Nothing Matters When We're Dancing 
Part 14 


"On second thought, take me to M. de Cervens." Justin settled back in his seat. It was time to get to the bottom of this. He had no idea how to be a detective, but he couldn't spend the rest of his days worrying about Brian either. 


He knew the old Legionnaire would be able to offer him some advice. 


"Shall I wait Mr. Taylor?" asked the cab driver. They were now in front of the main doors of the old hospital. 


"I don't think so Tomas" Justin figured, that if this guy was going to be following him and acting as his driver, he might as well learn his name. 


Justin climbed out of the cab. He sighed; he was so tired of all this shit. Why couldn't he just have his old life back? Brian would be OK and he would only have to worry about himself and school. He almost wished that his trust fund hadn't surfaced. He bypassed the elevator in favor of the stairs. He needed the time to think. Why would Nicki want Brian out of the way? It didn't make any sense. He'd never given Nicki any encouragement, even when Brian was still in Pittsburgh and unsure of whether or not the two of them should be together. 


The hospital corridor was busy as usual. Justin walked down to M. de. Cerven's door he was about to open it when the door burst open and two orderlies hurriedly pushed out a gurney, the waxen figure of M. de Cervens lying on it flanked by the young Doctor Justin had met previously. They began to hurry down the hall heading who knows where. Justin walked beside his new friend, barely able to keep up. The group stopped waiting for the elevator when M. de Cervens grabbed Justin's hand and pulled him close. "Sunshine, be there for Remington he'll always need you even when he thinks he doesn't." his voice barely a whisper. Justin wanted to get on the elevator with everyone but the largest of the orderlies pushed him back and the doors shut. 


Justin stood there, the vision of the old man still firmly in place. He looked bad. Now what? He felt a large hand on his shoulder and he turned and looked up. The man standing beside him had to be almost seven feet tall. His hair was cut so close it was almost shaved. What there was of it was bright red. His blue eyes were kind. Justin could tell he was definitely one of M. de Cervens men. Even at his height, he was ramrod straight, his boots shone with a high polish. "The Commandant has had a minor health glitch. He doesn't want you to worry. I'm Lars, his 2IC, (2nd in Command) I'll be taking over the investigation while the Commandant is on leave." As he was speaking he managed to guide Justin back to the Commandant's room. He pushed the door open and walked Justin over to the sitting area. "Please, Mr. Taylor, sit. Raymond will bring us some refreshment." 


Justin sat down automatically. He couldn't begin to think of what all this meant. He looked over at the tall Legionnaire "You mentioned an investigation" he paused "Just what is happening Lars?" 


Then Lars looked out the window and back at Justin as if trying to decide what or how much to tell him. Justin could almost see the wheels turning. Finally he sighed and turned back towards the young blonde. He could see that he was determined to finalize this. 


"It's like this Mr. Taylor" 


Justin interrupted him "call me Justin if you don't mind" 


Lars smiled at him "Justin, I'm going to tell you this in confidence, it has to do with the Commandant. I know he feels you could become part of our" he hesitated "our family, for lack of a better word." He turned to look out the window. "The Commandant, well, he had a difficult life when he was younger, he was stubborn even when in his teens and his life, well, it wasn't what his family expected of him. His father refused to have anything to do with him and he found himself on the street when he was sixteen." He looked back at Justin. "You understand, the Nazis had occupied Paris and were sending anyone who was 'different' to the camps. But still the Commandant refused to be other than what he was. He joined the resistance; it was the end of the war, but necessary. And when peace time came he still was different and though times were changing here in Paris, I'm afraid his parents still were not changed. And once again the Commandant was on his own, though now he was a man, a very young man, but no one who had been through what he had could be any thing less." 


"He's had a brilliant and distinguished career with the Legion. He never backs down from a fight and he's one of the most honorable men I've ever known. The one thing that he's known for and this has been since the war ended, the one thing is his champion of the young ones. The lost boys who end up alone and on the streets because they are 'different', he feels it's his responsibility to care for them." 


"What you're saying is the Commandant is gay, had a tough life like a good many of us and somehow feels responsible for the kids who end up on the street like he did" said Justin. 


"I forget how young ones your age don't mind calling it like it is." He laughed. "That's about it. Unfortunately there's been a problem lately; someone has been hurting the boys. Two have died and three have been so badly injured mentally as well as physically they may never recover fully. When the Commandant heard about you starting this Rainbow House he was uncertain about it. It would mean that the boys would all be in one place and easier prey. But seeing how they began to regain their spirit and happiness, he knew that you were right. They needed to be loved. This was not a concept the Commandant had ever considered before. He's lived without love for so long he didn't remember that it was necessary to have a complete life." 


"We, all of us, the men you see around the Commandant, we're old friends and fellow Legionnaires, some of us are still part of the Legion on temporary leave and some of us are retired. But all of us are loyal to the Commandant. We know how much these boys mean to him. We were in the middle of this investigation when one of the people we had under surveillance began to act out of character. The next thing we know, you are involved and your partner as well. The Commandant already knew your background and he was concerned that you and Mr. Kinney would find yourselves in a situation you might not easily get out of." 


"Who did you have under surveillance?" 


"I'd rather not say at this time Justin." He looked back out the window, he didn't like keeping Justin in the dark, but it was for his own good. "He's harmless; he wasn't the one who was trying to murder Mr. Kinney." 


"I really need to know Lars, I think Nicki has something to do with what's been happening with Brian and I have no idea why." 


"Yes, Nicki, he's a bad one, our little Nicki. We've watched him for a few months, since he began to work with you. You do know that he is part of Alex's family? His mother was married to Alex, many years ago. She died in a freak boating accident when Nicki was fourteen, he refused to stay with Alex, accused him of molesting him. Nicki went to live with his mother's sister; she had a son much the same age. AJ they called him." His face last all vestige of emotion. "I understand he was found murdered last night." 


"Justin, I hope you know that what happened to AJ, well that isn't something the Commandant approves of. But accidents sometimes happen and when they do, it's better to dress them up and make it count." 


"I don't want to know anything about AJ except this. Did he try to kill Brian all those times?" 


"Yes" 


"You know this for sure?" 


"Yes" 


"Then I'm sorry he's dead, I don't wish anyone that kind of harm. But I'm also not sorry. Does that make any sense? Brian is innocent in all this. If he died that wouldn't free me up for someone else. If Brian died, his death couldn't possibly benefit any one other than Gus and I'm damn sure Gus isn't trying to do his father in." 


"We do know that AJ didn't work alone. Someone was calling the shots. AJ wasn't bright enough to come up with the idea of killing the man you love to make you more available" 


"I don't know Lars, not that many people know about my Trust only Sebastian and maybe Alex. Do you think one of them might have said something?" 


"When did you meet Nicki and why did you hire him as your assistant?" 


"He was at some family thing when Sebastian and the twins first were found. I met him then. We talked for a bit, but I didn't really get to know him. He kept coming around and asking me out to the clubs and things, but I don't think he's gay and I'm not into the club scene that's more Brian's idea of fun. When the Trust thing came up and I decided to start the TeeKay Design Studio Alex suggested I hire an assistant to free me up for everything else I do. I ran into Nicki one day while the shop was being put together and he offered to help. I guess I just went with the easy way and hired him." 


"Justin, I'm sorry, but we checked out Nicki's finances, he's way in over his head. He owes everybody in town. Word was out that he's going to have easy access to money shortly. Just exactly what does he do with your company? Does he have any authority to withdraw funds from your business account?" 


"He can write cheques up to ten thousand, anything over that needs my signature or Brian's." 


"How closely is he monitored?" 


"Brian was going over things the other day, but with everything that's happened..-" he paused "oh, I see what you mean" 


"We don't think Nicki is involved with the disappearance of the boys off the street. It could be just a coincidence that he been caught up in. He isn't a very nice young man, but he isn't the type to harm a young one. Anyone over twenty one seems to be fair game but younger than that, no it isn't likely. Something to do with his own childhood I'm sure." 


"What should I do? I mean Nicki will be released sometime today. He couldn't have killed AJ and then hung him in the closet. I how gross is that." 


"I don't think we're ever going to prove any connection between what happened to Brian and Nicki. AJ is our man for that. We know he probably got his order from Nicki but proving it is another thing." 


"Brian needs time to heal. I'm starting school and the company has some major orders. I even have to let one of the guys in the back draw Rage for Michael and he's kind of pissed about it. But there are only so many hours in the day." He sighed, "I guess I'll be looking for another assistant, keeping Nicki around would be like keeping the fox in the hen house." 


"What about your friend Emmett? Couldn't he work as your assistant? He seems determined to stay with Marcel." 


"You know Marcel?" 


"He's one of us Justin." 


"Oh, do you really think Emmett would want the job?" 


"Do you trust him?" 


"Emmett is the most honest person ever. Of course I trust him." 


"Well, ask him, I'll assign Marcel to the Mansion, Emmett can visit with him during the day when he's not busy with your work. If nothing else Justin, it'll give you some time to regroup" 


"Thanks Lars, for talking with me today, I sure hope M. de Cervens is going to be alright." 


"He'll be fine Justin; it'll take more than a little blip in his heart to stop that old cat." 


************************************************************************ 


"Stephen, call a taxi for Mikey, he's leaving for the airport." 


"Sure Mr. Kinney, but Mr. Taylor said he was staying with you today." 


"Sucks to be me Stephen, Mikey has to get home, he's got comic books to catalogue" 


"Really, Uh OK, but I don't think Mr. Taylor is going to be very happy." Stephen hung up the phone. He tried Justin's cell but it went immediately to voice mail. He looked around franticly but couldn't find anyone to rescue him from this dilemma. Justin had made it very clear that Michael was staying to watch over Brian. 


Stephen had barely hung up the phone from calling the taxi when the elevator arrived. Michael stepped out followed by Brian who was wearing a pair of dark wrap around glasses. "I can't go now Brian, Justin will kill me if I go now." 


"I'll kill you if you stay Mikey, either way you're going to be dead. Now be a good little best friend and go home. Don't call me, I'll call you. You go to your hotel and get your stuff, there's a plane leaving for the States in three hours. You have just enough time to make it. Give Gus a kiss for me when you get there." All the while Brian was talking he was walking Michael toward the door. He knew he'd arrived when Michael grunted when he hit the closed door. 


"Brian, for gawd's sake, at least let me leave under my own steam. I'm sorry I tried to make your lunch. How was I to know you'd be so picky?" 


"Mikey, I could handle the lunch, I could handle the seven hundred cups of herb tea, I could even handle four thousand times you asked if I was alright. But when you start to fluff pillows and stick them behind my head that's it. You're on your way home." 


"But Justin--- 


"I'll handle Justin, why little Stephen here will be glad to assist me, won't you Stephen.?" 


"I,-- uh-I - " 


"Well?" 


"But Mr. Taylor -" 


"I won't tell Justin you wore heels today. And you won't tell Justin I booted Mikey home. I'll just sit with you and keep you company. You can do whatever good little gay boys do when they play receptionist." 


"Do you promise to stay here with me?" 


"Stephen, is Mikey gone, did you see him get in the cab?" 


"Sure, the cab is pulling away now." 


"Then no I don't promise to stay with you in the middle of the damn foyer." 


"But you said" 


"I say lots of things, now come with me, I want you to do something for me." 


"But my job" 


"Fuck your job; I pay you so come with me my little bundle of fun." Brian, his hand on Stephen's arm "Now we're heading for the office, don't let me walk into any walls or you'll not have to worry about your 'tuck' when you dress in drag." 


"Gee Mr. Kinney, you're kind of grouchy today." But Stephen never the less managed to steer Brian through the door. "Ok, now what?" he asked. 


"First, I want my office cleaned up. You go get one of the boys in the back to help you. I'll sit at your desk out here and answer the phone." 


"But Mr. Kinney, you can't see the phone" 


"I'm not deaf, I can hear the damn thing if it rings. I want my office back in shape." 


"I'm going, but this isn't going to do much for my nails. I paid a lot of money for these nails." 


"I'll get them fixed if you break a nail Stephen, please get my office straightened up." 


Stephen looked at Brian; he could hear the plea in his voice. Brian had always been good to him. "You sit right here honey, let Stephen work on it." 


"Hey, Stephen, this isn't Friday, why the heels? You don't have to tell me, but I was curious, you know Justin will be pissed." 


"He said no dressing in drag. I'm wearing a perfectly wonderful Armani suit. Such a lovely shade of teal and I did have these wonderful teal pumps, so I thought why not, no one but me can see my feet." 


"I think you're supposed to wear a shirt with the suit Stephen." 


"Do you think Mr. Taylor will notice I'm wearing a black lace teddy and not a dress shirt?" 


"Stephen, I can't see and I noticed. Think about it, Justin's an artist, he'll notice." 


"I could tell him I spilled spaghetti sauce on my shirt at lunch and couldn't get home to change." 


"Good story, you stick with that and if he asks I'll back you up." 


"Thanks Mr. Kinney. Now sit down here and I'll be quick as a bunny with your office." 


Brian sat back in the comfortable reception chair. He let his hands find the phone and then relaxed. His head was aching worse than any hang over he'd ever had and he knew it was past time to have the drops in his eyes. When Stephen got the office tidied, he get him to put the drops in. 


************************************************************************ 


Brian was lying on the sofa in his office. Stephen had organized all of the boys from the back and managed to have the office restored without breaking a nail or do anything much other than order the hapless boys around. He knew the room was still dark, he'd had Stephen turn out the lights before putting in the drops. His eyes were beginning to see the difference between light and dark so that must be a good thing. He was about to get up when he realized that the voices he'd heard in the background were becoming louder. 


"Look Nicki, I really don't care what your reasons were. I don't even care that you won't take responsibility for your cousin. What's done is done. But I'll let you in on a little secret. Even if you and your cousin had succeeded in killing Brian, I would never, and let me repeat that never have turned to you. I've love Brian since the moment I first saw him, no one can compete with what I feel for him. Alive or dead, he will always be part of me." 


"Now you get out of my office and out of my life. Stay away from my boys. I won't be going after you for anything you might have stolen from the company. But listen very carefully. Brian and I and our family and friends and that includes the boys at Rainbow House are under the protection of M. de Cervens. Before you do anything, remember that and remember AJ. I think you get the point. We don't want to hear about you hanging around the house now do we?" 


"Lars" called Justin "Make sure this scum leaves the building and explain again to him why he should perhaps relocate." 


"Sure will Justin," Lars held on to Nicki's arm and began to march him out the door. "Did I ever tell you about the time the boys and I decided to cook a chicken and we only had our teeth and hands to kill and clean it" he began conversationally. The door shut behind him so thankfully Justin didn't have to listen to that little story. 


"Nice, Sunshine, nice." Justin looked over at Brian in surprise. 


"Brian, where's Michael?" 


"What time is it?" 


"It's after five" 


"Well, with any luck he's over the Atlantic" 


"He's gone home?" 


"Yep, had an urgent date with a comic book shipment" 


"You kicked him out didn't you?" 


Brian looked a lot like Gus, when he was caught doing something he shouldn't. "He was driving me crazy Baby" 


Justin walked over and wrapped his arms around Brian, letting his head rest on Brian's chest. He breathed deeply, savoring that special Brian smell. "He always drives me crazy." He said. 


Brian let his hands trace circles in Justin's back, he rested his chin on the top of Justin's soft blonde hair. "Let's go home Baby" Brian whispered "You need a nap and so do I" 


"A nap Brian, again with the nap" 


"I'm being polite; I can't tell who's listening" 


"I'm listening, I want to take you upstairs, strip off your clothes and fuck you until you beg for mercy." 


"Sounds good, and then we can have a nap?" Brian yawned, entertaining Mikey was tiring. 


"I'm a growing boy Brian. I need the exercise." 


The elevator doors were closing, as Brian reached down and let his hand grasp Justin's cock. "You ARE a growing boy." He said his exhaustion suddenly gone. 


To be continued in - Dancing Boys