Padrick - 5. Chapter 5

After sending an urgent message to Billy that they must meet, Paddy strolled into the warehouse and softly called;

'Hey Billy, it's me Paddy; where are you?'

'Over 'ere Paddy; over 'ere in the corner. I'se been anxious to see ya.'

'Yeah me too little man; Whatcha been up to?'

Paddy moved over and sat beside Billy who was lying comfortably on a wool bale. He was only wearing a singlet and a pair of shorts demonstrating his well-developed chest muscles; his shorts had ridden up exposing sculptured calves. Once again Paddy was entranced by the lads blond hair and piercing brown eyes. A little bit of teenage acne still showed.

It's just nutrition; if only he had better nourishment at home this lad would be a very healthy specimen. I must find a way to help the family financially.

'Nah not a lot, I'se been good and not gone searching for a fuck or a blowjob, just like you told me; getting' sick of me right hand though.'

(Laughing) It happens to all of us kiddo; even hetro guys have to masturbate to get rid of the pressure, it's something that all males, whether hetro or homo, just have to do. I honestly don’t know if women are the same.'

Billy had moved closer to Paddy who could feel the heat of the youngster's body; unmindful that the youth was still scruffy, Paddy found the closeness disconcerting.

'Paddy . . . I (softly) want you to fuck me.'

'What! (Paddy suddenly sat up) what; where did that come from? Why do you want me to fuck you?'

'I just need it, that’s all; been thinkin about it for some time now. Will ya? . . . .Please.'

'Billy, Billy, Billy, I can't do that 'cause I'd probably hurt ya. Having a cock up yer bum takes practice and time; you're just a kid and it wouldn't feel right. No, it wouldn't feel right.'

'But Paddy, what about me, I've thought of nothing else for the past few days; even with me Da in hospital I'se been thinkin about ya. What about what I want, eh?'

'Look champ, what you want and what I want ain't important; it's what the law says that we've got to consider. It's the law that says not only is it wrong for two blokes to have sex but also you can't have sex with an underage kid. You're only sixteen; you got to be eighteen before an adult can legally have sex with ya. (Billy went to interrupt) no . . . . let me finish boyo; this here's got to be said; I'm a copper and sworn to uphold the law. It's me chosen career and I don't want to do anything to jeopardise that. Now what I did before with ya was wrong on my part. Don't get me wrong; I loved having sex with ya and if'n the law weren't so heavy against us I'd like to continue . . .' (now Billy finally got a word in)

'Well why not? I mean who's to know? It's just between you'se and me; I'm not gonna tell and you're not gonna tell, so what's the problem? We'se safe here; you said yerself that this place is safe 'cause no one comes here. If'n its OK fer Simon and me to sex here, then why not you and I? I don't see any problem.'

'No I know yer don't 'cause yer just a kid and you've grown up not respecting the law; on the other hand I've sworn to uphold the law and it wouldn't be right fer me to break me oath. I knows ya can't see that champ, yer too young, but . . . but . . . . It's the way it's gotta be. I . . . I'm really sorry kiddo . . . really sorry.'

Silence, until in a choking voice Billy said,

'I reckon ya just don't want to sex wi' me; that’s it ain't it? Ya just don't like me and yer just using the law shit as an excuse to piss me off. Why don't ya just have the guts to come out and admit yer don't want to have sex with me; at least that would make more sense . . .'

'Now stop that! Stop that right now! I told ya that if the law allows us, I'd love to get off with ya; yeah and that includes fucking ya if yer wants me to, but I can't Billy, please try and understand that I can't. I want to keep being friends with you 'cause I really like ya. I want to take you under my wing, so to speak, and look out fer ya; try and keep ya outa trouble. Please believe me mate . . . I really like you; I want to be yer friend. Please try and understand mate.'

Silence; Paddy could see Billy mulling over what he'd just said. Eventually,

'Yeah, (wistfully) I guess yer right. Makes me feel better that you'se want t'be me mate. I . . . I like that. Never had a real mate before, except Simon and we'se more inta sex that being friends; (pause) ya know, fer a copper yer OK, most coppers I know are arseholes. (Looking up at Paddy) Ya mean it; ya mean ya want to be mates . . . true?'

'Yeah I do kiddo, I mean yer like a young brother I never had . . . always wanted a brother to play with, teach him stuff and, and well . . . just be cosy like.'

'Hey (laughing) I don't think me Da would like it if'n I told him me mates a cop (pause) umm . . . Paddy . . . umm . . .'

'Spit it out kiddo; what yer wanna say?'

'Only that I'm sorry I puts the hard word on ya; I were only thinking about meself so's I'm sorry fer puttin' ya on the spot like. Guess I was jest being selfish and stupid. It's only that I get real horny and need to get off; it's the same fer young Simon, he gets randy and like me does stupid things to relieve himself. (Pause) Where can we go that's safe and not full of old fatties that try and take advantage of us young'uns?'

'Well there are some places sorta like men's clubs that cater fer blokes only but ya got to be eighteen to get in. That excludes you and Simon fer the time being. Then there are the bogs[1]and of course places like the Archibald fountain, but yer gotta be real careful. The best way is eye contact. You can tell if'n a bloke wants to catch up by the look in his eyes; this is the best way, the way it usually works fer me.'

'Yeah what about you Paddy; how to you link up?'

'Well, there's the men's clubs that cater when you're older but as I jest said, eye contact is the best and safest way. Fact is I reckon I've just found a partner and we've got off. I think it looks really promising, so much so that I believe and hope it'll lead to better things. I know that this will happen to you Kiddo so don't despair; yer sex life will get better I promise.'

'Shit I hope so. I get so horny sumtimes I reckon I'se near to explode. Hey, who's the bloke yer found; does he have a name. Maybe I'se knows him.'

'Nuthin doing kiddo; I'm not gonna give his name out to anyone including you and Simon. Ya never know what problems might be caused. Fact is I don't know too much about him and that’s the way we'se gonna keep it until we gets to know each other better. Ya understand?'

'Yeah, I'm OK with that.'

With that they settled into an easy, intimate and satisfied silence.

'Billy, what about Simon? What's happening with the lad; have you been getting off with him?'

'Yeah, we've been together 'cause we needs it bad. I was gonna tell ya but I thought ya might get mad.

'No of course I'm not mad. Frankly I'm glad you are, otherwise he may be tempted to go wandering around dangerous places and either get himself hurt or charged with sodomy; no, I want you to keep helping him out sexually.'

'(Sounding concerned) I'm a bit worried; last Tuesday we met and he was really disturbed. I mean what can a kid like that do; he's condemned by the priests, condemned by his family, condemned at school and condemned by society. But still he's a human being and you know at our age we have strong sexual needs. We're not doing anything wrong; I know that, but I think he's being overwhelmed by all the nasty things people say about him . . . us. I don't know what to do Paddy.'

'I know, I know, I know . . . Jesus Billy, if I had an answer for you . . . I'd . . . well, you know.'

'Yeah . . . it sucks, don't it?'

They lay side by side for some time just relishing the camaraderie; then Billy raised himself on his elbows and looked down at Paddy.

'Hey, you should know that what's been done to poor Emilee has stirred folks up. I've been hearin' some weird stuff.'

'Yeah, it's a tragedy alright; who do ya think was responsible . . . Tilly's mob?'

'Nah (slowly), nah I don't; (becoming thoughtful) I mean if'n it were a payback fer what's happened to me da, I reckon Tilly wouldn't be so brutal. I mean . . . I know her a bit an' she ain't that sort of Sheila; she's not stupid, she's knows that it weren't in her best interest to blatantly kill someone. She ain't a killer Paddy; I promise you, she ain't a killer.'

'What if it were one of her gang members; what if someone took it upon himself to avenge yer dad?'

'Nah (forcefully) nah, Id' know it and so would the whole gang; not sumfin' that could be kept a secret; them that did it went too far by killin' the lass. I (angry) reckon it's some other bastard that’s trying to get trouble 'tween all o' us.'

'Who? Who would want t'do that?'

'I (laughing) dunno you'se the detective . . . go an' detect.'

'Hmmm (thoughtfully) are you sure Billy. . . . I mean what you're sayin' is worryin'. If'n it were another shithead tryin' to make trouble what would their motives be?'

'Doan ask me; I'se just a horny teenager who only cares when me next fuck gonna happen. I doan know nuthin'.

'But (sounding concerned) you're sure it ain't Tilly or yer Dad and I can't see anyone of Katie's mob killin' their own, so who would want the gangs at each other's throat?'

'Dunno.'

(Long pause) Well, you just told me some powerful stuff; I've got some thinkin' t'do before I pass this on. Hey, what about Simon, would he know anything?'

'Nope (assertively) he'd know less than me; y'know Paddy, he ain't too bright (pause) that’s why I worry 'bout him doin' sex things.'

'Yeah mate (getting up) I best go an' do some thinkin'; got a meeting tomorrow morning and I must pass on what you've said.'

'Hey (panicking) ya won't tell em that it were me who told will ya?'

'Nah, I promised to keep you out of it didn't I. More important t'me not to have yer name mentioned anyware. See you buddy; soon I hope.'

'Ummm Paddy . . . thanks fer the talk; it meant a lot t'me.'

***

Henrietta winced at the outburst of bad language issuing from the Premiers office. She had just placed a call to the Police Commissioner.

' . . . Bullshit! . . . . don't tell me you're working on it! I want answers, I want action, I want you and that Special Team you’ve concocted to get off yer lazy arses and fix the problem. When . . . .? . . . No! . . no more time. It's simple; we've got two serious maiming's within days of each other, leaving one victim seriously injured and one dead! . . . (Yelling) . . . Henrietta! bring me some tea! (listening) . . . I know it's not easy; that’s why I appointed you Police Commissioner . . . to get results . . . (listening). . . . Well, I don't want to hear about your problems. Teddy Asquith (Police Minister) has to get up this afternoon in Parliament and apologize for you cops who can't keep crime in check. Remember . . . well, you promised that this new group would reduce crime drastically and yet . . . No! don’t interrupt . . . would reduce crime drastically . . . Remember? Now I'm told that the whole suburbs of Woolloomooloo and Darlinghurst are on razors . . . pardon the pun . . . razors edge. Do something Tom, fuck'n do something; remember I have to call an election soon and if this problem still exists then, I can assure you that the opposition, in power, will make bloody mincemeat of you and the whole police force . . . (BANG!)'

'Thanks Henrietta, (placing tea in front of the Premier) sorry for the language but I'm getting exasperated; I know how serious this situation is over there. It can quickly get out of control and there'll be riots; and, of course, who'll they blame . . . Me!'

'I know Premier; my sister lives in Woolloomooloo and she tells me she's afraid to go out at night. One more of these cuttings and you're right; people will start to take action into their own hands.'

'Yeah you, me and all the citizens know it, but does our Police Commissioner . . . eh?'

***

Chief Inspector Miles O'Donnell looked over the assembled 'Special Squad' members and couldn't conceal his disappointment.

'The Commissioner and I have just been subjected invective from a very angry Premier. Can you guess what it's about? He's demanding to know why this elite group has done nothing to curb violence . . . NO Bill, hear me out! . . . . done nothing to disrupt crime in Razor Hurst, nor have we been able to prevent these ghastly cuttings which have left one person seriously maimed and another . . . a young girl for Christ's sake . . . dead. I want action now!'

'Miles (from Bill Delaney) we all share your and the Premiers frustration. The truth is, although we've offered plenty of incentives, we haven't been able to crack the mobs code of silence. They just aren't talking; I think their afraid . . .'

'That's (from O'Donnell) it, they're more afraid of the gang leaders than they are of us Cops. We've got to change tactics and put the fear of the devil into them. I suggest we start by making daily roundups and interrogate, interrogate, interrogate! Someone, somewhere is gonna crack. If they think we're bastards then let's show them we are bastards.'

There was an uncomfortable silence whilst everyone digested what the Chief Inspector proposed. Paddy looked at Giles who nodded encouragement.

'Um sir . . .'

'Yes Paddy; you got something to say?'

I . . . ummm . . . I met with my snitch yesterday and he told me something that has bothered me . . . ahhh . . .'

'Go on, if you got something that will help tell me . . .tell us; we're getting desperate.'

(Well here goes) 'It seems there's a certain view amongst the gangs that these cuttings have got nothing to do with the crims . . . (pause) they reckon that it's some outsiders trying to get the gangs to confront each other . . . ummm, well . . . that’s how the thinking goes.'

There was complete silence around the table as they all and individually digested this comment. Giles was the first to break the silence.

'Hey Chief . . . it does make sense. I know from talking to them that Tilly and Kate Leigh don't want anything to interfere with their business. It don't do no good to have armed conflict; I think Paddy's snitch may have something. Well, it's at least worth considering.'

I'm (O'Donnell) not sure I understand what you're implying Paddy. Are you saying that there's a third party or parties that are trying to formulate violence between the gangs for some ulterior purpose?'

'Yes Chief, that’s what the rumours are implying. Look at it this way, who's to gain advantage by encouraging violence among the gangs ; up till this point they have only been involved in Petty crime?'

No one spoke to this question ; everyone was digesting Paddy's bombshell. Although quite ridiculous there was a small possibility that maybe, just maybe there was an element of truth.

'Chief (Mary Gordon) even if true, this must be kept under wraps . . . way under wraps; imagine if the press got a hint that there was a third force involved in the unrest. It would be disastrous; for this group, the police force en mass and the Government. Nothing, and I repeat nothing, must be said about this rumour outside this room . . . OK?

'(Giles) Until it's either confirmed or discarded for lack of substance. As I see it, we have to consider Paddy's input before we go about bringing the gang members in for interrogation; doing that would only fuel the instability. Does anyone disagree with that? (a general negative nodding of heads) So the way I see it, we have to concentrate on finding some lead that we can follow to expose these maniacs.'

'Yes (O'Donnell) Giles' is right; getting any evidence to either prove or disprove this rumour is our foremost priority; any ideas?'

When no one volunteered the Chief turned to Paddy and continued,

'What do you say Paddy? Any ideas to prove or debunk what you've reported?'

'Not out of hand, but I'll make sure I have more regular meetings with my source. He brought it up with me so he's an obvious place to start . . . (oh shit, I've let on that my source is a male; well, that's OK as long as they don't get Billy's name).

(The Chief) I know I've asked you before, but are you confident that he's a reliable source? We're going out on a limb just on your say-so; I ask you again are you confident the info he gives you is reliable?'

'Yes, I am.'

(Giles) I think we all agreed that a third party, intent on destabilizing the police force and the Government, has much more of a motive than just the gangs getting even with each other. Tilly and Katie are business women; only gangland peace can bring prosperity. (Pause) I've just had a thought; my family in Dubbo knows Kate Leigh's family quite well. I know Mrs Leigh's mother is ill; I could call in to ostensibly to ask after the elder Leigh's health and maybe suss out anything that Kate Leigh or Wally knows about the rumours. What do you think Chief?'

'Do it! For the time being let's start following up on any info that might support these rumours.'

***

What's up chum? You sounded really down on the phone; come to think of it , you don't look good.'

Giles had phoned Paddy and asked to meet at a popular pub in Darlinghurst. Now Giles sat at the bar nursing a schooner[2] of beer. He had a hang-dog expression that was unlike a usually cheery Giles.

'Hey, thanks for comin' by Paddy; I'm a bit down and thought who but my best buddy would lend me his shoulder to cry on.'

'Well, (signalling for a schooner) I'm here; like I always am for you. Let's (collecting his beer) move to that table over there where we can talk privately.'

'Ok (draining his glass); you go and sit while I get meself another schooner.'

So Paddy sat down at an unoccupied table and watched Giles ordering for his beer.

Geeze look at him, those tight white jeans and blue striped shirt. The way his jeans hug his arse always gives me a shiver.

When Giles joined the table Paddy,( who'd subconsciously donned a form hugging pair of blue jeans and white T/Shirt), swallowed some beer before asking,

'So buddy, what's the long face about?'

'(A long sigh) I don't know how or where to begin Paddy (a pause; Paddy just waited for Giles to marshal his thoughts). It's me marriage, or more specifically, Linda; she's continuingly bitchy. She makes a big drama over any little thing that I do wrong; she insults me in front of Anny and Petra, she keeps accusing you of corrupting me, accuses us of having an affair, she repulses any sex overture I make, and then tells me I'm a lousy copper. I've put up with it for several months now until now; I've become emotionally exhausted. I don't know which way to turn and, more importantly, what to do to make her happy.'

Silence.

'Jesus mate, you say this has been going on for some time; it's just not a recent happening? When did the whole mess start?'

'About five months now. It were gradual, just minor things at first so's I didn't think much about it, but then her negative outbursts just grew until they've become a daily event. We're not sleeping together; I sleep on the lounge sofa.'

(Softly) Wow, no wonder yer upset. Have you asked her what's wrong?'

'Yeah heaps; she just keeps shrugging off any conversation by saying I should be a man and leaving it at that.'

I think I know what's happening here; she's found someone else and is setting Giles up to dump him; the bitch is playing games, I'm certain of it. But should I mention this to Giles? It may be too much in his fragile state.

There was a prolonged silence. Both men took advantage of the lull to drink their beers. Finally,

'Giles, I may be very, very wrong but it seems to me she may be trying to ditch you for someone else. I don't want to upset you, but it’s the only thing that makes sense out of what you've told me. Sorry.'

The colour drained from Giles's already wan features as he digested Paddy's remarks.

'You reckon she's got a lover? I . . . . I . . . . shit! That never occurred to me; surely, it can't be true.'

'Well mate, let me ask; has she been having mysterious phone calls, or going out to meetings at odd times of the day or night?'

'Ummm (slowly) . . . . ummm yes, several times the phone has rung and when I answer the other party disconnects. Then she says she's joined an evening reading club that meets every Monday and Friday nights; I have to baby sit those nights. Shit . . . (gasp) maybe you're right.'

Through his misery Giles looked at Paddy and felt a strange surge of pleasure.

I'm lucky to have such a good friend in Paddy; I feel real good with him.

'I don't want to be right, all I want is the old happy-go-lucky Giles back; I want the boy then man, I fell in love with all those years ago. Pity, it couldn't last.'

'(laughing) After all these years you still have feelings eh?'

'Yep, and you know it you bloody tease. But let's get back to your problem. I'd start to take more notice of what's happening with Linda; I 'mean you’re a detective . . . go detect. Another thing, don’t meekly agree to babysit, tell her that you have to go to work those nights when she's 'reading'; see what happens.'

(pause . . . then Paddy continued) 'How would you feel if she did leave you? Examine your feelings and work out what you want in life.'

Giles sat back and swigged another mouthful of beer. Paddy, once again was captivated by the masculinity of his friend; then he remembered that Ken was coming over tonight with the promise of more sexual escapades.

***

Driving home, Giles was thinking about Paddy's comments.

It makes sense, at least it’s the only rational explanation for her behaviour. But like Paddy said; how do I feel if she did dump me for someone else? Sure, it'd be hurtful . . . to be cuckolded, to be cheated on. I don't know, I reckon after the initial period it might be OK. We married young without playing the field. To be brutally honest, I've not had any experience with women except for Linda. But to go behind my back . . . . that sucks; and to have me mind the kids while she goes and fucks someone else makes me fuckn' angry. I'd like to get both of them in a soundproof room and beat the shit out of 'em. I'll do what Paddy suggested and start watching her every move.

What was that good feeling that swept over me when I was talking to Paddy?

***

With a final exquisite shudder, Paddy rolled off Ken and lay beside him on the bed.

'Oh man, oh man, oh man . . . that was great. My young friend, you've got the most fantastic arse hole . . . in . . . in . . . the whole world. God I needed that; you've got a bucketful of cum inside you buddy.'

I know, I know, I know; I can feel it dribbling out of me. Can you get a piece of tissue and plug me up? . . . . err , . . . thanks.'

When Ken had showed up at Paddy's flat, they all but fell into each other's arms. Although it was only five days since they last met, their need for each other had intensified and was growing stronger. They literally fled into the bedroom and attacked each other; It wasn't just lust but something deeper, much deeper.

As they lay there contentedly, Paddy decided it was time to do some serious talking.

'What are yer thinkin' Paddy; you'se gone quiet all o' a sudden?'

'Yeah (pause) yeah, I want to talk, but don't know how to start. The truth is I've been thinkn' about you; thinkn' about us. (long pause) . . . where are we going Ken? We're obviously attracted to each other but don't know too much about each other. Are we having a relationship or are we just fuck buddies?'

Silence . . . then,

'I knows where yer comin' from; been askin' meself the same question. I don’t know nuthin' about you except yer work in Insurance and have a cushy job. I'd like to know more but it don't seem necessary right now; what I do know is simply bein' with you is just as exciting as the sex. Are we havin' a relationship? (Ken raised himself up on his elbows and looked into Paddy's eyes) . . . . ummm . . . yeah I'd like that if'n that’s what yer wants that too.'

(Slowly) Yeah . . . I reckon that’s what I want too. I've got a strong attraction to ya; ever since I saw ya at the Turkish bathes my feelings have got a lot more powerful. I find I need t'be with you; not just for a screw but . . . well . . . to share yer company. Am I in love with ya? I don't know 'cause I've never been in love before (liar), but I do know you're always in me thoughts.'

Ken leaned down and covered Paddy's lips with a passionate kiss. This wasn't just any kiss; it signified the beginning of a healthy relationship between two adults. When they broke apart, Paddy looked into Ken's eyes which were shinning with passion.

'Do I make you happy Paddy? Because that's all I want now; the main focus of my life from here on is to make you happy.'

Paddy pulled Ken's face down and returned the fiery kiss and then when they broke away,

'Yeah . . . I'm happy . . . I'm very, very happy.'

They lay in each other's arms enjoying their new found relationship. Paddy was happy but then he had a pang of guilt and sighed,

'Hey, what's the sigh for; are you thinkin' evil thoughts?'

'Nah, but I'm feelin' a little guilty 'bout bein' so happy whereas me best mate is goin' through hell.'

'Want to talk about it?'

And Paddy did. He related the conversation this morning with Giles. When he was finished Ken hugged him and,

'Wow, what a bummer. I reckon you're right; she's got someone else and is setting yer mate up for the big dump . . . Poor bastard. Hey, is this the guy you've known since you were young’uns?'

'Yep, he's a real sweetie and I'm worried that if he has to take a heavy fall, it will devastate him; we go back a long way and I'd like to help but don't know how. Bloody frustrating.'

'Best ya can do is just let 'im know that yer there for 'im. Keep in touch, like try an' talk to 'im every day if'n that’s possible. I reckon, if'n I was in the same situation I'd like to think that me best mate had me back; tell 'im Paddy,'

'Yep, you're right; thanks I'll do that. If only I could find out what the bitch is doin' behind his back. You know, I never liked her and it became obvious it was mutual. When they got married I had a strange hunch that something wasn't right; she just gave off negative vibes. I knew her from secondary school; she had a procession of boyfriends that she always jilted after a short time.'

There was silence as each boy became lost in his own thoughts; eventually Paddy let his hand wander down Ken's muscled stomach and was rewarded with a stiff cock,

'Hey lover boy, I'd appreciate me if you'd fuck my brains out.'

'My little master down there is getting' all wet an' juicy; he wants to feel warm so get on yer back and say hello to the boss.'

With his heart bursting Paddy positioned himself so Ken could enter his body. Now that they had acknowledged each other as lovers their intimacy had more meaning; this became an act of giving, one to the other culminating in an explosion of juice. Ken kept pumping his semen into Paddy until the supply was exhausted. As with before Ken got a tissue and plugged Paddy so the spunk would not ooze out. Happy and satiated, Paddy hugged Ken closely.

They stayed that way all night, except for the frequent episodes of physical need that kept both awake until the early hours of the morning.