A Ticklish Thriller - 6. Trouble On The Horizon

Mikey, Dakota, Adam, & Jai

After everyone left, the four men tried to settle down, and get as much sleep as they could. Mikey’s sleep, was now untroubled. Mostly, thanks to Dakota, holding him the rest of the night. The next morning, the brunette’s internal clock woke him, two hours before his alarm clock. Mikey gasped, at the sight of Dakota’s olive skin bathed in the soft moonlight. He was so beautiful. The scars from his ordeal, were highlighted in the pale light. Mikey couldn’t contain his tears. In his eyes, Dakota was the most gorgeous man in existence. It was like, an angel was created, and sent to earth just for him. The next thing he thought about, was how to get out of bed, without waking his sleeping Adonis. Snickering, the young man got a cute idea, and decided to try it. Using a feather light touch, Mikey stroked his fingertip, along the edge of Dakota’s open armpit. Hearing his boyfriend’s sleepy giggles, made the brunette chuckle. Still asleep, he quickly pulled his arm back. “I’ll have to remember that trick, for the future.” Mikey thought to himself. He leaned over, and gently kissed his slumbering boyfriend. After stretching, he went to the kitchen started the coffee, and headed back to the bedroom. The brunette walked into the closet, and got dressed for his morning run.

“You’re one person, I never thought I’d see in the closet.”

Mikey was so startled by Dakota’s voice, that he yelped, and dropped his running shoes. “Well, I’d be able to come out of the closet, if you weren’t blocking the door. The two men chuckled. Then shared a loving embrace, and warm soft kiss. “You scared me, you big meanie.” Mikey tried his best to pout, but found it difficult with Dakota’s fingers lightly tickling his lower back. “No fair tickling me to avoid seeing my hypnotic pout.” The younger man’s boyish giggling filled the closet, and made his boyfriend smile.

“You’re going for a run, alone?” Dakota asked. “Let me rephrase that. You’re not, going for a run, alone.”

“I was planning on it.” Mikey buried his head in his boyfriend’s muscular chest. The strong heartbeat, filled the brunette with warmth, and joy. “Kota, you’re the most gorgeous man, I’ve met. I wish you could’ve seen the way your body glowed in the soft moonlight. You have the perfect balance, of strength, and gentleness.”

“Don’t even try distracting me.” Dakota softly chuckled, and held Mikey. “I’m nowhere near, as gorgeous as you. You’re my little angel boy. Last night, I was continuously breathless, because of your complete innocence, and vulnerability. You were so adorable, sleeping in my lap, sucking your thumb.”

Mikey blushed, and hung his head. “Please, tell me I didn’t do that. You heard about it from my brothers. Didn’t you?”

Dakota softly chuckled, and kissed his mate’s head. “Nope, you were my sweet, sleeping angel. I loved it, I couldn’t stop tearing up from the love that constantly flowed from your heart to mine. Even in your sleep, we were bonding. There was no doubt in my heart, I want to be with you, as long as I’m alive.”

Mikey wiped his tears, stood on the balls of his sock clad feet, and kissed Dakota’s tear streaked cheek. “I love you, my brave warrior.”

Being called a brave warrior, filled the half Cherokee, with an overflowing amount of happiness, and pride. A big smile, adorned his face, as he wrapped his arms around Mikey’s waist, and lifted him off the floor in a bear hug. “I love you too, my angel.”

“C’mon heap big warrior, it’s time to go for that run. I hope you’re in shape, and can keep up with me. I don’t stop, or wait up. That’s why Adam, and Jai don’t run with me. They tried, and ended up coming back before I was even half way through.” Mikey chuckled, smacked Dakota’s ass, then ran out the closet door, with his shoes in hand.

“You’d better hope I don’t catch you.” Dakota threatened, as he chased after the playful, childlike brunette.

“God, even this early in the morning, these two are adorable.” Adam and Jai sat at the kitchen table, smiling, as they watched the giggling couple come running from the bedroom.

“Help! I’m being Mikeynapped.” Mikey started squirming, when Dakota’s arm wrapped around his waist, and lifted him over the strong shoulder. His boyish squeals and laughter rang out, as the cop’s fingers kneaded, and dug into his sides. “I give. Uncle, Uncle.” Mikey squeaked out, after a minute of Dakota’s tickle attack.

Dakota chuckled, and set his boyfriend back on the floor. He walked over, giving his new brothers, a hug and kiss. “Thank you, for being here last night. It really helped keep Mikey together, and gave me the chance to bond with you two. I’m not just saying this, I feel it in my heart. Adam, and Jai, the two of you, are my brothers, and I’m excited about meeting everyone else. I’m really looking forward, to spending time with Lance, and getting to know him too.”

The older man paused, then turned to Mikey. “Babe, I’d like you to come over this evening, and meet my parents. I… I have to explain something first. They’re not alive. My parents died, a couple years ago. I keep their urns, and wedding photo on my meditation altar.” Dakota took a deep breath, and wiped his tears. He was about to continue, when he suddenly felt three pairs of arms, wrap around him. “I’m not crazy, or delusional. I still talk to them, as if they’re alive. That’s another reason some of the guys don’t stick around. They don’t understand how comforting it is, to have a spiritual conversation, and connection with deceased loved ones.” Dakota’s eyes filled with tears.

Mikey gently placed his hand under Dakota’s chin, and lifted it. “I’d be honored to meet your parents. They must be incredibly amazing people, to have raised such a loving, and gentle soul. I can’t speak for anyone else. I think it’s healthy, you still maintain a type of normal conversation, with your parent’s spirits. Dakota, you’re a very special man. I’m proud to share your life, and heart.” Mikey’s statement, was accompanied by his brothers nodding, and kissing Dakota’s cheeks.

“I love you Mikey. I love all three of you. It’s been very lonely, having no relatives.” Dakota sniffled, and laid his head on Mikey’s forehead.

“Bro, you’ve got a family, and relatives. All you have to do, is love, and accept the blended Carter/Knight families. We’ll always have your back, come hell or high water.” Jai chuckled, when he saw the look everyone gave him, because of his comment.

“Babe, come hell or high water. Really, you went there?” That was enough for everyone to start laughing like hyena’s. “Okay, I think you two should get to your run, while my corny husband, and I make breakfast.” Adam suddenly found himself, in the middle of a very ticklish situation. He was tackled, and his bare feet trapped by Jai. Who, slowly drew lines, up and down the center of Adam’s wriggling soles. “Okay, not corny, not corny.” The twenty-five year old screeched, between his wild cackling.

Mikey, Dakota, and Jai’s laughter blended with Adam’s. “Thanks guys, we’ll be back in about an hour, or so.” Mikey giggled, and kissed his two brothers. Then, he and Dakota headed out the door.

Lance

Morning came all too soon for the twenty year old. Lance had been on edge, and wasn’t able to get a good night’s sleep. First, his Dad calls about finding Sean. Then, he’s asked about what car, or cars Janice owns, and is told about what she did to Mikey. The college student was still thanking God, the cops arrested the bitch, before he could get his hands on her. Although, his call to Mikey gave him some comfort. Lance’s sleep was short, and sporadic. Sitting on the edge of his bed, the young man yawned, and stretched. His next chore, wasn’t something he was looking forward to.

Opening his bedside table’s drawer, Lance retrieved his address book, and looked up the number for Sean’s parents. Taking his phone off the charger, he started dialing. “Hello,! This is Lance Knight, I’m, or was Sean’s friend, and roommate. May I please, speak with Mr, and Mrs. Whirley? Thank you…” Lance stood up, and went to the kitchen, and started a pot of coffee. “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Whirley, it’s Lance. I’m sorry to be calling so early. I just wanted to extend my sympathy and condolences for your loss…. Thank you for that, we were very close. He was, like another brother to me, and a fixture at our family gatherings…. I was calling to ask when you’ll be arriving, and if I can be of any help in the funeral arrangements. My brother, Mikey, was also very close to Sean. I know he’d love to help, any way he can. My other family members would love to help as well…..” Lance almost dropped his phone, when he heard the response. “I’m sorry, and I know people grieve in their own way. However, we’re talking about your only Son’s funeral…… Yes, I understand the circle of life, but this was a loving, breathing boy….. Yes, winning non refundable tickets, for a cruise to the Bahama’s, would normally be a great opportunity, but….. Wouldn’t you like to be involved with the arrangements, and be present to say goodbye to Sean? I see… Well, thank you for your time. My family and I will take care of giving Sean the remembrance he deserves. I wish you an uneventful cruise.”

After ending the call, Lance threw his phone on the couch, in frustration. “May you be swept overboard by a giant wave, and accept the dinner invitation from a couple of great white sharks. I’m sure it’d be a meal to die for, you uncaring bastards.” Lance said to himself. He poured a cup of coffee, then went to take a shower, and attempt looking somewhat presentable for Mikey. After his shower, Lance picked up his phone. He began calling his, and Sean’s professors. Another thirty or forty minutes later, Lance called his Mom, and told her about his call with the Whirley’s. He had to hold the phone away from his ear, when she started yelling about their hearts of ice. They shared a laugh, over saying the same thing about accepting a dinner invitation from sharks.

The phone rang just as Lance was about to do some light cleaning. He recognized Janice’s number, and decided to let the machine get it.

“You fucking, Goddamned, bastard. If you think your bullshit legal actions will keep me from destroying you, by hurting that f***** brother of yours, think again. Enjoy having him around, while you can. He will die, at my hands.”

Janice’s cold voice, and threat sent ice through Lance’s veins. The young man started shaking, and violently sobbing. He was overwhelmed, with anger. He was also concerned, and feared for Mikey’s safety. Lance picked up the cell phone, and started dialing. His first call was to Papa Bryan.

Bryan Carter

Bryan Adams Carter, kissed his husband, and left for his office. He, and Max spent most of the previous evening, on conference calls between Janice’s father, and the Knights. Harry Banks attempted to calm the other three parents. He assured them, he wouldn’t block any legal repercussions Janice would be facing for her indefensible actions.

The Councilman, pulled into the building’s parking garage. He parked in his designated spot, and was getting out of his Cadillac Escalade, when his phone started ringing. He quickly glanced at the number before answering. “Lance, you’re up early son. How are you dealing with Sean’s death, so far? I know baby boy, he was such a great kid. We’ll definitely miss him….. They aren’t coming….. How can those bastards even call themselves parents, that’s despicable…..” Bryan started breaking up with laughter, when Lance told him about the shark comment, and how Pam said the same thing. “I’m sure I don’t have to ask, but is Mikey gonna be over there? Good, you really shouldn’t be alone too much right now…. What? I don’t fucking believe….. Lance, I want you to please, take that tape out of the machine, right this minute. Make sure, you get it to your Dad. Son, can you take the message from the tape, and create an mp3 file? You can… Great, please, do that. Send a copy to Papa Max, your Mom, and your Dad. I’d also like a copy as well…… Thank you for calling me, I’ll be in touch with you soon…. I love you too, kiddo. Stay strong, and watch your back. Keep your gun within reach, until everything dies down…..”

Bryan placed the phone in his jacket pocket, then rushed to his office. Once he sat down, the forty-five year old, placed the cell phone on his desk, so he’d know when Lance’s file came through. Then, after taking a minute to compose himself, Bryan picked up his desk phone. First, he called his husband, Max. After placing him on hold, the Councilman called Tony, and Pam. While on the conference call, the two sets of parents received the file at the same time. A couple minutes later, the line was filled with a symphony of gasps, and declarations of disbelief. The men erupted with uncontrollable laughter, when Pam said the bitch was lucky she was a law abiding citizen, and didn’t believe in poppin’ a cap in the skank’s ass.

Mikey

Once everyone had breakfast, Mikey’s brothers, and boyfriend wouldn’t leave, until they had his solemn promise to be careful, and that he’d call if he needed them. The brunette looked at the clock, and knew he had four hours before he had to leave for work. Mikey started cleaning up the kitchen, and straightening up the used bedrooms. He stripped the bed linens, threw them in front of the washing machine, and went to take a shower. Mikey gathered a towel, wash cloth, his phone, a pair of green bikini briefs, and placed them on the bathroom shelf.

Just when he was about to run the water, the lights suddenly went out. Quickly, Mikey grabbed his phone, he slipped on his bikini briefs, and stepped into his slippers. The brunette cautiously, tiptoed to the bedside table, opened the drawer, and retrieved his Beretta. After making sure it was loaded, Mikey took the safety off, and held the gun, so it’s barrel faced the floor. Slowly, Mikey crept along the wall, going through the house. After he’d checked every room, the lights came back on, and he started to calm down. “I’m probably just worked up over nothing.” Mikey thought to himself. The young man walked through the living room, when he caught sight of something being hurled at the bay window. Mikey yelped in shock. He managed to duck, right as a brick shattered the glass, and sailed just above his head. Carefully, the brunette approached the brick, and gasped. He saw the words “DIE F*****” written in black marker. Gathering his thoughts, Mikey went to the kitchen, got a ziplock bag, slipped it on the brick, and sealed the opening.

He was about to call Dakota, when his phone rang. “H...Hello!….” Mikey paused to take a deep breath, and compose himself. “Lance…. baby bro what’s wrong? Sean’s death got you worked up again?” The brunette tried his best not to sound so freaked out. He wanted, and needed to be strong for Lance. “Calm down kiddo, I’m fine, I just lost my balance for a moment. I was about to take a shower, and slipped on a wet spot on the floor…. She did what? And, you called Dad… The parents must be on a conference call with each other, otherwise I’d have gotten a call by now…. No, I’m not upset you called Dad. Dakota’s already told me I needed to get my head out of my ass, and let the family help, and protect me…. I promise, I’ll be careful… I’ll see you in a few hours….I love you, baby bro.”

Mikey’s next call, was to see about getting his window replaced. His luck was holding out, the repairman was able to make an assessment in the next half hour. Shaking his head, Mikey took the brick with him to the bedroom. He put the safety on, and put the gun back in the drawer. Walking in the bathroom, Mikey took a quick shower, got dressed, and went to clean up the glass. Before leaving the room, he picked up the brick, and took it to his Ford Explorer. Some kind of winter mix was expected sometime that day. Luck, was still on Mikey’s side. It turned out, the repair man was able to get the window fixed by the afternoon, or early evening. Once he’d payed for the repair, and gave the worker a generous tip, Mikey began cleaning up the shattered glass on the floor. By the time he finished, Mikey had to leave for the library, and he’d completely forgot about calling Dakota. He quickly taped a piece of cardboard to the window, locked up, and drove away.

Mikey got out of the Explorer, locked the door, and jogged to the library entrance. He swore, the temperature dropped from the time he left to now, and that was only about fifteen minutes. He was about to put the key in the door, when he saw a note with the same words as the brick written on it. Closing his eyes, and shaking his head in frustration, Mikey jogged back to the truck, retrieved the baggie. Then, using his gloves, he slipped the note in with the brick, sealed it, and placed it back in the truck. Finally, he got inside the building, and began his opening duties. Time flew so quickly, when he checked his watch, it was time to open. Mikey had plenty of time between patrons, to finish planning for the kids reading time, later that week. When he looked at the clock again, Helen was walking through the door.

“Hey Mikey, how’s it been?” Helen asked as she removed her coat. She gave the younger man a motherly kiss on the cheek, and hug.

“Not too bad, so far. Hey, I’ve got to leave, after you’ve settled in some. Sean, Lance’s roommate went missing yesterday, and they found his body last night. So, I told Lance, I’d be over after you got in. I also might have to leave throughout the day, if Lance needs me.”

“Oh, my goodness. Sean was the young man they found naked on the news building’s steps.” Helen started wiping her tears. “That poor, sweet soul. Come to think of it, didn’t he used to come in here, and have lunch with you?”

“Yeah, he did. He became like another little brother to me this past year. I’m really gonna miss him.” Mikey and Helen shared another hug, then waited on a few people.

“I don’t mean to bring up something like this right now, but have you seen your Explorer, since you opened?” Helen quietly asked.

“What do you mean?” Mikey hurriedly, walked to the door, and looked at his truck. There on the side, was spray painted the same message as the brick, and note. “I don’t fucking believe this.” Mikey fumed, then cringed. “Sorry for the language, Helen.”

“No problem, son. I said a couple choice words too, when I saw it. At least you park where there are cameras. We can see who did that.”

“I have a feeling, I know who did it.” Mikey sighed, and accepted another hug from Helen. “Thanks for telling me, before I got out there. I’ve really got to go to Lance’s. I just hope he doesn’t see the Explorer.” I’ll have my cell on me, call if you need anything.” Mikey grabbed his coat, and gloves, then walked out the door.

Mikey pulled out of the parking lot, and started for Lance’s apartment. He’d just turned onto the last road before the apartment complex. The road he was on, had a long, steep hill that ended, with a very sharp turn. Mikey drove carefully, and had just come to the hill. The brunette tried hitting his brakes, but nothing happened. The truck’s speed continued to increase, and Mikey was having a hard time keeping the Explorer in his lane. His anxiety and panic was rising, as he sped towards the sharp turn.

Well, that was an exciting chapter. Umm, oh, look at the pretty clouds. I'm gonna go hide from everyone, until the next chapter. 
As always, thanks for reading, and I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Please continue to react, and leave comments.
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