Change of Heart - 46. Chapter 46

(The week following Daniel’s coming out.)

With less than a month at his new “Free Legal Clinic”, Jeff had been surprised at the number of people who turned out for his “Grand Opening”. Grand may have been a slight exaggeration. It actually consisted of him showing up after Flora had been at work for more than a week getting the office set up, taking calls, and answering questions for ‘walk-ins’. But, a half-dozen people were already waiting when he showed and Jeff counted that as a remarkable turnout. The local radio station KJBS had done an interview with him the week before. Jeff had been surprised when Paul suggested advertising on KBJS. Jeff insisted they give a listen right away.

After three songs and several commercials, he gave up in favor of his self-made playlists from his almost limitless collection and the wide variety available "ad-free" on his phone. He paid for a series of ads which may or may not have inspired or at least greased the wheels for the interview. The station manager, an old classmate, told Jeff he would be glad to feature his ads as public service announcements once the "tax exempt" status had been approved. That the radio station of his youth was still broadcasting and still playing "Classic" Rock and Roll gave Jeff a warm feeling inside. Just like he felt when he sat in Mr. Lenny's barber chair for the first time since his parents died, it was home.

The small group at the not so grand opening was just the few that felt a sense of urgency. Jeff was amazed at the number of people who needed legal advice and or representation that they just simply could not afford. He liked not only knowing that he was actually helping people but the variety of situations he had addressed. He and Paul had discussed how many of these very folks he might have turned away if he had to support his family on a lawyer’s unpredictable earnings. Once again Jeff expressed to his lover his gratitude to the fates for his having been born to wealthy parents.

His strangest case to date had been a homeowner who was being sued because his dog had pooped on his neighbor's lawn. Even though the man had willingly and immediately cleaned it up as soon as the neighbor voiced a complaint. The ‘neighbor' had DNA testing done. He was now suing for damages and emotional distress. Jeff admitted to himself that some people were born idiots and assholes and never recovered. Paul informed him that lots of pet owners had the pets DNA recorded even if they had an identification and owner location chip. Paul assured him Veterinary Care Clinic already provided DNA matching services. Jeff's client had contacted an attorney but the fees were prohibitive. He admitted he couldn't pay and was then advised to just pay the damages or check with his insurance provider. The client was convinced that his insurance rates would see a severe rate increase if he ever actually filed any type of claim. Jeff had a brief discussion the ‘neighbor's' attorney during which he threatened a countersuit, representing the man and his family, citing significant emotional distress for having been egregiously slandered and forced to invest time and money in dealing with, what amounted to, a baseless and frivolous lawsuit. He reminded his ‘colleague' that he and his client were prepared to fight this issue in court. He also advised his opponent that Texas did not smile kindly upon such lawsuits nor upon those who represented such clients. Jeff was almost disappointed when the lawsuit was dropped the next day.

In his new role, Jeff found himself pitted against landlord's, bosses, and sometimes just plain assholes. He was concerned that he might be a snob. But, when he shared his opinion that the bosses, landlords, et al, at this socioeconomic level of the spectrum seemed to be more callous, crude, and blatantly more greedy. Paul assured him it was still the same herd and the same predators, it was just that his old crowd of wolves had better suits, addresses, and educations.

He quickly found that he was referring the more serious cases to other “better qualified” attorneys. Jeff’s courtroom experience gave his bona fides some serious “street cred” when it came to dealing with his client’s legal opposition. Most issues were ‘settled’ without ever having been put on the court’s docket.

This morning Flora, told him he had had a phone call from Coach Stephens, at the high school. He refused to say what it was about. He had just asked that Jeff call him right away. He had left his cell phone number.

Flora was a semi-retired, highly competent legal secretary. She was just as plain-spoken as she was plain in appearance. Jeff felt lucky to have someone who was totally competent, thorough, and had a real desire to help people.

Jeff was ambivalent about calling the Coach. He looked forward to reconnecting with his former teacher, coach, and mentor. At the same time, he also felt a touch of guilt. He first decided on what he was going to say and then dialed the number.

When the man answered, Jeff didn’t hesitate, “Coach Stephens, I’m really glad you called. Let me say that I feel bad about not having contacted you already and see about getting together, at least once, since I moved back home. I hope things are going well with you.”

The man’s voice had always sounded like he had suffered some traumatic injury to his throat as a child. No one Jeff had ever met had such a deep, gravelly, voice. He smiled at the vivid memories evoked by simply hearing that voice after so many years. Those memories weren’t so pleasant while they were being created. In hindsight, they were some of the most physically demanding and yet some of his most rewarding experiences of his life. Coach had instilled in his “men” the importance of “giving it your all, winning without arrogance, and accepting defeat with dignity”. His Coach was one man who Jeff felt sure actually lived the philosophy he preached.

“Jeff, it’s good to know you’re back and your family is shaking up this town in a good way. Makes me proud to know you.”

“Well, Coach, I’m not sure what to say, except, thanks. You deserve some of the credit you know. Not just for my professional success but for just being the kind of man you are. Folks like you, being so accepting, made my decision to come out to my folks so much easier. You not only accepted my orientation but you helped me navigate those treacherous high school years. You taught me that the world and my future would not be shaped by a bunch of angry, frightened, frustrated, teenagers. I’m sorry I never really took the time to tell you how much I appreciated you and a couple other staff members at the high school. I guess we just sometimes take good people in our lives for granted and give too much attention to loud-mouthed assholes.”Coach chuckled. "Believe it or not, Adams, I've kept tabs on you. I know how successful you were in college and law school and in your practice in Chicago. There're only a handful of my students that I thought would have a serious impact beyond their immediate families and you were always on that list. It may be a little creepy but I get a vicarious thrill when one of you guys do something noteworthy. I take pride knowing that I was able to touch and guide you, in some small way, as you were growing up. That sounds a little like child molesting and that is not what I meant at all. I meant I hope I contributed something to the adult you each became."

There was an awkward pause, then the Coach continued, "Jeff, I didn't mean to bring it up this way but," Coach's voice dropped even lower and became almost… well, less gravelly. I called about child molesting. I'm being blackmailed. There's a boy here who has threatened to publicly accuse me of having had sex with him."

Coach let that sink in then asked, “Do you think I could come to your office and maybe talk a bit. I need some legal advice before I talk to the principal or the superintendent or just plain beat the shit out of that kid. I figured if you couldn’t or wouldn’t help me then you could maybe point me in the right direction.”

Jeff cut in with, “Coach, I can’t imagine you ever hitting a kid in anger. What is your status right now? Do you think you’re about to be confronted by school administration today? If you are, I should come over there right now. I can be there in ten minutes. You shouldn’t try to deal with or even respond to any accusations on your own. You have legal representation now. I don’t want you to contact or especially be alone with that kid or his friends. Unless you’ve done an about face since I last knew you, I feel sure of your innocence. To the world and especially small towns, innocence has to be proven while it’s the guilt that’s presumed. If you have to take the day off to avoid any kind of confrontation until we can get together, do it. Tell them you’re sick or a loved one died or you’re having a family emergency. Just, for god’s sake, under no circumstances mention or address the accusation.”

Jeff could hear the man release a heavy sigh. Coach answered, “I’m pretty sure I’ve got a day or two before the shit hits the fan. This is not something I really wanted to discuss over the phone and certainly not with a lawyer here in my office. Even if no one overheard, your presence would have to be explained or rumors of divorce or worse would spread like wildfire. That just might precipitate the accusations. Consulting with a lawyer after being accused of a crime, around here, means you’re absolutely guilty of something.”

“Look, I know, Paul, my husband to be, is looking forward to meeting you. I wish it could be under more pleasant circumstances. In any case, I’d like to have you and Mrs. Stephens out to dinner and to meet my future husband and our daughter. We can catch up over a nice meal, then you and I can go to my home office and discuss this matter and plan accordingly.”

Jeff noticed relief in the big man’s voice. “I’m not sure what Pamela has planned, but this is way more important. So yeah, we can have dinner with y’all. What time”? Jeff suggested six. Coach agreed, and the men said their goodbyes.

Jeff called Paul. “Hey sexy man, you busy probing some bovine’s body cavity or have you got time to talk to your future husband”?

"I always have plenty of time for you. What's up? You caught us between ranches. Dave is getting much better as my "assistant", he only threw up once today." In the background, Jeff heard Dave shout, "I did not throw up!" Then in a lower tone, he heard, "I just got a little queasy and had to step away for a bit. Some things you have to deal with, I just never saw on the home place." Then, louder Jeff heard, "I did not throw up."

“Do you two carry on like that all the time? Maybe Sam should swap out with Dave sometimes. I don’t want you two duking it out on some back road because one of you said the wrong thing. Maybe let them rotate guarding the two of us. Sam says he’s fine but I think he gets bored just sitting around with nothing physical to do.”

"No. No. We're just having fun digging at each other. It breaks up the monotony and makes the day go faster. I was only joshing about him throwing up. You know I've got payback coming. I've told you some of the pranks he's pulled. It just seemed like a good time to lob one over the net. I think I scored big time with that one." Jeff could picture Paul giving a nonchalant shrug. "Maybe you should think about putting a small gym in the basement or down the hall or something. I bet lots of folks would like to run or workout during their lunchtime." Jeff made a mental note to have Sam investigate the feasibility of a basement gym. He knew that Raymond used to like to workout during his lunch hour. Jeff smiled at the thought that the lunch hour workouts had gone away since Raymond had found his Daniel. Jeff began thinking of ways to tease his big brother about being in love.

Paul pulled Jeff from his reverie with, "So, whatcha need? Other than to hear my sexy voice." At this Paul lowered his voice to just above a whisper. "I like it when we call each other for no reason." That got Jeff's third eye's attention. With his free hand, he shifted his shaft. Then, to Jeff's dismay, Paul shifted back into his normal voice and volume, "I think Dave is about to accuse me of having IBS. I have to sometimes relieve myself after one of our ‘for no real reason' phone calls. You've told me you keep paper towels in your ensuite at the office for such untimely spills."

Jeff gave a ‘guilty as charged chuckle’. “Well, I did call for a reason. I don’t want to be one of those husbands who calls to say he has invited the boss home for dinner tonight and mentions that a big promotion hangs on how good the dinner is… but I’ve invited my old high school coach and mentor, Charles Stephens, and his wife, Pamela, for dinner tonight. Seems the Coach needs some legal advice and I thought it would be a good time for you to meet someone who had quite an impact on my development. Not only physically but mentally as well. Are you okay with dinner tonight”?

Paul answered without hesitation. “Sure, we can get Fred to feed Maria early and then he, Sam and Dave can eat at the kitchen table and we four can use the dining room.”

“That sounds like a plan, except; I told him I wanted to introduce him to my future husband and our daughter. And well, Sam, Dave and Fred are kind of like extended family. So how about we have Maria eat with the four of us. And let the guys know they have the option. Even if they eat in the kitchen I expect them to at least join us for a drink as soon as they arrive at six. As far as Maria is concerned, Coach has two kids that are probably married by now but I’m sure they would be delighted to have Maria as a dinner companion. Besides, I want to show her off. I’m proud of our little Princess.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll let Dave know he has the option of where to dine. He can coordinate with Sam and Fred. When you talk to Fred remind him not to let Maria snack too much before dinner. She’ll fixate on dessert and not want to eat anything else. He can be a bit of a pushover when it comes to our little Warrior Princess.”

“Well, I can’t fault him for that, she is a sweetheart. She comes by it naturally, takes after her Daddy, you know.”

Paul interrupted, “I probably should ask, ‘which Daddy’. Instead, I’ll take that as a compliment and just add that Maria takes a little after her mother. She has every man in her life wrapped around her little finger. That’s one reason I’m glad she spends either Saturday or Sunday night with her Grandma and Uncle Joe. I worry if she has enough feminine influence. I know Mellie sometimes takes her shopping and to the spa in Dallas”. I think it’s great that she has some ‘lady time’ even it part of it is spent wrapped in seaweed or mud or something.”

Jeff chuckled, "Speaking of being wrapped, Maria has apparently convinced Uncle Joe that he is her Grandpa. He says, it just didn't make sense to her that her Uncle could be married to her Grandma. I think it made the man feel like he was committing incest when he slept with his wife. By the way, that is not an image I want to dwell on. He seems to have adjusted nicely to his new title. But, I don't intend to test the waters on that issue. For now and in the future, he's our Uncle Joe until he specifically directs us otherwise."

“Okay, I certainly don’t want to aggravate the man. I still feel bad that Daniel and I brought back such bad memories with that Adams Family finger-snapping bullshit. Not to cut you off but we’re just pulling in at Bart Breedlove’s place. We should be home by five. That’ll give me time to clean up before dinner. I love you.”

“I love you too, Paul. Y’all be careful.”

Jeff called Fred so the man could plan accordingly. He had one more client to see before he could head out to lunch. He decided to call Raymond and see if he and Daniel wanted some company at "their" table for lunch. He was just beyond the hellos when he realized that his brother was in Los Angeles and would be for the next three days. He and Raymond had a good laugh and wished each other well and decided to have dinner together with their spouses at Raymond's ranch house on the coming Friday night. Most of their time spent in each other's company, since Jeff's return, was either at Uncle Joe's or at the diner. There had been some paperwork signings at Raymond's office but those occasions were anything but social. Both men were looking forward to just spending some relaxing time together. The idea that they should discuss their new-found ‘brotherhood' never occurred to either man. They were closer than cousins before and nothing changed but Raymond's title and his perception of Jeff were just made official. They had been brothers all along. Raymond suggested that the four of them saddle up and grab a pack horse and spend a weekend camping out. They could camp by one of the lakes and get in some swimming and fishing before it got too hot. Before they hung up Raymond encouraged Jeff to call Daniel and take him to lunch. Jeff liked the idea a lot. It had to be a good day when he could catch up with two old friends.

After he had already placed the call, it occurred to him that Daniel was likely to be speaking at some luncheon or glad-handing folks in another part of the county. The man was conducting this campaign with some serious dedication.

Once Daniel answered the phone, Jeff let him off the hook before he even invited the man to lunch. Daniel chuckled and said, "Jeff, if you'd asked me yesterday or tomorrow, I would've had to turn you down. That damn Cory has grabbed Raymond's, Alicia Baker. You know, the lady who drafted my statement when Johnson wound up dead? Well, she's now his assistant. The two of them have decided that I have to work twice as hard as any straight man just to be considered half as good. Before you called, I was actually thinking about heading home and taking a nap over my lunch break. Now, I'm suddenly hungry and looking forward to a slice of Miss Julie's pecan pie with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. As the 'invitor', you're paying so I'm warning you, as the invitee, bring extra cash cause I'm definitely having a big meal plus dessert. I can't remember when I felt such a sudden craving. Must be prospective parenthood. Oh, man! I sure as hell hope I don't experience sympathy labor pains." The two shared a laugh and agreed to meet at the diner for lunch.

Paul and Dave pulled into the Breedlove ranch and parked close to the barn. Paul knew the foreman simply as Junior. Like a lot of nicknames, Junior was a misnomer unless Senior had been a giant. Still, he was gentle with the animals and a fair boss as far as Paul knew. Junior was completing a call as he approached their SUV. "Mornin' Doc, Bart has asked that you come up to the house for a cup of coffee. Seems he's got some things he wants to talk to you about."

Paul met Dave’s eyes and nodded to indicate that all was well and whatever was to be said Paul did not feel uncomfortable. Just to reassure Dave he patted his own chest to signal that he was wearing the alarm pendant and would signal if he felt threatened. Bart Breedlove had made it clear that he was not supportive of the old Mayor’s anti-gay attitude. The man was also on Jeff’s list of City Council members to contact concerning the city permit for conducting the “Gay Us Carnival in Texas”. So to Paul, Bart’s invitation was serendipitous.

As Paul walked up to the house he rehearsed his arguments for garnering support for the carnival. His knock was answered by a man in his late fifties. Bart was wiry, with salt and pepper hair. With his thin face, sharp jaw, and dark, piercing eyes, he reminded Paul of an old black and white movie star. He just couldn't remember which one. An image of a couple kissing in the oncoming tide flashed through his mind but he knew that guy was blonde and tall and muscular. Not Bart Breedlove. Not even close. Bart's crooked smile coupled with an almost too small nose gave the man a strangely boyish expression. That nose had obviously been broken a time or two. Just in an instant, Paul could tell this was a man who folks just enjoyed being around. Back home folks would have said, ‘He wasn't movie-star handsome but that there smile of his could charm the pants off almost any girl'. Paul blurted out, "Montgomery Cliff"!

Bart stared for a moment, grinned, and extended his hand. “Actually it’s Clift, with a ‘t’ on the end. I used to get that a lot when I was younger and he was more popular. I always have considered it flattering.”

The man's grip was cowboy firm, not too harsh and not too weak. His voice was pleasant, almost soothing. His entire demeanor was affable. "Doc, I'll say my piece and let you get on with the checkups." The man's dark eyes seem to wait for Paul to agree to listen before he continued. Paul nodded.

Bart proceeded, "We both know that the old Mayor was a doddering old perverted crook. We, on the council, tolerated him because we didn't know he was crooked. At least me and Jim Stanton agree that we didn't know. I can't really speak for the others. Jim and I have been friends for… well, practically since we was in diapers. Jim's boy and mine went to the Army right out of high school together. At some point, Jim's son got discharged for being gay. Jim took it hard. I actually think that it was the discharge that bothered him the most. It was like his son had committed a crime against his country. His Daddy didn't have much to say to him when he came home to pack up his stuff and they didn't really talk except through the boy's mother. Jimmy Junior moved to California. Me and Jim talked a lot about his having a gay son. Eventually, Jim took a trip out to California and met up with his boy. They had a long talk and while things weren't the same they were pert damn good. Now, Jim's boy is married to a screenwriter and they've adopted two kids. They all see each other several times a year. The older boy is almost eleven. He'll be spending his first summer with his grandpa. Jim has already bought the boy a horse and saddle as a surprise. Even while being raised in Las Angeles, Jimmie Junior made sure his boys learned how to ride.

"Of course, we talked many times about sexual orientation over the years. We've decided that being gay or straight is just natural for some folk. Liking both is natural for others. Being gay happens in dogs and horses for sure. I've seen both. I hear it happens in most all mammal species." Paul nodded his agreement without correcting the man's word usage.

Jim's "bachelor" Uncle Bubba. That's who Jim inherited his ranch from. Uncle Bubba had a stallion that only fucked males. His Uncle didn't mind a bit. He just laughed his ass off every time that stallion got frisky. As you know, you don't keep a stud a stud unless he's exceptional and that one was. He was as fine a quarter horse as I've ever worked. He was a hard-working, beautiful, animal. With artificial insemination it didn't matter what that stallion liked to keep company with, he still made the required contributions. I've seen a different stud that Uncle Bubba's stud had mounted the day before mounting a mare in heat like it was his first fuck and he was horney enough that he'd kill if he didn't get in there pretty quick. Like I said, liking both is natural for some. Only a few of us ever knew that stud was qu.. uh, er, gay. I tried to tell one of my classmates about it. He bet me twenty bucks that I was lying. When I showed him the polaroids, it was hard to argue that the same horse that had a monster cock being shoved in his ass, had an even bigger cock swinging and leaking from under his belly. That kid paid up but I had to fight him for it. None of the Crowders had much to do with me after that. Don't matter, I still have the pictures. I only bring ‘em out now when I want to win a drinking bet. I love it when a man sees a cock he's sure to envy bein' shoved up another male's ass. Of course, the recipient's leaking cock shows how much he likes it. Had more than one young cowboy damn near puke."

Paul had noticed the more the man talked, the more distant and less focused he became. It was like he was drifting away, maybe into the past, into those memories. In a somewhat less clear and less sharp voice, the man continued, "Polaroids tend to fade. I guess I should scan them or maybe I'll just take pictures with my cellular phone. If I did that, I could win a lot of dinners at the diner and drinks down at Ray and Red's place. Of course, these days it ain't hard to fake a picture so it'll be good to have the polaroids as back up. Can't hardly fake a fading Polaroid." As he spoke his voice began to noticeably fade. By the end, he was clearly just talking to himself.

Paul was concerned. The man had started out fine. He was lucid and slowly he became less so. He wondered if the man even realized he had company?

"Bart? Mr. Breedlove? Are you alright? Should I call somebody"? It occurred to Paul to call Jim Stanton. He was reaching for his phone as he saw the man slightly but sharply shake his head. Bart Breedlove seemed to focus on Paul for the first time in several minutes. Paul could see recognition and understanding surge into the man's facial features as he again became aware of Paul's presence. Paul was still holding his phone as the man took a full measure of the situation. He glanced down at the phone and again scanned Paul's expression. Without any preamble, he burst into hearty and infectious laughter. That is, it might have been infectious if Paul hadn't been so worried.

Paul could only look on, bewildered by the man who moments ago was showing signs of early onset dementia and who was now showing signs of being totally ‘fucking demented'. Bart regained his composure, looked at Paul's expression, and again broke down into tear-filled guffaws. By the way, the man was clutching his sides he was apparently in distress. Paul felt the pain was well deserved for having worried him so needlessly. Paul decided this must be what it likes to watch a standup comedian perform in a foreign language. He hadn't a clue about what was so funny.

Paul was about to go to the barn and let Junior come deal with Bart ‘fucking' Breedlove. As he rose, the man sat up from where he had almost slid out of his chair. He wiped his cheeks with his fingertips and started to explain. "My parents thought it was a diagnosable condition. Our family doctor thought it might be a mild form of epilepsy. As a youngster, they tried me on Ritalin. Finally, a child psychologist convinced them I was normal, just not perfectly so. I tend to occasionally drift. It doesn't limit my activities or affect my driving. Although, I have driven in from town many times without remembering anything about the seventeen-mile trip.

Bart cleared his throat and continued, “My Mother used to call it my, ‘at sea time’. She said it was like I left my body here and went on a cruise and was standing on the deck and staring off into the far horizon. My Dad insisted that his Uncle was the same way and he had lived a long and happy life and had been well regarded by friends and family. My Mother didn’t agree. I was dragged from pillar to post in search of a “cure”. Eventually, Mother just got tired and learned to accept that I was ‘different’. Fortunately, my wife never thought much about it. To her, it was just the way I was. My children sometimes can become contemplative but never just drift away like I do. I don’t usually allow it to happen with strangers. They tend to think the worst. Just as you did. I’m sorry I laughed but I could see you wanting to dial 911. I..” Here he snickered like a little boy sharing his first crude, dirty joke. “I, if you could have seen the concern on your face. It was just too funny. But, trust me Doc, I’m not in any danger nor do I present a danger to anyone else.”

In spite of his understanding, Paul was offended. He felt as though he may have been set up. “Is this why you asked me to come into your home? So you could get a laugh. If it is, I don’t think it was funny and you’re wasting time I could be spending treating your animals.” That sounded a bit pretentious even to himself. That only made him more irritated.

Bart sat up even straighter and made a palms-down, placating gesture like he was trying to calm a skittish foal. "Doc, I'm truly sorry. I asked you to come up here for an entirely different reason. It had nothing to do with my personality quirks. I wanted to assure you that Jim Stanton and I are in favor of y'alls carnival idea. We have little cause these days to celebrate and I think it would do the whole town good to kick up our heels. I may not be gay but I certainly accept that it's normal. My wife's last boyfriend came out to her when she told him she loved him. It was a bad time for her. I may have had selfish motives in consoling her. But we were, I like to think, happily married for 32 years. I have always been grateful to that man who had the courage, integrity and just plain decency to let her know upfront how the cow eats cabbage, instead of leading her on and worse yet maybe marrying her only to come out years later.

"So, no. I didn't bring you up here to make a fool of you. I wanted to help you get that permit you need from the City Council." Without waiting, Bart continued, "The way Jim and I see it, Georgia is dead set against it. That's why it's not been put on the agenda. Jack Darling is on the fence. His real estate business is floundering and Georgia is teasing him into believing he will be providing the management for her two apartment complexes. It ain't much but it's the promise of steady income. Of course, Jack can't see that she's had the same folks managing those places for seven years and never once has she complained. Georgia ain't above a little deviousness to get what she wants. And poor old Jack is grabbing at straws trying to stay afloat. If y'all was to, oh, say, offer to use his firm to purchase your next two real estate acquisitions, well, that would go a long way in earning Jack's support. Especially, if you two was to make a real estate deal using his company in the next few days. With at least earnest money or a letter of intent up front. Jack ain't no fool, he knows a sure thing is better than possible pie in the sky.

Bart searched Paul's face to make sure he had the man's attention. "Jim and I have talked about you and David's boy, Jeff. Me and Jim played baseball with Joe Adams. He was a tough son of a bitch even back then. After he broke Crowder's nose for picking on Jim's little brother he became a champion for every underdog. I for one always admired him and he has my full support and will have it as long as Jim and I are able to vote and certainly while we're on the City Council."

Paul thought it was striking that that fight so many years ago should come up in two separate conversations on the same day. Then it occurred to him, “Bart, I thought Uncle Joe broke that kid’s nose because he got everybody to call him Lurch from the Adams Family TV show”?

Bart looked at Paul like ‘he’ might be suffering from some mental disorder. “Good lord. No one back then would have ever thought to tease either of the Adams boys like that. Hell, that would have been a guaranteed ass kicking. No one was that stupid or suicidal.”

Paul was aghast! "You, you mean, you mean no one ever called Uncle Joe ‘Lurch'? Even as a joke"?

Bart chuckled, "Damn Doc you are bound and determined to brighten my day, ain't you? No one. I mean no one who wanted to live well and do right ever called either of the Adams boys out of his given name. Besides David and Joe were both voted most handsome in their respective senior years. Does Joe look like he could be some gray fleshed, zombie looking, critter?

Bart became serious, "Someone has been pulling your leg. Your middle one and jerking you around with some out and out lies. Just ask Joe. He'll tell you straight. I ain't ever caught the man in no serious lie. That's more than I can say for 90 percent of the people I know well enough to call 'friend'. Lying comes as natural to men as breathing. You got to tolerate a certain amount of it. You just learn to avoid the ones that make you silently question everything they say. My take is that Joe ain't at all comfortable with lying. I'm sure he's done it. But, I bet he has a good reason for lying and probably remembers every big one he's ever told. That's about the most you can expect from any man that has a solid reputation for being 'honest'."

Paul caught his own mind drifting as he considered Bart’s revelation. He snapped his head in a double-take and focused on Bart. “I’m sure I can trust Uncle Joe. He’d never lie without a good reason.”

The two men continued their conversation as they walked to the barn and Paul completed his inspection and treatments. As he was leaving he again thanked Bart for his support and assured him he would take his advice into consideration. As they pulled into a fast food joint Paul thought about how his morning been both rewarding and revelatory. Dave asked if everything was alright. Paul assured him it was likely just low blood sugar and he would perk right up after he ate something.

Paul thought about what he had learned and decided he would wait and share the news with Jeff once they were alone that evening. It wasn’t a big lie but it was proof positive the man could lie straight-faced, at will. Paul thought for a moment and decided that pretty much everybody could do that, including himself.

Jeff and Maria greeted Paul when he came through the door. Fugly was barking and jumping up almost to Paul's knees. Apparently, Fred was working with Maria in dog training. A sharp harsh command from his mistress had Fugly sitting on his ass with his tail dusting the floor behind him. Paul was impressed. Maria showed Fugly and her Daddies the treats with which she intended to entice and reward the dog. She led him to her room as Paul got the precognitive image of his daughter, fully grown, training her new husband in much the same manner. He refused to even allow the thought to form that considered what the "treat" might then be.

Jeff and Paul shared bits of their day with each other. Soon, Jeff reminded Paul that they had company coming for dinner if he wanted to shower and change he should get busy. Paul headed to their room to do just that. Jeff followed his man into their bedroom and proceeded to undress right along with him. While they were getting nekkid, each man looked at the latest revelation of flesh with increased interest and an obvious and ever-growing reaction. Jeff pulled his lover in and had to position both cocks pointing upward to allow them to get kissing close. Jeff drew in a deep breath and said, "You know that fragrance or cologne or body whatever that Mark sold you is great. It makes your own smell that much more noticeable. It's like it frames it and focuses my nose on your smell. I wonder if you make any of the ranchers horney when they get close. If you ever notice one of them sniffing around you, back up right away. I don't share and I'd hate to kick a man's ass for doing something he couldn't rightfully resist. Right now, you're driving me wild with your smell along with a slight hint of leather and horse." Jeff emphasized his statement by rubbing his nose behind Paul's left ear. He then dragged it along his neck and began nibbling at the sensitive skin above Paul's collarbone. He grazed his teeth lightly across his lover's left nipple. He left that with a wet suck and tongue caress and lifted Paul's left arm. He moved his nose into the hairy, slightly damp pit. He inhaled deeply. As Jeff began to lick, suck and nibble at the normally hidden, hairy, skin, Paul groaned out loud and felt his knees began to fold.

To keep the sensory overload from making him cum too soon. Paul grabbed Jeff's hair and pulled his head away only far enough to attack the man's spit and sweat slicked lips. This time it was Jeff's turn to moan and get weak-kneed. Jeff broke the kiss and said, "Let's get on the bed. I'm not going to last long and I want to suck your cock and fuck your throat until we both cum."

Paul didn't respond, he just took his lover's hand and led him to the goatskin rug in front the fireplace. Paul lay down first and extended his hand and encouraged his love to lie beside him in a head to toe pattern. A position practiced by and familiar ‘two’ men long before Arabic numerals became a viable concept.

Jeff found himself torn among conflicting and equally pressing desires, wanting to consume that cock, to mercilessly fuck that throat and to drain his man’s balls until they were totally empty and could only loll around in their sack between the legs of a totally satiated man whose body he had just worshiped.

For Paul, it was no less an erotic dilemma but he felt all his immediate desires were within reach. He spat in his hand and began stroking his lover. Even as he watched close up, he was profusely salivating. That was good because he intended to take his lover's rod to the hilt on the first try. It wasn't like deep-throating Jeff would scratch an itch, it was more about feeding a sudden, intense, hunger. He spat again and stroked once more to be sure the cock was spit slick. He then impaled himself. The unique fragrance that was his man's filled his nostrils and fueled his passion.

Jeff moaned out, “Oh God!” as he felt his foreskin pulled back by the slickness that was his lover’s throat. The exposed glans sent millions of sensations through his balls and into his brain as Paul’s esophagus contracted around the only part of him that mattered. It took great determination to do anything but submit to the stimulation. But, he smothered the impulse to just irrumate his lover. ‘Another time’ he told himself. He forcefully shifted his focus and began working on the massive cock in front of his face. Focusing on the head he began to suck, caress, and tease the head using his lips and tongue. His hand stroked the velvety smooth skin that still slid so easily up and down the engorged shaft. His efforts were acknowledged by Paul’s vibrating moans sending even more sensations from his cock to his already overstimulated brain.

When the orgasm hit Jeff it felt like a hand had reached inside his cock and tried to pull his balls out of his body. It was so powerful he saw stars that faded to black so quickly he thought he had passed out. Paul's cum shot down his throat so hard he only had to half swallow to get it down.

After each man had carefully licked his lover’s cock clean, Paul finally broke the silence, “That is probably the least energetic sex we have had but ‘DAMN’ that was hot. It felt like I hadn’t cum in days and was desperate for release and I can’t recall when my cock felt so sensitive and your mouth felt so damn good. DAMN!

Jeff nodded slowly and dramatically to show his agreement. "I know, it was like I hadn't cum yesterday morning and again last night. It was fantastic. It might not have been as rambunctious as last night's drawn-out sex but it's nice to think that when we're ninety and getting around in walkers we can still enjoy sex."

Paul shook his head. “I wouldn’t bet on either of us reaching ninety. I’m not sure my old heart could last through too many encounters like that one. I can understand why some old geezers go out during sex if it feels anything like what we just did. I think that’s how I want to go when my time comes, In your embrace, with the taste of your cum on my tongue.”

“Well, I can think of worse ways to go than having sex with you but don’t expect to have anything like that etched on your tombstone. The family just wouldn’t understand.”

Paul laughed, then thought a moment, and suggested, "How about, ‘He lived in infamy but died in ecstasy'? That would address the claims of those anti-gay folks and still hint at the taste of cum part."

Jeff stood up and pulled Paul into an embrace. He stared into his lover’s eyes and said, “I get pissed anytime I think about people judging us harshly for who we love. I want people to know what a good man I was married to. I don’t want anyone to have any reason to consider you less than perfect.”

Paul’s normally self-deprecating outlook was about to object when Jeff kissed him quickly and smacked his ass sharply then dashed toward the bathroom.

The shower conversation centered on Paul’s new information concerning the City Council. They scripted out conversations that involved Raymond and Jack Darling concerning a real estate deal, even if it meant buying a property for which they had no current use.

Paul told Jeff the real story behind the ‘hurtful memories associated with the ‘finger-snap' routine. He said he had every intention of telling Daniel about how they had been hoodwinked. But, he wasn't sure if he was going to confront Uncle Joe or just let it go. Obviously, the finger-snap thing bothered him. I mean, that's why we did it. Maybe it bothered him more than we knew"? Jeff made no comment. He did, however, sport a Cheshire cat grin.

Paul thought for a moment. Jeff watched as the wheels turned. He could see it, slowly, it spread across Paul’s face... and realization dawned. “That old… Coot! He did to me and Daniel what I did to Dave while you and I were on the phone this morning. He very handily and with such ease, just ‘lobbed one over the net’ to me and Daniel. In fact, I’m almost certain he laughs his ass off every time he thinks about having pulled that over on us.”

Jeff could see the wheels spinning in his lover’s brain. Paul’s face hardened. “We can’t just start finger-snapping again. We have to get even and ahead with whatever we do. This will take some planning. This is war.”

Jeff’s reaction to his lover’s realization that their Uncle Joe was a force to be reckoned with, was to laugh hysterically. Once he calmed down, he said, “I remember how chagrined you and Daniel were when he told about being called ‘Lurch’. You guys look like you had unintentionally kicked a kitten. I bet Uncle Joe laughed his ass off after we left.” A moment of contemplation, then, “I should have known that story was a crock. He’s was all the time pulling my leg. I could never really get the better of him when it came to practical jokes. That story was just too pat.” Just know that if you need my help, I’m on your side.” Paul was touched by what that sentiment told him about Jeff’s love and his level of commitment to Paul.

Sam, Dave, and Fred had begged off having dinner with Jeff and his company. They even chose to forego the before dinner drinks. No one except Jeff knew the real purpose of the visit. He was hoping that Paul and Coach Stephens could relax and get to know each other.

When the Stephens' arrived, everything was going smoothly. Mrs. Stephens was an elementary school teacher and Maria had already met her. Not surprisingly, Maria launched into what she thought was wrong with the school in general and more specifically what could be done to discourage bullies like Melissa.

Mrs. Stephens asked wryly, “Melissa? I thought you always called her ‘baloney breath’.”

Maria pasted on her most angelic smile and clasped her hands just like the antique Angel that sat atop their Christmas tree. “Oh, No Ma’am. That only slipped out once. Mostly just once. My Daddies had me do some serious timeouts for calling Melissa out of her name. You maybe heard Billy Craddock or some other kids calling her ‘balon…’ I mean calling her bad names. Not me. I’m sure you never heard me call her that awful name.”

Before the last word left her lips Maria was excitedly changing the subject. “My dog Fugly can do tricks, wanna see”?

In spite of Jeff’s apology and admonishing Maria, Mrs. Stephens insisted on seeing the dog, ‘Fu…, the dog do his tricks’.

Jeff, Paul, and the Coach had buddied up a bit and Coach began regaling Paul with tales of Jeff’s proudest and not so proudest moments in high school. When Maria returned with Fugly walking at a perfect heel, Coach muttered, “My Gawd!” His wife was more polite and simply pointed out to Paul, “I had questioned if I heard the poor things name correctly.” Softly shaking her head she admitted, “I wish I had.” Leaning into Paul she opined, “That poor dog has a face that only a blind mother could love.”

Coach was no less direct and just as soft-spoken, "Jeff, I don't know where you all got that dog from but I sure as hell hope you notified the SPCA. That can't be allowed to happen again. That thing is neutered, isn't it?".

Paul was pretty sure that either of those two entries into the, ‘How ugly is Fugly’ contest, would most likely win a prize. He assured the Stephens that indeed Fugly was neutered.

Fred had taken his role housekeeper/manny/cook to heart. Dinner was praised by guests and family alike. Maria was thrilled that the Baked Alaska had three kinds of ice cream. Paul noted she ate well but had to be reminded to compliment Mr. Fred on the dinner. She needed no prodding to applaud dessert, which she did, literally.

When Jeff tried to lead Coach Stephens into his office the Coach balked. “Jeff, you have always been respectful and I appreciated that. But, now you’re an adult and a professional to whom I have come seeking advice. I think it’s high time you start calling me Charley and I call you Jeff. How about it?”. With that, he extended his hand, offering to shake as equals just meeting. Once the men had dropped the handshake, Charley added, “Another thing, Pamela knows what we’re going to talk about and she wants to sit in to hear what you have to say. I think it would be rude to leave Paul out. Besides, this is going to come out one way or another, pert damn quick. So why don’t we go back into your living room and see if you can help me out?”.

Jeff explained that the office would be more to his liking since this was business now. Besides he wanted to take notes and to record their conversation. He assured the Stephens that the recording was covered under lawyer/client privilege statutes.

With everyone seated at Jeff’s conference table and after Paul was assured no one needed a drink, Charley began, “Yesterday morning, I was checking to make sure that the boys had all gotten dressed and on their way to their next class. And that they hadn’t left the locker room looking like a typical fruit stand in some low-budget action flick. I came around the corner and heard someone say, “Yeah, you sucked my cock and unless you want the whole school to know about it, you’re my bitch until I say otherwise. Besides, it’s not anything you haven’t done before. When I call you, you best be ready too.” That’s when he looked up and saw me standing there. I guess I was pissed because the kid was scared at first. I just said, ‘In my office now’.

“I sent the other kid on to his next class, telling him I would be talking to him later. By the time I got to my office, the kid had done a 180 on being scared. He was cocky as shit. He’s an okay athlete and I guess he’s a fair student. He was a Boy Scout until he dropped out at the beginning of this school year. That’s according to the other kid who happens to be a senior and an Eagle Scout. Since I only Coach and teach phys ed, I really only hear about the really bad ones or the really good ones. The other kid is one of the really good ones.

“Like I said, the kid had gotten mouthy. When I told him he had earned himself two days after school detention cleaning the locker room, he laughed. He told me in no uncertain terms that some shit was going down that would shake up the whole town and if I didn’t want to be ‘flushed with the other turd’, I’d better get in line and forget what I heard in the locker room. Otherwise, I would find myself charged with ‘sexual misconduct with a minor under my direct supervision’. Those were his exact words. It struck me as odd how a kid who’s barely sixteen and a junior in high school would use language you’d only expect to hear in a courtroom or from a policeman. I guess it’s just a case of too many ‘Law and Order’ reruns.”

Charley tried to smile at Pamela. His wife took his hand and held it as he continued. “I called you, Jeff, just after I called Pamela. It was she who reminded me that you had just opened your free legal advice office. The rest you know.”

Jeff didn’t say anything for a moment, then looking up from his legal pad asked, “Did this kid strike you as being a manipulator before your run in today? Has he challenged you before when you said anything to him? Does he bully other kids? I’m just trying to get some idea as to where this kid came up with the notion that he could make such accusations and be believed.”

Charley answers described the kid as ‘just one of the crowd with no abnormal behaviors’.

Jeff, hesitated and then asked, “Coach, has he ever seen you naked or aroused? Keep in mind, early on he will be asked to describe your genitalia in some way so as to support his accusations. It doesn’t always factor into whether charges are filed but it can be damning if the description is fairly accurate.”

Coach thought for a moment, then responded, “When I first started teaching, I would sometimes shower after an especially hot practice session. But even then, I never showered until after I made sure the boys had left for home. I’m almost certain this kid has never seen me without my shirt on, much less totally naked. I’d be more than surprised if he was ever in the men’s room when I was taking a leak.”

Jeff made more notes as Charley spoke. Then, "What can you tell me about this kid's ‘home-life’? Does he have siblings that attend school? Is he an only child, being raised by a single parent, or is he a foster child or in some form of ‘loco parentis'? These things are important if we intend to challenge his lies. Keep in mind, he has yet to follow through on his threats. He may actually show up to detention and pretend everything is normal."

Coach didn't look like he thought ‘normal' was a state he would visit anytime soon. Pamela leaned in, hugged her husband close and kissed his cheek. "Jeff, maybe I can fill in a few of the blanks concerning Dennis Crowder. He was in my second-grade class." Grinning, she kissed her husband's cheek again and added, "You're always forgetting that I'm a ‘been here' and you're a ‘come here'." Turning again to Jeff, she said, "Dennis Crowder was an only child. His father was Hershel Crowder, he never married Dennis's mama. In fact, he joined the Army to get out of marrying her.

“When he came back to town, he spent a lot of his time in and out of the county jail. He never held a job long enough to pay child support. I guess Dennis’ mama never objected enough to have him arrested. I don’t know that she ever worked outside her Daddy’s house. She took care of her Daddy and her son after her mama died of breast cancer. Her Daddy worked for the Grants on their ranch he may still be working there, I’m not sure.

“For a while, she dated Sheriff Johnson. There was wedding talk but nothing ever came of it. I guess we all know now why that never panned out. Dennis never caused any trouble but he was never one to start a new game of anything. He just played along if he was invited but never was really outgoing. I was horrified when Charley told me he what he was being accused of. When he told me who his accuser was, well, I was dumbfounded. I still find it hard to reconcile that sweet little boy with the monster that is trying to destroy my husband. If I wasn't a God-fearing Christian, there's no telling what I would be doing to that, that… creature right now."

Jeff had been busy making notes as Pamela talked and was shocked to see that Paul had his phone in hand and was making a call. “Paul?”

Paul stopped looking through his contacts long enough to say, "I'm calling Gary Hines. He's a senior and an Eagle Scout. If he isn't the other boy Charlie doesn't want to name, then he can certainly shed some much-needed light on this situation. He lives close enough so he can be here in a few minutes."

Coach Stephens gawped like a freshly caught bass. Once he recovered, he sputtered, "I never told you that he… that he was ga… that he was the other boy." The look he gave Paul was one of defeat but it certainly wasn't gracious like he always challenged his men to be when they lost a game. He was not happy that Paul had recognized the young man he had decided to protect. Being gay in high school, even in your senior year can still be a nightmare for a teenager.

Within a minute or two Gary had been apprised of the discussion underway at Paul's house. Within another three minutes, he was on his way.

At this point, everyone was ready for some refreshment. Jeff had them all move to the living room where he felt they would be more comfortable. He took his legal pad but left his recorder behind. Two of them took water and two took whisky. Once Gary arrived he settled for a water but his Dad, who insisted on coming with him, had a whisky.

Gary had been unaware of Coach Stephens predicament until Paul had shared a bit on the phone and then Jeff had enlightened him further upon his arrival.

Gary stood up and took a deep breath. He sat down. He stood up again and began pacing a route about twelve feet long in front of Jeff and the Coach. Paul, Pamela, and Seth, Gary's Dad, were now sitting on the sidelines, as it were. Gary stopped and drew another deep breath. He spat out, "I'm Gay!" He looked as if he was in the process of regurgitating his supper. Another deep breath and he continued, "I guess this is my fault. Dennis is the reason I know I'm gay. He taught me… a lot. It started a couple of years ago on a Boy Scout weekend camping trip. He shared my tent. I always had a big enough tent to share and it was a different guy each time. Nothing ever happened until Dennis. I woke up and he was… and we… then more often once we were back home. He said he learned it all from an older guy.

“My folks know I’m… gay. And Doc Wilson here knows. He helped me out and gave me my job. Dennis is the only other one who knows about me… that I know of. He’s gotten kind of mean recently and he has a whole lot of spending money that he never had before. For once he gives me money for gas and pays when we go anywhere. It’s got to all be connected to Sheriff Lovan.

The last couple of weeks, Dennis has been reminding me of last summer when Sheriff Lovan, he was a Deputy back then. Anyway, Deputy Lovan went on a weekend campout as an assistant to our Scoutmaster. He said he was just there for the weekend and to provide one of the canoes. Anyway, Dennis kept bringing up that particular weekend. It was the only time that Deputy or Sheriff Lovan camped out with us. I thought it was like maybe he thought having camped out with the guy running for County Sheriff was some kind of big deal. I didn't get it. I mean he was a nice guy and all and we all had a great time, partly because he was so much fun. When I heard he had come out it was a shock. I couldn't believe it for a day or two. I guess it just finally sunk in. I mean, he's strong and fierce and fun, and, and normal… and gay. Today, I found out what Dennis has been up to.”

Gary began pacing and made only one circuit before coming to a stop in the same spot as where he started. "Dennis wants me to say that Deputy, I mean, Sheriff Lovan made me suck him on that weekend trip. Dennis is going to say he sucked him too. Dennis says we won't even have to testify in front of a judge or jury. Just talk to the police on the down low and give a statement. He says I am to remember doing him and just say it was Sheriff Lovan I was doing it to instead of Dennis. I was telling him no when you came in and caught us. I guess you know the rest."

Jeff and Paul looked at each other and in stereo said, “We need to call Daniel.”