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The Long Road Ch. 01

By: jdunaway



To all of my friends and fans, I apologize for being absent so long, but I've been in the process of completely re-writing The Long Road, implementing a number of suggestions I received via feedback from you. There is more background story and character development as you will discover in this and subsequent submissions. 

The Long Road, from beginning to end, spans 25 years of the lives of Kyle and Jayson. You will meet new people. Some of you will laugh, some will cry. However you react, it is my sincere wish that you enjoy the story and in some ways connect with the characters as you share their hopes, dreams, anguishes, good times and bad times.

-Jim

Chapter 1 

Jay looked up from his computer as he heard the side door close. "Hey, Baby. How was your day?

Kyle dropped into a chair, looking down at the floor, not saying a word, which was highly unusual for the outgoing, happy-go-lucky Kyle. Jay knelt at Kyle's feet. "What's wrong, baby?" Kyle looked at Jay, noticeably upset as he handed him a letter.

Mr. Matthews,

This purpose of this letter is to inform you that the school board has decided to terminate your after-school science club due to lack of funds effective immediately.

Please inventory all materials, supplies, books and equipment and have it to me by the end of the week.

A roster of students in the science club needs to be provided to the office no later than Tuesday afternoon so that letters can be sent to the parents of each child participating in the program. Your students are to be informed immediately.

Joe Benson,

Principal

"Oh, shit. I'm so sorry, Baby. I've kind of been expecting this since they ran out of money to finish the football stadium, but at the same time hoping I was wrong and that this wouldn't happen." Jay put his arms around Kyle, placing his hand on the back of his head and holding him tightly, gently rocking him back and forth. "What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know. The club was all that some of these kids had. They really looked forward to it, and it helped a lot of them improve their grades."

"What about going to the principal and discussing it?"

"It wouldn't do any good. His motto is jocks rule, all others drool. He's just been looking for an excuse to shut down any and all non-athletic extra-curricular activities. Now it looks like he's found one."

"What about pleading your case to the school board?"

"It's worth a shot. Also, I can write letters to each kid's parents. I'm going to fight this."

"That's the spirit. Would you like some help with the letters? I'd love to tell the school board off, that bunch of self-serving, self-important hypocrites!"

"Cool. How about you write the letter to the school board while I write the letter to the parents? If I do the school board letter, I'll probably get fired."

The next couple of hours passed in relative silence as the two men concentrated on their individual tasks, stopping only for a small bite to eat.

"Why don't you get changed? I have a surprise for you." Jay said slyly after they each read and approved the other's letters.

"Really, and what would that be?" Kyle asked his curiosity piqued.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it? Now go change into some shorts."

Kyle opened his mouth to protest, but was immediately admonished. "Go!" Jay commanded as he grabbed him by the shoulders, spun him around and gave him a shove towards their bedroom

Kyle went and changed into shorts and a form-fitting tank top, emerging from the bedroom a few minutes later.

Jay's breath caught in his throat at the sight of the blond Adonis emerging from their bedroom. After all these years, Kyle still had the power to take his breath away.

"Okay, so now will you tell me what the surprise is?"

"Nope, I have to show you."

"Okay, Jayson, what are you up to?"

"Oh, about six-two" Jay replied, giggling.

Jay's reply triggered the smart-ass in Kyle. "Gee...I didn't know they stacked shit that high."

"Keep it up, smart-ass and you won't get your surprise."

"If I don't get my surprise, you won't get any tonight."

Upon hearing this threat, Jay quickly capitulated, even though he knew that, given Kyle's sexual appetite, it was an empty threat. He was actually anticipating one of their all-night sessions, once Kyle dug into the oysters-on-the-half-shell, which usually drove the perpetually horny Kyle into insatiability.

"You'll find out." He held out his hand to Kyle, who took it, their fingers intertwining. "Close your eyes and come with me." Jay led him out the back door and down the path to their private beach. "Okay, just stand there for a minute and keep your eyes closed." He lit several tiki torches that surrounded a large blanket spread out on the beach.

"Okay, you can open your eyes now."

Kyle's mouth dropped open as he opened his eyes and saw the surprise that Jay had prepared. "Oh, wow!" was all he could say.

Jay took Kyle into his arms. "Kyle, five years ago today was our first date. The past five years have been the best and happiest years of my life." He said, tears in his eyes. "I can't imagine what my life would have been without you. I love you so much it hurts."

Kyle pulled away just far enough so that he could look Jay in the eyes. "I-I don't know what to say. I'm overwhelmed." He looked at him for a few more moments then pulled him into a rib-crushing embrace. "You don't know how much I need this right now."

All the bitter disappointment and anger he felt over the cancellation of his science club came out in the form of violent trembling. Jay held him tightly, whispering words of love and support in his ear until the trembling stopped. An exhausted Kyle was gently lowered to the ground. A man of very deep feelings and strong emotions, Kyle felt ashamed to have ruined what was supposed to have been a very special evening. "I'm so sorry, honey. You obviously went through a great deal of trouble to prepare all of this and I spoiled it."

Jay took Kyle's face in both hands and kissed him tenderly. "You haven't spoiled anything. Kyle, you are a wonderful, compassionate, caring, loving person. That's just one of many things I love about you. Another thing I love about you is that you come to me when you're hurting. That makes me feel loved, wanted and needed, and I wouldn't want you any other way."

"I love you so much Jay that there are a lot of times that all I can think about is being in your arms. I don't know what I ever did to make you fall in love with me. Hold me, please."

"Like you need to ask" Jay said. He took Kyle into his arms as they lay back on the blanket. He held him until they fell asleep safe and secure in each other's arms.

Kyle awoke about an hour later. Looking at Jay's sleeping form his heart skipped a couple of beats. Whatever did I do to deserve him? He asked himself, peeking into the cooler. He went through so much trouble to prepare all this. I have to do something to show him how much I love him and appreciate all of this. I know...He gently disentangled himself and quietly slipped away until he was far enough from Jay that he could sprint back to the house, where he went into the garage and took a brightly-wrapped package from its hiding place. I was saving this for his birthday, but I can get him something else.

He returned to the beach just as Jay was stirring. "Where'd you run off to?"

"I just had to get something from the house."

"What was that?"

"This." He handed the package to Jay "Happy anniversary of our first date."

"Wow" he responded, taking the package from him. "I didn't think you remembered."

I didn't, but I'm not going to hurt your feelings by telling you I had forgotten. Oh, what I wanted to do to you the day we first met. Or more accurately, what I wanted you to do to me.

Jay opened the package and his mouth dropped open in disbelief. He gave Kyle a look of total disbelief. Inside the package was a very expensive gold watch that Jay had wanted for a very long time, but couldn't justify spending the money for it. "I don't know what to say. It's absolutely beautiful."

"I take it that you like it."

"Like it? That's the understatement of the millennium! How can I ever thank you?"

"Oh, I think you know how." Kyle said mischievously, lying back and opening his arms. Jay fell into them immediately and kissed him soundly. Making love on the beach under the stars, Kyle forgot all about the events of that day.

 Chapter 2 

Kyle murmured sleepily as he carefully got out of bed so that he wouldn't wake his sleeping lover. He threw his robe on and slipped out of the room and into the kitchen where he proceeded to make breakfast.

He slipped quietly back into the bedroom, breakfast tray loaded with delectables. He waved a steaming cup of wassail under Jay's nose. As the aroma of his favorite holiday beverage slowly registered in his brain, he stretched, yawned and opened his eyes to see Kyle standing before him wearing nothing but a ribbon and bow around his neck. "Now that's a sight I love waking up to."

Kyle set the tray down and fell into Jay's open arms, kissing him tenderly "Merry Christmas honey."

"Merry Christmas baby" Jay returned the kiss.

Jay reached around Kyle and started squeezing his butt then tried to slip a finger between the cheeks. Much to Jay's surprise, Kyle pushed his hand away.

"Uh-uh. Breakfast first. You're going to need the energy."

"What for" he asked, innocently.

"Eat first then I'll tell you." Kyle responded with a look that told Jay that he got the only answer he was going to get for now. He gave in gracefully, sat up and ate the wonderful meal that Kyle had prepared.

The ever-mischievous Kyle lay at the foot of the bed on his back with his feet up against his butt, exposing himself to his boyfriend. Jay glanced up from his tray and couldn't help but notice the familiar glisten of lubricant spread all over Kyle's butt. Hmm, I wonder what's going to happen as soon as I finish breakfast. He said to himself whimsically. He made a big show of eating his breakfast, taking his time and savoring every bite.

As soon as Jay finished the last bite and set the tray aside, Kyle pounced like a hungry, wild animal on its prey. Without any of the usual foreplay, except that which was necessary to make Jay hard, Kyle impaled himself and started bucking wildly.

"Kyle, wait! Stop! I don't have a condom on."

Kyle slowed his bucking down, but kept gyrating. "I know. That's the whole point. You're going to fill my ass so full of cum that it will take a month to get rid of it all."

"Kyle, I can't. It's not safe."

"Jay, you and I have been monogamous for over five years. Neither of us do drugs or anything. We get routinely tested and are both negative. I spoke with the clinic, and while they said it's never a good idea, the chances of my becoming infected are basically zero. Shut up, lay back and enjoy it. I know it's something you've wanted for a long time. I've wanted it too. We probably will never bareback again, but this time we're doing it, if I have to do all the work myself." He picked up the pace a little. Jay laid his head back, closed his eyes and moaned.

"Oh, my God, this is incredible. You're so hot. I've never felt anything like this before." He sat up and started sucking on first one then the other of Kyle's nipples. Kyle reached under Jay's chin and lifted his face up so that he could kiss him. "Oh, God Kyle, I'm gonna cum. I can't hold it any longer. Here it comes."

Kyle slammed down hard and held still as spurt after spurt of Jay's ball juice shot deep into him. He collapsed on Jay and lay motionless until Jay softened and slipped out of him. He rolled onto his back, eyes closed and smiling. "Thank you." he simply said.

"That was the most incredible thing I've ever felt, but you need to get rid of the cum inside you."

"Uh-uh. I'm keeping it."

"Don't you realize what will happen to you if you do?"

Kyle frowned. "Is there something you're not telling me? Have you cheated on me?"

"No! Never! I swear I never have and never will. You have my word on that." Jay immediately replied vehemently.

"Then why are you so concerned and upset?"

Jay was silent for a few minutes before he finally said "I don't know. I guess it's because it's been drilled into my head so many times that unprotected sex guarantees HIV infection."

Kyle kissed him on the chest between the nipples. "Not in this case. I've done my homework. You're negative. I'm negative. We've been monogamous for over five years. It's okay, baby."

"Okay, okay. I believe you."

"Good because as soon as you're ready we're going to do it again."

"Not bareback this time."

"Well, if you insist. But you can't say that you didn't enjoy it."

"Yes I can say it, but it would be a lie. Sex with you is the most incredible thing in the world. I didn't think it could be any better until this."

"But you don't want to do it again?"

"I don't want to put you at any risk. You're my entire life. I'd rather die than see anything happen to you.

Jay stroked Kyle's chest tenderly, slowly working his way down until he found what he was searching for. He gently stroked Kyle's hardness causing Kyle to moan low in his throat. Jay heard Kyle's breathing quicken slightly. He took Kyle into his mouth sucking gently up and down, going further and further down until Kyle was deep in Jay's throat, Jay's nose brushing against his public hairs when it finally happened. With a shout, Kyle unleashed a tremendous load down Jay's throat.

"Wow" was all Kyle could say. Since Kyle remained hard, Jay continued his ministrations until moments later when Kyle delivered a second load, almost as big as the first.

"That's the first time that's ever happened." Kyle said, amazed.

Jay flopped back onto his pillow. "Well, if I wasn't full before from that awesomely awesome breakfast, I certainly am now." He said, giggling. He kissed Kyle gently, once again aroused.

Kyle noticed Jay's arousal. "Cool! Now it's my turn!!!" He exclaimed gleefully has he rolled over onto his stomach, spread his legs and wiggled his butt sensually. "Come and get it, big boy" Jay put on a condom, rolled over on top of him and they made love a second time.

With a twinge of excitement in his voice Jay informed the love of his life that they should get up and open presents. They had to be at Kyle's sister's house in a couple of hours. Having been an only child and with no living relatives, Jay's heart warmed whenever he thought about the way that Kyle' sister, brother, and all of his cousins welcomed him into their family.

After cuddling a few more minutes, the boys reluctantly got up, shaved, showered and got dressed. They made short work out of the pile of presents under the tree, each appreciating the other's gifts.

With the exception of a handful of gifts intended for others, there remained only one huge gift which Jay seemed not to notice. "Who is that big one for? I don't remember seeing it before."

"What does the tag say?"

"It says 'For the ultimate love of my life', but it isn't signed." Slowly it dawned on him at the package was his. "Wait a minute...Jay you didn't.....you couldn't...."

"Open it and see."

He slowly opened the package as Jay sat on the edge of the couch, anxiously waiting to see Kyle's reaction.

He froze when he saw the contents of the large, nondescript package.

"I....." was all he said before he threw himself on Jay, tears flowing in rivers down his cheeks. Inside the box was a brand new portable artist's easel, a couple of palettes, the biggest kit of paints and brushes he had ever seen, a modeling dummy and numerous other accessories. Several years ago a small fire in the basement that started when the furnace motor shorted out destroyed all of Kyle's art supplies and equipment, which he never replaced. After the fire he totally lost interest in painting.

"I can't believe it. I don't know what to say. How did you manage...?"

"I didn't. Up until now I didn't even know what was in the box. I gave the money to Karin and had her get everything. Is it all right? You can take any of it back and exchange it for whatever you want."

"But why would you spend so much money on a hobby I no longer do?"

"Don't think I don't know how devastated you were after the fire and how much you miss painting. I miss watching you paint. I used to sit and watch you for hours. You look so serene, almost angelic, when you're painting. I miss that. Nor did I miss all the times you'd see something and mutter under your breath how much you wish you could paint it."

"I don't know what to say. How can I thank you for this incredible gift?"

"Your facial expression is thanks enough, although a hug and a kiss would be nice."

Kyle hugged him so tightly that he couldn't breathe.

"Let me go. I can't breathe." Jay gasped. Kyle eased his strangle hold on him, kissed him soundly and started rubbing his crotch. Jay pushed his hand away. "Oh, no you don't. Keep this up and we'll never get to your sister's for lunch on time."

"Speaking of which, before we go I need your help getting a painting down from the attic."

"You have paintings in the attic? Won't the cold ruin them?"

"No. It's heated."

"Really, I never knew that. You know, the attic might make a great rec room."

"Hmm, I never thought of having it made into a rec room." But I did find another use for it, and wait until you see what that is. Kyle amended to himself.

When they reached the attic stairs, Jay bowed gallantly to Kyle, and with a sweeping arm gesture, indicated that Kyle should go first.

"You first, I insist."

"You just want to stare at my ass." Jay accused with a wink.

Kyle snapped his fingers in a gesture of frustration "Damn. You're onto me."

"I know all your tricks." He retorted, giggling. "Well, if I must..." He started up the stairs as Kyle wolf-whistled at him.

It was Jay's turn to be overwhelmed by the gift that was waiting for him when he opened the door. Kyle had the attic made over into a photography studio, complete with backdrops, lights, furniture and a digital photo editing workstation complete with a printer capable of producing up to 8x10" photographs.

"I don't know what to say. This is incredible. I've dreamed about this for a very long time, but could never justify spending the money."

"Just like I could never justify spending the money to replace all of my art stuff."

Jay's look of joy suddenly turned into one of bitter disappointment.

"Honey, what's wrong? Don't you like it?" Kyle asked, slightly hurt.

Jay took Kyle's face in both of his hands and kissed him gently. "Baby, I love it. But don't you remember last summer when my truck got broken into and my camera was stolen?"

Kyle hung his head in apparent shame. "I guess you won't be able to use that either." He said, pointing to a cabinet.

"What's in there?" Jay opened the cabinet doors and just about shit his pants again. Hidden inside was a top-of-the-line digital SLR camera with a flash and a variety of lenses. "BITCH" he exclaimed. "You really had me going." He pulled Kyle into a fierce embrace, rubbed his crotch against Kyle's and squeezed his butt.

"Uh, who was it that said we had to hurry up to get over to my sister's?"

"Screw them." he exclaimed as he started tearing Kyle's clothes off.

"No, I thought the idea was to screw me." Kyle responded with a giggle as he tore Jay's clothes off and pushed him towards the couch that was along one wall. Afterwards Kyle remarked "This has been one hellacious Christmas morning. We did it three times. Want to go for a fourth?"

Jay glanced at the clock on the wall. "Ah, you want to check the time?"


The Long Road Ch. 01



"Oh shit!" he cried, jumping up and gathering his clothes. "We are supposed to be at Kim and Bryan's in ten minutes. We'll never make it."

He grabbed his cell phone and called his sister. "Hey it's me. We're running a little late. We'll be there in a half hour."

"Don't tell me you guys are just getting out of bed."

"Actually we've been up for awhile..."

"Please" she interrupted, "I know you, baby brother. You guys have been having one of your sex marathons." She accused, giggling.

"Believe it or not we only did it three times this morning." Kyle replied.

"And you assumed I wanted to know that?" She bantered back.

"Truthfully, we're up in the attic."

"How'd Jay like his little surprise?"

"He just about shit his pants when he saw it."

"Great. I'm glad he liked it."

"Ask Kyle about his reaction to his surprise." Jay yelled.

"Yeah, I basically reacted the same way. Karin did a great job picking out everything."

"So we'll get to see some more of your fabulous paintings?"

"Fabulous? Not likely. They'd be more along the lines of mediocre. It's been too long."

"I don't think so! You may be a little rusty, but you'll never be mediocre. Not even when you were first starting out were you that. You have an incredible gift. You need to start using it again."

"Okay, whatever. What I need to do is get off the phone, otherwise we'll never make it over there."

"Okay. See you guys when you get here. Bye."

"Bye sis."

Jay started gathering up his new camera and lenses. "Now all I need is something to put everything in."

"Isn't a camera bag in there? I could have sworn I got one. Look in that other cabinet."

Jay opened the other cabinet and was shocked when he looked inside and saw the large supply of photo printing paper and ink cartridges neatly sorted and stocked on the shelves. At the bottom of the cabinet was a brand new leather camera bag. "This is too much." He cried, tears flowing freely. "I'll never be able to thank you enough for all of this."

"The feeling is mutual." Kyle replied, giving Jay a hug and a kiss. "I'll go down and load up the jeep while you get everything together."

Twenty minutes later they pulled into the driveway at Kim and Bryan's. The kids came charging up to the jeep, all excited.

"Uncle Kyle! Uncle Jay! Merry Christmas!" they screamed in unison, jumping up and down.

Returning the Christmas wishes, they took turns hugging first one then the other of Kyle's nephews.

Uncle Jay. How wonderful that sounded to him. He felt a surge of emotion. From day one Kyle's family had accepted with open arms. Even when he was falsely accused of raping a cocktail waitress shortly after he and Kyle first started dating they stood behind him one-hundred percent.

The twins ran into the house screaming. "THEY'RE HERE!!!!" After relieving Kyle and Jay of the pile of packages, Kyle's sister and brother bestowed huge hugs on both boys. As they gathered around the tree, Kyle had Jay recant his surprise when he opened the attic door.

"Kyle asked for my help getting a painting down from the attic. I said something about them getting ruined up there when he said it was heated. All kinds of ideas went through my mind as to what we could do with the space. My first thought was a rec room for parties. He insisted that I go up the stairs ahead of him." Kyle's goofy, shit-eating grin grew wider as Jay told the story. "I told him he just wanted to look at my ass. I nearly shit my pants when I opened the door and saw the studio. It was amazing." He didn't know that Kim, Bryan, Tommy and Andy had already seen the studio and that Bryan, a professional photographer, had picked everything out. "I couldn't believe it. Then it dawned on me that I couldn't use any of it since last summer my camera was stolen out of my truck. All the money I was saving for a new camera went to the art supplies." Kyle shot Jay a guilt-ridden look. If I had only known... he thought. Jay continued his story. "I was devastated. Here was all of this beautiful, expensive equipment that was going to go to waste. I felt really bad because all of Kyle's hard-earned money was going to go down the toilet. But this shit-head," Jay pulled Kyle into a playful headlock, "had all the bases covered." He lifted the camera. "And I'm willing to bet that you had a lot to do with it, Bryan. Thank you." Jay said his eyes moist.

"I'm glad you like everything. Pick a weekend when you aren't busy and I'll come over and show you how to use everything." Bryan replied. "But then again, you may not need to. Here, open this." He handed Jay an envelope.

Jay nearly shit his pants for the third time that day. Inside the envelope were an acceptance letter and a check to cover the full tuition for an online digital photography school. In a state of shock, he handed everything to Kyle, who looked at his sister and brother in amazement. He knew they liked Jay, but until this moment he didn't know how much they truly loved him. Jay's dream of being a photographer was going to come true.

Kim moved over to the couch next to Jay and hugged the stunned man. "I just can't believe it."

"What can't you believe, Jay?"

"I can't believe that you guys would do all this for me. First Kyle gives me the studio and the camera equipment and now you and Bryan give me this. I don't know what to say."

"Jay, this is our way of showing you how much Bryan and I love you and how much we are indebted to you." Kim replied.

"What could you possibly be indebted to me for?"

"We watched my little brother go though hell with his coming out, then go from one bad relationship to another, none of them lasting more than a couple of months." Kim answered. "We've seen him thrown out of our church and his job applications for teaching positions rejected by school after school because of his sexuality. He struggled with the disappearance and subsequent death of our parents. His life was miserable until you came along." She started crying. "Since you came into his life five years ago, all of that has changed. I've never seen him happier or more at peace with himself. For that we will be forever indebted to you." She threw her arms around her "brother" as she called Jay.

He hugged her back. "Believe me, my life sucked big time before Kyle." He broke the hug and kissed Kyle.

The twins couldn't stand it any longer. "Get a room, you two. We wanna open our presents." They chorused.

Kyle looked at his nephews with pride and amazement. At ten years old, they both took a lot of harassment on account of their "Uncle Faggot" as the neighborhood kids called Kyle. The twins harbored no resentment whatsoever towards either Kyle or Jay. Presents and wrapping paper flew everywhere as the twins took over the chore of handing out the presents. Soon all that was left under the tree was an enormous package, which Kyle assumed was for Bryan's parents who were due to arrive later that day.

"Who is that big package under the tree for, Bryan?" Kim asked, innocently, her eyes sparked mischievously. Noticing the look in her eyes Kyle prepared himself. Here we go again. He thought.

"I don't know. What does the tag say?"

She went over to the package and read the tag aloud. "For the person who has everything he could wish for except for the one thing he truly needs. Hmm, I wonder what that means."

"Kyle, you only had one package to open. Why don't you open it and see what it is." Bryan replied, trying to keep a straight face.

Kyle looked at Jay, who shook his head, not knowing anything about it. Jay thought it strange that Kyle's sister and brother would spend so much money on him, yet not get Kyle anything. He shrugged his shoulders.

Kyle's mouth dropped open when he saw what was in the package. "How did you guys know I didn't have any canvases?"

"We didn't, but that's the one thing every artist needs." Bryan replied.

"That reminds me. Jon" he called to the closest nephew "there's a painting in the back of my jeep. Will you go get it for me?"

Jon returned with a stunningly beautiful waterfall painting that Kyle had done from a picture he took. "This is for you guys to hang in the new addition if you want it."

"It's breathtaking, Kyle." Kim responded. "I don't think I've seen that one before."

"It's truly beautiful, Kyle, but it doesn't belong in the new room where no one can see it. It belongs here." Bryan took down the painting over the fireplace and replaced it with Kyle's, which made Kyle's face turn red with embarrassment.

"Now everyone who visits us will know what a fantabulous artist you are." Kim said, hugging him.

They had lunch then played board games until it was time to head over to Tommy and Andy's for a small Christmas night party, where more gifts were exchanged.

Later that night, as they lay in bed Jay remarked "What a day. I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. I still can't get over the studio."

"I can't get over all of the art supplies. It's been a wonderful Christmas. I can't tell you how much I love you"

"Yes it has. There are not enough words in the English language to describe how much I love you." Jay kissed Kyle tenderly.

Kyle snuggled closer to Jay and the boys drifted off to sleep

 Chapter 3

A few months later, Kyle's cell phone rang. "Hey, tall, hung and hopefully horny!

"Not right now, but I'm sure I will be later." Jay joked. "When you get home, can you come up to the studio?"

"I'm just walking through the door. I'll be right up." He hung up, took his shoes off changed quickly in the bedroom then ran up the stairs.

Jay got up from the desk and went over to Kyle as he came through the door and gave him a hug and a kiss. "How was your day?"

"Not so good. I've been sick to my stomach and throwing up every day for a couple of weeks now."

Jay looked at him with concern. "That's not good. I see that your stomach is bulging a little. You should go see the doctor."

"I did yesterday."

"And" Jay prompted.

"He said it was perfectly normal and will pass"

"What do you mean, perfectly normal?"

"Well, do you remember Christmas day when we barebacked and I refused to get rid of the cum you left inside me?"

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with you being sick?" He asked worriedly, a thousand things going through his mind.

"Jay, I'm pregnant." Kyle said straight-faced but with his eyes twinkling.

Jay grabbed a pillow off the couch and threw it at him. "You shit-head, you had me going!"

Kyle was laughing so hard he could hardly speak. "You...should have....seen the look...on your...face."

Jay looked at him coldly. "That's it. I've had enough of your practical jokes. No sex for you for a week." It was Jay's turn to be the joker.

"We'll see about that." Kyle threatened. "Remember that when you have a bad case of blue balls" He rubbed Jay's crotch teasingly.

"You can't go long enough for me to get even a slight case of it." Jay countered. Jay couldn't either, but he wasn't going to admit that to Kyle when he was trying to get the upper hand.

"In this case, watch me." Kyle growled in a serious tone.

"Bitch, I can't seem to get one up on you, can I?"

"Nope, let's face it. I'm the pro and you're the amateur. So how was your day off?"

"I got the grade back on my first composition assignment. It was an A."

"That's awesome, Jay. I knew you could do it. You've always been a great photographer. You just need to believe in yourself as much as the rest of us believe in you. Can I see the picture?"

"Sure." He handed Kyle a portfolio full of pictures he'd been taking for his classes.

"Wow! These are really awesome. Have you showed them to Bryan?"

"No. Why, do you think I should?"

"Absolutely, let me give him a call."

"Hey, Kyle, what's up?" Bryan answered after glancing at the caller ID display.

"Not much. Listen, are you busy tomorrow?"

"I have an assignment for the paper that's going to take most of the afternoon, but I'm free tomorrow night. Why? What's going on?"

"I've just seen the pictures Jay's been taking for his classes and they're awesome. I'd like for you to see them."

"I'd love to. How about I come over around seven?"

"Great. See you then." He hung up. "So what else have you been doing?"

"I've been playing around with the editing equipment and came up with what I think is an awesome photograph that I would love to have you make into a painting, if you're willing."

"I can try. Where's the picture," Kyle asked, his interest piqued.

Looking a little sheepish, Jay produced a photograph of Kyle, a look of deep concentration on his face.

With a puzzled look on his face, Kyle asked "When did you take this?"

"I took it last weekend when you and Tommy were playing Quoridor."

"Why would you want a painting of a picture of me?""

"Why not?"

"It's redundant. Why not just blow this picture up?"

"Then I wouldn't get to see you paint. I love watching you paint. You are so relaxed, yet so intense at the same time. It's extremely sexy.

"But why take a picture of me? I could paint pretty much anything you wanted."

"Take a good look at the picture. What do you see?"

"I see me trying to figure out how to avoid getting my ass kicked by Tommy."

"No, I mean really look at it. Pretend you're looking at a picture in a magazine, perhaps of a model."

"Are you trying to compare me to a professional model?" Kyle asked, quizzically.

"No, but that's not a bad idea. Would you model for me?"

"Naked, I suppose?"

"Well, if you insist..." Jay put his arm around Kyle and squeezed his butt.

"Don't start something you can't finish." Kyle threatened.

Jay reached up and started unbuttoning his shirt. "Who says I can't finish what I'm starting?"

"Uh, did you forget we're going to the movies with Tommy, Andy, Karin and Denise? The show starts in an hour."

Jay stood behind Kyle, pulling him into him and pressing his crotch up against Kyle's butt while he nuzzled his neck.

"Mmmmm, it's been a long time since you've held me like this."

"What do you mean, a long time?"

"Jay, when was the last time we made love?"

"Ah, I believe it was last night."

Kyle reached behind Jay, grabbed his butt with both hands and pulled him in even closer. "It's been too long."

"And it's going to be even longer."

"Why?"

"Uh, because you're pregnant and I don't want to take any chances with the baby until it's born."

Kyle suddenly grabbed his abdomen and doubled-over, seemingly in great pain. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" he screamed.

"Kyle, what's wrong?" Jay asked, deeply concerned at Kyle's uncharacteristic behavior.

Kyle fell to the floor in the fetal position. He screamed once more and pulled the pillow out of his pants. He rolled onto his back, put the pillow under his head and held out his arms to Jay. "Ok, the baby's born and I'm no longer pregnant. Now get down here and pound my ass into oblivion."

"We don't have enough time."

"We have enough time for a quickie." Kyle responded as he pulled his shorts and underwear off. Raising his legs he told Jay "Forget the foreplay, just stick it in me and start pounding."

"Bitch, you had this planned all along, didn't you?" Jay responded sliding his pants down to freeing his erection and putting on the condom Kyle handed to him.

"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about." Kyle said, trying to maintain an air of innocence.

As he inserted himself into the eagerly awaiting body of his lover he asked Kyle if he always went around with lubricant spread all over his butt.

"Of course, how else can I be ready for sex at a moment's notice? Who wouldn't want a perfect dick like yours in their ass as often as they can?"

"You're insatiable!" Jay laughed as he quickly finished. "You know we're going to be late picking up Tommy and Andy."

"I called them this afternoon and told them we might be a little late and to meet us at the theater."

"I'll bet that not only were they not surprised, but, knowing how you are, probably expected it." Jay replied as they got up and got dressed.

"Let's find out." He called Tommy.

"Kyle. Are you two finished fucking and on your way? We just got here and got your tickets so you guys won't have to stand in line."

"How did you know we were having sex?"

"Knowing you as well as I do, I would have been surprised if you weren't."

"So you think you know me that well? What would you say if I were to tell you that I was the top and Jay was the bottom and it was the best sex I ever had in my life?"

"I'd say that you were as full of shit as a Thanksgiving turkey."

"If I told you that you were wrong would you believe me?"

"Not in this lifetime or the next."

"Okay Tommy, you got me this time. We'll be there in a few."

During the short drive to the movie theater, Jay was unusually quiet. "You're so quiet, Jay. Is something wrong?"

"Your conversation with Tommy got me to thinking. Do you want to top me? I've never been a bottom before, and I'm not sure I could."

As they pulled into a parking spot at the theater and he shut off the jeep, Kyle turned to look at Jay. "Baby, look at me." Jay turned to face Kyle, who took his face in both of his hands. "The only way I want our bodies to be joined together is by having your dick so far up my ass that it comes out of my mouth. I do not now, nor have I ever had, any desire to be the top. I was just busting Tommy's chops."

"Okay. If that is what you really, really wanted, I would try. I can't say I'd be any good at being a bottom, though. You're a tough act to follow in that department."

"Trust me when I say that I can't get enough of you inside me. In fact..." he let the sentence trail off as he reached over and started rubbing Jay's crotch. "Shall we go again?"

"Ah, the movie starts in about five minutes. By the time we get our tickets, popcorn and stuff, we'll have missed the beginning of the movie."

Kyle gave Jay's crotch a final rub. "Tommy already has our tickets and I'd bet that Andy has our seats and our food."

"You're probably right, but we should go. There'll be plenty of time later for sex."

"There's never enough time for sex with you." Kyle replied slyly as they got out of Kyle's jeep and walked to the theater entrance where Tommy was waiting with their tickets.

Jay rolled his eyes. "How did I know you were going to say that?"

"Did you honestly expect me to say anything different? If I could, I'd have you inside me all day and all night, every day."

"I can believe that. I've woken up a number of times to find myself inside you."

"Of course, your dick is my wobble."

"That's something I really didn't want to know." Tommy chided them as he handed them their tickets. "Andy has your popcorn and drinks and has saved us seats."

Kyle stuck his tongue out at Jay. "I told you we had enough time for a quickie. The only thing we'd miss is the previews, which we never watch anyway."

"Yeah...yeah...yeah...blah...blah...blah. Let's go and get our seats." Jay gave Kyle a gentle shove towards the doors.

"Well, it took you guys long enough to get here. What'd you guys do, decide to have a quickie in the parking lot?" Andy pretended to be annoyed.

"I wanted to, but..."

"Kyle, this insatiability of yours is going to kill Jay someday." Andy interrupted.

"You've got a whole lot of room to talk, Andy. You can be just as insatiable at times." Tommy retorted.

Jay covered his ears. "La...la...la...la...la...la...la... I don't need to know any of this."

"Ask Jay how many times he's come home from work and without any warning would grab me, pull me into the bedroom and screw my brains out. Shit. Half the time we never even made it as far as the bedroom."

As everyone got comfortable Jay looked over at Andy snuggling up against Tommy. Kyle's cousin Karin and her lover Denise were doing the same. He sighed with envy and bitter disappointment. If only Kyle could snuggle up to me like that. But it would be my job if anyone saw us.




The Long Road Ch. 01



After the movie they went out for a bite to eat. "You know, I really envy you guys." Jay commented.

"Why's that?" Tommy asked.

"I wish Kyle and I could cuddle and hold hands in public like you guys do." He said, wistfully.

"Why can't you?"

"It would cost me my job if I were to be seen showing any kind of affection to Kyle."

"I thought homosexuality was in the government non-discrimination clause."

"I don't know if it is or not, but it doesn't matter. My stupidvisor is so homophobic he'd do anything he could to get rid of me."

"That really sucks." Karin said emphatically.

"Oh, believe me, sucks doesn't even begin to cover how I feel about it. You don't know how much I wish I could snuggle up to Jay right now, or even hold his hand." Kyle responded with a deep, sad sigh.

"Believe me, baby, so do I."

"Have you ever thought about transferring to a different department or field office" Denise inquired.

"I have, but I don't have any grounds for the request. I can't tell them that I want to transfer out because my supervisor is creating a hostile working environment. I have no proof. Who do you think the higher-ups are going to believe, a supervisor who's been with the FBI for almost twenty years, or a lowly field agent who's only been there nine years?"

"You are not a lowly field agent. You were the one who cracked the case of my parent's murder. No one else could be bothered to follow the 'cold lead' as they called it. You're case closure rate is higher than most of them, from what you said."

Jay reached under the table and gave Kyle's hand a quick, grateful squeeze. "Thanks, baby, but that's just not enough to go to EEO with."

"EEO" Karen asked.

"Equal Employment Opportunity, they make sure that the non-discrimination policy is followed and resolve any problems between employees."

"But surely this would fall under their jurisdiction." Tommy chimed in.

"It's a catch-22. If I were out, then I MIGHT be able to file a complaint against him, but I'm not. If I were to come out, then I'd be fired and my security clearance would be revoked. Once a clearance is revoked, it's damned near impossible to get it reinstated. Having a security clearance revocation on my record would pretty much insure that I'll never get another law-enforcement job."

"Really, surely you could do something else rather than deal with that shit." Denise said.

"It's all I know. I went into the FBI Academy right after high school. It's all I ever wanted to do, other than spending as much time with my baby as possible." He gave Kyle a warm, loving smile, which was immediately returned."

"Aw, kiss and get it over with." Karin teased.

Kyle offered his cheek to Jay, tapping it with his finger. Jay looked around the pretty-much deserted all-night diner to make sure they weren't seen then moved in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Just as his lips were about to touch his cheek, Kyle quickly and unexpectedly turned his head so that their lips met.

The other two couples decided that this would be a good time to kiss as well.

Later that night as they lay in bed after making love, a very serious look crossed Kyle's face. "If you're that unhappy with the FBI, perhaps you should start considering another career."

Jay looked at him with surprise. "It's not that I'm unhappy with my job. I love my job. I just don't like having to hide who I am. It'd be hard to find another job that pays as well, and has the benefits."

"Baby, I'd rather have you take a lower-paying job and be able to be out than keep a higher-paying job and be unhappy."

"I know, but that would put an unfair burden on you financially. I can't do that to you."

"Just think about it." Kyle suggested as he snuggled closer.

Jay stroked his hair gently. "I will. I can't promise anything."

"Did I ask you for a promise?"

"No, but..."

"But nothing" Kyle interrupted. "I don't want a promise from you. I just want you to be happy."

"Okay, baby. Let's get some sleep."

Chapter 4

The following evening Bryan arrived to look over Jay's pictures and was totally amazed by them. "These are some of the best I've ever seen. Would you mind if I borrowed these? I'd like to show them to a friend of mine."

"I guess." Jay and Bryan spent the evening looking over and discussing each photograph in detail. Kyle grabbed his guitar and provided a soft music background for their discussion.

A couple of days later Jay received a surprise phone call. "Hello?"

"Jayson Williams, please." An unknown voice said.

"This is Jayson Williams."

"Hi, Mister Williams, this is Karl Jennings over at the art gallery. May I call you Jayson?"

"Sure."

"Bryan Clark was here earlier and showed me some of the most astounding photographs I've ever seen, and I would like, if you are willing, to showcase some of them in my gallery."

Jay was momentarily taken aback. This must be a joke. He thought to himself. He checked the caller ID display and indeed, the call originated from the art gallery. "You're kidding, right? Why would you want to exhibit my pictures?"

"I'm quite serious. As I'm sure Bryan has told you, and even if he hasn't, you have an amazing eye for detail and your composition is outstanding."

"Ah, thanks. What would I have to do?"

"Have them enlarged to eleven by seventeen inches and dry-mounted. Drop them off here to me and I'll have them framed and hung. Who knows, you might even make some money off them."

"Really, how would I do that?"

"It's not uncommon for gallery visitors to want to purchase something they like. The gallery will handle the copyrighting of the pictures for your protection, and will also negotiate sales of the photographs for a five-percent commission."

"Okay, when do you want them by?"

"Can you have them here by Tuesday of next week? The current exhibit closes on Saturday and that will give my staff plenty of time to frame and hang them."

"Okay, I think I can do that. Which pictures do you want?"

"All of the ones Bryan showed me, if possible, plus five or six more, if you have them."

"Sure. I'll get them enlarged and mounted then bring them over by Tuesday."

"Great, I'll see you then."

"Okay."

An hour later, Kyle came home from parent-teacher conference day. "Hey, baby, how'd the conferences go?"

"They went well. What did you do today?"

"Have you heard of the name Karl Jennings?"

"No, why, who is he?"

"He's the curator of the art gallery, and, coincidentally, the friend Bryan wanted to show my pictures to."

"Oh, really" Kyle asked, his interest piqued.

"Yep, He wants to set up and exhibit of my pictures."

"Jay, that's absolutely fantabulous! I'm so happy for you. Your dream is finally coming true." Kyle cried as he pounced on him, giving him a big hug and kiss. "When is the exhibit?"

"It's the week after next. I have to get the pictures enlarged and mounted and drop them off by Tuesday. He said I might even sell some of them."

"What can I do to help?"

"You've already been a great help by talking me into showing them to Bryan."

Opening day for Jay's exhibit finally arrived and Jay was a nervous wreck. He hardly slept a wink the night before. Having never even been in the gallery he was at a complete loss as to what to expect. The curator had assured him that all he had to do was dress nicely and show up. He was such a wreck that Kyle had to pick out his clothes for him. He had come out of the shower and was standing in front of the closet just staring.

Kyle finally decided to do something to help relax him. He took Jay by the hand and led him to the bed, pushing him down into a sitting position. Kissing him gently, he dropped to his knees and pushed Jay's legs apart. They locked eyes as Kyle took him into his mouth for a slow, sensual blow job. Kyle licked, sucked and nibbled on Jay's dick and balls until Jay shot a huge load down Kyle's throat. He collapsed back on the bed and sighed deeply. "Thank you, baby, I guess I really needed that." Kyle climbed onto the bed and lay down next to him. As he kissed Jay, he shared some of Jay's creamy white nectar with him, which Jay gulped down greedily, returning the kiss.

"Feel better now?" He asked, breaking the kiss.

"Yeah, I do"

"Good. Let's get you dressed. You have to be there in a half hour."

Jay raised his eyebrows quizzically. "I have to be there? Don't you mean we have to be there?"

"Of course I'm going to be there. Everybody is. But this is your day. Today is totally about you."

After Jay had dressed, he gathered Kyle in his arms and gave him a slow, deep kiss. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"

"Whatever you did, keep doing it. We need to get going."

A hint of Jay's prior nervousness returned. "Do I look okay?"

"Any more okay and I'm going to start ripping those clothes off and have my wicked way with you. Here. One final touch" Kyle grabbed a bottle of cologne and gave him a couple of squirts. "There. Perfection personified!" He grabbed him by the hand and they drove to the gallery in silence.

They arrived at the gallery a half hour before the opening as they had been instructed, only to find all of the doors locked. After a few minutes of pounding on the main entrance, a guard came up to the door. "I'm sorry, but the gallery doesn't open for another twenty minutes."

"Its okay, Alan, let them in. He's the exhibitor."

"Sorry." The guard mumbled as he let them in.

"Mister Jennings, this is my boyfriend, Kyle. Kyle, this is Mister Jennings."

Karl extended his hand. "Please to meet you, Kyle. Please call me Karl." They shook hands.

"Same here, Mister Jennings, I mean Karl."

"Are you ready to see your exhibit, Jayson?"

"You bet!"

"Come this way." As Karl led them though the gallery, the boys could not believe what they were seeing. All of Jay's photographs were beautifully framed and hung on the walls with great deliberation as to their location. Jay could not believe that his snapshots, as he called them, were actually on a display and that people were not only going to pay to see them, but perhaps even buy them. The thought was mindboggling. "Here's the program." He handed them each a folded pamphlet.

"Provincetown, A Pictorial Essay by Jayson Williams" was printed in an elegant script on the front. Inside, there was a picture of Jayson and a short biography, along with a list of his paintings and a sale price. Jay's eyes bulged out of their sockets as he saw the pricings. There wasn't a single on under seven hundred-fifty dollars. "Karl, these prices have been printed wrong. The cheapest painting is seven hundred-fifty dollars. It should be seven dollars and fifty cents."

"No, the prices are printed correctly. If anything they're priced a little on the low side."

Kyle spoke up before Jay could. "You're kidding right?"

"No, I'm not."

"Nobody would pay that kind of money for a photograph from a rank amateur." Jay replied in a self-effacing way.

"You'd be surprise. Actually, there are a couple of photographs I'm considering for my home."

Jay shot a stunned look at Kyle, who returned an equally stunned look.

A disembodied voice spoke up. "The gallery will be opening in two minutes."

"This is it. Are you ready?" Karl asked the obviously nervous Jay.

"No, but let's do it."

The first people through the door were, not surprisingly, Tommy, Andy and Bryan. Kim was on duty at the hospital and would join them later. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres were passed as a ton of people, in Jay's estimate, wandered through the exhibit, several stopping to talk with Jay about the pictures, several of them asking questions Jay could only respond to with "It just caught my eye, so I took a picture of it."

Kyle stood by his side, the unmistakable look of extreme pride and love battling for supremacy over his face. After a couple of hours he excused himself and started wandering through the exhibit when a photograph he hadn't seen before caught his eye. He took a closer look then groaned when he recognized the subject of the photo. It was one of his paintings. As he stared at the photo in disbelief, a museum employee walked up to the photograph and placed a "SOLD" tag on it. "Excuse me, Miss. This photograph has been sold?"

"Yes sir."

"Can you tell me how much it went for?"

"It went for twenty-seven hundred dollars, sir."

"Thank you, Miss." He excused himself and sought out Jay, only to find him talking with Karl, the curator.

"Hey baby. So how do you like the exhibit?"

"Its fine, but I have one question. When did you take a picture of my waterfall painting, and how come I never saw it?"

"I took it the day you gave it to Kim and Bryan. I didn't know it was in the stack of pictures for the exhibit. I didn't check it, nor did I check the enlargements. I'm so sorry baby. I would not have used it without your permission. I was just curious to see how a picture of a painting would turn out. I never would have included it without your permission. You know that."

"Jay, I'm not upset. It just took me by surprise. Normally you show me all of your pictures. Did you know that you just made twenty-seven hundred dollars off of it?"

"You're kidding, right?"

"No. I wouldn't kid about something like this. Congratulations." He said, sincerely. "I thought you were only joking about people buying them. So, how does it feel to have made a big chunk of change?"

"I don't know. It hasn't happened yet."

"Ah, baby, it just did. I'm not kidding. Come see for yourself." He took Jay by the hand and led him to the photograph. Jay's eyes popped out of his skull when he saw the 'sold' tag. A few moments later, the assistant curator approached Jay and handed him a check.

"Here you go, Jayson. Congratulations on your first sale."

Jay looked at the check. "I'm afraid there's been a mistake. This check is made out to me. It should be made out to Kyle Matthews."

"Excuse me?"

"This picture, which was never intended for the exhibit, is of one of his paintings."

Karl, overhearing the exchange, spoke up. "You painted this, Kyle? It's breathtaking. You have a great technique."

"Thanks." He said quietly, blushing furiously. He hated to be praised or recognized for his 'doodlings' as he called them.

Jay turned to Karl and held the check out to him. "Karl, by rights this should be Kyle's. Actually, it should probably be refunded to the customer. I didn't have his permission to include it in the exhibit."

"Hmm, that might be a problem. If the customer paid in cash, we may not know who they are, and they may insist on taking possession of the photograph.

"Karl, I have no problem with it being in the exhibit. What I don't understand is why anybody would want a photograph of a painting, especially a painting that's not very good. It's just doodling."

Karl turned to Jay. "Is he always this self-effacing?"

"No, usually he's worse."

"The truth be known, and I'm violating gallery policies, I'm the one who bought it. It's very unique. I've seen photographs of photographs many times over, but I've never seen a photograph of an oil painting. Kyle, by any chance is this painting for sale?"

"No. I gave it to my sister and brother for a Christmas present."

"Would you consider doing a commissioned painting for me?"

"Perhaps some other time, but today isn't about me. It's about Jay." He grabbed the check out of Jay's hand. "I'll make sure this gets deposited into his account." He told the curator as he took a pen, wrote "For deposit only" and Jay's savings account number on the back which he had memorized, as Jay did his, in case of emergencies. There was no way he was going to deposit in into his savings account, nor their joint account. Their individual accounts were Christmas savings accounts into which each of them deposited a small amount each month. The bulk of their salaries went into their joint account. He folded the check and placed it into his wallet. When Jay started to argue that the money was legally his, Kyle countered his argument with "Are you going to give the money from sales of your photographs to each and every subject of your photograph? How are you going to track down the owner of the ocean, the trees, the skies..." he ticked off each point on his fingers. "Regardless of the subject, the photographs are your copyrighted property. Therefore any proceeds from the sales are yours and yours alone."

"What about your painting?" Jay argued.

"Who's painting? I don't see my name on it, nor do I see any copyright notice. How do I know you didn't just see it hanging somewhere out in the open and just took a picture of it?"

"You know it's your painting." Jay replied with a little heat.

"I may have painted it, but I didn't copyright it. Therefore, you had every legal right to take a picture of it and sell that picture. You're an FBI Field Agent. You know the law. If it will make you any happier, I'll sign a release form for you. In fact, I'll do one better." He took out his cell phone and activated the voice memo recording. "Karl, stand witness. I, Kyle David Matthews, do hereby grant Jason William Edwards the exclusive right to photograph any painting I have or will produce. Furthermore, I grant him the exclusive right to sell said photographs and use the proceeds as he sees fit." He turned to Karl. "Karl Jennings, as curator of this Art Gallery, have you witnessed what I just said?"

"I have."

"There. It's over and done. No more discussion. You have guests to get back to."

Jay looked at Kyle with resignation. This was an argument he wasn't going to win, so it would be in his best interest to concede gracefully. He drew Kyle into a gentle hug. "I love you so much." He whispered into his ear.

"I love you too. Now get back to your guests." He broke the hug, turned Jay and gave him a gentle push towards the main part of the exhibit. Grinning at Karl, he followed him and remained by his side until the exhibit closed for the evening.

As the boys sat at their table in an all-you-can-eat buffet one of the other diners approached them. They both stood. "Excuse me, but aren't you the Jayson Williams who as an exhibit at the art gallery?"

"Yes, ma'am" He replied shyly.

"I'm Tisha Jones, Owner and Managing Editor of 'About Town' magazine. I'd like to discuss the possibility of you coming to work with us. Would you be able to stop by my office on Tuesday afternoon?"

"I guess so. What time?"

"Whatever time is convenient for you."

"Okay sure."

She handed him her business card. "Here's the address. See you on Tuesday. Enjoy your meal." She turned and left as the boys sat back down.

"That's awesome, Jay. About Town magazine is a huge magazine, and your photographs are going to be in it! I'm so proud of you, baby."

"Whoa. Put the brakes on, Kyle. There's no guarantee anything is going to come out of the meeting."

"Just the fact that the owner of a major magazine is interested in your work is awesomely awesome. We need to celebrate. Let's head out to the club after dinner."

"You mean you want to celebrate this without getting your brains fucked out?"

"Of course, but that will come later." He grinned evilly.

"Okay. Let's finish up and head for the club."

The following Tuesday afternoon Jay entered the executive offices of About Town magazine. He approached a secretary. "Hi, I'm Jayson Williams. Tisha asked me to stop by today to see her.

"One moment please." She picked up the phone and dialed. "Tisha, there's a Jayson Williams here to see you."

"Okay, thank you, Pam." A moment later, Tisha opened the door. "Hi, Jayson, Please, come in and have a seat. Can I get you anything?"

"Some water would be great. Thanks."

She handed him a bottle of water out of a mini refrigerator. "So, Jayson, how's the exhibit going?"




The Long Road Ch. 02



The phone rang. "Hello?"

"Is Kyle Matthews in, please?"

"This is Kyle Matthews."

"Mister Matthews, this is Doctor Curtis, calling from County General."

Kyle's heart leaped into his throat. A million things went through his mind, none of them good. Has something happened to Kim, Bryan or the twins? He wondered, slightly frightened. He never even considered the possibility that the call might have something to do with Jayson.

"What can I do for you, Doctor?"

"I'm calling about your boyfriend Jayson."

Kyle frowned. After a slight pause, he said "What about him?"

"He is here in the hospital in guarded condition. He was attacked and stabbed several times two nights ago. He lost a lot of blood. He's alive, but he's in pretty bad shape at the moment. Both lungs were punctured as were his right kidney and liver. We had to remove his spleen. It required over two hundred stitches to close all of the knife wounds. It was touch-and-go for awhile, but he pulled through. I think he's going to be okay."

"I see."

"He asked me to tell you that he loves you more than life itself, and is very, very sorry."

"He sure has a funny way of showing it. I come home early from work and catch him having sex with another guy. It really shows how much he loves me."

"I understand. However, there were extenuating circumstances that you need to be made aware of. He wants to see you so he can explain why he did what he did."

"Isn't that what they all say? What explanation could there be for cheating?"

"Perhaps, but in this case, there was a reason, and it was very serious."

"And I'm supposed to do what? Run into his arms, forgive him and take him back so he can do it again? No thank you. Been there, done that, refuse to ever do it again."

"No, all he's asking is that you listen to what he has to say."

"I'll think about it."

"Thank you. We hope to move him out of intensive care later this afternoon, or early tomorrow morning. I've instructed the nurses to allow you to see him, if you so choose, and I sincerely hope you do. I thank you for your time. Goodbye, Mister Matthews."

"Goodbye, Doctor Curtis."

He hung up and called Tommy.

"Joe's Pool Hall, Eight ball speaking."

"Hey, it's me."

"Hi, me, what's going on?"

"I just got a call from a Doctor Curtis over at County General. He said that Jay is there."

"WHAT?????" There was a loud banging noise before Tommy's voice was heard again. "Sorry. I dropped the phone. My God, is he all right?"

"No. He's in intensive care in pretty bad shape and almost died from what the doctor said. He also said that there were serious extenuating circumstances surrounding Jay's cheating."

"Doctor Curtis is one of the psychiatrists that AVP sends people to for counseling after they've been gay-bashed, whenever Doctor Foster is unavailable. They're also both medical doctors. If he said it, you can most definitely believe it. Are you going to go see him?"

"I don't know. I'm not sure I even want to see him, let alone know what to say to him."

"Do you still love him?"

After a long pause, Kyle finally responded with a quiet "Yes."

"Then go see him. He's crazy about you. Whenever we're together and you're not around, all he can talk about is you and how much in love with you he is. Look, if you're thinking about what happened between you and Corey, don't. All the while he was cheating on you he was also cheating on the guy he was cheating on you with. He was even cheating on that guy. Corey couldn't be faithful if his life depended on it. Judging by his reputation, he has a very hard time keeping his dick in his pants. You're way better off with out him. I don't think anyone could possibly be more promiscuous than him. If you had stayed with him, God only knows what disease you would have caught from him no matter how careful you were. Besides, how many times did he tell you he was in love with you? The same can be said for Danny, and don't even get me started on Ethan. He should have been thrown in jail for the way he abused you mentally and emotionally."

"He used to say he loved me all the time."

"No, how many times did he say that he was in love with you?" Tommy insisted.

"I can't recall him ever saying that."

"There's a big difference in loving someone and being in love with someone. I can say that I love you, and I do, but I'm not in love with you. I don't want to have sex with you or spend the rest of my life as your lover, but I do very much want to spend the rest of my life as your close friend. See the difference?"

"Yeah, now that you have explained it, I do."

"How many times has Jay said that he was in love with you?"

"Way too many times to count."

"That proves my point. Jay's the total exact opposite of those creeps. Also, both Andy and I have seen Jay at the club many times, shooting down hottie after hottie. Not even talking to anyone. Just listening to the music and having a beer or two before going home alone. He's had more than ample opportunity to cheat on you if he really wanted to. Something's going on, and I think you owe it to the both of you to find out what it is. You need to know why he did it."

"Like I said, I'll think about it, and I'll let you know what my decision is."

"Cool. Make sure that when you do talk to him, you keep an open mind and really listen. Listen with your heart, not your brain. Blaise Pascal once said 'The heart has its reason which reason does not know.' You're heart will know what to do."

"Okay. Talk to you later."

"Okay, and thanks for calling and letting me know."

 Chapter 12 

A few days later...

"Murphy's Mortuary, you stab 'em, we slab 'em." Andy said, answering his cell phone.

"You're very funny." Kyle responded, sarcastically.

"What's up?" Andy asked.

I've decided to go see Jay. I talked with Doctor Curtis and he's off the critical list. I'm just not sure what to say." Kyle responded.

"Well, how about starting out with 'I love you', and follow up with 'I want to try to work things out'."

"That's the thing. I'm not sure I want to. I mean, I still love him, but that's just not enough. I don't trust him anymore, and that was a major part of our relationship."

"What if he was forced into it against his will? You know, raped at gun- or knife-point?"

"I hadn't considered that. But then again, I didn't see any gun or knife when I walked in on them, nor did I find one when I was moving his things out into the garage."

"Think about it, Kyle. Jay's a top. Why would he willingly bottom for a perfect stranger but not you?"

"Hmmm, you're right. I don't think he would, but that doesn't change the fact that he did, and he wasn't putting up a fight. You know how strong he is, that plus his Tae Kwon Do, he should have been able to overpower his attacker."

"I have to agree with you on that point, unless there's more to it than the obvious." Andy admitted, reluctantly.

"What more could there be?" Kyle asked, puzzled.

"I'm afraid only Jay can answer that question."

"You know, the more I think about it, the less I want to see him or ever talk to him again."

"I can understand that you feel that way, Kyle, but what if I'm right? If he didn't do it willingly, and you never gave him the chance to prove himself you'd regret it for the rest of your life. You owe it to the both of you to find out exactly what happened."

"And if I find out that he did do it willingly?"

"Then he's out of your life for good. But you need to find out for sure."

"You're right, as usual. I'll go and listen to what he has to say then I'll let you guys know. Would you guys like to come over for dinner later? I have a feeling I'll need some company."

"Sure. We'd love to."

"Is pizza okay?"

"It's fine with us. What time?"

"I have to stop by the art gallery and pick up a check. Another painting got sold today, and they want me to bring over about ten more. How about seven o'clock?"

"Great! Congratulations!"

"Thanks."

"We'll see you around seven. Talk to you later, Bro."

"Thanks for listening and giving me the kick in the ass that I needed."

"Not a problem. Later."

"Bye."

Later that afternoon...

"Excuse me, Nurse. Could you please tell me what room Jayson Williams is in?" Kyle asked.

The Nurse consulted her chart for a moment. "I'm sorry, but Mister Williams is on the restricted visitation list. May I have your name please?"

"Kyle Matthews."

"Matthews...Matthews...ah yes, here you are. Kyle Matthews. May I see some identification please?"

Kyle took out his wallet and handed her his driver's license.

The Nurse examined the license carefully then looked sharply at Kyle before handing the license back to him. "Thank you Mister Matthews. He's down the hall, next to the last room on the left." She reached over and clipped a special visitor's badge to his shirt collar.

"Thank you, Nurse." He walked down the hall, checking the names on the door. He stood outside the door to Jay's room for what seemed like an eternity before knocking on the closed door, showing his visitor's badge to the guard stationed there.

His heart sank as a very weak "Come in" answered his knock. He slowly opened the door and walked in, only to be stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of his lover, restrained, all bandaged and bruised with all kinds of wires and tubes coming out of various openings in Jay's hospital pajamas. Tears built up in his eyes and threatened to overflow. Jay looked up, saw Kyle standing there then looked away in shame.

"I brought you your favorite plant."

"Thanks." Jay replied quietly.

"How are you feeling? Are you up to talking?"

"Taking about what?"

"About what happened two weeks ago?" Kyle said, placing the plant on the window sill before sitting on the edge of the bed.

"What's there to talk about? You walked in on me getting fucked in the ass and threw me out without even giving me the chance to explain, end of story." Jay responded belligerently.

"Okay. But at least tell me one thing."

"What?"

"Why? Why'd you do it? Wasn't I good enough for you anymore? Am I too old, fat or ugly? Why, Jayson?" The tears came.

It broke Jay's heart to see Kyle crying. What was worse was that, because of the restraints, he couldn't hold him, nor could he reach up to brush away the tears.

"God no, Kyle, you're the most wonderful, sexy, gorgeous man I ever laid eyes on. I love you so much it hurts."

The tears were quickly replaced by anger. "The why did you do it, Jayson Edward Williams? How long have you been getting fucked by that guy? Was it a few days, a couple of weeks, SEVERAL MONTHS? HOW LONG, JAYSON? AND HOW MANY OTHER GUYS WHERE THERE?" He shouted.

Jay shrank back from the blast of anger hurled in his direction. He started to cry. "It was only that one time, and I didn't have any choice. I was forced to do it. There were no other guys." He said, sincerely.

"Like hell you didn't have a choice! There was no gun to your head or knife at your throat. You didn't even put up a struggle. You were just laying there with his dick in your ass."

Jay then told Kyle all about being seen kissing him, the email message and the phone call.

"And you honestly expect me to believe that crock of bullshit, Mister Hotshot FBI Agent?"

"It's the truth, Kyle." Jay pleaded. "I've never lied to you about anything. Shit, I can't even keep a secret as simple as a Christmas present from you."

"Yeah, whatever, obviously I'm wasting my time." He got up and headed towards the door. "All of your stuff is in the garage whenever you want to come and pick it up." He stormed out, leaving Jay in tears.

He stormed to the elevator and punched the button angrily. I've heard some wild stories in my day, but that one takes the cake. The thought ran through his mind. But yet in the five years we've been together, not once did he lie to me. Not even a white lie. But yet again, even if he was telling the truth about the email and the phone call, it's highly unlikely that an FBI field agent would submit to such coercion.

That evening over pizza he told Tommy and Andy what Jay had said. "I want to believe him. I really do, but it's so far-fetched."

"Is it really that far-fetched? Think about it, Kyle. Jay worships the ground you walk on, and he'd do anything, even die, to protect you. You know that." Andy said softly.

"Yeah, I know. I just wish I could believe him."

"He's never lied to you. He can't even keep a secret from you. Why do you think he always waits until Christmas Eve or the day of your birthday to pick out your presents?" Tommy said as he cleared the table in preparation to play Killer Bunnies.

"True, but what kind of FBI agent would submit to that kind of coercion?"

"It would be the closeted kind who is scared about the safety of his lover and would do anything to protect him. I wish there was something I could to do help."

"You're doing it, believe me.

After about an hour, Kyle said "I'm sorry guys. I just can't seem to concentrate on the game."

"That's okay, bro. We'll help you finish cleaning up then call it a night. Get some rest and try not to think about it too much. You'll drive yourself nuts."

A few minutes later, Kyle was alone. Not finding anything of interest to watch on TV, he gave up and went to bed.

 Chapter 13 

Hi, this is Kyle. I'm not able to take your call right now, so please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible." BEEP.

"Kyle, this is Karin. Please give me a call when you get a chance. Thanks. Bye for now." She hung up. "Well, that's strange."

"What's strange?" Denise asked.

Karin sat on the couch, snuggling up to her lover. "Kyle changed the message on his answering machine."

"So?"

"It just says 'This is Kyle', nothing about Jay." She responded, puzzled.

"I wonder what's going on."

"Well, there's one way to find out." She picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Kim, it's Karin. Have you heard about Kyle and Jay having any problems?"

"Yeah, Kyle came home from work last week and caught Jay having sex with another guy in the middle of the living room floor."

"Please tell me you're joking." Karin replied, shocked.

"Believe me, I wish I could, but it's true. The next time I see Jay I'm going to rip him a new one. I'm going to rip up one side of him, down the other and back up the middle. My little brother is completely devastated. According to Tommy, he's blaming himself."

"Why?"

"He told Tommy and Andy that he was too old, ugly, or fat for him."

"No way!"

"Big way. He considers himself a Twinkie because he's blond and built like a brick shithouse."

"That's bullshit. Twinkies strip and throw themselves on their backs with their legs in the air anytime a man snaps his fingers. Not to mention their 'I'll-stand-and-model-because-I'm-so-much-better-than-you' attitudes, not to mention the fact that most of them are incapable of carrying on an intelligent conversation on any subject other than themselves. Kyle's no more of a Twinkie than you and I are."

"I agree, but that's how he feels about himself."

"Why do I have a feeling that his ex is behind that? Well, we'll just have to do something about that, won't we? Do you think it would be okay if I call him?"

"I don't know. You can try. He needs as many of his friends around him right now as he can get."

"Okay, let me give him a call."

"Wait a minute, Karin Believe it or not, there's more. According to Kyle, Jay was the bottom and he just laid there."

"I thought Jay was a top?"

"He is. That makes me think there's more to it than the obvious."

"Like what?"

"Like he was threatened somehow or forced into it."

"He's an FBI Agent. He wouldn't submit to threats." Karin responded.

"Not against himself, but against Kyle?"

"Oh shit!" She cried. "Omigod, is Kyle all right?"

"Physically, he's fine." Kim soothed. "But like I said, emotionally he's pretty messed up. Tommy and Andy are keeping an eye on him and trying to be there whenever he needs them without smothering him."

Alarmed, Karin asked a question to which she dreaded the answer. "You don't think he'd do anything stupid, do you?"

"Not at all," Kim assured her, "especially with the exhibit going so well."

"What exhibit?" she asked.

"Didn't you get my message the other day?"

"No. What message?" She shot Denise a quizzical look, who simply shrugged her shoulders.

"He's exhibiting some of his paintings at the art gallery, and sold quite a few. I went and checked it out the other day. I didn't know he had so many. I've only seen a handful of them, which were awesome, but compared to the ones in the exhibit, they look like a child's drawing made with crayons. He's truly gifted, and it's wonderful to see him get the recognition he deserves."

"Wow! That's fantastic news." She turned to her lover. "Kyle's got an exhibit at the art gallery and has sold several of his paintings. We have to go check it out." she said excitedly. Denise smiled and gave an enthusiastic double 'thumbs-up'. "I don't think I've ever seen any of his paintings."

"Actually, you have. He did the one over my fireplace."

"Kyle did that? Wow. I thought you guys bought it somewhere. It's stunning." Noting the quizzical look on Denise's face, she explained. "Kyle did the painting that Kim and Bryan have over their fireplace."

"You're kidding, right?"

Karin shook her head. "No, Kim just told me."

"We have to go check out the exhibit, like yesterday." Karin informed her lover excitedly.

"Gotta go. Please keep me posted. Thanks, Kim."

"No problem."

"Give Bryan a big hug for me and let me know if you find out anything more."

"Sure will, Karin. Later!"

"Bye-bye." She dialed Kyle's number. On the third ring, he picked up.

"Hello?" He said quietly.

All the while she was talking to Kim she secretly hoped it was a prank. Hearing Kyle's normally upbeat voice so subdued dashed that hope into the ground. What Kim had told her was true. Her heart broke for her beloved cousin. Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Oh, Kyle, Kim just told me what happened. I'm so, so, so very sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"Hi Karin, thanks, but there's nothing anyone can do. I just have to figure out to deal with it. Right now I just don't know what to do."

"So what happened? I thought you two were getting on so well?"

"So did I, but I obviously did something wrong. Why else would he have cheated on me?" Kyle replied tersely.

"Now you listen to me, Kyle Matthews. You did nothing wrong. It wasn't your fault." Karin's voice raised a notch.

"If I didn't do anything make him cheat on me, then kindly explain to me why he did it?" Kyle responded with equal heat.

"I'm afraid only Jay could answer that. But I know you, Kyle. You would do anything to please him. I seem to recall an incident involving handcuffs that scared you shitless, but you went along with it anyway."

He shuddered at the memory of the night he had allowed Jay to handcuff him to the bed and do whatever he wanted to him. Even though they weren't real handcuffs, being made out of plastic with a release button that he could easily reach, he was still scared out of his mind, and for once in his life didn't enjoy Jay being inside him and had wished it never happened. "You knew about that?" He asked, horrified. If she knew, how many others did?

"Yeah, don't you remember telling me about if? I ran into you at the coffee shop the following morning and you were still frightened by the whole thing. It took me over an hour to get you to open up. I wanted to go smack the shit out of him over that."

"Fortunately, he never asked me to do it again. I'm not into bondage, S & M, bad porn dialog or any of that other stuff. To me, that's not love. That's abuse." He snapped his fingers. "That's it. That's why he cheated on me. He likes it rough. From what little I saw, the guy screwing him was really rough. I saw him punch Jay in the kidney and he did nothing but lay there. I know he enjoyed it because when he got up he was hard as a rock."




The Long Road Ch. 02



Several readers commented that the story was made up and that I am gay. Neither are true. I am not sure why things turn some people on and turn other off but if it's the latter for you do not read on. This is the continuation of the story.

******

Steve emailed her again.

"Can you come over for a visit?" 

"Yes. I am drying my hair but I can come over today. I am ready!" She replied.

She seemed eager to me. I read the emails on my phone and called her. "Did you hear from Steve?"

"Yes. I was just about to call you." 

Ok, I thought, she is keeping me in the loop. When I got home she was getting ready. 

"Are you going to fuck him?" I asked.

"I can't. I have my period." She answered.

"Well, he is going to want you to suck him off." 

"You think so? Maybe not maybe he just wants to visit." She replied naively.

She continued to get all dressed up for him. I again felt small pangs of jealousy but less than before. Probably because I knew she didn't like to fuck on her period and she would only suck him off. Even though she always said the taste made her gag.

"You know I expect this to be a rare occasion not an every week thing. I want to be your main lover and he is there just to turn you on and get you excited." I explained.

She agreed but seemed to be irritated by my involvement and rules. She finished getting ready and left. The anticipation was less than the first time and I actually got some work done.

Once she got back she came straight to my office. 

"What happened?" I asked.

"Nothing much. We talked for a long time. Near the end he got up and started kissing me. He wanted me to touch him. He then pulled it out and started stroking it and jacked off in front of me." She said.

She sounded disappointed and said that it wasn't that much of a turn on.

Later that day she said, "I am not going to see him again."

I was torn, partly relieved and partly sad that the fun we had the first time was coming to an end.

That night after some wine she went to her computer. I walked by as I got another drink and saw her face was full of pain. I went to my computer and pulled up her email to see what was going on.

"Steve, I know you hate my drunken emails but I am writing to let you know that I am not going to visit again. All the crap with my husband has got me down. You are not in a position to have more of a relationship and you know that's what I want. If you're ever single give me a call. If not I hope to meet someone as awesome as you one day." She had typed.

I was floored. She had fallen in for him. I knew that some women have a hard time separating sex and love but I thought she could and was just having some fun. What did she want to do? Run off with him?

I told her that night that I had read her email. We argued and she cried. If she wanted to run off with him I would leave her right now. If not him, there will be someone else.

The next couple of days were the most painful in our marriage. I was angry that she sounded like she was ready to leave me and she was crying and very upset we might end our long marriage.

We were both planning on playing tennis that Sunday so we rode together. 

"Where is your wedding ring? Did you throw it away?" she asked.

"No, I am just not wearing it anymore." I told her.

We continued our talk on the way to the club. "You know I just wanted someone to fuck me before I got too old. I just got carried away with the pretend romance of it all. I just was playing a game. I never had any intentions of leaving you."

That day during the match I turned to Steve and said I wanted to talk to him after the games. He thought I was joking at first but his face turned serious once he looked into my face.

"Ok." He stammered. 

We were the last to finish and most of the club including my wife watched me talk to Steve alone on the court.

"You know what I want to talk to you about?" I asked Steve.

"Yes." He said sheepishly.

"You are going to have to quit the club." I said. 

I had decided that I could not bear to have him around my wife if she had any feelings for him, real or pretend. If he had balked or said no I was going to threaten to tell his wife.

"OK." The one word was his only reply.

Once we got back home I told her I had forced Steve to quit. She was surprised that I had made him leave.

"I think your right. It's for the best." She said.

"There are going to be changes here also. This is not a marriage of equals anymore, this is going to be a dictatorship. Anything I say is the law. I am going to continue to fuck other girls. Your pussy is mine. You are just keeping it warm for me. I will decide if and when I or anyone else fucks it." I demanded.

"OK. I think I like this. It's kind of hot. I like that you're so wild and you fuck other women. I think I need you to be the strong ruler of me." She said.

I had stumbled on what turned her on. She wanted to be submissive and have me dominate her. Not in a mean way but be her father figure. I really had no idea.

She went straight for the bed room. 

"Do you want me to put anything on like lingerie?" She asked.

"No I want you naked. Now." I demanded.

She stripped off her clothes and laid on the bed. I saw that she had trimmed her pussy hair. Must have been for Steve I thought. I began to finger her and felt a wet and sloppy pussy.

"Fuck me." She moaned.

I pulled her to the edge of the bed and spread her legs like I imagined Steve had placed her on the end of his desk and sunk my cock into her.

"Tell me about fucking other women." She pleaded.

I told her of this married woman I had met and fucked several weeks before. 

"I met this woman at a hotel and we hit it off. She was so horny and her husband didn't fuck her enough. I took her to the room and made her come just by fingering her." I began.

"She must have been really horny!" She exclaimed.

"Yes she was. I fucked her and she came again and again. Then she watched my face as I blew my cum inside her. After we rested a few minutes she blew me and I came into her mouth." I told her.

"Did she swallow it?" Terri moaned. 

She was getting close.

"Yes, every bit." 

Terri let out a loud moan and came as hard as I have ever seen her. 

Now it was my chance to learn what had really happened and what she may have left out of her original story.

"Did you suck him off when you went back to see him that last time?" I asked.

"No. I kissed and licked it but he mainly just jacked off. It was a mess. I licked his cum off his dick and cleaned him up." She said. 

She will sometimes exaggerate stories to turn me on but I believed her.

"He had a really big dick and I loved having it in my pussy. I am a bad girl. Did you like fucking my pussy after another guy had fucked it?" She asked.

"Yes, I love you being a hot sexy woman and having other guys attracted to you." I said as I continued to pump her sloppy pussy.

"Did it feel different then?" She asked.

"Yes. Like a used slut's pussy. Wet and messed up. Did he moan when he came inside you? " I asked.

"Yea he moan all through it and really moaned loud when he shot his cum in me." She said.

I came soon after that. We fucked three more times that night. She moaned like never before. She begged me to fuck her again and again. Where had this wife been? What was going on? 

The next night we talked more. I rubbed lotion on her feet. 

"I am so sore. I want to fuck you again but my pussy is raw. I need a few days to heal." She explained.

She looked at me with loving eyes. "I love this new you. I love that you are in control and get to do what you want with other women and take me when you want me."

She put her had on mine and moved it to her jean covered sore pussy.

"I am so horny. It will just have to heal another time." She said with bedroom eyes.

We went to the bedroom for another round of a new fuck session.

She is still open to fucking other guys if I am ok to it. I am having all the fun I guess. She just has to learn how to separate sex and love. Maybe I will allow it, maybe not. All I can say is that this has opened a new and exciting life between us.  



The Long Road Ch. 02



"Haven't you ever had an erection when you didn't want it?"

Caught off guard, he could only respond truthfully. "Yeah I did. Why do you ask?" he responded with an embarrassed chuckle.

"It was a physiological response to stimulus, right?"

"I guess so." Where is she going with this? He wondered.

"It's a proven fact that massaging a man's prostate gland can not only cause him to have an erection, but also ejaculate without any other touch or stimulus. Am I correct?"

Reluctantly, Kyle had to admit that she had a point. "So what's your point?"

"That his arousal was the result of the stimulation of his prostate, not by his enjoyment."

"Perhaps you're right." He admitted.

"You need to talk to him and find out why he did it. You need closure so you can get on with your life."

"Jay was my life. I feel so alone."

"You're not alone, Kyle. Everyone is here for you."

"Except for the one person who swore he'd always be there for me."

Karin was at a complete loss as to what to say. "Well, if you need anything, a place to get away to, or a shoulder to cry on, you have my number. Use it." She commanded.

"Thanks Karin. I may take you up on that offer."

"You'd better. Bye, Kyle.

"Bye, 'cuz."

 Chapter 14 

Kyle pulled into the driveway and saw Jay sitting on the steps. "What are you doing here?" he asked, getting out of the jeep.

"I just came to pick up some things. I didn't want to do it without you being here."

"I appreciate the courtesy." He hit the button on the garage door opener. "I boxed everything up except your work clothes. They're hanging in the guestroom closet. I didn't want them to get wrinkled or anything. Your socks, t-shirts, shorts and underwear are in those two boxes over there." He pointed to the boxes. "Your laptop is in the closet as well. Everything from the studio is still up there."

"Kyle, I..." he started.

"You what" Kyle asked.

"Never mind" He grabbed the two boxes and put them into the back of his truck. "I just want my clothes. You can do what you want with everything else." He followed his ex-lover into the house, got his clothes and walked to the door. "For whatever it's worth, I still love you. I always have and always will." He left.

"If you really love me, then why did you cheat on me?" He said to the closed door.

Weary, he stripped and stepped into the shower. The day had started out fine but ended badly. He had sent a final, pleading letter to the Board of Education asking them to reconsider, and also sent letters home to the parents of the club members, but to no avail. The school board refused to budge. His only consolation was that his wasn't the only extra-curricular program to be terminated. He even offered to continue the program at his house at his own expense, but the board refused.

As the warm water caressed his body, his mind wandered back to happier times when Jay shared the shower with him. "I miss you so much, Jay. Why did you have to do it?" he said aloud. His body ached, longing for Jay's touch. They had a wonderfully intense sex life, and he missed it terribly. No man had ever made him feel so loved, so desired. None of his other sex partners, what few there were, ever made love to him like Jay did. The only thing they seemed to want from him was to get their rocks off. When Jay made love to him, it was like they were the only two people in the universe. He made sure that Kyle got as much pleasure out of sex as he did, if not more.

He felt a familiar stirring between his legs and quickly switched the water to cold, lest he be tempted to go out and try to get picked up. He didn't want to have sex with anyone but Jay. Is there something wrong with me? He wondered. There must be. Gay men are supposed to screw like rabbits. It's our job keep the condom manufacturers in business. We're not supposed to care who we screw or get screwed by, just as long as we screw every chance we get.

Stepping out of the shower and drying off, he slipped on a pair of boxers and padded to the kitchen in search of supper. After fixing a bowl of pasta, he went into the living room to eat in front of the TV, settling for Stargate SG-1 when the phone rang. Not really wanting to talk with anyone, he allowed the answering machine to pick up. "Hi, this is Kyle. I'm not available to take your call, so please leave me a message. Thanks." BEEP.

"Hey bro, are you up to going out tonight? Give us a call. Later." Tommy hung up.

Kyle looked at the answering machine for a moment, then threw his half-eaten bowl of pasta against the wall and collapsed into tears. He pulled himself into a fetal position and cried himself to sleep.

 Chapter 15 

Kyle awoke suddenly in a cold sweat, sitting bolt-upright. He got up, went into the bathroom and ran a cold washcloth over his face. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he noticed the dark circles starting to form under his eyes.

It was the dream again. The same dream he had every night for a week. He was running everywhere, searching. But who or what he was searching for eluded him. He stopped and asked everyone he came in contact with, but no one would help him. Time was running out. A feeling of dread started building within him. If he didn't find who or what he was looking for soon, it would be too late. He splashed more water on his face then went into the kitchen for a glass of pineapple juice.

As he sat at the table, he tried to analyze the dream. Who was he looking for? What was he looking for? Why was time running out? No matter how hard he tried, the answers never came. Eventually he gave up trying to figure it out and went back to bed. It was Saturday, so he didn't have to get up early. He decided that if he had the dream again, he would talk it over with Tommy. Perhaps the two of them could figure it out. Having grown up together, nobody knew him better than Tommy. Not even Jay, with whom he spent the last five years of his life with.

Jay. A bitter, lonely feeling filled him at the thought of his ex-lover. God, I miss him so much. He thought, sadly. How am I going to continue on without him? I can't take this much longer. A strange and disturbing thought formed in his mind, which he pushed away resolutely. Kyle finally went back to bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The phone rang. Glancing at the clock as he reached for it, he saw that it was almost noon. "Hello?"

"Hey little brother, did I wake you?" His older sister Kim asked.

"Hi Kim, Yeah, I had a rough night. What's up?"

"Have you seen the morning paper yet?"

"No, why?"

"There's an interesting article in it about a woman who was raped up north about two months ago. She was threatened that if she didn't submit, her husband would disappear, never to be seen again. So she submitted. Later, when they caught the guy, she testified against him and now her husband is missing. There's a state-wide search for him right now, but it doesn't look good. He's been gone too long."

"And the reason you are telling me this is..." he prompted.

"Think about it. If it can happen to a straight couple, why couldn't it happen to a gay couple? Jay would do anything to protect you, even commit murder. Isn't it possible that he was telling the truth? He's never lied to you before. Hell, he can't even keep a secret from you. I wish I had a dollar for every time I went last-minute shopping with him or for him to get a present for you."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying please give him the benefit of the doubt. You still love him, don't you?"

Kyle was silent for a few moments. "Do I still love him?" He asked himself. "Yes, I do." he whispered into the phone.

"Then talk to him."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I don't know where he is. Three weeks ago he stopped by to get his clothes, but left everything else. He told me to do whatever I wanted with the rest of his stuff. I haven't seen him since. I suppose I could call him at work."

"Personally, I think you should. You two love each other too much to let go, especially if he did it to protect you. Stranger things have happened."

"I got to go. Someone's at the door. I'll think about it. Thanks for calling and being concerned, Kim. Love 'ya Sis."

"Love you, little brother. Call me later?"

"Sure. Bye."

"Bye bye."

Kyle got out of bed, put on a bathrobe to cover his nakedness, and went to the door. "Who is it?"

"Special Agent Hunter, FBI." He held his ID up to the peephole.

Kyle opened the door. "What can I do for you, Agent Hunter?"

"Kyle Matthews?"

"I'm Kyle Matthews."

"I'm investigating the disappearance of Special Agent Jayson Williams, and I'd like to ask you a few questions. May I come in?"

"Of course" He let the agent in. "Please, have a seat. I just need to get some clothes on. Can I get you anything?"

"Some water would be greatly appreciated."

"Sure. Be right back." Kyle got dressed and returned to the living room with a bottle of water, which he gave to the FBI Agent before sitting down.

"How do you know that Jay is missing?"

"He hasn't reported for work in three days and his truck was found abandoned just outside the city on route 463 with all of his crime scene investigation gear still in it. Mister Matthews, I understand that you and Agent Williams are involved in a long-term, same-sex relationship."

"We were roommates. Jay is straight."

The agent pulled out a photograph and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of Kyle. "Take a close look at this picture."

Kyle's blood ran cold as he recognized himself and Jay making love on the beach, Jay deep inside him. "W-w-w-where did you get this?" He whispered.

"It was mailed to our field office a few days before he disappeared. Want to try again? If you are trying to protect him, don't. There's no need. You will be doing him more harm than good." Agent Hunter said sternly. "I know he's gay. I've known it for several years."

"He was so scared that he would lose his job and his security clearance if he was ever discovered. We had to be very careful at first, but not anymore."

"Why not?"

"We're no longer together."

"So what happened between the two of you?"

"I came home early from work one day and found him cheating on me."

"Cheating how?"

"He was having sex with another man in the middle of the living room floor."

"Was it voluntary or was he being raped?"

"He wasn't putting up any kind of fight."

"Then what happened?"

"I grabbed the guy who was screwing Jay and physically threw him out the front door, his clothes out the back door. Jay got up in my face and started yelling that I didn't know what I had just done. I knocked him on his ass and told him to get the hell out."

"And that's the last time you saw him?"

"No. I came home from work two weeks later and he was sitting on the steps. I had changed the locks and the code to the security system. He had come to pick up his clothes, but he didn't want anything else, which I thought was strange. He grabbed some of his clothes, threw them into the back of his truck, told me I could do whatever I wanted with the rest and drove off. That's the last I saw of him."

"Where are the rest of his possessions?"

"I put everything in the garage except for his clothes and laptop."

"Why didn't you dispose of them?"

"They're not mine to dispose of."

"But according to what you said, he told you to do whatever you wanted with them, so technically they are yours to do with as you please."

"Yeah, but some of the stuff is extremely valuable. I guess I figured he'd be back for them eventually."

"I see. How did he seem to you when you saw him last?"

"He was a wreck. He'd lost weight, was unshaven, clothes and hair a mess. I'd say he'd been living on the streets. He also had been crying, and he walked funny."

"Define funny."

"It was something like this." He stood up, spread his feet apart, locked his knees and walked a weird sort of waddle. Suddenly something clicked in the back of his mind. He recalled a time when he walked like that after an all-nighter in which Jay had screwed him seven times that night and he was really sore the next morning. "It was almost as if he had been raped repeatedly."

"What makes you think that?"

"Well," he began, blushing furiously. "One night we had sex numerous times. I was very sore the next morning and I kind of walked that way. Plus, he's a top."

"What's a top?"

"A top is the guy who penetrates his partner. Whenever we had sex, he always penetrated me."

"So, being a top, as you say, he wouldn't be used to being penetrated, which I understand can be very painful."

"Penetration only when it's forced with no prior preparation."

"Did the two of you ever talk about what happened?"

"Yes, when he was in the hospital."

"When was he in the hospital?"

"About a week after I caught him cheating on me. He had been attacked in the park, stabbed several times and almost died."

"And did he tell you why he did it?"

"He said that he got an email on his computer telling him to call a number. When he called, he was told to submit to the sex or I would never been seen again."

Agent Hunter nodded towards the laptop computer sitting on a desk in the corner of the room. "Is that the computer?"

"No. It was on his laptop."

"Where is his computer now?"

"It's in the closet. I didn't want to take a chance of it being damaged by the cold. The garage isn't heated." He explained.

"I'm going to need to take it to the lab. There might be other clues on it that might help us figure out what happened to him."

Kyle retrieved the computer. "Sure, but I'm going to want some kind of receipt for it in case he comes back to get it." He said, handing the machine over.

"Of course" he replied as he opened his briefcase, took out a form and filled it out with the make, model, serial number, date, etc., signed it and handed it to Kyle.

"What type of lover was he?"

"What do you mean?"

"Was he abusive?"

"No. Sure we had our arguments, like any other couple, but he never, ever hit me, called me derogatory names, put me down or was condescending in any way. All our friends told me that he worshiped the ground I walked on." Kyle hung his head. "It must have really hurt him when I knocked him on his ass. I never hit him before, and I swear I never, ever will again. God how I wish I could take it all back."

"Do you know if there was any history of mental illness in his family?"

"Are you asking me if I think he might have committed suicide?"

"No. That was going to be my next question."

"If there were, he wouldn't have been able to become an FBI Agent, would he?"

"Not really, no. I'm just exploring all avenues."

"Up until that day, he was a happy-go-lucky person. He never had any real problems, nor did he hesitate to talk over anything that was bothering him, but to answer your question, no. He's not the suicidal type. I'm a high school science teacher, and I would recognize the signs of someone contemplating it. Up until that day, he was completely normal."

"I see. Is there anything else you can tell me?"

"Nothing I can think of."

The agent rose, handing Kyle a business card. "Well, if you think of anything further, please give me a call." He had a brief flashback of the time when Jay had given him his business card.

"Sure." Kyle responded. A tear started to form. "Please find him and bring him home."

"We'll do our best. Thank you for your time, Mister Matthews. Have a good day."

"Thanks." Kyle walked him to the door, closing it behind him. A seed of doubt had been planted in his mind. He was no longer convinced that Jay had lied to him. "So what do I do know?" He asked aloud. An idea occurred to him. He grabbed the phone and called the FBI Agent. "Hi, this is Kyle Matthews."

"What can I do for you, Mister Matthews?"

"Something just occurred to me. Could the guy who raped Jay have kidnapped him or killed him or something?"

"It's a distinct possibility. Do you think that you would be able to recognize him if you saw him again?"

"I don't know. I only caught a glimpse of his face, and I was so angry I couldn't say for certain."

"Why don't you come down to the field office this afternoon and take a look at some pictures."

"Sure. What time?"

"How about three o'clock? Just ask the receptionist for me."

"Okay. I'll be there. Bye."

"See you at three."

Kyle hung up, called his sister and filled her in on the details.

Later that day, at the FBI field office, after looking through hundreds of photos, he didn't see anyone he recognized. "I'm sorry."

"That's okay, Mister Matthews. I understand. We're not giving up. The email you spoke of earlier was still on his computer, and we're tracking it back to its origin. As soon as we have any news, we'll let you know."

"Thanks. Have a good one."

"You too."

 Chapter 16 

"Mmm...yeah...I'm close. I'm so close. I'm gonna fill your ass with my cum. Aaaaaaaaaaaa." He collapsed across Jay's back, breathing heavily. The man got up and cleaned himself off. "You know, I'm not enjoying you as much as I should. I want someone who's going to put up a fight, not just lay there crying like a fucking baby." He punched Jay in the kidney. "I know, I think I'll try out that hot little number you used to fuck. I bet he'd be a fighter. Ya think he'd put up a fight?"

"Leave him alone, you fucking cocksucker."

"Hmm...cocksucker. Not a bad idea." He shoved his dick into Jay's mouth. "Bite it and it will be the last thing you'll ever do." As he grew hard again, he started thrusting his hips, eventually ejaculating in Jay's mouth, who gagged, some of the semen leaking out. The man slapped him hard across the face. "A cocksucker is supposed to swallow it all. You can't even do that right, can you, wuss?" He then beat Jay into unconsciousness, punctuating every strike with derogatory comments. Mental and physical abuses were games he enjoyed almost as much as raping men. After locking Jay's unconscious body in a small, dark room that reeked of urine and feces, he went out in search of his next victim.

Sitting in his favorite chair, he pondered the situation. How am I going to get him to let me into his house? Once I'm inside, the rest will be easy. His sick, twisted mind went through several different scenarios as he watched his latest purchase, a porn film where all the guys wore some form of uniform. Police, firefighters, jocks, a seemingly endless variety of uniforms paraded across the TV screen. One quickly caught his attention. Perfect. I'm sure by now the FBI has launched an investigation into the disappearance of that wuss I've been fucking. It would be easy to fake the credentials, so all I'd need is an FBI hat and jacket. The question is where would I get them? I couldn't walk into a local uniform shop. I'm sure they'd ask for ID. Perhaps online..." Turning off the TV, he went over to his computer and started searching online. He searched for several days before finally finding what he was looking for. Bingo. This is exactly what I need. A little pricy, but if it gets me in the door, it will be worth it. He started rubbing his crotch. I can't wait to get my dick into that tight little ass. I bet I'll shoot more cum than I ever did before. Okay, it's ordered. Now all I have to do is wait until it gets here, then, my little friend, your ass is mine, literally!

About a month after the FBI Agent's visit, the doorbell rang. Kyle opened the door slightly.

"Kyle Matthews?" the stranger asked.

"Yes" Kyle responded cautiously.

"Mister Matthews, I'm Special Agent Jones, FBI." He quickly flashed an ID. "I'm investigating the disappearance of Special Agent Jayson Williams, and I'd like to ask you a few questions."




The Long Road Ch. 02



"I have already been questioned by the FBI."

"Yes, I know. This is just a follow up visit. May I come in?"

"Of course. Have there been any new developments in the case?" Kyle opened the door and let the man in.

"I'm afraid not" the man replied.

"Please, sit down. Can I get you anything to drink?" He asked politely.

"No thank you. I'm good." He looked around. "Nice place you have here, very nice place."

"Thanks. So what can I do for you?"

"This for starters..." He grabbed Kyle and kissed him roughly. When Kyle struggled to get away, the man grabbed a nearby table lamp and struck him on the head, knocking him unconscious.

Kyle awoke a few minutes later, to discover that he was naked, face down on his bed, wrists and ankles handcuffed to the four bedposts. The strange man stood beside the bed naked, stroking himself to hardness. "I'm so going to enjoy this." He sneered.

Frantically, Kyle struggled to reach the bedside phone, but to no avail. It was just out of his reach. He started screaming for help.

"Scream all you want to. It only makes it more fun for me."

The strange man searched through the pockets of his clothing, then through the nightstand drawers. "Shit" he exclaimed. "No rubbers. I guess I'll just have to fuck you without one." Kyle screamed in pain as he was suddenly and forcefully penetrated without any preparation. The rapist lay across his back and proceeded to thrust hard without giving Kyle's body the chance to adjust to the invasion.

"Ahhh, this feels so good. You're so nice and tight. I could stay like this forever." The man's rough voice whispered into his ear.

"Yeah, whatever" Kyle said through the tears, surrendering to the rapist. "Just hurry up and get it over with."

The man slowed his thrusting down. "Oh, no, I want to make this last. You're a great fuck, much better than your lover. Or should I say ex-lover?"

"What would you know about my ex-lover?"

"Oh yeah, oh yeah, you're so tight and hot. As for your ex, I know plenty. I know he's an FBI Agent. When I saw the two of you kiss in front of FBI field office I just knew I had to have him. So I sent him a nice little email, which included some rather interesting pictures, if you know what I mean. I informed him that if he didn't want his supervisor receiving copies of the pictures, he was to call me at a certain time, which he did. I told him I was going to fuck him. When he refused, I told him that if he didn't let me fuck him, that you would disappear, without a trace. It would be so simple to do. You would never be seen or heard from again, nor would your remains ever be found. So he agreed. It was unfortunate that you walked in on us. That reminds me, I owe you something."

He reached between their legs, grabbed Kyle's balls, and squeezed them hard until he passed out from the searing pain

He awoke to shouting. "Oh, yeah, I'm close. I'm so close. Here it comes. Aaaaaaaaaaaa" he screamed as he thrust hard into Kyle and exploded, collapsing across his back. "Oh, God that was incredible. I've fucked a lot of guys before, but none of them were half as good a fuck as you are." He got up, went to the bathroom and cleaned himself up. Returning to the bedroom, he put his clothes on and turned to leave. "I have a few things to take care of. I'll be back in a couple of hours for round two. Don't go anywhere." He smirked then left.

Kyle laid there crying. After about a half-hour, he heard the doorbell ring. He yelled out for help.

"OH, MY GOD KYLE!!!!!!!!!!" Tommy screamed, rushing into the room. He grabbed the phone and called nine-one-one. "My friend has been raped." He gave the operator the address before hanging up. He knelt by the crying man. "Kyle, it's me, Tommy. Who did this to you? Where are the keys to the handcuffs?" He asked, scared for his beloved friend.

Through the tears Kyle told him that it was the same man he caught Jay with. He didn't know where the keys were, and the guy was coming back for more.

"Oh Kyle, I'm so sorry." He got a towel from the bathroom and gently covered Kyle's nakedness. He looked around for a condom or wrapper but didn't find any.

"He didn't use one." Kyle said, ashamed.

"I hate to ask this, but did he...." Tommy asked, dreading the answer.

He nodded. "Now, on top of everything else, I probably have HIV."

"Hey, hey, hey, let's worry about that when the time comes. You know, my cousin was raped. The guy didn't use a condom, and they were able to match his DNA from the cum he had left inside her. If he didn't use a condom then maybe they'll be able to do the same for you."

"Unlikely they'll even try. You know how our police chief is. No gay man gets raped. All gay sex is consensual, period. They won't do a thing about it except laugh at the Little Mary who got screwed a little too rough."

"Bullshit, Kyle! I'm not letting this go, and neither are you, especially when the guy was a Fed."

"Please, drop it. I don't want anything to happen to you." Kyle replied, the fear in his voice unmistakable. "I've already lost Jay. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you or Andy.

"And let the bastard keep doing this to you? NO FUCKING WAY!"

Kyle flinched at the anger in his best friend's voice. "Better that than risk losing you. I'd rather die than risk either of you guys being hurt." He then told Tommy everything he had been told. "So Jay was telling the truth after all, and I didn't believe him." He started crying again.

"Shhh" Tommy started rubbing his back. "We'll deal with that later. How long does it take for the fucking cops to get here?"

"You honestly think they're coming to a faggot's house?"

"If they don't, my next call is to Dave over at city hall. The police chief may be a homophobic bastard, but I guarantee you the Police Commissioner isn't. Dave will make sure the Commissioner gets an earful. Besides, there's the broken lamp in the living room, and the bruise and cut on the back of your head, not to mention the other bleeding you-know-where."

The doorbell rang. "That's probably the police now."

He returned with the police and the paramedics. While the police freed Kyle and interviewed him, the paramedics tended to the head wound. "There's another injury." Tommy said, lifting the towel just enough for the paramedics to see. While he held the towel in a manner to block the police from seeing Kyle's naked and bleeding butt, one of the paramedics gently examined him.

"There was definitely forced penetration, and there are traces of semen. This was not consensual sex." The paramedic reported. Carefully turning him over, they noticed severe bruising on groin and lower abdomen. "He needs to be taken in for x-rays," he said to the officer interviewing Tommy.

One of the paramedics turned and put his hand on Tommy's shoulder. "Are you his boyfriend?" He asked compassionately.

"No just best friends."

"Does he have a boyfriend that you could get in touch with?"

Tommy shook his head. "They broke up about a month-and-a-half ago."

"Oh, okay. We're going to take him to the hospital to get him checked out. It would be a good idea if you came along. He's been through an extremely traumatic ordeal and he's going to need a familiar face by his side."

"Absolutely," he replied without any hesitation. His best friend needed him. His plans could wait. Kyle had always come running whenever he needed him. Now it was his turn. He searched through the dresser drawers to find some loose clothing for Kyle to wear, helped his childhood friend get dressed, then onto the stretcher for the trip to the hospital.

"So, Mary, where's your boyfriend now?" One of the investigating officers sneered.

Kyle gave him a scathing look. "He's not my boyfriend. He's an FBI Agent and he'll said he'll be back soon to rape me again."

"Sure, sure, I bet there're several guys in prison that would love to have some fun with you too. Maybe I'll just take you down there and let them have at you. It would serve you right for accusing an FBI Agent of being a pansy-assed faggot."

The other officer shot his partner an angry look. "Knock it off, Ted. Are you sure? How do you know" He asked.

"He was wearing an FBI jacket and hat." Kyle responded tersely. He pointed to the hat that lay forgotten on the floor with the FBI patch above the brim. "There's his hat right there." Kyle said, pointing to the forgotten hat on the floor. The cop picked it up and examined it.

"Yeah, right, where'd you buy thith hat, thweetie?" The first cop lisped in a mocking tone.

Kyle had had enough of his abuse. "Screw you, asshole!"

The cop took out his police baton. "Maybe I should shove this all the way up your ass. But then again, all you fucking faggots love to have things shoved up there."

"I said, knock it off, Ted and I meant it. Why don't you go outside and cool off."

"Why, so you can be alone with the sorry piece of shit faggot?"

"Ted, get the hell out of here now before I throw you out, and you know I can and will do it!" The other officer said, menacingly. The belligerent cop moved to stand by the door, but refused to leave the room. The other officer knelt down so he could look Kyle in the eyes. "Mister Matthews, I'm terribly sorry for my partner's conduct. It's inexcusable. You should press charges against him. It's your right. Nobody deserves to be treated the way you were. We all swore an oath to protect and to serve. Nothing in that oath gives us the right to choose who we protect and who we serve. At the very least you need to file a complaint against him for the way he's treated you."

"Awe, why don't you two pansy-assed faggots kiss and get it the fuck over with?" The cop sneered angrily.

The other officer had reached his breaking point. He advanced on his prick of a partner, partially withdrawing his police baton from its holder. "How would you like to see what I can do with my police baton? If you don't knock off your bullshit right now, you're gonna see first hand what my martial arts training can do with it." The two police officers glared at each other before the belligerent cop acquiesced.

Meanwhile, Tommy went into the living room and called his friend who worked at City Hall. "Dave, hi, it's Tommy."

"Hey, T-man, how's things?"

"Not so good. That's why I'm calling you. I'm over at Kyle's. He's just been raped and had the shit kicked out of him by someone wearing an FBI hat."

"WHAT?????? Is he okay?"

"No, he's not. He's a mess. But that's not why I'm calling you. There's a cop here who's being a total dick to Kyle. He just threatened to shove his nightstick up Kyle's ass, saying that all fucking faggots love to have things shoved up their asses. Kyle's going through enough without pricks like him making things worse."

"What's the officer's name?" He asked, pretty sure he already knew the answer.

"I don't know. Hang on a sec and I'll find out." Tommy set his phone down on an end table and went back into Kyle's bedroom. "Excuse me, Officer..."

"Kenson."

"Officer Kenson. Can I ask you a question?" He asked, politely and respectfully.

"What do you want, faggot?" Officer Kenson snarled.

"Never mind, I got the information I needed." He stormed out of the room and picked up his phone. "Kenson."

"Shit! Here we go again. I'm sorry, Tommy. I'll take care of this immediately."

"What can you do?"

"I'll make sure both the Commissioner and the Mayor hear about this. Can you write me up a statement as to what happened?"

"I'll be glad to." Tommy responded, his anger very much in evidence in his voice.

"There have been a lot of complaints against this guy from the gay community. The Chief of Police may turn a blind eye, but I guarantee the Commissioner won't. Nor will the Mayor."

"I know. That's why I called you. Sorry to have to call you on your day off with this."

"I'm glad you did. Something like this can't wait. Let me call you back."

"Commissioner Burke."

"Fred, its Dave Barton. Sorry to bother you on a Saturday, but I just got a call from a friend of mine. A mutual friend of ours has just been beaten and raped in his home. One of the investigating officers just threatened the victim with bodily injury. I'm on my way over to check out the situation and thought you would want to know."

"You wouldn't happen to know the officer's name would you?"

"I think you know who it is."

The Commissioner sighed deeply. "Don't tell me, let me guess. Kenson."

"A-yep."

"That fucking ass-wipe has stepped over the line for the last time. What's the address? I'll meet you there."

"3947 Cedar Oak Drive."

"I'm on my way."

Shortly thereafter, the Police Commissioner and the Deputy Mayor arrived at Kyle's. After talking briefly to Tommy, they approached Officer Kenson. "Kenson!"

He turned around, surprised to see both the Commissioner and the Deputy Mayor. The other officer, Officer Peters, took one look at the Deputy Mayor and felt his knees weaken. His eyes took in every inch of the Deputy Mayor's six-foot frame, from the flaming red hair and bright green eyes, to the flat stomach, to the huge bulge in his sweatpants, all the way down to his feet. He had all he could do to keep from drooling. His heart rate increased dramatically and he had to remind himself to breathe.   

"Hello, Commissioner, Deputy Mayor. What brings you here?"

"We want to know what happened here." The Commissioner replied.

"It's the same old thing. The Little Mary got fucked a little too rough and is whining and crying about it." Whose dick has this faggot been sucking to warrant both the Police Commissioner and the Deputy Mayor to show up at a non-crime scene? Kenson wondered, clueless to the fact that he himself was the reason that they were there.

Tommy couldn't remain silent any longer. Before anyone could speak, he got up into the cop's face. "HE WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS, HANDCUFFED TO HIS BED AND RAPED!" Tommy yelled out.

The cop punched Tommy hard in the stomach with his police baton, knocking him to the floor. "Get out of my face, you pansy-assed faggot! For all I know, you're probably the one that did it." He accused Tommy.

As Dave, the Deputy Mayor, checked on Tommy, the Commissioner called to the other attending officer. "Officer Peters, place Officer Kenson under arrest. Kenson, you are under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon, police brutality, misconduct, and I'm sure I can come up with a lot more charges." As he read the arrested officer his Miranda rights, he literally tore the badge off his uniform. "In addition, you are terminated immediately. Get him out of my sight!"

He turned to Tommy. "I'm terribly sorry. Are you all right, son?"

"Thanks, Commissioner. I'm okay. Just got the wind knocked out of me." Tommy replied, still slightly winded.

At that moment, the paramedics wheeled Kyle into the room on a stretcher. The Commissioner stopped them. "What's his name?" He asked.

"Kyle Matthews."

"Mister Matthews I'm Police Commissioner Burke. I'm terribly sorry for what my former officer put you though. You didn't need that on top of everything else. I assure you, he will be dealt with severely."

"Thanks, Commissioner. Do you need a statement from me?"

"That won't be necessary. I just witnessed him attack your friend over there."

"Omigod, is he all right? Tommy? Are you okay?" Kyle searched the room for Tommy, more concerned about his best friend than he was about himself.

"I'm okay, Kyle. Don't worry about me. He just knocked the wind out of me. That's all."

"This is something I've been wanting for a very long time. Having witnessed it first hand I finally have positive proof of his bigotry and abusiveness and can act on it. And I assure you, I most definitely will." A smile of satisfaction appeared on the Commissioner's face. "It's been a long time coming." To the paramedics he said "What hospital are you taking him to?"

Everyone turned to look at Kyle.

"County General is the closest one that takes my insurance."

"See to it that he get the best care possible. The city will pick up the tab on this one." That ass-wipe Kenson just opened the city and the police department up for two major lawsuits. Hopefully, with the city covering his medical expenses, Matthews won't sue, although I wouldn't blame him if he did. And hopefully Adams won't sue, although I wouldn't blame him either if he did. The attack on him was totally unwarranted. Obviously that ass-wipe can't tell the difference between a distraught friend and a threatening situation requiring physical violence. The Commissioner fumed.

"Yes Commissioner." One of the paramedics replied as they loaded Kyle into the ambulance.

"Mr. Adams, you should go get checked out too, just to be on the safe side. The police baton when used incorrectly, such as what just happened to you, can cause unknown internal injuries. The attack on you was totally unwarranted. Do you want to press charges? You are well within your rights to do so."

"If it will prevent him from doing this to somebody else, you bet I do."

"Peters, call for another unit to take Kenson in then accompany them to the hospital with full lights and sirens. Get a statement of charges from Mr. Adams. First degree aggravated assault."

"First degree aggravated assault? Will it stick?"

"Both the Deputy Mayor and I witnessed the totally unprovoked attack on the distraught friend of a rape victim. I'll make it stick."

"Yes Commissioner."

"The city is also picking up the tab for the examination and any necessary treatments or medical procedures for Mister Adams as well." Hopefully this will prevent him from suing as well. These poor kids did not deserve what has happened to them. Justice will be served.

"I'm okay, really Commissioner. He just caught me off-guard. If I had been prepared, I wouldn't have been winded like that." Tommy raised his shirt to reveal rock-hard six-pack abs. "Besides, I'm more worried about Kyle. Not only was he beaten and raped, but the rapist didn't use a condom and ejaculated inside him, so now there's a possibility of HIV infection as well."

"If that happens, and I sincerely hope it doesn't, the charges of rape, assault and battery will be elevated to rape, assault with a deadly weapon and battery. He's going away for a very long time." The Commissioner felt a twinge of pain as the memory of the loss of his son to AIDS surfaced. "I want you to be checked out, son. No arguments or I'll have you arrested and forced to submit to medical attention."

"Okay, Commissioner. You win." Tommy said, chagrined. It was not in his nature to think of himself when one of his friends was in trouble. "I'll go."

"You bet you will, into the ambulance with you. Peters, wait and give them a ride home from the hospital, if necessary."

"Yes Commissioner."

"Thanks, but it won't be necessary. All I have to do is call my boyfriend." Tommy replied as he climbed into the back of the ambulance, wincing slightly.

After being examined and released with a minor bruise to the intercostal muscle, Tommy paced nervously in the waiting room while Kyle was examined and a rape kit processed. He glanced at his watch then pulled out his cell phone.

"Hey, baby. What's up?" Andy's cheerful voice responded.

"I'm at Country General with Kyle. He's been beaten and raped."

"WHAT?" Andy cried, shocked. "When, how?" He whispered. His voice was choked with tears.

Tommy explained how he stopped by to drop off a DVD that he had borrowed and found Kyle.

"Poor Kyle, he can't get a break can he? First he catches Jay cheating on him, and now this. How's he doing?"

"They're examining him now, but I can tell you he's pretty messed up. He has a cut on the back of his head, a lot of bruising and rectal bleeding. God only knows what's going on inside his head. I've asked the nurse to call Doctor Foster and see if he can stop by to see him. Oh, we found out that the guy who raped Kyle was the same guy that he caught Jay with. Jay was telling the truth. To make matters worse, the guy didn't use a condom and shot his load inside Kyle, so now he has to worry about getting infected with HIV on top of everything else."




The Long Road Ch. 03



A couple of days later, a police officer rang the doorbell. "Officer Peters. What can I do for you?" Kyle remembered the officer from his previous visit when he had been raped.

"I need to speak to you for a couple of minutes. May I come in?"

"Sure. Come on in." He stepped aside to allow the officer to enter his living room. Always the thoughtful host, he asked "Can I get you anything to drink, water, coffee, iced tea?"

"I'd love some tea, thank you. Nice place you have here."

Kyle froze momentarily when he heard that phrase, remembering the last time he heard those words from a stranger in his living room. He nervously handed the officer a glass of iced tea.

Noting Kyle's nervousness, the officer reassured him. "Relax, Mister Matthews. I just need to talk with you about the incident that happened two days ago at the hospital."

"Sorry. The day I was raped the guy said the same thing you did about my house. It just brought back a painful memory."

Officer Peters placed a hand on Kyle's arm. "I'm so sorry. The last thing I want to do is cause you any discomfort." There was no doubting the sincerity in his voice.

Kyle's gut told him that there was something else behind those words, but he didn't give voice to it. Embarrassment warred with curiosity for dominance as he remembered that this was the same officer who saw him naked and handcuffed to his bed that horrible day. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

"The man you got into an altercation with is attempting to file assault charges against you. According to him, you kicked him in the groin several times."

"I kicked him twice, but that was after he grabbed me from behind, stuck his tongue in my ear and sucker-punched me in the stomach."

"The security guard from the hospital said that he attacked you and you responded to protect yourself so he has no grounds to file assault charges against you. What I need to find out from you is whether or not you want to file assault charges against him."

"Are there any charges against him now?"

"Yes. The hospital filed disorderly conduct charges against him."

"What would happen to him if I don't press charges?"

"He'll probably get probation, a small fine and community service. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor."

"If I filed assault charges against him, what would happen?"

"There would be a trial, at which you and the hospital security guard would be key witnesses for the prosecution. If he were to be convicted, he'd face a maximum of up to five years in prison, and a five-hundred dollar fine."

"To the best of my knowledge, he's never been in trouble with the law, so he'd want revenge. He's definitely the type that would come after me after he gets out. What if, instead of filing charges against him, I asked for an order of protection?"   

"It would most likely be granted, but he'd be free to go after someone else."

"That's unlikely. The only reason he came after me is he was my first boyfriend, and since he took my virginity, he felt like I was his property. I seriously doubt he'd go after anyone else." Kyle said, watching the young officer's face for any signs of discomfort or a negative reaction to his statement, which didn't happen.

"Okay, well, the choice is yours. Think it over and call the precinct when you've made a decision." He stood up, glancing at the clock. "Listen, I'm off duty as of two minutes ago. Want to go out and grab a beer?" He asked, hopefully.

Okay, he's making his move. "I'm sorry, but I already have a boyfriend. Besides, I don't drink."

"You misunderstand. I just want to be friends. I just moved here a few weeks ago and I don't have anybody that I can hang out with and just be myself."

"You don't have any friends on the force?"

"Not that I can be myself with."

"Why's that?" Kyle asked, pretty sure of what the answer will be.

"Because I'm gay, and my precinct commander is a homophobic prick. I'm not out at work."

Hmm...that has a familiar ring to it. "And that's all you want, is to be friends?"

"Come on, look at me. There's no way in hell a guy as hot as you could possibly be interested in someone like me."

"Don't put yourself down like that. You're very attractive and you appear to have a nice body. While I don't know you, you seem like a good guy. Surely there's a boyfriend somewhere."

"I never had one. If I was able to be out like you and your friend, I might be able to find one, but not the way things are now. I constantly have to look over my shoulder whenever I go anywhere. My commander probably had me followed here and is wondering why I'm still here when my shift is already over."

"Believe me, I understand. My boyfriend is in the exact same situation only his is worse because he's with the FBI. It's hard on both of us. He wants to be out, but if he did come out, his supervisor would revoke his security clearance and fire him. Nine years of hard work down the drain. Have you thought about transferring to another precinct?"

"I would totally love that, but I have no grounds to request a transfer. I can't claim hostile working environment. That would be like putting a nail in my coffin, so to speak."

"I think I know of a way to help you out, if you're interested."

"What could you do?"

"I could make a phone call to someone who would love to help you out, discretely, of course."

"That would be awesome! I don't know what to say."

"Let me give him a call right now." Kyle got out his phone. "What's your first name?"

"Greg. Greg Peters."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Greg. I'm Kyle. What precinct are you assigned to?"

"The tenth."

He dialed a number. "Hi, this is Kyle Matthews calling for Dave Barton, please."

Greg's eyebrows were raised to the ceiling. "You know the Deputy Mayor?"

"Hi, Dave, I'm doing fine, thanks for asking. And thanks for all your help when I was raped. I really appreciate it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. That's what family is for. Listen. I need a favor. Do you remember that prick cop's partner, Officer Peters? Well as it turns out, he's having a rough time over at the tenth precinct and wants to transfer out, but he doesn't have any grounds to request the transfer." Kyle listened for a moment. "Actually, he's right here. Let me put him on."

He handed the phone to Greg, who became very nervous. "Hello?"

"Officer Peters? This is Dave Barton. How are you doing?"

He shot to his feet. "D-d-d-d-deputy Mayor, I'm fine, sir. How are you?"

"I'm good, thanks for asking. I understand you're having problems at your precinct?"

"Nothing I can't handle, sir."

"I have a feeling that you're not being completely honest with me."

"I'm being as honest as I can be."

"Where are you right now? Are you on duty?"

"No sir. I'm at Kyle Matthews' house."

"I'll be there in ten minutes. I want to discuss this further with you."

"Thank you sir, but I've already taken up more of your valuable time than I have a right to."

"Officer Peters. You will remain where you are. That is not a request. I will be there in ten minutes and we will discuss this situation further." Dave said, sternly.

"Yes sir." He replied meekly as he hung up and handed the phone to Kyle. "Some help. I'm in a world of shit with the Deputy Mayor. I'll probably lose my job now." He said bitterly, turning an accusing eye to Kyle.

"I seriously doubt that."

"How do you know? You can't possibly know that."

"Ah, but I do, because I know Dave Barton quite well. Our illustrious Deputy Mayor is openly gay, and the Police Commissioner had a gay son. You have no fear of being canned for being gay. Neither of them will allow open homophobia within the ranks of the police or fire departments. If they find out about it, it's dealt with immediately and severely."

Soon there was a knock on the door. Kyle opened the door to admit Dave, who gave him a bear hug. "I'm glad you're doing okay."

"Thanks, Dave. Dave, this is Greg Peters. Greg, Deputy Mayor Dave Barton."

Dave smacked Kyle on the shoulder playfully. "Since when have you ever introduced me as Deputy Mayor, especially in your house?"

"Since you got elected Deputy Mayor."

"Bitch!"

Greg took in their playful banter in awe. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Deputy Mayor." He said respectfully as they shook hands.

"My name is Dave. I only use my title when I'm required to, and this is not one of those times. Now, what kind of problems are you experiencing at your precinct, and how can I help?"

"It's nothing more than the usual bullshit for the new guy."

"Why do I think there's something you're not telling me?"

Greg shot Kyle a frightened look as he was passing out glasses of iced tea.

"Greg, would you feel more comfortable if I left the room and allowed you two to talk in private."

"I can't ask you to leave your own living room."

"You're not. I'm offering."

"Please don't." He gave Kyle a look of pure terror, a look that was not lost on Dave.

"Ah, I see. Let me guess. You're gay, and because of your precinct commander, you're in the closet, but you don't want to be in the closet. You want to be out, so you can feel free to meet other gay men and perhaps find a boyfriend. Am I right?"

Greg hung his head. "Yes," he whispered.

Dave moved to sit on the couch next to him. He put his arms around him and pulled him close. "There's no reason to hang your head. It implies that you are ashamed to be gay. Are you?" Greg shook his head as his arms slowly encircled Dave. All of his fears, frustrations and loneliness spilled forth in a flood of tears that would not be denied. Kyle quietly slipped from the room and started making dinner for the three of them. After a few moments, Dave gently lifted Greg's head and brushed the tears away. He tilted his head down and planted a tender kiss on Greg's lips. He released him and sat back on the couch, keeping one arm around him as he got out his cell phone. "Fred, Dave Barton. Listen, I need your help. It's come to my attention that there is a young gay officer in the tenth precinct who is having a hard time over there and is being forced to remain in the closet. Yes, the tenth. Okay, I'll tell him. Thanks, Fred." He hung up and looked Greg in the eyes. "Tomorrow morning at eight am you are to report to the Police Commissioner for reassignment to the fifteenth precinct."

"The fifteenth? Where's that?"

"They patrol the area around the LGBT Center."

He looked at Dave with relief, love and appreciation shining in his eyes. "I don't know what to say."

"How about saying yes to going out with me to celebrate?"

Greg threw himself on Dave. "Yes. Oh, yes." He kissed him soundly just as Kyle came back into the room.

"The guest room is that way, guys." He pointed towards the guest room. "Make it a quickie because dinner is ready. I hope you like spaghetti, Greg."

"If you don't now, you will. Kyle makes a killer spaghetti sauce." Dave stood, and taking Greg by the hand, led him into the dining room where they enjoyed a wonderful meal, although if Greg were to be asked later about it, he wouldn't be able to tell you what he ate or where he ate. He had fallen hopelessly in love with Dave, feelings that were most definitely returned.

After the dining room and kitchen were cleaned up, Dave and Greg left for the club. Kyle declined the invitation as he was worn out from the emotions of the last couple of days. He called Tommy, who answered on the first ring.

"What's up, Kyle?"

"Not me, at least not at the moment."

"Asshole, I should have known I'd get a smart-assed comment."

"Seriously though, how'd you like some good news?"

"Good news or good news?"

"Some of both, actually. Do you remember the good cop that showed up when you called nine-one-one after I was raped?"

"The partner of the ass-wipe who threatened you and attacked me?"

"Yep, he came by earlier to ask me if I wanted to press assault charged against Corey and..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute." Tommy interrupted. "What's this about you pressing assault charges against Corey?"

"Sorry. I thought I told you guys about that. Two days ago when I was visiting Jay in the hospital I went to get something to eat in the cafeteria. Apparently Pam was in the hospital having a baby and he was also in the cafeteria. He tried to get me to go home with him because, according to him, since he popped my cherry, so to speak, I belonged to him. When I refused, he punched me in the stomach. Caught me totally off-guard which, given the nature of our past relationship, shouldn't have happened. I should have expected it."

"That...that...that..." Tommy sputtered, too pissed to speak.

"Oh, he got his." Kyle snickered evilly. "I did something I wanted to do to him for years. I kicked him right in the balls. Not once, but twice. A hospital security guard saw the whole thing and had him arrested. Anyway, as it turns out, Greg Peters, the officer who was at the house the day I was raped, is gay, and if I'm not mistaken soon will be, if he isn't already, sharing Dave Barton's bed."

"You're shitting me."

"Nope, I called Dave because Greg was having a rough time at his precinct and I thought he could help. He came over to talk with him directly and they ended up staying for dinner. They couldn't keep their eyes off of each other."

"Awesome."

"That's the good news. Are you ready for the good news?"

"Lay it on me."

"Jay and I are getting back together. We made love in the bathroom of his hospital room."

'Kyle, that's way beyond awesome. I'm so happy you didn't give up on him." He replied through the tears. "We need to go out and celebrate."

"Cool. I'll pick you up in an hour. Later!"

 Chapter 22 Two months later...

Doctor Foster walked into Jayson's room. "Good morning, Jay. How are you feeling?"

"I must admit, better than I have in quite awhile."

"That's good. Do you feel up to going home today?"

If the million-megawatt smile that lit up Jay's face didn't give Doctor Foster the answer to his question, the excitement that danced behind Jay's eyes would have.

"You're kidding, right? I thought we had more work to do. I'm still having nightmares."

"And you will for some time to come, I'm afraid, but you've reached the point where I feel that it would be beneficial to see you as an outpatient, rather than an inpatient. Being home in familiar surroundings will help the recovery process immensely at this point."

"I guess. It will be awesome to be back home, but it won't be the same." He said upon reflection.

"Why do you say that?"

"Having separate bedrooms wouldn't be the same as sleeping next to Kyle every night." He said cautiously, unsure of whether or not Doctor Foster knew they made love in the bathroom, nor if Kyle saw it as a one-time thing.

"And you're going to be sleeping in a separate bedroom because..." He prompted.

"You don't actually believe he will allow me to sleep in the same bed with him, do you?"

"You're right; I don't believe he'll allow it". He continued, noting the crushed look on Jay's face. "I'm quite positive he'll insist on it. He can't wait for you to come home and resume your relationship."

"Is it possible after all of this?" Jay asked hopefully

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Walking into your living room and catching your lover of five years getting fucked in the middle of the floor is something that is not easily overlooked or forgotten."

"I had a feeling this might come up. Listen to this." He got out a tape recorder and played an interview between Kyle and himself.

"Kyle, with your permission, I'd like to tape our conversation, and if the situation warrants, play this tape for Jayson."

"Okay." He replied. Jay's heart skipped a beat at the sound of Kyle's voice.

"We've discussed the situation between you and Jayson at length. What do you see happening in your relationship with him?"

"Doc, it kills me that he's here and I can only see him for a few hours a week. I want him home and in my arms where he belongs. I want him to make love to me so bad that it hurts."

"What about his cheating?"

"We've been over that several times. I understand he only did it because my life would be in danger if he didn't cooperate. I can't tell you how much it means to me that he would go to such lengths to protect me. He wasn't cheating on me. He was being raped."

"Why do you say he was being raped?"

"Because he was forced into it. He had no other choice."

"But he could have gone to his supervisor about it."

Kyle snorted. "His stupidvisor, as he calls him, is such a homophobic prick that he would have fired Jay and had his security clearance revoked. There's no way he could do that. No, he had no choice. The local cops wouldn't have helped either. The Police Chief wouldn't have allowed that." There was no mistaking the certainty in his voice.

"So I'm guessing you want to pick up your relationship where you left off?"

Kyle didn't hesitate a second in responding. "Absolutely" he said vehemently.

"And if Jayson is not ready?" Doctor Foster's tone indicated that it was a very real possibility.

"I'm willing to wait for as long as it takes. It would hurt to have him sleeping apart from me, and not wanting to touch me, but it would hurt worse for him to not be there at all."

"Are you sure?"

"Don't doubt it for a second. I love him and am committed to spending the rest of my life with him if he'll have me."

Noting the tears rolling down Jay's cheeks, he stopped the tape. "Do you still question whether Kyle wants you back or not?"

His reply was hoarse and choked with tears. "No. When can I leave?"

Doctor Foster glanced at his watch. Eleven o'clock. The lunch trays will be passed out shortly. "I'll call and arrange for him to pick you up after lunch." He held out his hand to Jay, who not only took it, but pulled Doctor Foster into a grateful embrace.

"Doctor Foster, how can I even begin to thank you for everything you've done for us?"

"Seeing you and Kyle back together is more than enough thanks for me. But an invitation to your wedding would be nice."

"You'll be the first one invited!"

"You're lunch is here. I'll see you in an hour or so to go over your release instructions with you." With that, he left Jay to his lunch, went up to his office and called Kyle.

"Kyle, its Doctor Foster. Jay's going to be released today and I need to talk with you about what needs to be done. Please call me when you get this message. 555-8732. Thank you. Bye."

Later that day, Tommy arrived with Jay. Having been given a key in order to take care of the place, feed the fish, etc., when Kyle and Jay were away, he unlocked the door and let them both in. They stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of the shambles the usually immaculate house was in. Tommy flashed back to the day he found Kyle after he had been raped. "KYLE?" he called out.

"What's going on, Tommy? The place has never looked like this before." But Tommy was already frantically searching throughout the house. Returning to the living room, he started to call nine-one-one when the doorbell rang. Jay looked through the peephole before opening the door to admit Agent Hunter.

"Erik? What brings you here?"

"Jay! It's nice to see you up and around. I'm here to talk with Kyle." He looked around the room. "What happened here?"

"I think something's happened to Kyle. His jeep, bicycle and roller blades are in the garage and there is no sign of him." Tommy said, frightened.

"He'd never allow the house to get into this condition. Shit, he'd bitch me out if I left dirty dishes on the coffee table for more than a couple of hours."

Agent Hunter got out his cell phone and called for a forensics team to immediately start processing the house as a probable crime scene. He looked at Tommy. "And who are you?"




The Long Road Ch. 03



Tommy extended his hand. "Tommy Adams. Kyle and I are best friends. We grew up together."

Agent Hunter glanced at Jay who nodded confirmation. He shook Tommy's hand. "I'm pleased to meet you."

"I'm pleased to meet you as well.

"What did you want to talk with Kyle about, Erik?"

"CODIS got a hit from the semen left inside him and AFIS confirmed the identity of a particularly violent serial rapist, one with a history of targeting gay men. Unfortunately, there's no known address, and we don't have a picture of him. I was going to ask Kyle if he could work with a sketch artist."

"I'll do it. I'll never forget that face as long as I live."

"I had planned on asking you after you've had more time to recover from your ordeal as part of the investigation into your rape and abduction."

"Well, send over the sketch artist and we can kill two birds with one stone. It was the same guy in both our cases."

Agent Hunter raised his eyebrows. "How do you know that?"

"Just before he beat the shit out of me and left me for dead, he bragged about raping Kyle. He told me that Kyle was a much better fuck than I was and he didn't need me anymore because he had Kyle."

"Good enough for me. Between the two of you, we'll be able to nail the bastard." Agent Hunter then questioned Tommy to see if he could add anything. "Let's go out for a cup of coffee so Forensics can do their thing."

Kyle slowly woke up in a small, dark windowless room that reeked of urine and feces. He had no idea where he was or how he got there. He vaguely remembered somebody grabbing him from behind and holding a strange smelling cloth over his nose and mouth before he passed out. Either ether or chloroform he thought to himself. Slowly he stood up and reached out to try and find the door. Not surprising, he found it locked. He began to wonder if this was the same room that Jay had been held captive in. Probably he thought. How do I get out of here? He asked himself.

Suddenly the door was flung open. Kyle quickly put his arm over his eyes to shield them from the sudden bright light. Rough hands jerked him into the brightly-lit room.

"YOU" Kyle yelled as he recognized his attacker.

The man chuckled sadistically. "I told you I'd be back for round two, three, and four. You're much too hot a fuck to let go of. Speaking of which..." He back-handed Kyle across the face, knocking him to the floor. He flipped Kyle onto his stomach and brutally raped, then beat him before locking him back into the walk-in closet. Kyle lied on the cold floor, barely conscious and bleeding, an experience that would be repeated many times over the next few months.

 Chapter 23 

Across town at FBI field office three months later, Agent Hicks, Jay's supervisor, approached Jay who was sitting at his desk looking over reports. "Williams, I need to see you in my office." Jay got up and followed him into his office. "Sit down." Jay complied. "I understand you are looking into the disappearance of Kyle Matthews. According to my information, he's just a school teacher. Have the locals asked for our assistance?"

"No, they haven't."

"So why are we wasting our resources looking into the disappearance of a lowlife, subversive faggot? We should be thanking whoever snatched him. Hopefully his slimy body will wash up on some shore somewhere."

Easy, Jayson, don't lose your cool. He fumed. "Kyle is the son of Robert and Angelica Matthews, whose investigations brought down the Cimmera crime family. His disappearance could be related. Someone connected to them might be out for revenge."

"Possibly, but that's not our concern. No one is going to care about one less faggot. Consider the case closed as of now. I have a more important case regarding the apparent suicide of a convenience store cashier."

Jay's boiling point was reached and exceeded. "Actually, there is someone who does care. Me."

Hicks snorted. "Why would you care about that disgusting piece of trash?"

Jay totally lost it then. "THAT PIECE OF TRASH AS YOU CALL HIM, WHICH YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO DO SO, HAS BEEN MY BOYFRIEND FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. I LOVE HIM MORE THAN ANYONE OR ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD. I WILL NOT GIVE UP SEARCHING FOR HIM." So much for my coming out plan, Jay thought to himself and going to EEO to request a transfer first.

Hicks glared at him. "I'll give you five seconds to retract that last statement." Jay remained silent. "Very well, it's too bad. You were an exceptional field agent with a lot of promise. However, I will not tolerate faggots in this department. Give me your badge and your weapon. You're fired and your security clearance is hereby revoked, effective immediately."

"Ah, you can't do that. It's against the FBI non-discrimination policy."

"POLICY BE DAMNED! YOU'RE DONE, FAGGOT! FIRED! GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY OFFICE. CARROLL!"

Agent Carroll poked her head in. "Yes?"

"Escort this lowlife faggot ex-agent out of the building. He is not to even stop to take a shit."

"Yes sir" She responded reluctantly.

Jay rose to his feet. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot." He said having a great deal of difficulty keeping is voice level. He calmly accompanied Agent Carroll out.

"Jayson, what happened?"

"He fired me because I refused to drop the Kyle Matthews missing persons investigation when he ordered me to.

"Why would he order you to drop a missing persons investigation?"

"Because Kyle Matthews is gay."

"That asshole!"

I might as well go for broke. "It's not the fact that I refused to drop the investigation. It's because of the reason why I wouldn't drop it. I'm gay and Kyle has been my boyfriend for over five years.

"He fired you because you're gay? He can't do that. It's against the non-discrimination policy. I'm not escorting you out of the building. I'm taking you to EEO."

"You can't, Kris. If Hicks finds out, he'll fire you for insubordination."

"Like I give a shit. I'm your friend, Jay, and I'm sticking by you. You taught me the ropes, and I'm not going to abandon you. Besides, he said you couldn't stop to take a shit, He never said you couldn't go to EEO, and if I recall correctly, he never said when you were to be escorted out." She snickered.

Jay put his hand on her shoulder and said "I owe you, Kris, more than I can ever repay." He was surprised when she turned and pulled him into a hug.

"Just consider me your number one fag hag." She said as she released him.

"Gee, I've ever had a fag hag before."

"Well you've got one now." She sighed. "Why are all the hot, sensitive and caring guys gay?"

"I don't know, just lucky I guess."

They arrived at the Equal Employment Opportunity office. "Well, here goes nothing." They walked in and approached the receptionist.

"May I help you?"

"I'm Jayson Williams, and this is Special Agent Kris Carroll. I need to talk with someone about a possible wrongful termination."

"I see. Do you have an appointment?"

"No. I wasn't aware that I needed one."

"You don't, but if you don't have one, you may have a wait on your hands. Let me see if there` is an investigator available to talk with you. Have a seat. I'll just be a moment." She went down the hall and came back a minute later with another person.

"Mister Williams, I'm Investigator Franks. How can I be of service?"

"I need to talk with someone about being wrongfully terminated."

"I see. And you are?" She turned to Kris.

"Special Agent Kris Carroll. I'm a witness to the termination."

"Okay, if the two of you will come with me, please?" The investigator led them down the hall to her office. "Please, have a seat." Instead of sitting behind her desk, she grabbed a pad and pen and took a chair opposite Jay and Kris. "Before we begin, there is one thing I must say. Anything said in this office is privileged, confidential information, so please speak freely, and don't withhold anything. I would like to tape this session, for further review, if that is all right with you."

"Whatever you think is best."

She got out a tape recorder. "Once I turn it on, I will ask you for your permission to tape our conversation, so it will be on record." She turned the tape recorder on. "This is Investigator Joanne Franks, sitting here with Mister Jayson Williams and Special Agent Kris Carroll. Today is August fourth, and it is two-thirty in the afternoon. Mister Williams, Special Agent Carroll, do you both willingly consent to having this interview recorded for further review if necessary?"

"I, Jayson Williams, do willingly consent to having this interview recorded."

"I, Special Agent Kris Carroll, do willingly consent to having this interview recorded." Jay suppressed a giggle at Kris's repetition of his words.

"Now Mister Williams, I assume you are the person who feels wrongfully terminated?"

"Yes ma'am."

She turned to Kris. "And you, Special Agent Carroll, are a witness to the termination."

"Yes, I am."

"Mister Williams, why don't you start at the beginning? From what position were you terminated, and how did the termination come about?"

"I was a senior field agent with the organized crime unit. Many years ago, I was assigned to help investigate the disappearance of two high-profile federal lawyers, Robert and Angelica Matthews. Eventually, throughout the course of the investigation, we were able to gather enough evidence and, combined with the evidence gathered by the Matthews', was sufficient to bring down the Cimmera crime family."

"I heard about that, excellent work."

"Thanks. Anyway, for the past three months I've been looking into the disappearance of the Matthews' son, Kyle, who has disappeared, so far with out a trace. I believe he may have taken against his will by someone connected with the Cimmera family out for revenge. Today I was called into Supervisory Agent Hick's office and was told to discontinue the investigation because the victim was, to use his exact words, a lowlife, subversive faggot. When I explained the possible connection to the Cimmera organization, he told me that no one cared that there was one less faggot, and that he had a more important case for me involving the suicide of a convenience store clerk."

"Since when does the FBI investigate suicides of convenience store clerks? It seems to me that those types of cases are for the local police department to investigate."

"You would think. He also said that we should be thankful to the person responsible for his disappearance and that hopefully his body would wash up on some shore." The investigator's expression turned very grim when she heard that. "Anyway, I told him that there was someone who cared about Kyle. Me. When he asked me why I would, and again I'm using his words, care about that disgusting piece of trash. I told him the truth, that Kyle has been my boyfriend for the last five years. It was then that he fired me, insisting that he would not tolerate faggots in his department."

"In light of the FBI's non-discrimination policy, that is a very serious accusation. Agent Carroll, did you hear this conversation?"

"Not all of it, Investigator. I most definitely did hear him fire Jayson and I most definitely did hear him state that he would not tolerate faggots in his department."

"Is there anyone else who might have heard it?

"The way he yelled, it wouldn't surprise me if the whole squad room heard it. May I add something?"

"Is it relevant?"

"Absolutely."

"Then by all means, please do."

"He called me into his office, and told me to escort this lowlife faggot ex-agent out of the building. Those were his exact words. Also, what Jayson didn't tell you is that when he told Hicks that firing him because he was gay went against the non-discrimination policy, Hicks responded, policy be damned."

"I see. Special Agent Williams" Jay gave her a startled look at the use of his former title. "I will need you to fill out this complaint form. As a witness, Special Agent Carroll, I will also need you to fill out a complaint form. Once you have done so, I will open an investigation into your complaint. Since this is a wrongful termination complaint based upon apparent violation of the Bureau's non-discrimination policy" she raised her hand to forestall any argument from Jay over the use of the word 'apparent' "human resources will be notified to disregard any termination notice and to place you on a paid leave of absence with no loss of accruals pending the outcome of this investigation. Should the results of the investigation be in your favor, you will be placed back on active duty in a different department or field office, if you so desire. Should the results of the investigation be not in your favor, your termination will be effective immediately upon the conclusion of the investigation. Is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good. Now, Agent Carroll, can you provide me with a list of names of all agents present in the squad room at the time of the incident?"

"Yes ma'am. If you have a piece of paper, I'll write them down while it's still fresh in my mind." The Investigator gave Kris her pad.

"Now Agent Williams, throughout the course of the investigation, you are not to talk with any representative from any public media, nor should you discuss anything in a public place. In fact, it would be in your best interest not to discuss it at all. You should also avoid any contact with Supervisory Agent Hicks, and should not come to this building or any other field office."

"What if he comes after me?" His facial expression and tone of voice made it clear that he considered it a very real possibility.

"Should that happen, notify me as soon as possible. If he becomes violent towards you, by all means notify the Police. Now unless you have anything further to add, or any questions, I think we're done here for now. Get these complaints filled out and I will get the investigation started." She rose, causing Jay and Kris to immediately stand. "Here's my card in case you need to get in touch with me. Otherwise, I will be in touch when and as necessary." She looked at Jay with a compassionate expression. "I sincerely hope you find your boyfriend soon and that he will be well and unharmed." She held out her hand to him.

Jay shook her hand. "Thank you, Investigator, and let me thank you in advance for all of your help."

"You're welcome, Jayson. That's what I'm here for."

As Jay and Kris walked towards the entrance of the building they discussed the investigation into Kyle's disappearance. "I'm scared, Kris. He's been gone too long. There were no ransom demands."

"Could he simply have been in an accident and have some form of amnesia or something?"

"No, his jeep, bicycle and roller blades were in the garage. The house was a mess, which tells me that he struggled with his kidnapper. He always kept the house immaculate because, as he always said, 'you never know when someone might stop by'. He has a lot of friends and family who were always dropping by. The strange thing is they would always call first. There was no sign of any forced entry and he wouldn't willingly let a stranger in the house unless it was an electrician or plumber or that sort of person. Besides, he would know they were coming and would check their IDs. Even though he's an excellent swimmer, he wouldn't go swimming by himself. It just doesn't make any sense." Jay's frustration was very much in evidence.

"The answer is out there somewhere, and I hope you find it soon. Kyle sounds like a very special person, and I'd like to meet him someday."

"He is, very special. He's my entire life. You will meet him someday, if I have anything to do with it. Thanks for all of your support. I really appreciate it."

"Hey, that's what fag hags are for! Here's my number, call me if you need anything, and keep me informed. I'll do whatever I can to keep his case open and I'll see what I can find out."

"Please be careful. I don't want you to get into any trouble."

"I won't. See you later."

"Bye, Kris."

Two weeks later, Jay received a phone call from Investigator Franks requesting him to meet her in her office at two pm the following afternoon. Ten minutes before the appointed time, he entered the building and approached the security checkpoint desk. "Hi, I'm Jayson Williams. I have a two o'clock appointment with Investigator Franks." He said to the unfamiliar security guard.

"One moment please." The guard checked lists on first one clipboard, then the other. "Yes, I have your appointment right here. However, you are on the do not admit roster per Supervisory Agent Hicks. I'm sorry Mister Williams, but you are not allowed in the building. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"We'll see about that." Jay got out his phone and the card he was given. Momentarily, she came on the line. "Investigator Franks? Special Agent Williams here." He gave the security guard a cold look to see if he caught Jay's title. "It would appear that, per request of Agent Hicks, I'm not allowed in the building, and at the moment am being surrounded by security with the obvious intent to remove me physically from the premises. Yes, ma'am. I'll wait for you outside." Glaring at the security guard at the desk he turned and walked out of the building and across the street, where he was joined momentarily.

"Please come with me." She led him back into the building up to the security desk. "Do you know who I am?"

"No ma'am."

She showed him her ID. "I'm Special Investigator Franks, EEO. I wish to see the memorandum from Supervisory Agent Hicks regarding Special Agent Williams." He located the memo and handed it to her. She quickly read it. "I will take this with me. Please give me an unrestricted visitor's badge."

"I can't do that, ma'am."

"Why not?"

"The memo."

"What memo?"

"The memo you are holding in your hand."

"Are you familiar with the organizational structure of this Bureau?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Then you know that, as a Special Investigator for the Equal Employment Opportunity office, I have the authority to countermand this memo?"

The guard swallowed nervously. "Yes ma'am."

"Then give me the badge I requested."

"But" the guard began.

"DO IT!"

"Yes ma'am." The guard replied meekly as he handed over the badge.

She escorted Jay not to her office, but to a conference room. Scanning the room as he entered, he noticed the Bureau Field Director, the Director of Human Resources, Kris and several others whom he did not recognize. He took a seat next to Kris who immediately pressed her leg up against his in a gesture meant to convey both support and comfort. Investigator Franks stood up and began to address the room.

"Two weeks ago, Special Agents Williams and Carroll came to me about the possible wrongful termination of Agent Williams and a possible violation of the FBI non-discrimination policy. A thorough investigation was conducted by my office and the findings are in the reports in front of each of you. To summarize, Agent Williams was in fact wrongfully terminated in violation of the Bureau's non-discrimination policy. There wasn't just a violation of the policy, but a knowing, willful and gross violation. Agent Williams' rights were intentionally violated. In addition to what is contained in the findings, new evidence of Supervisor Hicks' bigotry and misconduct surfaced just a few minutes ago. When I scheduled this meeting, I sent notice down to Security informing them to expect Agent Williams, to provide him with a security badge and escort him to my office. When Agent Williams arrived, he was denied access to the building. He called me and I went downstairs to the Security desk where I was informed of a memorandum stating that Agent Williams was to be denied access to the building. I have that memorandum here. Let me read part of it to you. 'Former Special Agent Jayson Williams is to be denied access to this building at all times. He is a sexual deviant and a sexual predator and must not be allowed access to the male personnel employed here. It is for their protection.' In addition to his full and immediate reinstatement, I recommend Special Agent Williams be transfer to another unit or field office."




The Long Road Ch. 03



One of the other people raised their hand. "I have an immediate opening in Hate Crimes. I'm familiar with Agent Williams' service record and would love to have him join us." Several others stated similar sentiments.

"Agent Williams, what are your feelings in this matter?"

"First, let me express my appreciation to you and your staff, Investigator Franks. I love being an FBI agent. It's all I've ever wanted to do. Being part of the organized crime unit has been interesting, but it's not enough. With all due respect and appreciation to the other unit supervisors assembled here, I would absolutely love to be a part of Hate Crimes. I really think I can make a difference there, should I be reinstated."

"Agent Williams aren't you the one who cracked the Matthews murder case that brought down the Cimmera crime family?" the Director asked.

"Yes sir. I had helped with that particular investigation."

"It's my understanding that you followed up on a supposedly cold lead no one else could be bothered with, and it was that lead that cracked the case.

Jayson paused for a moment. It was not in his nature to take credit for a team effort, but what the Director had said was true. No one else wanted to investigate the cold lead. "Yes sir."

He took a moment to scan the report in front of him. "Well, if EEO hadn't recommended reinstatement, I would have done it anyway. We can't afford to lose talented, dedicated agents such as you. Welcome back, Agent Williams."

"Thank you, Director."

Investigator Franks spoke up. "I have another recommendation. My initial recommendation was that Supervisor Hicks be reprimanded for his conduct and be required to take sensitivity and diversity training. I rescind that recommendation in light of this memo." She held up the memo from Hicks. "Instead, I recommend that Supervisor Hicks be terminated for his willful and gross violation of policy."

The Director turned to the Director of Human Resources. "Mrs. Morris, please file whatever paperwork is required to reinstate Special Agent Williams to full duty and a transfer to the Bias and Hate Crimes unit, both effective immediately. I want him to receive six months' pay as punitive damages for what he was put through. Lastly, Charles Hicks is to be terminated, effective immediately for conduct unbecoming a unit supervisor, knowing and willful violation of the non-discrimination policy and harassment."

"No problem, Director. Consider it done."

"Thank you everyone for coming. I appreciate you taking the time out from your busy schedules to put this matter to rest." Investigator Franks said. As everyone filed out of the room, she grabbed Jayson. "Have you had any luck finding your missing boyfriend?"

Jay looked at Kris who shook her head sadly. "No, ma'am" he replied in a trembling voice.

"Well, my door is always open if you need someone to talk to."

"Thank you, but you've done more than enough for me. I can't thank you enough for getting me reinstated and transferred."

"You're more than welcome. I'm glad I could help. If there's one thing I can't stand, its bigotry. I'm so sorry you had to go through that, but know this; no one else will ever have to endure what you did. The Director is making an example of Hicks, and anyone who shares his bigotry will think twice about acting on it. Enjoy your new assignment." She left the room.

"Agent Williams, do you have a moment?"

"I have to find out where the Bias and Hate Crimes squad room is and report to the unit supervisor there for assignment."

"I'm the unit supervisor. Jack Jamison." He held out his hand to Jay, who shook it.

"Please to meet you, sir."

"Call me Jack. Anyway, I'm very happy to have you on my team. Our squad room is on the seventh floor. You'll be partnered with Special Agent Erik Hunter. I'll take you up there and introduce you to him."

"No need for introductions. I went through the FBI Academy with him. He's one of my closest friends."

"Great. That will make your transition a lot easier. As far as reporting in, consider it done. Take the rest of today and tomorrow off to take care of whatever paperwork HR needs you to do and I'll see you on Monday at eight. I would like to talk with you about the Matthews. I'm curious to know why you decided to follow that cold lead and how it cracked the case. I also want to be brought up to speed on the Kyle Matthews investigation, which I understand is what brought on this debacle."

"That won't take long. There was no sign of forced entry, forensics didn't find any clues and there's been no ransom demand. The investigation is completely stalled. I need to be up front with you about it. Kyle Matthews has been my boyfriend for over five years. We live together." Jay cringed internally. So now I find out how my new boss feels about me being gay. I'm out and I never want to go back into the closet. I want Kyle and I to be able to show affection to each other in public. If he has a problem with that, it's best to find out now.

"That does create one problem. Because he's your boyfriend you are emotionally involved. Your objectivity and judgment could be compromised. This could ultimately create a situation, however inadvertently, where the perpetrator or perpetrators could walk, and we definitely don't want that. Worst case scenario, it could cost your boyfriend his life, or you yours, and those are senseless tragedies we need to do everything in our power to prevent. You need to remove yourself from the investigation for the good of the investigation. Surely you understand what's at stake here from working with the organized crime unit. You know what these people are capable of."

Jay breathed a sign of relief. He's obviously okay with me being gay and in a relationship with Kyle. "But" Jay began.

"I'm sure that it's going to be hard for you, to stand idly by and let someone else take over the investigation. I understand your need to find him. I promise you that you will be kept in the loop. Have a good weekend, and I'll see you Monday morning."

Jay's shoulders drooped. "I understand. Thank you, sir, I mean Jack. I'll see you Monday morning."

When they were alone, Jay sank down into a chair tears flowing down his cheeks. Kris sat next to him and put an arm around his shoulder. "Hey, what's all this? You've been reinstated, you're getting a huge chunk of change, that asshole Hicks is gone and you've got an awesome new assignment."

"I know, Kris. It's just that I need to find Kyle. I need to hold him, to hear his voice..."

She started rubbing his back. "I'm going to submit a request to take over the investigation, and when I do find him, I promise you'll be there when we go get him. You have my word. You will be there. Now, you get along home and make yourself pretty. I'm taking you out to celebrate."

He laughed a mirthless laugh. "Okay."

Monday morning, Erik looked up as Jay walked into the Bias and Hate Crimes Unit squad room. Surprised to see him there, Erik greeted him. "Good morning, Jay. What brings you up here?"

"Hey, Erik, this is my new assignment. EEO had me transferred here. I filed a complaint against Hicks after he fired me when I came out."

"Cool. I was told I was getting a new partner, but they wouldn't tell me who it was. So you're totally out now?"

"The only thing in my closet now is my clothes. Oh, check this out." Jay rummaged through his briefcase and took out some paperwork, handing it to Erik.

"What's this?"

"It's domestic partner registration paperwork. Once Kyle signs it, we'll legally be domestic partners. It's what he always wanted, for us to be a real out couple. No more hiding."

"Jay, you said this was what Kyle wanted. Are you sure YOU want to do this?"

"Absolutely" Jay responded without hesitation. "In fact, when we find him, I'm going to ask him to marry me. Would you be my best man?"

"I would be honored to. But first we have to find him."

"I just wish I knew where to look. I've been wracking my brain for the last three months trying to remember something - anything - about where I was held, sounds, smells, etc. but there's nothing. I even had the Bureau shrink put me under hypnosis to see if there was anything in my subconscious that might give us some type of clue as to where I was held. Nada. Zip. Zilch. I've never felt so fucking helpless in my life..." Jay's voice trailed off.

"Jay, we've been friends since our academy days, and I hate to be the one to bring this up, but in light of the threat made against Kyle by that scum bag and the length of time he's been missing, we have to face the very real possibility that we may never find him."

"Believe me, it's been in the back of my mind since he disappeared, but I have to believe that he's still alive and that we'll find him. Besides, I believe his abductor is only after sex. There's been no ransom note."

"True, but...." Whatever Erik was about to say was lost as the phone rang, interrupting him. "Hate crimes, Hunter. Bring him up. Thanks." He hung the phone up and turned to Jay. "Tommy Adams is here. He says he has some information that might help us find Kyle."

"I wonder what that might be." replied Jay, who nearly pounced on Tommy as soon as he was escorted through the door. "If what you have to tell us helps us find Kyle, I'll be indebted to you for the rest of my life." Jay exclaimed, giving Tommy a fierce hug before escorting him to a chair next to his desk. "What's the information you have?"

"I don't know if this will help or not, but Kim gave him a new cell phone for his birthday. Is there any way you can put a trace on it, like they do on TV?"

"We've already tried that. Either he's in a dead zone or it's turned off."

"But I thought that GPS worked everywhere, whether the phone was on or off."

"Wait a minute. Tommy, are you telling me that his phone has a GPS chip in it?"

"Yeah it does."

Jay grabbed him and gave him a quick, grateful kiss on the cheek. "You may have just saved his life." He grabbed for the phone, but Erik was already on it. "Mark, this is Erik in Hate Crimes. I need a priority GPS track on a cell phone. What's the number, Tommy?"

"555-7984."

Erik repeated the number. "Please call me as soon as you have something. Thanks."

The three of them made small talk while they waited. About ten minutes later, the phone rang. "Hate Crimes, Hunter. Great work. What's the address? Got it. Thanks." He hung up. "It worked! We've found him!"

As Jay raced towards the door, Erik intercepted him. "Jay, I understand you have an overwhelming need to rescue him, but we have to be careful. If we go in there full tilt with lights and sirens, we may spook the perp. He might kill Kyle. Lord only knows what he's capable of, and whether or not he has any weapons. We have to be smart about this. We don't want to give him any opportunity to get away or kill Kyle. He's eluded the authorities this long, so he's obviously not stupid. If we want Kyle back safe and sound, and bring that ass-wipe to justice, we can't afford to make mistakes."

Jay stepped back from the door and sighed. "You're right, of course. It's just..." his voice trailed off, choked with tears.

"I know, buddy. I know." Erik said softly, putting an understanding hand on his shoulder as Tommy took his hand in both of his. "We'll do everything by the book to make sure the perp doesn't walk."

Jay nodded then gave Tommy a big hug. "Thank you." He whispered.

"I'm just glad I could help. Now go get him and bring him home." Tommy said. His eyes were moist with the emotion of having his prayers answered.

A short time later they arrived at the empty building where Kyle was being held. Barely conscious from several severe beatings, dehydration and malnutrition, Kyle woke to the sound of an outer door being forced open, shouting and gunfire. The door opened suddenly and Jay gathered Kyle into his arms. "KYLE!!!!!!" Jay screamed, crying tears of relief. "Kyle, talk to me." But there was no response. Kyle had lapsed back into unconsciousness.

Chapter 24

Several hours later, Kyle slowly opened his eyes. "Where am I?"

"Welcome back to the land of the living, Kyle. How are you feeling? And don't just shrug your shoulders like you did the last time. As I told you before, we can't fix what we don't know about."

"Doctor Foster? I just had the strangest dream. I dreamt we had found Jay then I was kidnapped and raped. He rescued me."

"It was no dream, Kyle. It really happened. Look." Doctor Foster pointed to a chair in the opposite corner of the room that held a sleeping Jayson.

"Jay?" he called out. He was immediately awake and by his side. They hugged tightly, both men crying tears of joy. "Jay! I thought I would never see you again. I love you so much! I'm so very, very sorry for what happened. Please come back. I can't live without you. I was such a fool and an asshole to have ever doubted you. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Kyle, we've already been through all of that. You moved my stuff back into the house. Remember?"

Kyle frowned, confused.

"Kyle, what is today's date?" Doctor Foster asked suddenly concerned.

"May 27th."

Jay shot Doctor Foster a frightened look. "Actually, Kyle, its July 15th. Doc, what's going on? What's happened to Kyle's memory?"

"It's nothing to be concerned about. Temporary short-term memory loss is quite common in these cases. His memory will return in a few days."

"And if it doesn't?"

"We have things we can do to restore it."

"How long does he have to stay here?"

"I'm not sure as we need to fix up his broken ribs and have the proctologist examine him to make sure to further injuries were sustained. We also have to evaluate him for psychological trauma. There is one thing we need definitely to discuss."

"What's that, Doctor?" Kyle asked meekly.

"I'm not sure how to tell you this. Routine blood tests have confirmed that you, Jay, are HIV positive. So far, Kyle's still negative. But we need to routinely test his blood for the next few weeks."

Jay sunk into a chair while Kyle looked stunned. "I know it's not much of a consolation, but your attacker is now facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon in addition to numerous other assault, rape and kidnapping charges."

"He's a dead man." Kyle responded in a voice as cold and hard as steel.

"You don't have to worry about that. He'll get his in prison. Kidnapping and assaulting a federal agent is a class 'A' felony which carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole. Since I had you legally registered as my domestic partner..."   

Kyle shot Jay a shocked look.

"...yes, I came out at work, which wasn't a big surprise to a lot of my co-workers, and yes, I'm still a field agent for the FBI. As I was saying, having registered you as my domestic partner makes your kidnapping and rape a class 'B' felony. He'll never see the outside world again. He'll die in prison, either from AIDS or at the hands of the other inmates. Same-sex rapists have a low survival rate in prison."

"Enough talk on that subject."

"Yeah, it's time to stop talking and start screwing." Kyle said quickly, holding out his arms for Jay.

"I'm afraid that's not going to happen anymore." Jay responded, regretfully.

"Why not? Don't you love me anymore? Or am I just damaged goods to you now?" He asked. The deep hurt he felt was very much in evidence.

"It's the other way around. I'm the one who's damaged goods. This time damaged beyond any hope of repair. How can I possibly make love to you now?"

"You listen to me, Jayson Edward Williams. I love you, and I can't wait to make love to you again, over and over and over again. I don't give a rat's ass that you're HIV positive. I'd rather have you screw me without a condom and infect me with HIV than never make love to you again."

"Don't you understand? It would be like putting a gun to your head and pulling the trigger. I can't do that to you. I can't put you at risk."

"Jayson, it's not a death sentence." Doctor Foster interrupted. "You've always used condoms before, right?"

"Yes..." Jay replied, not knowing where Doctor Foster was headed with this.

"So you keep on using them and enjoy a healthy sex life." His phone rang. "Doctor Foster." Pause. "Are you sure?" Pause. "I want phlebotomy up here to room 1459-North stat. I want both Jayson Williams and Kyle Matthews retested immediately. And I want you to do the tests. In addition, I want to know how this could have happened. I just informed Mister Williams that he was HIV positive, which has devastated both him and Mister Matthews. Now I find out there's been a mix-up at the lab? We have procedures in place to prevent exactly that from happening. I want answers, and I want them by the end of the day. I want the person responsible in my office at six o'clock this evening. There's going to be hell to pay. These men have both been though extremely traumatic ordeals and they don't need this on top of everything else." He hung up angrily.

"Doctor Foster? What's happened?" Kyle asked nervously.

Tommy and Andy poked their heads in the door. "Is this a bad time?"

"Could you give us a few minutes please?" Doctor Foster asked. They said sure and left to get something to drink.

"There was a problem at the lab. Several of the blood samples got mixed up. I've ordered both of you to be retested, but don't get your hopes up. The results could be the same. However, there is a fifty-fifty chance that they're wrong and Jay is not infected. If he isn't infected, the two of you could sue this hospital, the lab and me for mental pain and anguish."

"I wouldn't do that to you, Doc. You've been wonderful to us and have brought us back together. We owe you more than we can ever repay." Jay said, firmly. Kyle nodded an enthusiastic agreement as the phlebotomist arrived to draw their blood.

"I want Teri to run the tests and I want her to call me immediately with the results." He wrote out the orders. "This is top priority."

The phlebotomist took the blood samples and left hurriedly.

"I guess there's something to be said about being Chief of Staff." He snickered. "Now, what do I need to do to get you guys back on track with your relationship? A swift kick in the butt, perhaps?"

"No, just Jay's dick in my ass" Kyle responded. "It's been way, way, way too long."

"Like I needed to know that" Doctor Foster laughed as Jay turned a very bright shade of red. "Seriously though, what needs to be done?"

"Seriously, Jay needs to get it through his thick head that we are going to get back together and he's going to screw my brains out every night, even if I have to tie him down on the bed and do all the work myself. He's not going to get out of having sex with me! Not no way, not no how. One nice thing about being gay men is that neither of us will be denied sex due to menstruation."

This last statement sent all three men into gales of laughter. "Want to share the joke?" Andy demanded as he and Tommy returned.

Wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes, Jay responded "Kyle just said that as gay men, we never have to worry about being denied sex because of a period."

Tommy, with a straight face, said "diarrhea doesn't count?" which sent everyone again into fits of laughter.

Jay quickly brought Tommy and Andy up to speed with what was happening. The two men exchanged horrified looks. "So when will you know?" Tommy asked with a trembling voice.

"I don't know. Not soon enough."

"There's one way to find out." Doctor Foster got out his phone and called the lab. "This is Doctor Foster. Let me speak to Teri, please." There was a slight pause. "Teri? Do you have the results of those blood tests yet? I see. Let me know as soon as you've finished the other test. Thank you." He hung up. "Kyle, your test results are negative. We should know the results of Jay's test within the next few minutes."