Morning Side of the Mountain-13
Author: Elsa Rose
Plot bunny and main researcher – Judy
Dedicated to: Acacia and Jude
Word about Brian Kinney’s mishap and subsequent rescue spread throughout the valley and mountain region known as Rocky River despite the severe storm and downed phone lines.
It wasn’t only Brian’s rescue that was being talked about or the fact that the animals were the ones that found him. After all animals had been looking after their people as long as the inhabitants of Rocky River had been around and that has been for more than two hundred years. What was being talked about was Jai Boy Taylor’s complete and utter disregard for propriety. He had a woman lying on death’s door in some clinic away from home, two impressionable children and a family that was prominent in what passed as local high society. Yet, he was shamelessly acting like he was Brian Kinney’s wife. Craig and Jennifer Taylor had to be beside themselves as far as everyone was concerned.
In actual fact, there were two points of view on the outing of Jai Boy Taylor. One being that it was mostly men who were upset, men that were friends of his father and the odd embittered woman who envied Jai Boy the love that he obviously shared with Brian Kinney. Secondly, there were the women, some of whom were married to Craig Taylor’s red necked friends. They accepted Jai Boy, Brian and Emmett for who they were, three men with good hearts.
“Craig, you can’t do it.” Jennifer Taylor stood in front of her husband, her hands on her hips and a glare in her eye. For the first time in a long time she had to stand up to her husband taking her son’s side against him.
“It was disgraceful enough when our grandchildren were allowed to live in that... that….” He couldn’t finish. “But now to have their own father flaunting his depravity with those men right in front of their eyes. Well Jennifer, I won’t stand for it and if you were any kind of a grandmother neither would you.” He continued to put his coat on. Just as he was about to leave the house, he pulled the rifle that was by the door off the wall and filled his pocket with shells from a box on a shelf.
“And you think that threatening their father with a gun is going to make things any better?” She stood in front of the door blocking his way and hoping he’d come to his senses. “Wait for Daphne to come home next week. It isn’t that much longer and she’ll take the children back to live with her.”
“Spending even one day in an environment of sin, is one day too many. Daphne has no idea what these people do. She’s a good young woman, from a fine family, who’s let Justin influence her. I’m just sorry I didn’t see it coming. I should have known it was your son who convinced her to have children. He’s not to be trusted at all. Men, women, it’s all the same to him. I don’t understand how you made him the way he is. Maybe it was because you let him paint instead of join in with Walt and John’s boys. Those boys have turned out just fine. They’re boys their fathers can be proud of instead of the kind of boy you raised. A disgrace to all of us.” He shook his head in disgust and reached out for Jennifer’s arm. “Now get out of my way woman and let me handle this mess the way a man should. I’ve had enough of your soft ways. They don’t work and I’m ashamed to say that I let you influence me, well it won’t be that way from now on.” He pulled her away from the door and stepped out into the snow covered cold.
Jennifer didn’t wait to hear Craig’s truck leave the driveway. She picked up the phone and began to make some calls. Enough was enough, she and her friends had done what they could quietly, but it hadn’t worked. Now was the time to make a firm stand. It wasn’t only for Justin, but for every young man or woman who lived a lie because they were afraid of the bigoted assholes that lived in the area.
Justin tiptoed away from the bedroom door after checking on Brian again. He knew it was stupid, it wasn’t like he was going to disappear in a puff of smoke or anything, but still he liked to make sure the man was still there. Doctor Winslow had pronounced the patient fine after his ordeal. Other than a concussion and some bruises and cuts, he was doing okay physically. But the blond was worried about his lover’s mental state more than his physical one. Ever since he was found by Murray and Bethy, Brian had retreated inside himself and wouldn’t get out of bed.
Justin had all but moved into Brian’s place. When he wasn’t painting or giving Gus lessons, he was running his partner’s Internet auction business. Oh Brian was still in charge, or at least that’s what everyone let him think. But the man had no interest in anything. He’d wander down to the barn, look listlessly at what everyone was doing and return to the house and his bedroom. Where he’d get back in bed, or lay on the chaise, or occasionally immerse himself in the hot tub. It was unnerving for everyone; Brian Kinney was walking, talking and breathing, but he wasn’t alive the way he should be.
Justin jumped when the phone rang. He grabbed the receiver before it disturbed Brian and the rest of the household. “Hey Mom,” he spoke quietly. Thank gawd for call alert.
“Justin, I’m worried about your father,” she began.
“What’s up?” Justin could hear fear in his mother’s voice. He looked around; Brian was sleeping or pretending to. Justin could hear the laughing voices of Jace and Sissy and the calming one from Emmett as they talked in the kitchen. His family was safe in the warmth of Brian’s home. “Mom, you’re scaring me,” he said when his mother didn’t answer.
“Well your father is scaring me. He had a meeting of his club over here and I couldn’t help but hear some of the things they were talking about. It isn’t good Justin and he left with his gun. He thinks that he needs to save the children from your godless ways.”
“Oh for crap sake.” Justin walked with the phone down to where the children were. He looked in and saw that everyone was as he though;, happy and laughing. “Mom, the kids are fine, Brian is fine, and so am I.”
“Justin, please get everyone out of the house. These men are crazy and they’re talking about burning Brian out his home after they get the children.” Jennifer Taylor tried to remain calm though her heart was racing.
Justin turned around when the door of the house crashed open. Arnie stood in the middle of the kitchen floor his eyes wild. “Jai Boy, put the kids in the tunnels along with Miss Emmett.” He looked at Emmett, “Miss Emmett Honey, I want you to take the kids on through to Jai Boy’s place. Don’t be stopping at the barn. The barn will be okay.”
“But,” Emmett began.
“Em, do what Arnie says.” Justin hung up the phone, not bothering with the formality of a goodbye. He pulled coats off the coat rack and began to dress the kids. “Kids, do what Auntie Em tells you and make sure he doesn’t get lost in the tunnels.”
“Again Daddy, I hate this,” Sissy began to gripe, but she put on her coat and turned to help her brother. “Come on Jace, this is serious. Daddy has his mad face on.”
“This is getting ridiculous,” Justin muttered to Arnie. He shut the door behind the two kids and turned to look at the old man. “Now what, I suppose this is about my father?”
“Could be that your daddy has been a mite hasty,” Arnie agreed as he turned out the lights on the lower floor of the house. “I don’t want them to know that anyone is home, maybe they’ll go away.” He peaked out one of the windows and so far only pristine white snow could be seen. Arnie sighed with relief; things might be okay after all. But still he’d been having a bad feeling about Jai Boy and Mr. Brian all day.
“What are we going to do about Brian?” Justin asked. Although a floor separated them he looked up as if he could see the man who lay in bed. Justin turned away from Arnie; he didn’t want him to think he was nothing but a stupid little faggot who cried over everything.
“Mr. Brian will do just fine,” Arnie said as he lay a comforting hand on Justin’s shoulder. “He needs some time to find himself again.”
“It’s hard though,” Justin admitted and my dad isn’t making it any easier. “Why can’t he just let me live my life? It’s not like I’m hurting anyone.”
“Bin that way for a long time Jai Boy. Since before my time. Some people have mean spirits,” the old man said. “Here they come.” He nodded his head toward the window. “Damn there’s a lot of them.” He winced as snowmobiles raced around in noisy circles. Snow flew in all directions as the snowmobile cowboys raised hell screaming and waving their rifles in the air. It was apparent that they’d been drinking courage, like a lot of cowards tend to do.
Justin was paralyzed with anger more than fear. These were men he’d grown up knowing. They were friends of his father and members of the church he’d attended when he was growing up. They were teachers, shopkeepers and neighbors, and every single one of them were spewing hate and abuse toward both men. What if the children had been in the house? As far as these men knew, that’s exactly where they were. No one other than Arnie and Brian’s family knew about the tunnels that linked the farm and his home, and that’s the way is was going to stay.
“I’m going out to talk to my dad,” Justin said and he pulled on his coat.
Arnie handed Justin his hat and gloves. “It’s cold out there boy.” He looked down at his feet, showing affection didn’t come easy to the old man. “You stay close to the house now boy.”
Justin grinned and gave Arnie a quick hug like he used to when he was a child. “Don’t worry about me you old grouch. I mean he’s my father even if he is an asshole. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.” He shrugged and turned to the door where, straightening his shoulders, Justin stepped outside into the cold.
He stood on the wide veranda in the dark watching and listening to the drunken assholes who were determined to tear up the new snow and rip out the saplings that Brian had planted a few months earlier. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing and hearing. These men somehow thought Sissy and Jace would be better off away from two men who loved them deeply. How could being in the care of bigoted rednecks possibly be better? “HEY DAD ---- HEY DAD,” Justin shouted out into the dark. One by one the snowmobiles slowly turned until their single headlights illuminated the snow covered ground and barely penetrated the shadows on the veranda. “DAD GO HOME,” Justin shouted, his voice was loud in the sudden silence that had fallen.
One of the men slowly got off of his snowmobile. He was dressed all in black and Justin shivered as he watched the man detach himself from the heavy machine. A rifle was held carelessly in the man’s hand and he swayed slightly. “Send out my grandchildren boy.” The words were harsh and the voice bitter but meant to be obeyed.
“Dad, the kids aren’t going anywhere until Daphne comes home in two weeks. Then they’ll go back to living with their mother. I thought you got over this shit when you tried to take the kids away from Brian before Christmas,” Justin spoke with a weariness he felt deep inside of him. “Go home Dad and take your buddies with you.” He turned and headed toward the house.
A shot rang out. Wood splintered beside Justin’s head and the young man turned in horror. “What the fuck are you assholes doing?” he asked unable to believe it was his father who had taken the shot.
“Watch your tone boy. Send the children out NOW!” Craig shouted. “I won’t have my grandchildren corrupted by the likes of you and your sodomizing northern ‘boy’ friend,” he sneered out the word and Justin cringed inside with an anger he’d rarely ever felt before.
“Arnie is calling the sheriff. I don’t want any trouble, but you have really pissed me off Dad,” Justin gritted out the words.
“Well now Jai Boy, Arnie just has to stick his head out the door, ‘cause I’m right here.” The Sheriff, in civilian clothes, stepped off of his rumbling Skidoo. “Your father is within his rights Jai Boy. It’s right unnatural for two men to be raising a child. The Bible says its wrong and that’s good enough for me.”
“The Bible says a lot of things Sheriff Tucker. It says it’s okay for a father to sleep with his daughter. Oh sorry, I forgot about your Brenda,” Justin snickered. He knew he shouldn’t have said anything but he couldn’t resist. “I guess that’s why Jimmy Earl is a bit slow. I mean any farmer knows you shouldn’t inbreed too much.”
“Good one Sunshine,” Brian stood behind Justin and whispered in his ear. “Now are you bullet proof you little twat, because I sure as fuck hope so.”
“BRIAN!” Justin turned and threw his arms around his lover. “I thought you were in bed.”
“A bit hard to hide under the covers when the man I love is getting shot at,” Brian said tongue in cheek. He looked out over the men who by now were all off of their machines. “Hey Tommy, I see your wife bought you a pretty good looking machine with the money she made selling her quilts on my eBay store. And Jeff, I understand Mandy paid a good dollar for that rifle you’re waving around. Apparently, having a queer sell your wives crafts is okay. I mean it’s not like I’m going to be fucking them; though gawd knows I could if I wanted to. I mean look at me and then look at you boys,” Brian pretended to laugh. “Hard to find your dick under that belly eh, Jake?” He stared hard at each and every one of them.
“We don’t have any fight with you Mr. Kinney,” a voice said from the men who stood by their snow machines. “Craig here just wants his grandchildren to stay with him and Jennifer until their momma gets home.”
A murmur of agreement went through the crowd.
“Well that’s just too damn bad.” Brian put his arm around Justin. “For one thing, the kids aren’t here. For another thing my partner, Justin is their father and each and every one of you knows that. I don’t suppose you’d think much of your father or mother coming in the middle of the night, pissed out of his mind and wanting your kids.”
“Watch your mouth Kinney,” Craig said and started forward, gun at the ready. He hadn’t taken two steps, when a streak of angry dog skimmed the top of the snow and latched onto Craig’s gun arm. It was Jinx and he was growling like he meant it. Craig screamed and dropped his rifle but the dog held fast. Another bullet screamed beside Brian and Justin hitting the house. This time it hadn’t been Craig who had fired a rifle.
“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?” Brian yelled out into the darkness. “YOU COULD HAVE FUCKING KILLED US.” Another shot rang out and wood splintered near Justin’s feet. Brian pulled his lover close to his body, shielding him from the view of those who stood in the shadowed snow.
Shouts rang out among the men; another shot was fired. Both dogs were now growling and barking. A scream from someone sounded when a wild cat with a torn ear landed on the man’s head, pointy side down. Arnie was shouting his curses rivaling that of Craig Taylor, who still couldn’t shake off Jinx. Through it all no one noticed that there was yet another shot. Justin sagged in Brian’s arms; he’d been hit in the side. Someone had fired from the copse of trees to the right of the veranda and whoever had fired hadn’t been in the group of drunken men led by Craig Taylor. “YOU FUCKING BASTARDS, JUSTIN’S BEEN HIT,” Brian screamed at the top of his lungs into the sudden silence that had fallen like a shroud on the gathering.
The world stopped moving, time stood still; the only sounds were heavy breathing from the men followed by shocked whispers as they began to move closer to the veranda.
“Justin, Justin, I never meant for you to be hurt.” His father’s voice was harsh, but Justin wasn’t hearing anything. He’d gone into a shock like trance. It was his high school days all over again only this time he lay bloody and bleeding in the arms of his lover. He could hear his father’s voice, but the words were meaningless to the blond. There was just so much white noise as the pain in his body slowly took over his consciousness.
The whole community was in turmoil over what had happened at Brian Kinney’s house. What was making them even more upset was the fact that the twins seemed to have disappeared. No one had seen them leave the Kinney farm and reports from the ones brave enough to stop by had told everyone that there was no sign of the children. In fact, there was no sign of Jai Boy or Brian. Only Arnie, who had moved into the house with Emmett, had been seen around the house.
Not knowing the whereabouts of the children as well as both men was driving everyone crazy. Speculation was wild in the small community of Rocky River. Some of them were even saying that Justin had been shot and killed that night. It was getting rather uncomfortable in the homes of the men who had attended the raiding party. Most of the wives were not pleased with what their men had been doing and the displeasure was reflected in many of the bedrooms of Rocky River.
Emmett and Arnie spent a lot of time together. Both of them were working under the direction of Brian and Cynthia and Brian’s business flourished despite his absence. Emmett was enjoying himself because he’d rarely been given such a big responsibility. He didn’t want to mess things up. He liked living in Brian’s big house and he was almost falling slightly in love with Arnie, though neither of them made any kind of move toward one another.
The animals seemed to miss all the activity that Brian, Justin and the twins had provided and soon reverted to their old lethargic ways. It was rather sad; Moonie, the lop eared cat, spent his days in the middle of Brian’s big bed sleeping and dreaming of the night he’d fought for his favorite humans. The T’s kept their distance; Moonie wasn’t in a very good mood lately.
It was only when the snow disappeared and spring arrived that some changes were seen in Justin’s house, at Daphne’s and at the Kinney farm. The changes were noticed and once again the speculation was ripe about what had happened that cold winter night.
“Brian maybe you should bring him to Pittsburgh.” Michael looked around the house he shared with Ben and Hunter. “The two of you could stay here if you want. It’s been years since you’ve visited. I mean first you’re living in New York and then its in the middle of no where.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Brian stared instead at the sleeping form of his lover as he spoke into the phone. “Thanks Mikey, I appreciate the offer, but Justin is recovering slowly. I don’t think the littlest hustler or you two love birds would help.” He laughed at the thought of Hunter’s constant attention not to mention his best friend.
“Well where are you guys now? I mean we could come and visit.” Michael had been given strict orders from his mother to find out where Brian had taken his new boyfriend. Gus had returned to his mothers’ house and he clammed up. Nothing would convince him to talk, even Debbie’s relentless quizzing when she came over to visit could get him to open up about what had happened.
Michael sighed heavily; that was another problem, when Gus wasn’t glued to the computer and MSN messenger, he was on the phone talking in a hushed voice to someone he wouldn’t talk about; it was very frustrating.
“Mikey, I’m sorry, but Justin and I aren’t in the mood for visitors.” Now it was Brian’s turn to sigh. “Look, I’ll give you a call in a week or so. Maybe you and the family could come to our home in Tennessee.”
“I’d like that Brian, and I know ma would.” Michael hesitated, “Brian, is Justin okay? Emmett said he was shot.”
“I don’t want to talk about it now Mikey. I’ve got to go.” Brian hung up before his friend could start with more questions. It had been two months since the night of hell when Justin was shot.
He glanced at the blond again and noted that he hadn’t moved. It didn’t mean he was sleeping, just that he didn’t want to talk. Brian shook his head and moved over to the window of the villa he’d rented and noticed Daphne as she sat on the patio. She was thinner than when he’d first met her. But now her color was a wonderful shade of café au lait and her smile was big and bright. Even her hair seemed somehow brighter. She’d lost her long curls, but they had been replaced with an inch of fine, soft baby curls that made her look surreal and exotic.
Brian couldn’t help but smile as he watched Jace and Sissy as they played in the pool. Like two brown baby seals they slid down the slide into the water, only to surface and race to the side to do it all over again.
Justin came up behind his lover and laid his head on Brian’s shoulder. “Aren’t they amazing?” he paused. “I wish that we could always live here. I feel safe, no one hates me or the kids or the two of us together. We can walk down the street and hold hands or sit on the beach together.” He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, angrily brushing away any stray tears. “I hate being afraid to be who I am and to love who I want.”
“The thing is Justin, if we run away from our lives, nothing will ever change. We have to stay and fight.”
“I’m tired of it Brian,” Justin sighed.
Brian turned around and took his lover into his arms. “I’ll be there for you; you know that,” he whispered softly as he rested his cheek against the top of Justin’s head.
They stood holding each other for a few minutes until gradually Justin’s body began to relax. “I haven’t even talked to my mother,” he said quietly. “It’s been two months, more than two months. Everyone probably thinks I’ve died.”
“They’ll be pretty damn surprised when we pull into the driveway,” Brian huffed a laugh. “We don’t have to go back to Rocky River, but I think we should. Besides, I want to see how my new enterprise is coming along.”
“What new enterprise?” Justin looked up into Brian’s laughing green eyes.
“Oh, let’s just say I found a good use for the acres of land I bought. Something that will employ a lot of people in Rocky River and bring some much needed money into the community.” Now Brian was ginning widely. “In fact, I was going to ask you if you’d mind if I invited my friends from Pittsburgh to join us in a homecoming celebration. From what I hear from the good Doctor Jared, he plans on being a regular to a certain curly headed young woman’s house. I think we need a few more city folk in the neighborhood to liven up everything.”
“Should I even ask what in hell you’re doing?” Justin shook his head, he’d learned that Brian had a side to him that was fiercely loyal and protective toward the ones he loved and cared for. He’d known right from that first moment he’d felt Brian behind him that night on the veranda, that his lover would find a way to get even with the men of Rocky River.
“Jai Boy,” Brian teased using his ‘southern name’. “How can you even ask me that. I’m only a quiet business man with a family.” He batted his eyes at his lover making Justin giggle.
“Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.” The kids ran into the room followed by Daphne who laughed at the looks on Brian and Justin’s face. “Mommy says that we’re going home in a few days. We don’t want to go. We like ‘couver. It’s cool.” Jace grinned at his sister Sissy’s words. Sissy always spoke for the two of them.
“But we have to go home eventually.” Daphne smiled at her children. “Jared will be here this weekend; he’s going to take you both to Grouse Mountain on Saturday to see the bears.”
“Is Jared going to be our daddy too?” Sissy asked.
“Yeah, Daph, is Jared going to be added to the list of daddies?” Justin asked with a laugh.
“Enquiring minds want to know.” Brian put his arm around Justin and squeezed. “The good doctor seems to be visiting Vancouver a lot these days.”
“You never know guys.” Daphne smiled to herself. She did love Jared, but it was a big step in accepting his proposal of marriage and moving the children away from home.
“Mom called today.” Justin’s voice was quiet and he moved away from Brian to look out the window. “Dad’s been having business problems.”
“Oh?” Brian looked at Daphne and shrugged. “Excuse me for not getting too excited, the man tried to kill you.”
“Mom’s leaving him. I told her she could stay at my place with Molly.” Justin turned to Brian. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Why should I mind, it’s your house,” Brian sighed. He’d have to learn to accept Justin’s family, just like Justin was going to have to learn to accept the motley crew that was his family. “I thought Molly was in Pittsburgh.”
“She is, but she’s only visiting. It’s not like she’s staying there permanently,” Justin laughed. “I heard that Gus’ mothers were not too pleased with his ‘older woman‘ girlfriend.
“They’ll get over it,” Brian laughed. “You’re sure that you’re going to be okay having Gus back and resuming his lessons?” He looked at Justin for any sign that he wasn’t going to be comfortable – It was a question he’d asked frequently over the last few weeks.
Emmett and Arnie sat on the swing at the far end of the veranda. It was a great day considering it was early spring and the two men were enjoying a glass of iced tea while watching the world go by; and go by it was.
“Arnie, I’m sure that’s the tenth time that green pickup has driven by.”
“No, I do believe it’s eleven.” They both laughed.
The T’s were sitting in a row on the railing enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun. Moonie thinking he was rather superior, lay stretched out on the rocking chair. His eyes were slits as he smiled in catty happiness. The dogs were chasing each other in the field where Murray and Bethy idly chomped grass.
“Strange how we seem to get so much traffic on the road these days,” Emmett said tongue in cheek and then he laughed. “I really think Brian is doing his best to make the locals heads explode.”
“No doubt you’re right.” Arnie leaned back on the swing and shut his eyes. The cats weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the spring sunshine.
“You know I rather like the changes Brian’s made.” Emmett sat forward and poured another glass of iced tea. “I always did like to show my flame and you have to admit, the barn is now rather flaming.” The two men contemplated the brightly rainbow painted barn that had undergone a transformation from storage and office’s tucked under the rafters to a rather highly visible storefront complete with a variety of rainbow flags and windsocks blowing gaily in the breeze.
A number of older, semi retired, or should have been retired long ago, drag queens bustled about waiting on customers and generally having fun as they conducted business. Kinnetik had morphed into a rather bright and busy company that did an amazing mail order business as well as walk in trade.
Cynthia waved from her van. She was returning from a trip to town with a few of the old queens. The queens were all dolled up fit to kill and giggling. Cynthia looked a tad stressed, but she was still smiling.
“Hey Cynthia, how’s my favorite girl?” Emmett drawled as he saluted her with his glass of iced tea.
“Next time Emmett, you take them.” She joined the two men on the veranda picking up Moonie off of the rocking chair and sitting down where he’d been. He arched his back in a stretch before lying in a patch of sun on the floor. “The big sign will be delivered on Friday, in fact all the signs will be delivered Friday and the electric ones should be hooked up that afternoon.” She was referring to the signs for their newest enterprise. ‘Frolicking Fairies Camp Grounds’ was going to be one of the largest gay campgrounds in the state. They had bookings already for most of the summer and Brian had ordered a clubhouse built as well as other amenities. The largest damn neon sign she’d ever seen, in graphic color, flashing and twinkling depicting two hardened ‘fairies’ dancing – was going to announce the camp ground.
The new enterprises would employ more than a hundred and fifty people in the area making Brian one of the largest employers and certainly a man to be reckoned with. There was nothing subtle about Mr. Brian Kinney when he wanted to make a point with the locals. He was offering top wages with the stipulation that there could be absolutely no discrimination on or off his property. It was a known fact, though unspoken, that it was advisable to take any insurance purchases anywhere but Taylor Insurance.
Craig Taylor had put his house and business up for sale. Speculation as to whether Brian Kinney would buy him out was ripe.
“Brian and Justin should be home in a few weeks. I want everything perfect for them, “ Cynthia said as she watched the activity away from the house.
“Everything will be wonderful Honey. Arnie and I have everything under control, don’t we Sweetness.” Emmett patted the old man’s knee and Arnie flushed.
“Brian tells me that Daphne is thinking of moving with the children. Jared’s asked her to marry him.” Cynthia looked thoughtful, “I wonder if Brian and Justin will settle here. I mean there really isn’t much point, there’s so much more for Justin in New York.”
“If Jai boy had wanted to live in New York he would have a long time ago young lady,” Arnie smiled at her. “Besides, there are more interesting places to live. I do believe that Jai boy and his man will no doubt travel the world searching out everything that they might find interesting.”
“Oh, did Brian tell you that?” Emmett stood up and stretched. He grinned and waved at the group of gaudily dressed queens who appeared to be starting a garden in one corner of the field.
“Didn’t have to, I know what I know.” The old man smiled, “’Course if the boys ever find the Kinney family treasure, well that will help them out even more.”
“Oh, my, do tell me all about this treasure. Is it jewels and gold?” Emmett clapped his hands and sat back down beside Arnie.
“Don’t know, it’s been hidden for a hundred or more years.”
“Where?” Emmett asked and looked around as if it would suddenly appear.
“Em Honey, I don’t think you’ll find any treasure here on the veranda.” Cynthia walked over and gave him a kiss. “Brian has more than enough money. He doesn’t need any treasure.”
“Brian, I’m not sure I want to return to Rocky River.” Justin sat on a rock close to the water of English Bay, his sketchbook on his knee. Brian was walking a few feet away from him with Sissy and Jace; all three of them had their pant legs rolled up as they evaded the tiny waves washing onto the sand. Justin had been sketching them most of the afternoon. “It’s nice here.”
“It’s nice in Rocky River too Sunshine,” Brian drawled.
“Yeah, Daddy, we want to go home. Mommy is always kissing Jared now that we’re here. She doesn’t do that at home.” Sissy bent down to pick up an interesting shell that was imbedded in the sand. She examined it and then threw it into the water.
Brian walked the kids over to where Justin was sitting. He sat down beside him and let one hand rub the blond’s back. “We’ve been gone a long time. Daphne has moved forward with her life. Don’t you think that we should too?”
“I suppose,” Justin sighed and looked out into the bay. Three giant tankers floated on the horizon. Life did go on. “It’s just that I’ve always known deep down that my father couldn’t accept the fact that I’m gay. But you know, it wasn’t anything that was actually voiced. As long as I didn’t overly flame, he ignored me.”
“Well Sunshine, I’d say that while you aren’t actually flaming, you do have a nice little glow about you. Especially under the moonlight.” Brian kissed Justin tenderly despite the groans from the twins. “I want to go back to Rocky River and see just what Cynthia and Emmett have done with the place.”
“What do you mean done to the place?” Justin asked as he stood up regretfully. The sun had been pleasant on his face. You’d never know that one of the larger Canadian cities was less than a block from where he’d been sitting. Everything was quiet and peaceful.
“Oh, you know, this and that. I thought maybe with all the land around the main house, I might as well start a campground. Then that led to the building of clubhouse with showers and bathroom facilities. I mean I don’t want campers shitting in the woods. And then I had some changes made to the barn. I had it made more like a store front, you know, what I mean.”
“No I don’t.” Justin turned and stared at Brian, he couldn’t imagine what in hell his lover was talking about.
“Well I had all this stuff from the old house, and I was making contacts with the craft people in the area. It only seemed right to increase my market by having a storefront operation as well as an Internet one. Which led to a couple of other small operations. I mean a bakery and fresh produce store works well with the campgrounds. And we can use them for the ‘queer youth camp’. We put the main bunkhouse and out buildings in the far corner of the woods so they’d have some privacy. I thought the pond was a great thing to be close to. They can go canoeing or go fishing or something.” Brian actually hadn’t a clue what one would do at a youth camp, which was why he employed people who did know.
“Brian have you lost your mind?” Justin asked shaking his head. “I can’t believe you’ve been doing these things.”
“What things?” Brian asked innocently. “I’m a business man. I have businesses; it’s what I do. Since I’m gay, it’s only natural that I would support the gay community. Why shouldn’t gays have the pleasure of Rocky River?” He took Sissy and Jace’s hand to help them up the rocks and onto the grass by the sidewalk. “I’m waiting for my liquor license and when it comes, I’m opening a small gay pub on the property as well. ”How about House of the KKK – Kinney’s Kute Kueers.”
“Of for gawd sake.” Justin rolled his eyes. “The people in Rocky River must be shitting themselves.”
“Actually, since I’m one of the larger employers in a rather down trodden town, I do believe they’re more than damn glad to have this enterprising gay boy and his husband as part of the community.”
“What husband?” Justin stopped dead in his tracks.
“Justin Taylor, will you marry me? I mean we are in Canada and we do have some time on our hands. Not to mention the fact that your latest paintings made some decent money. With all my businesses, I could use some back up cash,” he grinned down at Justin tongue in cheek.
“So you want me for my money?” Justin asked with a grin.
“That and your ass,” Brian smiled his eyes dancing mischievously.
“Sounds fair to me.” Justin couldn’t stop smiling. Fuck his father and the horse he rode in on. He had Brian Kinney in love with him and because in love with him he was, you could see it in his smile.
Jace and Sissy sat down on the grass and made themselves comfortable as they began to look for four leaf clovers. The twins knew it was going to be awhile before they would be able to head back to their hotel. Brian and Justin had wrapped themselves together in a tender yet passionate embrace. The sun was shining on the morning side of the mountain.
The end
August 17, 2005