Change of Heart - 32. Chapter 32

To say that Raymond was annoyed at being consciously omitted from the prior evening’s family meeting was an understatement. He dramatically emphasized his irritation.

Jeff and Maria had, ostensibly, come to ride the horses. Paul would have come along except for an emergency call from a client with a sick horse. Grandma had taken Maria into the kitchen, while Joe, Jeff and the newly arrived Raymond gathered in Joe's office. It was completely amicable until Joe revealed the information discussed in the meeting of the previous evening, and his decision to leave Raymond temporarily in the dark. “Uncle Joe, you may have done it with the best of intentions, but you dismissed my presence like you might an unimportant employee. I don't know whether to be mad at my boss or a member of my family. In either case, I don't appreciate being excluded from such an important discussion, in such a cavalier manner. I deserve better.”

“Raymond, son, er, uh nephew… Ah hell! I was trying to give you some personal time with Danny! You weren't left out on anything earth shattering. You weren't left out at all. You just didn't receive the information at the same time as the others. You should be thanking me instead of acting all hurt like a castoff, red-headed, stepchild.” Joe blushed at the inappropriate analogy.

Jeff jumped in by saying, “Big brother, I don't see why you're throwing a full-fledged hissy fit. Nobody is withholding anything from you. The information was shared at a time that was convenient to Paul and me and is now being shared at a time more convenient to you. You were in Arkansas and then, apparently, with Danny, and in both cases were indisposed. Had you been needed at any time, you know Uncle Joe would not have hesitated. So, please, pull up your big boy panties and just get over it. We have much more important issues to discuss. I just hope Paul doesn't react like you did, simply because it was INconvenient for him to be here. I would include Daniel in that observation but some things, yet to be discussed, are best left to you to break to our Danny boy.”

The room fell silent as Raymond looked down for a moment. When he looked up, he wore a mile wide shit-eattin’ grin. “Okay, okay. I apologize. I overreacted. But, I did it to emphasize the fact that given my position with the Adams Family Trust, I can't be left out of any discussion that impacts us as a business or as a family. I hope, that in the future, Uncle Joe, you will remember my reaction today, in deciding to include me or dismiss me from business or family discussions. I admit it. I showed my ass, but it was for a good reason.

“Now... I suggest we get Tink to bug the city and county council offices. I would go so far as to monitor the cellphones of each of both councils’ members.”

Jeff smugly observed, “Already underway BB. Deputy, er, uh ex-deputy Jones is being closely surveilled also. As is… the preacher's wife.”

“That's good. Are we tracking the money? It's unlikely Jones could hire a cab, let alone a powerhouse attorney like McMurtry. If we want to find out who is really behind this, we have to follow the money. We need to know if Jones used cash to pay for legal and campaign services. Cash is harder to trace, but it might also inspire a federal investigation. The former Sheriff and Mayor had some sleazy business dealings. I don't see human traffickers involving themselves in local politics. But, a drug cartel, protecting their shipping corridor. That is certainly a strong possibility. They would be more than a little interested in who becomes the new County Sheriff. They certainly are capable of providing cash by the truckload. I would consider it a smart move on their part.

“We also need a complete listing of his campaign staff with thorough background checks. Odds are, if drug money is involved, they will have someone overseeing it so Jones doesn't just disappear with their money.”

Joe touched a button on his desk and Ilya, closely followed by Tink, immediately stepped into the office. The ensuing discussion focused on the issues previously discussed. Tink had already established that Jones’ campaign had received cash donations from a number of businesses as well as ranchers, dispersed throughout the county. Tink tried to stifle a giggle as he pointed out a sizable donation made by one rancher identified as one “Joseph Grant Adams”. Joe was not amused.

The meeting continued with political as well as business issues being discussed. Raymond was proud to state that the Adams Family Trust, through its subsidies, was fast becoming the largest employer in the region. Certainly, it was fast becoming the largest real estate holder in town.

Paul joined them shortly before lunch. Raymond was only mildly surprised to find three family attorneys were also joining. After lunch Ilya and Tink went off to accomplish their assigned tasks. Joe ushered everyone into his office while Grandma got Maria settled in for a nap. Maria had not wasted her time waiting for her Daddy
Jeff to ride with her. Accompanied by Grandma, she had cajoled Tom and Betsy, another ranch hand, into riding with her. Now, she had had a bath and was more than ready for a short nap.

Once everyone else was seated around the conference table Joe cleared his throat and began, “Raymond, my brother would have been thrilled to have known you were his son. There would have been joy in his heart to have known he fathered two such handsome, intelligent sons and especially to see what fine men they have grown up to be. I feel the same way knowing I have two such nephews. Jeff, Mellie and I, feel, it is incumbent upon us to welcome you into the Adams family just as we agree my brother would have, had he known. Having said that we, the aforementioned family members have welcomed you with truly opened arms. Although, in truth, you were a family member for many years before any of us knew the truth.”

Joe shifted as if standing before a classroom of his peers for the first time. “Raymond, unbeknownst to you, we have reorganized the trust and individual assets so that you will have a share in the Adam's Family Trust equal to approximately one third. The transfer of personal assets will also reflect an equal holding. Congratulations, son, you are Texas’ newest multi-billionaire.”

When Raymond had told Daniel that Joe and Jeff would argue to see who would give more to the newly revealed family member, he wasn't kidding. Still, the reality of the situation was hard to grasp. Once he had blurted out his biggest secret, he knew this moment would come. True, it was sooner than expected. And he had felt a little thrill at the prospect of actually being an Adams instead of just representing their interests. But, suddenly, becoming a billionaire was too much to grasp. He simply stared at his Uncle Joe, slack-jawed.

Jeff was only too pleased with Raymond’s stunned reaction. It was not often that Raymond Cargill… rather “Raymond Cargill Adams” was at a loss for words. Jeff nudged Raymond with his foot under the table. “BB, you alright”? Getting no reaction, Jeff nodded to Paul, they both stood and walked around the table to stand behind their brother's chair. Jeff shook Raymond’s shoulder. “Raymond, Raymond. Talk to us buddy. Stand up Big Brother, let your new brothers give you a hug.” Raymond closed his mouth and looked up at his younger brother in confusion. He glanced at the empty chair Jeff had occupied then back at his brother as if he had instantaneously teleported to his side. Raymond still dazed, stood as directed. Raymond blurted out a sob as he embraced his brother. Paul hugged them both. They, in turn, were wrapped in their Uncle Joe's loving warmth from the other side. Joe spoke just loud enough for the three of them to hear, “Raymond, Jeff, you boys know me and Mellie think of you two as our own. We were there for everything more serious than a scraped knee and a bruised ego. Now, both of you are in love and starting families of your own, and we couldn't be more proud of your choice of mates. Our approval may not mean much to you two, but it sure brings peace of mind to Mellie and me. Paul, you are certainly every bit as much a part of this family as these two. You can trust us all to always have your and Maria’s best interests at heart.” Paul’s eyes glistened a bit as he considered Joe's statement. At a moment intended to reassure Raymond of their love and acceptance, he chose to include Paul in equal measure. The warm glow that rose within Paul's chest made him feel as if he had just inherited even greater wealth than Raymond.

Stepping back from the reassuring hug, Joe focused again on his newly revealed nephew, “Raymond, you said you were changing your name to “Raymond Cargill Adams”. I know you wouldn't have said that if you didn't mean it, so I had these fellars run with it. It sure simplified adding you to the trust as well as other issues. Amidst the papers are your new driver's license along with credit cards, voter registration, LTC, etc. In all aspects of your personal and professional life, you are officially recognized as “Raymond Cargill Adams”. Consider this meeting as the final step in welcoming you as a blood relation into the Adams family. From here on out, you are Raymond Cargill Adams; brother to Jeffrey Adams and nephew to Joe and Mellie Adams. Welcome to the Adams family.” The seriousness of the moment was shattered when Jeff and Paul’s fingers went, “Snap, Snap... Snap, Snap!”

Joe snarled, “I told all of y’all to knock off that bullshit. This family ain't freaks!”

The resulting laughter seemed to punctuate a shift in the agenda. Everyone reclaimed their seats. The rest of the meeting revolved around Raymond signing papers and receiving a portfolio reflecting his current personal holdings as well as his interest in “AFT” or the Adams Family Trust. He was much more affected than he had thought he would be when this “sudden wealth” was a hypothetical situation. The irony that that portfolio was normally put together by him and delivered to Joe, Mellie, and Jeff, was not lost in the moment. The numbers didn't change him, they just broadened his personal possibilities. His first thought was to buy something nice for Daniel… maybe a ranch. He frowned as that thought sank like a lead balloon. The last thing he wanted was to give Daniel a reason to spend even less time by his side.

After the meeting, Raymond texted Daniel, ‘Can I buy you dinner at the diner?”.

Shortly, Daniel responded with, ‘Sure, meet you there. 6:30”?

“See you there, Lawman.”

Raymond drove out to the ranch to see if any visible effort had been made in starting the remodeling. He found Runt and Linda in the kitchen of the smaller house, selecting new appliances. He was pleased to see some of the other furniture was already in place. Looks like Linda wants that Valentine's Day cruise.

Looking around he thought, ‘Too bad I have plans for this place. It would have been perfect for Runt and Larry.’ Those plans he was keeping to himself. Getting Larry and Runt settled into a more tolerable situation, i.e. a better house, would help him more easily achieve his goal.

Linda looked excited. So did Runt until he saw Raymond walk in the kitchen. Then, he looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Linda explained, “Runt wants professional grade appliances in both homes, as well as an outdoor kitchen at the big house, in case you decide to entertain while in residence here. I was going to talk to you about it this evening, but since you're here… What do you think”?

Raymond read Runt’s expression as that of a kid submitting a Christmas wish list to his parents. It struck Raymond that Runt was just like Larry in that they were pretty much as you found them. Humble, honest and not comfortable with deceit. “I think both kitchens should be left in the hands of my chef.” Turning to Runt, “You can get the best of appliances, as many as you need. We can even increase the size of this kitchen, after we move into the big house. But, for the next three years or so I don't want to hear any whining about better appliances or bigger kitchens. Oh and get all the smaller appliances and essentials, as well, for both kitchens. Just make sure you find a couple of french presses for my coffee. That is a priority. You may need to google how to use one. That reminds me, use the household card and buy yourself the best MacBook Pro. Get another one for Larry. Might as well bring this place into the 21st century. Oh, has Larry's new truck arrived?”.

“Larry's new truck? We figured it was too fancy for a hired hand. Even though the salesman insisted it was for Larry's use for ranch business. Larry took his old truck into town earlier to pick up some things you had suggested and to see his cousin, over at his Aunt’s house, about prefab houses. He’s on his way back now. His cousin is following him home to check out the site and to see if he can't sell me and Larry on buying from his ‘in stock’ listings. I don't think he understands that we don't make those decisions. If you’re interested, you could have dinner with us and him. It's just pork chops cooked in a Portobello mushroom gravy. It's pretty basic, but it's one of Larry’s favorites. I always cook lots of extras so we always have plenty of leftovers.”

“Thanks Runt, but I have plans to meet Daniel for dinner in town. But, by all means, with a little advance notice, I would be pleased to have dinner at y’all’s place.”

“Sure thing bossman. But, how about you decide when ya’ll are free and just give me a few hours notice? It sounds like something I’ll have to get used to, working for you, anyway.”

Raymond said goodbyes and headed for his car. Just as the driver's side door opened he heard Larry's rattle-trap of a pickup truck pull into the barnyard. Behind him was an older model Mercedes sedan. The sedan driver came out with a leather satchel in his hand. Larry waved and said something to the other man, who walked quickly toward Raymond. “Mr, Cargill, I’m Larry’s cousin, Willy Simpson. Larry tells me you're in the market for some housing on your property. I understand the critical issue is that you need this in days and weeks rather than weeks and perhaps months. If you can spare me a few minutes, I can solve your housing problem in a most satisfactory manner, and well within your timeline.”

Raymond was at least impressed with Willy’s positive enthusiasm. Raymond could tell Willy’s demeanor was in deference to his cousin's no bullshit approach. Larry invited them into the shack for a cup of coffee while they discussed business. Raymond asked that he get Runt to join them. In a matter of minutes, Willy was showing what he had available. With eager input from Runt and only slightly less enthusiasm from Larry, it was decided the house was to be a three bedroom, two and a half bath, ranch style with cedar siding and a tin roof. A carport, along with full-width front porch and a back deck.

Runt sighed unabashedly and referred to it as his dream house. I certainly will envy any cowboys who get to hang their hat under that roof.” Raymond couldn't help but note the wistful exchange that the two cowboys shared.

Raymond looked confused, “I was under the impression y'all were attached to this house. I figured you two were the reason it hadn't already been torn down.”

Larry snorted, “We aren't the reason it hasn't been torn down. We are the ONLY reason it hasn't fallen down. The smaller house was started as a replacement for this shack. When Bill Junior decided to marry… well, it became his, before it was even finished. After he was killed and his wife moved off, we figured it might be ours again. Of course, selling the place put paid to that notion. We’re not living here outta choice, we're living here because we have no choice.” Larry blushed at having revealed such a sensitive sore spot.

Raymond chuckled. When he saw the disgruntled looks on his employees' faces, he quickly explained, “This home, Willy will be setting up, was meant to be a place for you two to live in while we had the shack remodeled. I thought you two were so attached to it that you couldn't bear to see it torn down. I was going to surprise you with the rebuild. If you like what Willy is presenting, let's plan on tearing this place down and get y'all set up in a decent house.”

When Raymond headed into town he left a very happy group of people. Willy, Larry, and Runt were trying to decide on the best location and necessary hookups. Willy was already coordinating the necessary subcontractors, for an additional fee of course. Raymond tasked Linda with advising Runt on furnishing the house. Linda was thrilled at the prospect of spending more of Raymond's money and getting paid to do it. He insisted they buy quality furniture and top-notch professional grade appliances.

He mused at how wrong he had been to assume “ASS-U-ME”. This time it really had made an ass out of “Me”. He chided himself for failing to ask the right questions. Any lawyer worth his salt would have asked more probing questions. He wanted to tattoo on his brain, ‘NEVER ASSUME FOLKS ARE CONTENT WITH THE STATUS QUO!’. He constantly checked on his corporate employees. Why would Larry and Runt be any different? Mulling it over, he considered there might be a construct applicable to Daniel's political campaign. Questions, questions… need to ask… no need to ask… why not ask? Because it is obvious… Policing should be obvious. Should be transparent. Body cameras make it transparent. Have body cams that turn on when a Deputy exits his patrol car or exits the Sheriff’s office and can be manually switched off for the maximum number of minutes at a time and a maximum number of times per shift. He made a mental note to verify the technology. A grant from AFT could take care of the cost. The billboards and placards lit up in his mind’s eye, “Elect Daniel Lovan the man with the plan to bring honesty and transparency to the Sheriff’s Office.” Well, it could use some work. But, that was why they were bringing on a professional staff.

Raymond was greeted at the motel by the hustle and bustle similar to that of a kicked over anthill. Most of the operations were being moved to a recently purchased, six-story building on the town square. Raymond gave Chiron the address and was directed to a building with an imposing facade. There were columns and a recessed portico. Ironically it had been built as a bank to compete with the Adams family banking interests back in the early part of the twentieth century. It was and still is the tallest building for miles around. When the original owner had it built it was to be three stories. When he learned how much the “fancy” elevator would cost, he raised the roof three more stories, to, in his mind, offset the cost. He lost the building as well as everything he owned during the greatest depression. It had changed hands and tenants many times until being boarded up for the last seven years.

It faced the County Courthouse and was catty-corner to the Sheriff's office. Technicians and painters had worked around the clock to get it ready for their occupancy. The toughest obstacle had been getting the antiquated elevator refurbished and operating safely. The elevator was as big as a small room and was something out of a forties film noir, complete with sliding wrought iron doors. Raymond would soon find his office was to be on the top floor. He considered it kismet or a least a good sign that one side of his office looked down into Daniel’s office. The first thing he directed a gofor to procure was a top-notch pair of high powered binoculars. It occurred to him that a really good pair would require both hands. He amended his order to include a tripod mounting stand.

Raymond was impressed at the massive oak desk that was the focal point of the already imposing office. Even the 21-inch monitor seem to fit right in. He was impressed with what his staff had accomplished. As he sat at his desk, to his left was a door leading to an opulent conference room. On his right was a spacious and well appointed, but very dated, bathroom complete with shower. A quick check confirmed that someone had just installed an inline water heater. The only question in his mind was who would have a bathroom with massive windows and no sign of drapes or curtains having ever been installed? It may have been the bathroom was seldom if ever used. Or it was used by a man with a very big ego or a very big cock he was not afraid to let the world see. Raymond returned to his desk and made some calls, answered some emails and dealt with the minutiae that entered his managerial existence on a daily basis. Raymond loved his job.

He sent out an email that revealed his name change to business associates as well as personal acquaintances. He pointed out that it was a decision he made to honor his biological as well as his “real” father. To everyone, he would remain simply Raymond. Only his lawyers and bankers were made aware of the financial "windfall" er, uh, tsunami that accompanied that revelation.

As the day progressed Raymond found himself dealing more and more with one young man who seemed to have his fingers in every pie. Whether it was financial investments, philanthropic activities, real estate or remodeling, Jeremy had a portfolio or at least an educated opinion. At a meeting with his closest staff members, the last item to be discussed was Jeremy Van Hoosier. Raymond brought it up. He was informed that Jeremy was a business school drop out when he was hired on, three years ago. He has since completed his undergraduate degree and was working part-time toward his masters in Business Management. He was an exemplary employee, most often the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the most diligent of hard workers with an exceptional eye for detail. He had worked with each of Raymond's senior executives and all said very positive things about the young man. Raymond rose from his seat at the conference table and gazed for a moment toward the Sheriff's office. Turning back to his staff he said, “I think I will offer Jeremy the chance to be my personal assistant. Any opinions to the contrary”? Every man and woman present seemed very much in agreement. In the past, Raymond had delegated through his senior staff or his personal secretary. Now, that Daniel was a serious part of his life and especially so with his impending fatherhood, he felt the need to change his workaholic lifestyle. He decided to interview Jeremy immediately after the meeting.

The hesitant young man looked like an all American athlete. His stylish blond hair and pleasant, clean-shaven face gave him a boy-next-door appearance. His bright blue eyes showed his anxiety as if it were a flashing light signal on a darkened central Texas railroad crossing. Raymond came from around his desk to greet the nervous young man.

“You wanted to see me, Mr. Cargill, uh, Sorry. I mean Mr. Adams?”.

Raymond smiled warmly and directed him to take a seat in one of the two comfortable leather armchairs arranged in front of his desk. He sat in the other. “Relax Jeremy, you're not in any trouble. I just want to get to know you. I understand you're working on an MBA with a focus on finance.” Jeremy, still unsure, simply nodded. Raymond continued, “Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Tell me about your family? Why was your education interrupted? What are your beliefs and values?”.

Over the next half hour, interrupted by Raymond's secretary bringing in ordered coffee, Jeremy told his tale. The oldest of three boys raised on a ranch in west Texas, he came to Dallas for college. He was caught, by his father, “en flagrante delicto” with a ranch hand. The surprised ranch hand was beaten by Jeremy’s much larger father. Jeremy pulled his father off the bruised and bloodied ranch hand. Once it was made clear that Jeremy was a willing participant his father told him to clear out. He hurriedly packed his things and returned to school. There he learned that his tuition had been refunded and he was to clear campus that same day. Fortunately for him, he had an understanding Aunt living in Dallas who worked for AFT. He refused to let her pay for college expenses. She was able to get him an interview with AFT and he started helping out as a receptionist. Before long he began assisting on various projects. Eventually, he was trusted to head certain limited projects. Once he had his degree he was qualified for more responsible positions and when the shift from Dallas to this small town came about, to him, it felt almost like coming home. As for aspirations, like most, Jeremy wanted a home, someone to love, a family and a rewarding career. As to beliefs, currently, he identified as an agnostic. He felt that one did not need to be religious in order to be of good moral character. He credited becoming an Eagle Scout for allowing him to see the world beyond his 'god hates gays' perspective. Plus Scouting had provided opportunities to explore his same sex attractions, with other scouts as well as a reluctant Assistant Scout Master. Currently he was unattached and hopeful.

“Jeremy, I heard good things about you today, and I am impressed with how you have reclaimed your life. Most cast-out teens don't fare so well.

"Now to the point of our meeting. I am experiencing some changes in my personal and professional life. I have met someone with whom I want to build a life and I am expecting, well almost expecting, my first child through surrogacy. I find I need a personal assistant. I need someone sharp minded, observant and dedicated. I need someone willing to follow orders to the letter and yet unafraid to speak his mind. I don't need a “yes, man”. Part of the tasks maybe that of a gofer; fetching lunch, coffee, picking up dry cleaning, etc. But, most often those things can be relegated to one of our college interns. I suspect you will soon, out of necessity, develop a personal staff of your own. As my personal assistant, you will speak for me. That means everyone in this organization will respond to you as if it were my voice speaking. If anyone gives you a hard time, I will have their ass. If you abuse your influence, I will have yours.”

“You can have my ass anytime.” That came out in a half whisper. Raymond grinned. Jeremy gasped, then blanched then flushed red, then blanched again, like a fast-changing traffic light. Raymond burst out laughing. Jeremy, sure that he had blown this once in a lifetime opportunity hung his head in shame. Raymond in the meantime was almost sliding out of his chair in fits of hilarity.

Eventually, Raymond recovered and admitted, “That was the funniest damned thing I ever saw! Can you do that on purpose?”.

An obviously crushed Jeremy, looked up and asked, “Do what?”.

Raymond, still wiping his eyes with his handkerchief, offered, “Change your coloring from tan to white to red and back to white. Can you do that on purpose?”.

Staring at his feet, Jeremy stated, “I probably did it in the barn when Daddy caught us. I think it’s an autonomic response to a life-altering experience. It could be worse, this time I only have to find a new job.”

Raymond sobered and sat up straight. “Why would you have to find a new job. You aren't the first in this company, man or woman, to come on to me. As long as you can accept the first rejection as final and realize I already have someone in my life who means the world to me, you certainly don't have to find another job. I could never hurt him by violating his trust in me and desecrating the love we share by having sex with someone else.”

Jeremy slowly began to realize he still had a job. More importantly, the offered promotion was still within his grasp. “Just to be sure, you are still offering me the position as your personal assistant, even though I just blatantly hit on you?”.

“With the understanding that it won't ever happen again. I find you to be very attractive. But, we will never be having sex. If you hold onto any hope of that happening between us, even if I become available, we may as well start talking about another position for you in a subsidiary office. I won’t be objectified by a coworker lusting after me on a daily basis. The choice is yours, Jeremy.”

“Mr. Adams, if you can give me a chance at this, I vow that I will never make you feel uncomfortable in my presence. You will never hear or see any sign that I feel any sexual attraction toward you. Right now, I am completely in awe of you for dealing with my crass behavior in such an understanding manner. I would love to have the opportunity to serve as your personal assistant.”

“Ok, Jerry, you got yourself a new job. Get with Marty Jackson. He’ll set you up with a new wardrobe to match mine. You’ll need company credit cards and there is a sign on bonus. Knowing Marty, all that is just waiting for your signature. We won't be clones but it’s important that you blend in wherever we go. Tell Marty to get you a new four-wheeled drive SUV. I prefer my Tesla. But, you should think a top of the line Tahoe. Get it through the local Chevy dealership. Talk to the owner personally. Let him know the Adams family appreciates his cooperation in the Bumpkis investigation. We’ll be sending more business his way. Don't worry about getting him to bring something from another dealership, we’ll cover the exchange and shipping fees. It's important to get something you will enjoy driving. It will be a company car, but it is your personal vehicle. The only other restriction is it must be some white. White is the preferred Adams family vehicle color, besides, you’ll thank me come summer.”

Jeremy was walking on cloud nine as he stepped into Raymond's secretary's office to find Marty waiting for him with a big smile. Raymond was not surprised.

Back at his desk, he texted Daniel, ‘can you talk?’ and swiveled his chair around to view the Sheriff's office. His phone rang almost immediately.

“Raymond? Are we still on for dinner”?

“Oh yeah, Lawman we have some serious things to discuss over dinner. But, that's not why I wanted to talk to you.”

“I’m glad to hear your voice anytime. I just wish I could see you.”

“Well, your wish is my command. Go look out your window. No. Don't look down. Look up at the old bank building. Yeah, sixth floor.” Raymond waved in a most unmanly fashion. “Your wish is granted. You can see me in the flesh. Can you get away for a minute and let me show you my new professional digs? Daniel! Did you just rub your cock? What if someone sees you? You nasty man, you.” That was coincident with Raymond blatantly rubbing the length of his own engorged cock in reply.

There was a muffled gasp in Raymond's ear as Daniel sputtered, “I’ll be right over. It's nearly quittin' time anyhow.”

Just after Raymond hurriedly dismissed his secretary, Daniel appeared at her door. After quick introductions and a knowing wink and approving smile Marylyn departed. Darkness had descended. The short tour ended in Raymond's locked office, with them standing in front of Raymond's desk. Raymond planted his ass on the front edge of his desk and spread his legs. “So, what do you think? Does it bother you that I can almost see what you're up to any time of the day”?

“Not at all. In fact, I plan on breaking out some stake out binoculars so I can see what you're up to any time of the day.” This was said as Daniel stepped between Raymond's legs.

“Don't bother. I already ordered a pair of high powered binoculars on a tripod. I’ll just double the order. You just have to convince your staff you’ve taken up urban ornithology.”

“The only bird I want to watch is the one-eyed, spitting, cock whose natural habitat is the trimmed bush between your legs.” Before Raymond could think of a witty rejoinder, his bird was being consumed by an avid bird sucking cock watcher… er, cocksucking bird watcher.

Raymond would like to have said this was the first time he had sex in an office. It was the first time in this office. And it had happened only once before in his Dallas office. That was with a doctor he had dated for three months that had a penchant for public sex. His office, locked and after hours was as public as Raymond would get with him. The relationship withered leaving behind two still good friends. Stavros was still a fine friend and excellent personal physician. Ok, maybe an occasionally, consumed on the spot, sperm sample wasn't part of the Hippocratic oath. But, Stavros was his first choice for a doctor and a really good friend.

That thought sequence was a mere flash across his consciousness. That flash was dimmed, then doused by the flooding sense of urgency with which Daniels mouth and fingers were inundating his body. Daniel's left hand was combing Raymond's chest hair and teasing his nipples while the spit-slicked fingers of his right were slipping in and out of his love chute. Raymond glanced over his shoulder at his cleared away desk. He pushed Daniel's, still searching lips away from Raymond's own disappointed cock, which throbbed up and down expressing its frustration. Daniel's questioning eyes met Raymonds.

“Fuck me Lawman!” Daniel began to undress. He unbuttoned his shirt and made for his tie. “No! Just like you are and just like I am.”

Raymond lay back on his desk and hoisted his legs into the air. His buckle made a tinkling sound and Raymond idly wondered if an angel had just gotten their wings. That thought too flared into nothingness as Daniel assaulted his ass with teeth, lips, and tongue. With all the fervor of a Berserker pillaging a village maiden, Daniel furiously nipped, licked, sucked, probed and veritably consumed Raymond's ass. When fingers collectively introduced themselves to Raymond's prostate, he yelled out, “Fuck me now Daniel! Goddamnit! Fuck me Now!”

Daniel was more than eager to comply. He spat on his cock and slid balls deep into his lover’s too tight, welcoming, warmth. He paused. Raymond's spasming ass, tantalizing his cock like nothing before, made him realize he had not properly prepared his mate. He had, through his own selfishness, caused his lover pain. “Raymond? Are you ok? Do you want me to pull out”?

“Do” gasp! “And I’ll” gasp! “Chase you down” gasp! Followed by a heavy swallow. “And chew your balls off.” Followed by a deep breath. “Now, you can move, but move slowly.”

The overall image would hardly be called “Hot”. Raymond on his back, sprawled across his desk, with his dress shirt undone and missing a few buttons. His trousers and underwear down, or in this case, up between his knees and his shoes. And that damned belt buckle tinkling at an uneven rhythm. All this as a giant of a man, fully dressed, save an unbuttoned shirt and an unzipped fly, pounded Raymond's ass as if attacking a medieval castle with a personal battering ram. Raymond loved it.

His own pants blocked all but the top of Daniel's head from his sight. He could only manage the lightest of caresses to his lover's abdomen. Raymond feverishly teased his own nipples. “Fuck me Lawman! Let me feel that monster cock up my ass.”

Daniel shifted his angle of approach until he felt his cock ram Raymond's love nut. A sudden gasp confirmed it as a direct hit. Again! “Harder!” Again! “More”! Again! “Faster! Damn you! Faster!” It was clear to Daniel, his lover was just at the edge and needed only a little more, a little faster… Daniel felt the desperate spasmodic grip from Raymond's insides. His battering now was shorter, faster, harder, deeper. Almost breaking through.

“OH GAWDDDD!” Echoed around the room. Neither man could claim nor deny the prayer. Their supplication was graced by a touch of the divine. That caress of ecstasy hurled them beyond this world, into a colorful orgasmic kaleidoscope of visions beyond this realm.

Daniel's first awareness was the certainty that he was incapable of sucking enough air into his lungs. Glancing down he realized his lover was in similar distress. It occurred to him he should stop breathing, so as to allow his most cherished one to breathe sufficiently and thus survive. As the fog cleared he realized his breathing was becoming less labored. They would both survive. That is unless Raymond drowned in his own tsunami of cum. God! The man’s chest was covered in ejaculate. Daniel was fascinated as the heaving of Raymond's chest was hyphenated by the beating of his heart. Daniel reached out his hand and rested it gently above the pounding source of his lover's life's blood.

Raymond wrapped his lover's hand in his own. Grateful for the intimate caress, but not yet capable of a more demonstrative display of deeper affection. Moments hung suspended just like Raymond's trousers.

Both men strained to see as the lock on Raymond's office door turned with a silence rending “kathunk”.