Lois, thank you for the beta...you are the greatest!
Author’s Comments: If the conversation between Brian and Ted seems odd or confusing, you can review the talks between Brian and Justin in Talisman Of Time, chapters 37-40 & 43 to refresh your memory of how we got here.
Chapter 03 – New Visions Monday Morning …(Day 36) When Brian and Justin were seated on the plane for the ride back to Pittsburgh, Brian silently interlaced his fingers with Justin’s. He quietly lifted Justin’s arm, and gently kissed his wrist. Justin leaned his head over and rested it on Brian’s shoulder. This was a moment of perfect understanding between them, and words were absolutely unnecessary. “You realize that we’re going to have talk to Theodore if we are going to make this work,” Brian said as they were driving directly from the airport to Kinnetik. “Let’s do it,” Justin said as they walked into the building. They were sitting in Brian’s office. Justin was using the office phone. Brian was just sitting at his desk watching Justin with amusement. “Hi, Ted. It’s Justin.” There was a pause. “Can you come to Brian’s office?” Another pause. “Yes, now…” Another pause. “Ok. Bye,” Justin said gently before hanging up the phone. Justin turned around and found Brian glaring at him. “What’s wrong?” he innocently asked. “Oh, I see we have lots of work to do if you’re going to be around here,” Brian insisted smugly. “Excuse me?” Justin said, glaring back at Brian in total disbelief. Brian continued to rant at Justin, ignoring the fact that Ted had already walked into the office. “You’ve got to be more forceful than that, or Theodore will never know that you mean business,” he teased, shaking his head in disbelief. “But Brian, he came immediately, and he’s standing right there.” Justin motioned in the direction of the now puzzled Ted. “So you’ve got to admit, additional forcefulness just somehow seemed unnecessary,” Justin said with a smile, confidently taking a seat in one of the chairs near Brian’s desk before he sarcastically asked, “I’m sorry, did I interrupt? Was there a point you were making?” Brian rolled his eyes. ‘Justin could be so trying sometimes,’ he thought to himself with a smile. Ted just smiled at the exchange between the two men and waited to see what would happen next. He didn’t have to long to wait. “Theodore, I’m so glad that you’re finally here.” Brian began. Ted shrugged in total disbelief at THAT comment, but he said nothing. “ I want to share with you my new vision,” Brian stood up and started to pace for emphasis. Brian knew that he was about to enjoy what was going to happen. “Excuse me?” Ted said, grateful to be off the hot seat. But he did clearly notice the distinct change of topic. He experienced a moment of confusion; so he had to ask, “Did I miss something?” remembering that with Justin around, Brian’s agile mind tended to shift topics even faster than usual. “Try to keep up, Theodore!” “Right. Right.” “As I was saying…I want to share with you my new vision,” Brian repeated again for emphasis as he looked out the corner of his eye to watch for Ted’s reaction. “Ooook.” “Let’s say…we have Kinnetik offices all over the world,” Brian wistfully began, allowing himself to become momentarily dreamy-eyed for effect. “Kinnetik World Wide Incorporated…I’m with you so far, Bri.” “Let’s say in our office buildings we have living quarters for Justin and me…for when we visit each office. After all, we have to live somewhere as we travel from place to place.” “Ooook. I understand that you need residence quarters in each location. And these quarters should be, not just for you alone, but should be for you AND Justin? Got it.” Ted said, trying to sound nonchalant but efficient. “Right! It’s good to see that you’re with me so far.” Brian said with a smile. “I’m trying here. You haven’t lost me yet,” Ted acknowledged, deciding at this point that he really needed to sit down if he was going to take in the remainder of Brian’s performance. So he moved to the nearest chair. “And, of course, with Kinnetik’s expansion,” Brian continued, “Part of our staff will need to be lithe and mobile, and so I guess, we have to have temporary residences everywhere as they travel, preferable within our company owned buildings.” “Of course,” Ted said, starting to wonder if any drugs still lingered in Brian’s system from his weekend at Babylon. Maybe that would explain these new delusions. He also wondered if he was going to need to place a call to Blake to coach him through how to handle this newly developing situation. But Ted decided, at this point, it was still better to humor Brian and to see where he was going with this. He could always take more drastic actions later, if necessary. Brian continued once again. “And of course, Justin has to have adequate studio space as part of the design within every Kinnetik World Wide building…so that he can paint whatever he wants…whenever he wants…from wherever he happens to be…” “Absolutely!” Ted agreed, casting his glance over toward Justin, who was smiling in agreement with all that Brian was saying. Ted began to wonder if maybe they had been doing drugs together this weekend after they left Babylon. Ted’s thoughts were interrupted as Brian resumed, “And, Kinnetik World Wide will probably have to work out some rental arrangement with Justin, maybe charge him rent for his studio space because he’s going to be a rich, successful, world-renown artist, and money will, of course, be no object.” “Of course.” “But we’ll try to be somewhat accommodating with him. Kinnetik World Wide would probably agree to defray part of his studio rental costs if he will agree to work on projects for Kinnetik from time to time…as his schedule permits.” “Absolutely! Which is really a good thing because Murph is already complaining about how the art department missed Justin the week he was in New York.” Ted interjected, finally finding his voice and now, having something to contribute to the conversation. “Theodore, what are you talking about?” Brian asked with total surprise…even a bit annoyed that his performance had been interrupted. “To quote Murph, ‘the art department felt that it lacked creative direction during the week of Justin’s absence’. Just thought you should know,” Ted said with a smile. And in that instant, Ted suddenly understood why Emmett so loved to relay gossip. “But forgive me…I digress…you were saying?” Brian once again resumed control of his interrupted presentation. “Well, what do you think about what I have just presented to you? I realize that this may be a slight departure from the way we have traditionally thought about Kinnetik’s expansion.” Brian said innocently. “I would have to say, that’s a major understatement!” Ted agreed forcefully. Justin had been quietly watching the exchange between Ted and Brian with intense interest, but Ted’s last statement caused even Justin to laugh. “So with these new parameters, I need you figure out what we need to do…to open our New York City office.” “What? What? When?” “I would like to be settled within four months. Is that enough time? If I need to delay because of renovations, I suppose Justin would let me crash at his loft temporarily until more permanent quarters are ready,” Brian said, looking over at Justin with a smile for confirmation. Justin gave him a nod yes and a full wattage smile. “What? What?” “Theodore, get on the ball! You have work to do! Figure it out! Make it happen! But breathe a word of this, and you’re so fired. Get back to me when you have something concrete to show me.” “Bri, this is good news. Anything else?” “Well, in addition to all that I just laid out for you, we still have to roll out Collezione Fiero without missing a beat. In fact, I want to come in ahead of schedule. Do I make myself clear?” “Perfectly.” “I expect the bonuses on that account alone to make selling the house in West Virginia unnecessary…Justin and I love the house and would rather not sell it unless we have to.” “Got it. Is there anything else?” Ted asked with a sigh. Brian looked over at Justin. “Have I forgotten anything?” he asked and paused to see if Justin had anything to add. “You mean other the shopping spree necessary with each new office opening?” Justin added “Ah yes,” Brian said with a laugh, “How could I forget? Theodore, I need a clothing allowance for me added to the opening expenses for each new Kinnetik World Wide Office opening. Do you think you manage that?” “What? I can manage all the other stuff. But an additional clothing allowance for you on top of everything else? That’s really asking a lot, Brian! I can only do so much here! You’re going to have to drum up significantly more accounts per location than we previously forecasted to be able to handle that!” Ted rambled on. He had endured enough of Brian’s performance, but the last request was just over the top. “I see! Well, it’s all Justin’s fault; so maybe we can factor my clothing allowance into his studio rental costs. Yes, I can see that he is going to have to spend a lot more time working at Kinnetik World Wide than he had originally planned. We’re obviously going to have to press him into all sorts of service,” Brian rambled on aloud. “I’m not going to even touch that!” Ted said, holding up his hands to shield his mind from the thought. “As relieved as I am that you’ve stopped torturing me, I can’t stand idly by and watch you pick on Justin either.” Ted finally stood up and took a few steps forward. “Now that I understand the new parameters, I’m going to my office to see if I can reforecast the entire Kinnetik Universe.” “Thanks Theodore,” Brian said with a smile. “I knew you would take care of everything.” “You realize that I’m sitting on the hottest story of the century…and I can’t say a word! You know that this is going to be killing me!” “Theodore! “But I’ll keep my mouth shut! Anyway, I’m happy for you,” Ted said, hugging Justin. Brian allowed a one second hug, and then said coldly, “You said something about going back to your office?” “Leaving. Leaving.” Ted finally said, starting to walk out of the office with a smile. Some things never change. Once Ted had left the office, Justin walked into Brian’s arms and said, “You were having such a good time, weren’t you?” “Did it show?” Brian asked. “Only to me. Remember, I’m on to you?” Justin reminded him. “Oh, thank goodness,” Brian said, leaning down to give Justin a gentle kiss. Cynthia chose that moment to enter Brian’s office without knocking. “Does the concept of knocking ever occur to you?” Brian tried to bellow at Cynthia, who as usual, paid no attention to him. “How often have I told you to lock the door whenever Justin visits you,” she reminded him. “Besides I didn’t come to see you, I wanted to be sure that Justin got his courier package from Milan.” “Oh. Well, in that case, I guess you’re forgiven,” Brian said, finally releasing his hold on Justin and turning back to his desk. “And I guess I’d better go and see Murph,” Justin said, turning to leave. “Your package is on the corner of my desk,” Cynthia yelled to him as he was leaving. “Got it. Thanks,” Justin yelled back from the other room. Once Justin was gone, Cynthia turned her attention to Brian again. “I’m not going to ask what’s going on because you’ll tell me in your own good time. But, just answer one question, why is there a suitcase in your office?” “Justin and I just got back from Toronto this morning. We went to visit Gus. Oh yes, by the way, Gus is going with us to Cincinnati. Justin is leaving early. So I guess we have to figure how I can get Gus in Toronto and still get to Cincinnati no later than say Friday. By the way when is my New York meeting with The Pentland Group?” “Andrew David called. He wants to know if you can you reschedule your meeting with him for sometime Thursday.” “Sure, no problem, if you can make it fit the schedule.” “How’s Gus?” “He’s good. He and I took Justin to the Toronto Zoo,” Brian explained, announcing it just that way as if it was a perfectly normal occurrence for Justin to be taken on these outings by father and son. “And by the way,” Brian said, while digging in the suitcase and pulling out the disposal cameras one at a time while they talked, “Can you send these out for processing?” “What are those?” she asked, watching Brian still pulling out cameras. Still removing cameras from the suitcase, Brian said, “This is what happens when Justin tries a new artistic medium. Don’t ask!” “Brian, most families can barely get through one of these, how many days were you at the zoo?” she asked, continuing to accept cameras that were handed to her. “We were only there few hours,” Brian said with a sigh, finally re-closing the suitcase. Cynthia burst out laughing, struggling with the armful of cameras. “I love my job,” she said as she left his office still laughing. Brian just shook his head and made himself comfortable once again at this desk, trying to erase from his mind the sight of Cynthia juggling a stack of disposal cameras in her arms. *** Meanwhile in the art department, Justin was sitting at one of the spare boards, going through his packet from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana while waiting for Murph and George to finish with their meeting. Justin was carefully reading through the information in Italian, page by page, before he finally located the pages written in other languages, including English. His presence in the art department did not go unnoticed. Different people in the art department noticed he was there. They looked over his shoulder at what was he was reading and became involved. Everyone was looking at various pages, choosing the language version that they partly understood. Each person wanted to do their part to help Justin wade through the volume of information. Everyone was huddled around Justin talking at once, talking about the international exhibit and the requirements. Each person was finding some little tidbit of information to share with Justin, who just smiled at the entire fiasco. When Murph and George appeared, Justin asked if they had a moment. Seeing that they were now available, Justin thanked everyone for their help, as he refolded the papers and re-inserted them in the courier pack. “Murph, I’ve been meaning to ask you a question,” Justin said, making himself comfortable on one of the stools. “Sure Justin, what’s on your mind?” “Let’s say that I’m in my studio in New York or even at home,” Justin began. “Ok.” “And let’s say that you wanted to have a art department meeting, and you wanted me there too?” Justin continued nonchalantly. “Yeah?” “How would we do it?” Justin finally stopped and looked directly at Murph for an answer. “You know I have been giving this a lot of thought,” Murph said with a big smile. “You have?” “We got this new video conferencing software. We were going to install it on Brian’s laptop, but you were in New York, and he was so driven and working us to death as it was. So we just didn’t tell him the software was in. The only rest we ever got was when he finally went home. If he knew we had this software, he would have even worked us from home, and we would have never experienced the concept of rest. So we just sort of didn’t mention it to him.” Murph explained. “I see,” Justin said with a laugh. “But we can add the software to your laptop, and you can conference with us whenever you want…from anywhere in the world. We can handle file transfers and stuff, and then we can all see and work on them across the network at the same time. Everything is encrypted, so it’s secure. Do you want to see a demo?” “Not right now, I was just checking on what the options were.” “Great minds think alike, Justin. Only, can we sort of not mention this to Brian just yet, unless we have to.” “Murph, you know how he hates to be kept in the dark,” Justin suggested. “I think you better tell him or confess to Cynthia and Ted at least. They will know how to best broach the subject with him.” “That’s a good idea. It’s good to have you around.” Murph said. Justin just shook his head. A few minutes later, George returned with a box and handed it to Justin. “Murph and I were trying to find the right moment to give you this,” George said. “What is it?” Justin asked. “It’s your copy of the video conferencing software and a few other items we thought you would need. It’s sort of like what we give new employees so they can function as part of the department. We put this together for you while you were in New York, just in case we could entice you to still work with us once you got back. You should get everything set up and tested before you have to leave again.” George said, handing the box to Justin. “Gee, I don’t know what to say,” Justin grinned and as he looked up, and the rest of the art department was also standing around and smiling. Justin thanked everyone and gathered everything up and made his way to put everything in the car, still trying to wrap his mind around what just happened. Justin stopped in to see Brian before heading off to Bri-tin to bring him up to date on what had just happened. However, as soon as he entered Brian’s office he heard, “So, is the great conspiracy between you and my art department complete?” Brian said with a smirk, without looking up from his computer. “And, I see that in accordance with our most recent pact, you and I now probably have a date in the hot tub, not to mention an overdue fucking into the mattress to schedule. How does this evening work for you?” “I’m not sure you can necessarily blame me for out next round in the hot tub, I just came back in to tell you about my meeting with the art department.” Justin honestly admitted. “I know that you did.” Brian whispered, standing up and walking over to give Justin a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I already know the general stuff, but for the life of me, I don’t know why my staff thinks that I don’t look at invoices.” Brian said as he sat back at his desk. “There’s a great story here that I’m just dying to hear. So go home and paint…take the car. I’ll take a limo home tonight after work…after I fire my entire art department,” he continued to tease. “Brian!” “Ok. Ok. I promise, I won’t let on that I know a thing. But I want all the gory details,” Brian insisted. Then he smiled, “Fuck, I sound like Emmett. I can’t believe what’s going on within my own company. Where did I go wrong?” “I’ll see you tonight,” Justin said with a smile, wiggling his hips as he was leaving. “Justin!” Brian called out into the empty air as he his cock twitched at Justin’s departing image. *** Ted was sitting in his office replaying in his mind his meeting from earlier today with Brian and Justin. Ted shook his head as he acknowledged that things were always more interesting with Justin around. This morning’s meeting just proved his point. Starting to work on revising his projections, Ted’s thoughts were racing away. ‘He was sitting on the hottest news story of the century’. He alone was privy to it…and he couldn’t say a word. What a powder keg! Wait until Deb and the Liberty Avenue family found out! Brian and Justin were not just a couple…they were a committed couple…as good as married some might say…without the fanfare of ceremony or rings or vows or papers or anything!’ Ted was still trying to get his mind around the fact that Brian had stood in his office and pitched the great redefinition of Kinnetik with one big change…that Justin was now quietly included prominently, in everything. Everything was now different. Ted’s musings were interrupted as Murph entered his office. Ted couldn’t wait to hear what revelations Murph had to tell him this time, especially since Murph didn’t come alone. He came accompanied by his loyal assistant, George. ‘Oh, this has to be good!’ Ted thought to himself. “What can I do for you two?” Ted asked right away. “ But I have to admit, you two already look like the cats, who just swallowed the canary. What happened did Brian catch you fawning over Justin? You know Murph, I warned you about that before,” Ted rambled on, continuing to tease. “You should have listened to me.” “Will you be serious? I think we’re in trouble.” George cautiously offered. “Justin said that we had to tell you,” Murph explained. “Justin?” Ted exclaimed, knowing immediately this had to be big. “But you can’t tell Brian,” Murph added. “Let’s talk about this. Then, I’ll decide whether or not to become a co-conspirator with you.” George and Murph relayed about the initial purchase of the video conferencing software to make Brian’s life easier. But because until lately he was so driven, they didn’t bother to mention to him that the software had arrived. They explained that now with Justin around, the department wanted him to be able to participate in meetings with the art department from wherever he happened to be; so they gave him a copy of the software to load on his laptop. Ted couldn’t help but laugh. “Your secret is safe with me, but knowing Brian, he is going to find out. And he will retaliate when you least expect it. So you should be prepared. You know how nothing gets pass him.” George and Murph nodded, but they still crossed their fingers and hoped that luck was on their side. They both really liked working for Brian after all these years, dating back to their Vanguard days. Brian always threatened pink slips, but he rarely followed through. They definitely hoped that luck would continue to be on their side. Ted smiled to himself as he realized that it had been less than a month since Justin’s return to Pittsburgh. Ted’s analytical mind was already ticking off events: ‘A six year old had staged a hunger strike; there had been an international incident, involving an intermediary delivering an apology; and now, there was a conspiracy brewing within Kinnetik. So much intrigue…in so little time… Ted found himself, echoing aloud Cynthia’s famous words as he turned back to his work, “I love my job.”