The Princess Diaries 2 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 27 “Cynthia do you have anything for a headache?” Brian’s head was pounding and he had a feeling of foreboding yet it was only nine in the morning. “Sure Brian, I’ll bring something right in.” Cynthia was surprised. Brian hadn’t been overindulging in weeks. “Bad hang over Boss?” she asked. “No, I woke up like this. I stayed in last night.” Brian swallowed two yellow tablets without inquiring what they were. He flipped up the top of his computer and allowed it to boot up. The email pop up was right on time. He looked forward to Justin’s daily missives no matter how bizarre. His eyes focused on the words. He read them again and again before picking up the lap top and throwing it across the room in a rage. “Brian, what happened?” Cynthia ran into his office. She looked in dismay at the smashed computer as it lay against the wall. “I’ll take that to the computer techs and see if they can save the hard drive?” “Tell them I want it back on my desk by noon.” Brian growled as he reached for the phone. “I need the number for Connie’s Bistro in Cleveland.” He barked into the phone. He wrote the number down when the computerized voice finally spit it out. Taking a couple of deep breaths to calm himself, Brian dialed. “I’d like to speak to Connie.” “This is Connie.” “Brian Kinney here, I’m calling about Justin Taylor, I understand he works for you.” “Worked for me Mr. Kinney, Justin quit last night. He gave me your address to send his final check; he said you would put it in his bank account for him. He was very agitated but insistent that he leave now.” “Did he give you any reason or any idea where he was heading?” “No, but I’m sure it’s because of the man who has been following him. And twice now he’s been threatened, I had to start sending Bruno to walk him home. The streets just aren’t safe anymore. And now I have to deal with those stupid fish and all those plants. Oh well, Justin said that the fish won’t be such a problem anymore - I didn’t catch why. I really can’t talk Mr. Kinney, the food delivery is here. I’ll put Justin’s check in the mail on Friday.” With that Connie hung up. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Hey TC - it’s kind of exciting driving at night - everyone is sleeping and here we are on a big adventure” The cat wasn’t a lot of company but it was nice to have someone to talk to even if it was a tiny kitten that still had to be fed by a bottle. The kitten was curled up inside Justin’s shirt, its tiny claws scratching his belly every now and then when it turned over. Justin was heading south. He’d taken the easiest road out of Cleveland and found he was moving toward Cincinnati - he didn’t care as long as it was south. He had enough money to last for a week or so without having to worry about looking for work. Justin wanted to get as far south as he could. He was tired of the cold and the snow. The highway was shiny with frost, the night was cold and there were no stars visible. Everything was hidden by clouds. Justin hoped they weren’t snow clouds. He’d been driving almost three hours. The restless stirring of TC told him his kitten was getting hungry so Justin began to look for a likely spot to pull over and feed and groom the little guy. Being a mother cat wasn’t easy - Justin had no idea that he would have to massage TC’s belly to make him eliminate - it seems the mother cat would do it with her tongue - Justin drew the line at that and used his finger to massage the soft tummy. Not sure how far away the next truck stop was, Justin decided to take the first off ramp he came across. It was when he began to slow down that he realized he’d been driving on ice, he barely made it off the freeway without landing in the ditch. His heart was racing as he crept along a narrow two lane road looking for a good spot to stop. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 27 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: twists and turns Brian - you’ll probably get a bunch of these all at once - I did say I’d write everyday - unfortunately I can’t actually ‘send’ them everyday. Apparently parts of the world still aren’t connected to the net and I’m in one of them today and maybe tomorrow. The good news is - TC and I are fine - we’re a few hours out of Cleveland - not far enough believe me - but the best I could do - I pulled over to feed TC and ended up on a side road - which was good in one way - because when the wheel fell off the car I wasn’t going very fast and we just kind of rolled in the ditch. It was pretty dark so I fed TC and stuff and then we snuggled together in an old sleeping bag that came with the car - lucky eh? In the morning this nice farmer came by and towed me out of the ditch with his tractor and pulled me to his farm which was really not very far away. He went back to get the wheel and he couldn’t find it. I think it got stolen. So he’s going to ask around and see if he can find me a used one at a wrecker. I’m helping Mrs. Thompson (the farmer’s wife) with her Christmas baking - it’s nice - I thought I was going to miss doing Christmas baking and that’s one of the best parts of Christmas for me. It’s hard to believe it’s less than a month until Christmas. TC should be more company by then, cats mature pretty fast. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 28 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: on the road again Brian - I should be able to send this one and the last one to you later today. I’m leaving the Thompson’s soon. Mr. Thompson is putting my new wheel on for me. He found one at a friend’s place - seems the car I bought - a 1988 Ford Tempo - is kind of a dime a dozen - and they’re littered all over the place. The guy wouldn’t even take any money for it. He said that if I paid a thousand bucks for my car - I deserved a free tire or two and then he laughed - I have no idea what he was talking about, but he was nice. I want to get going because there are snow fall warnings. I’d like to get further south, though it seems to be getting colder the further south I go - I wonder where the magic warm line is? Mrs. Thompson gave me a hand knit hat and some mitts in case it snows. Emmett would love them, they are fluorescent rainbow colored and she gave me a box of cookies so TC and I are all set to move onward. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 29 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: The best laid plans Brian - well you should be happy - three emails in one day - I actually found a motel that I could tap into their phone and send. I can see that you’ve sent me a couple - I’ll read them later. I’ll probably be here for two days - the water pump went on the car and they have to track one down - this is kind of a small town, well village would better describe it - there’s only one garage and one motel. But on the up side - it’s snowing like crazy and TC and I are warm and snuggly inside and it only costs twenty five bucks a night - that includes coffee and a donut in the morning - not bad - of course I can’t actually picture you in here - actually I can picture you in here - (grin) you would be queening out big time (rolling on the floor with laughter, I am now) Justin BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: get your ass home Read the above. Brian BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: ignore my last email Justin - aren’t 29 days enough of an adventure? Can’t you ‘find’ yourself here in the Pitts? Turn your cell phone on, we could talk. This email shit is driving me insane. I want to actually hear your voice. I put some money in your account - buy a better car - it’s a loan(,) pay me back later. Brian ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 30 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: money Brian - Please don’t take this the wrong way - but I don’t want your money - I’ve never wanted your money - I have transferred what you deposited back to your account - your passwords are tooooo easy BTW - TC and I are doing fine I even worked a shift at the café attached to the motel - the waitress was snowed in - so I don’t have to pay for my room tonight and they fed me. Justin (who is just a bit mad that you think money is so god damn important in our relationship) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 31 BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: what relationship? Justin - to be in a relationship you have to actually know where the other person is - this isn’t a relationship. I don’t know what the fuck this is. BTW - so you’re the little shit who has been playing around with my bank accounts. There have been times I thought I was going nuts with the transfers from my checking to my savings. Maybe I like having a high balance in my checking account. Brian princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: interest rates Brian - good thing I checked my email before TC and I left - ‘cause who knows when I’ll get a chance to send you another - If you’ll notice - your checking account always had sufficient funds in it for anything your required - and your savings account at least earned you some interest - the transfers to the GIC’s earned even more - it really was for your own good. (see - how do you like it when some decides to ‘run’ your life - payback is a bitch) TC is doing real good - he’s just like any other kitty his age, maybe a bit smaller but he’s definitely getting playful and he loves riding in the car. The snow has stopped and the roads have been plowed. I’m moving further south today. I’m taking some of the small roads - the freeway is too scary in this car. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 32 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: driving the roads of America Brian - hey thank gawd for internet cafes - TC and I are in Kentucky and the roads are good. We found a nice little town and amazingly enough the sun is shining - I was beginning to wonder if it ever did. I have a job interview at a farm just outside of town; they need a cook for three weeks while their own cook goes home for Christmas. I found the ad in the window of this café - how cool is that? I have to go and clean up - don’t want to look like I’ve been living in my car for the last few days (hehe) I’ll let you know how it goes. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 33 BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: Christmas Justin - your mother wants you home for Christmas. I don’t suppose you’d reconsider this trip? I’d even like to see you once in awhile. Mikey was asking if I’d heard from you, I think he’d like to work on another issue of Rage with you. Ted complimented me yesterday about my ability to maximize my financial power with the maneuvering you’ve been doing - thanks - but of course I took full credit for it. Don’t just take the first job that comes your way - check this place out - you don’t want to leave in the middle of the night again. Brian princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Christmas Brian - it’s going to be a cold Kentucky Christmas for me - I got the job and they didn’t even mind about TC, in fact they have a mother cat who has some babies almost his age. She didn’t even mind him when he had lunch on her. She’s the house cat so I’ll have TC with me in the kitchen. And what’s even better - the guy who owns the ranch is gay. He’s in his early forties, ruggedly handsome - think hot hot hot cowboy type with designer boots etc. He raises horse - doesn’t everybody here? - And he lives with his partner who is sick - he has AIDS - and the cocktail isn’t working right now. I have a great room right off the kitchen, it has its own TV and sitting area and a bathtub that is so deep I can have the water right up to my neck - I can hardly wait. Must go - I want to start baking shortbread cookies. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 34 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Christmas Brian - I just realized that Christmas is only ten days away - I sent a few things in the mail today to your place - if you don’t mind can you drop them off for me - you don’t have to tell them how you got them - be sneaky - I know you can do it. It’s not much but I know how much Christmas means to Mom and Deb. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 35 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: December in Kentucky Hi - today we had a big dump of snow - for some reason the snow looks cleaner here than it did in the Pitts or Cleveland even. Elliott and Reg and I went outside and made snow Angels - Reg was having a good day and he said that making snow Angels definitely helped him. We did a whole choir of Angels and if you go to the upstairs windows and look out, it’s awesome. Elliott took me horseback riding today early this morning - I used Reg’s horse - he doesn’t like go out as much anymore and Queen is getting fat so I get to ride her while I’m here. The job is really easy - these guys eat like you do - barely anything - but they do come to my kitchen (I love saying ‘my’ kitchen) and steal cookies in the night the same as you used to do. I sent you a box of your favorite Christmas cookies - all low carb (hehe) well maybe not - but I won’t tell. Tomorrow Elliott’s friend from New Orleans is coming to visit. I’m going to make him Jambalaya - like Hotlanta showed me - remember? I don’t know which is better, the food or the story I tell that goes with it - I was such an immature child then - I can sort of understand now what you must have been going through with me. Justin (fondly reminiscing about the olden days) &&&&&&&& BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: reminiscing Justin - That isn’t such a good memory for me - at least the first part with Hotlanta - I was a shit and I’ll admit it to you now. I was so proud of you when you served me dinner the next day - you didn’t say anything but I knew you’d forgiven me for acting like an asshole. I have not forgotten that. How old did you say your bosses were? And they are making snow Angels? I think you managed to lower the mental age of anyone you are around - this is a good thing at times. I wish we had a few memories like that. I’ll look forward to getting your cookies - and I’ll deliver your presents - maybe I’ll have one of the office boys do it - it’ll save explanations. Brian (who is looking out his office window at the dirty Pittsburgh snow) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 36 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: yummy visitor Hey Brian - you’d loooooove Brett - that’s Elliott’s friend from New Orleans - he is one hottie that’s for sure. Tall, like you, dark curly hair, it sort of falls softly framing his face, he’s the color of my favorite latte - and trust me I could drink him up any time of the day - he has a deep voice that sends shivers up your spine - he’s a singer and he has his own club in New Orleans - hmmmm - maybe TC and I will make Louisiana our next pit stop. He let me sketch him today - yes some people can sit still while I capture them on paper. I’d scan it and send it but I don’t have a scanner handy - maybe Elliott has one in his office, I’ll ask him later. I was thinking that if you ask Michael to tell you his next idea for Rage - I could maybe do the art work and send it to him via the net - that way I don’t actually have to talk to him - If I send them to you - you can forward and blank out my email addy. TC was playing with his foster brothers and sisters today - he’s getting sooooo cute - I’d scan him but I don’t think he’d like it - you should see him though - even a hardened cat hater like you would fall in love with him - oops I said the ‘L’ work - sorry for swearing. Justin (who is patting TC right now) PS. Brett loved the Jambalaya - he said you were an ass when I told him the story (grin). I told him that both of us agreed on that one - but I did admit I kind of deserved it. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 37 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Lust I’m thinking I will have to make a New Years Resolution - not to lust after older guys - it only gets me into trouble - mentally and emotionally - I know, I know - treat them like tricks - but god damn this guy is nice - Brett just loves TC - he even gave me one of his flannel shirts (Ralph Lauren) to make a soft bed for him. He said I make a good mother (grin) Brett and I went riding this morning at six - I’m telling you Brian - early morning - it was still dark and the snow was white and crisp - the moon and the stars were like something out of a picture. We rode for more than an hour and we talked and talked - I’ve never had anyone interested in what I had to say - he completely understood why I had to get away from the Pitts. And what’s great he understood about you and how you feature in my life and always will. Kitty kisses from TC Justin &&&&&&&&& BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: rebound romance Justin - I know you won’t listen - you never listen to anything I say - but take it slow here Sunshine - you’ve just bounced from a relationship with me to one with the banjo player and now this guy. Believe me I know the need to feel that you are part of someone’s life - it took you leaving to teach me that - but someone like you needs stability - not fly by night romance. I’m attaching Mikey’s latest story line - not sure what you can do with it - I think it needs some tweaking. Brian (still at the office) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 38 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: listening Brian - that is so not true about me not listening to you - you never said anything to me - well hardly ever anything that wasn’t ‘roll over’ - but when you did - I listened and I learned - I learned a lot from you - someday when I can talk to you face to face I’ll tell you what I’ve learned. Brett and Elliott went into town to do Christmas Shopping today - Reg and I spent the day in his studio - did I tell you he was an artist? He showed me some great oil painting techniques - he’s very good and even has a couple of his things in the Met. He said he got AIDS from a blood transfusion of all things - which he said really sucked because had he known he was going to get it he could have barebacked instead of always using condoms. He’s had it for twelve years - HIV that is - he gave me the same safe sex lecture that you did - only not with the same fun ending - you scared me that day, but damn you made me hard. I’m enclosing a picture of me and TC that Reg took with his digital camera. TC is the one with the grey fur - do you think he looks like me? (mothers like to know these things) Hugs Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 39 BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: your son Justin - your son looks nothing like you - except maybe around the eyes - sorry - are you sure of the parentage? Not to mention he’s kind of puny - are you sure he’s a cat and not a rat? They are both the same color - look at his tail - does it have fur on it or is it long and kind of pink. I can’t believe a fellow fag sacrificed a Ralph Lauren shirt - even if it was flannel - for a small rat. Your mother came over to visit me last night - she’s as persistent as another of the Taylor clan. She seems to think that I have some way of contacting you. She wants you to know that she loves you and understands your need to get away, but please don’t stay away long. We had a nice visit and ended up watching Lord of the Rings - the second movie. She got kind of wasted on wine and I had to drive her home. I know where you get your sense of drunken humor from now. (grin) She invited me for dinner Christmas Eve, I just might go. Hugss to you too (I’m feeling mellow - I finished the bottle of wine) Brian &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: mom Brian - don’t be using that Kinney charm on my mother - it will only get you yet another Taylor stalker. First it will be Christmas Eve dinner and the next thing you know you’ll be over there every Sunday for her prime rib dinner with Yorkshire pudding. (nostalgic here) TC wasn’t impressed with your views on his appearance - I‘ll have you know his foster mother has worked hard at bathing him and getting rid of any residual dog slobber - but he may be traumatized for life - do they have cat shrinks? BTW - can you believe it but we’ve been getting prank calls here at the farm - some people have too much time on their hands. A big sloppy kitty kiss for you (I’m feeling sentimental today) Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 40 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Christmas trees - Today Elliott and Brett and I went out on the horses and cut down a Christmas tree - I was sooooo ‘little house on the prairie’ kind of thing. We dragged it back and Reg took lots of pictures while we shook the snow out of it and put it in the living room. It’s at least ten feet tall and smells so much like Christmas - I’m a bit homesick today can you tell? We decorated it with hundreds of clear mini lights and then added a few strings of colored ones just for fun - kind of mixed up all through the tree - the mom cat and all the kittens including TC watched - maybe they are taking notes for next year - Reg and Elliott have Christmas ornaments that they have collected from all over the world and Bret brought them another one - I guess it’s a tradition with the three friends - and by the time they were up we were all of us bawling like babies over the stories of past Christmases and friends and family we don’t see anymore. The two batches of rum and eggnog didn’t help - even Reg had a glass and TC was trying to get any that spilled. If ever I could have used a mercy fuck, this was the night - but luckily Brett had more sense than me and I’m in my room with my right hand and a picture of a hot guy I used to know and love - remembering the good times - fuck the bad ones. Love Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 41 BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: Too Much Egg Nog Sunshine - I would have thought you’d learned the eggnog lesson last year - you get far too horny and sentimental. Thanks for the pictures, you looked kind of cute in the Santa hat with your goofy eggnog grin. I noticed Brett and yes he is hot, but he doesn’t look like your type. I’d stay away from him if I were you, you’d only get burned. If it counts for anything I miss having you here this Christmas. I sent you something by courier - I know I don’t ‘do’ Christmas - or I didn’t - but times change so try not to move on until it gets there. A Christmas Kiss for you Brian PS I cropped Brett out of your pictures &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: red face Brian - I can’t remember what I wrote for sure last night - but ignore it - I was having a drama princess moment as Emmett would say - I guess it was the Christmas tree - or maybe the eggnog or both. Elliott’s gone to town to get a caller ID thing for the phone so we can find out who keeps calling in the middle of the night. It isn’t good for Reg to be disturbed, he has a hard enough time sleeping. I can’t believe you sent me a Christmas present - I’m so excited I feel about ten. I told Reg and he said that guys like you have a hard time learning to live in the world. He said he understands you because he used to be you until he met Elliott. I hope you meet someone like Elliott some day because Reg is very happy and Elliott loves him without reservation. Reg said the hardest for him was to learn that Elliot really did love him with out reservation and until he did they went through some rough times. I guess I can relate. You never did accept what I felt for you. You always dismissed my feelings as if they didn’t count. Do you think I still love you because you don’t love me and I’m just too stupid or stubborn to be the loser in this dumb game? Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 42 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Presents Brian - that was sooooo unlike you - you bought a Christmas present for TC - I put both of our presents under the tree - we are all going to open everything Christmas morning. There is another present for me there too - from Reg, Elliott and Brett. I wonder what it is - they won’t even let me touch it so I can’t shake it. Christmas is going to be fun but I still kind of wish I was with you for even ten minutes - just long enough for you to piss me off so that I can remember part of why I’m on the road. I’m sure if I think hard enough it’ll come to me (grin) - or yeah, don’t forget to set your alarm when you leave the loft. I’ve mailed a disc with my stuff for Rage. You should get it in a few days. Maybe this issue will make money. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 43 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: my car Brian, I got up this morning and found that some asshole has trashed my car. I can’t believe we didn’t hear anything. I admit my car is parked down by the barns, but you’d think we would have heard something. All four tires have been slashed and the guts have been kind of pulled out from under the hood. Elliott is really pissed, he had the Sheriff out here most of the morning. I told them about Clarence in Cleveland, but they don’t think it was him - I mean how would he find me? It’s not like I even knew I was going to be here. One of the ranch hands is going to fix it for me, but it will probably take a few days. This really sucks, now I have to use the money I made here to buy new tires. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 44 BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: your car Justin why don’t you take me up on my offer and buy something safe to drive? I’m not trying to ‘run’ your life; I’m merely helping a friend who means a lot to me. I worry about you in that rattle trap. I won’t say another word, but the offer is there. I’m going to your mother’s later for dinner, it’s Christmas Eve and I thought I’d take your place so she doesn’t feel quite like she’s missing a son. Of course I’m devastatingly handsome whereas you are - shall we say cute as a button - her words not mine (hehe) I bought her and Molly something. I hope they like it, Cynthia offered to buy for me, but I thought I’d try it myself. Who knows I could get to like this kind of thing. Merry Christmas - and watch for Santa Claus Brian &&&&&&&&&&&&& princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Christmas Eve Brian I left a message on your voice mail so don’t just erase it without listening - I sometimes wonder why you even have voice mail if you don’t listen to the messages. I almost feel like I should leave cookies and milk for Santa - everything around here is looks like a Christmas card - Brett entertained us this evening with Christmas Carols - My favorite is still O’ Holy Night and he has the voice to carry it off. TC is so cute, he’s very playful and he knows his name. He always comes when I call him. I wonder if I can teach him any cat tricks - are there any cat tricks? I tied a red ribbon bow on him tonight. I attached a picture. I’m going to miss Reg’s digital camera. Maybe I’ll buy one when I work next. I hope you were good at Mom’s and didn’t get her drunk or anything - I still can’t believe you did that. Merry Christmas Brian - I miss you. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 45 Brian pushed the play button on his answering machine. “BEEP” - ‘Hey Brian, I wanted to say hi and to let you know that your emails have meant a lot to me. Your friendship is one of the best things you’ve ever given me. I miss you.’ and then there was silence. Brian pushed the play button once again as he sat in the dark, the only illumination in the room the flashing red light on the answering machine and whatever light from the city made it through his closed blinds. He’d been sitting there listening to Justin’s voice for almost an hour. princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Santa Claus came Brian - another story - It was six thirty in the morning and I woke up to sleigh bells. I was sure I could hear them on the roof - it was very dark outside but I looked out the window anyway and I’m sure I saw reindeer prints in the snow. TC heard me get up and he was meowing so I took him back into bed with me - I don’t think the other kittens are very friendly sometimes with him - he likes to snuggle just under my chin like you used to. You were more fun in the morning though (grin) I liked your morning sticky out parts. Elliott and Reg said we should just get up at our regular time, which is six thirtyish, but I didn’t hear them moving. I could smell the coffee - I had a pot on with the timer - do you still remember to set yours at night? Remember how stubborn you were about learning how to use the timer? Anyway Brett got up and he made me a coffee and brought it in to me, so we waited in my bed until it the other guys got up - He’s not as nice to snuggle with as you were - BTW - Finally Elliott and Reg got up and we all went into the living room and I swear to god - Santa Claus had been there - don’t you dare laugh - My present from Reg, Elliott and Brett was a digital camera - so now I’ll be able to send you pictures of what I’m up to all the time. I got some new CD’s from Santa and TC got a cat bed lined in sheepskin - he loves it. I had done pictures for the guys. Reg cried when he saw the one I did of him on Queen - And Brian I have to admit I was a bothered by my allergies when I opened your gifts. I opened TC’s first, he was more interested in the bow and the wrapping paper - typical little kid - a collar with his name on it and the Tremont Ave address and your phone number in case he gets lost - how cute was that. The guys all that it was very sweet of you, but when I saw that you had bought me a bracelet designed the same as TC’s collar with the same information engraved inside; I kind of lost it then. I’ll never take it off. Thank you - for both the present and what the engraving means. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 46 elliottmcd@kentuckyblue.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Justin Brian, Justin asked me to email you to let you know that he’s alright - he took his car out earlier today - my mechanic had repaired the thing - he was just running into town for a few supplies and someone sideswiped him. He ended up in a ditch, he’s doing fine, but I thought he should get some rest so he’s asleep now and probably will be for the night. They haven’t caught whoever caused the accident, but I’m sure they will. Justin wanted you to know that he will write to you tomorrow. You’ve got a good young man there Brian, I hope you realize that. Elliott McDermitt ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 47 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: Don’t freak I’m Okay Sorry about yesterday Brian, but by the time I was done with the cops and getting my car towed back to the farm and one thing after another I was completely out of it - Talk about headache from hell - it was worse than after the bashing - I asked Elliott to let you know - but I’m fine today - the car is a bit crumpled but it’s old and who really cares as long as it goes from a to b. So today I’m staying close to the farm, I’m not even going riding. I think I’ll bake some apple pies and maybe make something like a beef stew for supper. It feels cold - like a stew kind of day. TC actually climbed up on my bed to sleep with me. Do you think cats know when their people need a cat hug? The attachment is a picture of me and my car so you can see that both of us are relatively unscathed. This digital camera is a godsend. BTW - see I’m wearing your bracelet. Justin &&&&&&&&&&& BAKinney@Vanguard.com princessj@hotmail.com Subject: turn on your damn cell phone You know Justin, if you phoned once and awhile or let me call you, I would feel a lot better. I’m not too pleased with this latest turn of events. When you are returned to my address, I expect it not to be in a body bag. That wasn’t the point of the bracelet. Mikey liked your drawings - he had a few changes he wants you to make - I’m having him send it to the email address I used to use for - well - we won’t go into what I used to use it for - the code is my usual so you should be able to access it that way you aren’t dealing with him directly - he thinks he’s sending it to me - Mikey is easy to use subterfuge on. Molly and your mother are coming to the loft for dinner on the thirtieth - I will attempt to feed them something that won’t poison all of us - or maybe I’ll get take out - does you mom like Thai? Brian ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 48 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: what’s with the mom interest? Hi Brian: everyone liked the apple pies and beef stew yesterday - it was a kind of comfort food day. I did the changes for Mikey and sent it on, thanks for the loan of the email addy. Elliott and Reg are having a New Years Eve party, so I’ll be working extra hard getting the food ready for it. Brett is going back to New Orleans tomorrow - he gave me a map so that if I go there I won’t get lost. He said I could stay at his place so the price is right. I’m not sure if or when I’ll go. Though it will be warmer than here. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 49 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: same old, same old Hi Brian, sorry it’s late today - but I’ve been busy baking and then Brett wanted me to go for one last ride before he left. It’s kind of sad to see him go, he was really nice. I think I get attached to people and things too quickly. There are times I wished I was as stoic as you. My allergies have been bothering me all day. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 50 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: life is a bitch Brian - a parcel came in the mail for me today - it was wrapped in brown paper and I couldn’t make out the return address - it was the yellow fish - remember the one that committed suicide first? He was a little worse for wear - I mean he’s been dead and in the freezer for awhile and the US postal service had him around for a week or so. I think I’ll leave for my next part of my adventure sooner rather than later. I’m going to talk to Elliott and Reg about it later today when Elliott gets home. I’ll let you know what I decide. Justin ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Day 51 princessj@hotmail.com BAKinney@Vanguard.com Subject: on the road again. Sorry this is another short one - freaky things around here are kind of making me nervous - Elliott suggested that when everyone is here tonight that I leave when they all start leaving - so I’m going to be the good little cook and finish up the preparations for the party and serve it - and then TC and I are getting out of here. I’ll keep you posted as to where we’re going - it will be south - As it’s New Years Eve let me be the first one to wish you every happiness for the next year. I love you Brian. Justin tbc