Re-Education - 3. Chapter 3

Due to our dinner plans, we were only at the farm long enough to change into clothes that were more appropriate for visiting the work site. When we got there, I was amazed at the progress. Even though we’d been getting updates almost daily, a verbal update didn’t prepare me for what we found. The streets, parking areas, and sidewalks were all completed; there was even grass in all of the green spaces. I had expected this because on our last visit, they were doing all the prep work for the concrete and pavement, and we’d been lucky with the weather. The most surprising aspect was the completion of all the building exteriors. A driving tour might have convinced us that we were ready to begin operations immediately.

When we parked, Alan, the architect, welcomed us. After giving Josh a brief update on progress, he led us on a tour of the interiors of the various buildings. I was disheartened by the massive volume of work still required. There was no drywall visible; instead, the skeletons of walls filled the space, with wires running to service the various workstations. Dozens of pipes were also in place for the many public restrooms, private bathrooms, and kitchens. Seeing my mood, Josh quickly reassured me that we were well ahead of schedule and, barring a disaster, we would be able to start operations sometime in December.

“You’re telling me that everything will be ready in six weeks? All I saw were metal studs with wires and pipes sticking out everywhere,” I said skeptically.

“If we were using human workers, I would say twelve weeks, My Lord,” Josh replied. “Our vampire crews work seventy-hour shifts, so it only takes three days for them to do what an equal number of humans would take more than a week. I am confident that, if we return next Saturday, all of the drywall will be finished, as well as part of the flooring.”

“Joshua is correct, My Lord. Personally, I feel his estimate of six weeks is overly cautious,” Alan added. “I would be willing to bet that we are ready for a punch list the Monday after Thanksgiving.”

“Punch list?” Billy asked.

Jake explained, “A punch list is a list of issues found on the inspection just prior to the final inspection. Several of the foremen walk around the project testing the plumbing and electrical equipment, examining the fit and finish, and looking for any little imperfection. Any problem they find is put on a list, and then a team of tradesmen fixes each of these issues. Hopefully, this means that the final inspection finds everything in perfect condition and ready for occupancy.”

“Sounds like the pre-delivery inspection Dad’s guys do at the dealerships to make sure the car is perfect before the customer drives away,” Scott observed.

“A very good analogy, My Lord,” Alan said with a nod.

“Are these punch lists typically long?” I asked.

“That depends on the craftsmen used in a project, My Lord,” Josh replied. “Dad’s crews took pride in having a short punch list, and we would even pay a bonus if the punch list was blank.”

“Have you worked with many of these vampires in the past, Alan?” I asked, beginning to form a plan.

“Of the two hundred involved in this project, I have worked with just over half, at some time or another in the past hundred years, My Lord,” Alan said, then added, “Surprisingly, five of the steelworkers were in the employ of David Jackson.”

“And based on your past experience with these vampires, how long a punch list do you expect?” I asked, looking at Alan.

“Considering the size of this project, I would typically expect a punch list of over twenty pages once it’s typed up and consolidated.” He paused to think, then added, “I must say, with the pride these vampires have put into this project, I would expect it to be much shorter, My Lord.”

“Forgive me, Alan, but I’m still trying to understand how the work week works with vampires,” Chris asked. “You said they work seventy-two-hour shifts? How does that work?”

“A typical human crew would work eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, for a total of forty hours a week, but the most are happy to work ten hours a day, with Saturdays optional, with all hours over forty being paid time-and-a-half,” Alan explained, looking around to make sure we all understood. “Because we don’t tire as easily as humans, an all-vampire crew is usually more than willing to work seventy-two-hour shifts, with meals and breaks built into that; they then take four days off. One crew works Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, while the second crew works Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Sundays are off days for both crews. Of course, we pay overtime for all hours over forty.”

“You’ll forgive me for saying this, Alan, but it seems to me that this is much more expensive than the typical forty to fifty-hour week that humans use,” Brian observed.

“It is, My Lord, but as you see, we’ll have this entire project completed in one-quarter of the time it would take that human crew. On this project, Mr. Jackson,” Alan nodded toward Josh, “indicated that speed outweighed the cost.”

“I appreciate the respect, Alan, but I am not officially part of His Lordship’s Staff. Feel free to call me Brian. As to your statement, I understand what you’re saying, and you are correct. The extra wages are worth having this project finished quickly,” Brian said, trying to reassure Alan. “I was asking about the viability of using this on other commercial projects. I hope you didn’t take my asking as a criticism.”

“With respect, My Lord, official or not, you are part of Baron Fowler’s staff, and I took no offense at your inquiry. If you are considering doing commercial projects for hire, we would work with the vampire crews and let them set their own hours, still getting more work done in less time than similar-sized human crews. The nicest part of having an all-vampire crew is the workers can actually lift what they can lift, rather than sandbagging, as it were, to hide their true nature from their human coworkers.”

“As we discussed, this project is an experiment, Alan. An experiment that I am confident will succeed. I would like you to poll your workers and determine how many would be willing to travel, possibly to another part of the country, to build a similar project as soon as we can discuss this with Prince George,” I said. “In fact, I am so certain of success, I would personally fund such a project if the prince is hesitant to do so.”

Alan asked. “Forgive me, My Lord, but may I ask for a bit more information?” When I nodded, he asked, “Let’s assume that this is a success. I’m willing to work with that assumption because I, like you, feel certain that it will be. That said, how many more of these do you see?”

I turned to Billy and asked, “There are fifty-four baronies in North America?”

“That is correct, My Lord,” Billy replied.

I thought for a moment, then said, “Then I would say between forty and fifty. I say that because a project like this isn’t practical in the more metropolitan areas, so I envision several baronies combining their efforts and building a larger facility to serve their combined needs.”

“So, if this grows to fulfill your vision, these vampire crews could possibly stay together, travel all over North America, and be guaranteed work for the next several years?” Alan asked.

“I can’t say that, Alan. Based on your work here, we might expect to complete three each year, meaning it would take thirteen years to complete all of them. If we succeed here, it would be unfair to ask others to wait that long for a similar project in their barony. How long we can keep this group working will depend on too many variables for me to say more than…” I thought for a moment, “I would say two years, for sure. Beyond that, it would depend on how many similar crews we could gather. Of course, all of this depends on Prince George’s willingness to fund such a large-scale project and how well it is received by the community.”

“My Lord, if I may?” Billy asked when I paused. I nodded, so he said, “Might I suggest we phone Prince George?”

“And why would I bother him twice in twenty-four hours, William?” I asked, keeping things formal.

“I would suggest we should meet with Barons Concord, Manhattan, and Queens, My Lord,” Billy said. When I didn’t reply, he continued, “We could explain this project to them and see if they have any interest in doing something similar. We would, of course, include Viscount Manhattan and Baron Pittsburgh in this conversation, as eastern Pennsylvania or western Connecticut would be possible locations for a combined project for Manhattan and Queens, as both locations are in Baron Pittsburgh’s area.”

I looked around to see all of my advisors nodding, so I gave Billy a nod and pulled out my phone. After a short conversation with George, I had his approval to approach these other nobles and explain our plans. I had Billy make the calls, and an hour later, I had meetings scheduled for the following weekend in New York City and Concord, New Hampshire. Baron Concord was very interested, and the New York barons were intrigued, but Viscount Manhattan, a man I had met in Los Angeles, seemed skeptical at best.

“I will need a reply from your crews by Wednesday, Alan. As I said, I will guarantee at least one more project beginning in the spring. If none of these barons are interested, I will work my way south until I find one who will work with us.” I looked around and had a thought. “I’ll need a set of your construction drawings, along with several dozen photographs of the exteriors and any interiors that are complete enough to help us sell our idea.”

Alan gave a slight bow and said, “I will meet with this crew on their next meal break, My Lord, and start taking the pictures. I should have everything you’ve asked for by the end of the day on Monday. Should I deliver them to Baronet Warnick’s home?”

“No need to do that, Alan. I’ll come back up Monday evening,” Josh said. “I’d like to stay and talk with your crew this afternoon, and I can meet with the other crew on Tuesday.”

“I’d like to come with you today, Josh,” Jake said.

“If you don’t mind, Alan, I’d like to stay this afternoon as well,” Brian said. “Please don’t think I’m looking for anything improper, but I’d like to review the books. Having those numbers available will help me compare material pricing when we’re estimating the cost of other projects.”

“Of course, My Lords, we can accommodate all your requests. My crews would be honored to have you join them for their evening meal,” Alan said with a smile.

“I would love to meet your crew as well, Alan. Unfortunately, I already have plans to dine with Baron Pittsburgh this evening, or all of us would stay to thank everyone for their hard work,” I said, wishing I could reschedule the dinner.

“They’re thrilled to know you’ve taken such an interest in this project, My Lord. We have vampires working here who helped build The Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower, and a stone mason who helped with The Tower of London. All of them have said that this project eclipses those jobs due to what it is and what it will mean to the community,” Alan said, shocking all of us.

Humbled, I said, “We are honored to have such skilled craftsmen working on our project, Alan. Please try to introduce me to these men on my next visit. If you’ll forgive me, we need to be going. Baron Pittsburgh might take offense if we show up late,” I grinned.

Josh, Jake, and Brian followed Alan back into the trailer that served as an office for the project, while Scott, Billy, and I joined Tommy in the Denali for the trip to the farm. As soon as the doors were closed, Billy started giggling.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“Did you just use a royal ‘we’?” Billy asked between giggles.

Shocked, I looked at Scott. “I meant we, as in our group, all of us. Did it come across wrong?”

Scott shrugged and tried to say that Alan understood what I meant, but his giggles said more than his words. I was getting too comfortable with everyone bowing to me and calling me ‘My Lord.’ I didn’t want to become one of those nobles who seemed untouchable, who acted like they were better than those they served. At that moment, I swore I would never let myself forget that whatever my role in the future, my responsibility was to serve the vampires under my care. I vowed to always remember that, but for a few twists of fate, I could be the one digging the ditches, and those who did that work were as good as me, if not better.

My first opportunity to act on this vow came sooner than I expected. When we got to the farm, James, Donna, and Charlie were sitting down for dinner. When I asked where Jenny was, James explained that she chose to eat her meal with the security team in the kitchen, after the family ate. I held my tongue, as this was technically James’ house, but I wasn’t happy. I resolved to find a workable solution that wouldn’t offend James. We had some time, so we sat and talked with them while they ate. I resisted the urge to help feed Charlie because Donna seemed to be enjoying it.

“James, as much as I hate discussing business at a meal, would you allow me to discuss two issues? Please, if you hate doing it as much as I do, say no,” I asked. Then added, “We can find time when we return from downtown if we need to.”

With a smile, James replied, "You and I are polar opposites on that issue, Greg. I’ve always thought that discussing business over a meal made for a much more relaxed conversation. People will say things at a dinner table that they’re afraid to say at a conference table.”

I made a mental note to consider that point of view, then said, “First, I’d like to ask why you gave Scott and me all that money and the businesses. Not that we’re not grateful, but as a baron, all our needs will be met by the government of Dracul. We have no need of an outside income.”

“You’re right about Dracul taking care of you, Greg. In fact, I just had an argument with George about this very issue,” James said with a laugh. My shock must have been obvious because he explained, “George asked me to send him a bill for rent and food so Dracul could reimburse me for caring for you until you are seated. I politely told him that I would feed my sons until they lived on their own. We finally agreed on a compromise, and, no offense, but the details of that compromise are none of your business.”

“I won’t ask, nor will I argue with you over small details like that,” I said, then grinned, “but you nicely avoided answering my question. You knew or strongly suspected that I would be a baron. Why did you give us what you did?”

In answer, James simply raised his hand and pointed at Charlie. “I knew, or at least I hoped, that you and Scott would adopt or find a surrogate or somehow provide us with grandchildren. As a baron, Dracul will only provide for your children until they reach the age of majority, which with vampires is the age of eight. By having your own outside incomes, you’re able to provide Charlie and any future children a good start in life.”

I slowly nodded as I asked, “So you have businesses that are owned by the baronetcy and ones that you personally own?”

“I do, as do most nobles. But you need to understand, the baronetcy not only owns businesses, but homes and apartment buildings,” James explained. “The Nation of Dracul provides housing for vampires who haven’t lived long enough to accumulate the money to own property. I think the last time I saw the numbers, one-third of the vampires in western Pennsylvania lived in Dracul-owned housing. We ask that those who can, pay a fair rent, but we’re rather generous in defining what is fair and what qualifies as an ability to pay.”

“So, the Nation of Dracul is actually more like a medieval feudal society than I thought,” I observed, thinking this through. “Based on that, am I to assume that you provide help with employment as well? And that these businesses owned by the baronetcy quietly give preference to vampires?”

“Not quietly, Greg,” James said with a smile.” Remember, the governments around the world, at the highest levels, are aware of our existence. Dracul-owned businesses are exempt from discrimination regulations. We don’t advertise for employees in public, and the occasional human who walks in to apply is told we’re not hiring. We monitor the population, skills, and market in our territory and buy businesses to provide appropriate jobs.”

“I remember you telling me that vampire-owned businesses file special tax documents, so those taxes are directed to Dracul. Do those businesses also try to hire vampires?” I asked.

“It’s complicated, Greg, but the simple answer is yes,” James replied. Then grinned and added, “And no.”

“That makes it as clear as mud, James. Thank you,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

“You have a dinner engagement, and explaining all of this could take days, Greg,” James said with a smile. “The short version is yes, of course, we try to hire vampires, but because we also hire humans, it creates a complex work environment, as well as a complex tax situation that you’ll need to discuss with a vampire accountant familiar with both US and Dracul tax law.”

“Well, I’d like to sit down with one, along with Brian, so we both get an overall understanding of this. I’m sure Brian is going to be thrilled to find that, after four years at Wharton, he’ll need to spend another year or two learning vampire accounting.” I paused, to consider all James had said, as well as giving him a chance to eat. Then asked, “Does all this Dracul-owned housing mean there are no homeless vampires?

“Unfortunately, it does not, Greg,” James said with sadness in his voice. “Just like humans, vampire children become orphans, though not as often. Sometimes, the child feels they’re able to fend for themselves rather than approach their noble for assistance. Other times, parents put them on the streets for various reasons. I’m sure you can imagine the most common reason.”

I nodded. “No doubt vampire parents are even less accepting of a gay child?”

“Actually, Greg,” Donna said, speaking for the first time, “vampire society as a whole is, how should I say this, James?” She looked at her mate, and he just grinned. “I see; leave the dirty secrets to me, huh?” Again, James just grinned. Donna took a deep breath and explained. “Vampire society is very open, sexually. Much more so than humans are, and we have always been so.

“Almost all vampires would be considered,” she thought for a moment, “I think today’s humans would call us either pansexual or demisexual. Are you familiar with these terms?”

“I think so,” I said slowly, trying to remember what I’d read. “Pansexual means someone who is attracted to anyone, regardless of their gender identity or biological sex.” Donna nodded, so I continued, “And demisexual is someone who needs to have an emotional attachment to their partner but, again, has no qualms as to their gender identity or biological sex.”

“That pretty much sums it up, in broad terms, yes,” Donna said. “With that in mind, and remembering that finding your fated mate is uncommon, most vampires live with a more relaxed attitude about sex in general.”

Scott giggled, “What she’s saying is that our parents have been behaving out of respect for your human sensibilities.” When I looked at him, confused, he explained, “Vampires have no qualms about when or where they get intimate with their partners or about who these partners are.”

“What my son is trying to say, in a polite way, is that he has grown up seeing his mother and I engaged in sex.” I must not have hidden my shock because James quickly added, “I don’t mean to say that we intentionally do anything with him in the room, but he’s walked into a room and found us enjoying each other. We raised him to understand that it’s perfectly natural. In fact, ask him who taught him about masturbation.”

Shocked, I turned to Scott to find him nodding, “Dad taught me what it was and how to do it when I was almost four. A week later, we talked about sex and procreation, and Mom and Dad showed me the basics of that.”

“He means we had intercourse with him watching, Greg,” James explained before I could get the idea that Scott and his mother had actually done it.

“Before you get images of child abuse in your head, I’ll ask you to understand that most vampire children are raised in isolation,” James explained. “Unlike human children, they don’t have the opportunity to play doctor or a game of ‘show me yours, and I’ll show you mine.’ If their parents don’t educate them, no one will. When I taught him how to masturbate, I explained it to him, encouraged him to do the things I told him, and then left him to his own explorations. When we taught him about intercourse, he sat on a chair in our bedroom as I showed him the various anatomy and then demonstrated what to do with his future mate. Of course, if I’d realized his future mate was you, I would have found a man for a partner.”

“I’m struggling with accepting this, James, Donna,” I said, trying to understand what they had said from their society’s point of view. “By some human standards, just letting him see the two of you naked would be considered abuse, let alone seeing the two of you engaged in sexual acts. Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not saying you’re wrong. In fact, everything you’re saying makes sense, and I don’t personally have an issue with it. At least, I don’t think I do. What are the sexual boundries in vampire society?”

“That’s a rather broad question, Greg. Could you narrow it down a bit?” James asked.

“Well,” I thought for a moment, then continued, “humans frown on incest, at least modern humans do. Is that acceptable among vampires? Is there an ‘age of consent’? Are single mothers frowned upon? I think those are a few of the bigger questions I have.”

“Incest between parents and their underage children is frowned upon, as is sexual contact between mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, and brothers and sisters. An adult male and his father or two brothers, regardless of age, is more accepted but is still not commonly approved of,” James explained. “Unfortunately, vampire society considers children, meaning those under the age of eight, as the property of their parents. As such, a parent can consent to sex between their child and an adult vampire, regardless of the child’s age or thoughts on it.”

My gasp interrupted James, but I remained silent as he continued, “I’m just giving you the legal concept of ‘age of consent’ as you asked. Most polite society accepts that a vampire under four is much too young to have any sexual contact with anyone, and those between four and six should only be actively involved with someone within a year or so of their own age. Unfortunately, if, for example, you were to consent, Thomas could legally have intercourse with Charlie.”

I fought to keep my beast under control as he screamed in my mind, I will kill anyone who tries to hurt our son. My face must have reflected this because Donna said, “I agree, Greg. And as baronet, James has ordered the execution of two men who engaged in such perversions.”

“And as a baron, I could do the same? Or would I need to be seated, and would I only have that authority in my barony?”

James thought for a moment, then said, “If not for your close relationship with George, I think you would have to be seated.”

“And your last question, Greg, unwed mothers are not looked down upon in any way. We welcome young vampires, regardless of their parentage,” Donna said, sounding proud.

“I believe we’ve gotten off-topic, but I’ll say one more thing, Greg; then we should address the other question you had,” James said. “Donna and I know that you and Scott have welcomed Billy to your bed, and we approve. Well, you don’t need our approval, but you need to understand that vampires are rarely monogamous. It’s common for a couple to welcome others to their bed or to swap partners. Billy might remain intimate with the two of you for centuries, he might find another partner he prefers, or he might find his fated mate. If he eventually chooses to leave your bed, I hope the two of you aren’t hurt by that.”

“The three of us have discussed those possibilities, Dad, and Billy is free to do as he pleases. He is always welcome in our bed, but he is never required to be there,” Scott said before I could say the same thing. “We love him enough that we pray he finds his fated mate sooner rather than later, and that individual will be just as welcome.”

Donna looked at us, surprised, and asked, “You said individual. You don’t care if they’re male or female?”

“We do not,” I replied. “Nor do we care if they’re human or vampire.”

James smiled. “A very accepting attitude, Greg. I hope you can accept the other things you’ve learned this afternoon. Now, what other issue did you want to bring up?”

The conversation had gotten so far from my original thoughts that it took me a moment to remember. Mary's bringing in dessert reminded me. “You said Jenny wanted to eat in the kitchen with the marshals. This is your home, and I’ll respect your wishes, but I don’t like treating the staff like they’re second-class citizens.”

I was concerned that bringing this up would offend James. His smile said I was wrong. “I wish you’d tell them that, Greg. They all insist on eating separately, saying they shouldn’t share a table with a noble. Donna has told them they’re welcome, as have I. Mary always eats with us, but with them refusing, she feels guilty, so she eats with them.”

I hadn’t realized how concerned I was about offending James, but my body relaxed, and I let out a sigh of relief when he said that. I grinned and said, “Well, maybe I need to make a baronial proclamation. Would that help?”

Donna laughed. “I don’t think you need to go that far, My Lord.”

I gave her my best glare but couldn’t hold it as I joined everyone in laughing. I stood and grabbed Scott’s hand, dragging him to the kitchen, where we found Jenny, Tommy, and the other marshals seated at the table. When we walked in, they all jumped to their feet.

“Chief Marshal McNeil, is it in your job description to annoy me?”

Confused, Tommy stuttered, “No, My Lord?”

“Yet you have annoyed me and my parents. Would you care to explain?”

Still confused, Tommy looked ashamed as he asked, “My Lord, I don’t know what I’ve done, but I will rectify it immediately. Just tell me what I need to do.”

“The night you arrived, did I not make myself clear that you were to take your meals with the family unless otherwise instructed? Have you not done so at our other home on a regular basis?”

“You did, My Lord. And yes, you have welcomed me at your table regularly,” Tommy said, starting to understand the issue.

I turned to Jenny and asked, “Have we offended you somehow, Jenny? Have James or Donna offended you?”

Before she could reply, Riva spoke. “My Lord, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but it is our fault, not Chief McNeil’s or Jenny’s.”

I nodded at him and said, “Explain.”

“With Your Lordships away, eating in the kitchen has become a habit, My Lord. We didn’t even consider joining your parents, but there was no disrespect intended—none at all. When she sat down, Jenny commented that she thought Sire James and Lady Donna would enjoy a private dinner with their grandson, My Lord.”

“I see,” I said, letting my fake anger vanish. “I’m sorry if I upset you with my feigned anger, but I need you all to understand how I look at things. I am no better than you, regardless of what the fates have said by making me a baron. There will be times we have to act like I am, to provide what others consider a proper appearance, but please, when it’s just us, we want to spend time with you. If we need privacy, we’ll say something, as will James and Donna. Tonight’s meal is done, but in the future, I will expect you at our table.”

“And before there’s a misunderstanding,” Scott added, “you are free to choose to eat apart from us if you don’t feel comfortable at our table.”

Shocked that I hadn’t considered that, I quickly added, “Scott’s right. Forgive me for assuming that you would want our company. Eat where you like. I will not judge you, regardless of your choice. Just know that if you choose to eat separately, and I sense that it’s because you feel like you’re in a lower class than us, I will be hurt.”

Tommy smiled and said, “I’m sorry if we offended you, Greg, but like Tony said, it was a combination of habit and giving James and Donna some time to enjoy being with Charlie. I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we enjoy your company and will eat with you anytime the situation permits it.”

“And throw you in the pool,” Riva added with a smirk.

“After dinner with Baron Pittsburgh, I might need some time in the pool, Tony,” I said, further relaxing the mood.

“Speaking of your dinner, My Lord,” Tommy said, getting official. “I would like to take Tony and one other marshal with us.”

“Do you think the baron is a threat?” I asked, concerned for the first time.

“No, My Lord, but in a public setting, I prefer to be at your side. With your mate and Lord Steward along, I would feel better having a second marshal in the room. The third will act as driver and stay with the vehicle while we are inside.”

“And how will Baron Pittsburgh view our showing up with two marshals?” Scott asked.

“He will expect it, My Lord. With all three of you there, he wouldn’t be surprised if three marshals accompanied you. I feel that showing up with only two will demonstrate your trust in his intentions,” Tommy explained.

“I agreed that I would leave security to you, Tommy, so I’ll trust you on this,” I said. Then asked, “What will you do while we eat? Stand over us?”

Tommy laughed. “Nothing so overt, Greg. We will mirror the actions of Baron Pittsburgh’s marshals. I would guess that they will have a table nearby to observe without drawing attention to themselves.”

“Well,” I said, “this will be my first time in public with you, so I’ll let you do as you see fit. If I don’t like how it works out, we’ll discuss it afterward and see if we can’t come up with some compromise. Is that fair?”

“You’ll hardly notice us, My Lord. And, with all due respect, we’ll discuss it afterward, regardless. Each of us will have opinions on how things might be done differently after the fact,” Tommy said.

I nodded, “Agreed. How much time do we have?”

Tommy glanced at the clock and thought for a moment. “I would prefer to leave the courtyard no later than fifteen minutes before seven. That should get us there with a margin to allow for unforeseen issues. I assume you’d prefer to be early than late?”

“You assume correct, Tommy. Let’s aim for six thirty; downtown can be confusing after dark.”

With our departure time set, we had an hour and a half to get ready, so we stopped in the dining room and kidnapped our son from our tyrannical parents who were holding him hostage. James and Donna laughed when we said words to that effect and said they would happily kidnap him again when we left for downtown. With Brian, Chris, and the twins due back later this evening, I asked Donna if she would take care of Charlie until we returned so Jenny and Brian could spend some time together, as well as Jake and Tony. When I said that, I remembered that Tommy planned for Riva to come with us, so I went and asked if he could make a change. Riva stepped in and asked that he be allowed to accompany us, saying that Jake would understand and that they had all night to make up for it.

As we headed for the stairs, I put my thumb to a fang and then offered it to my son. The conversation at dinner chose that moment to pop into my mind, and from his reaction, Charlie saw things that I, as a human, considered much too mature for him to see. I pushed that attitude aside, realizing that I needed to educate my son in every aspect of life and sex was part of life. As Donna had said, he probably wouldn’t have playmates to explore with, so it fell to Scott and me to educate him. I decided that I would do that and that I would try not to limit his viewpoint as narrowly as most humans would. Regardless of who my son chose as a mate, they would feel nothing but love and support from us.

When we got to our room, Charlie pushed my thumb from his mouth and reached for Billy, who was already showered and lying on the bed. As he started to feed our son, he said, “I’m unsure of what we should wear, Greg.”

“You know the dress code at the Duquesne Club, Billy. What’s the issue?” Scott asked as he undressed.

“Your official suits would be appropriate for meeting with another baron, but I’m afraid that Baron Pittsburgh might be dressed in a normal suit. If we show up dressed better than him, he might be offended. On the other hand—”

“If he wears his official suit and we don’t, he might be insulted,” I said, finishing his thought.

“Exactly,” Billy replied with a nod.

I turned and called over my shoulder, “James? Could you please come offer some guidance?”

I had just removed my boxer-briefs when James came in to ask what we needed. When Billy explained his quandary, James said that Baron Evans would not wear his official suit unless it was an official gathering. He was fairly certain that our business suits were perfectly fine. He also mentioned that this should serve as a lesson for Billy, that asking for an agreement on the dress code was an important part of his job to save me from being embarrassed.

After thanking James for his advice, Scott and I quickly showered and dressed in our newest suits. Scott opened his thumb and fed Charlie while Billy dressed to match us, and then the four of us headed downstairs. Scott handed Charlie to Donna just as Tommy, Tony, and Captain Vega came into the foyer from the gallery. I was surprised when Riva got in the driver’s seat, but Tommy explained that having Vega on his arm would make them less conspicuous. I was happy to agree to his last-minute change of plans. The drive took ten minutes less than we had expected, so I asked Riva to drive around a bit, allowing us to see the beauty of nighttime in downtown Pittsburg with the bridges all lit up. Five minutes before eight, Riva rolled to a stop in front of the Duquesne Club.