Just three months ago he was miserable about thinking of being with someone and now he wanted to ask Ryan if he would move in with him. Colin was excited but at the same time, afraid. It was such a big step for him and what would Ryan think?
Colin went to bed and tried to sleep but the day’s events flashed before his eyes. He saw the principal falling to the ground and Malcolm’s gun pointing at him. He remembered the boy's eyes. They were full of defiance and Colin new he was serious. He went in there without a gun, with all the trust in a man, his man, and he didn't let Colin down. Colin remembered that he didn't even thank Ryan for saving his life. Colin tossed and turned for a couple of hours trying to get sleep and at last sunk into a restless sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the morning Greg arrived. The tow truck came and repaired the damage to the car and the two were on their way arriving earlier than expected. Greg looked tired and nervous but he smiled when he saw his old buddy. They hugged and pat each other’s back. Jeff sat behind the wheel and didn't get out of the car even when Colin waved to him. He went outside to the car and Jeff rolled down the window.
"How much do I owe you? I will of course pay for the motel and gas." Colin said and took his wallet from his pocket.
He handed the money to Jeff and Jeff quietly told him he would drop the car off at the department. Colin thought Jeff looked a little different, more relaxed yet more jumpy at the same time. He kept shooting glances at the front door, and then turned his head facing forward. He didn’t say much.
Colin watched after the man as he drove off.
He led Greg into the house and showed him where he could put his clothes and left him to unpack. He headed to kitchen to prepare breakfast for them.
While cooking Colin thought that Christmas was near. Now that Greg was in town, Colin wanted to throw a party. He didn't have that many friends here yet but the ones he did come to know he wanted to do something for. He thought about the guest list. He really wanted to call Ryan and ask what he thought but didn't dare yet. Ryan was probably sleeping right now. Colin took a pen and paper and started to prepare the list while the eggs were boiling and the hot water was in the kettle.
Greg ate with a good appetite. He told the Colin the latest news from headquarters. Colin really enjoyed the familiar voice and sarcastic comments about the events around the world. After eating they moved to the couch to drink their coffee.
"Greg, I ...have to tell you about...something..." Colin started carefully "I moved here because of someone."
"I know..."
"You know? Did Jeff tell you?"
"I figured that last time we saw each other. And I did asked Jeff and he didn’t have to say much for me to get the picture. Colin I think it's perfectly OK. Maybe I was a little surprised because we never talked about you liking men and such, but boy I wish we had because I think I'm not so into women either." Greg said smirking.
"You too?? And I thought I was good at reading people." Colin laughed, relieved.
Now that all the "secrets" had been revealed they talked about this and that for an hour or two until Colin's phone rang. Ryan asked how he was and Colin asked him to come over.
When Ryan arrived he first looked at Greg estimating like he always does for new people. Greg put his hands on his hips and looked at Ryan over the rims of his glasses. They sized each other up, but Colin saw that Ryan approved the man and smiled. He put his arm around Ryan's waist and gave him a little hug. Ryan looked at him adoringly.
Greg looked at the two lovebirds. He could tell that there was a true chemistry between them. And that they loved each other deeply. Greg thought poignantly, wondering if he could ever find someone to be with. He was ready for anything. Even if it meant moving to this small backwards town.
He thought of his brief encounter this morning and the man that he had experienced it with. Greg was not happy with the way things went down. The ride to Colin’s house from the motel had been an awkward affair. He and Jeff didn’t say much to one another and when one tried to start a conversation the other usually was saying something at the same time and then both people stopped talking at once, the silence tangible. He had studied the man beside him all morning. He knew he didn’t mistake the response he received from Jeff when he felt him, touched him and finally realized it was him under his hands and mouth. He also knew he didn’t mistake the look of horror and apathy he received as he peered over the bed at the young man. Was he truly that repulsive?
That was a real blow to Greg’s ego. Greg sighed and tried to make the best of things, but he would be highly pleased if he didn’t run into the young man in the near future. It was too much. He thought of how Jeff felt, close to his body and the warmth of his skin and it made Greg blush and that was something definitely NOT him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The week before Christmas went quickly. Ryan was handling the Christmas rush at the department while Colin showed Greg the town. They took long walks around and Greg seemed to enjoy being there. They went to the movies, ate at the restaurants and Colin introduced him to the guys at the department.
Colin had invited Jeff to his party, but had not heard from him since he had hurriedly dropped Greg off that day. Colin hoped that he was going to his Christmas party anyway. He had written a little letter to go with the invite and told him that everything was ok from his side, and that he hoped Jeff was ok with things, asking the man to call him. But Jeff didn't call him back. Colin decided to give him more time.
The following Sunday was sad for the town. Most of the citizens gathered in the church for Christmas service in the evening. It was dedicated to the people who as passed away at city hall and at the school. Many people cried and they were all dressed in black.
Colin sat with Greg and Ryan and couldn't help thinking about the shooting at the school and all the families who had lost their love ones just before Christmas. Ryan saw him struggling with tears and took Colin's hand in his own. Colin looked at him thankfully. They left the church and headed in the direction of the local pub.
After couple of beers they all went back to Colin's house. Ryan hadn't spent any nights there after Greg had arrived and Colin missed sleeping next to him so badly. While Greg excused himself to the bathroom, Colin pushed himself against Ryan and stole a kiss. Instantly he deepened it, not being able to hold himself back, lowering his hands until he was rubbing deliciously against Ryan’s ass.
"Colin!" Ryan laughed and tried to step back, "You have guest here!"
"I know, and I’m sorry. I was just missing you. Can you please stay over night?" Colin begged looking sorrowful at Ryan.
"How can I resist those eyes?" Ryan laughed and leaned in to kiss his lover until Greg came out of the bathroom.
It was already midnight. They all had checked what was still needed for the party the next day and then decided it was time for bed. Ryan climbed the stairs behind Colin and Greg was left on the couch. Ryan shut the bedroom door behind them.
Before Colin had a chance to even turn around, Ryan wound his arms around Colin and pushed his hardness against Colin's rear. Colin gasped at the pleasant surprise.
He turned in Ryan’s arms and started to undress him. Ryan stood still letting his lover undress him with nimble fingers, trembling slightly; it had been so long since the last time they had made love. It was making them both insane at how slow motion everything seemed to be.
With a frustrated growl, Ryan pushed Colin up against the door and attacked his mouth greedily. Colin closed his eyes, scrabbling for the material at Ryan’s back. Ryan was thrusting desperately against Colin’s hip as he mouthed his way down his neck sucking and teasing.
"I want you right fucking now, Colin..." He didn’t realize how desperate the situation had become.
Colin was returning his eagerness, ripping the shirt from Ryan’s back and delving into his pants. "Right now…" He said barely able to form the words
Ryan yanked Colin’s pants down around his ankles. He was too needy to wait for any formalities. He kept seeing Colin’s sad face and he wanted to take away the melancholy that had formed around his heart. Ryan’s hot breath was shared with Colin’s as they pressed their foreheads together. He slung Colin’s leg up over his hip and with a final nod and smile from the sexy wanton man beneath him, drove in without further word. They both threw their heads back Colin thumping his almost painfully against the door. Ryan came back to look into his lover’s eyes, green iris’ glittering.
He grasped Colin’s hip, digging his fingers deep into the flesh of his ass and began a slow grind into him, his passion not quelling but the sensations being almost too unbearable. Colin dug his nails into Ryan’s back as Ryan slammed harder into him.
Greg lay on the couch. He heard the gasps and noises from upstairs. He had no doubts as to what Colin and Ryan were doing up there. Instantly his mind flashed to Jeff and he shook his head desperately trying to clear the images that flooded his mind. He didn’t need this. And yet as the thumps and sounds grew louder from upstairs, he knew he DID need it and he wanted it so bad he could taste it. Why were they torturing him so?
He brought his hand down to his pants; his dick hurting it ached to be touched so badly. He thrust his hand into his pants groaning as he touched the hot flesh. The way he was feeling he knew it wouldn’t take long. Their sounds spurring him on Greg touched himself, the name of someone at the tip of his tongue begging to be said but he bit it as he came with a high pitched gasp coating his hand. He collapsed back onto the couch breathing heavily until his snores filled the room.
Colin couldn't take it anymore. His lover knew exactly what made him crazy. He moaned softly as Ryan continued to fuck him grinding him into the door. Colin moved his hips and felt Ryan hit his prostate and he groaned yanking Ryan’s hair hard as Ryan hit it again and again. Ryan grabbed Colin’s cock and tugged it. Colin’s eyes rolled back in his head as he felt himself right at the edge. "Come for me." Ryan said gasping as they both came hard against each other. They wrapped their arms tightly around each other holding each other letting the tremors move through their bodies, laughing into each other’s skin.
"I love you." Colin whispered.
Ryan led him to his bed. He didn’t say anything but turned out the light and slid in behind Colin holding him close to his body as they feel into a peaceful, comforting sleep.
It was Monday morning. The day before Christmas Eve. The sun was shining, waking Colin up. Ryan didn't have to get up yet so Colin left him sleeping. He dressed and headed downstairs. Greg was still asleep too. Colin put the coffee on and fetched the morning newspaper. Greg woke up just as the coffee was ready. They were still sipping it when Ryan came down. He went to Colin and kissed him deeply before taking his mug of coffee. Greg looked at them quizzically one eyebrow raised. It was still something to get used to.
They were all pretty excited about the Christmas party. After breakfast, they all put on their jackets and headed to town to buy the items still missing for the party. Ryan dropped Colin and Greg off in the center of town and went to the department to check on the status of things before starting his Christmas vacation.
Colin and Greg went to the small catering shop to fetch their food they had ordered for the party and after an hour Ryan met them there. They all carried out armloads of food and supplies. It was going to be a great party! They all needed something to lighten their moods after the weeks they had just gone through.
As they drove back to Colin's house, Ryan didn't say much of anything. Greg told dirty jokes about firemen in the back seat and Colin laughed with him but Ryan remained mute. Colin wondered what was wrong with him. When he tried to touch Ryan's thigh he pulled away. Colin looked at him puzzled, not understanding his friend once again but thought with a smile that he could bring Ryan happiness with his early Christmas present.
----------------------------
The clock in the hall showed almost six p.m. The guests were supposed to arrive any time now. Colin was nervous. His palms were sweaty and he wiped them for the tenth time on his jeans. The little box in his pocket felt as if it were burning marks in his thigh. Colin knew he couldn't wait until tomorrow and asked Ryan to come to his bedroom before their friends arrived.
"I wanted to give you this tomorrow, but I can't hold it back anymore." Colin said handing over the small box.
"Colin, what is this? A Christmas present?" Ryan guessed, smiling nervously.
He opened the lid and took out a key on a silvery chain.
"It’s a key to this house, I was thinking, maybe, if you wanted to move in?" Colin said quietly and leaned towards Ryan. He closed his hand over Ryan’s intently looking into his eyes. Ryan winced. The bright silver keychain felt as if it were searing his skin.
"Colin, I...I can't move here."
"Why not? There are plenty of rooms. Did you think that I needed a house this big just for me? I’ve thought about you sharing this with me since I moved back and bought this place. But maybe it's still too early..."
"No Colin, It's not that...you know this is a small place. The rumors spread like fire and I’m the town’s deputy. If people hear that I live with a man...Colin it just won’t work out. I can’t live with you...I'm sorry. Can't we just stay the way we are?"
The door bell rang. Ryan left the bedroom and headed downstairs. Colin stayed where he was with the key in one hand and nothing in other. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. It wasn't supposed to go this way. Colin thought that if he could show Ryan that he was serious about them by not running away this time and making the hard decision, Ryan would see that he was ready to have a relationship. Now things were turning upside down. Colin wiped the tears that had begun to form in the corner of his eyes away and forced a smile. He shut off the light and went downstairs.
Chief Carey was first to arrive with Officer Denny Siegel from the department. Colin greeted them merrily.
"Come on in and enjoy. There is eggnog and then there is something you can actually drink," He pointed to the long table along one wall of the living room. The door didn't have time to shut as Chip Esten pushed his head inside.
" Ho ho ho! I heard there’s the best party in town around here somewhere!" He shouted from the door.
After fifteen minutes most of the guests had arrived. Karen and Josie were talking to Denny and they were laughing conspiratorially to themselves. Greg sat on the couch looking lost and lonely. Colin sat next to him.
"Hey!"
"Do you know that feeling Colin when you are amongst a crowd of people and you still feel that you are all alone in the world?" Greg started sipping alcohol from his glass.
"I know what you mean." Colin answered and looked around the room.
The doorbell rang once more and Colin went to answer it. Jeff stood there wearing a large Santa hat and an enormous pair of fluffy gloves. Colin couldn't help smiling. He looked so boyishly cute, a small smile playing on his features.
"You came after all?" Colin said wanting to hug his friend but didn't dare. He didn’t know if Jeff was still troubled about his feelings for him so he just smiled shyly back, shaking his hand.
"Colin, are we good? I mean I really want to be your friend. You are very important to me." The younger man said staring at the tips of his shoes.
"Of course we are good. Now come on in before you freeze your jingle bells off!"
Colin led the way down the hallway into the living room. Jeff looked at all the milling couples and suddenly felt self-conscious. He didn’t have a date with him and he wasn’t sure he felt like being the wallflower at this party where everyone looked like they had someone but him. Colin saw the look on his young friend’s face and knew just what to do. Someone was going to have fun tonight, even if it wasn’t him. He took Jeff’s gloved hand and led him over to the couch where the forlorn Mr. Proops had been sitting picking at a loose thread in his suit.
"I believe you two know each other." Colin said as he pushed a reluctant Jeff in front of him. Greg looked up and his jaw dropped when he saw Jeff standing in front of him.
Jeff blushed at the unintentional meaning of Colin’s words. He looked down at Greg noticing how smartly dressed the man was in his all black suit and red tie. Greg appraised the man in front of him as well trying to keep his heart inside his chest. Jeff looked so good.
Colin saw that neither one of them were making a move to talk so he did the only thing he could do. He shoved Jeff down into the seat next to Greg so close to him that he was practically on top of them man. Startled they both looked back at Colin, about to protest. "My work here is done." Colin said before moving off to his other guests.
Colin still hadn't talked with Ryan after his leaving the bedroom. He seemed to avoid his company. Colin wished that it was only as a show for his friends but deep inside, Colin felt that he had ruined everything.
People had gathered in the dining room. There was a buffet ready and all the guests filled their plates all ready to eat. Chief Carey had a huge plate of every sort of food. He sat next to Denny and talked lively with her. Colin sat down in his usual chair. The place next to him was free and he waited to see if Ryan would sit there but when the tall deputy gathered his food he headed to the other side of the table and sat next to Denny.
Colin sighed. Brad came over and next to him.
"Thank you for inviting me. You have a very beautiful house. I've always dreamed about living like this but I haven't got that much saved up yet." Brad said opening up to Colin more than he ever had before.
Colin nodded sticking a crab cake into his mouth. "It’s quite big for one person though." Colin said after gulping. "I think I got a little overexcited when I found this. Maybe I'll sell it to you if you want it."
Colin wasn't serious but somewhere deep inside him he thought that it was maybe something that he should do. If things between Ryan didn’t go as he planned, what would he do with this big empty house? For the first time Colin regretted his sudden move here.
He glanced around the table. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Ryan looked up at that moment and shot him a quick look that didn't mean anything. After that he leaned over to Denny and whispered something in her ear. Colin lost his appetite and excused himself.
He went outside and sat on the top step of the porch. It was ice-cold but he didn't care. He needed the fresh air. This evening wasn't supposed to turn out like this. He thought again. He felt a headache start behind his eyes and he knew it would be soon that it would claim him.
The front door opened and a shaft of light illuminated the gathered snow on the porch. Jeff stepped outside.
"Hey Colin, what is it? Are you ok?" He said putting a jacket that he had brought with him over Colin's shoulders.
"I’ve got a small headache," Colin said pinching the bridge of his nose. "I just need a little fresh air and it will pass."
Jeff sat down on the front step with Colin. "How is it going with Greg?" Colin asked trying to change the subject.
Jeff smiled. "I think he’s a real smartass."
Colin laughed. "And…?"
Jeff looked over at him, and put an arm around his shoulder. "And I like him." Colin smiled, and Jeff laughed at how Colin’s nose was turning red from being out in the cold for so long. "You look like Rudolph."
"Well, Santa," Colin said pointing at Jeff’s garb, "Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?"
But Colin’s head didn’t get any better; it just went from bad to worse. When Colin stepped back inside after Jeff had left him, he saw Ryan leaning over Denny, kissing her cheek. Ryan looked up and saw Colin standing in the doorway. He shrugged and just looked away. Colin desperately tried to think what he had done to deserve this. It was like Ryan was trying to get revenge or something. Colin didn’t feel like having a party or being a host or anything anymore. His evening was over. He went over to Greg, who was having a quiet conversation with Jeff, his hand ever-so-slightly brushing Jeff’s knee, and told him to take care of the guests. He blamed his headache for his sudden departure and went to upstairs to take a nap.
"So, dude really, I wanted to talk to you about what happened the other day." Greg said with a sudden attack of self-consciousness. For some reason he couldn’t bring himself to look into Jeff’s eyes. He stared at the carpet and kicked himself in the ass for acting like some kind of pre-teen with a crush. This shouldn’t be so difficult.
Jeff was staring intently at the man beside him. He really hadn’t been able to get Greg out of his mind since the events of that morning in the motel. He thought that staying away from Greg would quell some of the instant attraction he had begun to feel for him that morning. He thought that maybe Greg had made a mistake and that he wouldn’t consider someone like him. Just thinking of what had happened, the expert way he was handled, the touches filled with need and desire brought a flush to his pale features and his heartbeat quickened inside of him. He looked at Greg and noticed that the man was having a hard time trying to say the same things he had been wanting to. He knew he couldn’t be wrong.
He grabbed one of Greg’s tailored suit lapels unexpectedly and pulled his ear close to his lips. Exhaling haltingly he whispered seductively low sending instant erotic shivers up Greg’s startled spine. "Let’s go some where to…talk." Jeff nipped at his earlobe playfully.
Greg was beside himself in disbelief but the shockwave that hit him when straight to his dick. His eyes fluttered shut. Jeff chuckled softly beside him, sliding his hand down bravely and was quite pleased in his results. "Bathroom, now." Greg ground out between gritted teeth.
They raced up the stairs only earning mild stares from some of the other partygoers. Greg fumbled with the doorknob as Jeff began removing his suit coat running his slender hands along the silky material of Greg’s shirt underneath his vest. He pressed tightly behind him, letting Greg feel his urgency. Greg moaned softly giving up on the door flipping around and pulling Jeff close. Jeff looked at him once, hands at either side of Greg’s head resting on the door. Greg hooked his thumbs in Jeff’s belt loops of his jeans and yanked his hips forward to brush deliciously against his ache. "You are so fucking hot…" He whispered just before Jeff’s mouth closed over his.
Jeff wasted no time in finding out just what flavor Greg was made of as he delved inside Greg’s mouth. Greg swallowed a moan as he brought his hands to Jeff’s hair reveling in the feel of it once more. He liked how the younger man seemed to want to take control and he let him think that for the time being. It had been too long since he had kissed someone, and Jeff’s mouth was doing things that definitely earned him points in Greg’s book. They matched each others thrusts against clothed erections as Jeff eagerly continued to kiss, suck and lick his way down Greg’s throat.
Greg had finally twisted the knob just right and the weight on the door caused the pair to fall into the room. Jeff not stopping his momentum backed Greg against the counter, his hands flailing, knocking several items onto the floor. He started loosening Greg’s tie, still kissing him, licking his lips and suckling at the bottom one. Greg realized he needed to take control of the situation and soon. He batted Jeff’s roaming hands away from his shirt and spun him around replacing his position at the sink counter, his back facing him.
He brought himself close grabbing a handful of Jeff’s hair and yanked it back. "Shit…" Jeff gasped his mouth hanging open. It felt so good as Greg brought his lips to Jeff’s neck sucking hard, his other hand rubbing against the thin t-shirt separating him from his chest. "I want you naked, and I want to watch myself fuck you right here." Greg said as he nibbled his way along Jeff’s exposed neck and shoulder, laving it with his warm tongue. Jeff was reduced to whimpers at the amazing skill of the man behind him.
It didn’t take long for all of Jeff’s clothes to be in various places around the room. Greg slipped off his tie seductively and Jeff watched as he used the fine silk to wrap around his wrists semi-securely. "Insurance." Greg said taking in the view in front of him. Jeff’s body was beautiful. Long, lean and slender, Greg studied his reflection in the mirror and then looked at the body in front of him. He feather touched Jeff’s skin in reverence, until Jeff was near writhing to be touched harder.
"Greg…" Jeff said desperately. "Touch me." He leaned back against Greg giving him a full view of his body and his hard cock pressed up tight against his belly. Greg was salivating at the sight in front of him. Greg pushed him back over the counter with a slightly trembling hand on his lower back. He steadied himself against Jeff’s ass rubbing his thumb along the base, just admiring, taking his time. Jeff was a meal to be savored.
At the sound of the sibilant hiss of a zipper, Jeff lifted his head sharply. He looked into Greg’s darkened eyes and gave a lopsided smile nearly making Greg come before he had his pants down. Greg reached over and found something Colin had on his counter. It was some aloe lotion for dry skin. Jeff shrugged at Greg’s smirk and then shivered as he watched Greg lower his pants freeing his cock that sprung happily out of his slacks.
Greg gasped as the cool aloe lotion touched his heated fleshed and he slicked himself up lolling his head back at the feel. Jeff was about to explode soon. "God Greg if you don’t fuck me…"
"Patience m’lad." He said dropping his hand and catching it on the side of Jeff’s hip jerking him back once. In that instance he was buried deep, Jeff barely even registering it, it was a skilled and masterful move.
"Holy Shit…." He gasped feeling instantly warm and filled. He shook his head violently against the waves of heat that coursed through him.
"So….fucking….tight…" Greg said wheezing softly. Jeff glanced at Greg’s reflection in the mirror. His eyes were squeezed shut and Jeff nearly came on Colin’s cabinet at the sight of the man, his black silk shirt slightly opened exposing a few light chest hairs, fine sheen of perspiration on his forehead. He bit his lip holding back a cry.
Greg rode him expertly, sliding in and out easily with the sleekness of his cock. One hand casually resting on his hip, the other on his tie holding the hot stallion in front of him. They had both been sex-starved for so long that they had a lot of pent up energy to burn off and showed no signs of tiring. Greg was pretty impressed with his own stamina. He wasn’t as young as the man in front of him but he was pretty damn proud of himself nonetheless. He loved to hear the sounds he was bringing forth from Jeff, urging him on. He looked up into the mirror several times watching himself ride Jeff, fucking him senseless.
Greg smug as you please reached down just when he knew it was time and grasped Jeff’s angry cock that had been fucking air for the last half hour and brought him off just 3 strokes under par. Jeff collapsed against the counter breathing out of control as he felt he would never stop coming. The sight of him sent Greg’s mind spiraling and he lost his careful control of the situation and slammed into him for all he was worth. He came deep inside of Jeff before falling against the smooth sweat soaked back riding the waves back down to earth.
Moments later they each caught the other’s eye in the mirror and shared an understanding smile. Lonely no more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three hours later Colin woke up. The house was silent but when he got up he heard voices coming from downstairs. He headed that way and saw people around the table laughing. Brad, Chip and Drew were still there eating the last bits from the buffet. Drew looked very drunk and there was food all over his face. Colin handed him a napkin. Drew swiped at it only making a bigger mess.
"Hey! How's the host?" Brad screamed smirking.
"Better. Where is everyone else?" Colin answered looking around at the mess.
"They went to the pub. There is karaoke going on. We are going there too after ‘Chief Party Hardy’ is ready."
They finally got the Chief presentable and headed over to the pub. Colin decided to go with them to see if Greg was ok. When they opened the bar's door Christmas tunes blared out at them. Josie was in the middle of singing White Christmas while Karen was miming the lyrics next to her. All the customers were laughing at their antics. Colin saw his friends around a big table. Ryan was obviously drunk and was all over Officer Siegel. When he saw Colin he stood up.
"Hey look who's here! The host of the evening!" Ryan yelled over.
Colin straightened himself, standing taller and went over to the table. Brad purchased another round of beer for everyone and they all squeezed around the table. Colin sat next to Greg and saw the biggest grin in his face.
"Hey Col, I think I'm in love." He murmured slurring slightly into Colin's ear.
"Hey what you are whispering, say it out loud. We want to hear it!" Ryan demanded shouting louder than he needed to. Greg looked over at him, embarrassed but smug. He clutched Colin’s arm and shook his head.
Denny pushed Ryan back into his seat.
"No tell me, I wanna know!" Ryan continued trying to stand again.
"It was nothing that’s any of your business Ryan." Colin defended Greg. "So sit down and just drink your beer."
Ryan stared at Colin blinking hard, but Colin was in such a bad mood that he didn't care. He stared back fiercely. Ryan turned and again started to flirt with Officer Siegel, but Colin just looked past him letting it go over his head. He continued talking with Greg who told him that he had found a friend in Jeff. Colin was happy for them both even though he didn't know if they had future together, but the way Greg was going on, he didn’t see that that was going to be much of a problem. "It’s cool, buddy, we’re just chillin’" Greg said trying to put on the snark, leering, and earning a small laugh from Colin because he was more than a little inebriated. Jeff came back from the karaoke stand after making a Christmas song request, and hauled Greg off of Colin and into a quiet dark corner on the other side of the room.
Colin was tired of the drunken people around him. After what had happened earlier and what was going on in front of him, he had no interest to celebrate. He apologized once again and wished everyone a Merry Christmas before getting up and leaving the pub. Ryan stood up and brushed Denny off of him and quickly left, following behind Colin.
"You really know how to throw a party." He said after a few moments of silent walking.
"Ryan, what's your problem? Who are you? Why are you acting like this?"
"Colin I'm so tired now, I don't want to talk about it."
"Hey you know what, fine with me. I’ll talk for you. So, let me guess what your thinking is. You are never going to live with me. You just think you’re going to come and go when you need to. And here I am thinking we could be a couple but this seems to be a problem to you." Colin's thermometer was reaching the boiling point.
"I can't live with you and I told you why. We can still be a couple." Ryan said trying to touch Colin’s arm as he walked faster. He was not slowing down.
"I don't see that happening." Colin said smugly hitting Ryan hard with his words. "So how bout we just call this off. I’ll sell the house and move back to where ever. I don't care anymore. I'm tired of your selfishness and your two-faced attitude.
God, Ryan do you think any of those people back there bought your little song and dance? Your tongue all over Siegel's face? What were you trying to prove? That you’re not gay? I got news for you; I didn't buy it and neither did they!"
"Yeah, you’d like to think that. I bet if I went back there I could have her in my bed tonight. Maybe then they’d believe me!"
Colin stopped and turned around in the middle of the street. His face was red and he looked back at Ryan with a look he had never shown him before. Ryan stopped talking and was almost frightened of the man in front of him. He remained hard headed though. It may have been the alcohol talking but by this point all Colin saw in front of him was someone he wanted to hurt. He wanted to hurt him just as bad as he was hurting now.
"You do that Ryan. I really don't care anymore. We are so over!" Colin got right up into Ryan’s face watching as the man’s expression changed from false confidence to fear, then shock. "Fuck you Ryan!" Colin screamed at him the tears falling, making his view unclear and Ryan’s shocked face blurred.
He ran without looking back until he was at his house. He locked the door and went upstairs. He grabbed Ryan's toothbrush which he had bought for him and threw it out the window. He went to the bed and ripped off the pillow cases and sheets, putting on new ones. He was doing everything in a mad, angry haze, hitching sobs sounding throughout the room. He didn’t want to smell Ryan's scent. He didn’t want to be reminded of anything that was Ryan. Finally he collapsed into the bed with sore eyes and fell in sleep.
Top of Form 1
Bottom of Form 1
Colin woke up later. It was still dark outside but he decided to go to the kitchen and made coffee. The memories of what had happened the night before came flooding back at him like a cold hard slap in the face. He felt that maybe he overreacted to Ryan's actions. His head was aching and he felt such a huge disappointment that Ryan didn't want to move with him. That and being jealous over Officer Siegel was what made him snap. He felt angry enough about it to decide not to call Ryan. He was still trying to figure out what to think about living in this large house all by himself. He understood Ryan's point about the rumors but couldn't understand why it was such a big deal to him.
What was Ryan trying to accomplish by flirting with Denny? That image made him so angry that he couldn't tolerate it. He began to clean up the mess from the party with such a rage that he ended up breaking several dishes and cutting himself with a knife.
He was putting a bandage around his cut finger when the doorbell rang.
"Had fun last night?" Colin asked as Greg stumbled in looking extremely hung over, a huge grin on his face.
"I can't remember, but I think so." Greg giggled until he snorted.
He passed by Colin removing his coat and fell on the couch still smirking doing his best Jack Nicholson from ‘The Shining.’
"That Davis boy...He is amazing. He’s funny and cute and he has an enormous..."
"..Yeah, I get the picture." Colin interrupted, not caring to hear about any enormous anything.
"I was going to say enormous heart you perv!" Greg continued and pretended to be miffed. Apparently Greg couldn't read Colin's mood at all because he continued.
"I know that you can't think of anything else than that big cock of your sheriff's, But I had a great conversation and a nice time with Jeff. Maybe you should choose him instead of that defector."
"Defector?" Colin asked his anger was starting to rise again. "What do you mean by that?"
"You know those guys who can't stay in their own yard. They have to jump next door, if you know what I mean? And your Sheriff definitely defected over to the land of that Denny."
Colin couldn't control himself. He grasped Greg’s shirt.
"What did you see?!!" Colin yelled in his face.
"Calm down Col. It’s just that after you left, Ryan came back to the bar and took that chick with him and they left together. That's all I saw."
Colin couldn’t take it anymore. He shut his eyes and shook his head. This couldn't be true. He had everything just the day before, all the happiness he wanted, and now it was all gone.
"Fuck this Greg. WHATEVER! I'm so done, I'm overdone actually. Sorry I…I just gotta go." And with these words he headed to the door grabbing his coat with him.
After almost running all the way to the town, Colin still wasn’t calmed down. He strode to Main Street stopping in front of the travel agency and stepped inside.
Epilogue
Colin sat once again in the airport, once again running away from his loved one. The last time he was here, Ryan was there with him watching him from the terminal. Now he was alone. Alone in the whole wide world with nothing but a ticket in his hands. And it was Christmas Eve.
-The End