Silent Night-12 By Elsa Rose Plot Bunny by Amanda Brian wasn’t really alarmed when Justin didn’t meet his plane. Molly griped but cheered up when Brian hired a limousine. She loved the luxury of the large white car. “Where do you think Justin is?” she asked once they settled into the rear seat of the car. “He’s probably finishing up a project.” Brian replied, but he was slightly worried. It wasn’t like Justin to not meet him. He flipped open his phone and called Justin’s cell again. The damn thing was turned off. He resisted the urge to hurl it out the window. The ride to the apartment seemed to take forever. He paid off the driver and tried not to sprint inside the building. By now Molly had caught Brian’s apprehension and she was looking frightened. “Brian, I’m kind of scared.” She managed to say. Her bottom lip trembled. “Where’s Justin?” “I don’t know.” He glanced at the bottom apartment. The door was ajar so he and Molly headed over. The place was a mess. It looked like a whirlwind had passed through. “Fuck” was all Brian said. He was about to panic when his phone rang. “Brian?” Justin’s voice was low and Brian could hear the fear in it. “Justin, what’s wrong?” he asked. His heart raced and he sat down abruptly on the sofa. “It’s Max, she keeps going into labor. I’m at the hospital. Her parents are fucking freaking. She’s on drugs. The babies are getting weaker. I’m scared.” “I’ll be right there.” Brian stood up and motioned to Molly. “We’ll be there as soon as I find the keys to my car.” “They’re in the drawer next to the fridge in our place.” Justin sighed. Brian’s voice had calmed him down, but he was still frightened. He could hear Max’s mother sobbing in the other room and he wanted to punch her face in. She was such a bitch getting Max all worked up. “Brian, don’t hang up. Stay on the phone.” “Justin I can’t drive and talk at the same time. You’ll be alright. I’ll be there in less than half an hour.” “Hurry.” “I love you Sunshine, we’ll get through this.” Brian didn’t say the words often, but if ever Justin needed them it was now. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “What do you mean I don’t have an account here?” Craig Taylor stood, his face red as he looked at the bank teller. “I’ve checked, you aren’t in our computer. We have a Jennifer Taylor at that address, but no Craig Taylor and unless your name is on the account I can’t give out any other information.” The woman looked back at Craig Taylor. He wasn’t going to intimidate her. “I’ve had an account here for the past twenty years.” He roared. “I’m sorry sir, but we have no record of you EVER having any dealings with this bank.” With that said. She pulled down a sign that said ‘next teller please’ and walked away leaving Craig standing there. He turned abruptly and headed toward the manager’s office. This was ridiculous. Two hours later, Craig Taylor was escorted from the bank by two burly security guards. He only agreed to leave when they had threatened him with arrest. He clutched his wallet tightly in his hand still not believing what was inside. He looked up and down the street. His Cadillac should have been parked in front of the bank, instead, in its spot stood a Ford Taurus. He watched a young woman come out of the bank and get inside the small red car and drive away. “Taxi” he managed to hail a cab. Sitting inside Craig leaned back. He had a meeting with a couple of business associates, but his life was in shambles at the moment. He couldn’t concentrate. . Looking back at his passenger, the taxi driver shook his head. This dude was on some serious shit he thought. The man was shaking and talking to himself in a steady mumbling monologue. He’d be glad when he arrived at the guy’s destination; he didn’t need this kind of shit so early in the day. That was for the night shift guys and precisely why he drove the cab during the day. “”STOP” Craig leaned forward in the seat, his nose pressed against the safety glass that separated him from the driver. “STOP I SAID.” He screamed again. The cab driver slammed on his brakes and turned around to face the irate asshole in his rear seat. “Shut the fuck up asshole.” He rasped. “This isn’t even close to where you wanted to go.” “Let me out, unlock the door.” Craig demanded. “Pay me and I will.” The driver grinned. Damn he loved this new security system his cab company had installed. “I’m not paying you. LET ME OUT OF THIS CAR.” Craig began to pound on the window and rattled the door handle. “Sit back man and wait for the police.” The driver was speaking quietly into his radio. Help would be on the way soon. “Look I’ll pay you.” Craig began to pull out his wallet. “Too late man, you pissed me off.” The cabby picked up a newspaper from the seat beside him and began to read. “Here,” Craig opened his wallet and stared at the one twenty dollar bill inside. He began to pull out cards. Visa, American Express, Master Card. All of them were blank. There was no name on any of them. Where the name Craig T Taylor had been was blank and the numbers were all nines which meant nothing. Where the fuck was his bank card? Where were his credit cards? He fumbled for his driver’s license pulling it from behind the clear plastic and held it close to his face in case he was missing something or the print had faded. There was no picture only a black square where it should have been. It seemed to be a legitimate Pennsylvania license but it was blank. He had nothing in his wallet to identify himself. He had to get out the cab. Panic was creeping through his gut and fear shone out of his eyes when the police pulled up behind the cab. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “So what we have to do is keep Max here quiet and comfortable. We need those babies to spend at least another four weeks in there.” Dr. Haddad patted Max’s tummy gently. “But I want you to understand. Max is the one who is in the most danger. This isn’t just something I’m telling you on a whim. Even in this day and age mothers die from pre eclampsia. If their blood pressure raises enough to start them seizing, there’s no going back. “He looked at Justin and then at Brian, his brown eyes solemn. Max’s mother had been banned from her room because of the disturbance she kept causing. “Max will stay put.” Brian said. He took her hand and patted it. “We want you around for a long time princess.” “I’m just an incubator.” Her voice was bitter. “I never asked for this.” “Neither did I princess.” Brian patted her cheek. “But I have it and so do you. Let’s do our best to survive it in one piece. You want to live to be the babies’ bitchy auntie don’t you?” “Fuck you Brian.” Max turned her head away. “Brian” Justin warned. The last thing he needed was for Brian and Max to begin arguing. Brian shot him a glance and smiled. Justin knew it would be alright when he saw that smile. And for the first time since Max had shown up in his apartment, Justin completely relaxed. “It’s okay.” Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulder and pulled him close. “Max, we’ll be there for you. Both Justin and myself. Give yourself and the boys another month to grow.” “I’m trying.” She said and a tear trickled down her face. “But Brian, this really sucks. I’m supposed to be going to school. I’m going to lose my year all because of this.” And she placed her hands on her stomach. “Like I said before, life sucks sometimes Maxie girl. We just have to work with the hand we’re dealt. Justin and I will be with you in every way. If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you, we will.” Max leaned back deeper into the pillows. She hated being flat on her back. She hated being hooked up to every machine in the world. And she hated these parasites kicking her to death from the inside. Dr. Haddad moved in with a syringe. “I’m going to give you something to relax you. Right now sleep and rest are important both for your sake and the sake of the babies.” Max glared at him while he injected the medicine into her IV drip. “You know Doctor Haddad, making me high isn’t going to be good for the ‘babies’” she said the last word with a sneer. “It won’t hurt them.” He smiled and patted her arm. “Let yourself relax and enjoy this little bit of time off from the world.” He turned and left the room, stopping only to talk to Max’s parents just outside the door. “Max, do you want me to stay with you?” Justin asked. “No, you’ve done enough.” She smiled, but her smile was watery. “I’ll be good.” Her hands clutched at the blanket that covered her body. “I’m going to sleep.” “Brian and I will come back and see you tomorrow.” Justin leaned over and kissed her cheek. Brian gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Max watched the two lovers leave her room. She looked around the room that she was expected to live in for the next month or even longer and wondered if she’d be able to stand it without going crazy. For the dozenth time she cursed the night she all but raped Justin. What a way to pay for something that wasn’t even all that great. She started to cry quietly, her tears increasing under the demanding kicks from the two babies inside of her as they rolled around getting comfortable for the night. Justin and Brian both stood outside of Max’s room. They leaned against the wall silent as they thought about what was happening. Max’s parents were in a small waiting alcove. When they spotted Brian and Justin they started to walk over to them. Brian nudged Justin and they moved to head them off. From the look on Max’s mother’s face, this wasn’t going to be a pleasant discussion. “Brian, Justin.” She began with determination. “Let’s move over to the waiting room. I don’t think we need to discuss anything where Max might hear us and get herself upset.” Brian’s voice was calm. He took the woman by her elbow and steered her toward the empty waiting room. “Brian, I’m not going to discuss anything.” She began. “All I know is that my baby’s life is in danger because of the pregnancy. If she would agree to terminate it now, then she’d be safe.” “Terminating the pregnancy now, would mean that the boys would very likely not make it.” Justin said quietly. “They are really only fetuses not children Justin, even you have to realize that.” The woman began. “No, Max is carrying Justin’s sons. I’ve seen them. I’ve seen them sucking their thumbs and I’ve felt the kicking. I’ve listened to their heart beats. You can call them what you want, but they are still Justin’s sons. Max is being monitored closely by her doctor. He won’t put her life in jeopardy. If it becomes necessary the babies will be delivered.” Brian put his arm around Justin. “I just hope it doesn’t come to that.” “Mom” they turned to see Dorian standing in the doorway of the waiting room. “You have to take it easy on Max and on Justin. If you upset Max, then she WILL be in danger. I’ve been studying up on this on the net. Max has to remain calm and have complete bed rest.” He walked in and put his arm around his mother. “Don’t blame Justin for what’s happening. He can’t do a damn thing about it.” Dorian looked at Justin and smiled shyly. “Why don’t you and Brian go home? I’ll stay with Max. Mom and Dad are going home now too.” “Dorian?” His mother began. Brian chuckled and took Justin’s arm. “We’ll be back first thing in the morning and take the day shift.” “Ï’ll go to school and do the evening shift. The nurse said she’d put a cot in Max’s room. I can sleep there and meet you in the morning.” “What about us?” his mother asked. “Mom, I love you dearly and so does Max. You can come and visit in the evenings. But you can’t stay long and I’m telling you right now, if you make her upset, you’re out of there.” Dorian stood up to his full height. “Max and the babies come first.” “Your sister comes first.” His mother’s voice was harsh. “My sister does come first, but Justin’s babies are a darn close second.” He turned to Brian and Justin. “See you tomorrow morning.” Brian knew when to retreat. He gave Dorian a quick hug and a kiss on his cheek before leading Justin to the elevator. Justin was quiet. He felt like he’d been up for days. His breathing wasn’t doing too badly, but he was exhausted. He’d been busy playing catch up for the past week and now this. Riding down in the elevator the blond leaned against Brian, allowing his strength to hold him up. His eyes were shut against the harsh hospital light and he jumped when the elevator stopped at the lobby floor. “Hold on there Sunshine.” Brian said softly. “We should pick up something for Molly in the gift shop. She’s been pretty good about us deserting her.” He steered Justin toward the small shop. Justin nodded his agreement. He had no strength to even speak, but he knew his sister would appreciate the gesture. Brian smiled when he found a flower arrangement in the shape of a bear. It was made with chrysanthemums that were dyed pink and probably meant as a baby gift, but Brian liked the cheerfulness of it. He had the clerk add a small balloon that said LOVE along with a large pink polka dot bow. “She’ll like the flowers. “ Justin said when he was sitting in the car, the flowers on his lap. “Girls like flowers.” Brian agreed. “Guys like flowers too.” Justin said and smiled at Brian. ‘I know I do.” “They bother your allergies.” Brian replied. “Only if I stick my nose in them.” Justin sighed. “If I had flowers given to me I would put them somewhere I could see them all the time.” “Until they died or start to smell.” Brian laughed. “Flowers don’t last forever Sunshine.” “I know they don’t, but I still like them.” He looked out the window. They were almost home. “I like yellow roses the best.” “Note to self, Justin likes yellow roses and he doesn’t care If they die.” Brian smiled. “I like flowers too.” He confided. “I often wondered what it would be like to get some. I give flowers a lot, to Cynthia, to clients, but I’ve never received any.” “It’s funny that guys don’t think of giving each other flowers.” Justin lay his head back and shut his eyes. He pictured Brian covered in all kinds of red rose petals. Brian was definitely a red rose kind of guy. “A penny for your thoughts.” Brian said as he pulled into their parking space. “They’re worth more than that.” Justin turned and grinned at him. “I was picturing you naked and covered with red rose petals.” “Interesting.” Brian grinned back at him. “I might even pose like that for you. It would make a great picture.” “I’d be hard the whole time I was sketching it out.” “Then you’d have to get rid of the rose petals.” “I think I’d look good with rose petals on me.” Justin teased. “After all my skin is much paler than yours, the contrast would be amazing.” “If Molly wasn’t with us, we’d put it to the test.” Brian opened his door and went around opening Justin’s door. “I’m tired, but not too tired to fuck.” “I’m exhausted.” Justin admitted. “But it has been a week.” “Let the master have his way with you Sunshine.” Brian’s arm was around Justin’s waist. “I’ll wake you up for a few minutes.” “Is that all?” “You’re a growing boy, you need your sleep.” Brian laughed out loud when Justin pushed him against the wall of the elevator that was taking them to their loft apartment. The boy growled throatily as he began to nuzzle Brian’s neck, taking small playful bites, soothed by soft kisses, while his fingers began to unbutton the older man’s shirt. Brian understood Justin’s need to reaffirm life after the pressure of the hospital and the worries about his children, so he said nothing as his clothes were opened and a hungry mouth began to move over his body seeking the life force that was Brian. The elevator reached their floor and Brian, disheveled picked Justin up and put him over his shoulder while quick long strides took him through his door and into their bedroom. He tried to deposit Justin on the bed, but the wiggling blond caused them to fall there together, both trying to break the fall of the other. Giggles mixed with feral growls of passion and clothes disappeared, some of which would never be wearable again. But no one cared as the primal urge to show they were alive took over. All thoughts of exhaustion disappeared as Justin, unable to wait any longer to feel the pleasure/pain of hard urgent sex, slipped a condom over Brian’s cock, added some spit and then sitting astride his surprised lover, lowered himself with a quick downward plunge. He took a moment to ride out the pain, but only a moment before he, eyes fixed on Brian’s, began to rock up and down in a rhythm that increased in speed. It wasn’t about lasting long, or making sure that each of them reached a certain pinnacle. It was about fucking, pure, wonderful, hard, fast, feeling. It was about seeing the expressions of wonder, pain, need, desire and love flash across their faces. It was about smelling the urgency, the musk of desire and wiping out the smell of the hospital as their juices flowed. And it was about love as each man recognized this need and succumbed to it in a rush of intensity that left them both breathless and exhausted. But this time exhausted not from lack of sleep, but rather from the forces of their coupling. Justin collapsed, his body wet with sweat, down on Brian’s chest, his spunk sealing them together like some kind of love glue. He almost cried when Brian’s cock covered in sperm filled latex, slipped from his body. He wanted to stay joined forever, though he knew it was impossible. He barely felt Brian’s movements as the older man removed the condom and disposed of it in the trash can by the bed. Though he smiled to himself at Brian’s one handed dexterity, for the man’s other hand was firmly planted in the middle of Justin’s back holding him in place. And Justin knew that Brian too, didn’t want to break the connection for he was willing to hold him there covered in sweat and cum, something the fastidious man really didn’t like. Other than growls of passion and moans of deep pleasure, no words had been spoken. Brian held Justin tightly until he felt the younger man’s breathing even out and with a soft whimper, like a small puppy, Justin fell asleep. He held him relishing the weight of him in his arms and wishing that he could hold him there for the rest of their lives., protecting him from life’s pains and sorrows. But he knew he couldn’t and a tear of frustration and anger, that he was helpless to protect the man he loved from everything, fell onto his pillow. An hour passed before he rolled Justin off of him and secured him into a womb of blankets. It was only then that Brian got out of bed. He slipped on a pair of sweats and moved out of the bedroom and into the living room area, careful to close the door. He had some phone calls to make. There was one or two things he could do to make Justin safe. And he intended to make sure that was accomplished. “Boy you and Justin were sure horny.” Molly greeted him when he walked out into the living room. Brian flushed beet red, not something he usually did. “Molly, sorry, I thought you were in bed.” “Like I could sleep through all that.” She had been sitting on the sofa and threw herself back so that her head was on the arm as she gazed up at Brian. “I know I’m a little kid, but I know what you guys were doing. It sounded painful.” “It wasn’t.” Brian lied. “And you’re too young to discuss my sex life.” “Then keep it quiet.” She answered back. And Brian could see that she was just as spunky as her brother. “You had like a zillion phone calls when you guys were gone. I didn’t answer the phone ‘cause I figured the answering thingy would get the messages better than I would.” “No doubt you’re right.” Brian laughed. “Do you want anything to drink?” he was pouring himself a glass of juice. “No, I have a drink.” She indicated a glass on the floor beside the sofa. “It’s some kind of juice.” “I was hoping you hadn’t taken to drinking Beam.” Brian laughed. “That’s gross.” She laughed too. “Brian, how come you love Justin?” “It’s just one of those things. You don’t know if you’ll ever fall in love like the story books tell you and then BAM you do.” “Will I fall in love?” she asked. “I’m sure you will someday. But not for a few years yet.” Brian ruffled her hair when he sat down beside her. “I need to make a few phone calls and see what’s up with everybody. Do you think you can amuse yourself or better yet go to bed.” “I’m kind of sleepy, but it’s early.” “Not in Pittsburgh.” He smiled. “In Pittsburgh it’s very, very late.” “Are Max and the babies going to be okay?” Molly asked and Brian could see that she’d been worrying. “Justin told me about the two babies that you guys are going to have. He said I could help pick out their names and if you didn’t absolutely HATE what I picked out, then I could name them.” “Max and the babies are fine for the moment. But she has to take it easy and stay in the hospital for at least a month before the babies can be born. If they were born now, they’d be pretty early and not quite ready to come out. That puts them at risk.” “That sucks.” Molly declared. “Yes it does.” Brian looked off into the distance. It did suck, for all of them. Justin would be worried sick about the kids, he’d be worried about Justin and Max would be endangering her life which he didn’t feel they had the right to ask of her. He and Justin would have to have a heart to heart very soon about the situation. “I’m going to call them Charles and Jacob.” She declared. “Why?” Brian was curious. “I had a dog called Charles and he was the best dog ever and Jacob is the name of my friend’s brother, he’s really cute. I thought we could call them CK and JK as love names ‘cause their last name would be Kinney. Don’t you think that would be awesome?” “Well I’m not sure of your reasons, but the names are fine.” Brian said with a laugh. “You’ll have to run it past your brother before you start embroidering their initials on their shirts.” “Nobody does that Brian.” Molly said with a shake of her head. “That’s dumb.” “I guess it is.” Brian stood up and offered the young girl his hand. “Come on, I’ll tuck you into bed. It’s time you went to sleep.” “I know, I know, you have phone calls to make and you don’t want me listening to them.” She giggled and headed off to bed, happy that Brian was holding her hand. Brian waited while she used the bathroom and brushed her teeth. He pulled back the covers, glad that he’d listened to Justin about the decorating of this room. It had been done with Molly in mind. “There you go princess.” He said when she was settled into bed. “I’ll turn the night light on when I go out.” He kissed her forehead and then bent and turned on the small night light that Justin had purchased in the shape of an angel. Brian was matter of fact about the night light. He didn’t want to embarrass her about her need for light. He completely understood about night shadows and fear. After all, he’d grown up with them. In a hidden space at the back of a kitchen cabinet, Brian took out a phone. It looked rather old fashioned in these days of smaller and smaller electronic devices, but it wasn’t old-fashioned, but rather a highly developed piece of technology that had been put together for him by the Georges. “Hey Mikey.” Brian began when he was able to get through. “Hey.” Michael took a breath. “Look Brian everyone here thinks it sucks about Justin’s father getting away with what he did.” “Yeah, Mikey, life’s a bitch.” Brian agreed. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be out of town for a week. If anyone comes asking for me, I’d prefer if you didn’t let on that you know where I am.” “I don’t know where you are, but I can guess you’re probably with Justin.” “Like I said, I don’t want you to mention that you even know I’m out of town. But I didn’t want you or Debbie to worry.” “This is a first.” Michael laughed. “You usually don’t give a shit if we worry.” “Let’s just say, I’m rethinking my priorities.” Brian laughed. “Family is becoming important to me. My real family that is, not my biological one.” “Oh” Michael said in a quiet voice. He really didn’t know what to say. Brian had never admitted anything like this before. “I’ll give you a call when I get back.” Brian disconnected, unsure of even why he’d made the phone call, but somehow he felt better. His next call was to a number that he’d memorized years before. It was a number that wouldn’t be found in any directory of any telephone service. Very few people had the number, but Brian had it from the first. “Yo” the phone was answered. “He doesn’t exist. The man is no more.” Laughter pealed out over the connection. “This be fun man. I am so gonna owe you for giving me so much fun.” Brian smiled grimly. He didn’t need to talk to the voice on the phone. He’d heard what he wanted to hear. Tapping a code they had developed a lifetime ago, Brian told the voice that he needed to be transferred to the Georges. It was all done without words. He knew that the phone he was using was safe from being traced. His friends had seen to that. “Brian, it’s in the works.” One of the Georges said when he answered the special ring. “Did everything go as planned?” Brian knew it was unnecessary to ask the question, his friends had never let him down yet. “Better than planned. Old Craig had his ass hauled down to the precinct. He was causing a ruckus in a taxi. And guess what, he didn’t have any ID. In fact they can’t find any part of him in the system. They couldn’t even find his fingerprints on file. Apparently there is nothing what so ever in any data base that indicates a Craig Taylor ever existed. Apparently his phone was disconnected and he couldn’t call home. He got so frustrated dialing that they were taking bets on whether he’d stroke out. He hasn’t made many friends down there. They all know he’s guilty as hell. And Horvath made sure those who didn’t know do now. I think he walked home eventually.” Brian’s grin was mirthless, but satisfied. “Thanks George.” “Oh we aren’t done yet. This is rather fun. We’d like more of these little problems to solve.” “As long as you two and phone answering guy don’t get into any trouble.” Brian had never learned the name of the person who answered the number he called every now and then. “HA, HA, HA, HA” George laughed and repeated what Brian had said to his brother. “It’s not that funny guys.” Brian interrupted their laughter. “I want to make sure that you break the son of a bitch.” “He’ll be so fucking broken they’ll never patch him together.” George assured Brian. “Oh, hope you don’t mind, but we decided to add some fun things to your new loft layout. George and I were over there last night, we’ll go again tonight.” “And if I minded?” Brian asked “Well, that would suck.” He laughed. “Cause we’d still be doing it.” “I just thought I’d ask.” Brian grinned. The two brothers had been long time friends and anything they did would only be something good. “We have a feed in the kid’s room at the hospital. She’s not doing too bad, a little antsy, but that’s to be expected. We’re putting in Lucy to act as her private nurse. You know how good she is. She’ll keep the kid calm.” “No drugs.” Brian cautioned. “No drugs, but Lucy is a Reiki master and she’ll work with that.” “Well it can’t hurt.” Brian admitted. “To tell you the truth, I’m worried about the kids and how Justin is going to take it if anything should happen to them.” “He’s a tough young man. He’ll be okay. But we’ll do what we can to make sure you come back with four babies.” “Two babies.” “Aren’t you bringing Justin and Molly?” George asked and disconnected while he was giggling uncontrollably. Brian shook his head and put the phone back in its hiding place. He could only imagine the hell his friends were putting Craig Taylor through. But no matter what they did, it wouldn’t be as bad as what the man had done to Justin. Nothing they could do to that fucktard would be equal or worse than that. “Brian, who were you talking too?” Justin was standing at the bedroom door. He had a direct line of vision into the kitchen area where Brian had been talking on the phone. “A friend.” Brian replied. “An old friend. Someone who I’ve known since we were kids in school. Did I ever tell you that I was considered a nerd in high school?” Justin giggled. “No.” “Well I was. I was a straight ‘A’ student whose favorite subjects were chemistry and physics. I was a member of the chess club too. Of course I also played soccer so that kept dear old dad off my back. A lot of my extra curricular chess nights or library research was done under the guise of soccer practice. And part of the chess club and my lab partners in chemistry and physics, were two guys, twins named George. Of course they both weren’t named George, but no one could tell them apart so it was just as easy to call them each George. I mean you’d be right half of the time.” He walked over to Justin and led him to the large arm chair in the living room, pulling him down on his knee. Justin smiled, it wasn’t often Brian told him much about his early years. “So what about you and your friends?” Justin asked. “Not much. We spent a lot of nights together, they got into computers big time. This was in the early days of computers when you needed to speak the language. I stayed with what I liked best and then branched out into marketing. But the Georges and I, we stayed friends. They were like me. Loners in their own way with secrets that were best left hidden. I didn’t ask questions and they returned the favor about me. I sometimes think that they kept me sane during my last couple of years in high school and during my University years. We have a strange relationship.” He hugged Justin tight. “We’re brothers in our hearts.” “What about Michael? I thought he was your best friend.” Justin asked. “What does he think about these guys?” “Michael never knew about the Georges and he still doesn’t. You, Sunshine are the only one who knows. I’m telling you this because if anything ever happens to me you can contact them. They hold a lot of my secrets.” “Brian, you’re scaring me.” Justin said. “I’m not planning on disappearing” Brian smiled. “I’m just saying ‘if’. The phone that you saw me using, the one hidden behind the panel in that cupboard. You only need to pick it up and dial this number.” He whispered a number in Justin’s ear. “They’ll handle everything from that point on.” “That’s kind of weird.” Justin said. “I mean it’s like you’re some kind of secret agent or something.” “No, I’m just a mild mannered Advertising Executive who owns Kinnetic and Taylor Enterprises jointly with his partner. But there have been one or two times in my life when I find that I have to shed my secret identity and put on my red cape.” “I love you in red.” Justin said. “So I’m the only one who knows your secret, I mean beside the Georges?” “Well there is the guy who answers the phone. I don’t know his name, but he seems to know me. He’s someone that the Georges trust, so therefore I trust as well. They don’t trust easily and neither do I.” “You trust me.” Of that Justin was sure. “Yes, but you’re different. I’m not sure exactly why or how I realized this, but I knew right away that you were to be trusted with my life. And now I’m donning my red cape and doing what I have to, to make sure that you and Molly are okay.” “Do I want to know what that is?” Justin asked. “No, but I’ll tell you if you insist. I don’t want to have any secrets from you.” “I don’t mind if you keep this one.” Justin snuggled close, content to be in Brian’s arms. “I have a feeling it’s one of those things that’s better left to my imagination. “ “Only if you have an evil imagination.” Brian joked. “My point exactly.” Justin stretched up and kissed Brian’s chin. “Brian, I’ve been thinking about Max and the boys.” “I know. I’ve been thinking about them too.” Brian sighed. “I guess it’s time we talked about what’s happening.” “Yes.” Justin was sad. “It’s selfish of me to insist that Max not terminate her pregnancy. Her life is on the line.” “It’s not selfish.” Brian said. “But I know what you mean.” “I’m going to tell her tomorrow that it’s her decision and you and I will back her no matter what.” “It’ll mean CK and JK will have a tough start.” “CK and Jk?” Justin asked. “You’ll have to take that up with Molly.” Brian smiled. “She has quite the story to tell you about their names.” “I think this is something I DO want to know.” Justin smiled up at Brian. “I feel better that we’ve made this decision to talk to Max. I’m still scared for the boys, but I feel better. I don’t want to be responsible for her maybe dying.” “Well, I’ll make sure that the boys have the best neonatal care.” Brian replied. “I know you will.” Justin shut his eyes and relaxed. “Let’s go to bed now. I’m tired and I can’t sleep with you making covert phone calls and stuff.” “Yes dear.” Brian kissed Justin’s forehead. “I think I can sleep now. All the spy stuff is done for the night.” “I’m going to draw you with your cape on and some really thin tights.” “Outlining all my best features I hope.” Brian teased. “Of course.” Justin got up and held out his hand for Brian. “Come on stud” “I’ll cum in a few minutes.” Brian stood up and fingers twining with Justin’s, let himself be led to their bedroom. “Don’t change the sheets. I like to smell us.” Justin said. He knew that look when Brian spotted their well used sheets. “Only this once Sunshine.” Brian stripped off his sweats and crawled in under the covers. Justin took the time to straighten them out before joining his lover. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Craig Taylor finally made it to his driveway. The walk to his home had taken him almost five hours. He’d had no idea he lived so far from the downtown area of Pittsburgh. It had never occurred to him to use the bus system. And though he had hailed cab after cab, none of them would stop for him. He wondered if that asshole driver had somehow warned off the other drivers in the city from picking him up. “Craig, I was worried about you.” Jennifer greeted her husband. “The city phoned. Your car is in the impound. You need to bring your driver’s license and insurance papers to pick it up.” “Well that’s just fucking wonderful.” Craig Taylor headed for the bar in the corner of the living room and poured himself a drink. “I don’t have a driver’s license and god knows where or if I have insurance papers for the car.” “Of course you have a driver’s license Craig.” She laughed. “You’ve had itsince the day after you turned sixteen. I was there when you got it.” He took his wallet from his pocket and threw it on the table. “There is no license in there. No license, no credit cards, no ATM card, no nothing that says I’m Craig Taylor.” “That’s ridiculous.” Jennifer said and picked up his wallet. She looked inside. “Craig here’s your driver’s license and all of your credit cards.” She rifled through the contents of his wallet. “Why in the world would you be carrying so much cash. You know better than that.” “What the fuck are you talking about?” Craig grabbed his wallet. Everything that was normally there was in place including the two hundred dollars he’d pulled out of the ATM the day before. “The police must have put it back when they locked me up.” “You were locked up?” she looked at him questioningly. “Yes, I called here and the phone was disconnected.” “Craig I’ve been here all day and I’ve received at least four phone calls. The phone works just fine.” She sighed. “And Craig dear, the police would have no reason to do anything with the contents of your wallet.” But she was talking to his back. He picked up the phone and was surprised to hear a dial tone. He punched in a number; it was his lawyer and golf buddy. “Sam, I want you to charge the police who arrested me this afternoon with harassment.” He then proceeded to tell his lawyer what had happened to him since he’d left home, including the bank fiasco. “There, Sam will get to the bottom of this.” Craig drained his drink and poured himself another one. “Where is Molly? She was supposed to be back here today.” “Molly is still with Mrs. Novotny as far as I know. I thought it best that you get settled back in to a routine before she comes home. I know she’ll be feeling badly that she lied about you in court.” The phone rang and Craig snatched it up when he saw who was calling. “Sam” he barked. “Craig, I called the precinct and there is no record of you having been brought in there this afternoon. Are you sure it was the 3rd precinct?” “Of course I’m gawd damn sure. I grew up in this city. I know it like the back of my hand.” “Well my assistant checked and there is no record of any kind of arrest. I’ve sent her there to question them in person, but I don’t guarantee anything.” “And the bank?” Craig was seething. He was going to have to go there and demand some satisfaction himself. Only this time he’d take that high priced shylock that called himself his lawyer. “Well, you must have the bank branch wrong. The one you gave me definitely doesn’t have an account in the name of Craig Taylor. Perhaps you meant the branch in the plaza near your home.” His lawyer said. Craig slammed the receiver down not bothering to say another word to his lawyer. Something was happening and it wasn’t good. Kinney had to be behind whatever it was. He’d see that he wouldn’t play these games. Kinney would be damn sorry he tried. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Max floated in a white haze. Her eyes were shut, yet she knew where she was. She could see everything. Two little boys sat in a field of wildflowers as blue as their identical eyes. Their hair a mop of red blond curls. They were playing with a small puppy and laughing. She could hear their laughter and she smiled to herself. Her sons, they had to be her sons. Lying in the tall grass, was Brian, he was on his side, his head supported on his hand while he laughed with the boys over the antics of the puppy. Justin was sitting not too far away a sketchbook balanced while he sketched. She could see a camera beside him. He always liked to take photos of his favorite scenes he sketched. She wondered if she was dead but then heard the boys cry out “Mommy” and she turned in the direction they looked. She was walking toward them, hand in hand with Ronny Mah. They looked happy and she was pregnant again. “Max, it’s time for you to take your meds.” It was Dorian, he stood beside her hospital bed, a pill cup in one hand and a glass of water in the other. “I was having the best dream. “ she said. “Go away and bug somebody else.” “Little sister, take your meds for big brother.” “Like you are soooooo much older than I am.” He laughed and helped her sit up enough to swallow the pill. “What ever works.” “I dreamed that the babies were okay and so was I.” “Great, then I can go home and stop worrying.” He pretended to walk away. “You can go home.” She shrugged. “It’s not as if I need a watcher. I’m a big girl.” “And getting bigger every day.” He teased. “Fuck you.” She spat back and then laughed. “You know this is going to be one damn long month.” “I know, but it’ll be worth it.” He patted her shoulder. “Brian and Justin will be here in an hour or so. They’re taking the day shift.” “You guys are going to have to leave me alone. I need to rest, not have your eagle eyes on me every second of the day.” “We don’t want you to get lonely.” Dorian smiled at her. “I know big brother, but I really would be happy if you guys just stuck to visiting hours.” “I’ll talk to Brian and Justin and see what we can do. I don’t want you thinking we’re smothering you.” Brother and sister both were quiet while their heads were each filled with thoughts that they didn’t want the other to know. Max couldn’t forget her dream. She couldn’t forget the joy and happiness on Brian and Justin’s faces as they had some family time with their sons. And she couldn’t forget the feeling of peace and love she felt while walking hand in hand with Ronny through the field to see the two boys who called her mommy but who lived with their daddies. She sent a prayer to the God she’d grown up with to ask that her dream come true. Dorian’s head was filled with concern for his sister’s life. He could see what she couldn’t. Her swollen face and blotched complexion were signs that her illness was affecting her kidneys more than was good. And he was concerned for the talk he was going to have to have with his friend Justin. He was going to ask that Justin risk the death or worse for his children to spare Max. And Dorian was close to Justin. He had spent hours listening to Justin’s private dreams for his two boys. He knew how much the other man loved the two babies who had yet taken their first breath but had still managed to fill Justin’s heart.