Book 5 Chapter 7 The crowd was larger than had been expected. Justin felt Stephen clinging to his neck and burying his head into his shoulder as the noise and attention seemed to frighten him. “What an adorable baby.” Mark commented insincerely as Justin moved passed him to stand next to Max. “Are you okay?” Max asked. He knew Justin well enough to recognize that the man was pale and off his game. “No.” Justin stated softly. “But let’s just get this shit over with.” Max furrowed his brow. He wanted to wrap his arms around the blond and tell Reinhold to fuck off, but knew how important the wing was not just to Justin, but to the Center and community as a whole. Max stepped forward and began addressing the group. Justin felt Reinhold’s eyes on him. He steeled himself as he met the man’s gaze refusing to look away. He was shocked by the hate he found coming back at him from the other man. It was then that Max introduced Reinhold. He gave Justin one last insincere smile as he stepped forward with mock humility to the applause of the crowd. Justin felt Max’s hand on the small of his back as he continued to stand on the platform. Looking out he met Brian’s gaze, the words in Mark’s speech began to hit close to home. The man seemed to know Ethan so well, too well, describing in detail one performance after another, quoting him, and finally expressing his profound grief at learning of the artist’s passing. Justin and Brian both found themselves staring at the man who was struggling with his emotions as he wrapped up his speech. Mark glanced over as he began listing all the cities he had traveled to, just to watch Ethan perform, and Justin felt a knife twist in this stomach. “Venice.” The last word rang out over the speakers as it echoed in Justin’s mind. As Mark turned and gave the blond one final glare, a new wave of suspicions dawned on Justin. What if Mark hadn’t been a one night stand to Ethan but instead his lover. Justin tried to dismiss the thought. He and Ethan had been forced to be so careful all those years. There was no way Ethan could have possibly have managed to have a lover on the side. The management team would never have allowed it. Justin watched as Max stepped forward leading the applause. He’d missed Reinhold’s final remarks; he’d felt too consumed by the revelation that this man had attended each and every performance Ethan had given during their three years together. Perhaps the man really had been a stalker. Justin heard his name and he stepped forward, feeling his son’s tight grip around his neck. He wasn’t aware when Brian joined him on the platform, but he watched as the older man took Stephen and stepped back. In spite of his anger, he allowed the man a grateful smile as he turned back to address the crowd. “It’s quite amazing that you attended each of Ethan’s many performances.” Justin glanced in Mark’s direction not meeting the man’s gaze. “I, on the other hand was forced to stay in the shadows. You know in order for Ethan to find work and maintain professional representation, he had to stay in the closet. No one could know of me, of our son, or of the life we shared.” He looked back at Stephen. The little boy called ‘Daddy’, charming the crowd. The little boy then buried his head back in Brian’s neck scared by the crowd once more. “It was terrible wonderful life we shared.” Justin continued. “So much of it had to be in hiding, pretending to be friends, pretending that he was straight and I was his cousin, his friend, his assistant. I’m not sure how many different titles I wore those three years while we were together, but it wasn’t until he died that anyone really called me what I was, his partner.” Justin’s voice was soft and regretful. “Ethan was a genius and he’d be the first to tell you that.” Laughter bubbled up and rose throughout the crowd, “But he was more than that. He was a good father, an adoring brother, and a loving partner.” Justin gestured to the ground where the shovels waited. “I’m grateful that the community will benefit from the impact of Ethan’s career and that in some small way his talent will not die nor will his memory. Each year as more and more potential geniuses attend the classes soon to be offered by the Center, he will live on and perhaps one day another prodigy will grace our lives tempering the harsh lines of reality with the gentleness and strength of Bach, Chopin, or Brahms.” There was loud applause as Justin quietly stepped back. Stephen reached for him. Justin took the baby but didn’t trust himself yet to look at Brian. Brian quietly stepped off of the platform and disappeared into the crowd once more. He saw several familiar faces, but decided he wanted to be alone. He paused on the edge of the crowd and watched as Justin struggled to remain neutral toward Reinhold. Brian was still shocked to discover that the man from Woody’s had been the phantom benefactor. There seemed to be more to this than met the eye. Brian wanted to get Reinhold alone and find out what his game was but more than anything, wanted a chance to reinforce to Justin how little the encounter had meant. He had to find a way to convince him that he had no intentions of walking out like that again. Max, Mark and Justin then made their way down to where the three shovels waited to officially kick off the ground breaking and construction of the new wing. Each filled a shovel, Justin on his knees allowing his son to help. There were several flashes. Max then invited one and all into the Center for a reception to honor the Reinhold Foundation as well as to honor the memory of the new wing’s name sake. *************************** Chris stepped out of the small parking garage adjacent to the Center just in time to see people begin moving into the main building. He’d always been curious as to what it was like in that place but had never had to courage to ever go in. Carl felt Deb’s hand on his arm and glanced over in the direction where she was looking. There plain as day was Chris Hobbs trying to make his way to where Justin was wiping the dirt from Stephen’s hands. “Justin!” Chris yelled. Justin looked up and immediately grabbed his son. He searched the crowd but failed to spot Brian. “Justin.” Chris continued toward him. “Stay back.” Justin warned feeling vulnerable holding his son in his arms. “I have to tell you something.” Chris’ desperation made him all the more frightening to the blond. “That’s far enough.” Carl appeared from no where with Deb by his side. “This is too much.” He reached out halting the younger man’s progress. Deb continued on, placing her arm around Justin and his son. Chris was shocked by the man’s sudden appearance. He hadn’t counted on the police being at the ground breaking. He looked at Justin feeling panicked. “Let go of me.” Chris pulled his arm free of the older man’s hold. “I have to talk to Justin.” Justin stood watching, mesmerized by Hobbs’ undeterred focus. “Chris, we have nothing to say to one another.” Justin stated grateful that Carl was there. Hobbs sighed in frustration and shook his head. He was about to plead his case to Justin when Carl grabbed his arm once more and jerked him back causing the younger man to lose his footing for a moment. “Justin, do you want to swear out a restraining order on this man.” Carl asked his voice indicating as clearly as he could that it was necessary. Justin nodded then agreed that he would. “Wait! No, Justin. You have to listen to me.” Chris yelled in shock as he was carted off by the older man. “I have to warn him.” He stated desperately to the older man. Looking back over this shoulder he struggled surprised by the older man’s strength. “Justin!” He yelled. “Justin, he’s not what he seems! You have to listen to me. You have to listen!” “Save your breath son. You’re only digging yourself a deeper grave.” Carl offered sagely. Chris shuddered at the man’s words realizing his silence had more than likely dug someone else’s grave. Looking around he noticed all of the eyes that were on him at that moment. He didn’t recognize any of the faces but felt certain in this community that they all knew his. His father would hear of this. Chris knew at that moment that life, as he had known it, was over for him. *********************************** Brian was pissed. The longer he considered it the more convinced he was that Mark Reinhold had set him up. He’d purposely thrown himself at Brian to hurt Justin. Brian wasn’t sure what exactly had happened between Ethan and the other man but he was sure that Reinhold resented Justin. It was evident to anyone paying even the smallest bit of attention during the ceremony. Reinhold had all but glared at Justin throughout his entire speech. As Brian reached his car he was surprised to hear his name called from behind. Turning, he saw the target of his anger. “I don’t do repeats.” He spat as he began to unlock his car door. “Don’t be angry.” Mark cooed softly. “Why?” Brian spat whirling around on the man. “Did you know who I was?” He accused. “Yes.” Mark stated softly. “I knew you were Ethan’s replacement or was he yours?” He asked drawing Brian’s lips into a cold scowl. “Fuck off.” He spat as he reached once more for his door. “I don’t think so.” Mark replied menacingly. He glanced around before pulling the gun from his jacket. Brian felt something jabbed into his back. “Now drop those fucking keys and move away from the car before I kill you here on the spot.” Brian’s mind raced overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. He eyed his surrounding for a way to escape the situation, but hearing the man cock the gun in his back he complied. “Now look two cars down.” Mark waited. “That Jag is our ride.” “Where are we going?” Brian asked trying to stall. “To where it all began.’ Mark replied cryptically. He dug the gun in deeper and was delighted to see how quickly Brian responded. ******************************** Someone had gotten the word to Max that there had been a disturbance outside. Looking around he saw that Reinhold was no where to be found, so he headed out to see what was required of him. It wasn’t until he watched Carl Horvath stuff Hobbs into a squad car that he realized that the disturbance had involved Justin. Hurrying over to where the crowd was gathered, he immediately focused on the blond. “You okay?” He asked, his hands on Justin’s shoulders. He noticed that Justin seemed to be searching for someone. He paused long enough to acknowledge Max’s concern. He offered a tense smile. “Dazzling.” He replied then handed a wiggling Stephen to Deb. “I can’t find Brian.” Deb accepted the boy willingly and headed into the Center to find the hungry boy some cake. She looked around the crowd searching for Brian as well, as they headed into the building. It wasn’t like Brian to let Justin deal with something as dangerous as Hobbs alone. “I’ll see if he is inside.” Deb called over her shoulder. Max scanned the crowd as well. “Look Justin, you’re going to have to go with me.” Carl stated. Justin glanced at the squad car where Hobbs was pounding on the window, yelling, his words too muffled to make out as, he continued to try to get his message to the blond.. “I need to find Brian.” Justin gave the older man an uncertain look. His voice sounded hollow. “I’m sorry kid.” Carl replied firmly. “But if we are going to hold him, you’re going to have to come down and make a complaint about all the harassment.” Justin felt Max’s hand on the middle of his back. He glanced up and met dark brown eyes, so like Ethan’s. He suddenly remembered the first time he’d met Max. It had been his eyes that had caught his attention. ‘Ethan’ Justin thought. He glanced toward the Center. The reception was underway. He should be in there to celebrate Ethan’s new music wing. He thought of Reinhold and the words he’d spoken, the concerts that he had attended. Justin continued to stare blankly at the Center. “Justin.” Max called as he gave the man a slight shake. Justin blinked, clearing his vision. It had been such a long fucking day. He looked up at Max. “I’ll go with you.” Max offered. “I’ll drive.” Justin nodded absently. “Where’s Brian?” Justin asked. “I haven’t seen him since we were in your office, well except when he joined you on the platform.” Max noted. “He was here at the ceremony. I’m sure he hasn’t gone far.” “I don’t know. We’re having a fight.” Justin admitted. “He was pissed. I was pissed. He probably just went back to the loft.” They headed for Max’s car. “Wait.” Justin stopped him. “I have to tell Deb where I am.” He turned and rushed back to the Center. “Justin.” Lindsay stopped him just inside the door. “Have you seen Mr. Reinhold?” Justin shook his head in disgust. “What?” Lindsay asked. “I’ll tell you later.” He continued on, following the sound of Deb’s voice. When he found her, Stephen was happily covered in icing and orange punch. Justin grimaced, wondering how he was ever going to get the suit clean. He now wished he’d left his son in the bunny sweater. “Sunshine.” Deb greeted him. Justin gave her a weary smile. “You okay?” She asked. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys. “Could you keep him until I get back from the station? His car seat is in my car, and his bag is in the day care.” Deb nodded. “Do you need for me to go to the station with you?” Deb asked concerned. “No.” Justin stated firmly. He didn’t want Stephen anywhere near Hobbs. “Justin?” Jennifer’s voice surprised him. “You did a wonderful job.” She kissed him lightly on the cheek. “Are you okay?” She asked noticing how pale her son was. “No, I have to go press charges against Hobbs.” He sighed. “What?” Jennifer looked to Deb then back to Justin. “He’s been sending us stuff and then today he just showed up.” Justin replied. “I told him to leave us alone but I guess he doesn’t give a shit what faggots want.” Jennifer gave him a sympathetic look. “Where’s Brian?” She asked. “He’ll want to go with you.” She reassured him. “He’s gone.” Justin offered. “No, he’s not.” Melanie jumped in. “Sorry I missed the ceremony. I got caught in court.” She kissed Justin’s cheek. “Where’s Brian.” Justin hugged her back letting her know that he understood. “I haven’t seen him but his car is still in the parking garage.” Justin furrowed his brow. He started scanning the reception area for his lover when he heard Max’s voice behind him. “Justin, let’s go.” He ordered. “Oh sorry.” Justin offered. “I guess I got a little distracted. Melanie said she saw Brian’s car in the garage.” “Don’t suppose you’ve seen Reinhold?” Max scanned the room quickly himself. “I should really tell him once more how much we appreciate his generosity.” Max stated under his breath as he searched the faces. “Let’s go.” Justin repeated the man’s words back to him. Max nodded as they headed out the front door and to Max’s car. ********************************* Brian sat in the shit hole apartment that Justin had once shared with Ethan. Brian had never seen it and he’d been glad for that fact. He knew the building though and from the insane ramblings of his host he had ascertained that he was in the old love nest. “So you see,” Mark turned on him gun still in hand. “It is only fair since he took mine, that I take his.” Brian struggled with the ties around his wrists. He was sitting in a hard wooden chair, hands secured behind his back and feet tied to the legs of the chair. When they had first arrived at the apartment, Brian had tried to overpower the man and escape but had only managed to dislocate his shoulder in the process. Reinhold had anticipated an escape attempt and had been prepared to deal with it effectively. Brian winced as he struggled to free his hands, each movement sending a sharp searing pain through his shoulder and chest. “Justin didn’t do this.” He ground out glaring at the man. “He didn’t even know about you.” “I know the little idiot was clueless.” Mark chided. Brian continued to glare. “He was too busy playing the wife.” Mark smirked. “Made me sick the way he refused to attend Ethan’s performances.” “He wasn’t allowed to. When he did he had to hide out, stay in the back, so no one would know the big secret.” Brian shouted. “Keep your voice down. I’ve warned you once.” Mark leveled the gun at Brian. Brian knew the guy was nuts, he wasn’t sure if he was crazy enough to kill him knowing the neighbors would hear or not. He didn’t feel like he could risk it. Instead he began searching for any way he could get free. “So what’s the plan?” Brian asked sarcastically. “Or do you even have one.” “Oh I have a plan.” Mark shot back. “I want him to know. I want him to know that he cost me EVERYTHING and so it’s going to cost him EVERYTHING as well.” Mark pulled up a chair opposite his quarry. “I don’t see how you can blame Justin.” Brian replied wearily as the pain continued to take its toll. “He didn’t ask Ethan to love him.” “Love him?” Mark laughed. “Love him?” He laughed harder leaning over to catch his breath. “Ethan didn’t love him. He hated him.” He shook his head considering the man incredulously. Brian watched the man closely. “They were partners.” He ventured. “They lived together but they were hardly partners.” Mark spat. “Partners support each other, want what is best for the other.” Brian remained silent, an ominous feeling growing inside of him. “Ethan loved me. We were working together. I contributed to his career. I made it possible for him to play on the great stages of the world.” Brian rolled his lips into his mouth realizing the man was telling the truth. “I made all of that possible so that he could finally leave Justin and be with the one he really loved, me.” “If you were the one supporting him, why not just leave from the start.” Brian asked. “Because that conniving little shit would have ruined everything. He blackmail Ethan. He was going to expose their relationship.” Mark shouted. “Justin would never have done that.” Mark stood suddenly and struck Brian knocking his chair over. Brian cried out as his injured shoulder impacted the hard floor. “Don’t you EVER defend him to me. I know who he is and I know what he is. Ethan told me EVERYTHING!” Mark stood over the man glaring down at him. Brian glanced up and realized that Mark had the gun now pointed at his head. He closed his eyes and waited his head aching, feeling the effects of the impact, as Reinhold angry words rained down on him, a storm of muffled harsh noise with no meaning. ****************** “Michael?” Justin was surprised to spot the man sitting in the room outside Horvath’s office. He was going through a book of photographs. A closer look revealed that they were mug shots. “Justin.” He too was surprised to see the blond. “What are you doing here?” He asked holding his place in the long line of faces. “Doing what he can to keep Hobbs away.” Max offered. It was the first time Michael had noticed the man. “Where’s Brian?” Michael asked. He didn’t mean for it to sound suspicious but knew that history had a way of shading his motives. He tried to seem casual but knew that both men were aware of his suspicions. “Who knows.” Justin replied wearily dismissing Michael. He didn’t have the energy to deal with Brian BEST friend at the moment. “Let’s get this done.” He offered as Horvath returned from behind. “Any luck Michael?” Carl asked. Michael shook his head. “I haven’t seen him yet. This is my third book.” Horvath grimaced. “What happened? Did someone break into your shop?” Max asked out of curiosity. Justin found himself waiting for Michael’s reply. Michael looked at Justin then back to Max. “We followed Hobbs.” Michael admitted. “What?” Justin asked in shock. “Yeah.” Michael looked around feeling slightly embarrassed by his detective work. “Em, Ted and I we heard about Hobbs harassing you and Brian, so we staked out his car and were going to threaten to beat the shit out of him if he didn’t back off.” He laughed along side Justin realizing the picture of he, Emmett and Ted wouldn’t be very intimidating. Justin was both surprised and touched that the three men had tried to help him. “It’s the thought that counts.” Justin offered softening slightly to the brunet. “Thank you for caring.” He added. “You’re welcome. Brian cares for you, I care for Brian. I just want you two to be happy.” Justin heard what he was saying. There would never be any love lost between he and Michael but they would always share a mutual love for Brian. Perhaps somewhere in that they could find a peace for Brian’s sake. “So, why the mug shots?” Max asked. “They just brought Hobbs in.” “There was another guy.” Michael replied. “We followed him home. Carl wanted me to see if I recognized him from any of these shots. Chris was none to happy to see him. It seemed they were maybe in something together. I don’t know.” Michael admitted. “You followed him home?” Max was amazed. He had a new found respect for Michael. Maybe he wasn’t the total manipulative bastard he’d always thought he was. “Yeah, he lives in this shit hole apartment building off of Liberty. It’s on 4th and—“ “Independence?” Justin asked. Michael nodded confused by how Justin would know. “Ethan and I lived in that building.” Justin admitted weakly his mind working around the details of the day. “What did this guy look like?” “Brown hair, slender, well dressed, drove a new Jag—“ Michael began. “Kind of soft hair, a little wave to it, fair skin, a little taller than me?” Justin asked. “Yeah.” Michael admitted sounding as spooked as he felt. “Reinhold.” Max read Justin’s thoughts. “I need to speak to Hobbs.” Justin urgently declared. He wasn’t sure why, but he had a very bad feeling about this and the fact that he had no idea where Brian was, somehow made it worse. *******************************************