Broken Dreams - 5 Plot bunny – Judy Dedicated to my fellow whispers “Justin,” Brian’s voice was weak. “I’m not doing so good.” “Daphne left more than four hours ago. Hold on, it won’t be long.” Justin tried not to show the alarm he felt at Brian’s fever. He couldn’t give him any more of the drugs Daphne given him even if he’d had them. “Tell me again what you’re going to do when we get out of here,” Brian tried to smile. He needed something, anything to get his mind off of the way he was feeling. Justin, who had managed to situate himself so that Brian’s head was cradled in the crook of his arm, began once again to tell Brian some of his fantasies. “First we’ll go to Vancouver and you’ll get fixed up.” “Not fixed as in we took the dog to the vet and got him fixed,” Brian added. “No, not that kind of fixed. More the…. we took the handsome and debonair, but slightly broken Brian Kinney to the hospital and patched him up good as new kind of fixed,” Justin leaned over and kissed Brian’s hair. “As soon as you’re off the drugs and more yourself….. “I like drugs.” “Not these kind,” Justin said. “As soon as you’re back to being yourself , the amazing artist known as Justin Taylor, who has been living in the country, will join you in New York.” “No, the amazing artist Justin Taylor isn’t allowed to leave me alone in the hospital. He has to stay with me and take me home.” “Aren’t you a big boy? You know you’ll be okay in the hospital,” Justin laughed softly. “But don’t worry Brian, I won’t leave you.” “Will you come with me to New York?” Brian asked. Not waiting for an answer, his senses immediately went on alert, “I hear something.” “It’s probably just the wind, or the cats,” Justin said. “No, I hear someone talking,” Brian looked worried. “I think it’s your father.” “No way,” Justin said positively. “He could never make it here over land unless he rode one of the horses and it’s been almost a year since he’s ridden. Besides, what does he care where we are and what we’re doing?” “He cared enough to break my arm and leave me to drown in the damn lake,” Brian said bitterly. “So riding a fucking horse here to finish me off shouldn’t be too much of a mind stretch,” Brian groaned in pain. “Fuck Justin, I’ll be glad when Daphne gets here. Are you sure she didn’t leave you any more drugs for me?” “I’m sure,” Justin said, though he did have more painkillers, he didn’t think Brian should have them so soon. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the two little faggots,” Craig Taylor stood in front of their tent holding the door flap back. “Get the fuck out here where I can see you,” he demanded. “No can do,” Justin replied. “Brian is staying right where he is,” Justin stood up and began to move to the door. “Don’t go out there Sunshine. He’s fucking dangerous,” Brian spoke softly, hoping Craig wouldn’t hear him. “He’s my father; he won’t do anything to me. I’m not going to let him touch you,” Justin said and went outside. “Dad, what are you doing here?” “I’m looking after my son. You don’t want to be anywhere near this pervert Kinney. I know he’s influenced you, but you’re young enough to change.” “Dad you might as well know; I’m gay. I’ve been gay ever since I can remember. I didn’t catch it like a cold; it’s just the way I am.” “Justin, that’s not possible. I’d know if you were like...like that,” Craig shut his eyes for a moment before opening them and focusing on his son again. “You need to go home. I’ll look after Mr. Kinney here and he won’t bother you again.” “Dad you stay the fuck away from him,” Justin blocked the entrance of the tent. “I’m sorry I have to do this Son,” Craig took a small handgun out of his pocket. “Where did you get that?” Justin couldn’t believe his father had a gun he’d never seen before. “Do you think your mother is the only one who can find herself a gun?” he laughed sending chills through Justin. “This one may be small, but it’ll do the job.” Craig moved forward and as Justin pushed him he fell to the ground, his leg not being strong enough to support him under the circumstances. The gun went off sending the bullet flying over Justin’s head. Justin quickly scrambled to kick the gun out of his father’s hand making sure that when he did it was out of his reach. “Are you fucking nuts?” he demanded of his father. “I think he’s fucking nuts,” Brian said standing unsteadily in the doorway of the tent. He backed up when Craig made a half-hearted lunge for him quietly voicing, “Watch it you insane piece of homophobic shit or this faggot will step on your head.” It was an empty threat and they all knew it; Brian was as weak as a kitten. His face was flushed taking on a pale green pallor and he was shaking, barely perceptible, but still shaking. “Kinney, you’ll never leave here alive,” Craig threatened. “Justin, it’s time to go home.” “Dad maybe you didn’t just hear what I had to say. I’m ... not... leaving... Brian alone.” “Uh, Justin,” Brian began. “I hear something.” The distant sound of a helicopter was echoing through the canopy of trees and there was a rustling in the bushes behind where Craig and Justin stood. Justin didn’t know where to look first but he knew he had to get Brian to an area when they could be seen. “Brian, we have to get to the lake shore. They know where we are, but they’d find us a lot easier if we were out from under the trees.” “Help me up,” Craig demanded. “Sorry Bozo, get up yourself,” Brian replied and then he promptly sat on the ground. Justin rushed to him, “Brian are you okay?” “What about me?” it was Craig again. “Uh, Justin, I can smell a bear,” Brian said. “And believe me I know what a bear smells like.” “Brian, there are no bears around right now. They’re more afraid of us than we are of them.” “Pussy,” Craig sneered as he struggled to stand up. “I tell you there’s a bear in the bushes behind your asshole father,” Brian insisted. “It’s probably my friend from yesterday. I did tell you about him didn’t I?” Brian asked. “You told me,” Justin smiled; he stood with his arm around Brian’s waist. “Let’s see if we can get you to the lake shore.” “You can’t leave me here,” Craig said. “You got yourself here, you can get yourself home. When I come back, it’ll be with the RCMP. Brian is going to press charges and if he doesn’t, I will. “ “I’ll press charges against your mother; she tried to kill me.” “If she’d tried, you’d be dead now.” Justin and Brian were slowly working their way across the clearing heading for the trail to the lake. “You can’t blackmail me anymore Dad. If you press charges against mom, you can be assured I’ll be in court testifying to what kind of life she had with you.” “I gave your mother everything; she had nothing to complain about.” “Then I guess you have nothing to worry about,” Brian grinned. Justin loved seeing that lopsided grin, it made his heart happy. “Of course you’ll be pressing charges from jail, but whatever floats your boat asshole.” They were almost out of sight, when Craig screamed. “Now what?” Justin asked the heavens. “I bet he met my bear,” Brian offered not giving a shit for the man who had tried to kill him. “Stay here, I’m going back to see what’s happening.” The screams from Craig Taylor were becoming louder and more frequent and carried a certain sound that sent chills up Justin’s spine. Justin left Brian holding onto a tree to keep from falling down and ran as fast as he could back down the trail. It wasn’t far and when he burst out of the bushes, he was shocked by what he saw. A Spirit bear with one swipe of her large and lethal paw had slashed his father’s arm and head leaving him bleeding profusely. The bear stopped her casual attack, it being more like play than anything else. She looked over at Justin and then made a sound which was more like a woof than a growl and hearing her the cubs ran out of the bushes and stood beside their mother. Another couple of woofs and she turned and walked into the woods, her white fur streaked with Craig Taylor’s blood. “Help me,” Craig began. Justin ran over to his father and knew he was in bad shape. “I’ll go to the lake shore. The paramedics should be here any moment. You’ll have to hang in there until they can get back to you.” “You can’t leave me here. I can’t believe you’re going to make sure that faggot is alright while I sit here and bleed to death. Fucking bear, just because I threw a rock at her god damned cub. All I wanted was for it to get out of here,” he complained as he held onto his lacerated arm with his other hand. “I’m going to get my shotgun and come back here. That’ll be the end of the son of a bitch.” “Spirit bears are protected,” Justin said. “Stay here, I’m going to go back to Brian.” “You can’t leave me.” “Fucktard, you sound like a broken record,” it was Brian, he’d come back to find Justin. The sound of the helicopter grew louder as it prepared to set down. The partially submerged aluminum boat had acted as a beacon of sorts. Brian leaned heavily on Justin, any strength he had seemed to have disappeared with his bravado toward Justin’s father. “Brian how are you doing?” Justin asked. He glanced back down the trail where his father was. He was pretty cut up from the bear’s claws, but nothing life threatening as far as he was concerned. If the bear had wanted to kill him she would have, but bears are peaceful animals except where their cubs were concerned. Justin couldn’t believe his father, after living here all these years, would suddenly forget that little fact. “I think I’ll be glad when I can lie down,” Brian sighed. Every step forward and away from Craig was an effort, but one he was willing to make. How in hell Jennifer had lived with him for all those years was beyond him. His own father was bad enough but he’d never actually been murderous. He was just a drunken asshole with a temper. The next half hour was spent with the paramedics getting Brian stabilized and ready to be transported to Vancouver General. Only when Justin was sure that Brian was okay, did he mention his father being attacked by a bear. The lead paramedic looked at Justin oddly, but he and his partner headed back to find Craig. “You had to tell them,” Brian said with a huff of a laugh. He was teasing Justin and he smiled to let him know that. “It was the right thing to do. I wonder where mom is and what’s happening to her?” Justin was sitting on a jump seat next to Brian’s head inside the helicopter. He smoothed back Brian’s hair and tried to think about what was going to happen to them all. Brian would obviously go back to his life in New York. While Justin had no desire to remain in Canada and certainly not here, he wasn’t going to abandon his mother no matter what. She was a product of her upbringing and living at Ts’yl-os Lake Ranch, she never had a chance to grow and learn what she didn’t have. Molly understood, but like most daughters, she was closer to her father even though they fought like wild animals a good part of the time. “Justin, I don’t want you to leave me alone at the hospital.” Brian looked at him, “I’m serious, I have a real problem with hospitals and you’re...you’re the only person I know in Vancouver.” “I told you Brian, I won’t leave you. I have a small apartment in the west end that no one knows about. It’s where I hide out when I can’t stand it at Ts’yl-os Lake Ranch. If you don’t mind spending time in a one bedroom, rather small apartment while you recover enough to go home, you’re welcome to stay with me. “ “Why Justin Taylor, you bad boy, you have a secret life in the city,” Brian chuckled. “You and Molly are more alike than I realized.” They could hear Craig Taylor bitching long before they could see him. He was railing at the paramedics for not attending to him first. While they had tried to reason with him in the beginning, he’d soon pissed them both off enough that they were barely civil by the time they got to the helicopter. “I see you found the asshole who tried to kill me,” Brian said conversationally. “And wonders of all wonders the son of a bitch is still alive and flapping his tongue.” “Shut up you perverted faggot,” Craig lunged for Brian but was stopped by a kick in the leg by Justin. “Stop it Dad, don’t be an asshole.” “What’s with you guys? This jerk says his wife shot him. Mr. Kinney says that Mr. Taylor tried to kill him. Then the jerk says that you ignored him while he was being attacked by a Spirit bear.” “That about sums it up,” Brian smirked. Justin glared at him. “That’s kind of the gist of the story,” he admitted. His hand found Brian’s and their fingers locked. “The police are going to want to talk to all of you. We have to report this.” The paramedic made sure that everyone was strapped in and the Helicopter lifted up. “A Doctor Chanders asked us to tell you that she will meet you at Vancouver General. She said to tell you she was taking the mail plane and would stop at Ts’yl-os Lake Ranch first to get your things and arrange for the stock to be looked after. She was going to check on Mr. Taylor, but I guess we can all see that he won’t be there,” he smiled. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Mrs. Taylor, I’m Jillian Smith, Melanie Marcus sent me to see you.” The young woman who stood just inside the interrogation room door was at least six feet tall, thin and willowy with her jet-black hair in a long braid down her back. Jennifer looked up into Jillian’s startling green eyes and smiled. “You’re very beautiful,” escaped her lips before she could stop herself. “Thank you, it isn’t always a plus in the courtroom, but does help occasionally. I put it down to good genes from my First Nations mother and my Irish father,” the woman smiled and took a seat across the table from her client. “Now tell me everything. The police haven’t charged you with anything yet, but they will probably make a charge against you because you were in possession of a gun, something that isn’t usual in Canada and you threw it in the harbor.” “So Craig hasn’t gotten to the police yet?” Jennifer smiled, “Maybe I killed the bastard.” “Not a good attitude to have Jennifer, I can call you Jennifer can’t I?” the other woman smiled. “But also not an abnormal attitude for a battered wife.” “I never thought of myself as battered,” Jennifer replied, the refinement of her background was obvious. “Craig, well he sometimes found it difficult to live where we do. It was really my fault for making him angry, but I wasn’t brought up to live in such a remote area. There were times I found it hard to cope and I’m afraid Craig lost patience with me.” Jillian Smith didn’t roll her eyes heavenward, though she wanted to. How often had her client’s stories begun in a similar vein? “Jennifer, start at the beginning and tell me everything. Then we will see about getting you released. Unless Craig comes forward, or unless you tell them that you shot him, they really have nothing to hold you on.” Jennifer relaxed and began to talk. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ When the helicopter arrived at the hospital everything seemed to happen at once. As the trauma team began to remove Craig, Justin leaned over and whispered, “Remember whose money makes up most of the savings and investments. It’s mom’s family that has the bucks daddy dearest. I wonder how Grandpa Johansson will feel when he finds out how you’ve been treating mom.” Justin stood up and patted his father on the shoulder with more strength than what showed. “I’ll check on you later Dad,” he said out loud and watched them take the man away. Brian was being transferred from the helicopter stretcher to the hospital one. Justin smiled at his handsome friend and said, “It looks like you’re in good hands. I’m going to see if I can find my mother. She usually stays at the same hotel all the time.” “You promised you’d stay with me,” Brian tried not to whine, but he could hear the whine inflection in his voice and thought of his friend Michael back in Pittsburgh. “I’m going to stay with you but they won’t let me stay while they examine you. More than likely you’re going to need some surgery to put your arm back the way it should be. No doubt there will be x-rays. It all takes time Baby but I’ll be waiting for you in your room and I should have some news for you by then.” “I’m not a baby,” Brian replied and he smiled when Justin laughed. “Later Sunshine,” he said and shut his eyes. He didn’t want to watch the lights overhead as he was being wheeled down the hall. Justin bent over the stretcher and kissed Brian goodbye. “Later Baby,” he whispered, his voice filled with teasing laughter. Brian was content to go with the hospital personnel. He didn’t want to lose track of Justin and he knew that soon matters would be taken out of his hands. Hospitals weren’t known for their cooperation in allowing same sex couples the same visiting rights of hetero couples. Justin watched Brian disappear through the double doors that led to the examining area of the hospital. Only when he could no longer see him, did he head for the phones on the nearby wall. His first order of the day would be buying himself a cell phone. There was no need for one at the ranch as there wasn’t any service but he didn’t plan on going back and he needed the convenience of having one. Finding a quarter in his pocket and the number of his mother’s hotel where she usually stayed, Justin made his first call. “I’d like to speak with Jennifer Taylor,” he began when the phone was answered. “I’m sorry she isn’t in the hotel at the moment,” a pleasant voice told him. Justin had to be satisfied with leaving a message that he would call back later. He didn’t have phone service in his Vancouver apartment because he wasn’t there often enough; another thing he’d have to arrange. He sighed realizing that his escape hadn’t really been thought out. His father had forced his hand by whatever he’d done to Brian. “Justin, how’s Brian doing?” Daphne asked her voice breathless from hurrying. “He’ll be okay I think but I haven’t talked to his doctor yet. My father also showed up and began his usual song and dance and then a Spirit bear took exception to him throwing a rock at her cub.” “Asshole,” she shook her head in disgust. “I suppose it’s too much to hope that the bear killed him.” “No, she only messed him up some,” Justin laughed. “Despite the fact that he’s my father, I’m finding it hard to have any kind of feelings for him. I know it’s wrong of me, but I can’t help it.” “It isn’t wrong,” Daphne gave her friend a hug. “My dad is going to the campsite and get all the stuff. I know Brian was worried about his suitcases and clothes. He’s going to have to suck it up, everything is probably ruined.” “An excuse for us to go shopping,” Justin grinned. “I’ll get him some things. The last time I was at Body Body they had some great club clothes.” “He doesn’t need club clothes,” Daphne looked thoughtful “But damn he’d look hawt in them. Hey,did you talk to your mom yet?” “She’s not at her hotel.” Justin turned to the doctor who entered the waiting room. “I think this is Brian’s doctor. Can you get the details from him? You know it won’t make any sense to me.” Daphne shook her head but went over to the young doctor who had come out of the back. She liked his looks and she was single. With luck he would be too. Daphne returned to a worried looking Justin in a few minutes. She was smiling, “Hey, I have a date tonight.” Justin glared at her, “And Brian?” “Jason, that’s his doctor, said that for an OBGYN, I didn’t do too badly considering the circumstances. I think he was teasing. I kind of like that. He reminds me of you in a straight boy sort of way.” “Daphne, what about Brian?” Justin’s voice was quiet and tinged with stress. “Oh, he has a broken arm, but you knew that. The infection is retreating thanks to the antibiotics we gave him, but he’s been put on a stronger one. He had a cracked rib and massive bruising. There was some trauma to his head as well. Your father pushed him down the stairs. He couldn’t carry him and he’d drugged him up good. It really isn’t anything that I didn’t already know about. Brian is just feeling like shit mostly from the bruising and of course his arm. They didn’t have to reset the arm, I guess I did an okay job,” she giggled. “But Jason said that it looked like hell. He also said that Brian had a lot of old scars on his body, probably from childhood and the x-rays showed that his arm had been broken before.” “Shit,” Justin looked sad for a moment. “At least my old man didn’t break anything,” he mumbled. “Justin, don’t go there,” Daphne hugged him. “Brian will be in his room soon. Why don’t we go there and wait for him.” “When can he go home?” Justin asked. “He can go home now. But where’s home?” she shrugged. “He needs to be taken care of. He’s got medication to take and he won’t be able to do much with his arm in a cast and his rib taped up. Not to mention all of his bruising. He just won’t be a happy guy.” “I don’t think he ever is a ‘happy’ guy. I’m taking him to my apartment. Can you arrange for his release?” Justin asked. “We can borrow a set of scrubs to get him to my place.” “Justin, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Daphne was worried that her friend was getting in over his head. It was all very well to tease him about finding himself a lover, but quite another thing for him to fall into it hook, line and sinker. “Daph, I’m tired, Brian is tired. We need some time to relax. We need to be somewhere where we won’t be bothered.” “I’ll bother you.” “You’re different.,” Justin smiled at her in that special way he had. Daphne sighed; there was no way she could refuse her friend. She’d have Jason swing by later that evening after their dinner. Justin and Brian would have a house call by two doctors. It was more than two hours before Brian was allowed to leave the hospital. Justin had managed in that time to have a pair of jeans, shirt, underwear, socks and shoes delivered to the hospital. It paid to stay friendly with old tricks. “Justin, I can’t believe you expect me to put my ass in these jeans. They’re from the GAP,” Brian said for the tenth time. “Either that or you go bare ass to my place. It doesn’t matter to me,” Justin shrugged. He was tired of arguing and wanted to strangle Brian at this moment. The man had done nothing but bitch. “I’ll wear them, but we’re going shopping immediately.” Brian looked at the stiff jeans and contemplated how he was going to put them on. “Uh, Sunshine, would you give me a hand here. Injured man, remember?” Justin rolled his eyes and managed with some difficulty to get Brian dressed. “I’m not arguing Baby but we are not going shopping right now.” “Justin would you stop calling me baby. I fucking hate that,” Brian glared at Justin. “I’m at least twelve years older than you, hardly a baby.” “But you’re my baby,” Justin said in a cutesy voice and then ducked when Brian threw his pillow at him. “Ouch, ouch, fuck,” he said loudly when the force of the pillow toss pulled on his ribs. “Serves you right,” Justin smirked. “Now get your ass in the wheelchair. I’m taking you out of here.” “I can walk.” “And I can kick your ass. Get in the wheelchair.” Justin smiled, “I promise not to call you Baby if you’ll sit down.” Brian rolled his eyes, but sat carefully in the wheelchair. He was actually grateful to sit. He wasn’t nearly as strong as he’d like to be. “Are you going to get your father?” “Not fucking likely,” Justin snorted. “He can sit and spin for all I care.” “Have you even checked on him?” “Yes, I checked on him. He’s been patched up from both the bear and mom. He isn’t talking to anyone about his bullet wounds, but give him time. I can’t see him keeping his mouth shut for long.” “What about the Spirit bear, they aren’t going to shoot her are they?” Brian asked as they got onto the elevator. “No, dad was in her protected sanctuary and he threatened her cub. Not to mention he’s been more than insulting to the conservation officers who talked to him. The bear is safe. Dad on the other hand better watch his step. He’s insulted a lot of people today.” “No shit,” Brian words were heartfelt. He shut his eyes for a moment and let Justin push the wheelchair. Justin’s choice in clothing really wasn’t that bad, but it wasn’t what he was used to. Maybe tomorrow or the next day he could convince the blond to go shopping. Brian didn’t know what to expect when the taxi Justin had arranged for stopped in front of the large building that looked out over English Bay. “I thought you said you lived in a small one bedroom apartment.” “I do,.” Justin smiled and paid the cab driver. It’s on the top floor. I have a super view of the bay.” He slipped Brian’s good arm through his and they walked slowly up the cement walkway and through the heavy glass doors of the building. “I’m on the tenth floor. It’s an older building but I love the apartment. I don’t get to stay here often but when I do, it’s a great place to paint.” “I noticed a lot of rainbows around. I feel like I’ll turn a corner and my best friend’s mother will pop out of a store. Have I told you about Debbie?” he asked. “Yes you did. The rainbows are there because we’re in the gay district of Vancouver. Davie is behind the building and Denman runs off the end of Davie. If you follow the sea wall out front of the building it’ll take you through to Stanley Park. There’s a place to stroll there at night, but I don’t go there. It’s too creepy and weird.” “Weird Sunshine?” Brian laughed. “You should see the back alley behind Babylon, now that’s weird.” They were riding up in the marble and bronze lined elevator as Brian leaned heavily against the wall. No matter how much he tried to pretend, he was definitely feeling like shit. Justin smiled and leaned up to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “We’re here,” he said and took Brian by the arm to help him as they stepped out of the elevator. Across the hall from the elevator was apartment 1011. Justin took out a key and opened the door as the two men stepped through. “Holy shit Justin, you said it was a small one bedroom apartment.” He looked around at the sun filled room that was almost bare of furniture, but still tastefully decorated. “It is small and it does have only one bedroom. I bought it with my first big commission. Well I put the down payment on it. It took me a couple of years, but it’s paid for now.” He looked around trying to see the place with Brian’s eyes. The room wasn’t large, but the lack of furniture made it appear to be larger than it was. A small open kitchen was off to one side, all granite and stainless steel. There was only one place to sit. An Italian leather sofa that looked hard and spare but was in fact very comfortable as Brian would find out. The entertainment grouping was hidden behind a large painting that was obviously Justin’s as it was a surrealistic view of the lake and mountains at sunrise. “I like it,” Brian said. “But I really need to sit down.” “You really need to lie down.” Justin took Brian by the arm and led him into his bedroom. The minimalist look had been carried into the room as well. The king sized platform bed with a duvet of sapphire blue suede was the focal point of the room. Its contours were sleek and a dozen brightly jeweled colored silk pillows shone brilliant at the head of the bed. “This is your bed?” Brian looked at it and shook his head. “You really sleep here? It looks like some kind of magazine ad.” “I really sleep here. I’ve even been known to fuck the odd trick here. The best part about this bed is that when I’m in it I feel like I’m in some kind of safe haven.” “Do you have sleepovers?” Brian asked. “I’m only asking because I wonder if I’ll have to sleep on the sofa, which by the way doesn’t look long enough for me.” “I know what you’re asking and that’s not it. No, I’ve never had anyone sleep over. I value my privacy when I’m here too much for that. I haven’t even fucked that often here. I prefer going to the tricks place, less messy that way and I can leave when I’m finished. It’s not always easy to get a trick out the door but you Baby, aren’t a trick. You’re someone special. I’m going let you be the first person to actually ‘sleep’ with me.” “Don’t call me Baby,” Brian said half-heartedly. He began to struggle to remove his blue jeans after toeing off the shoes Justin had bought for him; another thing to replace as soon as he could. “Let me help you off with your clothes,” Justin began to open Brian’s shirt. “You know I kind of like having you helpless. Now if I can get you to sleep on your side so your butt is available,…..” he let his words trail off. “I could certainly relax you so that you wouldn’t need drugs to sleep.” Brian snorted but he didn’t deny Justin’s unspoken request. Rather,he let Justin undress him enjoying the touch of the blond on his skin. As soon as he could he sank to the surface of the bed. Justin had pulled back the duvet and exposed the smooth Egyptian cotton sheets. Brian sank to the bed gratefully and allowed Justin to pull up the covers. “I feel funny lying down in the middle of the day,” Brian said. “I have a few things to do and I promised your doctor that you’d rest. So you’re going to rest,” Justin kissed Brian tenderly. “At least rest for a couple of hours. We can go out and pick up some more clothes for you tomorrow, but for today, I’d like you to stay here in bed if possible.” “No arguments from me as long as you’re in the bed too,” Brian smirked. “Much as I’d love to, I have to find where my mother is and also check on my dad.” “You’re leaving me here alone?” “No, I’m going to be in the living room with a phone. That’s after I run to the phone store on the corner and buy one. I’m not going anywhere, I told you that. I’ll even order in for dinner tonight.” “How about you spend one hour in the bed with me and then you do what you have to do?” Brian tried to look helpless and all he succeeded in doing was make Justin giggle. “You are a big baby,” Justin laughed. “Let me get a phone and arrange for a land line to be installed. I’ll be gone less than an hour, that’s the good part about living in the west end, everything is close. You’ve had one of your pain pills so if you’d relax, you’ll fall asleep,” he couldn’t resist kissing Brian one more time. “I promise I’ll be here when you wake up.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Back at the hospital Craig Taylor was having more problems than he’d ever dreamed he could have. His bullet wound was fine; in fact no one had taken more than a cursory glance at it since Daphne had done a good job. The Spirit bear scratches were another thing. Craig lay on his hospital bed and stared in horror at the shadowy figures that floated around the room. Spirit bears of all sizes had appeared as soon as the last orderly had left. Together with the Spirit bears were Raven, Wolf and Eagle, all of them discussing the man who lay terrified in his hospital bed. He sat up and began to scoot backwards until his back rested against the headboard of the bed. Occasionally, a Spirit bear or Raven would come close enough for Craig to smell their fetid breath. He wasn’t being monitored, after all he was really well enough to go home, except for the fact that the police had requested he be held there until they could talk to him. The hospital staff didn’t mind doing it mostly because the man had thoroughly pissed them all off. They didn’t notice when he began to freak out in the small private room and they didn’t notice while fumbling for the call button, began to have a heart attack. It was only later, when they were arranging for Craig Taylor’s dinner, did someone go in to ask him what he wanted. The aide found him dead, holding the call button in his hand. He never did have the chance to formally accuse his wife of shooting him. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Arranging for a cell phone took longer than Justin had planned. He was thoroughly frustrated, but did manage to come out of the store with a phone that worked and assurance that his land line would be installed soon. He had to pass a grocery store before reaching his building, so he slipped inside and picked up some essentials. It had been a long time since he’d been in his apartment and it was pretty much bare. There was too much to carry so he paid for it to be delivered after adding a few more things now that he didn’t have to lug it to his apartment. “Hey Brian,” Justin began when he walked through the door. He was surprised to see Brian huddled on the sofa, the suede duvet wrapped around him. Justin walked over and sat down, his arm pulled Brian close. “What’s up Baby?” he asked softly. “Would you fucking stop calling me baby?” Brian growled. Justin could see that the older man was shaking and upset. “Talk,” he commanded. “You were gone longer than an hour. I thought you weren’t coming back,” Brian’s voice shook and he huffed a nervous laugh. “It’s stupid; I’m acting like a damn girl.” “Hey as the girly boy here, that’s my job,” Justin joked. “Hardly a girly boy,” Brian smiled at Justin. “Now that you’re here, I’m going back to bed. Your apartment isn’t exactly warm and cozy.” “I was going for the opposite of the lodge,” he laughed. “I guess it worked eh?” “Yes.” Brian stood up, still wrapped in the duvet, “Join me?” “I’ll join you soon. I arranged for some groceries to be delivered.” He checked his watch, “And it’s time for your pills. You need to take them with food.” “Yes Mom,” Brian snerked. He sat back down on the sofa. “You know for a butt ugly sofa this one is surprisingly comfortable.” “That sofa is a designer sofa and cost twelve grand. It damn well better be comfy,” Justin grinned. He lay down with his head in Brian’s lap. “I’m supposed to be the sick boy, not you,” Brian said, but he used his good hand to play with Justin’s long blond hair. “I don’t suppose you’d consider not cutting your hair?” “I’d look pretty strange after awhile,” Justin said with a laugh. He shut his eyes and allowed himself to relax. “But I don’t mind keeping it more or less this length.” “I can tell everyone you’re an eccentric artist and I can’t do a thing with you,” Brian said softly as his fingers stroked Justin’s hair. “I won’t tell them how I love to stroke it and bury my nose in it when we make love.” “We’ve never made love,” Justin giggled. “But I like the way you think.” “I’m delusional with lust,” Brian replied. “But I know that in the not too distant future, we’ll be doing just that.” “You aren’t delusional,.” Justin whispered, keeping his eyes shut. “Damn Brian you have sexy fingers.” “The other hand has even sexier moves.” “Hmmm, we have to wait six weeks or so to find out,” Justin sighed. “That’s a long time.” “I’m sure I can do one or two things one handed,” Brian smirked and Justin didn’t need to open his eyes to see the smirk; he could visualize it perfectly. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “I’d suggest Mrs. Taylor that you go home, wherever you call home. The police are interested in you, but it isn’t a big deal at the moment. They would never bother you in the US.” “I have to find out about Craig first,” Jennifer told her lawyer. They were sitting in a coffee shop near the police station. “I also need to speak with Justin.” “Please do what you have to do and do it quickly. I’ve been able to secure your release, but if they find out that you’ve shot your husband, well, I suppose we’ll deal with that if it happens.” “Jillian, you’ve been wonderful,” Jennifer said. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more than what you’ve done for me. I don’t mind taking any punishment that is necessary because I did what I had to do and frankly, I would do it again if I had to. “She smiled at Jillian, “though I might shoot him in a more painful spot than his leg.” “A great idea and he no doubt deserves it, but its not going keep you out of trouble,” Jillian smiled and patted Jennifer’s hand. “Have you checked for messages at your hotel?” she asked. “Not yet, I’m sure Justin will call. He knows where I stay, she sighed. “Of course, Craig will show up eventually, he also knows the hotel I always stay in.” “I’ll drop you at the hotel. I want you to call me if you need anything,” Jillian stood up along with Jennifer. It was time to resume her life Jennifer thought, she wondered if she would be able to.